5.—Mr. Fitzgerald, a favourite actor in the Norwich Company, appeared as Shylock, and delivered a farewell address, on leaving the circuit for the Theatre Royal at Hull and York, of which he was appointed patentee.
7.*—(Advt.) “Stoke Mills near Norwich. Jeremiah Colman having taken the stock and trade lately carried on by Mr. Edward Ames, respectfully informs his customers and the public in general that he will continue the manufacturing of mustard, and he takes leave to assure those who may be pleased to favour him with their orders that they shall be supplied in such a manner as cannot fail to secure their approbation.”
17.—At a special assembly of the Corporation of Norwich it was resolved to petition Parliament against the proposed alteration in the Corn Laws.
18.—Thorpe Asylum was opened for the reception of forty male pauper lunatics.
19.—The minister, churchwardens, and principal inhabitants of St. Giles’, Norwich, went the bounds of the parish, and afterwards dined at the Woolpack Inn. “Ale, buns, and bumps were distributed among the attendants, one of whom swam across the basin in Chapel Field to observe the line of demarkation between St. Peter’s parish for which he received half a crown.”
21.*—“The long depending wrestling match between Lock and the Game Chicken was lately decided in favour of the former after a severe contest of a quarter of an hour.”
24.—A fête in celebration of the victories commenced at Thetford. A procession escorting an effigy of Buonaparte “loaded with irons” went round the town, and a ball took place in the evening. On the 26th 1,500 persons were entertained at dinner in a paddock. The Mayor presided, and the Bishop of Norwich witnessed the proceedings. Sports were held, and at night a bonfire was lighted, and the effigy of Buonaparte consumed in the flames.
The death took place at Oulton, this month, of Mrs. Margaret Dent, at the age of 100.
JUNE.
1.—Died in London, aged 53, Mr. Robert Herring, of Bracondale, Norwich. He was alderman for South Conisford Ward, served the office of Sheriff in 1791, and was Mayor in 1807. Mr. Thomas Thurtell, of Lakenham, was elected to the vacant aldermanship on June 6th.
—A public meeting was held at the Guildhall, Norwich, when resolutions were moved by Mr. E. Taylor in opposition to the Corn Bill. The resolutions, which were unanimously adopted, represented that the citizens had for twenty years suffered great privations and hardships from the advance in price of all necessaries of life, and particularly of “bread corn,” that they viewed with alarm the measure introduced in Parliament as calculated to raise the price of grain; and that the proposed alterations in the Corn Laws were ill-timed, unwise, and oppressive.—The “Bill for Regulating the Importation Duties” was defeated in the House of Commons by a majority of ten on June 6th, and on the arrival of the intelligence by the Newmarket mail on the 8th, the horses were removed from the coach, which was drawn for three hours through the streets. Persons with large loaves of bread on their heads were on the box seat, bells were rung, and pistols fired, and at midnight a bonfire was lighted in the Market Place, and many depredations were committed by those who obtained the materials with which to feed the flames.
3.—The Expedition coach arrived at Norwich with news of the definite Treaty of Peace, which was signed in Paris on the 30th ult. Amid great rejoicings the people dragged the coach four times round the Market Place, and through the principal streets. On the 15th 500 freemen of the Long Ward were entertained by Mr. S. Mitchell to a dinner of roast beef at Harper’s Gardens; on the 16th the Mayor entertained the parochial poor, and there was a grand illumination in the evening. Peace was formally proclaimed on the 27th by the Mayor and Corporation walking in procession to various parts of the city. Before being admitted to the Close the Mayor knocked thrice at the gate, and informed Mr. J. Kitson, the Bishop’s registrar, that admittance was asked by virtue of his Majesty’s writ. The proclamation was then made in the Cathedral precincts, and on returning to the Guildhall the Corporation partook of refreshments. Mr. Sheriff Higgins entertained the company to dinner at his house in Pitt Street, and also feasted the poor. Thanksgiving services were held on July 7th, and 723 charity children were entertained in St. Andrew’s Hall. On the 20th at a quarterly assembly of the Corporation an address was voted to the Prince Regent congratulating him on “the highly honourable and auspicious Peace concluded with France.”
20.—Mr. Robert Partridge, alderman, presented to the Corporation of Norwich “an elegant tripod in the Grecian style, to support a silver candelabrum of three lights, surmounted with the figures of St. George and the Dragon,” given by him in 1786.
21.—Guild Day was held in the “old style” at Norwich by Mr. J. W. Robberds on his being sworn in as Mayor. The feast at St. Andrew’s Hall was attended by upwards of 500 guests, and a ball took place in the evening at Chapel Field House.
22.—A Musical Festival, “in celebration of the Peace,” commenced at the church of St. Peter Mancroft, Norwich, with a performance of “Judas Maccabaeus.” The “Messiah” was given on the 23rd, and a selection of sacred music on the 24th. On each evening a miscellaneous concert took place in St. Andrew’s Hall. The principal performers were Madame Catalani, Miss Stephens, Miss Booth, Mr. Braham, Mr. Garbett, Mr. Turner, and Mr. Welsh; leader of the band, Dr. Hague; organ and pianoforte, Mr. Beckwith.
JULY.
1.—A meeting, presided over by the Mayor, was held at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, when resolutions were passed in favour of the abolition of the African slave trade, and it was decided to petition the House of Commons to the same effect. The opponents of the resolutions moved, as an amendment, that the Prince Regent was the only person to be addressed pending the negociations with France upon the subject. The resolutions were adopted by large majorities.
2.*—“Capt. Matthias, of Stanhoe Hall, has returned to his family in perfect health after being a prisoner in France ten and a half years.”
4.—Holkham Sheep Shearing commenced on this date, a fortnight later than usual owing to the Peace celebrations in Norwich and the county. “None of the implements possessed sufficient merit to entitle the inventor to the handsome premium offered by Mr. Coke.”
6.—Peace was proclaimed at Yarmouth by the Mayor and Corporation going in procession through the town. At night there was a general illumination.
7.—Peace was proclaimed at King’s Lynn.
12.—At the Norwich Quarter Sessions the case of the King v. Griggs was tried. This was a prosecution at the suit of Mr. Joseph Stannard, a pork butcher, against the defendant, a dealer, for the publication of a libel in the form of a song, entitled “Soup Meagre Joe.” The song reflected on the quality of the soup made by Mr. Stannard, at the request of a Mr. Mitchell, for distribution among the poor of the city during the severe weather in February, 1814. It was stated that the prosecutor neither received nor expected remuneration. His beneficence was rewarded by gross insults from the mob, by assaults, by placards in the streets, by anonymous letters, and by songs which were sung by “Blind Peter” and another ballad singer. One of these songs was printed by Mr. Stewardson from MS. furnished by the defendant. The jury, after four hours’ deliberation, returned a verdict of guilty, and the defendant was fined £10.
13.—The first division of West Norfolk Militia, under the command of Col. Nelthorpe, marched into Norwich, from Yarmouth, where they had landed the previous morning from the Tickler cutter, and four Berwick traders from Leith. St. Peter’s bells were rung, and the men received the hearty congratulations of the citizens. The second division arrived on the 16th, commanded by Major Barnham. On the 18th the Earl of Orford, colonel of the regiment, entertained the officers and their friends at the Maid’s Head Inn. The regiment on the 19th received the thanks of the House of Commons for their services.
19.—Died at Long Stratton, aged 60, the Rev. William D’Oyly, for more than 20 years curate of Stratton St. Michael and Flordon with Hapton. He raised a fund of nearly £500 by small subscriptions for widening and improving Briggs’ Lane, Norwich.
23.—Capt. William Hoste, R.N., was created a Baronet.
28.—Dr. James Edward Smith, of Norwich, founder and President of the Linnean Society, presented to the Prince Regent a set of the Transactions of the Society, and received, on the recommendation of Lord Sidmouth, the honour of knighthood.
30.*—“The four sons of Mr. C. E. Bagge, M.P., late of Quebec House, Dereham, are authorised to take the name and arms of Lee Warner instead of Bagge.”
AUGUST.
8.—The Mayor and Court of Aldermen visited the annual exhibition of the Norwich Society of Artists.
11.—The Hon. John Wodehouse, as foreman of the Grand Jury at the Norfolk Assizes, proposed, and Mr. T. W. Coke, M.P., seconded, resolutions recommending that a subscription be opened for the erection of a monument to the memory of Lord Nelson. At a meeting of the Norwich Corporation on October 22nd it was resolved that the city subscribe £200, and the Speaker was requested to attend the county meeting, and urge that the monument be erected on the Castle Hill “or some other commanding situation in or near the city.” At the county meeting, held the same week, it was announced that the subscriptions amounted to £5,138. At a meeting held at the Norfolk Hotel, Norwich, on January 14th, 1815, it was resolved that the monument be erected at Yarmouth. The committee, at a meeting held during the Norfolk Assizes at Thetford on March 29th, 1815, after inspecting 44 plans and designs, “selected an Athenian Doric column sent by Mr. William Wilkins, architect, of London, a native of Norwich, and author of ‘Magna Græcia.’” Nearly £7,000 was subscribed.
14.—Died, in Parliament Place, London, aged 85, Mr. E. H. Delaval, of Seaton Delaval, Northumberland, and of Hoddington, Lincolnshire. “By his death the mansion house of Seaton Delaval, and the family estate of the late Lord Delaval, has devolved upon Sir Jacob Henry Astley, Bart., M.P., for Norfolk, whose mother was his lordship’s eldest sister.”
20.*—“The officers of the 7th Hussars have presented Col. Kerrison with a piece of plate, of the value of 200 guineas, in testimony of their admiration of his gallantry at the battle of Orthes.”
22.—Races were held at Cromer, which at the time was very full of company, and the “new subscription room” and dances a great attraction to many distinguished visitors. “From the course being in the immediate neighbourhood of Gunton and Blickling,” it was expected that Cromer races would “soon vie with those of Yarmouth, &c.”
30.—Mr. William Burt and Mr. R. Hawkes were candidates for the office of freemen’s Sheriff at Norwich. The former was returned with 810 votes as against 726 polled by his opponent. It was stated that “so severe a contest at the election of Sheriff had not taken place since 1781.”
SEPTEMBER.
11.—Died, at Hoveton House, aged 85, Mr. Anthony Aufrere, for fifty years an active magistrate in the county.
13.—The portrait of Mr. William Smith, M.P. (painted by Thompson), was placed in St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich.
17.—Capt. Robert D. Patteson, 6th Regiment of Foot, second son of Mr. John Patteson, of Norwich, was killed during the sortie made by the American troops from Fort Erie.
—*“Last week a single wicket match was played at Downham Market for a considerable sum between Mr. William Griggs, of Stow Bardolph, and Mr. James Hall, of Downham. Griggs, 8-37; Hall, 11-9.”
26.—Died at Hadleigh, aged 34, Henry Reeve, M.D., one of the physicians of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, and of the Bethel Hospital, Norwich.
28.—A peal of six bells, purchased by public subscription in celebration of the Peace, was opened at New Buckenham. The bells were cast by Dobson, of Downham Market, and the tenor weighed 12 cwt. “A prize of six hats, value 10s. each, was given to the company who gave proof of their skill in ringing the best peal.” The Hopton company were declared winners, a distinction which was warmly contested by the Norwich men.
29.—Died, in St. Giles’, Norwich, aged 85, the Rev. Thomas Howes, rector of Morningthorpe, and of Thorndon, Suffolk. “He was a profound scholar, and a formidable antagonist with Bishop Horsley of Dr. Priestley in the Tractarian controversy in 1781. He was also the author of several theological works.”
OCTOBER.
17.—Mr. Thomas Coldwell, coach proprietor of Norwich, was presented by the Corporation with the freedom of the city in recognition of his services in forwarding the mails to and from Norwich during the severe weather of the previous winter.
19.—At the Norfolk Quarter Sessions, “the justices having regard of the present high price of hay and oats,” ordered the following additional rates of allowance to be made in the county to persons who provided carriages for the conveyance of his Majesty’s forces in their marches, or for their arms, clothing, or accoutrements: 1s. for every mile any waggon with four or more horses, or any wain with six oxen, or with four oxen and two horses and their driver; 9d. for every mile any cart with four horses, or carrying not less than 15 cwt.; and 6d. for every mile any cart or carriage with less than four horses, and not carrying 15 cwt.
20.—Mr. Samuel Wesley, the eminent organist, gave a recital at the church of St. Peter Mancroft, Norwich.
21.—The Castle Corporation at Norwich celebrated its jubilee. The first meeting was held at the Bell Inn, Orford Hill, in 1764, under the name of the Bell Corporation, and “was governed by a Mayor, Sheriffs, and Aldermen, and the usual officers attached to a Corporation.” In 1793 the members were “much divided on the politics of the day, and particularly upon the French Revolution.” The society then separated into two political parties, “when those who viewed with horror the proceedings of the French Convention, and the attempts made by the correspondents to bring about a revolution in this country,” removed to the Castle Inn, assumed the name of the Castle Corporation, and espoused the principles of Pitt. At this dinner Mr. Charles Harvey, M.P., presented to and invested the “Mayor” (Mr. Crisp Brown) with a medallion containing a cameo likeness of Pitt.
22.—Four troops of the 5th Dragoon Guards marched into Norwich and occupied the Cavalry Barracks, whence the detachment of Royal Artillery was removed to the Infantry Barracks in St. Michael at Coslany.
29.—For an attempted felony, Charles Pegg stood in the city pillory in Norwich Market Place for one hour. “The hoary-headed culprit was taken back to the City Gaol.”
NOVEMBER.
20.—Died, aged 74, James Church, sexton of St. Peter Permountergate, Norwich. “He had held the situation near fifty years, and buried upwards of 3,000 persons.”
22.—Died, at Eaton Hall, in his 55th year, Mr. Jonathan Davey, alderman of Norwich. Mr. Nathaniel Bolingbroke was elected in his place alderman of Colegate Ward.
23.—Died, at Costessey (at the seat of his nephew, Sir George Jerningham), General Jerningham, who was born in 1742, entered the service of France, and became colonel commandant of several of the Irish regiments. At the Revolution he returned home, where he remained until the Peace of Amiens in 1802, when he again proceeded to France. Unable to recover his property there, he was, on the renewal of hostilities in 1803, by order of Bonaparte, detained a prisoner with the rest of his countrymen, and it was only on the King’s restoration that he was released.
26.*—“Tower half-pence being refused to be taken in exchange, Mr. Smith, M.P., has written to the Mint, who have agreed to accept them under certain conditions.”
28.—Four troops of the 5th Dragoon Guards marched from Norwich for Ipswich. A troop of the Duke of Brunswick’s Oels marched in on December 2.
DECEMBER.
9.—A riot was occasioned at King’s Lynn by sailors who, with a number of other persons, forcibly took a portion of the crew from a vessel about to sail, and demanded a general rise of wages. The Brunswick Hussars from Norwich and the Freebridge and Lynn Legion speedily put an end to the tumult, and three of the rioters were taken to Norwich Castle under cavalry escort. At the Norfolk Assizes, held at Norwich in July, 1815, the offenders were sentenced to two months’ imprisonment.
12.—The Duke of Gloucester left Holkham Hall after a week’s visit to Mr. T. W. Coke, M.P.
13.—The new tenor bell for St. Peter Mancroft church, Norwich, was deposited in the tower preparatory to its being hung in place of the old one, which had been taken down and broken up. The new bell was inscribed, “To the King, Queen, and Royal Family, this harmonious peal of 12 bells is dedicated. Thomas Mears, London, fecit, 1814.” The weight was 42 cwt., 2 qrs., or about 28 lbs. heavier than its predecessor.
21.—Gas light was introduced at the shop of Mr. Harrison, the Market Place, Norwich. “Sixteen brilliant lights were kept burning for five hours at the trifling expense of 9d. in coals. The gas is conveyed from a small fireplace in the kitchen through tubes into branches.”
31.*—“The Prince Regent has been pleased to grant the dignity of a baronet to Mr. Thomas Preston, of Beeston St. Lawrence.”
1815.
JANUARY.
6.—At Brighton Pavilion the Prince Regent conferred the honour of knighthood on Colonel Kerrison, 7th Hussars.
12.—Mr. Crisp Brown, as “Mayor” of the Castle Corporation, Norwich, presented to Mr. Thomas Back a silver vase in recognition of his “zealous and liberal support of the loyal and constitutional principles of the society.”
13.—At a public meeting held at the Guildhall, Norwich, presided over by the Mayor, it was unanimously resolved to petition Parliament against the continuance of the Property Tax under any modification whatever. Both Members for the city supported the resolutions. A meeting of the owners of estates, and other contributors to the Property Tax, in Norfolk, took place at the Shirehouse under the presidency of the High Sheriff. Similar resolutions were adopted on the ground that the tax was “unjust, unequal, and inquisitorial.” At Yarmouth, Lynn, and other towns in the county like protests were made.
14.—Equestrian performances were given at Norwich Theatre for a short season, commencing on this date. The “beautiful and surprising troop of horses” appeared in the dramatic spectacles of “Timour, the Tartar,” “Blue Beard,” “The Tiger Horde,” and “Lodorska.”
—*“All those who have witnessed the performance of Mons. du Pain, at the Angel Inn, Norwich, particularly his emersing his hands and feet in boiling lead, express their astonishment at his feats, and the room is crowded every day.”
—*“Died, lately at Lynn, aged 70, Mr. William Munsen, who pursued the employment of a shoeblack. He was reported to be the illegitimate son of a nobleman, and would never accept offers of pecuniary assistance which were secretly made to him by his unknown parents. He supported himself for 50 years by his humble employment, and was generally known as “Billy Boots.” (A detailed account of this individual was compiled by Hone from the notice in the Norfolk Chronicle.)
16.—The fifth great main of cocks between the gentlemen of Norwich and the gentlemen of Cambridgeshire commenced at the White Swan Inn, Norwich, and after a sharp contest, which lasted the two following days, was won by the home representatives by a single battle. Betting was in favour of Cambridgeshire.
21.*—“The game bull which has been frequently baited near Carrow Abbey is a very gentle animal, but no dog has yet been found that can pin him down.”
24.—A prize fight took place between Pegg, “the noted bruiser,” and Fox, a horse dealer, of Costessey. “It lasted an hour, when the former received such a ‘pegging’ that he was carried off in a state of insensibility.”
—A sea eagle, measuring seven feet six inches from tip to tip of its expanded wings, and three feet from the crown of its head to the end of its tail, was killed at Rollesby.
FEBRUARY.
4.*—“Messrs. Mackie, of Norwich, in a very handsome and public-spirited manner, have presented the trustees of Carrow Bridge with nearly 500 plants of the Cœrulean willow, and have also been at the whole expense of planting them on each side of the road leading towards Thorpe.”
7.—The new Theatre at Lynn was opened under the management of Mr. John Brunton with “Lovers’ Vows” and “Raising the Wind.” In addition to the manager, the company included Mr. Foote, of the Theatre Royal, Dublin; Mr. and Mrs. Hall, from the Theatre Royal, York; Mr. Tokeby, Mr. Renaud, Mr. Gomery, and Mrs. Grove, of the Theatre Royal, Haymarket. On the 9th Mr. C. Kemble appeared as Macbeth; on the 11th, Miss Eliza Brunton made “her first appearance on any stage” as Desdemona to Mr. Kemble’s Othello; and on March 25th Mrs. Jordan appeared as Widow Cheerley in “The Soldier’s Daughter,” and on succeeding evenings as Miss Hoyden in “The Trip to Scarborough,” as Widow Belmour, and as Nell in “The Devil to Pay.” A brilliant season terminated on April 18th. It was said that “in beauty, simplicity, and correctness of style” this house could “hold competition with any theatre out of the Metropolis.”
9.—Fifty thousand persons assembled to witness a balloon ascent by a Mr. Steward from the Prussia Gardens, Norwich. The balloon rose a short distance and fell in Messrs. Mackie’s nursery grounds, went up again and descended in a garden. The mob rushed in, tore the balloon to pieces, and would have roughly handled the aeronaut but for General Money taking him into his carriage and conveying him to a place of safety. A public subscription had been opened for some weeks previously to defray the cost of the ascent; and another list was started to recoup Mr. Steward his loss.
27.—A cocking match took place at the Lobster Inn, St. John Maddermarket, Norwich, between North Walsham and Norwich. Feeders: Lamb, for North Walsham; Stafford, for Norwich.
MARCH.
1.—The poor freemen of Great Wymer Ward, Norwich, presented a silver cup, of the value of 50 guineas, to Mr. Samuel Mitchell, one of the nominees of the ward.
—A match was decided at Blickling Park between three horses belonging respectively to Mr. Sheppard and Mr. Roper, of Coleby, and Mr. Wright, of Aylsham. The best of three one mile heats was won by Mr. Sheppard’s horse. A second race between two horses, the property of Mr. Gay, of Oulton, and Mr. Smith, of Aylsham, was won by the former.
4.—Died, at Drayton, Sarah Codenham, aged 105. “This poor woman had been so long in poverty and affliction that, according to the overseer’s calculation, she had cost them £500.”
8.—At a meeting held at the Guildhall, and presided over by the Mayor, it was resolved to petition the House of Lords against the Corn Bill, which had been passed by the House of Commons by a majority of 119. (The Bill was passed by the Lords and received the Royal Assent on the 23rd.)
15.—The Expedition coach arrived in Norwich “with the gratifying account displayed in large letters on its panels” of the ratification of the Treaty of Peace with America. The bells of St. Peter Mancroft were rung, and a bonfire was lighted in the Market Place.
17.—Mr. T. W. Coke, M.P., Lord Albemarle, and other gentlemen, while attending a cattle show held on the Castle Ditches, Norwich, by the Norfolk Agricultural Association, were attacked by a mob in consequence of their supposed support of the Corn Bill before the House of Commons. The mob drove them into the Angel yard, and it was not until the Brunswick Hussars had been called out, and the Riot Act read, that the disturbance was quelled. By strategy Mr. Coke and his friends escaped through the back gate of the Angel Inn and drove to Quidenham Hall. Some of the rioters were apprehended, and one of the Brunswickers was wounded by a stone. The Mayor and magistrates of Norwich received the commendations of Government for their activity and exertions in suppressing the disturbance. The Grand Jury at the Norfolk Assizes, held at Thetford on March 29th, resolved “to enter into a subscription to bring to justice the instigators of the late premeditated attack on Mr. Coke and other gentlemen.” On May 2nd the Corporation of Norwich accorded their thanks to Col. Von Tempsky and the officers and privates of the Brunswick Hussars for their prompt assistance in quelling the riot.
—A curious race took place in Chapel Field, Norwich. The competitors were Thomas Jenner and William Palmer, “two men with two wooden legs each.” The wager of £1 was won by the former.
25.—In the official year, ending this date, Norfolk (including Norwich) raised the sum of £219,238 10s. 1d. for the poor, church rate, highway rates, &c.
27.—At the Norfolk Assizes, which commenced at Thetford on this date, before Mr. Justice Heath, a curious case, the King v. Garratt, was heard. This was a criminal indictment which had been moved by certiorari into the Court of King’s Bench, and was tried at nisi prius. “It was for a nuisance complained of by the exposition of a stallion in the public market of East Dereham.” The Judge was of opinion that the mere fact of leading a stallion to market was not an offence indictable at law, and the defendant was acquitted.
A number of human bones and upwards of 20 urns, containing bones in a calcined state, were this month dug up at a farm at Markshall, adjoining the Roman camp at Caister, near Norwich.
APRIL.
6.—A new farce (“written by an eminent artist resident in the city”), founded upon the story of “John Gilpin,” and interspersed with music, was produced at the Theatre Royal, Norwich. On the 17th another new production was staged, “an historical operatic drama in two acts, called ‘The Rebellion, or Norwich in 1549,’” by Mr. George P. Bromley, a member of the Norwich Company.
22.—Died, at his son’s house in Weymouth Street, London, aged 67, Mr. William Wilkins, of Newnham, near Cambridge, patentee of the Norwich Theatre Royal.
—The staff of the West Norfolk Militia, stationed in Norwich, received orders to raise men by beat of drum instead of by ballot. Recruiting parties were sent out for that purpose. It was announced on May 13th that these parties, under the direction of Capt. Borrow, had been very successful in obtaining men.
24.—A smuggling lugger was captured off Hunstanton by the Tiger revenue cutter with 840 tubs of Geneva on board.
26.—Died, at Norwich, aged 89, Dr. John Beevor, an eminent physician.
MAY.
2.—The Norwich Court of Guardians having employed surveyors at a great expense to make new assessments of property in the several parishes within the walls of the city for the purpose of equalising the poor-rates, St. Saviour’s Vestry meeting passed a resolution protesting against it on the ground that it would have the effect of increasing both general and local taxes. The vestries of other parishes passed similar resolutions. At this time the Norwich Guardians raised about £20,000 annually for the relief of the poor.
11.—Early in the morning a boat’s crew from his Majesty’s ship Cadmus, at Yarmouth, when passing down the river to the harbour’s mouth with impressed seamen, were attacked by a mob on both banks, and several of the sailors were severely wounded with stones. The mob seized the gig belonging to the Cadmus and destroyed her. The Admiralty offered a reward of £20 for the conviction of the offenders. At the Norfolk Assizes held at Norwich on August 14th, 1816, before Lord Chief Justice Gibbs, seven persons were indicted for riotously assembling and rescuing from the press gang, legally authorised, a person who had been impressed. The defendants, with one exception, were found guilty. In the following December they were sentenced in the Court of King’s Bench to nine months’ imprisonment each.
13.—Died, in St. Giles’ Street, Norwich, aged 20, Mr. H. Fisher, son of Mr. David Fisher, manager of the Norfolk and Suffolk Company of Comedians.
18.—At this date a series of disturbances occurred at Norwich Theatre. Mr. F. A. Vining, a member of the company, in a letter dated May 18th, and addressed to the patrons of the Theatre, referred to the “injustice and cruelty which had been heaped upon him within its walls.” He had left Norwich to accept an engagement at Covent Garden Theatre and appeared there with success for 90 or 100 nights. At the end of the London season he accepted a further engagement at Norwich, when, it was alleged, that Mr. Vining, “being found unworthy of a situation in another theatre,” Mr. Jones, a member of the Norwich Company, was “discharged to make room for him.” Mr. Vining denied any personal knowledge of the matter. On May 29th several friends of Mr. Jones were committed for trial at the Quarter Sessions for creating disturbances at the Theatre. At the Quarter Sessions on July 11th the recognisances of the sureties who had been bound over for the accused were discharged, “it being the intention of the prosecution to prefer an indictment at the ensuing Assizes.” At the Assizes held on July 25th the Grand Jury found true bills against the defendants, when the indictments were traversed and the accused discharged till the next Assizes. On that occasion the defendants entered into recognisances to appear at the next ensuing Assizes, and no further record is given.
20.*—“The diversion of hawking, a sport antiently much used, has been revived in this country on a considerable scale by Lord Rivers, Major Wilson, of Didlington, and Mr. Downes, of Gunton. Their subscription hawks, under the management of German falconers, have afforded much amusement to numerous spectators. Last week they were exhibited at Newmarket after the races, and flown off at some rooks in the Flat, which they speedily brought down.”
25.—A Methodist Missionary Society for the Norwich District was formed at a meeting held at Calvert Street, Norwich.
29.—The prisoners in the City Gaol, Norwich, returned thanks to the Mayor and Corporation “for 10s. worth of beer given them on the anniversary of King Charles Restoration.”
JUNE.
4.—King George III. attained his 78th year on this day (Sunday). The Corporation of Norwich attended service at the Cathedral, the Brunswick Hussars fired a feu de joie in the barrack square, and the Light Horse Volunteers, commanded by Major J. Harvey, marched into the Market Place, and after thrice discharging their pistols gave three cheers for the King. “The children belonging to the Sunday School of the Independent Chapel at Lynn, about 800 in number, were regaled with cake and wine.” On the 5th a society at Norwich, known as “The Loyal Heroes,” celebrated the Royal birthday by dining at the Pigeons, Charing Cross.
6.—Married at St. Peter Mancroft church, Norwich, Lieut.-Col. Robert John Harvey to Charlotte Mary, only daughter of Mr. Robert Harvey, of Watton. After the service “the wedding party returned to their carriages, a wedding peal was rung, and the Norwich Light Horse, forming a guard of honour, acted as escort to the bride and bridegroom, and fired a feu de joie in front of their house.”
12.—A grand camping match took place at Ranworth. “They played 24 a side, but neither party goaled the ball, and it was decided by a bye.” Between 2,000 and 3,000 persons were present.
—A wrestling match for a subscription purse of £5 took place at the Bird-in-Hand, Kirby. The prize was won by a Reedham man. “A grand milling afterwards took place between Chapman and Ellis, the Newmarket Lad. It was strength and ferocity against science and steady courage, and was won by the latter, who blinded his opponant in 25 minutes.”
17.—The Brunswick Hussars, commanded by Col. von Tempsky, left Norwich on their route to Harwich to embark for the Continent.
23.—News was received at Norwich of the battle of Waterloo, fought on June 18th. Cannon were fired, and bells rung in celebration of the victory. The rejoicings were renewed on the 27th, when the Expedition and other coaches brought intelligence of the second abdication of Buonaparte. The Expedition coach, decorated with laurel and flags, was dragged through the streets to the singing of “God save the King” and “Rule Britannia,” and a bonfire, fed with the stalls from the fish-market, and with other stolen material, was lighted at night.
24.*—“That long and justly complained-of nuisance, St. Stephen’s pit, is about to be removed. The Corporation of Norwich have ordered a lease of it to be granted to Mr. Edward Bacon, builder, and four houses are to be erected on its scite agreeable to a plan delivered by him for that purpose.”
JULY.
3.—Holkham Sheep Shearing commenced. Among the implements exhibited was a machine for spreading hay. “It was drawn by one horse, and by means of strong iron rakes affixed to an axle or centre completely spread a number of swathes (three or four according to the length of the rakes) as fast as the horse could walk.”
6.—A “long and scientific battle” took place between Chapman and Ellis on a meadow on the Suffolk side of the Waveney, near St. Olaves Bridge. “From the first to the 17th round the superior size and strength of Chapman carried him through, and betting was two and three to one in his favour; but, in the 18th, Ellis went in and gave his opponent three desperate facers, which brought the betting even till the 31st round, when Chapman beginning to show evident marks of severe punishment, had his right eye closed; betting, two to one on Ellis. In the 54th round the left eye was closed, and his head became truly terrific, and had from its swollen state a giant-like appearance.” Ellis was the winner after a contest of one hour, 12 minutes, for a subscription purse of £7!
8.—Died at Swaffham, aged 88, Thomas Chesney, gardener. “What is very remarkable he never was more than four miles from Swaffham.”
—The following names were published as those of local officers present at the battle of Waterloo:—Lieut.-Col. Charles West, 3rd Regiment of Guards; Lieut. the Hon. Horace G. Townshend, 1st Regiment of Guards; Lieut. Sigismund Trafford, 1st Royal Dragoons, eldest son of Mr. S. Trafford Southwell; Ensign Alfred Cooper, 14th Regiment, youngest son of Mr. C. Cooper, Norwich; Col. Sir Edward Kerrison, 7th Dragoons (? Hussars); Lieut.-Col. Archibald Money, 11th Light Dragoons; and Major Sir George Hoste, Royal Engineers.
11.—At Norwich Quarter Sessions, John Watson was indicted for conspiring with two other persons unknown to fraudulently obtain a bank note for £10 from Thomas Starling. The prisoner and two persons, apparently strangers, were boasting at a public-house how much money they possessed, when the accused taking prosecutor aside told him that if he could lend him a £10 note it would enable him to win a wager. The prosecutor went out, borrowed the money, and placed it in the hands of the prisoner, who with the other conspirators went away, taking the money with them. The prisoner was sentenced to seven years’ transportation.
13.—Arrived at Yarmouth two transports from Ostend with 300 sick and wounded soldiers of the Duke of Wellington’s army. They were removed in keels from the ships to the hospital on the Denes.
15.*—“The Postmasters-General have established a penny post six days a week to Stalham, with open letter boxes for the receiving of letters at that place, Neatishead, and Hoveton, near Wroxham Bridge.”
28.—The High Sheriff, in compliance with a requisition signed by the county justices in Quarter Sessions, convened a meeting at the Shirehall, Norwich, when, on the motion of Mr. Robert Fellowes, seconded by the Hon. Col. Wodehouse, a subscription was opened for the relief of the wounded survivors, and the widows and children of the soldiers who fell at Waterloo. This subscription amounted to £7,000. Collections were also made in the city and county churches.
29.—A balloon ascent was made from the Ranelagh Gardens, Norwich, by Mr. Sadler. “All night long hundreds continued to flock into town, and at daybreak the roads were literally thronged with people. Some hours before noon the principal avenues to the Market Place were blocked up with vehicles for which accommodation could not be found in the inn yards, and horses were picketed in the streets. Lodging and accommodation at the inns were very difficult to obtain, and in many instances a guinea was given for a bed.” Miss Bathurst, daughter of the Bishop of Norwich, presented the aeronaut with a banner previous to the ascent. The balloon rose at 3.35 and descended at 4.30 p.m., in a field near Sprowston Hall. “Among the company present in the Ranelagh Gardens was General Money, who 30 years previously, namely on Saturday, July 23rd, 1785, made a similar ascent, and was blown out to sea, where he was rescued by the Argus Revenue cutter.”
31.—A baker was fined before the Mayor of Norwich for “exposing bread to sell on the Lord’s day before the hour of ten o’clock in the morning.” Shortly afterwards 15 persons were summoned for like offences, and the Master and Wardens of the Bakers’ Company applied that the fines might be strictly enforced.
AUGUST.
1.—A cricket match was played on Hempton Green between the united parishes of Litcham, Dunham, and Brisley, and of Walsingham and Fakenham. “The latter team, although unparalleled in the annals of cricketeering, did not get a single notch.”
5.*—“Mr. Bellamy, the favourite comedian of the Norwich Company, is engaged by the managers of Covent Garden Theatre at a liberal salary.” The London Press criticised his “provincial twang,” and described his performance of the part of Polonius as “somewhat outlandish.”
8.—Died, at Downham Market, Mr. Zachary Clark, “one of the people called Quakers.” He founded a Lancasterian school in the town, and in 1811 published an account of the different charities belonging to the poor in Norfolk.
13.—A serious fire occurred near the church of St. Lawrence, Norwich. Six houses were destroyed. The fire originated at the house of a cabinet maker named Hubbard.
15.—The first division of the West Norfolk Militia marched from Norwich for Ipswich under command of Major Barnham; the second division, under Lieut.-Col. Nelthorpe, marched on the 16th, and the remainder on the 17th. The strength of the regiment was upwards of 500 rank and file, chiefly raised in three months by beat of drum. The corps embarked at Harwich, and sailed for Ireland on August 28th.
—A division of the King’s German Legion, under command of Capt. Meyer, marched into Norwich from Harwich, where they had landed from Cuxhaven.
19.*—“Last week a well-contested battle was fought at Cley between John Bell and the noted Matthew Randall, well known for his skill in gymnastic exercises. Betting was two and three to one in favour of Randall. After 20 minutes’ hard fighting Bell won. The known bottom of Bell and the tried science of Randall drew a considerable concourse of people, among whom were noticed many distinguished characters of the neighbourhood. A handsome subscription was made for the conqueror, who was taken from the ground in a gentleman’s carriage.”
—The Norfolk, Suffolk, and London Accommodation Coach, owned by John Noller, was advertised to leave the Norfolk Hotel, Norwich, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning at eight o’clock, and to travel through Scole, Eye, and Debenham. Fares: Insides, 18s.; outsides, 12s.
19.*—“Died, last week, aged 94, John Minns, worstead weaver, of St. Paul’s, Norwich. He had anticipated the event 16 years ago, and had then his coffin made, which he had ever since kept in an adjoining room, and actually used as a cupboard.”
22.—The Corporation of Yarmouth elected Mr. Robert Alderson, Steward of Norwich, Recorder of that borough.
SEPTEMBER.
3.—A lad, named Henry Thirkettle, when nutting in Hempnall Wood, touched the wire of a spring gun, and the charge entering his body inflicted terrible injuries. William Ebbage, in the service of Mr. Henry Usborne, of Heydon Hall, was on October 28th similarly injured. Mr. Gurney, barrister, was consulted as to the legality of the use of spring guns. His opinion was that their use was not lawful, and that in case of death a verdict of murder might be returned against the master who authorised the use of, and the servant who set a spring gun. A contrary opinion was expressed by another barrister.
6.—Died at Ber Street, Norwich, aged 68, Martin Drummee, a noted bird fancier, “by which business he had accumulated considerable property.”
9.*—“According to the Charter of the borough of Yarmouth, the Aldermen and Common Councilmen are annually to assemble and choose before they separate ‘the most discrete’ alderman to be Mayor. The election of Mr. Cory did not take place until after a strong trial of patience and abstinence on both sides. The electors assembled on the Tuesday noon, and remained shut up (with only such provisions as they carried in their pockets) until ten o’clock on the Thursday night, when the six whose supplies were first exhausted found themselves obliged to agree with the other six who were better provided, and to surrender their votes to avoid starvation, and a third night’s confinement in the Church Hall.”
16.—Equestrian performances commenced at the Pantheon, Harper’s Gardens, Norwich, under the management of R. Usher, “late clown at Astley’s Royal Amphitheatre, and J. Clarke, the celebrated equestrian of the Royal Circus, London.”
19.—At the Yarmouth Race Assembly on this date “it was the general remark that there was too much display in the ball-room, attributed by some to the ladies in the hurry of setting off having left, what ought to be considered a necessary article of dress, behind them.”
25.—Married, Mr. D. Fisher, manager of the Norfolk and Suffolk Company of Comedians, to Miss F. B. Bane, niece to Mr. Aldrich, of Pulham.
—Died at Burnham Westgate, Sir Mordaunt Martin, Bart., aged 75. He passed the last 50 years of his life in retirement at Burnham Thorpe, devoting his time principally to the study and practice of agriculture.
26.—Died at Yarmouth, aged 50, Mrs. Holland. “Her death was occasioned by her being frightened by the stories of a Mrs. Spaul, who pretended to tell fortunes.” Mrs. Spaul was committed to gaol by the Mayor.
29.—Mr. Thomas Thurtell, alderman, and Mr. William Foster were sworn into office as Sheriffs of Norwich, and entertained a large company to dinner at Chapel Field House.
OCTOBER.
1.—Died at his house on Tombland, Norwich, Robert Dixon, aged 35. He studied at the Royal Academy, settled in Norwich as an artist in 1800, and gave lessons in drawing. “As a scene painter Mr. Dixon stood proudly pre-eminent, and Norwich Theatre may boast of monuments of his greatness.” A public exhibition of his works was held in the room of the Norwich Society of Artists, and on January 22nd, 1816, a performance was given at the Theatre, for the benefit of his widow and children.
17.—At the Norwich Quarter Sessions the Grand Jury made a presentment on the defective state of the pavements, and expressed the opinion that, the streets were inadequately cleansed and lighted.
19.—A grand musical performance was given at St. Stephen’s Church, Norwich, in aid of the Blind School. The principal performers were Miss King, Mr. Barrow, and Mr. French; leader of the band, Mr. Fish; at the organ, Mr. Pettet.
21.—The Norwich, Ipswich, Colchester, and London Post Coach was advertised to start from the Norfolk Hotel, Norwich, at eight o’clock every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning.
NOVEMBER.
4.*—“Died lately, aged 101, Mrs. Stockings, of East Harling.”
11.—The Day Norwich and London New Post Coach was advertised to perform the journey between Norwich and the Metropolis in 14 hours. It started from the Rampant Horse Inn every morning at six o’clock, and arrived the same evening at the Black Bull Inn and Spread Eagle Inn, Gracechurch Street. It left London at six o’clock on the following morning. The proprietors were Richard Gurney, Ann Nelson and Sons, T. and J. Boyce, Samuel Bright, and William Jones.
14.—The Duke of York arrived at Quidenham Hall on a visit to the Earl of Albemarle for a week’s pheasant shooting.
16.—In the Court of King’s Bench, Benjamin Branford, Joshua Forby, James Jessup, and William Quant, convicted at the Norfolk Assizes of conspiring to falsely accuse Mr. Henry Goggs, of Whissonsett, of a serious offence, were sentenced, Branford to twelve months’, Forby to six months’, and Jessup and Quant to three months’ imprisonment in Norwich Castle.
24.—Died, at Thursford, Sir George Chad, Bart., aged 84.
27.—The Marquis Cornwallis, Earl and Lady Chatham, and other notabilities, passed through Norwich on their way from Blickling Hall to Henham Park.
30.—The Duke of Gloucester, the Lord Bishop of Norwich, and the Earl and Countess of Albemarle, visited Mr. T. W. Coke at Holkham.
DECEMBER.
1.—Lord Sydney visited Yarmouth and was presented with the patent of the office of High Steward of the borough. His lordship invited the Corporation to dinner at the Nelson Hotel, and General Loftus, M.P., by whom he was accompanied, gave a ball at the Town Hall.
7.—A sixteenth share of the lottery prize of £50,000 three per cent. consols was drawn by Mr. C. Davy, farmer, Great Plumstead.
16.—Died at his house in St. James’s Square, London, in his 70th year, Charles Howard, Duke of Norfolk, Earl Marshal and Hereditary Marshal of England. He was succeeded in his titles, hereditary honours, and principal estates, by Mr. Barnard Edward Howard, of Fornham, near Bury St. Edmund’s.
18.—Colombier’s French Company of Equestrians commenced an engagement at the Pantheon, Norwich.
24.—Died, Mrs. Mary Dye, of Elsing, aged 101.
—Lord and Lady Castlereagh arrived in Norwich, and after dining at the Norfolk Hotel, proceeded on a visit to Lord Suffield, at Blickling Park.
30.*—“A fire engine completed by Mr. Jordan, an ingenious mechanic, of this city (Norwich), and requiring only 18 men to work it, was tried against one of Hadley and Co.’s patent engines in the Market Place yesterday, and proved equal, if not superior, to it in power. Messrs. Hartley’s engine cost £180 and Mr. Jordan’s only £80.”
1816.
JANUARY.
5.—At a Provincial Grand Lodge of Freemasons held at Norwich, Sir Jacob Henry Astley, M.P., was elected Grand Master.
6.—Mr. Thomas Coldwell was appointed postmaster at Norwich, in place of G. Litchfield.
—*“One day this week a salmon trout measuring one yard four inches, and weighing twenty-one pounds, was caught in Trowse River, near Norwich.”
18.—Thanksgiving day for the restoration of Peace. The Mayor and Corporation of Norwich attended the Cathedral in state, and services were held at most of the city churches.
20.—Died, aged 83, Mr. James Clabburn, many years keeper of the Close Jail, at Norwich.
—*“An order has been received at Norwich for upwards of 10,000 pieces of broad whites from the East India Company, and distributed among the different manufacturers much in the same proportions as last year.”
—*“There is now living in Forncett St. Mary a Mrs. Knights, who is 106 years old.”
24.—Mr. Betty, originally known as the Young Roscius, commenced an engagement at Norwich Theatre. He appeared as Douglas, Sir Edward Mortimer (“The Iron Chest”), and Rolla (“Pizarro”).
25.—At the 51st anniversary meeting of the Castle Corporation, at Norwich, Mr. Thomas Back presented to the society two medals to be worn respectively by the “Recorder” and “Steward.” They were intended to commemorate the battle of Waterloo.
25.—A memorial was sent to the Postmaster-General by the inhabitants of Norwich, setting forth the great inconvenience occasioned by the late delivery of letters by the mail. Afterwards the coach arrived at twelve o’clock instead of at one o’clock.
27.*—“Died, at Exeter, aged 63, Mr. John Bennett, formerly of the Norwich Theatre.”
29.—Died, in his 87th year, Mr. Robert Harvey, of Norwich. He twice served the office of Mayor (1770 and 1800), and at his death was “Father of the City.” “He enjoyed the gratification of seeing his three surviving sons holding high municipal positions, one of whom received the additional honour of being its representative in Parliament.”
FEBRUARY.
3.—Mr. Dowton commenced an engagement of four nights at Norwich Theatre. He appeared as Sir Anthony Absolute, Abednego (“The Jew and the Doctor”), Sir Francis Gripe (“The Busybody”), Scout (“The Village Lawyer”), and Old Dorley (“Who’s the Dupe?”).
4.—Died at Hamilton Place, London, Robert, Earl of Buckinghamshire, Baron Hobart, President of the India Board. He was half brother to John, Earl of Buckinghamshire, who resided at Blickling, and who was father of Lady Suffield and Lady Castlereagh.
5.—Died in St. Stephen’s, Norwich, aged 69, Sir John Odingsells Leake, Bart., formerly of Quebec House, East Dereham.
12.—Mr. Elliston appeared at Lynn Theatre as Duke Aranza (“The Honeymoon”) and Rover (“Wild Oats”).
16.—A high tide at Yarmouth. The Denes and the west side of the haven were inundated. A similar occurrence had not been recorded since 1791. A flood also took place at Lynn.
17.—Mrs. Davison, of Drury Lane, appeared at Norwich Theatre as Letitia Hardy (“Belle’s Stratagem”), and on succeeding evenings as Maria (“Of Age To-morrow”), Peggy (“The Country Girl”), &c.
20.—A meeting was held at the Guildhall, Norwich, when resolutions against the continuance of the Property Tax, and a petition to the House of Commons, were adopted. On the 9th a county meeting was held at the Shirehouse, Norwich, at which a petition to both Houses of Parliament for repealing some of the taxes affecting agriculture, was unanimously agreed to. The meeting was held in consequence of a requisition signed by farmers only who confined their objection to the clause in the Property Tax which related to the tenants’ duty, and to the Agricultural Horse Tax. On the 23rd a second county meeting was held, when resolutions congratulating the county on the rejection of the Property Tax and the relinquishment of the War Duty on malt were passed. A petition to Parliament was also unanimously agreed to, recommending a reduction of the military establishment, and the adoption of such a system of economy as might render a further continuance of War Taxes unnecessary.
25.—Died at Ranworth, William Browne, in his 104th year.
26.—Mrs. Bartley, of Drury Lane, appeared as Isabella (“The Fatal Marriage”), at Norwich Theatre.
MARCH.
4.—Mr. Incledon, accompanied by Mr. Collyer and Master Taylor, commenced a four nights’ engagement at Norwich Theatre. He appeared as Capt. Macheath (“Beggars’ Opera”), Hawthorne, Tom Tug, and Steady (“The Quaker”).
9.*—“One day this week some men were opening in St. Peter Mancroft Church, Norwich, a vault which had been closed nine years, when they found three bats entirely covered with mould and dust. They were in a state of complete torpidity, but one of them immediately took flight.”
13.—A severe thunderstorm, accompanied by rain and hail, occurred at Yarmouth and other places in the neighbourhood.
18.—Miss L. Kelly, of Drury Lane, appeared at Norwich Theatre as Juliet. She was joined on the 21st by her sister, Miss F. Kelly.
—At the Norfolk Assizes, held at Thetford, before Mr. Baron Wood, Robert Lord, alias Davies, and William Hardy were indicted for having forged notes in their possession. A curious circumstance led to the detection of the first-named prisoner. A parcel was sent from London by the Fakenham coach addressed to “Isaac Davies, Tivetshall Ram, Norfolk.” The address was so badly written as to be mistaken for “Swetshall Ram,” and, as no such place could be found, the proprietor of the coach opened the parcel and discovered the forged notes. Lord was found guilty, and sentenced to 14 years’ transportation. Hardy was acquitted.
19.—Died, Nehemiah Haylett, of Kenninghall, aged 101.
21.—Died, at Lynn, Mr. Thomas Day, in his 87th year. He was the oldest burgess in that town, and the last of the officers of the West Norfolk Militia, who, in 1759, volunteered their services to the Government. In 1779, when the Lynn Volunteers were formed, Mr. Day was selected Colonel Commandant.
23.*—“Died lately at Dunham, in his 85th year, Thomas Grounds, and about an hour after, Jane, his wife, in her 83rd year. They were both buried in one coffin.”
29.—At a public meeting held at the Guildhall, Norwich, it was resolved on the motion of Mr. Robert Fellowes, seconded by the Rev. J. Ives, to establish a Savings Bank. The bank was opened, with offices in St. Andrew’s Hall, on April 29th, and on the first day £86 3s. 6d. was received from depositors in sums of 1s. and upwards.
30.*—(Advt.) “By desire of Thomas Thurtell, Esq., and William Foster, Esq., Sheriffs of the City of Norwich, at the Theatre Royal, on Saturday, April 6th, the Comedy of ‘The Road to Ruin,’ the Farce called ‘The Lyar,’ and the Burlesque Opera ‘Bombastes Furioso.’”
31.—Died very suddenly at an advanced age, in the pulpit of Hales Church, the Rev. Valentine Lumley Barnard, rector of Stockton, Norfolk.
APRIL.
3.—A meeting of merchants, manufacturers, &c., was held at the Guildhall, Norwich, when resolutions were passed to instruct the members of Parliament for the city to watch and oppose the intended measure for allowing the exportation of wool free of all restrictions. The measure was for the time relinquished.
4.—A public meeting was held at the Guildhall, Norwich, at which it was unanimously resolved to petition Parliament for the repeal of the Insolvent Debtors Act, as being in its operation injurious to trade and commerce.
6.*—“A troop of the 1st Royal Dragoons arrived at Norwich from Ipswich last week. The officers and soldiers were wearing their Waterloo medals.”
—Edward Lea was executed on the Castle Hill, Norwich, for uttering forged Bank of England notes.
15.—Sir Simon le Blanc, one of the judges of the Court of King’s Bench, and many years leading counsel on the Norfolk Circuit, died in London, in his 68th year.
—Mr. and Mrs. Bartley, of Drury Lane Theatre, commenced playing a round of characters at Norwich Theatre.
16.—The Rev. St. John Priest was instituted to the rectory of Billingford, on the presentation of Mr. T. W. Coke, M.P., who “acknowledged, in a very handsome manner, the obligation he felt to that gentleman for his exertions in the cause of agriculture, and particularly as secretary to the Norfolk Agricultural Association, which office he had held for 13 years without emolument.”
19.—A main of cocks of 21 battles was fought at the Feathers Inn, Yarmouth, between the gentlemen of Norfolk and the gentlemen of Suffolk, at five guineas the battle and ten guineas the odd. Feeders: Layton for Norfolk, Kersey for Suffolk. The match was continued on the 20th.
23.—At Norwich Quarter Sessions John William Smith was charged with stealing a silver spoon from the Waggon and Horses public-house, the property of William Smith, and a coat, the property of Michael Callow, from the Crown Inn, St. Stephen’s. The prisoner, a farmer, had occupied 300 acres of land, and resided on his own estate at Great Ellingham. He was sentenced to seven years’ transportation.
24.—By the alteration introduced by Government in the Local Militia establishment the pay of the permanent staff ceased, the accoutrements were sent into store, and the non-commissioned officers and drummers discharged. The only officer retained was the adjutant, who was placed on the reduced pay of 4s. per diem.
27.—Died, aged 85, Mr. Henry Thompson, one of the chief burgesses of Thetford. He had been a member of the Corporation more than half a century, five times served the office of chief magistrate, and in 1806 was appointed one of the assistant justices of the borough.
MAY.
3.—At a quarterly meeting of the Norwich Corporation it was ordered that the Hospital and City Committees be empowered to recommend to the next assembly to make such abatements in the rents of the Corporation farms as they might think necessary in consequence of the reduced price of grain, wheat being from 36s. to 37s.; barley, 11s. 6d. to 13s.; and oats, 9s. 6d. to 10s. 6d. per coomb.
11.—The first division of the West Norfolk Militia, under command of Col. Nelthorpe, marched into Norwich on their return from Ireland; the second division, under Major Barnham, arrived on the 13th. The regiment was disembodied on June 17th.
—*“Died in September last at Allahabad, in his 32nd year, Richard Turner, jun., Judge of the Provisional Court at Agra, and eldest son of the Rev. Richard Turner, Great Yarmouth.”
16.—A serious riot occurred at Norwich. A crowd assembled in the Market Place, threw fire balls and broke the windows at the Guildhall. They then broke into the New Mills, threw a quantity of flour into the river, and carried some away in sacks. On their return from the Mills they smashed many windows in St. Andrew’s, Bank Street, Tombland, Magdalen Street, and other localities. Dr. Alderson came out of his house to remonstrate with them and was knocked down. The Mayor and magistrates assembled at the Guildhall, special constables were sworn in, and the mob dispersed. A picket of the West Norfolk Militia was stationed all night at the Guildhall, and a party of the 1st Royal Dragoons patrolled the streets. The disturbances were renewed on the 18th, when the Riot Act was read, and the mob dispersed by the military.
18.—The proprietors of the Norwich Expedition coach to London by Thetford and Newmarket announced a reduction of fares to £1 15s. for inside, and £1 for outside passengers. From this date the Expedition started at three o’clock in the afternoon and reached London at nine o’clock next morning.
20.—A riot took place at Downham Market. The magistrates assembled at the Crown Inn were publicly insulted, and so much disorder ensued that the Upwell Yeomanry Cavalry were called out, and the Riot Act read, after which the crowd gradually dispersed. A demand had been made for wages of 2s. per day to be paid every Monday and Thursday. In consequence of the farmers having refused to comply, another disturbance took place on the 24th, when two women and several men were apprehended and committed to Norwich Castle. The prisoners were charged at the Norfolk Assizes, held at Norwich in August, before Lord Chief Justice Gibbs, when sixteen were found guilty and sentenced to death, but only two, Daniel Harwood and Thomas Thody, were left for execution, which took place on the Castle Hill on August 31st. “The recollection of his wife and children and the horror of immediate death overcame Thody’s fortitude. He was nearly sinking down under the agony of grief and terror, which he expressed by convulsive shrieks, and was obliged to be supported by several men.”
22.—At a meeting of owners and occupiers of land, at Diss, a series of resolutions was proposed by the Rev. Mr. Manning, rector, in favour of the commutation of the tithes. It was decided to petition the House of Commons on the subject. Similar meetings were held in other parishes in the district.
27.—Mrs. Mardyn, of Drury Lane Theatre, commenced an engagement at Norwich Theatre as Albina Mandeville in the comedy of “The Will.” On succeeding evenings she appeared as Amelia Wildenham (“Lovers’ Vows”), Widow Brady (“The Irish Widow”), Miss Peggy (“The Country Girl”), and Miranda (“The Busybody”).
28.—At a “grand wrestling,” which took place at Kirby, twenty-four “professors” entered the ring, and “a finer display of science was never exhibited.” A man named Starling was the winner. “A smart milling took place between Broughton and Ives, the former a regular descendant of the great pugilist of that name. Ives proved entirely destitute of science and was badly beaten.”
31.—Under the sanction of the Norwich magistrates and the Court of Guardians the defective silver of the labouring poor of the city was exchanged for current coin.
JUNE.
8.*—“Died last week at Reedham, in his 104th year, John Andrews, a labouring brickmaker. He married in the early part of his life, and had six children, who are now old people. He was left a widower at 55, and at 64 married his present widow, who was but 22. Notwithstanding the disparity of years she proved the greatest blessing to him in his old age, for she treated him with the greatest kindness and attention.”
10.—A new theatre was opened at East Dereham by the Norfolk and Suffolk Company of Comedians. “It is fitted up in a style of neatness and elegance scarcely to be met with in any country town. The painting and decorations of the interior were executed by Mr. D. Fisher, to whose known taste they do ample credit. Mr. Fisher has brought with him a most respectable company.”
15.—Died, Mrs. Cross, of Swaffham, aged 100.
17.—At a quarterly assembly of the Corporation of Norwich a congratulatory address was ordered to be presented to the Prince Regent on the marriage of the Princess Charlotte of Wales and Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coburg. A similar address was voted by the Court of Mayoralty on July 10th.
—A three days cocking match between the gentlemen of Norwich and the gentlemen of Norfolk commenced at the White Swan, St. Peter Mancroft, Norwich, for 10 guineas a battle and 100 guineas the odd. Norwich won by six battles.
17.—The old people in the Great Hospital, St. Helen’s, Norwich, having been deprived of the dinner of roast goose on Michaelmas Day in consequence of the death of the benefactor who provided it, Mr. Robert Partridge on this date “signified to the Norwich Corporation his intention to give £100 as a benefaction that the Michaelmas dinner of goose may be revived and continued in future.”
18.—Guild Day at Norwich. The Mayor (Mr. W. Hankes) entertained the members of the Corporation at luncheon at the Guildhall; and on the 19th “gave plenty of beer and plumb cake” to the poor of his own and of other parishes.
—The first anniversary of the battle of Waterloo was celebrated at the Cavalry Barracks, Norwich, by a dinner to the non-commissioned officers and privates of the 1st Royal Dragoons, to other soldiers quartered in Norwich, and to pensioners. The wives and children of the soldiers were also entertained. The cost was defrayed by public subscription, of which £10 was given by the Corporation.
29.*—“At Whaplode Drove feast last week Mr. John Goodger, aged 104 years, danced a hornpipe, sang a song, and played at four-corners, the latter being his favourite amusement, to the great gratification of the company present.”
JULY.
1.—At Holkham Sheep Shearing, which commenced on this date, improved horse hoes were shown by Mr. Blaikie, Mr. Coke’s farm manager.
10.—George Wilson, the pedestrian, undertook to walk 50 miles in 12 hours at the Prussia Gardens, Norwich. He commenced at eight o’clock and finished the first mile in 11 minutes 35 seconds. His pace was afterwards a mile in from 12½ to 13 minutes. He completed the distance at 7.45 p.m. with 15 minutes to spare. On the 22nd a man named Skipper, an ostler at the Barley Mow public-house, Norwich, backed himself to walk over the same course in the same time, and completed his task in 11 hours 10 minutes. On August 27th Wilson commenced a walk of 50 miles per day of 13 hours for five successive days on the bowling-green of the Crown public-house at South Lynn, and accomplished the task. “What is very remarkable he never perspired. On the third day he lost his great toe nail off the left foot, which he pulled out by the roots in the presence of numerous spectators.”
17.—At the Norfolk Quarter Sessions four labourers were indicted for having riotously assembled with 100 other persons at Hockham, on May 19th, and destroyed a thrashing machine, the property of Mr. William Burlingham. Two of the prisoners were sentenced to twelve months’, and two to three months’ imprisonment, and all were required to find sureties for their future behaviour. (This was the first machine breaking case recorded in the county.)
18.—After a week’s continuous rain, which greatly impeded the hay harvest, a severe thunderstorm occurred. On the 31st the crops were beaten down by heavy rains, acres of turnips were washed away, and in several villages the lanes were full of water. On August 12th there was another heavy rain, and on August 31st a hurricane blew, wrecking many colliers between Blakeney and Mundesley. The rains continued to the month of October, when, in consequence of the low lying lands being under water, all hopes were abandoned for the favourable termination of the harvest. Such wet weather had not been experienced since 1799, in which year there were only 166 fair days.
20.—A public announcement on this date stated that the following coaches started from the Angel Inn, Norwich:—The London Royal Mail, by way of Newmarket, every afternoon at 3.45; the London Royal Mail, viâ Ipswich and Colchester, ditto; the Wells Prince of Orange Post coach (William Sizeland and T. S. Coldwell), Wednesday and Friday at 12.45 p.m., Sunday at 8.15 a.m.; Holt Duke of Wellington Post coach (T. Coldwell and J. Love), viâ Aylsham, every afternoon at 3.45. From the Rampant Horse Inn: The London Day coach (in 14 hours) every morning at six. From the Norfolk Hotel: The Telegraph London coach (in 13 hours) every morning at seven o’clock, viâ Newmarket. The last two were opposition coaches. The proprietors of the Day coach announced that, although the Telegraph had been started in opposition, they would “not risk the lives of their passengers by racing against time,” but would continue to perform the journey “with steadiness and regularity.”
29.—One of the new steam packets plying between Norwich and Yarmouth got aground on Breydon. Mrs. Clifford and other members of the Norwich Company of Comedians were on board. “By their detention the performance at the theatre could not take place, and the expectant audience had their money returned.”
30.—A two days cocking match commenced at Yarmouth, “in the large room adjoining the Feathers Inn,” between the gentlemen of Norwich and the gentlemen of Yarmouth.
AUGUST.
10.—The annual exhibition of “The Norfolk and Norwich Society of Artists” was advertised to open on this date at the “New Room,” Theatre Plain, Norwich. It was announced that “this Society consists of the principal part of the original artists.” On the same day was advertised “The 12th annual exhibition of the Norwich Original Society of Artists, established 1803.” The exhibition was to take place during the Assize week, “in their great room, Sir Benjamin Wrenche’s Court, Cockey Lane.” The Norfolk Chronicle makes this comment:—“The schism which has taken place among the exhibiting artists appears to have been productive of increased exertions on the part of the respective members of both societies. Our sincere wish to promote their fame and prosperity, and to heal rather than to ferment their differences, induces us earnestly to recommend their performances to the attention and patronage of the public which they highly deserve.”