Chapter C: J. Harley, Esq., had bequeathed £100 to the Hospital (3)

We have this week to record a riot of a serious nature arising out of
the unfortunate strike among the seamen who, until recently, had
conducted themselves in a manner highly creditable to so large a body
of men placed in such circumstances. Since the ill-advised
rejection, by the men, of the old agreement as to wages, there have
been several mariners (as there always must be with an over-stocked
labour market) quite ready and glad to sail at different rates to
those proposed by those who struck; and forseeing that if such
defections from their camp continued, their strike would be
unavailing, the sailors have during the last week been in the habit
of parading the Quay, in gangs, for the purpose of unlawfully
preventing such as were willing to go to sea from joining their
ships, and partly by force, and partly by threats, several men have
been deterred from fulfilling their engagements. Although these
facts were known to the authorities, no steps were taken to put a
stop to them, in the hope that the reasonable and peaceable portion
of the sailors would see how unjustifiable was the course they were
pursuing, and how really destructive it was to the interests both of
the owners and men. The same line of conduct was, however,
continued. The first case brought before the Bench was that of
Samuel Graystone, the mate of the schooner “Ant,” belonging to Mr. S.
S. Barber, who applied for the protection of the police, the men
having been taken out of his vessel on Friday afternoon last. On
Saturday morning, Mr. Barber again appeared before the Mayor to
complain that the master and crew of the “Maid of the Yare” had been
interrupted, and made to go on shore. The master having come up and
corroborated this statement, the crew were sent for and asked if they
were willing to go to sea, having signed articles. The master and
mate said they were, but the men declined, through fear of personal
violence. They were told that if they did not they must be sent to
gaol, but if they were willing to go they should be protected. They
then agreed to go, and were sent down accordingly with a body of the
police; the master and mate went on board, but the crew refused, and
the police were therefore withdrawn, when some sailors went and
ill-used the mate, throwing him over the bows of his ship on to the
Quay Head. The captain also was pushed on shore. Subsequently the
Bench were informed that the man Graystone had again been taken out
of his vessel, which had gone to sea without him, and was then lying
in Corton Roads. Graystone was sent for, and said he was not willing
to go; but on an information being taken against him for refusing, he
said he would if he could be protected. A steamtug was therefore
ordered to convey him to his vessel, and on its arriving opposite the
Town Hall at half-past two o’clock, the Magistrates agreed, before
taking any other steps, to try whether the police were not sufficient
to protect the men on board, notwithstanding the evident
determination of a large body of sailors to prevent him. The
Superintendent of Police, therefore, arranged the whole force, and
with Graystone in the centre, surrounded by the Mayor and
Magistrates, the escort left the station-house, distant not more than
one hundred yards from the steamtug. When about half way down, the
crowd, which then consisted of about 200 or 300 sailors, set up a
tremendous yell and rushed upon the police, whose ranks were speedily
broken, several of the police and Magistrates being struck. They
rallied, and with the assistance of the Magistrates, who were mainly
instrumental in preventing Graystone from being rescued, they
succeeded in placing him safely on board the tug. The principal
ringleaders were then picked out, and after some considerable
struggling they were got into the station-house. By this time the
concourse of people had increased to upwards of a thousand. Some of
the men then obtained a spar or boom which was brought opposite the
station-house door for the purpose of using it as a battering ram to
release the six or seven prisoners within. Several stones were
thrown, and a few windows broken; upon which the Mayor immediately
swore in as many persons as were willing to be special constables,
and a sally was made upon the mob, and with considerable difficulty
the spar was got away, and one or two of those who were using it were
taken into custody, but being completely overpowered, the authorities
were compelled to retreat with the force into the station-house.
Shortly after, Capt. Ellis, R.N., having arrived with a body of the
coastguardsmen, armed with muskets, &c., together with some of the
men from the revenue cutter, they took up a position in front of the
Hall and Police-station. The Mayor then read the Riot Act, the
people not dispersing, but on the contrary rather increasing, as
there must then have been several thousands. Mr. G. D. Palmer
addressed a few words to them from the Hall-door, imploring them to
desist from the foolish course they had taken, and entreating them to
disperse peaceably. A stone was then hurled at the spot where the
Magistrates were standing, but it fortunately did not take effect,
and the man who threw it was instantly secured and brought into the
station-house. The following proclamation was issued by the Mayor:—

“Borough of Great Yarmouth, 22nd Feb., 1851.

“NOTICE.—A riot having this day taken place in this Borough, and the
Riot Act having been read, all peaceable and loyal inhabitants are
desired to keep in their houses until order has been restored. And
notice is hereby further given, that no assemblage of persons will be
allowed.

CHARLES PEARSON, Mayor.”

After a consultation of the Magistrates, they unanimously determined
to send to Norwich for a troop of the Military stationed there. A
telegraphic message was therefore despatched, which reached the
Norwich Station about half-past four o’clock. In the meantime nine
of the East Norfolk Militia located here, under Captain Brown,
arrived, and were speedily followed by detachments of the Coastguard
from the stations at Caister, Winterton, Corton, &c., who were all
sworn in as special constables. The total available force for the
protection of the town now amounted to 201, viz., 90 special
constables, 81 officers and men of the revenue cutter and coastguard,
21 policemen, and 9 militia men; and it was determined to clear the
space in front of the station-house, which, with much difficulty was
accomplished, when the police succeeded in picking out and taking
several of the ringleaders.

Some persons consider that the people might have been entirely
dispersed without the aid of the military, but considering the
overwhelming number of persons present, it could only have been
accomplished by the armed force charging among the people, which
might have involved much bloodshed, if not actual loss of life, and
there can be no doubt that the authorities exercised a wise and
prudent discretion in contenting themselves by keeping the crowd as
it were at bay, until the arrival of the military, a troop of which,
consisting of 35 of the 11th Hussars, under Captain Douglas, reached
the Yarmouth station by special train at about a quarter to six in
the evening. A great mob of people had assembled at the terminus,
and the officer in command refused to enter the town unless
accompanied by a magistrate on horseback. J. C. Smith, Esq.,
accordingly having gone down, the troop, a little before seven
o’clock, entered the town and cantering their horses over the quay
and pavements, the crowd which had remained in front of the
Police-court fled in every direction, some of them in their anxiety
to escape the too near approach of the soldiers’ swords, actually
running over one another. Several women were knocked down by the mob
in their flight, but we believe no injuries, beyond a few broken
heads and bruised limbs, were received by any one. Great numbers of
persons, however, secreted themselves by the river side, and in the
ends of the numerous narrow rows in the town, under the impression
that the military could not dislodge them. The Mayor, however,
having issued orders for the entire quay to be cleared, the police,
aided by a strong body of special constables, were for some hours
engaged in dispersing the knots of people who had collected in these
localities; patrols of the military and the police were then placed
at all the principal thoroughfares leading to the Town Hall, which
had been the scene of the riot, for the purpose of stopping all
persons from coming that way. About eleven o’clock order having
been, comparatively speaking, restored, the Magistrates consulted
with the commanding-officer, and it was agreed that the military
(which now numbered 75 in all, having been joined by another troop)
should retire to their quarters, holding themselves in readiness to
be called out at a minute’s warning. The police were sent on their
regular beats, but the cutter’s men and coastguardsmen remained at
the Hall during the whole of the Saturday night, as did also the
special constables, who were divided into three divisions, under
regular captains, for the purpose of relieving each other every four
hours. At half-past nine on Sunday morning, the Mayor and
Magistrates again assembled, but as everything had passed off quietly
during the night, and as there did not seem any disposition on the
part of the persons who were collected round the Hall (more by
curiosity than otherwise) to commit any breach of the peace, the
special constables, with most of the coastguardsmen were released
from further duty until they should be again summoned, if required,
by the alarm bell. At the close of the morning’s service the
Magistrates held a further consultation, when it was determined to
draw up a report of the occurrences which had taken place, and to
transmit the same to Sir G. Grey, the Secretary of the Home
Department, to whom it was suggested that it would be advisable that
a war steamer should be sent down to the port until order was
entirely restored.

We cannot conclude our report without bearing our testimony to the
great and extraordinary exertions to maintain peace and order made by
our excellent Chief Magistrate, ably supported as he was by everyone
of his brother Magistrates, and to the firmness and determination
displayed by the Authorities may be mainly attributed to the
preservation of the public peace, and the prompt and effectual
suppression of the riotious spirit displayed by some thoughtless and
illadvised men. It could hardly have been supposed that any friends
of order could have been found ready to cast any blame upon the
Authorities for the wise precautions they took, but we regret to say
that some persons who, instead of coming forward to assist in
preserving the public peace, kept, to their shame, in their own
houses, and who, entirely ignorant of the organisation which was on
foot, presume to censure those whom they should have been the first
to support. Such parties are, however, we trust, but few, for we
feel sure that the course pursued on the present occasion by the
Authorities, will receive the unqualified approval and sanction of
all the peaceably disposed and loyal inhabitants of the town. The
conduct of the Police force—as well as that of the special
constables—was most meritorious and praiseworthy; some of the former
especially distinguished themselves for their courageous conduct, but
it would be invidious to make any distinction between them, as all
the men in the force are equally deserving of praise. They exercised
the greatest forbearance, being most grossly insulted and ill-used,
notwithstanding which they abstained from using their staves until
the spirit of riot being openly manifested, they were directed to use
them by their excellent superintendent, Capt. B. Love.
Police-constable Fuller has been very seriously injured, it being
feared that some of his ribs are broken; another man who was engaged
in the cowardly act of beating Police-constable Johnson while on the
ground, in his turn received a blow from the truncheon of one of the
special constables, which inflicted a very serious wound on his head.
Many other persons were hurt in the course of the riot, but not that
we can learn to any serious extent. It is said, however, that a man
was severely wounded in the hand by the sword of one of the soldiers,
he having seized the bridle and nearly thrown the latter.

On the succeeding Monday the several cases were dealt with arising out of these proceedings.

Mr. I. Preston appeared to prosecute, Mr. C. Cooper (instructed by Mr. F. S. Costerton) representing the prisoners.

Robert Watson (for obstructing Captain Love, Surperintendent of Police) fined 10s.

James King (for threatening E. H. L. Preston, Esq.,) fined 40s.

Samuel Bowles (like offence) fined £3.

John Crow (ditto) fined £1.

James Harvey, William Balls and William Stoddard (ditto) discharged with a caution.

Samuel Gowing (ditto) fined £1.

Henry Walpole (charged by William Danby-Palmer, Esq., with a like offence) fined £2.

James Vincent (for creating a disturbance) fined 10s.

George Walton (charged by Mr. S. S. Barber) for a “rescue,” fined £5.

Alfred Pye (for assaulting Police-constable Lattimore) fined £2.

William Bee, John Creak, Benjamin Mallett, Edward Brooks, and Robert Willgrass (charged with having taken part in the riot and disturbance) were committed for trial, but Bee, Mallett and Creak were admitted to bail in two sureties of £40 each and their own recognizances for £68 each.

H.M. ships “Black Eagle” and “Lightning” had entered the Harbour and laid on the west side of the river.

The Workhouse (which unfortunately contained a large number of idle and dissolute characters) had been the scene of frequent disturbances, and police had been lodged there on that account. During the riot an outbreak, however, had taken place, and a ringleader named Charles Girdlestone taken into custody; he was sentenced to 42 days’ hard labour for this offence, and would be sent for trial for a ferocious attack on the police. Three other paupers had been sent to the treadmill for 21 days each for refractory conduct.

March 8th.—At the Quarter Sessions, (held before N. Palmer, Esq.), the rioters, John Creak (24), Benjamin Mallett (34), John Brooks (19), William Bee (26), and Robert Willgrass (—), were put upon their trial.

Mr. Hotson (with whom was Mr. Mills and Mr. Bulwer) prosecuted, and Mr. Evans (with whom was Mr. C. Cooper) defended the prisoners, the Jury (having deliberated for 25 minutes) returned a verdict of Not Guilty, “which verdict was received with a loud burst of applause, which lasted two or three minutes.”

March 15th.—The strike had ended, most of the owners having consented to sign agreements for giving the men the wages they asked for, for a period of 12 months.

March 22nd.—The sailors had held a “Grand Procession with flags, banners, and triumphant cars.” In the latter were several men attired as Neptune, Britannia, &c., in the evening they attended at the Vauxhall Gardens, where there was a grand display of fireworks.—During the strike 500 stones of flour, 600 lbs. of beef, and 500 cwt. of coals, had been distributed amongst the families of the men on strike from the contributions of the inhabitants.

The N.A.O.D. had met at the Trinity Arms to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Trinity Lodge, No. 220. Messrs. R. R. B. Norman, J. P. Hastings, P.A., and F. Palmer took part in the proceedings.—It was stated there were then three lodges of this order in the town.

April 5th.—Mr. Ferrier and Sir E. H. K. Lacon had appealed, without success, against the rating of certain property on the Denes, on the ground “that it was not within the town.”

April 12th.—Mr. S. Tolver had instructed Mr. Coppock, the parliamentary agent, to prepare the petition against the application of the Public Health Act to the town, and this document was being numerously signed.

It was proposed to form a “Pilot” Steam Tug Company (capital, £1,000 in £5 shares.)

George Danby-Palmer and J. Barker, Esqs., had been elected Haven Commissioners, and D. A. Gourlay and R. Hammond, Esqs., Supernumerary Haven Commissioners.

April 19th.—Mr. T. Brightwen was urging the appointment of a Chaplain at the Workhouse.

The Conservatives had secured, for the first time, several scats at the Board of Guardians, the following forming the new Board:—

Nominated by both parties—Messrs. B. Fenn, S. C. Marsh, and S. V. Moore.

Liberals—Messrs. G. Danby-Palmer, D. A Gourlay, and T. Brightwen.

Conservatives—Messrs. R. Ferrier, E. R. Aldred, C. Woolverton, W. Worship, J. G. Plummer, W. Laws, E. H. L. Preston, S. Nightingale, J. Cherry, and T. Paul.

Captain Ellis, R.N., had exhibited the model of a fast sailing yacht.

Captain James Day had been fined £5 for assaulting Mr. Nolloth, tailor.

The “Public Heath Act” was again being discussed by the Town Council, where Mr. Burroughs moved, and Mr. Barker seconded, a petition against the application of the Act to the Borough, and Mr. F. Worship moved, and Mr. R. Ferrier, jun., seconded as an amendment that the Council pass to the next business on the agenda paper.

Upon a division the amendment was lost by 15 to 23, and the original motion declared to be carried by 23 to 17 votes.

April 26th.—At a meeting held at the Angel-inn (C. J. Palmer, Esq., in the chair) it was thought desirable “to advertise the town, and that a saxhorn band should play daily on the principal promenades.”

May 10th.—The pilots of Gorleston had succeeded in establishing a Tug Company, and had purchased a boat of 45 horsepower, called “The Royal Albert.”

J. Hume, Esq., M.P., had introduced a deputation of Ratepayers opposed to the “Public Health Act” to Lord Seymour (at the Woods and Forests Office); it consisted of Charles Pearson, Esq., (Mayor); D. A. Gourlay, Esq., (Deputy-Mayor); George Danby-Palmer, Esq., and William N. Burroughs, Esq., with Mr. J. H. Harrison (Secretary), while 18 members of the Council at the same time petitioned Parliament in favour of the measure.

The sailors had held a meeting to consider the “Ticket” system and the “Muster Roll” fund.

May 17th.—In consequence of the removal of the window tax, bricklayers were busy throughout the town opening out windows formerly blocked up.

Mr. Cosgrove’s saxhorn band was to perform on the North and South Terraces during the season.

The census head been taken with the following result:—

Houses inhabited. Uninhabited. Total. Building.
5,984 344 6,328 78
Families. Males. Females. Total.
6,154 11,544 15,014 26,558

Increase of population per cent., 10.3. This included 347 inmates of the Workhouse.

It was noted that in 1619 Manship estimated the then population of the town at 1,200 households, which would give a population of some 7,000.

In 1724 a writer named Andrews stated the population at 13,000 or 14,000; and in 1784 when it was first accurately taken, it was found to be 12,608.

The then returns were considered disappointing, as it was expected that the town contained 30,000 persons, but it was noted that 2,500 sailors belonged to the port, half of whom were probably not at home when the return was made.

At this time Gorleston had a population of 2,586, and Southtown of 1,412 persons.

John Annison, the driver of the Sutton coach, had been convicted for the fourth time of conveying passengers to Yarmouth at a greater speed than four miles an hour without having a number plate on his vehicle, and fined £10 with £3 3s. costs.

May 31st.—Visitors were beginning to arrive.

June 7th.—A project was on foot for laying out the Chapel Denes as an ornamental walk for the public.

June 28th.—A mushroom measuring 29 inches in circumference, with a stalk about the thickness of a man’s wrist and weighing 2½lbs., had been grown at Bradwell.

James Gedge, a pauper lunatic, had escaped from the Workhouse, having only a shirt on.

July 5th.—A Bill had been brought in by Lord Seymour and Mr. Cornewall Lewis confirming the provisional order to applying the provisions of the Board of Health Act to the town.

July 19th.—A petition, signed by 1,550 persons, had been presented to the House, and a deputation had waited on Lord John Russell with regard to this action of the Government.

The M.P’s. for the town being in favour of the measure, “had been requested to resign the trust they had abused.” This action emanated from a public meeting of ratepayers, over which. George Danby-Palmer, Esq., presided, and at which Mr. S. W. Bly, Mr. A. Ames, Mr. W. N. Burroughs, Mr. S. V. Moore, Mr. R. Hammond, and Mr. T. Parker took part.

July 26th.—The Bill nevertheless passed through Committee by a majority of 92 against 12.

Sir J. Walmsley had opposed and Lord Seymour supported the measure, but eventually it passed the House of Commons without a division.

The paupers were much dissatisfied at not being allowed, as formerly, to attend places of Worship in the town on Sundays.

Mr. C. Houchen had delivered an address on this subject, and denounced the action of the Guardians.

Aug. 9th.—It was computed that many hundreds of children in the North District were entirely without the opportunity for instruction, and it was proposed to fit up the Priory as a National School to meet this want.

Evidence had been taken by the Committee of the House of Lords upon the Public Health Bill being applied to the town, and they reported the Bill to the House without amendment; thus there was a “speedy prospect of the town being well drained and made clean and healthy in spite of its one-idead rulers.”

Captain Smyth, R.N., had been raised to the rank of Post-Captain.

Six hundred and thirty electors had signed a requisition calling on Messrs. Rumbold and Saunders to resign their seats as M.P’s. for the Borough. This would form a majority of the voters.

The East Norfolk and Suffolk Horticultural Show had been held under the patronage of the Mayoress, Lady Lacon, and Mr. S. C. J. Palmer.

Aug. 16th.—The 279th, and last, meeting of the Paving Commissioners had been held, when there were present—Messrs. George Danby-Palmer (in the chair), B. Dowson, W. N. Burroughs, J. Fish, C. E. Bartram, F. Palmer, J. H. Harrison, S. V. Moore, P. White, J. Cobb, W. Crow, I. Lettis, jun., and W. H. Bessey.

Mr. Beeching’s newly-built lifeboat had been submitted to several tests opposite the Crane.

Aug. 23rd.—Mr. Beeching’s model had obtained the prize in the Lifeboat Competition at Somerset House. There were 280 models and plans sent in, the first six boats being—James Beeching, Great Yarmouth; Henry Hinks, Appledore; J. and E. Pellew, Newbury; William Teasdel, Great Yarmouth; Harvey and Son, Ipswich, and George Farrow, South Shields.

Aug. 30th.—The Licensed Victuallers had held a large and important meeting for the purpose of protecting their interests, S. C. Marsh, Esq., in the chair.

Mr. G. Blyth (Reporter to the _Norfolk News_) had been induced to visit at night a tower in the South-End of the town, belonging to George Danby-Palmer, Esq., when he had been assaulted by some person there, and of this he had complained to the Bench.

Sept. 13th.—The Justices had refused to grant any fresh licenses at the Brewster Sessions.

The “Reindeer” yawl (manned by Beachmen) had challenged the “America” yacht to sail for £105.

Sept. 20th.—The Council meeting had been broken up, leaving 20 subjects undisposed of, owing to all the Conservatives and two or three of the Liberal members leaving the meeting, which was thus reduced below the required number to form a “quorum.”

Sept. 27th.—Mr. Hilling had been appointed Town Surveyor at a salary of £30 per annum, and £250 had been proposed as the salary of the Town-Clerk, he also acting as Clerk to the newly-formed Local Board of Health. Mr. Clowes, however, declined to give his assent to serve on these terms without further consideration.

Oct. 4th.—There had been heavy gales and the Roadstead presented “a most lamentable scene, crowded with shipping, which had put in for refuge to the number of some hundreds.”

Two of the vessels belonging to the Franklin Exploration Expedition were in the Roads.

Oct. 11th.—Harris Wilshak had been charged with being concerned in smuggling 14lbs. of tobacco.

At the Revision Court Mr. F. S. Costerton appeared for the Liberals, and Mr. C. Preston for the Tories. Neither party claimed any gain from the proceedings on the Parliamentary Lists, but on the Burgess Roll the Liberals claimed a gain of 19, of which 15 were in the Regent-ward, where a very warm contest was expected in November.

Oct. 18th.—Mr. J. W. Crowe had been elected Surgeon to the Hospital School.

The new Valuation Lists had increased the assessment of the parish by £47,000.

Active preparations were being made for the Municipal contests.

Mr. Wilshak had been acquitted on the charge of smuggling.

George Deacon, known as “The Prophet,” had thrown himself into the river, as he stated that it was impossible that he should sink; he would have been drowned but for the help of the bystanders. When taken to the Station House he was found to have £18, 2 old gold coins, and 21s. 6d. upon him.

Oct. 25th.—The Priory was being fitted for National Schools.

Houchen, who had been preaching against “the powers that be,” had been bound over to keep the peace in two sureties of £25 and himself in £50.

Nov. 8th.—The Municipal Election had been hotly contested and the partizans of the winning party (the Tories) made it “a boast of having expended in the five wards a sum of money variously stated from £800 to £1,200.” The following was the return given with the poll of 1850 appended to it:—

_North Ward_. 1851—219 Voters. Mr. S. Nightingale, C. 108 Mr. W. H. Bessey, C. 103 Mr. J. Mainprice, L. 97 Mr. H. D. Palmer, L. 95 1850—208 Voters. Mr. J. Jackson, L. 108 Mr. Burroughs, L. 105 Mr. Nightingale, C. 90 Mr. Cory, C. 68

In this Ward the Liberals headed the poll until nearly one o’clock, when a detachment of Conservative “runners” with some “dust” turned the election. The price of votes was high, and ranged from £8 to £12; and it is said that two polled for the winning party cost £20!

_Market Ward_. 1851—270 Voters. Mr. J. E. Barnby, C. 148 Mr. J. Fenn, C. 132 Mr. John Cobb, L. 120 1850—261 Voters. Mr. C. Aldred, C. 129 Mr. F. Worship, C. 123 Mr. Owles, L. 104 Mr. J. S. Cobb, L. 84

In this Ward the Liberals did not bring forward two candidates, being anxious to mark their approbation of Mr. Barnby’s consistent opposition to the Public Health Act; and here, as in the North Ward, their candidate headed the poll until the arrival of the other portion of Conservative workers from the Regent Ward, when a sufficient number of loose fish were immediately polled to swamp the majority, at that time about twenty. The prices of votes ranged from five pounds to ten guineas at a late hour of the day.

_Regent Ward_. 1851—244 Voters. Sir E. H. K. Lacon, C. 115 Mr. J. Cherry, C. 114 Mr. F. Palmer, L. 101 Mr. J. Clowes, L. 90 1850—234 Voters. Mr. Chapman, L. 104 Mr. Marsh, C. 104 Mr. Harmer, C. 93 Mr. F. Palmer, L. 84

Great exertions were used to secure the return of the out-going Councillors, and it having been almost publicly stated that the Conservatives were determined to win “at any cost,” votes, in consequence, got up the night before the election to a very high premium—from £5 to £15; and “split” votes even were in very great demand at £8 and £10. One case is mentioned of a voter, in another Ward, who, forseeing the value which votes would attain, speculated in the purchase of one in this a month before the election, at the trifling sum of £3, and so profitable was the investment that on the election morning he sold it for £10. The money spent in this Ward was stated at £350.

_St. George’s Ward_. 1851—256 Voters. Mr. R. Ferrier, jun., C. 126 Mr. H. Jay, C. 126 Mr. P. Pullyn, L. 76 Mr. J. W. Shelly, L. 66 1850—250 Voters. Mr. J. Plummer, C. 130 Mr. J. C. Smith, C. 116 Mr. J. Barker, L. 101

Mr. Pullyn and Mr. R. Ferrier, jun., were the outgoing Councillors, and the former was brought forward again by the Liberals, in conjunction with Mr. Shelly, the Conservatives selecting Mr. H. Jay (who had formerly contested the Nelson Ward unsuccessfully) as a colleague for Mr. Ferrier. Messrs. Pullyn and Shelly refused even to canvass the electors, and although some of their friends solicited the suffrages of the Ward for them, there can be no doubt, however right in principle the non-canvassing may be, it operated against them, and this, combined with the constitutional principles upon which their election was conducted, contributed to their defeat, money being freely spent on the other side. Much regret is felt at this result, and especially at the loss of the public services of Mr. Pullyn, after his having so long served the Ward, and after his twice filling the office of Chief Magistrate in a manner that won for him the praise even of his political opponents.

_Nelson Ward_. 1851—341 Voters. Dr. Impey, L. 132 Mr. S. V. Moore, L. 132 1850—317 Voters. Mr. G. D. Palmer, L. 121 Mr. T. Lettis, L. 119

The Conservatives did not contest this Ward, and Dr. Impey was re-elected, in conjunction with Mr. Moore in the room of Mr. J. Symonds, now non-resident.

_Gorleston Ward_. 1851—344 Voters. Mr. S. Miller, C 136 Mr. W. H. Palmer, C 135 Mr. J. H. Harrison, L 76 Mr. N. Sterry, L. 74 1850—337 Voters. Mr. E. H. L. Preston, C 185 Mr. W. Hammond, C 169 Mr. S. Crow, L 78 Mr. Costerton, L 64

This Ward was contested, but in rather a peculiar way, for although it was supposed that some opposition to the outgoing Councillors would be made, it was treated by the Conservatives as a “sham” one, and such it really seemed up to 12 o’clock, when the state of the poll came out with upwards of 100 for Messrs. Miller and Palmer, and only about two votes for each of their opponents! This, however, was only a _ruse de guerre_, and in a short time the voters came up almost in a body for Messrs. Harrison and Sterry, who stated in their address that in “the short space of four hours they obtained 97 promises,” and had they been sooner in the field it is thought they would have met with better success.

The result of the Elections has been a gain to the Conservative party of two seats, and this reduces the two parties to a level in the Council; the Liberals have still, however, a bare majority, and it is doubted whether they will not be able to carry the Mayoralty for another year. The Conservatives, it is said, intend nominating either Sir E. H. K. Lacon, or (which is more likely) Mr. S. C. Marsh for that office, whilst the names of Alderman E. R. Palmer and Alderman Bartram are spoken of by the Liberals.

The Bishop of Norwich, attended by the Rev. S. Hills and his chaplain, had inspected the Priory buildings, when they were received by J. H. Hakewell, Esq., (the architect) and C. J. Palmer, Esq., (the hon. secretary to the Committee).

Mr. Worlledge had moved the Court of Queen’s Bench for a “_quo warranto_” to try the legality of Mr. Hammond’s election as a Councillor for the St. Andrew’s Ward, and the rule had been granted.

Nov. 15th.—The Hospital was badly supported, and it was stated that unless £150 a year in additional subscriptions could be obtained, the assistance afforded to sufferers must be abridged.

A lecture on “Bloomerism” had been delivered by Mrs. Knights at the Corn Hall in full “Bloomer” costume, but she did not appear to have achieved a marked success.

Dr. Wolff (the traveller) had offered to give some lectures in the town in aid of the National Priory Schools.

At the Town Council for the Election of Mayor, a great crowd assembled prior to the meeting, when Sir E. K. Lacon proposed, and Mr. Fenn seconded, S. C. Marsh, Esq., to fill that office, and Mr. George Danby-Palmer moved, and Mr. R. Hammond seconded, the re-election of Captain Charles Pearson, R.N. Upon the votes being taken, there appeared for Captain Pearson—Aldermen Pearson, Boulter, Bartram, Bayly, Fiddes, Hammond, Pike, R. Hammond, jun., E. R. Palmer, and Barker; Councillors Burroughs, Butcher, Cannell, Clarke, Chapman, Fish, Gourlay, Impey, Jackson, Lettis, Moore, G. D. Palmer, and P. White; total, 23. For Mr. Marsh—Alderman B. Fenn; Councillors C. Aldred, E. Aldred, Barber, Bessey, Cherry, Ferrier, Ferrier, jun., J. Fenn, W. Hammond, B. Jay, H. Jay, Lacon, Marsh, S. Miller, Nightingale, W. H. Palmer, Plummer, Preston, Smith, Steward, F. Worship, and W. Worship; total, 23. And the Mayor, giving a casting vote for himself, declared himself duly elected. Subsequently the Town Clerk (Mr. John Clowes) declared that he would not continue in that office at the salary of £250, and it having been stated that Mr. Charles Cory would accept it on those terms, he was elected Town Clerk by 23 against 15 voices. Mr. Cory then attended, was informed of his election, and an order made on the late Clerk to hand over the papers relating to the office to him. In conclusion, the Editor expressed a hope that “on no future occasion will any parties be allowed to violate order and decorum in a way so disgraceful as they did on Monday last.”

Nov. 22nd.—A dinner had been given to the Mayor at the Star-hotel, when 45 members of the Council and others attended.

A Poor’s Rate of 1s. 2d. in the £ had been made. Great dissatisfaction existed as to the new assessment of the parish.

Nov. 29th.—Mr. Joseph Sandars, M.P., had issued a reply to the requisition of the electors, justifying the course he had taken with regard to the Public Health Act.

A meeting had been held with regard to the new assessment, Mr. J. H. Harrison in the chair.

The town had been visited with a tremendous gale, during which several vessels had been blown out to sea. At the time of the storm there were 700 sail between this port and Lowestoft.

The “Enterprise,” 600 tons, had been launched from Mr. Branford’s Yard; she was christened by Miss Barber and Miss Holt.

Dec. 6th.—A public meeting had been held at the Town-hall (Mr. J. H. Harrison in the chair) for the purpose of considering the Poor’s Rate assessment recently made. About 400 persons attended, when the same was condemned, and a subscription commenced for the purpose of disputing the validity of it.

In respect of such proceedings, Mr. F. S. Costerton had been engaged as solicitor to the owners of small tenements, and Mr. C. H. Chamberlin for the general body of appellants, estimated at from 500 to 600 in number at the least.

Dec. 13th.—At the special meeting of the Town Council, “a scene of much disorder and confusion arose out of some recriminations relative the late Town-Clerk, between Mr. Burroughs and Mr. Preston.”

Dec. 20th.—On the hearing of the assessment appeals, the rate was quashed by the Justices on the ground of unequal assessment. In these proceedings Mr. Chamberlin appeared on behalf of the Committee of Ratepayers, Mr. C. Cory for several private individuals, and Mr. Cufaude for the Overseers.

Dec. 27th—The Overseers had applied for, and obtained a fresh rate of 1s. 2d. in the £.

It had been determined in future not to use the “St. Nicholas’ Seal,” belonging to the Corporation, and for practical purposes a smaller seal was to be made; the old one had been in use since about the year 1251.

The Race Committee had issued its report, from which it appeared that the income had been, for the last year, £512 1s. 3d., as against £523 3s. 11d. expended.

1852.

Jan. 3rd.—The new Railway Bridge had been opened.

Jan. 17th.—There was further dissatisfaction in the town on the subject of the Assessment and the Poor’s Rate; a summons, obtained by Mr. J. H. Harrison against some officials for not allowing him to inspect the rate-books, was dismissed with costs.

Mr. Hammond (one of the Justices) had called the attention of the Press to the manner in which on certain occasions Magistrates were “drummed up.”

William Rising, Esq., of Somerton Hall, had entertained a large party of sporting friends at the Angel Hotel.

A portion of the Gorleston Cliff had fallen away, carrying with it the Misses Barber, who were subsequently dug out of the sand below.

A high tide had washed over the west side of the Harbour with such force that a vessel belonging to W. H. Palmer, Esq., had been driven from her moorings. On the Beach it flowed past the Britannia Terrace.

Jan. 24th.—There were more Poor’s Rate appeals, and Mr. J. H. Harrison being dissatisfied with the result of them, gave notice that he should carry his case to the Quarter Sessions,

Jan. 31st.—Captain Manby had received a medal from the Jurors at the Great Exhibition for the life-saving models which he had exhibited there.

The parish had been divided into five wards for Poor Law purposes; prior to this the whole 16 Guardians had been voted for “en bloc” by the ratepayers throughout the whole parish.

Mr. Worlledge had again appeared before the Queen’s Bench in the case of “The Queen _v._ Hammond,” and the Court had granted the rule.

Feb. 7th.—Mr. J. H. Harrison had been fined for an alleged assault on a constable, arising out of the confusion in the Court on the late hearing of the Poor’s Rate appeals. He gave notice of appeal to the Quarter Sessions.

Feb. 14th.—Mr. Harrison had presided at another meeting of ratepayers who were dissatisfied with the action of the Justices as to the assessment.

Feb. 21st.—It was announced by a handbill signed by Mr. Harrison, that these owners had come to a satisfactory arrangement with the Overseers, and that further legal proceedings had been abandoned.

Feb. 28th.—“The Queen Charlotte” and “Mad Bess” steam-packets were advertised as going to run between this port and Rotterdam.

March 6th.—A meeting of shipowners had been held (S. Paget, Esq., in the chair), to consider certain representations made to them from other places, with regard to the action to be taken by their class at the next General Election, but no resolution was arrived at in conformity therewith.

Henry Austin, Esq., (Secretary to the General Board of Health), had visited and inspected the town.

March 13th.—Mr. Beeching continued to receive numerous orders for his improved lifeboats.

The Mormons had engaged the School of Industry as a “Church.”

The following were the tenders for the Priory Schools:—Mr. John Key £1,120, Mr. R. Page £1,232, Mr. R. Pratt, £1,310, and a London builder £1,637. Mr. Norfor and Mr. Stanley were acting with the successful contractor.

March 20th.—A meeting had been held at the King’s Head Inn with regard to the representation of the Borough. Mr. J. W. Shelly was chairman, and Mr. R. Hammond, John Owles, and C. E. Bartram took part in the proceedings, which eventuated in a request to Sir Charles Napier, K.C.B., and W. T. M’Cullagh, Esq., M.P., to contest the Borough in the Liberal interest.

March 27th.—The Conservatives had held a meeting at the Angel-hotel for a similar purpose. Mr. E. H. L. Preston presided. Mr. R. Ferrier moved, and Mr. W. H. Palmer seconded Sir E. H. K. Lacon as a candidate for the Borough, and Mr. B. Dowson proposed, and Mr. S. H. Aldred seconded Mr. C. Rumbold as his colleague.

The question of the rating of the Vauxhall property had been settled by the Court finding that the premises were in Norfolk, which was, in fact, a verdict for the plaintiff. The sum in dispute was 11s. 8d., and it was estimated that the costs amounted to about £1,000.

A fire had occurred on Mr. Ecclestone’s premises in the Broad Bow. G. Danby-Palmer, E. H. L. Preston. R. Hammond, and W. N. Burroughs, Esqs., were early on the spot and rendered valuable assistance.

Mr. George Barrett had been elected Master of the Blue Coat Charity School in the place of the late Mr. Gershom Davie.

Captain Ellis, R.N., and the Coastguard had seized 162 bales of tobacco on board the collier “Martha.”

A quartett meeting had been held at Noverre’s Rooms, the performers being William Yetts, Esq., (leader), Mr. D. Hogarth, Mr. G. Sharp, and Mr. Stonex.

April 3rd.—The Liberal party had held a meeting at the “Star” for the purpose of receiving Admiral Sir C. Napier and W. T. M’Cullagh, Esq., M.P., who had arrived in the town (J. W. Shelly, Esq., in the chair); on the same day a public meeting of electors had been held in the Corn Exchange (George Danby-Palmer, Esq., chairman), and on the platform were R. Hammond, P. Pullyn, J. W. Shelly, J. Bayly, T. Lettis, J. Jackson, C. E. Bartram, R. Barber, C. Miller, Esqs., Captain W. Briggs, Messrs. J. D. Chapman, Chris. Steward, J. Mainprice, B. Bellin, J. Cobb, P. White, and others.

The meeting was a crowded one, and the candidates appear to have been heartily received.

April 10th.—W. Stirling Lacon, Esq., H.E.C.S., had invented an appliance for the more easily lowering of ships’ boats, which was approved by many nautical gentlemen, including, locally, Admiral Sir E. Travers, R.N., and Captain Pearson, R.N.

The Rev. Partridge, A.M., had been recommended by the Committee to the proprietors for the post of Head Master at the Grammar School.

The Priory Schools had been commenced.

At the Election of Guardians, Mr. J. H. Harrison had been nominated for all the Wards, but had elected to stand for the Nelson Ward, in which he resided.

Messrs. W. Green, W. Wright, S. Lessey, and J. Borking had been re-elected Overseers.

Captain John Pike (one of the Aldermen) had died.

April 17th.—Mr. Rumbold, M.P., had arrived in Yarmouth, as also had Sir E. H. K. Lacon, Admiral Sir C. Napier, and W. T. McCullagh, Esq., M.P. The Tories were making a private canvass in the evenings.

The Rev. Bowyer Vaux had been appointed Chaplain to the Military Asylum, vice the Rev. C. Davie, M.A., resigned.

The following Guardians had been elected:—

_St. Nicholas’ Ward_.—Messrs. Thomas Brightwen, E. H. L. Preston, and S. Nightingale.

_Regent_.—Messrs. W. Worship, S. C. Marsh, and D. A. Gourlay.

_St. George’s_.—Messrs. B. Fenn, R. Ferrier, and P. Coble.

_Market_.—There was a contest here as under:—

E. R. Aldred 248 W. Laws 238 Edward Harvey 161 Edward B. Jay 89

The first three were elected.

In the _Nelson Ward_ the return was—

George Danby-Palmer 327 Charles Woolverton 286 S. V. Moore 276 W. Yetts 176 J. H. Harrison 147

The first four were therefore elected.

Messrs. William H. Palmer and E. P. Youell had been elected by the pew-holders, Churchwardens of St. Mary’s, Southtown; and Mr. F. R. King (vice F. S. Costerton resigned) and Mr. William Hammond had been appointed to similar office at Gorleston.

At the Yarmouth Vestry (the Rev. G. Hills presiding), Mr. R. Hammond proposed, and Mr. J. G. Fisher seconded the re-election of Mr. C. D. Steward, and Mr. B. Fenn proposed, and Mr. F. Worship seconded the re-election of Mr. E. R. Aldred. The Church Rate was then 2½d. in the £. At this meeting Messrs. R. Hammond and J. Davey were re-elected “auditors” for the ensuing year.

April 24th.—It was said that Lord A. Lennox was ready “to start” for Yarmouth. Meanwhile Sir E. H. K. Lacon was canvassing the electors, accompanied by about 30 leading Conservatives, and Mr. Rumbold M.P. was taking a similar course in company with six or seven personal friends, while Sir C. Napier and Mr. McCullagh, M.P., were addressing crowded meetings of electors in the several Wards of the Borough.

At the Council Meeting, Mr. C. C. Aldred had publicly apologised for stating as regarded Mr. F. S. Costerton “that a constituency had been defeated by the advice of a petty-fogging lawyer.”

The election of an Alderman was then proceeded with, when the voting—

For Mr. Yetts 23 ,, Mr. Pullyn 23

And the Mayor gave his casting vote in favour of Mr. Pullyn.

Mr. Palmer had obtained a rule in the Queen’s Bench for a new trial in the case of Bradstreet _v_ Hammond.

May 1st.—Contains much matter reflecting on Mr. Rumbold’s present position as contrasted with his former one when connected with the Liberal party. Having completed his canvass, that gentleman had issued a joint address with Sir E. Lacon, and being seriously indisposed had left Yarmouth for his country seat.

The Tory Government, which had been in office six weeks, had appointed Messrs. B. Fenn, T. Brightwen, J. Cherry, R. Steward, C. C. Aldred, and J. G. Plummer, Magistrates for the Borough.

The Bench previously to this had consisted of Liberals, Messrs. George Danby-Palmer, R. Hammond, W. Johnson, and J. W. Shelly, and Conservatives, J. F. Costerton, E. H. L. Preston, William Danby-Palmer, W. Thurtell, J. C. Smith, William H. Palmer, B. Jay, W. Yetts, J. Fenn, and W. H. Bessey.

The “Disfranchised Freemen” had held a meeting and adopted a petition to Parliament, Messrs. Jacob Harvey, Nelson, Royal, and J. Taylor taking part in the proceedings.

The agents of the Custom House had taken into custody the landlord of the “Honest Lawyer.”

May 8th.—The coffer-dam at the new Bridge works had “blown up;” on the following day the old Bridge had been on fire.

The Cricket Club had been re-established.

The Freemen’s Petition had received 972 signatures.

A tradesman in the town had given a dinner to four old people, whose united ages amounted to 368 years.

May 15th.—It was stated that the Rev. — Smith had left £14,000 to endow two scholarships at Caius College for natives of Yarmouth.

The Poor’s Rate was to be 1s. 2d. in the £, the sum of £2,521 being required for that purpose by the Guardians.

May 22nd.—A salmon trout had been caught near Winterton, having a gutta percha ring on its tail with “192 Tweed 1852” stamped upon it.

At a mooting of the Sailors’ Association, Mr. J. D. Chapman had been presented with a silver medal.

The Directors of the Victoria Building Company had dined together at the Victoria Hotel, (B. Dowson, Esq., in the chair.)

May 29th.—A meeting of the subscribers to the fund for “Promoting the Prosperity of Great Yarmouth” had been held at the Angel, (C. J. Palmer, Esq., F.S.A. in the chair) and £25 subscribed in the room.

June 5th.—The Tenth Anniversary of the N.A.O.D. had been held at the Trinity Arms. About 50 members and friends were present.

June 12th.—The Liberal candidates had completed their canvass and left the town. Complaint was made that Mr. McCullagh had been libelled by the “Lacon party.”

Mr. Rumbold, it was supposed, would retire, his case being considered (by the “Blues”) hopeless.

June 19th.—It was reported that Mr. Rumbold would retire in favour of Sir Harry Smith. Some of Mr. Rumbold’s friends, and Sir E. Lacon, had gone to London.

The “Associated Democrats” had held a meeting at the Masonic Hall, when Messrs. J. T. Blow and Royal took part in the proceedings.

June 26th.—Contains another attack on Mr. Rumbold, who was stated to have voted in 121, and been absent in 669 divisions of the House.

The Trustees of the Southtown Turnpike had obtained power to light that road with gas.

Gas in Yarmouth had been reduced from 5s. 6d. to 5s. per 1,000 feet.

The British School had been inspected by Mr. Fletcher, who considered that its state reflected the “greatest credit” upon Mr. Daniel Tomkins.

At the Sessions, Messrs. C. C. Aldred, B. Fenn, R. Steward and J. G. Plummer were qualified as Magistrates.

The notice of the rules as to collisions at sea, under 14 and 15 Vic., cap. 79, appear in this issue, to come in force on 1st of August then next.

July 3rd.—Admiral Sir Charles Napier had returned to Yarmouth, and the Star Hotel was decorated with several of his flags and trophies. The hustings were to be erected on the North side of the Town Hall, and the Liberal polling-booth opposite the King’s Head, that for the Tories being opposite the Angel.

George Danby-Palmer, Esq., had presided at a meeting of the Liberal Registration Association at the Star Hotel, when several healths had been drunk with “Hieland honours.” The greatest enthusiasm prevailed on this occasion, and Mr. Chapman presented each of the candidates with a rosette and some appropriate lines from the ladies of Yarmouth.

July 10th.—On the morning of the Nomination the walls were found covered with these placards—“Rumbold the Champion of the Board of Health,” “Lacon the Patron of Lowestoft.” The Sailors marched in procession to the “Star” where the Liberal candidates were staying with a band, colours, and chariots borne by the men, on which were “Britannia,” “Neptune,” “Triton,” &c. Upon the Blue flags appeared “M’Cullagh and Freedom of Election,” “True Blue and Victory,” “England expects that every man will do his duty,” &c.; and on the Red flags “Lacon our Townsman,” “Lacon and Rumbold for Ever,” “Church and State,” and “Cheap Bread and no Monopoly.” Mr. B. Dowson proposed, and Mr. William Hurry Palmer seconded Mr. Rumbold; Mr. George Danby-Palmer proposed, and Mr. J. W. Shelly seconded Admiral Sir Charles Napier, K.C.B.; Mr. R. Ferrier proposed, and Mr. E. H. L. Preston seconded Sir E. H. K. Lacon; and Mr. R. Hammond proposed, and Mr. Jackson seconded Mr. William T. McCullagh. The show of hands was largely in favour of Sir C. Napier and Mr. MeCullagh, whereupon Mr. B. Dowson demanded a poll for Sir E. H. K. Lacon and Mr. Rumbold. After these proceedings the sailors again formed in procession and marched round the town, and the electors were addressed from the Star by Messrs. Owles, Jackson, and Shelly. The poll was taken on the following day as under:—

McCullagh. Napier. Lacon. Rumbold. 8.30 66 63 46 43 9 118 116 102 101 9.30 189 185 199 196 10 239 233 239 234 11 268 264 278 269 11.30 344 342 373 352 12 386 384 430 400 12.15 410 407 467 423 1 435 430 493 455 2 460 448 519 472 2.15 470 455 521 473

At this point (the Editor says) practices which may be imagined, _and which will hereafter be described_, decided the poll, and in a quarter of an hour the numbers stood—

McCullagh. Napier. Lacon. Rumbold.
483 463 542 492
3 499 476 572 515

Mr. S. W. Craske then proceeded to serve notices upon certain electors before voting, and Mr. McCullagh, in company with Mr. George Danby-Palmer, and Mr. J. W. Shelly, informed the Mayor that the proceedings would be questioned.

McCullagh. Napier. Lacon. Rumbold. 3.30 516 484 601 541 4 521 486 611 547

After the close of the poll Mr. McCullagh again addressed the electors, and a fracas ensued, during which two or three persons were injured.

July 17th.—From 7,000 to 8,000 visitors had attended the Regatta, when the Mosquito, Volante, and Secret contended for the Club yacht prize, which was won by the first-named, yacht; the Reindeer won the principal yawl prize.

A crowded meeting of the Liberal electors had been held at the Star-hotel, (W. N. Burroughs, Esq., in the chair), which was addressed in a speech of two hours’ length by Mr. McCullagh, with a view to petitioning against the return of Lacon and Rumbold.

It was stated that the boy who was injured during the election at Mr. Feltham’s was progressing favourably.

An application had been made to the Bench for compensating the persons whose property had been injured on the day of election. It was stated that 40 panes of glass had been broken at Mr. Feltham’s, and that the windows of the Angel Hotel had also suffered considerably.

July 24th.—The town was very full of visitors, and the price of provisions much enhanced thereby.

July 31st.—The Mayor had not attended the Water Frolic.

Aug. 7th.—A meeting had been held to consider the question of forming a Company to supply Gorleston and Southtown with gas, George Danby-Palmer, Esq., in the chair; William Johnson, S. Crowe, H. Fellows, R. S. Watling, H. Martin, W. T. Clarke, Esqs., Mr. Page, Mr. Greaves, Mr. Gooda and Mr. Howes were, with many others, present. An influential committee was formed and a considerable sum subscribed in the room.

A curious mural painting had been discovered in St. Nicholas’ Church.

Mr. Craske had recovered 30s. from George Thurtell, Esq., for damages to his coat on the Election day.

On the application of Mr. Chamberlin for Mr. Gooderich, and Mr. F. Ferrier for Mr. Brown, the Magistrates had signed the following orders for payment of damages and costs arising out of the Election riot:—

£ s. d. £ s. d. Mr. Brown, 7 0 11 damages costs 6 13 0 13 13 11 Mr. 4 0 0 Gooderich, damages costs 6 0 0 10 0 0 Magistrates’ 5 19 1 Clerk’s fees £29 13 0