14.—The City of Norwich Waterworks New Bill received the Royal assent. “By this Bill power is given to the Corporation of Norwich to convert Chapel Field into a public pleasure garden.”
18.—Announcement was made of the resignation of Superintendent Dunne, of the Norwich police “on the ground that he had been so much obstructed by those who ought to have assisted him in the discharge of his duties, that no alternative had been left him but to resign.” On July 6th Mr. Stephen English, of Pontefract, was elected to the post.
25.—Died, at Doughty’s Hospital, Norwich, in her 81st year, Miss Tubby, “well-known as box-keeper at our Theatre for many years, and highly respected.” She possessed a remarkable fund of information upon local theatrical matters, and for nearly half a century “Miss Tubby’s night” was one of the principal events in the Norwich season.
28.—The new cult of “table-turning” or spiritualism was introduced in Norwich for the first time at a séance given at St. Andrew’s Hall by a Mr. King.
—The first piles of the Wellington Pier at Yarmouth were driven by the Mayor (Mr. S. C. Marsh), Mr. D. Waddington, chairman of the United Norfolk and Eastern Counties’ Railway Companies and of the Pier directors, and by the Mayoress. A dinner was held at the Victoria Hotel in celebration of the event. The Pier was opened by the Mayor on October 31st.
1.—At the Norfolk Quarter Sessions it was reported that the Secretary of State for the Home Department had ordered the formation of a corps of Artillery Militia for the county.
9.—A thunderstorm of great severity occurred at Norwich. The main sewer in London Street burst from the enormous pressure upon it, and its contents inundated the adjacent business premises. Every house at the bottom of Exchange Street was flooded, and fire-engines were afterwards employed to pump the water from the cellars. The weather continued to be very stormy during the succeeding week. The newly-completed tower and spire of Mundham church were wrecked and became a heap of ruins.
23.—Three troops of the 6th Dragoon Guards (Carabineers), under the command of Capt. Sawyer, marched into Norwich from Chobham Camp. The headquarters were stationed at Ipswich.
25.—Miss Fanny Vining appeared at Norwich Theatre as Margaret Elmore in “Love’s Sacrifice.”
30.—The Norfolk Chronicle announced the repeal of the advertisement duty and of the duty upon newspaper supplements.
31.*—Died at Shoreditch Workhouse, London, Benjamin Reeder, of Helhoughton, who was in many respects a very remarkable character. He had served sixteen years as a private in the 2nd Dragoon Guards. “Altho’ of an obtuse and somewhat forbidding appearance, he possessed an uncommon faculty for mathematical attainments. He had Euclid at his finger ends, while his knowledge of algebra and logarithms enabled him to solve in a few minutes the most difficult questions. He once had the management of a school, but his irregularities reduced him to the level of a common labourer, and eventually he ended his days in the union house.”
3.*—“The degree of Doctor of Music has been recently conferred on Mr. Buck, organist of Norwich Cathedral, by the Archbishop of Canterbury, in the exercise of the privilege possessed by his Grace as Primate of bestowing that and other degrees in divinity and arts upon persons of merit in any of those faculties.”
4.—An interesting ceremony took place in the tower of the dilapidated church of Eccles-next-the-Sea. The Rev. Edward Evans, of St. Stephen’s, Norwich, who had recently been presented to the vicarage, read himself in, and preached to a congregation of about 200 persons. “Owing to the want of the church, which has been destroyed upwards of 200 years by the encroachments of the ocean, this is a sinecure benefice, and the inhabitants use the neighbouring church of Hempstead. The tower of the church in which the ceremony took place is embedded in sand to the height of the former walls of the church.”
8.—George Borrow performed an intrepid act on Yarmouth beach. “The sea raged frantically, and a ship’s boat, endeavouring to land for water, was upset, and the men were engulfed in a wave some 30 feet high, and struggling with it in vain. The moment was an awful one, when George Borrow, the well-known author of ‘Lavengro’ and ‘The Bible in Spain,’ dashed into the surf and saved one life, and through his instrumentality the others were saved. We ourselves have known this brave and gifted man for years, and daring as was his deed, we have known him more than once risk his life for others.”
17*.—“If the rivalry of the different railway companies in this district has been agreeable to the public it has been attended with fearful loss to the shareholders. Excursionists are not expected to object to being carried from Norwich to London for half a crown, but we should suppose that the proprietors in the Eastern Union will have a decided objection to the great increase of their working expenses to 60 per cent. by the process. The ruinous competition now going on can only be terminated by a union of interests, and it appears, from the reports of the Eastern Counties’ and Eastern Union Companies, that an amalgamation is proposed.”
—The kitchen floor of a house, occupied by Mr. Bunting, on St. Giles’ Hill (near St. Giles’ Gates?), Norwich, suddenly gave way, and Mrs. and Miss Bunting, who were in the apartment, were precipitated with the chairs, table, and other furniture, into a funnel-shaped hole 27 feet in depth. When rescued they were insensible but uninjured. “Caves were some time since cut through the hill in different directions and of considerable length, and the whole of the hill has been at various periods excavated for chalk. Some of the caves were used for wine vaults, and it appears that one of these caves passed under the back of Mr. Bunting’s house. A water-pipe had been leaking for a long time, and it is supposed that the water descending through the soil caused the roof of the cave to give way, and the whole of the earth above to fall with it.”
24.—A young man named E. Elson completed the task of walking from Lynn to Dereham and back, a distance of 60 miles, for six successive days.
26.—A violent hurricane of wind and rain did great damage in the county. “The injury to orchards and gardens has been immense, and the apple crop, which was an abundant one, has been reduced probably one-half.” On the coast there were many shipping casualties, attended by loss of life.
10.—The hand-loom weavers in Norwich struck for a rise of wages. A memorial was presented to the manufacturers, asking for an advance of twopence per dozen on all finished fabrics.
16.—Died at Liverpool, aged 70, Admiral Bell, C.B., son of Mr. J. Barker Bell, of Gorleston, Yarmouth. He entered the Navy in 1796, and distinguished himself in many actions against the enemy. He attained to flag rank in October, 1846.
26.—A public demonstration took place at Lynn in honour of Lieut. S. Gurney Cresswell, the bearer of the despatches from Commander M’Clure, relating to the expedition in search of Sir John Franklin. Lieut. Cresswell was presented with a congratulatory address at a meeting held at the Guildhall, and afterwards entertained at dinner at the Assembly Rooms. He was third son of Mr. Francis Cresswell, a partner in the banking firm of Gurney, Cresswell, and Co., King’s Lynn, and a native of the borough, where he was born in 1827. Not only was he the bearer of the despatches announcing the discovery of the North-West passage, but he had taken an active and important part in the expedition.
29.—Died at his residence, Monmouth Road, Bayswater, Dr. Bexfield. He was born in Norwich on April 27th, 1824, and at seven years of age became a chorister at the Cathedral. At the age of eleven he composed an anthem in eight parts, which fully satisfied Mr. Buck that he possessed extraordinary talent. On the expiration of his articles in his 21st year, he was elected organist of Boston parish church, and in the same year graduated Mus. Bac. at Cambridge. He afterwards published his Concert Fugues for the organ, which were played during the Great Exhibition. In 1847 he composed his “Six Songs,” and earned for himself the popular distinction of “the Poet-Musician.” He was appointed, out of thirty-five candidates, organist at St. Helen’s, Bishopsgate, London. At about this time he published a collection of pieces under the title of “Musica di Camera,” and at the age of twenty-four took the degree of Mus. Doc. Dr. Bexfield was the author of a volume of “Church Anthems,” which formed part of the repertoire of most English cathedrals. In 1850 he married a daughter of Mr. J. B. Millington, solicitor of Boston. The work on which his reputation mainly depended was his oratorio “Israel Restored,” which on two occasions he conducted at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, viz., at its first production at the Choral Society’s concert in October, 1851, and at the Musical Festival in 1852. A benefit concert was given at St. Andrew’s Hall on December 16th for his widow and family. The sum of £500, including a donation of 20 guineas from the Queen, was realised.
6.—Died at St. Leonard’s-on-Sea, the Right Hon. Lord Charles Vere Ferrars Townshend, of Rainham Hall and Tamworth Castle. He was born in 1783, and in 1812 married his cousin, the eldest daughter of General William Loftus. The funeral took place at Rainham on November 24th. He was succeeded in his estates by his nephew, Capt. John Townshend, R.N., member for Tamworth, who also became heir to the marquisate.
9.—Mr. J. R. Gough, of America, delivered a temperance oration at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich. He also addressed meetings on the 10th and 11th.
—Mr. Samuel Bignold was elected Mayor, and Mr. Henry Birkbeck appointed Sheriff of Norwich.
11.—A new church was opened at Wootton. It was built on the site of the old church at the sole expense of the Hon. Mrs. Howard. It cost nearly £6000.
13.—The announcement was published that Mr. David Fisher, the actor, who was so well known and highly respected in Norwich and Norfolk, had made a successful début at the Princess’s Theatre, London.
1.—In the Vice-Chancellor’s Court application was made in the suit Jermy v. Jermy for the administration of the estate of the late Mr. Jermy, of Stanfield Hall. The only question that arose was about certain timber growing on the estate and fines of copyholds. But a difficulty of a novel character had occurred. Since the murder the mansion had been untenanted. Although many persons were willing to take it they could not procure servants who would live in the house, so great was the superstitious feeling which existed. It was stated that the parties were willing to allow the house to be occupied for two years for nothing, in order to overcome the prejudice. The Vice-Chancellor said that Mrs. Jermy Jermy was entitled to a third of the timber and fines, and he expressed surprise that such prejudices existed against the house.
3.—Died, at her residence on the Castle Meadow, Norwich, in her 85th year, Amelia Opie, widow of John Opie, R.A., and only daughter of Dr. James Alderson. After her marriage with Opie in 1798 her numerous literary productions gained her considerable reputation, and as a novelist she moved in the highest literary circles. Her works included “Father and Daughter,” “Simple Tales,” 4 vols. (1806); “New Tales,” 4 vols. (1818); “Temper, or Domestic Scenes,” 3 vols.; “Tales of the Heart,” 4 vols.; “Detraction Displayed” (moral treatise); “Illustrations of Lying,” “Lays of the Dead,” and other poems. Mrs. Opie was a member of the Society of Friends, and her remains were interred in the Quakers’ Burial Ground, Gildencroft, on December 9th.
17.—The provision of a time-ball connected by electric telegraph with Greenwich Observatory, and exhibited in a prominent position in Norwich Market Place, was, in consequence of the irregularities of the public clocks, advocated in the Norfolk Chronicle on this date.
20.—A meeting of the landowners, farmers, and tradesmen of Harleston and the district was held at the Corn Hall in that town, to consider the desirability of promoting the construction of a railway from Tivetshall station on the Eastern Union line. In 1851 an Act of Incorporation was obtained for making a railway from Tivetshall to Bungay, but from various causes, chiefly from the depression in the railway world, no further steps were at that time taken.
22.—Died, at the house of his son-in-law at Cambridge, aged 69, Mr. Seth William Stevenson, F.S.A., one of the proprietors of the Norfolk Chronicle. He was elected Sheriff of Norwich in 1828, he became alderman in the same year, and in 1832 served the office of Mayor. Literary pursuits, especially of an antiquarian character, engrossed his leisure. In early life Mr. Stevenson made several Continental tours. The year after the battle of Waterloo, he, in company with Capt. Money, visited the scene of the struggle, and afterwards published “A Journal of a Tour through part of France, Flanders and Holland, including a Visit to Paris and a Walk over the Field of Waterloo in the Summer of 1816.” The work was dedicated to the Norwich United Friars Society, of which literary body he was almost the last surviving member. In 1828 appeared the account of a second tour in Italy, Switzerland, Germany, and the Netherlands. The book to which he devoted no inconsiderable portion of the last ten years of his life was the complete “Dictionary of Roman Coins.”
24*.—“We have received from Mr. Garthon, one of the district surgeons of Norwich, a return in a tabular form showing the extraordinary number of 96 cases of small-pox in Heigham and St. Benedict’s, during the last three months. These arose from the strong prejudice still existing amongst ignorant and poor people against the only preventive—vaccination.”
—The funeral of the Marchioness of Wellesley took place at Costessey Hall, whither the remains had been removed from Hampton Court. “In accordance with the good old charitable practice a dole of bread was given to the poor of Costessey on the occasion of the funeral.”
26.—Mr. Joseph Clarence produced at Norwich Theatre his grand Christmas pantomime, entitled, “Harlequin Prince Bluecap and the King of the Silver Waters, or the Three Kingdoms, Animal, Vegetable, and Mineral.”
1.—Died at his residence, Thickthorn, near Norwich, in his 71st year, Mr. Richard Hanbury Gurney. He was the son of Mr. Richard Gurney, of Keswick, and in early life was a member of the Society of Friends. In 1818 Mr. Gurney was elected member for Norwich in conjunction with Mr. W. Smith; he was re-elected in 1820, in 1830, and in 1831. At the General Election in 1832 he and the other Liberal candidate, Mr. Ker, were, after a very severe contest, defeated by Lord Viscount Stormont and Sir James Scarlett. Mr. Gurney was a patron of the Turf and a genuine lover of old English sports, but he was never known to bet. His remains were interred, on January 9th, at the Rosary Burial-ground, Norwich.
3.—A heavy snowstorm, accompanied by a severe gale from the north, passed over the Eastern district. The snow was deeper than had been known for many years previously; all the roads were blocked, and railway communication between Yarmouth and London was stopped. The telegraph poles were blown down, and the wires broken. A train which left Fakenham at 6 a.m. did not reach Norwich till 5.15 p.m. At the Norfolk Quarter Sessions, at Norwich, on the 4th, it was found impossible to form a grand jury, in consequence of the non-attendance of those who had been summoned. All travelling by road was suspended for some days; the port of Lynn was frozen up, and several ships were driven ashore at Yarmouth.
5.—A serious collision occurred on the line near Thetford. A train conveying sixty navvies, who were employed to clear away the snowdrifts, ran into the down train from London. “The engines rose up into the air, and two men on them were instantly killed; two others in the train from Norwich were also killed by the tender being driven through the carriage in which they were seated.” The Rev. Joseph Bell, of Barningham, a passenger in the London train, died on the 8th from the injuries he received, and Mr. Thomas Ellison, of Dove Street, Norwich, another passenger, succumbed on the 14th. The Coroner’s jury, after repeated adjournments, returned, on February 6th, a verdict of manslaughter against Mr. Peter Ashcroft, superintendent of the permanent way, and Mr. John Latham, locomotive superintendent, who, it was alleged, had acted contrary to the orders of Mr. King, station-master at Harling Road. At the Norfolk Assizes, on March 24th, before Lord Chief Baron Pollock, the jury, without hearing the defence, acquitted the defendants.
15.—Died at Heigham Hall (private lunatic asylum), Norwich, aged 84, Mr. Cockle, “the original proprietor of the antibilious pill which goes by his name, and who some years ago sold the recipe for several thousand pounds.”
21.*—“An invention calculated to prove of great national benefit has been recently patented by Mr. Samuel Rainbird, carpenter, of Norwich. It is described in the specifications as an apparatus for grappling and raising sunken vessels and other submerged bodies.”
—A meeting of the Deputy Lieutenants of the county decided, by 25 votes to three, that Yarmouth was the most suitable place in the district at which to centre the three regiments of Norfolk Militia. At another meeting, held on February 25th, the former resolution was rescinded, and it was agreed “that the present Committee be empowered to receive estimates and tenders for building barracks for one regiment of Militia at Norwich, and for one regiment of Militia and one regiment of artillery at Yarmouth, on such plans as they may think best suited for the purpose.”
27.—Died near Holston River, in Knox County, East Tennessee, North America, Mr. William Forster, of Earlham Road, Norwich, in his 70th year. He was a member of the Society of Friends, and a brother-in-law of Mr. Fowell Buxton. He went out in the autumn of 1853 to carry petitions to the slave States of the Union, on behalf of the oppressed Africans.
8.—At a meeting convened by the Mayor (Mr. Bignold), and held at the Guildhall, Norwich, petitions to both Houses of Parliament were adopted in favour of an Act “for the legal prohibition of the sale of intoxicating drink during the whole of Sunday (except to bona fide travellers).” A committee was appointed to make arrangements for forming a Sunday Closing Association.
10.—A troop of the Carabineers marched from Norwich Barracks, to join the headquarters at Ipswich. The remaining troop left on May 1st.
—In the Rolls Court, before the Master of the Rolls, was heard the case, the Attorney-General v. Hudson, in re the Grammar School and Hospital at Norwich. This was an information filed by the Attorney-General, at the relation of certain inhabitants of the city, against the trustees appointed under the Corporation Act, of two charities called the Free Grammar School and the Great Hospital. The object of the information was to show that the Grammar School had not received a fair amount of the funds of the charity, and that undue preference had been given to the Hospital in their distribution. A decree was made, directing a scheme to be settled in Chambers. On December 18th it was stated in the Rolls Court that when the case was in Chambers a deed of covenant, contemporaneous with the letters patent of King Edward VI., and to which the Corporation were parties, had been found, by which the whole surplus, after the stipulated payments, was to be applied to the sustentation of the poor. The question then before the Court was how far this varied the case. It was contended that the Hospital and the poor were entitled to the entire surplus. The Master of the Rolls was of opinion that the deed did not control the letters patent, that no predominance or priority was given to one part of the charity over the other, and that the surplus rents should be equally divided, and in such a way as would be most consistent with the intentions of the founder. The case was taken before the Chief Clerk to the Master of the Rolls on February 6th, 1855. “The result is that upwards of £1,000 per annum in addition to the property comprised in the charter will be secured for the general benefit of the charity, including, of course, the School. The matter now stands over, in order that a scheme may be prepared for the general administration of the charity under the sanction of the Attorney-General.” On April 7th, 1855, it was announced that the following proposal had been made on the part of the “promoters of the new Grammar School” as to the future division of the funds “hitherto belonging to the Great Hospital”: “That the present salary of the chaplain of the said Hospital be increased £100 per annum, he having at present £200 per annum besides his residence; that one moiety of the net income of the charity be annually applied for the benefit of the School and the objects thereof, and that the other moiety be applied for the benefit of the poor in the Hospital; and that no further election of inmates shall be allowed to take place until the number shall by death or other causes be reduced to 100, and that until the numbers shall be so reduced, the expenses occasioned thereby shall be provided for out of the savings of the trust and now invested in the sum of £11,500 Consols, or out of any other monies in the hands of the defendants.” Another meeting was held in Chambers on May 9th, 1855, when the trustees strongly opposed the heads of the scheme; thereupon it was proposed that the Chief Clerk should proceed to Norwich and hold an inquiry. The trustees claimed the right to appeal against his decision, if necessary, and the Chief Clerk then declined to accede to the proposal. The trustees were invited to carry in the counter claim, but refused to do so. (See June 16th, 1857.)
13.—Henry Russell gave his entertainments, “The Far West,” and “Negro Life,” in the presence of between 2,000 and 3,000 persons, at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich.
16.—A meeting of the citizens was held at the Guildhall, Norwich, presided over by the Mayor (Mr. S. Bignold), at which it was agreed “that the wives and children of the Army of England called at this time on the service of their country to the seat of war, claim the sympathy of the British public, and that a subscription be forthwith commenced to relieve all such women and children as may be left in destitution and want.” Similar funds were raised in other parts of the county.
23.—At the Norfolk Assizes, before Lord Chief Baron Parke, William Thompson, aged 21, was charged with the murder of Lorenzi Beha, at Tittleshall, on November 18th, 1853. Mr. Evans prosecuted, and Mr. Carlos Cooper defended. The prisoner was found guilty, and sentenced to death. The execution took place on the Castle Hill, Norwich, on April 8th. “The criminal’s struggles continued five minutes.” The lowest and most degraded classes in the city and county assembled on the Hill, “and more scenes of drunkenness and immorality were exhibited than had been seen for a long time previously in Norwich.”
25.*—“At the Walsingham Quarter Sessions, the Grand Jury, in making their presentment, called the attention of the Court to the prevailing nuisance occasioned by carts drawn by dogs, and to the facilities thus afforded for the commission of felonies. They recommended that some decisive steps be taken to procure an extension of the Act providing against this evil in and around London.” The provisions of the Act in force in the Metropolitan district were extended to the United Kingdom, and came into force on January 1st, 1855.
31.—Died at Haddiscoe, Edward Constance, aged 68, “well known for his sporting tastes, and for a considerable period a pedestrian follower of the hounds of the late Lord Berners, distinguished for his industrious habits and his ardent love of the chase.”
1.*—“An order has been received from the Home Secretary, calling upon the churchwardens of every parish in Norwich to discontinue forthwith the burials in the inside of their respective churches, and to discontinue those in the churchyards from and after February 1st, 1855. Burial Boards are about to be formed for the purpose of providing a suitable ground for interment in the vicinity.”
8.—Mr. G. V. Brooke concluded a week’s engagement at Lynn Theatre. He appeared in the parts of Othello, Master Walter (“The Hunchback”), Sir Giles Overreach, Claude Melnot, and Hamlet.
11.—A public meeting, held at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, with the view of promoting the abolition of capital punishment, resolved to petition the House of Commons in favour of such abolition.
19.—An address to the Queen was adopted at a special meeting of the Norwich Town Council, assuring her Majesty “that she had their unqualified support in the prosecution of the war.”
22.—That remarkable character, Philip Coots, better known as “Philip the Pieman,” and the “Drum-boy,” died at Norwich, aged 49.
—Died at Yarmouth, Eleanor Warrant, aged 102.
25.—The West Norfolk Militia, 1,000 strong, assembled at Norwich for a month’s training. The East Norfolk Militia and the Norfolk Artillery Militia commenced their training at Yarmouth on the same date. The East Norfolk Regiment was, on May 16th, presented with colours by the Lord Lieutenant.
26.—This date was observed as a day of humiliation. In Norwich shops were closed, all business suspended, and the Mayor and Corporation attended service at the Cathedral, where “the Almighty’s blessing was implored upon the war.” The day was similarly observed at Lynn and Yarmouth.
27.—Died at Mount Street, Grosvenor Square, London, Lieut.-Col. Nelthorpe, of the West Norfolk Militia, in his 83rd year. He was succeeded in the lieutenant-colonelcy by Major Custance.
3.—At her Majesty’s Levée, Mr. Samuel Bignold, Mayor of Norwich, was presented and received the honour of knighthood. On the 17th the portrait of Sir Samuel was placed in St. Andrew’s Hall. It was painted by J. P. Knight, R.A., in 1850, exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1851, and afterwards engraved by Jackson.
21.—Died at Bethel Street, Norwich, aged 70, Robert Forster, formerly bandmaster of the 33rd (Duke of Wellington’s Own) Regiment. “At Waterloo he received a ball in his knee, which had never been extracted. He was a native of Norwich, and the only survivor of the band of the regiment, the whole having fallen by his side at Waterloo.”
30.—The Eastern Counties (Amalgamation of Railways) Bill was read a third time in the House of Commons and passed. One of the clauses was to the following effect: “That it shall not be lawful for the company to close or discontinue the Victoria Station at Norwich, now belonging to the Eastern Union Railway Company.”
3.—Foot-racing was revived on the Old Cricket Ground at Norwich, by Mr. Thomas Sapey, a local sportsman. A one mile handicap, open to all England, brought twenty-four competitors, among whom were Thomas Horspool, of Sheffield (holder of the one mile champion belt); C. Welton, of Gateshead; William Newman, of London; Robert Bunn, John Brighton (“The Milk Boy”), Richard Fromow, Jim Mace (pugilist), William (“Cock”) Blyth, &c. The meeting was continued on the 4th.
7.—The first meeting of the Norwich Photographic Society (established on June 23rd) was held at Mr. W. Freeman’s, London Street. The objects of the society were the reading of original papers, the discussion of different photographic processes, the collection of pictures, and the formation of a photographic library.
20.—A dinner was held at the Town Hall, Yarmouth, to celebrate the inauguration of Lord Sondes as High Steward of that borough.
22.—Norwich Theatre was opened for the Assize week, under the management of Messrs. C. Gill and William Sidney, lessees of the Theatres Royal, Leicester, Portsmouth, Leamington, and Jersey. They also had the management of Yarmouth Theatre. The winter season commenced on November 11th. The new managers endeavoured to restore at Norwich the old style and prices of the entertainments. “On each Friday night the prices will be as they were a few years since, and on these occasions the pieces selected will consist of standard plays and comedies, concluding with a really funny farce.” The company was a good one, and “the starring system, which sacrifices every supposed subordinate character to two or three leading ones,” was “studiously ignored.” Mr. Gill (who was afterwards for several years manager of Lynn Theatre) withdrew from the partnership in 1855, and on December 10th in that year the winter season commenced under the sole management of Mr. Sidney.
12.—Died at the residence of Lord Palmerston, in Carlton Gardens, London, Viscount Jocelyn, M.P. His lordship contracted Asiatic cholera while performing military duty at the Tower of London as Colonel of the Essex Rifles. The eldest son of the Earl of Roden, he was born on February 20th, 1816, and served on the staff of Lord Saltoun in the China Expedition in 1842. He was the author of a work entitled, “Six Months in China.” In February, 1842, on the appointment of Sir Stratford Canning as Ambassador at Constantinople, a new writ was issued for King’s Lynn, when Lord Jocelyn was returned for that borough as a Liberal-Conservative, and continued to represent it until his death. During the last two years of Sir Robert Peel’s Administration he held office as Secretary to the India Board.
15.—A whale of the “beak” species, measuring 29 feet in length and 21 feet in girth, and weighing nearly nine tons, was captured on Snetttisham beach. “When boiled, although the operation was unskilful, it produced 120 gallons of oil.”
16.—Lynn Athenæum, erected at the cost of £4,150, was inaugurated by addresses delivered by the President (Mr. H. Edwards) and Lord Stanley. The architects were Messrs. Cruso and Maberly and the contractors Messrs. J. and W. Purdy.
20.—A portion of a building at Lynn, originally a chapel-of-ease to St. Margaret’s church, and utilised as a workhouse, fell, killing a clockmaker named Andrews, and John Cana, a pauper. Fissures had been observed in the walls of the building, and measures had been taken to remove the inmates to another part of the premises, otherwise the loss of life would have been appalling. The first stone of the new Workhouse was laid on July 16th, 1855, by the Rev. J. Bransley, chairman of the Board of Guardians.
24.—A shocking accident occurred on the River Yare, near the Alder Car at Trowse Hythe, Thorpe. Mrs. Palmer (wife of Mr. T. H. Palmer, chief clerk at the Norwich County Court), her son, about six years old; Matilda Hubbard, a nursemaid; and William Plow, a lad, were drowned by the overturning of a pleasure-boat which had gone foul of a wherry.
8.—The first harvest thanksgiving festival held in the county took place at Brooke. It was the result of an attempt made by the vicar, the Rev. Dr. Beal, “to put a stop to the disgraceful scenes which too often characterise the close of harvest, and to the system of largess, which gives rise to cases of the grossest description.” After service at the church, men, women, and children had dinner on the vicarage lawn. “The Times” observed: “The attempt to put an end to the system of public-house harvest feasts, in which neither wives nor children can join, appears in this instance to have been eminently successful.” Many other villages in Norfolk, after the harvest of 1855, followed the example set by Brooke.
10.—The great west window at Norwich Cathedral, designed as a memorial to Bishop Stanley, was submitted to public inspection. It cost £1,500, and was designed and executed by Mr. George Hedgeland, of London.
11.—At the Norwich Police Court, the Rev. Henry Herring, formerly curate of North Pickenham, was charged with begging, under peculiar circumstances, on the previous day (Sunday), in the Cathedral Close. The prisoner, “with his gown on his back,” stationed himself in front of the great west door and exhibited a placard bearing the following inscription: “The law ordained that they which preach the Gospel should live by the Gospel. The Church of England withholds from me the justice of that tribunal which the civil law grants to the common murderer. Such is the spirit of that Church which professedly invites even a prodigal to repentance; I have spent £1,800 in her service, and have been driven to pass three nights in the streets of Norwich, and six nights in a lock-up (a hole where there is only straw to lie upon on a stone floor), solely for the want of better and proper accommodation. The Mayor and magistrates have encouraged me to apply to everyone that has a heart to feel for the miseries of a fellow-creature. I earnestly solicit the sympathy and charity of an enlightened public to enable me to live day by day and to defend myself by law from the tyranny and persecution of the Bishop of Norwich.—Henry Herring, late curate of North Pickenham, Norfolk. Norwich Streets, September 9th.” Superintendent English stated that he had offered to send the defendant to a situation in Yorkshire, or to Australia, where his brothers resided; but he had declined to avail himself of either. Mr. Herring promised not to repeat his behaviour, and was discharged.
12.—The opening concert of the Norfolk and Norwich Triennial Musical Festival took place at St. Andrew’s Hall. The programme included Rossini’s “Stabat Mater,” a selection of sacred music, and (for the first time) “The Ninety-First Psalm.” In the evening there was a miscellaneous concert, including parts 1 and 2 of “Acis and Galatea.” On Wednesday morning (13th) Beethoven’s “Service in C” and “The Creation” were performed; at the miscellaneous concert in the evening selections from the works of Weber and Spohr were rendered. At Thursday morning’s concert (14th) “Elijah” was given, and at the evening concert miscellaneous items and selections from the works of Mozart. “The Messiah” was performed on Friday morning (15th), and in the evening a grand dress ball was given at the Assembly Rooms, with music by Weippert’s Royal Quadrille Band. The Festival artistes were Madame Angiolina Bosio, Madame Clara Novello, Madame Anaido Castellan, Madame Weiss, Miss Dolby, Signor Gardoni, Herr Reichardt, Mr. Sims Reeves, Signor Bolletti, Mr. Weiss, and Signor Lablache. The instrumental solo performers were Mons. Sainton, violinist to her Majesty, and Mr. H. Blagrove, violins; Herr Hausmann, violoncello. Mr. Benedict was conductor. The gross receipts amounted to £4,244 5s. 2d., and the gross expenses and liabilities to £4,347 14s. 7d.; deficit, £103 9s. 5d.
13.—The foundation-stone of the Norwich Free Library was laid by the Mayor (Sir Samuel Bignold). Addresses were delivered by the Duke of Wellington, the Rev. Edward Sidney, Sir Morton Peto, M.P., Sir John Boileau, Sir Fitzroy Kelly, Mr. W. J. Utten Browne, and Mr. J. H. Tillett. (See March 16th, 1857.)
16.—Mr. J. H. Gurney was elected unopposed to fill the vacancy in the representation of King’s Lynn, created by the death of Lord Jocelyn.
23.*—“An attempt has been made at the Boar’s Head Inn, Surrey Street, Norwich, to originate a place of entertainment of a similar kind to Evans’ or Johnson’s, in the Metropolis. A room capable of seating upwards of 200 visitors has been very tastefully fitted up by the proprietor, the walls being adorned by a series of Norwich views exceedingly well painted by our scenic artist for many years, Mr. Thorne, and every evening there is a vocal and instrumental concert by parties of London professionals, who are almost weekly changed, so as to secure as large an amount of novelty as possible. Another new feature in this city is the introduction of the imperial measure for wine at the old rate of 2s. 6d. per pint.” This place, known as “The Shades,” was managed by Mr. Fred Phillips, and was the first music hall or variety entertainment in the city. The venture was not of a successful character.
25.—A meeting of the Norwich licensed victuallers was held at the Boar’s Head Inn, to protest against the Bill for “Regulating the Sale of Beer and other Liquors on the Lord’s Day,” which sought to prohibit the opening of public-houses between the hours of 2. 30 and six o’clock, and after ten o’clock on Sunday. The meeting decided to petition Parliament in opposition to the measure. At this meeting was formed a society called the Norwich Licensed Victuallers’ Association, of which Mr. Fred Phillips was elected president, Mr. Plane vice-president, Mr. Cushing treasurer, and Mr. S. Daynes secretary.
1.—Intelligence was received at Norwich of the victory of the allied armies at the Alma on September 20th. The bells of St. Peter Mancroft were rung after service in the afternoon. A fictitious message reached Norwich on the same day (Sunday), announcing the fall of Sebastopol, and the tricolour was hoisted on St. Peter’s steeple. Regret was afterwards expressed that facilities existed “for circulating such hasty and erroneous despatches.”
7.—Died, at Brandon Parva, aged 100, Mary Goward, widow.
17.—A remarkable discussion arose at Norwich Quarter Sessions as to certain irregularities which were said to have occurred at Heigham Hall private lunatic asylum. The minutes of the proceedings of the visiting justices at an inquiry held by them on June 22nd were read. Dr. Hull alleged that the Rev. ---, then acting as chaplain at the Asylum, had been wrongly admitted as a patient. In his evidence he stated that in June, 1852, Mr. Nichols informed him that a country clergyman, a member of a high county family, had committed a rape, that his family wished to make him out to be mad, and that, in order to save him from a criminal prosecution, they desired to get him into a mad-house. Mr. Nichols requested Dr. Hull to grant a second medical certificate. Dr. Hull refused to comply. Mr. Nichols emphatically denied that he had used the expressions attributed to him by Dr. Hull. The justices came to the conclusion: “(1) That the Rev. Mr. ---, by being placed in the asylum under the circumstances disclosed in the inquiry, was rescued from the grip of the law on a criminal charge; (2) that the order and medical certificates upon which he was admitted into the asylum were regular and in the form prescribed by the Act of Parliament; (3) that in the opinion of the visitors the Rev. Mr. --- is not a proper person to have been appointed or to continue to officiate as chaplain to the asylum.” A letter from the office of the Commissioners in Lunacy was read, in which they stated they were satisfied that when the Rev. Mr. --- was admitted he was a proper person to be placed under medical care in the asylum. It was also asserted that the Commissioners had recognised him as the chaplain of the asylum. Mr. Palmer, who had moved that the licence to Heigham Hall be refused, ultimately withdrew his motion, and the incident terminated. At a meeting of the city magistrates in December, a memorial was addressed to the Secretary of State, asking that a “searching investigation be made, with power to call before the Commissioners all parties who may be able to give evidence upon the various points embraced in the case.” (No further action was taken.)
18.—The new bridge at Yarmouth was opened by the chairman and members of the Haven and Pier Commission. The contract price for the work of construction was £24,500, but the total cost, including the sums paid for property in the vicinity of the bridge, was estimated at £60,000.
19.—In an “extraordinary edition” of the Norfolk Chronicle, published on this date, was given a “nominal return of the casualties among officers in the action on the River Alma.” “1st Division—Scots Fusilier Guards: Captain W. G. Bulwer, wounded severely.”
25.—The first detachment of the V Battery Royal Artillery arrived at Norwich; and the second detachment marched in on the 26th. “The last time artillery were stationed in this city was in 1813, and they were then commanded by General Cockburn, father of Major Cockburn, of Bracondale.”
—At a public meeting held at the Guildhall, Norwich, a committee was appointed to carry out the objects of the Patriotic Fund, in accordance with the terms of the Royal Commission.
—Killed at Balaclava, Lieut. Henry Astley Sparke, 4th Light Dragoons, eldest son of the Rev. J. H. Sparke, of Gunthorpe Hall, and nephew of Lord Hastings.
2.—The Wellington statue, erected in Norwich Market Place, was unveiled by the Mayor (Sir Samuel Bignold) in the presence of 20,000 spectators. The band of the West Norfolk Militia played the National Anthem, and the Royal Artillery fired a salute on the Castle Hill. At the luncheon given at the Guildhall, speeches were delivered by the Earl of Orford, Lord Ranelagh, Sir John Boileau, Lord Royston, and Mr. H. J. S. Stracey. The statue cost about £1,000. “The hero is represented in the identical boots, cloak, and some other portions of dress actually worn by him at Waterloo, which were placed at the service of Mr. Adams, the sculptor, when he was modelling the figure. Mr. Adams has placed a copy of last Saturday’s Norfolk Chronicle in a small space chiselled for the purpose under the foot of the statue.”
8.—Swaffham Coursing Meeting, which had greatly degenerated, was held, but owing to the small number of entries, the sport concluded early in the afternoon. “Although it does not appear that in other places coursing meetings have declined, it is clear that the glories of the Swaffham one have departed. The loss of Mr. Richard Gurney struck a blow at it almost fatal. This was followed by the withdrawal of Mr. Hamond and others, leaving the club originally consisting of all the letters of the alphabet reduced to two members. Although disappointed by the curtailment of the sports of the field, it was determined that the ladies should have the assembly as usual. It was held on Tuesday (the 7th), but it was known that none of the Club would be there to meet them as heretofore.” The fortunes of the Club could only be restored, it was said, by throwing the meeting open to all England.
9.—Mr. Robert Chamberlin was elected Mayor, and Mr. R. J. H. Harvey appointed Sheriff of Norwich.
11.—Mr. J. H. Tillett, it was announced on this date, had resigned his seat in the Norwich Town Council, in consequence of the Liberal candidate for the Seventh Ward “being forced upon the reluctant electors by bribery.” Mr. Tillett wrote: “A due regard to that peace of mind which is essential to a man’s happiness compels me to separate myself at once and for ever in the most decided and unequivocal manner possible from any association with those who are not prepared in public matters to adhere to a right and honest course.”
18.—Died at his residence, Pedestal House, Southtown, Yarmouth in his 89th year, Captain Manby, F.R.S., the inventor of the apparatus for saving the lives of shipwrecked mariners. “His life for the last fifty years had been spent in serving his country, and his name will be revered by thousands who would have been widows and orphans but for the successful application of science which was perfected by his untiring industry and perseverance.” His remains were buried at Hilgay on November 24th.
20.—Mrs. Fanny Kemble commenced a series of Shakesperian readings at the Assembly Rooms, Norwich.
8.—A writ was received at Norwich for the election of a member to supply the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr. Peto, M.P., “in consequence of the opinion of the law officers of the Crown that though he had consented to construct a railway in the Crimea without profit to himself, he would be liable to heavy penalties if he continued to sit in the House of Commons.” (See December 27th.)
9.—A description was published of the new Corn Hall at Diss, erected by a public-spirited resident, Mr. T. L. Taylor. The building was designed by Mr. George Atkins, jun. “Mr. Taylor intends vesting it in trustees for the purposes of a corn market at a nominal rental, and he further intends appropriating a spacious apartment for a reading-room and library.”
16.—Wombwell’s Menagerie arrived at Norwich, and was advertised under its new title, “Edmonds’, late Wombwell’s.” The exhibition was removed from its usual quarters on Castle Meadow to the Market Place.
22.—Died at his residence in Berkeley Square, Mr. William Howe Windham, of Felbrigg Hall. He was one of the representatives of the Eastern Division of Norfolk in 1832, when he was returned with the Hon. George Keppel, their opponents being Lord Henry Cholmondeley and Mr. Nathaniel Peach. In 1835 he came forward with Mr. R. H. Gurney, in opposition to Mr. Edmond Wodehouse and Lord Walpole, when the two last named were returned. In 1837 another election occurred, when Lord Walpole having retired, Mr. H. N. Burroughes was brought forward in conjunction with Mr. Wodehouse. Mr. Windham and Mr. Gurney, who opposed them, were again unsuccessful. Mr. Windham, who was a staunch Whig, was the oldest son of Vice-Admiral Windham (formerly Lukin), who took the name and arms in pursuance of the will of his uncle, the Right Hon. William Windham, in 1824, on succeeding to the estate on the death of Mrs. Windham. On the decease of his father, the Admiral, Mr. Windham succeeded to the Felbrigg property. He married, in 1835, Lady Sophia Hervey, daughter of the Marquis of Bristol, by whom he had one son, then in his fourteenth year. Mr. Windham died at the age of 53.
26.—Mr. J. F. Young, who for many years afterwards was a favourite actor in Norwich, made his first appearance at the Theatre Royal, in the character of Sir Edward Mortimer (“The Iron Chest”). The play was followed by a pantomime, entitled, “Harlequin St. George, or the Geni Czarnickholdofallhecan and the Fairy of Contentment.”
27.—The West Norfolk Militia assembled at Norwich for the annual training. The East Norfolk Militia were embodied on the same day, at Yarmouth.
—Sir Samuel Bignold and Mr. Anthony Hamond, of Westacre, were nominated candidates at the election at Norwich rendered necessary by the retirement of Mr. Peto. A poll, demanded on behalf of Mr. Hamond, took place on the 28th, and the result was officially declared on the 29th, as follows: Bignold, 1,901; Hamond, 1,635. After this election were published, for the first time, the expenses of the respective candidates. In Mr. Hamond’s accounts, under the heading, “hire of horses and carriages,” was the item, “W. Slaughter, Sedan chair, 15s.”
—Died, the Rev. Sir George Stracey, Bart., rector of Rackheath. “It is rather a singular circumstance that there has been but one presentation to the living of Rackheath during a period of 115 years. The late rector held the living from 1796, and his predecessor was presented to it in 1739.”
30.—A serious railway accident occurred between Thetford and Brandon. The up mail from Norwich, which left Thetford soon after 11 p.m., was detained two and a half miles beyond the station by a breakdown of the engine. Twenty-three minutes later a cattle train, travelling at full speed, dashed into the rear of the mail train. The engine-driver of the mail, John Burton, who was at work beneath his engine, was killed instantly, and three passengers in the rear carriage seriously injured. One, Mr. Meagher, a London undertaker, who had been attending the funeral of Mr. Windham, afterwards died. At the inquest, on January 15th, 1855, the jury found that the accident resulted from the inefficiency of the railway company’s rules in allowing a heavily-laden cattle train to follow a mail train at unlimited speed without telegraphic communication from the preceding station.
1.—The railways from Reedham to Yarmouth and Lowestoft were flooded, owing to the high tides in the rivers. The metals were displaced, and on the 2nd traffic was stopped. At Yarmouth the water rose above the quayhead.
9.—Lynn Corn Exchange was opened for business. It was built from designs by Mr. Maberley, at the cost of £2,450.
—A “farewell festival” was held at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, “as a mark of respect and sympathy” to the Right Rev. Dr. Colenso, prior to his return to the diocese of Natal. Dr. Colenso, who was present had spent the greater part of the previous year in organizing means for carrying on his work in South Africa.
20.—Died in Victoria Street, Norwich, aged 67, William Laws, one of the proprietors of the Norwich Telegraph coach, which he had driven for upwards of twenty years.
23.—The Norfolk Artillery Militia were embodied at Yarmouth. The corps, on March 7th, proceeded to Eastbourne, for garrison duty, and returned to Yarmouth on April 25th. In the following month it was determined to increase the strength from 200 to 400 men and to appoint a lieutenant-colonel.
29.—Father Gavazzi, the popular Italian preacher and reformer, gave the first of a series of “Protestant orations” at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich.
10.*—“Died last week, at Lincoln, Mr. Benjamin Whall, Cathedral organist of that city, in his 75th year. He was a native of Norwich, and at an early age was distinguished for his splendid voice. At 19 he was appointed master of the choristers of Lincoln Cathedral, and subsequently organist, and held this situation for 56 years. He was distinguished as an organist, and was celebrated for his pure style of playing the old ecclesiastical compositions.”
20.—In consequence of the high price of provisions, the inclemency of the weather, and the want of employment, it was decided, at a meeting held at the Guildhall, Norwich, to start a public subscription to aid the District Visiting Society in the relief of the poor.
24.—The dignity of a baronetcy was conferred on Mr. Peto, in appreciation of his services, “and more especially of his disinterested and patriotic conduct in retiring from the representation of Norwich to carry out the construction of the railway from Balaclava, originated by the Duke of Newcastle.”
26.—Died at Downham Green, Wymondham, Mr. James Neave, aged 68, “chairman of the market table at the Norfolk Hotel, Norwich.” When hundreds of small farmers in the county were threatened with ruin after the great hailstorm, in August, 1842, Mr. Neave suggested to his brother agriculturists the introduction of a voluntary rate, by which about £10,000 was raised for the relief of the sufferers. Subsequently was established the Norwich Hailstorm Society, of which Mr. Neave was an active promoter.
9.—The Norwich police appeared in a new uniform. “The principal alteration in the clothing consists in the substitution of a frock-coat for the unsightly long-tailed coat, which is certainly a most becoming uniform for a civil force.”
21.—This day was observed as one of solemn fasting and humiliation, in accordance with Royal Proclamation. The Mayor and Corporation of Norwich attended service at the Cathedral, and there were numerous congregations at other places of worship.
22.—At the Norfolk Assizes, before Lord Chief Baron Pollock and a special jury, was tried the libel action, Waldron, clerk, v. Bates, clerk. The Rev. Frederick William Waldron was a clergyman of the Church of England, and had been chaplain on board H.M. frigate Amazon, lying off the East India and China stations. On his return to England he became curate to the Rev. William Bates, rector of Burnham. After two years’ service, plaintiff gave the defendant three months’ notice of resignation. Mr. Bates supplied plaintiff with testimonials, by which he obtained the appointment of headmaster of a public school at Wymondham, in Leicestershire. In subsequent correspondence with the trustees of the school, the defendant stated he had “irrefragable proofs of the exceeding wickedness” of the plaintiff’s character, and, he added, “I call upon you, in the name of all that is holy and good, to dismiss him instantly from his employment.” After a trial extending over two days, the jury gave a verdict for the defendant.
26.—The battery of Royal Artillery marched from Norwich Barracks for Woolwich, whence they proceeded to the Crimea for active service. They were replaced, on April 4th, by the D battery, from Chatham, commanded by Capt. Mountain.
29.—At the Norwich Assizes, before Mr. Justice Wightman, Mary Ann Fisher, aged 28, was indicted for the wilful murder of her husband, George Wright, at Norwich, on November 28th, by poisoning him. The jury acquitted the prisoner.
—Died at Cambridge, James Rattee, who was born at Fundenhall in 1820. After serving his apprenticeship with Mr. Ollett, carver, of Norwich, he commenced business for himself at Cambridge, at the age of 22. He was associated with Mr. Pugin in restoring the choir of Jesus College Chapel. Most of the designs were made by Rattee himself, and submitted to Pugin before execution. He carried out Mr. G. G. Scott’s designs for the carvings in Ely Cathedral, and by the advice of that gentleman spent part of the year 1852 on the Continent, where he studied the carved woodwork and artistic wrought ironwork and sculptured stone of Quintin Matsy and the other master spirits of Louvain and neighbouring cities. Returning to England, he constructed at Ely the reredos composed of choice stone and alabaster, highly enriched with delicate carving and inlaid with gold and gems, forming the most glorious piece of art workmanship executed since the Reformation. His work is to be found in churches in every county in England.
31.—Capt. Wodehouse was backed to run one mile in six minutes, on the Earlham Road, Norwich. In the presence of a large number of spectators, he ran the first half mile in less than three minutes, and accomplished the second half in 2 minutes 56 seconds. He was attended by Jim Mace. On the 31st Capt. Wodehouse performed the feat of walking one mile in 8 mins. 16 sees.
1.—The remains of Richard Peck, an agricultural labourer, aged 69, were buried in Docking churchyard. “The deceased had worked for forty-two years on the Choseley Farm, an extra-parochial place, and cottage property, distant from Docking two and a half miles, where he was obliged to reside, no labourers being permitted to live at Choseley. Thus he walked to and from his work five miles per day, 30 miles per week, 1,560 miles per year, and the extraordinary number of 65,520 miles during his forty-two years’ employment. This circumstance might be multiplied by numbers in England in general, and West Norfolk in particular, showing cogent reasons for Mr. Baines’ Poor-law Bill being made the law of the land.”
6.—Died at her residence, St. Martin-at-Palace, Norwich, aged 38, Harriet Gurney Gordon, many years a favourite actress at Norwich and at different metropolitan and provincial theatres.
16.—Mrs. Fanny Kemble commenced a course of Shakesperian readings at the Assembly Rooms, Norwich.
28.*—“Mr. Clare Sewell Read, son of Mr. George Read, of Plumstead, near Norwich, has been awarded by the Royal Agricultural Society the prize for the best essay on the farming of Buckinghamshire. Mr. Read obtained last year the society’s prize for his essay on Oxfordshire, and had also been a successful competitor in a former year for his essay on farming in South Wales.”
29.—Died, aged 86, Mr. J. Watts, of Yarmouth, for many years coachman of the Telegraph coach running between Norwich and Yarmouth.
3.—A dinner to celebrate the freeing of Duke’s Palace Bridge, Norwich, was held at the Duke’s Palace Inn, under the presidency of the Mayor (Mr. Robert Chamberlin). “Upwards of twelve years have elapsed since the abolition of the above toll-bridge was first mooted, and the citizens are to be congratulated on the removal of the toll.”
15.—A public meeting was held in the hall of the Bazaar (Victoria Hall), Norwich, presided over by the Mayor, in furtherance of the movement in favour of administrative reform. An address was delivered by Mr. W. S. Lindsay, M.P., and a resolution was adopted affirming “that, without wishing to exclude the aristocratic class from the position in the public service to which their talents and patriotism may entitle them to assert, merit is the only principle by which appointments to public offices should be attained.”
18.—Among the officers who received the Crimean medal on this date at the hands of her Majesty were Capt. Bulwer, Capt. Bathurst, Capt. Micklethwaite, Lieut. Cator, and Lieut. Cresswell.
24.—Yarmouth Waterworks were opened, with great public festivity.
29.—The Norfolk coast was visited by a violent gale, which caused considerable destruction to life and property. Off Yarmouth the smack Ruby was lost, with her crew of nine men and a boy.
6.—An exhibition of the Norfolk and Norwich Fine Arts Association was opened at Norwich. The collection included works by O. Short, J. B. Ladbrooke, C. J. W. Winter, H. B. Willis, Frederick Howes, C. L. Nursey, F. R. Pickersgill, R.A., John Wilson, Alfred Cooper, D. Hodgson, J. Stark, M. E. Cotman, J. J. Cotman, Mrs. J. Stannard, &c.
13.—Colours were presented to the West Norfolk Militia, on the Cricket Ground, Norwich, by the Countess of Albemarle. Lord Orford, as colonel of the regiment, received the colours, and the consecration prayers were read by the Rev. C. W. Madden, “who wore the Waterloo medal on his breast.” The non-commissioned officers and men were entertained at dinner, provided by public subscription, at St. Andrew’s Hall. The Mayor (Mr. Chamberlin) presided, and Lord and Lady Albemarle, Lady Augusta Keppel, and other distinguished visitors were present.
23.—Notice was given that on and after June 30th the new Newspaper Act would be in operation, and stamped and unstamped editions of the Norfolk Chronicle would be published. “In compliance with the request of the Postmaster-General, we would remind such of our subscribers as may desire to send the stamped edition through the post that the paper must be folded so that the whole stamp denoting the duty shall be distinctly visible on the outside. Such papers must be posted within 15 days of publication.”
—The Norton Subcourse and Raveningham estate was sold by Mr. George W. Salter, at the Norfolk Hotel, Norwich, for £16,632.
2.—A ten mile match, for £20 a side, was run at the Green Hill Gardens, between Robert Bunn, of Norwich, and John Lovett, of London. The first-named won; time, 58 minutes.
3.—The West Norfolk Militia, under the command of Lieut.-Col. Custance, left Norwich for Aldershot. In December the regiment was transferred to Dublin.
—Great festivities took place at Ellingham Hall, in celebration of the coming of age of Mr. Henry Smith, son and heir of Lieut.-Col. Smith. A dinner, at which 160 guests were present, was followed by sports, and in the evening dancing was opened upon the lawn by Mr. Smith and Miss Foster in a “Sir Roger de Coverley.”
5.—The marriage took place at East Dereham, of Captain William Earle Gascoyne Bulwer, late Scots Fusilier Guards, eldest son of Mr. William E. Lytton Bulwer, of Heydon Hall, and Mary Anne Dering, only daughter of Mr. William Wilson Lee Warner, of Quebec House. The officiating clergy were the Rev. G. Dashwood, rector of Stow Bardolph, and the Rev. B. J. Armstrong, vicar of East Dereham.
7.—Mr. Edmond Wodehouse, M.P., announced that it was his intention to retire from the representation of East Norfolk, in consequence of his continued ill-health. Mr. Henry Josiah Stracey was adopted as the Conservative candidate, and was returned unopposed on the 17th.
8.—Died at Ems, Sir William Edward Parry, R.N., Lieut.-Governor of Greenwich Hospital. He was an LL.D. of Oxford, a F.R.S. of London and Edinburgh, a member of the Imperial Academy of Sciences at St. Petersburg, and author of a work entitled, “Thoughts on the Parental Character of God.” He married first, on October 23rd, 1826, Isabella Louisa, fourth daughter of Lord Stanley of Alderley, by whom he had issue two sons and two daughters. She died on May 13th, 1839. On June 29th, 1841, he married, secondly, Catherine Edwards, daughter of the Rev. R. Hankinson, of Walpole, and widow of Mr. Samuel Hoare, jun., of Hampstead, by whom he had issue two daughters. Sir William was an honorary freeman of the city of Norwich. He had commanded four Arctic expeditions, in all of which he gained high professional renown. For these services he received the honour of knighthood, and was presented by the Government with £1,000, his portion of a reward for reaching the meridian of 110 degs. W. within the Arctic circle.
18.—Died, at an advanced age, at Norwich, John Osborne. “He was a well-known character, and for many years drove the Yarmouth coach, and for some time the mail coach between Norwich and Ipswich. The railway, however, put an end to his vocation. Every morning he attended service at the Cathedral. Even when he was the driver of the coach to Yarmouth he stipulated he should have his Sunday, in order that he might be in his accustomed place at the Cathedral.”
26.—At the Norfolk Assizes, before Mr. Baron Parke and a special jury, was tried the action, Fisher v. Nisbett. This was a will case, which excited considerable interest on account of the large amount of property in dispute and the number of persons concerned. The plaintiff was Miss Mary Ann Fisher, and the nominal defendant Mr. Philip Blundell Nisbett. The actual defendant was Mr. Richard Blundell Nisbett. The question at issue was the validity of the will of a lady named Nisbett. The amount in dispute was between £20,000 and £30,000 in real property, and a larger amount in personal property. The father of Mrs. Nisbett was a Mr. Fisher, a banker, of Yarmouth. Mary Ann Fisher, the plaintiff, was one of his daughters. All the children were dead in 1854 with the exception of Mary Ann Fisher. In the year 1811, when the deceased Mrs. Nisbett married, her father settled on her the sum of £10,000, and gave her during life an annuity of £500, while all that Mr. Nisbett brought was the sum of £7,000. In 1824 Mr. Nisbett died. Of the marriage there were three sons; two had died, and at the time of the trial the only one living was the eldest, Philip Blundell Nisbett, a confirmed lunatic. In the year 1835 Mr. Fisher died, leaving property to the amount of about £100,000. Mrs. Nisbett, after her father’s death, left the bulk of the property to Philip Blundell Nisbett. There now appeared on the scene Mr. Richard Blundell Nisbett, a son of Mr. Nisbett’s brother, and nephew by marriage to Mrs. Nesbitt. He took out a commission of lunacy against Philip, who was found to be a lunatic and incapable of managing his own affairs. Then he endeavoured to get a commission of lunacy against Mrs. Nisbett, but the Lord Chancellor, on receiving the report of the medical men who examined her, dismissed the petition, with costs. As soon as Mrs. Nisbett discovered the course that Richard was pursuing, she made a new will, the effect of which was that the property went to Miss Fisher, the plaintiff, for life, and after her death to blood relations. On November 10th, 1854, Mrs. Nisbett died suddenly, and these legal proceedings commenced. After evidence had been given by medical men and others, the Attorney-General (Sir Alexander Cockburn) who appeared for the defendant, unexpectedly withdrew from the case, and a verdict was entered for the plaintiff.
1.—Died at Malta, of wounds received before Sebastopol, on June 18th, in the attack upon the Redan, Lieut. Charles A. P. Boileau, of the Rifle Brigade, aged 19, fourth son of Sir John P. Boileau, Bart., and Lady Catherine Boileau, of Ketteringham Park.
15.—Stalham Corn Hall, erected at the cost of £300, raised by 82 shares of £5 each, was opened.
16.—A public dinner was held at Fakenham, under the presidency of Sir Willoughby Jones, Bart., to celebrate the opening of the Corn Hall. A capital of £4,000 was raised in 160 shares of £25 each. The building was designed by Mr. Brown, architect, of Norwich, and built by Mr. Pettitt, of Ipswich, for £3,000.
20.—Mr. Charles Mathews commenced a two nights’ engagement at Norwich Theatre. His characters were Sir Charles Coldstream (“Used Up”), Mr. Affable Hawk (“The Game of Speculation”), and Captain Patter (“Patter versus Clatter”). For these two nights the Theatre was under the management of Mr. John Coleman, formerly of the Norwich Company.
21.—Died at Thorpe, in his 72nd year, Mr. Edmond Wodehouse. He was a son of Mr. Thomas Wodehouse, by a daughter of Mr. Pryce Campbell, of Stackpole Court, Pembrokeshire. In 1809 he married his cousin, Lucy, daughter of the Rev. Philip Wodehouse, by whom he had four children, two sons and two daughters. In 1817 he offered himself as candidate for Norfolk, in opposition to Mr. Pratt; he was returned, and retained his seat until the General Election in 1830. At that time the excitement of the Reform agitation was at its height, which, with other circumstances, induced him to decline a contest. In that year Mr. T. W. Coke (afterwards Earl of Leicester) was returned with Sir W. J. H. B. ffolkes. In 1832 Mr. Keppel and Mr. Windham were returned. When the political excitement of the former period had subsided, Mr. Wodehouse again appeared before the constituency, and at the General Election in 1835 he and Lord Walpole were returned, in opposition to Mr. Windham and Mr. Richard Hanbury Gurney. Another General Election took place in 1837, and Mr. Wodehouse was returned with Mr. Henry Negus Burroughes, in opposition to the same Liberal candidates. In 1842 Mr. Wodehouse and Mr. Burroughes were again elected; Sir W. J. H. B. ffolkes, who was abroad at the time, was nominated without his consent as the Liberal candidate. Both Conservative candidates were re-elected without opposition in 1847. Mr. Wodehouse sat in Parliament about forty years. He was a Conservative of the old school, a Protectionist, and a zealous supporter of Sir Robert Peel until he introduced his Free Trade measures. His remains were interred at Norwich Cathedral on August 28th.
—At the Norwich Police Court, Mr. John Coleman, tragedian, and temporary manager of the Theatre, preferred a complaint against Inspector Amis, of the city police. On the previous evening, he stated, a number of persons presented themselves at the dress-box entrance and demanded admission with, silver tickets. He informed them that the majority of places had been taken by those who had paid, but the upper circle was open to silver ticket holders. Some noise and disturbance ensued. Sir William Foster came up and endeavoured to gain an entrance, Mr. Coleman tried to prevent him, a scuffle ensued, and the police were sent for by both parties. Inspector Amis came, and Mr. Coleman directed his attention to a notice on the play-bill that no one would be admitted to the dress circle without a reserved seat ticket. Mr. Coleman asked the inspector to remove the persons who were seeking to gain an entrance; and they, in turn, requested the inspector to remove Mr. Coleman. The officer, it was asserted, made an unprovoked and violent assault upon Mr. Coleman, who denied that silver ticket holders had the privilege to enter the house, and told them that they must legally prove their right. He had taken the Theatre for two nights only, at a heavy rental, there was no arrangement in the agreement with the manager as to the proprietors of silver tickets, and that was why he had put the notice on the bills. Mr. Hudson (a magistrate) remarked that the owners of silver tickets were owners of the Theatre, and had a right to go in when they pleased. Sir William Foster attended the Court, and stated that unless Mr. Coleman apologised he would take proceedings against him. Mr. Coleman said he was sorry if Sir William Foster had been injured (his waistcoat was torn to ribbons), but beyond that he should make no apology. The case against Amis was dismissed. Silver ticket holders were admitted without opposition on the evening of the 21st.
23.—Died at Norwich, in his 87th year, Mr. John Francis, manufacturer, who served the office of Sheriff in 1837.
24.—The foundation-stone of a new chapel on Hempton Green, Fakenham, was laid. The building was designed by Mr. J. H. Hakewell, architect to the Church Building Society. “Hempton has been without a church or clergyman since the Reformation, when the ancient priory church was demolished.” (See October 6th, 1856.)
4.—Died at Brighton, Mr. Henry Dover, of Caston, who, in the previous July, resigned the office he had long held as a chairman of the Court of Norfolk Quarter Sessions.
10.—A telegraphic message announcing the fall of Sebastopol was exhibited at the window of the Norfolk Chronicle Office, at six p.m. Thousands of citizens crowded into the Market Place, and the office was besieged by persons anxious to obtain copies of the dispatch. Peals were rung upon the bells of St. Peter Mancroft, bands paraded the streets, and the citizens sang in chorus the National Anthem and “Rule, Britannia.” A bonfire was lighted in the Market Place, followed by a display of fireworks. There were great rejoicings in every town and village in the county. Sunday, the 29th, was observed as a day of special thanksgiving.
18.—Mr. Walter Montgomery, at the Assembly Rooms, Norwich, “repeated from memory his recital of ‘Othello.’” “Mr. Montgomery is the son of a respectable Norwich citizen, and has gained much provincial celebrity for his impersonation of Shakesperian characters.”