MAY.

1.—Mr. Henry Francis was elected Mayor of Norwich.

5.—Died at an advanced age, Mrs. Windham, widow of the Right Hon. William Windham, of Felbrigg.

6.—The second anniversary dinner of the Swaffham Rat Society was held at the George Inn, in that town.  The report stated: “From the time the ferrets re-commenced their operations in October, 1823, assisted by the terriers, the total number of rats killed up to May 6th was 1,140, which added to last year’s return makes 2,947 rats exterminated in the course of twelve months.”

8.*—“The King has granted William Lukin, Esq., Rear-Admiral of the White Squadron of his Majesty’s Fleet, to take, use, and bear the arms of Windham, in memory of his uncle, the Right Hon. William Windham, of Felbrigg Hall.”  (By the death of Mrs. Windham Admiral Windham came into possession of the estates of his late uncle.)

—*“We understand that there are at this time persons stationed upon the road between Norwich and London for the purpose of giving information against the proprietors of coaches carrying more than the number of passengers allowed by Act of Parliament, or any waggon or van carrying passengers without being duly licensed.”

10.—A prize fight took place near Arminghall between Nicholls and Thompson, of Norwich.  “The battle lasted upwards of two hours, and both men displayed better bottom than science.”

—For the benefit of the manager of Norwich Theatre (Mr. Smith), his younger son, Mr. J. Smith, appeared as Selico in “The Africans.”

15.*—“A gentleman from Lynn for a wager shot 20 dozen rooks with an air gun, which he loaded himself, in the course of a day.  He commenced shooting at half-past six in the morning, and finished his task in a masterly manner at four o’clock in the afternoon, in the rookery belonging to Mr. John Lloyd, of Pentney.”

—*(Advt.)  “Cocking.  To be fought at the White Swan Inn, Norwich, on May 31st and two following days, three double days’ play of cocks for £5 a battle and £100 the odd, between the gentlemen of Norwich and the gentlemen of Yarmouth.  Feeders: Stafford for Norwich, Anson for Yarmouth.”

—The Magnet coach from London to Norwich had just crossed the bridge at Chesterford, Essex, when, owing to the swollen state of the river, the arch burst with a tremendous crash.  Another coach was approaching, and received a lantern warning from the guard of the Magnet.  The up Magnet coach from Norwich crossed the bridge shortly before its demolition but got off the road into a swamp.  The passengers had to climb out upon the roof and remained there while the water flowed through the windows.  The coach was dragged out by a strong team of cart horses.  A public subscription was started in Norwich to reward the guard of the Magnet.

27.—Died, Mrs. M. Jones, of the Theatre Royal, Norwich, in her 61st year, “after long and patient suffering under one of the most tormenting of human disorders.”  She was a daughter of the Rev. Nathaniel Gerard, rector of Waxham and vicar of Palling, and of Whepstead Rectory, Suffolk.

28.—Six officers of the 8th Hussars rowed in Capt. Cartwright’s six-oared boat from Norwich to Yarmouth in four hours against the tide, and returned in four and a half hours with a strong stream against them.

29.—The Ottawa, 320 tons, intended as a passage vessel from London to Quebec, was launched from the yard of Messrs. John and Thomas Douglas, at Yarmouth.

31.—The Mayor of Norwich (Mr. J. S. Patteson), with the Sheriffs, magistrates, and aldermen went in procession from the Guildhall to the site of the new gaol outside St. Giles’ Gates, and laid the foundation-stone.  Several gold, silver, and copper coins were deposited in the stone, “and the whole was cemented with mortar and fastened with lead poured in boiling hot.”  The proceedings were witnessed by hundreds of spectators, one of whom, “a person of respectability, had his pocket picked of a gold watch, chain, and seals.”

JUNE.

3.—Died, on his return from Madeira, aged 29, Dr. Thomas Martineau.

4.—The 3rd Norfolk Yeomanry Cavalry was inspected at Sprowston at the conclusion of permanent duty at Norwich.

7.—The Yarmouth Yeomanry Cavalry, commanded by Sir E. K. Lacon, Bart., were inspected by Major Deare, 8th Hussars, after permanent duty.

—Townshend, the pedestrian, “undertook to pick up with his mouth, on Monday last, from the ground in Finches’ Gardens, 300 stones placed one yard apart and to deposit the same in a basket in eleven successive hours, being a distance of 51 miles 540 yards.”  The feat was performed sixteen minutes within the time.  On June 14th he undertook to walk 40 miles backwards in ten hours at the same Gardens, but failed owing to the unfavourable state of the weather.

8.—The commissioners appointed under the Norwich Paving Act determined to apply to Parliament for leave to bring in a Bill for amending the Act and for raising additional funds.

—A prize fight took place at Poringland between Fenn and Camplin, of Norwich.  Three thousand persons were present, and 76 rounds fought.  The contest terminated in favour of Fenn.

9.—McMullon, a youth of sixteen, at the Prussia Gardens, Norwich, walked 12½ miles in two hours; and on the 14th walked forty miles in eight hours.

17.—A trotting match took place on St. Stephen’s Road, Norwich, the best two of three one mile heats, between a pony belonging to Mr. Durrant, of the Norfolk Hotel, and a pony the property of Mr. Davey, horse dealer.  The former won easily.

—The 8th Hussars marched from Norwich Barracks for Ipswich.

19.*—“One day last week Messrs. James Stannard, T. Turner, Samuel Poll, and Alfred Stannard, four oars, rowed from Norwich to Yarmouth and back in eight hours, notwithstanding wind and tide were full against them in crossing Breydon.”

—The season’s benefits at Norwich Theatre were announced to have been as follow: Mr. Smith, £125; Mr. Chippendale, £39; Mr. Vining, £114; Mr. Beacham, £89; Miss Pindar, £40; Mr. G. Smith, £70; Mr. Harrison, £46; Mr. Clifford, £67; Mr. and Mrs. Sloman, £156; Mr. Benson, £69; the Misses Glover, £91; Mr. Crook, £63; Miss Wensley, £72; Miss Mason, £74; Mr. and Mrs. Hamerton, £51; Mr. Brundall, £45; Mr. Wharton, £41; Mr. Mueller, £62; Mr. Thorne, £28; Miss Tubby, £99; Mr. Hunt, £78; Mr. Chippendale (second benefit), £57.  The total amount was £1,556; average, £70 14s. 9¾d.

22.—Guild Day at Norwich.  The Mayor-elect, Mr. Henry Francis, entertained 806 guests at the guild feast, and the ball at Chapel Field House was fully attended.  The streets in the parish of St. Stephen’s, where the Mayor resided, were decorated.

29.—Great rejoicings took place at Costessey in celebration of the elevation to the peerage of Sir George Jerningham, Bart., by the title of Baron Stafford, of Stafford Castle, in Staffordshire, of Shiffnall in Shropshire, and of Costessey in Norfolk.  A large cavalcade attended by a band of music proceeded to Easton, where Lord and Lady Stafford and their daughters were received with enthusiastic cheering and escorted to Costessey Hall.  Sheep were roasted, 500 loaves of bread distributed, and many barrels of beer consumed.

JULY.

7.—At a meeting, presided over by Dr. Yelloly, at the Rampant Horse Inn, Norwich, the medical men of the city decided “to form a union between the two previously existing societies in order to render more efficient the circulation of medical books, and the establishment of a medical library in Norwich.”

14.—A severe thunderstorm occurred at Norwich after a period of very sultry weather.  “Almost immediately after the tempest a cloud of immense magnitude and extreme density, having the appearance of a mass of snow, passed over the city.  Drifting with a strong westerly wind it was so low as to envelope a considerable portion of the Cathedral spire.  Its passage was attended with a very curious phenomenon.  The current of the river, which had previously been sluggish, suddenly became very rapid, as if propelled by the irruption of some mighty flood.  This acceleration lasted about ten minutes, the cloud having once passed over, the stream gradually resumed its former rate of progression.”

15.—Died at his residence, Catton Place, aged 58, Mr. Joseph Fitch, who served the office of Sheriff of Norwich in 1808.

16.—A troop of the 2nd Queen’s Dragoon Guards, commanded by Capt. Kearney, marched into Norwich Barracks, and were followed by three other troops.  “This fine regiment, whose uniform is free from modern finery, and has a truly British appearance, is commanded by Lieut.-Col. Kearney.  They were the first regiment who occupied the Norwich Barracks after their erection in the year 1793.”

22.—The new Union steamboat intended for passenger traffic between Lynn and Cambridge made her first voyage.  “She is 72 feet long, 12 wide, carries 100 passengers, and is propelled by two engines.  Her paddles are in the stern; they communicate with the boiler and engine by means of long rods through more than half the length of the vessel.”

30.—Died at her house in the Close, Norwich, aged 65, Mrs. Dickens, wife of Mr. W. H. Dickens.  “She was the widow of the late Mr. William Crowe, of Lakenham, who on his death bed enjoined her to marry Capt. Dickens immediately after his (Mr. Crowe’s) decease.”

AUGUST.

4.—In consequence of a requisition the Mayor of Norwich convened a meeting at the Guildhall to consider the subject of establishing a botanical garden in the neighbourhood of Norwich.  Resolutions were adopted in favour of the scheme, which was introduced by Dr. Yelloly.

—Died at Norwich, aged 72, Mr. John Funnell Goldsmith Atkinson, solicitor.  “He was devotedly attached to the constitution in Church and State, and was in reality the character which has often been drawn of Honest John Bull.”

11.—At the Norfolk Assizes at Norwich, before Sir William Alexander, Chief Baron of the Exchequer, came on the action Howard v. Howes.  The plaintiff sought to substantiate his right to the exclusive enjoyment of a pew in the parish church of Fundenhall.  He and his father had occupied it since 1787 until disturbed in such occupation by the defendant on November 2nd, 1823.  Verdict for the plaintiff, damages 1s.—At the same Assizes, a similar action, Reader v. Bloom, was tried, and damages claimed for assault.  The declaration set forth that the defendant on August 31st, 1823, at Wells, “did grievously with his hands and feet assault the plaintiff,” a maiden lady, in the same town, to whom had been bequeathed a house, which, it was supposed, entitled her to the use of a certain pew in the parish church.  Defendant contested the right, locked the pew, and nailed over the door a piece of wood to prevent entry thereto.  When plaintiff endeavoured to effect an entrance Mr. Bloom kicked her legs and nipped her arm.  The defence was that the plaintiff first “clapperclawed” the defendant.  The jury returned a verdict for plaintiff, damages 1s.

31.—An election took place at Norwich for the office of freemen’s Sheriff.  Mr. Charles Turner was nominated in the “Purple and Orange,” and Mr. T. O. Springfield in the “Blue and White” interest.  “About an hour after the poll had commenced it was announced to Mr. Turner’s committee that the ‘Blue and Whites’ were giving 5s. for each vote.  This information caused the ‘Purple and Orange’ party also to unloose their purse strings, and the cash was paid down on both sides to all who would receive it.”  Result of the poll: Turner, 1,165; Springfield, 929.

SEPTEMBER.

5.—Died, aged 73, Mrs. Death, widow of Mr. Thomas Death, of the Theatre Royal, Norwich, and of Covent Garden, London.

17.—Married at St. Martin’s-in-the-Fields, London, Mr. William Henry Brundall to Miss Priscilla Mason, both formerly of the Theatre Royal, Norwich.

19.—Died at Chelsea, Mr. Henry Cooper, barrister, aged 39.  The son of an eminent Norwich barrister, he went to sea with Nelson, and as a boy was present at the battle of the Nile.  He early quitted the naval profession for that of the law, and was afterwards appointed Attorney-General of the Bermudas.  On the appointment of Mr. Sergeant Blosset to the Chief Justiceship of Bengal, Mr. Cooper, who was then rapidly rising on the Norfolk circuit, became one of the leaders.

21.—The first Triennial Musical Festival, “for the benefit of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital,” commenced on this date.  On the evenings of the 21st, 22nd, and 23rd a miscellaneous concert was given at St. Andrew’s Hall; on the mornings of the 22nd, 23rd, and 24th oratorios were performed in the same building; and on the evening of the 24th a ball took place.  The principal vocal performers were Mrs. Salmon, Miss Stephens, Miss Carew, Madame Renzi De Begnes, Mr. Vaughan, M. Sapio, Mr. Bellamy, Mr. Edward Taylor, of Norwich (in place of Mr. F. Novello, absent through family bereavement), Mr. Terrail, Master Kempton, and Signor De Begnes.  Sir George Smart was the conductor.  The Festival was attended by H.R.H. the Duke of Sussex, who was the guest of the Bishop of Norwich.  The receipts amounted to £6,695, and the amount given to the Hospital was £2,411 4s. 2d.  At a quarterly assembly of the Corporation on September 27th, the freedom of the city was voted to Sir George Smart, “for the eminent services rendered by him to the city and county as conductor of the late Musical Festival”; and the Corporation further agreed to purchase the organ erected for the occasion in St. Andrew’s Hall by Mr. Grey, for the sum of 280 guineas.

29.—Races were held at East Dereham, and were well attended by “beauty and fashion.”

OCTOBER.

14.—The premises of Mr. Ling, upholsterer and cabinet maker, Bridewell Alley, Norwich, were destroyed by fire.  The terrified prisoners were removed from their cells in the Bridewell adjoining and conveyed to the City Gaol, and all the property that could be saved from the burning premises was taken into St. Andrew’s church.  The 2nd Dragoon Guards were called out to preserve order, and the staff of the West Norfolk Militia assembled under arms.  “Owing to the goods being stored in St. Andrew’s church it was impossible to hold service there on Sunday.”

15.—Died, in his 88th year, Mr. Robert Priest, of St. James’ Street, Norwich.  He was for many years treasurer to the Charity Schools, and in 1786 paid the fine on declining the office of Sheriff.

26.—Mrs. Sloman, formerly of the Norwich Company, made her first appearance at Covent Garden as Belvedera in “Venice Preserved.”  The “Times” described the performance as “more than respectable—in many parts excellent”; and the “Morning Herald” stated that “it was the most promising tragic début since the days of Miss O’Neil, and the applause at the dropping of the curtain was long, loud, and universal.”  Mrs. Sloman was subsequently engaged by the managers of Covent Garden for three years at a high salary.

NOVEMBER.

7.—William Brownsell, many years in the service of Mr. William Mason, of Necton, was accidentally shot in his master’s plantation by a spring gun.  He lay in dreadful agony all night and died soon after being found next morning.

15.—A private watch instituted and maintained by the inhabitants of St. Stephen’s, Norwich, commenced its duties.

—A prize fight took place near Mattishall between Mike Fenn and John Short, of Norwich.  “After 14 rounds Fenn was so dreadfully beaten that he was carried off the ground in a state of insensibility.”  Two thousand persons were present.

20.*—“Died at East Dereham last week a poor woman of the name of Rumble, aged 103 years.  She retained her faculties till within a month of her decease.”

DECEMBER.

3.—At a meeting held at the Guildhall, Norwich, under the presidency of the Mayor, it was resolved to establish a law library in the city.

11.—The prospectus of a plan for establishing a “Museum of Natural History, Antiquity, &c.”  in Norwich was issued in accordance with a resolution passed at a meeting held a short time previously under the chairmanship of Mr. John Harvey.

14.—The London, Yarmouth, and Norwich Steampacket Company announced the completion of a new vessel, called the City of Norwich, for the London and Yarmouth trade.  A considerable portion of the stock of this company was raised in Norwich and Yarmouth.

15.—Married at East Dereham, by the Rev. C. H. Wollaston, Mr. Fisher, jun., of the Norfolk and Suffolk Company of Comedians, to Sarah, third daughter of Mr. William Howard.

—A meeting was held at the King’s Arms Inn, North Walsham, at which it was resolved to carry into immediate execution the Act of Parliament for the construction of the North Walsham and Dilham Canal.

17.—Concerts were given on the 17th and 18th at Norwich Theatre under the management of Messrs. Pettet.  The performers included Signor and Madame Renzi De Begnes and Miss Paton.

—Died at his house in St. Giles’, Norwich, the Rev. Thomas Deeker, M.A., 66 years vicar of Bawdsey, Suffolk, rector of St. Simon and Jude, Norwich, perpetual curate of St. Margaret and St. Swithin, and chaplain of the county gaol.

23.—Married at Norwich, by the Rev. George Carter, M.A., Mr. James Archibald Murray, solicitor, under secretary to the Master of the Rolls, and second son of Mr. Charles Murray, of John Street, Bedford Row, London, to Elizabeth Powell, youngest daughter of Capt. R Browne, of the Precincts, Norwich Cathedral.

29.—A new Masonic Hall was “dedicated” at Yarmouth by Deputy Provincial Grand Master Ives and the officers of the Grand Lodge of the Province.

1825.

JANUARY.

1.—The “Norfolk and Suffolk Railway Company” advertised its prospectus.  It was proposed to raise a capital of one million sterling in 10,000 shares of £100 each.  The prospectus stated: “The trade from London to Norwich in bombazeen and crape is at once extensive and permanent, yet the conveyance of goods is dilatory, expensive, and troublesome.  The mode of conveyance of fish is insufficient on the one hand, and extravagant on the other.”  It was proposed to construct the railway from London to Norwich through Chelmsford and Colchester, with a branch to Harwich; to Ipswich with a branch to Bury St. Edmund’s; and to Norwich with branches to Lynn and Yarmouth.  The cost of the undertaking was estimated at £980,000, and there were to be twelve country and twelve London directors.  Among the former were Messrs. E. T. Booth, W. Foster, Joseph Geldart, R. Hawkes, and J. Ives, of Norwich; and Sir E. K. Lacon, of Yarmouth.

5.—At a public meeting held at the Guildhall, Norwich, under the presidency of the Mayor, it was decided to establish a Mechanics’ Institution, “similar to those already formed in London.”  Nearly 100 members joined at the conclusion of the meeting.

12.—At the Norfolk Quarter Sessions, the justices ordered that the houses of correction at Aylsham and Wymondham be abolished on the completion of the county gaol.

22.—A new roadway made through the city wall at the west end of Pottergate Street, Norwich, was completed on this date, and opened for vehicular traffic on the 24th.  “This great improvement was effected by Mr. Alderman T. S. Day, aided by the exertions of Mr. Blyth, who, in company with Mrs. Blyth, was the first who rode through the new way.”

—The exhibition commenced at the Ranelagh Gardens, Norwich, of a “grand model of the Holy Sepulchre at Jerusalem.”

25.—The Castle Corporation at Norwich celebrated its 60th anniversary.

29.*—“Died last week, at Holt, Mary Ann Edge, at the advanced age of 103.”

31.—Norwich Theatre re-opened for the season.  The new members of the company included Mr. Balls, comedian; Mr. Baker, comedian; Mr. Warren, “walking gentleman”; Miss Scruton, Mrs. Sheppard (formerly Miss Diddear), Mrs. Balls, and Mrs. Watkinson.

FEBRUARY.

2.—The body of an old man, buried in Hethersett churchyard, was stolen by resurrection men.  A similar outrage took place in Thorpe churchyard on the same date.

5.*—“Sir Edmund Bacon (one of the three gentlemen nominated to serve the office of Sheriff of this county) is gone to London to prefer some antient claim of exemption from it on account of his being the premier baronet of England.  Such claim had been successfully made on a similar occasion by his late father.”  Exemption was granted; but on November 11th, in the Court of Exchequer, the Lord Chief Justice of the Court of King’s Bench stated that the authorities, after duly investigating the claim, had decided to disallow it.

—*“The governors of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital have presented a silver waiter, of the value of 50 guineas, to Mr. Edward Taylor for his eminent services in promoting, arranging, and assisting at the grand Musical Festival.”

10.—An exceptionally high tide occurred at Yarmouth.  The river overflowed and flooded cellars, stables, granaries, and other buildings on the Quay; and the Southtown Road from the Bear Inn, near the bridge, to Gorleston was completely under water, in places to the depth of three feet.  At Cromer great damage was done to the cliffs.

15.—The prospectus of the Norwich and Lowestoft Navigation Company was adopted at a meeting held at Gray’s Inn Coffee House, London, presided over by Col. Harvey, High Sheriff of Norfolk.  The principal object for which the company was formed was that of making Norwich a port for seaborne vessels not exceeding ten feet draught, by opening the best and most direct line of communication between that city and the sea.  In addition to the old list of shares, amounting to £27,000, it was decided to raise £120,000 in shares of £50 each, and to apply to Parliament in the ensuing Session for leave to bring in a Bill.—The first general meeting of the shareholders was held at the Guildhall, Norwich, on June 1st, and on July 2nd a meeting of proprietors of land adjoining the proposed canal between the Yare and the Waveney resolved to oppose the Bill on account of threatened danger to their property.—The proprietors of the North Walsham and Dilham Canal, and of the Coltishall and Aylsham Canal also decided to oppose the measure because it would divert the traffic from Yarmouth to Lowestoft, would lead to the neglect of Breydon, and consequently to the injury of the navigation of the Bure and Ant.

19.*—“Died last week in Bishopgate Hospital, Norwich, Mr. John Green, aged 101.”

24.—In the House of Commons Col. Wodehouse moved that petitions from the magistrates of Norfolk and from the Mayor and Corporation of Thetford in reference to the removal of the Lent Assizes from Thetford to Norwich be referred to a Select Committee.  The motion was defeated by 72 votes against 21.

—The Corporation of Norwich rescinded the resolution by which they had offered the corn merchants a site for a Corn Exchange, and appointed a committee to report on the propriety of the Corporation erecting a building of their own for the sale of corn and other agricultural produce.  The committee, on March 15th, reported in favour of the proposal, the Under-Chamberlain was directed to mark out a site 150 feet by 70 feet on the Castle Meadow, and on May 3rd it was resolved to advertise for plans and estimates.—The corn merchants held a meeting at the Norfolk Hotel on July 25th, and finally agreed to erect an exchange “on part of the present site of Sir Benjamin Wrenche’s Court.”  It was announced “a new street is to be made to communicate with the Market Place from St. Andrew’s Street, to enter it at the upper end of Cockey Lane.”  A proposal was made to erect in the Exchange galleries for the accommodation of the Norwich Society of Artists, who would be deprived of their rooms in the Court.—At a special meeting of the Corporation on August 10th “the further consideration of the erection of a Corn Exchange” was indefinitely deferred.

28.—A peal of six bells, cast by William Dobson, of Downham Market, was opened at Marham by the Aylsham company of ringers.

MARCH.

2.—Died at Bolton Row, London, Lady Jerningham, widow of Sir William Jerningham.  Her ladyship was a daughter of the 11th Viscount Dillon.  Her remains were interred at Costessey on March 11th.

—Died at Holkham Hall, aged 45, the Rev. Richard Odell, B.A., Fellow of Christ’s College, Oxford, curate of Burnham Overy and of Holkham, and chaplain to his Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex.

3.—Died at his house in St. Giles’, Norwich, aged 75, Mr. John Christopher Hampp, a native of Germany, many years an eminent merchant in the city, and a liberal benefactor of the poor.

6.—Died at Tenby, aged 43, Col. Francis Manners Sutton, second son of the Archbishop of Canterbury.

—Died at Hatton, Warwickshire, aged 80, the Rev. Samuel Parr, LL.D., Prebendary of St. Paul’s, and rector of Graffham, Huntingdonshire, and formerly head-master of Norwich Free Grammar School.

7.—Died, aged 69, Mr. John Banks, proprietor and manager of the Theatres Royal at Liverpool and Manchester, and formerly of Norwich.

8.—Mr. Denny, of Egmere, was presented with a silver cup by the members of the Walsingham Coursing Club, “as a mark of their esteem and gratitude to him for the handsome, liberal, and friendly manner with which he has at all times come forward in support of the meeting.”

25.—The contract was completed for the purchase of the works of the Norwich Gas Company by the British Gas Light Company.  “The latter company have bought a piece of land in the World’s End Lane, near St. Martin-at-Palace, on which they intend to erect a building and construct works for supplying the city with coal gas.”—The Paving Commissioners on September 13th consented to an application being made to Parliament for a Bill to enlarge and amend the Act for lighting with gas the city of Norwich, “and of the extension of the capital of the British Gas Company and of the monies appropriated to their own use provided it meet all such capital to the extent of 12½ per cent. per annum.”

26.*—“Died lately, at Shelfanger, James Catchpole, labourer, in his 105th year.  Within the last year of his life he was willing and able to do a day’s work in husbandry.”

29.—Mr. Dewing’s hounds met at West Bradenham, where a fine buck was turned off, and ran through Bradenham and Saham, skirted Ashill to Holme Hale, crossed Necton Common, ran through Necton by Fransham to Dunham, Palgrave, and Sporle, and thence to Castleacre, where he was taken after a severe run of 21 miles over the stiffest country in Norfolk.

APRIL.

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

—*“Died at Yarmouth, Mrs. Elizabeth Campling, in her 101st year.”

3.—Died at North Walsham, Mary Cook, aged 101.

5.—One hundred “bankers” from Bedfordshire arrived at North Walsham and commenced digging the North Walsham and Dilham Canal.  “The first spade of earth was taken out by Mr. William Youard, the band striking up ‘God save the King.’”

—A prize fight took place between Camplin and Murrell, of Norwich, on a meadow near Thorpe, for £10 aside.  Murrell was the winner.

7.—The Archdeacon of Norwich convened a meeting of clergy at the Maid’s Head Inn, Norwich, at which a petition to the House of Commons was adopted stating that the signatories were not in agreement with their brethren who had petitioned Parliament in opposition to Roman Catholic claims.  Seventy signatures were appended.  The other petition against the Bill for conceding the claims of the Roman Catholics was signed by the Bishop of Norwich and 200 clergy.  A similar petition was adopted by the Corporation on May 3rd by thirty-three votes against six.—The intelligence that the Emancipation Bill had been rejected by the House of Lords was received in Norwich on May 19th with the ringing of the bells of St. Peter Mancroft and of the other churches in the city.

16.—Died at Ryslip, near Uxbridge, the Right Hon. Lady Wodehouse, aged 77.  She was the only surviving daughter of the Hon. Charles Berkeley, of Bruton Abbey, Somersetshire, niece of Lord Berkeley of Stratton, and the last of that branch of the Berkeley family.  Her ladyship’s remains were interred at Kimberley on May 27th, when the funeral procession was headed by fifty mounted tenants on the estate.

18.—A meeting of the citizens was held at St Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, by requisition, at which resolutions were adopted asking the legislature “to undertake at the earliest opportunity such a revision of the Corn Laws as may secure cultivators of the soil from a recurrence of those ruinous fluctuations in price which the present system has occasioned, and at the same time complete that liberal commercial policy in which progress has already been made.”  A petition based on the resolution was prepared and presented to Parliament.  It received 14,385 signatures.

23.*—“Died at Lynn, the Widow Oldershaw, aged 107.”

MAY.

1.—Four candidates were nominated at the Mayoral Election at Norwich.  A poll was demanded, and the result was declared on the same day (Sunday) as follows:—Alderman Day, 679; Alderman Booth, 579; Alderman Leman, 152; Alderman Burt, 150.  “It is somewhat singular that the father of the Mayor-elect was also chosen on a Sunday, May Day so falling in 1808.”

9.—The Norwich Museum was opened at a house in the Upper Haymarket.

14.*—“The work of constructing the new Theatre was commenced, at Norwich, last week.  Mr. Wilkins is the architect and patentee, and the site is nearly adjoining to the ground on which the present Theatre stands, and at the back of the green rooms.”

29.—At Yarmouth Quarter Sessions, before the Recorder (Mr. Robert Alderson), Mary Neal, aged 42, Susan Neal (21), her daughter, and William Neal (18), son, were charged with attempting to murder the family of Mr. Hales, cordwainer, of Howard Street, Yarmouth, by poisoning them.  It was alleged that the female prisoners persuaded William Neal, an apprentice of the prosecutor, to place arsenic in the food of his master’s family to avenge some fancied grievance.  Mr. and Mrs. Hales and their children narrowly escaped death.  Sentence of death, afterwards commuted to transportation, was recorded.

30.—The members of a newly established club, called the Norwich Loyal Society, held their first anniversary dinner at the Wheat Sheaf Inn, Bethel Street, in commemoration of the birthday of Pitt.

JUNE.

6.—The 2nd Dragoon Guards marched from Norwich for Hampton Court Barracks.

15.—A cricket match was played at Litcham “with the six Alexanders, of Hingham, and the five Cushions, of Shipdham, on the one side, against the town of Litcham on the other.”  The stakes, 22 sovereigns a-side, were won by the “families” by one wicket.  The families, 55-88; Litcham, 82-60.

18.—The last performances took place at the old Norwich Theatre.  The pieces were “The Provoked Husband” and the farce “A Roland for an Oliver.”  The concluding season had proved very productive to the patentee and the performers.  The total amount accruing from the twenty benefits was £1,732, an average of £86 12s. exclusive of “ticket nights.”

21.—Guild Day at Norwich.  The aldermen, Sheriffs, and Town Clerk had breakfast with the Mayor-elect, Mr. T. S. Day, and afterwards went to the house of the Mayor (Mr. H. Francis), “their carriages passing through the newly-made opening in the city wall at the end of Pottergate Street, where an arch had been formed with boughs.”  The subsequent procession to the Cathedral was headed by two bands of musicians and “Snap.”  The guests at the Guild feast at St. Andrew’s Hall numbered 450, and “the proceedings, from the excellence of the wines, were protracted till about eleven o’clock, when the worthy donor of the feast retired from the chair.”

30.—Died at his house in Surrey Street, Norwich, Mr. William Manning, of Ormesby, in his 94th year.  “This gentleman was the Father of the Magistracy of Norfolk, and had been 65 years on the commission.”

JULY.

2.—The steam packet Lowther started from Yarmouth on a pleasure excursion to Rotterdam, and arrived at its destination at six o’clock on the evening of the 3rd.  The vessel returned to Yarmouth on the 10th after a passage of 27 hours.

4.—Madame Tussaud’s exhibition opened at the Assembly Rooms, Norwich.

—The company of ringers at St. Peter Mancroft, Norwich, presented to Mr. Samuel Thurston “an elegant silver gilt jewel for his eminent services in composing the peal of 5,016 of Norwich Court, 12 in, and ringing the tenor in a superior style.”

11.—Four troops of the Scots Greys (2nd North British Dragoons) marched into Norwich.  “Their veteran colonel, Sir Thomas Pate Hankin, rode at the head of this very fine body of men and horses.  Their excellent regimental band, including keyed bugles and kettledrums, played before them from their entrance at St Stephen’s Gates to the Cavalry Barracks.”

12.—Mr. Thorogood, coachman and part proprietor, “completed his fourth year of driving the Times coach to London and back again to Norwich the next day without missing one single day.  The total number of miles in four years, up and down—163,520.”

23.—Direct conveyance from Norwich to Boston by the Independence new coach was announced.

28.—Eleven hundred persons were confirmed at Norwich Cathedral by the Bishop of the Diocese.

—The peal of bells at St. Andrew’s Church, Norwich, increased from eight to ten, and re-hung by T. Hurry, was re-opened by ten of St. Peter Mancroft ringers.

30.—Died at Cowes, the Right Hon. the Earl of Craven, Lord Lieutenant of the county of Berks., Recorder of Coventry, and a lieutenant-general in the Army.  His lordship, who was in his 55th year, married on December 12th, 1807, Miss Brunton, of Covent Garden Theatre, and formerly of the Norwich Company, and left issue Viscount Uffington, another son, and a daughter.

AUGUST.

1.—Lord Chief Justice Abbott and Lord Chief Baron Alexander, Judges of Assize, were received at Harford Bridge, Norwich, by the High Sheriff of Norfolk (Col. Harvey).  “Being a member of the Corporation, the Mayor and his brethren determined to accompany him with the city Sheriffs, and a procession was formed in the following order:—Two blue coats on horseback; justices and aldermen of Norwich in their carriages; city Sheriffs’ officers on horseback; the Under Sheriff’s ditto; the Sheriffs in a carriage and four; two blue coats, with the castles, on horseback; two mace bearers, ditto; the Under-Chamberlain with small mace, ditto; the Mayor in his carriage with the Town Clerk and sword bearer; the High Sheriff’s trumpeters on horseback; his marshalmen, ditto; 24 javelin men, ditto, in dark blue liveries with orange cockades; the Under-Sheriff of Norfolk; the High Sheriff in his elegant carriage drawn by six fine brown horses, the coachman, postillions, and footmen in livery, with his chaplain, the Rev. Edward Bellman; servants on horseback; Sir Robert John Harvey and Mr. George Harvey, the High Sheriff’s sons, in a chariot.  It is said that a similar procession has not taken place here for the last 100 years.”

2.—At the Norfolk Assizes, held at Norwich before Lord Chief Justice Abbott, the action Fellowes v. Steward, clerk, was tried, with the object of deciding whether the plaintiff had set out his tithe in a manner warranted by law.  The plaintiff’s men cut the tithe wheat on seven acres of land, each man taking a strip or rig of land, and after cutting each strip returned and put his sheaves into shocks of ten each.  The plaintiff’s bailiff set out the tithe by taking every tenth sheaf from the shock and placing it a yard or two from the rest.  He then put a bough on every sheaf so laid apart, and replaced it in the shock whence he had taken it.  The next day the sheaves, except those marked as tithe, were carted.  Mr. Alderman Steward, of Norwich, who was acting as agent for his son, the rector of Saxlingham, stated that the corn should be tithed in sheaves before it was shocked.  Mr. Fellowes endeavoured to prove that the corn had been set out according to the custom of the place.  The Judge censured the plaintiff for adopting the method of separating the tithe corn from the other corn and mixing it with the shock again, as it opened the door to the practice of all kinds of fraud.  The plaintiff was non-suited.

6.—Died at Ryde, Isle of Wight, Mr. John Lens, “his Majesty’s ancient Sergeant at Law,” aged 69.  He was a native of Norwich, and was educated at the Free Grammar School.

—Mr. Graham made a balloon ascent from Richmond Hill Gardens, Norwich, at 6.5 and descended at Beighton at 6.30 p.m.  He made a second ascent on August 30th and descended at Earlham.  He was advertised to ascend on September 6th in company with the High Sheriff, but the balloon was inadequate in lifting power.  A second attempt was made on the 7th.  Mr. Graham had to resign his place to Mrs. Graham, who successfully made the ascent with Col. Harvey, and descended in safety at Bradeston, near Brundall.

13.—The governors of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital received from his Majesty the King a copy of Arnold’s edition of Handel’s works in 49 volumes “for the use of those engaged at the Musical Festival connected with the charity.”

22.—At a rent audit dinner held at Woodbastwick the tenants presented to Mr. John Cator a silver vase, of the value of £120, as “a token of regard and respect for his liberal abatement of rent during four years of unprecedented depreciation of agricultural produce, by which means they were able to continue in the occupation of their farms during the wreck and ruin of thousands, and now times are altered for the better, hope to be enabled to pay their rents and meet their landlord as before with money in their pockets, cheerful countenances, and grateful hearts.”

30.—Election of freemen’s Sheriff at Norwich.  The candidates were—Mr. James Brooks, jun., 865 votes; Mr. Alderman Springfield, 501; Mr. William Scott (“nominated with the view of dividing Mr. Brooks’s interest”), 0.

SEPTEMBER.

1.—Mr. William Simpson, Chamberlain of the city of Norwich, was presented by the Corporation with a piece of plate, of the value of 100 guineas, in recognition of the able discharge of his official duties.

3*—“Died at Yarmouth, Mary, the wife of Mr. Clifford, of the Norwich Theatre, in her 55th year.”

14.—A piece of plate, of the value of £120, was presented to Mr. William Palgrave, of Yarmouth, by the manufacturers and merchants of Norwich, “to express their sense of his official conduct in regulating the drawback granted to them by the Government on the repeal of the duties on silk.”

23.—The Duke and Duchess of Clarence passed through Norwich.  Their Royal Highnesses had luncheon at the Rampant Horse Inn, and afterwards proceeded on their way to Newmarket and London.

OCTOBER.

2.—Died, Mrs. Hannah Want, of Ditchingham, aged 106.  “She was born August 20th, 1720.  Till the day of her death she was not confined to her bed, and on the anniversary of her 105th birthday entertained a party of her relatives, who visited her to celebrate it.  She lived to see a numerous progeny of the fifth generation, and at her death there were living children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren to the number of 121.”

4.—Mr. Daniel Woods, surgeon to the Gressenhall House of Industry, and to sixteen of the surrounding parishes, was presented with a piece of plate by the Guardians of the Mitford and Launditch Hundred in recognition of his efficient services during the period of 36 years.

8.—The Defiance Swaffham and London day coach was advertised to run to the Flower Pot Inn, Bishopsgate Street, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday in twelve hours.

11.—A shooting match for 200 sovereigns commenced at Holkham between Mr. T. W. Coke, M.P., and Capt. Ross.  Conditions: to shoot partridges; to toss for choice of ground on first day and exchange grounds on the second day; to load own guns and bag own game; and to have no other beaters than the dogs.  On the first day Mr. Coke killed 54 and Capt. Ross 40 brace.  The second day’s shooting took place on the 14th, when Capt. Ross had men to mark, beat, and pick up game.  At the first day’s shooting, it was alleged, Mr. Coke inadvertently broke the rules of the match.  Explanations followed, and bets were declared off.

17.—The Rev. T. D. Atkinson, St. Mary’s, Thetford, was presented with a piece of plate by the parishioners, churchwardens, and others in recognition of his unwearied zeal as “a most exemplary parish priest.”

20.—Messrs. Pettet’s Session Week Concerts at Norwich Theatre and the Hall Concert Room, St. George’s, commenced on this date.  The principal vocalists were Mr. Phillips and Madame Caradori; leader of the band, Mr. Mori.

—Died at his house, St. Clement’s, Norwich, aged 83, Dr. James Alderson.  The funeral took place on October 27 in the Gildencroft burial-ground belonging to the Society of Friends.

22.—Mr. James Vining, formerly of the Norwich Company, appeared at the Haymarket Theatre in the character of Octavian (“The Mountaineers”), and was favourably received.

23.—The Baron Von Bülan gave an address at the Old Meeting House, Norwich, as agent for a Continental society “for the distribution of Bibles and Christian instruction where Popery and infidelity prevail.”

25.—The Magnet coach from London to Norwich was accidentally overturned in passing through the Eldon gate at Thetford, and one of the passengers, a widow from Hargham, was crushed to death by the vehicle falling upon her.

26.—Died at the Cavalry Barracks, Norwich, aged 59, Lieut.-Col. Sir Thomas Pate Hankin, commanding the Scots Greys.  He joined the regiment as cornet, July 21st, 1795; was promoted lieutenant, August 13th, 1796; captain, October 18th, 1798; major, April 4th, 1808; lieutenant-colonel in the Army, June 4th, 1814; and lieutenant-colonel commanding the regiment, October 11th, 1821.  He was with that distinguished corps at the battle of Waterloo, when he received a severe wound in the knee.  Previous to entering the Army he was a surgeon at Upwell in this county, and afterwards captain of the grenadier company of the Middlesex Militia.  Sir Thomas was buried with military honours in the north transept of Norwich Cathedral on November 2nd.

NOVEMBER.

3.—Thorogood, the driver of “The Times” coach, gave up the reins on this date, having held them since July 14th, 1822, “during which time he drove the coach every day to and from the Norfolk Hotel, Norwich, and the Swan with Two Necks, Lad Lane, London, a distance of 116 miles without any accident of consequence, a task which we believe was never before performed by any man.  In the above space of time he travelled 182,352 miles, independent of the distance he regularly walked, which could not have been less than a mile each day, as he always slept at the Blue Boar, Aldgate, when in London, and at the Bell, Orford Hill, when in Norwich.”  Thorogood married on November 8th Miss M. Westall, of London.

4.—H.R.H. the Duke of Sussex, who was staying with Admiral Windham at Felbrigg, visited Cromer, when the inhabitants removed the horses from his carriage and dragged it through the town.

12.—The Norwich Society “for promoting the immediate mitigation and final abolition of slavery” was established at a meeting held at St. Andrew’s Hall, under the presidency of the Mayor (Mr. T. S. Day).

14.—Married at Minto, Roxburghshire, Mr. J. P. Boileau, jun., eldest son of Mr. J. P. Boileau, of Mortlake, and of Tacolneston Hall, to Lady Catherine Elliott, daughter of the Earl of Minto.

—Swaffham Coursing Meeting commenced with a very small attendance.  “We have to regret the retirement of Lord Rivers, whose advanced age and infirm state of health have obliged him to relinquish his favourite pursuits.  The superior greyhounds his lordship used to bring secured him the victory in almost every match he made—indeed, he was allowed to possess the best breed of greyhounds in the kingdom.  The noble lord, during has coursing career, has been the winner of fourteen cups, and is the only member since the establishment of the Swaffham Coursing Meeting in 1779 who has won five cups at Swaffham, and this during the last eleven years, his lordship first entering in 1813.  His greyhounds sold at Tattersall’s in May last for 1,029 guineas; with seven horses and two dog carts the amount was brought up to 1,339½ guineas, which sum his lordship generously presented to his servants.  One dog, Rex, who has never been beaten, and also a bitch, as companion to this nonpariel, are retained by Lord Rivers as a memento of his celebrated kennel.”

21.—A meeting of the Norwich and Norfolk Law Library was held at the Guildhall, Norwich, at which were adopted the rules and regulations drawn up by a committee appointed on December 3rd, 1824.  The books were ordered to be deposited in a room in Institution Court, Upper Haymarket.

23.—The Norwich Association for Assisting in the Detection and Prosecution of Criminal Offenders was instituted at a meeting held at the Guildhall.

26.—A meeting was held at the Angel Inn, Norwich, at which an association was formed for the protection of agriculture.  It was known as the East Norfolk Agricultural Society, and Mr. Jehosaphat Postle was elected president.

—A corn market was re-established at Wells-next-the-Sea.

28.—The first annual meeting of subscribers to the Norfolk and Norwich Museum was held at the Guildhall, under the presidency of Sir James E. Smith.  Rules for the management of the institution were adopted.

30.—St. Andrew’s Day was celebrated by the Scots Greys at the Cavalry Barracks, Norwich.  A soldier dressed as St. Andrew was escorted from the city boundary to the barracks by a party of forty troopers in Highland dress, who called at the house of the Mayor, in Pottergate Street, and danced a reel.  The festival was afterwards kept in a convivial manner at the barracks.

9.—Mr. De Hague’s portrait, painted by Sir William Beechey, was hung in St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich.

12.—Died, aged 83, Mr. Burks, one of the proprietors of the “Norwich Mercury.”

16.—Messrs. T. H. and W. Day, of the Norwich and Swaffham Bank, announced that they were compelled to suspend their payments.  On the 17th it was made known that a docket had been struck preparatory to a commission of bankruptcy being issued against the firm.—Messrs. Fincham’s Bank at Diss stopped payment at about the same date owing to the sudden death of Mr. Benjamin Fincham on November 19th, but was re-opened on January 9th, 1826.

20.—The Rev. Robert Forby, rector of Fincham, was found drowned in his bath.  It was supposed that he was seized with sudden faintness while bathing.

27.—Died at Tittleshall parsonage, the Rev. Dixon Hoste, aged 76, for many years an acting magistrate in the Hundred of Launditch.

28.—A public meeting at Lynn approved a plan for constructing a bridge and embankment over the Cross Keys Wash, in order to establish direct communication between the whole of Norfolk and part of Suffolk with Lincolnshire and the north of England.

31.—Wombwell exhibited his menagerie on the Castle Hill, Norwich, and advertised as an attraction “the two unequalled lions, Nero and Wallace, the same who fought and conquered the dogs at Warwick.”

1826.

JANUARY.

14.*—“Mr. W. E. L. Bulwer, of Heydon Hall, has lately been presented by his tenants with a piece of plate, of the value of 500 guineas, as a testimony of their respect and esteem for his general good conduct, and especially as a mark of gratitude for his disinterested generosity during the late agricultural distresses.”

18.—Died at Yarmouth, John Joy, for 30 years guard of the mail coach to London.  “He has left three sons, two of whom, since the death of Serres, are said to be the first marine painters in the kingdom.”

26.—A great skating match at Wisbech, in which all the principal fen skaters took part, was won by Farrow, of Nordelph.

31.—A large number of weavers caused a riot in Norwich, and destroyed a carrier’s cart which was conveying into the country materials for manufacturing purposes.  On February 1st the mob stopped all country carts and seized what manufacturing articles were found upon them, broke the windows of several factories, and became so aggressive that the Scots Greys were called out to quell the disturbance.  The rioting was resumed on February 13th, when many citizens were sworn in as special constables, and after the Riot Act had been read the cavalry cleared the streets.

FEBRUARY.

4.*—“Died at a rustic and old habitation on Kettlestone Common, at the age of 99, Robert Pamell, an honest husbandman, who, until he was 93, never took relief from the parish.  He had frequently said he never recollected having taken physic in his life.”

12.—Died at his house in St. Giles’, the Rev. Charles John Chapman, B.D., upper minister of St. Peter Mancroft, Norwich.  He was educated at the Norwich Free Grammar School, under the Rev. Dr. Parr, and at the University of Cambridge, and was some time fellow of Corpus Christi College.

13.—Capt. Parry, R.N., was presented with the freedom of Lynn “in testimony of his meritorious and enterprising conduct in his several voyages of discovery.”  On the 15th the Corporation gave a dinner in his honour at the Town Hall.

14.—Died, Mrs. Mary Seaman, of Norwich, aged 100.

23.—The Scots Greys marched from Norwich for Liverpool.

MARCH.

3.—The 1st Dragoon Guards marched into Norwich.

9.—At a meeting of the county magistrates, held at the Shirehall, Norwich, a letter from the Secretary of State was read on the subject of the removal of the Lent Assizes from Thetford to Norwich.  It was agreed to answer the various objections it contained, and to strongly urge the removal of the Assizes.—The Grand Jury at Norwich Assizes on July 22nd made a presentment of the grievance from which the city suffered in the absence of a second gaol delivery in the course of the year.

18.*—“Died lately in London, aged 62, Mr. Henry Smith, of Ellingham Hall, who for 29 years held the situation of solicitor to the East India Dock Company, and clerk of the Drapers’ Company.  Mr. Smith some time ago represented the borough of Colne in Parliament.”

25.—Between 60 and 70 friends of Mr. Cobbett dined at the Bowling Green Inn, Norwich, under the presidency of Sir Thomas Beevor.  Mr. Cobbett was present, and replied to the toast of “Our Guest,” proposed by Sir Thomas.

APRIL.

11.—Died at her house, Rue Neuve du Luxembourg, Paris, Madame De Bardelin, wife of Monsieur le Chevalier Laget De Bardelin, Officier Supérieur, Lieutenant des Gardes du Corps du Roy.  “Madame De Bardelin was well known and highly respected by many distinguished families in Norwich and Norfolk, where, when she was Miss Sutton, she resided for a considerable time.”

14.—A squadron of 1st King’s Dragoon Guards left Norwich for Leeds, and on the same day the depot of the 40th (2nd Somersetshire) Regiment of Foot arrived in the city and occupied the Cavalry Barracks.

20.—Mr. Osbaldiston took leave of the Norwich stage in the part of Virginius, and proceeded to the Haymarket Theatre, London.

30.—The large east window of Norwich Cathedral was exposed to view after restoration.  “The central light formerly comprised the Transfiguration, after Raphael, painted by the lady of the late Dean Lloyd, with varnished colours, but these not having been burnt in were after a time entirely dissipated.  The same subject has now been re-executed in vitrified colours from the picture by Julio Romano, in the possession of Mr. W. Wilkins.  To that ingenious artist, Mr. Zobel (in the employment of Mr. Yarrington, of Norwich), we offer our congratulations on the success of his undertaking.”

MAY.

1.—Mr. Barton, from the Bristol Theatre, who succeeded Mr. Osbaldiston as the tragedian of the Norwich Company, made his first appearance in the part of Hamlet.  “The thanks of the pure lovers of the stage are due to Mr. Chippendale for not playing the grave-digger in the traditionary number of waistcoats.”

4.—Major Jonathan Peel, son of Sir Robert Peel, and brother of the Right Hon. Robert Peel, Secretary of State for the Home Department, issued his address as candidate for Norwich in the “Purple and Orange” interest.

17.—Mr. William Smith issued his address as candidate for Norwich in the “Blue and White” interest.  “I regret,” he wrote, “that practices exist against which I have frequently and earnestly remonstrated; not only in private, but before thousands of you assembled I have openly protested against the right of any man to call for a reform in Parliament who accepted any reward for his own vote.”

19.—The several troops of the 3rd Norfolk Yeomanry Cavalry, commanded by Lieut.-Col. Harvey, completed 28 days’ permanent duty at Norwich, and were inspected at Mile End by Major Rutledge, 6th Carabineers.

JUNE.

9.—Mr. William Smith, the former member, and Major Peel were returned unopposed for Norwich.  A Mr. Morrison had been invited to contest the seat as a third candidate, but excused himself on the ground that he was already nominated for Great Marlow.  It was by the extreme section of the “Blue and White” party that Mr. Morrison’s services were sought.  Failing in this they nominated Mr. R. H. Gurney, but it being represented to the Sheriff that he would not consent, the nomination was withdrawn.