Chapter XIX: Preface (18)

31.--A mysterious individual, known as "The Wandering Piper," made his appearance at Norwich. It was stated that he had been an officer in the Army, and had served under Sir John Moore and the Duke of Wellington, and was piping through the country to win a wager, one of the conditions of which was that he must subsist upon unsolicited alms given by the public. The piper gave a performance at the Bell Inn, Orford Hill, in aid of the newly-established Lying-in Charity. He returned to Norwich on December 1st, and gave another entertainment at the Norfolk Hotel for the same charity. He re-appeared in Norwich in 1838, having, in the interval, travelled the British Isles and the United States. It was then announced that his name was Graham Stuart. His death occurred in March, 1839, at Mercers' Hospital, Dublin, to which institution he bequeathed all his property.

NOVEMBER.

17.--The officers of the preventive service stationed at Brancaster seized a large tub-boat, containing 5,565 lbs. of tobacco and about 650 gallons of brandy and Geneva, the whole of which was lodged in the Customs-house at Wells-next-the-Sea.

DECEMBER.

2.--The body of Sarah Watling, buried in the churchyard of Swanton Abbot, was found to have been stolen from its grave. At the Norfolk Adjourned Quarter Sessions, held at Norwich on March 6th, 1833, George Ives and Nathaniel Canham were indicted for stealing the body. The prisoners were acquitted.

10.--The nomination of candidates at the first election in Norwich under the Reform Act took place at the Guildhall. The nominees of the "Purple and Orange" party were Lord Stormont and Sir James Scarlett, and of the "Blue and White" party Mr. Richard Hanbury Gurney, the former member, and Mr. Charles Henry Bellenden Ker. A poll was demanded, and the election was immediately proceeded with. In the afternoon a riot occurred in the Market Place; the "Purple and Orange" booth was pulled down, and a bonfire made of the _debris_. The "Blue and White" band, stationed near the fire, played their favourite tunes, and men carrying the banners of the party danced round the pile. Stones were thrown and bludgeons used, and a man had his arm broken. Many other persons sustained less serious injuries. The 7th Hussars, who had been removed from Norwich to Wymondham before the election commenced, were recalled to suppress the disturbance, and many citizens were sworn in as special constables. An officers' guard of the Hussars was posted near the Guildhall throughout the night, and another polling-booth was erected. Voting recommenced at eight o'clock on the morning of the 11th, and continued all day; the books were again opened on the 13th, and at noon the poll finally closed, when the result was declared as follows:--Stormont, 2,016; Scarlett, 1,962; Gurney, 1,810; Ker, 1,766. The chairing of the new members took place on the 14th; on the same day their friends and supporters dined at the Norfolk Hotel, and in the evening the election ball was held at Chapel Field House.

10.--Lord George Bentinck and Lord William Lennox were returned unopposed for Lynn.

--Lord James FitzRoy and Mr. Francis Baring were returned without opposition for the borough of Thetford.

13.--Mr. Shaw's granaries on the Boal at King's Lynn were destroyed by fire. The loss was estimated at upwards of 2,000 pounds.

15.--Sir Jacob Astley and Sir William ffolkes were nominated at Swaffham as candidates for the representation of the Western Division of Norfolk, and returned unopposed. Mr. T. W. Coke formally took leave of the electors, on his retirement from Parliamentary life. He had represented the county since the year 1785.

17.--The nomination of candidates for the Eastern Division of the county took place at the Shirehall, Norwich. Lord Henry Cholmondeley and Mr. Peach were nominated by the "Pink and Purple," and Mr. W. W. Windham and Major Keppel by the "Blue and White" party. The poll was opened on the 20th, at Norwich, Yarmouth, North Walsham, and Long Stratton, and closed on the 21st. The result, which was not officially declared until the 24th, was as follows:--Windham, 3,304; Keppel, 3,261; Peach, 2,960; Cholmondeley, 2,852. The election dinner was held at the Assembly Room, Norwich, under the presidency of the Hon. Edward Harbord.

22.--Atkins' Menagerie was exhibited at Norwich. This was the first occasion on which a "lion tamer" appeared with a travelling menagerie in the city. In the centre of the show was introduced a large iron cage, into which the keeper entered and put the animals through their performances.

1833.

JANUARY.

4.--Lord Suffield resigned his chairmanship of the Norfolk Court of Quarter Sessions.

11.--In the Court of King's Bench, the Sheriff of Norwich obtained a rule _nisi_ for a criminal information against Mr. John Teasel, carpenter and builder, a Common Councilman of Norwich, for having taken away one of the poll-books at the last election at Norwich, and for attempting to tear and mutilate it. The rule was discharged on the 31st, on the defendant undertaking to answer an indictment at the ensuing Assizes. At the Norwich Assizes on March 23rd, before Mr. Justice Bolland, application was made on behalf of the defendant to have the case tried by a county jury, upon which it was ordered to stand over till the next Assizes. At the Norfolk Assizes on August 10th, before Mr. Justice Littledale, the defendant was placed upon his trial, and the jury returned a verdict of not guilty.

16.--Died at Bracondale, Norwich, aged 80, Mrs. White, mother of Henry Kirke White.

22.--A meeting was held at the Baptist chapel, Orford Hill, Norwich, presided over by Mr. John Cozens, at which a report was made by a committee appointed "to investigate the return of Lord Stormont and Sir James Scarlett," to the effect that sufficient evidence had been obtained to warrant the presentation of a petition to the House of Commons on account of the "undue election" of the members. The Norwich Election Petition was opened before a Committee of the House of Commons on March 20th. The examination of witnesses commenced on March 21st, and concluded on April 2nd. Counsel addressed the Committee on April 3rd, and on the same day the Chairman (Mr. Charles Shaw Lefevre) announced that the Committee had resolved--(1) That Lord Stormont and Sir James Scarlett were duly elected members for the city of Norwich. (2) That the petition of John Cozens and others was not frivolous nor vexatious. (3) That the opposition to such petition was not frivolous nor vexatious.

FEBRUARY.

1.--The portrait of Mr. T. W. Coke, painted by S. Lane, was hung in the Corn Exchange, Norwich. In celebration of the event, a dinner was held at the Norfolk Hotel, presided over by Major Case, who said his family had been tenants on the Holkham estate for 63 years, and his grandfather, who owed much to Mr. Coke, died worth 150,000 pounds.

2.*--[Advt.] "A grand main of cocks will be fought at the Black Boys Inn, Aylsham, on February 12th, and two following days, between the gentlemen of Norwich and Aylsham, for 5 sovereigns a battle and 50 sovereigns the odd. Feeders: Stafford for Norwich; Overton for Aylsham."

5.--A barque of 220 tons burden, designed for the West India trade, was launched from the yard of Mr. Preston, at Yarmouth.

22.--Died at Winfarthing, Sarah Jessup, aged 101 years, "the last 30 of which, till a year and a half ago, she was employed as walking post from the Post Office at Diss to Winfarthing, a distance of four miles, which she constantly performed in all weathers, and is computed to have travelled more than 13,400 miles. She was married in the reign of George II. She had 16 children, who multiplied to the fourth generation, so that her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren at the time of her decease amounted to 444. Besides these, great-great-grandchildren, some of every degree and age, to the number of 200 and upwards, followed her to the grave, to which she was carried by her four sons."

26.--A desperate affray took place between the coastguard, under Lieut. George Howes, R.N., and a large party of armed smugglers, at Cley-next-the-Sea. The coastguard were obliged to fire several times in self-defence. The contraband goods seized consisted of 127 half-ankers of brandy and between 3,000 and 4,000 pounds of manufactured tobacco.

--At a public meeting held at the Guildhall, Norwich, under the presidency of the Mayor, it was decided to petition the House of Commons to protect children employed in factories from severe and injurious labour, by limiting the hours of their employment.

26.--The Lynn and Newmarket mail was proceeding through Methwold when the coach was upset in a deep drain, and one of the horses falling upon Booty, the coachman, he was suffocated.

MARCH.

19.--The barque Crawford Davison (George Sandford, master), from Hamburg to London, with 40 horses, of the value of 2,000 pounds, on board, struck upon Happisburgh Sand and was lost. The captain and crew were saved. All the horses were drowned, and their carcases sold for 12 pounds.

--At a special general meeting of the subscribers to the Norfolk and Norwich Museum, plans and specifications prepared by Mr. J. Brown, architect, were adopted for the erection of a building "on an eligible site in Exchange Street, near the new Post Office," at the cost of 1,500 pounds, raised in shares of 50 pounds each, to bear interest of 4 per cent. "The front of the intended building will be similar to that of the Temple of Jupiter Ammon." The first stone was laid on May 27th.

--The commissions for the holding of the first Lent Assizes at Norwich were opened by Mr. Baron Bolland.

21.--Selections from the oratorios of "The Creation" and "Samson" were performed at the Corn Exchange, Norwich, under the direction of Mr. Mueller. "The most remarkable feature of the evening's performance was a violin concerto by Master David Fisher. With the exception of Paganini, Kieswelter, and Mori, no such violin-playing has been heard within our walls."

22.--At the Norfolk Assizes, at Norwich, before Mr. Justice Bolland, Mary Wright, aged 28, was found guilty of the murder of her husband and of Richard Darby, by poisoning them at Wighton, and was sentenced to be hanged on March 25th. Pregnancy was pleaded, and a jury of matrons were empanelled, who returned a verdict adverse to the prisoner. By direction of the Court, she was examined by Messrs. Crosse, Scott, and Johnson, surgeons, upon whose certificate she was respited generally. The prisoner on July 11th gave birth to a female child, and sentence was afterwards commuted to transportation for life. The unfortunate woman died in Norwich Castle on November 1st.

28.--The 7th Hussars commenced their march from Norwich to Glasgow. The Court of Mayoralty on the 16th passed a vote of thanks to the regiment for the ready aid they had given to preserve the public peace, and expressed their approbation of the conduct of the non-commissioned officers and privates towards the inhabitants. The Hussars were replaced by the 3rd Light Dragoons.

APRIL.

1.--The Right Hon. Horatio, Earl of Orford, was elected High Steward of Great Yarmouth, in place of Viscount Exmouth, deceased.

6.--A private still was discovered in a house in St. Faith's Lane, Norwich. Fifteen gallons of spirits recently worked off were seized. The owners of the still were fined 30 pounds each, and in default of payment were sentenced to three months' imprisonment.

9.--A new steam carriage of 2-horse power was exhibited on Foundry Bridge Road, Norwich. It is said to have answered the expectations of the inventor, Mr. Watts, of Rose Lane.

12.--Between 400 and 500 of the noblemen, gentlemen, and yeomanry of Norfolk dined at St. Andrew's Hall, Norwich, in honour of Mr. Coke, upon his retirement from the representation of the county. H.R.H. the Duke of Sussex presided.

18.--A trotting match for 50 pounds took place between Mr. Brunning's Queen of Diamonds and Mr. Mendham's Jack of Clubs, from Yarmouth Bridge, _via_ Beccles to Halesworth. "The mare was driven in harness by her owner, who weighs 16 st., and the horse was ridden by Mr. Mendham (11 st.). Two miles beyond Beccles the mare gave up. The 15 miles from Yarmouth to Beccles was done in 45 minutes, and the whole 25 miles in 1 hour 33 minutes, by Jack."

24.--Died at his house at Greenwich, aged 76, Mr. P. J. Knights, for many years a well-known shawl manufacturer at Norwich. He served the office of Sheriff in 1809.

27.--Fuller Pilch advertised himself as the proprietor of a public-house and pleasure gardens on Bracondale Hill, Norwich, and as the lessee of the Norwich Cricket Ground, in the management of which he was assisted by his brother, William Pilch.

--It was announced that the county justices had hired the house of Mr. Hawkes, Bethel Street, Norwich, as lodgings for his Majesty's Judges of Assize.

--Mdlle. Celeste commenced a six nights' engagement at the Theatre Royal, Norwich. "For our latitude this lady exerts herself too much in the pirouette, considering the approximation of spectators in a provincial theatre to the stage."

MAY.

1.--Mr. Alderman Samuel Bignold was elected Mayor of Norwich.

6.--Mr. and Mrs. Wood commenced a four nights' engagement at Norwich Theatre, prior to their departure to America. They appeared in "The Barber of Seville" and the musical farce of "The Quaker."

7.--The horses of the Regulator coach, from Holt to London, started off at full speed from Guist Post Office, during the temporary absence of the coachman. A girl had the presence of mind to close the tollgate, which the horses attempted to leap, smashed it to atoms, and fell. The animals were severely injured, and the coach greatly damaged.

16.--Mr. Yates and Mrs. Waylett appeared at Norwich Theatre as Flutter and Letitia Hardy ("The Belle's Stratagem"). They afterwards acted in "Clari" (opera), "Don Giovanni," "The Four Sisters," and "Midas'" (burletta). Mr. Yates also gave his entertainments, "Portraits and Sketches" and "Views of Life."

JUNE.

1.--On this date was published the first of the series of remarkable accounts describing the ghostly visitations at Syderstone Parsonage, the residence of the Rev. Mr. Stewart, curate, and rector of Thwaite.

3.--Died, aged 101, Richard Smith, of Swanton Morley.

18.--The Guild Day festivities at Norwich, on the occasion of the swearing in as Mayor of Mr. Samuel Bignold, were attended by Viscount Stormont, M.P., and Sir James Scarlett, M.P., the latter of whom took his oath as an honorary freeman of the city. The Mayor entertained 1,100 guests at the Guild feast at St. Andrew's Hall, and upwards of 500 attended the ball at the Assembly Rooms, where the dancing was opened by the Mayor and Miss Wodehouse, daughter of the Lord Lieutenant.

19.--Two orange and purple banners, designed by a member of the College of Arms, were presented by the Conservative ladies of Norwich to Viscount Stormont, M.P., and Sir James Scarlett, M.P. The ceremony took place at the Guildhall, where a large company was entertained by the Mayor.

20.--Upwards of 750 electors in the "Orange and Purple" interest were entertained at dinner at St. Andrew's Hall, Norwich. A second contingent, numbering 1,000, dined there on the 21st. Mr. W. J. Utten Browne presided on both occasions, and Lord Stormont, M.P., was also present. The dinners were provided by public subscription.

JULY.

7.--During a severe thunderstorm "a fire-ball, apparently about the size of a man's head," fell upon the thatched roof of the Black Tower, Butter Hills, Norwich. The middle and lower rooms, occupied by a person named Brooks, and the upper storey, where a society of artisans assembled for astronomical observations, were entirely consumed. The society's valuable apparatus were destroyed.

15.--The resuscitated race meeting at Holkham was attended by 10,000 spectators. The races were held on the sands. "By the time the hunters' stakes had been decided the tide was fast approaching, and the leading people retired to a booth, where dinner was served, under the presidency of Mr. Brown, of Pudding Norton. The tide retiring, the company again occupied the sands."

17.--The Bishop of Lincoln, officiating for the Bishop of Norwich, confirmed 2,000 persons at East Dereham church. On the following day his lordship administered the rite to 2,068 persons at Norwich Cathedral; and on the 19th to 1,100 at Redenhall.

18.--A single wicket match between Fuller Pilch and T. Marsdon took place on the Norwich Cricket Ground. Pilch won, by 70 runs. The return match was played on Hyde Park Ground, Sheffield, on August 5th, when Pilch won by 128 runs.

20.--The Norwich Court of Mayoralty elected Mr. W. J. Utten Browne to the office of Sheriff.

--A duel was fought on the North Denes, Yarmouth. "The combatants were Mr. H. B--- and Mr. C. W---, the former seconded by Mr. J. B--- and the latter by Mr. W. C---, of the medical profession in N---. At the first shot Mr. W.'s pistol missed, and his antagonist fired in the air; at the second Mr. B. again fired in the air, and Mr. W. missed his aim. Another try took place, Mr. W. again missing and his antagonist firing as before. At the fourth and last Mr. W.'s ball just grazed Mr. B.'s thumb, when the parties appeared to have been satisfied, for they shortly after left the ground. The cause of the meeting arose at Maxim's Marine Hotel on the beach."

AUGUST.

27.--Mr. Alderman Steward was elected freemen's Sheriff at Norwich.

29.--The Norwich Court of Guardians held a meeting to take into consideration the suggestions contained in a letter received from the Mayor (Mr. S. Bignold), for the establishment of a joint stock company for spinning yarn on a scale calculated to give extensive employment to the poor. The subject was further considered at a meeting convened by the Mayor at the Guildhall, on September 5th, when the Norwich Yarn Company was formed, and by October 1st a capital of 26,000 pounds had been subscribed in shares of 100 pounds each. (_See_ February 27th, 1834.)

31.--A severe gale, which caused great damage to shipping, and resulted in the loss of many lives, occurred on the Norfolk coast. The Leith smack Earl of Wemyss went ashore at Brancaster; a heavy sea broke into the passengers' cabin, and six ladies, a gentleman, and four children were drowned. Among the deceased were Miss Susan Roche, a young lady of great musical ability, and sister of Mr. A. D. Roche, the composer. (_See_ October 16th.)

SEPTEMBER.

17.--The Norfolk and Norwich Musical Festival (held on this occasion for the benefit of the Hospital, the Blind Institution, the Eye Infirmary, and the Dispensary) commenced at St. Andrew's Hall. The principal vocal performers were Madame Malibran, Miss H. Cawse, Miss Bruce, Master Howe, Madame De Meric, Signer Douzelli, Mr. Horncastle, Mr. Hobbs, Mr. E. Taylor, and Mr. H. Phillips; conductor, Sir George Smart. Selections were given from "The Creation," "The Last Judgment," "The Deluge," and "Israel in Egypt." The Festival concluded on the 20th with a fancy dress ball. The total receipts were nearly 5,000 pounds, and the expenses about 4,200 pounds.

20.--Died at Yaxham Rectory, the Rev. Dr. Johnson, rector of that parish, with Welbourne annexed. "He was the friend of Cowper, and editor of his letters and posthumous works."

30.--Died at Gorgate, near East Dereham, aged 77, the Rev. Thomas Crowe Munnings, M.A., rector of Beetley-cum-East Bilney. He was a well-known and prominent agriculturist.

--The arrival of the City of Norwich trader and the Squire (London trader) "rendered this date ever memorable in the history of the city by its being the day on which Norwich became a port." These vessels, the first that had entered the Norwich river direct from the sea by way of the New Cut, were towed to the city from Surlingham Reach by a steam tug, with a band playing and colours flying. The river banks from Carrow "balance bridge" to the Foundry were thronged by thousands of citizens, and at Rudrum's Wharf the City of Norwich was boarded by the Mayor (Mr. S. Bignold) and several members of the Corporation. The bells of St. Peter Mancroft were rung, and the directors of the Norwich and Lowestoft Navigation entertained a large company at dinner at the Rampant Horse Inn. The success of the day's proceedings was marred by the drowning, in Surlingham Reach, of a lad named Allerton, son of the master of the City of Norwich.

OCTOBER.

4.--The first general meeting was held of the Harleston Agricultural Society, established by the owners and occupiers of land, for the encouragement of skill and for promoting and rewarding industry and good conduct among cottagers, servants, and labourers.

5.--The head-mastership of Norwich Free Grammar School was rendered vacant by the resignation of the Rev. T. Kidd.

13.--Died at Hethersett, aged 36, Mr. Elias Norgate, first secretary of the Norfolk and Norwich Horticultural Society, the plan of which was suggested by his father, Mr. Thomas Starling Norgate.

16.--An inquiry was opened by the magistrates at Docking, under authority of the Secretary of State, "to ascertain for his own and the public satisfaction whether there had been any loss of life by culpable negligence or loss of property by dishonesty," on the occasion of the wreck of the Earl of Wemyss smack on Brancaster beach, on August 30th. As a result of the inquiry, Mr. William Newman Reeve was committed for trial on the charge of removing from the wreck certain property which he alleged he was protecting on behalf of his father-in-law, who was lord of the manor. At the Norfolk Lent Assizes, held at Norwich before Mr. Baron Vaughan on March 26th, 1834, the defendant was placed upon his trial, and was defended by Sir James Scarlett, M.P. His lordship, in directing an acquittal, said the evidence had utterly failed; it was unnecessary for Mr. Reeve to say anything in support of his character, for nothing had been made out against him. Amid applause in court the Judge added there was not the slightest stain upon the accused. Another case arising out of the same wreck was tried at the Norfolk Summer Assizes, on July 30th, 1834, before Mr. Justice Bosanquet. The accused, Robert Allen, Charles Oakes, and James Ward were charged with feloniously taking certain articles from the wreck. The jury returned a verdict of not guilty.

21.--The West Norfolk Yeomanry Cavalry commenced a week's training at King's Lynn.

30.--Du Crow's Circus Company commenced a season's performances in a wooden building on the Castle Meadow, Norwich. It was known as "The National Arena and Equestrian Studio," and was the first of the temporary buildings periodically erected in this locality for entertainments of the kind.

NOVEMBER.

6.--Mr. William Dalrymple was presented with a valuable silver salver by the Mayor, Sheriffs, citizens, and commonalty of Norwich, in acknowledgment of the care and skill he had displayed in the performance of his duties as surgeon to the Great Hospital and Doughty's Hospital during the period of 28 years.

9.--Died at St. Michael at Coslany, Norwich, Ann, widow of Leonard Atkinson. "She was born in this parish December 24th, 1728, and had scarcely quitted it more than a week during the space of nearly 105 years. Free from wrinkles and decrepitude, she possessed her faculties unclouded till within a few months of her decease."

13.--The 50th anniversary of the Norwich Public Library was celebrated by a dinner at the White Swan, presided over by Dr. England, president of the institution.

15.--A special assembly of the Norwich Corporation was held, to take into consideration the application of Mr. George Long and Mr. John Buckle, two of the Commissioners named in the Municipal Commission, for the production of charters and other muniments of the Corporation. A resolution was passed stating that the Corporation had no wish to withhold the information required, "but they protested against the Commission as illegal and unconstitutional, and denied the right of the Commissioners to make any inquiries." At the opening of the Commission, on November 25th, the Sheriffs (Mr. W. J. Utten Browne and Mr. Edward Steward) declined to attend or to allow any of their officers to give evidence relative to the constitution of the Sheriffs Court, on the ground that "a Commission issued by virtue of the Royal prerogative alone was a process unknown to the law of England, and eminently hostile to public liberty." The inquiry lasted twenty-two days, and concluded on December 19th.

18.--Ducrow advertised the representation of a Spanish bull-fight at his Norwich circus. "To prevent any misconception on the part of visitors to the arena, and at the same time to add to the surprising nature of the performance, ladies and others are informed that the bull is impersonated by one of Mr. Ducrow's horses, tutored by him for the purpose, enveloped in an elastic skin, and so managed as to deceive even the keenest eye."

22.--Died at Guanajuato, Mexico, Lieutenant John Thomas Borrow, of the West Norfolk Militia, eldest son of Captain Borrow, of Norwich.

28.--Mr. George Long, Municipal Commissioner, held an inquiry into the affairs of the Corporation of Castle Rising. Mr. F. Lane, of Lynn, the Recorder, stated that he had no charter nor papers of any kind to produce. The Corporation consisted of a Recorder, Mayor, one alderman, and a serjeant-at-mace. The Mayor and alderman served in turn the office of Chief Magistrate. There were about 50 burgage tenants, and the Corporation property was about 20 pounds a year, arising from land, and with the money the Mayor gave each year two dinners to the leet. The Corporation had no debts, no prison, and but one offence had been committed in the borough for a number of years.

DECEMBER.

23.--Two leaden cases were dug up from a piece of ground at the east end of Wymondham church. One measured 6 ft 2 in. in length, and contained the mummified remains of an adult female; the other, 16.25 inches in length, a foetus of about the fourth month. The examination of the remains was conducted in the church on December 27th, by Mr. John Dalrymple, of Norwich, in the presence of sixty scientific and medical men. "As the mummies were taken from the site of the original choir, the female was most probably nearly allied to the founder of the abbey, William De Abbay or Daubeny, who died in the year 1156."

24.--An altar piece, copied from Rubens' "Descent from the Cross," and about one-fourth the size of the original picture, presented to St Peter's church, Yarmouth, by Col. Mason, was on this day placed in position under the personal superintendence of the donor.

1834.

JANUARY.

3.--The question of the restoration of the south and west faces of the keep of Norwich Castle was discussed at the Norfolk Quarter Sessions, and referred to the visiting justices, who recommended that it be undertaken; and on May 17th the tender of Mr. Watson was accepted and the work ordered to be proceeded with at once. On July 28th a public meeting was held at the Guildhall, "to take into consideration the expediency of instituting an inquiry into the necessity for covering up the face of such an antient relic with new building," and a resolution moved by Mr. Samuel Bignold, and seconded by Mr. Stevenson, expressing regret at the "demolition," and suggesting that an antiquary and architect be consulted before it was further proceeded with, was unanimously adopted. A deputation was also appointed to wait upon the Gaol Committee. At a meeting of the county magistrates, on October 17th, it was decided to employ Mr. Blore, a well-known architect and antiquary, "to survey and report upon the present state of the Castle, and the best mode of proceeding with the repairs." Mr. Blore reported on November 10th that the masonry was in a very bad state; that the then face of the building was not altogether original, but that the repairs and restorations it had undergone at various periods had been closely assimilated with the original work. He recommended that what was needed to be done should be judiciously incorporated with the ancient work. It was finally decided, on January 9th, 1835, that the visiting justices be authorised to continue the work as originally intended, and that they be empowered to consult Mr. Blore or any other architect they might think proper to employ.

9.--At a meeting of the Norwich Corporation, a resolution was passed protesting against any report that might be made by the Municipal Commissioners respecting the Corporation, "based on statements so utterly unfit to justify Parliament in legislating on so important a subject," and inviting the various Corporations throughout the kingdom "to make common cause with them in endeavouring to defeat any design that might be in contemplation for wresting from them their antient charters, franchises, and liberties."

12.--The organ of Norwich Cathedral was re-opened by Mr. Buck, after its thorough reparation by Bishop, of Lisson Grove, London. The sermon on the occasion was preached by the Right Hon. and Rev. Lord Bayning. The instrument was the original work of Father Schmidt.

21.--The first of the Choral Concerts inaugurated "for the purpose of obtaining a reserve fund for the support of the choral band at the Musical Festival and for maintaining and keeping together the great body of musical talent existing in the locality," was held at St. Andrew's Hall, Norwich.

25.--During a performance by a company of comedians at Cley-next-the-Sea, a pistol was fired, and the ramrod, which had been left in the barrel, entered the side of an actor named Leary, who was badly injured.

27.--Mr. Frederick Vining, of Covent Garden and the Haymarket Theatres, commenced a short engagement at Norwich Theatre, where he was formerly a favourite actor. His impersonations included Young Rapid ("A Cure for the Heartache"), Martin Heywood ("The Rent-day"), Sidney Maynard ("The Housekeeper"), Templeton ("Deaf as a Post"), Frank Bramble ("The Poor Gentleman"), and Harry Villars ("Open House").

FEBRUARY.

6.--Mr. Thomas Jefferson Hogg and Mr. John Buckle, Municipal Commissioners, opened an inquiry at the Tolhouse Hall into the corporate affairs of Yarmouth. After sitting for 20 days the Commissioners adjourned _sine die_.

14.--A _fete_ was given at Yarmouth Barracks by Captain Manby, "to mark the close of the labours that had so long engaged his attention for saving life." This was the twenty-seventh anniversary of "the saving of the first crew by the projection of a rope from the shore by the force of gunpowder, and thus effecting communication with a vessel on a lee shore. By this expedient upwards of 600 British sailors have been saved."

26.--Died at Lynn, Mr. Ezekiel Walker, aged 94. He was for many years a regular contributor to Nicholson and Tillock's "Philosophical Magazine," and published a collection of his essays, chiefly on electrochemical subjects.

27.--The ceremony of laying the first stone of the new Yarn Factory at Norwich was performed by the Mayor (Mr. Bignold). A procession, in which were characters representing Bishop Blaize, shepherds and shepherdesses, together with 80 wool combers, and many women and children, marched from Lakenham to the site of the new building in St. Edmund's. The directors and shareholders afterwards dined at the Norfolk Hotel.

MARCH.

11.--The lake at Scottow was drawn by Sir Henry Durrant, when five pike of large size were captured. The finest measured 4 ft. in length, 2 ft 3 in. in girth, and weighed 37 lbs.; the smallest was 3 ft 4 in. long, 20.5 inches in girth, and weighed 18.5 lbs. They were all taken at one haul.

--Resolutions in favour of the repeal of the Malt Tax were passed at a large meeting of the owners and occupiers of land in the Hundred of South Erpingham, held at the Black Boys Inn, Aylsham, under the presidency of Mr. Robert Marsham. Similar meetings were held throughout the county, and petitions were numerously signed in every Hundred.

22.--Miss Kelly appeared at Norwich Theatre in her entertainments, "Dramatic Recollections," "A Study of Character," and "Mrs. Parthian at Home."

APRIL.

12.--William Thirkettle, 27; William Pye, 32; and Gilpin Reynolds, 24, were executed on Castle Hill, Norwich, the first-named for the attempted murder of his wife, and the others for arson.

14.--The two troops of the King's Own Light Dragoons marched from Norwich for Hampton Court and Kensington Barracks.

25.--The Yarmouth Port and Haven Bill was considered by the House of Commons' Committee, presided over by Mr. William Windham. On the 28th the petitioners announced the abandonment of the Bill.

30.--The Bishop of Rochester, officiating for the Bishop of Norwich (who was then in his 90th year), confirmed 1,700 persons at North Walsham. On subsequent days 1,000 were confirmed at Holt, and 1,050 at Diss.

--Fifty-four convicts, sentenced at the County Assizes and Sessions to transportation, were taken on board the Sarah (Capt. Moore), lying in Norwich river. "The hatchways were closed at twenty minutes after two in the morning, and this London trader sailed immediately for Lowestoft, which harbour was reached about eleven o'clock; in three hours the vessel was out of sight and on her way to Portsmouth. Their being sent off by sea (through the Norwich and Lowestoft Navigation) instead of by land conveyance will be a very considerable saving of expense to the county of Norfolk."

MAY.

1.--Mr. Charles Turner and Mr. William Moore were returned to the Court of Aldermen, who elected the former as Mayor of Norwich for the year ensuing.

--May Day was celebrated at Lynn with the usual display of garlands and devices emblematical of the season, by persons arrayed in fancy costumes.

5.--Two troops of the 2nd Queen's Dragoon Guards, under the command of Major Kearney, marched into Norwich Barracks from Nottingham, to relieve the 3rd Dragoons, who, on the same day, marched for Ipswich.

8.--The leading postmasters of Norwich announced that they had reduced the rate of posting to 1s. 4d. per mile.

13.--A petition to Parliament against the proposed measure for separating religious instruction from the system of education hitherto prevailing at the Universities was unanimously adopted at a meeting summoned by requisition and held at the Guildhall, Norwich, under the presidency of the Mayor (Mr. Bignold).

16.--The dwelling-house, outbuildings, and corn stacks of Mr. Helsden Larner, at North Walsham, were destroyed by fire. A labourer named Jeremiah Cutting was buried beneath the falling roof of the stable and burned to death.

21.--The West Norfolk Agricultural Association held its first annual meeting at Downham Market. A second division of the society was formed at Fakenham on June 19th.

26.--A new drama, entitled, "Sir Roger de Coverley, or the Old English Gentleman," written by Mr. G. Smith, second son of the manager, was produced for the first time at Norwich Theatre. It was described as "a composition which exhibited talent of no common order."

28.--The King's birthday was observed in Norwich with great festivity. The first business at the special Assembly of the Corporation was to pass an address of congratulation to his Majesty, "praying him not to sanction the proposed measure for admitting Dissenters to graduate in the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge." The Mayor and Corporation then went to service at the Cathedral, and at noon the Queen's Bays fired a _feu de joie_ in the Market Place. The officers were entertained at the Guildhall, the sum of 5 pounds was distributed among the privates, and in the evening the Mayor (Mr. Bignold) gave a dinner at Chapel Field House.

29.--Died at Hingham, aged 93, the Right Hon. Lord Wodehouse. He was elevated from a baronetcy to a seat in the House of Lords in 1797, after having represented the county for many years. His lordship was succeeded in his title and estates by Col. Wodehouse, Lord Lieutenant of the county. The remains of the deceased nobleman were buried at Kimberley with great pomp on June 9th.

31.--At the close of the Norwich theatrical season, Mr. George Smith delivered an address, in which he lamented that "theatrical taste had of late years declined in the city, either from commercial depression or from the still more fatal growth of indifference."

JUNE.

13.--Died at Southampton, aged 65, Rear-Admiral Manby, of Northwold. He was one of the companions of Captain Vancouver, in his voyage round the world; was actively employed in conveying troops to Ireland at the time of the Rebellion; and during the war with France commanded the Bourdelais, Thalia, and Africaine frigates on various important services. Admiral Manby was a native of Norfolk.

17.--Guild Day was observed in Norwich. "When the civic procession arrived at the west door of the Cathedral, the nine knocks were given according to immemorial usage, and the Corporation passed in regular order through the rush-strewn nave." The Latin oration at the porch of the Free Grammar School was delivered by Fred Norgate, youngest son of Mr. T. S. Norgate, of Hethersett; Mr. Charles Turner was sworn in as Mayor at the Guildhall, and entertained 800 guests at the Guild feast held at St. Andrew's Hall. The festivities concluded with a ball at the Assembly Rooms.

18.--The great cricket match, Yorkshire _v._ Norfolk, for 100 gs. a side, commenced on the Norwich ground, and was continued on the 19th. Among the players were Marsden, Dearman, and the three Pilches. Norfolk: 1st innings, 216 (Fuller Pilch 87); 2nd innings, 91. Yorkshire: 1st innings, 37; 2nd innings, 97. The return match was commenced on Hyde Park Ground, Sheffield, on July 21st, when Yorkshire won by 123 runs. Yorkshire: 1st innings, 191; 2nd innings, 296. Norfolk: 1st innings, 75; 2nd innings, 289. Norfolk abandoned the match in consequence of the rain. "Many thought that with three bats to go in and Fuller Pilch still standing, the game might have been won had there been the means of playing it out."

21.--A severe thunderstorm occurred. Many cattle were killed by lightning, and the tower of Redenhall church sustained considerable damage.

27.--Died at Yarmouth, aged 92, Mrs. Hannah Diboll, "the celebrated twisterer, who had been accustomed from childhood to rise every morning at four o'clock, and persevered in the practice till within two or three years of her death."

JULY.

12.--The public gaslamps in Norwich at this date numbered 423, and the lighting of the city cost upwards of 2,000 pounds per annum.

18.--Mr. Richard Hanbury Gurney, formerly one of the Parliamentary representatives of Norwich, was presented with a massive silver candelabrum, purchased with the subscriptions of 1,250 citizens, chiefly of the working classes, "in testimony of their regard for his universal benevolence and sincerity in upholding the just rights of mankind, and of their admiration of his inflexible advocacy in the Senate to obtain for his country a salutary reform in the House of Commons."

19.*--"Died, a few days since, in his 62nd year, Mr. Philip Mallet Case, of Testerton House. On Sunday, July 13th, his remains were deposited in the family vault at Dunton. The procession from Testerton to the place of interment was respectably and numerously attended, and it is computed that there were no less than 3,000 persons present."

26.--Died in Clarges Street, London, aged 30, Lord James Henry FitzRoy, youngest son of the Duke of Grafton. His lordship was a captain in the 10th Hussars, and had represented Thetford since 1831.

--*"One of the attractions at Norwich Theatre during the Assize week was the unique and wonderful invention patented and exhibited by Mr. H. Childe, called Dissolvent Views."

26.*--"Died, last week, in the 105th year of her age, Mary Wratham, widow, Downham Market."

27.--Died at Litcham, Captain Thomas Edward Hoste, R.N., aged 40. He was fifth son of the Rev. Dixon Hoste, rector of Tittleshall and Godwick, and commenced his career at the age of 13, on the Amphion, commanded by his distinguished brother, Sir William Hoste. In 1809 he joined the Spartan frigate, served in the Mediterranean, Ireland, and South America, was promoted Commander in 1825, and was for a short time employed in coastguard service.

31.--The great doors at the west entrance to Norwich Cathedral were taken down for restoration and repair. "They had maintained their honourable station upwards of 400 years, and had received nine times that number of knocks on the Guild Day for the admission of the Corporation to Divine service."

AUGUST.

1.--The termination of slavery in the British possessions on this day was celebrated by a "Negro Jubilee" _fete_, given at Sheringham by Mrs. Upcher and her family, and by special services at the churches and chapels in Norwich.

8.--The Earl of Euston was elected, unopposed, representative of the borough of Thetford, in succession to Lord James FitzRoy, deceased.

--A case of great importance was tried by a special jury in the Sheriff's Court at Norwich. John Burrows, a butcher, had refused to pay the stallage charged by the Corporation for his meat stall in the Market Place, on the ground that the patent of his freedom exempted him from such charges. The Corporation, in an action against him, recovered the charges, which amounted to 16s. 4d., and defendant had suffered judgment to go by default. The special jury now found for the full amount claimed. Defendant resisted payment, and in the second week of September was arrested by virtue of a special writ, taken to London, and by Mr. Baron Alderson was committed to the Fleet Prison. At a quarterly assembly of the Corporation, on Sept. 22nd, Mr. William Wilde moved that it be an instruction to the Market Committee not to collect stallage in future from freemen selling provisions. Burrows had acted on the advice of the Municipal Commissioners in this matter, and these proceedings would probably be his ruin. The motion was negatived by 19 votes to 9.

9.*--"Workmen excavating at the lower part of the west side of Exchange Street have found a number of human skulls and bones. This was the site of the church of St. Crowche or St. Cross, and the public-house by the name of the Hole-in-the-Wall was built upon it. The church was demolished on October 14th, 1551, and the parish consolidated with St. John Maddermarket."

18.--A meeting was held at the Guildhall, Norwich, at which Mr. Gibbs, C.E., explained the facilities and advantages of a projected railroad from London to Dunmow, and thence to Norwich, with a branch to Cambridge, and an ultimate extension to the North of England. The length of line from Whitechapel to Norwich would be 97 miles; the cost of construction and compensation for land 1,000,000 pounds, and of machinery, depots, &c., 600,000 pounds. On the motion of Mr. Samuel Bignold, a provisional committee was formed for the purpose of promoting the object. On August 30th notice was given that application would be made in the next Session of Parliament for the construction of "the grand Eastern Counties Railway" from London to Norwich and Yarmouth, _via_ Romford, Chelmsford, Colchester, Ipswich, and Eye, at the estimated cost of 1,500,000 pounds, to be raised in 30,000 shares of 50 pounds each. A meeting was held at the Guildhall on Sept. 13th, for the purpose of considering the expediency of forming a railway from London to Norwich _via_ Bishop's Stortford, Cambridge, and Bury, to join the trunk of the Grand Northern Railway from London to York, Leeds, and Hull. Mr. William Cundy, C.E., described the plans, stating that in less than 18 months the railway from London to Norwich would be completed; and said that the estimated cost was 1,600,000 pounds. A local committee was appointed to enquire into the merits of the respective schemes. A public meeting of the county gentry and representatives of the agricultural and commercial interests was held at the Guildhall on October 16th, at which the committee reported that the line proposed by Mr. Gibbs was best entitled to the support of the city and county.

26.--Mr. John Marshall was elected freemen's Sheriff at Norwich by 817 votes, as against 585 recorded for Mr. John Culley.

31.--A terrible panic took place at St. Margaret's church, Lynn, owing to the failure of the gas. A rush was made for the doors, and a lad who fell from the organ loft received dreadful injuries.

SEPTEMBER.

6.--Died, aged 85, Mrs. Bray, wife of Mr. Thomas Bray, "proprietor of the Diss and Norwich waggons to Ipswich, which have regularly travelled from the Star in the Market Place, Diss, to the Star in the Market Place, Norwich, under the name of Bray, for more than a century and a half."

10.--Died, aged 77, Mr. Edmund Reeve, of St. Augustine's, Norwich. He served the office of Sheriff in 1796.

15.--On the Abbey Farm, Thetford, Sir Richard Sutton, Bart., in the presence of a large gathering of sportsmen, killed in seven hours 222 head of partridges, in 246 shots.

OCTOBER.

6.--At the Guildhall, Norwich, John Cozens, merchant, and Joseph Colman, solicitor, were summoned by George Arthur Dye for endeavouring, by threatening to prosecute an action in the Court of King's Bench, for supposed acts of bribery alleged to have been committed by the complainant, to extort from him a large sum of money, viz., the sum which he (Cozens) had expended in petitioning the House of Commons against the return of Lord Viscount Stormont and Sir James Scarlett, as members of Parliament for Norwich. The defendants were committed for trial, and at the adjourned Quarter Sessions for the city, on October 28th, a true bill was found against them. They entered into recognisances to appear at the Lent Assizes, which were held in March, 1835, before Mr. Baron Vaughan, when the case was settled without proceeding to trial.

9.--The Hall Concert Room, St. George's Bridge Street, Norwich, was sold by auction. It was afterwards converted into a carpenter's workshop. "The Hall Concert Society, after existing for upwards of half a century, has been dissolved. Without the assistance of this amateur musical society, the Norwich Musical Festival, and its most prominent feature, the chorus, would never have been called into existence."

11.*--"Died, lately, at Swainsthorpe, aged 75, Robert Utting, commonly called 'Blind Bob.' He could find any place to which he was sent in Norwich, and was for more than 50 years postman from that city to Swainsthorpe."

27.--The Pilot coach was on its journey from Norwich to Lowestoft, with eight outside and two inside passengers, when the leader of the unicorn team became restive, on Bracondale Hill, and turning sharply into Martineau's Lane, overturned the vehicle. Mr. Benson Rathbone, of Geldeston, one of the passengers, sustained a fracture of the skull, from which he died an hour afterwards, at the Pine Apple public-house, at Trowse. Several other passengers were injured.

NOVEMBER.

4.--The members of the Orange and Purple Club (president, Mr. W. J. Utten Browne), at the Norfolk Hotel, Norwich, presented a piece of silver plate to Mr. A. A. H. Beckwith, in recognition of his important services to the Conservative cause.

19.--At the Guildhall, Norwich, Mr. Samuel Bignold was presented with a silver candelabrum, valued at 200 pounds, "to perpetuate the remembrance of his ability and independence as a magistrate, his munificent hospitality, and his important public services."

--The Hon. W. H. Beresford and Mr. W. M. Praed were adopted Conservative candidates at Yarmouth. Mr. Beresford afterwards withdrew in favour of Mr. Thomas Baring.

26.--The annual meeting of the Norfolk and Norwich Museum was held for the first time "in the new building in Exchange Street," which was informally opened on that occasion.

29.--The Rev. A. Sedgwick, M.A., F.R.S., Woodwardian Professor in the University of Cambridge, was installed a Prebendary of Norwich Cathedral.

DECEMBER.

2.--A meeting of Nonconformists was held at Edwards' Room, Orford Hill, Norwich, in defence of their civil and religious liberty. Alarm was expressed at the dismissal of Lord Melbourne and his colleagues from office, and at the management of the affairs of State "being consigned to individuals who had proved themselves the enemies of Reform and of the claims of Protestant Dissenters." The Hon. Edward Vernon Harbord was requested to become a candidate for the representation of Norwich.

5.--Died at his house in St. Giles', Mr. William Simpson, Town Clerk of Norwich and Treasurer of the County.

8.--Died at Carlton Hall, Mr. Thomas Marsham. "He commenced farming with slender means, and notwithstanding his liberality to the labourers on his estate, and his hospitality to his brother farmers, he accumulated a property of near 30,000 pounds."

13.*--"Died, last week, Mr. Richard Mingay, well known in Norwich as a violin player. He was a man of many and very versatile talents, which, among other modes, have been displayed upon the stage in the character of Crack, in 'The Turnpike Gate,' which he performed with great humour."

15.--At a special assembly of the Common Council, Mr. Beckwith, City Chamberlain, was elected Town Clerk of Norwich; Mr. Skipper, Speaker of the Common Council, was appointed City Chamberlain; and Mr. James Winter was elected Speaker.

17.--The Orange and Purple Club entertained 768 Conservative voters at dinner at St. Andrew's Hall, Norwich. It was announced by the Mayor that Sir James Scarlett, M.P., had been appointed Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer. Lord Stormont and Mr. Robert Campbell Scarlett, the prospective candidates for the city, were received with great enthusiasm. On the 18th dinner was served to 1,004 Conservative electors. Mr. W. J. Utten Browne presided on both occasions.

20.--Mr. Richard Hanbury Gurney and Mr. W. Windham were announced to be the "Blue and White" candidates for East Norfolk. The former gentleman addressed the merchants at the Norwich Corn Exchange. Lord Stormont and Mr. Scarlett also spoke, and were attacked by a disorderly crowd. Mr. Gurney went to the assistance of his lordship. On the 22nd Mr. Edward Butcher was ordered by the magistrates to find sureties for having taken part in the disturbance. At a subsequent meeting of the Orange and Purple Club, Lord Stormont acknowledged the "honourable conduct" of Mr. Gurney.

24.--Died at Cork, Major-General Sir Robert Travers, elder brother of Sir Eaton Travers, of Ditchingham Lodge, and of Major Travers, of Hedenham Hall. He was riding in Patrick Street, Cork, when his horse was frightened by the band of Wombwell's Menagerie. The general was thrown, and received fatal injuries.

27.--The Hon. E. V. Harbord and Mr. Frank Offley Martin were adopted Liberal candidates for the representation of Norwich.

1835.

JANUARY.

5.--Yarmouth Election--T. Baring (C), 777; W. M. Praed (C), 768 (elected). Hon. Col. Anson (L), 680; C. E. Rumbold (L), 675.

6.--Norwich Election--Lord Viscount Stormont and the Hon. Robert Campbell Scarlett, Conservatives; the Hon. E. Vernon Harbord and Mr. Francis Offley Martin, Liberals, were nominated, and polling commenced on the same date. The books remained open until 5.30 p.m. on the 7th, when the result was declared as follows:--Stormont, 1,892; Scarlett, 1,878 (elected). Harbord, 1,592; Martin, 1,585.

7.--Lynn Election--The polling commenced on this date, and concluded on the 8th. Lord George Bentinck, 531; Sir Stratford Canning, 416 (elected); Sir John S. Lillie, 238.

12.--The nomination of candidates for the representation of West Norfolk took place at Swaffham. Mr. William Bagge, the Conservative candidate, was escorted to the town by a procession, headed by the hunting establishment of Mr. Henry Villebois. Sir William ffolkes and Sir Jacob Astley were accompanied by Mr. T. W. Coke and numerous supporters. A dispute arose between Lord Charles Townshend and Sir Jacob Astley, who were ordered by the justices to enter into their recognisances to keep the peace towards each other. The polling commenced on January 15th, at Swaffham, Downham, Fakenham, Lynn, Thetford, and East Dereham, and closed on the 16th. The poll was declared on the 19th.--ffolkes, 2,299; Astley, 2,134; Bagge, 1,880. The two first-named were elected.

17.--The nomination of candidates for the East Norfolk Division took place at Norwich. Lord Walpole and Mr. Wodehouse, Conservatives, entered the city by St. Giles' Gates, escorted by between three hundred and four hundred horsemen; Mr. W. Windham and Mr. R. H. Gurney (Liberals) rode at the head of 196 mounted supporters. The polling commenced on the 20th, at Norwich, Yarmouth, Long Stratton, and Reepham, and concluded on the 21st. The poll was declared on the 23rd, as follows:--Walpole, 3,188; Wodehouse, 3,474; Windham, 3,089; Gurney, 2,879. The two first-named were elected.

--At the Norwich Court of Mayoralty, Mr. Alderman Bignold read a letter from the Right Hon. Lord Abinger, Baron of Abinger in the county of Surrey and of the city of Norwich, intimating his lordship's desire that the Mayor and Corporation would permit him to take as the supporters of his arms the supporters of the arms of the city. The Court unanimously granted the request. It was also announced that his lordship had appointed as his chaplain the Rev. Charles Turner, son of the Mayor.

27.--The supporters of Messrs. Harbord and Martin, to the number of 900, were entertained at dinner at St. Andrew's Hall by leading persons of the Liberal party. On the 28th 1,000 were similarly entertained. Mr. W. Foster presided on both occasions, and on the second day Mr. Martin delivered a speech of two hours' duration.

FEBRUARY.

7.--A "moveable panorama" of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway, painted by Mr. Thorne, was exhibited at the Theatre Royal, Norwich.

19.--Married, Mr. J. V. Jermay, of Wroxham, to Mrs. Sarah Landimore, of the same place. "The above-named female has been twice married, having entered the matrimonial state at the age of 14. She became a widow at 15, and is now a wife again at 17."

23.--Died, at New Lakenham, aged 66, Mr. William Cole, the author of "Rural Months," and other poems.

24.--The Corporation of Norwich voted the honorary freedom of the city to the Hon. Robert Campbell Scarlett, M.P.