Chapter XII: Preface (12)

30.--The Norfolk and Norwich Triennial Musical Festival commenced at St. Andrew's Hall, Norwich, with an evening concert, at which the "Hymn of Praise" and "Acis and Galatea" were performed. The other works in the programme were the following:--Wednesday morning, September 1st, selection from "Hezekiah" and "The Fall of Babylon"; Thursday morning, September 2nd, Sacred Cantata, by Horace Hill, "Messe Solennelle" (first time of performance out of London), and the Dettingen Te Deum; Friday morning, September 3rd, "The Messiah." Grand miscellaneous concerts were given on the evenings of August 31st and September 1st and 2nd. The principal vocalists were Mdlle. Tietjens, Mdlle. Ilma de Murska, Madame Talbot Cherer, Madame Patey, and Madame Trebelli Bettini, Mr. Vernon Rigby, Mr. Arthur Byron, Mr. W. H. Cummings, Signor Bettini, Signor Foli, and Mr. Santley. Mr. Benedict conducted. A "dress ball" took place on the evening of September 3rd. Financially the Festival was a failure, and the total receipts, about 4,000, barely covered expenses.

SEPTEMBER.

15.--A Conservative banquet was held at the Town Hall, Great Yarmouth, to celebrate the return of the Hon. Frederick Walpole and Sir E. Lacon, Bart., as members for North Norfolk. Upwards of 1,000 electors of the Flegg Hundreds were present, and presented to Sir Edmund Lacon a piece of plate weighing nearly 900 ozs., in recognition of the services he had rendered during the period he represented Yarmouth in Parliament.

20.--Blondin gave tight-rope performances at Norwich Theatre during the week commencing on this date.

30.--An ascent was made from Norwich Market Place in a "fish balloon," by Mr. Orton, accompanied by Mr. William Maris. The descent took place at Tuddenham, near East Dereham, a distance of fourteen miles from Norwich.

OCTOBER.

12.--Died at his residence, the Royal Mews, Buckingham Palace, Mr. Bernard Bolingbroke Woodward, B.A. (Lond.), F.S.A., aged 53 years. He had for some years held the post of librarian to the Queen at Windsor Castle, and was the eldest son of Mr. Samuel Woodward, of Norwich.

16.*--"The mansion that Sir Robert Harvey, Bart., is erecting on his estate at Crown Point is approaching completion. It has been built from the designs of Messrs. Coe and Peake, architects, of London."

18.--The Prince of Wales, with his suite, passed through Norwich, on his way to Gunton Hall, on a visit to Lord Suffield.

19.--A heavy gale took place at Yarmouth, where shipping casualties occurred and several lives were lost. The sea rose to within a few feet of the houses on the Marine Parade.

--A week's festivities commenced at Holkham Hall, in celebration of the majority of Viscount Coke, which his lordship attained in the previous month of July. The proceedings had been postponed in consequence of the illness of the Earl of Leicester.

20.--Died at Thorpe Hamlet, in his 81st year, Mr. John Kitson, Registrar of the Diocese of Norwich. He had for 58 years held the office of secretary to the Bishop, having been appointed in 1811 by Bishop Bathurst, and continued in the office by his successors, Bishop Stanley, Bishop Hinds, and Bishop Pelham. Mr. Kitson was appointed Registrar in 1825, and was Chapter Clerk and Registrar to the Dean and Chapter, and district registrar in her Majesty's Court of Probate.

NOVEMBER.

1.--That portion of Dereham Cemetery appropriated to the Church of England was consecrated by the Bishop of Norwich. The chapels were designed by Mr. Brown, architect, of Norwich, and built by Mr. Hubbard, of East Dereham. "The old churchyard is said to have been used as a burial-ground for 600 years."

9.--Mr. Augustus Frederick Coke Bolingbroke was elected Mayor, and Mr. Henry Morgan appointed Sheriff of Norwich.

12.--A new self-righting lifeboat, 33 feet in length, was launched at Wells-next-the-Sea. It was purchased with the proceeds of "penny readings" given in various parts of the kingdom. The fund, which was inaugurated by Mr. E. B. Adams, surgeon, of Bungay, amounted to the sum of 500, and represented the contributions of eighteen different counties. Of this amount Norfolk raised 161. In the presence of several thousands of spectators, the Countess of Leicester christened the boat the Eliza Adams. Luncheon was served at the Crown Hotel, under the presidency of the Earl of Leicester, and in the evening a ball was held.

18.--Died at his residence, St. Clement's, Norwich, Mr. Henry Ladbrooke, landscape painter. He was a member of the accomplished family of Norfolk artists and a pupil of the celebrated Crome, the influence of whose style was apparent in his works. After residing many years in Lynn, he removed to Norwich.

20.*--"Mr. W. T. Bensly, LL.D., has been appointed by the Dean and Chapter of Norwich to be Chapter Clerk, in the place of the late Mr. Kitson."

25.--Mdlle. Christine Nilsson, Mdlle. Anna Drasdil, Madame Gilardoni, Signor Foli, and Mr. J. M. Wheli, with Mr. Benedict as conductor, appeared at a concert at St. Andrew's Hall, Norwich, on this and the following evening, in aid of the local charities, which had suffered from the non-success of the late Festival. The concerts were arranged by Mr. Howlett and Mr. C. S. Gilman, who handed to the charities a sum of nearly 200.

27.*--"The catch of herring last week was a most extraordinary and exceptional one, not only as regards the present season, but also as compared with those of the wonderful voyage of 1868. The quantities of herring delivered on Yarmouth fishwharf exceeded 2,400 lasts (13,200 fish per last), a catch probably unprecedented. Several of the smacks had 'made up' before the recent successes, being compelled to do so in consequence of the terrible disasters that had befallen them."

DECEMBER.

7.--Lord Claud Hamilton and Mr. Richard Young were nominated candidates for the representation of King's Lynn, rendered vacant by Lord Stanley's succession to the Earldom of Derby. The proceedings were of a most tumultuous character, and the show of hands being in favour of the Liberal candidate, the supporters of Lord Claud Hamilton demanded a poll. In apprehension of a disturbance, detachments of the 4th and 8th Foot were drafted into the town, and were stationed in the National Schoolroom, St. Margaret's. The polling took place on the 8th, and resulted as follows:--Hamilton, 1,051; Young, 1,032.

13.--Died at Westacre, aged 64, Mr. Anthony Hamond. He was the representative of a Norfolk family of considerable antiquity, and succeeded to the Westacre estate on the death of his father, Mr. Philip Hamond, in 1824. In 1828 he married Mary Anne, eldest daughter of Mr. John Chaworth Musters, of Colwick, Notts. He was succeeded in his estate by his son Anthony, born in 1834, Mr. Hamond served the office of High Sheriff in 1836, and twice unsuccessfully contested the representation of the Western Division of the county--in 1847 and 1852; and in 1854 accepted an invitation to become a candidate for Norwich, in opposition to Sir Samuel Bignold, by whom he was defeated. Mr. Hamond took a great interest in country pursuits, and was ever foremost in promoting experiments for the advancement of agricultural science.

14.--Holkham church was re-opened after restoration by the Earl and Countess of Leicester, at the estimated cost of 10,000, of which 7,000 was expended for wood carving alone.

27.--The Prince and Princess of Wales, with Prince Albert Victor and Prince George, arrived at Holkham, on a visit to the Earl and Countess of Leicester. Their Royal Highnesses left on January 1st, 1870, for Gunton Park.

--The pantomime at Norwich Theatre was produced by Mr. J. F. Young. It was entitled, "The King of the Peacocks." Circus entertainments were provided at Messrs. Henry and Adams' establishment on the Castle Meadow.

1870.

JANUARY.

31.--In the Court of Common Pleas, before Lord Chief Justice Bovill and Justices Smith and Brett, Mr. Mellish, Q.C., showed cause against the rule calling upon the Master to review his taxation of the costs in the Norwich election petition. The bill of costs of the petitioner (Mr. J. H. Tillett) had been reduced from 3,015 7s. to 703 3s., and of the respondent (Sir H. J. Stracey) from 793 14s. 2d. to 168 6s. Four hundred witnesses had been subpoenaed. The Lord Chief Justice said the rule must be discharged. "Sir Henry Stracey," it was stated on March 19th, "has this week paid to Mr. Tillett's solicitors 583 17s. 8d., which has been accepted as payment in full for his costs in the matter. The total amount of the petitioner's costs was 3,800, and deducting Sir Henry's contribution, it leaves upwards of 3,200 to be paid by the petitioner." (_See_ March 31st.)

FEBRUARY.

1.--Died in Florida, while on leave of absence from Montreal, Lieut.-General Sir Charles Ashe Windham, K.C.B., commanding the forces in Canada. He was the fourth son of Vice-Admiral Windham, of Felbrigg Hall, who was the son of the Rev. George William Lukin, Dean of Wells, and who assumed the name of Windham on succeeding to the estates of his distinguished relative, the Right Hon. William Windham. His mother was Anne, daughter of Mr. Peter Thellusson, of Broadsmouth, Yorkshire, and sister of the first Baron Rendlesham. He was born at Felbrigg in 1810, and married first, in 1849, Marianne Catherine Emily, daughter of Admiral Sir John P. Beresford, Bart., K.C.B., who died in 1865; and secondly, in 1866, Charlotte Jane, eldest daughter of the Rev. Henry Des Voeux. Educated at Sandhurst, he entered the Army in 1826, as ensign and lieutenant in the Coldstream Guards, and served in Canada during the time of the rebellion, from 1838 to 1842. He continued with the regiment until the outbreak of the war with Russia, when he accompanied the Eastern Army as Assistant Quarter-master General of the 4th Division, and served from September, 1854, to July, 1856, without a day's absence. He was present at the battle of the Alma, at Balaclava, and at the repulse of the powerful sortie on October 26th, 1854, and was with Sir George Cathcart when the latter was killed at the battle of Inkerman. At the second assault on the Redan, on September 8th, 1855, Windham (then Colonel) greatly distinguished himself by his personal daring and gallantry in command of the storming party of the second division, and for his intrepid conduct was promoted Major-General. In September, 1855, he was appointed Governor of the British portion of Sebastopol, and in the following month was entrusted with the command of the 4th Division. For his services in the Crimea he received numerous clasps, medals, and orders. In 1857 General Windham proceeded to India and commanded a division in the field, under Lord Clyde, during the advance to Kallee Nuddee. On June 17th, 1861, he was appointed to the command of the 46th Regiment of Foot, and in October, 1867, became Commander of the Forces in Canada. On the return of General Windham from the Crimea, in July, 1856, he was enthusiastically received at Norwich and presented with two handsome swords, purchased by public subscription. In April, 1857, he was returned to Parliament for East Norfolk, and remained its member for two years.

5.--A meeting of the Norwich Diocesan Church Association was held at the Church Societies' Rooms, Norwich, for the purpose of discussing the question of national education, a subject which was brought prominently before the country during this year. The Bishop of Norwich presided, and the Dean moved, "That in any legislative enactments for promoting the education of the children of the working classes called for by the destitution in this respect of many places in England and Wales, the inculcation of Christian truth ought to form an essential feature, and that provision for this purpose can be best made under existing circumstances through the medium of parochial and other schools attached to the Church of England or to other religious communions." A further resolution was moved by the Hon. Frederick Walpole, M.P., "That the present system, which has been successfully in operation during the last thirty years, carried on by means of voluntary efforts, and maintained by school fees, charitable contributions, and grants from the Consolidated Fund, is capable of further extension and improvement, and is able, if adequately assisted by the State, to supply the national wants of the country without resorting to local taxation for the purpose, unless in those extreme cases for which provision can be made in no other way." A third resolution was moved by Mr. C. S. Read, M.P., "That compulsory education, except under especial circumstances, such as the case of vagrant, criminal, and destitute children, would be an unnecessary interference with the rights and responsibilities of parents, and unless applied to all classes of the community, create an unjust and invidious distinction between rich and poor, and its enforcement by pains and penalties would cause a general feeling of hardship and discontent, while its objects could be attained by other means, such as the extension, under due restrictions, of the Factory Acts and of similar measures regulating the employment of children's labour." The final resolution was moved by the Rev. Canon Heaviside, "That in the opinion of this meeting it is expedient that the promoters of Church education should consent that in schools aided by the Government grant provision should be made for securing perfect liberty of distinctive religious teaching combined with perfect liberty of declining it." These resolutions were adopted. The Elementary Education Bill, introduced by Mr. W. E. Forster on February 17th, was passed, and received the Royal assent on August 9th. On October 11th a meeting of the clergy was held, under the presidency of the Mayor (Mr. A. F. C. Bolingbroke), at the Girls' Model School, Norwich, "for the purpose of consulting as to the steps to be taken under the Elementary Education Act," and it was resolved to convene a public meeting for the discussion of the question. This meeting was held on October 19th, at the Free Library, and was composed of "school managers and supporters of Church education." The Mayor again presided. The Lord Bishop moved, "That, with the view of carrying out the objects of the Elementary Education Act, 1870, in this city, steps be immediately taken to supply and maintain sufficient, efficient, and suitable schools on the voluntary principle, in order to secure in Church schools religious education in accordance with the teaching of the Church of England." This was seconded by Mr. Henry Birkbeck. The Sheriff (Mr. Henry Morgan) moved, "That an immediate appeal be made to the citizens of Norwich to provide funds on the voluntary principle for carrying out the object of this meeting." A further resolution was adopted, "That the Bishop of the Diocese, with the clergy of the city, the managers of Church schools, and such donors and subscribers as may be willing to act be constituted a council, and shall appoint, as soon as possible, a committee to carry out the former resolutions, and to report progress to the council from time to time." The body thus constituted was afterwards known as the Church Education Council. On November 28th the supporters of voluntary education held a large meeting at St. Andrew's Hall, at which were adopted resolutions framed on similar lines to the foregoing. The supporters of unsectarian education held a meeting at the Free Library on the 30th, under the presidency of Mr. Jacob Henry Tillett, at which the Rev. G. S. Barrett moved, "That a request be sent to the Mayor to convene a common hall, in order that steps may be taken immediately for the formation of a School Board in the city." The Rev. J. Hallett seconded the motion, which was unanimously adopted, and a committee was formed for the purpose of carrying it into effect. The Church Education Council, on December 13th, announced that sufficient subscriptions had been obtained for providing necessary school accommodation in Norwich. At a special meeting of the Town Council on December 20th, the return made under the provisions of the Act to the Education Department of the Privy Council was approved. It stated that the estimated population of the city was 82,000, the rateable value 212,129; the total number of assessments, 21,397; and the number of voters on the municipal register, 10,909. "The returns from elementary schools as being in operation were 93; the number of schools to which forms were delivered but refused to fill them up was 27." (_See_ February 28th, 1871.)

6.--Died at Bethel Street, Norwich, in his 78th year, Mr. Henry Browne. He was the youngest son of Mr. Alderman John Browne, and a liberal supporter of the charitable institutions of Norwich. In his early days of business life Mr. Browne was led to join in those well-intentioned but unfortunately not permanently successful enterprises, the Yarn Company and the movement for making Norwich a port by communication with the sea at Lowestoft.

9.--Strong gales from the E. and E.N.E., accompanied by snow squalls, prevailed off the Norfolk coast, and increased in severity until the 14th. Several shipping disasters occurred. On the 13th the screw steamer Sea Queen, with her crew, was lost on the Scroby Sands, and the American-built barque Victoria, 700 tons, bound from North Shields to Barcelona, with a cargo of coals, went down. Of her crew, several hands were lost.

12.--The Assembly Rooms, erected in 1862, on the Victoria Esplanade, Yarmouth, at the cost of 6,000, were destroyed by fire.

24.--Sir R. J. H. Harvey declined to accede to a memorial signed by 3,000 electors of Norwich, requesting him to allow himself to be adopted as Conservative candidate for the city.

26.*--"Since January 1st several rare birds have been met with in the neighbourhood of Swaffham, namely, a fork-tailed petrel, picked up at Gooderstone; little gull (_Larus minutus_), in good condition, and weighing only 3 ozs., shot at Beechamwell; stormy petrel, picked up at Narborough; bittern, shot at Weeting; pied thrush, shot at Cockley Cley; pied common partridge, shot at Didlington; dusky grebe, shot at Castleacre; and a peregrine falcon, a fine old female bird weighing 43 ozs. and measuring 47 inches from tip to tip of its wings, shot at Beechamwell."

28.--The organ at Yarmouth parish church was opened after restoration. The instrument was built by Jordan, Bridge, and Byfield, in 1733, repaired by England (Jordan's grandson) in 1812, and again in 1840 by Gray. It was finally restored and enlarged by Messrs. Hill, of London.

MARCH.

20.--A movement known as "The Church's Call" commenced in Norwich. A simultaneous and united effort was made at all the churches in the city; "all seemed resolved to cast aside minor differences, and High Churchmen, Low Churchmen, and Broad Churchmen apparently vied with each other in doing the work set before them."

23.--Died at Warham All Saints, Margaret Green, aged 100 years. "The Thursford register testifies to her baptism in that parish on March 27th, 1769."

31.--At the Norwich Assizes, before Mr. Justice Byles, Robert Hardiment, tanner and fellmonger, was charged on five counts with bribing voters at the last General Election to vote for Sir H. J. Stracey. The Attorney-General appeared for the prosecution, and the defendant was found guilty. His lordship remarked that this was a very serious crime, and, as he was desirous that sentence should be pronounced by the highest judicature of the country, judgment was reserved. Another person, named Banfather, charged with bribery at the same election, was acquitted. On April 1st, at the same Court, John Hughes Hulme was found guilty of bribery, and sentence was reserved. Edward Stracey, son of Sir Henry J. Stracey, was next charged. The Attorney-General conducted the case for the prosecution, and Mr. A. Staveley Hill, Q.C., was specially retained for the defence. On April 2nd the jury returned a verdict of not guilty. "No sooner was the announcement made than deafening cheers were raised in the Court, and it was in vain that the officers tried to suppress them." The defendant Hardiment was indicted, before Mr. Justice Blackburn, on various counts, for committing acts of bribery at the Eighth Ward Municipal Election, on November 1st, 1869. On being found guilty, he was sentenced to six months' imprisonment. Joseph Stanley, solicitor, was charged with unlawfully conspiring with Robert Hardiment and others to induce, by means of bribes, certain persons to vote for Edward Bennett and George Gedge, candidates at the municipal election in question. The jury acquitted the defendant. Anthony Freestone, baker, and Henry Ellis, shoe manufacturer, were also indicted for conspiring to bribe at the municipal election, and were acquitted. On April 8th Messrs. W. H. Tillett and Co., solicitors, addressed a letter to the newspapers, asserting that "the jury drew lots to decide what their verdict should be in the cases of Freestone and Ellis." They added, "The verdict is, of course, bad, and we shall feel it our duty to lay the facts before the committee of gentlemen who instructed us in the prosecutions." No further action was taken, however. In the Court of Queen's Bench, on May 10th, before the Lord Chief Justice and Justices Blackburn, Mellor, and Hannen, Hardiment and Hulme were brought up for sentence. Mr. Bulwer, Q.C., applied for mitigation of sentence in the case of Hardiment, on the ground that he was then undergoing imprisonment for municipal bribery; in the case of Hulme it was urged that imprisonment would be injurious to his health. The Court passed sentence of ten months' imprisonment upon the first-named defendant, to run concurrently with the six months he had received for municipal bribery, two months of which he had already served, to be classed as a second-class misdemeanant, and to be fined 100. Hulme was fined 100. Mr. C. S. Read, M.P., subsequently presented to the Home Secretary a memorial, signed by 1,500 citizens, praying that Hardiment should be classed as a first-class misdemeanant.

APRIL.

4.--The Rev. Canon Greenwell, of Durham, "the well-known opener of the Yorkshire wold tumuli," who had been making scientific investigations at Weeting, opened one of the peculiar mounds known as "Grimes' Graves," and discovered therein "two primitive picks _in situ_, with a splendid ground axe, the skeleton of a bird, a chalk bowl or lamp, and other curious relics."

18.--The Loveday Opera Company commenced an engagement at Norwich Theatre. The celebrated pantomimists and dancers, the Paynes, and Mdlle. Esta, appeared with the company.

20.--Died at Aigle, Switzerland, the Rev. W. Beal, LL.D., vicar of Brooke, aged 54. Dr. Beal was the well-known originator of harvest festivals.

21.--Died at Holkham, the Countess of Leicester. Her ladyship was the eldest daughter of Mr. Samuel Charles Whitbread, of Cardington, Bedfordshire, and was married to the Earl of Leicester in 1843.

26.--The portrait of the Rev. John Gunn, F.G.S., painted by Capt. H. H. Roberts, of Thorpe, was hung at the Norfolk and Norwich Museum, "in acknowledgment of his munificent gift to the geological department of his unrivalled collection of local mammalian remains."

28.--The south aisle of Yarmouth parish church was opened. The Bishop of Rochester and the Bishop of the Diocese were the preachers.

--Died, aged 84, William Gurney, compositor, of Norwich. He had been for seventy years in continuous employment at the NORFOLK CHRONICLE Office.

30.--Died at his residence, Horsforth Hall, near Leeds, in his 74th year, Mr. John Marshall, who was Sheriff of Norwich in 1834 and Mayor in 1838 and 1841. Mr. Marshall, who was an advanced Liberal, went to Leeds in 1843, and there took an active part in the affairs of that town. His remains were interred at the Rosary burial-ground, Norwich.

MAY.

8.--Died at Cholmondeley Castle, Cheshire, George Horatio Cholmondeley, second Marquis and Earl of Cholmondeley. He was the eldest son of George James, the first Marquis, by his wife, Lady Georgina Charlotte Bertie, second daughter of Peregrine, third Duke of Ancaster. Born January 16th, 1792, he married, first, on October 20th, 1812, Caroline, second daughter of Lieut.-General Colin Campbell, who died in October, 1815; and secondly, on May 11th, 1830, Lady Susan Caroline Somerset, fourth daughter of Henry Charles, sixth Duke of Beaufort, by whom he was survived. He succeeded to the marquisate on the death of his father, in 1827.

16.--Miss Heath, principal tragedienne of the Drury Lane, Haymarket, and Princess' Theatres, London, supported by Mr. Wilson Barrett, commenced an engagement at Norwich Theatre, in "East Lynne," "The Jealous Wife," "The Bond of Life," and "Masks and Faces." Mr. Wilson Barrett was described as "a painstaking and conscientious actor."

24.--The Queen's birthday was celebrated at Norwich by a review of the Royal Horse Artillery and the Volunteers on Mousehold Heath. The Mayor entertained a large party at the Drill Hall, and gave a dinner at the Corn Hall to the indigent blind and to poor children; and the Norwich Athletic Club held sports on the Newmarket Road Ground.

JUNE.

13.--At a meeting of 2,000 Liberal electors, held at St. Andrew's Hall, Norwich, Mr. Jacob Henry Tillett was adopted a candidate for Norwich. A meeting of the Whig party, convened by Sir William Foster, was held at the Royal Hotel on the 14th, under the presidency of Mr. I. O. Taylor, at which it was decided to adopt the candidature of Mr. Edward Warner.

17.--Died at Edgbaston, Birmingham, in his 72nd year, Mr. Robert Martineau, brother of the Rev. James Martineau and Miss Harriet Martineau. He was a native of Norwich, but settled in Birmingham as a manufacturer at an early period of his life, and took an active part in the Reform agitation preceding the Bill of 1832. For the last fourteen years of his life he lived in retirement, owing to almost total blindness.

23.--The annual show of the Norfolk Agricultural Association commenced at Harleston, and was continued on the 24th. Mr. Edward Howes, M.P., presided at the dinner.

--The Earl of Rosebery visited his Norfolk estate for the first time. His lordship was met at the entrance to the village of Postwick by a brass band, which preceded the carriage to the rectory, where he was received by the Rev. W. and Lady Margaret Vincent, the Countess of Buchan, Lord Cardross, and other guests. The cottage tenants were entertained at dinner, and "the orator of the village" proposed his lordship's health, to which the Earl replied. A dinner to the tenantry was given in the school-room, at which his lordship presided, and the festivities ended with a display of fireworks.

JULY.

1.--The first annual meeting of the Norwich Meteorological Society was held at the Literary Institution. After the visit of the British Association to Norwich in 1868, the local committee, having defrayed all the expenses, had a balance in hand of upwards of 300. At a meeting of subscribers, 100 of this balance was devoted to the purchase of meteorological instruments, and on December 3rd, 1868, the society was formed, with Mr. S. Gurney Buxton as president.

4.--Died at his London residence, Clapham, the Right Hon. William Schomberg Robert Kerr, Marquis of Lothian. He was the eldest of the four surviving sons of John William Robert, seventh Marquis, by Lady Cecil Chetwynd Talbot, daughter of Charles, second Earl Talbot. Born on August 12th, 1832, he married, on August 12th, 1857, Lady Constance Harriet Mahonesa Talbot, eldest surviving daughter of the Earl of Shrewsbury and Talbot. He succeeded to the marquisate on the death of his father, in November, 1844. Educated at Christchurch, Oxford, he took high honours, having been first class in classics in 1853, and first class in jurisprudence and modern history in 1854. After he had finished his University career, he went to India for a year, but the climate had an injurious effect upon his naturally feeble constitution. His lordship died without issue, and the family estates in Scotland and Norfolk were inherited by his brother, Lord Schomberg Kerr.

6.--The foundation-stone of St. Philip's church, Norwich, was laid by the Mayor (Mr. A. F. C. Bolingbroke), who was accompanied by members of the Corporation. The church was consecrated by the Bishop of Norwich on August 3rd, 1871. The architect was Mr. Edward Power, of London, and the builder Mr. J. Nelson, of Necton. It was designed to seat 775 persons, and the cost was estimated at about 3,575.

9.--The 1st Administrative Battalion Norfolk Rifle Volunteers went into camp at Hunstanton Park. The battalion was inspected by Col. Freer, 27th Regiment.

11.--The nomination of candidates to fill the vacancy in the representation of Norwich caused by the unseating on petition of Sir Henry Josias Stracey, took place at the Guildhall. Mr. Jacob Henry Tillett was nominated by Mr. J. J. Colman, and seconded by Mr. Henry Birkbeck; and Mr. John Walter Huddleston, Q.C., by Sir Samuel Bignold, seconded by Mr. H. S. Patteson. The show of hands was in favour of Mr. Huddlestone, and a poll was demanded by the Liberals. The polling took place on the 12th, and resulted as follows: Tillett, 4,236; Huddlestone, 3,874. Mr. Tillett, on the 14th, took the oath and his seat in the House of Commons. (_See_ August 3rd.)

15.--Great consternation was caused in Norwich by a report that Sir Robert Harvey had committed suicide in his grounds at Crown Point. As it subsequently proved, the rumour was well founded. Sir Robert was in his shrubbery when two pistol shots were heard. Two workmen employed upon the premises, on proceeding to the spot, found Sir Robert in a sitting posture, bleeding from a severe wound in the chest. He was at once removed into the house and placed in the library. Mr. Nichols, the family surgeon, and Mr. Cadge were summoned, and on arriving found Sir Robert in a critical condition. Dr. Copeman was subsequently called in, and every effort was made to preserve life. On the 16th the patient rallied slightly, and on the 17th he was pronounced to be better, but on the 18th he became worse, and was visited by the Dean of Norwich, who prayed with him and afforded him spiritual consolation. Later his prostration increased, and he passed away in an unconscious state on the 19th. With the report of the suicide was circulated the rumour that Sir Robert had speculated and lost heavily, and having been unable to meet his engagements, was posted a defaulter on the Stock Exchange. At an early hour on the 16th the following notice was exhibited upon the closed doors of the Crown Bank: "Norwich Crown Bank. In consequence of the lamentable catastrophe which has happened to Sir Robert Harvey, it has been determined by the other partners to suspend the business of the Bank for the present." This notice gave rise to increased anxiety. Messrs. Gurneys offered to afford every possible accommodation to the customers of the Crown Bank, and a few hours later the National Provincial Bank made a similar offer. The affairs of the Crown Bank being inextricably involved, Mr. Allday Kerrison, one of the partners, signed, on the 16th, a declaration of insolvency, and on the same day the largest city creditor, Mr. George Gedge, presented a petition for bankruptcy. The sale of the good-will and premises of the Bank was provisionally made to Messrs. Gurneys and Co. on the 18th. Mr. Allday Kerrison and his son, gentlemen of unsullied honour, had their fortunes shattered by one dire stroke, through the reckless speculations of their partner, speculations of which they were entirely ignorant. The inquest was held upon the body of the deceased baronet at Crown Point on the 20th, by Mr. W. H. N. Turner, one of the Deputy Coroners for the Liberty of the Dean and Chapter of Norwich, and the jury returned the following verdict: "The jury are of opinion that Sir Robert Harvey's death was caused by firearms discharged by himself while in a state of temporary insanity." A meeting of the principal creditors was held at the Royal Hotel on the 21st, under the presidency of the Mayor, and the following resolution was passed: "That this meeting entirely approves of the steps taken by Messrs. Kerrison in suspending the business of the Bank, the measures taken to protect the assets of the Bank by the immediate filing of a petition in bankruptcy and the negotiations for the sale of the goodwill and the business and premises to Messrs. Gurneys and Co." On the 27th a meeting was held at the Royal Hotel for the purpose of considering and discussing the best course to be taken in liquidating the estate of the bankrupts. Mr. E. C. Bailey was appointed trustee of the estate, and the Mayor and Messrs. F. E. Watson, H. S. Patteson, H. Woods, and C. Hornor a committee of inspection. The first general meeting of creditors was held on August 3rd, when it was reported that the total liabilities to rank for dividend would be 1,600,321, and the total assets 910,187. [Sir Robert John Harvey Harvey was the eldest son of General Sir Robert John Harvey, C.B., K.T.S., of Mousehold House, Norwich, by Charlotte (his cousin), daughter and heiress of Mr. Robert Harvey, of Walton, Suffolk. Born in 1817, he married, in 1845, Lady Henrietta Augusta, daughter of George, Viscount Kilcoursie, and granddaughter of the eighth Earl of Craven. He was High Sheriff of Norfolk in 1863, and represented Thetford in Parliament from July, 1865, to November, 1868, when the borough was disfranchised under the new Reform Act. His son and heir, Charles Harvey, was born at Bracondale in 1849.]

AUGUST.

1.--The Grand English Opera Company, under the management of Mr. Henry Corri, appeared at Norwich Theatre. The principal _artistes_ were Madame Ida Gilliers Corri, Miss Fanny Harrison, Mr. Henry Corri, and Mr. Haydn Corri.

3.--In the Court of Common Pleas a petition was filed by Mr. Gardiner C. Stevens against the return of Mr. Jacob Henry Tillett, as member for Norwich. In addition to the usual allegations of bribery and undue influence at the last election, there was a special one of disqualification on account of corrupt practices at the election in 1868. On November 3rd Mr. Tillett obtained an order in the Court of Common Pleas for the striking out of this clause, but leave was given to the petitioner to move the full Court for a rule to show cause why the order should not be rescinded. On November 23rd motion was made accordingly, and the Court unanimously ordered the clause which had been struck out to be restored. (_See_ January 5th, 1871.)

8.--Died at Great Yarmouth, in his 90th year, Mr. Edward Youell, a partner in the banking-house of Lacons, Youell, and Co. He retired from the firm in 1863, after having been in the house nearly 70 years, for 42 of which he was a partner. For several years he had been afflicted with total blindness.

13.--A half-yearly meeting of the East Norfolk Railway Company was held at Norwich. This company was formed for the purpose of constructing a railway from Norwich to North Walsham, and thence to Cromer. After commencing operations, it was unable to proceed from want of capital and other circumstances. It was reported that the estate of the contractor was in the Court of Chancery, a further survey of the proposed line was ordered, and steps were taken to ensure the resumption of the works. (_See_ October 20th, 1874.)

30.--At a meeting of the Norwich Town Council, a proposed tramway scheme was discussed. The Wensum Valley railway scheme, for which an Act of Parliament was obtained in 1864, having been abandoned, it was considered that a tramway taking its place would prove useful for conveying produce from the several mills in the district to Norwich. The estimated cost of construction was 2,000 per mile, and the total estimated cost 14,000. The matter was referred to the Paving Committee, and no further steps were taken.

SEPTEMBER.

2.--Mr. Sothern appeared at Norwich Theatre as Lord Dundreary ("Our American Cousin") and Hugh de Brass ("A Regular Fix"). On the 3rd he played the part of Colonel John White ("Home"), and appeared in "Dundreary Married and Settled," and "Whitebait at Greenwich."

3.--Mr. B. V. Winch was appointed Postmaster at Norwich, in place of Mr. S. Base, retired.

15.--A three days' bazaar was opened at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, in aid of a fund for converting the Hospital field into an ornamental garden. The sum of 462 was realised.

27.--An explosion took place on the premises of Mr. George Coe, firework manufacturer, New Catton. Two persons were severely injured, and removed to the Hospital.

OCTOBER.

6.--Died at Landfort House, Portsmouth, Col. Edwin Wodehouse, C.B., commanding Royal Artillery in the Southern District. He was the eldest son of Vice-Admiral the Hon. Philip Wodehouse, and was born at Halifax, Nova Scotia, on April 17th, 1817. Entering the Army as lieutenant in the Royal Artillery, on December 19th, 1834, he served in the campaign of 1854-55, was present at the battles of the Alma, Balaclava, and Inkerman (where his horse was killed beneath him), at the siege and fall of Sebastopol, and at the repulse and sortie of October 26th, 1854. Col. Wodehouse was three times mentioned in dispatches, and received the medal with four clasps.

10.--The first number of the "Eastern Daily Press" was published. A rival newspaper, called the "Eastern Daily Journal," published at the price of one halfpenny, was issued this month, and had but a very brief existence.

31.--The first Diocesan Conference was held at Norwich. At the ruri-decanal meetings held in the spring of the year, the question propounded by the Bishop for consideration was, "Is it desirable that there should be held in this diocese a Diocesan Conference, in which both the clergy and laity should be fully represented, for the purpose of considering and eliciting the opinions of Churchmen upon matters affecting the Church in general, or our own diocese in particular?" A large majority of the clergy and laity were in favour of the Conference, and the Bishop, considering the large area of the diocese, decided that the meetings should take place in five different centres. The first Conference was held at St. Andrew's Hall on this date; the second at Fakenham Corn Hall, on November 1st; the third at Ipswich Public Hall, on November 2nd; the fourth at Halesworth, on November 3rd; and the fifth at Lynn Athenaeum, on November 4th. At each Conference papers were read, followed by the moving of resolutions and by discussions.

NOVEMBER.

9.--Mr. Frederick Elwin Watson was elected Mayor (for the second time), and Mr. William Butcher appointed Sheriff of Norwich.

21.--The Prince of Wales arrived at Merton Hall, on a visit to Lord and Lady Walsingham.

29.--The building known as the temporary church in the parish of St. Bartholomew, Norwich, was opened by the Bishop of the Diocese. It was intended for the accommodation of 500 persons, and was erected at the cost of 600.

DECEMBER.

14.--The Widow Steavenson, residing in St. Gregory's parish, Norwich, completed her 101st year. "Several of the parishioners called upon her, congratulated her on the event, and supplied her with all the needful viands and wine to enable her to entertain several old friends. Her daughter, now 77 years old, is a widow, having had to mourn the loss of three husbands, but is on the point of marrying again." (_See_ January 2nd, 1874.)

24.--Mr. Sidney produced his "farewell pantomime" at Norwich Theatre. It was entitled, "St. George, the Dragon, and the Seven Champions of Christendom."

31.--The Prince of Wales, on his journey from Gunton to Sandringham, lunched at the County Club, Norwich. The party travelled from Gunton to Norwich in sleighs and closed carriages, and his Royal Highness afterwards proceeded by rail from Thorpe station to Wolferton.

--Died at Merton Hall, the Right Hon. Thomas, Lord Walsingham. He was the eldest son of Thomas, fourth Lord Walsingham, by his wife Lady Elizabeth, fourth daughter of the Hon. and Right Rev. Brownlow North, Bishop of Winchester, and was born July 5th, 1804. On the death of his father, on September 8th, 1839, he succeeded to the barony, and married, on August 6th, 1842, Augusta Louisa, eldest daughter of Sir Robert Frankland Russell, Bart. Of this marriage he had issue a son, the Hon. Thomas de Grey. Lady Walsingham died in 1844, and his lordship married, secondly, on October 25th, 1847, the Horn Emily Elizabeth Julia Thellusson, eldest daughter of John, second Lord Rendlesham, by whom he left issue three sons and three daughters. His lordship was educated at St. John's College, Cambridge, where he graduated M.A. in 1824, was called to the Bar at Lincoln's Inn in 1827, and in 1842 was made LL.D. of his University. Although educated for the law, he devoted himself to agriculture, the improvement of his estate, and of his cattle and sheep. He was a member of the leading agricultural societies and of the Smithfield Club, an excellent landlord, and one who carried out to the fullest extent the motto of his house, "Excitari non hebescere." His lordship was succeeded in his title and estates by his son, the Hon. Thomas de Grey, M.P. for West Norfolk, who was born in 1843.

--*"The December of 1870 has been no less remarkable for its cold than its heat. In the opening days of the month the temperature was unusually high, and only a fortnight before winter made its appearance in stern reality the thermometer registered in Norwich 55. On the 21st there were four degrees of frost, and on the 23rd the thermometer fell as low as 8.5. On Christmas Eve the cold was so intense that the register on the following morning was as low as 5.5. Christmas Day was the coldest experienced since Christmas Day, 1860, when the cold was more intense by some two or three degrees." There was a deep fall of snow throughout the county.

1871.

JANUARY.

5.--At the Norfolk Quarter Sessions, a memorial was received from the Norfolk Chamber of Agriculture, affirming the necessity of the revision and re-adjustment of the existing mode of assessment, and of inducing the Government to contribute more largely to the rates levied under the authority of Courts of Quarter Sessions. Mr. C. S. Read, M.P., moved, "That, inasmuch as many of the charges at present paid by county rates, such as police, lunatic asylums, military stores, coroners, gaols, &c., are rendered necessary not for the benefit of any particular class or locality, but of the community at large, it is both just and politic that those charges should be much more liberally supplemented from the National Exchequer, and that a petition from Quarter Sessions be presented to the House of Commons to this effect." The resolution was seconded by Mr. Dalrymple, M.P., and agreed to.

5.--The trial of the election petition presented by Mr. Gardiner C. Stevens against the return of Mr. Jacob Henry Tillett, as one of the members of Parliament for Norwich, commenced at the Shirehall, Norwich, before Mr. Justice Keating. Mr. O'Malley, Q.C., and Mr. Griffits were counsel for the petitioner, and Mr. Rodwell, Q.C., Mr. Serjeant Ballantine, and Mr. Simms Reeve for the respondent. The case for the petitioner closed on the 6th, and on the 7th Mr. Rodwell commenced his address on behalf of the respondent. On the 10th Mr. Serjeant Ballantine summed up the respondent's case, and on the same day Mr. O'Malley replied. His lordship gave judgment on the 11th, declaring the election void, and stated that he should report to the House of Commons "the names of everyone engaged with this shameful and disgraceful bribery." (_See_ February 20th.)

18.--Died, in his 93rd year, at Alexandra Road, Norwich, Christopher Bunting. "He was present at the capture of the French ship Genereux, whose ensign now hangs in St. Andrew's Hall. In his early days he was a steward in the Royal Navy, and not only saw the ensign strike to the Foudroyant, but on the quarterdeck of that vessel saw it packed and addressed to Robert Harvey, Esq., then (1800) Mayor of Norwich, little imagining that he would subsequently reside in Norwich, and for more than half a century have the opportunity of seeing the flag decorating the walls of its principal building."

24.--Died, suddenly, at 2, Rectory Grove, Clapham, Mr. Henry Harrod, F.S.A., aged 53. Mr. Harrod was a native of Aylsham, and commenced practice as a solicitor, at Norwich, where he resided some years. He was best known for his devotion to antiquarian pursuits and by his contributions to the Transactions of the Norfolk and Norwich Archaeological Society, of which he was an honorary secretary, in conjunction with Mr. R. G. P. Minty. His principal work was "Gleanings from the Castles and Convents of Norfolk." Possessed of remarkable skill in deciphering old documents, his services in this respect were taken advantage of by the Corporations of Norwich, Lynn, and other boroughs, whose ancient records he undertook to arrange. Mr. Harrod was local secretary of the Society of Antiquaries, of which he was a Fellow, and of the Archaeological Institute, and a corresponding member of the New England Historic Genealogical Society.

27.--A new reservoir constructed by the Norwich Waterworks Company at Lakenham, from designs by Mr. Thomas Hawkesley, C.E., of London, engineer in chief to the company, was opened. It cost between 6,000 and 7,000, and was of 1,400,000 gallons capacity.

FEBRUARY.

4.--Died at Cambridge, Mr. Robert Steward, of Yarmouth. He served the office of Mayor of Yarmouth for four consecutive years, namely, from 1858 to 1861. In addition to being a borough magistrate, he was upon the Commission of the Peace for the county of Norfolk.

6.--A new type of traction engine (Thompson's patent) was tested in the streets of Thetford by Messrs. Burrell, of the St. Nicholas Ironworks. "The peculiarities of the engine consist of its wheels, three in number, being fitted with a length of indiarubber, six inches thick and twelve inches wide, covered with steel and kept on the wheels by endless chains. The great use of these indiarubber tyres is to give elasticity."

8.--Mr. George William Perrepoint Bentinck, of Davies Street, Berkeley Square, London, was, at Swaffham, returned unopposed to fill the vacancy caused in the representation of West Norfolk by the elevation to the Peerage of the Hon. Thomas de Grey.

10.--A storm of great violence swept over the Eastern coast, and strewed the shores from Yarmouth to the Humber with wrecks and drifting spars. "Off Yarmouth vessel after vessel went down bodily with all hands, and left no clue as to their names or of the ports to which they belonged." Six Lynn vessels were lost in the Deeps. On this day large flocks of wild geese and swans, with mallards and widgeon, were seen in the neighbourhood of Yarmouth, and the stormy petrel was observed.

20.--The nomination of candidates to fill the vacancy caused in the representation of Norwich by the unseating of Mr. Jacob Henry Tillett for bribery took place at the Guildhall. Sir Charles Legard, of Ganton, Yorkshire, was the Conservative, and Mr. J. J. Colman, of Carrow House, Norwich, the Liberal candidate. The show of hands was in favour of the latter, and a poll was demanded by Sir Samuel Bignold, on behalf of the Conservative nominee. The election took place on the 21st, with the following result: Colman, 4,637; Legard, 3,389.

28.--At a meeting of the Norwich Town Council, a report was received from a special committee appointed on January 17th to consider the question of the necessity of a School Board for the city. The committee stated that after communication with the Education Department of the Privy Council, they considered the appointment of a School Board for the corporate district to be inevitable. Mr. Tillett moved the adoption of the report, which was seconded by Mr. Youngs. Mr. Priest moved, and Dr. Copeman seconded, a resolution--"That, in the opinion of the Council, a School Board is not at present desirable, and that they see no sufficient reason why it should be inevitable." Mr. Tillett's motion was carried, by 29 votes to 5. (_See_ April 12th.)

--The Norwich Town Council authorised the Sewerage and Irrigation Committee to borrow a further sum of 10,000 for the completion of the drainage works. On April 17th the works were used for the first time for delivering sewage upon the land at Kirby Bedon.

MARCH.

3.--The foundation-stone of the new passenger station for the Great Eastern, the Midland, and the Great Northern Railways, at King's Lynn, was laid by the Mayor (Mr. E. E. Durrant).

8.--Died at his Norfolk seat, Melton Constable, Jacob Henry Delaval Astley, twenty-third Baron Hastings. His lordship, who was in his 49th year, succeeded his father in 1859. He married, in 1848, the Hon. Frances Diana Manners Sutton, daughter of Viscount Canterbury. He took no part in public affairs, but he was much esteemed for his amiable disposition, and deservedly popular in the county for the spirited manner in which he promoted field sports, and for his courteous bearing as a Master of Foxhounds. Having no issue, his lordship was succeeded by his brother, the Hon. and Rev. Delaval Loftus Astley, of East Barsham.

9.--At Norwich Police Court, Richard Hoskins, a clerk in the employment of the National Provincial Bank of England, was charged with feloniously stealing divers sums, amounting altogether to 1,835, the moneys of his employers. The magistrates consented to deal with the case summarily, and, on the prisoner pleading guilty, he was sentenced to six months' imprisonment, with hard labour.

10.--Mr. Henry Haigh's Opera Company, with Madame Haigh-Dyer as _prima donna_, opened the Easter season at Norwich Theatre with a performance of "The Grand Duchess."

15.--Died at his residence, St. Andrew's, Norwich, Mr. James Newbegin, aged 51. He was Chairman of the Norwich Board of Guardians, and was possessed of considerable scientific attainments. Mr. Edward Field was elected to the chairmanship of the Board on April 17th.

21.--The marriage of Princess Louise was celebrated at Norwich by the ringing of bells and by the partial decoration of the city. The Town Council, at a special meeting, adopted a congratulatory address for presentation to the Queen, and in the evening the Scottish residents in the city held a banquet at the Norfolk Hotel. "Although a number of their English friends were invited to join it, the gentlemen from North of the Tweed assembled in sufficiently preponderating numbers to give a distinctive character to the gathering, and the whole of the arrangements were carried out by a committee of Scotchmen." The "Number Twenty-Four" Club also dined at the same hotel, and the event was similarly celebrated at Yarmouth, Lynn, and Thetford.

26.--Died at Morningthorpe, Mr. Edward Howes, member of Parliament for South Norfolk. Born July 7th, 1813, he was the eldest surviving son of the Rev. George Howes, rector of Spixworth, his mother being a daughter of Mr. Robert Fellowes, of Shotesham Park. From St. Paul's School he proceeded to Cambridge, and came out high in the list of Wranglers of his year (1835); in 1836 he was elected a Fellow of his College (Trinity), and three years after was called to the Bar. In 1859 Mr. Howes was returned without opposition for the Eastern Division of the county, in conjunction with Colonel Coke, and in 1865 he was again elected, with Mr. Clare Sewell Read as his colleague. In 1868, when the county was subdivided, Mr. Howes and Mr. Read selected the Southern Division, and were again returned. Mr. Howes was appointed Chancellor of the Diocese on the death of Mr. Chancellor Evans; he was a Chairman of Norfolk Quarter Sessions, and one of her Majesty's Ecclesiastical Commissioners. He married first, in 1842, Agnes Maria, daughter of Mr. Richard Gwyn, who died in 1843; and secondly, in 1851, his cousin, the fourth daughter of Mr. R. Fellowes, deceased, by whom he left a son and a daughter.

APRIL.

1.--Died, in his 88th year, Mr. George Samuel Kett, of Brooke House. He served the office of High Sheriff in 1820, and was a magistrate and Deputy Lieutenant of the county.

4.--Died, suddenly, while on a visit to Norwich, Mr. G. Middleton, of Wimbledon. Mr. Middleton, who was a magistrate of the city, served the office of Mayor in 1859.

11.--The dedication-stone of a new church at Harleston was laid by Mr. Sancroft Holmes. The building was designed to accommodate 400 persons, and the contract amounted to 3,150, exclusive of fittings. Mr. Phipson was the architect, and Mr. Grimwood, of Weybread, the contractor.

--The nomination of candidates to fill the vacancy in the Southern Division of the county, occasioned by the death of Mr. Howes, took place at the Shirehall, Norwich. Sir Robert Jacob Buxton, Conservative, and Mr. Robert Thornhagh Gurdon, Liberal, were nominated. The polling took place on the 14th, and resulted in the return of the Conservative candidate. The official declaration was made at the Shirehall on the 17th, as follows: Buxton, 2,868; Gurdon, 2,547.

12.--The first School Board election took place at Norwich. "There was a total absence of excitement, and not much interest was shown." The following candidates were elected:--Mr. J. H. Tillett, Mr. H. Morgan, Mr. H. Birkbeck, Mr. J. W. Dowson. Mr. T. R. Pinder, Mr. R. A. Cooper, the Rev. Hinds Howell, Mr. A. J. N. Chamberlin, Mr. C. J. Bunting, the Rev. E. P. Costello (Roman Catholic), the Rev. A. C. Copeman, the Rev. J. W. L. Heaviside, and Mr. J. C. Barnham. The unsuccessful candidates were Mr. John Youngs, Mr. F. Paul, the Rev. G. S. Barrett, and the Rev. A. Jessopp. On April 27th Canon Heaviside was elected Chairman, and Mr. Barnham Vice-Chairman; and on May 22nd Mr. E. P. Simpson was appointed Clerk.

15.*--"In consequence of the Purchas judgment, the clergy of Yarmouth intend to wear the surplice in future instead of the black gown when preaching. This resolution was carried into effect during Passion week, and on Easter Sunday at the various churches. At St. John's, St. James', and St. Andrew's churches the black gown has long been discarded."