1831.
JANUARY.
1.—The non-commissioned officers and privates of the 1st Royal Dragoons were entertained by public subscription at dinner at the Assembly Rooms, East Dereham, in recognition of their services during the recent disturbances.
5.—Died at Hilborough Hall, aged 54, Mr. Ralph Caldwell. “He was among the first promoters of the Norfolk Foxhunting Society.”
—The calendar of the Norfolk Quarter Sessions contained the names of 205 prisoners, of whom 108 were indicted for taking part in the machine-breaking riots during November and December, 1830. The trials, which took place before Mr. Serjeant Frere, Lord Suffield, and other magistrates, concluded on the 12th. Sixty-seven of the rioters were found guilty of machine-breaking, and 41 were acquitted or otherwise discharged. One was sentenced to 14 years’ transportation; 8 to seven years; 1 to two years’ imprisonment; 1 to fifteen months; 4 to one year; 5 to nine months; 10 to six months; 6 to four months; 14 to three months; 8 to two months; 4 to one month, and 1 to fourteen days. Fifty were charged with rioting and other outrages. Of these, 18 were discharged on their own recognisances;
9 were acquitted, and 23 convicted. One was sentenced to imprisonment for two and a half years; 2 for two years; 3 for eighteen months; 4 for one year; 2 for six months; 3 for four months; 4 for three months; 2 for one month; 1 for three weeks; and 1 for one week. There were reserved for a higher tribunal three capital offences of machine-breaking, and five or six cases of arson.
17.—At the Norwich Quarter Sessions, an indictment was preferred against one William Lamb, for receiving a bribe at the election of Mr. Alderman Steward. The Grand Jury made a presentment that the bill of indictment should have included Mr. Charles Turner and Mr. Samuel Woodcock Mealing, as there was conclusive evidence that they had bribed the defendant. The Recorder (Mr. Preston) adjourned the case until January 31st. A further adjournment was made till February 1st, when the Recorder, after a long legal argument with counsel, decided that the case could not proceed. A rule absolute was obtained in the Court of King’s Bench against Mr. Mealing, and the case came on for trial before Lord Lyndhurst at the Norwich Assizes on July 29th, when the jury found the defendant guilty, and recommended him to mercy. In the Court of King’s Bench, on November 8th, an unsuccessful motion was made for arrest of judgment. Finally the defendant appeared before that Court on November 23rd, and was sentenced by Mr. Justice Parke to pay a fine of £100.
19.—The honorary freedom of the city was conferred upon the Right Hon. Lord Viscount Sidmouth, on the occasion of a visit to his son-in-law, the Hon. and Very Rev. the Dean of Norwich.
—The agitation for Parliamentary Reform began at Norwich, this year, with a meeting held at St. Andrew’s Hall, when resolutions were passed in favour of the measure. On March 19th the Right Hon. Robert Grant, member for Norwich, presented in the House of Commons a petition signed by 7,000 citizens in support of the Bill, and Sir William ffolkes presented similar petitions from the inhabitants of the several Hundreds in the county. A great meeting took place at St Andrew’s Hall on September 29th, at which it was decided to petition the House of Lords on behalf of the Bill, on the ground “that the tranquillity and happiness of this kingdom depend on the complete passing of this great national measure.” The Bill having been thrown out by the Peers, a requisition was presented to the Mayor of Norwich for a Common Hall, which was held at St. Andrew’s Hall on October 18th. A procession, headed by bands of music, started from the Castle Ditches at ten o’clock, and, after parading the streets of the city, arrived at the Hall at noon. About 5,000 persons were present, and the Mayor presided. Mr. Thomas Bignold, jun., one of the principal speakers, moved a series of resolutions expressive of the “ardent hope that such constitutional measures as may be completely effectual for the attainment of this most important object will be forthwith adopted by his Majesty, under the advice and with the assistance of his Ministers.” An address founded on the resolutions was ordered to be presented to the King. A county meeting took place at the Shirehall on November 19th, under the presidency of Mr. Anthony Hamond, “for the purpose of expressing confidence in his Majesty’s Ministers, and of adopting such proceedings as may be deemed expedient to forward the great measure of Reform.” On the 26th was issued for signature “the Norfolk Declaration” which expressed “alarm at the
extensive innovations proposed by the late Reform Bill,” and gratitude to the House of Lords for “generously exercising the prerogative power vested in them for the good of the people, and for refusing to concur in so dangerous an experiment.” The year’s agitation closed with the issue, on December 3rd, of another Declaration, “founded on a constitutional basis and manifesting a conciliatory spirit.” This movement was known as “the Conservative Reform.” (The word “Conservative,” in the political sense, was, on this occasion, used locally for the first time.)
21.—At the county magistrates’ meeting, Mr. John Stracey reintroduced the subject of the removal of the Lent Assizes from Thetford to Norwich, and announced that Lord Chancellor Brougham had addressed to the Lieutenant of the County a letter, in which he promised to advise the Secretary of State to cause the Assizes to be held in future at Norwich. On February 1st the Corporation of Norwich petitioned the Lord Chancellor in favour of the removal. On March 9th the Home Office intimated that the Judges of Assize for the Norfolk Circuit proposed to hold an adjourned Assizes for the trial of eight prisoners at Norwich on March 24th. The Assizes were held accordingly on that date by adjournment from Thetford.
26.—Died at his house in Portland Place, London, aged 86, Mr. Richard Paul Jodrell, F.R.S., F.A.S., D.C.L., formerly member of Parliament for the borough of Seaford. “It may be regarded as an almost unprecedented instance, that Mr. Jodrell had lived to be in possession of his paternal estates 80 years, his father having died at an early age in 1751.” He was distinguished as a scholar, and as author of “The Illustrations of Euripides” and other literary works. Mr. Jodrell was the last surviving member of Dr. Johnson’s Club.
FEBRUARY.
12.—Died at St. George Colegate, Norwich, James Horth, aged 42. “He was a journeyman dyer, but devoted his leisure hours to the highest branches of mathematical science; his knowledge of astronomy was profound; he was deeply read in the modern analysis of the French, and possessed the esteem of some of the most celebrated mathematicians of this country.”
13.—Died at Bath, Sir Edward Berry, Bart., K.C.B., Rear-Admiral of the Red. He was born in 1768, and was fourth son of a London merchant. On December 12th, 1797, he married Louisa, eldest daughter of the Rev. Samuel Forster, D.D., then head-master of the Norwich Free Grammar School. At the restoration of peace, in 1814, Sir Edward returned to Norfolk, and took up his residence at Catton, where he remained some years. Thence he proceeded to Bath, for the benefit of his health. He was buried at Walcot Church, Bath, on February 22nd.
14.—Died, aged 74, Mr. William Betts, Lieutenant and Quartermaster in the West Norfolk Militia. He entered the service as a private on April 29th, 1778; was appointed Corporal, July 18th, 1780; Sergeant, June 10th, 1790; Quarter-master, April 23rd, 1803, and held the appointment till June 24th, 1829, after a total service of 51 years 57 days.
19.*—[Advt.] “The annual grand main of cocks, between the gentlemen of Norfolk and the gentlemen of Suffolk, will be fought at the Maid’s Head Inn, St. Simon’s, Norwich, on Tuesday, March 8th, and two following days (three double-days’ play), for £10 a battle and £100 the main. To commence fighting each day in the morning at 12 o’clock, in the evening at seven. Feeders: Stafford for Norfolk; Nash for Suffolk.”
23.—Died at his house, at Thorpe, Mr. Michael Stark, aged 83. “Mr. Stark was a native of Scotland, and descended from an ancient and honourable family in the county of Fife. He was apprenticed to a dyer, and, having been engaged in London, was induced to come to Norwich. To Mr. Stark Norwich was indebted for the introduction of many valuable discoveries and improvements which tended considerably to the success of its manufactures.”
27.—Died at the Royal Military College, Bagshot, Captain Charles Stone, paymaster at that institution, aged 84. He was a native of Norwich, and served in the 16th Light Dragoons, which he accompanied to America in 1775, and was personally concerned in the taking of General Lee. On his passage home from America, in 1781, he was captured in the British Channel by a French privateer, and carried to France, where he was detained a prisoner 12 months. In 1784 he was appointed Adjutant of the 16th, and in due time attained the rank of Captain. He was appointed paymaster of the College in 1802, and resigned in 1827.
MARCH.
2.—The freedom of the city was presented to the Hon. and Very Rev. G. Pellew, D.D., Dean of Norwich.
6.—Died at Dulwich College, aged 66, the Rev. Ozias Thurston Linley, A.B., a junior fellow of that institution, and formerly a Minor Canon of Norwich Cathedral. He was the eldest son of Mr. Thomas Linley, patentee of Drury Lane Theatre, and brother of Mrs. Sheridan, the first wife of Richard Brinsley Sheridan.
21.—The elections for the Common Council commenced at Norwich. “They were conducted upon correct principles, the voters were left free from the temptation of corruption, and the result was the renewed ascendancy of the ‘Orange and Purple’ party, who won the representation of three wards out of four.”
24.—The grave was discovered, in the south aisle of St. Stephen’s Church, of Robert Browne, a former Mayor of Norwich. Nothing remained but some pieces of bones. Upon a stone was the inscription: “Of your charitie praye for the soule of Robert Browne, Esquire, some time Mayor of this city, who died 1534.”
—The Norfolk Lent Assizes (adjourned from Thetford) were held at Norwich for the first time. Mr. Justice Alderson, an honorary freeman of the city, was one of the judges.
25.—At the Norfolk Lent Assizes, at Norwich, before Mr. Justice Alderson, Richard Nockolds was indicted for setting fire to stacks, the property of William Blake, at Swanton Abbott, and Robert Hunt, Josiah Davidson, and David Davidson were charged as accessaries.
The jury found the prisoners not guilty. On the 26th they were indicted for setting fire to a stack the property of Richard Ducker, of the same place. Nockolds was found guilty, and sentenced to death; Josiah Davidson was convicted of being an accessary before the fact, recommended to mercy, and afterwards respited; Hunt and David Davidson were acquitted. Nockolds was executed on the Castle Hill, Norwich, on April 9th. His body was subsequently exhibited at his cottage opposite the Barrack gates, Pockthorpe, “and a considerable sum of money was in this way raised for the widow.”
26.—A Bill “for the better management of the Poor in the several parishes and hamlets of the city of Norwich,” had, it was announced on this date, been presented in the House of Commons. The principal object of the measure was to abolish the right of the Corporation to elect Guardians. It was read a first time in April, passed through its remaining stages during the first Session of the new Parliament, and the first meeting of the Court of Guardians elected under the new Act was held at the Guildhall on October 4th.
APRIL.
5.—Lynn Market Cross was sold by auction for £160. It had long been dilapidated. “The Market Place in its present state, covered with vegetation sufficient to graze sheep, presents a most melancholy appearance.”
8.—Mr. Henry Dover was elected a chairman of Norfolk Quarter Sessions, in the room of Sir E. H. Alderson, appointed one of his Majesty’s Judges.
11.—Miss Smithson appeared at Norwich Theatre in the character of Juliet; and on three subsequent evenings as Mrs. Simpson (“Simpson and Co.”), Belvidera, Mrs. Oakley (“The Jealous Wife”), and Theresa (“The Orphan of Geneva”).
13.—The new road from Acle to Yarmouth, saving a distance of three miles five furlongs, was opened for public inspection, and was shortly afterwards used for traffic.
14.—A ballot for filling up the peace establishment of the East Norfolk Militia was held at the Guildhall, Norwich, before Mr. Isaac Preston, D.L. “Substitutes were easily obtained from £2 to £3 per man.”
29.—The nomination of Parliamentary candidates for Norwich took place. Mr. R. H. Gurney and the Right Hon. Robert Grant were proposed by the “Blue and White” party, and Sir Charles Wetherell and Mr. Michael Thomas Sadler by the “Purple and Orange” party. A poll was demanded, and opened on April 30th. The polling-booths closed on May 3rd, when the result was declared as follows:—Gurney, 2,158; Grant, 2,163; Wetherell, 977; Sadler, 964.
—Yarmouth election commenced on this date, and the poll closed on the 30th. Result:—Col. Anson, 904; Mr. Rumbold, 903; Mr. Colville, 549; Mr. Bliss, 543.
30.—Lord H. Cholmondeley and the Hon. F. G. Howard were re-elected members of Parliament for Castle Rising.
MAY.
1.—This day (Sunday) Mr. Alderman Leman and Mr. Alderman Yallop were elected to be returned to the Court of Aldermen for appointment to the office of Mayor of Norwich. Mr. Yallop was chosen Mayor on the 3rd.
2.—Lord George Bentinck and Lord William Lennox were elected without opposition members of Parliament for King’s Lynn.
3.—The use of the ballot box at meetings of the Norwich Corporation was discontinued, on the motion of Mr. W. J. Utten Browne, who characterised it as “a sneaking mode of proceeding.”
4.—Died in Harley Street, London, aged 69, the Viscountess Nelson and Duchess of Bronte, “widow of the immortal hero of Trafalgar.” The funeral took place at Littleham, near Exmouth.
6.—Mr. T. W. Coke and Sir W. B. ffolkes were returned unopposed members of Parliament for the county of Norfolk. Mr. Coke announced that he would not again seek re-election.
28.*—“Last week a lobster was taken out alive from one of the branches of the river Waveney, at Frenze, in this county. The river is intersected by several locks, and the place where it was taken is nearly 40 miles from the sea.”
JUNE.
1.—Died at Thorpe, aged 47, Mr. Marsham Elwin, of Thurning, formerly one of the chairmen of Norfolk Quarter Sessions.
6.—A vessel named the Carrow, of 80 tons burden, was launched from the timber-yard of Mr. Batley, at Carrow.
—A two days’ cricket match commenced on Lord’s ground, between Norwich and Marylebone. Norwich, 115-142. Marylebone, 145-67. Betting at the start was 6 to 4 on Marylebone, and at the end of the first day’s play the odds were 7 and 8 to 1 in favour of Norwich.
11.*—“The census which has just been taken shows that the inhabitants of Norwich number 60,998, an increase in ten years of 10,700. The population of the county, exclusive of Norwich, but including other boroughs, is 331,014, an increase of 36,934.”
20.—Mr. Alderman Patteson resigned his seat after fifty years’ membership of the Norwich Corporation. Mr. Samuel Bignold was elected to fill the vacancy thus created in the Great Mancroft Ward.
—A meeting, presided over by Mr. J. J. Gurney, was held at the Guildhall, Norwich, for the purpose of promoting a subscription for the relief of sufferers from the Irish famine.
21.—Guild Day at Norwich. Mr. J. H. Yallop was, for the second time, sworn in as Mayor, and afterwards entertained 800 guests at the Guild feast.
22.—Mr. Charles Green made a balloon ascent from Richmond Hill Gardens, Norwich, in company with Mr. Richard Crawshay, and in
1 hour 10 minutes descended upon a marsh at Oby near Acle. He made a second ascent from the same gardens on July 2nd, accompanied by Mr. Alderman Marshall, and descended at Blofield. Mr. Crawshay accompanied the aeronaut in the ascent at the opening of London Bridge by the King on August 1st. Owing to a strong wind, the ascent was made with great difficulty; the aeronauts barely escaped with their lives, and on descending at Charlwood were severely bruised and shaken.
JULY.
7.—The first stone of a new church at Yarmouth, dedicated to St. Peter, and erected on a site granted by the Corporation, was laid by the Mayor (Mr. Edmund Preston). Mr. Scoles was the architect. The church was consecrated on August 16th, 1833, by the Bishop of Winchester, on behalf of the Bishop of Norwich.
23.—The interment took place at Rainham church of the remains of General Loftus. He entered the Army in 1770, and in 1775 embarked with the 17th Light Dragoons for America. He was in the action of Bunker’s Hill, at the battle of Bedford, at the taking of New York, at the battles of Pelham Manor and the White Plains, and led the Hessian Grenadiers across the river Brunx, where he was wounded. He was wounded again in the attack on the lines at King’s Bridge. In 1794 he raised the 24th Light Dragoons, largely composed of Norfolk men; in 1796 was made Major-General and appointed to the English staff, and in 1797 was transferred to the Irish staff, and commanded a brigade at the battle of Vinegar Hill. He commanded the Eastern District in 1809, and at the time of his death was Lieutenant of the Tower and Colonel of the 2nd Dragoon Guards. General Loftus for several Sessions represented in Parliament the borough of Great Yarmouth.
25.—At the Norfolk Assizes held at Norwich, before Lord Lyndhurst, an indictment was preferred against several farmers and labourers living at Edingthorpe, for having conspired to compel the rector, the Rev. Richard Adams, to take less in tithe than he was entitled to by law. The great and small tithes together averaged 6s. per acre; under intimidation Mr. Adams signed a document by which he agreed to accept 4s. per acre during his life. At the suggestion of his lordship, a settlement was arrived at. He intimated, however, that a clergyman had a right to his tithes, and the parishioners had no authority to dictate to him.
26.—At the same Assizes, an action was brought against the Rev. Dean Wood, vicar of Middleton, by Mr. Howes, a farmer in the same parish, for a libel contained in a pamphlet published by the defendant, entitled, “A Defence of the Clergy, founded upon facts.” The jury returned a verdict for the plaintiff, damages £100.
28.—Paganini performed at a concert given under the management of Mr. Pettet, at the Corn Exchange, Norwich. He appeared again on the 29th, and on the 30th was engaged at the Theatre. He was described as “the fascinating, but by no means fair-dealing, foreigner.”
AUGUST.
1.—Mr. Wallack, of Drury Lane Theatre, commenced a short engagement at the Theatre Royal, Norwich, in the character of Rolla (“Pizarro”). His other impersonations included Don Felix (“The Wonder”), Sir Edward Mortimer, Alessandro Massaroni (“The Brigand”), and Dashall (“My Aunt”).
8.—A cricket match, lasting two days, between Marylebone and Norwich, commenced on the Norwich ground. Marylebone, 96-109. Norwich, 69-94. Lillywhite and Sir St. Vincent Cotton played for the former, and Fuller Pilch, W. Pilch, and N. Pilch for the latter club.
10.—The 1st Royal Dragoons were inspected on Mousehold Heath, Norwich, by General Sir Charles Dalbiac. “This fine regiment, several of whose officers are sons of Norfolk families, has been lately augmented by the enlistment of a large number of Norfolk men.”
18.—A two-days’ cricket match commenced on the Dereham ground, between Marylebone and Norfolk. Marylebone, 44-67. Norfolk, 11-38. “Both at Norwich and at Dereham the Norfolk men were evidently beaten by the system of bowling.”
30.—At the election of freemen’s Sheriff, at Norwich, the candidates were Mr. John Cozens (1,086 votes) and Mr. W. J. Utten Browne (506 votes).
31.—A camping match took place on Norwich Cricket Ground, between Norwich and Blofield. The latter gave up. “Neither the camping nor the subsequent wrestling were either of them well contested.”
SEPTEMBER.
5.—Died at Heigham, Norwich, aged 75, Mr. J. Watson, one of the original contractors of the Norwich mail coaches established in 1785.
8.—The Coronation of William IV. and Queen Adelaide was celebrated in Norwich. The Corporation attended service at the Cathedral, and the 1st Royal Dragoons fired a feu de joie in the Market Place. “This day was fixed upon to pay the freemen who voted for Messrs. Gurney and Grant their sovereigns, which they received at different public-houses, pursuant to notice circulated by handbills.” A dinner, attended principally by the “Blue and White” party, took place at St. Andrew’s Hall; and the “Purple and Orange” freemen were entertained at the York Gardens, Pockthorpe. Celebrations were held in different parts of the county.
10.—Mr. Richard Forby, a well-known farmer at Tittleshall, was gored to death by a bull.
19.—Died, James Twiddy, parish clerk of St. Peter Mancroft, Norwich. “He had a taste for poetry, and occasionally wrote in verse. His prose compositions displayed considerable talent, and his leisure hours were chiefly employed in reading and improving his mind.”
—Three troops of Norfolk Yeomanry Cavalry, raised in the western part of the county, consisting of the 1st or Melton troop, Capt. Sir Jacob Astley; the 2nd, or West Raynham troop, Capt. Lord Townshend, and the 3rd or Elmham troop, Major the Hon. George John
Milles, assembled at Lenwade Bridge and marched to Norwich, on their way to Yarmouth for six days’ training. The band of the 1st Royals played them into the city, where they were billeted for the night. The uniform of the regiment consisted of a scarlet jacket, dark trousers, and black helmet.
27.—Died at Harold’s Cross, near Dublin, aged 85, the Rev. Philip Taylor, upwards of 60 years minister of the Unitarian congregation in Eustace Street in that city. Mr. Taylor was a native of Norwich, and grandson of Dr. John Taylor, formerly minister at the Octagon chapel.
OCTOBER.
1.—At this date there were four coaches running daily on the road between Lynn and Norwich.
12.—The Cross Keys Bridge and embankment, opened on this date, afforded direct communication between Norfolk and Lincolnshire and the North of England. By these works nearly 18,000 acres of land were recovered from the sea. The opening ceremony commenced with a procession of carriages over the bridge and embankment, and concluded with a dinner in a marquee erected near the works. Three hundred guests were present, and Sir William ffolkes, M.P., presided.
NOVEMBER.
12.—In accordance with regulations passed by the Court of Mayoralty, the Aldermen of the small wards in Norwich, accompanied by the parochial officials, perambulated their respective wards, for the purpose of reporting upon their sanitary condition. In view of the cholera outbreak in other parts of the country, the medical men of Norwich divided the city into four districts, and apportioned a certain number of their body to each.
20.—Services were resumed in Norwich Cathedral, after extensive repairs to the fabric.
DECEMBER.
3.—At a general meeting of the county magistrates, a committee was appointed to receive communications from the justices in the different divisions and Hundreds, and to give their aid and assistance for the detection and apprehension of incendiaries. Committees were formed in every Hundred in the county.
24.*—“The trade for turkeys was dull this Christmas, owing, no doubt, to the depressed state of trade, but principally to the operation of the late Act, which, by throwing a large quantity of game into the market, has proved a losing game to our excellent farmers’ wives, and prevented them obtaining anything like remunerative prices.”
25.—The Mayor of Norwich (Mr. J. H. Yallop), who had sent from the city a swan specially fattened for the Royal table, received from his Majesty, through the Duke of Sussex, a letter thanking him for his “dutiful attention.”
1832.
JANUARY.
6.—The Norfolk Court of Quarter Sessions made renewed efforts to procure the removal of the Lent Assizes from Thetford to Norwich. The Norwich Court of Mayoralty, on the 14th, addressed a memorial to the Lord Chancellor on the same subject; and it was officially announced on March 3rd that the Assizes would be adjourned from Thetford to Norwich, as in the previous year. On March 8th the Corporation conferred the honorary freedom of the city upon Mr. John Stracey, of Sprowston, “in testimony of the sense they entertain of that gentleman’s most valuable services in bringing under the notice of the Lord Chancellor the question of the removal of the Lent Assizes to this city.” In the House of Commons, on the 15th, Mr. Grant gave notice of his intention to bring in the Norwich Assize Bill, and on April 3rd the Bill was read a first time. The second reading was carried by 44 to 13 on May 23rd; and on June 4th, in the face of strong opposition, it was read a third time and passed. The Bill was read a first time in the House of Lords on the 5th, a second time on the 14th, and a third time on the 18th. The Royal assent was given to the measure on the 22nd, and on the 23rd the intelligence was received in Norwich with the ringing of St. Peter’s bells. “It is worthy of remark that the Lent Assizes for this county, jointly with those of Suffolk, were held at Thetford so early as the reign of Henry II., and that the first application for their removal to Norwich was made as far back as the year 1649. Applications have been frequently and unsuccessfully repeated at intervals until the present year.”
17.—A Bill for extending the time for completing the works undertaken by the Norwich and Lowestoft Navigation Company was read a second time in the House of Commons. It afterwards passed through all its stages in both Houses. On June 4th juries were empanelled for the purpose of hearing and determining claims in the purchase of some of the land required by the company in making the cut for connecting the rivers Yare and Waveney. The directors, on July 7th, accepted the tender of Mr. Thomas Townshend, of Birmingham, to make the cut and to complete it by December 1st.
18.—Died at the age of 102, Mrs. Twiddy, of Snailwell, near Newmarket, mother of Mr. James Twiddy, formerly parish clerk of St. Peter Mancroft, Norwich. She was a native of Attleborough. Within a short time of her death she frequently walked six miles a day.
23.—Norwich Theatre was re-opened for the season. Mr. Power commenced a short engagement, during which he appeared in a round of Irish characters.
28.*—[Advt.] “A great main of cocks will be fought at the Black Boys Inn, Aylsham, on February 14th and 15th, between the gentlemen of Norwich and Norfolk, for £5 a battle and £100 the odd. On Tuesday evening a turn-out for £10; and on Thursday a grand Welch main by 16 subscribers for a silver tankard. All to be fought in silver spurs. Feeders: Steward for Norwich; Overton for Norfolk.”
31.—Mr. Dowton, of Drury Lane Theatre, commenced a four nights’ engagement at Norwich Theatre, as Sir John Falstaff. His other characters included Dr. Cantwell (“The Hypocrite”), Adam Brock (“Charles the Twelfth”), Sir Anthony Absolute, and Abednego (“The Jew and the Doctor”). He afterwards performed at Lynn Theatre.
FEBRUARY.
4.—The Norwich Court of Mayoralty memorialised the Committee of Buying of the East India Company not to suspend their “usual and constant order for camlets for the China market,” as a numerous class of the manufacturing population of the city derived their chief subsistence from this source. On March 21st the East India Company invited tenders for the manufacture of 5,000 pieces.
18.—Mr. Thomas Foyson, aged 53, was accidentally drowned at Norwich by falling into a vat of vinegar which he was in the act of gauging.
22.—At a Levée held at St. James’s Palace, the King conferred the honour of knighthood upon Mr. John Harrison Yallop, Mayor of Norwich, on his presenting to his Majesty the address adopted at a Common Hall held in Norwich in the previous October, on the subject of the Reform Bill.
MARCH.
2.—The funeral took place at Scole of Ann Chapman, aged 92. “Her head was placed contrary to the usual way, agreeably to her desire, which she had made known to the sexton. She was 47 years old when she married, and her husband only 17. She had 18 children, 13 sons and five daughters, all of whom arrived to the age of maturity. Five of the sons served in the Army. This remarkable woman seldom took more than two or three hours’ sleep of the twenty-four. She could see to thread the finest needle, and she retained her faculties to the latest period of her existence.”
6.—At a ploughing match at Roughton, John Colman, aged 92, beat all competitors, and was awarded the prize.
13.—Married, at St. Cuthbert’s, Thetford, Mr. Bussey, schoolmaster, aged 29, to Mrs. Judith Millen, aged 78. “A party of heroines attended the happy couple, and performed their melodious chorus upon saucepans and kettles, and to complete the band a watchman’s rattle was added.”
14.—Beard, the guard of the Red Rover coach, “made an attempt” to play Crack (“The Turnpike Gate”), at Lynn Theatre. “The best advice we can give him is to stick to his own stage in future. His comic singing, however, was good.”
20.—Three troops of the 7th Hussars, commanded by Lieut.-Colonel Keane, marched into Norwich from Birmingham.
21.—This day being appointed by Royal proclamation for fasting and humiliation, the Mayor and Corporation of Norwich attended service at the Cathedral, and collections were made at the doors for
charitable uses. Services were held at the parish churches, and alms were given for the poor. The day was similarly observed at Yarmouth.
23.—At the Lent Assizes at Thetford (held there for the last time), before Mr. Baron Vaughan, the libel action, Hunter v. Platten, was tried by a special jury. Defendant was steward to Sir Thomas Hare, and sent to the Norfolk Chronicle and “Norwich Mercury,” for publication, a paragraph in which he described the plaintiff as “a person who has been for many years a notorious game buyer and a disgrace to the name of gentleman.” The Chronicle modified the expressions contained in the paragraph; the “Mercury” published it as sent. Witnesses for the defence proved that they had seen 15 or 20 head of game on the plaintiff’s premises at one time, and that he had stated “he would buy game as long as money would purchase it, as the gentry round that part of the country were mean humbugs.” The jury returned a verdict for plaintiff, damages one farthing, and costs.
24.—The 1st Royal Dragoons marched from Norwich for Canterbury.
—*“Died lately at Loddon, aged 86, Thomas Reynolds. He presented to the inhabitants and caused to be erected, at his sole expense, in 1821, a finely-toned organ by which the church of Loddon is ornamented.”
26.—Mr. T. P. Cooke made his first appearance at Norwich Theatre, in the character of Martin Heywood (“The Rent Day”). His other impersonations included William (“Black-eyed Susan”), Long Tom Coffin (“The Pilot”), the Demon (“The Fate of Frankinstein”), Sir Roderick Dhu (“Lady of the Lake”), and poses plastique.
30.—A jury empanelled to try a civil action at the Lent Assizes at Thetford had a remarkable experience. The trial commenced at four o’clock in the afternoon of the 30th, and terminated at eight o’clock on the evening of the 31st, when the jury retired to consider their verdict. They were locked up all night, and did not find a verdict until 11 o’clock on the morning of April 1st. The case came before the Court of King’s Bench on April 19th, when application was made for a new trial, on the ground that refreshments had been given to one of the jurors!
31.—The thanks of the Norwich Court of Mayoralty were unanimously voted to Lieut.-Col. Somerset and officers of the 1st Royal Dragoons, “for the highly satisfactory manner in which they had conducted themselves whale stationed in the city, and for aiding in the suppression of riotous and tumultuous assemblies,” and to the non-commissioned officers and privates “for the way in which they had discharged their duty as connected with the peace of the city.”
APRIL.
2.—A steeplechase took place from a field near Wheatacre White House to Thurlton Church (distance between four and five miles), between a bay mare, the property of Mr. Charles Duppa, of Kent (owner up), and a chestnut horse belonging to Mr. John Carr, of Beales (ridden by his whipper-in, R. Warner). The mare won easily. Protest entered. On the same day another steeplechase was ridden from Gissing Church to Thurlton Church, between “the celebrated little grey horse,” the property of Mr. Charles Ellis, of Shelfanger Hall, and
a “grey mare of hunting celebrity,” belonging to Mr. Williams, of Diss. The horse won.
5.—The first outbreak of cholera in Norfolk occurred at Stow Bridge, and in two months 33 cases were reported, of which 13 terminated fatally. The disease made its appearance at Cawston on May 25th; and in Crown Court, St. Peter Hungate, Norwich, on August 15th. The Board of Health directed the bodies of all persons who had died of cholera to be interred within twenty-four hours, the clothes and bedding of the deceased to be destroyed, and surviving friends to be indemnified by the Corporation of Guardians. The medical men of the city gratuitously superintended the parishes allotted to each. On September 12th several cases were reported at the Bethel, and eight inmates died. The last official return was made on October 18th, when it was stated that the total number of cases in Norwich was 320, and the deaths 128. Thanksgiving services were held at the Cathedral and parish churches on November 11th, on the termination of the outbreak.
9.—A sloop of 60 tons burden, intended for the coasting trade, was launched from Mr. Thomas Bailey’s yard, at Carrow.
12.—A new building, known as the Royal Norfolk and Norwich Bazaar, in St. Andrew’s Street, Norwich, was opened. It was erected for the encouragement of “female and domestic industry.” Counters were let at small rents to “respectable females recommended by the lady patronesses.”
14.—Died at Earl’s Terrace, Kensington, aged 25, the Lady Henrietta Ann, wife of Mr. Charles Knight Murray, and sister of the Earl of Rothes.
15.—Died at his house, at Southtown, Yarmouth, aged 69, the Rev. Edward Valpy, B.D., for many years head master of the Norwich Free Grammar School. He was rector of Thwaite All Saints and vicar of South Walsham St. Mary the Virgin.
16.—Married at the Hotel of the British Ambassador, Paris, by the Rev. Thomas Sayers, Mr. Isaac Preston, Recorder of Norwich, to Frances, daughter of the Rev. J. Jephson, Prebendary of Armagh, and brother of Sir Richard Jephson, Bart.
23.—Mr. and Mrs. Wood (formerly Miss Paton) appeared at Norwich Theatre as Hawthorn and Rosetta (“Love in a Village”). On subsequent evenings they played the parts of Tom Tug and Wilelmina (“The Waterman”), Malcolm and Zelinda (“The Slave”), Steady and Gillian (“The Quaker”), Henry Bertram and Julia Mannering (“Guy Mannering”), and Masaniello and Princess Elvira (“Masaniello”).
MAY.
1.—Mr. S. W. Stevenson, one of the proprietors of the Norfolk Chronicle, was elected Mayor of Norwich.
3.—At a meeting of the Common Council at Norwich, Mr. W. J. Utten Browne moved that a petition be presented to the House of Lords against the Reform Bill, which he described as “a tissue of fraud, folly, and injustice, hideous in its anomalies, and displaying more profound ignorance of sound constitutional law than any other
production he had ever witnessed.” The motion was adopted by 40 votes against 9. An address to the King was circulated in Norwich on May 12th, acknowledging “the patriotic course adopted by his Majesty in rejecting the pernicious and unconstitutional counsel of Ministers completely to overwhelm the free deliberations of the House of Peers by creating a large addition to that body pledged to carry through the measure, in opposition to the recorded sentiments of the large majority of that right honourable House.” The address and signatures were inscribed in three closely-written columns on thirteen yards of parchment. On the 14th a public meeting was held at St. Andrew’s Hall, “for the purpose of adopting such measures as may be deemed expedient at the present momentous crisis for securing to all classes of the people the benefit of the Reform Bill brought before Parliament by Earl Grey and members of the late Administration.” A “Norfolk Address” to the King was circulated, acknowledging “the recent proofs of his Majesty’s desire to maintain the rights and privileges of the House of Lords.” The intelligence of the passing of the Bill by the House of Lords was received at Lynn and other places on June 5th with great rejoicing. The celebration at Norwich was deferred to July 5th, when a procession of about 2,400 persons, decorated with blue and white favours, marched from the Castle Ditches to the Cricket Ground. A cavalcade of 95 horsemen was headed by Mr. R. H. Gurney, M.P., accompanied by Mr. W. W. Windham, Mr. Anthony Hudson, Mr. W. Foster, and Mr. Peter Finch. Dinner was served for 2,000 in a marquee which extended the length of the field. The greatest order and regularity were observed throughout the day.
5.—His Majesty issued a writ, upon the report and recommendations of the Committee of Privileges of the House of Lords, certifying that Col. Wilson, of Didlington Hall, had made out his claim as the oldest co-heir to the Barony of Berners.
12.—The Norwich and Newark Union Coach commenced to run daily (Sundays excepted), from the Norfolk Hotel, Norwich, through Dereham, Swaffham, Lynn, Boston, and Sleaford, to Newark, where connection was effected with the northern coaches.
27.—One of the large buildings comprised in Messrs. Grout, Baylis, and Co.’s factory in Barrack Yard, Yarmouth, was destroyed by fire. The building was five storeys high, 105 ft. long, and 55 ft. wide, and its erection, in 1818, cost about £7,000. Between 400 and 500 girls employed by the firm were thrown out of work, and the loss sustained was estimated at from £12,000 to £15,000.
28.—The Rev. Arthur Iveson, of South Lynn, was murdered by a pistol shot fired by his son, the Rev. Thomas Iveson, a person of unsound mind. The deceased was rector of East Bradenham and perpetual curate of Shouldham and Shouldham Thorpe, and Tottenhill. At Lynn Quarter Sessions, on July 9th, Thomas Iveson was placed on his trial for the murder of his father. The jury found that he was insane at the time the crime was committed, and he was ordered to be detained in custody. He remained in Lynn Gaol until September 3rd, when he was removed to “the lunatic asylum, in St. Lawrence,” Norwich.
JUNE.
16.—Dr. Yelloly resigned his office as a physician of the Norfolk
and Norwich. Hospital. Dr. Edward Lubbock was elected to fill the vacancy on July 7th.
16.—The case of the King v. the Mayor and Recorder of Thetford came before the Court of King’s Bench. The defendants were required to show why they should not hold a weekly Court of Pleas at the Guildhall, according to the charter of Queen Elizabeth, which directed that the Court should proceed according to the rules and customs of a similar Court at Norwich. It was objected that the affidavits did not show the existence of the Norwich Court at the date of the Thetford charter, but only that a certain Court of Pleas was granted to that city by a charter of Charles II. On the other side it was alleged that the Thetford Court had actually been held within fifty years. Lord Tenterden: The charter of Charles II. may have confirmed a previous grant. We think the objection has been answered. The rule must be absolute.
18.—Robert Woodrow, gamekeeper to Col. Peel, was summoned before the magistrates at Thetford for seizing the rods of two persons fishing in the river of that town. It was contended that Col. Peel merely hired the manor of Mr. A. Baring, and that he could not show a right to the fishing, the river being navigable, and, as such, prima facie public to the inhabitants, who had immemorially enjoyed the right. The magistrates decided to the contrary on both points, and dismissed the complaint.
19.—Guild Day was observed at Norwich as usual. The Mayor-elect (Mr. S. W. Stevenson) entertained 830 guests at the Guild feast, and gave a ball at the Assembly Rooms in the evening.
26.—An address, congratulating the King “on his happy escape from the late atrocious attack on his Royal person at Ascot,” was presented to his Majesty at a Levée at St. James’s Palace by the Mayor (Mr. S. W. Stevenson), the Deputy-Mayor (Sir J. H. Yallop), and Lieut.-Col. Harvey, on behalf of the Corporation of Norwich.
30.—The electors of the division of East Norfolk, constituted under the provisions of the new Reform Act, met at Norwich for the purpose of adopting candidates. The friends of Mr. Peach, M.P., and Lord Henry Cholmondeley, M.P., the Tory candidates, met at the Rampant Horse Inn, and the supporters of Mr. William W. Windham and Major Keppel, the Whig candidates, at the Angel Inn.
JULY.
7.—Intelligence was received at Norwich that the Right Hon. Robert Grant, M.P., “at about the time his constituents were remembering him in their flowing cups at the Reform dinner,” had issued an address to the electors of Finsbury. On the 13th Lord Stormont and Sir James Scarlett were adopted Conservative candidates, and on the 14th it was announced that Mr. R. H. Gurney would have as his colleague Mr. H. Bellenden Ker. A third candidate, Mr. William Eagle, entered the field, but his principles were doubtful. At a meeting held at the Bowling Green Inn, on August 7th, he stated that he belonged to neither party, for “he looked upon the Tory as a highwayman and the Whig as a pickpocket.” Mr. Eagle retired before the nomination took place. The Conservative candidates made their first public appearance
at a dinner held at St. Andrew’s Hall, under the presidency of Mr. J. S. Patteson, on July 17th, and from that date onwards prosecuted a vigorous canvass. (See December 10th.)
16.—Died at Binham, aged 98, Mrs. Elizabeth Leake, who “for upwards of fifty years travelled as daily post from Binham to Wells, from which employment she had retired about 14 years.”
23.—Died at Hardingham Rectory, aged 74, the Rev. Walter Whiter, M.A., formerly Fellow of Clare Hall, Cambridge. He was instituted to the rectory in 1797, and was the author of some ingenious works on literature and criticism, and more particularly of the ‘Etymologicon Universale,’ a work of the greatest labour and research, and replete with new and ingenious views of the origin and affinity of languages.”
28.*—“Died in London, of cholera, last week, Mr. William Willement, manufacturer, of Colchester. The deceased went to London on the Saturday previous, was taken ill on the Sunday, and died and was buried on Monday. He served the office of Sheriff of Norwich in 1816.”
30.—Norwich Theatre re-opened for the Assize week. Mr. Gill, a comic actor, who afterwards became a great favourite on the Norwich stage, made his first appearance here. Mr. Braham on this date commenced a five nights’ engagement, and appeared in a round of his principal characters.
AUGUST.
6.—George Borrow, writing to the Norfolk Chronicle on this date, suggested the derivation of the word “Tory.” “Tory,” he wrote, “is composed of three Irish words, and doubtless originated amongst the Irish adherents of Charles II. at the time they were suffering under the sway of Cromwell and were sighing for the Restoration. The words are Tar a Ri, and their pronunciation is the same as that of ‘Tory,’ or if there be any difference, it consists in a scarcely distinguishable drawl. Their meaning is, ‘Come, O King.’”
—Died at East Dereham, aged 73, Mr. Fisher, many years manager of the Norfolk and Suffolk Company of Comedians. “Mr. Fisher made his first appearance as an amateur at Norwich Theatre, in the character of Lubin (‘The Quaker’). Mr. Barrett, who was then manager, was so much gratified with the performance that he persuaded him to make the stage his profession, and offered him a liberal engagement, which he accepted, and remained with the company some years. As manager of the Norfolk and Suffolk Company, he raised it to a degree of respectability equal to any provincial theatre in the kingdom. As a manager he was esteemed, and by his indefatigable industry he has been enabled to leave his sons eleven theatres, many of which have been recently built and elegantly decorated. As an actor he displayed much talent. He was an affectionate parent and warm friend, and in the strictest sense an honest, just, and upright man.”
14.—Messrs. Bell and Deane, divers, engaged in exploring the Guernsey Lily transport, lost off Yarmouth in the year 1799, recovered one of the brass guns, which they fired in token of success. The Guernsey Lily was returning from Holland with a large and valuable freight of military stores, when she got upon the Cross Sand and foundered in Yarmouth Roads, as nearly as possible three miles due
east of the jetty. Many of her stores were recovered, little the worse for an immersion of 33 years.
28.—A sharp contest took place at Norwich on the election of the freemen’s Sheriff. Mr. William Foster was the “Blue and White,” and Mr. Alderman Steward the “Purple and Orange” candidate. “Bribery to a vast amount was resorted to, and the last few votes cost a heavy sum.” Result: Foster, 1,282; Steward, 1,275. A scrutiny was demanded by both sides, and was commenced by the Mayor on September 8th. After an enquiry lasting twelve days, Mr. Foster was declared elected.
30.—Died at Cringleford, aged 50, Mr. John Staniforth Patteson. He was eldest son of Mr. John Patteson, of St. Helen’s, served the office of Sheriff of Norwich in 1811, was elected Alderman for the Great Ward of Mancroft in 1830, and was Mayor in 1823–4. He was also a magistrate, and a deputy-lieutenant for the county of Norfolk, and held the Lieut.-Colonelcy of the East Norfolk Militia. His remains were buried at St. Peter Mancroft church, on September 4th.
SEPTEMBER.
1.*—“At a meeting of the inhabitants of Diss, held last week, it was resolved that the present peal of eight bells should be recast, with an additional weight of metal. A subscription was opened which, in three days, amounted to all the money needful, without any charge upon the church rate of the parish.” The work was done at the Downham Market Foundry. The bells were met on their way to Diss by a large concourse of the inhabitants, who assembled at Roydon White Hart, and, forming in procession with the Diss band and the handbell ringers at their head, escorted the trucks to the town. The treble, sixth, seventh, and tenor were “maiden”; the others needed but slight alteration. The tenor weighed 23 cwt., and the total weight of the peal was 98 cwt. 2 qrs. 10 lbs.—more than 40 cwt. heavier than the former peal. The bells were “opened” on January 7th, 1833, by the St. Peter Mancroft Company, Norwich, and by other companies; public dinners were held at the different inns, in celebration of the event, and a silver-mounted snuff-box, made out of the polished oak of the old frame, was presented to the rector, the Rev. William Manning.
2.—Died at Norwich, aged 67, the Rev. Joseph Kinghorn, 44 years minister of the Baptist congregation at St. Mary’s. “His literary qualities were unwearied diligence and deep and erudite enquiry, especially into all subjects connected with theology and moral philosophy.”
4.—Mr. Charles Turner was elected an Alderman for the Great Ward of Mancroft, Norwich, in place of Mr. J. S. Patteson, deceased.
11.—A curious incident was witnessed at the marriage, at Guestwick, by the Rev. J. Blake, of Mr. Samuel Goldsmith, miller, of Corpusty, to Miss Mary Goldsmith, of the former place. “The ceremony being over and the clergyman about to retire, the gentleman who gave away the bride, Mr. George Barton, of Wood Dalling, unexpectedly took another licence from his pocket and called out, ‘Stay, sir, and marry me.’ The ceremony was again repeated, and Mr. Barton was united
to the bridesmaid, Miss Hannah Goldsmith, the sister of the other bride, Mr. and Mrs. Goldsmith performing in their turn the necessary offices for this couple. The village bells rang gaily, and a great deal of merry-making followed these nuptials.”
OCTOBER.
6.—Died at his house, St. Giles’, Norwich, aged 73, Mr. William Burt. He served the office of Sheriff in 1814, was elected Alderman of the Great Ward of Mancroft in 1815, and was Mayor in 1820. Mr. Edmund Newton was elected Alderman in his place.
8.—The Norwich Eldon Club held its first anniversary dinner at the Waggon and Horses Inn, Tombland.
11.—Died at Hindolvestone, Mr. Thomas Gardner, groom of the Great Chamber to the King. “He had the honour to serve in that capacity during the whole of the late reign, and also in the reign of George III., having held the appointment upwards of thirty-three years.”
17.—The first revision of voters’ lists, under the Act of 2 William IV., c. 45, commenced in the Eastern division of the county at Long Stratton; the revising barristers for the Western division commenced their circuit at Thetford on the 25th. The revision of the Norwich lists commenced on the 22nd. It was described “as the vexatious and irritating process introduced by the Reform Bill”; and it resulted in the removal from the city lists of the names of between 300 and 400 persons who had hitherto been accustomed to vote.
23.—Mr. Cozens, of London, while shooting on the estate of Mr. Hardy, at Letheringsett, was killed by a gunshot wound accidentally inflicted by one of the party.
—A general court-martial, of which General Sir Robert Macfarlane, K.C.B., G.C.H., was president, commenced an inquiry at the Cavalry Barracks, Norwich, into charges preferred against certain privates for disobeying the lawful commands of the Colonel of the 7th Hussars. At a parade of the regiment for ball practice on September 27th, Col. Keane gave the word “Attention,” when, to his surprise, not a man obeyed the command. Seizing one of the men, Private Philip Pitman, he marched him to the officers’ quarters, and had him tried by court-martial for insubordination. He was sentenced to receive 200 lashes, which were administered immediately, in the presence of the whole regiment. All the men were armed with their weapons, and carried ball cartridge. This action on the part of the Colonel restored discipline and obedience to orders. Each prisoner made a long written defence. Their principal complaint was that the regiment was overworked. Colonel Keane replied that what had been ordered was by direction of the War Office; and the men had been kept constantly employed in consequence of the prevalence of cholera in Norwich. The court concluded its sittings on November 10th. The sentences, approved by his Majesty, were as follow:—Private John Martin, transportation for life; Thomas Almond, seven years’ transportation; Henry Bone, seven years; Charles Edwards, 12 months’ imprisonment; and John Clayson, 14 years’ transportation. Five non-commissioned officers were reduced to the ranks, and the regimental sergt.-major suspended. During the progress of the court-martial, a
troop of the 1st Dragoon Guards was stationed at Dereham, and a detachment of the 12th Regiment of Foot at Wymondham.
31.—A mysterious individual, known as “The Wandering Piper,” made his appearance at Norwich. It was stated that he had been an officer in the Army, and had served under Sir John Moore and the Duke of Wellington, and was piping through the country to win a wager, one of the conditions of which was that he must subsist upon unsolicited alms given by the public. The piper gave a performance at the Bell Inn, Orford Hill, in aid of the newly-established Lying-in Charity. He returned to Norwich on December 1st, and gave another entertainment at the Norfolk Hotel for the same charity. He re-appeared in Norwich in 1838, having, in the interval, travelled the British Isles and the United States. It was then announced that his name was Graham Stuart. His death occurred in March, 1839, at Mercers’ Hospital, Dublin, to which institution he bequeathed all his property.
NOVEMBER.
17.—The officers of the preventive service stationed at Brancaster seized a large tub-boat, containing 5,565 lbs. of tobacco and about 650 gallons of brandy and Geneva, the whole of which was lodged in the Customs-house at Wells-next-the-Sea.
DECEMBER.
2.—The body of Sarah Watling, buried in the churchyard of Swanton Abbot, was found to have been stolen from its grave. At the Norfolk Adjourned Quarter Sessions, held at Norwich on March 6th, 1833, George Ives and Nathaniel Canham were indicted for stealing the body. The prisoners were acquitted.
10.—The nomination of candidates at the first election in Norwich under the Reform Act took place at the Guildhall. The nominees of the “Purple and Orange” party were Lord Stormont and Sir James Scarlett, and of the “Blue and White” party Mr. Richard Hanbury Gurney, the former member, and Mr. Charles Henry Bellenden Ker. A poll was demanded, and the election was immediately proceeded with. In the afternoon a riot occurred in the Market Place; the “Purple and Orange” booth was pulled down, and a bonfire made of the débris. The “Blue and White” band, stationed near the fire, played their favourite tunes, and men carrying the banners of the party danced round the pile. Stones were thrown and bludgeons used, and a man had his arm broken. Many other persons sustained less serious injuries. The 7th Hussars, who had been removed from Norwich to Wymondham before the election commenced, were recalled to suppress the disturbance, and many citizens were sworn in as special constables. An officers’ guard of the Hussars was posted near the Guildhall throughout the night, and another polling-booth was erected. Voting recommenced at eight o’clock on the morning of the 11th, and continued all day; the books were again opened on the 13th, and at noon the poll finally closed, when the result was declared as follows:—Stormont, 2,016; Scarlett, 1,962; Gurney, 1,810; Ker, 1,766. The chairing of the new members took place on the 14th; on the same day their
friends and supporters dined at the Norfolk Hotel, and in the evening the election ball was held at Chapel Field House.
10.—Lord George Bentinck and Lord William Lennox were returned unopposed for Lynn.
—Lord James FitzRoy and Mr. Francis Baring were returned without opposition for the borough of Thetford.
13.—Mr. Shaw’s granaries on the Boal at King’s Lynn were destroyed by fire. The loss was estimated at upwards of £2,000.
15.—Sir Jacob Astley and Sir William ffolkes were nominated at Swaffham as candidates for the representation of the Western Division of Norfolk, and returned unopposed. Mr. T. W. Coke formally took leave of the electors, on his retirement from Parliamentary life. He had represented the county since the year 1785.
17.—The nomination of candidates for the Eastern Division of the county took place at the Shirehall, Norwich. Lord Henry Cholmondeley and Mr. Peach were nominated by the “Pink and Purple,” and Mr. W. W. Windham and Major Keppel by the “Blue and White” party. The poll was opened on the 20th, at Norwich, Yarmouth, North Walsham, and Long Stratton, and closed on the 21st. The result, which was not officially declared until the 24th, was as follows:—Windham, 3,304; Keppel, 3,261; Peach, 2,960; Cholmondeley, 2,852. The election dinner was held at the Assembly Room, Norwich, under the presidency of the Hon. Edward Harbord.
22.—Atkins’ Menagerie was exhibited at Norwich. This was the first occasion on which a “lion tamer” appeared with a travelling menagerie in the city. In the centre of the show was introduced a large iron cage, into which the keeper entered and put the animals through their performances.