Norwich – Rosary Cemetery (Robert Calver + Ann Calver)

Since I’ve been grounded again by the Government, I thought I’d meander around the Rosary Cemetery located near to me in Norwich, in an attempt to see what stories lie there. It might not be the most fascinating blog content, but it’ll keep me quiet for a few weeks….

This is the grave of Robert Calver who was born on 14 January 1796, and he was baptised at Banham Church on 28 January 1796. He was the third son of Samuel Calver and Judith Calver (nee Ludkin) of Banham, who married at the same church on 15 August 1787.

Robert married Ann (although I’m unsure when) and at the 1841 census they were living at Mill Hill in the parish of St. Clement, Norwich. Robert had been running the mill, but had suffered financial issues in 1826 when he was declared bankrupt. He had been working with his younger brother Thomas Calver and had a link with both the Catton and Sprowston mills.

On the 1851 census, Robert and Ann were living at Rosary House on the Thorpe Road, with his occupation being listed as a mill sawyer. They lived alone, other than for their servant Amelia Cooke, who was aged 18. He was still living in Thorpe at the time of his death and he was listed on the electoral roll, so they had at least some property or wealth.

The grave notes that “he bore a long affliction with great fortitude & resignation” and he died on 18 August 1852 at the age of 56. His death notice appeared in the Bury and Norwich Post the week after, but didn’t give any other information about his family, but does mention (as does the grave) that he was the third son of Samuel Calver of Banham. I’m not entirely sure why this is particularly relevant, unless his father had some important role that I haven’t discovered.

Ann died on 27 December 1855, at the age of 60 years old.