24.*—“Her Royal Highness Princess Charlotte has graciously expressed her determination not only to wear but to introduce and recommend the coloured bombazins, manufactured in Norwich.”  Mr. William Williment was appointed manufacturer to her Royal Highness.

25.—A woman named Fox, 100 years old, walked from Norwich to Plumstead, a distance of nearly five miles.  “She commenced her journey at eight o’clock in the morning, rested three hours at her friend’s house, and walking home arrived at Norwich at seven o’clock in the evening.”

31.*—“The stupendous undertaking of the tunnel of Tavistock canal, communicating the Tavy and the Tamar, was engineered by Mr. John Taylor, jun., of Norwich.”

—Thomas Moy was executed on the Castle Hill, Norwich, for sheep stealing.  “He was 33 years of age, farmed 100 acres of land at Binham, and has left a wife and seven young children.”

SEPTEMBER.

7.—Cromer Theatre was described as a place of entertainment “fashionably attended.”  “The house, or rather, barn, which is neatly fitted up, is under the management of Mr. Eldred.”

11.—At a meeting held at the Guildhall, Norwich, “the situation of children employed in sweeping chimnies” was discussed, “and the means of superseding the necessity for such employment by mechanical means” were taken into consideration.  A committee was appointed to promote the use of the sweeping apparatus, which, however, was but partially adopted.

16.—Intelligence was received at Norwich of the successful attack on Algiers by the British fleet, under the command of Admiral Lord Exmouth, on August 27th.  The bells of St. Peter Mancroft were rung in celebration of the event.

23.—A silver cup and two drinking horns were rowed for by four-oared boats, the best two heats out of three, from Carrow Bridge to Thorpe and back, distance two and a quarter miles.  Five boats competed.  The cup was won by the Cytherea (Mr. Joseph Stannard), and the horns by the Friends (Mr. Garland).

OCTOBER.

14.—A public meeting was held at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, at which it was agreed to petition the Legislature to effect a retrenchment of the public expenditure, and a reform of the House of Commons.

17.—The new Concert Room in St. George’s Bridge Street, Norwich, purchased of the proprietors of the Steam Flour Mill, and fitted up by the members of the Hall Concert (a musical society which had existed 30 years) was opened.  The room was capable of seating 300 persons.

23.—A pigeon shooting match took place on a field near the Town Close, Norwich, between Mr. Nicholas Bacon, and the Rev. Mr. Pitman, of Oulton.  “They fired 21 shots each, but it proved a drawn bet, for they each killed 14 birds.  Mr. Pitman brought down his 15th bird, but as it fell two inches beyond the distance allowed, 100 yards, it could not be reckoned.  There were many bets depending, which, of course, remained undecided.”  (This is the first recorded pigeon match in Norfolk.)

24.—Wheat was standing uncut in several parts of Norfolk, on the same farm where corn was sown for next year’s crop.

28.—A salmon trout, 57 inches in length and weighing 16½ pounds, was caught at the New Mills, Norwich.  On the 31st another of 26 pounds weight was taken at the same place.

29.—At a special meeting of the Norwich Corporation an address was ordered to be presented to the Prince Regent, praying for “the utmost retrenchment of the public expenditure consistent with the welfare of the State.”

NOVEMBER.

2.—Died at Narford Hall, the seat of Mr. Andrew Fountaine, his son-in-law, Mr. Thomas Penrice, of Great Yarmouth, to whom the eccentric Lord Chedworth left the bulk of his large property.

9.*—“The wealth of Mr. Watson Taylor, the purchaser of Houghton Hall, is immense.  For that mansion, and a large track of land around, he gave the Marquis Cholmondeley £350,000.  Mr. Taylor, by the will of an ancestor, is bound to spend £700,000 in landed estates, and besides the income which may arise from them he has £95,000 a year.”

10.—Buxoo, a Bengalese, a native of Calcutta, was publicly baptised at Burnham Market church by the Rev. John Glasse, by the names of John Henry Martin.  He was brought over to this country in a ship commanded by Capt. Glasse.

14.—The Courier steam packet made its passage from Foundry Bridge, Norwich, to Yarmouth in three hours twenty-five minutes.

28.—The Duke of Gloucester made his annual visit to Mr. T. W. Coke, M.P., at Holkham Hall.  During the week’s shooting Mr. Coke killed at Warham a female Falco Lagopus, or rough legged falcon, measuring nearly five feet across the wings, and two feet one inch in length.  The male bird was afterwards caught in a trap at Wighton.  Two of these birds were taken the following week at Wighton.

Died this month, Mrs. Tabitha Starling, of Brooke, aged 103.

7.—The Duke of Gloucester concluded his visit to Holkham.  On the last day his Royal Highness proposed the toast, “Prosperity to those Whig principles which placed the House of Hanover on the Throne of Britain.”

14.*—“Died lately, regretted by all who knew him, in the 65th year of his age, Charles Boyles, Esq., Vice-Admiral of the Blue, and a few years since Colonel of the Royal Marines.  This distinguished officer commanded the Windsor Castle man-of-war in the action off Ferrol, between the English fleet, under Sir Richard Calder, and the combined fleets of France and Spain.  During this engagement it fell to the lot of but few ships to be advantageously opposed to the enemy.  The return to Portsmouth of the crippled Windsor Castle with two Spanish 74’s was a triumph exultingly spoken of by Nelson as being principally the achievement of a Norfolk man.  Admiral Boyles was a native of Wells in this county, and eldest son of Charles Boyles, Esq., many years collector of the customs at that port.  He commenced his naval career with Lord Nelson in the Raisonnable, when commanded by Capt. Suckling.”

21.—Wombwell’s “Royal Menagerie of foreign beasts and birds” was exhibited on the Castle Ditches, Norwich.

31.—A prize fight took place at Wickhampton between Samuel Smith and James Rushmer.  One hundred and eleven rounds were fought in two hours five minutes, when the ring was broken into, and owing to the confusion it was impossible to renew the fight, which was declared drawn.

1817.

JANUARY.

1.—At a public meeting held at the Guildhall, Norwich, a subscription was opened for the relief of the labouring and manufacturing poor.  Upwards of £3,050 was contributed, and several works were commenced for the improvement of the city.  At Yarmouth over £1,000 was subscribed, and 460 men were employed in forming roads to the bath-house, jetty, &c.

4.*—“Died lately, at an advanced age, Mr. Christopher Jarvis, many years a miller at Wendling, and was wounded at the memorable battle of Minden.”

20.—Mr. Mathews, of Covent Garden Theatre, appeared at Norwich Theatre as Goldfinch (“The Road to Ruin”), Somno (“The Sleep Walker”), and in his sketch entitled “The Humours of the Playhouse.”

—On the bells of St. Peter Mancroft, Norwich, were rung 5,016 changes of Norwich Court Bob Maximus in four hours two minutes, the first length of that intricate peal ever rung in England on twelve bells.  It was conducted by Mr. R. Chesnut.

25.*—“Messrs. Squire, Son, and Hills, of St. Faith’s Lane, Norwich, in addition to the rectifying and vinegar departments have erected extensive works for the purpose of making flour of mustard.”

26.—Died at Grosvenor Place, London, Caroline, Dowager Countess of Buckinghamshire, widow of John, Earl of Buckingham, of Blickling, and mother of Viscountess Castlereagh.  “She requested in her will that none of her family should wear mourning for her.”  The funeral was at Blickling.

—The church of St. Michael Coslany, Norwich, was opened for Sunday evening lectures, in addition to those of St. Andrew and St. Stephen.

27.—Miss Kelly appeared at Norwich Theatre as Peggy (“The Country Girl”), and Annette (“The Maid and the Magpie”).

FEBRUARY.

1.*—“Died lately, aged 87 years, John Hoy, of Hackford, near Reepham.  He was a soldier in the 48th Regiment of Foot under General Wolfe, and saw him fall on the plains of Abram, in North America.  When on saying his noble commander was slain he was knocked down by a Lieut. Clarke with the butt end of a musket.  Hoy was a soldier 18 years, 17 of which he passed without once reposing on a bed.”

4.—A loyal address was voted by the Corporation of Great Yarmouth congratulating the Prince Regent upon his escape from the attack made upon him on his return from the opening of Parliament on January 28th.  The Corporation of Norwich adopted a similar address on the 24th.

6.—The complete peal of 5,040 changes of Grandsire Triples was rung by the ringers of Wells-next-the-Sea on eight bells in three hours seven minutes.

14.—Died, aged 70, at his house in the Close, Norwich, Mr. Robert Partridge, alderman for the Conisford Ward.  He was Sheriff in 1780 and Mayor in 1781.

15.—Mrs. C. Kemble appeared at King’s Lynn Theatre in the character of Mrs. Oakley (“The Jealous Wife”).  The proceeds of the performance were in aid of a fund for the relief of the poor.

—*“On the secession of Mr. Hindes at the close of the Norwich theatrical season, he will be succeeded by Mr. Smith, and the acting management will devolve upon Mr. Bellamy.”

—Great distress still prevailing among the poor of Norwich, the Relief Committee granted the further sum of £200 to be expended in labour.  It was decided to cut a road through Butter Hills to Carrow Bridge.

—*(Advt.)  “The public are respectfully informed that on February the 18th only Irish, French, and plain silver will be taken at the Theatre Royal, Norwich.”

21.—The Right Hon. George Horatio Cholmondeley, Earl of Rocksavage (eldest son of the Marquis Cholmondeley), was elected Member of Parliament for Castle Rising, in place of the Hon. Cavendish Bradshaw.

22.*—“A Yarmouth correspondent is anxious to know (1) by what authority the communication between the body and aisles of St. George’s Chapel has been cut off; and (2) why the Mayor or Lord Bishop is not applied to to remove the nuisance to the congregation?”

25.—An inquest was held at Norwich on the body of Elizabeth Pope, aged 83, “who on Sunday evening, being alone in her apartment over the portico of St. Lawrence’s church, accidentally set herself on fire, and was burnt in a terrible manner.”

26.—Died, aged 75, at Swaffham, Mr. Francis Blomfield, “the last male branch of the family of Blomfield, the county historian.”

27.—Mrs. C. Kemble appeared at Norwich Theatre as Mrs. Oakley (“The Jealous Wife”).  On subsequent evenings she took the parts of Letitia Hardy (“The Belle’s Stratagem”), Caroline (“The Prize”), Lady Teazle, and Myrtelle (“The Broken Sword”).

The Prince Regent this month conferred the honour of knighthood on Lieut.-Col. Robert John Harvey, K.T.S., in recognition of his distinguished services in the Peninsular War.

MARCH.

3.—A single wicket cricket match was played in Chapel Field, Norwich, between “a noted player from Sussex,” named Michan, an ex-officer, and a Hertford man, named Pratt.  The latter won by six wickets, and decided “considerable bets.”

10.—Miss Davison, of Drury Lane Theatre, commenced an engagement at Norwich Theatre, during which she appeared as Rosalind, Juliana (“The Honeymoon”), Margaretta (“No Song, no Supper”), Lady Townley (“The Provoked Husband”), Miss Tomboy (“The Romp”).

14.—A charge of blasphemy was exhibited before the magistrates at East Dereham against one Henry Balls, for publishing a handbill entitled “The Great Assize.”  (There is no further record of the case.)

19.—The Revenue cutter Ranger, Capt. Sayers, of Yarmouth, captured a large lugger with an armed crew of 36 men.  In the action the Ranger lost three killed and seven wounded.  The cargo consisted of 507 ankers and 945 halves of spirits, 27 bales of tobacco, and 47 bales of Bandannas, the whole worth £8,000.

24.—At the Norfolk Assizes, which commenced at Thetford on this date before Sir Robert Graham, one of the Barons of the Exchequer, the crim. con. action, Laton v. Beauchamp, clerk, was tried.  The special jury, without leaving the box, gave a verdict for the defendant.

—Mr. Bartley appeared at Norwich Theatre as Dr. Cantwell (“The Hypocrite”) and the Mock Doctor.  Mrs. Bartley on the 29th played Lady Constance to Mr. Bartley’s King John.  On subsequent evenings he impersonated Capt. Allclack (“The Invisible Girl”), and Sir Adam Contest (“The Wedding Day”).

—Mr. Blanchard, at Lynn Theatre, appeared as Ollapod (“The Poor Gentleman”), and Crack (“The Turnpike Gate”).

26.—Died at Trowse Old Hall, aged 77, General John Money, Colonel of the 3rd Regiment of Norfolk Yeomanry Cavalry.  He entered the Army as a volunteer in Elliott’s Light Horse in the Seven Years’ German War, and was with them at the battle of Tillinghausen.  He was afterwards a captain in the 9th (or Norfolk) Regiment of Foot, and in the American War was Deputy-Assistant Quarter-Master General to the army commanded by General Burgoyne.  He was the author of several pamphlets on military and other subjects.  About 40 years before his death he built the mansion known as Crown Point, where for more than 30 years he gave an annual ball.

APRIL.

3.—A grand performance of sacred music was given at St. Andrew’s Church, Norwich.  Mrs. Card, a native of the city, was the principal vocalist, and the choruses were sustained by local amateurs.

—Norwich Infantry Barracks (disused) were sold by auction, without reserve, by Mr. R. Cana, auctioneer.

5.—A county meeting was held at the Shirehall, Norwich, pursuant to requisition and presided over by the High Sheriff (Mr. H. N. Burroughes), “for the purpose of congratulating the Prince Regent on his escape from the late atrocious attack upon his person, and of praying his Royal Highness to dismiss from his presence and councils those advisers who, by their conduct, had proved themselves to be alike enemies to the Throne and the people.”  The resolutions were moved by the Earl of Albemarle, seconded by Mr. S. T. Southwell, and supported by Mr. T. W. Coke, M.P., and the Rev. George Glover.  They were opposed by the Hon. Col. Wodehouse, Mr. Edmond Wodehouse, Mr. Serjeant Firth, and Mr. J. Harvey.  The High Sheriff declared the resolutions to be carried “by a most decided majority.”  An address founded on the resolutions was also adopted, and was presented to the Prince Regent by Mr. Coke at the Levée on April 21st.—In consequence of these proceedings a document, known as the “Norfolk Declaration,” was signed by upwards of 900 noblemen, gentlemen, clergy, and freeholders of the county, who considered the Ministers “eminently entitled to the gratitude of their Sovereign and the country.”  The Declaration was presented to the Prince Regent at the Levée at Carlton House on July 1st, by the Lord Lieutenant of the county, accompanied by the Earl of Orford, the Earl of Ancram, Lord C. Townshend, the Hon. Col. Wodehouse, the Hon. Edward Harbord, Mr. Edmund Bacon, Mr. Edmond Wodehouse, M.P., Mr. Charles Harvey, M.P., &c.

7.—Mr. Incledon commenced a five nights’ engagement at Norwich Theatre previous to his departure to America.  He appeared as Hawthorn (“Love in a Village”), and Harry Blunt (“The Turnpike Gate”).

14.—A “three double days’ play of cocks” commenced at the White Swan Inn, Norwich, between the gentlemen of Norwich and the gentlemen of Cambridgeshire, for 10 guineas a battle and 200 guineas the odd.  Feeders: Fisher for Norwich, Thompson for Cambridgeshire.  The match was won by Cambridgeshire.

—A peal of eight bells, including a new tenor cast by Mears, of London, was opened at North Elmham by the St. Peter Mancroft company of ringers, who rang 5,040 changes of Norwich Court Bob in three hours nineteen minutes.

16.—A new tragedy, entitled “Edwin, Heir of Cressingham,” founded on Mrs. Porter’s historical romance, “The Scottish Chiefs,” and written by Mr. Edward Ball, of Norwich, was produced at Norwich Theatre for the first time, and received with much applause.

28.—Died, at his house in Berners Street, London, aged 61, Sir Jacob Henry Astley, Bart., M.P.  He was succeeded in his title by his eldest son.

—Died in St. Giles’, Norwich, Mrs. E. Layton, aged 100 years.

MAY.

1.—Mr. Crisp Brown and Mr. Thomas Thurtell, the two senior aldermen below the chair, were returned to the Norwich Court of Aldermen without opposition, and on the 3rd Mr. Brown was unanimously elected Mayor.

5.—Mr. A. Guggle, of Wells-next-the-Sea, introduced an “improved double bathing machine, so constructed as to render it perfectly safe at all times, and regulated in a few seconds to any depth of water preferred by the bather.”

8.—The Norwich Court of Guardians ordered a new valuation of property in the city and hamlets.

19.—The election to fill the vacancy caused in the representation of the county by the death of Sir H. J. Astley, commenced at Norwich.  The candidates were Mr. E. R. Pratt, of Ryston, and Mr. Edmond Wodehouse, of Sennowe Lodge.  The polling continued for five days and closed on the 23rd, when the result was declared as follows:—Wodehouse, 3,896; Pratt, 3,321.

27.—Died at his seat, Great Melton Hall, aged 86, Sir John Lombe, Bart.  He was succeeded in his title by his great nephew, Mr. Richard Paul Jodrell.  The deceased baronet bequeathed his large estates to Mr. Edward Beevor, of the Middle Temple, barrister-at-law, who by special Act of Parliament, which received the Royal Assent on July 7th, was authorised to assume the surname and bear the arms of Lombe instead of those of Beevor, in compliance with a condition in the will of the deceased.

28.—The birthday of Mr. Pitt was celebrated by a dinner at the Assembly Rooms, Norwich, at which Mr. Charles Harvey, M.P., presided.

—Died at St. George’s Tombland, Norwich, Mrs. Phœbe Crow, aged 77, “who in 40 years’ practice as a midwife brought into the world 9,730 children.”

31.—Mr. Betty appeared as Hamlet at Norwich Theatre on the closing night of the season, when Mr. Smith, the new manager, delivered an address at the conclusion of the performance.

—The Brampton Indianman was launched from Mr. Bottomley’s yard, and the Wodehouse brig from Messrs. Lauker and Spong’s yard, King’s Lynn.

4.—King George III. entered upon his 80th year.  The event was celebrated in Norwich by the ringing of bells and by a parade of the Light Horse Volunteers and Yeomanry Cavalry.

9.—Two thousand spectators were present at “the 10th annual grand wrestling match for prizes given by a society of amateurs for the encouragement of gymnastic exercises,” held at Kirby Cane.  There were 24 competitors, and the winner was Martin Hingle.

17.—Guild Day at Norwich.  Mr. Crisp Brown, the Mayor elect, observed all the ancient customs, and entertained 300 guests at the guild feast.

18.—A meeting of resident gentry, clergy, yeomanry, and principal householders of North Greenhoe and Brothercross Hundreds, was held at Wells-next-the-Sea, under the presidency of Sir William Bolton, when resolutions were passed expressive of their deep concern at the insults offered to Mr. T. W. Coke, M.P., at a meeting held at Norwich on the previous Saturday and during the county election, and an address was ordered to be presented in accordance with the terms of the resolutions.

19.—Mr. Mathews gave his entertainment, “Mail Coach Adventures,” at Norwich Theatre.

22.—Moses Levi, aged 62, “of the Jewish persuasion,” was baptised by the Rev. George Baldero at the parish church of Rainham St. Martin.

25.—A severe hailstorm occurred in West Norfolk.  Some of the hailstones measured six inches in circumference.  Much damage was done.  Many rooks were afterwards found dead.

JULY.

5.—Haddock’s exhibition of automata was opened in the Great Room, Davey Place, Norwich.

7.—At the Holkham Sheep Shearing, which commenced on this date, the address voted at Wells-next-the-Sea on June 18th was presented to Mr. T. W. Coke, M.P., who, in reply, said he did not attribute blame to the poorer classes who had been deluded into the belief that he was their enemy, but he did blame the Mayor of Norwich, who, in his official capacity, should have prevented what had taken place.  These remarks led to a very long and acrimonious newspaper correspondence.

9.—The Rev. Charles Nourse Wodehouse was installed a prebendary of Norwich Cathedral, in place of the Rev. John Pretyman, D.D., who died at Lincoln on June 5th.

15.—The salt marshes near Wells-next-the-Sea were inundated by a high tide during a northerly gale, and nearly 300 sheep, the property of Messrs. Tuthill, Moore, and John Blomfield, of Warham, were drowned.

19.—Thomas Carter was publicly whipped in Norwich Market Place for stealing a cow.

—At the Norwich Court of Mayoralty, the Mayor stated that complaints had been made to him of offences committed in the city by bakers, foggers, and others, exercising their trades on Sunday.  The Court gave notice that it was not lawful “to make or bake any bread, rolls, or cakes of any sort or kind on the Lord’s Day, commonly called Sunday,” nor to deliver them “at any time after half past one of the clock in the afternoon of that day.”

24.—Skipper, the pedestrian, undertook for a wager of 25 guineas to walk from Norwich to Thetford and back, a distance of 55 miles, in 12 hours.  “He walked 54 miles, but having only four minutes to perform the last mile, gave in.”

AUGUST.

6.—Died at his house in the Lower Close, Norwich, aged 55, Mr. Frank Sayers, M.D., author of “Poems, including Sketches of the Northern Mythology,” and “Disquisitions, Metaphysical and Literary, Antiquarian and Historical.”  A monument, with a Latin inscription by the Rev. F. Howes, was erected in the Cathedral to the memory of the deceased.

7.—Died at Hoveton St. John, Mr. Thomas Blofeld, D.L., for many years one of the chairmen of the Norfolk Quarter Sessions.

11.—Sports were held at Reedham under the patronage of Mr. Layton, of Reedham Hall.  The principal event was a wrestling match, taken part in “by twenty-four as fine athletic young fellows as England can produce.”

12.—A cocking match, “fought in silver,” between the gentlemen of Norwich and the gentlemen of Yarmouth, commenced at the Feathers Inn, Yarmouth, and concluded on the 14th.  Feeders: Lamb for Norwich, Nash for Yarmouth.

15.—The first stone of the Nelson Monument on the South Denes, Yarmouth, was laid by the Hon. Col. Wodehouse (chairman of the sub-committee), in the presence of the Mayors and Corporations of Yarmouth and Norwich.  A civic dinner was given, and in the evening a ball, attended by 350 persons, took place at the Town Hall.

16.—The thirteenth annual exhibition of the Norwich Society of Artists was opened in Sir Benjamin Wrenche’s Court.  Mr. W. M. Sharp was president, Mr. J. Freeman vice-president, and Mr. P. Barnes, secretary.  The Norfolk and Norwich Original Society of Artists advertised their thirteenth exhibition to be held at the New Room, Theatre Plain—Mr. R. Ladbrook, president; Mr. J. Sillett, vice-president; Mr. J. Thirtle, secretary.  Both exhibitions were honoured by the presence of the Mayor and Corporation.

—Died at his house, Chapel Field, Norwich, Mr. John Ninham, aged 63, artist and engraver.

23.—Mr. Keen performed at Norwich Theatre in the character of Richard III.  On succeeding nights he appeared as Othello, Bertram, Sir Giles Overreach, Sir Edward Mortimer, Selim (“Barbarossa”), Shylock, Octavian (“The Mountaineers”), and Paul (“Paul and Virginia”).  He afterwards fulfilled an engagement at Yarmouth Theatre.

26.—A contested election took place at Norwich for the office of freemens’ Sheriff.  Mr. John Lovick was returned with 807 votes as against 718 polled by his opponent, Mr. George Harvey.

SEPTEMBER.

6.*—“Last week two troops of the 5th Dragoon Guards, under the command of Major Irwin, marched into Norwich Barracks, and relieved the two troops of the Royal Dragoons, ordered to Scotland.”

10.—The Bishop of Norwich confirmed 800 persons of both sexes at a special service held at Norwich Cathedral.

13.*—“Died lately, at Madrid, at the house of her sister, Lady Whitlingham, Barbara, wife of Mr. Bartholomew Frere, his Majesty’s secretary to the Embassy at the Ottoman Porte.  The marriage had been solemnized by proxy according to the usual forms, but Mr. Frere having been detained at Constantinople, neither had the happiness of seeing each other since their union.”

26.—Skipper, the pedestrian, undertook to walk 60 miles in 12 successive hours on the bowling-green at the King’s Head Inn, East Dereham.  “He was so exhausted in the last two miles that he could not accomplish his task.”

—A meeting was held in St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, when an auxiliary association to the London Society for Promoting Christianity among the Jews was established, with the Lord Bishop as president.

27.—Died at Kirby Cane parsonage, from injuries received by the accidental discharge of a gun, the Hon. C. J. Keppel, fifth son of the Earl of Albemarle.

—A party of Indian jugglers gave a performance at Mr. Noverre’s ball-room, “near Messrs. Gurney’s bank,” Norwich.

1.*—(Advt.)  “Christopher Woods has been a prisoner in Norwich Castle during four and a half years, and there must remain for life, unless assisted with £20 to enable him to put in an answer to a bill in Chancery.  The attention of the truly Charitable is earnestly requested in behalf of this unhappy man, his distressed wife, and four children.”

11.—Mr. Robert Baker, glover and breeches maker, of Wells-next-the-Sea, was found murdered in Market Lane, about 200 yards from the town.  His skull was beaten in and his throat cut.  The county magistrates, assembled for other business at the Shirehall, Norwich, ordered the printing of 3,000 handbills giving notice of the murder.  These were taken by the constables to every coach, fish cart, and other conveyance leaving Norwich.  A man named James Johnson, 29 years of age, was apprehended on suspicion at the King’s Head Inn, Hethersett, on October 15th.  The prisoner was tried at the Norfolk Assizes, held at Thetford on March 19, 1818, when, after a trial lasting seven and a half hours, the jury returned a verdict of guilty, and he was sentenced to death by Mr. Justice Dallas, “his body to be delivered to the surgeons to be anatomised” on the Saturday following.  On the prisoner asking for “a longer period than two days in which to prepare for eternity,” the judge ordered death to be postponed until the following Monday, on which day the execution took place on the Castle Hill, Norwich, in the presence of 5,000 spectators.  “Mr. Wilson, a gentleman from London, and Mr. Austen, a pupil of Mr. Dalrymple’s, performed the dissection and prepared the subject for the lectures which have been daily delivered by Mr. Crosse.”  At the trial an indictment was preferred against an accomplice of the prisoner, one William Hardiment, not in custody.  A third man, Benjamin Neal, was in custody charged with being an accessory before the fact, but the bill was thrown out by the Grand Jury.  (See March 28th, 1822.)

14.—Under the direction of Messrs. Beckwith and Pettet a grand Musical Festival began at Norwich, and was continued until October 19th.  Miscellaneous concerts were given in St. Andrew’s Hall, and selections from oratorios in St. Peter’s church.  The principal performers were Mrs. Salmon, Miss Frith, Mr. Vaughan, Mr. Hawes, and Mr. Bellamy.

22.—A single wicket match was played at Holt by Frost, a member of the Holt Cricket Club, and Pilch, of the Litcham Club, for £10 a side.  Pilch was the winner.

28.—Mr. W. Finch announced that he had acquired Harper’s Gardens, “near St. Stephen’s Gates, Norwich.”  Mr. Harper, the former proprietor, removed to the Falcon Inn, Ditchingham.

30.—Died, in his 85th year, James Vines, for upwards of 60 years a member of the St. Peter Mancroft company of ringers, at Norwich.

NOVEMBER.

5.—A salmon trout, measuring 40 inches in length and weighing 21 pounds, was killed at the New Mills, Norwich.

10.—Messrs. Adams’ troupe of equestrians commenced a season at the Pantheon, Norwich.

14.—Died, whilst on a visit to Holkham Hall, Elizabeth, Countess of Albemarle.

15.*—“There have recently been cast at the bell foundry at Downham five clock bells for the new General Post Office, Dublin.  A large bell is now preparing at the same place for erection in the Wabash, Indiana State, North America, by a religious society of Germans who have settled there.”

20.—Several persons “who had long resisted the threats and entreaties of the inhabitants of Old Buckenham” were convicted before a magistrate at Larlingford, and fined for playing cricket on Sunday, October 2nd, on Old Buckenham green.

DECEMBER.

5.—At a special assembly of the Corporation of Norwich addresses of condolence were voted to the Prince Regent and to Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coburg, expressive of the deep grief felt by the citizens on the death of the Princess Charlotte.  Similar addresses were presented by the Corporations of Yarmouth, Lynn, and Thetford.

—Died in St. Stephen’s, Norwich, in his 74th year, Mr. James Hardy, of Hethersett.  He served the office of Sheriff of Norwich in 1800.

6.—Messrs. Caldwell, Waterhouses, and Co., advertised the establishment of a service of “new light caravans upon springs.”  The conveyances left Norwich every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning at eight o’clock, and arrived at the Swan-with-two-Necks, Lad Lane, London, on the following morning at six o’clock.  They were despatched from London every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday evening at five o’clock, and arrived in Norwich the next afternoon at three o’clock.  The rate of carriage from London to Norwich was 9s. per cwt., and from Norwich to London 11s. per cwt.

16.—A prize fight took place on Bungay Common between Sutton, the Black, and Ned Painter, who was accompanied from Norwich by a large number of his supporters.  Fifteen rounds were fought in one hour forty-two minutes for a purse of £100, £80 for the winner and £20 for the loser.  Painter, “the best man of the day with Norfolk training,” won.  “Several well-dressed women were present at the fight.”

20.—The Fakenham and London post coach, the Patriot, was advertised to run from Fakenham on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.  The proprietors were Robert Leamon, Fakenham; T. W. Woer, Swaffham; Thos. Golding, Newmarket; George Barton, Cambridge; and John Eames, London.

—Joseph Penny, of Yarmouth, who impersonated Neptune at the Peace festival at Yarmouth on April 21, 1814, was drowned with his son whilst sailing a small boat in stormy weather.

27.*—“The commissions executed and presents sent from this land of turkies greatly exceeded any former year.  It is calculated that upwards of 4,000 have been despatched by different conveyances from Norwich during the past week, which, averaged at nine pounds each, at 10d. per pound, amounted to £1,500.”

1818.

JANUARY.

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

5.—The Norwich Court of Guardians determined to proceed with the valuation of property in the city and hamlets.  Messrs. Rooks, Athow, and Stannard were appointed to make the valuation at the remuneration of £850.

6.—Twelfth Day was observed in Norwich, “when the confectioners made a grand display of their frosted and ornamented cakes.  Mr. Turner, of the Gentleman’s Walk, had one weighing 220 pounds and measuring three yards in circumference.  It was sawn to pieces next day.”  Mr. and Mrs. Patteson gave a Twelfth Night ball and supper at their residence in Surrey Street, at which 140 guests were present.

—Died, aged 100 years, Ashton Goodyer, formerly keeper of the workhouse at Tilney.

13.—At a county meeting held at the Shirehall, under the presidency of the High Sheriff (Mr. H. N. Burroughes), addresses of condolence with the Prince Regent and Prince Leopold on the death of the Princess Charlotte, were moved by Lord Walpole and seconded by the Hon. Col. Wodehouse.  The Ven. Archdeacon Bathurst opposed the addresses on account of the omission of the name of the Princess of Wales, and moved as an amendment “That any addresses to the Prince Regent and Prince Leopold, unaccompanied by an address to the Princess of Wales, would operate as an insulting neglect to one of the first characters in the Royal Family, and as a disrespect to the memory of her who was the pride and hope of the British people.”  The amendment was seconded by Mr. N. Palmer, of Yarmouth.  The High Sheriff objected to put the amendment, as the name of the Princess of Wales had not been included in the requisition.  The addresses were then adopted.  Archdeacon Bathurst alone dissenting.

15.—Lord and Lady Castlereagh and Prince Esterhazy, the Austrian ambassador, passed through Norwich on their return to London after a visit to Lord Suffield at Blickling.

16.—Died at Old Windsor, aged 71, the Right Hon. Lord Walsingham, of Merton Hall.  He was the only son of Sir William de Grey, several years Lord Chief Justice of Common Pleas.  In 1787 he was appointed joint Postmaster-General, and to within two years of his death had been chairman of the Committees of Privileges, &c., in the House of Lords.

19.—At a meeting of the inhabitants of Yarmouth, held at the New Hall, upwards of £6,000 was subscribed for aiding a plan to extend the navigation of the river Waveney from Bungay to Diss.  The sum of £5,000 was raised in the latter town.  At a meeting held at Bungay on February 5th the scheme was opposed by the landowners through whose property the projected canal was to pass.  On February 13th the inhabitants of Thetford met to oppose the undertaking, as it was likely to be injurious to the tolls of the Lesser Ouse.  It was announced on February 28th that £20,000 had been subscribed, and that the expense of carrying the scheme into execution would be £36,931.  A meeting was held at Yarmouth on March 10th, at which it was decided “out of respect to Mr. Adair and the rest of the proprietors to defer application to Parliament until the ensuing Session.”  Ultimately the scheme was abandoned.  In the course of the discussions on the project, “it was thrown out in a highly respectable quarter that the end in view might be answered and all objections obviated by the substitution of an iron railway for a canal.”  (This is the first instance in which a “railway” is mentioned in the Norfolk Chronicle.)

—Mr. Sinclair, from Covent Garden Theatre, appeared at the Theatre Royal, Norwich, as Orlando (“The Cabinet”), Apollo (in the burletta of “Midas”), and Henry Bertram (“Guy Mannering”).

31.—Miss Davison, of Drury Lane, commenced an engagement at Norwich Theatre, during which she appeared as Lady Teazle, Priscilla Tomboy (“The Romp”), Lady Bell (“Know your own Mind”), Roxalana (“The Sultan”), and Lady Racket (“Three Weeks after Marriage”).

FEBRUARY.

4.—Died, at Hethersett, aged 70, Mr. John Buckle, one of the aldermen of the Great Ward of Mancroft, Norwich.  He served the office of Sheriff in 1787, and of Mayor in 1793.

16.—Mr. Emery, of Covent Garden, made his first appearance at Norwich Theatre, as Tyke (“The School of Reform”).  His other characters included Robin Roughead (“Fortune’s Frolic”), Zekiel Homespun (“Heir at Law”), and Sheepface (“The Village Lawyer”).

21.—Died, aged 88, Mr. William Utten, of the Lower Close, Norwich, formerly chapter clerk to the Dean and Chapter, and secretary to the Lord Bishop of Norwich.

28.*—“Mr. D. Fisher, whose performance of the arduous characters of Hamlet, Macbeth, and Richard III. at Drury Lane were so excellent as to induce the managers to engage him at a liberal salary from the commencement of next season, has been engaged to perform those characters at Norwich, and will make his first appearance this evening in the part of Hamlet.”  Mr. Fisher was a son of the manager of the Norfolk and Suffolk Company of Comedians.

MARCH.

2.—The Carrow Bridge toll bar, at Norwich, was let for three years at the annual rent of £224.

4.—During a severe gale from the south-east great damage was done to shipping on the Norfolk coast, and several vessels were driven ashore.  At the church of Pulham St. Mary the Virgin the chancel window, 20 feet by 11 feet, was almost demolished, and another window on the south side was entirely blown out with the stone work.  Four large sheets of lead were blown off the roof of East Bilney Church.

9.—The election of Common Councilmen for the four wards of Norwich, commenced on this date.  “The ascendency of the Purple and Orange or of the Blue and White party in the Corporation is supposed to have some influence at a General Election, and as that event is considered to be at no great distance, neither money nor exertions were spared to obtain a majority in the Long Ward.”  The expenses were estimated at some thousands of pounds, from £15 to £40 was paid for votes, and the freemen were brought in carriages from the country to vote as at a Parliamentary Election.

10.—Married at Benacre, by the Rev. Richard Gooch, Capt. G. W. Manby, barrack master, Yarmouth, to Sophia, daughter of Sir Thomas Gooch, Bart., of Benacre Hall, and sister of Mr. Sherlock Gooch, M.P., for Suffolk.

16.—At the Norfolk Assizes, held at Thetford, the crim. con. action, Muskett v. Gurney, in which the damages were laid at £10,000, was tried before a special jury.  Verdict for the defendant.

19.—The first Norwich Sick Poor Repository was held at Mr. Noverre’s room, St. Michael-at-Plea, on Tombland Fair day.  “The room was crowded by the beauty and fashion of our town and its vicinity, and the counters were completely cleared at three o’clock, when the receipts amounted to £115.”

24.—Died at Hare Street, Romford, Mr. Humphrey Repton, the celebrated landscape gardener.  He was buried at Aylsham.

26.—The organ at Swaffham church was opened by Mr. Beckwith, of Norwich.  Selections of sacred music were rendered at the church, and in the evening a miscellaneous concert was given in the Assembly-room.  The principal vocalists were Mrs. Card, Miss Williams, Mr. C. Fisher (tenor), and the choristers from Norwich Cathedral.

31.—Married, at Redenhall Church, by the Ven. Archdeacon Oldershaw, Mr. Gurney Barclay, of Tavistock Square, London, to Miss Freshfield, of Harleston.  “On the bride’s return the horses were taken from her carriage, and, amid the cheering of the delighted people, she was drawn, attended by a band of music, through the town.”

APRIL.

5.—The London mail by way of Bury and Newmarket was discontinued, and two light four-inside coaches, called the Mercury, substituted, starting from the Angel Inn, Norwich, at 4.45 p.m., and from the Golden Cross, Charing Cross, London, at six p.m., Sundays excepted.  The proprietors of the Expedition post coach substituted two light post coaches which ran from the Swan Inn, Norwich, every afternoon at four o’clock, and from the White Horse, Fetter Lane, London, at 4.30.  The mail by Bury and Newmarket had been established 33 years, and was discontinued from lack of public support.  The Norwich and London mail by Ipswich and Colchester continued to run as before.

11.—Six prisoners escaped from the Norwich City Gaol by breaking through an 18-inch brick wall, whence they entered the snuff manufactory of Messrs. Waite and Cozens, and with their irons on made their way to the Market Place.  With one exception they were speedily recaptured.

—*“According to the returns of the Tax Office to March 25, 1817, the Norfolk Land-tax amounted to £63,471 10s. 7d.; redeemed, £18,526 16s. 2d.”

14.—The Norwich Paving Commissioners, in consequence of complaints regarding the imperfect lighting and watching of the streets, appointed a committee of fourteen of their members, and co-opted other persons, to superintend the placing of the watchmen.  The committee were requested to “occasionally perambulate the city, and to observe the state of the lamps and the conduct of the watchmen.”

18.*—(Advt.)  “To be fought at the White Swan Inn, Norwich, on Monday, April 20th, 1818, and two following days, three double days play of cocks for 10 guineas a battle, and 200 guineas the odd, between the gentlemen of Norwich and the gentlemen of Cambridge.  Feeders: Lamb for Norwich, Thompson for Cambridge.”

—*(Advt.)  “The London and Norwich mail coach by Colchester and Ipswich.  The Postmaster-General having thought proper to discontinue the mail coach by Newmarket, which had been established 33 years, from the public not having latterly given it that support which its usefulness demanded, the contractors for the remaining mail by Ipswich and Colchester, which will in future be the conveyance of the Norwich letters, hope that so useful a carriage in this commercial city and county will have such success as to promote its future encouragement and continuance.”

23.—St. George’s Day was observed in Norwich as the festival of the tutelar saint of England and as the appointed date for the celebration of the birthday of the Prince Regent.  St. Peter’s bells were rung, and at night a ball was given at Chapel Field House.

24.—A meeting, presided over by Mr. J. J. Gurney, was held at the Lancasterian School, Norwich, to encourage the establishment of Sunday schools.

26.—Died at Norwich, aged 47, the Rev. Augustus Beevor, M.A.  “He was educated at Bennet College, Cambridge, where he early distinguished himself, and as a reward of his literary merits, received many college prizes.  He was rector of Berghapton, Norfolk, and of Otley, Suffolk.”

MAY.

1.—A two days’ poll commenced for the election of Mayor at Norwich.  The poll was declared on the 2nd as follows:—Ald. Marsh, 821; Ald. Leman, 820; Ald. Thurtell, 474; Ald. Back, 412.  Mr. Leman was on the 3rd elected, by the Court of Aldermen, Mayor for the second time.

3.—At a meeting of the Norwich Corporation it was agreed to present congratulatory addresses to the Prince Regent and to the Princess Elizabeth on her marriage with the Hereditary Prince of Hesse Homburgh.  On a ballot in the common council-room there were 24 for and 24 against the addresses.  The Speaker (Mr. Samuel Stone) gave his casting vote in favour of the addresses, which accordingly became acts of assembly.

6.—The birthday of Mr. T. W. Coke, M.P., was celebrated at Harleston, Wells, Wymondham, and other places by public dinners.

12.—A prize fight took place on a field near Thorpe Asylum between William Cox, blacksmith, and John Camplin, a Norwich weaver.  “Among the spectators were a great number of females.”  Camplin was seconded by Ned Painter, and Cox by Wharton.  Twenty-nine rounds were fought in 42 minutes for £5 a side.  Cox won.  Another fight between Pegg and Short, “who milled each other for more than an hour,” resulted in the victory of the latter.

13.—A new gallery erected in North Walsham church was opened with a grand selection of sacred music from the works of Handel, under the direction of Messrs. Fish and Card, of Norwich.  The principal vocal performers were Mrs. Card, Mr. Frewer, and Mr. Barron, and the choruses were supported by performers from the Norwich concerts, and by the Cathedral choristers.

16.—Died at Lynn, Ann Crawforth, aged 104, supposed to be the oldest member of the Methodist Society.

18.—Miss Brunton, granddaughter of Mr. John Brunton, the former manager, appeared at Norwich Theatre as Letitia Hardy (“The Belle’s Stratagem”).  Her other characters during the engagement were Miss Hardcastle, Rosalind, and Lady Elizabeth (“The Day after the Wedding”).

19.—A new peal of six bells, cast and hung by William Dobson, of Downham Market, was opened at Northwold.  Prizes of ten guineas and five guineas were offered to competing companies who performed the best and next best peals of 720 complete changes.  The New Buckenham and Hopton ringers were adjudged equal.

—At the Norwich Consistory Court, sentence of suspension for two years was passed by the Rev. William Young, Chancellor, on the Rev. Edward Leathes, rector of Reedham with Freethorpe, for neglecting to perform his ministerial duties in those churches for about eight months in the course of the years 1816 and 1817.

—A rowing match between two four-oared boats, the Swift and the Adriadne, took place from Carrow to Whitlingham.  The Swift, “rowed by four brothers of the name of Lanham, well known on the stream,” won.  “The match was for each other’s boat, valued complete at £14 or £15.”  (This is the first instance in which the names of the rowers are given.)

28.—The annual dinner in commemoration of Pitt’s birthday was held at the Assembly Rooms, Norwich, under the presidency of the Hon. Col. Wodehouse.

—Tenders were invited for taking down the existing and building the new bridge, at Hellesdon, either of timber or iron.  The Corporation on June 30 accepted the tender of Mr. Frost to build an iron bridge for £1,140.

30.—Miss Byrne began a short engagement at Norwich Theatre, during which she appeared in favourite comic operas and musical entertainments.  Her impersonations included Adela (“The Haunted Tower”) and Rosina.

—*(Advt.)  “A match of cocks will be fought at the Angel Inn, St. Stephen’s, Norwich, on June 15th and 16th, between the gentlemen of Norfolk and the gentlemen of Norwich, to show fifteen mains and five byes.  To fight for £5 a battle and £20 the odd.  Feeders: Stafford for Norfolk, Lamb for Norwich.”

31.—Died at Wakefield, Mr. Fitzgerald, manager of the Leeds, Lincoln, Sheffield, and Hull Theatres, and many years a favourite performer in the Norwich Company.

JUNE.

1.—Mr. Charles Harvey, M.P., issued an address to the electors of Norwich, in which he announced his intention of declining to offer himself for re-election.

2.—Died at Coltishall, Mr. William Warrant, aged 100 years.

4.—The 81st birthday of George III. was celebrated in Norwich.  The Mayor and Corporation, preceded by a band of music, went in state to the Cathedral.

8.—A camping match, Norfolk against Suffolk, took place at Kirby Cane for £10 a side, and, after a spirited contest, Norfolk won.  “This is the first thorough boxing camping match which has taken place for these last 35 years, and considering that not five out of the twenty individuals who played had ever before been engaged in any pugilistic contest, it was astonishing to observe the spirit of gallantry which animated both parties.  The spectators amounted to some thousands, among whom were many gentlemen of rank and fortune.”

15.—Seaman’s Museum of Natural History was exhibited on Orford Hill, Norwich.

16.—Guild Day at Norwich.  Many members of the freemen’s clubs, with blue and white favours in their hats, and with party flags flying, marched into the Market Place in order to attend the new Mayor to the Cathedral.  Alderman Herring protested against such a display of party feeling on this day.  Mr. Smith, the Parliamentary candidate, addressed the people from a window in the Market Place, saying that anything like party appeared to be indecorous on such an occasion, and he for one should put his colours into his pocket.  His example, however, was not generally followed.  After service at the Cathedral Mr. Barnabas Leman was sworn in as Mayor, and the guild feast, given in St. Andrew’s Hall, was attended by 300 guests.

17.—Norwich Election began on this day, and the poll closed on the day following at 1.30 p.m., with the following result:—W. Smith, 2,089; R. H. Gurney, 2,032; the Hon. Edward Harbord, 1,475.  The two first-named were returned.

—Thetford Election: Lord C. Fitzroy and Mr. N. R. Colbourne were returned without a contest, on the withdrawal of Mr. Webster.

—Castle Rising Election: Lord Rocksavage and the Hon. F. Greville Howard were returned unopposed.

18.—Lynn Election: Lord Walpole and Sir M. B. ffolkes were returned unopposed.

19.—Yarmouth Election: The Hon. George Anson, 780; C. E. Rumbold, 760; E. K. Lacon, 651; General Loftus, 612.  The two first-named were elected.

23.—Norfolk Election: Mr. T. W. Coke and Mr. E. Wodehouse were returned unopposed.  Mr. Philip Hamond, of Westacre, opened a canvass in opposition to Mr. Wodehouse, but relinquished it on the eve of the election.  After the chairing Mr. Coke and his friends dined at the Swan Inn, Norwich, and Mr. Wodehouse and his supporters at the Angel Inn.  At night the members attended the ball at Chapel Field House, where the dancing was opened by Mr. Coke and Mrs. Micklethwaite and by Mr. Wodehouse and Mrs. N. Bacon.

Dr. C. Brown, of Margaretta Farm, and Mr. T. B. Plestow, of Watlington Hall, received, this month, the honour of knighthood.

JULY.

4.—Spring, Scroggins, Purcell, and other celebrated pugilists, gave a boxing display at the Swan Inn, Norwich.

6.—Died, aged 78, Mr. Richard Beatniffe, many years a well-known bookseller in Norwich.

—Holkham Sheep Shearing commenced.  The only new implements exhibited were a manure drill, by Mr. Frost, of Saham, and a self-sowing dibbling machine, by Mr. Woodward, of Norwich.

—A new light post coach, called “The Day,” carrying four insides and ten outsides, commenced running from the Angel Inn, Market Place, Norwich, to the Crown and Anchor Tavern, the Quay, Yarmouth.  The journey occupied three hours each way, and the coach was owned by T. S. Coldwell and Co.

13.—Races for hackneys, hunters, and ponies, took place at Wells-next-the-Sea, upon “a fine level width of firm beach sand.”  An immense concourse of spectators attended.

15.—Died at St. Peter Mancroft, Norwich, aged 72, Capt. James Murray, adjutant of the 2nd Regiment of Norfolk Yeomanry Cavalry, and formerly captain in the 9th Regiment of Foot.  He served with distinction during the whole of the American War.

16.—The first stone of a new bridge at Letheringsett was laid by Mrs. Best, of Bayfield Hall.  The company, after being entertained to breakfast by Mr. William Hardy, proceeded through his gardens to a deep excavation in the bed of the river, where the stone was placed in position amid the cheers of the spectators and the firing of guns.

20.—The performances of Mr. David Fisher’s company in “the elegant little theatre” at East Dereham, terminated on this date, “when the performers assembled on the stage and drank a parting glass and bade farewell of the crowded audience amid shouts of applause.”

22.—A grand cricket match played on Newmarket Heath for 330 guineas a side, between the Holt and Newmarket clubs.  It concluded on the 23rd, when the score was as follows:—Newmarket, 84-101; Holt, 114-74.

23.—A silver cup was rowed for by three boats at Norwich, and won by the Apollo (Bacon).  Distance, five miles; time, 38½ minutes.

—A troop of the 15th Light Dragoons (King’s Hussars), commanded by Major Cochrane, marched into Norwich to relieve the 5th Dragoon Guards, who the same day set out for York.

25.*—“Mr. Case, a respectable farmer, at Stratton Strawless, lately sustained a loss of 30 young turkies and 11 goslings, all which a voracious fat sow devoured after a hearty breakfast.”

27.—Mr. Blanchard, of Covent Garden Theatre, appeared at Norwich Theatre as General Heartall (“The Soldier’s Daughter”).  Among the other characters impersonated by him during his engagement were Crack (“The Turnpike Gate”), Lazarillo (“Two Strings to your Bow”), Abednego (“Jew and Doctor”), Caleb Quotem (“The Wags of Windsor”), and Dr. Ollapod (“The Poor Gentleman”).

—At a meeting of the merchants of the city, held at the Angel Inn, Norwich, under the presidency of Mr. Crisp Brown, it was agreed to open up a trade from Gainsborough to Yarmouth, and to employ four vessels to sail alternately from both places.

31.—Died at his house in St. James’s Square, London, Viscount Anson.  He married in 1794 Ann Margaret, second daughter of Mr. T. W. Coke, of Holkham, and was succeeded in his title and estates by the Hon. Thomas William Anson, M.P. for Yarmouth.

12.—Two gentlemen “angling on that beautiful river at Buckenham, belonging to Sir Thomas Beauchamp Proctor,” caught 210 pounds of fish, the greater part of which were bream.  This was described as “a circumstance unprecedented in this or any other part of the country.”

15.—The whaler Enterprize from Greenland, Capt. Sanderson, arrived at her berth at South Lynn, with eleven “fish” on board, “which it is supposed will produce about 160 tons of oil, estimated to be worth £6,000, exclusive of whalebone, &c.”

28.—A cricket match was played at Bungay between the Holt and Bungay clubs, for stakes amounting to £132.  Scores: Holt, 89-130; Bungay, 54-28.  The return match was fixed for September 7th, but Bungay paid forfeit.  In the first match, owing to men being objected to on both sides, “it was played with only ten batsmen, but with the usual numbers in the field.”

SEPTEMBER.

1.—Robert Skipper, the Norwich pedestrian, began a walk of 1,000 miles in 20 successive days.  He started from St. Stephen’s Gates at five o’clock a.m. and returned from the twenty-fifth milestone on the Thetford road at nine p.m.  He relinquished the task on the ninth day in consequence of lameness.

8.—Miss O’Neil commenced a five nights’ engagement at Norwich Theatre.  She appeared in the characters of Belvidera (“Venice Preserved”), Juliet, Mrs. Haller (“The Stranger”), Mrs. Beverley (“The Gamester”), and Mrs. Oakley (“The Jealous Wife”).  “The box office was literally besieged every morning, and the spirit of politeness and gallantry maintained only a very feeble influence over the conduct of the assembled multitude.  No law prevailed but that of the strongest; nothing was to be heard but shrieks, reproaches, and lamentations—nothing to be seen but bonnets cramped up, hats squeezed flat, torn gowns and coat flaps, and a motley mob in the highest state of exasperation, fermentation, and desperation.  On the nights of the performance the house was crowded in every part.  Families of the highest respectability, both of the town and from the country, were to be seen contenting themselves, many of them with inconvenient situations.  Even the orchestra was occupied by the audience.”  The receipts averaged £200 a night, and Miss O’Neil, including her benefit, received £700.

—A public meeting was held at the Guildhall, Norwich, at which it was decided to apply to Parliament for leave to bring in a Bill for widening and deepening the Norwich river so as to render it navigable by vessels of burden from Norwich to the sea.  The Mayor presided, and the project, which afterwards gave rise to the famous agitation “Norwich, a Port,” was introduced by Mr. Crisp Brown.

—Buonaparte’s military coach was exhibited by Mr. Bullock, of the London Museum, at Mr. Smith’s coach manufactory, Swan Yard, St. Peter Mancroft, Norwich.