the number of households declined, also seeing the highest number of vacant houses, with there being the highest number of 14 in 1881. However the housing rate again increased in the mid twentieth century. Employment Employment in Great Maplestead has changed significantly between 1881 and 2011, with the most change shown in the change in occupation over the years. In 1881 there were a high number of occupations that were unknown, with 55 females having an unknown occupation. Whereas in 2011, 172 residents were recorded in Great Maplestead aged between 16 and 74 in employment. Great Maplestead’s largest sectors in 1881 were mainly primary and secondary, representative of the time. A high proportion of the population were employed in agriculture, with around 57 males working in this sector. Other popular occupations in 1881 were domestics and textile workers, with 45 females working within households performing domestic services. Employment in Great Maplestead differs in 2011 as the sectors of work have changed significantly, with employment being more heavily based in the tertiary sector. Around 95 people in Great Maplestead have a job as managers, directors, senior officials, associate, technical, administrative and secretarial roles. Over time the main occupations of the population have moved away from the primary and secondary role, towards occupations such as these, with a large proportion of Great Maplestead involved within such occupations. However the 'skilled trade' sector in 2011, like manual workers dohave a relatively large number of people, around 30, working in this sector. St Giles' Church St Giles' Church is well known within Great Maplestead. It is located in the centre of the village and houses 3 bells in the tower, with the oldest having been cast in the 15th century. St Giles is run by the Reverend Beverley Vincent and runs weekly Sunday services. The church is made of two parts: the Norman building was built first, followed by the Deane Chapel which was built in the year 1626. In 1612 the church had to be partially rebuilt with red bricks after being struck by lightning. Education Great Maplestead is home to the primary school St Giles C of E Primary. The school has existed since 1863. The primary school adopted the same name as St Giles' Church as the vicar and church wardens became trustees after the idea of the school was presented by Mrs Mary Gee. She created the idea of a