Chapter XXIV: Preface (23)

28.--The Marquis of Douro and Mr. Benjamin Smith, the retiring members, were nominated for the representation of Norwich in Parliament. Dover, the Chartist, nominated a third candidate, Mr. William Eagle, of Lakenheath, Suffolk. "Conservatives and Whigs, in the show of hands, voted against Eagle, and the Sheriff declared the Marquis of Douro and Mr. Smith duly elected." Dover thereupon demanded a poll for Eagle, but was unable to deposit one-third of the expense (about 200 pounds). The proceedings were temporarily adjourned. "Dover then went out of the room, and, after the lapse of half an hour, _something_ took place which our readers will guess by the result. When Dover came back there was no further demand for a poll--we believe Dover received 50 pounds to withdraw the nomination." The rumour quickly spread among the Chartists that Dover had "sold" them. The mob waylaid him in Dove Lane, and he retreated to the Guildhall for protection. The windows of the room in which he was supposed to have taken refuge were demolished by the stones thrown by the mob, and the police who went out to quell the disturbance were assailed by volleys of brickbats and other missiles. The 7th Dragoon Guards were called out, the Mayor read the Riot Act, and in the excitement and confusion Dover left the Guildhall unnoticed. On the 29th the Chartists assembled in force and went to the King's Head, St. George's Colegate, where Dover lived with a woman named Charlotte Humphrey. They burst into the house and found him armed with his Chartist weapons, which were wrested from him; he was knocked down, brutally belaboured, and hurried to the river, and would have been thrown from the bridge had it not been for the piteous intercession of one of his children. The mob were moving towards the Market Place with their prisoner when he was rescued by the police. At the same time a detachment of dragoons, commanded by Cornet Crofts, with the Mayor at their head, rode up, a coach was procured, and Dover, having been placed inside, was conveyed, under military escort, to the City Gaol, where his serious injuries were attended to by the surgeon of the prison. On the 30th several persons appeared before the magistrates and were punished for taking part in the disturbances. Public tranquillity was somewhat restored the same day by a procession in which "Philip Augustus, the musical pieman," and "Jerry, the lucifer match seller, in a military costume, with an immense plume of feathers in his cap," were "chaired."

28.--Lord George Bentinck and Sir Stratford Canning were returned unopposed for the borough of King's Lynn.

--Mr. W. Wilshere, Mr. C. E. Rumbold, Mr. Thomas Baring, and Mr. Joseph Soames were nominated candidates for the representation of Yarmouth. The proceedings were marked by great disorder. The polling, on the 29th, resulted as follows:--Wilshere, 945; Rumbold, 943; Baring, 501; Soames, 494. The two first named were declared elected.

30.--Thetford election took place. The Hon. W. Bingham Baring (Conservative), 86; Lord Euston (Whig), 71; Sir James Flower (Conservative), 71. Before a Committee of the House of Commons, on May 4th, 1842, a petition was presented on behalf of Sir James Flower, on the ground that several votes polled for Lord Euston were bad, as the voters had lost their qualifications. His lordship declined to take any part in these proceedings. The objection against one voter having been sustained, Sir James Flower was placed in a majority, and the Committee then passed the following resolution:--"That the Right Hen. Henry FitzRoy, commonly called the Earl of Euston, was not duly elected member for the borough of Thetford; that Sir James Flower, Bart., was duly elected, and ought to have been returned; and that the Committee have altered the poll by striking off the vote of William Burlingham from the poll of the Earl of Euston."

JULY.

5.--Mr. William Bagge and Mr. W. Lyde Wiggett Chute, the former members, were nominated and returned unopposed as members for West Norfolk. "The town of Swaffham was one blaze of pink and purple." The candidates were escorted to the Shirehall by an imposing procession, and after the nomination the election dinner was held at the Assembly Rooms, under the presidency of the Hon. Francis Baring.

10.--Mr. Edmond Wodehouse and Mr. Henry Negus Burroughes, the former Conservative members for East Norfolk, entered Norwich at the head of a great cavalcade of freeholders, and were nominated at the Shirehall. Mr. Palmer, Recorder of Yarmouth, and Mr. William Wilde, Coroner for Norwich, nominated and seconded Sir William J. H. B. ffolkes as the Whig candidate. The polling, on the 13th, was declared as follows:--Wodehouse, 3,498; Burroughes, 3,437; ffolkes, 1,379.

12.--Died at Denton, near Harleston, Sarah Witton, aged 100 years, "leaving twenty-nine great-grandchildren still living, they being the origin of one daughter." The deceased was "the daughter of John and Eleanor Middleton, who lived to attain to the great age of 105 years."

15.--Died in the Chantry, Norwich, Monsieur De Rouillon, "an eminent professor and teacher of French, and extensively known as the author of several grammatical and other useful literary works."

26.--At the Norwich Assizes, before Mr. Justice Williams, a special jury tried the important action, Palmer and another _v._ Irving, chairman of the Alliance Insurance Company. The action was brought by the executors of a person of the name of Howes to recover from the company the sum of 1,503 pounds, the amount of a policy on the life of Howes. The defendant disputed the liability to pay, on the ground that Howes had suffered from consumption, was addicted to habits prejudicial to life, and that the policy had been obtained by fraud. After a long trial, an arrangement was arrived at, and a verdict given for the defendant, both sides to pay their own costs, and the policy to become void. Policies with other offices were similarly affected by the result of the trial.

28.--At the Norfolk Assizes, before Mr. Justice Williams, John Self, aged 20, was charged with the murder of Jemima Stimpson, aged 15, at Wymondham, on July 17th. The prisoner killed the girl by striking her on the head with a spade, and afterwards threw the body into a pond. He was found guilty, sentenced to death, and on August 14th executed on the Castle Hill, Norwich.

AUGUST.

16.--The two troops of the 7th Dragoon Guards marched from the Cavalry Barracks, Norwich, _en route_ for Ireland. On the 25th a portion of the 13th Light Dragoons, recently returned from active service in India, marched in. The headquarters of the regiment were stationed at Ipswich. The commanding officer was Lieut.-Col. Richard Brunton, youngest son of Mr. John Brunton, formerly manager of Norwich Theatre, and brother of the Dowager Countess Craven.

17.--Experiments were made on Yarmouth beach, in the presence of coastguard officers, with the view of testing the capabilities of Manby's mortar and Dennett's rocket in carrying out a line for effecting communication with stranded vessels. "The result of the experiments appears to be that each apparatus is possessed of qualities peculiar to itself. The rocket unquestionably carries the furthest, and flies with great precision. It is also more portable, but the unanimous opinion was that the rocket and mortar should go together, and so far from being considered rivals, they should be regarded as coadjutors in promoting the beneficent object which each must have in view."

26.--A four-oared match between London and Norwich crews, for 50 pounds a side, took place from Coldham Hall to Thorpe Gardens, distance seven miles. The crews were composed as follow: London--Lett (stroke), Moulton, Maynard, Perry, G. Maynard (cox.). Norwich--William Gurling (stroke), Henry Gurling, Clarke, Tom Lefevre, W. Buttle (cox.). The boats started at 4.30 p.m.; the Londoners rowed the distance in 53 minutes, and the Norwich men in 56 minutes. The London boat, the most perfect specimen of a four-oar ever seen in Norwich, weighed 124 lbs. In a second match, on August 28th, in Norwich-built boats, from Bramerton to Thorpe, the London crew won by 25 seconds. On the same day a match between London and Norwich amateurs (London: Messrs. Chinery and Thompson; Norwich: Messrs. Clabburn and Russell), was rowed from Postwick to Thorpe (two miles), stakes 10 pounds. "The striking of the flags was nearly simultaneous, but the Londoners were declared the winners."

--A balloon ascent was made from Lynn Gasworks by Mr. Gypson, accompanied by Mr. Thomas Oxley and Mr. D. Nelson. A second ascent took place on September 9th. On September 18th Mr. Gypson ascended from Swaffham Gasworks.

SEPTEMBER.

6.--Mr. and Mrs. Wood commenced an operatic engagement at Norwich Theatre. The productions included "La Somnambula," "Fra Diavolo," "Love in a Village," and "The Waterman."

14.--The Coltishall Brewery estate, consisting of a residence and cottages, 53 inns and public-houses, and about 260 acres of land, formerly the property of Mr. Robert Howes, deceased, was offered for sale by auction, at the Norfolk Hotel, Norwich, by Mr. W. W. Simpson, of London, and realised about 50,000 pounds.

OCTOBER.

13.--Van Amburgh, with his collection of trained animals, performed at Lynn. "The elephant arrived covered with a sort of coat _a la __Mackintosh_, and, to prevent injury to his feet, he had something on in the shape of boots." The show also visited Norwich, and was located in the Ranelagh Gardens. "As a menagerie it is inferior to Wombwell's; as a spectacle it is scarcely to be compared with Carter's."

19.--At the Norwich Quarter Sessions, before Mr. Isaac Jermy, Recorder, Jacob Macro, woollen draper, refused to take the oath as a member of the grand jury, "because Scripture said 'Swear not at all.' The Recorder: Then, sir, I think it right to fine you the sum of 50 pounds, to be paid to the use of her Majesty." The fine was subsequently reduced to 20 pounds.

NOVEMBER.

8.--An exceedingly rare fish, the maigre (_sciaena aquila_), was captured off Sheringham. It measured 5 ft. 2 in. in length, weighed 68.5 lbs., and was preserved by Mr. George Johnson, chemist, of Norwich.

9.--At a meeting of the Norwich Paving Commissioners, it was decided to try the experiment of paving Briggs' Street with wood. It was suggested that "pieces of fir 14 in. or 15 in. long, having been peeled, be put down as they grow, with gravel between each."

--Mr. John Marshall was elected Mayor of Norwich, and Mr. William Storey appointed Sheriff.

10.--On the arrival at Norwich of the intelligence of the birth of the Prince of Wales, the Union flag was hoisted on the towers of St. Peter Mancroft, St. Stephen, St. Giles, and of other parish churches, and the bells of St. Peter rang rejoicing peals. On Sunday, the 14th, a special form of thanksgiving was used at the church services; on November 16th and December 4th the Norwich Town Council and the county magistrates voted addresses of congratulation to the Queen and Prince Albert; and on December 7th the Bishop of Norwich gave a dinner to the inmates of the Workhouse. "The Queen graciously received the congratulations of the boys of Paston Grammar School, North Walsham, and requested that an additional week of holidays be granted to them at the ensuing Christmas vacation, in commemoration of the happy event."

13.--On this date was published the judgment given in the Consistory Court of Norwich, by Mr. Evans, in the suit, Loftus husband _v._ Loftus wife. The suit was brought by the Rev. Arthur Loftus, of Fincham, against Mary Anna Ray Loftus, for restitution of the conjugal rights of marriage. The Court ruled that Mr. Loftus was fully entitled to judgment, and admonished Mrs. Loftus to return to her husband.

14.--Died at Blickling Hall, the seat of the Dowager Lady Suffield, John William Robert Kerr, Marquis and Earl of Lothian, aged 48. The funeral of the deceased nobleman took place at Blickling church, on November 24th.

16.--Christ church, New Catton, was consecrated by the Bishop of Norwich, and the sermon was preached by the Hon. and Rev. J. T. Pelham, rector of Berghapton. "The Chartists marched in procession to the church and were refused admission, and then commenced every possible description of insult and injury. The Bishop and other gentlemen, on leaving the church, were scandalously assailed by the mob; near St. Clement's church some stones were thrown, and it was with difficulty that the crowd was kept off. The Right Rev. prelate was escorted to the Palace, and at the gate three cheers were given for his lordship." Eleven arrests were made, and several convictions were recorded during the two days' hearing at the Police Court. The ringleader, a man named Hewett, was committed for trial at the Quarter Sessions, and on January 4th, 1842, the Recorder (Mr. Isaac Jermy) sentenced him to two calendar months' imprisonment, ordered him to find two sureties and keep the peace for twelve months, and to remain in custody until such sureties were forthcoming.

17.--At the dinner of the Marham Hunt, held at the Crown Inn, Swaffham, Mr. Henry Villebois was presented with a silver candelabrum, weighing 200 oz., in recognition of "the liberal and sporting manner in which he had contributed to the general amusement" of the members of the Hunt.

19.--A meeting of landowners and others was held at Yarmouth, for the purpose of considering a scheme proposed by Mr. Robert Stephenson, for constructing a railway from Yarmouth to Norwich. Two other proposed railways were before the public, and in both cases it was proposed to construct bridges over the river. Mr. Stephenson's railway, first known as the Valley Line, pursued a route which obviated the necessity of crossing the river, but the scheme included a plan for diverting the course of the stream at Thorpe for a distance of about 50 chains. The scheme, which was estimated to cost 150,000 pounds, was adopted, and the line, the first to be opened in Norfolk, was called afterwards the Yarmouth and Norwich Railway.

24.--The celebrated Distin family gave the first of three concerts at the Theatre Royal, Norwich.

27.*--"The memorial statue of the late venerable Bishop Bathurst, by the far-famed hand of Chantrey, has been erected this week in Norwich Cathedral." This was the last work of Chantrey, who died in London shortly after his departure from Norwich. "The estimate for the monument of Bishop Bathurst was 2,500 pounds; Chantrey took it for 1,500 pounds; the block of Carrara marble alone must have cost him nearly 1,000 pounds."

--The Census returns were published on this date. The statistics affecting Norwich were as follow:--Houses, inhabited, 13,889; uninhabited, 805; building, 53; persons--males, 28,014; females, 33,832; total, 61,846. The population of Norfolk, exclusive of Norwich, was 350,775.

DECEMBER.

7.--A flood occurred at Norwich, after twenty-four hours' rain. It was the sixth that had taken place since October 5th. "The waters were as high if not higher than on any former inundation of our marshes."

23.--The Phenomena coach, with its Christmas load, started from Norwich, drawn by a team of six greys, "which were all managed by Mr. Thomas Wiggins, in a style which would have done credit to a first-rate whip, and which was never before attempted by any coachman on the road."

24.*--"We have lately had exhibited in Norwich a new system of skaiting on the saloon in the Ranelagh Gardens and at the Corn Exchange. It is called Tachypos, and is a kind of skait each running on two iron wheels about six inches in diameter, and fastens on to the foot in a similar way to the common skait, with protection to the legs up to the knees. With these persons may travel at the rate of nine miles an hour upon the common road. The Tachypos is invented by Mr. J. Ayton, of this city, and differs considerably from the Tachypos lately exhibited at the principal theatres in London. There are at this moment boys exhibiting upon them, and are cutting round the corners and corn-stands with all imaginable ease and rapidity."

--Wombwell's Menagerie arrived at Norwich, and was exhibited on the Castle Hill. The collection included a pair of giraffes, one of which was killed by an accidental fall. "The elephant is a magnificent animal, but we think the walking exercise which Van Amburgh's elephant is obliged to take, instead of being drawn from place to place by some twelve horses, conduces to a clearer complexion and a better state of health." For the first time, Wombwell advertised that he had a keeper "who goes into the den of the trained lions and tigers."

1842.

JANUARY.

7.--At a meeting of the county magistrates, held at Norwich, the Earl of Orford presented a petition signed by a very large number of occupiers of land, "praying for a considerable change, if not a total abrogation, of the police force, as the introduction of the force had not decreased either the number of robberies or cases of vagrancy, while the expenses of the county were much increased by the costs arising from the prosecution of persons apprehended by the police for offences of a very trivial nature." The Rev. J. C. Collyer presented a counter petition from the clergy, landowners, and inhabitants of Reepham, "praying that no alteration take place in the county police, which had been found a most useful body in that part of the county." A resolution was unanimously adopted affirming that great benefits had been derived from the introduction of the police, and thanking Col. Oakes, the Chief Constable, for his exertions in the formation of the force.

8.--Deputations from the various agricultural societies in East Norfolk attended a meeting at the Norfolk Hotel, Norwich, at which the East Norfolk Agricultural Association was formed, for the exhibition of stock and agricultural implements in Norwich or its vicinity. Lord Wodehouse was elected president, and Mr. E. C. Bailey secretary. The first show was held on Norwich Cricket Ground, on September 13th. There were twenty-four classes of live stock, and four entries of implements; 800 persons were present, and the sum of 40 pounds was taken at the gates. Lord Wodehouse presided at the dinner, held at the Assembly Rooms.

14.--The Lynn mail coach, on its journey to London, overturned between Melbourne and Royston, and Simpson, the coachman, was killed.

15.--"Died last week, in the 85th year of his age, Mr. Thos. Leech, hosier, one of the oldest inhabitants of Diss. He was the representative of the venerable Bishop Blaize in the last procession of the wool-combers held at Diss at about the same time the like pageant was exhibited at Norwich, Diss having been esteemed a great manufactory of hosiery, and one of the chief in Norfolk and Suffolk."

19.--At a meeting held at the Guildhall, Norwich, it was decided to celebrate the christening of the Prince of Wales by the erection of an almshouse, and to raise 1,000 pounds for carrying out the scheme. At an adjourned meeting, on January 25th, the resolution was rescinded, because "the opening of an alms-house was only the opening of a pauper warren." On the same day a dinner was given at the Royal Hotel, a ball took place at the Assembly Rooms, and the inmates of the Workhouse were entertained.

FEBRUARY.

5.--Richard Cricknell, the Norwich pugilist, died on this date. "He had never been well since he fought with Cain (on January 7th, 1840, _q.v._); the injury which he received to his head deprived him of his reason, and he had since been in the Bethel."

6.--Died at Budleigh-Salterton, near Exeter, aged 70, the Rev. William Gilpin, who had been twice stationed in Norwich as Wesleyan Superintendent, namely, in 1809 and 1824, during which periods "the great chapels" in Calvert Street and St. Peter Mancroft were erected.

9.--Died at his seat at Thorpe Lodge, aged 87, Lieut.-Col. Harvey, a magistrate and deputy-lieutenant of the county, and a justice of the peace for Norwich. He was also "Father of the City." Born in 1755, he was elected Sheriff of Norwich in 1784, Alderman for the Middle Wymer Ward in 1787, and Mayor in 1792. During the war which was terminated by the Treaty of Amiens he raised and commanded a troop of Volunteer Cavalry, called the Norwich Light Horse, which, on the renewal of hostilities with France, was augmented to a squadron, of which he was appointed Major. In 1824 he became by seniority Lieut.-Col. Commandant of the 3rd Regiment of Norfolk Yeomanry Cavalry and continued at the head of the corps until the three county regiments were disembodied. In 1825-26 he served the office of High Sheriff of Norfolk. The Thorpe Lodge estate was sold at the Norfolk Hotel, Norwich, by Mr. Culley on June 9th and 10th. The amount realised by the auction was 35,000 pounds and sales by private contract brought the amount to 50,000 pounds.

10.--Lord Jocelyn was elected unopposed Member of Parliament for Lynn, to fill the vacancy caused by the appointment of Sir Stratford Canning as Ambassador at Constantinople.

26.--A prospectus was issued inviting the public to subscribe 800 pounds in 40 shares of 20 pounds each, for the purchase of a steam carriage (patented by Mr. W. Parr) to run for hire between Norwich and Yarmouth. (There is no further record of the proposed undertaking.)

MARCH.

7.--The Norwich weavers commenced a strike to enforce a return to the scheduled prices paid in 1836. The women and girls employed at Mr. Wright's factory struck on July 19th, and paraded the streets with alms-boxes; and on August 22nd the jacquard weavers adopted a similar course. In the latter case Mr. Hinde and Mr. Steward agreed to their demands, and Messrs. Willett and Francis urged the making of mutual concessions.

--Died, aged 86, Elizabeth Hawes, widow, of Coltishall. "She was born and reared in humble life, and was the only sister of that eminent scholar, Richard Porson, and though under widely different circumstances, her mind showed traces of the relationship in perception, memory, and the power of application."

23.--Disturbances took place at Lynn in consequence of a reduction in the wages of coal porters and sailors. The rural police were summoned, special constables sworn in, and a troop of the 13th Light Dragoons were ordered from Norwich. Several of the ringleaders were sent to jail.

26.--The publication of Part I. of Mr. David Hodgson's "Antiquarian Remains, Principally Confined to Norwich and Norfolk," was announced on this date.

--*"A plan has been set on foot for the establishment of an Art Union for East Anglia, with the view of giving encouragement to the fine arts in this county and its vicinity. The exhibition is intended to be opened at Norwich at or prior to the Festival week." The society was known as the East of England Art Union, and the first exhibition was opened "at their well-lighted gallery in Exchange Street," on July 27th. The exhibitors included J. Stark, J. B. Crome, S. B. Colkett, M. E. Cotman, A. Stannard, R. Ladbrooke, J. B. Ladbrooke, T. Lound, R. Leman, &c.

APRIL.

4.--At the Norfolk Assizes, before Mr. Serjeant Atcherley, George Barber, aged ten years, was indicted, upon the Coroner's inquisition, for murdering John Smith, aged eight, by throwing him over Shotford Bridge into the river Waveney, on November 6th, 1841. The only direct evidence to criminate the prisoner was his own confession, which was extracted from him by a witness who had chained him up and frightened him by threats. The Commissioner directed the jury to acquit the prisoner, who was afterwards received into the establishment of the Philanthropic Society, St. George's Fields, London.

5.--A singular case was tried at the Norfolk Assizes, before Lord Chief Justice Tindal. The defendants, John Utting and Anna Bunn, were indicted for conspiring against one Daniel Durrant, of Winterton, a criminal then under sentence of transportation for life. Durrant, at the Summer Assizes in 1841, was charged with committing a rape upon Bunn, on whose evidence and that of John Utting, a constable at Filby, he was convicted and sentenced. Soon afterwards Durrant's wife died of grief, and Bunn, labouring under the pangs of remorse, confessed to the Rev. Mr. Sidney, of Acle, that the statements which procured the conviction of Durrant were false. It was further shown that Utting had planned with Bunn to ruin Durrant. The jury now found that Durrant was not guilty of the charge on which he was convicted, and returned a verdict of guilty against Utting, while Bunn, who had not been called upon to plead, was discharged. Utting was taken before the Court of Queen's Bench, on May 9th, and was there sentenced by Mr. Justice Patteson to twelve calendar months' imprisonment in Norwich Castle. "The issue of the prosecution was that Durrant was restored to liberty and returned home. Only three years ago he would have been executed for this crime. He was formerly an innkeeper, with a good business. Through this unfounded charge he has lost his wife, who died of a broken heart, and he and his three young children are now destitute." Public subscriptions were made on behalf of this unfortunate man.

16.*--"During the Assizes the Norwich Scholars ascended the tower of St. Peter Mancroft and made a grand attempt to ring 6,729 changes of Stedman's Cinques. They attained about 6,000, in four hours and a half, after which the gudgeon of the tenor broke, which, with the stock and implements, weighs 5,000 lbs. and upwards. It fell on the beams beneath with a tremendous crash, but sustained no injury. The ringers were more frightened than hurt."

--*"Messrs. Whaites, of Ingham, have, in two days during the last fortnight, killed 116 couples of snipes; on the first day 54 couples, on the second day 62 couples." Other remarkable feats of snipe shooting were recorded during the year. On October 15th Mr. Robert Fellowes, jun., killed, on Sir William Beauchamp Proctor's marshes at Langley, 60 couple; and on November 17th, at Rockland, Mr. Richard Crawshay killed, at one shot, four snipe on the wing.

--The publication, by subscription, was announced of a new tragedy, entitled, "De Valencourt, or the Fate of Extremes," by Mr. William Henry Hoskins, principal tragedian and deputy stage manager at the Theatre Royal, Norwich, and Mr. H. H. Hoskins, author of "The Spaniards' Ransom," &c. The publishers were C. Mitchell, Red Lion Court, Fleet Street, London; Matchett and Co. and Bacon and Co., Norwich. The play was produced at Norwich Theatre for the first time on May 14th. "In the piece there is an imitation of Shakesperian language and dialogue; there are many striking, and some touching passages, but allied with much that is very strained and exaggerated."

23.--Mr. Abington, "a graduated member of Trinity College, Cambridge, and also of the English Bar," who had adopted the stage as a profession, made his first appearance at Norwich Theatre, as Hamlet.

MAY.

1.--A serious fire occurred at Hillington Hall, the seat of Sir William ffolkes, Bart. The fire was confined to the servants' apartments, which were totally destroyed, and the main building was saved by the unroofing of the intervening structure.

6.--Samuel Wilkinson, of Mill Street, Peafield, appeared before the Norwich magistrates and stated that he wished to sell his wife. The magistrates referred him to the Ecclesiastical Court, but he said he would effect the sale and take the risk. On the 7th, at or near the Prussia Gardens, he sold his wife for a guinea, and received a sovereign on account. On the 10th Wilkinson was bound over to keep the peace for assaulting his wife. In the course of the hearing the following written agreement was produced:--

"This is to satfy that I Samyoul Wilkerson sold my wife to Mr. Gorge
Springle for the sum of one pound one before witness.

Samyoul X Wilkerson
Maryann Wilkerson X her mark
Gorge Springle X his mark
Frederick Cornish, witness."

7.--Died, Mr. George Cooke Tucker, landlord of the New Inn, Cromer. "The present flourishing establishment was built and raised by him. Possessed of a peculiar courteousness of manner, and endowed with great kindness of disposition, he was alike esteemed by the resident gentry and the general inhabitants of the place and neighbourhood. He had reached the patriarchal age of ninety years."

11.--Died, aged 62, Mr. William Norman, Windsor Place, New Lakenham, "many years hair dresser to his late Majesty George III."

18.--At Norwich Theatre was produced, for the first time, a new melodrama, in three acts, entitled, "The Student of Jena," by Mr. Wm. Cooper, B.A., barrister, of Norwich. "The play is founded on the romance of the 'Diamond Watch,' a piece of _diablerie_, emanating from the German school."

26.--Thurlow, the pedestrian, commenced a walk of 2,000 miles in one thousand hours, at Richmond Hill Gardens, Norwich. (No further record.) Robert Skipper, "the celebrated pedestrian, of Norfolk and Norwich, having been absent on the Continent and in different counties, where he has won several matches, and is now in his 55th year," began a walk on June 21st, of 50 miles per day for twenty successive days, at the Green Hill Gardens, St. Augustine's Gates, Norwich. He completed the task on Sunday, July 10th, "and did not appear to be in the least distressed."

28.--Mr. and Mrs. Wood commenced, at Norwich Theatre, a five nights' engagement, prior to their final retirement from the stage. The operas produced included "Fra Diavolo," "Midas," "La Somnambula," and "Norma."

--The Norfolk Yeomanry Cavalry assembled at Swaffham for eight days' permanent duty, under the command of Major Loftus.

30.--Cricket was revived in Norwich by a match played on this date, between the Norwich Club and the officers and privates of the 13th Light Dragoons. "Considerable fluctuation has for the last few years in Norwich marked the practice of this celebrated manly game, and about two years since nothing appeared more probable than its extinction."

JUNE.

1.--Another instance of the holding in church of a public meeting for secular purposes occurred on this date. The inhabitants of Stoke Holy Cross assembled at the parish church to discuss the propriety of establishing a benefit society. Mr. T. Brightwell presided over the meeting.

14.--Died, aged 65, at Long Island, United States, Mr. John Hunt, engraver, formerly of Norwich. He was the author of a work on British ornithology.

19.--A severe thunderstorm occurred at Norwich. "The wind blew a perfect hurricane. Rushing in a straight line for Catton, it caught the high wall in St. Clement's Square, and blew down about 30 yards of solid brickwork." The sails of Catton mill were blown off, trees were torn up by the roots, and the river suddenly rose above the banks in places. At Harleston a marsh mill was overturned and houses were unroofed.

21.--Died at the Euston Hotel, London, Mr. Fred. Yates, aged 45, manager of the Adelphi Theatre. He married, in 1823, Miss F. Brunton, granddaughter of Mr. John Brunton, of Norwich.

30.--Died at Longford Hall, Derbyshire, aged 88, Thomas William Coke, Earl of Leicester. His lordship was born on May 6th, 1753, and was returned for Norfolk in 1776. With one brief intermission, he continued to represent the county until 1832. He was created Earl of Leicester in 1837. He married, in his twenty-third year, his cousin Jane, youngest daughter of Mr. James Dutton, who died June 2nd, 1800, leaving no male issue. After remaining twenty-two years a widower, he married, February 26th, 1822, Lady Anne Amelia Keppel, third daughter of the Earl of Albemarle, her ladyship being then 19 and Mr. Coke 70 years of age. The issue of the marriage were Thomas William, born in 1822; Edward Keppel, 1824; Henry Coke, 1827; Wenman Clarence Walpole, 1828; and Margaret Sophia, who, at the Earl's death was only ten years of age. The remains of the deceased nobleman arrived at Swaffham on July 10th, and were placed in the large room at the Crown Inn. From four o'clock in the afternoon until nine in the evening the body lay in state, and immense numbers of persons passed through the apartment. At nine o'clock on the morning of the 11th, muffled peals were rung, and at eleven o'clock the funeral procession started for Tittleshall. It passed through Castle-acre, the Lexhams, and Litcham. "At every spot where the main road crossed the cross roads were carriages in waiting to fall into the procession, which, marching in close order, was two miles in length." At Tittleshall church, where the interment took place, there was a great gathering of the personal friends and tenantry of the deceased earl.

JULY.

2.--Died at Hexham, Northumberland, aged 86, Mr. William Cooke, formerly of North Creake. "About 60 years ago, under the auspices of Mr. T. W. Coke, and upon the estate of Earl Spencer, he introduced into Norfolk the drill system for corn. He subsequently introduced into the same county the Northumberland turnip husbandry, and, in conjunction with Sir Mordaunt Martin and Dr. Letsome, established the cultivation of mangold wurzle in England. During his latter years he devoted much time and his high mathematical attainments to perfecting the plough."

4.--The first meeting for enforcing the Income-Tax was held at the Shirehall, Norwich, when Commissioners were appointed for the several Hundreds named in the Act of Parliament. Similar meetings took place at Yarmouth and Lynn.

6.--Races were held at East Dereham. The other meetings this season were at Norwich on July 12th and 13th, Downham July 22nd, and Yarmouth September 6th and 7th.

9.--The funeral of Lord Townshend, who died at Hutton Lodge, Yorkshire, on June 28th, aged 56 years, took place at Bintry church.

14.--Major Boxall, of Swaffham, was killed at the brewery of Mr. Morse, in that town, by the fall of a portion of the roof.

16.--At a meeting of the yeomanry and tenantry of both political parties, held at the Swan Inn, Norwich, it was decided to erect, by public subscription, a monument to the memory of the late Earl of Leicester. (_See_ January 7th, 1843.)

23.--A correspondent, writing under this date to the NORFOLK CHRONICLE, complained of the danger and annoyance caused on the public roads by vehicles drawn by dogs. "If," he wrote, "Parliament deemed it necessary two years ago to pass an Act prohibiting, under a severe penalty, the use of dogs as beasts of draught or burden in London and its neighbourhood for twenty miles around, surely the same necessity, as well on the score of humanity as of personal security to the public, does exist in reference to every other portion of the kingdom."

24.--Died, aged 60, at Hunter Street, Brunswick Square, London, John Sell Cotman.

AUGUST.

1.--An acrobat, named Alleni, was descending a rope "in his chariot of fire," at the Greyhound Gardens, Ber Street, Norwich, when his apparatus failed, the rope broke, and the unfortunate performer, falling a distance of thirty feet, was seriously injured.

6.--A correspondent complained that the "unrivalled tower" of Norwich Cathedral, then undergoing restoration, was "under the care of a plasterer, to be patched and pieced in his best manner with a compound of villainous ingredients scarcely tolerable on a shop front." Mr. John Brown, the Cathedral architect, replied, on August 10th, to the effect that the substance used was not plaster, but "hydraulic cement, calcined limestone and sand, which is more durable than stone." Much newspaper controversy ensued.

20.*--"Last week a block of granite of nearly two tons weight was fixed on the south battlement of Norwich Castle, containing the following inscription:--"This Royal Castle, built by William Rufus, as Knychton testifies in his Chronicle, on the site of one much more ancient, has been used as a county gaol since the year 1345, and was finally vested in the magistrates of Norfolk for that purpose by Royal grant confirmed by Parliament in 1806. The ornamental work and facing of the exterior having fallen into a state of extreme decay, the same was ordered to be restored at the expense of the county by the Court of Quarter Sessions, in April, 1834. Its restoration was carried into effect with the most careful adherence to the details of the antient work in Bath stone, as most resembling that of Normandy, which had been originally used, under the superintendence of the visiting justices, and completed in 1839. The battlements and corbel table were designed from the best discoverable authorities, as no portion remained of the original termination of the building. Anthony Salvin, Esq., of London, architect; Mr. James Watson, of Norwich, stonemason." [The NORFOLK CHRONICLE expressed regret "at the necessity, if any such existed, for the adoption of a process which has for ever hidden from human eyes the whole exterior of this celebrated Anglo-Norman keep."]

27.--A finner whale, discovered stranded upon a shoal in Lynn Roads, was secured by a boat's crew who fastened a rope to its tail. When the tide rose the whale dragged the boat with great velocity towards the town. After a struggle of seven hours, it was landed. It measured 50 ft. in length.

--*"Her Majesty has been pleased to grant unto William Hardy Cozens, Esq., of Letheringsett, her Royal licence to take and use the surname and arms of Hardy, in addition to his present name, in compliance with a condition contained in the will of his late uncle, William Hardy, Esq., of Letheringsett Hall."

30.--A great rowing match took place on the Yare, at Norwich, in the presence of thousands of spectators. The match, which was open to all England, was for a subscription cup or purse of 50 pounds, and was to be rowed in four-oared 36ft. boats, by amateurs. Competing crews were entered by the Leander Club, London; King's College Club, London; the Cambridge Amateur Club, and the Norwich Amateur Club. The odds throughout were greatly in favour of the Londoners, and many heavy bets were made on Cambridge. The course, about three miles, was from stakes on Bramerton Common to a spot nearly opposite Thorpe Gardens. "The boats started two and two; the first two boats were started 100 yards apart at the same time; the winning boat of each pair had therefore to row another heat. By the casting of lots, the Leander was pitted against King's College, and Norwich against Cambridge. The Leander had the lead of King's College, and Cambridge the lead of Norwich." King's College and Norwich won the first heat--the former in 22 minutes 30 seconds, and the latter in 21 minutes 30 seconds. In the final heat Norwich beat King's College easily. The winning crew were composed as follow:--J. Kidd, 9 st. 10 lb.; J. Wigham, 10 st. 9 lb.; W. Clabburn, 11 st. 7 lb.; T. Clabburn (stroke), 9 st. 2 lb.; F. Bolingbroke (cox.), 8 st. 11 lb. Trained by Noulton.

--The Royal squadron accompanying the Queen on her voyage to Scotland passed Yarmouth at five am. On the return of her Majesty, on the evening of September 16th, several yawls put out to sea, and the occupants were gratified with a sight of the Queen and Prince Albert on the main deck of the Trident steamer. Loud cheers were given for the Sovereign and her Consort.

SEPTEMBER.

10.--The publication of Part I. of Mr. Henry Ninham's "Picturesque Antiquities of Norwich" was announced.

13.--The Norfolk and Norwich Musical Festival commenced. Miscellaneous concerts were given at St. Andrew's Hall on the evenings of the 13th, 14th, and 15th. The morning performances included, on the 14th, Parts II. and III. of the "Creation"; on the 15th, Parts II. and III. of "The Fall of Babylon" (composed expressly for the Festival by Spohr); and on the 16th, "Samson." A fancy dress ball was given on the night of the 16th. The artistes engaged at the Festival were: Madame Caradori Allan, Miss Rainforth, Miss Maria B. Hawes, Miss Bassano, and Signora Pacini; Mr. Hobbs, Mr. Phillips, Mr. Balfe, Mr. Bradbury, Mr. Young, Mr. Walton, and Signor Rubini. Professor Taylor conducted. The surplus amounted to 716 pounds 15s. 2d.

--A circus company, under the management of Madame Ducrow, commenced a series of performances at Norwich Theatre. "The whole of the stage, 43 ft. square, was formed into a circus ring, decorated round with appropriate devices. The circle was rendered moveable, so that dramatic representations similar to the late Astley's Amphitheatre were introduced." These included "The Spanish Bullfight, or the Muleteer," "Mazeppa," "The Secret Mine, or the Hindoos of the Ruby Cliffs," &c. To enable the audience to obtain a full view of the ring performances, the floor of the pit was raised.

14.--Died at Yarmouth, in his 49th year, Mr. J. B. Crome. "Besides inheriting the talents of that well-known 'Father' of the Norwich school of painting, he possessed literary attainments and theoretical knowledge which conferred both honour and advantage on his practical pursuits of Art."

24.*--"The Queen has been pleased to grant unto the Rev. James Tooke Hales, of Glazenwood, in Essex, and of Thompson, in Norfolk, her Royal license and authority to assume the surname of Tooke in addition to and after that of Hales, and to bear the arms of Tooke."

--*"Mr. C. F. Hall, of Norwich, has been appointed second leader of the orchestra of Drury Lane Theatre, after a contest of skill. He is the composer of two ballads, 'I have dream'd of hopes defeated' and 'The Inconstant.'"

OCTOBER.

8.*--"At a late sitting of the magistrates at Litcham to hear appeals against assessed taxes, Mr. Lynes, one of the appellants, accused the Surveyor of Taxes of partial conduct. He alleged that Mr. F. Beck, of Mileham, owned greyhounds for which he was not charged duty. Mr. Beck jumped up and got hold of Mr. Lynes' nose, which he held for some time. Mr. Lynes retaliated by striking Mr. Beck several blows on the head and face, and a battle ensued. The police interfered, and Capt. Fitzroy ordered the parties into custody. It was stated that there had previously been a quarrel between Mr. King, the magistrates' clerk, Mr. Beck, and Mr. Lynes, and Mr. King had challenged the latter to fight a duel. Mr. King acknowledged that he had sent a challenge. For the fight in the magistrates' room Mr. Beck and Mr. Lynes were bound over to keep the peace for twelve months. Mr. King was also bound over in sureties to keep the peace towards Mr. Lynes for twelve months." At the Norfolk Assizes, on April 3rd, 1843, the action Lynes _v._ Beck, for assault, was tried before Lord Chief Justice Tindal, and judgment was given for the plaintiff, damages one shilling. The Judge remarked that the assault was of a very degrading and contumacious character.

11.--Died at his house on Scoles' Green, Norwich, Mr. Robert Ladbrooke, artist, in his 73rd year.

13.--Died at Tunbridge Wells, aged 55, Sir John Jacob Buxton, Bart., of Shadwell Park, Norfolk, and of Tockenham House, Wilts. He served the office of High Sheriff of Norfolk in 1841-2.

19.--At the Norfolk Quarter Sessions, Johnson Hemnell was sentenced to fifteen years' transportation for stealing promissory notes, gold, and silver, to the amount of 150 pounds, the property of Mr. Harrison Wells, of Dilham. On the night after his conviction the convict accompanied two of the prison warders to Seething, where he showed them a garden bank in which 108 pounds of the stolen money was found concealed.

NOVEMBER.

7.--An inquest was held at the Hare Arms, Stow Bardolph, on the body of John Vare, who died under singular circumstances. On October 24th, at the Swan Inn, Downham, "he recited with considerable spirit to a party of tradesmen a piece out of 'Othello,' and at the finish, where Othello dies, deceased, as in the character, fell with considerable violence on the hearthrug at full length with his face down wards. He complained of considerable pain, went home, and died."

9.--Mr. Alderman Mitchell was elected Mayor, and Mr. William Freeman appointed Sheriff of Norwich.

18.--Died at Rawal Pindi, Lieut. Richard Edward Frere, 13th Light Infantry, aged 25. He had been in every action throughout the war in Afghanistan, was repeatedly wounded, and was mentioned with distinction in dispatches.

19.*--"Messrs. Wells and Gardner, of Birmingham, have entered into an arrangement with T. T. Berney, Esq., of Morton Hall, Norfolk, for the manufacture of his patent cartridges so much approved by gentlemen and sportsmen generally, and have appointed local agents."

26.*--"Sir Robert Peel has recommended her Majesty to grant an annual pension of 100 pounts to Mr. John Curtis, the eminent naturalist and author of the great work, 'British Entomology.'" Curtis was a native of Norwich.

DECEMBER.

24.--A singular story of a supposed murder was published. A human skeleton was recovered from the bed of the river at Costessey Mills by a "didling" boat owned by Messrs. Culley. The circumstance was recalled that a Jew pedlar, known as "Old Abraham," had mysteriously disappeared eight years previously. It was also remembered that one Robert Page, sentenced to transportation for life for sheep stealing at Drayton, on March 27th, 1834, had told the prison warders that if he were taken to Costessey he could show them, beneath a willow tree, "something that would make their hair stand on end." By a curious coincidence, the skeleton was found beneath a willow which overhung the river. It was stated that the body had been staked down in the bed of the stream.

31.*--"During last week the coaches and vans were laden with turkeys and game for London. From the Magnet Office alone upwards of 1,600 packages were consigned, containing at least 2,400 turkeys, besides geese and game. The other coaches have had their share. One manufacturing firm in the city sent 1,000 lbs. weight."

1843.

JANUARY.

2.--Norwich Theatre opened for the season at reduced prices of admission, namely, boxes, single ticket, 4s., half price 2s., family tickets to admit six 1 pound; upper boxes 2s., half price 1s.; pit 1s. (no half price); gallery 6d. The entire house had been redecorated by Mr. Thorne. Mr. Frederick Vining, of the Haymarket Theatre, London, and his daughter, Miss Vining, appeared on the 16th in the parts of Benedict and Beatrice, and fulfilled an engagement of seven weeks. The season, one of the most successful that Mr. Smith had experienced, was chiefly remarkable for the large number of "bespeaks" given, amongst others, by the officers of the 13th Light Dragoons, the Royal and Norfolk Hotel Wine Clubs, the Governor and Deputy-Governor of the Court of Guardians, &c.

5.--A heavy fall of snow on this day was accompanied by lightning and thunder.

6.--The first annual meeting of the Norfolk Flax Society, the object of which was "to promote the cultivation of a plant for the produce of which vast sums of money are annually sent abroad," was held at Norwich. It was stated that the soil and climate of the county were "equal and perhaps superior to any in the world for the growth and perfection of the plant, and its cultivation would be more profitable than that of any other crop." The method of "forming linseed into compound to fatten cattle" was demonstrated in a booth on the Castle Meadow, and an exhibition of articles manufactured from flax was held at St. Andrew's Hall. The Hon. W. R Rous was President of the Society, to which about eighty prominent agriculturists belonged. M. Demann, a Belgian agriculturist, was engaged as the Society's agent, and many meetings were held in the county in furtherance of the movement.

7.--The promoters of the scheme for the erection of the Leicester monument appointed a "committee of taste," who recommended the building of a column, of artistic design. At a meeting held at the Norfolk Hotel, on January 21st, the much vexed question of the site was discussed and a decision was given in favour of Holkham Park, mainly by the votes of a number of subscribers of ten shillings each in the neighbourhood of Wells. Efforts were made to secure the erection of the monument at Norwich, and the supporters of either place were invited to vote upon the subject. After the poll a scrutiny was held, and on August 5th it was announced that 322 votes had been given in favour of Holkham, and 281 in favour of Norwich.

9.--Died, aged 60, at Birmingham, Mr. Vaughan, "the highly respectable musician and once excellent tenor singer." He was a native of Norwich, and when quite young was a member of the choir of St. George's Chapel, Windsor. He was afterwards engaged at Westminster Abbey, St. Paul's Cathedral, and the Chapel Royal. On the death of Mr. Harrison, in 1812, Mr. Vaughan was appointed principal tenor at the King's Concerts of Ancient Music, he sang at most of the provincial musical festivals, and was a member of several musical clubs in the Metropolis.

FEBRUARY.

14.--The first touring circus in Norfolk at which performances were given under canvas was that belonging to Batty, "sole proprietor of Astley's Royal Amphitheatre," who on this date erected at Lynn Mart a tent 65 ft. in height and 300 ft. in circumference. It was the same tent placed on the site of the Royal Exchange when Prince Albert laid the first stone of the new building, and on that occasion it afforded accommodation for 1,400 persons. In the autumn of the same year Richard Sands' American circus toured the county, giving one performance only in a "spacious pavilion" at each town visited. A procession of "twenty-five caparisoned horses" was a feature of the show. After this date the circus touring system became general during the summer and autumn months.

22.--Died at Caen, Normandy, aged 76, the Rev. T. D'Eterville, "a well-known and respected inhabitant of Norwich for upwards of forty years, who retired a few months ago to end his days in his native country." [Borrow's "preceptor in the French and Italian tongues."]

23.--The coach from London to Norwich, driven by Thomas Wiggins, ran into a brewer's dray at Tasburgh, during a thick fog and was overturned. Mr. Scott, of Newton Maid's Head, one of the outside passengers, was jammed between the coach and a tree, which had to be cut down to extricate him, Wiggins was thrown head first off the box seat and severely injured, and the guard, Thomas, was dashed against a tree stump and killed outright, "his head being completely split open." It was not until January 22nd, 1844, that Wiggins was able to resume his duties. It was then stated: "So highly is this excellent whip esteemed along the line of road, that at the several inns where the coach stopped to change horses it appeared as if the landlords had determined to celebrate the circumstance by making it a general gala day."

26.--Died at Cheltenham, aged 60, Major-General Sir John Thomas Jones, Bart., K.C.B., of Cranmer Hall. He served in the Royal Engineers during the campaign in Calabria, and was present at the Battle of Maida and the attack on Scylla Castle; in the Peninsular campaign he was in the retreat to Corunna; he accompanied the expedition to Walcheren and was present at the reduction of Flushing, served in the campaigns of 1810, 1811, and 1812 in the Peninsula, received the medal for Badajos, and was shot through the ankle joint at the siege of Burgos, in October, 1812. He entered the service as second-lieutenant on August 30th, 1798, and retired with the rank of major-general on January 10th, 1837.

27.--Yarmouth Orange Fair was held. "Like the generality of fairs, it has fallen sadly out of repute, and but for the immense quantity of fruit from which it takes its name anyone might have passed the Market Place without noticing it."

MARCH.

17.--At a special meeting of the Norwich Town Council, on the motion of Mr. A. Dalrymple, a petition to Parliament was adopted in opposition to the Income Tax, on the ground that it was "unjust, unwise, repugnant, and unproductive."

18.--The Watton coach, on its way from Norwich, with six female outside passengers, stopped at Barford Cock. During the temporary absence of Allen, the coachman, the horses started off at full gallop, and were not stopped till they arrived at Hingham. With the exception of a wheel being taken off a passing vehicle, no damage was done.

APRIL.

4.--At the Norwich Assizes, before Lord Chief Justice Tindal, was tried the case, the Queen against Edward Painter. The prosecution, for assault, was instituted by Mr. Jeremiah Cross, corn merchant, of Norwich. An indictment had been preferred at the Norwich Quarter Sessions and a true bill returned, which the defendant removed by writ of _certiorari_, and the case now came on for trial on the civil side of the Court. The plaintiff, in June, 1842, was invited to the Rising Sun Inn, kept by Mr. John Abel, and he was there met by Painter, who for several minutes thrashed him with an ash stick so severely that for a considerable time afterwards plaintiff was under medical treatment. For the defence it was alleged that Cross had grossly insulted the defendant's daughter, hence the thrashing. The jury found a verdict of guilty, and on May 10th, when defendant appeared before the Court of Queen's Bench to receive judgment, he was fined one shilling and discharged. On June 24th the following advertisement was published: "Ned Painter having been subjected to the expense of wanton and persecuting litigation, his friends intend giving him a benefit at the Pantheon, Royal Victoria Gardens, on which occasion the Stars of the Fancy have resolved to rally round and support an old and tried veteran of the Prize Ring. Among the prominent professors of the Pugilistic Art who will appear are Tom Spring, Champion of England, and Ben Caunt, the modern champion."