Chapter XV: Preface (14)

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

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

JULY.

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

4.--Madame Tussaud's exhibition opened at the Assembly Rooms, Norwich.

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

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

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

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

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

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

30.*--(Advt.) "The annual main between the gentlemen of Norwich and Yarmouth will be fought at the Two-Necked Swan, Market Place, Yarmouth, on the race days, for 5 pounds a battle and 25 pounds the odd; to show 25 mains and six byes. Feeders: Lamb for Norwich; Steward for Yarmouth. The first pit will begin fighting at ten o'clock each morning before the racing."

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

AUGUST.

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

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

5.--At the Norwich Assizes, before Lord Chief Justice Abbott, the _qui tam_ action Woodewis _v._ J. S. Patteson came on for trial. It was brought to recover a penalty of 100 pounds under 3rd George IV., chap. 77, by which persons trading in excisable liquors were precluded from taking part, as magistrates, in licensing proceedings. It was alleged that Mr. Patteson interfered, on the application of the plaintiff, to have a house licensed for the sale of home-brewed beer and London porter in Fishgate Street, Norwich, nearly opposite one belonging to himself. The answer was that this was an attempt to fix a stigma on the character of Mr. Patteson. The Judge said the jury could find a verdict for the plaintiff without impeaching the character of the defendant. The jury returned the following verdict: "We give the plaintiff 100 pounds damages; at the same time we entertain a very high opinion of the high honour and good faith of Alderman Patteson and the other gentlemen of the Corporation."

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

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

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

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

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

SEPTEMBER.

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

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

10.--The Swaffham and London new post coach was advertised to run from the Crown Inn, Swaffham, on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings at seven o'clock, and to return from the Three Nuns Inn, Aldgate, on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings at the same hour. It performed the journey in twelve hours.

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

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

OCTOBER.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

20.--A county meeting was held at the Shirehall, Norwich, under the presidency of the High Sheriff, at which it was decided to petition Parliament "for the immediate mitigation of slavery throughout the British Colonies, and for its extinction at the earliest safe and practicable period in compliance with the resolutions of the House of Commons in May, 1823."--The petition, which was presented in the House of Commons by Mr. Edmond Wodehouse on March 1st, 1826, received 17,125 signatures, and was 82 yards in length.

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

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

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

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

NOVEMBER.

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

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

7.--According to annual custom, a grand _battue_ took place at Holkham, when upwards of 700 head of game were shot. "Game has not been found so plentiful as in former seasons. The deficiency was in hares, of which not more than 220 have been shot in one day. In previous years upwards of 500 hares have been killed in the park in one day."

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

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

--Swaffham Coursing Meeting commenced with a very small attendance. "We have to regret the retirement of Lord Rivers, whose advanced age and infirm state of health have obliged him to relinquish his favourite pursuits. The superior greyhounds his lordship used to bring secured him the victory in almost every match he made--indeed, he was allowed to possess the best breed of greyhounds in the kingdom. The noble lord, during has coursing career, has been the winner of fourteen cups, and is the only member since the establishment of the Swaffham Coursing Meeting in 1779 who has won five cups at Swaffham, and this during the last eleven years, his lordship first entering in 1813. His greyhounds sold at Tattersall's in May last for 1,029 guineas; with seven horses and two dog carts the amount was brought up to 1,339.5 guineas, which sum his lordship generously presented to his servants. One dog, Rex, who has never been beaten, and also a bitch, as companion to this nonpariel, are retained by Lord Rivers as a memento of his celebrated kennel."

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

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

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

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

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

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

DECEMBER.

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

12.--Died, aged 83, Mr. Burks, one of the proprietors of the "Norwich Mercury."

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

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

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

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

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

1826.

JANUARY.

7.--In consequence of continued applications for relief by the unemployed weavers, &c., the Norwich Court of Guardians increased the mulct for the ensuing quarter 3,000 pounds--an addition to the rates of 2s. in the pound.--On January 12th a Crape Ball, at which the lady patronesses wore white Norwich crape, other ladies scarlet geranium-coloured Norwich crapes, and gentlemen waistcoats of plain white shawl with shawl pattern border as part of their evening dress, was held at the Assembly Room for the purpose of promoting a fund for the relief of the poor, and produced a clear profit of 79 pounds. The fund was formally inaugurated at a public meeting held at the Guildhall on January 16th, and upwards of 5,000 pounds was afterwards subscribed.--The Paving Act Commissioners on January 24th decided to macadamise Ber Street in order to afford relief work, and in March the manufacturers, with the same object, commenced making bombazetts and twilled stuffs, articles that were entirely new to Norwich. On March 10th the governors of the Bank of England granted to the manufacturers the loan of 80,000 pounds for four months at the rate of five per cent. per annum; and on May 15th application was made to the committee in London for the relief of distressed manufactures, who granted 600 pounds to the unemployed weavers, still numbering several thousands.--The Court of Guardians on July 4th increased the mulct for the ensuing quarter to 15,000 pounds; and in August offered to obtain employment for a considerable number of distressed weavers if they would consent to a slight reduction of wages. The men declined the offer because the manufacturers refused to guarantee that they would not send work into the country. During the remaining portion of the year employment continued to be scarce.

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

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

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

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

FEBRUARY.

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

9.--The Norwich and Lowestoft Navigation Bill was introduced into the House of Commons and read a first time; it passed its second reading on February 17th, and on February 27th petitions were presented against the measure from the Corporation of Yarmouth and the owners of estates, and in its favour from the inhabitants of Lowestoft and the Port Reeve and inhabitants of Beccles. On April 10th a Committee of the House proceeded to take evidence, and after a sitting of 18 days 20 votes were given for the Bill and 25 against. The result of the Parliamentary proceedings gave rise to great rejoicings at Yarmouth, where, on May 18th, a dinner was held to celebrate the defeat of the Bill.--On August 8th the Haven and Pier Commissioners received a deputation from the Norwich and Lowestoft Navigation Committee, and a conference was held. Further discussion was deferred until September 5th.--On August 26th the county magistrates held a meeting at the Norwich Shirehall, and resolved that it was desirable that Norwich be made a port through Yarmouth, and requested the Haven and Pier Commissioners to continue negociations with the Norwich Joint Stock Company.--At the adjourned meeting on September 5th the negociations fell through owing to the strong opposition manifested by the traders and merchants of Yarmouth. The Navigation Company, on September 29th, decided to revive the Lowestoft scheme, to execute the work for a sum not exceeding 100,000 pounds, and to apply for a Bill in the next Session of Parliament. On November 22nd a petition was presented in the House of Commons for leave to bring in the Bill, and was referred to Committee. At a public meeting at Yarmouth on November 28th, it was resolved to exercise every influence to bring about the defeat of the measure.--The Bill was read a first time in the House of Commons on November 29th.

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

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

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

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

MARCH.

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

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

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

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

27.--The new Theatre at Norwich was opened with the performance of "The School for Scandal" and of the farce "Youth, Love, and Folly." The proceedings commenced with the singing of the National Anthem by the whole of the company, after which the leading actor, Mr. Osbaldiston, delivered an address, "written by a young lady of this city for the occasion." On the previous Saturday evening (March 25th) the patentee, Mr. Wilkins, entertained a party of 150 ladies and gentlemen in the green room of the Theatre. The High Sheriff (Col. Harvey) proposed "Success to the new Theatre," "which the guests readily pledged in glasses of sparkling champagne," and the evening concluded with a dance upon the stage.

APRIL.

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

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

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

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

MAY.

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

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

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

18.--Died at his lodging at Yarmouth, aged 86, Mr. Roger Hays, of Norwich, formerly captain in the 11th Light Dragoons, and many years adjutant of the 3rd or East Norfolk Yeomanry Cavalry. He entered the Army in 1760, and was on duty with the Household troops at the coronation of George III.

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

JUNE.

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

--Yarmouth Election: the Hon. George Anson, 645; Mr. C. E. Rumbold, 649; Sir E. K. Lacon, 250.

10.--Lynn Election: The Hon. John Walpole, 199; Lord William Bentinck, 174; Sir W. B. ffolkes, 104.

--*"Died a few days since at Hampstead, in Berkshire, Mrs. Brunton, widow of the late Mr. John Brunton, of Norwich."

12.--Lord Charles Fitz Roy and Mr. William Bingham Baring were returned unopposed for Thetford.

--Lord H. Cholmondeley and Col. the Hon. F. G. Howard were returned unopposed for Castle Rising.

--The portrait of Mr. J. S. Patteson, by Beechey, and of Mr. William Simpson, Chamberlain of the city and Treasurer of the county, by Phillips, R.A., were hung in St. Andrew's Hall, Norwich.

14.--The Wesleyan Methodists of Norwich presented to the Rev. William Gilpin, superintendent of the Norwich circuit, a pair of silver cups as a token of gratitude and esteem. The inscriptions were surmounted by engraved representations of Calvert Street and St. Peter's Chapels, both of which were erected under Mr. Gilpin's superintendence, the former in 1819 and the latter in 1824.

--The first laden wherries proceeded along the North Walsham and Dilham Canal from Wayford Bridge to Mr. Cubitt's mill at North Walsham, with music playing and flags flying. "Thousands of spectators assembled to witness this interesting scene, and the day finished with a plentiful treat to the workmen of Mr. Sharpe's strong ale and Barclay's brown stout."

19.--Mr. T. W. Coke and Mr. Edmond Wodehouse were returned unopposed for Norfolk. "At Mr. Walter's house on the Gentleman's Walk, Lady Anne Coke, with her two lovely children, presented herself at the windows, and was greeted with loud acclaims by Mr. Coke's friends. When the hon. member himself passed the spot our venerable Lord Bishop was holding the young heir of Holkham in his arms, and each time that his father was triumphantly thrown up in his chair the plaudits were renewed with an enthusiasm which must have been truly grateful to his parental feelings."

20.--Guild Day at Norwich was observed with the customary formalities. Mr. Ed. Temple Booth having been sworn in as Mayor, the Right Hon. Robert Peel, Secretary of State for the Home Department, and his brother, Major Peel, M.P., took the oath as freemen of the city. The Guild feast, given at St. Andrew's Hall, was attended by 650 guests, and the ball at Chapel Field House by 300.

21.--Messrs. Charles and George Green ascended in their balloon from the gasworks at Lynn in the presence of 15,000 spectators, and descended at Southery, near Downham Market.

JULY.

4.--A meeting of the "Blue and White" freemen was held at the Ranelagh Gardens, Norwich, under the presidency of Mr. William Smith, M.P., at which was formed the Norwich Union Independent Society. Its object was "to promote the purity of election."

8.--Died at Dublin, aged 24, Lieut. Henry Francis Bell, 58th Regiment of Foot, grandson of Mr. Henry Bell, of Wallington. He was accidentally shot by a recruit while at practice with ball cartridge.

10.--Great rejoicings took place at Cromer on the coming of age of the heir of Felbrigg. The horses were removed from Mr. Windham's carriage, which was dragged through the streets of the town. "Fourteen barrels of strong ale and porter having been placed on a pleasant eminence on the road to Felbrigg, thirteen were broached and distributed among the company, and the remaining barrel was given to the poor of Cromer. A ball was held at Felbrigg Hall in the evening."

13.--In the Rolls Court Lord Gifford delivered judgment in the tithe case Bayley _v._ Sewell. The plaintiff was the lessee of the impropriate rectory of Wymondham, and the defendant the occupier of certain farms called the Great Park Farm and the Little Park Farm, which had been purchased upwards of 200 years previously by Sir Henry Hobart, the then Lord Chief Justice of Common Pleas, as tithe free, subject only to the demand of a _modus_ of 1 pound 6s. 8d. in respect of the Great Park and of 13s. 4d. in respect of the Little Park. This suit was instituted for the purpose of compelling payment of tithes in respect of both farms; and at the Norfolk Summer Assizes in 1825 the jury found for the plaintiff. Lord Gifford, in his judgment, established the two ancient _moduses_ which exempted the properties from the payment of tithes.

15.--The discontinuance of Magdalen Fair, Norwich, was announced in the following official notice:--"Sprowston, July 15th, 1826. Whereas it has been represented to the executors and trustees of the estate of the late Thomas Woodruffe Smith, Esq., lord of the manor of Sprowston and lord of the fair called Mary Magdalene Fair, yearly held at Sprowston in the Hundred of Taverham in the county of Norfolk, that divers tumults and riotous proceedings have taken place at the above fair to the terror and fear of the lives of the peaceable inhabitants of the said parish, and great nuisances and depredations have been committed on their property, notice is hereby given to all dealers and chapmen and all persons whatever who have usually resorted thereto, that no fair will be held this year on the 2nd day of August or any subsequent day at Sprowston aforesaid, nor again in future, and any person or persons who may, after this notice, be found trespassing on the lands where the fair has been usually held, or on any other lands adjoining, or obstructing the public roads in Sprowston aforesaid, will be dealt with according to law. By order of the said Trustees, Lords of the Manor of Sprowston.--Thomas Sayer, Bailiff."

15.--A fine vessel called the Rapid, upwards of 160 tons, was launched from Mr. Preston's yard at Yarmouth.

22.--A historical play entitled "Viriatus, the Lusitanian Hero," written by Mr. Thwaites, jun., of Norwich, a member of the Norwich Company, was produced at the Theatre for the first time, and "was received with great approbation."

30.--A singular phenomenon was witnessed at Cromer. "The lighthouse hill and adjacent heights were literally covered with myriads of the insect called Lady Bird of an unusually large sort."

AUGUST.

7.--The prisoners at the old City Gaol at Norwich were removed to the new Gaol at St. Giles' Gates.

28.--Ten thousand persons were attracted to the neighbourhood of St. James's Hill, Norwich, to witness the performances of "Signor Carlo Cram Villecrop, the celebrated Swiss Mountain Flyer from Geneva and Mont Blanc," who was to exhibit "with the Tyrolese pole, 50 feet long, the most astonishing gymnastic flights never before witnessed in this country." It was a hoax.

29.--The election of the freemen's Sheriff at Norwich was attended with great excitement. The candidates were Mr. J. Bennett and Mr. T. O. Springfield. "Complimentary half-crowns were paid to the 'friends of independence,'" and it was mentioned as a circumstance highly creditable to the poor freemen of the "Purple and Orange" interest, that "they contented themselves with a fee of 5s. each from their own party." The poll was declared as follows: Bennett, 1,164; Springfield, 1,079.

--The North Walsham and Dilham Canal was formally opened by a grand procession of vessels which started from Wayford Bridge accompanied by a band of music and filled with company, among whom were Lord Suffield and many of the principal residents in the district. At Antingham the company landed, formed in procession, and marched to North Walsham, where a dinner was held at the King's Arms Inn, under the presidency of Col. the Hon. John Wodehouse.

SEPTEMBER.

4.--The Ven. Archdeacon Oldershaw preached at Pulham Market church on the occasion of the opening of the newly-erected organ, built by Mr. Bullen, "an ingenious mechanic of that place."

9.*--"The aged inhabitants residing in the alms-houses in St. Gregory's, bequeathed by Alderman Thomas Pye to the poor people belonging to St. Giles', were removed this week into their newly-erected and comfortable dwellings in West Pottergate Street."

13.--A man named Gibson, for a wager of 50 pounds, undertook to walk from Norwich to Yarmouth in seven and a half hours carrying 4 pounds worth of copper coins, weighing four stones four pounds. He started from Bishop Bridge at five o'clock in the morning, accomplished the first twelve miles in three hours, and arrived at Yarmouth half an hour within the stipulated time.

18.--A prize fight, "one of those revolting scenes, which are equally an outrage on every feeling of humanity as well as a scandal to civilised society," took place at Bramerton. The combatants were prevented by a magistrate from bringing off the affair at Surlingham; and the parish constable at Bramerton on attempting to stop the fight was almost killed in the execution of his duty.

OCTOBER.

5.--Joseph Wiggins, driver of the Norwich Phenomena coach, was fined at Ixworth in the mitigated penalty of 90 pounds for having 36 head of partridges in his possession, contrary to the statute 5 Anne c. 14, s. 2.

11.--Died in Goat Lane, Norwich, aged 75, Mr. John Reynolds, who served the office of Sheriff in 1796.

17.--At Norwich Quarter Sessions a committee of justices reported that the Bridewell was "insufficient, inconvenient, and inadequate to give effect to the rules and regulations enforced in recent legislation, and it was necessary from the increased number of commitments to such Bridewell that some other and more commodious building should be erected or substituted."

19.--A meeting was held at the Angel Inn, Norwich, under the presidency of Mr. Unthank, at which was passed a resolution to the effect "that by the present mode of electing Guardians the great body of the payers of the poor-rates are entirely unrepresented, that the extraordinary increase in the poor-rates of the city within the last six months has caused the greatest alarm and demands the strictest scrutiny, and that it is desirable a Bill should be brought in to amend the present Court of Guardians Act so far as to the choosing members of the Court." A petition embodying the principle of this resolution was ordered to be presented to the House of Commons.

21.--Died, Mr. John Ansell, plumber and glazier, St. John Maddermarket, who served the offer of Sheriff of Norwich in 1806.

--At about this date large numbers of people assembled nightly on Orford Hill, Norwich, to watch for a "ghost" which was said to haunt the premises of a Mr. Hart. Martin, a police officer, examined some unoccupied premises adjoining, and discovered a hiding-place which had evidently been used by the person who had annoyed Mr. Hart's family.

--Mr. Stone, the County Surveyor, was reported to have "discovered rooms and passages within the walls of the Keep of Norwich Castle which have been unknown since it has become a county gaol, a period of nearly 500 years."

22.--The Friends' Meeting House in Goat Lane, Norwich, erected on the site of the old Meeting House demolished in 1825, was opened for public worship. The architect was Mr. Patience, and the builder, Mr. John Bensley.

28.--At the adjourned Quarter Sessions at Norwich, Mr. Alderman Crisp Brown made serious allegations as to the way in which the contractors for the new Gaol had done their work. The court appointed Mr. Nicholls, of London, to survey the work. Vestry meetings were held in St. Giles', St. Peter Mancroft, St. Andrew's, and St. Julian's, at which resolutions were adopted expressing approval of Mr. Brown's action. On May 12th, 1827, it was announced that Mr. Nicholls had awarded the sum of 1,552 pounds to the contractors over and above the balance previously due to them.

NOVEMBER.

5.--A great part of the premises erected on the site of the old alms-houses, adjoining the Friends' Meeting House, Goat Lane, Norwich, fell with a tremendous crash.

11.*--"Mr. W. Wilkins has received another testimony to his ability as an architect in the preference given to his design for the London University."

--Died at Brundall, aged 72, Mr. Elisha De Hague, Town Clerk of Norwich, to which office he was elected on August 8th, 1792, on the death of his father.

18.*--"An intelligent mercantile gentleman from Russia, who landed at Yarmouth, with whom we had some conversation on the subject of the free admission of foreign corn into this country, gave it as his opinion that the fears entertained here by the landed interest of excessive importations, at least for some time to come, are quite groundless. He admitted, however, that in eight or ten years, from the encouragement we shall have given to the foreign grower by our free trade system, if it should be extended to corn, abundant supplies may be expected. What will _then_ be the state of the agriculture of _this_ country by no means too flourishing _now_ may be easily imagined."

21.--At a special assembly of the Corporation of Norwich, Mr. William Simpson, for 34 years Chamberlain, was elected Town Clerk and Clerk of the Peace, and steward of the several manors belonging to the Corporation, in the room of Mr. Elisha De Hague, deceased.

25.--A county meeting was held at the Shirehall, Norwich, for the twofold purpose of opposing the Bill presented to Parliament for the appointment of district surveyors of highways, and of expressing dissent from the practice which prevailed at the Shirehall of conducting county business with closed doors. With regard to the first subject a resolution was passed stating that the county-rate had increased from 7,200 to 20,400 pounds in twenty years, and that it was undesirable to increase it by making the proposed appointments. It was decided to take counsel's opinion upon the other matter. (_See_ January 12th, 1827.)

27.--The Rev. William Whitear, rector of Starston, met with his death under singular circumstances. He had gone out with a party to apprehend poachers; the party divided themselves into two bodies, and on proceeding to the place where it had been agreed upon to reassemble, Mr. Whitear was mistaken for a poacher and shot in the right side by another of the party, a young man named Thomas Pallant. He died from the effects of the wound on December 10th, and Pallant was committed for trial on the charge of manslaughter. The case was tried at the Norfolk Assizes at Thetford before Mr. Justice Gaselee, on March 26th, 1827, when the accused was acquitted. "He was so seriously affected during the trial that before its conclusion he became quite insensible, and was taken home in that state."

DECEMBER.

2.*--[Advt.] "Whereas a report was very generally circulated last week, and in a great measure obtained credit, that the body of William Tounshend, which was buried at Lakenham, on Sunday, November 19th, had been disinterred and taken away, we, the undersigned, have investigated the matter and certify the following statement to be correct:--The relatives of the deceased being much affected at such a report and naturally anxious to ascertain the truth of it, made application to have the grave examined. After due deliberation upon the subject permission was granted for that purpose. The grave was opened on Saturday last in the presence of them, together with us, when it was discovered that the body reposed in its peaceful abode undisturbed. We consider it to be our duty to give this public contradiction to so groundless and scandalous a report, in order thereby to satisfy the minds of the parishioners and the public at large.--George Carter, vicar; Hunton Jackson, William Norman, churchwardens; Lakenham Vestry, November 26th."

6.--At a meeting of the Norwich Corporation, Mr. Robert Alderson was elected Recorder in place of Mr. C. S. Onley, resigned. "Mr. Alderson, though only what is technically termed an 'utter barrister,' is now the Recorder of three Corporations, namely, Norwich, Yarmouth, and Ipswich. An 'utter barrister' (according to Bailey) is a young lawyer admitted to plead at the Bar, or a person well schooled in the common law who is called from contemplation to practice."

8.--At a special court of the Corporation of Guardians, Norwich, Mr. Roger Kerrison, solicitor, was elected clerk in the room of Mr. William Simpson, resigned.

--Died at Holkham, aged 90, William Jones, for upwards of 50 years huntsman and principal stable servant in the Coke family. "On his death-bed he was seen by Mr. Coke, who took with him the young heir of Holkham, to shake his faithful old servant by the hand. Lady Anne Coke, Lady Anson, and all the family at Holkham showed every possible kindness and attention to the venerable and much-respected old man."

11.--A serious poaching affray took place in Heydon Woods between a band of 25 poachers and about 20 keepers and watchers. The Hon. George Edwards (a son of Lord Kensington), who accompanied the keepers, was knocked down by a stone, and shot while upon the ground. At the Norfolk Assizes, held at Thetford on March 26th, 1827, before Mr. Justice Gaselee, 13 persons were indicted in connection with the affair. Sentences of death passed upon them were commuted to terms of transportation.

12.--Mr. Isaac Preston was elected Steward of Norwich in room of Mr. Robert Alderson, appointed Recorder.

14.--A meeting of the Hundred of Eynsford was held at the Swan Inn, Reepham, at which it was decided to petition Parliament against any alteration in the Corn Laws. Similar petitions were adopted by almost every Hundred in the county.

17.--The depot of the 40th Regiment of Foot marched from Norwich for Bradford.

1827.

JANUARY.

6.--Mons. Louis, a native of Lorraine, 26 years of age, seven feet six inches in height, was exhibited at the Angel Inn, Norwich.

7.--Intelligence was received in Norwich of the death of H.R.H. the Duke of York, and the great bell of St. Peter Mancroft, and the bells of other churches in the city, were tolled for two hours. On Saturday, the 13th, the day of the funeral, "all the shops in Norwich were kept as closely shut as on the Sabbath"; the Mayor and Corporation attended service at the Cathedral; and funeral sermons were preached at many of the parish churches and city chapels.

11.--A meeting of the Norfolk Cricket Club was held at Norwich, when rules were adopted. It was agreed to play four matches during the year, one on each of the four grounds to be established by the club in the neighbourhood of Norwich, Yarmouth, Swaffham, and Gunton. Rule 20 provided that members, clergymen excepted, should wear at the annual meetings the uniform dress--"a dark blue coat with buttons lettered 'N.C.C.,' with white waistcoat, &c." Mr. Philip Gurdon, of Letton, was elected treasurer.

12.--A bull driven along St. Martin's Street, Norwich, entered the Bess of Bedlam public-house, and rushing upstairs made its way into a room where a musical party was held. The animal was dislodged with great difficulty.

--At a meeting of the county magistrates the question of the conduct of business was discussed. Several magistrates resisted the idea that the public had a right to claim admission, and it was agreed that the proceedings be read in the lower court at the close of each meeting, and "such of them as appeared advisable be advertised in the newspapers."

13.--Very severe weather was experienced in Norfolk. The thermometer on this date registered 14 degrees below freezing point. A heavy fall of snow on the 15th impeded coach traffic in the neighbourhood of Swaffham. "Many hundreds of rabbits perished in the Thetford and Brandon districts through being out in search of food and unable to find their burrows again."

26.--A severe storm occurred on the Norfolk coast. Four vessels drove from their anchors and stranded on Yarmouth beach; and a brig was wrecked on Happisburgh sands. The whole of her crew perished.

29.--On November 28th, 1826, three candidates were nominated for the office of City Chamberlain at Norwich, of whom Mr. James Goodwin had the majority in the Court of Aldermen and Mr. Beckwith in the Common Council. The assembly broke up without electing the Chamberlain. On January 29th a special meeting of the Corporation was held in consequence of the Mayor having received notice that a rule of the Court of King's Bench would be applied for requiring them to shew cause why a writ of _mandamus_ should not issue commanding them to admit and swear Mr. Goodwin into the office of Chamberlain and other offices. It was ordered that cause be shown. On February 10th the Court of King's Bench discharged the rule _nisi_. At a special meeting of the Corporation on March 9th, the Town Clerk reported on the result of the motion, and Mr. A. A. H. Beckwith was then unanimously elected Chamberlain, and Mr. John Skipper Speaker of the Common Council, in place of Mr. Beckwith. A new Council was elected in April, and at a special assembly on May 16th, Mr. Beckwith was requested to leave the room. The Speaker, Mr. J. S. Parkinson (who had been elected in place of Mr. Skipper), declined to recognise Mr. Beckwith as Chamberlain. Mr. Goodwin was then proposed, and elected to the office. At a Council meeting on June 7th, Mr. Beckwith took his seat as Chamberlain, and was asked to retire; he refused, and the beadle was called in. Mr. Beckwith, addressing that officer, said, "I give you notice, if you lay your hands on me you do so at your peril." One of the members remarked that if the beadle did not turn him out they would. Mr. Beckwith was then led out by the beadle, and the incident terminated.

FEBRUARY.

2.--A fine specimen of the sea eagle (_falco ossifragus_) was shot near Fritton Decoy. It measured from tip to tip of its wings seven feet nine inches, and was presented to the Norwich Museum.

5.--Four thousand weavers met at Ranelagh Gardens, Norwich, and passed resolutions protesting against the action of certain manufacturers in reducing the rate of wages without consulting other employers, and requesting the Mayor to summon a meeting of the masters to shew cause why the reduction had been made. On the 12th a procession of 600 operatives, headed by a man carrying a loaf of bread draped in black crape, passed through the streets of the city. A petition to Parliament was prepared, in favour of an Act to regulate the price of labour. The petition was presented in the House of Commons on May 30th, by Mr. William Smith.