1869.
JANUARY.
1.—At the justices’ room of the Mansion House, London, John Henry Gurney, Henry Edmund Gurney, Robert Birkbeck, Henry Ford Barclay, Henry George Gordon, and William Rennie, directors of Overend, Gurney, and Company, Limited, were summoned for having, in July, 1865, and at divers other times, conspired to defraud Dr. Adam Thom and others who became shareholders in the company, of money to the amount of three millions sterling. The defendants, on the 27th, were committed for trial, and were admitted to bail, each of them in the sum of £10,000, with two sureties of £5,000 each. The trial commenced in the Court of Queen’s Bench on December 13th, before the Lord Chief Justice, who summed up on December 22nd, and the jury, after a few minutes’ deliberation, returned a verdict of not guilty. Intense excitement prevailed in Norwich during the trial, and on December 22nd, when the result was telegraphed to the city, it was everywhere hailed with great satisfaction. A remarkable scene occurred at Norwich Corn Hall, where a sale was in progress when the intelligence was received. The proceedings were stopped by cheering, the waving of hats, and other demonstrations of approval, and the auctioneer, addressing the company, said, “The name of Gurney was an honoured name in Norwich. The Gurneys had ever been friends of the poor and kind and good to all classes, and all were glad that the trial had resulted in the honourable acquittal of all the defendants.”
2.—At the Lambeth Police Court, William Sheward, aged 57, was charged upon his own confession with the wilful murder of his wife, Martha Sheward, at Norwich, on June 15th, 1851. On the night of January 1st the prisoner went to the Carter Street Police Station and said to the officer in charge, “I have killed my wife. I have kept the secret for years, but I can keep it no longer.” In a further statement he said he had intended to destroy himself, “but the Almighty would not let him do it.” He added that he had cut up his wife’s body, and that a portion was kept in spirits of wine at the Guildhall at Norwich, by order of the magistrates. At the Norwich Police Court, on January 4th, the Chief Constable (Mr. Hitchman) detailed to the magistrates the particulars reported to him by the London police, and stated that on June 21st, 1851, portions of a human body were found in different parts of the city and deposited at the Guildhall. The magistrates issued a warrant for the apprehension of Sheward, who, on January 7th, was brought to Norwich, and appeared before the Bench on January 8th. He was described as a licensed victualler, of the Key and Castle public-house, St. Martin-at-Oak, and it was proved that he married his first wife, a Norfolk woman, who formerly lived at Wymondham, at Greenwich, on October 28th, 1836. In 1838 he came to Norwich, opened a pawnbroker’s shop in St. Giles’, and became bankrupt. When living in Tabernacle Street, in 1851, his wife suddenly disappeared, about the 9th or 10th of June. Upon this evidence the prisoner was remanded, and at subsequent hearings witnesses were called who deposed to finding various portions of human remains in different parts of the city and suburbs in the summer of 1851. Relatives of the deceased woman stated that the prisoner accounted for her disappearance by saying that she had left Norwich for a time. On February 1st the prisoner was fully committed for trial. At the Norwich Assizes, on March 29th, before Mr. Baron Pigott, Sheward was placed upon his trial, and on the second day of the hearing Mr. Metcalfe, Q.C., for the defence, contended that the accused was labouring under delusions when he made the confession. The jury, after three-quarters of an hour private deliberation, returned a verdict of guilty, and the prisoner, who had nothing to say, was sentenced to death. Immediately after the trial anonymous letters were published in the London newspapers asserting the innocence of the prisoner; similar letters were addressed to the Magistrates’ Clerk at Norwich, and one communication actually purported to have been written by Mrs. Sheward herself. Efforts were made to obtain a commutation of sentence, on the ground of the long interval that had elapsed between the perpetration of the murder and the trial of the accused. These efforts, however, were of no avail, and the capital sentence was carried out by Calcraft at the City Gaol on April 20th. This was the first private execution that had taken place in Norwich. It was announced that on April 13th the culprit made a full confession of his crime, and gave detailed particulars of the manner in which he had disposed of the body of the murdered woman. In a letter to his second wife he also admitted his guilt.
14.—The trial of the election petition presented by Mr. Jacob Henry Tillett against the return of Sir Henry Josias Stracey, Bart., as member of Parliament for Norwich, commenced at the Shirehall, before Mr. Baron Martin. Counsel for the petitioner were Mr. Serjeant Ballantyne, Mr. Keane, Q.C., and Mr. Simms Reeve; and for the respondent, Mr. Rodwell, Q.C., Mr. Serjeant Sleigh, Mr. E. L. O’Malley, and Mr. J. C. C. Wyld. Bribery, treating, personation, and other matters were alleged. In his opening address, Mr. Ballantyne asserted “that the bribery was most profligate and most wholesale, and that houses were opened by persons of apparent respectability for the mere purpose of carrying out this bribery, and men of position who ought to have known a great deal better were concerned in it.” After three days’ hearing, the trial resulted in the unseating of Sir Henry Stracey. The learned judge, in his report to the Speaker of the House of Commons, stated that although no corrupt practice was proved to have been made with the knowledge or consent of any of the candidates, and, further, it was proved to his entire satisfaction that neither Sir Henry Stracey nor the other candidates at the said election had any personal knowledge of or connection whatever with bribery or any other illegal or corrupt practice, he had determined that Sir Henry Stracey was not duly elected, and that his election was rendered void by the acts of his agents. The persons reported for being guilty of corrupt practices were Robert Hardiment, Arthur Hunt, Robert Callow, and Thomas Hutchings. The first-named absconded after the petition was presented. It was also stated in the report that a number of persons went to the poll in a gross state of drunkenness. (See April 1st.)
15.—A trout weighing 15 lbs. was captured in a drop net near the New Mills, Norwich.
16.—Messrs. Jolly and Son, coachbuilders, Norwich, advertised that they had “arranged to supply from a noted French maker the celebrated bicycle velocipede, so much in vogue in Paris.” The price of the machine was from 8 gs. upwards. On the 30th there was an editorial announcement to the effect that “an attempt is being made to introduce this latest novelty in locomotive machinery, now so fashionable in Paris, to the Norwich public, by Mr. C. Thorn, who has two at his establishment, for the inspection of the curious.” The “first velocipede journey of any considerable distance from Norwich” was performed on March 30th by Mr. B. W. Jolly, who travelled from Norwich to Yarmouth, including a stoppage of fifteen minutes at Acle, in 2 hours 30 minutes. “The progress of the traveller was considerably retarded by the roughness of the roads and a powerful gale.” A short time previously Mr. G. W. Bellamy, of Saxlingham, on a velocipede built by Messrs. Jolly and Son, but under much more favourable conditions as to roads and weather, accomplished a distance of 56 miles in 6 hours 25 minutes, exclusive of a short delay midway on the journey. A Norwich Velocipede Club was established in the month of April, and on the 29th an exhibition of the machines was held at the Corn Hall, under the management of Mr. Thorn. On the same occasion was exhibited “one of the old-fashioned dandy horses, the original or the velocipede tribe,” but, it was added, “the now velocipede is more easily managed.” The first velocipede races took place at the athletic sports of the Norwich Gymnastic Society, held on Newmarket Road Cricket Ground, on May 24th. A “slow race,” ridden by Messrs. Jolly, Griffiths, and Goldsmith, was won by the last-named. A “plank race,” in which the bicycles were ridden upon a seventy yards’ length of plank, was won by a competitor named Ewing. A one mile “fast race” was ridden in heats, the first of which was won by Kent, of Beccles, and the second by Bellamy. Kent was the winner of the final heat, in 4 minutes 49 seconds. “He came over on his bicycle from Beccles in the morning, and returned the same way after the sports.” By the end of the year there was a marked increase in the number of local cyclists. Accidents to inexperienced riders were frequently recorded, and many complaints were made by drivers of the alarm occasioned to horses by the appearance of these new-fangled machines.
16.—The so-called monastic chapel erected at Elm Hill, Norwich, by Father Ignatius, was the subject of further discussion. Miss Robinson, a “lady preacher,” had hired the “monastery,” and named it the “Jehovah Jireh chapel,” whereupon Ignatius issued a notice warning her and others concerned that he was the owner of the building. On this date “Brother Philip” and one or two other members of the confraternity came to Norwich, under instructions from Ignatius, and demanded the keys of the building from Mr. Liddlelow, who refused to give them up unless authorised by his principal, Mr. Backhouse, surveyor, of Ipswich. At midnight on the 18th Ignatius, who had arrived in Norwich a few hours previously, with other brethren, gained access to the old sanctuary by, they asserted, miraculous intervention, and thence made their way to the new chapel. The police were sent for, and Ignatius was informed that he had no right there; as he declined to leave the building, the police refused to interfere. Mr. Liddlelow, on the 19th, applied to the magistrates for an order of ejectment, but as a question of right was involved, they would have nothing to do with the matter. On the same evening Ignatius performed service in the chapel, and stated, in the course of his address, that Miss Robinson had acted in the most honourable manner, but had been misled by others. He alluded to her as his “sister in Christ,” and Miss Robinson, who preached in the chapel on the evening of the 20th, spoke of Ignatius as her “brother in Christ.” Ignatius addressed the congregation at the close of the proceedings, and informed them that he should never allow the chapel to be used for any other purpose than that of monastic worship. “Although the members of Father Ignatius’ congregation and the members of Miss Robinson’s flock could not be more opposed in their mode of thought, yet the greatest harmony prevailed, and at the close they offered up the Lord’s Prayer in perfect unison.”
18.—The new Cemetery at Diss was consecrated by the Bishop of Norwich. The total cost of the chapels, lodge, &c., was about £1,750, but this sum was exclusive of the price of the land.
FEBRUARY.
5.—Died, in his 87th year, at Norwich, Thomas Hurry, church bell-hanger, and for more than 50 years a member of the St. Peter Mancroft company of ringers.
12.—A severe gale occurred on the Norfolk coast. The barque Try Again was lost off Yarmouth, and the crew saved by means of the rocket apparatus. Other vessels were wrecked, and several lives lost.
13.*—“We are sorry to learn that the Norfolk County Cricket Club has been brought to an untimely end. The officers of the club hold out no hope that it can be carried on, as the persistent apathy of those who call themselves members, many of whom have failed to pay their subscriptions, has left the treasurer with a large amount of debts and no hope of being able to meet them.” At a meeting held on the 17th, it was agreed by the Dereham Cricket Club to hire the ground hitherto let to the County Cricket Club.
MARCH.
5.—At a meeting of the Norwich Town Council, a report was received from the Sewerage and Irrigation Committee, stating that an intimation had been made by the contractor for the construction of the intercepting sewers that he would be unable to proceed with his contract unless the Committee advanced him a sum of money. As neither the Committee nor the Board of Health had power to do so under the contract, proposals were made to the contractor (Mr. Wainwright), which resulted in the Committee taking possession of the works, materials, &c. The opinion was expressed that the Committee had acted with due consideration of the interests and safety of the public, and at the same time with consideration for the contractor, who appeared to have met with unforeseen difficulties in the prosecution of that part of the works in course of construction at Trowse, the soil there consisting of sand instead, as was supposed, of chalk. The Town Council, on March 16th, agreed that the contract with Mr. Wainwright be cancelled, upon payment to the parties entitled thereto of £2,800, in full satisfaction of all claims and for the purchase of plant and materials. On July 20th the Sewerage and Irrigation Committee reported that, in consequence of the nature of the soil through which so large a portion of the tunnelling had to be carried, and other unforeseen circumstances, the original estimate would be exceeded, but the ultimate cost of the works would not be more than £81,500, to be reduced to £78,500 by the sale of plant, &c. A description of the sewerage works was published on December 24th, from which it appeared that all the money authorised to be raised by Act of Parliament, £75,000, had been borrowed, and the greater part of it already expended. The whole of the high level sewer was completed on this date. It extended from the Ipswich Road, along Town Close Road, through Mount Pleasant Lane, across the fields and under Mill Hill Lane to West Pottergate street, Bedford Street, Opie Street, the Cattle Market, and King Street, to a point near Messrs. Morgan’s Brewery, where it joined the low level sewer, a distance of more than two and a half miles. Branch sewers had been laid in various directions. The low level sewer, from the New Mills, along Westwick Street, Charing Cross, St. Andrew’s, Prince’s Street, Tombland, Upper King Street, and along King Street to the gates had also been completed, a few short distances excepted. The work was carried out under the direction of the engineer, Mr. Morant, and of the Sewerage and Irrigation Committee, of which Mr. J. G. Johnson was chairman. (See October 1st, 1872.)
9.—Died at Torquay, Sir John P. Boileau, Bart., of Ketteringham Park. The eldest son of Mr. John Peter Boileau, he was born in 1794, educated at Eton and Merton College, Oxford, and in 1813 entered the Rifle Brigade, from which he retired in 1818. He married, in 1824, Lady Catherine Sarah Elliot, daughter of the first Earl of Minto, by whom he had two sons, Francis George Manningham, born in 1830, who succeeded to the baronetcy, and Edward William Pollin, born in 1831, and five daughters. Sir John was a magistrate and Deputy Lieutenant for the county of Norfolk, and served the office of High Sheriff in 1844. As a memorial to his wife, who died in 1862, he founded the Catherine ward in the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital. He was devoted to the pursuit of science and the arts, was a vice-president of the Society of Antiquaries, a Fellow of the Royal Society and of the Society of Artists, president of the Norfolk and Norwich Archæological Society, vice-president of the Norfolk and Norwich Museum, and a member of the committee of the Norfolk and Norwich Triennial Musical Festival.
11.—Prince’s Street chapel, Norwich, was re-opened, after having been re-arranged and improved, under the direction of Mr. Edward Boardman, architect, at the cost of £2,600. As originally planned, in 1819, it was a building of heavy and uninteresting appearance; the new designs by Mr. Boardman gave to it an imposing façade. The Rev. Newman Hall preached at the opening services.
12.—A race took place between Joseph Tuck, a pedestrian, of Little Snoring, and a trotting pony belonging to Mr. Gutteridge. The match was for £40, the distance 500 yards, and the start was from scratch. Tuck had the race in hand the whole way, and passed the winning-post thirty yards ahead of the pony.
13.*—“Mr. Bunnett, of Norwich, has successfully undergone the necessary preliminary of the searching examination in music by Professor Sterndale Bennett. As a corollary of the examination, the exercise of Mr. Bunnett for the degree of Doctor in Music was performed in the chapel of Trinity College, Cambridge, on the 8th instant, in the presence of Professor Bennett, and produced a very good impression.”
16.—The trial of the election petition against the return of the Hon. R. Bourke, one of the Conservative members for the borough, commenced at King’s Lynn, before Mr. Baron Martin. The petitioners alleged corrupt practices, treating, and intimidation. The hearing concluded on the 17th, when the Judge stated that he was clearly of opinion that the object of the petition had failed, and it would be his duty to report to the Speaker of the House of Commons that Mr. Bourke had been duly elected.
27.—At the Norwich Assizes, before Mr. Baron Pigott, Francis Howard Clare (42), shoemaker, was indicted for the wilful murder of his wife, Ann Frances Clare, on October 16th, 1868. The woman was found with her throat cut, and it was alleged that the prisoner had inflicted the wound. Mr. Metcalfe, for the defence, set up the theory of suicide, and the jury, adopting that view, returned a verdict of not guilty.
APRIL.
1.—In the House of Commons a motion was agreed to for the appointment of a Royal Commission to inquire into alleged corrupt practices at Norwich at the last election of members to serve in Parliament. (See August 21st.)
14.—The Watton and Swaffham Railway Bill was considered by a Select Committee of the House of Commons. The company asked for powers to extend from Watton in the direction of Thetford the line of railway constructed between Swaffham and Watton. The Committee decided that the preamble had been proved. On June 25th a Select Committee of the House of Lords ordered the Bill to be reported to that House. The estimated cost of the construction of the line was £72,500; the capital proposed to be raised under the Bill was £80,000—£62,000 by shares, and the remaining £20,000 by borrowing powers. The line to Roudham was opened for passenger traffic on October 18th.
15.—The Committee appointed by the House of Commons to investigate the condition of turnpike trusts considered the affairs of the Norfolk group. The Committee decided that the New Buckenham, the Norwich, Swaffham, and Mattishall, the Norwich and Watton, and the Thetford trusts be not continued, and that the Aylsham and Cromer trusts be continued.
MAY.
12.—Died at King’s Lynn, Mr. Charles Gill, “the well-known and highly respected lessee and manager of theatres in the East Anglian district, and talented comedian.” Mr. Gill had attained the age of 74 years, and left a daughter with whom he was about to proceed to Australia. In his earlier days Mr. Gill performed with the great Kean and many other eminent actors.
17.—Loveday’s English Opera Company commenced an engagement at Norwich Theatre. Mdlle. Mariana and Miss Ella Collins made their first appearance in Norwich.
—The hearing of the election petition against the return of the Hon. Frederick Walpole and Sir E. H. K. Lacon, as members for North Norfolk, commenced at the Shirehall, Norwich, before Mr. Justice Blackburn. The nominal petitioner was Mr. Edward Colman, merchant, of London, who alleged bribery, treating, undue influence, employment of roughs, illegal payment of travelling expenses, and, what was a novel feature in election inquiries, the employment of canvassers. Counsel for the petitioner were Mr. Serjeant Ballantyne and Mr. Littler, and for the respondents Mr. O’Malley, Q.C., Mr. Rodwell, Q.C., and Mr. Blofeld. The trial concluded on the 24th, when his lordship, in delivering judgment, said the petition had completely failed. Both members were duly elected, and in the present case there was no reason for departing from the rule that the petitioner must pay the costs.
24.—The Queen’s birthday was observed in the usual manner at Norwich. A parade of the Royal Horse Artillery and the Volunteers took place. The event was officially observed on June 2nd, when the troops were reviewed on Mousehold; the Mayor and Mayoress entertained the aged poor at the Corn Hall, and gave a feast to the inmates of the Workhouse.
26.—The foundation-stone of the new church of St. James’, Yarmouth, was laid by the Dean of Norwich. The church was partially opened on April 27th, 1870.
JUNE.
4.—A crane was shot at South Pickenham. It was a young male, in good condition, measured 64 inches in length, and weighed 10½ lbs.; the expanse of its wings was 93 inches. On the 12th two were killed out of four seen at Burnham, and about the same time another was shot on the Thornham salt marshes. The occurrence of so many cranes in one year was remarkable, as not more than three or four specimens were known to have been procured in Norfolk during the preceding half century.
8.—A great demonstration was held at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, in opposition to the Irish Church Bill. The meeting was convened by the Norwich Conservative and Constitutional Association, and was presided over by Sir Samuel Bignold.
9.—Died at Lugano, Switzerland, where he had gone for the benefit of his health, Mr. Charles Cory, Town Clerk of Great Yarmouth, aged 57. He was a son of Mr. Robert Cory, solicitor, a former Mayor of the borough, and was elected Town Clerk in 1851, in succession to Mr. J. Clowes. Mr. Charles Diver was elected to the vacant office on June 21st.
15.—At a special meeting of the Norwich Town Council, it was reported that new governors had been appointed under the amended Grammar School and Commercial School scheme. The Town Clerk, it was stated, had obtained for the Corporation the right of interfering in the trust, and had procured the adoption of the lists furnished by the Council. The principle obtained was an important one—that no body of trustees exercising a trust for the benefit of the city and neighbourhood should be allowed to make enormous and various changes in their government and management of the school, which was the property of the Council as much as theirs, without the sanction of the representative body.
24.—The annual show of the Norfolk Agricultural Association commenced at Attleborough, and was continued on the 25th. The members’ dinner took place at the Corn Hall, and was presided over by the Hon. Thomas de Grey, M.P.
26.—The annual camp of the 1st Administrative Battalion of Norfolk Volunteers was formed at Hunstanton Park. The Battalion was inspected by Lieut.-Col. Elliott, and the camp was struck on July 2nd.
JULY.
7.—The new dock at Lynn, completed at the cost of upwards of £80,000, was opened by the Prince of Wales, who was accompanied by the Princess of Wales. Their Royal Highnesses arrived by special train from London, and were received at the railway station by the Chairman of the Dock Company (Mr. L. W. Jarvis), the Mayor (Mr. J. Thorley), the members of Parliament for the borough, and others. Escorted by a troop of the 3rd (Prince of Wales’) Dragoons, from Colchester, the Prince and Princess proceeded to the Town Hall, where an address was read by the Recorder. After a visit to the Grammar School, where his Royal Highness presented the medal annually given by him to the head boy, the procession went to the Common Staithe Quay, where the twin screw steamer Mary, of London, was lying ready to receive the party on board. The band of the Grenadier Guards, under Mr. Dan Godfrey, played a selection of music as the vessel steamed down the Estuary Channel. Returning to the harbour, the Mary passed through the lock gate into the Dock basin, amid the loud cheers of the spectators, the playing of the National Anthem, and the ringing of the church bells. His Royal Highness having declared the Dock duly opened, said that it would thenceforth be called the Alexandra Dock. The Royal visitors and a distinguished company next proceeded to the Town Hall for luncheon. The Prince and Princess afterwards left for Sandringham. In the evening the town was illuminated, and a display of fireworks was given in the Tuesday Market Place.
8.—After lying high and dry for upwards of nine weeks, the large screw steamer, Lady Flora, was launched from Caister beach. She was a first-class vessel, of 750 tons register, and 1,000 tons gross, 205 feet in length, 29 feet beam, and was valued at £16,000. On May 1st she ran hard and fast on the beach, in close contiguity to the dangerous shoal known as the Patch. Early in June the services of Mr. T. B. Carr, engineer, of Hull, were engaged by the underwriters, and efforts were made to get her off. The steamer had become embedded in the sand to the depth of eight feet, but by the aid of very powerful hydraulic cranes and other appliances, and assisted by 120 men, Mr. Carr succeeded in lifting the vessel four feet above the beach. In these operations upwards of £2,000 was expended. Three thousand persons assembled to witness the launch. When the blocks were knocked away the vessel, by her own weight, glided broadside off, and rolled in magnificent style into 4½ feet of water. Her draught (empty) was eight feet; as the tide rose she floated with it, and was towed to Hull for repair. On November 20th it was announced that the Lady Flora, which was then engaged in the Baltic trade, had been lost at sea.
16.—In recognition of the great services he had rendered to the Norwich Battalion of Rifle Volunteers during the five years it was under his command, Col. Black was presented with a service of plate by the officers, non-commissioned officers, and members of the corps. Col. Black was succeeded in the command of the Battalion by Col. G. M. Boileau.
19.—Robertson’s comedy, “Caste,” which marked a new era in the character of theatrical representation, was produced for the first time in Norwich, by a company which appeared at the Theatre Royal, under the management of Mr. Frederick Younge. The transition from sensational drama and broad farce to refined comedy was by no means appreciated by local playgoers, and the attendance during the week was unusually small even for Norwich. “School” was the other piece performed by the company, which comprised Mr. Frederick Younge, Mr. Craven, Mr. J. W. Ray, Mr. G. Canninge, Mr. Fortune, Mrs. E. Dyas, Miss Ada Dyas, and Miss Brunton.
21.—Died at Saham, Mr. Jonas Silvanus Wright, aged 71. He was the author of “The Prodigal Son,” “Rambles in Wales,” and other poems.
AUGUST.
12.—A two days’ cricket match, between eleven of the South of England and twenty-two of Norfolk and Norwich, commenced on the Newmarket Road ground, Norwich. Scores: South of England, 33—161; Norfolk and Norwich, 172—124.
13.—The advance party of the D Battery, Royal Horse Artillery, arrived at Norwich, and on the 16th the B Battery marched en route to Ireland.
19.—The Royal Commission appointed to inquire into the existence of corrupt practices at the last election of members to serve in Parliament for the city of Norwich commenced its sittings at the Shirehall, Norwich. The Commissioners were Mr. George Morley Dowdeswell, Q.C., Mr. Horatio Mansfield, and Mr. John Biron. On September 4th (the fifteenth day) the Court adjourned until the 27th, when the inquiry was resumed. Sir Henry Stracey was examined on October 9th (the 27th day), and Mr. J. H. Tillett on October 11th (the 29th day). The inquiry terminated on October 15th (the 32nd day). The Chief Commissioner acknowledged the assistance given by the police and the Guardians. “We feel,” he said, “that these bodies have rendered us most efficient and signal assistance, and we only wish that other officials in this city had also offered us that assistance, and that we had not experienced obstacles on their part. We fear that the encouragement which has been given by them to persons to withhold information has led to many of those spectacles which have been to us a source of signal pain in the course of our inquiry.” The Commissioners, in their report, dated February 15th, 1870, stated that corrupt practices did not extensively prevail in Norwich at the election in November, 1868; that Sir Henry Stracey was returned through such practices; and that corrupt practices did not extensively prevail at the election of 1865 or that of 1860. Several persons were scheduled for bribery and for corruptly influencing voters by treating. The Norwich Voters Disfranchisement Bill, by which it was proposed to disfranchise 119 electors, passed its second reading in the House of Commons on May 2nd, 1870, and received the Royal assent on July 4th in the same year. (See January 31st, 1870.)
30.—The Norfolk and Norwich Triennial Musical Festival commenced at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, with an evening concert, at which the “Hymn of Praise” and “Acis and Galatea” were performed. The other works in the programme were the following:—Wednesday morning, September 1st, selection from “Hezekiah” and “The Fall of Babylon”; Thursday morning, September 2nd, Sacred Cantata, by Horace Hill, “Messe Solennelle” (first time of performance out of London), and the Dettingen Te Deum; Friday morning, September 3rd, “The Messiah.” Grand miscellaneous concerts were given on the evenings of August 31st and September 1st and 2nd. The principal vocalists were Mdlle. Tietjens, Mdlle. Ilma de Murska, Madame Talbot Cherer, Madame Patey, and Madame Trebelli Bettini, Mr. Vernon Rigby, Mr. Arthur Byron, Mr. W. H. Cummings, Signor Bettini, Signor Foli, and Mr. Santley. Mr. Benedict conducted. A “dress ball” took place on the evening of September 3rd. Financially the Festival was a failure, and the total receipts, about £4,000, barely covered expenses.
SEPTEMBER.
15.—A Conservative banquet was held at the Town Hall, Great Yarmouth, to celebrate the return of the Hon. Frederick Walpole and Sir E. Lacon, Bart., as members for North Norfolk. Upwards of 1,000 electors of the Flegg Hundreds were present, and presented to Sir Edmund Lacon a piece of plate weighing nearly 900 ozs., in recognition of the services he had rendered during the period he represented Yarmouth in Parliament.
20.—Blondin gave tight-rope performances at Norwich Theatre during the week commencing on this date.
30.—An ascent was made from Norwich Market Place in a “fish balloon,” by Mr. Orton, accompanied by Mr. William Maris. The descent took place at Tuddenham, near East Dereham, a distance of fourteen miles from Norwich.
OCTOBER.
12.—Died at his residence, the Royal Mews, Buckingham Palace, Mr. Bernard Bolingbroke Woodward, B.A. (Lond.), F.S.A., aged 53 years. He had for some years held the post of librarian to the Queen at Windsor Castle, and was the eldest son of Mr. Samuel Woodward, of Norwich.
16.*—“The mansion that Sir Robert Harvey, Bart., is erecting on his estate at Crown Point is approaching completion. It has been built from the designs of Messrs. Coe and Peake, architects, of London.”
18.—The Prince of Wales, with his suite, passed through Norwich, on his way to Gunton Hall, on a visit to Lord Suffield.
19.—A heavy gale took place at Yarmouth, where shipping casualties occurred and several lives were lost. The sea rose to within a few feet of the houses on the Marine Parade.
—A week’s festivities commenced at Holkham Hall, in celebration of the majority of Viscount Coke, which his lordship attained in the previous month of July. The proceedings had been postponed in consequence of the illness of the Earl of Leicester.
20.—Died at Thorpe Hamlet, in his 81st year, Mr. John Kitson, Registrar of the Diocese of Norwich. He had for 58 years held the office of secretary to the Bishop, having been appointed in 1811 by Bishop Bathurst, and continued in the office by his successors, Bishop Stanley, Bishop Hinds, and Bishop Pelham. Mr. Kitson was appointed Registrar in 1825, and was Chapter Clerk and Registrar to the Dean and Chapter, and district registrar in her Majesty’s Court of Probate.
NOVEMBER.
1.—That portion of Dereham Cemetery appropriated to the Church of England was consecrated by the Bishop of Norwich. The chapels were designed by Mr. Brown, architect, of Norwich, and built by Mr. Hubbard, of East Dereham. “The old churchyard is said to have been used as a burial-ground for 600 years.”
9.—Mr. Augustus Frederick Coke Bolingbroke was elected Mayor, and Mr. Henry Morgan appointed Sheriff of Norwich.
12.—A new self-righting lifeboat, 33 feet in length, was launched at Wells-next-the-Sea. It was purchased with the proceeds of “penny readings” given in various parts of the kingdom. The fund, which was inaugurated by Mr. E. B. Adams, surgeon, of Bungay, amounted to the sum of £500, and represented the contributions of eighteen different counties. Of this amount Norfolk raised £161. In the presence of several thousands of spectators, the Countess of Leicester christened the boat the Eliza Adams. Luncheon was served at the Crown Hotel, under the presidency of the Earl of Leicester, and in the evening a ball was held.
18.—Died at his residence, St. Clement’s, Norwich, Mr. Henry Ladbrooke, landscape painter. He was a member of the accomplished family of Norfolk artists and a pupil of the celebrated Crome, the influence of whose style was apparent in his works. After residing many years in Lynn, he removed to Norwich.
20.*—“Mr. W. T. Bensly, LL.D., has been appointed by the Dean and Chapter of Norwich to be Chapter Clerk, in the place of the late Mr. Kitson.”
25.—Mdlle. Christine Nilsson, Mdlle. Anna Drasdil, Madame Gilardoni, Signor Foli, and Mr. J. M. Wheli, with Mr. Benedict as conductor, appeared at a concert at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, on this and the following evening, in aid of the local charities, which had suffered from the non-success of the late Festival. The concerts were arranged by Mr. Howlett and Mr. C. S. Gilman, who handed to the charities a sum of nearly £200.
27.*—“The catch of herring last week was a most extraordinary and exceptional one, not only as regards the present season, but also as compared with those of the wonderful voyage of 1868. The quantities of herring delivered on Yarmouth fishwharf exceeded 2,400 lasts (13,200 fish per last), a catch probably unprecedented. Several of the smacks had ‘made up’ before the recent successes, being compelled to do so in consequence of the terrible disasters that had befallen them.”
DECEMBER.
7.—Lord Claud Hamilton and Mr. Richard Young were nominated candidates for the representation of King’s Lynn, rendered vacant by Lord Stanley’s succession to the Earldom of Derby. The proceedings were of a most tumultuous character, and the show of hands being in favour of the Liberal candidate, the supporters of Lord Claud Hamilton demanded a poll. In apprehension of a disturbance, detachments of the 4th and 8th Foot were drafted into the town, and were stationed in the National Schoolroom, St. Margaret’s. The polling took place on the 8th, and resulted as follows:—Hamilton, 1,051; Young, 1,032.
13.—Died at Westacre, aged 64, Mr. Anthony Hamond. He was the representative of a Norfolk family of considerable antiquity, and succeeded to the Westacre estate on the death of his father, Mr. Philip Hamond, in 1824. In 1828 he married Mary Anne, eldest daughter of Mr. John Chaworth Musters, of Colwick, Notts. He was succeeded in his estate by his son Anthony, born in 1834, Mr. Hamond served the office of High Sheriff in 1836, and twice unsuccessfully contested the representation of the Western Division of the county—in 1847 and 1852; and in 1854 accepted an invitation to become a candidate for Norwich, in opposition to Sir Samuel Bignold, by whom he was defeated. Mr. Hamond took a great interest in country pursuits, and was ever foremost in promoting experiments for the advancement of agricultural science.
14.—Holkham church was re-opened after restoration by the Earl and Countess of Leicester, at the estimated cost of £10,000, of which £7,000 was expended for wood carving alone.
27.—The Prince and Princess of Wales, with Prince Albert Victor and Prince George, arrived at Holkham, on a visit to the Earl and Countess of Leicester. Their Royal Highnesses left on January 1st, 1870, for Gunton Park.
—The pantomime at Norwich Theatre was produced by Mr. J. F. Young. It was entitled, “The King of the Peacocks.” Circus entertainments were provided at Messrs. Henry and Adams’ establishment on the Castle Meadow.
1870.
JANUARY.
31.—In the Court of Common Pleas, before Lord Chief Justice Bovill and Justices Smith and Brett, Mr. Mellish, Q.C., showed cause against the rule calling upon the Master to review his taxation of the costs in the Norwich election petition. The bill of costs of the petitioner (Mr. J. H. Tillett) had been reduced from £3,015 7s. to £703 3s., and of the respondent (Sir H. J. Stracey) from £793 14s. 2d. to £168 6s. Four hundred witnesses had been subpœnaed. The Lord Chief Justice said the rule must be discharged. “Sir Henry Stracey,” it was stated on March 19th, “has this week paid to Mr. Tillett’s solicitors £583 17s. 8d., which has been accepted as payment in full for his costs in the matter. The total amount of the petitioner’s costs was £3,800, and deducting Sir Henry’s contribution, it leaves upwards of £3,200 to be paid by the petitioner.” (See March 31st.)
FEBRUARY.
1.—Died in Florida, while on leave of absence from Montreal, Lieut.-General Sir Charles Ashe Windham, K.C.B., commanding the forces in Canada. He was the fourth son of Vice-Admiral Windham, of Felbrigg Hall, who was the son of the Rev. George William Lukin, Dean of Wells, and who assumed the name of Windham on succeeding to the estates of his distinguished relative, the Right Hon. William Windham. His mother was Anne, daughter of Mr. Peter Thellusson, of Broadsmouth, Yorkshire, and sister of the first Baron Rendlesham. He was born at Felbrigg in 1810, and married first, in 1849, Marianne Catherine Emily, daughter of Admiral Sir John P. Beresford, Bart., K.C.B., who died in 1865; and secondly, in 1866, Charlotte Jane, eldest daughter of the Rev. Henry Des Vœux. Educated at Sandhurst, he entered the Army in 1826, as ensign and lieutenant in the Coldstream Guards, and served in Canada during the time of the rebellion, from 1838 to 1842. He continued with the regiment until the outbreak of the war with Russia, when he accompanied the Eastern Army as Assistant Quarter-master General of the 4th Division, and served from September, 1854, to July, 1856, without a day’s absence. He was present at the battle of the Alma, at Balaclava, and at the repulse of the powerful sortie on October 26th, 1854, and was with Sir George Cathcart when the latter was killed at the battle of Inkerman. At the second assault on the Redan, on September 8th, 1855, Windham (then Colonel) greatly distinguished himself by his personal daring and gallantry in command of the storming party of the second division, and for his intrepid conduct was promoted Major-General. In September, 1855, he was appointed Governor of the British portion of Sebastopol, and in the following month was entrusted with the command of the 4th Division. For his services in the Crimea he received numerous clasps, medals, and orders. In 1857 General Windham proceeded to India and commanded a division in the field, under Lord Clyde, during the advance to Kallee Nuddee. On June 17th, 1861, he was appointed to the command of the 46th Regiment of Foot, and in October, 1867, became Commander of the Forces in Canada. On the return of General Windham from the Crimea, in July, 1856, he was enthusiastically received at Norwich and presented with two handsome swords, purchased by public subscription. In April, 1857, he was returned to Parliament for East Norfolk, and remained its member for two years.
5.—A meeting of the Norwich Diocesan Church Association was held at the Church Societies’ Rooms, Norwich, for the purpose of discussing the question of national education, a subject which was brought prominently before the country during this year. The Bishop of Norwich presided, and the Dean moved, “That in any legislative enactments for promoting the education of the children of the working classes called for by the destitution in this respect of many places in England and Wales, the inculcation of Christian truth ought to form an essential feature, and that provision for this purpose can be best made under existing circumstances through the medium of parochial and other schools attached to the Church of England or to other religious communions.” A further resolution was moved by the Hon. Frederick Walpole, M.P., “That the present system, which has been successfully in operation during the last thirty years, carried on by means of voluntary efforts, and maintained by school fees, charitable contributions, and grants from the Consolidated Fund, is capable of further extension and improvement, and is able, if adequately assisted by the State, to supply the national wants of the country without resorting to local taxation for the purpose, unless in those extreme cases for which provision can be made in no other way.” A third resolution was moved by Mr. C. S. Read, M.P., “That compulsory education, except under especial circumstances, such as the case of vagrant, criminal, and destitute children, would be an unnecessary interference with the rights and responsibilities of parents, and unless applied to all classes of the community, create an unjust and invidious distinction between rich and poor, and its enforcement by pains and penalties would cause a general feeling of hardship and discontent, while its objects could be attained by other means, such as the extension, under due restrictions, of the Factory Acts and of similar measures regulating the employment of children’s labour.” The final resolution was moved by the Rev. Canon Heaviside, “That in the opinion of this meeting it is expedient that the promoters of Church education should consent that in schools aided by the Government grant provision should be made for securing perfect liberty of distinctive religious teaching combined with perfect liberty of declining it.” These resolutions were adopted. The Elementary Education Bill, introduced by Mr. W. E. Forster on February 17th, was passed, and received the Royal assent on August 9th. On October 11th a meeting of the clergy was held, under the presidency of the Mayor (Mr. A. F. C. Bolingbroke), at the Girls’ Model School, Norwich, “for the purpose of consulting as to the steps to be taken under the Elementary Education Act,” and it was resolved to convene a public meeting for the discussion of the question. This meeting was held on October 19th, at the Free Library, and was composed of “school managers and supporters of Church education.” The Mayor again presided. The Lord Bishop moved, “That, with the view of carrying out the objects of the Elementary Education Act, 1870, in this city, steps be immediately taken to supply and maintain sufficient, efficient, and suitable schools on the voluntary principle, in order to secure in Church schools religious education in accordance with the teaching of the Church of England.” This was seconded by Mr. Henry Birkbeck. The Sheriff (Mr. Henry Morgan) moved, “That an immediate appeal be made to the citizens of Norwich to provide funds on the voluntary principle for carrying out the object of this meeting.” A further resolution was adopted, “That the Bishop of the Diocese, with the clergy of the city, the managers of Church schools, and such donors and subscribers as may be willing to act be constituted a council, and shall appoint, as soon as possible, a committee to carry out the former resolutions, and to report progress to the council from time to time.” The body thus constituted was afterwards known as the Church Education Council. On November 28th the supporters of voluntary education held a large meeting at St. Andrew’s Hall, at which were adopted resolutions framed on similar lines to the foregoing. The supporters of unsectarian education held a meeting at the Free Library on the 30th, under the presidency of Mr. Jacob Henry Tillett, at which the Rev. G. S. Barrett moved, “That a request be sent to the Mayor to convene a common hall, in order that steps may be taken immediately for the formation of a School Board in the city.” The Rev. J. Hallett seconded the motion, which was unanimously adopted, and a committee was formed for the purpose of carrying it into effect. The Church Education Council, on December 13th, announced that sufficient subscriptions had been obtained for providing necessary school accommodation in Norwich. At a special meeting of the Town Council on December 20th, the return made under the provisions of the Act to the Education Department of the Privy Council was approved. It stated that the estimated population of the city was 82,000, the rateable value £212,129; the total number of assessments, 21,397; and the number of voters on the municipal register, 10,909. “The returns from elementary schools as being in operation were 93; the number of schools to which forms were delivered but refused to fill them up was 27.” (See February 28th, 1871.)
6.—Died at Bethel Street, Norwich, in his 78th year, Mr. Henry Browne. He was the youngest son of Mr. Alderman John Browne, and a liberal supporter of the charitable institutions of Norwich. In his early days of business life Mr. Browne was led to join in those well-intentioned but unfortunately not permanently successful enterprises, the Yarn Company and the movement for making Norwich a port by communication with the sea at Lowestoft.
9.—Strong gales from the E. and E.N.E., accompanied by snow squalls, prevailed off the Norfolk coast, and increased in severity until the 14th. Several shipping disasters occurred. On the 13th the screw steamer Sea Queen, with her crew, was lost on the Scroby Sands, and the American-built barque Victoria, 700 tons, bound from North Shields to Barcelona, with a cargo of coals, went down. Of her crew, several hands were lost.
12.—The Assembly Rooms, erected in 1862, on the Victoria Esplanade, Yarmouth, at the cost of £6,000, were destroyed by fire.
24.—Sir R. J. H. Harvey declined to accede to a memorial signed by 3,000 electors of Norwich, requesting him to allow himself to be adopted as Conservative candidate for the city.
26.*—“Since January 1st several rare birds have been met with in the neighbourhood of Swaffham, namely, a fork-tailed petrel, picked up at Gooderstone; little gull (Larus minutus), in good condition, and weighing only 3 ozs., shot at Beechamwell; stormy petrel, picked up at Narborough; bittern, shot at Weeting; pied thrush, shot at Cockley Cley; pied common partridge, shot at Didlington; dusky grebe, shot at Castleacre; and a peregrine falcon, a fine old female bird weighing 43 ozs. and measuring 47 inches from tip to tip of its wings, shot at Beechamwell.”
28.—The organ at Yarmouth parish church was opened after restoration. The instrument was built by Jordan, Bridge, and Byfield, in 1733, repaired by England (Jordan’s grandson) in 1812, and again in 1840 by Gray. It was finally restored and enlarged by Messrs. Hill, of London.
MARCH.
20.—A movement known as “The Church’s Call” commenced in Norwich. A simultaneous and united effort was made at all the churches in the city; “all seemed resolved to cast aside minor differences, and High Churchmen, Low Churchmen, and Broad Churchmen apparently vied with each other in doing the work set before them.”
23.—Died at Warham All Saints, Margaret Green, aged 100 years. “The Thursford register testifies to her baptism in that parish on March 27th, 1769.”
31.—At the Norwich Assizes, before Mr. Justice Byles, Robert Hardiment, tanner and fellmonger, was charged on five counts with bribing voters at the last General Election to vote for Sir H. J. Stracey. The Attorney-General appeared for the prosecution, and the defendant was found guilty. His lordship remarked that this was a very serious crime, and, as he was desirous that sentence should be pronounced by the highest judicature of the country, judgment was reserved. Another person, named Banfather, charged with bribery at the same election, was acquitted. On April 1st, at the same Court, John Hughes Hulme was found guilty of bribery, and sentence was reserved. Edward Stracey, son of Sir Henry J. Stracey, was next charged. The Attorney-General conducted the case for the prosecution, and Mr. A. Staveley Hill, Q.C., was specially retained for the defence. On April 2nd the jury returned a verdict of not guilty. “No sooner was the announcement made than deafening cheers were raised in the Court, and it was in vain that the officers tried to suppress them.” The defendant Hardiment was indicted, before Mr. Justice Blackburn, on various counts, for committing acts of bribery at the Eighth Ward Municipal Election, on November 1st, 1869. On being found guilty, he was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment. Joseph Stanley, solicitor, was charged with unlawfully conspiring with Robert Hardiment and others to induce, by means of bribes, certain persons to vote for Edward Bennett and George Gedge, candidates at the municipal election in question. The jury acquitted the defendant. Anthony Freestone, baker, and Henry Ellis, shoe manufacturer, were also indicted for conspiring to bribe at the municipal election, and were acquitted. On April 8th Messrs. W. H. Tillett and Co., solicitors, addressed a letter to the newspapers, asserting that “the jury drew lots to decide what their verdict should be in the cases of Freestone and Ellis.” They added, “The verdict is, of course, bad, and we shall feel it our duty to lay the facts before the committee of gentlemen who instructed us in the prosecutions.” No further action was taken, however. In the Court of Queen’s Bench, on May 10th, before the Lord Chief Justice and Justices Blackburn, Mellor, and Hannen, Hardiment and Hulme were brought up for sentence. Mr. Bulwer, Q.C., applied for mitigation of sentence in the case of Hardiment, on the ground that he was then undergoing imprisonment for municipal bribery; in the case of Hulme it was urged that imprisonment would be injurious to his health. The Court passed sentence of ten months’ imprisonment upon the first-named defendant, to run concurrently with the six months he had received for municipal bribery, two months of which he had already served, to be classed as a second-class misdemeanant, and to be fined £100. Hulme was fined £100. Mr. C. S. Read, M.P., subsequently presented to the Home Secretary a memorial, signed by 1,500 citizens, praying that Hardiment should be classed as a first-class misdemeanant.
APRIL.
4.—The Rev. Canon Greenwell, of Durham, “the well-known opener of the Yorkshire wold tumuli,” who had been making scientific investigations at Weeting, opened one of the peculiar mounds known as “Grimes’ Graves,” and discovered therein “two primitive picks in situ, with a splendid ground axe, the skeleton of a bird, a chalk bowl or lamp, and other curious relics.”
18.—The Loveday Opera Company commenced an engagement at Norwich Theatre. The celebrated pantomimists and dancers, the Paynes, and Mdlle. Esta, appeared with the company.
20.—Died at Aigle, Switzerland, the Rev. W. Beal, LL.D., vicar of Brooke, aged 54. Dr. Beal was the well-known originator of harvest festivals.
21.—Died at Holkham, the Countess of Leicester. Her ladyship was the eldest daughter of Mr. Samuel Charles Whitbread, of Cardington, Bedfordshire, and was married to the Earl of Leicester in 1843.
26.—The portrait of the Rev. John Gunn, F.G.S., painted by Capt. H. H. Roberts, of Thorpe, was hung at the Norfolk and Norwich Museum, “in acknowledgment of his munificent gift to the geological department of his unrivalled collection of local mammalian remains.”
28.—The south aisle of Yarmouth parish church was opened. The Bishop of Rochester and the Bishop of the Diocese were the preachers.
—Died, aged 84, William Gurney, compositor, of Norwich. He had been for seventy years in continuous employment at the Norfolk Chronicle Office.
30.—Died at his residence, Horsforth Hall, near Leeds, in his 74th year, Mr. John Marshall, who was Sheriff of Norwich in 1834 and Mayor in 1838 and 1841. Mr. Marshall, who was an advanced Liberal, went to Leeds in 1843, and there took an active part in the affairs of that town. His remains were interred at the Rosary burial-ground, Norwich.
MAY.
8.—Died at Cholmondeley Castle, Cheshire, George Horatio Cholmondeley, second Marquis and Earl of Cholmondeley. He was the eldest son of George James, the first Marquis, by his wife, Lady Georgina Charlotte Bertie, second daughter of Peregrine, third Duke of Ancaster. Born January 16th, 1792, he married, first, on October 20th, 1812, Caroline, second daughter of Lieut.-General Colin Campbell, who died in October, 1815; and secondly, on May 11th, 1830, Lady Susan Caroline Somerset, fourth daughter of Henry Charles, sixth Duke of Beaufort, by whom he was survived. He succeeded to the marquisate on the death of his father, in 1827.
16.—Miss Heath, principal tragedienne of the Drury Lane, Haymarket, and Princess’ Theatres, London, supported by Mr. Wilson Barrett, commenced an engagement at Norwich Theatre, in “East Lynne,” “The Jealous Wife,” “The Bond of Life,” and “Masks and Faces.” Mr. Wilson Barrett was described as “a painstaking and conscientious actor.”
24.—The Queen’s birthday was celebrated at Norwich by a review of the Royal Horse Artillery and the Volunteers on Mousehold Heath. The Mayor entertained a large party at the Drill Hall, and gave a dinner at the Corn Hall to the indigent blind and to poor children; and the Norwich Athletic Club held sports on the Newmarket Road Ground.
JUNE.
13.—At a meeting of 2,000 Liberal electors, held at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, Mr. Jacob Henry Tillett was adopted a candidate for Norwich. A meeting of the Whig party, convened by Sir William Foster, was held at the Royal Hotel on the 14th, under the presidency of Mr. I. O. Taylor, at which it was decided to adopt the candidature of Mr. Edward Warner.
17.—Died at Edgbaston, Birmingham, in his 72nd year, Mr. Robert Martineau, brother of the Rev. James Martineau and Miss Harriet Martineau. He was a native of Norwich, but settled in Birmingham as a manufacturer at an early period of his life, and took an active part in the Reform agitation preceding the Bill of 1832. For the last fourteen years of his life he lived in retirement, owing to almost total blindness.
23.—The annual show of the Norfolk Agricultural Association commenced at Harleston, and was continued on the 24th. Mr. Edward Howes, M.P., presided at the dinner.
—The Earl of Rosebery visited his Norfolk estate for the first time. His lordship was met at the entrance to the village of Postwick by a brass band, which preceded the carriage to the rectory, where he was received by the Rev. W. and Lady Margaret Vincent, the Countess of Buchan, Lord Cardross, and other guests. The cottage tenants were entertained at dinner, and “the orator of the village” proposed his lordship’s health, to which the Earl replied. A dinner to the tenantry was given in the school-room, at which his lordship presided, and the festivities ended with a display of fireworks.
JULY.
1.—The first annual meeting of the Norwich Meteorological Society was held at the Literary Institution. After the visit of the British Association to Norwich in 1868, the local committee, having defrayed all the expenses, had a balance in hand of upwards of £300. At a meeting of subscribers, £100 of this balance was devoted to the purchase of meteorological instruments, and on December 3rd, 1868, the society was formed, with Mr. S. Gurney Buxton as president.
4.—Died at his London residence, Clapham, the Right Hon. William Schomberg Robert Kerr, Marquis of Lothian. He was the eldest of the four surviving sons of John William Robert, seventh Marquis, by Lady Cecil Chetwynd Talbot, daughter of Charles, second Earl Talbot. Born on August 12th, 1832, he married, on August 12th, 1857, Lady Constance Harriet Mahonesa Talbot, eldest surviving daughter of the Earl of Shrewsbury and Talbot. He succeeded to the marquisate on the death of his father, in November, 1844. Educated at Christchurch, Oxford, he took high honours, having been first class in classics in 1853, and first class in jurisprudence and modern history in 1854. After he had finished his University career, he went to India for a year, but the climate had an injurious effect upon his naturally feeble constitution. His lordship died without issue, and the family estates in Scotland and Norfolk were inherited by his brother, Lord Schomberg Kerr.
6.—The foundation-stone of St. Philip’s church, Norwich, was laid by the Mayor (Mr. A. F. C. Bolingbroke), who was accompanied by members of the Corporation. The church was consecrated by the Bishop of Norwich on August 3rd, 1871. The architect was Mr. Edward Power, of London, and the builder Mr. J. Nelson, of Necton. It was designed to seat 775 persons, and the cost was estimated at about £3,575.
9.—The 1st Administrative Battalion Norfolk Rifle Volunteers went into camp at Hunstanton Park. The battalion was inspected by Col. Freer, 27th Regiment.
11.—The nomination of candidates to fill the vacancy in the representation of Norwich caused by the unseating on petition of Sir Henry Josias Stracey, took place at the Guildhall. Mr. Jacob Henry Tillett was nominated by Mr. J. J. Colman, and seconded by Mr. Henry Birkbeck; and Mr. John Walter Huddleston, Q.C., by Sir Samuel Bignold, seconded by Mr. H. S. Patteson. The show of hands was in favour of Mr. Huddlestone, and a poll was demanded by the Liberals. The polling took place on the 12th, and resulted as follows: Tillett, 4,236; Huddlestone, 3,874. Mr. Tillett, on the 14th, took the oath and his seat in the House of Commons. (See August 3rd.)
15.—Great consternation was caused in Norwich by a report that Sir Robert Harvey had committed suicide in his grounds at Crown Point. As it subsequently proved, the rumour was well founded. Sir Robert was in his shrubbery when two pistol shots were heard. Two workmen employed upon the premises, on proceeding to the spot, found Sir Robert in a sitting posture, bleeding from a severe wound in the chest. He was at once removed into the house and placed in the library. Mr. Nichols, the family surgeon, and Mr. Cadge were summoned, and on arriving found Sir Robert in a critical condition. Dr. Copeman was subsequently called in, and every effort was made to preserve life. On the 16th the patient rallied slightly, and on the 17th he was pronounced to be better, but on the 18th he became worse, and was visited by the Dean of Norwich, who prayed with him and afforded him spiritual consolation. Later his prostration increased, and he passed away in an unconscious state on the 19th. With the report of the suicide was circulated the rumour that Sir Robert had speculated and lost heavily, and having been unable to meet his engagements, was posted a defaulter on the Stock Exchange. At an early hour on the 16th the following notice was exhibited upon the closed doors of the Crown Bank: “Norwich Crown Bank. In consequence of the lamentable catastrophe which has happened to Sir Robert Harvey, it has been determined by the other partners to suspend the business of the Bank for the present.” This notice gave rise to increased anxiety. Messrs. Gurneys offered to afford every possible accommodation to the customers of the Crown Bank, and a few hours later the National Provincial Bank made a similar offer. The affairs of the Crown Bank being inextricably involved, Mr. Allday Kerrison, one of the partners, signed, on the 16th, a declaration of insolvency, and on the same day the largest city creditor, Mr. George Gedge, presented a petition for bankruptcy. The sale of the good-will and premises of the Bank was provisionally made to Messrs. Gurneys and Co. on the 18th. Mr. Allday Kerrison and his son, gentlemen of unsullied honour, had their fortunes shattered by one dire stroke, through the reckless speculations of their partner, speculations of which they were entirely ignorant. The inquest was held upon the body of the deceased baronet at Crown Point on the 20th, by Mr. W. H. N. Turner, one of the Deputy Coroners for the Liberty of the Dean and Chapter of Norwich, and the jury returned the following verdict: “The jury are of opinion that Sir Robert Harvey’s death was caused by firearms discharged by himself while in a state of temporary insanity.” A meeting of the principal creditors was held at the Royal Hotel on the 21st, under the presidency of the Mayor, and the following resolution was passed: “That this meeting entirely approves of the steps taken by Messrs. Kerrison in suspending the business of the Bank, the measures taken to protect the assets of the Bank by the immediate filing of a petition in bankruptcy and the negotiations for the sale of the goodwill and the business and premises to Messrs. Gurneys and Co.” On the 27th a meeting was held at the Royal Hotel for the purpose of considering and discussing the best course to be taken in liquidating the estate of the bankrupts. Mr. E. C. Bailey was appointed trustee of the estate, and the Mayor and Messrs. F. E. Watson, H. S. Patteson, H. Woods, and C. Hornor a committee of inspection. The first general meeting of creditors was held on August 3rd, when it was reported that the total liabilities to rank for dividend would be £1,600,321, and the total assets £910,187. [Sir Robert John Harvey Harvey was the eldest son of General Sir Robert John Harvey, C.B., K.T.S., of Mousehold House, Norwich, by Charlotte (his cousin), daughter and heiress of Mr. Robert Harvey, of Walton, Suffolk. Born in 1817, he married, in 1845, Lady Henrietta Augusta, daughter of George, Viscount Kilcoursie, and granddaughter of the eighth Earl of Craven. He was High Sheriff of Norfolk in 1863, and represented Thetford in Parliament from July, 1865, to November, 1868, when the borough was disfranchised under the new Reform Act. His son and heir, Charles Harvey, was born at Bracondale in 1849.]
AUGUST.
1.—The Grand English Opera Company, under the management of Mr. Henry Corri, appeared at Norwich Theatre. The principal artistes were Madame Ida Gilliers Corri, Miss Fanny Harrison, Mr. Henry Corri, and Mr. Haydn Corri.
3.—In the Court of Common Pleas a petition was filed by Mr. Gardiner C. Stevens against the return of Mr. Jacob Henry Tillett, as member for Norwich. In addition to the usual allegations of bribery and undue influence at the last election, there was a special one of disqualification on account of corrupt practices at the election in 1868. On November 3rd Mr. Tillett obtained an order in the Court of Common Pleas for the striking out of this clause, but leave was given to the petitioner to move the full Court for a rule to show cause why the order should not be rescinded. On November 23rd motion was made accordingly, and the Court unanimously ordered the clause which had been struck out to be restored. (See January 5th, 1871.)
8.—Died at Great Yarmouth, in his 90th year, Mr. Edward Youell, a partner in the banking-house of Lacons, Youell, and Co. He retired from the firm in 1863, after having been in the house nearly 70 years, for 42 of which he was a partner. For several years he had been afflicted with total blindness.
13.—A half-yearly meeting of the East Norfolk Railway Company was held at Norwich. This company was formed for the purpose of constructing a railway from Norwich to North Walsham, and thence to Cromer. After commencing operations, it was unable to proceed from want of capital and other circumstances. It was reported that the estate of the contractor was in the Court of Chancery, a further survey of the proposed line was ordered, and steps were taken to ensure the resumption of the works. (See October 20th, 1874.)
30.—At a meeting of the Norwich Town Council, a proposed tramway scheme was discussed. The Wensum Valley railway scheme, for which an Act of Parliament was obtained in 1864, having been abandoned, it was considered that a tramway taking its place would prove useful for conveying produce from the several mills in the district to Norwich. The estimated cost of construction was £2,000 per mile, and the total estimated cost £14,000. The matter was referred to the Paving Committee, and no further steps were taken.
SEPTEMBER.
2.—Mr. Sothern appeared at Norwich Theatre as Lord Dundreary (“Our American Cousin”) and Hugh de Brass (“A Regular Fix”). On the 3rd he played the part of Colonel John White (“Home”), and appeared in “Dundreary Married and Settled,” and “Whitebait at Greenwich.”
3.—Mr. B. V. Winch was appointed Postmaster at Norwich, in place of Mr. S. Base, retired.
15.—A three days’ bazaar was opened at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, in aid of a fund for converting the Hospital field into an ornamental garden. The sum of £462 was realised.
27.—An explosion took place on the premises of Mr. George Coe, firework manufacturer, New Catton. Two persons were severely injured, and removed to the Hospital.
OCTOBER.
6.—Died at Landfort House, Portsmouth, Col. Edwin Wodehouse, C.B., commanding Royal Artillery in the Southern District. He was the eldest son of Vice-Admiral the Hon. Philip Wodehouse, and was born at Halifax, Nova Scotia, on April 17th, 1817. Entering the Army as lieutenant in the Royal Artillery, on December 19th, 1834, he served in the campaign of 1854–55, was present at the battles of the Alma, Balaclava, and Inkerman (where his horse was killed beneath him), at the siege and fall of Sebastopol, and at the repulse and sortie of October 26th, 1854. Col. Wodehouse was three times mentioned in dispatches, and received the medal with four clasps.
10.—The first number of the “Eastern Daily Press” was published. A rival newspaper, called the “Eastern Daily Journal,” published at the price of one halfpenny, was issued this month, and had but a very brief existence.
31.—The first Diocesan Conference was held at Norwich. At the ruri-decanal meetings held in the spring of the year, the question propounded by the Bishop for consideration was, “Is it desirable that there should be held in this diocese a Diocesan Conference, in which both the clergy and laity should be fully represented, for the purpose of considering and eliciting the opinions of Churchmen upon matters affecting the Church in general, or our own diocese in particular?” A large majority of the clergy and laity were in favour of the Conference, and the Bishop, considering the large area of the diocese, decided that the meetings should take place in five different centres. The first Conference was held at St. Andrew’s Hall on this date; the second at Fakenham Corn Hall, on November 1st; the third at Ipswich Public Hall, on November 2nd; the fourth at Halesworth, on November 3rd; and the fifth at Lynn Athenæum, on November 4th. At each Conference papers were read, followed by the moving of resolutions and by discussions.
NOVEMBER.
9.—Mr. Frederick Elwin Watson was elected Mayor (for the second time), and Mr. William Butcher appointed Sheriff of Norwich.
21.—The Prince of Wales arrived at Merton Hall, on a visit to Lord and Lady Walsingham.
29.—The building known as the temporary church in the parish of St. Bartholomew, Norwich, was opened by the Bishop of the Diocese. It was intended for the accommodation of 500 persons, and was erected at the cost of £600.
DECEMBER.
14.—The Widow Steavenson, residing in St. Gregory’s parish, Norwich, completed her 101st year. “Several of the parishioners called upon her, congratulated her on the event, and supplied her with all the needful viands and wine to enable her to entertain several old friends. Her daughter, now 77 years old, is a widow, having had to mourn the loss of three husbands, but is on the point of marrying again.” (See January 2nd, 1874.)
24.—Mr. Sidney produced his “farewell pantomime” at Norwich Theatre. It was entitled, “St. George, the Dragon, and the Seven Champions of Christendom.”
31.—The Prince of Wales, on his journey from Gunton to Sandringham, lunched at the County Club, Norwich. The party travelled from Gunton to Norwich in sleighs and closed carriages, and his Royal Highness afterwards proceeded by rail from Thorpe station to Wolferton.
—Died at Merton Hall, the Right Hon. Thomas, Lord Walsingham. He was the eldest son of Thomas, fourth Lord Walsingham, by his wife Lady Elizabeth, fourth daughter of the Hon. and Right Rev. Brownlow North, Bishop of Winchester, and was born July 5th, 1804. On the death of his father, on September 8th, 1839, he succeeded to the barony, and married, on August 6th, 1842, Augusta Louisa, eldest daughter of Sir Robert Frankland Russell, Bart. Of this marriage he had issue a son, the Hon. Thomas de Grey. Lady Walsingham died in 1844, and his lordship married, secondly, on October 25th, 1847, the Horn Emily Elizabeth Julia Thellusson, eldest daughter of John, second Lord Rendlesham, by whom he left issue three sons and three daughters. His lordship was educated at St. John’s College, Cambridge, where he graduated M.A. in 1824, was called to the Bar at Lincoln’s Inn in 1827, and in 1842 was made LL.D. of his University. Although educated for the law, he devoted himself to agriculture, the improvement of his estate, and of his cattle and sheep. He was a member of the leading agricultural societies and of the Smithfield Club, an excellent landlord, and one who carried out to the fullest extent the motto of his house, “Excitari non hebescere.” His lordship was succeeded in his title and estates by his son, the Hon. Thomas de Grey, M.P. for West Norfolk, who was born in 1843.
—*“The December of 1870 has been no less remarkable for its cold than its heat. In the opening days of the month the temperature was unusually high, and only a fortnight before winter made its appearance in stern reality the thermometer registered in Norwich 55. On the 21st there were four degrees of frost, and on the 23rd the thermometer fell as low as 8.5. On Christmas Eve the cold was so intense that the register on the following morning was as low as 5.5. Christmas Day was the coldest experienced since Christmas Day, 1860, when the cold was more intense by some two or three degrees.” There was a deep fall of snow throughout the county.