Chapter XVII: Preface (17)

11.--Mr. H. M. Pitt's Comedy-Drama Company commenced an engagement at Norwich Theatre. The company re-appeared at the Theatre on November 25th, for a season of eighteen nights--its farewell visit.

15.--Died at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, from cancer on the tongue, Mr. John Joseph Cotman, aged 63. "As an artist he would have rivalled his father, John Sell Cotman, but unhappily his unquestionably great genius was marred by an eccentricity which at times verged on insanity, and ruined a career which should have been one of honour and renown to himself and of profit to his family."

--Died at Lewes, Sussex, Mr. George P. Bacon, in his 71st year. He was the second son of Mr. Richard Mackenzie Bacon, proprietor and editor of the "Norwich Mercury." In 1843 he became proprietor of the "Sussex Advertiser," which he conducted in a very spirited manner. Mr. Bacon joined his brother in forming the "Norwich Mercury" Company. He was also well-known as secretary to the Association for the Repeal of the Hop Duty.

16.--A silver inkstand and a purse of 200 gs. were presented to Mr. H. J. Martin, in recognition of his services as honorary secretary of the Norwich Central Conservative Club.

17.--Died at the Cathedral Close, Norwich, Mr. Henry Hansell, proctor, solicitor and notary public, and registrar of the Archdeaconry of Norfolk, aged 71. Mr. Hansell was a warm supporter of the local charities, and was for several years honorary secretary of the Jenny Lind Infirmary. His knowledge of ecclesiastical law and of the rules and practices of the courts was most profound. He was succeeded in his registrarship and other appointments by his son, Mr. Thomas William Hansell.

25.--The celebrated Vokes Family commenced an engagement at Norwich Theatre, in "Belles of the Kitchen," "The Wrong Man in the Right Place," &c.

28.--The 5th Royal Irish Lancers gave a mounted and dismounted assault-at-arms at the Circus building, Castle Meadow, Norwich, in aid of the local charities and other objects. The performance was repeated on the 30th. The regiment received from the Town Council the thanks of the city for its valuable services.

APRIL.

13.*--"The death is announced of Mr. Thomas Hoseason, of Lynn, at the age of 68. It is said that he was the last representative of one of the famous Dutch families who came over to England with William III., and took a foremost part in the settlement and cultivation of the country of Marshland, so much resembling their native land. The Hoseasons were for many years large landed proprietors, but their estates have changed hands, and the deceased had gradually fallen into a state of utter destitution, and for a long time past had been dependent upon the aid of friends, and lived in a secluded lodging in a back street in the town."

17.--A public meeting was held at Yarmouth, in opposition to the proposal of the Corporation to erect a new town hall, with courts and public offices, at the cost of 24,000. A resolution condemning the scheme, and asserting that the outlay would be 36,000, and would involve an addition to the rates of 3d. in the pound for the next fifty years, was adopted. The Town Council, on July 15th, approved the plans of Mr. J. B. Pearce, architect, Norwich. (_See_ May 31st, 1882.)

22.--Died at the Wilderness, Bracondale, the Rev. Joseph Crompton, rector of St. Lawrence', Norwich, in his 65th year. Mr. Crompton began his career in Norwich as a Nonconformist minister, in about 1848. For many years he was minister at the Octagon chapel; but his views underwent such a change that he relinquished the pastorate and established what was known as the Free Christian Church, which assembled at the Dutch church, Elm Hill. After a ministry of several years, Mr. Crompton, whose views had approximated to those of the Broad Church party, began to show strong sympathy with that section of the Establishment. He avowed himself "a Dissenter against his will," and stated that the Athanasian Creed was the last stumbling-block in his way to joining the Church of England. At his own request the Bishop shortly afterwards admitted him to Holy Orders, and he officiated as curate to the Rev. Charles Morse, both at St. Mary's and St. Michael-at-Plea. On the Rev. E. A. Hillyard leaving St. Lawrence', Mr. Crompton was appointed rector of the parish. He took great interest in scientific pursuits, and his name was associated with the Norfolk and Norwich Museum as a lecturer with Professors Lindley and Sedgwick, Thomas Brightwell, and the Rev. R. Lubbock. Mr. Crompton was a zealous supporter of the Norfolk and Norwich Naturalists' Society, of which he was President in the first two years of its existence. In politics he was a decided Liberal. A window erected to his memory by public subscription was unveiled at St. Lawrence' church by Mr. Harry Bullard, Mayor of Norwich, on November 6th, 1879.

22.--The farcical comedy, "Pink Dominoes," was produced at Norwich Theatre by a company under the management of Mr. S. Genese. "It is a class of piece which we are sorry to see introduced on the English stage. Originating in France, it had better be kept in an atmosphere for which it may be specially adapted."

26.--Mr. Frank Buckland and Mr. Spencer Walpole, fishery commissioners, held a public inquiry at Lynn into the use of trawl and seine nets, and into the alleged destruction of the fry and spawn of sea fish. A similar inquiry was held at Yarmouth.

MAY.

9.--At a meeting held at St. Andrew's Hall, Norwich, a branch of the Church of England Temperance Society was established. The Lord Bishop presided, and addresses were delivered by the Rev. Canon Ellison, the Rev. Canon Wilberforce, Mr. Cadge, and Dr. Eade.

12.--A fire occurred on premises on the South Denes Road and Exmouth Road, Yarmouth, by which damage was done to the amount of 3,000.

15.--Died at Norwich, Mr. Edward Press, in his 77th year. He was a son of the Rev. Edward Press, B.A., and was born at Barnham Broom. For many years he practised as a solicitor at Hingham, and held several local appointments of a public character. He was, however, more widely known as County Coroner, the duties of which office he discharged with marked ability for fifty years. In politics Mr. Press was a Liberal. He was succeeded as County Coroner by Mr. Robert Thomas Culley, who was elected unopposed on June 6th.

23.--The 5th Royal Irish Lancers' Christy Minstrel Troupe gave performances at St. Andrew's Hall, Norwich, in aid of the local charities.

JUNE.

1.--Died at his residence, Theatre Square, Norwich, Mr. Frank Noverre, aged 71. Mr. Noverre was descended from a French family long associated with Norwich. His father was one of the original directors of the Norwich Union Life Insurance Society, and he was himself for many years a director of the same institution. At one time he was honorary treasurer of the Norwich Choral Society, honorary secretary of the Norwich Philharmonic Society, and a member of the sub-committee of management of the Norfolk and Norwich Musical Festival.

10.--The celebration of the coming of age of Lord Hastings, on April 4th, commenced on this date, at Melton Constable. The festivities lasted five days.

19.--The Summer Show of the Norfolk Agricultural Association was opened at North Walsham, and was continued on the 20th. Lord Suffield presided at the luncheon.

--At a meeting of the Governors of the Norwich Dispensary, it was agreed, on the motion of Mr. John Gurney, to adopt the provident system in the working of the institution.

24.--Colonel Massy and the officers of the 5th Royal Irish Lancers, on the occasion of the departure of the first detachment of the regiment from Norwich, were entertained at a civic luncheon, given at the Guildhall, under the presidency of the Mayor (Mr. J. D. Smith). The Mayor, on behalf of the citizens, presented to the officers a massive silver-gilt cup, "in appreciation of the exemplary conduct of the regiment during its stay among them, and in grateful remembrance of the many benefits conferred by it upon the city and its institutions." The remainder of the regiment marched on the 25th. The Town Council, on July 1st, passed a special resolution, recording its high estimation of the regiment, and ordering the entry in the minutes of the fact that "no complaint has been made nor any collision taken place between the military and the citizens during the time the regiment has been quartered in the city." The Lancers were relieved by the 21st Hussars, commanded by Colonel Wake.

29.--Died at Constantinople, aged 32, Mr. Robert Pulvertoft Master, Commissioner of the Turkish Compassionate Fund. He was the second son of Mr. Alfred Master, of Norwich, and rendered great services in the cause of humanity during the Russo-Turkish War. Mr. Master was educated at Norwich Grammar School, and, after spending a year in Germany, and a like period in a commercial house in London, proceeded to Ceylon, where he became manager of a coffee estate, and married Amelia, second daughter of Sir Edward Creasy, Chief Justice of the island.

JULY.

4.--Died at Pottergate Street, Norwich, Mr. William Smith, veterinary surgeon, aged 61. Mr. Smith attained to considerable eminence in his profession. During the time of the Cattle Plague, he did good service to the county in his official capacity as inspector to the Central Committee, and at the meeting of the British Association at Norwich read an able paper on the disease, its origin and treatment.

9.--Winterton church was re-opened by the Bishop of Norwich. It had been restored at the cost of 3,000.

13.--The 3rd and 4th Battalions of Norfolk Rifle Volunteers went into camp at Yarmouth, under the command of Lieut.-Colonel Duff, M.P., and Lieut.-Colonel Gurdon.

15.--The Hemsby to Martham extension of the Yarmouth and Stalham Railway was opened on this date. Powers having been obtained for carrying the line to North Walsham, it was thereafter known as the North Norfolk Railway. (_See_ June 8th, 1881.)

20.--Died at Norwich, in his 93rd year, Commander Crane, R.N. He was the son of Mr. Edward Crane, Coroner of Norwich, and entered the Royal Navy as midshipman on board the Repulse, in 1798. During the summer of 1805 he accompanied Nelson in his pursuit to the West Indies of the combined French and Spanish fleets. After continuous service he joined the Reynard, 18 guns, as Acting Commander in the advance on Riga, and was the first to bring to the Admiral of the station lying off Carlscrona news of the great defeat of Napoleon at Moscow. He was in May, 1813, while in charge of a prize, driven by a gale into Frederickstadt, in Norway, where he was detained a prisoner for some months. In 1843 he received the rank of commander, and since 1848 had resided in Norwich.

AUGUST.

3.--At the Norfolk Assizes, before Lord Justice Thesiger, Mr. W. G. Loftus, of Bracon Lodge, brought an action against the Rev. T. T. Berney, rector of Braconash, for trespass. The defendant claimed the right, as lord of the manor, of shooting over thirty-four acres' of land around Bracon Lodge. This land was principally garden ground. The plaintiff objected to defendant sporting in his kitchen garden, and wished to put an end to the nuisance. In the course of argument between Mr. Day, Q.C., for the plaintiff, and Sir Patrick Colquhoun, Q.C., for the defendant, reference was made to several "musty deeds" produced by Mr. Berney. The jury found for the plaintiff, damages 40s.

5.--A singular claim to the Stanfield Hall estate was made at the Norfolk Assizes, before Lord Justice Thesiger. The action was brought by George Taylor, a railway guard, against Mr. Reginald Gwyn and the Rev. Henry H. H. Lubbock, the owners of the estate, who pleaded that they had a possessory title, and that plaintiff's title and right of action were barred by the Statute of Limitations. The estate was originally in the possession of William Jermy, of Bayfield, who died in 1752, and plaintiff alleged that, as a lineal descendant of Robert Jermy, who died in 1758, he was heir-at-law. Mr. Bulwer, Q.C., after opening the case for the plaintiff, said he was not justified in occupying the time of the court and putting the parties to further trouble in the matter, when he knew perfectly well that he must be beaten in the end. The jury returned a verdict for the defendants, for whom his lordship gave judgment.

18.--Died at Whitwell Hall, Mr. Robert Leamon, aged 56. Mr. Leamon, who was described as "a good specimen of the old Norfolk yeoman," broke down the Whig monopoly in East Norfolk, "and became the political godfather of Mr. C. S. Read, for whom he entertained the warmest personal regard." Mr. Leamon was born in 1822, and inherited from his father a fine property and extensive business. He married, in 1848, a daughter of Mr. John Brooke Gill, of Wood Norton.

22.--Died at Runton, aged 76, Favell Lee, widow of the Rev. Thomas Mortimer. She was the authoress of "The Peep of Day," and other works of a similar character.

24.--A fire took place at Messrs. Bagshaw's paper mills, St. Miles', Norwich, and did damage amounting to several thousands of pounds.

30.--Among the most notable of architectural improvements in Norwich was the new building known as Cooper's Restaurant, which was opened on this date. It was designed by Mr. Edward Boardman, architect, and occupies a site on which stood the old business premises of Messrs. Butcher, cheese factors.

SEPTEMBER.

5.--Mr. and Mrs. German Reed, assisted by Miss Fanny Holland, Mr. Dale, Mr. Corney Grain, and Mr. Arthur Law, commenced a three nights' engagement at St. Giles' Hall, Norwich.

9.--Mr. Henry Walsham opened an operatic season at Norwich Theatre. The company included Madame Rose Hersee, Miss Palmer, Madame Telma, and Mr. Ludwig.

11.--The Sheriff of Norwich (Mr. Harry Bullard) provided the first of his annual excursions for the _employes_ at the Anchor Brewery. The workpeople in the service of the firm (with their wives), to the number of 600, were conveyed to the Crystal Palace and back by special train.

OCTOBER.

2.--A four-oared race, between a crew of the 21st Hussars (Capt. Lovewell, stroke) and of the Norwich Police, took place between Field's boat-house, Thorpe, and Trowse railway-bridge--distance, a mile and a quarter. After a very close race, the police crew won.

10.--Died, the Rev. Henry Lombe, of Bylaugh Park, aged 86. He was fifty years a parochial clergyman, and for twenty-six years rector of Lyng. At Swanton Morley, in 1831, when the poor-rates were at an appalling figure, and poverty excessive, he set on foot and carried on for years on his own responsibility an extensive cotton weaving business, reduced a turbulent population to order, and saved the whole parish from starvation. In the days of incendiarism he was the main instrument in hunting down into their hiding-places the leaders of that infamous movement, and the means of bringing the notorious Nockolds to justice (_q.v._ Vol. I., p. 304). Before the days of the rural police, he organized a voluntary system of constabulary in his desperately disturbed parish of Lyng. In company with the farmers, he patrolled the parish during the whole winter, visited every farmstead, and preserved the village from utter ruin. Clubs, coal charities, and penny banks were under his personal superintendence to the last day of his active life. Mr. Lombe was succeeded in the possession of his extensive landed estates by his son, Mr. Henry Evans Lombe, of Melton Hall, a B.A. of Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, and a magistrate for Norfolk and Suffolk.

14.--Died at his residence, St. Giles', Norwich, Mr. George Warren Watts Firth, F.R.C.S., aged 64. He was senior surgeon to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, a magistrate of the city, and honorary consulting surgeon to the Norfolk County Lunatic Asylum, a distinction conferred upon him after his retirement from the office of surgeon to that institution.

15.--The Norfolk and Norwich Triennial Musical Festival commenced at St. Andrew's Hall, Norwich, with an evening performance of "Acis and Galatea," and of "Spring" (from "The Seasons"). The morning performances were as follow:--16th, "Joseph," and 1st Mass in C (Mozart); 17th, "Elijah"; 18th, "The Messiah." On the evening of the 16th a grand ballad concert was given, and on the evening of the 17th an operatic concert. The vocalists were Madame Albani, Miss Catherine Penna, Miss Anna Williams, Madame A. Sterling, Madame Trebelli, Mr. Edward Lloyd, Mr. H. J. Minns, Mr. W. Shakespeare, Mr. R. Hilton, and Mr. Santley. Sir Julius Benedict conducted. The total receipts amounted to 4,140 4s. 9d., and the expenditure to 3,898 2s. 6d.

17.--The Rev. Sidney Pelham, curate-in-charge of Aylsham, was elected vicar of St. Peter Mancroft, Norwich, in place of the Rev. Charles Turner, who had accepted the living of Bixley with Framingham Earl, after 31 years' ministry at St. Peter's.

--The monument erected at Norwich Cemetery "to the memory of deceased soldiers of regiments stationed in this city or who may die while on service here," was unveiled by Lord Waveney. It was designed by Mr. John Bell, a Norfolk man. The figure forming the finial, called by the designer "The Spirit of the Army," was cast in terra cotta by Messrs. Doulton, of the Lambeth Pottery. Colonel Wake, of the 21st Hussars, in the name of the British Army and on behalf of his brother officers, thanked the representatives of the county of Norfolk and city of Norwich for erecting the memorial.

20.--Died at Norwich, James Truman, aged 70, for upwards of fifty years a member of the St. Peter Mancroft Company of Ringers. In 1831 he rang with the St. Peter's company an intricate peal of Double Norwich Court Bob Major, at St. Michael at Coslany tower, and in 1844 conducted a long peal of Stedman's Cinques on the twelve bells of St. Peter's. The peal consisted of 7,126 changes, and occupied 5 hours 17 minutes in ringing. At that time it was the longest peal that had been accomplished in the method.

28.--Mr. J. B. Gough, the American temperance advocate, gave an "oration" at St. Andrew's Hall, Norwich, at a meeting presided over by Canon Lee Warner.

--Died at Norwich, aged 27, Mr. W. Wilson Turnbull, a member of the literary staff of the "Eastern Daily Press." He was the author of Messrs. Weldon's annual, "Benjamin D---," illustrated by a Norwich amateur, and of several able pamphlets on the Permissive Bill. At the time of his death, Mr. Turnbull was engaged in the preparation of another annual for Messrs. Weldon.

29.--A meeting of the clergy and lay representatives of the diocese was held at Noverre's Rooms, Norwich, "for the purpose of deciding upon the question of the institution of a diocesan conference or synod." The Lord Bishop presided. The Very Rev. Dean Goulburn moved, "That this meeting do advise the Lord Bishop that, in their judgment, it is inexpedient to constitute a diocesan conference to meet periodically." Lord Walsingham seconded the motion. Mr. C. S. Read, M.P., moved a direct negative--"That it is desirable that a conference of the clergy and laity be established in this diocese." The Ven. Archdeacon Groome seconded. After a long discussion, Mr. Read's proposition was adopted by the votes of 140 laity and 115 clergy, against the votes of 15 laity and 6 clergy.

NOVEMBER.

5.--The marriage of Viscount Anson, eldest son of the Earl of Lichfield, and Lady Mildred Coke, youngest daughter of the Earl of Leicester, was solemnised at Holkham church.

6.--The first general meeting of the shareholders of the Norwich Cafe Company was held at the Guildhall, under the presidency of Mr. John Gurney. The company was incorporated in July, with a nominal capital of 20,000, in 20,000 shares of 1 each. About 8,000 shares had been subscribed for at this date, by about 90 shareholders.

7.--The extension of the franchise to female householders was advocated at a public meeting held at St. Giles' Hall, Norwich, presided over by the Mayor (Mr. J. D. Smith), and addresses were delivered by Miss Helen Taylor and Miss P. H. Downing.

9.--Mr. Harry Bullard, on the expiration of his term of office as Sheriff of Norwich, was elected Mayor. For the office of Sheriff there were two nominees, Mr. William Howlett and Mr. Donald Steward. After a long and acrimonious discussion, Mr. Steward was appointed.

16.--At a meeting of the Board of Management of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, Mr. Samuel Herbert Burton was elected house-surgeon, Mr. Charles Williams surgeon, and Mr. H. S. Robinson assistant surgeon.

--The memorable and disastrous flood occurred at Norwich. A heavy fall of snow on the 12th, followed by a rapid thaw and continuous rain, had the effect of greatly swelling the tributaries of the Yare and Wensum. Simultaneously, a north-west wind occasioned a high tide at Yarmouth, so that the river waters were denied their natural outlet. Instead of ebbing with the tide, the Yare rose steadily on the 15th, and many thousand acres of marshes lying between Norwich and Yarmouth were inundated on the following day. The New Mills at Norwich, were, however, responsible for the greater part of the damage from which the city suffered. The obstruction caused the waters to overflow the banks of the river, and, in a short time, many of the streets in the low-lying localities were flooded, and hundreds of the inhabitants were compelled to leave their houses by means of boats. An enormous amount of distress prevailed. The Mayor (Mr. Harry Bullard) convened a meeting at the Guildhall on the 17th (Sunday), at which it was decided to establish centres for the distribution of provisions; and permission was obtained from the Government authorities to make use of the governor's house at the disused City Gaol for the accommodation of the houseless people, of whom 200 found refuge there. The Sessions Court at the Guildhall was opened during the day as a store-house, in which 2,600 loaves of bread and many hundreds of blankets, received from the County Gaol, Asylum, Workhouse, and Cavalry Barracks, were placed ready for distribution. At 6.30 on the same evening another influential meeting was held at the Guildhall, when the Mayor and the Sheriff (Mr. Donald Steward) were publicly thanked for the active part they had taken in mitigating the distress of the people. On the 18th a third meeting took place, at which a relief fund was inaugurated, when, in a few minutes, 2,271 13s. 6d. was subscribed, an amount which, by the end of the week, was increased to 4,200. Three or four persons lost their lives in the flood. In various parts of the county rivers overflowed their banks, and much damage was done to property. (_See_ January 4th, 1879.)

18.--An art loan exhibition, largely contributed to by noblemen and others in the Eastern Counties, was opened at St. Andrew's Hall, Norwich, by the Mayor (Mr. Harry Bullard) in aid of a fund for the restoration of the church of St. Peter Mancroft. An inaugural ode, specially written by Mr. E Oxenford, and composed by Dr. Bunnett, was performed by members of the Norfolk and Norwich Musical Union. The exhibition remained open until December 14th, when a balance of 820 3s. 6d. was handed over to the credit of the fund. (_See_ October 4th, 1881.)

19.--At a meeting of the Norwich Town Council, the Provincial Tramways Company applied for permission to construct tramways in the city. The proposed route was to commence at the Cemetery and to proceed by Dereham Road, St. Giles' Road, Chapel Field Road, Queen's Road, Upper Surrey Street, All Saints' Green, Golden Ball Street, Castle Meadow, Prince of Wales Road, Foundry Bridge, and Thorpe Road to Whitlingham Railway Station. An adjourned meeting was held on December 17th, at which it was agreed not to oppose the Bill, provided the Tramways Company consented to the insertion of such clauses, conditions, and restrictions as, in the opinion of the Parliamentary and Bylaws Committee might be deemed necessary. The Norwich Tramways Bill was considered by a Select Committee of the House of Commons, on May 6th, 1879. It was opposed by the Great Eastern Railway Company and Mr. Foster, a local resident, and thrown out after only the promoters' case had been heard. (_See_ January 16th, 1883.)

21.--The Norfolk and Norwich Fat Cattle Show was opened at Chapel Field, Norwich.

DECEMBER.

12.--The old parish church of St. Bartholomew, Heigham, Norwich, which had undergone complete restoration and enlargement, by the addition of a north aisle, at the cost of 2,500, was opened by the Lord Bishop of Norwich.

17.--A special meeting of the Norwich Town Council adopted a vote of sympathy with the Queen and other members of the Royal Family, on the death of the Grand Duchess of Hesse (Princess Alice of England), and a muffled peal was rung upon the bells of St. Peter Mancroft. Similar votes were adopted by the Corporations of Yarmouth and Lynn; and the county magistrates voted an address to her Majesty on January 4th, 1879.

19.--Mr. E. C. Bailey resigned the office of Clerk to the Norwich Board of Guardians, after a service of thirty-four years. He was succeeded in the appointment by Mr. John Cross.

22.--Died at his residence, Surrey Street, Norwich, Mr. William Peter Nichols, F.R.C.S., aged 77. Mr. Nichols was born at Yelverton, and was educated at King Edward VI. School, Norwich, under Valpy. He was subsequently articled to Mr. Dalrymple, and, having studied at St. Thomas' and Guy's Hospitals, under Sir Astley Cooper, passed his examinations, and in 1823 established himself in Norwich, where he speedily made a reputation, although it was not until late in life that he reaped the full honours he deserved. On the death of Mr. J. G. Crosse, Mr. Nichols was elected surgeon of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, a position he held for twenty-two years, and relinquished the post in 1872, when probably the highest possible testimony was paid to his skill as an operator by Dr. Copeman, who mentioned that in lithotomy his average of successful cases was higher than that of Dr. Donne, Dr. Martineau, or Mr. Norgate, all giants in their day. On his retirement from office he was unanimously appointed honorary consulting surgeon. Mr. Nichols was also consulting surgeon to the Bethel Hospital, and, with Mr. J. F. Watson, successfully carried on for many years the private asylum at Heigham Hall. He was elected Mayor of Norwich in 1865, and had the honour to take the lead in the reception of the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Duke of Edinburgh, and the Queen of Denmark, when they visited the city in 1866. In politics he was a Liberal, and occupied at various times a seat in the Town Council. He was also a magistrate of the city.

23.--Died at his town residence, 36, Upper Brooke Street, Lieut.-Colonel James Duff, M.P. He was born at Innis House, Elgin, on July 29th, 1831, and was the son of General Sir James Duff, who married Miss Eliza Charlotte Prescott, eldest daughter of General Sir Beeston Prescott, Bart., of Theobald's Park, Herts. Educated at Rugby, he entered the Army in 1851, as ensign in the 23rd Fusiliers, with which regiment he afterwards went to the Crimea, and obtained his captaincy in 1854. At the battle of Inkerman he was taken prisoner, and on his release acted as _aide-de-camp_ to General Syssons, who commanded the Second Brigade Light Division until the end of the war. Captain Duff then embarked with his regiment for China, but the Indian Mutiny breaking out meanwhile, they were ordered to Calcutta, to assist in its suppression. Captain Duff was present with Lord Clyde at the capture of Lucknow, and was specially mentioned in dispatches for his services. He received the Crimean medal with two clasps, the Turkish medal, the 5th class of the Medjidie, &c. In 1858 he left the service, and the following year married Mary, only daughter of Mr. Edward Dawkins, of Upper Brooke Street, London, and niece of Mr. John Berney Petre, of Westwick House. On taking up his residence in the county, he was appointed to the command of the 3rd Administrative Battalion of Norfolk Rifle Volunteers, and, on the death of the Hon. Frederick Walpole, was returned as Conservative member for North Norfolk. In conjunction with Sir Robert Buxton, Mr. Clare Sewell Read, Mr. Colman, and Sir Edmund Lacon, he was unwearied in his exertions to secure the passing of the Norfolk and Suffolk Fisheries Preservation Act, and the modification of Mr. Mundella's Fisheries Bill to the advantage of the district which he represented.

26.--The Christmas amusements at Norwich included Messrs. Edwards and Waldegrave's pantomime of "The Children in the Wood, or Harlequin Good Humour, the Wicked Uncle, and the Good Fairy Birds of the Forest," at the Theatre; and Bostock and Wombwell's Menagerie on the Castle Meadow.

1879.

JANUARY.

4.--A meeting, convened by the Mayor (Mr. Harry Bullard), and attended by many of the riparian owners of the county, was held at the Guildhall, Norwich, "for the purpose of determining whether an inquiry should be made into the causes of the recent floods, and for devising some means to prevent their recurrence." A committee was appointed to hold an inquiry, and in the month of June Sir John Hawkshaw, C.E., made a report, in which he stated that floods might be prevented by suitable works, the cost of which would be heavy if charged entirely on the flooded lands, but moderate if spread in suitable proportions. Mr. Bullard, on November 10th, was presented with his portrait, painted by Mr. Ventnor, in recognition of the services he had rendered to his fellow-citizens during the floods.

5.--Died at St. Giles' Street, Norwich, Mr. Horatio Bolingbroke, aged 80. He was educated at Norwich Grammar School, under Valpy, was for many years engaged in business as a manufacturer, and did much to enhance the reputation of Norwich for the production of textile fabrics. Mr. Bolingbroke was a prominent figure in the political life of the city, was the first Sheriff appointed under the Municipal Corporations Act, and was amongst the first of the Liberal members returned to the "reformed" Corporation. He was a generous supporter of local charities, chairman of the Norwich Charity Trustees (General List), and a Justice of the Peace. Labouring under the affliction of blindness, he had for some years prior to his death retired from active public life.

16.--The nomination of candidates to fill the vacancy in the representation of North Norfolk, occasioned by the death of Colonel Duff, took place at Aylsham. Mr. Edward Birkbeck, of Horstead Hall, was the Conservative, and Sir Thomas Fowell Buxton, Bart., the Liberal nominee. The polling took place on the 21st, and the result was declared on the 22nd, as follows:--Birkbeck, 2,742; Buxton, 2,252.

FEBRUARY.

8.--At the Norfolk Assizes, before the Lord Chief Baron, an action was brought by Mr. Hamon le Strange, lord of the manor of Snettisham, and his tenant, William Harding, against Richard Auker, for trespassing upon the foreshore at Snettisham and removing shingle, mussels, and cockles. Mr. le Strange in 1866 took legal proceedings to maintain his proprietary rights on the foreshore, and obtained a verdict, against which an appeal was entered; but a full bench of judges confirmed the verdict. Since then he had issued licences to persons to remove mussels from the foreshore, and had leased it to Harding, who had found the defendant carrying mussels away. The special jury returned a verdict for the plaintiffs, damages one shilling, and the learned Judge said he would make the injunction issued against the defendant perpetual. (_See_ January 21st, 1885.)

13.--Died at Kirstead, the Rev. Jonathan Bates, rector of Kirstead with Langhale. He was the son of a Wesleyan minister, and was born at New Buckenham, on June 13th, 1829. When still a child he removed with his family to Edinburgh, where he was placed in the High School. Thence he went to Huddersfield College, and at eighteen became junior master. He had not only passed the examinations of the London University, but had saved sufficient money, with the help of the scholarships he had won, to enable him, on leaving Huddersfield, to enter St. John's College, Cambridge, where he graduated in 1854, taking his place as eleventh Wrangler in the Mathematical Tripos. On completing his University career, he was appointed second classical and mathematical master of the Colchester Grammar School. This post he held four years, and was then chosen senior or classical tutor and chaplain to the Queen's Medical College at Birmingham. Ordained deacon in 1854, and priest in 1855, by the Bishop of Rochester, he returned to Colchester as mathematical master at the Grammar School, and did duty as a curate in the vicinity. In 1860 he was appointed Vice-Principal of the Chester Diocesan College, and in 1862 was presented by Caius College to the living of Kirstead. Mr. Bates married the youngest daughter of the celebrated Dr. Medhurst, for many years a missionary in China.

16.--Died at the Rectory, Toppesfield, the Rev. Professor Brewer, M.A., Preacher at the Rolls Chapel, and rector of Toppesfield. He was a son of Mr. John Sherren Brewer, of Mile End House, Norwich, and was born at Calvert Street, in March, 1809. After receiving his early education at the hands of his father, he proceeded to Queen's College, Oxford, where he graduated B.A. in 1833, taking first class honours in Classics. In 1841 he was appointed to a Professorship, and in November, 1870, was elected an honorary Fellow of his College. Professor Brewer was editor of "Fuller's Church History," published by the University of Oxford, and of the Calendars of State Papers relating to the Reign of Henry VIII., published by the Master of the Rolls. He was for some time honorary librarian to the Marquis of Salisbury at Hatfield House, and, in addition to his appointment as Preacher at the Rolls Chapel, he held the Professorship of English Literature in King's College, London. In 1876 he was presented by Lord Beaconsfield to the Crown living of Toppesfield, which had a gross income of 1,120 and a parsonage house.

21.--Edward Payson Weston, the American pedestrian, passed through Norwich, on his walk of 2,000 miles in 1,000 consecutive hours (except on Sundays). He arrived from Dereham, and at one o'clock lectured at the Victoria Hall, St. Andrew's, where a large audience had assembled, under the presidency of the Mayor (Mr. Harry Bullard). In the afternoon Weston continued his walk, and arrived at Yarmouth in the evening.

--Died at Wandsworth, Mr. P. Le Neve Foster, secretary of the Society of Arts. He was born in 1809, and educated at Norwich Grammar School, prior to studying at Cambridge, where he took his degree in 1830. A few years afterwards he was called to the Bar, and, after working zealously with the Prince Consort to promote the success of the Exhibition of 1851, was appointed Secretary of the Society of Arts in 1853.

24.--Under the auspices of the Anglo-American Electric Lighting Company, Limited, a descriptive lecture was given at St. Andrew's Hall, Norwich, upon the possibilities of the electric light, by Mr. H. Edmunds, a representative of the company. The hall was brilliantly illuminated by a special electric installation.

27.--Died at Bournemouth, Lieut.-Colonel Hugh FitzRoy, formerly of the Grenadier Guards. He was born in 1808, and was second son of the Rev. Lord Henry FitzRoy. He married, in 1831, Lucy Sarah, second daughter of Sir Thomas Buller Lethbridge, who died in 1855. In December, 1856, he married, secondly, Emily Louisa, widow of Mr. Charles William Marsham, of Stratton Strawless. Colonel FitzRoy was an active county magistrate, and chairman of the Great Yarmouth Haven and Pier Commissioners.

MARCH.

6.--The twelve hours' roller skating championship of the Eastern Counties was competed for at St. Giles' Hall, Norwich. The winner was Candler, of Norwich, who, between eight a.m. and eight p.m. covered 77 miles 7 laps; second, G. Woolsey, of Yarmouth, 74 miles 20 laps.

13.--The marriage of the Duke of Connaught and Princess Louise Marguerite was celebrated in Norwich by the ringing of St. Peter Mancroft bells, and by a civic luncheon given in the Council Chamber, Guildhall, by the Mayor (Mr. Harry Bullard). A congratulatory address adopted by the Corporation was presented to the Queen by the Mayor and Sheriff, at St. James's Palace, on May 3rd.

22.--The first of the Saturday evening popular concerts, inaugurated in Prince's Street Schoolroom, and transferred to St. Andrew's Hall, was given, under the presidency of the Mayor of Norwich.

26.--A Common Hall was held at the Guildhall, Norwich, under the presidency of the Mayor, "to consider the question of the continuance of the half-holiday movement on Thursdays during the approaching summer months." A memorial was presented by the traders of the city, affirming that the two o'clock closing was not conducive to the welfare of the assistants nor to the commercial prosperity of the city. After much discussion, the meeting was adjourned _sine die_, and a few weeks later official notice was given that "the shops of Norwich, with few exceptions, remain open on Thursdays till five o'clock."

APRIL.

6.--Died at Great Yarmouth, Sir Thomas Branthwayt Beevor, Bart., of Hargham. Born on April 7th, 1798, he was thrice married--in 1819, to Elizabeth Bridget, daughter of Dr. Richard Lubbock, of Norwich; in 1832, to Martha, daughter of Mr. Archibald Hardiment, of Old Buckenham; and in 1845, to Mary, daughter of Mr. F. Davies. Sir Thomas had for some years resided in a quiet and unostentatious manner at Yarmouth, but in his early years, as a Liberal of the advanced school, he took a leading part in the political contests of the county.

7.--Mr. T. W. Robertson, son of the author of "Caste," and other favourite comedies, made his first appearance with the Caste Company at Norwich Theatre. The company made a return visit on November 3rd. Mr. Robertson, junior, who had been articled to a veterinary surgeon in the city, afterwards became very popular as an actor.

11.--Died at Hereford, Miss Christiana Glover, second and last surviving daughter of the Rev. Edward Glover, M.A., of Norwich, aged 91. For several years she lived with the family of Sir Thomas Fowell Buxton, and afterwards became a devoted coadjutor of her talented sister, Miss Sarah Glover, in the work of imparting Christian education in accordance with the principles of the Church of England to the poorer classes in the city. The sisters originated the Norwich Sol-Fa System of Psalmody, "which may be said to be entirely unrivalled in its results, as producing perfect intonation and good harmony at comparatively small expense of time and labour. The system in a somewhat modified form has been very widely and successfully diffused by Mr. Curwen."

15.--A new oratorio, "Nehemiah," by Dr. Hill, of Norwich, was performed for the first time. It was produced at the Corn Hall, Diss, by the members of the Diss Choral Society.

--Considerable excitement was caused at Thorpe, near Norwich, by the action of Mr. Henry Blake, who had enclosed the strip of grass land known as Thorpe Green, by the side of the river. Mr. William Birkbeck, as lord of the manor, announced that if the palings, &c., were not removed by noon on this day they would be forcibly taken down. The notice was disregarded, and Mr. P. E. Hansell, as steward of the manor, directed the removal of the obstruction. After the posts and palings had been taken down, Mr. Hansell intimated that Mr. Birkbeck was prepared to take the matter into the law courts, and to the House of Lords, if necessary.

16.--A remarkable scene was witnessed at a meeting of the Norwich School Board. A motion to increase the staff was supported by the majority and opposed by the Denominational minority, the latter of whom asserted that the proposal could be carried out only by rescinding a resolution passed almost unanimously at a previous meeting. "Finding their last effort useless to stem the current of expenditure into which the Board had plunged, and justly indignant at the treatment they received, the minority left the room, and Canon Heaviside intimated that it would be a matter for consideration whether they ever again entered it." On May 8th a deputation went to Canon Heaviside's residence and presented to the gentlemen constituting the minority a memorial, signed by the ratepayers, urging that by their presence at the Board they could "continue to protest against reckless extravagance, and so keep the ratepayers better informed of what is going on." Ultimately the minority agreed to resume their duties, "at the request of their constituents, and in the hope that the public attention called to the proceedings which led to their withdrawal would have the effect of strengthening their hands in the endeavour to discharge effectively the duties that devolved upon them."

28.--Mr. Sims Reeves sang at St. Andrew's Hall, Norwich. His engagement was originally announced for April 17th, but the usual postponement occurred.

--Application having been made by the Norfolk Court of Quarter Sessions that nine disturnpiked roads in the county should, by a provisional order, be declared ordinary, not main, roads, Mr. Courteney Boyle, an inspector of the Local Government Board, attended at the Shirehall, to hear the grounds of the application and any objections thereto. The application had been made on the following grounds: (1) That in consequence of the increase of railways, there was comparatively but little through traffic along the disturnpiked reads; (2) there being no highway districts in the county, the Court was not prepared to encounter the difficulty and expense of dealing separately with the surveyors of the large number of parishes through which the disturnpiked roads passed; (3) that should a highway board be established in the county, the unions through which the disturnpiked roads passed would not be unfairly burdened by their maintenance, while it would be hard upon outlying districts of the county to contribute to the repair of roads which they never used; and (4) that the Court having previously expressed itself in favour of county boards, hesitated to sanction so novel and large an expenditure for the county rate as would be involved in paying half the cost of repairing the disturnpiked roads until the ratepayers were more directly represented in the county authority. Mr. C. S. Read, M.P., stated his reasons for moving these resolutions at the Court of Quarter Sessions, and after evidence had been taken in regard to each road in question, the Inspector said that he should make his report.

MAY.

19.--A glove fight took place at the Corn Hall, Norwich, in the presence of an immense audience, between Walter Emms and Arthur Shaw. At the Police Court, on the 26th, the principals, and John Hicks, James Clarke, James Laxton, Robert Watson, sub-editor of the "Sporting Life," London; Thomas Snelling, and Edwin Cunningham were summoned for unlawfully assembling together for the purpose of a prize-fight. Emms and Shaw were ordered to enter into their own recognisances of 100, to find two sureties of 50 each, and to keep the peace for six months. The other defendants were bound over in the sum of 20 each to keep the peace for six months.

20.--The Norwich Omnibus Company, Limited, was formed. The first omnibuses were put upon the Dereham Road route on June 23rd.

--Died at the Crescent, Norwich, Mr. John M. Croker, aged 57. His ample leisure enabled him to be of great service to many of the public institutions of the city, and he was for several years honorary secretary of the Norfolk and Norwich Cricket Club.

21.--A fire occurred on Messrs. Willis and Southall's shoe premises, the Upper Market, Norwich. The damage was estimated at 1,000.

JUNE.

2.--A case of considerable importance to the agricultural community, in which the Earl of Leicester, Lord Lieutenant of the county, was defendant, was heard by the Walsingham magistrates. His lordship was alleged to have infringed the Contagious Diseases (Animals) Act, 1878, and the Animals Order of 1878. The informations, laid by the Veterinary Inspector of the district (Mr. Edward Case), charged his lordship (1) with unlawfully causing to be driven on March 3rd a sheep affected with sheep scab; and (2) with causing 200 suspected animals to be removed. After a hearing which lasted eight hours, the Bench dismissed the case, "because the defendant had satisfied them that there was no cause for suspecting the animals removed."

5.--A singular accident occurred at Wells railway station. The driver of engine of a passenger train from Norwich was unable to control the brakes, and the engine dashing into the station, knocked down the buffer stops, ran through the end platform, and, crashing into the lavatories and porter's room, demolished the outer wall of the station, and came to a standstill when partly in the public street. A young man named John Cook was killed. At the inquest a verdict of accidental death was returned, and at the subsequent Board of Trade inquiry the engine-driver was exonerated of blame.

9.--St. Giles' Hall, Norwich, originally opened as a skating rink, and afterwards used as a variety hall and theatre, was on this date opened for the summer season as a circus by Mr. Stoodley.

11.--The Summer Show of the Norfolk Agricultural Association was opened at East Dereham, when the entries were larger than on any previous occasion. Mr. R. T. Gurdon was president.

15.--The Norwich Artillery Volunteers paraded for the first time in their new uniform. The regulation scarlet facings and helmet of the Royal Artillery had been substituted for the white facings and busby previously worn.

17.--The Prince of Wales visited Norwich, for the purpose of laying the foundation-stone of the new Norfolk and Norwich Hospital. The visit was of a semi-private character. His Royal Highness, who was received at Thorpe Station by the Mayor (Mr. Harry Bullard), the Sheriff (Mr. Donald Steward), the Earl of Leicester, Lord Suffield, and Lord Carrington, proceeded to the site of the new building, and having performed the ceremony, returned to the station and travelled by special train to Yarmouth. The cost of the new Hospital was originally estimated at 35,500, but the Board of Governors subsequently decided to purchase adjoining property, at an additional outlay of 5,000. The Board afterwards adopted a building design jointly prepared by Mr. T. H. Wyatt, of London, and Mr. Edward Boardman, of Norwich, and accepted the tender of Messrs. Lacey and Co. for the completion of the work. (_See_ June 30th, 1881.)

--The Prince of Wales arrived at Yarmouth, and on the 18th inspected the Prince of Wales' Own Norfolk Artillery. His Royal Highness left on the morning of the 19th. On both evenings of his stay in the town, the Prince attended performances given by the Gaiety Company at the Theatre Royal.

27.--At a special meeting of the Norwich Town Council, Mr. J. H. Tillett moved, "That this Council objects to the proposed schemes of the Charity Commissioners, particularly to those relating to the Boys' Hospital and the Girls' Hospital Schools, on the ground that educational and other funds given expressly and emphatically for the benefit of the poor are thereby diverted from their proper objects, and applied to the increase of the endowments in middle and upper schools, which schools, if in need, should be helped otherwise than at the expense of the poor." The motion was adopted, and the Parliamentary and Bylaw Committee were requested to prepare a petition against the scheme. A Common Hall was held on July 16th, at which resolutions were adopted expressing dissatisfaction with the scheme; and at a meeting of the Town Council, on August 26th, the Parliamentary and Bylaws Committee, in a draft report upon the scheme, urged that to apply grants originally given for the maintenance, education, and advancement of the children of the poor, in aid of the Grammar and Commercial Schools, or either of them, would involve a misappropriation of the funds and a violation of the intentions of the founders. (_See_ October 24th, 1882.)

JULY.

3.--At the Norfolk county magistrates' meeting, a report was received from the Committee of Visitors that several serious cases of erysipelas, sore throat, and diarrhoea had occurred at Thorpe Asylum, "and it would appear that the very offensive smell which pervades the Asylum whenever the wind blows from the Sewage Farm on the opposite side of the river is the cause of the above-named epidemics."

4.--In the House of Commons, Mr. C. S. Read supported, in a long and able speech, Mr. Chaplin's motion, for a Royal Commission to enquire into the depressed condition of the agricultural interest.

6.--Died at the Vyne, Basingstoke, Mr. W. L. Wiggett Chute, aged 79, formerly of Pickenham Hall, near Swaffham. He was called to the Bar by the Middle Temple in 1827, in which year he assumed, by Royal licence, the additional name and arms of Chute, on inheriting the estates of that ancient family in Hampshire and Norfolk. He was elected with Sir William Bagge in the Conservative interest at the General Election of 1837, and held the seat until 1847, when he retired. In 1837 he married Martha, second daughter of Mr. Theophilus Russell Buckworth, of Cockley Cley.

9.--A "silver cradle," in the form of a massive epergne, was presented by the Corporation to the Mayor of Norwich (Mr. Harry Bullard), "in commemoration of the birth of his daughter, Hilda May, on May 13th, 1879."

11.--Died at Kett's Castle Villa, Mousehold, Norwich, Mr. John Berney Ladbrooke. Born in 1803, he was a son of Robert Ladbrooke, painter and drawing master, and nephew of Old Crome, whose pupil he became after he had received rudimentary instruction from his father. "Crome's influence is traced in nearly all his pictures, although of late years in tone and colour they more closely resemble the best works of Henry Bright. He especially excelled in the representation of woodland scenery." As a drawing master Ladbrooke was much valued.

12.--Died at Norwich, Mr. John Withers Dowson. A son of Mr. Benjamin Dowson, merchant, of Geldeston, he was born in 1800. Educated at Norwich Grammar School, he was articled to a London firm of solicitors, and afterwards commenced practice in Norwich. The pursuit of professional emolument was, however, less an object with him than the furtherance of the education and the improvement of those around him, especially the poor, and probably no one in the city or county had in his time done more practical work in the cause of education.

14.--An inter-county bicycle race, between Norfolk and Suffolk cyclists, was ridden from Ipswich to Norwich. The competitors started from Ipswich at 3.5 p.m., and the race was won by Popplewell, of Ipswich, who arrived at the Boileau fountain, Norwich, at 6.5 p.m. Morgan, of Yarmouth, was second. The distance ridden was forty-three miles.

15.--An important question affecting the boundary of the city came before the Norwich Town Council. The Town Clerk reported that, in the preparation of the Ordnance Survey, a question had arisen as to whether two pieces of land, one containing about 38 acres, situate in the parish of Catton, and the other of about 45 acres, with 150 houses thereon, situate in the parish of Sprowston, should not be included within the Parliamentary and municipal boundary of the city and county of the city of Norwich. On investigating the matter, it appeared that, by the charter of Philip and Mary, granted to the city in 1556, these two inclosures of land were clearly defined as being within the city boundary, and by several ancient manuscripts and books, including Blomefield's "History of Norfolk," reference was also made to these lands as belonging to the city. It also appeared by the report of the Commissioners appointed to report on the boundaries of boroughs and corporate towns, by order of the House of Commons, on April 25th, 1837, that such lands were within the city jurisdiction, and a plan attached to such report corroborated the fact. The matter being important, and the Town Clerk having been requested to state whether the city authorities were willing in the new survey to allow such lands to be shown as forming part of the county of Norfolk, it was referred to the Parliamentary and Bylaws Committee, for further investigation and consideration. On August 26th, the Committee reported that they had consulted the Town Clerk and Major Jones, of the Ordnance Survey, had referred to extracts from charters and from Blomefield, and had resolved that sufficient evidence had not been produced to set forth where the boundary of the city of Norwich should be drawn, and that, therefore, they left Major Jones to define it as he might think best, without prejudice to the rights of any party.

19.--The 3rd and 4th Battalions of Norfolk Rifle Volunteers went into camp on Yarmouth South Denes. Colonel Bulwer, who had succeeded Colonel Duff, was in command of the 3rd Battalion, and Lieut.-Colonel Gurdon commanded the 4th Battalion.

20.--Owing to a heavy and continuous downpour of rain and a strong wind blowing from the north-west, the waters of the Yare were "backed up," overflowed the banks of the river, and submerged many thousand acres of marshes between Norwich and Yarmouth. Most of the hay crop in Norfolk was ruined by the wet weather.

23.--A silver epergne was presented to Mr. E. H. H. Combe, Mayor of Yarmouth, as a "silver cradle," to commemorate the birth of a daughter in his year of office.

26.--Particulars were published on this date of the establishment of the Norwich Steam Laundry and Public Baths, at North Heigham.