WELLS, a sea-port and parish, in the northern
division of the hundred of GREENHOE, county of NORFOLK,
33 miles (N.W. by N.) from Norwich, and 120
(N. N. B.) from London, containing 2950 inhabitants.
This place, called in Domesday-book Guella, is situated
on a creek about a mile from the German Ocean, and
consists principally of two streets, partially paved, and
well supplied with water. There is a theatre, a plain
brick building, neatly fitted up within; and a subscription
library has been established; races were formerly
held here, but they have been discontinued. The ma-
gistrates of the hundred hold their sittings once a fortnight
and courts leet and baron are held annually by
the lord of the manor, at which the steward presides!
The trade consists in the exportation of grain and malt,
and the importation of coal, deals, tiles, bark, Unseed
and rapeseed cakes, tar, and wine; oysters of an excellent
quality are also found, and the fishery furnishes
employment to many persons. The harbour, from the accumulation
of sand, is rather difficult of access, but considerable
improvements have been made in it by the Harbour
Commissioners. The custom-house is a brick build"-
ing, situated on the quay, and the establishment consists
of a collector, comptroller, land and tide waiter, &c.
A fair is held annually on Shrove-Tuesday. The living
is a rectory, in the archdeaconry and diocese of Nor
wich, rated in the king's books at £26, 13. 4., and in
the patronage of the Rev. J. R. Hopper. The church,
dedicated to St. Peter, is a handsome spacious edifice
of flint, with a lofty embattled tower. The Society of
Friends, Independents, and Wesleyan Methodists hav6
each a place of worship. There are free schools for
thirty boys and thirty girls, founded and endowed by
Christ. Ringer, Esq., of Field Dalling, about a century
and a half since.