The Cider Makers

When SARAH (b1798) married George WOODCOCK of East Harling on 20th July 1819, the marriage was witnessed by John GAYMER and Mary PALMER (unknown connection with the family but at a guess, could be George Woodcock's married sister). The Gaymer family had a cider making business in Banham that was very well known and cited as having been in existence since circa 16801. In my childhood (early 1960s), Gaymer's cider was a well known brand until (if my memory serves me well) the 1970s.


It is highly likely that the Gilbert family had connections with the cider making industry.  This may have been part of their farming activity – we know that ROBERT GILBERT (1766-1840 ) had orchards (from his Will) and JOSEPH (b1800) was an Engineer.  In those days, being an engineer meant someone who had knowledge of mechanics.  A cider press is mechanical as are pressured vats so I strongly believe that he may have maintained the cider presses until heading for Bury St Edmonds where we find him in 1841.

The village sign, although modern, shows the brick kiln, cider apples and cider press.