25.—Died, the celebrated Greek scholar, Richard Porson. He was a native of Ruston, in Norfolk. He left a sister, the wife of Mr. S. Hawes, of Coltishall. His brother Thomas, who kept a boarding school at Fakenham, died in 1792.
27.—A rowing match, for ten guineas a side, took place at Norwich, between the six-oared boats, the Britannia and the Crown Point. The latter won. Distance, 4½ miles; time, 30 minutes 30 seconds.
5.—Mr. Shelford Bidwell was elected Mayor of Thetford. “The usual entertainment was given to the Corporation. The source from whence it was, as usual, derived is worthy of record. The roast beef is provided by the Town Clerk; the boiled beef by the tenant of the tolls of the navigation; the geese by the tenant of the bridge tolls; the game and wine by the Mayor-Elect; and the keeper of the tavern adjacent to the Guildhall finds the plumb puddings. Is this immemorial custom in the above very ancient borough not the origin of the present fashionable Pic Nics?”
10.—About two-thirds of Col. Patteson’s Volunteer Infantry were enrolled as Local Militia.
15.—The Norwich corn merchants demanded of the farmers a month’s credit, instead of paying ready money for their corn as hitherto, but it was resisted by the growers, and ultimately abandoned by the merchants. In the Court of King’s Bench, on November 25th, Lord Ellenborough, who was applied to for a rule, held that individuals might buy and sell upon terms agreed to, but combining to impose terms upon the growers was calculated to enhance the price of grain in the market, and to lessen the supply in the market, which was another cause for an increased price.
16.—Fundenhall Church was opened, after extensive repair. The chancel was almost rebuilt by Mr. T. T. Berney, the impropriator.
18.—A rowing match, for five guineas a side, took place between the Revenge, six oars, and the Lion, four oars. The course was from Carrow to Whitlingham and back. The Revenge won.
25.—At Blickling Races a silver cup was for the first time offered for competition by horses ridden in a regiment or troop of Norfolk Yeomanry Cavalry.
28.—The organ erected at St. Andrew’s Church, Norwich, was opened by Dr. Beckwith. A grand selection from the works of Handel was played upon the instrument, and upwards of £120 was collected.
31.—At Holkham, from October 31st to November 17th, Mr. Coke and seven other guns killed 1,131 hares, 214 pheasants, 366 partridges, 983 rabbits, 30 woodcock, 12 wood pigeons, and 5 snipe.
9.—A woman, named Mary Hudson, aged 35, escaped from Norwich City Gaol under extraordinary circumstances. She made a hole through the wall of the room in which she was confined, and crept through it into the street, taking her six months old infant with her. The wall was two feet in thickness, and she must have been employed some nights in making the aperture. The bricks were concealed beneath her bed, and the loose rubbish put into the pillowcase. Another bed served to conceal the hole in the wall. In the hue and cry advertisement, offering a reward of ten guineas for her recapture, it was stated that a Yarmouth hawker and pedlar, named Thomas Cocks, “who frequently feeds cocks for fighting in Norfolk and Suffolk,” was suspected of having assisted the woman to escape. There is no record of her recapture.
15.—Swaffham Coursing Meeting took place. It was described as “the most successful meeting since the renewal of coursing here.” Two hundred persons attended the ball.
24.—The Wymondham troop of Yeomanry Cavalry presented a valuable sword to the commanding officer, Capt. John Darell.
10.*—“The lay clerks of Norwich Cathedral have lately had their salaries augmented £12 each, being only the second advance since the time of Henry VIII.”
17.—From Saturday, the 17th, to Saturday, the 24th, the Newmarket mail coach, owing to the heavy fall of snow, did not arrive in Norwich with the letters until after the departure of the coaches for London. Great inconvenience was occasioned thereby in commercial circles.
21.—Died, aged 18, Miss Fisher, only daughter of Mr. Fisher, of the Newmarket Theatre, and formerly of Norwich.
24.*—(Advt.) “A main of cocks will be fought at the Maid’s Head Inn, Norwich, on Tuesday and Wednesday, the 3rd and 4th of January, 1809; to show 31 mains, to fight for ten guineas a battle, and 100 the odd battle. Likewise to show ten bye cocks for five guineas a battle, and two turn outs. Feeders, Lamb, Norfolk; Cock, Norwich.”
31.—John Gulley, Tom Crib, and Tom Belcher gave a boxing exhibition at Norwich before an audience of 800 persons.
Col. Robert Harvey, not being joined by a sufficient number of the Volunteers under his command to permit of its becoming a battalion of Local Militia, he resigned his commission, and was succeeded by Lieut.-Col. De Hague.
14.*—“The orders lately come down to Norwich, besides affording constant employment to most of the manufacturing poor for nearly twelve months, will in the different branches of labour diffuse upwards of £40,000 in earnings, exclusive of the amount circulated for combing and spinning.”
15.—The Norwich Volunteer Infantry, commanded by Lieut.-Col. De Hague, was formed into a battalion of five companies of 60 men each.
25.—A “grand operatical romance,” entitled “The Forty Thieves,” was produced for the first time at Norwich Theatre, with scenery specially painted by Dixon.
28.*—(Advt.) “A card. Mr. Lambert, from Leicester, respectfully informs the ladies and gentlemen of Norwich and its vicinity that he arrived on Sunday at Mr. Leeche’s, at the King’s Head, where he will see company from 11 to 2, from 3 till 6, and from 7 till 9 each day. Admission one shilling each.” Lambert died on Wednesday, June 21st, 1809, at Stamford. He was in his 40th year, and weighed 52 stones 11 lbs.
28.—In consequence of a rapid thaw, the low lying parts of Norwich were flooded. “Some of the houses were six or seven feet under water,” and boats were rowed in the street at St. Martin-at-Oak. The marshes below Norwich were so inundated that the course of the river could not be traced, and the barge proceeding to Yarmouth had to return, in consequence of the men being unable to find the channel.
30.—During a violent gale a stack of chimneys fell on the roof of an old house in Cockey Lane, Norwich. Mr. and Mrs. Graham were buried in the ruins and killed. On the same night a large tree in Sprowston Park was blown down. It was planted the day King Charles was beheaded, January 30th, 1649.
3.—Mr. S. Mitchell (as nominee for the Wymer Ward, Norwich) obtained judgment in the Court of King’s Bench, by which it was ruled that Militiamen out on duty, but having dwellings in the city in which their families lived, had a right to vote at ward elections.
7.—A stage coach, owned by Mr. Wm. Funnell, and known as the Lynn and Norwich Telegraph, commenced running. It left the Star Inn, Lynn, on Tuesdays and Fridays at eight a.m., and arrived at the Woolpack Inn, Norwich, at eight p.m. It ran by way of Grimston, Great Massingham, Rougham, Litcham, Mileham, Stanfield, Brisley, Elmham, Billingford, Bawdeswell, Lenwade Bridge, Attlebridge, and Drayton. The return journey was on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
24.—Died, at his house in Bruton Street, London, aged 85, the Right Hon. the Earl of Orford. His lordship was the nephew of the famous Sir Robert Walpole, afterwards Earl of Orford. For many years he sat in the House of Lords as Baron Walpole of Wolterton. On the death of Horace, Earl of Orford, he succeeded to the Barony of Houghton, the Earldom becoming extinct, but he was afterwards created Earl of Orford. He was succeeded by his eldest son, Lord Walpole, who was for many years member for Lynn. General Walpole, who concluded the treaty with the Maroons in Jamaica, who seconded Mr. Tierney in his duel with Mr. Pitt, and who was one of Mr. Fox’s secretaries, was a younger son of the deceased Earl. The remains were brought from London for interment in the family vault at Wolterton. The funeral procession passed through Norwich on March 10th in the following order:—“Four horsemen preceding the Earl’s coronet, borne on a cushion of crimson velvet by a person on horseback, bare headed; then the body in a hearse, surmounted with plumes and drawn by six horses, followed by a mourning coach and six; his lordship’s coach and six, with blinds up, and servants on horseback closed the procession.” The great bell of St. Peter Mancroft, and the bells of other churches tolled as the procession passed through the city.
28.—The Norwich Squadron of Light Horse Volunteers had just concluded their drill on Mulbarton Common, when Capt. Darell’s hounds drove a stag across the parade ground. The Volunteers at once joined in the chase, “to which it will readily be conceived their numbers and appearance gave a great éclat.” The stag was taken alive in a shed at Mangreen, after a run of 3 hours 10 minutes.
Died, this month, Mr. John Wagstaffe, of Bawburgh. He was the author of a poem, entitled “Stonehenge,” dedicated to his friend and neighbour, Mr. Edward Jerningham.
3.—A trotting match took place between Young Adonis, a colt belonging to Mr. James Neeve, of Terrington St. Clement, and an eight year old horse, Hue and Cry, owned by Mr. James Mathew, of the same place. The stakes were £20 a side, and the distance five miles. The colt, which carried 13 stones, covered the distance in 19 minutes, and won.
10.—A meeting was held at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, at which resolutions were passed, thanking Col. Wardle and his supporters for their conduct in Parliament, respecting the charges preferred against the Duke of York.
21.—A new peal of bells was opened at Wiveton. The tenor, weighing upwards of 11 cwts., was cast and hung by Mr. Wm. Dobson, of Downham Market.
22.—The postmasters announced that “from the wonderfully high prices of horses, hay, corn, &c.,” they were “under the disagreeable necessity of charging eighteen pence per mile from this date.”
27.—Died, aged 32, in Arras prison, John Rising, sixth son of Mr. Robert Rising, of Somerton Hall. He commanded the Vanguard letter of marque, which was captured, on her return from Trinidad, off Beachy Head, by the Ambuscade, after a desperate resistance. The remains of the deceased were followed to the grave by upwards of 200 Englishmen.
9.—The six regiments of Norfolk Local Militia assembled for 28 days’ training at Norwich, Yarmouth, Lynn, and Swaffham.
11.—Notice was issued of an intended application to Parliament for an Act for erecting a bridge over the river Wensum, at or near the Foundry, in the parish of St. Peter per Mountergate, Norwich, for making roads for connecting the bridge with the Thorpe turnpike road and the Castle Hill, and for raising money to carry the Act into execution. A petition for leave to bring in a Bill was presented in the House of Commons in February, 1810, and on March 13th the Bill was read a second time, and committed. It was announced on April 14th that the measure had passed the House of Commons, and been read a first time in the House of Lords. On April 18th, the Bill received the Royal assent. The first stone of the bridge was laid on August 6th by Alderman Jonathan Davey, the projector of the undertaking. The contractor was Mr. Mendham, of Holt.
12.—On this day the thermometer stood at 80 degrees in Norwich.
13.—The Rev. Charles Millard appointed Chancellor of the Diocese of Norwich, on the resignation of the Rev. Henry Bathurst.
19.—The officers of the Lynn Freebridge Legion presented a sword to their commanding officer, Lieut.-Col. Taylor.
3.—Died, aged 49, John Christmas Beckwith, Mus. Doc., organist of Norwich Cathedral and St. Peter Mancroft. On the 7th, “the remains of this eminent musician were interred in St. Peter’s Church under the organ, agreeable to his own desire.” His son, Mr. John Beckwith, succeeded him in both appointments.
7.—Died, in his 68th year, at his house in St. Saviour, Norwich, Mr. Thomas Watson, who served the office of Sheriff in 1789, and of Mayor in 1790.
17.—Mr. Bannister appeared at the Theatre Royal, Norwich, in his entertainment, “Bannister’s Second Budget for 1809.”
18.—Miss Booth, a well-known Norwich musician, elected organist at the Octagon Chapel, in the place of Mr. John Beckwith.
19.—Holkham Sheep Shearing commenced. An improved turnip drill, made by Mr. Coke’s blacksmith (Mann), was exhibited. “By this drill the oilcake dust and turnip seed are kept separate till they come into the funnels, from which they combine and fall into the drills.” A manure drill cart, invented by Blyth, of Norwich, was also shown. “This implement first ploughs the soil, deposits the manure, and sows the seed after it, and both are instantly buried up.” It was worked by two horses and three men. Mr. Lester, of Paddington, exhibited a working model of a newly-invented machine for separating the corn and seeds from the straw and chaff.
20.—Guild Day at Norwich. Mr. Thomas Back was sworn in as Mayor, and entertained 640 guests at the Guild feast in St. Andrew’s Hall. At the ball at Chapel Field House the dancing was opened by the Mayor and Mrs. William Jerningham. The prisoners in the city gaol thanked the Mayor “for one guinea on the Guild Day, and for a plentiful basket of meat from the hall, which was equally divided amongst them.”
26.—The Bishop of Norwich confirmed 800 persons at the Cathedral.
27.—Swaffham Races re-established with great success. Four plates were run for on this and the next day, and several of the horses were from Newmarket. “Public ordinaries were provided at the different inns; that at the Crown was attended by a select party of 68 ladies and gentlemen. At seven the former retired to their toilettes, and at about nine o’clock proceeded to the assembly-room, where the company numbered 200 persons. The ball was opened by Mr. P. Hamond and Miss Upcher.”
Brooke House (with 170 acres of land), formerly the residence of Sir Roger Kerrison, was this month purchased by Mr. Thomas Kett, of Seething, for £16,010.
5.—Arrived, at Yarmouth, part of the 40 sail of transports, for the purpose of receiving on board the 2nd Battalions of the 11th and 59th Regiments of Foot, the 1st Battalion of the 79th, and other regiments for the Expedition.
11.—At Norwich Quarter Sessions, George Hubbard was indicted for stealing a pair of velveteen breeches. “The offence being for a grand larceny the prisoner was allowed to plead the benefit of clergy.” He was sentenced to six months’ solitary confinement and to be publicly whipped.
12.—A curious case was tried at the Norfolk Quarter Sessions. In the course of the inquiry into the conduct of the Duke of York in September, 1808, it was stated that a Mrs. Sinclair Sutherland had written to his Royal Highness to induce him, “for certain reasons,” not to permit Major Turner, 3rd Dragoon Guards, to sell out in favour of Lieut. Sitwell until the following March. In consequence of this communication, Major Turner’s resignation was not accepted until some months after it had been sent in. Major Turner went to reside at Buckenham, in this county. Owing to the annoyance to which he was subjected by Mrs. Sutherland, who, it was alleged, had been under his protection, he appeared in court and moved to exhibit articles of the peace against her. The court ordered the defendant to enter into her own recognisances of £100 and to keep the peace for one year. At the Quarter Sessions on October 4th, Major Turner exhibited fresh articles against Mrs. Sutherland, and stated that seven days after entering into her recognisances she again appeared at his house and committed a breach of the peace. The court thereupon ordered Mrs. Sutherland to find two sureties of £100 each, and to keep the peace for twelve months. Not being prepared with her bond, she was committed to Norwich Castle, but was afterwards released upon two Norwich gentlemen agreeing to be bound for her.
15.—Mr. Incledon appeared at the Theatre Royal, Norwich, in his entertainment, in three parts, entitled, “A Voyage to India.” A recitation was given by Mr. Powell, formerly of Norwich Theatre, and of Drury Lane Theatre.
22.—A duel was fought, “in a grove near Norwich, between Mr. B . . . n and Mr. L . . b . . t, both of Norwich, in consequence, we understand, of their paying their addresses to the same young lady. The parties fired, but neither received any injury, after which a reconciliation took place, and Mr. L. resigned his pretensions to the fair lady.”
24.—A letter was received by the Commandant of the Norwich Volunteer Infantry, from the Lord Lieutenant of the County, “signifying his Majesty’s intention not to make any further allowance for clothing to Volunteer corps, and desiring to know whether the Norwich Volunteers would consider themselves a corps, or transfer their services to the Local Militia?” The Colonel replied “that they would continue their services as long as his Majesty would be pleased to accept them and their present clothing held out.”
29.—It was announced that Mr. Henry Aston Barker, “who painted the pictures of London, Paris, Constantinople, Edinburgh, Dublin, Cairo, &c.,” exhibited in Leicester Square, London, had drawn “a panoramic view of Norwich and the surrounding country, as seen from the Castle Hill, accompanied by a perspective view of the Castle, engraved in stroke by Mr. Williams.”
31.—The annual exhibition of the Norwich Society of Artists was opened in Sir Benjamin Wrenche’s Court.
—At the Norfolk Assizes, held at Norwich, the case of the King v. Larke, Mileham, and others was tried. This was a prosecution for rioting in a Dissenting meeting-house at Aylsham, and for an assault upon a preacher, named Joseph King, on Sunday evening, March 13th, 1808. The defendants behaved in a very disorderly manner in the chapel, and carried off the minister by force to the Dog Inn. The case was settled by the defendants apologising to the prosecutor in open court, and by paying the costs of the prosecution.
—At the same Assizes, Lord Chief Justice Mansfield had before him the action, Leathes, clerk, v. Baker. It was brought by the Rector of Reedham, under a statute of Edward VI., to recover treble the value of the tithes of corn grown on the defendant’s farm there, in 1808, and involved in dispute a sum of between £300 and £400. The two main points which the plaintiff endeavoured to substantiate were, first, that the tenant had not set out the tithes according to law; and, secondly, if set out, it was done fraudulently and unfairly. It was proved that in one field defendant cut the whole crop, tithed and carried a part on one day, and the remainder on the following day. The Judge ruled that this mode of tithing was contrary to law, and said he was sorry to be obliged to direct the special jury to find for the plaintiff. The jury, after requesting his lordship to inform them what was the lowest sum they could award, so as not to subject the defendant to costs, assessed the amount at £8. A similar action was brought by the same plaintiff at the Lent Assizes at Thetford, on March 19th, 1810, against a farmer, named Maddison, when the jury found for the defendant. At the Norfolk Assizes, held at Norwich, on August 13th, 1810, before the Lord Chief Justice, Baker brought an action against Mr. Leathes, to recover damages for inconvenience and loss sustained by him in 1808, by reason of the defendant allowing his tithes to remain and rot on the plaintiff’s land. A verdict was given for Baker, damages, £150. At the same Assizes, Mr. Leathes brought an action against a farmer, named Long, for not setting out his tithes according to law. Verdict for the plaintiff, damages, £12.
31.—The Grand Jury for the County held a meeting, at which renewed efforts were commenced to procure the removal of the Lent Assizes from Thetford to Norwich. It was decided to petition Parliament with that object. At Norwich Quarter Sessions, on October 3rd, the Grand Jury made a presentment, asking the city magistrates to co-operate with the county justices. On October 11th, the Norwich Corporation resolved to aid the county in the application to Parliament, and in February, 1810, a petition in favour of the removal was presented in the House of Commons by Mr. Patteson.
6.—A wedding “of an unusual kind was celebrated at Swaffham. The bride and bridegroom, young persons, were both quite blind.”
10.—Races took place at Mattishall. A purse, “given by the town,” was won by a horse, named Lord Paget, owned by Mr. Carter, a well-known leader of sport in the district.
14.—Died, at his seat at Costessey, aged 74, Sir William Jerningham, Bart., (“subject to the decision now pending in the House of Lords”) Baron Stafford, of Stafford Castle. He was succeeded in his title and estate by his eldest son, Mr. George Jerningham, Haughley Park.
15.—News was received at Norwich of the victory of the British Army in Spain, under Sir Arthur Wellesley.
16.—The first division of the West Norfolk Militia marched into Norwich from Colchester, under the command of Lieut.-Col. Nelthorpe. The second division, commanded by Capt. Barnham, arrived next day. The regiment, which had not been stationed in Norwich for nearly 30 years, had the Earl of Orford as its colonel-in-chief.
4.—One hundred prisoners of war, from Flushing, arrived at the Cavalry Barracks, Norwich, from Yarmouth, and next day proceeded on their route to Norman Cross. Among them were several officers, and their wives and families, who were sent to Northampton and Chesterford. They expressed their gratitude to the Mayor, magistrates, and citizens, for the humane treatment they had received in Norwich.
13.—Overstrand Hall was purchased by Lord Suffield for £16,510.
16.*—“Mr. Laverock Love, a young officer of the Aboukir, only 18 years of age (son of Mr. Love, surgeon, of East Dereham, in this county), had the command of a launch at the bombardment of Flushing, and was the first who fired a shot. Letters have been received from several of his brother officers, speaking in the highest terms of his intrepid gallantry.”
21.—A plan for the regulation of the Cattle Market was adopted by the Corporation of Norwich.
3.—H.R.H. the Duke of York left Buckenham Lodge, the seat of General Sir J. Pulteney, to whom he had been on a visit for the shooting.
7.*—(Advt.) “This day the ‘Norwich and Yarmouth Courier’ will be published and ready for delivery on the arrival of the mail, at the ‘Courier’ Office, late Post Office, Market Place, Norwich, containing the same news as the London papers delivered on Saturday in Norwich, and, of course, such as cannot appear in any country paper till the following week. A newspaper, gratis, sent post free to every advertiser.”
11.—The Corporation of Norwich voted a loyal address of congratulation to his Majesty, on his entering, on October 25th, upon the 50th year of his reign. It was decided by nine votes to eight not to celebrate the Jubilee “by roasting a bullock in the Market Place and giving away 10 barrels of beer”; and the aldermen negatived a proposal to appropriate a sum out of the Corporation revenues to secure the discharge of certain debtors, as a means of commemorating the event.
17.—Three newly-erected paper mills at Elsing “were set to work on an entirely new principle.”
19.—Died, in an obscure apartment in the White Hart Yard, St. Peter Mancroft, Norwich, Mr. Robert Fenn. “In the early part of his life his company was sought after and welcomed by persons of high rank in the sporting line. He possessed great skill as a marksman, and had the best method of training dogs. As a tavern companion he was jocular, facetious, and replete with anecdote, entertaining the company, and inspiring mirth with his oddities and eccentricities.” He was in his 75th year.
20.—The worsted and silk and worsted manufacturers of Norwich granted the weavers an increase of wages, involving an additional expenditure of £5,000 per annum.
22.—A new altar-piece, of Gothic design, the work of Mr. Copping, of St. Stephen’s, Norwich, was erected in Braconash Church.
25.—Celebration of the Jubilee of George III. The Mayor (Mr. Thos. Back) and the Corporation of Norwich attended service at the Cathedral. At the conclusion of the service the civic procession returned to the Guildhall, and the garrison and Volunteers fired a feu de joie on the Castle Ditches. The Mayor entertained 340 guests at dinner at St. Andrew’s Hall. A baron of beef, weighing 172 lbs., surmounted by the Union flag, was brought in by four grenadiers, who bore it twice round the hall to the air of “The Roast Beef of Old England,” and then placed it upon the head table. Before the company separated it was resolved “that, as a testimony of respect for the Mayor and particularly for his conduct on this day, he be requested to have his portrait painted.” Numerous benevolent movements were instituted in celebration of the Jubilee. One was the relief of about thirty poor citizens, with large families, who were liable to have their persons and effects seized under an execution of the Court of Requests, for various small debts, ranging from 5s. to 40s., and the whole amounting to between £26 and £27. The day was celebrated at Yarmouth, Lynn, and other towns in the county.
28.*—“A lover of improvements requests us to hint that what has been improperly termed Cockey Lane (Norwich) for a long time, should, in consequence of the recent alterations, assume a new appellation, by terming it Market Street or some other appropriate name.” (The thoroughfare here referred to is now known as London Street.)
—*“The harriers belonging to Mr. T. Thompson, of Bergh Apton, had last week one of the severest and longest chases they have yet experienced. Mr. Dyke’s famous horse died in the field long before the death of the hare, and three other capital horses were very badly knocked up at the same time. Only a few of the most dashing sportsmen could keep within sight of the hounds.”
29.—Died, at Earlham Hall, in his 60th year, Mr. John Gurney. His remains were interred on November 3rd at the Gildencroft burial ground, Norwich, in the presence of an immense concourse of citizens.
2.—After the interval of seven years, a Musical Festival was held at Norwich. The opening performance on Thursday, 2nd, consisted of the production of the “Messiah” at the church of St. Peter Mancroft; and in the evening a grand miscellaneous concert was given at the Theatre. On Friday, 3rd, “Sampson” was performed at the church, where also in the evening were rendered selections from various oratorios. The Festival concluded on Saturday evening, the 4th, with a miscellaneous concert at the Theatre. The principal vocal performers were Mr. and Mrs. Vaughan, Miss Booth, Mr. Gross, and Mr. Elliott. Professor Hague, of Cambridge, led the band, and Mr. Beckwith was conductor. The admission to the church was:—Middle aisle, 5s.; side aisles, 3s. 6d., but no money was taken at the door.
11.*—“The pleasant town of Diss has lately undergone so much improvement as is scarcely to be conceived, the streets having been entirely new paved, the roads much improved, and all obstructions by the projection of houses and shops removed. It will also be shortly lighted in such a manner as to render it as complete a town as any in the county.”
18.*—“Died, lately, at Warham, in his 73rd year, Capt. Isaac Eglis Warren. He was a volunteer in the siege of Quebec, and it was his solemn task to support on the rock and witness the last moments of the immortal Wolfe.”
20.—Died, Sir Philip Stephens, Bart., of Horsford, in his 80th year. He was 52 years secretary to the Admiralty Office, and was afterwards one of the Lords of the Admiralty. He possessed large estates in Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, and Middlesex.
25.*—“Some idea of the extent of Norfolk farms may be formed when it is known that one occupier in the western district last year expended more than £1,100 for only one sort of manure (brought many miles), notwithstanding the immense quantity made at home, and the great number of sheep annually folded on the grounds. On another farm, 25 acres are consumed in roads crossing the lands.”
2.—At the King’s Head Inn, Norwich, an estate near Harleston, consisting of 120 acres of moderate land, was sold by auction for 5,990 guineas. The purchaser had also to pay a considerable sum for timber growing upon the estate. A short time previously 22 acres of “unmixed and widely lying land” near Aylsham, and by no means of the best quality, fetched nearly 2,000 guineas; the timber was taken by valuation.
12.—Died, in his 80th year, Mr. John Dalrymple, formerly a merchant in Norwich. “He was a native of Scotland, and descended of an honourable family, set immediately at Thornhill, in Dumfries. His manly body was inhabited by a noble soul, for he was a model of probity, constancy, fortitude, and disinterestedness. To his fellow-citizens he presented, during a long and difficult career, an example of zealous and unshaken adherence to the cause of liberality.” Mr. Dalrymple was a steward of the Scots Society, founded in Norwich by Dr. John Murray.
19.—Mr. Saunder’s Equestrian Company opened their season’s engagement at the Pantheon, Ranelagh Gardens, Norwich, “with a stud of horses, all cream coloured, late the property of his Majesty.”
23.—Accounts were received at Yarmouth of the evacuation of the island of Walcheren by the British troops, 5,000 of whom died of fever after the capture of Flushing.
—Intelligence was received of the successful attack on the enemy’s forts at Cortelasso, between Venice and Trieste, by Capt. Hoste, of the Amphion frigate, who on August 24th captured ten Venetian gun boats and other prizes.
—News reached Norwich of the loss of the Glory, outward bound East Indiaman, Capt. Horatio Beevor, with all the officers, crew, and passengers.
30.*—“The quantity of turkies sent up to town from Norwich within the last ten days amounted to no less than 30 tons weight, which, averaging each bird at 12 lbs., the number would amount to 6,000.”
6.—The estate of Sir R. Kerrison, deceased, at Thorpe, was sold for £38,219. Carrow Abbey House, with 32½ acres of land, was purchased by Mr. P. M. Martineau for £2,020.
8.—A prize fight took place at Thorpe, between Chapman and Pegg, “noted bruisers.” It ended in the defeat of Pegg, who sustained a broken jaw.
9.—His Majesty’s ship Nemesis struck on Happisburgh Sand. On the following day her guns were thrown overboard, and she was floated off.
18.—Died, in his 76th year, Mr. John Mitchell, of New Houghton. “His favourite mule, over 34 years old, at the request of the deceased, went in procession to the grave, and was to have been shot immediately after his return, but through the humane intercession of his granddaughter, Miss Young, the life of this excellent animal was saved, with the promise never to suffer it to be again used.” By a singular coincidence, Mr. Reynolds, surgeon, of Massingham, while in the act of attending on Mr. Mitchell, died suddenly of the same complaint to which the patient succumbed.
20.—A reconciliation dinner was held by the corn growers and buyers at the King’s Head Inn, Norwich. Mr. Crisp Brown presided. Among the toasts were “May the Buyers and Sellers in future meet together in friendship,” and “May the enemies of reconciliation keep a cold water club by themselves.” A second dinner was held at the King’s Head on March 3rd, under the presidency of Mr. Fellowes.
—*(Advt.) “To be seen at the Angel Inn, Market Place, Norwich, where he will arrive this day, that most wonderful and surprising Yorkshire youth, 17 years of age, 7 ft. 6 ins. high, and who weighs upwards of 24 stones, who has had the honour to be introduced to their Majesties and the Royal Family at Windsor, where he was most graciously received and entertained.”
25.—At a meeting of corn and coal merchants, held at the King’s Head Inn, Norwich, it was resolved, in consequence of the numerous depreciations committed on the river between Norwich and Yarmouth, not to employ any vessel after March 1st, the hatches of which were not secured by locks and iron bars. It was further resolved that every lock be sealed by the merchant before the vessel started upon its voyage.
1.—Died, the eccentric John Fransham, of Norwich. He was well versed in Latin, Greek, and mathematics, of which for many years he was a teacher.
—Died, in her 59th year, Mrs. Martineau, wife of Mr. Philip Meadows Martineau. (Mr. Martineau was re-married on February 18th, 1811, at St. Peter Permountergate Church, Norwich, by the Rev. C. Elwin, to Mrs. Somers Clarke, of Tasburgh.)
3.—Bagshaw’s menagerie was exhibited on the Castle Ditches, Norwich.
4.—Died, at Gunton, in his 77th year, the Right Hon. Lord Suffield, who represented Norwich from 1756 to 1786.
10.—Mr. and Mrs. Bowles terminated their theatrical career at Norwich Theatre, and took their farewell benefit. There was a crowded audience, and the receipt of the house amounted to £160 15s. 6d. “Equally respectable in private as in public life,” said the newspaper notice, “their success in the scholastic line will, we trust, be as flattering and substantial as that of the drama.” On March 10th, Mr. Bowles advertised the academy conducted by himself in Queen Street, Great Yarmouth. On July 27th, 1811, it was announced: “Mr. Bowles, of Yarmouth and late of the Theatre Royal, Norwich, qualified as a dissenting minister at the last Quarter Sessions.”
14.—The East Dereham Troop of Yeomanry Cavalry presented to Capt. John Crisp a silver cup, “as a mark of respect for his conduct during the twelve years he had commanded them.”
20.—At a general meeting of the Norfolk Agricultural Society, it was resolved to petition Parliament against the Bill for prohibiting distillation from grain.
22.—Died, at his house on Castle Meadow, Norwich, aged 74, Mr. William Foster, attorney. “He was a promoter of most of the public charities in the city, and the founder of many of them.”
24.*—“A farm near Norwich, belonging to the Corporation, and containing not more than 77 acres of profitable land, was lately hired at the astonishing sum of £263 per annum; and the tithes, being all arable land, have long been 7s. 6d. per acre.”
28.—This day was observed as one of solemn fast and humiliation. At Norwich, “nearly all the shops were shut up, and Divine service performed at all the churches. The market was held on Tuesday, instead of Wednesday.”
3.*—“There is now living at Oxburgh, in this county, William Durrant, a gardener, who yearly eats 1,095 red herrings, chews 18 lbs. of tobacco, and, to give his nose pleasure, takes 365 ozs. of snuff. The total sum of tobacco, snuff, and red herrings is £13 18s. 10d.”
—*(Advt.) “A main will be fought at the Fleece Inn, Wells, on Monday and Tuesday, the 19th and 20th inst., between the gentlemen of Norfolk and Wells. To show 31 cocks and 10 byes, and to fight for 10 gs. the battle and 100 the odd; to make four in goes. Feeders: Fisher for Norfolk, Lamb for Wells.”
10.*—“During the last eleven months, the period of Miss Harriett Howell’s visits to this city, three schools have been established in Norwich, in which no fewer than 294 children are now educated on the plan advocated by Mr. J. Lancaster.”
—*“A drover, near Norwich, has attended the market at Smithfield for 25 years, in which time he has ridden on those journeys alone 126,000 miles.”
—A court martial was held on his Majesty’s ship Utile on a seaman belonging to the Désirée, “at his own request,” for striking an officer and using mutinous language. He was sentenced to death.
19.—At the Norfolk Assizes, held at Thetford, Thomas William Middleton, for embezzling money the property of Messrs. Gurney and Co., by whom he was employed as clerk, at Fakenham, was sentenced to 14 years’ transportation.
—The panorama, by Serries, of the town and port of Boulogne “with the flotilla, designed to invade this country, at anchor in the outer road,” was exhibited at Harper’s Pantheon, Norwich.
22.—Died in St. Peter Mancroft, Norwich, aged 57, Nathaniel Eastaugh, the common crier, and one of the Mayor’s beadles, “who except one year held the bell from 1780 up to the time of his death.” He was succeeded by Anthony Bailey.
23.—Mr. Joseph Lancaster visited Norwich, and at the Theatre gave lectures on his system of education. At a meeting at the Guildhall on April 17, a free school for boys, on Mr. Lancaster’s plan, was established by public subscription.
—Died in St. Peter Mancroft, Norwich, aged 72, David Kinnebrook, for 40 years master of one of the charity schools, “who never till his last illness absented himself from the school for a single day.”
24.—A large meeting of landowners, occupiers, and Scottish drovers was held at the Rampant Horse Inn, to discuss the right of the Corporation of Norwich to levy tolls upon cattle sold or exhibited for sale at the weekly mart on the Castle Hill. A deputation waited upon the Mayor and the Market Committee, and on April 11th a further meeting, presided over by Sir James Beevor, was held for the purpose of defending any action that might be brought by the Corporation to recover tolls.
3.—For the benefit of the Norwich Theatrical Fund, a performance of “The English Fleet in the year 1342,” and of “the grand seriocomic pantomime, called ‘Don Juan, or the Libertine destroyed,’” was given at the Theatre Royal.
12.—Died, aged 60, Mr. Thomas Barber, attorney, 27 years secretary of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital.
19.—Tombland Fair took place. It was stated to be customary on the occasion of this annual event for military bands to play in the Upper Close, which was used as a fashionable promenade. The bands of the 5th Dragoon Guards and the Wiltshire Militia were present on this occasion.
23.—The Norwich, Aylsham, and Cromer coach commenced running from 21, Lobster Lane, Norwich, to the Red Lion Inn, Cromer. It left Norwich on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and returned on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The proprietor was Mr. W. Spanton.
28.*—(Advt.) “Cocking. A main will be fought at the Maid’s Head Inn, Norwich, on the 14th and 15th days of May next, between the gentlemen of Norfolk and the gentlemen of Ipswich, to show 27 mains for six guineas a battle and 100 guineas the odd; likewise six byes and two turn-outs for five guineas a battle, to make four in goes. A pair of cocks in the pit precisely at 12 o’clock. Feeders: Lamb for Norfolk, Smith for Ipswich.”
30.—A rare fish called the Opah or King-fish (Chætodes of Linnæus) was found on Mundesley beach.
—Mr. Patteson presented in the House of Commons a petition from the Mayor, Alderman, and Justices of Norwich, against the Bill to alter, explain, and amend the laws in force respecting bread, and for better regulating the mode of setting the price thereof out of London. The petition stated that the proposed Bill would add 4s. to the then allowance of 12s. for every quarter of wheat, and the baker for his labour, salt, &c., which would tend to raise the price of bread. The magistrates had consulted the master and wardens of the Norwich Bakers’ Company, who declared that the bakers were perfectly satisfied with the mode of regulating the assize and with the allowance of 12s. per quarter.
2.—At the Norfolk Quarter Sessions, a man named Stebbing, of Wymondham, was indicted for using seditious language in the presence of several persons, some of whom were Militia men. The prisoner was alleged to have asserted that “if Buonaparte would come he would be the first man to join him” and that “Buonaparte was a better man to his country than King George was to this.” The jury, “to the surprise of the whole court,” returned a verdict of not guilty, “and several gentlemen on the bench expressed their strongest reprobation.” Sergt. Money, of the Militia, one of the principal witnesses for the prosecution, was afterwards appointed to an ensigncy in the 4th Garrison Battalion.
10.—The Victory, 100 guns, Vice-Admiral Sir J. Saumarez, and seven other sail of the line, sailed from Yarmouth for the Baltic.
16.—The First Eastern Regiment of the Local Militia, commanded by Lord Suffield, assembled at Aylsham and marched thence to Yarmouth for 20 days’ training. The dates and places of assembly of the other regiments were as follow:—2nd Eastern Regiment, Col. Patteson, Norwich, May 22nd; 1st Western Regiment, Col. Petre, Norwich, May 17th; 2nd Western Regiment, Col. Edmund Wodehouse, Lynn, May 21st; 3rd Western Regiment, Col. Chad, Swaffham, May 10th, whence they marched to Norwich. In consequence of insufficiency of accommodation at Norwich, three companies of the 3rd Western Regiment marched to Dereham, where the course of training was completed.
19.*—“One day last week, a young woman, of Dereham, being strongly attached to a soldier in the 24th Regiment of Foot, resolved to follow him to the wars, and habiting herself in man’s attire enlisted by mistake into the 54th Regiment of Foot recruiting in Norwich. Her sex was discovered and her intentions frustrated.”
20.—Died in London, aged 81, the Right Hon. Charles Lord Bayning, of Honingham Hall, a Privy Councillor, and High Steward of Great Yarmouth. He was succeeded by his son, the Hon. Charles Frederick Pawlett Townshend.
28.—The birthday of William Pitt was celebrated by the members of the Castle Corporation, Norwich, and other gentlemen to the number of 130, in Mr. Bailey’s great room.
2.*—(Advt. ) “A stage waggon sets out from the warehouse, Tombland, Norwich, every Friday evening, and arrives at Bury every Saturday, returning from Bury every Wednesday, and arrives at Norwich early on Friday morning. The London waggons through Cambridge every Tuesday and Friday. The Yorkshire waggons come regularly twice a week.” (Messrs. Marsh were the proprietors of the Norwich waggons. A similar service of waggons was also run at about this date by Mack, of Norwich. )
4.—The King’s birthday was observed as usual. “The prisoners of the city gaol return thanks to the Mayor and Corporation for the excellent dinner of roast beef and plum puddings, with plenty of strong ale. Likewise to numerous unknown passengers for their gifts to the box which is carried about every Saturday afternoon by a man appointed by the court to attend on them. And they humbly request the charitably disposed to put their contributions into the box themselves, which is locked up by the governor, and its contents equally distributed by him. They have also another box outside the gaol which is opened every quarter.”
—Died at his house in Pall Mall, aged 60, the Right Hon. William Windham, of Felbrigg. Three days before the event he predicted that he would expire on the King’s birthday. He represented Norwich in three successive Parliaments—from 1784 to 1802. The remains of the deceased statesman arrived in Norwich on their way to Felbrigg on the 10th. The body lay in state at the Maid’s Head Inn until the morning of the 11th, when the journey to Felbrigg was resumed, and the funeral took place there in the afternoon. In the funeral procession at the church was “a man bearing a false coffin.”
5.—A cricket match was played between the Norwich Club and the officers of the Wiltshire Regiment, on the Town Close ground, Norwich. Norwich, 134; Wiltshire Regiment, 49-43. The return match was played on the same ground on the 14th. Norwich, 71-150; Wiltshire Regiment, 57-53.
10.—At the burial of a woman, named Bumpstead, at Thurlton, “it was not a little singular that the husband and an ass walked to church next the corpse, and also back again to the house, as chief mourners.”
11.—A prize fight took place at Limpenhoe between John Green, of Beighton, and David William Rushmer, of Thurlton. “In the first seven rounds the latter received seven knock-down blows; but in the eighth he gave the other such a violent blow that he knocked him out of time and won.”
16.*—“Mr. Alderman Yallop, of Norwich, is the fortunate holder of an eighth of the ticket, 1,537, which drew a prize of £1,000 on Friday last. This is the fourth capital prize Mr. Yallop has had a share of in the different lotteries.”
19.—Guild-day at Norwich. The Mayor, Mr. John Steward, entertained 750 guests at dinner at St. Andrew’s Hall, and 400 attended the ball at Chapel Field House, where dancing was kept up until two o’clock next morning. “Several friends of conviviality kept the jovial spirit alive at the hall till after that late or rather early hour.”
25.—Holkham Sheep Shearing commenced. One of the implements exhibited was “a fumigating machine on two wheels which, in turning, worked a pair of bellows that blew into an iron cylinder filled with burning sulphur, and shavings or sawdust, and perforated at the bottom, which, when pushed over the land, suffocated the turnip flies, cankers, &c., or caught them on a tarred cover fixed over the head of the cylinder.” This remarkable contrivance was exhibited by a Mr. Plenty, of London.
16.—A cricket match was played on the Town Close ground, Norwich, between eight of the Norwich Club and thirteen of the Wiltshire Regiment. Wiltshire Regiment, 72-78; Norwich, 32-69.
20.—A cricket match, for 50 guineas a side, was played at Swaffham, between the Norwich and Swaffham clubs. Norwich, 42-26; Swaffham, 67. The return match took place on the Town Close ground, Norwich, on August 20th. Norwich, 35-51; Swaffham, 55-30.
25.—Mr. Alderson, the City Steward, entertained the Common Council of Norwich at dinner at his house in St. Helen’s. The Commons returned the compliment by entertaining the Steward at the Maid’s Head Inn the following week.
26.—Died, aged 70, the Rev. William Sheepshanks, rector of Ovington, and Prebendary of Carlisle. He had been tutor to Lord Ellenborough, Sir S. Lawrence, the Bishop of Lincoln, &c., and was the intimate friend of Dr. Paley.
29.—Died in his 73rd year, Mr. John Crisp, of East Dereham, attorney, clerk to the magistrates, the commissioners, the deputy lieutenants, &c. He was captain of the Dereham Yeomanry Cavalry, and his remains were interred with military honours, at Shipdham, his native place.
2.—Earl Moira and the Countess of Loudon arrived at Cromer for the bathing season, and on the following day witnessed a demonstration of the capabilities of Capt. Manby’s life-saving apparatus.
3.—At a special meeting of the Norwich Corporation it was resolved “that, having taken into consideration a paper called ‘Roope’s Weekly Letters,’ No. 9, and being of opinion that it contains gross libellous matter against Thomas Back, Esq., late Chief Magistrate, this assembly direct a prosecution.” On August 18th a meeting of freemen was held to take such measures “as will best ensure the election of Mr. Roope as Sheriff for the ensuing year.” It was announced on August 25th that Mr. Mills, of Thetford, had been “persuaded” to discontinue printing the “Weekly Letters.” At the election of Sheriff on August 28th, Roope was put in nomination in opposition to Mr. Troughton. The latter was returned with 625 votes to the former’s 313. Roope afterwards challenged the City Steward, Mr. Alderson, to fight a duel, in consequence of his having called him a rascal as he was leaving the court after the election. An information was laid against Roope for endeavouring to incite Alderson to commit a breach of the peace; and at the Quarter Sessions on October 2nd, application was made that his recognisances of £100 in respect of the libel case be estreated on the ground of his having committed a fresh breach of the peace by public comments on Mr. Alderson’s conduct. He was ordered to enter into fresh recognisances, himself in £200 and to find two sureties of £100 each, and to keep the peace towards Mr. Alderson and the public generally. At the Quarter Sessions on January 15th, 1811, the defendant, for inciting Mr. Alderson to fight a duel, was fined 40s. and sentenced to one month’s imprisonment. On June 29th Roope appeared before the Court of King’s Bench for the libel on Mr. Back, and was committed to the custody of the Marshal for three months, and ordered to find sureties for his good behaviour. Roope died, in his 37th year, on July 4th, 1812. “He sustained a lingering illness of nearly four months with a resignation and fortitude highly exemplary, and met the approach of his last moments with the utmost composure, leaving a widow and five young children.”
—A trotting match took place between the celebrated horse Shales, the property of Mr. John Chamberlain, of Magdalene, and Driver, owned by Mr. Reuben West, of Gaywood. They started from the South Gates, Lynn, at six o’clock, and trotted to the ninth milestone on the Swaffham road and back. At the expiration of an hour Shales had trotted 17 miles, beating the other by about 1½ miles, “with the greatest of ease, notwithstanding that he was the smaller horse and carried two stone more weight than the other.” The stakes amounted to £200.
6.—At Wroxham Water Frolic about one hundred sail of boats were present.
22.—Mr. Chalmers, a comedian of considerable merit, and formerly a member of the Norwich Company, was found speechless upon the doorstep of a house in Worcester. He was removed to the infirmary, where he died.
27.—A cricket match was played on Hardingham Common between the gentlemen of Norwich and Swaffham. Norwich, 32-72; Swaffham, 143.
29.—Died at Lynn, aged 85, Mrs. Middleton, “who resided 83 years in the house in which she died.”
30.—The Norwich Cricket Club played a match against the Wiltshire Regiment. Norwich, 88-93; Wiltshire Regiment, 73-92.
7.—Died at Cambridge, Mr. James Bunn, miniature painter, formerly of the Pantheon and Gardens, Norwich, and for many years a performer in the Norwich Company of Comedians.
15.*—(Advt.) “Cocking.—To be fought on Thursday and Friday, the 20th and 21st inst., a main of cocks, Yarmouth against Beccles. Feeders: Danes for Yarmouth, Caisey for Beccles. Seven battles each night; five guineas a battle and ten guineas the odd. All cocks to be pitted at seven o’clock precisely each night at Cooper’s bowling-green, North Quay, Yarmouth.”
21.—Died, at Earsham Park, aged 71, Mr. Joseph Windham, distinguished as a scholar and antiquary.
23.—Died, aged 71, Mr. John Herring, of Norwich. He served the office of Sheriff in 1786, was elected alderman October 20, 1798, and Mayor in the following year. He introduced a scheme for the employment of workhouse children in spinning wool, by which many hundreds of pounds were annually raised by them. It was during Mr. Herring’s mayoralty that the British troops returned from the disastrous expedition to Holland, and for his humane treatment of them he received the thanks of Government.
29.—Mr. Francis Morse and Mr. Thomas Troughton were sworn into office as Sheriffs of Norwich. “Mr. Morse appeared in his shooting dress, namely a short coat, leather breeches, &c., and on the Steward proceeding, as usual, to invest him with the gold chain he refused to put on what he termed ‘a bauble’; nor would he wear the gown, he said, unless it was absolutely necessary. Mr. Steward Alderson observed that his refusal seemed to convey some little disrespect to the court. Mr. Morse disavowed any individual disrespect, and said he would perform his office irrespective of outward forms. He denied having assumed the office. It was forced upon him in the expectation of obtaining a fine of £80, as he was convinced there was not a gentleman on the Bench who believed when the precept was sent to him that he would serve the office.”
5.—Grand musical performances were given at St. Andrew’s Church, Norwich, on this and the following day. The principal vocal performers were Mr. Phillips, of the Lyceum, Mr. Clouting, and Miss Booth. Mr. Fish was leader of the band, and Mr. Beckwith was at the organ. The first part of the programme consisted of selections from “Judas Maccabeus,” part two of the “Messiah,” and part three of a miscellaneous selection. On Saturday evening, the 6th, a miscellaneous concert was given at the Theatre.
11.—Died at Fulham, aged 73, Mr. Nathaniel Kent, land agent, and compiler of “The Agricultural Report of Norfolk.”
17.—The first division of the West Norfolk Militia, commanded by Capt. Barnham, and on the following day the second division, commanded by Major Custance, passed through Norwich on their route to Yarmouth after nearly seven months’ duty over the French prisoners at Norman Cross.
18.—Died at Southbergh, near Hingham, Mrs. Ann Smyth, “one of the nominees in the Irish Tontine established by Act of Parliament in 1773.”
25.—The 51st anniversary of his Majesty’s accession was celebrated in Norwich by the ringing of bells and by a military demonstration.
2.—During a severe gale many vessels were lost on the Norfolk coast. “The beach from Wells to Yarmouth, covered with wrecks and strewed with the bodies of unfortunates washed ashore, presented a scene of calamity not easy to describe.” Another gale and high tide occurred on the 10th. Capt. Manby’s life-saving apparatus was instrumental in rescuing 18 seamen.
12.—Gustavus Adolphus, ex-King of Sweden, travelling under the title of Count Gottorp, arrived at Yarmouth from the Baltic on board the Tartarus sloop, Capt. Mainwaring. He landed under a Royal salute, and at once set out for London with Capt. Mainwaring. The ex-King sailed from Yarmouth on his return to the Continent on March 28, 1811.
13.—The bells of the Norwich churches were tolled from seven p.m. to nine p.m. on the occasion of the burial of the Princess Amelia at Windsor.
17.*—“In the parish of Pulham Market are now living five men whose united ages amount to 436 years, and what is extraordinary is the five men now go to daily labour.”
—Died, aged 58, Edward Castleton. “He was the lineal descendant of Sir William Castleton, of Hingham, created a baronet in 1641. He died a bachelor and never assumed the title. For many years he followed the very humble employment of breeches maker in Lynn, and latterly lived on a small patrimonial allowance.”
21.—A cause of divorce and separation promoted by Mrs. Beevor against her husband, came on for further hearing in the Court of Arches, Doctors’ Commons, when, Mrs. Beevor having declared that she should proceed no further, the court dismissed the suit.
8.—At the Norwich Court of Mayoralty the Rev. Edward Valpy, B.D., second master of Reading School, and rector of Stanford Dingley, in Berkshire, was elected by the casting vote of the Mayor, headmaster of the Free Grammar School, Norwich. The other candidate was the Rev. John Clarke, M.A., Ingham.
15.—Died, aged 79, at Mortlake, Mrs. Coke, of Hanover Square, London, mother of Mr. T. W. Coke, of Holkham.
22.—Norwich Market was “glutted” with turkeys. “The same fowls for which in the morning 14d. per pound was asked, in the afternoon when the last coaches were going away 9d. per pound would have gladly been taken. At one coach office 800 hampers were received. Twelve carriages were laden with poultry and game, and each carriage was drawn by six horses, and having 10 stages 60 horses were employed by every coach, which will amount to the astonishing number of 720 horses to draw poultry, sausages, and game sent within three days from this city to the Metropolis.”
25.—The Mayor and Corporation of Norwich attended service at the Cathedral on “the feast of the Nativity, commonly called Christmas Day.” In the afternoon “most of the churches and chapels were lighted up and decorated with holly and evergreens, according to antient custom.”
This year was passed an Act for the better paving, lighting, cleansing, and watching of Great Yarmouth, for removing nuisances and annoyances therein, and for making other improvements in the town.
19.*—“Greatly to the credit of the numerous population of Norwich the Bridewell doors were thrown open several days during the present week, there not being a single person confined for any misdemeanour, a circumstance that has not before happened for a great number of years.”
A piece of plate, value 100 guineas, was this month presented by the principal inhabitants of East and West Flegg Hundreds to the Rev. B. U. Salmon, for his public services as a magistrate, and as a mark of their individual esteem.
2.—A county meeting, presided over by the High Sheriff, was held at the Shirehouse, Norwich, when resolutions, stating the injury that would be sustained by a continuation of the prohibition of the use of grain in the distilleries, were agreed to. A committee of landowners and corn growers was appointed to adopt measures for the protection of the interests of agriculture. (The Distillery Bill was thrown out by the House of Lords.)
7.—Died, at Norton Place, near Lincoln, in his 78th year, Mr. John Harrison, twice member of Parliament for Thetford.
10.—Died, at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich, in his 79th year, the Rev. Neville Maskelyne, Astronomer Royal, and rector of North Runcton.
12.—Died, the Rev. Philip Wodehouse, brother of Lord Wodehouse, and a Prebendary of Norwich Cathedral, aged 66. In digging the grave for the interment of the deceased, beneath the organ loft at the Cathedral, the workmen found, two feet beneath the surface, a stone coffin enclosing a wooden shell containing the body of Dean Croft, who died in 1670. “His remains were found apparently in a perfect state, excepting the tip of the nose, and the shroud was a little discoloured.”
16.—Robert Waller and John Kerrison, who were in the permanent employment of Mr. Lindley, of Catton, were committed to Aylsham Bridewell for one month’s hard labour, for “illegally combining to alter and lessen the usual time of his labourers going and being at work.”
17.—Died, aged 62, John Thompson, lamp lighter of Norwich. “His lamp of life being out, and all his oil consumed, he was by his own request buried at St. Martin-at-Palace at night, all his brethren of the ladder and torch attending in the funeral procession with their flambeaux to light him to his long home, in the presence of thousands assembled on the plain.”
14.—Died, at his seat at Euston, in his 76th year, the Duke of Grafton. His Grace had been Chancellor of the University of Cambridge, and Recorder of Thetford and Coventry.
16.—A complaint was published that the posting masters in Norfolk charged at the rate of 1s. 9d. per mile, when nowhere else was the charge more than 1s. 6d.
17.—A disastrous fire occurred at the warehouse of Messrs. R. and S. Culley, grocers, the Upper Market, Norwich. The fire engines were inefficient, and the appliances out of repair. Notwithstanding the exertions of a detachment of the Royal Artillery, under Capt. Cockburn and Lieut. Day, the fire communicated with the adjoining premises of Mr. Freeman, and the two upper storeys of his house were destroyed. “The Pope’s Head had a wonderful escape, almost surrounded as it was by fire.” The damage was estimated at upwards of £5,000.
20.—A general fast was observed. Business was suspended in Norwich, where the churches and chapels were numerously attended, and collections made for the relief of British prisoners in France.
23.—The county magistrates examined plans for the erection of a lunatic asylum, and accepted those of Mr. William Brown, architect, of Ipswich.
25.—At the Norfolk Assizes, which commenced at Thetford, before Mr. Justice Grose, William Charles Fortescue, Lord Viscount Clermont, was charged with an assault on Sarah Lumley, a widow, residing at Saham Toney. His lordship was ordered to pay a fine of 50 marks to the King.
—At the same Assizes the tithe case, Royle, clerk, v. Parsley, was heard. The plaintiff, who was rector of Hilgay and proprietor of the tithes, sought to recover treble the value of the tithes on eight acres of wheat grown on the defendant’s farm. The defendant was the only occupier in the parish who paid the tithes in kind, and it was alleged that he had not fairly set them out. The jury returned a verdict for the defendant.
28.—Died, aged 43, Lady Elizabeth, wife of Lieut.-General Loftus, and daughter of the Marquis Townshend.
30.*—“This week a main of 41 battles (of which 31 came in fray) was fought at the King’s Head Inn, Norwich (Norwich against Cambridgeshire) for 10 guineas the battle, and 100 the odd. Neither, however, were winners, each having won 15 battles, and the odd battle being a draw.”
2.—Miss Greenfield, an actress, made her first appearance at the Theatre Royal, Norwich.
2.—A Lancasterian free school was opened in College Court, St. Martin-at-Palace, Norwich, for 420 boys.
6.—The receipts at Norwich Theatre on the occasion of the benefit of the manager, Mr. Hindes, amounted to £177 15s.
9.—Mr. J. Moreton, formerly of the Norwich Theatre, died at Woolwich, in his 62nd year.
11.—Miss Biffin, born deficient of arms and legs, was exhibited in a booth at Tombland Fair, Norwich. She had previously displayed her powers in miniature painting and needlework at the Angel Inn.
15.—Died in St. Simon’s, Norwich, aged 86, James Fuller, who was for 51 years clerk of that parish. His funeral was attended by all the parish clerks in the city.
21.—Interred at St. Saviour’s Church, Norwich, the remains of William Andrews, aged 85, many years sexton of the parish. The funeral was attended by 22 sextons of the city.
26.—Died, at Buckenham, General Sir James Pulteney, Bart., from the effects of an accidental explosion of a flask of gunpowder six days previously. He was colonel of the 18th Regiment of Foot, and had distinguished himself in the American War. He served on the Continent under the Duke of York, and was Commander-in-Chief of the unsuccessful expedition against Ferrol. He was afterwards appointed Secretary of War. The interest of the money left him by his wife, the Countess of Bath, amounting to £50,000 per annum, devolved at his death upon the four children of Mrs. Monkham, who had been divorced from her husband, a son of the Archbishop of York.
30.—Died in St. Peter Permountergate, Norwich, aged 63, William Harwin, nearly 40 years superintendent of the Unitarian Free Schools. “He had published a remarkably concise system of Stenography.”
4.*—“Lieut. Richard Brunton, of the 43rd Regiment, son of J. Brunton, Esq., late manager of our Theatre, is appointed Captain in the 6th Regiment of Portuguese Cacadores.”
21.—Intelligence received of a brilliant achievement in the Adriatic by Capt. William Hoste in the Amphion, who with two frigates and a sloop defeated the combined French and Italian squadrons of five frigates, a corvette, &c. He captured and destroyed four of the enemy’s frigates. The action took place on March 13th.
25.—A Royal license was granted to Elizabeth Barber Bulwer, widow of Brigadier-General Bulwer, of Wood Dalling and Heydon, and only child of Richard Warburton Lytton, late of Knebworth Place, Herts., to take and use the surname and arms of Lytton in addition to and with those of Bulwer.
—*“This week the churchwardens and officers, and many of the inhabitants of St. John Maddermarket, St. Stephen’s, St. Augustine’s, and St. John Timberhill, went the bounds of their respective parishes, when the usual ceremonies of bumping and ducking (inside and out) took place amid the ringing of bells, &c.”
A census was taken in Norwich during this month. The population was returned as 37,256, an increase since 1801 of 424.
8.—A thunderstorm of great severity occurred in Norwich.
15.*—“General Money has made an offer to the Commander-in-Chief to raise 400 rough hussars mounted on Welsh horses, by men below the army standard, to be embarked in four months. The object of this corps is to relieve the fine regiments of Cavalry in the Peninsula from all the harassing duties of the camp.”
18.—A new Methodist Chapel was opened in Calvert Street, St. George’s Colegate, Norwich, by the Rev. T. Cooke, LL.D., successor to the Rev. John Wesley.
—Guild Day at Norwich. “St. Giles’ Broad Street was decorated with streamers, garlands, and evergreens, whilst old Snap displayed his glittering wings and gilt tail, and cleared the way for the civic procession to the Cathedral.” After the service Robert Burrage, senior pupil at the Free Grammar School, and a “plebeian,” delivered the customary Latin oration at the school porch, and Mr. John Hamond Cole, having been sworn in at the Guildhall as Mayor of the city, entertained a company of 650 at the Guild feast at St. Andrew’s Hall.
20.—Died, at Athlone, Ireland, aged 38, James Wheeler, formerly of the Norwich Company of Comedians.
24.—Holkham Sheep Shearing commenced.
29.—A cricket match was played on Mulbarton Common between the Ashwelthorpe and Mulbarton teams, “for 22 bottles of cyder and 22 lbs. of cherries.” The Ashwelthorpe players won.
The East Norfolk Militia, commanded by Col. Wodehouse, volunteered to serve in Ireland. The Government accepted their services, and the regiment arrived in Cork in the following November.
15.—Died, in his 69th year, at his house at Keswick, Mr. Richard Gurney. The interment took place at the Gildencroft burial-ground, Norwich.
18.—A cricket match was played on Swaffham race-course between the gentlemen of Swaffham and the gentlemen of Terrington for 50 guineas a aids. The match lasted two days. Swaffham, 122-110; Terrington, 100-69. The return match was played at Terrington on July 22nd. Swaffham, 44; Terrington, 22-20. “Even betting on the match.”
22.—A cricket match was played on the Town Close ground, Norwich, between the 2nd and 3rd Norwich clubs. 3rd club, 47; 2nd club, 19-42.