Norfolk Annals, Vol. 1 / A Chronological Record of Remarkable Events in the Nineteeth Century

30.—Died, at Hardingham, aged 64, Sir Archibald Dickson, Admiral of the Blue.

31.—Thomas H. Case, of Great Fransham, formerly a private in the East Dereham or Second Troop of Yeomanry Cavalry, was charged before the Rev. Dixon Hoste with “obstinately refusing to deliver up his arms, accoutrements, and clothing,” for which he was fined £10.

—A two days’ race meeting commenced at Tivetshall.  “The poney races afforded excellent sport, and there was some good running between the hunters.”

JUNE.

4.*—“This week the West Norfolk Militia marched from Thetford and Dereham to Colchester Barracks, to which place the East Norfolk have received orders to march next week.”

13.—The Duke of Cambridge and suite arrived in Norwich from Yarmouth.  After changing horses and taking refreshment at the Maid’s Head, they proceeded on their way to London, by Attleborough.  His Royal Highness had come to Yarmouth in the Amethyst frigate, with Prince William of Gloucester, from Cuxhaven, where they narrowly escaped being made prisoners by the advance guard of the French army.  The French general in Holland put an immense number of fishing boats in requisition for the avowed purpose of invading England.

—The Aldermen requested the concurrence of the Common Council of Norwich to a dutiful and loyal address to his Majesty “on the present important crisis,” and a motion was made for the appointment of a committee to draw up such address.  It was opposed by several members of the Common Council, and on a division rejected by 29 votes to 19.

21.—Mr. John Patteson was appointed to be lieutenant-colonel, Mr. Charles Harvey, major, and Messrs. Andrew Sieley, J. H. Cole, R. Partridge, and Hammond Fiske, captains in the battalion of Norwich Volunteers.

This month a ballot took place for the Supplementary Militia.  Under the Army of Reserve Act, Norfolk (including Norwich) raised 927 men.

9.—At a meeting of the deputy-lieutenants and magistrates of the county, presided over by the Marquis Townshend, the plan recommended by the Government, for establishing a system of communication throughout the county and for rendering the body of the people instrumental in the general defence and preservation of property in case of invasion, was approved and adopted.  The county was formed into 13 divisions, consisting of a certain number of hundreds; each division was placed under the charge of lieutenants of divisions, nominated by the Lord Lieutenant; each hundred was under a magistrate, known as an Inspector of the Hundred; and each parish under some gentleman, clergyman, or principal farmer, termed Superintendent of the Parish.

13.—On this day and on the 14th, William Green, bricklayer, undertook at Yarmouth, for a bet of five guineas, to lay 3,800 bricks in a workmanlike manner in 24 hours, and completed his task in 20 hours, on a new building at the Bowling Green House.

23.—Two men, named Denny and Allen, were placed in the pillory at Norwich, in accordance with sentence passed upon them at the Quarter Sessions on July 15th, for conspiracy against Mr. F. Latham.  “Over their heads was the inscription, ‘False Conspirators.’  Allen wept bitterly when he was put in, but Denny, with great effrontery, continued to nod and smile at the numerous spectators, until the people, by a shower of rotten eggs, and, at last, potatoes, convinced him of their detestation and abhorrence of his character and crime.  This continued for about half-an-hour, when Denny, against whom all their violence was directed, appeared to faint, and by the advice of a medical man was taken out of the pillory and conducted to the gaol, where, being examined by several medical men, he was deemed to be in a fit state to be replaced on the pillory, and was carried back for that purpose, but all efforts to reinstate him there proved ineffectual, and he lay thereon till the hour was expired, amidst the execrations of the enraged multitude.  When Denny was taken out the populace clamorously demanded that Allen, whose appearance excited their commiseration rather than their indignation, should be taken down.  Mr. Sheriff Back immediately ascended the scaffold, and with the greatest firmness and severity expressed his determination to enforce obedience to the laws and to carry the sentence fully into execution.  When the hour was expired they were taken down and removed to the Bridewell to undergo two years’ imprisonment.”

23.*—“All persons arrived from France and Holland and witnessed the immense preparations which are now making for the invasion of this country, express astonishment at the apathy and indifference which prevail here.”

24.—This day (Sunday) the Norfolk Rangers (Yeomanry Cavalry) had a field day at Rainham Park, and subscribed £100 towards the fund instituted by the merchants of London for the relief of persons “who may suffer in the general defence of the country.”

—*“The male part of the Norwich Company (theatrical) have agreed to enroll themselves to learn the use of arms.”

—*“Messrs. Marsh and Sons, Norwich and Cambridge carriers, have within the last few days offered, for the service of the Government in case of invasion, 100 horses, 12 broad-wheel waggons, 24 men as drivers and assistants, 24 boats, amounting altogether to 200 tons burden, 6 watermen, and 9 boys, with blacksmiths, with their apparatus, tools, &c., and 2 wheelwrights, and 2 harness makers, with all necessary tools.”

—Major-General Money published an address on the necessity of immediately associating, subscribing, and arming for the defence of the county in case of invasion.  It resulted in the formation of Volunteer corps in all the seaports and market towns in Norfolk.

Capt. John Harvey was this month promoted to be major of the squadron of Norwich Light Horse Volunteers.

During this month the number of poor in the Norwich Workhouse did not exceed 400, “a circumstance almost unprecedented.”

AUGUST.

6.*—“The Rev. Mr. Beloe, formerly of this city, has been appointed librarian to the British Museum.”

9.—A brig was launched from Cattermoul’s yard at Thorpe, near Norwich, in the presence of many hundreds of spectators.  “She went off the stocks in very fine style, but when she was towing ashore for the company on board to get off her, everyone endeavouring to get ashore first, the weight of such a body of people, added to those on the rigging, overset her.  Nearly one hundred men, women, and children were plunged into the water, and messengers were at once sent to Norwich for medical assistance.”  It is somewhat remarkable that no lives were lost.

20.—The case of Mr. Cony, a ward in Chancery, came before the Court of Chancery.  He was only 17 years of age, and had married Elizabeth Franklin, the daughter of an innkeeper at Downham Market, in which district he possessed a large property.  The marriage took place by licence in London.  The Chancellor annulled the marriage, ordering the cessation of all further intercourse between the parties, at the same time intimating that, if his orders were not strictly complied with, “he should take such steps as would prevent the possibility of their meeting.”

25.—Mr. George Wyer, of Downham Market, “carried a 20 stone sack of flour one mile, leading through the town of Watton, for a wager of 230 guineas, which he performed with great ease in 18 minutes, to the astonishment of a vast number of spectators.”

SEPTEMBER.

1.—The first parade of the Norwich Regiment of Volunteer Infantry took place.  Eight battalion companies, a light infantry company, and a grenadier company were formed, and “from five barrels of British brown stout they drank the King’s health and prosperity to their country and city, and success to the corps.”

7.—The brass ordnance belonging to the city were tested by some of the regular artillery stationed in Norwich.  Four of the guns burst, and appended to the account delivered to the Corporation was the intimation:—“It is customary for the corporal to have the old metal when any of the pieces burst.”  The official reply was to the effect that the Corporation were of opinion that the corporal “did not want brass.”  The iron nine-pounders stood the test.  The brass gun used by Kett in 1549 was preserved as a relic.

22.—The Norwich Volunteers, commanded by Lieut.-Col. Patteson, entered the Market Place, and after marching round the Hall and saluting the Corporation, had their colours presented to them by the Mayor.  The men were afterwards regaled at Neeche’s Gardens, and the officers dined at the King’s Head.

24*—“Telegraphs, signal flags, or tar barrels are being stationed on all the churches and lofty edifices on the coast, in order to give in a chain of communication the earliest intelligence, either by night or day, of the event of the enemy’s landing.”

OCTOBER.

6.—At the Norfolk Quarter Sessions various resolutions were adopted and transmitted to the Government regarding the defence of the county.  The principal resolution was as follows:—“An object of most essential concern, which this meeting think it incumbent upon them to point out, is the town and port of Yarmouth, the infinite importance of which as the principal and almost only naval station in the North Sea, and the circumstances of which they do not wish to detail, but which, they conceive, require the immediate attention of the Government, in order that they may be rendered as secure against attack likely to be made upon it by land as by the presence of a fleet, it is, they presume, against any attempt by sea.”

15.—At a parade of the Norwich Volunteers this day (Sunday) a letter was read from the Lord Lieutenant, asking if they would undertake to perform permanent duty at Yarmouth.  A unanimous reply was given in the affirmative, and “the officers and gentlemen of the Light Horse Volunteers laid their hands on their breasts, as an appeal to their honour to undertake the duty whenever they should be required.”  Shortly afterwards the commanding officers received instructions to have their corps in a perfect state of military equipment, and be prepared to march at a moment’s notice.

18.—The Artillery, Shropshire Militia, and the Volunteer Corps (horse and foot) took part in a sham fight on Bramerton Common.  General Milner, the inspecting officer, commended all arms for their steadiness on parade.

19.—A general fast was observed.  The Bishop of Norwich preached at the Cathedral, and the military attended service in the evening.

22.—Died, at Norwich, Mr. Elias Norgate, aged 76.  He served the office of Sheriff in 1781, and of Mayor in 1785, and was a surgeon of great local eminence.

26.—The Lord Lieutenant transmitted to the justices of the peace his Majesty’s proclamation for establishing certain regulations under the Act, respecting aliens arriving in the kingdom or resident therein.

The monument to the memory of the Poet Cowper and of his friend, Mrs. Unwin, in the church of St. Nicholas, East Dereham, was erected this month.

NOVEMBER.

5.—Bonfires were prohibited in city and county, “as they might cause a false alarm.”

9.—The Fakenham Volunteers, Capt. P. M. Case, marched into Norwich from Aylsham.  There were four officers, seven sergeants, four drummers, and 80 privates.  This was the first Volunteer corps in Norfolk to volunteer for garrison duty at Yarmouth.

16.—The Norfolk Rangers arrived at Norwich on the termination of their duty at Yarmouth, and on the next day proceeded to their homes.

22.—The Norwich Regiment of Volunteer Infantry, under Lieut.-Col. Harvey, paraded on Tombland and marched to Yarmouth for garrison duly.  On the same day Col. Patteson’s battalion marched in.  They were preceded by the Fakenham corps, whose headquarters were at the White Swan.

30.—The troops stationed at Yarmouth were reviewed upon the Denes by General Milner.

—At the annual meeting of the Society of Universal Good Will, Norwich (formerly the Scots Society), it was reported that since its establishment in 1775 it had relieved 1,813 persons.

—The Lord Lieutenant received a circular letter from the Government, relative to the appointment of such householders to act as special constables who were not enrolled in any Volunteer corps.

—Mr. Thomas Wm. Coke was gazetted captain of the Holkham Yeomanry Cavalry.

—Alderman John Herring, of Norwich, received from the Duke of York a letter, in which his Royal Highness expressed approbation of the readiness with which the Norwich Volunteers had undertaken to do garrison duty at Yarmouth.

DECEMBER.

1.—Died, in Norwich, aged 43, Mr. James Burkin Burroughes, captain of the Blofield and South Walsham troop of Yeomanry Cavalry.  His remains were interred, with military honours, at Burlingham on December 6th.

—The squadron of Norwich Light Horse, Major John Harvey, marched to Yarmouth, to relieve the Tunstead and Happing troop.

6.—Col. Harvey’s battalion returned to Norwich from Yarmouth.  In the Regimental Orders, Col. Harvey referred to the steady and orderly march on the road, to the loyal discharge of duty at Yarmouth, and to the kindness with which the people of that town treated the men while in quarters.

20.—The North Walsham Volunteers marched from that town at four o’clock in the morning, and arrived at Yarmouth at one o’clock, “without leaving a single man behind, although the roads were extremely bad, and the distance 26 miles.”

22.—The Dereham and Swaffham troops of Yeomanry Cavalry (Capts. Crisp and Johnson) marched through Norwich to Yarmouth, to relieve the Lynn and Freebridge troops.  The Diss (Capt. Woodward), Wells (Capt. Bloom), and Old Buckenham (Capt. Powell) companies of infantry marched into Yarmouth for a fortnight’s garrison duty.

25.—This day (Sunday) the Norwich Rifle Corps paraded at St. Andrew’s Hall, took the oath of allegiance, and attended service at the church of St. Peter Mancroft.  (The uniform and appointments of this corps consisted of a dark green jacket, with lace of the same colour, pantaloons, and short black gaiters; hussar cap, with green feather and trimmings; a rifle-carbine, sword bayonet attached to the side by a black waist belt, and a ball pouch and powder horn slung from the left shoulder.)

—At a church parade of the Lynn Sea Fencibles, Capt. Bentinck, the commanding officer, presented to the corps “a most elegant banner,” worked by Viscountess Andover, daughter of Mr. Coke, M.P.

30.—The Hingham troop (Capt. Alpe) and the Wymondham troop (Capt. the Hon. Wm. Wodehouse) marched to Yarmouth, to relieve the Dereham and Swaffham troops.

31.—The Dereham troop, which left Yarmouth on the 30th, arrived at Dereham, and was welcomed by a great concourse of the inhabitants.  The church bells were rung, and the officers and many members of the troop dined in the evening at the King’s Arms Inn.

The twenty-two troops of Yeomanry Cavalry in the county were this month formed into three regiments.  The Marquis Townshend was appointed colonel of the Western Regiment; Major-General Money, colonel of the Eastern Regiment; and Col. (afterwards Brigadier-General) Bulwer, colonel of the Midland (or Mid Norfolk) Regiment.

31.—Polito’s wild beasts were exhibited in the yard at the Duke’s Palace, Norwich.

1804.

JANUARY.

3.—The Old Buckenham Volunteers marched into Norwich from Yarmouth, and next day proceeded to their homes.  The corps numbered 5 officers and 125 non-commissioned officers and privates.

7.—Died, at Colchester, aged 65, Sir William Gordon, Bart., captain in the West Norfolk Militia, and for many years a resident in Norwich.

12.—A meeting was held at the Shirehall, Norwich, as to the depressed state of the corn trade.  It was resolved to petition Parliament on the subject.  (The prices quoted at this date were:—Wheat, 14s. to 26s.; barley, 9s. 6d. to 10s.; oats, 9s. 6d. to 10s. 6d. per coomb.)

13.—The Wymondham troop of Yeomanry Cavalry, commanded by Capt. the Hon. Wm. Wodehouse, attended at Kimberley and “thanked Lady Wodehouse for the colours lately presented by her ladyship, when they had the honour of dining with the family.”

14.—The colours of the Norwich Juvenile Regiment of Infantry were presented to them by “a young lady of the city.”  (This was a cadet corps, armed with dummy muskets and tin bayonets.)

14.*—(Advt.)  “The Norwich and Yarmouth Volunteer Coach leaves the Bell Inn, Hog Hill, every morning at eight o’clock, to the Wrestlers Inn, Great Yarmouth, and returns at four o’clock.”

18.—The City of Norwich Regiment of Volunteer Infantry, Lieut.-Col. Harvey, were presented with colours by the Mayor and Corporation.  The colours were consecrated by the Rev. E. S. Thurlow, Prebendary of Norwich, and handed to the colonel by the Mayor (Mr. John Morse); and the King’s and regimental standards were delivered to the ensigns.  The artillery, on Castle Hill, fired salutes, and the regiment discharged three volleys in the Market Place in the presence of an immense crowd.

22.—This day (Sunday) John Baker, a private in the Loddon Volunteers, was dismissed, “with every mark of ignominy at the head of the company, for refusing to take the oath of allegiance to his Majesty.  His arms and accoutrements, together with the Volunteer clothing, were stripped off on parade, much to the satisfaction of the whole corps.”

31.—A baker of Norwich, named Winter, undertook, for a wager of £40, to carry 6s. worth of bread in a basket from Norwich to Yarmouth within six hours.  He accomplished his task in 5 hours 35 minutes.

Mr. T. W. Coke was this month promoted to be lieutenant-colonel of the Western Regiment of Yeomanry Cavalry; Mr. Hammond Alpe to be lieutenant-colonel of the Eastern Regiment; and Mr. John Smyth to be lieutenant-colonel of the Midland Regiment.

300 pikes were sent to Norwich for the use of the special constables, who were called out to receive instruction in the pike exercise.

Flag staffs were placed at Rainham Hall, Holkham Hall, and Houghton Hall.  The red flag was only to be hoisted in case of actual invasion or on the appearance of an enemy on the coast.

The ladies of Lynn inaugurated a movement for making flannel underclothing for the use of the men of the Lynn Volunteers.

FEBRUARY.

4.—The Cromer Sea Fencibles were practising with canister and grape shot upon the beach, when a ball struck Capt. Tremlett, R.N., on the foot, and shattered the leg of Mr. John Smith, so as to render immediate amputation necessary.  A public subscription, amounting to £500, was made for Mr. Smith.

21.—Died, at Long Stratton, Mrs. Everitt, a Quaker, who had attained her one hundredth year.  Lineally descended from her and living at the time were 77 children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

27.—Colours were presented to the East Dereham troop of Yeomanry Cavalry by Mrs. Smyth, on behalf of the ladies of the town and neighbourhood.  The troop, accompanied by Capt. Leeder’s corps of infantry, attended service at the parish church, where the colours were “consecrated by prayer,” and the sermon was preached by the Rev. Geo. Preston, curate.  A dinner followed at the King’s Arms Inn.

The Corporation of Norwich this month ordered an iron bridge to be erected at St. Michael’s Coslany.  It was opened on November 15th.

MARCH.

1.—The birthday of the Marquis Townshend was celebrated at Fakenham by a dinner to the Norfolk Rangers.

27.—Lieut.-General Sir James Craig inspected the batteries and works from Holt to Cromer.  Next day he reviewed, near Norwich, the 24th Regiment of Foot (Col. Macdonald); the detachment of Royal Artillery under Capt. Fyers; and two troops of the 1st Dragoons (Capt. Craven).

APRIL.

10.—Died, aged 12, Lord Viscount Bury, eldest son of the Earl of Albemarle.

11.—Commodore Sir Sidney Smith arrived at Norwich from Yarmouth, proceeded next day on a tour of the county, and returned to Yarmouth on the 13th.

21.—James Airton was publicly whipped in Norwich Market Place for stealing a box coat from the coach-house of Mr. Wm. Harvey.

25.—The Scipio of North Shields, Capt. Robinson, coal laden, was attacked by a sloop-rigged privateer four miles from Cromer.  A sharp action, lasting three quarters of an hour, ensued, when the privateer sheered off.  Capt. Robinson was wounded in the foot by a musket ball, and the vessel, whose sails and rigging were very much cut, was taken by the crew to Yarmouth Roads, where medical assistance was rendered to Capt. Robinson on board the Irresistible.

The portrait, painted by Hoppner, of the Right Hon. William Windham was this month placed in St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich.  It was afterwards engraved in mezzotinto by Reynolds.

MAY.

2.—The gibbet on which the body of Payne (the pirate) was hung in chains, about 23 years previously, upon Yarmouth North Denes, was taken down by order of the Corporation.  “A ludicrous circumstance happened the night it was erected.  The different tackling being all adjusted previous to putting down the gibbet the day before Payne was hanged, some daring licencious bloods hoisted up a young ass by the hind legs, to the amusement of the spectators next morning, who could not but be surprised to find the gibbet so unexpectedly occupied.  In consequence, however, the tackling became so entangled that until a young sailor undertook to climb the gibbet the prisoner could not be suspended.”

3.—The 2nd Battalion Norfolk Volunteer Infantry marched into Yarmouth for a fortnight’s permanent duty.

—A party of the Shropshire Militia marched into Norwich from Yarmouth with 84 French and Dutch prisoners, including five officers.  The next day they proceeded on their route for Yaxley Barracks, under an escort provided by the 24th Regiment of Foot.

—An assembly of the Corporation of Norwich unanimously requested Mr. Charles Harvey, Recorder of the city, to sit for his portrait.

5.*—(Advt.)  “There will be a regular main of cocks fought between the gentlemen of Norwich and the gentlemen of Norfolk, to show 21 mains for ten guineas the battle, and 50 the odd.  The three turn outs for ten guineas a battle; to fight on the 23rd and 24th days of May at Mrs. Back’s, at the Bowling Green, Chapel Field.  A pair of cocks to be pitted at six o’clock precisely.  Feeders, Lamb for Norwich; Cox for Norfolk.”

13.—Died, aged 76, the Rev. John Bruckner.  He was invited to Norwich in 1750 as minister of the Walloon congregation, and during many years gave public and private lessons in French.

—The 10th Battalion Norfolk Volunteer Infantry marched into Lynn for ten days’ permanent duty.

14.—The birthday of the Right Hon. Wm Windham was celebrated by a numerous party of his friends at the Angel Inn, Norwich.

—The 1st Battalion of Norfolk Volunteer Infantry marched to Yarmouth for 14 days’ permanent duty.

21.—The 3rd Regiment of Norfolk Yeomanry Cavalry marched into Norwich for five days’ drill, and on the 24th were inspected by Major-General Milner at Hellesdon.

22.—The Blickling and Gunton Riflemen, commanded by the Hon. Lieut.-Col. Harbord, marched into Norwich, and next day proceeded to Yarmouth for 14 days’ permanent duty.

24.—A tight rope performer, named Richer, appeared at Norwich Theatre, where his performances were “the theme of general admiration.”

25.—A general fast was observed.  At Yarmouth, the Shropshire Militia and Volunteers on permanent duty, to the number of nearly 2,500, attended Divine service.

26.—The Helena war sloop, of 20 guns, Capt. Losack, was launched from Mr. John Preston’s dockyard at Yarmouth.

—The North Walsham Light Infantry marched into Yarmouth for 14 days’ permanent duty.

—The 7th Battalion of the Army of Reserve, to which 500 Norfolk and Suffolk men belonged, volunteered to extend their services and become a regiment of the line.

JUNE.

1.—The City of Norwich Battalion of Volunteer Infantry, under the command of Lieut.-Col. Harvey, began one month’s permanent duty in Norwich.  The battalion mustered 500, exclusive of officers.

4.—The King’s birthday was celebrated in Norwich.  The detachment of Royal Artillery, the 24th Regiment of Foot, and the Norwich and Catton Volunteers, to the total number of 1,700, paraded on the Castle Hill, and fired a feu de joie.  At Cromer, the Sea Fencibles, under Capt. Tremlett, R.N., three companies of the 4th Battalion Norfolk Volunteers, commanded by Lieut.-Col. George Windham, and the Volunteers of the Cromer battery had a sham fight at that place.  Other Volunteer corps in the county held ceremonial parades.

7.—The water mills of Mr. Wm. Partridge, of North Walsham, were destroyed by fire.

18.—The Corporation of Norwich granted the Blackfriars’ site in St. Andrew’s to the Court of Guardians for 200 years, the latter body having considered plans for improving the workhouse there for the accommodation of 800 persons.

—A motion by the Common Council of Norwich, to confer the freedom of the city upon Mr. R. Fellowes, M.P., and Mr. W. Smith, M.P., was, on a division, rejected by the aldermen by ten votes to eight.

—A motion was made in the Common Council to augment the sum of £100, allowed to the Mayor towards defraying the expenses of the Guild-day festival, but, as the revenue of Norwich did not justify the increase, it was not acceded to by the aldermen.  The allowance of £100 was fixed 80 years previously.

25.—Holkham Sheep Shearing commenced.  “Mr. Coke won the sweepstakes, having estimated with more exactness than any of his competitors the weight both of wool and of carcase of the Southdown ewe slain on the occasion.”  A drill for “scattering at the same time turnip seed and the dust of pounded oil cakes, believed to be the best adapted manure,” was exhibited.

30.—Several “battles” were fought on Yarmouth Denes by the soldiers of the Shropshire Regiment.  In an encounter between a private and an officer’s servant, the former received injuries from which he died three hours after, and at the inquest a verdict of manslaughter was returned against his assailant.

Major-General Money was appointed to the staff of the Eastern District.  The command consisted of 32,000 fully equipped and efficient men.

Under Mr. Pitt’s Defence Bill the quota for Norfolk was 1,813 men.

JULY.

1.—The City of Norwich Battalion of Volunteer Infantry terminated its permanent duty of 30 days.  All ranks received the highest commendation of Major-General Milner and Lieut.-Col. Metzner.

3.—The malt kiln, with a granary and dwelling-house, at the new brewery of Messrs. Prentice and Co., King Street, Norwich, was destroyed by fire.  The loss amounted to nearly £1,000.

5.—The East Harling magistrates fined a farmer 20s., for refusing to send his waggon to assist in taking the baggage of the East Suffolk Militia from Thetford to Downham, after having been summoned for that purpose.

6.—Mrs. Bennett, wife of an actor in the Norwich company, gave birth to triplets.

—A foot race was run by Lord Frederick Bentinck and the Hon. Edward Harbord for the sum of 100 guineas, between the second and third milestone on the Edgeware Road, London.  Mr. Harbord won easily.

14.—Messrs. Fisher and Scragg’s Company of Comedians concluded a theatrical season at East Dereham.  Fisher ultimately assumed the sole management of the company, which for many years performed in its own theatres on the Norfolk and Suffolk Circuit.

—At the Norwich Court of Mayoralty, Mr. Edward Manning, citizen and brazier, was elected Sheriff, but was discharged from office on paying the statutory fine of £80.  The letter was afterwards sent to Mr. James Pastons, citizen and grocer, and to Mr. John Howard, citizen and baker, who were also excused from serving on both paying the same fine.  The letter was then sent to Mr. James Watts, citizen and butcher, who received his discharge on payment of the fine.  It was next sent to Mr. Cotton Wright, citizen and coomber, who verbally replied that “he had neither ate nor drank at the expense of the Corporation, and he should neither pay the fine nor serve the office.”  Mr. Wright paid the fine, but denied that he had sent the message above quoted.  Eventually Mr. John Wright, citizen and linen draper, accepted office.

16.—The Yarmouth Volunteer Infantry terminated a fortnight’s garrison duty there.

21.*—“The Norwich and Yarmouth water frolics last week offered the utmost gratification to lovers of aquatic exercises.  Nearly twenty boats proceeded from Sandling’s Ferry to Postwick Grove and the Wood’s End, and, if the day proved unfavourable, mirth and good humour prevailed.”  The Mayor of Yarmouth and several members of the Corporation proceeded in a wherry, “purposely fitted up and plentifully stored,” over Breydon.  Several boats started for a silver cup, which was won by Mr. Lovell’s craft.

—A “farewell dejeune” was given at Cromer by Brigadier-General Sherbrooke, on his removal from the Holt district.  Breakfast was served at the New Inn, and was attended, amongst others, by Col. and Mrs. Macdonald, Sir Jacob and Lady Astley, and Sir Edward and Lady Berry.  Then the company adjourned to a barn, where dancing was kept up till five o’clock in the afternoon.

23.—A silver vase, which cost upwards of £700, was presented by Mr. Dusgate, in the name of the farmers of Norfolk, to Mr. T. W. Coke, “as a token of their esteem, for the liberality of his conduct as a landlord, and of their gratitude for the benefit of his example as a practical farmer and most valuable member of society.”

25.—The East and West Regiments of Norfolk Militia marched from Colchester Barracks to Coxheath Camp, in Kent, which was reached on the 27th.

28.—A general meeting of Lieutenancy was held at the Shirehall, Norwich, to carry into execution an Act “for establishing and maintaining a permanent additional force for the defence of the realm, and to provide for augmenting his Majesty’s regular forces, and for the gradual reduction of the Militia of England.”

30.—At the Norfolk Assizes, held at Norwich, before Lord Chief Justice Mansfield, a prisoner, named John Heath, was charged with an offence committed at Great Melton, “but it being proved that the prisoner was both deaf and dumb by the visitation of God, the prosecution was stopped, but he was ordered to remain till the next Assizes.”  (There is no further record of the case.)

Col. Bulwer, of Heydon, was this month appointed Brigadier-General in the Eastern District.  On August 8th, he fixed his headquarters in Norwich, and reviewed the several corps of Volunteers in the city, and on September 1st it was announced that the general had been ordered to Liverpool, to take command of the Volunteers in that district.

AUGUST.

3.—A violent thunderstorm occurred.  Several horses were killed by lightning in different parts of the county; mills and barns were damaged, and trees torn up by the roots.

4.—At the Norfolk and Norwich Assizes, the action, Palmer v. James and William Bloomfield, was tried.  It was an action for trespass, and the plaintiff, a miller at Elsing, claimed £2,000 damages because the defendants, occupiers of land at Bylaugh, had cut away a large part of the bank of the river Wensum, whereby a great quantity of water escaped from the stream into an old river or drain, and he was deprived of its service for the working of his mill.  The hearing lasted ten hours, and Lord Chief Justice Mansfield, who left the court at eleven p.m., received the jury at his lodgings, when they returned a verdict for the defendants.  In the Court of Common Pleas, on November 12th, rule nisi was taken for a new trial, but there is no further record of the case.

9.—Died, aged 83, the Rev. Robert Potter, M.A., Prebendary of Norwich Cathedral, vicar of Lowestoft, and a translator of Æschylus and other writers of Greek tragedy.

18.—The death was recorded, at Bungay, of Mr. Thomas Miller, who was born at Norwich on August 14th, 1731.  He was an extensive collector of books and antiquities, and in 1795 issued the “Miller half-penny,” of which only twenty-three pieces were struck off.

22.—A threshing machine on an entirely new principle, invented by a Devonshire engineer, named Ball, was tested at Norwich.  At Hethersett, on December 6th, in competition with another machine, built by John Brown, a Norwich mechanic, it thrashed in 50 minutes 40 seconds about 29½ coombs of barley, Brown’s machine breaking down.  Mutual recriminations and threats of legal proceedings followed, but without result.

Night signals were established along the coast, and special constables sworn in at Yarmouth, Lynn, and elsewhere.

At the suggestion of Major-General Money, two companies of Sharpshooters were raised, and, with a company of Cavalry Pioneers, were attached to the East Norfolk Regiment of Yeomanry Cavalry.

SEPTEMBER.

1.—What was considered to be a big bag of partridges was killed at Stiffkey by Lord James Townshend and Major Loftus, namely, 43 brace.  At Cromer, Major Windham killed 25 brace.

4.—The Musquito brig, of 18 guns, was launched from Mr. John Preston’s yard at Yarmouth.

6.—The Cygnet sloop of war, of 18 guns, was launched from Mr. Nathaniel Palmer’s yard at Yarmouth.

13.—Excessive heat prevailed.  On this day 80 degrees Fahr. was recorded.

15.*—“The Ipswich Mail now goes every day from the King’s Head Inn, Market Place, Norwich, to the Swan with two Necks, Lad Lane; and the Newmarket Mail to the Golden Cross, Charing Cross, daily.  The mails arrive in London every morning at seven o’clock.”

24.—The East Norfolk Regiment of Yeomanry Cavalry, with Capt. C. Brown’s Company of Cavalry Pioneers, and Capt. Pillan’s Company of Sharpshooters, encamped on Hellesdon Field, under the command of Major-General Money.  A sham fight, in which were engaged the Norwich Volunteer Infantry, under Col. Harvey, the Norwich Rifles, and the Artillery detachment, under Capt. Fyers, followed.

Major-General Milner was appointed to the charge of the Volunteer Infantry of Norfolk, which were inspected by him during the month.

OCTOBER.

6.—Died, aged 60, Sir Wm. Kemp, Bart., of Briston.  “He was riding on a hobby, from which he fell and expired immediately.”

13.—A report was published by Messrs. Kent and Crease, suggesting improvements to Wells harbour at the estimated cost of £30,000.

20.—A musical farce, entitled “Dash, or who but he?” written by Mr. F. Lathom, of Norwich, was produced at Drury Lane.  It was first performed at Norwich Theatre under the title of “Holiday Time, or the School Boy’s Frolic.”

26.—Died, aged 83, the Rev. John Peele, 38 years Upper Minister of St. Peter Mancroft, Norwich.  He was succeeded by the Rev. C J. Chapman.

—Races were held at Blickling Park.  Events: A subscription purse for horses bred in Norfolk, the best of three one mile, heats; a subscription purse of £50, for the best of three two mile heats.  Silver cup for the best of three two mile heats.  A purse of five guineas for ponies, for the best of three two mile heats.

27.*—(Advt.)  “The public are respectfully informed that the first number of a new weekly newspaper, entitled the ‘Yarmouth Herald, or Norfolk, Suffolk, and Essex Advertiser,’ will be published on Saturday, November 10th, 1804, and sold by James Black, bookseller, Great Yarmouth.”

—*“Mrs. Tuthill, wife of Mr. John Tuthill, of Heigham, is the fortunate holder of a 16th of the £10,000 prize.”

28.—Died, at Ipswich, Lord Viscount Chedworth.  His estate was valued at £500,000, of which sum he bequeathed £180,000 in legacies to various persons, some of whom were unknown to him personally.  Mr. Thomas Penrice, of Yarmouth, received £20,000 legacy, and was also residuary legatee, by which he came into a property of at least £300,000.  His lordship left £40,000 to his solicitor, and large amounts to actors and actresses in Norwich and London.  A caveat was entered by the next of kin, and on July 5th, 1805, an action to contest the validity of the will was tried before Lord Ellenborough in the Court of King’s Bench.  The jury confirmed the will, and gave a verdict accordingly.  An application for a new trial was refused.

31.—At a public meeting at Cromer it was resolved to establish a lifeboat, and upwards of £500 was subscribed for the purpose.

NOVEMBER.

10.—A one hundred yards race took place in Gunton Park between the Hon. Edward Harbord and a well-known runner, named Wade, of Aylsham.  Mr. Harbord won by about four yards.

11.*—“In pulling down the old workhouse in the Lower Close, Norwich, to improve the entrance to the Deanery, some very curious remains of an ancient Saxon Gothic building were discovered.  The arches and capitals had been richly gilt and ornamented.  The style of architecture appeared to be that in use about the reign of King Stephen.”

16.—The Rev. J. Bowman was elected Under Minister at St. Peter Mancroft, Norwich, in succession to the Rev. C. J. Chapman.

22.—The Romney, of 50 guns, which sailed from Yarmouth Roads on the 18th, with bullocks and vegetables for the blockading fleet off the Texel, was lost in a gale on the South Haak Sand.  All the officers and crew saved themselves on rafts, but were made prisoners by the Dutch.  The officers were liberated on their parole by the Dutch Admiral Kikkert.

24.—The night coach from Norwich to Yarmouth was left near the King’s Arms, Burgh, in charge of a lad, when the horses broke away and galloped in the direction of Yarmouth.  A Norwich tradesman, who was an inside passenger, climbed upon the box, succeeded in reaching the reins, which had become entangled upon the splinter bar, and stopped the animals.

26.—Ninety-eight French prisoners, the crew of a large French privateer, of 18 guns, commanded by the noted Blackman, and captured by Capt. Hancock, of the Cruiser sloop, marched into Norwich, and next morning proceeded, under a guard of Fifeshire Militia, for Norman Cross Barracks.  The Corporation of Yarmouth and the merchants of the port voted their thanks to Capt. Hancock and his officers for their exertions in capturing Blackman, who had committed great depredations.  Blackman himself was shipped to Chatham in the Monmouth.  His vessel, La Contre-Amiral Magon, had sustained but trifling damage, and while she was lying at Mr. Palmer’s dock at Yarmouth, £2,500 was offered for her for privateering purposes.

27.—David Graham was convicted, before the Rev. J. Oldershaw, for driving cattle on Sunday at Harleston, and under the Act of Charles I. paid a penalty of 20s.

30.—It was reported at the annual meeting of the Society of Universal Good Will, at Norwich, that the number of persons relieved by it since its establishment was 1,940.  An appeal was made for public support.

DECEMBER.

3.*—“The inhabitants of Loddon have entered into a subscription for the purpose of defraying the expense of lighting the town.”

4.—Signor Belzoni from Sadler’s Wells, by permission of the Mayor, gave a performance in the assembly room at the Maid’s Head Inn, Norwich.  It was described as “a grand hydraulic exhibition, called Fire and Water, along with his phantasmagoria and wonderful feats of strength performed by the Patagonian Samson, who will carry on his head, arms, and body from five to ten men with the greatest ease.”  This was the famous Belzoni, the traveller and discoverer of Egyptian antiquities, whose book entitled, “Narrative of the Operations and recent Discoveries in the Pyramids, Temples, Tombs, and Cities of Egypt and Nubia,” obtained a wide circulation.

10.—Thetford coursing meeting commenced.  It lasted four days.

JANUARY.

10.—The Supervisor and officers of Excise belonging to the East Dereham district seized at Melton a horse and cart, with 80 gallons of Geneva and four gallons of brandy.

11.—A murderous poaching affray occurred in Thorpe Wood, near Aylsham, when several game watchers, in the service of Lord Suffield, were severely wounded.  At the Norfolk Assizes at Thetford, in March, six of the poachers, indicted under the Black Act, were found guilty and sentenced to death.  Lord Suffield and the Hon. Edward Harbord pleaded that their lives might be spared, and the sentence was ultimately commuted to transportation.  When the gang were being conveyed by the Expedition night mail coach from Norwich, on their way to Portsmouth, the convicts got free from the chain and made a desperate attempt to escape, but were too heavily ironed.  They attacked the coachman, and one of the guards presented a pistol, which missed fire; Johnson, the gaoler, rushed amongst them with a cutlass, and subdued them.  One prisoner escaped, and the others were lodged in the Surrey New Gaol on the following morning.

17.—At a public meeting held at the Guildhall, Norwich, it was resolved to establish a Hospital and School for the Indigent Blind in Norfolk and Norwich; towards the foundation of which Mr. Thomas Tawell contributed a house and 3½ acres of land in Magdalen Street, valued at £1,050.  Mr. Tawell, who was himself blind, made an eloquent and successful appeal, and the institution was opened on October 14th.

28.—The pantomime, “Don Juan,” was produced at Norwich Theatre “in a style which, for the display of beautiful scenery and of appropriate decorations and costumes, is very rarely to be witnessed on provincial boards.”

29.—Died, aged 57, Mr. Thomas Wodehouse, of Sennowe Lodge.  He was one of the gentlemen of his Majesty’s Privy Chamber, in which office he was succeeded by Mr. J. W. Thomlinson, of Cley.

FEBRUARY.

2.—Bishop Manners Sutton, of Norwich, was nominated by the King and chosen, February 12th, Archbishop of Canterbury.  On the 13th, his Grace arrived at the Palace, Norwich, from London; and on the 15th, the Mayor and Court of Aldermen proceeded in state from the Guildhall to the Palace, where the Recorder (Mr. Harvey) read an address of congratulation to the Archbishop.  The clergy of Norwich, on the 16th, waited on his Grace, when the Rev. Prebendary Pretyman addressed the Archbishop in an appropriate speech.  On the 17th, his Grace preached his farewell sermon at the Cathedral, and on the 18th departed for Lambeth.

19.—Died, at his house, the Town Close, Norwich, Mr. Jeremiah Ives, senior alderman of Norwich.  He was 78 years of age, and had served the office of Mayor in 1769-1795.

20.—A solemn fast was observed at Norwich.

21.—Mr. Robert Herring, of Bracondale, elected an alderman, in place of Mr. Jeremiah Ives, deceased.

23.—Experiments were made at Norwich to test the practicability of firing a field-piece from a common waggon without injury to the vehicle.  The idea, which originated with Major-General Money, “succeeded perfectly, and the horses stood steady during the discharge of the field-piece.”

24.—The clergy of Norwich, having intimated that it was their intention to apply to Parliament for an increase of their incomes by assessment, considerable feeling was manifested in opposition.  The Corporation at a quarterly assembly resolved to oppose the application.  Vestry meetings were held throughout the city, and the inhabitants unanimously expressed an opinion adverse to the clergy’s proposal.

—The freedom of the city was conferred on Mr. John Frere, the former, and Mr. Robert Fellowes and Mr. William Smith, the then Parliamentary representatives of Norwich.

—A lease of the Dutch Church was granted to the Corporation for 200 years, for the use of the poor in the workhouse; the Dutch congregation reserving the right to bury their dead in the church, and to hold Divine service therein every forenoon of the first Sunday in the month.

MARCH.

4.—Died, aged 60, Elizabeth Clayton, of Wells-next-the-Sea.  “This woman, from an early propensity for masculine employments, had worked as a ship’s carpenter at the dockyard of the above port upwards of 40 years, and always in man’s apparel.  She used to drink, chew tobacco, and keep company only with workmen, yet would never enter into the matrimonial state.  She was a strong robust woman, and never permitted anyone to insult her with impunity.”

18.—The Rev. Henry Bathurst, D.D., “elected Bishop of this Diocese by the Dean and Chapter.”  His lordship was installed on May 10th.

28.—Miss Aickin, “an actress of superior talents and personal attractions,” made her first appearance at Norwich Theatre in the character of Widow Cheerly in the comedy of “The Soldier’s Daughter,” and as Aura in the farce of “The Farm House.”  She played the part of Hamlet on May 4th.

30.*—“The Rev. William L. Gebbart has been elected minister of the Dutch congregation, and also appointed minister of the French church in Norwich.”

—*“It is in contemplation to establish telegraphic communication between Norwich and Yarmouth for mercantile purposes.”  In October the Norwich Corporation agreed to pay £10 annually for its support.

—*“An earthen pot, containing 500 pieces of antient English silver coin, was ploughed up in a field near Aylsham.  The pieces consisted chiefly of groats of Henry VII. and pennies of the Edwards.  There were two gold angels of Henry VI.”

APRIL.

6.*—“A person in the country has lately been convicted, before Mr. Crowe, Mr. Astley and Mr. Norris, in the legal penalty for working and digging in his garden and openly profaning the Sabbath.  It is to be hoped that his example will operate towards the discontinuance of the practice, which, perhaps, is nowhere so prevalent as in this county.”

—Leeds Mays, for horse stealing, was executed on the “new drop” on the Castle Hill, Norwich.

—Charles Pegg was publicly whipped in Norwich Market Place, for purchasing soldiers’ necessaries.

13.*—(Advt.)  “A main of cocks will be fought on Easter Tuesday and Wednesday, 21 in the main for ten guineas the battle, and 30 guineas the odd; and likewise two turn outs for £20 the battle, and also two byes.  April 16th and 17th, at Hindringham Duke of York.  The first pair of cocks to be pitted at eleven o’clock in the forenoon.  Accommodation for man and horse.  Feeders, Fox for Walsingham; Whisker for Wighton.”

22.—At Swaffham, a man, named Angel, undertook for a trifling wager to run 20 miles in three hours.  He ran it with ease in 2 hours 50 minutes.

27.—Two gun brigs, of 14 guns each, were launched from Mr. John Preston’s dockyard at Yarmouth.

28.—The oil mill at Hellesdon, belonging to Mr. Wm. Parkinson, was destroyed by fire.  The loss amounted to between £2,000 and £3,000.

2.—A public meeting was held at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, when resolutions, expressive of obligations to Earl St. Vincent, for promoting an enquiry into naval abuses, with thanks to Mr. Whitbread for introducing the tenth report of the Commissioners of Naval Enquiry to the notice of the House of Commons; and thanks to Mr. Robert Fellowes, M.P., and Mr. W. Smith, M.P., for supporting Mr. Whitbread’s motion, were unanimously agreed to.

3.—The Common Council of Norwich proposed a vote of thanks to Earl St. Vincent, to the Commissioners of Naval Enquiry, to Mr. Whitbread, and to the members of Parliament for the city.  This was negatived by the aldermen by 12 votes to 4.

6.—An impressment took place at Yarmouth.  “Ships’ parties stopped every person they met without discrimination or respect for appearances.  No less than 300 persons were impressed.  Some were confined in the rendezvous of the town gang, others were marched to the barracks or conveyed to the boats lying in readiness at the jetty, and the whole body were carried during the night on to the Monmouth.  Next morning a regulation took place, and 50 only were detained.”

14.—At a county meeting, held at the Norwich Shirehall, several resolutions, thanking Earl St. Vincent and the Commissioners of Naval Enquiry, and Mr. Whitbread, Sir J. H. Astley, and Mr. T. W. Coke for their patriotic and independent conduct in Parliament, were unanimously agreed to.

18.—An officer of the Shropshire Militia decided in his favour a wager of ten guineas, “to pick up 100 stones laid in Chapel Field, Norwich, at a distance of a yard from each other, and to deposit them in two baskets placed at the extremities of the line, in the space of one hour.”  Another person, a few weeks afterwards, performed the same feat in 44 minutes.

25.—Married, by special licence by the Bishop of Norwich, at his lordship’s house in Manchester-square, London, Mr. Benjamin Bathurst, secretary of legation to the Court of Stockholm, to Miss Call, daughter of Sir John Call, Bart.  (In November, 1809, when travelling to England with important despatches as envoy to the Court of Vienna, Bathurst mysteriously disappeared in the town of Perleberg, and was never more seen or heard of.)

—*“A street, 26 feet wide, is about to be opened, forming an entrance, which has long been most desirable, from Chapel Field directly into Bethel Street, Norwich.”

The several battalions of Volunteer Infantry in the county performed a month’s garrison duty in Yarmouth.  The Norwich Volunteers were on duty in the city.

JUNE.

4.—The King’s birthday was celebrated in Norwich by the garrison and Volunteers, who paraded to the number of 1,800 and fired a feu de joie on the Castle Meadow.  The weather was very cold, and at nine o’clock at night the thermometer registered 36 degrees, only four degrees above freezing point.

8.—William Carter, a private in the City of Norwich Battalion of Infantry Volunteers, convicted, before a regimental court martial, of absenting himself from parade on four successive days, was publicly disgraced and dismissed the battalion.

22.*—“Gabriel Swallow, aged 13, son of a gamekeeper to the Hon. Col. Harbord at Hunworth, shot 21 bullets at a target 80 yards distant for a bet of two guineas.  With the exception of three shots, they were all placed within 5½ inches of the centre; three bullets were one inch from the centre; five ditto, two inches; six ditto, three inches; one ditto, four inches; two ditto, five inches; one ditto, 5½ inches.”

24.—Holkham Sheep Shearing commenced.  Mr. Ball’s threshing machine was shown at work.  An ingenious model of a dibbling machine, made by a young man in the neighbourhood; a mowing machine, invented by Mr. Burrell, of Thetford; a scuffler, by Mr. Clarke; the model of a threshing machine, by Mr. Cook, of Aylsham; and an improved drill, by Messrs. Wilson and Standish, of Lynn, were also exhibited.  The sweepstake, to estimate the weight of Mr. Coke’s three-shear Leicester wether, was won by Lord Winchilsea, who guessed within half a pound of the actual weight.

JULY.

6.—Mr. Edward Rigby, Mayor of Norwich, in a letter to the Norfolk Chronicle, advocated vaccine inoculation.  He wrote: “I inoculated my twin children when they were eight months old with smallpox ichor, and they resisted the infection.  Since then I have exposed them to patients under smallpox and at that period of the disease when most likely to communicate infection, which, as before, they were insusceptible to.”

9.—Mdlle. Eloise Adelaide de Bourbon, daughter of the Prince of Condé, took the veil at Bodney Hall, the retreat of the nuns of Montargis.

—A “bugle man” of the Norwich Rifle Corps, named Hardingham, was killed by the accidental discharge of a rifle at target practice.  His remains were interred, with military honours, in St. Giles’ churchyard on the 11th.

16.—At a meeting held at the Guildhall, presided over by the Mayor of Norwich, resolutions were adopted for taking the best means of stopping the progress of the contagion of smallpox, and of extending vaccine inoculation.  A committee afterwards presented a memorial in favour of vaccination.  On September 14th it was announced that nearly 400 of the poor had been vaccinated.

27.*—“At Diss, a number of labourers in husbandry refused to work for the customary wages, and being out of employment applied to the magistrates, who advised the parish officers to put them to work, which they accordingly did.  Their business was to carry bricks in a hod from Palgrave to Diss, a distance of two miles.  This medicine had the desired effect, for after two days they returned to their former employment.”

AUGUST.

3.*—(Advt.)  “A main of cocks will be fought at the Sun Inn, Wells, on Tuesday, August 13th, between the gentlemen of Foulsham and the gentlemen of Wells, five guineas the battle and twenty guineas the odd.  There will be two pits.  Feeders, Whisker for Foulsham; Souther for Wells.”

6.—The Norwich Society of Artists opened an exhibition of paintings and drawings in their room in Sir Benjamin Wrenche’s Court.

8.—In consequence of official intelligence of preparations along the enemy’s coast, Major-General Money addressed a letter to the commandants of Yeomanry and Volunteer Cavalry in Norfolk and Suffolk, requesting them to have their corps ready for inspection, and in marching order.  A similar letter was sent by Major-General Milner to the commandants of Norfolk Volunteer Infantry, adding that the requisite number of waggons was ordered for their conveyance in case of necessity.

12.—A cricket match was played at Reepham between the gentlemen of Foulsham and the gentlemen of Reepham, Hackford, Whitwell, and Corpusty “for a considerable sum.”  It was won by the former, “with eight notches to spare.”  The return match, on October 21st, was also won by Foulsham.

26.—A cricket match was played in Blickling Park between elevens of the Blickling and Norwich clubs, and was won by the former.  It was followed by a single wicket match between the same teams, when Blickling again won, with nine wickets to go down.

SEPTEMBER.

7.—A remarkable whirlwind occurred at Rockland St. Mary.  A rowing boat, lying on the bank of the broad, was lifted into the air and blown a distance of 70 yards; and another large boat was raised out of the water and hurled a considerable distance.  A young man was lifted three or four yards in the air and blown several yards.  Much damage was done to the roofs of cottages and to wheat sheafs in the fields.

13.—Mr. Incledon, the famous vocalist, appeared at Norwich Theatre in his entertainment, “The Wandering Melodist.”

21.—At a meeting of the Norwich Corporation the committee appointed to take into consideration the propriety of applying to Parliament for an Act for the better lighting, watching, and paving of the city, reported in favour of the proposal, and a gentleman present offered to subscribe £500 towards the undertaking.  On October 26th, it was reported that the aldermen had adopted the recommendation, but the Commons threw it out by 20 votes against 16.  At a meeting held on October 30th, at which the Bishop, the Mayor, and many of the principal owners and occupiers of estates were present, the petition was unanimously agreed to and signed.

28.*—“A finely preserved Saxon font has been discovered in the church of Great Hautbois, near Coltishall, by Mr. J. A. Repton.  Many curious remains of antient sculpture are obscured by repeated coats of dirt and whitewash in our churches.”

—*“Died, lately, Sir James Tylney Longe, Bart., in the eleventh year of his age.  By his death the Tylney property, amounting to £25,000 per annum and nearly £300,000 in the Funds, devolves on the distant branches of the Longe family.”

During this month Mr. James Neild, of Chelsea, a well-known philanthropist, visited the county gaol, the city gaol and bridewell, the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, and the Duke’s Palace Workhouse.  In his report on the Hospital he wrote: “It does honour to the county, and is one of the best I have seen.”

OCTOBER.

7.—A mysterious outrage was committed at Fakenham.  A man entered the bed-room of two maiden ladies, named Bale, brutally thrashed one, and attempted to cut the throat of the other, after which he decamped.  The Home Office offered his Majesty’s pardon to any accomplice who gave evidence that would lead to a conviction, and Mr. Edward Bale, of Toftrees, offered a reward of £100 for the discovery of the guilty person.  No clue was forthcoming.