The
villages of Norfolk, like many other predominantly rural counties, have declined
in population in the 20th Century. There are many socioeconomic factors
that have caused this population decline. I consider the main
factors to have been:
the
post-Industrial Revolution change away from an agricultural economy to an
industrial-based society.
the
increased mechanisation of the farming industry, leading to reduced
employment in villages.
better
education for young people, causing increased ambition and a desire to
"better" themselves and not follow their fathers into employment
as farmhands.
jobs
for young people in towns and cities and none in the villages, causing a
population drift away from villages.
decreasing
rural populations causing closure of village facilities such as schools,
shops, churches and Public Houses.
the
rise in car ownership and investment in road improvements, enabling easy shopping
at major supermarket chains in larger towns and cities with cheaper prices
and more choice, causing closure of village facilities for economic
reasons.
car
ownership and road/rail communications enabling rural houses to be
populated by city dwellers as weekend cottages or by commuters, not
contributing to the village economy nor community.
The Decline of Tibenham
In area, Tibenham is the seventh largest in area
from 118 villages in South Norfolk, and in 1982 had a population of 392.
This equates to 1.47% of the area and 0.42% of the population of the area at
that time. The only village facilities still open were:
the
Post Office Stores which sold food, groceries, alcohol, stationery,
paraffin, and delivered newspapers and magazines.
The
Greyhound Public House.
The
Tibenham County Primary School, with 2 teachers and 25 pupils between the
ages of 5-11.
Apart from The Greyhound, nothing remains open
now.
Contrast this with the bustling picture of
village life painted by historical records in storage at Norwich Record
Office. These old rate books, dating from 1836, give details of eleven shops
and other businesses. The businesses included:
grocers
and general store.
drapers
and tailors.
boot and glove makers and
repairers.
pork
butcher.
miller.
baker.
two
blacksmiths.
wheelwright.
saddler.
coal dealer.
two beer
shops as well as two pubs,
The Boot and The Greyhound.
As well as the Church, the Baptist Chapel was
built shortly afterwards. The population of Tibenham in 1845 was
749. Thus the decline in population between 1845-1982 was 47%. This
decline is continuing today.
The Future
What can be done to halt the decline?
If you are moving to a small village to live, or already live in one then please
follow my guidelines:
Use
local facilities otherwise you will lose them.
Use
local shops and garages; accept that you may pay higher prices.
Take
an active part in the community; you may have skills and expertise that
are needed.
Join
local clubs and societies; 'locals' are usually very friendly.
Visit
the Church; the decline of rural life is mirrored in the decline of church
going and funds are therefore limited.
If you have any comments on this simplistic analysis,
, I would welcome them
.
