Chapter C: F. Burton, Esq., had died from the effects of a fall from his horse on

the Southtown Road.

Sept 17th.—A public dinner of the supporters of Mr. Wilshere had been held at the Town Hall. Admiral Sir George Parker, K.C.B., presided, and amongst those present were Messrs. George Steward, S. Cobb, the Mayor, T. O. Springfield, Capt. Pearson, Capt. Harmer, J. Fowler, H. Munro, Rev. T. Fowler, R. Hammond, H. Worship, C. Bell, S. Palmer, N. Palmer, C. Marsh, E. R. Palmer, J. L. Cufaude, Clowes, &c.

Sept. 20th.—At the Roads Regatta the “Brilliant” was first, the “Red Rover” second, and the “Algerine” third, in the match for the silver cup, weighing 17oz. The “Coastguard” had been practising, under the direction of Capt. Harmer and Lieut. Kisbee.

Sept. 27th.—In consequence of the long continuance of calm weather the millers had not been able to grind any corn for three weeks.

Oct. 4th.—The Revision Court had been held, Messrs. W. Worship and J. L. Cufaude appearing for the Reformers, and Messrs. Waters and E. H. L. Preston for the Tories. The Whigs claimed a majority, on the result of 51.

Oct. 11th.—Lord Tavistock and C. B. Greville (acting as referees) with regard to the recent contest had stated “that if requested by Mr. Baring, Mr. Wilshere is bound to resign his seat for Yarmouth (for which he was elected without his knowledge or consent), and that in the event of Mr. Baring offering himself again as a candidate for the representation of that borough, Mr. Wilshere is not at liberty to oppose him.”

Mr. William Nolloth, jun., had been elected organist of St. George’s Chapel.

Oct. 18th.—There had been a strong wind from the W.N.W., and from 150 to 200 vessels had sustained damage. It is contemplated that there were between 2,000 and 3,000 ships at anchor within sight of the Jetty.

The “Reis Effendi,” schooner, had been launched from Messrs. A. Palmer and Son’s yard.

Mr. Wilshere was staying with Mr. Palmer, who had entertained most of the principal inhabitants, including the Mayor, Sir George Parker, and W. Danby Palmer, John Carr, George Steward, Esq., and others.

In case Mr. Wilshere was asked to resign his seat by Mr. Baring, Mr. Robert Palmer Kemp had been selected as the candidate in the Blue interest.

Oct. 25th.—The Tories had commenced their “Municipal campaign.”

Nov. 1st.—There had been from 1,500 to 2,000 vessels windbound and at anchor in the Roads, these had got under sail on Sunday, and were immediately followed by about 1,000 vessels from beyond Lowestoft, and it was contemplated that more than 3,000 vessels had passed through the Roads in five hours, in so close procession that the sea could not be discerned beyond them.

With regard to the Municipal Election, only one Tory was on the 1st November “found in the field,” viz., Mr. J. G. Plummer, who opposed Mr. Marsh in the Regent Ward. At the close of the poll the numbers were—

Tomlinson 89 Marsh 73 Plummer 72

The following was the general return for the town:—_St. Nicholas’ Ward_: Messrs. R. Hammond and W. N. Burroughs. _Market Ward_: Messrs. S. Cobb and W. Johnson. _Regent Ward_: Messrs. J. Tomlinson and C. Marsh. _St. George’s Ward_: Dr. Penrice and Mr. A. Clarke. _Nelson Ward_: Messrs. G. Danby Palmer and R. Palmer Kemp, all of whom were of the Liberal party.

A meeting of the members of the “Operative Conservative Club” had been held, Mr. Thomas Paul, printer, in the chair.

Nov. 25th.—Messrs. Thomas Hammond and Samuel Crowe had been elected Councillors for the South Ward.

The fishing-boats “Mary,” “Reward,” and “Walter and Ann” had been lost with all hands.

Mr. F. Preston had launched a brig of 250 tons named the “Undaunted.”

Nov. 15th.—Mr. Simon Cobb had been elected Mayor. He was the first Dissenter who had been elected to that office since the time of Charles II. On Sunday he had given a lunch, when amongst those present were the Hon. and Rev. E. Pellew, Dr. Penrice, Dr. Cox, the Rev. W. Squire, and Messrs. S. Tolver, Nichols, Hammond, Palmer, Pullyn, Marsh, B. Cobb, E. H. L. Preston, &c.

Mr. Thomas Lettis, jun., had been elected a Councillor for the St. George’s Ward, in the place of Dr. Penrice, who had been made an Alderman.

Mr. Samuel Costerton, ballast lessee, had been fined 40s. and costs for contravention of the Harbour Act.

It was contemplated to hold a meeting in favour of the repeal of the Corn Laws.

The annual Savings’ Bank meeting had been held, when it appeared that 2,004 accounts totalling £60,065 11s. 1d. were deposited in this institution.

The “Reindeer,” yawl, had been launched for the Young Company. She was 75 feet long and could carry 500 yards of canvas. Eighty-two persons were launched in her.

The “Columbine,” brig, built for Messrs. G. and A. Steward, had been launched.

Dec. 27th.—Mr. W. Saunders had been elected a Councillor for the St. George’s Ward, in the place of Mr. Grave, deceased.

The Teetotal Society had a procession, headed by a boy on horseback, which was “set upon” by the rabble, and several of its banners destroyed.

1839.

Jan. 3rd.—The first half-yearly meeting of the governors and subscribers to the Hospital had been held, and is reported as follows:—

“On Friday the first half-yearly meeting of the governors and
subscribers to the Hospital was held at the Town Hall, the Hon. and
Rev. Edward Pellew in the chair. Mr. A. Drew was unanimously elected
resident Dispenser, at a salary of £60 per annum. Some alterations
of the rules were agreed upon. Mr. S. S. Barber then moved that the
votes for officers to the institution should be taken by ballot, and
not by voting papers, as at the first meeting, which was lost by a
majority of 17 to 13. It is intended to bring the question forward
again at the next meeting. The Rev. J. North, honorary secretary to
the institution, stated that at the last yearly meeting of the old
Dispensary, in October, it was resolved that an application be made
to the subscribers to the Hospital for a grant from their funds to
discharge the additional bills. At Lady-day last they had moved into
the house at present used for the Hospital. They soon felt they
could not maintain the increased expenditure with the same funds, and
a meeting was called of the subscribers, when the proposition was
first started for the Hospital, and in the end the Hospital was
established. At the close of the year, owing to circumstances over
which he could not say who had the control, it was found that the
managers of the Dispensary could not pay their liabilities by £33.
They had furniture which was valued at £7 10s., leaving them minus
£25 10s. 0¼d. He now asked whether they would make a grant of that
amount from the funds of the Hospital. B. Dowson, Esq., proposed
that a transfer be made of that sum to defray the deficiency, the new
institution having been established on the old one. C. Nichols,
Esq., seconded it on the further ground that the old institution had
deferred several applications for assistance for the benefit of the
Hospital, such as sermons at church, &c. Mr. North said all their
funds had been merged into those of the Hospital. John Lacon, Esq.,
thought it would be better to raise the sum among themselves, which
proposition, after a great deal of discussion, was ultimately
carried, and 13 sovereigns were subscribed in the room. The decision
was extremely satisfactory to all the new subscribers to the
Hospital.”

A very handsome vessel named the “Jenny Jones” had been launched from Mr. F. Preston’s yard.

Jan. 10.—Edward Woodrow, baker, had been committed for trial on the prosecution of the Guardians, for selling them short weight bread for the paupers.

Jan. 17th.—The Poor Law Commissioners having complained of the Board of Guardians because they had presented a Christmas dinner to the paupers, the Guardians justified such proceedings.

Jan. 24th.—A subscription had been entered upon for the purpose of relieving the families of those seamen who had been lost in the recent gales. £115 was collected in the room.

Jan. 31st.—An Anti-Corn Law meeting had been held at the Town Hall.

Feb. 7th.—Meetings of the freemen had been held as to the question of whether Mr. Wilshere should be called on to resign his seat.

At the Quarter Sessions, Mr. Edward Woodrow was convicted for selling “short weight” bread to the Guardians, and sentenced to pay a fine of £50, which he paid, but “not until the Recorder (N. Palmer, Esq.) had twice threatened to commit him for contempt of Court.”

Feb. 14th.—The Town Council adopted a petition for the abolition of the Corn Laws with only two dissentients.

Feb. 21st.—Mr. John Owles had been elected a Councillor in the place of Mr. Cobb, who had been raised to the Aldermanic Bench.

Mr. Wilshere had presented the town petition against the Corn Laws; it was signed by 2,355 persons.

Mr. Owen had delivered a lecture on “Socialism.”

March 7th.—The use of the Town Hall had been refused to Mr. Hallock, a “Socialist” lecturer.

March 14th.—Mr. Rumbold had presented the Corporation’s petition for the repeal of the Corn Laws.

A meeting of the Chartists had been held at the Masonic Hall, Mr. Fleet in the chair, and was addressed by Messrs. Gill and Deegan, delegates.

March 21st.—The Rev. W. Squire had lectured at the Masonic Hall in reply to Mr. Owen. More than 1,200 persons were present.

March 28th.—The sixteen Liberal candidates had been elected Guardians.

April 4th.—A meeting had been held for the purpose of forming a local branch of the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society, S. Cobb, Esq. (Mayor) in the chair. Sir George Parker and Messrs. James H. Palmer, Matthew Butcher, and George Danby Palmer took part in the proceedings.

April 11th.—The election of Haven Commissioners had resulted as follows:—

For George Danby Palmer 511 W. Barth 473 E. H. L. Preston 380 C. J. Palmer 277

April 18th.—A petition had been adopted in favour of a penny postage.

May 2nd.—Mr. Pickard (a Guardian) had complained to the Mayor that he was continually being insulted by Mr. E. Woodrow since that person had been convicted at the Sessions.

May 9th.—An endeavour was being made to revive the “Dutch Fair,” in order to which such vessels were to be exempted from dues from the 17th to 30th September.

There were 23 prisoners for trial at the Sessions.

May 23rd.—An address had been voted to the Queen to congratulate her upon the issue of the “Bed Chamber” plot. The Mayor was in the chair and G. Penrice, R. Palmer Kemp, William Danby Palmer, W. Johnson, George Steward, and E. H. L. Preston, Esqs., took part in the proceedings.

May 30th.—Sixty gentlemen dined at the King’s Head to commemorate the Queen’s Birthday. The Mayor presided, and the following toasts were given:—“The Queen,” “The Duchess of Kent,” “Capt. Harmer and the Navy,” “The Army,” “The Mayor,” “The Borough Members,” “George Danby Palmer, Esq.,” “Mr. George Steward,” “Lord Durham,” “Mr. William Johnson,” “The Vice-Chairman,” “The Mayoress and Ladies of Yarmouth,” and a number of other toasts. The meeting separated “at a late hour.”

June 13th.—A large assemblage of ladies and gentlemen had witnessed a Jewish wedding at the Town Hall, performed by Rabbi Sternbergh; it was publicly performed.

The Races were not likely to be held, owing to a want of funds.

June 20th.—The Rev. George Anguish, of Somerleyton Hall, had given £50 towards the Hospital fund.

July 4th contains the following as to the Yarmouth Hospital and Dispensary:—

The first annual meeting of this Institution was held at the Town
Hall on Friday last, on which occasion the Worshipful the Mayor was
in the chair. He felt gratified by the honour that meeting had done
him in calling him to the chair. In looking over the programme of
the meeting, he found the accounts were to be audited—they were
requested to pay their subscriptions, to elect annual officers, and
to take into consideration the erection or purchase of a building for
a new Hospital.

William Steward, Esq., read abstracts from the secretary and
treasurer’s books, by which it appeared that the benefactions
amounted to £292 9s. 6d., subscriptions to £435 19s., and interest at
the bankers £8 15s. 2d., and that there had been expended for fitting
up and furniture, £141 8s. 10d.; for housekeeping, salaries, and
wages, £94 15s. 9d.; chemists’ bills, drugs, &c., £90 15s.; books,
stationery, and printing, £35 14s. 9d.; rent and incidentals, £33 3s.
1d.; leaving a balance in treasurer’s hands of £341 6s. 3d. Mr.
Steward stated that the accounts had been made out with great care,
and examined by two auditors. The total number of patients that had
been admitted from October 1st, 1838, to June 1st, 1839, was 532,
being 35 in and 439 out-patients, of whom 5 in and 9 out remained on
the books.

J. Tidswell, Esq., moved that the report now read be received, that
it be ordered to be printed, and a copy placed in the hands of each
of the subscribers, which was seconded by the Rev. W. F. Clarke, and
carried unanimously.

The meeting then proceeded to the election of such officers as retire
annually, when all the old officers were unanimously elected, with
one alteration. The Rev. M. Waters, who had been on the Committee,
having accepted the office of honorary secretary, _vice_ Rev. J.
North, who had left the town, J. Tidswell, Esq., was chosen in his
room.

The Chairman said the next business was of considerable importance.
It was to consider the propriety of erecting or purchasing a building
for the use of the Institution.

William Steward, Esq., would submit to the meeting a proposal he held
in his hand, which was to raise a building fund of £1,000, in shares
of £10 each, on which interest at £3 per cent. per annum is to be
paid till the fund will enable them to liquidate it; and in the
interim every shareholder to have the right of recommending one
out-patient for each share annually. One object in raising the fund
now was, that they had £151 in hand from the benefactions, and Mr.
Anguish had sent them £50 towards the building fund. The interest
would not amount to what they now paid for rent. They hoped the
Corporation would grant them an eligible site for the intended new
building.

The Rev. M. Waters was sure there would be no difficulty in raising
the required fund, as they would soon have £300 paid in donations,
which would prevent any risk to the shareholders.

The Chairman suggested that it would be better first to resolve that
it would be expedient to erect or purchase a building, and then to
submit the means for raising the money, in which opinion J.
Brightwen, Esq., fully concurred, when

Mr. S. S. Barber proposed, that it is the opinion of this meeting
that it is expedient that an Hospital should be built, which was
seconded by Mr. E. H. L. Preston.

Mr. W. S. Lacon thought it premature to build at present; the
Hospital had only been in operation a few months, and at the last
meeting, when certain resolutions were proposed, certain gentlemen,
who did not like those resolutions, said they would withdraw. He
would propose that the consideration of the question be postponed to
that day twelve months, which was seconded by Dr. Sabine.

J. G. Fisher, Esq., thought the building of an Hospital would promote
the object they had in view, and could not agree with Mr. Lacon, in
which he was supported by the Rev. M. Waters.

The amendment being put, only six voted for it, and the original
motion was carried.

Mr. E H. L. Preston then proposed that the plan for raising a fund,
as proposed by Mr. Steward, be adopted, and that a paper be laid on
the table to receive the names of persons willing to take shares,
which was seconded by Mr. Barber.

J. G. Fisher, Esq., proposed the thanks of the meeting to the Mayor
for his conduct in the chair, which was carried by acclamation.

The Mayor, in returning thanks, expressed his determination to do all
in his power to procure them an eligible spot on which to erect the
new edifice. Those present having paid their subscriptions, the
meeting separated.

A band of music had been engaged to perform near the Jetty on Wednesday and Saturday evenings during the summer.

July 11th.—A vessel named the “Cadmus” had been launched from Teasdell’s Wharf.

An inquest had been held at Shrublands, Gorleston, the residence of William Danby Palmer, Esq., upon the body of a boy who had been killed by a fall from a stack. Verdict, “Accidental death.”

July 18th.—The “Galatea” (schooner) had been launched from Mr. A. Palmer’s, jun., yard.

Aug. 1st.—Another meeting in connection with the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society had been held. Sir George Parker, the Hon. and Rev. E. Pellew, George Danby Palmer, Esq., and the Rev. Mr. Sidney took part in the proceedings.

Pleasure yachts were allowed to enter the Harbour free of dues.

August 10th.—The Races had been held for the following stakes:—Gold, cup, £10 each, and £20 added; the Members’ Plate of £50; the Vauxhall Coronation Cup, £25; and the Innkeepers’ and Tradesmen’s Silver Cup, £50. The following local gentlemen entered or named horses at this meeting:—Mr. Wilshere, Mr. Rumbold, Mr. Webber, Mr. Wodehouse, Mr. Burroughes, Mr. R. P. Kemp, Mr. Samuel Palmer, Mr. A. Tompson, Mr. John Kerrison, and Mr. William Danby Palmer.

Madame Vestris and Mr. Charles Matthews were filling the Theatre nightly.

At the Regatta, “The Widgeon,” a London yacht, had carried off the prize.

The Dissenters, not approving of these sports (the Regatta and Races), had had a meeting of their own in the shape of a choral festival.

August 15th.—Sir Jacob Preston, John Penrice, and Charles Steward, Esqs., were announced as Stewards of next year’s Races.

August 22nd contains the following:—“We hear from the most undoubted authority that Mr. John E. Lacon, with a munificence almost unparallelled, has equally divided the large property left to him by his father between himself and his brother, the present Sir Edmund H. K. Lacon, Bart.”

Sept. 5th.—Mr. Preston had launched the “George Lord,” of 205 tons register.

Oct. 3rd.—The Revision Court had been held, and the Liberals claimed a gain of 58 on the return.

Oct. 17th.—At a Liberal meeting held at the “Crown and Anchor,” G. D. Palmer, Esq., had proposed the health of Samuel Jay, Esq., as “Mayor-Elect.”

There were “nightly depredations” taking place at Gorleston.

Oct. 31st.—Fortunatus Robert Townshend Crisp was indicted for publishing on the 13th October a certain filthy and libellous paper called the “Paul Pry,” containing a slanderous and malicious libel on Henry Holmes Baker. The Jury were locked up two hours before returning a verdict of guilty, on which Crisp was fined £5.

Nov. 7th.—The Earl of Lichfield had given £30 to the Hospital Fund.

The old members of the Council had been re-elected, except in St. Andrew’s Ward, where William Hurry Palmer, Esq., was returned. The only Ward contested was the Regent, with the following result:—C. Davie, 81; J. Fish, 76; J. G. Plummer, 71; S. Miller, 62. A meeting of Liberals was afterwards held, and Mr. Jay’s health (as Mayor-Elect) drunk with three times three.

Nov. 14th.—At the Council on the 9th, Mr. G. D. Palmer proposed Mr. Jay as Mayor for the ensuing year, and he was elected to that office.

Dec. 5th.—Capt. Pearson had been elected an Alderman in the place of John B. Palmer, Esq., deceased.

An anti-poor law meeting had been held; only 52 persons present.

Dec. 19th.—The Mayor (S. Jay, Esq.) had commenced a round of Civic entertainments of a most “recherchê” character.

The Yarmouth Savings’ Bank had 2,137 accounts and £63,513 13s. 7d. on deposit.

Dec. 26th.—The Mayor and Corporation had attended St. Nicholas’ Church, after which his Worship entertained a large party of friends at lunch.

The “Blue” freemen had held a meeting to receive a very handsome blue banner, inscribed “Presented to the freemen in commemoration of their victory over the attempt to enslave them, and ‘United we stand, divided we fall. Wilshere’s majority 38.’”

1840.

Jan. 2nd contains the following as to “Yarmouth Hospital”:—

The half-yearly meeting of the governors of this institution was held
at the Town Hall on Saturday. William Steward, Esq., took the chair,
and stated that the building was expected to be completed for the
reception of patients by Lady-day. The cost of the building,
including furniture and the tower (a very ornamental building, to be
used as a look-out), with other incidental charges, would amount to
£1,600. (Expressions of surprise, and “What! no more?”) He believed
that £1,600 would cover the whole expense, to meet which they had
already received by benefaction (including £200 from the Norwich
Musical Festival) upwards of £600, while upwards of £1,000 had been
raised among the shareholders. It would be highly desirable to pay
off the shareholders as the funds would allow, and to keep up the
annual subscriptions. At present they were adequate to the annual
expenditure, but he trusted the inhabitants would do their utmost to
increase the annual income. This was the only charitable institution
founded on the day of her Majesty’s Coronation, and he was induced to
hope that an application to Her Majesty’s advisers would obtain a
benefaction from her privy purse. He was sanguine in his
anticipation that in a short time the shares would be reduced to one
for each shareholder, which it was thought desirable should remain.

F. R. Reynolds, Esq., thought the reduction would be made in less
than seven years.

The Rev. M. Waters said that, allowing them to remain in their
present position, the new institution would not be more rent than the
present Hospital in Queen Street.

Mr. Steward then submitted a resolution, that all monies arising from
benefactions or otherwise, except from annual subscriptions, be
applied in paying the shareholders till such shareholders should have
but one share each; and that the annual subscriptions should be kept
as a distinct fund.

This resolution was moved by H. V. Worship, Esq., and seconded by C.
J. Palmer, Esq., and carried unanimously.

The Secretary observed that the balance of subscriptions would be
less at the end of the present year than it was at the end of the
preceding one, and this he mentioned that the public might know it
would depend on themselves whether so excellent an institution should
continue as efficient as it had hitherto been.

It was stated that the number of out-patients had never been less
than 100 throughout the past half-year.

Jan. 16th.—The first subscription Ball had been held at the Town Hall, when about 70 or 80 of the _elite_ were present. Howlett’s band had been engaged for the occasion.

Jan. 23rd.—A “dreadful storm” had visited the town, and considerable damage had been done to the roofs of houses, while a schooner in making for the Harbour had been caught in the squall and sunk, with the loss of four lives.

George Danby Palmer, Esq., had entertained a large party of the members of the “Yarmouth Fishing Clubs” and others in the new room at Bird’s Royal Hotel, when the Mayor, Sir George Parker, Capt. Pearson, R.N., Capt. Harmer, R.N., George Penrice, M.D., W. Barth, R. P. Kemp, S. Palmer, W. H. Palmer, W. S. Ferrier, R. S. Lonsdale, S. P. Edwards, W. Yetts, G. Steward, T. Hammond, R. Hammond, S. C Marsh, Esqs., and most of the influential gentlemen and merchants of the town were present.

Feb. 13th—The Queen’s Marriage had been celebrated as a general holiday, with the usual demonstrations of loyalty, and 150 gentlemen had dined together at the Town Hall, when the Mayor presided.

Feb. 20th.—Ambrose Palmer, Esq., had complained to the Magistrates of the late delivery of the mails, which it appeared often did not arrive until after 12 o’clock in the day.

March 5th.—Samuel Jay, Esq., and William Barth, Esq., had proceeded to London to present an address to Her Majesty from the Town Council upon her marriage.

Messrs. Fellows had launched the “Lucy,” a schooner of 100 tons register.

March 12th.—The Mayor (S. Jay, Esq.) had been presented at Court by William Wilshere, Esq., M.P., on the occasion of taking up the Corporation address.

Capt. Love had been elected Inspector of Police by thirteen votes to one vote. There were twelve candidates for the office.

March 26th.—Mr. Joseph Fiddes had been elected an Alderman in the place of Mr. William Barber, deceased.

April 2nd.—The Hospital having been completed, was opened for public inspection, and had been visited by nearly 1,000 inhabitants of the town and neighbourhood. Eight hundred patients had been relieved by this Charity since the previous August.

April 9th.—Sixteen Whigs had been elected Guardians by very large majorities.

April 23rd.—Messrs. C. Davie, William Johnson, and S. V. Moore had been nominated at the Vestry meeting as Churchwardens, and a poll demanded.

The Conservatives had dined together at the Angel Hotel, Sir E. H. K. Lacon, Bart., in the chair, when a magnificent silver waiter, weighing 221 ozs., was presented to Mr. Edward H. L. Preston. Upon it was the following inscription: “Presented to Edward Harbord Lushington Preston by the Conservatives of Great Yarmouth, as a testimonial of their esteem and high approval of his firm and active support of those principals which constitute the best bulwark of the Throne, and the surest safeguard of the people.” Messrs. Aldred and Son supplied it.

The Mayor (S. Jay, Esq.) had received the Sacrament at St. Nicholas’ Church, and afterwards entertained the Town Council and a party of friends with a sumptuous cold collation.

April 30th.—Messrs. Davie and Johnson had been elected Churchwardens, three votes only having been polled for Mr. Moore.

Not a single case of theft or disorderly conduct had been reported at the Fair, “a circumstance unparallelled in the history of Yarmouth.”

May 14th.—A petition for the repeal of the Corn Laws had been signed by 1,400 persons.

May 21st.—Mr. and Mrs. Bird’s “opening dinner” had been held at the Royal Hotel. The Mayor occupied the chair, and was supported by the Rev. Richard Gooch, G. Danby Palmer, W. Barth, T. Brown (Thrigby), R. Ferrier, W. Ferrier, T. Fowler, C. Marsh, G. Steward, A. Tompson, W. Carpenter, and F. Lloyd, Esqs., Captain Nelson, Messrs. Paul, Christmas, Primrose, Smith, E. Browne, Hart, Middleton, and upwards of 100 gentlemen of the town and neighbourhood.

May 28th.—Complaints had been made of the “screaming” and “bell-ringing” of the steamboats, which the editor thought should be “reformed altogether.”

The London letters had not been received on Saturday last, owing to those intended for Yarmouth, Isle of Wight, having been forwarded to this town, while “our mails” were sent on to Edinburgh.

June 6th.—The carcase of a grampus had been towed on to the Beach.

June 11th.—The Mayor (S. Jay, Esq.) had again entertained his friends at luncheon after Divine Service.

The “Eleanor Palmer,” schooner, had been launched from Mr. A. Palmer, junr.’s, yard, for W. H. Palmer, Esq., who, in the evening, entertained a large party of friends at the Royal Hotel.

June 19th.—The Council had voted addresses of congratulation to H.M. the Queen, Prince Albert, and the Duke of Kent, on the “escape of Her Majesty from assassination.” This was moved by Mr. E. Sewell, and seconded by G. D. Palmer, Esq.

July 2nd.—The new police had made “their maiden turn out” under Capt. Love. Mr. J. Nolloth had supplied the uniforms.

The annual Hospital meeting had been held at the Board Boom of that institution.

July 9th.—The Mayor had attended the Annual Water Frolic, accompanied by some 30 gentlemen, including the Deputy-Mayor, G. D. Palmer, Esq., Capt. Harmer, Capt. Pearson, S. P. Edwards, Esq., and several members of the Council.

Three young men were capsized and two of them, Mr. John Rivett and Mr. Walter Feek, drowned.

“A fellow named Cullingford had cut down the doorstalls of Mr. Wm. Sayer’s house in which he was engaged nearly two hours without being detected by any of the new police.”

July 16th.—The Council resolved that “the old tower on the Chapel Mount be levelled with that of the Hospital, and that the wall to the east thereof be faced with white brick and coped with cement.”

Mr. Guthrie (son of Capt. Guthrie) had saved a boy from being drowned at the Jetty.

The “Maid of Athens” had been launched from Mr. I. Preston’s yard.

July 25th.—The Races had been held. The Town and County Plate of £50 was won by the Hon. I. Sandiland’s “Luther,” which was “claimed” by Mr. S. Palmer for £150 (his horse “Diana” running second in the race.)

As Stewards for next year, Henry Stracey, Alexander Shafto Adair, and Samuel Palmer, Esqs., were chosen.

At the Regatta, Lord A. Paget’s “Sabrina” won the £25 cup.

When a hearse, with mourning coach and friends of the deceased arrived at the Cemetery, it was found that “no orders had been given to dig a grave,” and the funeral had to be postponed.

Aug. 16th.—Youell’s gardens were “most attractive;” there were 3,000 pairs of carnations and picotees in bloom.

Samuel Jay, Esq., had been appointed a Justice of the Peace for the Borough.

Aug. 20th.—A great improvement had been made by lighting the town with gas; the Gas Company having laid down a large main, and reduced the price of gas 25 per cent.

Mr. A. Thrower had been elected a Councillor in the place of Mr. F. Preston.

Sept. 3rd.—A meeting had been held at the Town Hall, Wm. Steward, Esq., in the chair, for promoting the erection of a better class of houses on the Beach to the south of the Royal Hotel (the Victoria Building Company.)

Mr. John Clowes had been thrown from his gig on the Quay.

Sept. 17th.—Lord and Lady Wodehouse were staying at the Royal Hotel; his Lordship had consented to patronise the New Building Company.

Sept. 24th.—Madame Persiani, and Signors Nigri, Rubini, and Puzzi, had given a grand concert at the Town Hall.

A meeting of the provisional Committee of the Victoria Building Company had been held, and £8,000 had been subscribed for the objects of the Company.

Oct. 8th.—The prospectus of the Victoria Building Company appears in this issue, the Directors being William Steward, William Baynes, Benjamin Dowson, Richard Ferrier, William Johnson, Robert Palmer Kemp, John E. Lacon, George Danby Palmer, Thomas Fowler Steward, and Charles Symonds, Esqs.

A letter had been received at the Post-office, directed “Mr. Thompson, Row next my grandmother’s, Yarmouth.”

Nov. 5th.—The following was the result of the Municipal election:—

NORTH WARD.
J. N. Sherrington 119 J. C. Smith 98
C. G. Doughty 116 J. F. Costerton 68
NELSON WARD.
M. Butcher and J. G. Connell (no opposition.)
ST. ANDREW’S WARD.
Wm. Barth 100 John G. Rivett 77
Wm. Danby Palmer 88 Henry Teasdell 56
ST. GEORGE’S WARD.
Joseph Bayly 89 John Algar 89
John L. Cufaude 89 Charles Cory 83
And the Alderman gave his casting vote in favour of Messrs
Bayly and Cufaude
REGENT WARD.
Samuel Palmer and John Barker (no opposition.)
MARKET WARD.
D. A. Gourlay and Charles Miller (no opposition.)

A deputation had waited on Mr. Samuel Palmer and presented a requisition to him, to be put in nomination for the office of Mayor. Mr. W. Johnson presented this, signed by 40 members of the Council.

The “Hamlet,” 400 tons, had been launched from Mr. A. Palmer’s, jun., yard.

Nov. 12th.—Mr. Samuel Palmer had been elected Mayor.

Nov. 26th.—Richard Ferrier and Charles Cory, Esqs., refused to pay the Poor’s Rate, and a distress warrant was issued, under which a clock, a silver cup, and a hat stand had been seized. The object of these gentlemen appeared to be to dispute the validity of a Rate of 1s. 3d. in the £.

Dec. 3rd.—The Council had voted the usual loyal addresses on the birth of the Princess Royal.

Dec. 10th.—A public meeting had been held for the like purpose when the address to Her Majesty was moved by the Hon. and Rev. E. Pellew, and seconded by Wm. Steward, Esq.

That to Prince Albert, by Sir E. H. K. Lacon, Bart., and George Danby Palmer, Esq.

And that to the Duke of Kent by Sir George Parker, K.C.B., and J. G. Fisher, Esq., S. Palmer, Esq., Sir E. H. K. Lacon, and Sir George Parker, were deputed to present such addresses.

Dec. 17th.—A meeting of the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society had been held. The local committee then consisted of Messrs. G. W. Manby, Isaac Preston, W. J. Hurry, G. D. Palmer, J. W. Shelly, Costerton, Capt. Harmer, J. G. Fisher, D. Turner, Gunthorpe, Ambrose Palmer, W. Barth, John Penrice, M. Butcher, and Capt. Pearson.

Dec. 24th.—An anti-slavery meeting had been held (the Mayor in the chair.)

Dec. 31st.—The teetotallers had had a procession. Among their flags a new one by the workmen of Mr. Brand (tailor) on which was painted a lifeboat, with the motto “Total Abstinence, the Drunkard’s Lifeboat.”

Samuel Jay, Charles Pearson, William Johnson and J. W. Shelly, qualified as Magistrates at the Quarter Sessions.

[Picture: Decorative graphic]

SECOND SERIES, 1841–51.

“When found, make a note of”—

CAPT. CUTTLE.

1841.

Jan. 14th.—A meeting for the relief of the poor had been held, when £300 was raised in the room.

Jan. 21st.—Mr. E. R. Palmer had been appointed Inspector of Corn Returns.

Jan. 28th—The “Greyhound” (Barker) had arrived at Naples in fifteen days, “being the quickest passage ever known.”

Feb. 11th.—About fifty tradesmen had dined at the “Star” to commemorate the baptism of the Princess Royal.

Feb. 18th.—A local committee had been formed in connection with the “Marine Penitent Female Refuge,” with the Hon. and Rev. E. Pellew, president; Mrs. C. S. D. Steward, treasurer; and Mrs. G. Danby-Palmer, secretary.

On Tuesday, the whole of the London traders, sixteen in number, were lying in the harbour, owing to the late frost.

A meeting of the Conservative ratepayers had been held to protest against the 1s. 3d. poor’s rate.

Feb. 25th.—A meeting had been held at the Town Hall for promoting a railway from Yarmouth to London.

March 11th.—The works of the Victoria Building Company had been commenced, and the Mayor had been requested to lay the first stone.

The “Saucy Jack,” 250 tons, had been launched from Mr. I. Chapman’s yard.

March 18th.—Wm. Barth, Esq., had received an appointment in the Money Order Office of the Post Office, London.

March 25th.—Records the laying of the first stone on the Victoria Building Company’s Estate, when Captain Harmer, R.N., (W.M. of Lodge “United Friends,”) addressed the assembly as follows:—

“At the request of the Directors of the Victoria Building Company, we
are here assembled as Masons to assist our Worthy Brother, who now
occupies the civic chair of this borough, to lay the foundation stone
of this important and interesting work—important and interesting
indeed to Yarmouth. May the work prosper, and from the foundation
about to be laid, may structures arise ornamental to the town,
beneficial to its inhabitants, and advantageous to the builders. May
the promoters of these buildings live to see their great and spirited
design carried out, and when it shall please the Grand Leveller of
human greatness to call them from hence, may they arrive at the point
or centre where the World’s Great Architect lives and reigns for
ever.”

Bro. Richard Ferrier, P.M.—“So mote it be.”

The Mayor then proceeded to deposit two coins of her present Majesty in the stone, over which a brass plate was laid bearing the following inscription:—

“The first stone of Kimberley Terrace, Great Yarmouth, to be erected
by the Victoria Building Company, was laid by Samuel Palmer, Esq.,
Mayor of Great Yarmouth, on the 22nd day of March, in the Year of our
Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Forty One, and in the Fourth year
of the reign of Queen Victoria. William Steward, Esq., Chairman of
the Board of Directors; Thomas Marsh Nelson, Esq., Architect.”

A public dinner was afterwards held at the Royal Hotel, George Danby-Palmer, Esq., in the chair.

April 1st.—The election of Guardians had ended in “the signal defeat of the Tories.”

April 15th.—Messrs. C. Davie and D. A. Gourlay had been elected Churchwardens by the Vestry.

April 22nd.—Mr. F. Preston’s shipyard was likely to be given up, thus throwing many men out of employment.

An Ecclesiastical inquiry had been held “to make inquiry into a certain charge preferred by one James Laws, a sailmaker, living in Row 99, against the Rev. — —, Clerk in Holy Orders. Nathaniel Palmer, Esq. (instructed by Messrs. Tolver, Preston and Tolver) appeared for the respondent. The charge was that of soliciting the chastity of the complainant’s wife by sending her letters, one of which was as follows:—Meet me to-night about nine or half-past nine between Penrice’s and the beach.” This charge, in the absence of the letter, was pronounced by the Commissioners not to have been proved.

May 6th.—At the Leveé, S. Palmer, Esq., and Sir E. H. K. Lacon, Bart., had been presented by W. Wilshere, Esq., M.P.

Six hundred persons had been confirmed at St. Nicholas’ Church by the Bishop of Norwich.

The “Indiaman,” 821 tons, had been launched from Mr. Preston’s yard for Mr. Somes. She was estimated to cost £18,000.

May 13th.—The “Highlander,” 122 tons, had been launched from Mr. D. King’s yard.

Mr. W. Johnson had been appointed a “tradesman to Her Most Gracious Majesty.”

May 20th.—A merry peal was rung upon St. Nicholas’ Church bells in consequence of Sir Jacob Astley having made good his claim to the Barony of Hastings.

The Norfolk Yeomanry, under the command of Major Loftus, had entered the town for seven days’ duty.

May 27th.—The Officers of this corps had given a splendid ball at the Bath Rooms, at which 200 persons were present.

Mr. G. Blake had been summoned for refusal, on conscientious grounds, to pay the Church Rate.

June 3rd.—A meeting had been held “in support of Her Majesty’s Ministers.”

June 10th.—Messrs. Rumbold and Wilshere had issued their address to the electors; Lord George Somerset and Mr. Smythe had been named as probable Tory candidates for the Borough.

June 17th.—Mr. G. Blake had been ordered to pay 1s. 6d., the amount of the Church Rate, “which he did and departed.”

The census had been taken, showing a population of 25,000.

During the week the roof had been placed on the hotel and houses forming the south end of Kimberley Terrace.

June 24th.—The Mayor “having received the precept for the election proceeded to the Market Place, and Guild Hall, accompanied by several hundred gentlemen, when such precept was read,” no opposition being yet announced.

The “Norfolk,” 120 tons, had been launched by Mr. A. R. Palmer.

July 3rd.—The election had taken place when Sir George Parker proposed, and Mr. J. Brightwen seconded Mr. C. E. Rumbold; Mr. Geo. Danby-Palmer and Mr. B. Dowson proposed and seconded Mr. Wilshere; Mr. R. Ferrier and Mr. Lacon proposed and seconded Mr. Thos. Baring; and Mr. E. H. L. Preston and Mr. W. H. Bessey performed the like office for Mr. J. Soames. These proceedings lasted from eleven o’clock until half-past two o’clock, during which time “it rained hard and many got wet to the skin,” but, notwithstanding that, “a more disorderly attendance” had never been seen. After the nomination the late members were chaired round the town, when there was a scuffle in the Market Place and one man was seriously wounded. Next day the poll was held and the numbers declared—