Diss Family History Group

The Beehive started out as a pub in about 1830. Over its time it had different owners, and many landlords until its closure in 1958.

William HANNANT, 65, licenced victualler, police pensioner, living with his wife Sarah (74) and their children Elaine (43, help in house) and Donald (39, barman). Address given as The Beehive Public House, Denmark Street, Diss.

The register lists William HANNANT as an Occupational Voter (tenement), showing residence at the Beehive Inn.

William is found as a victualler living at Beehive Public House, Denmark Street, Diss

20 August1845 : Birth of William Richard HANNANT. Mother’s maiden name HUBBARD. (1845 Q4 Guiltcross Norfolk Vol 10 Page 163) He was baptised in North Walsham on 24 February 1850.

30 March 1851 : Census - William R, 5, living with parents William (42, police officer) and Mary (44), brother Robert (1) and cousin Hephzibah (14). Address given as Petersons Lane, Aylsham, Norfolk. (HO107 Piece 1810 Folio 444 Page 3 Schedule 14)

7 April 1861 : Census - William, 15, living with parents William (53, police constable) and Mary (54), brother Robert (11, scholar) and cousin Hephzibah (24, servant). Address given as Church Street, Coltishall, Norfolk. (RG09 Piece 1207 Folio 22 Page 37 Schedule 219)

13 August 1866 : William married Sarah Ann KEMP in Wicklewood, Norfolk.

2 April 1871 : Census - William (25, police constable) living with wife Sarah A (30), and children Elvina (3) and Archdale (1). Address given as Diss Road, Winfarthing, Norfolk. (RG10 Piece 1838 Folio 145 Page 7 Schedule 44)

3 April 1881 : Census - William (35, police constable) living with wife Sarah Ann (40), and children Elvina (13, scholar), Archdale (11, scholar) and Donald (9, scholar). Address given as Church Lane, Tasburgh, Norfolk. (RG11 Piece 1969 Folio 40 Page 8 Schedule 80)

5 April 1891 : Census - William (46, sergeant of police) living with wife Sarah A (50), son Donald (19, pig and poultry dealer) and mother Mary (widow, 84). Address given as Police Station, Roydon Road, Diss, Norfolk. (RG12 Piece 1544 Folio 37 Page 5 Schedule 28)

31 March 1901 : Census - William (55, licensed victualler) living with wife Sarah (60, and children Elvina (33, domestic nurse) and Donald (29, furniture broker). Address given as Beehive Inn, Denmark Street, Diss, Norfolk. (RG13 Piece 1863 Folio 11 Page 13 Schedule 79)

2 April 1911 : The Census shows William and Sarah married for 44 years, 3 children with 2 still living, with 9 rooms in the building.

William HANNANT died in October 1912 and was buried on 2 November.

William took over the Beehive on 13 July 1892.

After William’s death, his widow Sarah took over running the establishment until 1916 when William CHATTERS took over.