NORFOLK ANNALS. VOLUME I. 1801–1850. (continued 5)

14.—A public meeting was held at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, at which it was agreed to petition the Legislature to effect a retrenchment of the public expenditure, and a reform of the House of Commons.

17.—The new Concert Room in St. George’s Bridge Street, Norwich, purchased of the proprietors of the Steam Flour Mill, and fitted up by the members of the Hall Concert (a musical society which had existed 30 years) was opened. The room was capable of seating 300 persons.

23.—A pigeon shooting match took place on a field near the Town Close, Norwich, between Mr. Nicholas Bacon, and the Rev. Mr. Pitman, of Oulton. “They fired 21 shots each, but it proved a drawn bet, for they each killed 14 birds. Mr. Pitman brought down his 15th bird, but as it fell two inches beyond the distance allowed, 100 yards, it could not be reckoned. There were many bets depending, which, of course, remained undecided.” (This is the first recorded pigeon match in Norfolk.)

24.—Wheat was standing uncut in several parts of Norfolk, on the same farm where corn was sown for next year’s crop.

28.—A salmon trout, 57 inches in length and weighing 16½ pounds, was caught at the New Mills, Norwich. On the 31st another of 26 pounds weight was taken at the same place.

29.—At a special meeting of the Norwich Corporation an address was ordered to be presented to the Prince Regent, praying for “the utmost retrenchment of the public expenditure consistent with the welfare of the State.”

NOVEMBER.

2.—Died at Narford Hall, the seat of Mr. Andrew Fountaine, his son-in-law, Mr. Thomas Penrice, of Great Yarmouth, to whom the eccentric Lord Chedworth left the bulk of his large property.

9.*—“The wealth of Mr. Watson Taylor, the purchaser of Houghton Hall, is immense. For that mansion, and a large track of land around, he gave the Marquis Cholmondeley £350,000. Mr. Taylor, by the will of an ancestor, is bound to spend £700,000 in landed estates, and besides the income which may arise from them he has £95,000 a year.”

10.—Buxoo, a Bengalese, a native of Calcutta, was publicly baptised at Burnham Market church by the Rev. John Glasse, by the names of John Henry Martin. He was brought over to this country in a ship commanded by Capt. Glasse.

14.—The Courier steam packet made its passage from Foundry Bridge, Norwich, to Yarmouth in three hours twenty-five minutes.

28.—The Duke of Gloucester made his annual visit to Mr. T. W. Coke, M.P., at Holkham Hall. During the week’s shooting Mr. Coke killed at Warham a female Falco Lagopus, or rough legged falcon, measuring nearly five feet across the wings, and two feet one inch in length. The male bird was afterwards caught in a trap at Wighton. Two of these birds were taken the following week at Wighton.

Died this month, Mrs. Tabitha Starling, of Brooke, aged 103.

DECEMBER.

7.—The Duke of Gloucester concluded his visit to Holkham. On the last day his Royal Highness proposed the toast, “Prosperity to those Whig principles which placed the House of Hanover on the Throne of Britain.”

14.*—“Died lately, regretted by all who knew him, in the 65th year of his age, Charles Boyles, Esq., Vice-Admiral of the Blue, and a few years since Colonel of the Royal Marines. This distinguished officer commanded the Windsor Castle man-of-war in the action off Ferrol, between the English fleet, under Sir Richard Calder, and the combined fleets of France and Spain. During this engagement it fell to the lot of but few ships to be advantageously opposed to the enemy. The return to Portsmouth of the crippled Windsor Castle with two Spanish 74’s was a triumph exultingly spoken of by Nelson as being principally the achievement of a Norfolk man. Admiral Boyles was a native of Wells in this county, and eldest son of Charles Boyles, Esq., many years collector of the customs at that port. He commenced his naval career with Lord Nelson in the Raisonnable, when commanded by Capt. Suckling.”

21.—Wombwell’s “Royal Menagerie of foreign beasts and birds” was exhibited on the Castle Ditches, Norwich.

31.—A prize fight took place at Wickhampton between Samuel Smith and James Rushmer. One hundred and eleven rounds were fought in two hours five minutes, when the ring was broken into, and owing to the confusion it was impossible to renew the fight, which was declared drawn.

1817.

JANUARY.

1.—At a public meeting held at the Guildhall, Norwich, a subscription was opened for the relief of the labouring and manufacturing poor. Upwards of £3,050 was contributed, and several works were commenced for the improvement of the city. At Yarmouth over £1,000 was subscribed, and 460 men were employed in forming roads to the bath-house, jetty, &c.

4.—Several coach advertisements were published this month. On the 4th it was announced that the Norwich, Ipswich, Colchester, Chelmsford, and London Accommodation coach (J. Noller and Co.) set out every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday from the Coach and Horses, Bethel Street, Norwich. The proprietors of the Expedition coach announced that a “single body coach upon a now construction” would start from the White Swan, St. Peter’s, Norwich, every afternoon at three o’clock, and travel by Thetford and Newmarket, to London, where it arrived on the following morning at eight o’clock. “For the better accommodation of outside passengers the coach has a car attached to it with an awning and sliding curtain.”

4.*—“Died lately, at an advanced age, Mr. Christopher Jarvis, many years a miller at Wendling, and was wounded at the memorable battle of Minden.”

20.—Mr. Mathews, of Covent Garden Theatre, appeared at Norwich Theatre as Goldfinch (“The Road to Ruin”), Somno (“The Sleep Walker”), and in his sketch entitled “The Humours of the Playhouse.”

—On the bells of St. Peter Mancroft, Norwich, were rung 5,016 changes of Norwich Court Bob Maximus in four hours two minutes, the first length of that intricate peal ever rung in England on twelve bells. It was conducted by Mr. R. Chesnut.

25.*—“Messrs. Squire, Son, and Hills, of St. Faith’s Lane, Norwich, in addition to the rectifying and vinegar departments have erected extensive works for the purpose of making flour of mustard.”

26.—Died at Grosvenor Place, London, Caroline, Dowager Countess of Buckinghamshire, widow of John, Earl of Buckingham, of Blickling, and mother of Viscountess Castlereagh. “She requested in her will that none of her family should wear mourning for her.” The funeral was at Blickling.

—The church of St. Michael Coslany, Norwich, was opened for Sunday evening lectures, in addition to those of St. Andrew and St. Stephen.

27.—Miss Kelly appeared at Norwich Theatre as Peggy (“The Country Girl”), and Annette (“The Maid and the Magpie”).

FEBRUARY.

1.*—“Died lately, aged 87 years, John Hoy, of Hackford, near Reepham. He was a soldier in the 48th Regiment of Foot under General Wolfe, and saw him fall on the plains of Abram, in North America. When on saying his noble commander was slain he was knocked down by a Lieut. Clarke with the butt end of a musket. Hoy was a soldier 18 years, 17 of which he passed without once reposing on a bed.”

4.—A loyal address was voted by the Corporation of Great Yarmouth congratulating the Prince Regent upon his escape from the attack made upon him on his return from the opening of Parliament on January 28th. The Corporation of Norwich adopted a similar address on the 24th.

6.—The complete peal of 5,040 changes of Grandsire Triples was rung by the ringers of Wells-next-the-Sea on eight bells in three hours seven minutes.

13.—The new silver coinage of crowns, half-crowns, shillings, and sixpences was exchanged for the old at the Guildhall, Norwich, and at the Town Hall, Yarmouth. The bankers to whom the new coins were sent were:—Gurneys and Co., Norwich, Halesworth, Fakenham, Holt, Harleston, Lynn, Wells, and Yarmouth; Bagge and Bacon, Lynn; Day and Co., Swaffham; Willett and Son, Thetford; Payne, Tuffnell, and Co., Wells; Kett and Back, Norwich; Harvey and Co., Norwich; and Day and Sons, Norwich.

14.—Died, aged 70, at his house in the Close, Norwich, Mr. Robert Partridge, alderman for the Conisford Ward. He was Sheriff in 1780 and Mayor in 1781.

15.—Mrs. C. Kemble appeared at King’s Lynn Theatre in the character of Mrs. Oakley (“The Jealous Wife”). The proceeds of the performance were in aid of a fund for the relief of the poor.

—*“On the secession of Mr. Hindes at the close of the Norwich theatrical season, he will be succeeded by Mr. Smith, and the acting management will devolve upon Mr. Bellamy.”

—Great distress still prevailing among the poor of Norwich, the Relief Committee granted the further sum of £200 to be expended in labour. It was decided to cut a road through Butter Hills to Carrow Bridge.

—*(Advt.) “The public are respectfully informed that on February the 18th only Irish, French, and plain silver will be taken at the Theatre Royal, Norwich.”

21.—The Right Hon. George Horatio Cholmondeley, Earl of Rocksavage (eldest son of the Marquis Cholmondeley), was elected Member of Parliament for Castle Rising, in place of the Hon. Cavendish Bradshaw.

22.*—“A Yarmouth correspondent is anxious to know (1) by what authority the communication between the body and aisles of St. George’s Chapel has been cut off; and (2) why the Mayor or Lord Bishop is not applied to to remove the nuisance to the congregation?”

25.—An inquest was held at Norwich on the body of Elizabeth Pope, aged 83, “who on Sunday evening, being alone in her apartment over the portico of St. Lawrence’s church, accidentally set herself on fire, and was burnt in a terrible manner.”

26.—Died, aged 75, at Swaffham, Mr. Francis Blomfield, “the last male branch of the family of Blomfield, the county historian.”

27.—Mrs. C. Kemble appeared at Norwich Theatre as Mrs. Oakley (“The Jealous Wife”). On subsequent evenings she took the parts of Letitia Hardy (“The Belle’s Stratagem”), Caroline (“The Prize”), Lady Teazle, and Myrtelle (“The Broken Sword”).

The Prince Regent this month conferred the honour of knighthood on Lieut.-Col. Robert John Harvey, K.T.S., in recognition of his distinguished services in the Peninsular War.

MARCH.

3.—A single wicket cricket match was played in Chapel Field, Norwich, between “a noted player from Sussex,” named Michan, an ex-officer, and a Hertford man, named Pratt. The latter won by six wickets, and decided “considerable bets.”

8.*—(Advt.) “Cocking. A match for cocks will be fought at Holkham New Inn on the 10th and 11th of March, between the gentlemen of Wells and the gentlemen of Holt. To fight for £10 a battle and £50 the odd; and two turn outs for £20 a battle. To fight in silver spurs. Feeders: Lamb for Wells, Nash for Holt.”

10.—Miss Davison, of Drury Lane Theatre, commenced an engagement at Norwich Theatre, during which she appeared as Rosalind, Juliana (“The Honeymoon”), Margaretta (“No Song, no Supper”), Lady Townley (“The Provoked Husband”), Miss Tomboy (“The Romp”).

14.—A charge of blasphemy was exhibited before the magistrates at East Dereham against one Henry Balls, for publishing a handbill entitled “The Great Assize.” (There is no further record of the case.)

19.—The Revenue cutter Ranger, Capt. Sayers, of Yarmouth, captured a large lugger with an armed crew of 36 men. In the action the Ranger lost three killed and seven wounded. The cargo consisted of 507 ankers and 945 halves of spirits, 27 bales of tobacco, and 47 bales of Bandannas, the whole worth £8,000.

24.—At the Norfolk Assizes, which commenced at Thetford on this date before Sir Robert Graham, one of the Barons of the Exchequer, the crim. con. action, Laton v. Beauchamp, clerk, was tried. The special jury, without leaving the box, gave a verdict for the defendant.

—Mr. Bartley appeared at Norwich Theatre as Dr. Cantwell (“The Hypocrite”) and the Mock Doctor. Mrs. Bartley on the 29th played Lady Constance to Mr. Bartley’s King John. On subsequent evenings he impersonated Capt. Allclack (“The Invisible Girl”), and Sir Adam Contest (“The Wedding Day”).

—Mr. Blanchard, at Lynn Theatre, appeared as Ollapod (“The Poor Gentleman”), and Crack (“The Turnpike Gate”).

26.—Died at Trowse Old Hall, aged 77, General John Money, Colonel of the 3rd Regiment of Norfolk Yeomanry Cavalry. He entered the Army as a volunteer in Elliott’s Light Horse in the Seven Years’ German War, and was with them at the battle of Tillinghausen. He was afterwards a captain in the 9th (or Norfolk) Regiment of Foot, and in the American War was Deputy-Assistant Quarter-Master General to the army commanded by General Burgoyne. He was the author of several pamphlets on military and other subjects. About 40 years before his death he built the mansion known as Crown Point, where for more than 30 years he gave an annual ball.

APRIL.

3.—A grand performance of sacred music was given at St. Andrew’s Church, Norwich. Mrs. Card, a native of the city, was the principal vocalist, and the choruses were sustained by local amateurs.

—Norwich Infantry Barracks (disused) were sold by auction, without reserve, by Mr. R. Cana, auctioneer.

4.—A terrible explosion occurred on Wright’s Norwich and Yarmouth steam packet at Foundry Bridge, Norwich. Of the 22 persons on board, five men, three women, and a child were killed; six women with fractured legs and arms were conveyed to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, where one died; and the remaining seven escaped without sustaining material injury. The sum of £350 was raised for the relief of the sufferers. A boat worked by horse power was subsequently placed upon the river. “The four horses walked as in a thrashing machine or mill. Each in his path which was 18 feet in diameter. The horses by walking a distance of two miles propelled the vessel six or seven miles.”

5.—A county meeting was held at the Shirehall, Norwich, pursuant to requisition and presided over by the High Sheriff (Mr. H. N. Burroughes), “for the purpose of congratulating the Prince Regent on his escape from the late atrocious attack upon his person, and of praying his Royal Highness to dismiss from his presence and councils those advisers who, by their conduct, had proved themselves to be alike enemies to the Throne and the people.” The resolutions were moved by the Earl of Albemarle, seconded by Mr. S. T. Southwell, and supported by Mr. T. W. Coke, M.P., and the Rev. George Glover. They were opposed by the Hon. Col. Wodehouse, Mr. Edmond Wodehouse, Mr. Serjeant Firth, and Mr. J. Harvey. The High Sheriff declared the resolutions to be carried “by a most decided majority.” An address founded on the resolutions was also adopted, and was presented to the Prince Regent by Mr. Coke at the Levée on April 21st.—In consequence of these proceedings a document, known as the “Norfolk Declaration,” was signed by upwards of 900 noblemen, gentlemen, clergy, and freeholders of the county, who considered the Ministers “eminently entitled to the gratitude of their Sovereign and the country.” The Declaration was presented to the Prince Regent at the Levée at Carlton House on July 1st, by the Lord Lieutenant of the county, accompanied by the Earl of Orford, the Earl of Ancram, Lord C. Townshend, the Hon. Col. Wodehouse, the Hon. Edward Harbord, Mr. Edmund Bacon, Mr. Edmond Wodehouse, M.P., Mr. Charles Harvey, M.P., &c.

7.—Mr. Incledon commenced a five nights’ engagement at Norwich Theatre previous to his departure to America. He appeared as Hawthorn (“Love in a Village”), and Harry Blunt (“The Turnpike Gate”).

14.—A “three double days’ play of cocks” commenced at the White Swan Inn, Norwich, between the gentlemen of Norwich and the gentlemen of Cambridgeshire, for 10 guineas a battle and 200 guineas the odd. Feeders: Fisher for Norwich, Thompson for Cambridgeshire. The match was won by Cambridgeshire.

—A peal of eight bells, including a new tenor cast by Mears, of London, was opened at North Elmham by the St. Peter Mancroft company of ringers, who rang 5,040 changes of Norwich Court Bob in three hours nineteen minutes.

16.—A new tragedy, entitled “Edwin, Heir of Cressingham,” founded on Mrs. Porter’s historical romance, “The Scottish Chiefs,” and written by Mr. Edward Ball, of Norwich, was produced at Norwich Theatre for the first time, and received with much applause.

21.—Mr. A. T. Fayerman, “surgeon professor” to the “Royal Medical Institution,” Red Lion Street, Norwich, presented to the Prince Regent, at the Levée at Carlton House, the first annual report of the proceedings of the institution, with an address from “the Brunswick Knights of Norwich, and the two lodges of the Ancient and Royal Order of Stagorians,” congratulating his Royal Highness on his “escape from the late attack.” The Knights and Stagorians, with a band of music and colours, set out from the Rampant Horse Inn to meet their President on his return to Norwich on the 22nd, “but the harmony and conviviality of the meeting were completely outraged by the assembled mob, who broke the windows of Mr. Simmon’s house at Prussia Gardens, tore up the shrubs, threw vollies of stones at the processionists who were on horseback, and broke the windows of Mr. Fayerman’s house in Red Lion Street.” (The Stagorians were a society founded in 1728.)

28.—Died, at his house in Berners Street, London, aged 61, Sir Jacob Henry Astley, Bart., M.P. He was succeeded in his title by his eldest son.

—Died in St. Giles’, Norwich, Mrs. E. Layton, aged 100 years.

MAY.

1.—Mr. Crisp Brown and Mr. Thomas Thurtell, the two senior aldermen below the chair, were returned to the Norwich Court of Aldermen without opposition, and on the 3rd Mr. Brown was unanimously elected Mayor.

5.—Mr. A. Guggle, of Wells-next-the-Sea, introduced an “improved double bathing machine, so constructed as to render it perfectly safe at all times, and regulated in a few seconds to any depth of water preferred by the bather.”

8.—The Norwich Court of Guardians ordered a new valuation of property in the city and hamlets.

19.—The election to fill the vacancy caused in the representation of the county by the death of Sir H. J. Astley, commenced at Norwich. The candidates were Mr. E. R. Pratt, of Ryston, and Mr. Edmond Wodehouse, of Sennowe Lodge. The polling continued for five days and closed on the 23rd, when the result was declared as follows:—Wodehouse, 3,896; Pratt, 3,321.

27.—Died at his seat, Great Melton Hall, aged 86, Sir John Lombe, Bart. He was succeeded in his title by his great nephew, Mr. Richard Paul Jodrell. The deceased baronet bequeathed his large estates to Mr. Edward Beevor, of the Middle Temple, barrister-at-law, who by special Act of Parliament, which received the Royal Assent on July 7th, was authorised to assume the surname and bear the arms of Lombe instead of those of Beevor, in compliance with a condition in the will of the deceased.

28.—The birthday of Mr. Pitt was celebrated by a dinner at the Assembly Rooms, Norwich, at which Mr. Charles Harvey, M.P., presided.

—Died at St. George’s Tombland, Norwich, Mrs. Phœbe Crow, aged 77, “who in 40 years’ practice as a midwife brought into the world 9,730 children.”

31.—Mr. Betty appeared as Hamlet at Norwich Theatre on the closing night of the season, when Mr. Smith, the new manager, delivered an address at the conclusion of the performance.

—The Brampton Indianman was launched from Mr. Bottomley’s yard, and the Wodehouse brig from Messrs. Lauker and Spong’s yard, King’s Lynn.

JUNE.

4.—King George III. entered upon his 80th year. The event was celebrated in Norwich by the ringing of bells and by a parade of the Light Horse Volunteers and Yeomanry Cavalry.

9.—Two thousand spectators were present at “the 10th annual grand wrestling match for prizes given by a society of amateurs for the encouragement of gymnastic exercises,” held at Kirby Cane. There were 24 competitors, and the winner was Martin Hingle.

17.—Guild Day at Norwich. Mr. Crisp Brown, the Mayor elect, observed all the ancient customs, and entertained 300 guests at the guild feast.

18.—A meeting of resident gentry, clergy, yeomanry, and principal householders of North Greenhoe and Brothercross Hundreds, was held at Wells-next-the-Sea, under the presidency of Sir William Bolton, when resolutions were passed expressive of their deep concern at the insults offered to Mr. T. W. Coke, M.P., at a meeting held at Norwich on the previous Saturday and during the county election, and an address was ordered to be presented in accordance with the terms of the resolutions.

19.—Mr. Mathews gave his entertainment, “Mail Coach Adventures,” at Norwich Theatre.

22.—Moses Levi, aged 62, “of the Jewish persuasion,” was baptised by the Rev. George Baldero at the parish church of Rainham St. Martin.

25.—A severe hailstorm occurred in West Norfolk. Some of the hailstones measured six inches in circumference. Much damage was done. Many rooks were afterwards found dead.

JULY.

5.—Haddock’s exhibition of automata was opened in the Great Room, Davey Place, Norwich.

7.—At the Holkham Sheep Shearing, which commenced on this date, the address voted at Wells-next-the-Sea on June 18th was presented to Mr. T. W. Coke, M.P., who, in reply, said he did not attribute blame to the poorer classes who had been deluded into the belief that he was their enemy, but he did blame the Mayor of Norwich, who, in his official capacity, should have prevented what had taken place. These remarks led to a very long and acrimonious newspaper correspondence.

9.—The Rev. Charles Nourse Wodehouse was installed a prebendary of Norwich Cathedral, in place of the Rev. John Pretyman, D.D., who died at Lincoln on June 5th.

15.—The salt marshes near Wells-next-the-Sea were inundated by a high tide during a northerly gale, and nearly 300 sheep, the property of Messrs. Tuthill, Moore, and John Blomfield, of Warham, were drowned.

—A meeting of the gentry, clergy, and yeomen of the Hundreds of Guiltcross and Shropham was held at East Harling, under the presidency of the Earl of Albemarle, when an address was voted to Mr. Coke, M.P., and presented to him at Thetford Wool Fair on July 26th.

19.—Thomas Carter was publicly whipped in Norwich Market Place for stealing a cow.

—At the Norwich Court of Mayoralty, the Mayor stated that complaints had been made to him of offences committed in the city by bakers, foggers, and others, exercising their trades on Sunday. The Court gave notice that it was not lawful “to make or bake any bread, rolls, or cakes of any sort or kind on the Lord’s Day, commonly called Sunday,” nor to deliver them “at any time after half past one of the clock in the afternoon of that day.”

24.—Skipper, the pedestrian, undertook for a wager of 25 guineas to walk from Norwich to Thetford and back, a distance of 55 miles, in 12 hours. “He walked 54 miles, but having only four minutes to perform the last mile, gave in.”

AUGUST.

6.—Died at his house in the Lower Close, Norwich, aged 55, Mr. Frank Sayers, M.D., author of “Poems, including Sketches of the Northern Mythology,” and “Disquisitions, Metaphysical and Literary, Antiquarian and Historical.” A monument, with a Latin inscription by the Rev. F. Howes, was erected in the Cathedral to the memory of the deceased.

7.—Died at Hoveton St. John, Mr. Thomas Blofeld, D.L., for many years one of the chairmen of the Norfolk Quarter Sessions.

11.—Sports were held at Reedham under the patronage of Mr. Layton, of Reedham Hall. The principal event was a wrestling match, taken part in “by twenty-four as fine athletic young fellows as England can produce.”

12.—A cocking match, “fought in silver,” between the gentlemen of Norwich and the gentlemen of Yarmouth, commenced at the Feathers Inn, Yarmouth, and concluded on the 14th. Feeders: Lamb for Norwich, Nash for Yarmouth.

15.—The first stone of the Nelson Monument on the South Denes, Yarmouth, was laid by the Hon. Col. Wodehouse (chairman of the sub-committee), in the presence of the Mayors and Corporations of Yarmouth and Norwich. A civic dinner was given, and in the evening a ball, attended by 350 persons, took place at the Town Hall.

—Mrs. Rigby, wife of Dr. Rigby, gave birth, at Framingham, to three boys and a girl. One lived 18 days, and the other three from eight to ten weeks. At a quarterly meeting of the Norwich Corporation on September 12th, the Court of Aldermen resolved that a piece of plate be presented to Alderman and Mrs. Rigby in commemoration of the birth, to which the Commons “cordially acquiesced on the understanding that if the same event should happen in their own body they should put in a claim for a similar complimentary memento.” A violent personal dispute ensued between two members of the Common Council, “which so alarmed eight of the members for the Ward beyond the Water that they left the room without leave of the Speaker, the consequence being that the whole proceedings proved abortive.” Another meeting was held on the 27th, when the presentation was amicably agreed to, and on December 24th Dr. and Mrs. Rigby were given a silver bread basket, “with the names of the children and the arms of the family richly emblazoned thereon.”

16.—The thirteenth annual exhibition of the Norwich Society of Artists was opened in Sir Benjamin Wrenche’s Court. Mr. W. M. Sharp was president, Mr. J. Freeman vice-president, and Mr. P. Barnes, secretary. The Norfolk and Norwich Original Society of Artists advertised their thirteenth exhibition to be held at the New Room, Theatre Plain—Mr. R. Ladbrook, president; Mr. J. Sillett, vice-president; Mr. J. Thirtle, secretary. Both exhibitions were honoured by the presence of the Mayor and Corporation.

—Died at his house, Chapel Field, Norwich, Mr. John Ninham, aged 63, artist and engraver.

23.—Mr. Keen performed at Norwich Theatre in the character of Richard III. On succeeding nights he appeared as Othello, Bertram, Sir Giles Overreach, Sir Edward Mortimer, Selim (“Barbarossa”), Shylock, Octavian (“The Mountaineers”), and Paul (“Paul and Virginia”). He afterwards fulfilled an engagement at Yarmouth Theatre.

26.—A contested election took place at Norwich for the office of freemens’ Sheriff. Mr. John Lovick was returned with 807 votes as against 718 polled by his opponent, Mr. George Harvey.

SEPTEMBER.

6.*—“Last week two troops of the 5th Dragoon Guards, under the command of Major Irwin, marched into Norwich Barracks, and relieved the two troops of the Royal Dragoons, ordered to Scotland.”

10.—The Bishop of Norwich confirmed 800 persons of both sexes at a special service held at Norwich Cathedral.

13.*—“Died lately, at Madrid, at the house of her sister, Lady Whitlingham, Barbara, wife of Mr. Bartholomew Frere, his Majesty’s secretary to the Embassy at the Ottoman Porte. The marriage had been solemnized by proxy according to the usual forms, but Mr. Frere having been detained at Constantinople, neither had the happiness of seeing each other since their union.”

26.—Skipper, the pedestrian, undertook to walk 60 miles in 12 successive hours on the bowling-green at the King’s Head Inn, East Dereham. “He was so exhausted in the last two miles that he could not accomplish his task.”

—A meeting was held in St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, when an auxiliary association to the London Society for Promoting Christianity among the Jews was established, with the Lord Bishop as president.

27.—Died at Kirby Cane parsonage, from injuries received by the accidental discharge of a gun, the Hon. C. J. Keppel, fifth son of the Earl of Albemarle.

—A party of Indian jugglers gave a performance at Mr. Noverre’s ball-room, “near Messrs. Gurney’s bank,” Norwich.

OCTOBER.

1.*—(Advt.) “Christopher Woods has been a prisoner in Norwich Castle during four and a half years, and there must remain for life, unless assisted with £20 to enable him to put in an answer to a bill in Chancery. The attention of the truly Charitable is earnestly requested in behalf of this unhappy man, his distressed wife, and four children.”

11.—Mr. Robert Baker, glover and breeches maker, of Wells-next-the-Sea, was found murdered in Market Lane, about 200 yards from the town. His skull was beaten in and his throat cut. The county magistrates, assembled for other business at the Shirehall, Norwich, ordered the printing of 3,000 handbills giving notice of the murder. These were taken by the constables to every coach, fish cart, and other conveyance leaving Norwich. A man named James Johnson, 29 years of age, was apprehended on suspicion at the King’s Head Inn, Hethersett, on October 15th. The prisoner was tried at the Norfolk Assizes, held at Thetford on March 19, 1818, when, after a trial lasting seven and a half hours, the jury returned a verdict of guilty, and he was sentenced to death by Mr. Justice Dallas, “his body to be delivered to the surgeons to be anatomised” on the Saturday following. On the prisoner asking for “a longer period than two days in which to prepare for eternity,” the judge ordered death to be postponed until the following Monday, on which day the execution took place on the Castle Hill, Norwich, in the presence of 5,000 spectators. “Mr. Wilson, a gentleman from London, and Mr. Austen, a pupil of Mr. Dalrymple’s, performed the dissection and prepared the subject for the lectures which have been daily delivered by Mr. Crosse.” At the trial an indictment was preferred against an accomplice of the prisoner, one William Hardiment, not in custody. A third man, Benjamin Neal, was in custody charged with being an accessory before the fact, but the bill was thrown out by the Grand Jury. (See March 28th, 1822.)

14.—Under the direction of Messrs. Beckwith and Pettet a grand Musical Festival began at Norwich, and was continued until October 19th. Miscellaneous concerts were given in St. Andrew’s Hall, and selections from oratorios in St. Peter’s church. The principal performers were Mrs. Salmon, Miss Frith, Mr. Vaughan, Mr. Hawes, and Mr. Bellamy.

22.—A single wicket match was played at Holt by Frost, a member of the Holt Cricket Club, and Pilch, of the Litcham Club, for £10 a side. Pilch was the winner.

28.—Mr. W. Finch announced that he had acquired Harper’s Gardens, “near St. Stephen’s Gates, Norwich.” Mr. Harper, the former proprietor, removed to the Falcon Inn, Ditchingham.

30.—Died, in his 85th year, James Vines, for upwards of 60 years a member of the St. Peter Mancroft company of ringers, at Norwich.

NOVEMBER.

5.—A salmon trout, measuring 40 inches in length and weighing 21 pounds, was killed at the New Mills, Norwich.

7.—An express arrived at Norwich bearing tidings of the death of Princess Charlotte. “Three post chaises and four followed a few hours after with gentlemen from some of the first London houses, to buy up all the black bombazines that the manufacturers had on hand, some of whom, however, had earlier intelligence of the melancholy event by letter brought by the express messenger, who arrived here on horseback.” It was subsequently stated: “Notwithstanding the immediate and necessary exertions of all persons employed in the manufacture of bombazines and other articles of sable hue, they have not yet been able to satisfy the demand for goods of this description, whilst the dressmakers, &c., have found it difficult to execute all the orders they have received. During the last week all the coaches have departed heavily laden with manufactured goods.” On November 19th, the day of the funeral, black was worn generally, St. Peter’s bell was tolled, and the Mayor and Corporation attended service at the Cathedral. “The Mayor substituted for the official cloak of justice one of black crape, and he also wore weepers.”

10.—Messrs. Adams’ troupe of equestrians commenced a season at the Pantheon, Norwich.

14.—Died, whilst on a visit to Holkham Hall, Elizabeth, Countess of Albemarle.

15.*—“There have recently been cast at the bell foundry at Downham five clock bells for the new General Post Office, Dublin. A large bell is now preparing at the same place for erection in the Wabash, Indiana State, North America, by a religious society of Germans who have settled there.”

20.—Several persons “who had long resisted the threats and entreaties of the inhabitants of Old Buckenham” were convicted before a magistrate at Larlingford, and fined for playing cricket on Sunday, October 2nd, on Old Buckenham green.

DECEMBER.

5.—At a special assembly of the Corporation of Norwich addresses of condolence were voted to the Prince Regent and to Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coburg, expressive of the deep grief felt by the citizens on the death of the Princess Charlotte. Similar addresses were presented by the Corporations of Yarmouth, Lynn, and Thetford.

—Died in St. Stephen’s, Norwich, in his 74th year, Mr. James Hardy, of Hethersett. He served the office of Sheriff of Norwich in 1800.

6.—Messrs. Caldwell, Waterhouses, and Co., advertised the establishment of a service of “new light caravans upon springs.” The conveyances left Norwich every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning at eight o’clock, and arrived at the Swan-with-two-Necks, Lad Lane, London, on the following morning at six o’clock. They were despatched from London every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday evening at five o’clock, and arrived in Norwich the next afternoon at three o’clock. The rate of carriage from London to Norwich was 9s. per cwt., and from Norwich to London 11s. per cwt.

15.—A three days’ cocking match commenced at the White Swan, St. Peter Mancroft, Norwich, between the gentlemen of Norfolk and the gentlemen of Suffolk. A main of 31 cocks was won by Norfolk six battles ahead, and a match of 11 chickens by Norfolk one battle ahead. The byes, of which 14 were fought, were even. Stakes: £10 a battle and £200 the odd; chickens, £5 a battle and £50 the odd; byes £10 per battle. Feeders: Lamb for Norfolk, Nash for Suffolk.

16.—A prize fight took place on Bungay Common between Sutton, the Black, and Ned Painter, who was accompanied from Norwich by a large number of his supporters. Fifteen rounds were fought in one hour forty-two minutes for a purse of £100, £80 for the winner and £20 for the loser. Painter, “the best man of the day with Norfolk training,” won. “Several well-dressed women were present at the fight.”

20.—The Fakenham and London post coach, the Patriot, was advertised to run from Fakenham on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The proprietors were Robert Leamon, Fakenham; T. W. Woer, Swaffham; Thos. Golding, Newmarket; George Barton, Cambridge; and John Eames, London.

—Joseph Penny, of Yarmouth, who impersonated Neptune at the Peace festival at Yarmouth on April 21, 1814, was drowned with his son whilst sailing a small boat in stormy weather.

27.*—“The commissions executed and presents sent from this land of turkies greatly exceeded any former year. It is calculated that upwards of 4,000 have been despatched by different conveyances from Norwich during the past week, which, averaged at nine pounds each, at 10d. per pound, amounted to £1,500.”

1818.

JANUARY.

3.—Shore’s menagerie was exhibited on the Castle Ditches, Norwich.

5.—The Norwich Court of Guardians determined to proceed with the valuation of property in the city and hamlets. Messrs. Rooks, Athow, and Stannard were appointed to make the valuation at the remuneration of £850.

6.—Twelfth Day was observed in Norwich, “when the confectioners made a grand display of their frosted and ornamented cakes. Mr. Turner, of the Gentleman’s Walk, had one weighing 220 pounds and measuring three yards in circumference. It was sawn to pieces next day.” Mr. and Mrs. Patteson gave a Twelfth Night ball and supper at their residence in Surrey Street, at which 140 guests were present.

8.—At a meeting, presided over by Mr. T. O. Springfield, at the Swan Inn, Norwich, resolutions were moved by Mr. Edward Taylor, and a subscription raised to testify “the estimation in which they hold the extraordinary and intrepid exertions of Mr. Hone, in defence of the liberty of the Press, and to assist to defray the expenses of his repeated prosecutions.”

—Died, aged 100 years, Ashton Goodyer, formerly keeper of the workhouse at Tilney.

13.—At a county meeting held at the Shirehall, under the presidency of the High Sheriff (Mr. H. N. Burroughes), addresses of condolence with the Prince Regent and Prince Leopold on the death of the Princess Charlotte, were moved by Lord Walpole and seconded by the Hon. Col. Wodehouse. The Ven. Archdeacon Bathurst opposed the addresses on account of the omission of the name of the Princess of Wales, and moved as an amendment “That any addresses to the Prince Regent and Prince Leopold, unaccompanied by an address to the Princess of Wales, would operate as an insulting neglect to one of the first characters in the Royal Family, and as a disrespect to the memory of her who was the pride and hope of the British people.” The amendment was seconded by Mr. N. Palmer, of Yarmouth. The High Sheriff objected to put the amendment, as the name of the Princess of Wales had not been included in the requisition. The addresses were then adopted. Archdeacon Bathurst alone dissenting.

15.—Lord and Lady Castlereagh and Prince Esterhazy, the Austrian ambassador, passed through Norwich on their return to London after a visit to Lord Suffield at Blickling.

16.—Died at Old Windsor, aged 71, the Right Hon. Lord Walsingham, of Merton Hall. He was the only son of Sir William de Grey, several years Lord Chief Justice of Common Pleas. In 1787 he was appointed joint Postmaster-General, and to within two years of his death had been chairman of the Committees of Privileges, &c., in the House of Lords.

19.—At a meeting of the inhabitants of Yarmouth, held at the New Hall, upwards of £6,000 was subscribed for aiding a plan to extend the navigation of the river Waveney from Bungay to Diss. The sum of £5,000 was raised in the latter town. At a meeting held at Bungay on February 5th the scheme was opposed by the landowners through whose property the projected canal was to pass. On February 13th the inhabitants of Thetford met to oppose the undertaking, as it was likely to be injurious to the tolls of the Lesser Ouse. It was announced on February 28th that £20,000 had been subscribed, and that the expense of carrying the scheme into execution would be £36,931. A meeting was held at Yarmouth on March 10th, at which it was decided “out of respect to Mr. Adair and the rest of the proprietors to defer application to Parliament until the ensuing Session.” Ultimately the scheme was abandoned. In the course of the discussions on the project, “it was thrown out in a highly respectable quarter that the end in view might be answered and all objections obviated by the substitution of an iron railway for a canal.” (This is the first instance in which a “railway” is mentioned in the Norfolk Chronicle.)

—Mr. Sinclair, from Covent Garden Theatre, appeared at the Theatre Royal, Norwich, as Orlando (“The Cabinet”), Apollo (in the burletta of “Midas”), and Henry Bertram (“Guy Mannering”).

26.—The stacks of Mr. John Balls, farmer, Lessingham, were destroyed by fire, his calves suspended by their necks from a beam in an outhouse, and other outrages committed. At the Norfolk Assizes, held at Thetford in the month of March, James Thompson was indicted for firing the stacks, and, after a trial lasting five hours, was acquitted.

31.—Miss Davison, of Drury Lane, commenced an engagement at Norwich Theatre, during which she appeared as Lady Teazle, Priscilla Tomboy (“The Romp”), Lady Bell (“Know your own Mind”), Roxalana (“The Sultan”), and Lady Racket (“Three Weeks after Marriage”).

FEBRUARY.

4.—Died, at Hethersett, aged 70, Mr. John Buckle, one of the aldermen of the Great Ward of Mancroft, Norwich. He served the office of Sheriff in 1787, and of Mayor in 1793.

16.—Mr. Emery, of Covent Garden, made his first appearance at Norwich Theatre, as Tyke (“The School of Reform”). His other characters included Robin Roughead (“Fortune’s Frolic”), Zekiel Homespun (“Heir at Law”), and Sheepface (“The Village Lawyer”).

21.—Died, aged 88, Mr. William Utten, of the Lower Close, Norwich, formerly chapter clerk to the Dean and Chapter, and secretary to the Lord Bishop of Norwich.

28.*—“Mr. D. Fisher, whose performance of the arduous characters of Hamlet, Macbeth, and Richard III. at Drury Lane were so excellent as to induce the managers to engage him at a liberal salary from the commencement of next season, has been engaged to perform those characters at Norwich, and will make his first appearance this evening in the part of Hamlet.” Mr. Fisher was a son of the manager of the Norfolk and Suffolk Company of Comedians.

MARCH.

2.—The Carrow Bridge toll bar, at Norwich, was let for three years at the annual rent of £224.

4.—During a severe gale from the south-east great damage was done to shipping on the Norfolk coast, and several vessels were driven ashore. At the church of Pulham St. Mary the Virgin the chancel window, 20 feet by 11 feet, was almost demolished, and another window on the south side was entirely blown out with the stone work. Four large sheets of lead were blown off the roof of East Bilney Church.

—It having been represented to the Norwich Court of Mayoralty that “the annual Fair on Tombland hath for several years past been continued to an unreasonable time of the night, not only to the disturbance and inconvenience of the inhabitants, but so as to prevent the decent observance of next day, being Good Friday,” it was ordered “that the ensuing Fair on Maunday Thursday shall end at eleven o’clock in the evening of that day, when all persons resorting to the same are to repair to their respective houses, and all those who shall have goods, stalls, and shows are directed to cease their several trades and occupations at the said hour of eleven, and immediately to remove and carry their goods and effects from the said fairstead.” The Fair was held on March 19, when “there were few exhibitions on Tombland, the show caravans, which were more numerous than usual, being judiciously arranged on the Castle Meadow.”

9.—The election of Common Councilmen for the four wards of Norwich, commenced on this date. “The ascendency of the Purple and Orange or of the Blue and White party in the Corporation is supposed to have some influence at a General Election, and as that event is considered to be at no great distance, neither money nor exertions were spared to obtain a majority in the Long Ward.” The expenses were estimated at some thousands of pounds, from £15 to £40 was paid for votes, and the freemen were brought in carriages from the country to vote as at a Parliamentary Election.

10.—Married at Benacre, by the Rev. Richard Gooch, Capt. G. W. Manby, barrack master, Yarmouth, to Sophia, daughter of Sir Thomas Gooch, Bart., of Benacre Hall, and sister of Mr. Sherlock Gooch, M.P., for Suffolk.

16.—At the Norfolk Assizes, held at Thetford, the crim. con. action, Muskett v. Gurney, in which the damages were laid at £10,000, was tried before a special jury. Verdict for the defendant.

19.—The first Norwich Sick Poor Repository was held at Mr. Noverre’s room, St. Michael-at-Plea, on Tombland Fair day. “The room was crowded by the beauty and fashion of our town and its vicinity, and the counters were completely cleared at three o’clock, when the receipts amounted to £115.”

24.—Died at Hare Street, Romford, Mr. Humphrey Repton, the celebrated landscape gardener. He was buried at Aylsham.

26.—The organ at Swaffham church was opened by Mr. Beckwith, of Norwich. Selections of sacred music were rendered at the church, and in the evening a miscellaneous concert was given in the Assembly-room. The principal vocalists were Mrs. Card, Miss Williams, Mr. C. Fisher (tenor), and the choristers from Norwich Cathedral.

31.—Married, at Redenhall Church, by the Ven. Archdeacon Oldershaw, Mr. Gurney Barclay, of Tavistock Square, London, to Miss Freshfield, of Harleston. “On the bride’s return the horses were taken from her carriage, and, amid the cheering of the delighted people, she was drawn, attended by a band of music, through the town.”

APRIL.

5.—The London mail by way of Bury and Newmarket was discontinued, and two light four-inside coaches, called the Mercury, substituted, starting from the Angel Inn, Norwich, at 4.45 p.m., and from the Golden Cross, Charing Cross, London, at six p.m., Sundays excepted. The proprietors of the Expedition post coach substituted two light post coaches which ran from the Swan Inn, Norwich, every afternoon at four o’clock, and from the White Horse, Fetter Lane, London, at 4.30. The mail by Bury and Newmarket had been established 33 years, and was discontinued from lack of public support. The Norwich and London mail by Ipswich and Colchester continued to run as before.

8.—The Eau Brink Drainage Bill was read a third time in the House of Commons, and the Act was subsequently passed for increasing the fund for carrying into execution the several previous Acts for improving the drainage of the fens, and the navigation of the several Norfolk rivers communicating with the river Ouse.

11.—Six prisoners escaped from the Norwich City Gaol by breaking through an 18-inch brick wall, whence they entered the snuff manufactory of Messrs. Waite and Cozens, and with their irons on made their way to the Market Place. With one exception they were speedily recaptured.

—*“According to the returns of the Tax Office to March 25, 1817, the Norfolk Land-tax amounted to £63,471 10s. 7d.; redeemed, £18,526 16s. 2d.”

14.—The Norwich Paving Commissioners, in consequence of complaints regarding the imperfect lighting and watching of the streets, appointed a committee of fourteen of their members, and co-opted other persons, to superintend the placing of the watchmen. The committee were requested to “occasionally perambulate the city, and to observe the state of the lamps and the conduct of the watchmen.”

18.*—(Advt.) “To be fought at the White Swan Inn, Norwich, on Monday, April 20th, 1818, and two following days, three double days play of cocks for 10 guineas a battle, and 200 guineas the odd, between the gentlemen of Norwich and the gentlemen of Cambridge. Feeders: Lamb for Norwich, Thompson for Cambridge.”

—*(Advt.) “The London and Norwich mail coach by Colchester and Ipswich. The Postmaster-General having thought proper to discontinue the mail coach by Newmarket, which had been established 33 years, from the public not having latterly given it that support which its usefulness demanded, the contractors for the remaining mail by Ipswich and Colchester, which will in future be the conveyance of the Norwich letters, hope that so useful a carriage in this commercial city and county will have such success as to promote its future encouragement and continuance.”

23.—St. George’s Day was observed in Norwich as the festival of the tutelar saint of England and as the appointed date for the celebration of the birthday of the Prince Regent. St. Peter’s bells were rung, and at night a ball was given at Chapel Field House.

24.—A meeting, presided over by Mr. J. J. Gurney, was held at the Lancasterian School, Norwich, to encourage the establishment of Sunday schools.

26.—Died at Norwich, aged 47, the Rev. Augustus Beevor, M.A. “He was educated at Bennet College, Cambridge, where he early distinguished himself, and as a reward of his literary merits, received many college prizes. He was rector of Berghapton, Norfolk, and of Otley, Suffolk.”

27.—After the interval of 15 years the boundaries of the county of the city of Norwich were perambulated by the Mayor (Mr. Crisp Brown), attended by the Sheriffs, several of the aldermen, city officers, and others on horseback, and by a great number of persons on foot. Much beer was drunk en route, and at Earlham the chief personages were entertained by Mr. J. J. Gurney, and 400 men and boys received each a pint of beer and a piece of cake. A man swam the river at Earlham, another crossed it at Hellesdon. “When proceeding in the direction of Sprowston they were met on the road, leading from Norwich to Crostwick, by Mr. James Cozens, who formally declared his intention to protest against the establishment of the line of boundary which they were taking, and pointed out a boundary mark nearer Norwich, which on inspection proved to be that of St. Clement’s parish.”

MAY.

1.—A two days’ poll commenced for the election of Mayor at Norwich. The poll was declared on the 2nd as follows:—Ald. Marsh, 821; Ald. Leman, 820; Ald. Thurtell, 474; Ald. Back, 412. Mr. Leman was on the 3rd elected, by the Court of Aldermen, Mayor for the second time.

3.—At a meeting of the Norwich Corporation it was agreed to present congratulatory addresses to the Prince Regent and to the Princess Elizabeth on her marriage with the Hereditary Prince of Hesse Homburgh. On a ballot in the common council-room there were 24 for and 24 against the addresses. The Speaker (Mr. Samuel Stone) gave his casting vote in favour of the addresses, which accordingly became acts of assembly.

6.—The birthday of Mr. T. W. Coke, M.P., was celebrated at Harleston, Wells, Wymondham, and other places by public dinners.

12.—A prize fight took place on a field near Thorpe Asylum between William Cox, blacksmith, and John Camplin, a Norwich weaver. “Among the spectators were a great number of females.” Camplin was seconded by Ned Painter, and Cox by Wharton. Twenty-nine rounds were fought in 42 minutes for £5 a side. Cox won. Another fight between Pegg and Short, “who milled each other for more than an hour,” resulted in the victory of the latter.

13.—A new gallery erected in North Walsham church was opened with a grand selection of sacred music from the works of Handel, under the direction of Messrs. Fish and Card, of Norwich. The principal vocal performers were Mrs. Card, Mr. Frewer, and Mr. Barron, and the choruses were supported by performers from the Norwich concerts, and by the Cathedral choristers.

16.—Died at Lynn, Ann Crawforth, aged 104, supposed to be the oldest member of the Methodist Society.

18.—Miss Brunton, granddaughter of Mr. John Brunton, the former manager, appeared at Norwich Theatre as Letitia Hardy (“The Belle’s Stratagem”). Her other characters during the engagement were Miss Hardcastle, Rosalind, and Lady Elizabeth (“The Day after the Wedding”).

19.—A new peal of six bells, cast and hung by William Dobson, of Downham Market, was opened at Northwold. Prizes of ten guineas and five guineas were offered to competing companies who performed the best and next best peals of 720 complete changes. The New Buckenham and Hopton ringers were adjudged equal.

—At the Norwich Consistory Court, sentence of suspension for two years was passed by the Rev. William Young, Chancellor, on the Rev. Edward Leathes, rector of Reedham with Freethorpe, for neglecting to perform his ministerial duties in those churches for about eight months in the course of the years 1816 and 1817.

20.—Bull-baiting took place on Carrow Hills, Norwich. “The game old bull resisted every effort of the well-seasoned dogs, and remained master of the ring. A young bull was afterwards brought in, who is to be trained up to exercise the rising generation of the canine species, and for the amusement of the lovers of this fine art.”

—A rowing match between two four-oared boats, the Swift and the Adriadne, took place from Carrow to Whitlingham. The Swift, “rowed by four brothers of the name of Lanham, well known on the stream,” won. “The match was for each other’s boat, valued complete at £14 or £15.” (This is the first instance in which the names of the rowers are given.)

28.—The annual dinner in commemoration of Pitt’s birthday was held at the Assembly Rooms, Norwich, under the presidency of the Hon. Col. Wodehouse.

—Tenders were invited for taking down the existing and building the new bridge, at Hellesdon, either of timber or iron. The Corporation on June 30 accepted the tender of Mr. Frost to build an iron bridge for £1,140.

30.—Miss Byrne began a short engagement at Norwich Theatre, during which she appeared in favourite comic operas and musical entertainments. Her impersonations included Adela (“The Haunted Tower”) and Rosina.

—*(Advt.) “A match of cocks will be fought at the Angel Inn, St. Stephen’s, Norwich, on June 15th and 16th, between the gentlemen of Norfolk and the gentlemen of Norwich, to show fifteen mains and five byes. To fight for £5 a battle and £20 the odd. Feeders: Stafford for Norfolk, Lamb for Norwich.”

31.—Died at Wakefield, Mr. Fitzgerald, manager of the Leeds, Lincoln, Sheffield, and Hull Theatres, and many years a favourite performer in the Norwich Company.

JUNE.

1.—Mr. Charles Harvey, M.P., issued an address to the electors of Norwich, in which he announced his intention of declining to offer himself for re-election.

2.—Died at Coltishall, Mr. William Warrant, aged 100 years.

4.—The 81st birthday of George III. was celebrated in Norwich. The Mayor and Corporation, preceded by a band of music, went in state to the Cathedral.

8.—A camping match, Norfolk against Suffolk, took place at Kirby Cane for £10 a side, and, after a spirited contest, Norfolk won. “This is the first thorough boxing camping match which has taken place for these last 35 years, and considering that not five out of the twenty individuals who played had ever before been engaged in any pugilistic contest, it was astonishing to observe the spirit of gallantry which animated both parties. The spectators amounted to some thousands, among whom were many gentlemen of rank and fortune.”

9.—Parliament having been dissolved and the writ for the election received, Mr. W. Smith and Mr. R. H. Gurney, the “Blue and White” candidates, made their public entry into Norwich. The Hon. Edward Harbord, the “Orange and Purple” candidate, was met at Mile End on the 11th. His barouche was drawn into the city by the crowd, and a large cavalcade of freeholders and freemen was in attendance. Thence until the day of election there was an active canvass in the city, and party feeling ran high.

15.—Seaman’s Museum of Natural History was exhibited on Orford Hill, Norwich.

16.—Guild Day at Norwich. Many members of the freemen’s clubs, with blue and white favours in their hats, and with party flags flying, marched into the Market Place in order to attend the new Mayor to the Cathedral. Alderman Herring protested against such a display of party feeling on this day. Mr. Smith, the Parliamentary candidate, addressed the people from a window in the Market Place, saying that anything like party appeared to be indecorous on such an occasion, and he for one should put his colours into his pocket. His example, however, was not generally followed. After service at the Cathedral Mr. Barnabas Leman was sworn in as Mayor, and the guild feast, given in St. Andrew’s Hall, was attended by 300 guests.

17.—Norwich Election began on this day, and the poll closed on the day following at 1.30 p.m., with the following result:—W. Smith, 2,089; R. H. Gurney, 2,032; the Hon. Edward Harbord, 1,475. The two first-named were returned.

—Thetford Election: Lord C. Fitzroy and Mr. N. R. Colbourne were returned without a contest, on the withdrawal of Mr. Webster.

—Castle Rising Election: Lord Rocksavage and the Hon. F. Greville Howard were returned unopposed.

18.—Lynn Election: Lord Walpole and Sir M. B. ffolkes were returned unopposed.

19.—Yarmouth Election: The Hon. George Anson, 780; C. E. Rumbold, 760; E. K. Lacon, 651; General Loftus, 612. The two first-named were elected.

23.—Norfolk Election: Mr. T. W. Coke and Mr. E. Wodehouse were returned unopposed. Mr. Philip Hamond, of Westacre, opened a canvass in opposition to Mr. Wodehouse, but relinquished it on the eve of the election. After the chairing Mr. Coke and his friends dined at the Swan Inn, Norwich, and Mr. Wodehouse and his supporters at the Angel Inn. At night the members attended the ball at Chapel Field House, where the dancing was opened by Mr. Coke and Mrs. Micklethwaite and by Mr. Wodehouse and Mrs. N. Bacon.

Dr. C. Brown, of Margaretta Farm, and Mr. T. B. Plestow, of Watlington Hall, received, this month, the honour of knighthood.

JULY.

4.—Spring, Scroggins, Purcell, and other celebrated pugilists, gave a boxing display at the Swan Inn, Norwich.

6.—Died, aged 78, Mr. Richard Beatniffe, many years a well-known bookseller in Norwich.

—Holkham Sheep Shearing commenced. The only new implements exhibited were a manure drill, by Mr. Frost, of Saham, and a self-sowing dibbling machine, by Mr. Woodward, of Norwich.

12.—A severe drought of nine weeks’ duration was ended on this day by a “joyful rain.”

—A new light post coach, called “The Day,” carrying four insides and ten outsides, commenced running from the Angel Inn, Market Place, Norwich, to the Crown and Anchor Tavern, the Quay, Yarmouth. The journey occupied three hours each way, and the coach was owned by T. S. Coldwell and Co.

13.—Races for hackneys, hunters, and ponies, took place at Wells-next-the-Sea, upon “a fine level width of firm beach sand.” An immense concourse of spectators attended.

15.—Died at St. Peter Mancroft, Norwich, aged 72, Capt. James Murray, adjutant of the 2nd Regiment of Norfolk Yeomanry Cavalry, and formerly captain in the 9th Regiment of Foot. He served with distinction during the whole of the American War.

16.—The first stone of a new bridge at Letheringsett was laid by Mrs. Best, of Bayfield Hall. The company, after being entertained to breakfast by Mr. William Hardy, proceeded through his gardens to a deep excavation in the bed of the river, where the stone was placed in position amid the cheers of the spectators and the firing of guns.

20.—The performances of Mr. David Fisher’s company in “the elegant little theatre” at East Dereham, terminated on this date, “when the performers assembled on the stage and drank a parting glass and bade farewell of the crowded audience amid shouts of applause.”

22.—A grand cricket match played on Newmarket Heath for 330 guineas a side, between the Holt and Newmarket clubs. It concluded on the 23rd, when the score was as follows:—Newmarket, 84-101; Holt, 114-74.

23.—A silver cup was rowed for by three boats at Norwich, and won by the Apollo (Bacon). Distance, five miles; time, 38½ minutes.

—A troop of the 15th Light Dragoons (King’s Hussars), commanded by Major Cochrane, marched into Norwich to relieve the 5th Dragoon Guards, who the same day set out for York.

25.*—“Mr. Case, a respectable farmer, at Stratton Strawless, lately sustained a loss of 30 young turkies and 11 goslings, all which a voracious fat sow devoured after a hearty breakfast.”

27.—Mr. Blanchard, of Covent Garden Theatre, appeared at Norwich Theatre as General Heartall (“The Soldier’s Daughter”). Among the other characters impersonated by him during his engagement were Crack (“The Turnpike Gate”), Lazarillo (“Two Strings to your Bow”), Abednego (“Jew and Doctor”), Caleb Quotem (“The Wags of Windsor”), and Dr. Ollapod (“The Poor Gentleman”).

—At a meeting of the merchants of the city, held at the Angel Inn, Norwich, under the presidency of Mr. Crisp Brown, it was agreed to open up a trade from Gainsborough to Yarmouth, and to employ four vessels to sail alternately from both places.

31.—Died at his house in St. James’s Square, London, Viscount Anson. He married in 1794 Ann Margaret, second daughter of Mr. T. W. Coke, of Holkham, and was succeeded in his title and estates by the Hon. Thomas William Anson, M.P. for Yarmouth.

AUGUST.

12.—Two gentlemen “angling on that beautiful river at Buckenham, belonging to Sir Thomas Beauchamp Proctor,” caught 210 pounds of fish, the greater part of which were bream. This was described as “a circumstance unprecedented in this or any other part of the country.”

15.—The whaler Enterprize from Greenland, Capt. Sanderson, arrived at her berth at South Lynn, with eleven “fish” on board, “which it is supposed will produce about 160 tons of oil, estimated to be worth £6,000, exclusive of whalebone, &c.”

28.—A cricket match was played at Bungay between the Holt and Bungay clubs, for stakes amounting to £132. Scores: Holt, 89-130; Bungay, 54-28. The return match was fixed for September 7th, but Bungay paid forfeit. In the first match, owing to men being objected to on both sides, “it was played with only ten batsmen, but with the usual numbers in the field.”

SEPTEMBER.

1.—Robert Skipper, the Norwich pedestrian, began a walk of 1,000 miles in 20 successive days. He started from St. Stephen’s Gates at five o’clock a.m. and returned from the twenty-fifth milestone on the Thetford road at nine p.m. He relinquished the task on the ninth day in consequence of lameness.

8.—Miss O’Neil commenced a five nights’ engagement at Norwich Theatre. She appeared in the characters of Belvidera (“Venice Preserved”), Juliet, Mrs. Haller (“The Stranger”), Mrs. Beverley (“The Gamester”), and Mrs. Oakley (“The Jealous Wife”). “The box office was literally besieged every morning, and the spirit of politeness and gallantry maintained only a very feeble influence over the conduct of the assembled multitude. No law prevailed but that of the strongest; nothing was to be heard but shrieks, reproaches, and lamentations—nothing to be seen but bonnets cramped up, hats squeezed flat, torn gowns and coat flaps, and a motley mob in the highest state of exasperation, fermentation, and desperation. On the nights of the performance the house was crowded in every part. Families of the highest respectability, both of the town and from the country, were to be seen contenting themselves, many of them with inconvenient situations. Even the orchestra was occupied by the audience.” The receipts averaged £200 a night, and Miss O’Neil, including her benefit, received £700.

—A public meeting was held at the Guildhall, Norwich, at which it was decided to apply to Parliament for leave to bring in a Bill for widening and deepening the Norwich river so as to render it navigable by vessels of burden from Norwich to the sea. The Mayor presided, and the project, which afterwards gave rise to the famous agitation “Norwich, a Port,” was introduced by Mr. Crisp Brown.

—Buonaparte’s military coach was exhibited by Mr. Bullock, of the London Museum, at Mr. Smith’s coach manufactory, Swan Yard, St. Peter Mancroft, Norwich.

26.—The Phenomena day coach was advertised to run from the Angel Inn, Norwich, and the One Bull Inn, Bury, to the Bull Inn, Aldgate, London, in fourteen hours. It set out from Norwich at a quarter to six. The proprietors, William Pawson, T. Bridgeman, George Archer, and Ann Nelson, Son, and Co., prohibited racing on the part of their coachman. The rival coach, the Norwich and London Original day coach, started from the Norfolk Hotel every morning at a quarter to seven and ran to the Spread Eagle, Gracechurch Street, and the Swan with Two Necks, Lad Lane, through Bury, Sudbury, Chelmsford, and Romford. Racing was prohibited by the proprietors, namely, R. Gurney, T. Boyce, Chapman, S. Bright, J. Boldero, J. Tomlinson, Elizabeth Boyce and Son, and W. Waterhouse.

28.—Died, the Rev. St. John Priest, A.M., master of Scarning Free School, rector of Reepham with Kerdiston and of Billingford, and vicar of Parham with Hacheston, Suffolk. He was secretary of the Norfolk Agricultural Society from its institution in 1800.

OCTOBER.

1.—Married, at York, Upper Canada, Mr. Samuel Peters Jarvis, barrister, and son of the late secretary of that province, to Mary Boyles, youngest daughter of the Hon. W. D. Powell, Chief Justice of Upper Canada, and granddaughter of Dr. John Murray, of Norwich.

3.—Sir Edmund Lacon, Kt., of Great Yarmouth, Mr. Thomas Hare, of Stow Hall, and Mr. Edward Stracey, of Rackheath Hall, were created baronets.

12.—Died at St. George’s Colegate, Norwich, aged 50, Mr. Thomas Allday Kerrison, who was Sheriff in 1798, Alderman in 1803, and Mayor in 1806.

13.—A sailing match, which took place at Thorpe for a silver cup, was won by the Dreadnought (Stone), which beat the Albion (Ganning), and the Argo (Harvey).

—A trial took place at midnight of a gasometer with complete apparatus erected by Messrs. John and Philip Taylor, of London, at the factory of Messrs. Joseph Oxley and Sons, of Norwich. They were the first to introduce gaslight into a Norwich factory.

21.—At the Norfolk Quarter Sessions, Mark Woodcock appealed against a conviction for taking toll at a turnpike gate off soldiers when on duty. The 15th Light Dragoons, stationed at Lynn, were being “taken out for an airing” and on passing through Gaywood gate the appellant demanded toll of them, to the amount of 4s. 4½d. He alleged that the soldiers were not on duty, and that they passed through the gate wantonly and unnecessarily, and in order to give him trouble. The court confirmed the conviction.

24.—Messrs. T. S. Coldwell and William Horne, proprietors of the Mercury coach, from the Maid’s Head, Norwich, through Wymondham, Attleborough, and Thetford, to the Golden Cross, Charing Cross, London, advertised “reduced fares at what you please.” The coach ran every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

—Adams’ Equestrian Troupe commenced a season at the Ranelagh Gardens, Norwich, where a stage was provided for the production of pantomime and burletta.

25.—The premises and stock of Mr. Griffiths, plane and tool maker, near St. Gregory’s Church, Norwich, were destroyed by fire.

31.—Died of apoplexy, at Holt, Mr. William Stokes, Clerk of the Peace for Norfolk. He was 66 years of age, and had held the office 19 years. His eldest son died at Fakenham on the following day. Mr. Robert Copeman, of Aylsham, was appointed to the vacant clerkship.

—Four boys were whipped in Norwich Market Place, pursuant to sentence passed upon them at the Quarter Sessions.

NOVEMBER.

1.—The Expedition coach from Norwich to London, carrying only four insides, with car added to carry six insides, started running on this date from the White Swan, Norwich. Fares, four insides, 18s. each; the car, six insides, 14s. each; outsides, 10s. 6d. each. The proprietors were Thomas Bryant and John Eames and Co.

2.—Thiodon’s “mechanical and picturesque theatre of arts” (automata) was opened at Norwich Theatre.

4.—Married at Gissing, W. Newby, of Burston, to Susanna Fleet, of the former place, widow. “Their united ages amounted to upwards of 140 years. Nearly 40 years ago she married John Fleet, her first husband, who, after living with her several years, set out on his travels and visited the most distant parts of the world. The only report that ever reached her was the news of his death, when, having given what she considered a decent time to his memory and his loss, she again entered into the state of matrimony. After living several years with her second husband the first returned and claimed her, and his death which lately happened gave her the second opportunity of being legally united to the man of her heart, which actually took place, and she was a second time married to the same person.”

5.—At a meeting of the Navigation Committee, held at the Guildhall, Norwich, a letter was received from the Mayor of Yarmouth, in which he expressed the fear that the projected scheme for widening and deepening the Norwich river would prove injurious to Yarmouth harbour. It was pointed out that there was an alternative plan of making a cut about a mile lone: across Thurlton marshes to join the Waveney about a mile below St. Olave’s Bridge, and thence proceeding to Oulton and Lothing Broads and entering the sea at Lowestoft. The meeting considered the alternative scheme the more eligible one, and Mr. Cubitt, engineer, was ordered to make a survey and prepare an estimate of the expense.

9.—At Holkham eight guns killed 516 head of game in one day, namely, eight partridges, 40 pheasants, 237 hares, 216 rabbits, 14 woodcock, and one snipe. In seven days 2,574 head were killed.

18.—On the official account being received of the death of the Queen at Kew Palace, the great bell of St. Peter Mancroft, Norwich, and the bells of the other churches in the city were tolled for two hours. On Sunday, the 22nd, the pulpits in the churches were draped with black, and on December 2nd, the day of interment, the shops were closed, and the bells tolled from six to eight o’clock in the evening. The Corporation attended service at the Cathedral. At Yarmouth and Lynn the day was observed in a similar manner. Addresses of condolence were afterwards passed by each Corporation.

20.—Mr. William Bell, of Norwich, while shooting with a party at Sprowston, “killed at one shot five and a half brace of that rare bird called the golden plover, a shot not to be paralleled in the annals of sporting notoriety.”

DECEMBER.

3.—Mr. Edward K. Lacon, who had canvassed Yarmouth as a candidate for the Parliamentary election consequent upon the elevation to the peerage of the Hon. T. W. Anson, announced in an address to the electors his intention to retire from the candidature on the ground that “the prejudices so unjustly excited against him were not yet fully allayed.” The Hon. George Anson was returned without opposition on February 11th, 1819.

5.—Landed at Cromer from the Earl of Leicester packet, from Holland, Mr. Horsley, of Islington, and his little son. The boy had been kidnapped by Charles Rennett, a cousin of Mrs. Horsley, who had entered into litigation respecting some property to which the child was entitled. Rennett carried him to France, whence he was traced to Braker, near Bremen. The boy was recovered unharmed and handed over to his father, and Rennett, on his arrest, was tried in London on May 28th, 1819, and sentenced to seven years’ transportation.

12.—Wombwell’s Menagerie was exhibited on Castle Hill, Norwich.

24.—A tradesman at Beeston next Mileham made a wager that he would carry twelve stone of flour a distance of ten miles in six hours, “which Herculean task he performed in five hours and a quarter. The odds at the start were three to one against him.”

26.—A county meeting was held at the Shirehouse, Norwich, to consider the propriety of presenting an address of condolence to the Prince Regent on the death of the Queen. Col. Wodehouse was about to move an address, when Mr. Nathaniel Palmer, jun., of Yarmouth, anticipated him by moving one of his own framing, the last paragraph of which contained an allusion to the criminal code. It was seconded by Mr. Clarke, of Berghapton, and supported by Archdeacon Bathurst. Col. Wodehouse then moved his address, which was seconded by Mr. T. Cubitt, and supported by Mr. M. Elwin and Mr. C. Harvey. Much altercation and confusion ensued, and the High Sheriff (Mr. Edward Lombe), who presided, adjourned the meeting sine die. Those who approved the address proposed by Col. Wodehouse adjourned to the grand jury room and signed it. It was subsequently presented to the Prince Regent.

—Died in Little Charlotte Street, London, aged 29, Mrs. Fisher, wife of Mr. David Fisher, of Drury Lane Theatre. She left a family of three children.

Remarkably mild weather was experienced during this month. The cuckoo was heard at the beginning, and vegetation advanced till the middle of the month.

1819.

JANUARY.

12.—A new peal of six bells hung in St. Gregory’s Church by Mr. Hurry, of Norwich, was opened by the St. Peter Mancroft ringers, and a dinner in commemoration of the event took place at the Old Goat, Goat Lane.

13.—At the Norfolk Quarter Sessions was tried the appeal Burrows v. J. Stracey. The appellant was the keeper of the Norfolk and Norwich Arms public-house at Sprowston, and was convicted by the respondent under 26th George III., for selling beer without a licence, when in reality he then had a licence authorising him to do so from the Supervisor of Excise for Norwich under certificate from the magistrates of that city. He appealed against the conviction on the ground that the county magistrates had not the power to grant him such licence, his house being situated in the county of the city of Norwich, and not within the county of Norfolk as contended by the respondent. Counsel for the appellant produced the Charter made in the reign of Philip and Mary, whereby various lands lying in the county were granted to the Corporation of Norwich, amongst which was that part of Sprowston where the appellant’s house stood. The Town Clerk of Norwich was called for the respondent, and said he never remembered the magistrates of the city having exercised acts of jurisdiction over the locality in question, nor had it ever paid rates to the city. The court confirmed the conviction.

14.—Died at his apartments in Drury Lane, London, Mr. E. H. Seymour, formerly of Norwich Theatre. He was author of a work dedicated to Sheridan—“Remarks Critical, Conjectural, and Explanatory on the Works of Shakespeare.”

23.—Madame Tussaud’s collection of “composition figures representing ninety public characters” was exhibited at the Angel Inn, Norwich.

25.—The Fox birthday dinner, held at the Norwich Assembly Rooms, was presided over by the Earl of Albemarle, who was supported by Mr. T. W. Coke, M.P., Viscount Bury, the High Sheriff, and Mr. W. Smith, M.P.

29.—The Rev. Levi Walton was elected headmaster of the Free School, Scarning, in place of the Rev. St. John Priest, whose predecessor was the Rev. Robert Potter, Prebendary of Norwich Cathedral.

It was announced this month that Mr. Thomas Clabburn, of All Saints, Norwich, had left the following bequests: To the parishes of St. John Timberhill, St. Michael-at-Thorn, St. Michael-at-Coslany, and St. John Sepulchre, £200 each; and to All Saints’ and St. Paul’s, £400 each; the interest to be given in bread and coals the first Monday in February each year. To the parish of Tasburgh, £400; and to Tharston, Flordon, and Newton Flotman, £200 each; the interest to be applied in like manner. To the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, £800; to the Treasurer of Cook’s Hospital, £800; and the like sum to the Hospital, on trust, “that the poor women therein might receive one shilling each every Monday for ever”; to the Bethel, £200; and a like sum to seven of the benevolent institutions in Norwich.

FEBRUARY.

2.—The petition of the Norwich Grand Jury at the last Summer Assizes, praying for two general gaol deliveries in the year, was presented to the House of Commons by Mr. W. Smith. Mr. Colborne, member for Thetford, presented another petition from the Mayor and Corporation of that borough, praying that there should be no change in the existing arrangements. On the 24th the Corporation of Norwich petitioned Parliament in favour of Assizes being held twice a year in the city.

—At a general Court of Guardians held at Norwich, Dr. Rigby reported that small-pox had made its appearance in several parishes in the city, and an order was made that the city surgeons vaccinate all poor persons desirous of availing themselves of their assistance.

3.—Mr. J. W. H. Payne, a native of Norwich, where he was formerly a printer and bookseller, “being reduced in circumstances was allowed to appear at the Theatre in the character of Hamlet. He succeeded in exciting the risibility of the other performers, and the loud laughter of the audience.”

Impromptu on Mr. Payne’s Performance as Hamlet.

“Let mortal man his grief and care give o’er, Nor crave the aid of potion or of pill; For Payne now makes our sides with laughter sore, And, tho’ he threatens, yet—neglects to kill.”

8.—Mr. Mathews appeared at Norwich Theatre as Solomon Gundy (“Who Wants a Guinea?”). His impersonations on succeeding evenings included Scrub (“The Beaux’ Stratagem”) and Goldfinch (“The Road to Ruin”). He also gave his entertainments, “A Trip to Paris,” “At Home,” and “The Actor of All Work.”

9.—At a general meeting of the Norwich Paving Act Commissioners a plan submitted by Mr. Gostling, of Birmingham, for lighting the city with gas was taken into consideration, and on the motion of Mr. P. M. Martineau it was agreed, by 26 votes to 17, that “it is expedient to light such parts of the city with gas on the plan suggested and that the necessary steps be taken to carry the plan into effect.” A committee was also appointed to further the project. On September 30th a meeting was held at the Guildhall for the purpose of receiving information relative to the proposed introduction of oil gas. The meeting was adjourned until the 25th, when the Mayor was invited to call a public meeting. The Paving Commissioners met on October 12th, when permission was given to break up the streets to lay down pipes, provided that such breaches were repaired to the satisfaction of the City Surveyor at the expense of the promoters. A public meeting was held on October 26th, at which it was recommended that a company be formed for the purpose of lighting the city with oil gas, and that not less than £2,500 be raised in shares of £25 each for carrying the resolution into effect. Two separate bodies appear to have come into existence, the one known as the Oil Gas Company, and the other as the Oil Gas Community. These bodies adjusted their differences, and on December 1st Mr. Charles Harvey obtained leave in the House of Commons to bring in a Bill for lighting with gas the city and county of the city of Norwich. The Bill was read a second time on December 21st, and in due course became law. On January 31st, 1820, the first of the iron gas pipes were laid in the Market Place; and on May 10th, 1820, the street lamps and burners in several shops were lighted with gas for the first time. “In the Market Place it produced a strong and steady light as far as it extended, and before Messrs. Bignold’s house and office in Surrey Street, where there were three lamps, the effect was brilliant.”

12.—A salmon measuring 48 inches in length, 23 inches in girth, and weighing 33 lbs., was caught at the New Mills, Norwich. “These fish, which are frequently taken in the same place, are mistaken by some for trouts or salmon trouts.”

15.—Miss Booth, of Covent Garden Theatre, appeared at Norwich Theatre as Letitia Hardy (“The Belle’s Stratagem”). Her other impersonations included Little Pickle (“The Spoiled Child”), Helen Worret (“Man and Wife”), Priscilla Tomboy (“The Romp”), Angela (“The Castle Spectre”), Amanthus (“Child of Nature”), and Mary (“The Innkeeper’s Daughter”).

16.—Miss Fanny Brunton made her début at Lynn Theatre as Una (“The Wood Demon”). Mr. Brunton spoke an introductory address. At the close of the Lynn season, Mr. Brunton and his company proceeded to Birmingham, where he had engaged the Theatre on his own account.

18.—Died in London, Sir Thomas Berners Plestow, Kt., of Watlington Hall, aged 70.

20.—Elizabeth Wells, wife of Robert Wells, of Gressenhall, gave birth to four living children—three boys and a girl.

24.—The honorary freedom of the city was conferred upon Mr. R. H. Gurney, M.P., for Norwich.

—The portrait, by Clover, of Mr. B. Leman, Alderman of Norwich, was ordered to be placed in St. Andrew’s Hall.

—The Corporation of Norwich petitioned Parliament praying that the punishment of death for the crime of forgery be commuted for one less severe, and for a general revision of the penal laws.

27.—One John Larkin was apprehended at Norwich “on a strong suspicion of being the person who stole a bag containing £4,739 in notes belonging to the Fakenham bank, on August 13th, 1817, from the messenger’s gig, which was conveying it from Messrs. Gurney’s bank in Norwich.” (There is no further reference to this case.)

Died, this month, aged 100, Thomas Goodings, carpenter, of Lammas.

MARCH.

7.—Died, in her 89th year, Mrs. Mary Murray, widow of Dr. John Murray, of Norwich. “Possessing a disposition congenial with that of her late excellent husband, her long life was distinguished by the practice of benevolence and of every Christian virtue.”

8.—A new tragedy, entitled “Bertha,” written by Mr. Edward Ball, of Norwich, was produced for the first time at Norwich Theatre.

—A public meeting was held at the Guildhall, Norwich, at which a subscription was raised for the relief of the distressed inhabitants of the Scilly Islands. It amounted to £315.

9.—The Hon. Edward Harbord, the unsuccessful candidate for Norwich at the previous General Election, arrived in the city and dined with the King and Constitution Club at the Maid’s Head Inn. He was elected a member of the club.

—At a meeting of merchants, manufacturers, and tradesmen, held at the Guildhall, Norwich, it was resolved to petition Parliament to amend and alter the Acts for the Relief of Insolvent Debtors in England.

15.—Capt. Manby exhibited before the Mayor and Corporation of Yarmouth “a light fire cart, provided with the necessary apparatus ready on the alarm of fire, to be applied by one man.”

—Mrs. Faucett, formerly a permanent member of the Norwich Company, and afterwards of Covent Garden Theatre, appeared at Norwich Theatre as Widow Cheerly (“The Soldier’s Daughter”). During her engagement she also impersonated Clara (“Matrimony”), Florinda (“The Apostate”), Mrs. Haller (“The Stranger”), Lady Contest (“The Wedding Day”), and Ellen Rosenberg.

16.—The foundation stone of Prince’s Street Chapel, Norwich, was laid by the Rev. John Alexander. A brass plate was placed in the stone with the following inscription:—“This plate was deposited on the 16th day of March, 1819, and in the 59th year of the reign of George III., in the foundation stone of the Protestant Dissenting Chapel, erected on a piece of freehold ground in the city of Norwich, and in the parishes of St. Michael-at-Plea and St. Peter Hungate, by the congregation attending the ministry of the Rev. John Alexander.” The building was opened for service as the Independent Chapel on December 1st, 1819, when sermons were preached by the Rev. Thomas Raffles, A.M., Liverpool, and the Rev. John Leifchild, of Kensington.

20.*—“We understand that the cooping of freemen preparatory to election of nominees for the Long Ward, Norwich, on the 31st inst., commenced more than a fortnight ago. This practice has hitherto been treated with much indifference, but as it is likely to be annually resorted to, every sincere friend of the purity of election and of the real interests of the poor men who are thereby taken from their families and from their ordinary occupations, must view it in a very serious light.” The election of common councilmen commenced in the week beginning March 28th. “The consequence of this year’s struggle has been to continue the ascendancy of the ‘Blue and White’ interest in the Common Council. Both parties succeeded in creating a superabundance of noise and confusion and in putting themselves to a vast deal of trouble, vexation, and expense. In length of purse the ‘Blues and Whites’ appear to possess a decided advantage over their ‘Purple and Orange’ opponents, and cooping, bribing, and corrupting were freely and openly practised.”

29.—Mr. Richard Mingay, a well-known member of the orchestra at Norwich Theatre, appeared upon the stage as Crack in the farce of “The Turnpike Gate.”

APRIL.

1.—A prize fight for a subscription purse of £50, given by the amateurs of Norwich, took place on Rumburgh Green, near Bungay, between Purcell and Warkley, of Norwich, a pupil of Oliver. The former was seconded by Ned Painter and Fuller, and the latter by Oliver and Scroggins. Forty-five rounds were fought in two hours three minutes, and the battle ended in favour of Purcell.

3.—A grand boxing entertainment took place at the White Swan, St. Peter Mancroft, Norwich, at which Oliver, Fuller, Turner, and Scroggins appeared.

5.—Died at St. George’s Colegate, Norwich, aged 67, Mr. John Aldis, who served the office of Sheriff in 1813.

10.—Died, aged 101, Charles Grimmer, of Norwich.

—Died, Mr. George Cobb, of Diss, aged 100.

—James Belcham was executed on Castle Hill, Norwich, for committing a burglary in an outhouse at Castleacre. He was 34 years old, and “left an aged mother, a wife in her last stage of pregnancy, and two children.” The execution was witnessed by many well-dressed women. The culprit was buried in Castleacre churchyard, and on the Sunday following the execution “a funeral sermon was preached by the Rev. Mr. Gibbs to a congregation amounting to 1,000 persons.”

15.—A public meeting was held at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, at which it was decided to petition Parliament against the duty of 6s. 6d. per chaldron on coals.

17.*—“We are informed that three cargoes of foreign barley have arrived this week at Yarmouth, which were purchased in London, and that the greater part is already brought to this city (Norwich), where it will be malted. It is a novel circumstance to have barley in the London markets at such low prices as to induce the Norfolk maltsters to bring it into this great barley county to be manufactured into malt.”

—*“Several of those machines denominated Pedestrian Hobby Horses have been exhibited here this week. The principle of this invention is taken from the art of skating, and consists in the simple idea of a seat upon two wheels propelled by the feet acting upon the ground. The riding seat or saddle is fixed on a perch upon two double shod wheels, running after each other, so that they can go upon the footways. To preserve a balance a small board covered and stuffed is placed before on which the arms are laid, and in front of which is a little guiding pole, which is held in the hand to direct the route. The swiftness with which a person can travel is almost beyond belief—eight, nine, or even ten miles an hour may be done on good level ground.”

18.—In response to a circular letter issued by the Bishop of Norwich to the clergy of the diocese, sermons were preached at the Cathedral, and at most of the churches in the city and county in aid of the funds of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts. The effort was made chiefly with the view of assisting the Bishop of Calcutta (the Right Rev. Dr. Middleton, formerly of St. Peter Mancroft, Norwich), in his benevolent plans to establish Christianity in the East Indies. The collections, subscriptions, and benefactions exceeded £1,800.

19.—A three “double day play of cocks” commenced at the White Swan Inn, Norwich, between the gentlemen of Norwich and the gentlemen of Cambridge, for 10 guineas a battle and 200 guineas the odd. Norwich won by a single battle. Feeders: Lamb for Norwich, Thompson for Cambridge.

24.—Master Sewell, the Lincolnshire gigantic youth, 13 years of age, and weighing 18 stone, and Miss Elenor Fitzjohn, Queen of the Dwarfs, 19 years old, 30 inches high, and weighing 27 lbs., were exhibited at the Two-Necked Swan, Market Place, Norwich.

—Died at St. Stephen’s, Norwich, aged 60, Mr. James Wade, butcher. He served the office of Sheriff in 1810.

26.—James Bigmore, aged 20, left Sudbury at 12.30 noon with the Phenomenon coach by the side of which he ran the whole way thence to Norwich, where he arrived at five minutes to seven o’clock. “To keep up with the coach he was obliged to run eleven miles in the first hour. On arriving at places where the coach stopped he did not take refreshment or repose, but assisted in putting the horses to at every change. He was not at all distressed on reaching Norwich.”

MAY.

1.—At a meeting held at the Rampant Horse Inn, Norwich, it was determined to call a general meeting of the farmers to consider the propriety of establishing an agricultural association to co-operate with the London General Association for the Protection of the Rights and Interests of Agriculture. At the meeting which took place on the 15th the Norfolk Association of Agriculturists was duly formed, and on the 29th Mr. Utting, of Ashwellthorpe, was appointed president.

3.—George Bidder, only 12½ years of age, demonstrated in the Old Library Room, St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, his extraordinary powers of mental calculation. He made a return visit in August.

6.—The Grand Jury at the City Sessions made a presentment to the effect that the Norwich gaol was not capable of being converted into an efficient prison for the purpose of the classification of prisoners.

13.—Died, aged 100, Mrs. Hannah Scott, of Holt.

21.—A meeting was held at the Assembly Room, East Dereham, to take into consideration the best means of obtaining navigation between that town and Norwich. A subscription was opened.

22.—Thomas Jennings, pedestrian, ran 18 miles on the turnpike road between Downham Market and Denver in two hours three minutes.

24.—The 24th Regiment of Light Dragoons, commanded by General Loftus, and chiefly composed of Norfolk men enlisted in Norwich, was disbanded at Chatham. The regiment left England in 1796, and was actively employed in India, under Lord Lake, during the Marhatta campaigns, for which service, among other distinctions, it received an honorary standard. In general orders issued on the departure of the regiment from India on October 8th, 1818, its services were very highly spoken of.

26.—A silver candelabrum, valued 200 guineas, was presented to Mr. John Patteson, at the Norfolk Hotel, Norwich, by members of the Norwich Fire and Life Societies, in recognition of the services rendered by him to the institutions. Mr. Patteson’s collection of pictures by English, Italian, and Flemish artists was this month sold by auction by Mr. Christie, and realised the sum of £2,349.

28.—Pitt’s birthday was celebrated by a dinner at the Assembly Rooms, Norwich. Mr. J. Patteson presided.

JUNE.

1.—Died suddenly at Yarmouth, Mr. Thomas Sutton, aged 66. He was surveyor to the Corporation of that borough, and was also surveyor of the works in connection with the erection of the Nelson monument. Mr. Sutton was on the summit of the pillar when he complained of dizziness, and instantly expired.

—Mr. John Watson, of Chapel Field, Norwich, proprietor of the Royal Ipswich Mail coach, issued the following notice:—“As I have been unexpectedly turned out of my coach office in the Angel yard, and have been the proprietor of the Ipswich mail 35 years, I trust you will continue to give that long established City Coach your accustomed protection, and I hope my residence amongst you for seventy-four years will plead so much in my favour, that you will be induced to desire your parcels for the city to be sent to the Maid’s Head, St. Simon’s, or to Mr. J. M. Murry’s, No. 9½, Davey Place.”

4.—The birthday of George III. was celebrated for the last time in Norwich, Yarmouth, Lynn, East Dereham, and other towns in the county.

5.—“Flying Actæons” were exhibited at the Prussia Gardens, Norwich, by Messrs. Brously and Stratford. “The machine consists of a chair fixed on to a four-wheeled carriage, in which the rider sits and guides the fore wheels, turning corners in a similar manner to the velocipedes. One hand only, however, is necessary, the other being at liberty to hold an umbrella. The hind wheels, which force the machine along, are put in motion with the feet of the rider by means of two foot-boards moved up and down alternately. With the assistance of the hand bars in going up steep hills this carriage will travel at the rate of eight miles an hour, and may easily be made for two persons to sit abreast. It is equally convenient for both males and females.”

9.—Mr. Kean commenced a short engagement at Norwich Theatre, during which he appeared as Brutus, Sir Giles Overreach, Rolla, and Hamlet.

13.—Died at Cheltenham, aged 63, Thomas Holl, formerly of Norwich, and many years proprietor of the “Worcester Herald.”

17.—A grave was opened under peculiar circumstances in St. Julian’s churchyard, Norwich. A woman had died of small-pox, and was buried within 48 hours of her death. It was suspected that she had been buried alive, and the rumour was circulated that groans had been heard proceeding from the grave. On the body being exhumed a medical man pronounced life to be extinct.

18.—Died at his house on Castle Meadow, Norwich, aged 53, Mr. William Stevenson, veterinary surgeon. “He was an excellent operator, and stood alone and unrivalled in comparative anatomy and pathology.”

—A piece of plate, valued at 100 guineas, was presented at the Half Moon Tavern, Yarmouth, to Mr. N. B. Palmer, in recognition of his services in securing the return to Parliament of the Hon. George Anson and Mr. Rumbold.

19.—The Norwich and London caravans were advertised to perform the journey in 24 hours. They set out from the Angel Inn at six a.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and from the Swan-with-Two-Necks, Lad Lane, London, on Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday evening. Goods were conveyed from London to Norwich at 7s. per cwt., and from Norwich to London at 9s. per cwt.

22.—Mr. Nathaniel Bolingbroke was sworn into office as Mayor of Norwich. There was no guild feast, but 80 of the Mayor’s friends dined at the Assembly Rooms in honour of the day.

JULY.

4.—A severe thunderstorm occurred, accompanied by a tremendous hailstorm and a heavy rain. Hundreds of acres of turnips were washed away in various parts of the county. Upwards of £600 worth of damage was done to the wheat and barley crops of Mr. William Ungless, of Whitwell, near Reepham.

5.—Holkham Sheep Shearing commenced. In a speech at the dinner Sir John Sinclair confessed that he came to Holkham prejudiced in favour of the broad-cast system of agriculture, but after what he had seen and heard during his visit he was now convinced that the drill system was superior.

8.—Many deaths having occurred from small-pox in Norwich the Mayor, in accordance with a requisition, called a public meeting at the Guildhall, and resolutions were passed in favour of general vaccination. From January 6th to the September ensuing 519 deaths were recorded. “There has not been a single death from small-pox in those parishes where vaccination has most prevailed.”

9.—Work was completed at the Nelson Monument, Yarmouth, and the scaffolding on the top removed.

12.—The Duke of Gloucester and Princess Mary, with other distinguished personages, paid a visit to Mr. T. W. Coke, M.P., at Holkham.

14.—Died at his house in Union Place, Norwich, aged 39, Mr. William Saint, “whose extraordinary mathematical talents advanced him to the honourable situation of professor of that science in the Royal Institution at Woolwich.” In the latter part of his life he was employed in teaching mathematics in Norwich. His widow was appointed matron of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital.

20.—A cricket match for £500 was played at Newmarket, between the Holt and Cambridge clubs. Holt, 93-56; Cambridge, 65-34.

27.—A meeting, presided over by the Mayor, was held at the Guildhall, Norwich, for the purpose of “taking into consideration the state of mendicity in the city.” The meeting was adjourned until October 22nd, when, on the motion of the Hon. Edward Harbord, it was unanimously resolved to establish a Society for the Suppression of Mendicity in Norwich. At the first annual meeting, held on October 9th, 1820, it was reported that 437 vagrants had been dealt with by the society, and had been relieved with food and lodgings at small expense, and others had been handled over to the magistrates as notorious impostors.

28.—The first anniversary of the King and Constitution Club was celebrated by a dinner at the Maid’s Head Inn, Norwich. Mr. Thomas Starling Day was president, and Mr. Skipper, vice-president.

AUGUST.

1.—Mr. Thomas Amyot, formerly private secretary to the Right Hon. William Windham, deceased, and a resident in Norwich, was appointed Registrar under the Act for establishing a Registry of Colonial Slaves in Great Britain.

3.—Two troops of the 9th Lancers, commanded by Capt. Daly, arrived in Norwich to replace the 15th Light Dragoons ordered to Manchester.

4.—A prize fight took place in Kirby Park between Cox, the Norwich blacksmith, and Christopher Barlee, the Berghapton Groom. Seventy-two rounds were fought, and Cox won. Upwards of 5,000 persona were present.

10.—At the reception of his Majesty’s Judges of Assize at Norwich the coach of the High Sheriff of Norfolk (Sir W. W. Dalling) was drawn by a team of six piebald horses, “preceded by a full retinue”; and the City Sheriffs rode in a coach drawn by four greys, and attended by their servants.