A private residence, a working farm and a community hub, the red brick walls of Shrublands House have seen a whole host of bustling activities since their construction in the early 19th century.

Eastern Daily Press: Shrublands farmhouse which lay in 6 acres of landscape in its timeShrublands farmhouse which lay in 6 acres of landscape in its time (Image: Submitted)

Today the grade II listed building stands empty and neglected, surrounded by overgrown plants.

The farmhouse, which stands in the grounds of what is now the Shrublands Youth and Adult Centre, was originally owned by Magdalen College, Oxford, who had the whole Spitlings (later renamed Shrublands) estate.

The college leased its estates out, and in the case of Shrublands the tenant was Thomas Thurtell of Gorleston, who built Shrublands House between 1807 – 1814. He sublet the farmhouse to Captain Eaton Stannard Travers, who had a distinguished naval career and rose to the rank of Rear-Admiral and received a knighthood.

By 1841 the building was set in around six acres of landscaped grounds on which mixed husbandry and later dairy farming took place until 1947, following the acquisition of the Shrublands estate by Great Yarmouth authorities in 1944.

The building was then handed over to the Great Yarmouth Education Committee and reopened as somewhat of a social experiment, mixing young people and adults in a centre designed to provide a meeting place to foster community spirit. This was extremely successful and between 75,000 and 80,000 attendances were recorded in the 1960s, with the Mercury heralding that 'they all want a centre like Shrublands' in the 1970s.

It was from the 1950s onwards that people have the best memories. Some talk of pantomime productions, discos and bingo nights, others of lessons in dance, sewing and art. More still joined sports teams and fitness classes based at the centre, with varying success but always enthusiasm.

But more than anything, people remember Julian Macey, who served as the warden between 1949 – 1980 and was described as 'an expert in getting youngsters involved'.

A 2008 letter from Jan Read, documented by the Shrublands Community Archive, surmises the importance of the centre. She said: 'Shrublands made my life, and Julien Macey made my life meaningful.'

'The farmhouse was the hub of community life,' added Mr Macey. 'It had a massive effect on the growth, education, wellbeing and development of the area and local residents.'

Today, peeking through the window reveals the formerly imposing rooms, that were always rumoured to be haunted to scare the children, are now cluttered with old stationary and office furniture, which have gathered dust over time.

Many of the surrounding farm buildings are still in place and used today to continue to enhance community life, but the original farmhouse seems to have been left abandoned. Brian Brackley, project coordinator for the Shrublands Community Archive which is based on the Norfolk County Council owned site, is concerned about the future of the farmhouse, which has been empty for two years.

'It was so much the heart of Gorleston,' Brian said. 'It totally changed people's lives. Any building will fall into disrepair over time but it would be a shame to see this historic building go that way.'

A Norfolk County Council spokesman said: 'We are actively considering how we can put the building to good use, but it is far too early to comment further at this stage.'

Until a decision is made, activities continue to take place on the Shrublands site, with a base for community group MESH and other social events taking place. But the future of the much loved centre where many memories were made remains unclear.

For more information on the history of the Shrublands Centre, or the surrounding estates, please contact the Shrublands Community Archive Project by calling 01493 440932 or emailing brian.brackley@historyofshrublands.net. Or to find out what's on at the centre, call 01493 663437.