NHER 55350 (Building record) - The Farmers' Foundry

Founded in 1870 by Isaac Everitt, patentee of train station slot machines and a weighing machine. In 1890 Mr. Everitt emigrated to America and the works was taken over by local farmers and businessmen with a mind to serve local agriculture. The name was changed to The Farmers Foundry and they continued the firms tradition of manufacturing farming implements. They pioneered many new/advanced types of farm machinery and also dabbled in ice-skates imported from Sheffield and Germany. They specialised in building and repairing steam engines until 1936. During the Second World War they made various parts for vehicle manufacturers in Norwich. One of the founders, Thomas Cooper went on to patent the Roller Bearings and opened his own works in King's Lynn. The firm lasted until 1953, when the site was sold off to become part of Bridge Farm. See (S1) for further details.

The site is marked on the 1st ed. O.S. map 1824-36 as "Smithy" (S2). Evidently its original use prompted its selection for the site of the foundry 40 years later. The works is also listed in White's directory 1883 as "Engineers, millwrights and agricultural implement manufacturers" (S3).

The site is visible on Google Earth in almost the same form as the 1st ed. O.S. map. The original 'E' shaped building, house and garages are the original brick and flint buildings. The only additions are the several metal/concrete roofed sheds. The condition of the foundry (E-shaped) building is however deteriorating, with large patches of roof having collapsed (S4).

See (S1) for further details.
W. Arnold (HES) 16 March 2011