Chapter C: E. Bartram 112 (3)

The fleet and the officers and men from it who came ashore during the
day have been closely scrutinized and gazed at, parties having been
on board the flagship, it became a question of interest as to what
they would do at night. At sunset a gun was fired from the Admiral’s
ship, at the sound of which, as if by magic, the flags dropped from
the stern of every vessel at the same instant, though the topyards
did not go down as was expected. That was about half-past eight
o’clock, and at nine bang went another gun from the Admiral’s ship
followed by the rattle of musketry on board the others, and seamen
said, ‘There’s the old Admiral a-fallen down the main hatchway,’ that
being the correct nautical form of indicating that the hands were
ordered to ‘turn in.’ At about the same time lights were shown in
front and at the sterns of the ships, producing a brilliant and
lively spectacle, taken in conjunction with the hundreds of lights on
small craft lying at anchor, and as shown by the screw colliers which
were ever and anon passing through the fleet and flowing out dark
volumes of smoke. With Saturday Mr. Swann’s contract to supply beef
at 4½d. per lb., luckily for him, expired, and he agreed, we believe,
to execute the orders of the fleet at 6½d.

Sunday morning, as had been anticipated by the Yarmouth innkeepers
and others, brought an immense number of people into the town, the
trains from Norwich being very lengthy. The weather was fine, and as
the fleet still remained in the Roads, there was every prospect of
enjoyment. As the excursionists came into the town they proceeded,
after refreshing the inner man at the earliest opportunity, either to
the beach or on board the three steamers of Fill and Co. (Chesapeake,
Volunteer and Florence Nightingale), which were ready, as soon as
filled, to start for a journey round the fleet. The Chesapeake was
the first to start, and as she steamed down the harbour the
excursionists had a good view of the quays and shipping, and also of
the hamlet of Gorleston. As soon as the bar was crossed, the great
ships were all plainly visible, their sides bristling with guns, and
alive with seamen, who, on the visitors approaching, exchanged a few
friendly shouts with them. From the middle of the two lines in which
they were moored, the ships had a noble and awe-inspiring effect upon
those who had not before seen such wonders of the sea—they were, in
fact, so many towers of strength filled with dauntless warriors. The
Mersey, the smartest, the swiftest, and most powerful frigate of the
fleet, was greatly admired, as was also the Royal Albert, and many
thought—

“How proud must be our Admiral
Of such a bonny barque.”

Officers and men were at nearly all parts of the ship, and cordially
invited the excursionists to go on board, an offer which the steamer
declined, out of regard to the safety of the passengers. Small
pleasure boats from the beach, however, were running to the fleet in
large numbers, cutting and plunging through the sea that might have
made some persons timid. The steamers disembarked their freight at
the Britannia Pier (which found Sunday the most prosperous day of its
existence) and continued throughout the day to run to and from that
Pier without intermission. Indeed, in the afternoon the Britannia
Pier, which was crowded almost from end to end, presented a
remarkable spectacle. The beef, potatoes, and greens for the fleet
were brought to the pier-head in carts, and were stacked for
conveyance to the ships in the ships’ boats. The sailors, amongst
whom was the usual per centage of black fellows, tossed the beef and
cabbages into the boats in a manner not at all ceremonious, and one
quarter to a certainty, though some say three or four, was pitched
into Davey Jones’s locker. This scene of conveying away the carcases
of about 60 bullocks (so the number was stated, though we think over
the mark), of a few sheep, and goodness only knows how many cabbages
and loaves, was very interesting to the public, and kept the pier
crowded with spectators till six or seven o’clock. There was in the
afternoon and evening the largest assemblage of people on the parade
and beach that the oldest inhabitant remembers to have seen in the
town, and it was not till a late hour that the last disappeared. The
effect of so many strangers being in the town was to effect an entire
demolition of most of the eatable stores in the hands of the
innkeepers; and it is sufficient to say that a great thirst
prevailed. The Jacks and officers who were ashore in some force in
the afternoon preferred wandering into the town and outskirts; and
the former, who as a rule were shoeless, seemed to pick up a good
deal of fun. Besides the usual mode of conveyance of pouring in
visitors, we observed several original vehicles from the country
arrive in the afternoon, laden to excess and to the evident
inconvenience of the passengers. The day passed off so well that the
majority of the inhabitants retired, hoping, we have no doubt, that
the Channel Fleet might remain a week. Sinister rumours, however,
were at work, and some fears were secretly entertained. Great bags
of letters had been taken from and sent to the Post Office, and
report was that despatches had been received ordering the fleet off
to Spithead at once.

When the general bulk of the population awoke on Monday morning,
alas! the fleet—with the exception of the Mars, which had lost an
anchor and was waiting to endeavour to regain it—were off! They left
us between five and six o’clock; and many have a firm opinion that
the Mars was detained by some Providential influence, so that the
thousands of excursionists who came in on Monday, in the hope of
seeing the Channel Fleet, might not be utterly disappointed. May a
British Fleet honour us again with its presence, at the earliest
opportunity.

The following Commissions had been issued:—“Great Yarmouth Rifle Volunteer Corps—Frederick Palmer, Esq., to be Surgeon; Henry Ralph Nevill to be Hon. Chaplain.”

The trident had been struck by lightning from the hand of Britannia on the Nelson Column.

July 7th.—The “Good Samaritan” Lodge, M.U.O.F., had voted £5 5s. to the Fishermen’s Fund.

Mr. Job Smith had presided at a Working Man’s Reform Meeting, held in Crowe’s Assembly Rooms.

July 21st.—The Fisherman’s Widows and Orphans’ Fund exceeded £7,300.

The new building for the Sailors’ Home was progressing rapidly.

“The hot weather had brought large numbers of excursionists to the sea-side.”

July 25th.—The Donegal Militia had left the town for Ireland, where they were to be disembodied.

Aug. 1st.—“Benjamin Hollis, a fine young man belonging to the Artillery Volunteers,” had been buried with Military honours.

Aug. 4th.—The 3rd and 4th Companies of the Rifle Volunteers had appeared for the first time in uniform.

A “young lady about twenty years of age had disappeared” at the same time as the Militia left the town.

Aug. 8th.—At the Water Frolic the “Iris” won the cutter match, and the “Enchantress” the latteen match.

“A reward of £100 had been offered for the apprehension of John D. Chapman, late of this town.”

At the Regatta the following had been the result of the matches:—

FIRST GLASS YAWLS.

A Purse of £30, to be sailed for by yawls from all parts; of not less
than 45 feet in length, manned by the beachmen engaged in saving life
from shipwreck. First prize, £15; second, £10; third, £5. No
entrance fee. The first yawl to pay £1, the second 15s., and the
third 7s. 6d. to the Regatta Fund.

Queen Victoria, Yarmouth 1 Eclipse, Lowestoft 2 Gipsy Queen, Winterton 3

A Purse of £50, to be sailed for by Yachts belonging to any Royal Yacht Club in Great Britain, above 20 tons and not exceeding 50 tons register. No restrictions as to sails or men. The winner to pay five guineas to the second yacht.

Belvidere, (T. M. Read,) Yarmouth 1 Kestrel, (W. Butcher), Norwich 2

SECOND CLASS YAWLS.

A purse of £20, to be sailed for by yawls from all parts, of not more than 45 feet in length, manned by beachmen. First prize, £12; second prize, £5; third prize, £3. First yawl to pay £1, second yawl 10s., third yawl 5s. to the Regatta Fund.

Good Tidings, California 1 Volunteer, Yarmouth 2 Flying Fish, ditto 3

A Rowing Match for £15, by six-oared gigs, single banked, from any part. To be contended for in heats. Four to start or no race. No entrance fee. First boat to receive £8; second boat, £5; third boat, £2; manned by those who usually work as beachmen.

Shooting Star, Winterton 1 Champion, Yarmouth 2 Quebec, Pakefield 3

Some more rowing by ships’ boats, sculling, and a duck hunt brought the programme to a close.

The following were among the persons present at the Regatta Ball:—The Mayor, Sir E. H. K. Lacon, Bart., M.P., Lady Plumridge, Miss Plumridge, Lieut.-Colonel Astley, Major and Mrs. Rushbrooke, Major Penrice, Miss Penrice, Captain the Hon. R. Harbord, Count Melchoir de Weazle, Captain Longe, Mr. Stracey, Mr. Bedingfield, Mr. and Mrs. A. Steward and the Misses Steward, Mrs. F. Steward, Mr. and Mrs. Postle, Mr. and Mrs. Palmer, Mr. Waters and the Misses Waters, Captain and Mrs. Wynyard, Major Wodehouse, the Rev. G. Hawes and the Misses Hawes, Mrs. Patridge, Mr. Molyneux Steel, Mr. D’Eye, Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Reynolds, Mrs. Mends, Miss Pearson, Miss Hubbard, Mrs. Foster, Miss Foster, Miss Gwynn, the Misses Cubitt, Mr. E. Frere, Mr. and Mrs. Orde, Captain and Mrs. Ives, Miss Lennard, Captain Jervoise, &c.

Aug. 22nd.—The E.N.M. (which had been embodied since the 5th April, 1857) had been disembodied.

Gipsies “infested the Beach” to the annoyance of the public.

Aug. 25th.—The N.A.M. had been disembodied at Yarmouth.

Sept. 1st.—Only 58 persons had attended the Race Ball, among whom were the Mayor, the Hon. H. Harbord, Captain Bedingfield, Captain Holmes, Mr. Orde, Mr. Marsh, Mr. Palmer, &c.

Colonel Sir Thomas Troubridge had inspected the Rifle Volunteers.

Sept. 5th.—The Rifle Corps was holding its first prize shooting matches on the North Denes, the E.N.M. Band being on the ground and playing during the firing. Mr. Fenner had won the Borough Members’ Prize, having at the 500 yards scored 8 against Lieutenant Brown’s 6 points.

A hare had been hunted from the South Denes by “men, dogs, and boys” to Adam and Eve Gardens, and had been “transferred to a bake office before 12 o’clock.”

A roulette table had been an attraction in the town, and several gentlemen had “dropped” their money at that game.

Sept. 18th.—The following had been the result of the Prize Shooting:—

1.—Borough Members’ Prize of £10, shot for at ranges of 300, 400, and 500 yards. Winner, Fenner.

2.—Officers’ Cup, value £5, shot for at ranges of 200 and 300 yards. Winner, Davis.

3.—A “Turner” Rifle, presented by Major Orde, shot for at ranges of 500 and 600 yards, for which Pearson and Leman tied, upon shooting off Leman was the winner.

4.—Ladies’ Challenge Cup, value £35, shot for at ranges of 650, 700, 800, and 900 yards, the firing for which was not concluded, but Boreham and Boulton had the highest scores in this contest.

Sept. 12th.—The Prize Shooting had been completed by Mr. Bly, (ironmonger) making 12 points out of 20 shots, 5 at each of the distances of 650, 700, 800, and 900 yards, in the Challenge Cup competition, and he was declared to be the winner, and the champion shot of the corps.

The pugilist Mace was training at Yarmouth previous to his fighting Bob Brettle.

Sept. 19th.—The prizes had been presented to the several winners in the recent Rifle Corps Competition by the Mayor at the Town Hall, when amongst those present were Sir E. H. K. Lacon, Lady and Miss Lacon, Major and Mrs. Orde, Captain Holmes, the Officers of the Rifle Corps, Major Todd, E. R. Palmer, Esq., Captain Jervoise, C. C. Aldred, Esq., Rev. M. Waters, C. J. Palmer, Esq., &c., &c.

After this, the Mayor invited those present to dance, himself leading off with Lady Lacon.

Mr. E. R. Aldred had supplied the cups, and champion’s medal.

The Volunteer Artillery had appeared in “busbies” for the first time.

Sept. 22nd.—The Yarmouth Volunteers had attended the Review of the County Corps held on Mousehold Heath, Norwich, by the Lord Lieutenant, who was accompanied by Major-General Wood, Lord Suffield, Colonel Astley, and the Hon. Harbord Harbord as aides-de-camp, and a brilliant staff. The Yarmouth Rifles numbered 1 Field Officer, 4 Captains, 4 Lieutenants, and 4 Ensigns, 1 Staff Officer, 11 Sergeants, 4 Drummers, and 172 Privates, total 201. The total number of Volunteers on the field being between 1,100 and 1,200. The spectators are stated to have said as the Volunteers marched past—“These with the Hussar hats on are the Yarmouth Artillery,” and “These are the Yarmouth Rifles—well done Yarmouth.”

Sept. 26th.—The number of the Volunteer Artillery present at the Review was stated to have been 156.

Herring was selling at from £23 to £30 per last.

Sept. 29th.—“Several hundreds of vessels had passed through the Roads for the North in full sail, and one close fleet.”

Oct. 3rd.—James Denny Chapman had absconded and been declared bankrupt, with debts estimated at £30,000.

Oct. 6th.—At the Revision Court Mr. Costerton had appeared for the Liberals and Mr. Reynolds for the Tories; the former claimed a gain of 88 votes.

Oct. 20th.—St. Andrew’s Church had been consecrated by the Bishop of Norwich.

Nov. 3rd.—At the Municipal Election there was a contest in the _Regent Ward_, resulting as follows:—

Reynolds (C.) 106 Wright (C.) 101 Livingston (L) 61

For the other wards the following gentlemen were returned without opposition:—

_North_—William H. Bessey and Samuel Nightingale (C’s.)

_Market_—John Fenn and John E. Barnby (C’s).

_St. George’s_—William J. Foreman and Charles Palmer (C’s).

_Nelson_—John Clarke (C.) and John Clowes (L).

_Gorleston_—Samuel C. Richmond and Thomas W. Gooda (C’s).

It was “darkly hinted” that Mr. S. Nightingale would be the next Mayor.

Nov. 10th.—The Mayor, the Rev. Mr. Peade, Messrs. C. S. Marsh, R. S. Watling, S. Nightingale, T. Brightwen, B. Dowson, and Mr. W. C. Reynolds had been nominated by a Public Meeting as a Committee for the purpose of founding a “Public Hall and Assembly Room.” Mr. Palmer and Mr. Falcke had each offered to take 20 shares of £10 in the undertaking.

Nov. 14th.—At the Council Meeting on the 9th, Mr. Charles J. Palmer proposed, and Mr. F. Worship seconded, the election of Mr. Samuel Nightingale as Mayor of the Borough, and, there being no opposition, he was elected to that office accordingly.

The “Eleanor,” brig of 300 tons register, had been launched “in full rig” from Messrs. Beechings’s yard. She was to proceed to the Mediterranean with herring.

Nov. 17th.—“A nocturnal exploit of some Volunteer youths had been much talked of for several days past,” and a “dashing junior officer” had nearly fallen into the hands of the police.

Nov. 24th.—“Practical jokes” prevailed, one “joker” finding next morning that he had been over night “cracking his own panes.”

The “political actions at law” against Sir E. Lacon were “in course of settlement.”

Dec. 8th.—An explosion had taken place on board the “Tonning” steamer at sea, and inquests on several bodies of the men killed held at Yarmouth.

Dec. 22nd.—The Volunteer Artillery had given a concert at the Corn Hall, when Messrs. John Franklin, W. Offord, Clements, J. Bartram, J. Cocks, W. C. Mack and the Masters Nutman took part in the performance.

The following was the form of apology upon which the actions against Sir E. Lacon had been settled, upon his payment of plaintiff’s costs:—

“Great Yarmouth,
“Nov. 29th, 1860.

“Dear Sir,—Upon full enquiry, I find that the statements made by me
in a speech at the dinner at the Theatre in April last, and
complained of by you as reflecting on yourself as a member of the
committee therein referred to, were made under an erroneous
impression of the facts of the case, as far as yourself and the
committee are concerned.

“Under these circumstances, I have no hesitation in withdrawing the
imputations you and the committee complain of, and the plea of
justification, and in expressing my regret that legal proceedings
were deemed necessary, which, being now ended, no difference will, I
trust, henceforth be made in the friendly feeling that has previously
existed between us.

“Yours truly,
“EDM. H. K. LACON.”

W. T. Clarke, Esq.”

At the Police Court, Mr. Owles again called attention to the “practical” joking question, when Sergeant Barnes stated that the jokers “were attired in cloaks, and one wore a uniform cap.”

Dec. 29th.—The Rifle Corps, 180 strong, had marched to Hopton, where Major Orde “regaled them on bread and cheese, hot sausage rolls, and plenty of old ale.”

FOURTH SERIES, 1861–1872.

“When found, make a note of”—

CAPT. CUTTLE.

1861.

Jan. 2nd.—The poor rate assessment had been raised some £14,000, and a 1s. 2d. rate thereon made.

Mr. F. Ferrier (Deputy Coroner) had held an inquest on the body of Thomas Algar, the clown who had expired at the Theatre immediately after the performance on the previous Friday. The deceased was 34 years of age, and left a widow and one child. The verdict was that deceased died from “natural causes”; Mr. C. C. Aldred (the Surgeon) and the Jury gave their fees to the family.

Jan. 5th.—The Revenue cutter, in attempting to run for the harbour, had fouled the pier and was sunk.

Jan. 12th.—“The strong frost had literally stopped the river traffic.”

It had been decided to give £124 worth of coal to the poor.

Jan. 19th.—A public meeting had been held to raise funds for that purpose. The Mayor presided, and the following gentlemen took part in the proceedings:—Mr. W. Worship, the Rev. B. Vaux, Mr. R. Steward, Mr. C. C. Aldred, Mr. R. Hammond, Mr. T. Brightwen, Mr. C. Cory, Mr. L. Blake, and Mr. E. H. L. Preston. Sir E. Lacon sent a cheque for £50, and £350 was subscribed in the room.

Jan. 26th.—Dr. Stephenson had been appointed Surgeon for the South District.

The “Racehorse” (belonging to George Danby-Palmer, Esq.), had been abandoned near Cape Horn. There had been a mutiny on board her, and a naval Court was inquiring into the affair at Calloa.

Jan. 30th.—The Guardians were calling attention to the “Compulsory Vaccination Act.”

Feb. 2nd.—The annual Sailors’ Home meeting had been held in the new building on the Drive.

Mr. Henry R. Harmer had been appointed a Chancery Commissioner.

Feb. 6th.—At a Vestry meeting it had been determined to take a poll of the parish as to whether the Vestry Act (13 and 14 Vic. cap. 57) should be applied to the parish.

Feb. 9th.—Two hundred and eighty-eight appeals had been lodged against the Poor’s Rate.

Feb. 16th—“Costerton _v._ Lacon” had been tried. In this action the plaintiff, a solicitor at Yarmouth, complained of having been slandered by the defendant, who was M.P. for the town, and who ultimately consented to a verdict against him for 40s. and costs.

Feb. 20th.—The poll of the parish had closed as under:—

For applying the Vestry Act 737 Against 414 Majority 323

Mr. Clowes then proposed, and Mr. Livingston seconded, a resolution to the effect that a Vestry Clerk be appointed at a salary of £100 per annum, and ultimately this was carried, and a vote of thanks to the Vicar and his assessor (C. J. Palmer, Esq.), terminated the proceedings.

Feb. 23rd.—The Conservatives had adopted Mr. C. H. Chamberlin (a Liberal) as their candidate for the office of Vestry Clerk, the other candidate being Mr. S. B. Cory.

Feb. 27th.—The case of Morant v. Chamberlin (which involved the right of user of part of the Quay by George Danby-Palmer, Esq.), had been decided as follows: “Verdict for plaintiff, issue on the 4th plea for defendant.”

March 2nd.—The Prince of Wales had visited the town “incog.”

March 6th.—One Cox, “a magician of Friars’ Lane,” had been before the Justices.

March 9th.—The Hon. Harbord Harbord had been hunting the district with his pack of harriers during the week.

Part of a house had been blown down on the Regent Road.

March 13th.—The Artillery Corps had adopted white (in lieu of blue) facings to their uniform.

March 16th.—The Fitzroy storm signals had been hoisted in the town.

March 23rd.—“Iconoclast” proposed to deliver lectures at the Theatre. This had been stopped by the Mayor, and an action was threatened against the proprietor of that building. The following is a copy of the Bill issued:—“Theatre Royal, Great Yarmouth. Iconoclast the well-known advocate of Secularism, and co-editor with Mr. Joseph Barker, &c., will deliver three lectures in the above place, on the 25th, 26th, and 27th of March, 1861. Subjects—Monday, “Were Adam and Eve our first parents?” Tuesday, “The History of the Crucifixion, self-contradictory and incredible.” Wednesday, “The Atonement and its relation to sin and pardon.” Admission—Lower boxes, 6d.; upper ditto, 4d.; pit, 3d., gallery, 2d. Iconoclast respectfully invites the clergy and ministers of Yarmouth to discuss his lectures; especially those who claim to have refuted him during his absence.”

Major Orde, Mr. Chamberlin, and Captain Holmes had given readings from Dickens’ works in the saloon of the Victoria gardens before the members of the Rifle Corps and their friends; Captain Holmes was expected to be appointed adjutant of this corps.

March 30th.—“Cufaude _v_ Cory” had been heard at the Assizes. In this action damages were claimed by the plaintiff, Clerk to the Guardians against the defendant, Mr. S. B. Cory, for an alleged libel, he having stated in a handbill that Mr. Cufaude “cooked” the parish accounts. Mr. O’Malley, Q.C., Mr. Power, Q.C., Mr. Keene and Mr. Cherry were for the plaintiff, and Mr. Palmer and Mr. Hotson for the defendant. The Jury found for the plaintiff with £500 damages.

April 3rd.—“The nocturnal jokes” were again the subject of inquiry; Mr. E. O. Johnson (a Volunteer Sergeant) had been discovered by a policeman taking away Dr. Smyth’s bell, but as that gentleman would not prosecute, the charge dropped.

Mr. J. H. Harrison then made a complaint to the Court of damages to his property by these “jokers.”

At the Vestry Meeting, Mr. R. Hammond proposed, and Mr. W. Worship seconded, the re-election of Mr. S. C. D. Steward as one of the Churchwardens, and Mr. Fenn proposed, and Mr. Laws seconded, the re-election of Mr. E. R. Aldred as the other warden, “and the Minister accepted the second nomination as his warden.”

N.B.—This was the first attempt by a Vicar to take action of this sort, (the right of election of both Churchwardens being vested in the Vestry of the parish.)

The following gentlemen had been elected Guardians:—

_North Ward_—S. Nightingale, E. H. L. Preston, and J. B. Hylton.

_Market Ward_—C. C. Aldred, W. Laws, and J. Fenn.

_Regent Ward_—W. Worship, R. D. Barber, and D. A. Gourlay.

_St. George’s Ward_—J. G. Plummer, C. E. Bartram, and C. Miller.

_Nelson Ward_—T. Brightwen, C. Woolverton, W. C. Reynolds, and J. Clarke.

It was stated that only 7s. 6d. had been subscribed by the lodging-house keepers to the Race Fund.

April 10th.—It was understood that the Chairman and a majority of the Board of Guardians were favourable to the admission of Reporters to the Board meetings.

“Great reductions” had been made upon the Poor’s Rate appeals.

April 13th.—Captain Holmes had been appointed Adjutant to the Rifle Volunteers.

Sir J. Walsham had held an inquiry as to the allegations with regard to the parish accounts, which had been alluded to in the recent action of “Cufaude _v._ Cory.” Mr. Hotson attended it on behalf of Mr. Cory.

April 17th.—Two batteries of Royal Artillery had arrived in the town.

April 20th.—A gunboat, with the men of the Revenue cutter on board, had run into the pier-head.

An illuminated clock had been placed at the Sailors’ Home.

A rule “nisi” had been granted in the action of “Cufaude _v._ Cory” on the ground of excessive damages.

April 27th.—The “Harmony,” missionary ship, had been launched from Messrs. Fellows’ yard.

There had been “numerous” arrivals of invalids from India at the R.N. Hospital.

May 1st.—Solomon Levy, a converted Jew, had been baptised at St. Peter’s Church, F. Worship, Esq., standing “as witness to the Baptism.” Afterwards the Rev. Bowyer Vaux preached from Titus iii, 5.

May 4th.—The Rifle Volunteers had held a “Mess” at the Star Hotel, when Host Diver catered for them.

May 8th.—The following “Census” returns had been made for the parish:—

Males. Females. Total. Excess of Females. North Ward 3620 4330 7950 710 Market Ward 2211 2706 4917 485 Regent Ward 1553 2382 3935 829 St. George’s 1777 2419 4196 632 Ward Nelson Ward 3873 4885 8758 1002 Total 13,034 16,722 29,756 3658 Workhouse 173 159 332 13,207 16,881 30,088 Estimate Gorleston & Southtown & afloat 6,000 36,088

The Rifle Volunteers, 200 strong, had attended St. Nicholas’ Church. The leading fish-merchants proposed to purchase two fast steamers as carriers to the London markets.

May 11th.—Mr. Evans was sitting at the Town Hall to take evidence on the claims of the Ormesby and Scratby people to exemption from payment of Market Tolls at Yarmouth.

May 18th.—So few mackerel had been brought in, that they were selling at 1s. each.

May 22nd.—A very old house (formerly part of the Convent) had fallen down in Friars’ lane.

There had been two military rows between the Royal Artillery and the E.N. Militiamen.

May 25th.—The Mayor and Magistrates had met Major Martin (E.N.M.) and Colonel Bruce (R.A.) on this subject, and steps had been taken to prevent the men meeting again.

May 29th.—“Mace,” the local pugilist, (being known in the neighbourhood) was being heavily “backed” for the fight for the championship.

June 1st.—Sergeant Seeley (E.N.M.) had died from the effects of choking himself by swallowing a piece of meat.

A “handsome new schooner” had been launched by Mr. Brandford.

A “considerable number” of new fishing and pleasure boats were being built at the port.

Shops were being opened in Regent Street, under the Board of Health Act, which had overruled the old local act under which the houses there, were not to be so used.

June 8th.—The mackerel voyage had been very unsuccessful.

A “Turkish” bath was to be opened in a few week’s time.

June 15th—Mr. Frederick Danby-Palmer had passed the legal examination (in honors.)

A case of alleged “Witchcraft” at Gorleston had occupied the Bench.

June 19th.—At a meeting of the Ratepayers Mr. J. Clowes proposed, and Mr. Burroughs seconded, Mr. S. B. Cory as a proper person to fill the office of Vestry Clerk. Mr. Livingstone, Mr. Neave and Mr. Royal also took part in these proceedings.

June 22nd.—At the Vestry meeting, held for the election of that officer, Mr. George Danby-Palmer proposed and Mr. Livingstone seconded Mr. S. B. Cory, and Mr. Charles Cory proposed, and Mr. G. A. Clarke seconded, Mr. C. H. Chamberlin. The proceedings were of a most disorderly character, terminating “in a talk of many tongues, which accused each other of being ‘liars’ and so on.”

June 24th.—At 12 o’clock the poll stood—

Cory 270 Chamberlin 194 And closed— Cory 366 Chamberlin 269 June 25th.—it closed— Cory 701 Chamberlin 512 June 26th.—It finally closed— Cory 848 Chamberlin 620 Majority for Cory 228

Mr. Cory and Mr. George Danby-Palmer then addressed the electors, and votes of thanks to the Vicar (Rev. H. Nevill) and his assessor (Mr. C. J. Palmer) terminated the proceedings.

June 29th.—The election for, and meeting of, the “Eastern Counties Asylum of Idiots” had taken place at the Town Hall. The Mayor presided, and there were also present, Sir Thomas Beevor, Bart., Rev. T. Bailey, Rev. R. M. Bingley, Rev. Thos. Quintin, Rev. E. Postle, and Messrs. W. Worship, T. Brightwen, F. Palmer, John Crisp (Mayor of Beccles), J. H. Bly, &c.

July 3rd.—M. Desfongerais had been appointed Consul for the French Government at Yarmouth, and had appeared for a French vessel in an adjudication case, held before F. Worship and F. Palmer, Esqs.

July 10th.—Mr. S. B. Cory had commenced his duties of Vestry Clerk.

The mackerel fishing was a failure, and the Summer fishing “very slow.”

July 17th.—At the Water Frolic, the “Red Rover” won the cutter, and the “Vampire” the lateen, prize.

The Rev. H. Squire had, after a pastorate of 30 years, resigned the Unitarian Chapel Ministry.

July 20th.—Messrs. C. J. Palmer, C. C. Aldred. W. Johnson, C. Cory, and J. Brightwen had been appointed a Committee to carry on the proposal to found a Grammar School in the town.

A “furious tempest, including thunder, whirlwind, and lightning” had burst over the town.

July 31st.—Mr. Lane had claimed £300 damages for libel against the Free Press Newspaper Company, but under the advice of the Chief Justice, a Juror was withdrawn, each party paying their own costs.

Aug. 7th.—The Vestry Clerk and the Overseers could not “gee” together.

Aug. 10th.—At the Regatta, the “Queen Victoria” and “Volunteer” won the yawl matches, and the “Red Rover” and the “Belvidere,” the pleasure-boat matches. The yacht match fell through in consequence of only two vessels being prepared to sail in it.

Aug. 14th.—A number of noisy women outside the Police Court, on the hearing of the claims to be excused payment of the Poor’s Rate, had “mobbed” the Vestry Clerk and had in short “taken possession of the Court and its entrance.”

Aug. 17th.—The Rifle Volunteers were holding their Prize Shooting Match on the North Denes. Messrs. Wilshak, Ferrier, and Swann had won prizes.

A great shoal of dog-fish had visited the Eastern coast.

Mr. S. B. Cory had been presented with a sum of money to cover his expenses occasioned by the contest for the office of Vestry Clerk.

Aug. 24th.—The Mayor, Lord William Powlett, Sir E. H. K. Lacon, Bart., M.P., Lieut.-Colonel Baker (10th Hussars), Captain Lane, and C. J. Palmer, Esq., had been nominated Stewards of the Race Ball.

The old Dutch Clock on the South Quay was “to go.” It had been stated that the custom prevailed of winding it up “with a hammer.”

Aug. 28th.—Two ladies had been robbed of their watches on the Wellington Pier.

Sept. 7th.—The Volunteers were drilling for the review at Holkham.

The Race Ball had been attended by the Mayor, Lady and Miss Lacon, Mr. M. Lacon, Mr. Blake Humphrey, Mr. Blofeld, Captain and Mrs. Warren, Captain and Mrs. Dods, Lieut. Daveney, Captain Travers, Mr. Bedingfield, Mr. and Mrs. C. J. Palmer, Captain Dunne, Mr. Magnay, Captain Jervois, Mr. Stracey, Captain Turnour, R.N., Captain Ensor, Miss Wilson, Mr. and Mrs. F. Frere, Mr. and Mrs. H. Frere, Mr. and Mrs. Falcke and party, Mr. and Mrs. Brown, Mr. F. Danby-Palmer, Mr. Button, Mr. Martin, Mr. and Mrs. Gosnall, Mr. Rising, Mr. Waters, &c.

The Drapers (with one exception) had agreed to close on Thursdays at four o’clock.

Sep. 18th.—The Volunteer Corps under the command of Major Marsh and Major Orde, had attended the Review at Holkham.

Sept. 18th.—The Volunteers had, after their return from Holkham, “annoyed and disturbed the inhabitants by an irregular firing of musketry” in the streets.

A young actor, having gone mad through love for a lady in the town, had been taken to the Workhouse, where the lady’s portrait and letters were found upon him.

Sept. 25th—Capt. Tomlinson had won the cup in the Volunteer Officers’ Shooting Match with 10 points, Captains Youell and Holt making 8 points each. The following also competed:—Captain Barber, Lieutenants Harmer and Moore, and Ensigns Brown and Aldred.

Sept. 28th.—The Rev. C. Voysey had been presented with a private Communion Service by the poor attendants at the Wherrymen’s Church upon his leaving Yarmouth.

A grand bowling match had been held on the Bear Green between the bowlers of Yarmouth and Lowestoft. The latter won by 9 to 6 games.

Oct. 2nd.—Mr. E. P. Youell was mentioned as the next Mayor. He was described as “not a prejudiced partizan on either side.”

Oct. 5th.—The Shooting Prizes had been distributed to the Rifle Volunteers at the Town Hall, when about 240 officers and members were present, and a number of ladies and gentlemen who had been invited by the Mayor, who entertained them with champagne on the occasion.

The following was the list of winners:—

“Tradesmen’s Cup,” Mr. Fyson; 2nd prize, Mr. Hudspith.

“A Neck Pin,” Captain Youell; “A Cup,” Mr. Wilshak; and other prizes Messrs. Gunton, Teasdel, Banham, Osborn, Kennett, and Swann.

“The Ladies’ Challenge Cup,” Mr. Fenner; and “The Officers’ Cup,” Captain Tomlinson.

Oct. 12th.—Extensive repairs were being carried on at the Southtown Barracks.

Oct. 23rd.—It was stated that Mr. Palmer was to be the new Mayor.

Mr. D. Hogarth (Postmaster) had died.

Oct. 26th.—The Lord Bishop had held a Confirmation in the Parish Church.

Eleven hundred persons had been excused from payment of the Poor’s Rate.

Oct. 30th.—Mr. Neave and Mr. Livingston (Radicals) were going to contest the North and Regent Wards respectively.

In St. Andrew’s Ward, a meeting of electors had determined to again nominate Mr. R. Steward (Tory) and Mr. W. T. Clarke (Liberal) in a “if ye’ll claw me, I’ll claw ye; style of pastime.”

An alarming fire had happened in Row 145, the centre of a thickly populated district; Mr. Self’s premises chiefly suffered, his damage being estimated at £300.

The Justices had signed a 1s. 2d. Poor’s Rate.

Nov. 2nd.—The trawling business was increasing, 100 smacks then hailing from the port.

Two new vessels had been launched at Southtown, one for Mr. Womack and one for Mr. Powell.

Mr. Todd had also built a new smack called the “Christiana.”

Nov. 6th.—Alarming and destructive gales had raged along the whole coast on the 1st of November, and 27 shipwrecked seamen had been received at the Sailors’ Home.

MUNICIPAL ELECTION.

The following account is given of this:—“With the exception of two or
three of the candidates who came forward as Liberals, the aspirants
for Municipal honours did not this year favour the public with any
printed expositions of their views, or any explanations of the
grounds upon which they came forward. The elections of Friday,
however did not cause much excitement, although at the eleventh hour
the Conservatives found themselves opposed in all the wards except
St. Andrew’s, in which Messrs. W. T. Clarke, and R. Steward were
elected unopposed. In the Market Ward, Mr. Gourlay (L) and Mr. E.
Aldred (C) sought re-election, and the new candidate was Mr. Lawn,
Liberal. The result of the voting was—Gourlay, 60; Aldred, 59; Lawn,
20. The two former, of course, were elected. In the Regent Ward,
Mr. Barber, Conservative, sought re-election, and in the place of Mr.
Norman, surgeon (C), who retired, Dr. Stephenson (C) was put forward.
The candidates on the other side were Messrs. Livingston and de Caux.
The ward again showed its partiality for medicine, and polled as
follows:—Barber, 109; Stephenson, 106; Livingston, 81; de Caux,
69.—In St. George’s Ward, the Conservative candidates, who sought
re-election, were Messrs. R. Ferrier and B. Jay, opposed by Messrs.
Scott and Palmer. The poll—Ferrier, 101; Jay 101; Palmer, 39; Scott,
37.—Nelson Ward: C. J. Palmer (C), 93, C. Woolverton (C), 93; G.
Moore (L), 3; Playford (L), 3. North Ward: W. Worship (C), 118; J.
B. Hylton (C), 118; S. W. Bly (L), 83; J. Neave (L), 84.—It was
rumoured that during the day some bribery was effected by such
moderate sums as half-a-crown and five shillings per man.

Nov. 13th.—At the Council meeting Mr. C. C. Aldred proposed, and Mr. Shingles seconded, Mr. Robert Steward as Mayor, and he was elected accordingly.

Nov. 20th.—There were between 200 and 300 fishing vessels at sea during the recent gales, of which only 30 luggers were then unaccounted for. About 100 lasts of fish had been delivered on the Quay on the previous Saturday, when prices ranged from £15 upwards.

A new Lifeboat had been stationed near the Britannia Pier.

Nov. 23rd.—Among the smacks which had been injured in the gale was Mr. Todd’s new vessel the “Christiana;” some of this owner’s other vessels had suffered damage, and his loss was estimated altogether at £1,000.

Nov. 27th.—Mr. Downing’s fish-offices had been destroyed by fire.

Nov. 30th.—In the Town Council, Messrs. Gooda, Burroughs, Clowes, S. B. Cory, and another had voted against the question of the Mayor being “decorated by the wearing of a gown;” 17 members had, however, voted that the question be referred to the Lands Committee.

The Artillery Volunteers had salved a boat and obtained £7 salvage money to the annoyance of the Beachmen

The Parish Authorities “remained at loggerheads” with the Vestry Clerk.

In the opinion of the inhabitants the “robes question” seemed only a plan to run up a bill for another “folly.”

The Police had been furnished with “Southwester” hats.

Dec. 4th.—It was stated that the robe business had cropped up, as the Mayor was going to Court, and it was felt

“That if, this year, the Mayor’s not knighted,
The Corporate ‘status’ will be blighted.”

Herring was making £35 per last, and 1,000 packages of trawl fish had been forwarded to the market.

Dec. 11th.—The Lands Committee had decided that the Mayor, Town-clerk, and Messrs. Collins, Ellis and Thompson (the officers) should wear gowns, but no head gear had been decided upon for them.

Dec. 14th.—“Deerfoot,” an American runner, had been performing in the town, when he accomplished 10 miles in 53 minutes.

The Treasurer to the Rifle Corps (Mr. Clarke) and the Quarter-Master (Mr. C. Diver) were about to be appointed Supernumerary Lieutenants.

Dec. 18th.—Owing to the death of the Prince Consort, the paper appeared in mourning.

The flags had been hoisted at half-mast on the Town Hall and other public buildings on receipt of this mournful news.

Dec. 21st.—The Artillery Volunteers had given an entertainment at the Theatre.

Dec. 25th.—There had been a Special Service at St. Nicholas’ Church on the occasion of the funeral of the Prince Consort, when the Vicar preached from the text, “And the King said unto his servants, know ye not that there is a Prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel.” Sam. iii., 38. At the close of the service the “Dead March” in _Saul_ was played, and the Rifle Volunteers returned with muffled drums, the bells ringing at the same time.

The Artillery Corps fired minute guns from the South Battery for an hour, and from twelve to two the shops throughout the town were closed.

The Town Council met and voted an address of condolence to Her Majesty.

Dec. 28th.—A special service had also been held at the Synagogue, commencing with Psalms 13, 19, 15, and 85, and concluding with a prayer for the Queen and the Royal Family, after which, on the motion of Mr. Pyke, an address of condolence to the Queen and Royal Family was adopted.

The Rifle Corps had again on the invitation of Major Orde visited Hopton.

1862.

Jan. 4th.—Parcels containing Christmas fare “had fallen among thieves” on the Railway.

Jan. 8th.—Up to the 30th ult., 9,257 offers had been received and 8,229 Volunteers enrolled in the Royal Naval Reserve; of this number 24 held Masters’ Certificates, 116 Mates’ Certificates, and the force embraced 1,148 petty officers in the Merchant Service.

Jan. 15th.—Two pugilists named Foxall and Chambers, (who were occasionally employed as Beachmen), had engaged in a prize fight. “Ducky” Chambers was the winner.

Jan. 18th.—Major Orde, Captain Youell, and C. H. Chamberlin, Esq., had been entertaining the Rifle Volunteers at the Drill Hall with “Readings from Modern Authors.”

It was again proposed to start a Conservative Newspaper in Yarmouth.

Jan. 25th.—At the Gorleston Vestry Meeting the Church Rate was not pressed for.

Feb. 8th.—The Corporation’s costs in “Morant _v._ Chamberlin” amounted to £1,402 17s. 6d.

Feb. 19th.—Mr. A. W. Morant had resigned his commission in the Artillery Volunteers.

A cargo of pickled herrings had arrived from Norway.

Feb. 22nd.—Messrs. Hewett and Co. were about to transfer the greater part of their trawling business to Gorleston; thus about 100 families would be transferred from Barking to that village.

The Anniversary Dinner of the “Pioneer” Lodge, No. 262 M.U.I.O.F., had been held at the Foundry Arms, Bro. Wells in the chair.

March. 5th.—The Town Council had determined to oppose the “Railway Amalgamation Bill.”

March 12th.—Private H. Fenner (Champion Rifle Volunteer Shot) had been elected a Sergeant.

March 15th.—The Anniversary Dinner of the “Prince of Wales” Lodge, M.U.I.O.F., had been held at the Fish-Stall House, P.G. Robins in the chair and P.G. Crome vice-chair.

In the Divorce Court, the case of “Burroughs _v_ Burroughs and Silcock” had resulted in the jury finding that the charges made against each party by the other were groundless; consequently the petitioner failed in his suit.

March 22nd.—Mr. Henry Danby-Palmer had died suddenly.

April 2nd.—The Mayor had called a meeting to forward the proposal for holding a Volunteer Review at Yarmouth. The Mayor (Mr. R. Steward), Mr. R. Ferrier, Mr. D. R. Fowler, Mr. C. J. Palmer, Mr. W. Worship, Mr. J. Clowes, and Mr. S. Nightingale took part in the proceedings, and about £250 was subscribed in the room.

April 16th.—The East Suffolk Artillery Militia was stationed at the Southtown Barracks.

April 26th.—Colonel Adair (commanding that Regiment) had delivered a lecture at the Corn Hall “On the land defences of the Eastern Counties.”

Upon this Regiment leaving; the Norfolk Artillery Militia, under Colonel Astley, were to occupy the Barracks for five weeks.

At the Vestry Meeting, Mr. R. Hammond proposed, and Mr. Bracey seconded, the re-election of Mr. C. S. D. Steward; and Mr. Hylton proposed, and Mr. Shingles seconded, the re-election of Mr. E. R. Aldred.

April 30th.—Colonel Pippon had inspected the E.N.M. on the South Denes, when the Regiment mustered 700 rank and file.

“Tom Sayers’” Circus had attended the Fair.

May 3rd.—Owing to want of funds the Parish Beadle at Gorleston had been discharged.

May 7th.—The first stone of the New Bethel had been laid. This building was to replace the old Bethel which for so many years had been held in the ancient house, belonging for several generations to the Palmer family, near the Sailors’ Home.

May 14th.—It was proposed to erect a Memorial to the late Prince Consort in the town.

Practical joking still continued in the Borough.

May 17th.—C. J. Palmer, Esq., had presented the Corporation with a scarlet silk gown and black gown formerly worn by the Mayors as robes of office.

The following table of precedence had been drawn up by the Council:—

1.—The Mayor.

2.—The Recorder.

3.—The Town Clerk.

4.—The M.P.’s for the Borough.

5.—The Members of the Council who had served the office of Mayor according to priority of election.

6.—The Aldermen and Councillors according to priority of election, the former in Wards in which they resided, the latter in the Wards for which they were elected, commencing with the North Ward.

At the Parish Audit, the Auditor remarked that “in some instances the amount (of the rate) excused exceeded the sum collected.”

May 17th.—The following appears as to the Corporate Robes of Office:—

“THE ROBES OF OFFICE.”

The Committee as to the Wearing of Robes of Office reported that Mr.
C. J. Palmer, had liberally presented to the Council a scarlet silk
gown, and a black gown formerly worn by the Mayors as their Robes of
Office; and the said were accepted by the Committee, and the thanks
of the Committee were voted to Mr. Palmer for the _handsome_
donation. The Committee had resolved that the Mayor should wear the
black gown as a Robe of Office on all “Ordinary” occasions and the
scarlet gown on all “extraordinary” occasions.

The “Robes” or “Gown” movement, which was so much spoken of six
months ago, has at length—through the exertions of the Committee to
whom it was referred—come to maturity, and the Mayor now has a second
hand best gown for “extraordinary” occasions, and a second-hand
second best gown for “ordinary” occasions. The old people about Gaol
Street, who caught a sight of the Mayor in his gown on Tuesday last,
look upon the revived _costume_ as a “degenerate resurrection;” for,
instead of there being completeness and congruity in the “fit out,”
there is a burlesque mixture of the ancient and modern. The gown
which erst harmonised with the glorious cocked hat, short tights, and
silver buckled shoes, appears decidedly “at sea” in company with the
modern hat (or “4s. and 9d.”) and “peg-top” trousers. Art critics
would object to so close a mixture of the mediæval and the modern, on
the ground of the same not being “in keeping.” Perhaps, however,
when we see the style of dress on one of the “extraordinary”
occasions so judiciously and so elaborately provided for by the
Council, we may have something presented to notice which will not
cause every Councillor to grin on beholding it, and to talk, as an
old writer says, “most consumedly” about it afterwards. Dressed as
he was on Tuesday, the Mayor of Yarmouth might, without difficulty,
have been mistaken (had he been away from home) for Shylock, for one
of the Japanese Embassy, or for an Arch Druid, so remarkably unusual
was his appearance. Experience may, it is true, tone down the
angularities of the affair; but at the onset the revival of the use
of robes does not carry with it either the appearance of gravity or
wisdom. On entering the Council Room on Tuesday, the Mayor was
preceded by four officials wearing, in addition to the ordinary
attire of various colours, gowns, and carrying the sword and two
maces as usual, with, on this occasion, the very handsome oar—a part
of the regalia which had, for some very “extraordinary” reason no
doubt, been disused. Following the officers were the Mayor, who wore
in addition to his every day clothing a black robe, of somewhat
fierce cut, having a sort of fur or bear skin epulet at each
shoulder, ornamented with a description of rough filagree; and over
this finery his worship wore (we believe for the first time) the gold
chain of office. After the Mayor, entered the Town Clerk in a black
robe of a more modest character. For some little time there was much
winking and smiling amongst the Aldermen and Councillors. The
business then proceeded, and, as will be seen from our report of the
meeting, arrangements were made (in spite of Mr. Richard Ferrier’s
“chaffing”) for the order of processions. It was also decided to
give the Town Hall and the inhabitants the benefit of a public clock,
of which the Corporation are owners. It was also jocularly suggested
that the Gas Company would be most willing gratuitously to illuminate
the dial, and through it the inhabitants.

May 21st.—There had been an “Uproarious Vestry Meeting,” held for the object of passing a vote of censure on the Vestry Clerk; Mr. S. C Marsh presided, and in the result, the meeting being in favour of the Vestry Clerk, a poll was demanded.

May 29th.—This poll had, after a protest by Mr. J. Clowes as to the regularity of the proceedings, been taken by Mr. C. Diver (acting as Assessor). It closed on the first day—

For the Vestry Clerk 143 Against him 61 Majority 82

And next morning Mr. Marsh attended and declared the poll closed.

May 28th.—Five vessels of war (part of the Channel fleet) were in the Roads.

May 31st.—The following ships were anchored abreast of the Jetty:—“Trafalgar” (86), Captain Dickson; the “Revenge” (91), Captain Fellowes; the “Emerald” (51), Captain Caning; the “Chanticleer” (17), Captain Sterling; and the “Porpoise” (tender to the “Revenge.”)

June 4th.—This issue contains the following account of

“THE CHANNEL FLEET AND PRINCE ALFRED.”