Chapter III: Preface (3)

--At a public meeting held at the Guildhall, Norwich, a committee was appointed to carry out the objects of the Patriotic Fund, in accordance with the terms of the Royal Commission.

--Killed at Balaclava, Lieut. Henry Astley Sparke, 4th Light Dragoons, eldest son of the Rev. J. H. Sparke, of Gunthorpe Hall, and nephew of Lord Hastings.

NOVEMBER.

2.--The Wellington statue, erected in Norwich Market Place, was unveiled by the Mayor (Sir Samuel Bignold) in the presence of 20,000 spectators. The band of the West Norfolk Militia played the National Anthem, and the Royal Artillery fired a salute on the Castle Hill. At the luncheon given at the Guildhall, speeches were delivered by the Earl of Orford, Lord Ranelagh, Sir John Boileau, Lord Royston, and Mr. H. J. S. Stracey. The statue cost about 1,000 pounds. "The hero is represented in the identical boots, cloak, and some other portions of dress actually worn by him at Waterloo, which were placed at the service of Mr. Adams, the sculptor, when he was modelling the figure. Mr. Adams has placed a copy of last Saturday's NORFOLK CHRONICLE in a small space chiselled for the purpose under the foot of the statue."

8.--Swaffham Coursing Meeting, which had greatly degenerated, was held, but owing to the small number of entries, the sport concluded early in the afternoon. "Although it does not appear that in other places coursing meetings have declined, it is clear that the glories of the Swaffham one have departed. The loss of Mr. Richard Gurney struck a blow at it almost fatal. This was followed by the withdrawal of Mr. Hamond and others, leaving the club originally consisting of all the letters of the alphabet reduced to two members. Although disappointed by the curtailment of the sports of the field, it was determined that the ladies should have the assembly as usual. It was held on Tuesday (the 7th), but it was known that none of the Club would be there to meet them as heretofore." The fortunes of the Club could only be restored, it was said, by throwing the meeting open to all England.

9.--Mr. Robert Chamberlin was elected Mayor, and Mr. R. J. H. Harvey appointed Sheriff of Norwich.

11.--Mr. J. H. Tillett, it was announced on this date, had resigned his seat in the Norwich Town Council, in consequence of the Liberal candidate for the Seventh Ward "being forced upon the reluctant electors by bribery." Mr. Tillett wrote: "A due regard to that peace of mind which is essential to a man's happiness compels me to separate myself at once and for ever in the most decided and unequivocal manner possible from any association with those who are not prepared in public matters to adhere to a right and honest course."

18.--Died at his residence, Pedestal House, Southtown, Yarmouth in his 89th year, Captain Manby, F.R.S., the inventor of the apparatus for saving the lives of shipwrecked mariners. "His life for the last fifty years had been spent in serving his country, and his name will be revered by thousands who would have been widows and orphans but for the successful application of science which was perfected by his untiring industry and perseverance." His remains were buried at Hilgay on November 24th.

20.--Mrs. Fanny Kemble commenced a series of Shakesperian readings at the Assembly Rooms, Norwich.

DECEMBER.

8.--A writ was received at Norwich for the election of a member to supply the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr. Peto, M.P., "in consequence of the opinion of the law officers of the Crown that though he had consented to construct a railway in the Crimea without profit to himself, he would be liable to heavy penalties if he continued to sit in the House of Commons." (_See_ December 27th.)

9.--A description was published of the new Corn Hall at Diss, erected by a public-spirited resident, Mr. T. L. Taylor. The building was designed by Mr. George Atkins, jun. "Mr. Taylor intends vesting it in trustees for the purposes of a corn market at a nominal rental, and he further intends appropriating a spacious apartment for a reading-room and library."

16.--Wombwell's Menagerie arrived at Norwich, and was advertised under its new title, "Edmonds', late Wombwell's." The exhibition was removed from its usual quarters on Castle Meadow to the Market Place.

22.--Died at his residence in Berkeley Square, Mr. William Howe Windham, of Felbrigg Hall. He was one of the representatives of the Eastern Division of Norfolk in 1832, when he was returned with the Hon. George Keppel, their opponents being Lord Henry Cholmondeley and Mr. Nathaniel Peach. In 1835 he came forward with Mr. R. H. Gurney, in opposition to Mr. Edmond Wodehouse and Lord Walpole, when the two last named were returned. In 1837 another election occurred, when Lord Walpole having retired, Mr. H. N. Burroughes was brought forward in conjunction with Mr. Wodehouse. Mr. Windham and Mr. Gurney, who opposed them, were again unsuccessful. Mr. Windham, who was a staunch Whig, was the oldest son of Vice-Admiral Windham (formerly Lukin), who took the name and arms in pursuance of the will of his uncle, the Right Hon. William Windham, in 1824, on succeeding to the estate on the death of Mrs. Windham. On the decease of his father, the Admiral, Mr. Windham succeeded to the Felbrigg property. He married, in 1835, Lady Sophia Hervey, daughter of the Marquis of Bristol, by whom he had one son, then in his fourteenth year. Mr. Windham died at the age of 53.

26.--Mr. J. F. Young, who for many years afterwards was a favourite actor in Norwich, made his first appearance at the Theatre Royal, in the character of Sir Edward Mortimer ("The Iron Chest"). The play was followed by a pantomime, entitled, "Harlequin St. George, or the Geni Czarnickholdofallhecan and the Fairy of Contentment."

27.--The West Norfolk Militia assembled at Norwich for the annual training. The East Norfolk Militia were embodied on the same day, at Yarmouth.

--Sir Samuel Bignold and Mr. Anthony Hamond, of Westacre, were nominated candidates at the election at Norwich rendered necessary by the retirement of Mr. Peto. A poll, demanded on behalf of Mr. Hamond, took place on the 28th, and the result was officially declared on the 29th, as follows: Bignold, 1,901; Hamond, 1,635. After this election were published, for the first time, the expenses of the respective candidates. In Mr. Hamond's accounts, under the heading, "hire of horses and carriages," was the item, "W. Slaughter, Sedan chair, 15s."

--Died, the Rev. Sir George Stracey, Bart., rector of Rackheath. "It is rather a singular circumstance that there has been but one presentation to the living of Rackheath during a period of 115 years. The late rector held the living from 1796, and his predecessor was presented to it in 1739."

30.--A serious railway accident occurred between Thetford and Brandon. The up mail from Norwich, which left Thetford soon after 11 p.m., was detained two and a half miles beyond the station by a breakdown of the engine. Twenty-three minutes later a cattle train, travelling at full speed, dashed into the rear of the mail train. The engine-driver of the mail, John Burton, who was at work beneath his engine, was killed instantly, and three passengers in the rear carriage seriously injured. One, Mr. Meagher, a London undertaker, who had been attending the funeral of Mr. Windham, afterwards died. At the inquest, on January 15th, 1855, the jury found that the accident resulted from the inefficiency of the railway company's rules in allowing a heavily-laden cattle train to follow a mail train at unlimited speed without telegraphic communication from the preceding station.

1855.

JANUARY.

1.--The railways from Reedham to Yarmouth and Lowestoft were flooded, owing to the high tides in the rivers. The metals were displaced, and on the 2nd traffic was stopped. At Yarmouth the water rose above the quayhead.

9.--Lynn Corn Exchange was opened for business. It was built from designs by Mr. Maberley, at the cost of 2,450 pounds.

--A "farewell festival" was held at St. Andrew's Hall, Norwich, "as a mark of respect and sympathy" to the Right Rev. Dr. Colenso, prior to his return to the diocese of Natal. Dr. Colenso, who was present had spent the greater part of the previous year in organizing means for carrying on his work in South Africa.

20.--Died in Victoria Street, Norwich, aged 67, William Laws, one of the proprietors of the Norwich Telegraph coach, which he had driven for upwards of twenty years.

23.--The Norfolk Artillery Militia were embodied at Yarmouth. The corps, on March 7th, proceeded to Eastbourne, for garrison duty, and returned to Yarmouth on April 25th. In the following month it was determined to increase the strength from 200 to 400 men and to appoint a lieutenant-colonel.

29.--Father Gavazzi, the popular Italian preacher and reformer, gave the first of a series of "Protestant orations" at St. Andrew's Hall, Norwich.

FEBRUARY.

10.*--"Died last week, at Lincoln, Mr. Benjamin Whall, Cathedral organist of that city, in his 75th year. He was a native of Norwich, and at an early age was distinguished for his splendid voice. At 19 he was appointed master of the choristers of Lincoln Cathedral, and subsequently organist, and held this situation for 56 years. He was distinguished as an organist, and was celebrated for his pure style of playing the old ecclesiastical compositions."

20.--In consequence of the high price of provisions, the inclemency of the weather, and the want of employment, it was decided, at a meeting held at the Guildhall, Norwich, to start a public subscription to aid the District Visiting Society in the relief of the poor.

24.--The dignity of a baronetcy was conferred on Mr. Peto, in appreciation of his services, "and more especially of his disinterested and patriotic conduct in retiring from the representation of Norwich to carry out the construction of the railway from Balaclava, originated by the Duke of Newcastle."

26.--Died at Downham Green, Wymondham, Mr. James Neave, aged 68, "chairman of the market table at the Norfolk Hotel, Norwich." When hundreds of small farmers in the county were threatened with ruin after the great hailstorm, in August, 1842, Mr. Neave suggested to his brother agriculturists the introduction of a voluntary rate, by which about 10,000 pounds was raised for the relief of the sufferers. Subsequently was established the Norwich Hailstorm Society, of which Mr. Neave was an active promoter.

MARCH.

9.--The Norwich police appeared in a new uniform. "The principal alteration in the clothing consists in the substitution of a frock-coat for the unsightly long-tailed coat, which is certainly a most becoming uniform for a civil force."

21.--This day was observed as one of solemn fasting and humiliation, in accordance with Royal Proclamation. The Mayor and Corporation of Norwich attended service at the Cathedral, and there were numerous congregations at other places of worship.

22.--At the Norfolk Assizes, before Lord Chief Baron Pollock and a special jury, was tried the libel action, Waldron, clerk, _v._ Bates, clerk. The Rev. Frederick William Waldron was a clergyman of the Church of England, and had been chaplain on board H.M. frigate Amazon, lying off the East India and China stations. On his return to England he became curate to the Rev. William Bates, rector of Burnham. After two years' service, plaintiff gave the defendant three months' notice of resignation. Mr. Bates supplied plaintiff with testimonials, by which he obtained the appointment of headmaster of a public school at Wymondham, in Leicestershire. In subsequent correspondence with the trustees of the school, the defendant stated he had "irrefragable proofs of the exceeding wickedness" of the plaintiff's character, and, he added, "I call upon you, in the name of all that is holy and good, to dismiss him instantly from his employment." After a trial extending over two days, the jury gave a verdict for the defendant.

26.--The battery of Royal Artillery marched from Norwich Barracks for Woolwich, whence they proceeded to the Crimea for active service. They were replaced, on April 4th, by the D battery, from Chatham, commanded by Capt. Mountain.

29.--At the Norwich Assizes, before Mr. Justice Wightman, Mary Ann Fisher, aged 28, was indicted for the wilful murder of her husband, George Wright, at Norwich, on November 28th, by poisoning him. The jury acquitted the prisoner.

--Died at Cambridge, James Rattee, who was born at Fundenhall in 1820. After serving his apprenticeship with Mr. Ollett, carver, of Norwich, he commenced business for himself at Cambridge, at the age of 22. He was associated with Mr. Pugin in restoring the choir of Jesus College Chapel. Most of the designs were made by Rattee himself, and submitted to Pugin before execution. He carried out Mr. G. G. Scott's designs for the carvings in Ely Cathedral, and by the advice of that gentleman spent part of the year 1852 on the Continent, where he studied the carved woodwork and artistic wrought ironwork and sculptured stone of Quintin Matsy and the other master spirits of Louvain and neighbouring cities. Returning to England, he constructed at Ely the reredos composed of choice stone and alabaster, highly enriched with delicate carving and inlaid with gold and gems, forming the most glorious piece of art workmanship executed since the Reformation. His work is to be found in churches in every county in England.

31.--Capt. Wodehouse was backed to run one mile in six minutes, on the Earlham Road, Norwich. In the presence of a large number of spectators, he ran the first half mile in less than three minutes, and accomplished the second half in 2 minutes 56 seconds. He was attended by Jim Mace. On the 31st Capt. Wodehouse performed the feat of walking one mile in 8 mins. 16 sees.

APRIL.

1.--The remains of Richard Peck, an agricultural labourer, aged 69, were buried in Docking churchyard. "The deceased had worked for forty-two years on the Choseley Farm, an extra-parochial place, and _cottage property_, distant from Docking two and a half miles, where he was obliged to reside, no labourers being permitted to live at Choseley. Thus he walked to and from his work five miles per day, 30 miles per week, 1,560 miles per year, and the extraordinary number of 65,520 miles during his forty-two years' employment. This circumstance might be multiplied by numbers in England in general, and West Norfolk in particular, showing cogent reasons for Mr. Baines' Poor-law Bill being made the law of the land."

6.--Died at her residence, St. Martin-at-Palace, Norwich, aged 38, Harriet Gurney Gordon, many years a favourite actress at Norwich and at different metropolitan and provincial theatres.

16.--Mrs. Fanny Kemble commenced a course of Shakesperian readings at the Assembly Rooms, Norwich.

28.*--"Mr. Clare Sewell Read, son of Mr. George Read, of Plumstead, near Norwich, has been awarded by the Royal Agricultural Society the prize for the best essay on the farming of Buckinghamshire. Mr. Read obtained last year the society's prize for his essay on Oxfordshire, and had also been a successful competitor in a former year for his essay on farming in South Wales."

29.--Died, aged 86, Mr. J. Watts, of Yarmouth, for many years coachman of the Telegraph coach running between Norwich and Yarmouth.

MAY.

3.--A dinner to celebrate the freeing of Duke's Palace Bridge, Norwich, was held at the Duke's Palace Inn, under the presidency of the Mayor (Mr. Robert Chamberlin). "Upwards of twelve years have elapsed since the abolition of the above toll-bridge was first mooted, and the citizens are to be congratulated on the removal of the toll."

15.--A public meeting was held in the hall of the Bazaar (Victoria Hall), Norwich, presided over by the Mayor, in furtherance of the movement in favour of administrative reform. An address was delivered by Mr. W. S. Lindsay, M.P., and a resolution was adopted affirming "that, without wishing to exclude the aristocratic class from the position in the public service to which their talents and patriotism may entitle them to assert, merit is the only principle by which appointments to public offices should be attained."

18.--Among the officers who received the Crimean medal on this date at the hands of her Majesty were Capt. Bulwer, Capt. Bathurst, Capt. Micklethwaite, Lieut. Cator, and Lieut. Cresswell.

24.--Yarmouth Waterworks were opened, with great public festivity.

29.--The Norfolk coast was visited by a violent gale, which caused considerable destruction to life and property. Off Yarmouth the smack Ruby was lost, with her crew of nine men and a boy.

JUNE.

6.--An exhibition of the Norfolk and Norwich Fine Arts Association was opened at Norwich. The collection included works by O. Short, J. B. Ladbrooke, C. J. W. Winter, H. B. Willis, Frederick Howes, C. L. Nursey, F. R. Pickersgill, R.A., John Wilson, Alfred Cooper, D. Hodgson, J. Stark, M. E. Cotman, J. J. Cotman, Mrs. J. Stannard, &c.

13.--Colours were presented to the West Norfolk Militia, on the Cricket Ground, Norwich, by the Countess of Albemarle. Lord Orford, as colonel of the regiment, received the colours, and the consecration prayers were read by the Rev. C. W. Madden, "who wore the Waterloo medal on his breast." The non-commissioned officers and men were entertained at dinner, provided by public subscription, at St. Andrew's Hall. The Mayor (Mr. Chamberlin) presided, and Lord and Lady Albemarle, Lady Augusta Keppel, and other distinguished visitors were present.

23.--Notice was given that on and after June 30th the new Newspaper Act would be in operation, and stamped and unstamped editions of the NORFOLK CHRONICLE would be published. "In compliance with the request of the Postmaster-General, we would remind such of our subscribers as may desire to send the stamped edition through the post that the paper must be folded so that the whole stamp denoting the duty shall be distinctly visible on the outside. Such papers must be posted within 15 days of publication."

--The Norton Subcourse and Raveningham estate was sold by Mr. George W. Salter, at the Norfolk Hotel, Norwich, for 16,632 pounds.

JULY.

2.--A ten mile match, for 20 pounds a side, was run at the Green Hill Gardens, between Robert Bunn, of Norwich, and John Lovett, of London. The first-named won; time, 58 minutes.

3.--The West Norfolk Militia, under the command of Lieut.-Col. Custance, left Norwich for Aldershot. In December the regiment was transferred to Dublin.

--Great festivities took place at Ellingham Hall, in celebration of the coming of age of Mr. Henry Smith, son and heir of Lieut.-Col. Smith. A dinner, at which 160 guests were present, was followed by sports, and in the evening dancing was opened upon the lawn by Mr. Smith and Miss Foster in a "Sir Roger de Coverley."

5.--The marriage took place at East Dereham, of Captain William Earle Gascoyne Bulwer, late Scots Fusilier Guards, eldest son of Mr. William E. Lytton Bulwer, of Heydon Hall, and Mary Anne Dering, only daughter of Mr. William Wilson Lee Warner, of Quebec House. The officiating clergy were the Rev. G. Dashwood, rector of Stow Bardolph, and the Rev. B. J. Armstrong, vicar of East Dereham.

7.--Mr. Edmond Wodehouse, M.P., announced that it was his intention to retire from the representation of East Norfolk, in consequence of his continued ill-health. Mr. Henry Josiah Stracey was adopted as the Conservative candidate, and was returned unopposed on the 17th.

8.--Died at Ems, Sir William Edward Parry, R.N., Lieut.-Governor of Greenwich Hospital. He was an LL.D. of Oxford, a F.R.S. of London and Edinburgh, a member of the Imperial Academy of Sciences at St. Petersburg, and author of a work entitled, "Thoughts on the Parental Character of God." He married first, on October 23rd, 1826, Isabella Louisa, fourth daughter of Lord Stanley of Alderley, by whom he had issue two sons and two daughters. She died on May 13th, 1839. On June 29th, 1841, he married, secondly, Catherine Edwards, daughter of the Rev. R. Hankinson, of Walpole, and widow of Mr. Samuel Hoare, jun., of Hampstead, by whom he had issue two daughters. Sir William was an honorary freeman of the city of Norwich. He had commanded four Arctic expeditions, in all of which he gained high professional renown. For these services he received the honour of knighthood, and was presented by the Government with 1,000 pounds, his portion of a reward for reaching the meridian of 110 degs. W. within the Arctic circle.

18.--Died, at an advanced age, at Norwich, John Osborne. "He was a well-known character, and for many years drove the Yarmouth coach, and for some time the mail coach between Norwich and Ipswich. The railway, however, put an end to his vocation. Every morning he attended service at the Cathedral. Even when he was the driver of the coach to Yarmouth he stipulated he should have his Sunday, in order that he might be in his accustomed place at the Cathedral."

26.--At the Norfolk Assizes, before Mr. Baron Parke and a special jury, was tried the action, Fisher _v._ Nisbett. This was a will case, which excited considerable interest on account of the large amount of property in dispute and the number of persons concerned. The plaintiff was Miss Mary Ann Fisher, and the nominal defendant Mr. Philip Blundell Nisbett. The actual defendant was Mr. Richard Blundell Nisbett. The question at issue was the validity of the will of a lady named Nisbett. The amount in dispute was between 20,000 and 30,000 pounds in real property, and a larger amount in personal property. The father of Mrs. Nisbett was a Mr. Fisher, a banker, of Yarmouth. Mary Ann Fisher, the plaintiff, was one of his daughters. All the children were dead in 1854 with the exception of Mary Ann Fisher. In the year 1811, when the deceased Mrs. Nisbett married, her father settled on her the sum of 10,000 pounds, and gave her during life an annuity of 500 pounds, while all that Mr. Nisbett brought was the sum of 7,000 pounds. In 1824 Mr. Nisbett died. Of the marriage there were three sons; two had died, and at the time of the trial the only one living was the eldest, Philip Blundell Nisbett, a confirmed lunatic. In the year 1835 Mr. Fisher died, leaving property to the amount of about 100,000 pounds. Mrs. Nisbett, after her father's death, left the bulk of the property to Philip Blundell Nisbett. There now appeared on the scene Mr. Richard Blundell Nisbett, a son of Mr. Nisbett's brother, and nephew by marriage to Mrs. Nesbitt. He took out a commission of lunacy against Philip, who was found to be a lunatic and incapable of managing his own affairs. Then he endeavoured to get a commission of lunacy against Mrs. Nisbett, but the Lord Chancellor, on receiving the report of the medical men who examined her, dismissed the petition, with costs. As soon as Mrs. Nisbett discovered the course that Richard was pursuing, she made a new will, the effect of which was that the property went to Miss Fisher, the plaintiff, for life, and after her death to blood relations. On November 10th, 1854, Mrs. Nisbett died suddenly, and these legal proceedings commenced. After evidence had been given by medical men and others, the Attorney-General (Sir Alexander Cockburn) who appeared for the defendant, unexpectedly withdrew from the case, and a verdict was entered for the plaintiff.

AUGUST.

1.--Died at Malta, of wounds received before Sebastopol, on June 18th, in the attack upon the Redan, Lieut. Charles A. P. Boileau, of the Rifle Brigade, aged 19, fourth son of Sir John P. Boileau, Bart., and Lady Catherine Boileau, of Ketteringham Park.

15.--Stalham Corn Hall, erected at the cost of 300 pounds, raised by 82 shares of 5 pounds each, was opened.

16.--A public dinner was held at Fakenham, under the presidency of Sir Willoughby Jones, Bart., to celebrate the opening of the Corn Hall. A capital of 4,000 pounds was raised in 160 shares of 25 pounds each. The building was designed by Mr. Brown, architect, of Norwich, and built by Mr. Pettitt, of Ipswich, for 3,000 pounds.

20.--Mr. Charles Mathews commenced a two nights' engagement at Norwich Theatre. His characters were Sir Charles Coldstream ("Used Up"), Mr. Affable Hawk ("The Game of Speculation"), and Captain Patter ("Patter _versus_ Clatter"). For these two nights the Theatre was under the management of Mr. John Coleman, formerly of the Norwich Company.

21.--Died at Thorpe, in his 72nd year, Mr. Edmond Wodehouse. He was a son of Mr. Thomas Wodehouse, by a daughter of Mr. Pryce Campbell, of Stackpole Court, Pembrokeshire. In 1809 he married his cousin, Lucy, daughter of the Rev. Philip Wodehouse, by whom he had four children, two sons and two daughters. In 1817 he offered himself as candidate for Norfolk, in opposition to Mr. Pratt; he was returned, and retained his seat until the General Election in 1830. At that time the excitement of the Reform agitation was at its height, which, with other circumstances, induced him to decline a contest. In that year Mr. T. W. Coke (afterwards Earl of Leicester) was returned with Sir W. J. H. B. ffolkes. In 1832 Mr. Keppel and Mr. Windham were returned. When the political excitement of the former period had subsided, Mr. Wodehouse again appeared before the constituency, and at the General Election in 1835 he and Lord Walpole were returned, in opposition to Mr. Windham and Mr. Richard Hanbury Gurney. Another General Election took place in 1837, and Mr. Wodehouse was returned with Mr. Henry Negus Burroughes, in opposition to the same Liberal candidates. In 1842 Mr. Wodehouse and Mr. Burroughes were again elected; Sir W. J. H. B. ffolkes, who was abroad at the time, was nominated without his consent as the Liberal candidate. Both Conservative candidates were re-elected without opposition in 1847. Mr. Wodehouse sat in Parliament about forty years. He was a Conservative of the old school, a Protectionist, and a zealous supporter of Sir Robert Peel until he introduced his Free Trade measures. His remains were interred at Norwich Cathedral on August 28th.

--At the Norwich Police Court, Mr. John Coleman, tragedian, and temporary manager of the Theatre, preferred a complaint against Inspector Amis, of the city police. On the previous evening, he stated, a number of persons presented themselves at the dress-box entrance and demanded admission with, silver tickets. He informed them that the majority of places had been taken by those who had paid, but the upper circle was open to silver ticket holders. Some noise and disturbance ensued. Sir William Foster came up and endeavoured to gain an entrance, Mr. Coleman tried to prevent him, a scuffle ensued, and the police were sent for by both parties. Inspector Amis came, and Mr. Coleman directed his attention to a notice on the play-bill that no one would be admitted to the dress circle without a reserved seat ticket. Mr. Coleman asked the inspector to remove the persons who were seeking to gain an entrance; and they, in turn, requested the inspector to remove Mr. Coleman. The officer, it was asserted, made an unprovoked and violent assault upon Mr. Coleman, who denied that silver ticket holders had the privilege to enter the house, and told them that they must legally prove their right. He had taken the Theatre for two nights only, at a heavy rental, there was no arrangement in the agreement with the manager as to the proprietors of silver tickets, and that was why he had put the notice on the bills. Mr. Hudson (a magistrate) remarked that the owners of silver tickets were owners of the Theatre, and had a right to go in when they pleased. Sir William Foster attended the Court, and stated that unless Mr. Coleman apologised he would take proceedings against him. Mr. Coleman said he was sorry if Sir William Foster had been injured (his waistcoat was torn to ribbons), but beyond that he should make no apology. The case against Amis was dismissed. Silver ticket holders were admitted without opposition on the evening of the 21st.

23.--Died at Norwich, in his 87th year, Mr. John Francis, manufacturer, who served the office of Sheriff in 1837.

24.--The foundation-stone of a new chapel on Hempton Green, Fakenham, was laid. The building was designed by Mr. J. H. Hakewell, architect to the Church Building Society. "Hempton has been without a church or clergyman since the Reformation, when the ancient priory church was demolished." (_See_ October 6th, 1856.)

SEPTEMBER.

4.--Died at Brighton, Mr. Henry Dover, of Caston, who, in the previous July, resigned the office he had long held as a chairman of the Court of Norfolk Quarter Sessions.

10.--A telegraphic message announcing the fall of Sebastopol was exhibited at the window of the NORFOLK CHRONICLE Office, at six p.m. Thousands of citizens crowded into the Market Place, and the office was besieged by persons anxious to obtain copies of the dispatch. Peals were rung upon the bells of St. Peter Mancroft, bands paraded the streets, and the citizens sang in chorus the National Anthem and "Rule, Britannia." A bonfire was lighted in the Market Place, followed by a display of fireworks. There were great rejoicings in every town and village in the county. Sunday, the 29th, was observed as a day of special thanksgiving.

18.--Mr. Walter Montgomery, at the Assembly Rooms, Norwich, "repeated from memory his recital of 'Othello.'" "Mr. Montgomery is the son of a respectable Norwich citizen, and has gained much provincial celebrity for his impersonation of Shakesperian characters."

23.--A fire occurred at the Steam Flour Mills, Lower Westwick Street, Norwich. The large building, much valuable machinery, and 200 sacks of flour were destroyed. The loss to the owner (Mr. F. W. Waters) was estimated at 4,000 pounds.

OCTOBER.

19.--At a meeting of the county magistrates, the following resolution was adopted, on the motion of Mr. T. J. Birch: "That the magistrates of the county of Norfolk, in Quarter Sessions assembled, take this, the earliest opportunity, of conveying to Major-General Charles Ash Windham, their sincere congratulations on his providential escape from the perils attendant on the assault of the great Redan of Sebastopol on the 8th of September, 1855, of expressing to him their sense of admiration of his long-enduring gallantry, of his courage, constancy, self-devotion, and self-possession, which may be equalled, but cannot be surpassed, and of tendering to him their warmest and most cordial thanks for the example he has thus held out to the British soldier." A "Windham Testimonial Fund" was afterwards opened. (_See_ August 1st, 1856.)

NOVEMBER.

3.--The Norfolk coast was visited by a severe gale, which did enormous damage to the shipping.

9.--Mr. J. Godwin Johnson was elected Mayor, and Mr. Timothy Steward appointed Sheriff of Norwich.

28.--At a meeting of the Norwich Town Council, the unsatisfactory state of the railway communication between Norwich and London was considered. It was stated that an apprehension existed on the part of the public, on account of delays and obstructions, that the Eastern Counties Railway was insecure. A committee was appointed to inquire into and define the grievances of the citizens. On December 7th the Committee reported upon the alleged insecurity of the permanent way; the irregularity and inconvenience in the working of the line; and the arrangements for the conveyance of the mails. The Board of Trade made an inspection of the line, and in January, 1856, reported upon its insecure and dangerous state between Norwich and Cambridge.

DECEMBER.

8.*--"The Queen has been pleased to grant unto Joseph Stonehewer Scott, of Thursford and Pinckney, in the county of Norfolk, eldest son of Mr. Joseph Scott, of Colney Hall, license and authority that he and his issue may use the surname of Chad in addition to and after the surname of Scott, and bear the arms of Chad quarterly with the family arms of Scott."

--*"Of late years some improvements have been made in various parts of Norwich by widening the streets, but by far the most important and expensive has been that in London Street. The improvement was badly designed, and has cost almost as much already as the cost would have been of pulling down one side of the street entirely. From first to last at least 20,000 pounds has been expended, and the whole street is a bungle after all. The lower part of the street remains as bad as ever, and in the upper part years have been required to make a fourteen feet passage."

19.--Mr. W. L. Mendham was elected Town Clerk of Norwich, in succession to Mr. J. R. Staff, who, since 1836, had held that office with the appointment of Clerk of the Peace. Mr. A. Dalrymple was elected to the latter office.

20.--Died at Dorking, Mr. T. Cubitt, who was well known by reason of the many important building contracts he had undertaken in London. He was born at Buxton, near Norwich, on February 25th, 1788. When working as a journeyman carpenter, he, in his nineteenth year, made a voyage to India, as a ship's joiner. On his return to London two years afterwards, he commenced as a builder in a small way of business. Later he erected the London Institution, Moorfields, and about the year 1824 entered into an engagement with the Duke of Bedford and Lord Southampton for contracts on the ground on which Tavistock Square, Gordon Square, Woburn Place, and the neighbouring streets now stand. Towards the close of the same year and the beginning of 1825 he engaged with the Marquis of Westminster and Mr. Lowndes to cover portions of the Five Fields and grounds adjacent, and of this engagement Belgrave Square, Lowndes Square, Chatham Place, and other ranges of houses resulted. He built upon the vast open district lying between Eton Square and the Thames, now known as South Belgravia, and carried out similar extensive operations in Clapham, Kemp-town, Brighton, and other places. Mr. Cubitt had two brothers, Mr. Alderman Cubitt, M.P. for Andover, and Mr. Lewis Cubitt, the architect of the Great Northern Railway terminus.

26.--The title of the Christmas pantomime produced at Norwich Theatre was "King Goggle-eyed Greedy Gobble and the Fairy of the Enchanted Lake." Mr. Sidney was complimented upon the excellence of the production.

27.--Died, in his 80th year, Mr. W. Shalders, who was for many years a leather merchant in Norwich. He was the originator and patentee of the far-famed Norwich invention known as the "fountain pump."

1856.

JANUARY.

21.--Mr. John Coleman, lessee of the Worcester circuit, appeared at Norwich Theatre, in the character of Claude Melnotte. His other impersonations included Evelyn ("Money"), Hamlet, Richelieu, and Ingomar.

FEBRUARY.

5.--Madame Jenny Goldschmidt-Lind sang at a performance of "The Messiah," at St. Andrew's Hall, Norwich and on the 7th took part in a concert at which a miscellaneous programme was presented. The other performers included Mr. Lockey, Mr. Weiss, Miss Bassano. M. Otto Goldschmidt, and Mr. Swift. The total receipts amounted to 2,400 pounds, of which 351 pounds was paid to the account of the Jenny Lind Infirmary.

11.--The first performance of modern burlesque, "The Yellow Gnome," by J. R. Planche, was given at Norwich Theatre on this date.

19.--Mr. Henry Russell appeared at St. Andrew's Hall, Norwich, in his entertainment, entitled, "The Far West, or life in America," illustrated by a series of views "showing the different scenes of a transit from Liverpool to the American Continent."

23.*--"At the present time there are about forty manufacturers in Norwich, ten of them being producers of textile fabrics of various kinds. Altogether they now employ several thousand operatives in spinning yarns or in the production of immense quantities of goods composed of materials of that description."

27.--The Lord Bishop of the Diocese consecrated the new Cemetery at Norwich. Thirty-five acres of land were purchased by the Board of Health of Mr. John Cater, but only twenty-three acres were at first utilised. The buildings were erected by Messrs. Ling and Balls, from designs by Mr. Benest, city surveyor, for 1,990 pounds.

MARCH.

12.--Mr. George Dawson, of Birmingham, delivered an address at the Lecture Hall, St. Andrew's, Norwich, on "Martin Luther: his private life and character." On the 17th he lectured on "Old Books: their uses, beauties, and peculiarities."

13.--Mrs. Fred Philips, for several years a favourite actress on the Norwich circuit, took her final leave of the stage at Norwich Theatre. The house was crowded, and between 300 and 400 persons were refused admission.

22.--Hoffman's "Organophonic Band, or Human Voice Orchestra," with Mr. Thurton, "the living Valentine Vox," gave an entertainment at St. Andrew's Hall, Norwich. The performance was repeated on the 24th and 25th, and the company made a return visit in April.

24.--Mr. Walter Montgomery, a native of the city, commenced a six nights' engagement at Norwich Theatre, during which he appeared as Virginius, Macbeth, Richard the Third, &c.

--At a meeting of the Norwich Town Council, a letter was received from Mr. J. B. Morgan, hon. secretary to the Nelson Statue Committee, stating that it was proposed, on the suggestion of Sir Richard Westmacott, R.A., Professor of Sculpture, to remove the statue from the site it had occupied during the preceding eighteen months, in the Market Place, opposite the entrance to Dove Street, to a new site in the Upper Close, immediately facing the Grammar School. The statue was removed, on April 16th, to the site it now occupies.

30.--Intelligence was received in Norwich of the signing of the Treaty of Peace. On the 31st (Monday) the bells of St. Peter Mancroft were rung, and flags hoisted upon the tower. In the evening fireworks were discharged in the Market Place, and, contrary to police regulations, a bonfire was lighted. It was extinguished by the constables, whereupon the mob broke many windows in the Market Place, and proceeded to the Castle Meadow, where a squib was thrown upon a waggon loaded with straw. When the fire brigade attempted to put out the flames, the firemen were stoned by the rioters, some of whom were apprehended, and punished next day by the magistrates. Peace was proclaimed on May 1st by the Mayor (Mr. J. G. Johnson) and the Sheriff (Mr. T. Steward), who were attended by the Town Clerk and Under-Sheriff. From an open carriage the Mayor read her Majesty's Proclamation in the Market Place "and the other accustomed spots for such announcements." Peace was celebrated on May 27th. The Royal Artillery paraded on Mousehold and fired a salute, and at one o'clock dinner was provided at St. Andrew's Hall for the non-commissioned officers and men of the Artillery stationed in the city, for the recruiting and Militia staffs, for soldiers and sailors residing in the city who had been engaged in the war, and for the fathers, sons, and brothers of soldiers and sailors who had fallen in the war or who were then on active service. Upwards of 8,000 children assembled in Chapel Field, and walked in procession to the Market Place, where the National Anthem was sung, and immediately afterwards proceeded to Victoria Station, where they had tea. In the evening the Guildhall, Ethelbert Gate, St. Andrew's Hall, the Shirehall, St. Giles' church, Erpingham Gate, the gate at the Bishop's Palace, and the Wellington and Nelson statues were illuminated. There were displays of fireworks in the Market Place and on Castle Meadow, where also a bonfire was lighted. On the 28th a ball was given at the Assembly Rooms. Similar celebrations took place at Yarmouth, Lynn, and other towns.

APRIL.

13.--A serious gas explosion took place at Gurney's Bank, Norwich. A clerk, named Utting, who detected an escape of gas, entered with a lighted candle the office of Mr. Mottram. A tremendous explosion followed. The walls were rent, the windows blown out, and the ceiling raised so that the gas escaped to the rooms above.

--Died at his residence, Redwell Street, Norwich, Dr. Robert Hull, in his 62nd year. He was for many years upon the Commission of the Peace for the city, and was one of the physicians of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, a post which he resigned a short time before his death.

23.--Miss Cushman, the celebrated actress, appeared at Norwich Theatre as Meg Merrilies. On the 25th she performed the part of Romeo, to the Juliet of Mrs. Sidney.

25.--The coming of age of Mr. William Amherst Tyssen Amhurst was celebrated at Didlington Park. Lord Berners formerly owned the estate, and in 1849 sold it to Lord William Powlett, from whom it passed by purchase to Mr. George Tyssen Amhurst, who effected many improvements upon the property. The celebration was carried out upon a scale of great liberality. A fine bullock, weighing 80 stones, was killed on the 21st, steamed on the 23rd, and roasted whole on the 25th in a temporary kitchen specially erected by Mr. Plowright, of Swaffham. A sheep of six stones weight was also roasted whole, and the total weight of the plum-puddings was 700 lbs. Immense quantities of beef, mutton, and pork were cooked in joints. Three tents, each 130 ft. in length, were provided for the accommodation of the guests, who numbered upwards of 550. The toast of "Miss Mitford, the future Mrs. Amhurst," was drunk with great enthusiasm, and a series of athletic sports concluded the festivities. [_Note_: The spelling of the names in the original paragraph is adhered to. William G. T. Daniel Tyssen by licence exchanged the name of Daniel Tyssen for Tyssen-Amhurst: his son, by a second licence, altered it to William Amhurst Tyssen-Amherst.]

MAY.

5.--The close of the season at Norwich Theatre was marked by the public presentation to Mr. William Sidney of a handsome silver salver and vase, "in recognition of his judicious management as lessee." It was one of the most successful seasons that had been recorded for many years.

7.--Died at her house in Green Park Buildings, Bath, aged 76, Lady Betty, widow of Rear-Admiral Sir Edward Berry, Bart., K.C.B., and eldest daughter of Dr. Forster, formerly headmaster of the Norwich Free Grammar School.

11.--The centenary of the opening of the Octagon Chapel, Norwich, was celebrated. A dinner was held at the Royal Hotel on the 13th, under the presidency of Mr. John Taylor, F.R.S.

31.--A fire took place on the premises of Mr. Ineson, rag and bone merchant, St. Andrew's, Norwich. In addition to the total destruction of Mr. Ineson's property, the workshops of Mr. Fisher, builder, and the paint shop of Mr. Turner were burnt down.

--In the Rolls Courts Sir John Romilly gave judgment in the case of the Norwich Yarn Company, which came before the Court upon appeal from the Master's certificate. The question was whether the directors of the company were entitled to levy contributions upon shareholders, in order to pay certain sums advanced or borrowed by them for carrying on the business of the company, which had become insolvent. Originally projected in 1833, with the view of relieving the distress which at that time affected the poor of Norwich, the company struggled on with increasing difficulties for sixteen years, until in 1850 it was wound up by order of the Court. His lordship now discharged altogether a question of fraud on the part of the directors. He was of opinion that the directors were entitled to be allowed all sums advanced by them, with simple interest at five per cent., and to be repaid that amount as far as the sum in Court would extend, with payment of the costs, and afterwards by a surplus raised by a call from the contributors in proportion to the number of shares held by them respectively, and that the cost of the proceedings must be borne by the estate of the company.

JUNE.

3.--The Rev. J. Alexander was presented with a purse containing 500 pounds, and a clock, on the occasion of his entering the fortieth year of his ministry at Prince's Street Independent chapel, Norwich. The Rev. S. Titlow and other clergymen of the Church of England were present.

7.--A male specimen of Savi's warbler, the rarest of British marsh warblers, was shot near Brundall. "This is the only bird of the species obtained in the county since 1842, when a pair were killed at South Walsham, which, with one in the Norwich Museum, are all that are known to have occurred in Norfolk. The one in the Museum was obtained by the Rev. James Brown, at Limpenhoe, in the early part of the century."

21.--At a meeting held at the Norfolk Hotel, Norwich, it was decided to establish a pack of foxhounds in Norfolk, and to invite Lord Suffield to become master. The first meet of the pack took place at Melton Constable Park, on November 25th.

23.--A panorama, with the present form of variety entertainment, was exhibited for the first time at the Assembly Rooms, Norwich, by Mr. J. Batchelder. The views were illustrative of a tour in Southern Africa.

25.--The left wing of the West Norfolk Militia arrived at Norwich from Fermoy, co. Cork; the right wing reached the city on the 26th. An influential deputation of the inhabitants of Fermoy, prior to the departure of the regiment, presented to the colonel a farewell address, in which they congratulated him upon having the command of "so highly respectable and well disciplined a corps."

JULY.

5.--A fine brig of 200 tons was launched from Mr. J. S. Southgate's shipyard at Wells-next-the-Sea. She was christened the Rambler, by Miss Ellen Rump. From Mr. Henry Tyrrell's yard at Wells, on September 3rd, was launched a new schooner, called the Gem.

11.--The Testerton estate, near Fakenham, comprising a residence and 676a. 3r. 6p. of arable and pasture land, let on lease to Mr. Thomas Henry Case, at a rental of 1,105 pounds per annum, was sold at the Royal Hotel, Norwich, by Mr. Butcher, for 34,500 pounds, exclusive of timber. The purchasers were the trustees of Mr. John Morse, deceased.

16.--Building sites in London Street, Norwich, were offered for sale by Mr. F. Clowes. "The highest price made was at the rate of 9s. 0.5d. per square foot, or 20,000 pounds per acre."

--The new cemetery at Yarmouth was consecrated by the Right Rev. Bishop Spencer, acting for the Lord Bishop of the Diocese.

21.--An inquiry was opened at Yarmouth by Mr. W. D. Boase, one of her Majesty's Charity Commissioners, "into the present circumstances and administration of the various endowed charities existing in the borough, with the view of hearing any complaints that might be made, and to suggest improvements in the disposition of the funds." The inquiry concluded on the 24th.

23.--A performance of Costa's "Eli" was given by the Norwich Choral Society, at St. Andrew's Hall. The principal vocalists were Madame Rudersdorff, Miss Dolby, Mr. George Perren, Mr. A. Mann, Mr. Weiss, and Mr. Thomas. A performance of the same oratorio, under the personal direction of the composer, had already been advertised by Mr. Gedge, of Heigham Grove. The Mayor (Mr. J. G. Johnson) had given permission for the use of the hall, and his action was sharply criticised at the meetings of the Town Council and in letters to the newspapers. The following announcement was published on July 19th: "'Eli,' for the benefit of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, under the direction of Mr. Costa. Postponed. Mr. Gedge respectfully informs the public of the county and city that, as the Town Council has thought fit to set aside the Mayor's prerogative and fixing a day for the performance in opposition to the one he announced under the early sanction and promise of the Mayor for the Assize week, in St. Andrew's Hall, and as the Council thought fit, at their last meeting, to determine on other restrictive demands, of which he received a legal notice this day, he has resolved to postpone 'Eli,' under Mr. Costa's direction, until a future opportunity, when he trusts he shall be able to benefit the charities and at the same time to gratify the public."

26.--On this date was published a report of the action, Beaven _v._ Lord Hastings, heard before the Vice-Chancellor, Sir W. P. Wood. This was a bill by a bond creditor of Edward Astley, deceased, praying an account of the sum due for principal and interest upon his bond, and a decree for payment against the defendant, Lord Hastings, on the ground that he had made himself personally liable to pay the debt without regard to a sufficiency of the assets of the late Edward Astley. The bill also brought the declaration that the defendant had constituted himself executor _de son tort_ of the intestate Edward Astley, and was accountable on that footing to the plaintiff as the rightful administrator of the intestate. Mr. Astley, who resided at Eneilles, in Belgium, having borrowed 1040 pounds from the plaintiff, gave his bond, dated July 3rd, 1845, by which he became bound to the plaintiff in the penal sum of 2,080 pounds, with the condition for defeasance upon payment on July 3rd, 1847, of 1,040 pounds with interest at 5 per cent. A warrant of attorney at even date was executed by Edward Astley, but no judgment was ever actually entered up under the warrant. In April, 1846, the dead body of Edward Astley was found, with marks of violence upon it, in the River Ourthe in Belgium. Lord Hastings and his mother, Dame Hester Astley, his sole next-of-kin, proceeded to Eneilles with his solicitor, and applied to the Juges de Paix to remove the seals and give him possession of his brother's property. A _proces verbal_ having been signed, possession of the property, "without description or inventory," was delivered to Lord Hastings, who, by thus taking possession _pur et simple_ became personally liable, according to the Belgian law, to pay the debts of the intestate, without reference to the value of assets. The Vice-Chancellor dismissed the bill, on the ground that the defendant, who had legally received the property in Belgium, could not be sued in England as executor _de son tort_.

AUGUST.

1.--General Windham was received in Norwich with a great demonstration of welcome, on his return to his native county. The hero of the Redan travelled from London by the Eastern Union line, and was presented with congratulatory addresses at various stations along the route. At Victoria Station he was met by the Mayor and Corporation of Norwich, the Earl of Albemarle, Lord Hastings, Lord Bury, &c., and escorted by the Royal Artillery, proceeded to the Guildhall, where he was presented with an address. A banquet, attended by officers of the Army and Navy connected with Norfolk and Norwich who had served in the Crimea, was given in honour of the General, at St. Andrew's Hall. The Earl of Albemarle presided, and on behalf of the subscribers to the Windham Testimonial Fund, presented the General with a service sword and a dress sword.

2.--Several deaths were reported to have occurred from small-pox at Lynn. "In no instance has death ensued here after vaccination."

9.--It was reported that at the Suffolk Assizes, at Ipswich, an action was brought by the Commissioners of Yarmouth Harbour, in the name of their clerk (Mr. Preston), pursuant to the direction of the Master of the Rolls, against the Norfolk and Eastern Counties Railway Company. The plaintiff complained that the defendants had wrongfully diverted and obstructed the waters of the Yare, the Wensum, and the Waveney, which of right ought to flow into and through Yarmouth Harbour, and had turned them into Lake Lothing, and thence into the sea through Lowestoft Harbour. The Eastern Union, the Norfolk, and the Eastern Counties Railways, had entered into an agreement for amalgamation, by virtue of which the latter company assumed the entire control over the network of railways constructed by those companies and the East Anglian Company, and, among other matters, they undertook the duties created by the Norwich and Lowestoft Navigation Act, one of which was the maintenance of Mutford Bridge where Lake Lothing joined Oulton Broad, for the double purpose of keeping in the fresh waters of the Yare and Waveney and preserving them for the use of Yarmouth Harbour, and of keeping out the waters of the sea, which would otherwise flood all the low lands at high water. These duties had not been discharged to the satisfaction of the plaintiffs. After discussion, terms of reference to Mr. B. Andrew, Q.C., were arranged, the defendants undertaking to repair the locks at once, the plaintiffs being let in to complain of acts of omission as well as of commission on the part of the defendants. A verdict was then taken for the plaintiffs, subject to a special case. (_See_ January 26th, 1858.)

15.--Lieut.-Col. Edwin Wodehouse, C.B., Royal Artillery, on revisiting his former home at Hingham, after his return from the Crimea, was presented with an address by the inhabitants of the town. He was the eldest son of Admiral Wodehouse. At Inkerman a battery called "Wodehouse's Battery" was furiously attacked and nearly all the men cut down by overpowering numbers of the enemy. By heroic courage and determination he rescued from the enemy the three guns lost early in the action. Two slugs passed through his cloak, and one, if not two, horses were killed under him.

18.--The London Grand Opera Company commenced a season at the Theatre Royal, Norwich. The _artistes_ included Miss Rebecca Isaacs, Miss Fanny Reeves, Mr. Borrani, Mr. Oliver Summers, Mr. J. B. Bowler, and Mr. Elliott Galer. Among the operas produced were "La Somnambula," "The Bohemian Girl," "Maritana," "Lucia Di Lammermoor,'" "Fra Diavolo," "Norma," and "Daughter of the Regiment." The company came direct from Drury Lane Theatre, on the termination of the season there.