1835.
JANUARY.
5.—Yarmouth Election—T. Baring (C), 777; W. M. Praed (C), 768 (elected). Hon. Col. Anson (L), 680; C. E. Rumbold (L), 675.
6.—Norwich Election—Lord Viscount Stormont and the Hon. Robert Campbell Scarlett, Conservatives; the Hon. E. Vernon Harbord and Mr. Francis Offley Martin, Liberals, were nominated, and polling commenced on the same date. The books remained open until 5.30 p.m. on the 7th, when the result was declared as follows:—Stormont, 1,892; Scarlett, 1,878 (elected). Harbord, 1,592; Martin, 1,585.
7.—Lynn Election—The polling commenced on this date, and concluded on the 8th. Lord George Bentinck, 531; Sir Stratford Canning, 416 (elected); Sir John S. Lillie, 238.
12.—The nomination of candidates for the representation of West Norfolk took place at Swaffham. Mr. William Bagge, the Conservative candidate, was escorted to the town by a procession, headed by the hunting establishment of Mr. Henry Villebois. Sir William ffolkes and Sir Jacob Astley were accompanied by Mr. T. W. Coke and numerous supporters. A dispute arose between Lord Charles Townshend and Sir Jacob Astley, who were ordered by the justices to enter into their recognisances to keep the peace towards each other. The polling commenced on January 15th, at Swaffham, Downham, Fakenham, Lynn, Thetford, and East Dereham, and closed on the 16th. The poll was declared on the 19th.—ffolkes, 2,299; Astley, 2,134; Bagge, 1,880. The two first-named were elected.
17.—The nomination of candidates for the East Norfolk Division took place at Norwich. Lord Walpole and Mr. Wodehouse, Conservatives, entered the city by St. Giles’ Gates, escorted by between three hundred and four hundred horsemen; Mr. W. Windham and Mr. R. H. Gurney (Liberals) rode at the head of 196 mounted supporters. The polling commenced on the 20th, at Norwich, Yarmouth, Long Stratton, and Reepham, and concluded on the 21st. The poll was declared on the 23rd, as follows:—Walpole, 3,188; Wodehouse, 3,474; Windham, 3,089; Gurney, 2,879. The two first-named were elected.
—At the Norwich Court of Mayoralty, Mr. Alderman Bignold read a letter from the Right Hon. Lord Abinger, Baron of Abinger in the county of Surrey and of the city of Norwich, intimating his lordship’s desire that the Mayor and Corporation would permit him to take as the supporters of his arms the supporters of the arms of the city. The Court unanimously granted the request. It was also announced that his lordship had appointed as his chaplain the Rev. Charles Turner, son of the Mayor.
27.—The supporters of Messrs. Harbord and Martin, to the number of 900, were entertained at dinner at St. Andrew’s Hall by leading persons of the Liberal party. On the 28th 1,000 were similarly entertained. Mr. W. Foster presided on both occasions, and on the second day Mr. Martin delivered a speech of two hours’ duration.
FEBRUARY.
7.—A “moveable panorama” of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway, painted by Mr. Thorne, was exhibited at the Theatre Royal, Norwich.
19.—Married, Mr. J. V. Jermay, of Wroxham, to Mrs. Sarah Landimore, of the same place. “The above-named female has been twice
married, having entered the matrimonial state at the age of 14. She became a widow at 15, and is now a wife again at 17.”
23.—Died, at New Lakenham, aged 66, Mr. William Cole, the author of “Rural Months,” and other poems.
24.—The Corporation of Norwich voted the honorary freedom of the city to the Hon. Robert Campbell Scarlett, M.P.
—A committee was appointed by the Corporation of Norwich to prepare a memorial to the Postmaster-General, for an acceleration of the mail coach service. A letter was received from Lord Stormont, M.P., on March 27th, stating that the Postmaster-General had made the following arrangements: the Norwich and Yarmouth letters to go by the Ipswich mail instead of by the Newmarket coach, the Ipswich mail to arrive at Norwich at 7.30 a.m., and to leave Norwich at 7 p.m.
28.—Died at his residence in Portman Square, London, aged 78, the Right Hon. and Rev. Earl Nelson, Duke of Bronte, “brother of the hero of Trafalgar.” The title and estates descended to Mr. Thomas Bolton, jun., son of Susannah Nelson, sister of the first two Earls, and of Thomas Bolton, who was born in 1786, and married, in 1821, Elizabeth, daughter and sole heir of John Maurice.
MARCH.
14.*—“At Didlington Hall, the only place in England at which the antient amusement of flying hawks at herons is practised, it has been customary to turn off the birds taken alive, with a ring attached to one leg, showing the time and place at which they were captured. In a late Bristol paper there is an account of a heron having been shot near Carmarthen with a ring round one leg having the inscription: ‘Major Wilson, Didlington Hall, Norfolk, 1822.’”
APRIL.
3.—Lord Chief Baron Abinger, one of the Judges of Assize at Norwich, was waited upon at the Judges’ lodgings, in Bethel Street, by the Mayor and Corporation, and presented with an address, on this his first visit to the city in a judicial capacity.
4.—At the Norwich Assizes, before Mr. Justice Vaughan, Johnstone Wardell, aged 23, a bank clerk, was charged with embezzling the sum of £1,431 18s. 7d. belonging to the Governor and Company of the Bank of England. Mr. Kelly was retained for the defence at the fee of 100 gs., and, after a trial lasting ten hours, the jury acquitted the prisoner. The defence was that the accused had been knocked down and robbed of the money on the Castle Ditches. A few months afterwards he confessed his guilt and refunded the full amount.
7.—Three hundred emigrants left Yarmouth Quay by the Baltic (Captain Newson), Venus (Captain Simmons), and Wellington (Captain Gilham), for Quebec. The Shannon sailed from Lynn for Quebec on April 16th, with 90 emigrants.
18.—James Clarke, aged 20, was executed on Castle Hill, Norwich, for setting fire to a wheat stack at Buxton. “The most singular feature attending the execution was that an old man named Wyer, a
person well known for his eccentricities, declared on the Hill that he would take the sufferer’s place for five shillings. The man made good his word, went home and hanged himself.”
20.—Mr. Macready commenced a four nights’ engagement at Norwich Theatre in the part of Macbeth. His other impersonations included Hamlet, Virginius, Werner, and Puff (“The Critic”). On the 23rd an outrage was committed by a person who “threw a chemical substance capable of ignition, in different parts of the building.” A reward of 20 gs. was offered for the apprehension of the offender.
25.—The West Norfolk and Lynn Hospital, designed by Mr. Angel and built by Mr. Sugars, was opened for the reception of patients.
—A troop of the 6th Inniskilling Dragoons arrived at Norwich Barracks, and were followed by two other troops of the same regiment, from Sheffield and Nottingham.
MAY.
1.—Mr. Moore and Mr. Steward were returned to the Norwich Court of Aldermen for election as Mayor. The first-named was chosen.
4.—The 2nd Dragoon Guards marched from Norwich Barracks, on their way to Liverpool, for embarcation for Dublin. The Mayor and Corporation testified to the excellent conduct of the regiment, and expressed regret at their departure.
—The Norwich Corporation agreed not to dispose of the old City Gaol without reserving a portion of the site for the purposes of the Norwich Public Library. On September 21st a lease was granted of part of the site (70 ft. by 70 ft.) to the trustees of the Library for the term of 99 years, at the annual rent of £1, “for the erection of a library room or other building connected therewith.” At a special meeting of the subscribers, on October 29th, the contract of Messrs. Darkins and Blake for the erection of the new building, at the total cost of £1,820, was confirmed, and it was decided to raise the amount in shares of £5 each.
—The honorary freedom of the city was voted by the Corporation of Norwich to Lord Walpole, M.P., and Mr. Edmond Wodehouse, M.P. Both gentlemen were sworn in on May 8th.
5.—Died of dysentery at Calcutta, aged 70, Mr. Thomas Hoseason, formerly of Banklands, near Lynn.
6.—Died, aged 69, at Furnival’s Inn, Mr. Linley, “son of the writer of the music in ‘The Duenna,’ and brother of the first Mrs. Sheridan and of the Rev. O. T. Linley, formerly of Norwich Cathedral. He was a good composer and excellent judge of music.”
8.—A dinner, attended by 650 guests, was given at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, to celebrate the establishment at the Rampant Horse Inn of the East Norfolk Conservative Association. The Earl of Orford presided. Prior to the dinner the members of the association proceeded to the Guildhall, to witness the swearing in of Lord Walpole and Mr. Wodehouse as hon. freemen of Norwich.
9.—Died, aged 66, Mr. William Blanchard, “the celebrated comedian, formerly of the Norwich Company.”
11.—Mr. Butler, of Covent Garden, appeared at Norwich Theatre in the part of Hamlet. He performed on subsequent evenings the parts of Coriolanus and David Duvigne (“The Hazard of the Die”).
18.—The Bill for renewing the Yarmouth Port and Haven Act, which would otherwise have expired in 1836, went into Committee in the House of Commons, and was finally agreed to by all parties.
25.—Died in Norwich, aged 67, Mr. George Lindley, author of the “Guide to the Orchard and Kitchen Garden, “ &c., and father of Dr. Lindley, Professor of Botany at the Royal Institution and the University of London.
26.—Died at his house in Magdalen Street, Norwich, aged 91, Mr. Barnabas Leman, who was elected Alderman in 1797, Sheriff in 1804, and twice served the office of Mayor, 1813-1818.
27.—Captain Sir Edward Parry, R.N., the celebrated navigator, made an official visit to Norwich, on his appointment as an Assistant Commissioner under the new Poor Laws Amendment Act.
29.—At the Guildhall, Norwich, John Pilgrim, described as an attorney, was charged before Mr. Samuel Bignold and Mr. E. T. Booth with embezzling the sum of £6 13s. belonging to his employers, Messrs. Sewell, Blake, Keith, and Blake, solicitors. The case was adjourned till Saturday, the 30th, and the hearing lasted till midnight. On Sunday, the 31st, the magistrates again sat, and remanded the defendant in custody. On June 1st it was stated that Mr. Parraman, Governor of the City Gaol, had handed the prisoner over to the custody of the Serjeant-at-Arms of the House of Commons, on a warrant from the Speaker. The Bench then adjourned the hearing sine die. In order to explain these proceedings, it is necessary to state the following facts:—A petition had been presented against the return of Mr. Dundas and Mr. Kelly as members for Ipswich, and the Committee of the House of Commons, in reporting the election void, passed a series of special resolutions to the effect that John Pilgrim and others were guilty of bribery and of absconding to avoid the Speaker’s warrant; that Pilgrim, having at length been served, was prevented attending the Committee by being arrested on a charge of embezzlement, and that the conduct of the magistrates before whom he was charged appeared to the Committee to be a breach of the privileges of the House. On June 29th it was moved that the committing magistrates be sent to Newgate, but instead they were ordered to attend before the House on July 3rd. That order was discharged, and the inquiry was referred to the same Select Committee that was to investigate the charges against Pilgrim’s employers. At the Norwich Assizes on August 8th, before Mr. Baron Bolland, the bill in the case of embezzlement was respited to the next court. A meeting of the Norwich Corporation was held on September 21st, at which a vote of thanks was accorded to Mr. Bignold and Mr. Booth “for the performance of their duty as magistrates, which led to their being summoned before the Committee of the House of Commons on the charge of alleged breach of privileges of the House,” and it was ordered that their expenses in London be defrayed by the city. (See March 29th, 1836. )
31.—Died at his house in Bedford Square, London, Mr. William Smith, formerly one of the representatives of Norwich in Parliament. Mr. Smith was first elected member for the city in 1802, and retired in 1830.
JUNE.
3.—Mr. Beacham, a favourite actor at Norwich Theatre, took his final leave of the stage after a service of more than half a century.
6.—The erection of gas works at East Dereham commenced.
10.—A new drama, entitled, “The Puritan’s Sister,” written by Mr. George Smith, was produced for the first time at Norwich Theatre.
14.—Died at Brighton, aged 72, Sir John Harrison Yallop, an alderman of Norwich. He served the office of Sheriff in 1805, and of Mayor in 1815 and 1831.
15.—Sir Edward Parry, R.N., attended a meeting of the Norwich Court of Guardians, and laid before them the views and intentions of the Poor-law Commissioners. Sir Edward also visited other unions in the district.
16.—Guild Day was celebrated in Norwich for the last time. The civic procession to the Cathedral was headed by the regalia borne by the respective officers on horseback. “Snap,” too, made his final appearance. Chambers, the senior boy at the Free Grammar School, under the Rev. Henry Banfather, delivered the Latin oration, and was presented with five guineas’ worth of books by the Mayor-elect (Mr. Moore), who made a similar present to Norgate, the orator on the preceding Guild Day. In the course of the proceedings at the Guildhall, it was decided to petition the House of Lords against the Bill to provide for the regulation of Municipal Corporations in England and Wales. Eight hundred guests attended the Guild feast at St. Andrew’s Hall, and a ball was given at the Assembly Rooms in the evening.
19.—Mr. Richard Shaw was elected an alderman of the Northern Ward, Norwich, in succession to Sir J. H. Yallop, deceased. He polled 345 votes, as against 109 recorded for his opponent, Mr. J. Winter.
26.—Petitions were presented from Yarmouth, complaining that bribery had been practised at the election of members for that borough. They were not election petitions; they did not complain of the return; and did not impute bribery to the members or their agents. But it was alleged that two guineas had been paid to many of the voters at the house of a person who had been an active partisan of the sitting members. The petitions were referred to a Committee of the House. On July 30th the Chairman of the Committee reported that Mr. Prentice, one of the witnesses, refused to answer certain questions, on the ground that the answers would incriminate himself. He was sent to Newgate on August 6th. On the same day the Chairman reported that three other witnesses, Messrs. Preston, Lacon, and Green, had refused to answer any questions at all. Mr. Preston was brought to the bar and informed by the Speaker that the House had decided he was bound to submit to be examined by the Committee without prejudice to his right to object to any questions, the answers to which might tend to criminate himself. Mr. Preston and Messrs. Lacon and Green attended the Committee. They objected to the very first question which at all tended to bear on the matter, because, they said, the answers might criminate them. The Committee agreed that the answers would have that tendency, and discharged the witnesses from further attendance. On August 11th Mr. Prentice was likewise discharged from Newgate, and on his arrival at Yarmouth, on August 14th, was welcomed by a
large crowd, who escorted his carriage through the town, with a band playing. At the Norfolk Assizes, on March 31st, 1836, before Mr. Justice Parke, Messrs. Preston, Green, and Lacon were charged with the alleged acts of bribery, but each case was disposed of without one of the persons against whom the charges were preferred being required to enter upon any defence whatever.
29.—In consequence of the general recommendation of the Poor-law Commissioners that the allowances to the “surplus poor” be made in kind, instead of in money, the labourers at Great Bircham and Bircham Tofts struck work, and caused a riot, upon the ground that labourers had been imported from neighbouring villages. The houses of Mr. Ketton and Mr. Hebgin were attacked, and the Melton and Rainham troops of Yeomanry Cavalry were called out to quell the disturbance. The preventive men from the coast and the 6th Inniskillings from Norwich were also summoned. At Walsingham Quarter Sessions, on July 10th, several persons were sentenced to terms of imprisonment for participating in the riot.
JULY.
6.—The Royal Mail coach from Yarmouth (through Norwich) to Birmingham commenced running. “In equipment and management this coach is not excelled by any in the kingdom.”
—Died at Vernon House, London, from the effects of injuries received by a fall from his horse in St. James’s Park, on June 30th, the Right Hon. Lord Suffield, aged 54. The intelligence arrived at North Walsham at the time fixed for the celebration of his lordship’s birthday by a dinner at the King’s Arms Inn. The body of the deceased nobleman reached Norwich on July 15th, and remained at the Rampant Horse Inn that night. On the following day it was conveyed to Gunton, and buried in the chapel in the park.
14.—A handbill was circulated in Norwich announcing that “the Dutch Hercules, Mynheer Kousewinkeler van Raachboomstadt, professor of gymnastics and Maître des Armes to the 5th Regiment of Royal Jaagers,” would give his “celebrated series of gymnastic exercises” in Chapel Field. Some thousands of persons were hoaxed.
AUGUST.
1.—Mr. Charles Kemble made his first appearance at Norwich Theatre in the character of Julian St. Pierre (“The Wife”). During the remaining nights of his engagement he performed the parts of Benedict, Mercutio, Colonel Freelove (“The Day after the Wedding”), Octavian (“The Mountaineers”), Petruchio, and Charles Surface. He afterwards visited Yarmouth.
6.—Evidence was given before the House of Lords in opposition to the Municipal Reform Bill by Mr. E. T. Booth, Col. Harvey, Mr. Isaac Preston (Recorder), and Mr. E. Newton, of Norwich. A petition, adopted at a meeting of the freemen on July 11th, and signed by 1,600 persons of both parties, had already been presented, praying their lordships “to preserve to Norwich the privileges granted by the charters
of 700 years ago.” The Bill was passed on September 9th, and on October 3rd the Norfolk Chronicle stated: “St. Michael ‘shone no festive holiday’ either at Norwich, Lynn, or Yarmouth. For many centuries until this annus mirabilis of Liberalism the Sheriffs of Norwich (from 1403), the Mayors of Lynn (from 1268) and of Yarmouth (from 1684), were sworn into office on new Michaelmas day. . . . Under the new Act the present Mayors and Sheriffs are to continue to hold their respective offices until January 1st next, and their immediate successors—one Sheriff until the first, and the Mayors until the 9th of November, on which days the elections of Sheriffs and Mayors of boroughs will in future take place.”
7.—At the Norfolk Assizes, before Mr. Justice Bolland, Frances Billing, aged 46, and Catherine Frarey, aged 40, were found guilty of the murder of Mary Taylor, of Burnham Westgate, by administering arsenic to her. They were also convicted of the murder of Robert Frarey, husband of the last-named prisoner. The execution took place on the Castle Hill, Norwich, on August 10th. Frarey was dressed in deep mourning for her husband, and wore a widow’s cap. They held each other by the hand when upon the scaffold. “The silence which had hitherto pervaded the immense concourse who stood intently gazing on this dreadful exhibition was broken by a piercing shriek when the drop fell; then all was still again.” Mrs. Billing had had eleven children, eight of whom were living at the time of the execution. Both women had been in the habit of consulting reputed witches at Burnham and Sall (See April 1st, 1836.)
14.—Died, aged 79, Mr. William Mason, of Necton. “He was accomplished in literature, and was one of the favourite scholars of the late Dr. Parr.”
22.—Died, aged 78, the Hon. George Walpole, second son of Horatio, first Earl of Orford and fourth Lord Walpole of Walpole. He commanded the troops employed in suppressing the rebellion of the Maroons in Jamaica. On his retirement from the Army he went into Parliament, and was Under-Secretary of State during the Fox Administration in 1806.
23.—Died, aged 65, Mr. Francis Stone, architect, Norwich, and for nearly 30 years Surveyor of the County of Norfolk.
25.—The last election for the office of freemen’s Sheriff took place at Norwich. Mr. Paul Squire was returned, with 829 votes. Mr. Edward Willett, his opponent, polled 437.
SEPTEMBER.
18.—At nine o’clock in the morning, Mr. Green, the aeronaut, who had ascended in his balloon from Vauxhall Gardens, London, at six o’clock in the evening of the 17th, descended between North Runcton and Hardwick, about a mile from Lynn South Gates.
22.—The Duchess of Kent and Princess Victoria, on their way from Burleigh House, Stamford, to Holkham Park, on a visit to Mr. Coke, passed through Lynn, and were received with great enthusiasm. The horses were removed from the Royal carriage, which was dragged through the town to the Duke’s Head Inn. The relay of horses having
been sent towards Gaywood, the populace drew the carriage, amid most loyal demonstrations, to the eastern boundary of the town, where the horses were put to and the journey resumed. At Holkham the preventive service formed a guard of honour, and the whole of the tenantry were in attendance. On the 23rd their Royal Highnesses were presented by the inhabitants of Wells with a loyal address, to which the Duchess of Kent graciously replied. Their Royal Highnesses left Holkham on the 24th for the seat of the Duke of Grafton at Euston, and passed through Swaffham, where the race meeting was delayed in order to give the large concourse the opportunity of greeting their future Sovereign.
OCTOBER.
6.—The Young Company’s yawl Increase was launched from Yarmouth beach at one p.m., with a crew of eight hands, Budds (a pilot), and a Mr. Layton. It went to the assistance of a brig flying a signal of distress. Layton and one of the men remained on board the brig. The yawl, when returning to shore, was capsized in a squall, and seven of the crew drowned. Two, named Brock and Emmerson, swam for their lives. Emmerson sank, but Brock continued swimming until he reached Corton Bay, where he was picked up by a vessel after he had been seven hours in the water and had swum fourteen miles.
10.—The Revising Barristers (Mr. S. Gazelee and Mr. W. A. Collins) commenced an inquiry at Norwich as to the settlement of the new municipal boundaries. On the 13th they announced that they had decided to arrange the city in eight wards, based upon the relative proportions of property and population.
13.—At a convivial meeting at the Three Turks public-house, Charing Cross, Norwich, William Cork, an artisan, was singing “the well-known song written on the death of General Wolfe,” and after repeating the words, “And I to death must yield,” fell down and, to the consternation of the company, instantly expired.
23.—At a meeting held at the Norfolk Hotel, Norwich, under the presidency of Sir Jacob Astley, Bart., M.P., it was agreed that the line of railway most advantageous to Norfolk and Norwich was that proposed by Mr. James Walker, engineer, from Yarmouth to Norwich and thence to Cambridge and London. A similar opinion was expressed at meetings held at Yarmouth on October 30th and at Thetford on November 3rd.
28.—The libraries, works of art, curiosities, &c., of Captain Marryat, C.B., were sold by auction at his residence, Langham, near Holt. “Captain Marryat has broken up his establishment in Norfolk as his devotion to literature will oblige him to reside constantly in London.”
NOVEMBER.
1.—Died at his house, Buckworth, near Romsey, the Right Hon. Earl Nelson, aged 50. He was born at St. Michael-at-Plea, Norwich, and married, in 1821, Frances Elizabeth, daughter and heiress of Mr.
John Maurice, and was succeeded in his titles and estates by his eldest son, Horatio Bolton Nelson, Viscount Trafalgar, aged 12 years.
9.—The schooner Harriet, on her passage from St. Petersburg to Liverpool, was lost, with her crew of eight hands, off Hunstanton. “The wreckage washed ashore was immediately broken up, and part of it converted to private purposes. It is shocking to contemplate the lawless scrambling of the wreckers of this coast to obtain possession of their prey, in which they appear to be encouraged by the conduct of persons whose especial duty it is to prevent rather than to encourage the abominable plunder here carried on.”
14.—Extensive flour mills at Hardingham, occupied by Messrs. Taylor and Tingay, were destroyed by fire.
27.—Mr. Charles Turner, Deputy-Mayor of Norwich, was presented with a piece of plate by the subscribers who had placed his portrait in St. Andrew’s Hall. The portrait was painted by H. P. Briggs, R.A.
DECEMBER.
1.—Messrs. Collins and Gazelee, revising barristers, commenced at Norwich the first revision of the municipal voters’ lists.
7.—A fine male specimen of the sea eagle was shot at Hunstanton Hall. The crop and stomach contained 15 herring; the wings from tip to tip measured 7 ft. 3 in.
9.—Professor Sedgwick commenced his course of lectures on geology at the Norfolk and Norwich Museum. Upwards of 200 new subscribers added their names, in order to have the privilege of attending.
15.—Died at his uncle’s house, Lancaster Place, London, Mr. James Smith, surgeon, son of the manager of Norwich Theatre.
22.—The first general meeting of the proprietors of the East of England Bank was held at the Norfolk Hotel, Norwich, the Mayor (Mr. W. Moore) presiding.
—Forty amateurs de bonne chère presented Mr. William Snow, “the Ude of Norwich,” with a silver gridiron, on the occasion of his 64th birthday.
24.—The new Octagon chapel at Diss was opened. Sermons were preached by the Revs. J. Alexander and J. B. Innes, of Norwich.
26.—The first elections under the new Municipal Reform Act took place at Norwich. The polling commenced at eight polling-places at nine o’clock, and closed at four o’clock, “when the Mayor went round to the different departments and received the boxes from his deputies.” The method of voting was thus described: “The voters delivered to the deputies their signed lists containing the names of the candidates for whom they gave their suffrages. A clerk entered the name of the voter and the candidates in a book, and the list was then deposited in a box by the deputy.” The election resulted in the return of the Whig-Radicals by a majority of eight.
1836.
JANUARY.
1.—The first quarterly meeting of the new City Council was held at the Guildhall, Norwich. Mr. T. O. Springfield was elected Mayor.
4.—The first act of the Yarmouth reformed Town Council was to remove from office the Earl of Orford, Lord High Steward of the borough, and to elect the Earl of Lichfield in his place. The Earl, writing from Wolterton on January 26th, informed the Mayor that the only intimation he had received of his dismissal was through the newspaper paragraph in which it was announced, and added: “The honour which your late Corporation conferred upon me was received with pride and gratitude. My dismissal by the present Corporation confers almost equal honour, upon, Sir, your obedient servant, Orford.”
13.—The Norwich Corporation voted an address to his Majesty, expressing gratitude to him for effecting the moral alterations in the state of his Empire called for by the progress of knowledge, and confidence in his Majesty’s advisers, and promising to make effectual for the general happiness, comfort, and prosperity of the citizens the new Corporation Act, under authority of which they were met together.
22.—Italian opera was produced at Norwich Theatre, under the management of Miss Leslie. The works included “Il Barbiere di Siviligia,” “La Ceverentola,” and “Il Don Giovanni.” The principal artistes were Madame Carri Paltoni, Miss M. A. Leslie, Signor De Val, Signor Paltoni, Signor Giubelli, Signora Cellini, and Signor Tryano. Mr. Schipins was conductor, and Mr. T. Jackson leader.
26.—A meeting was held at the Town Hall, Lynn, to petition Parliament to grant a Committee to enquire into the distresses of agriculture. The High Sheriff (Mr. Hudson Gurney) presided. It was represented that the price of corn and wheat was barely equal to what it was in 1793, while the taxation of the country was three times greater than at that period. The meeting agreed that the prices of agricultural produce be raised to meet existing burdens, or such burdens be lowered to meet existing prices.
FEBRUARY.
1.—Mr. Sheridan Knowles and Miss Elphinstone made their first appearance in a four nights’ engagement at Norwich Theatre, as Master Walter and Julia, in his play “The Hunchback.” They also appeared on ensuing evenings as St. Pierre and Mariana (“The Wife”), Pierre and Velerdera (“Venice Preserved”), William Tell and Emma (“William Tell”), and as Petruchio and Catherine.
7.—Died, aged 71, Mr. Richard Langton, many years librarian at the Public Library, Norwich.
17.—The north segment of North Walsham steeple was blown down. The bells fell in a mass of ruins.
17.—During a heavy gale at Yarmouth the tide overflowed many parts of the Quay, and inundated the houses. The foundations of several buildings fronting the beach were undermined by the water, and the sands presented a scene of devastation and ruin.
20.—A facing of brickwork by which the south side of the Guildhall had been disfigured for more than a century was removed and replaced by a beautiful specimen of flint work and masonry, from designs by Mr. J. Stannard, architect.
21.—Died at Ipswich, aged 64, Mrs. Cockle, daughter of Mr. Charles Roope, of Pulham Market. “She was well-known as the author of some valuable works on female education, and of literary and poetical productions.”
25.—The Northern and Eastern Railway Bill, for making a line from London to Cambridge, and thence to Norwich and Yarmouth, as planned by Mr. James Walker, was read a first time in the House of Commons. It passed the remaining stages, and was read a third time in the House of Lords on July 27th. On February 25th also the Commons Committee on the Eastern Counties Railway Bill determined that the standing orders had been complied with. This Bill was read a first time on March 10th. During that month a deputation from the London directors met the friends and supporters of the line at Norwich, Lynn, and Yarmouth; and on April 14th petitions in favour of the railway were presented in the House of Commons from Norwich by Lord Stormont, and from Yarmouth by Mr. Praed. The second reading was carried by a majority of 74. Mr. Gladstone remarked, in the course of the debate, that the petition from Norwich “had been got up by the foulest means—by means of eating and drinking. Every person who went in and put his name to the petition got a good lunch.” On May 2nd and 3rd Norwich and Norfolk witnesses gave evidence in favour of the Bill, which was read a third time on June 1st. It was announced on July 2nd that the Bill had passed through all stages in both Houses of Parliament.
MARCH.
1.—The new police went on duty for the first time at Norwich. “The 18 new policemen under the superintendence of Mr. Wright appeared for the first time on Tuesday last in an uniform dark blue dress with waterproof capes similar to those worn by the police in London.”
5.—Died at his house in King Street, aged 69, Mr. William Taylor, “a gentleman whose intellectual endowments and extraordinary range of varied acquirements had gained for his name a celebrity which, far from being confined within the walls of his native city, extended itself widely through the world of British, European, and Trans-Atlantic literature. The friend and biographer of Dr. Sayers, the associate of Dr. Southey and other distinguished characters, Mr. Taylor stood pre-eminent for his scholastic and critical knowledge of the great writers of Germany.”
12.*—“The Gas Company of this city (Norwich) have determined to reduce the price to those who consume by meter from 13s. per 1,000 cubic feet to 10s. This reduction will place Norwich in a much better situation than almost any town in the kingdom.”
22.—Five hundred children under seven years of age assembled at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, and underwent the system of examination introduced by Mr. Wilderspin, the originator of infant schools. On April 7th a public meeting was held at the Guildhall, at which it was decided to establish a society to promote the extension of the infant school system in the county and city.
—Died, suddenly, of apoplexy, while hunting with Sir James Flowers’ hounds at Tibenham, Mr. William Chambers, of Norwich, who served the office of Sheriff from Michaelmas, 1834, to January 1st of this year, and was the last Sheriff elected under the old system. Mr. Chambers was in his 45th year.
24.—Died at his house in Bethel Street, Norwich, aged 62, Mr. Robert Hawkes, who was elected Alderman of the Mancroft Ward in 1818, served the office of Sheriff in 1819, and that of Mayor in 1822. In consequence of Mr. Hawkes’ death, the Judges of Assize, whose official lodgings were at his house, were invited by the Very Rev. Dr. Pellew to stay at the Deanery. At the Norfolk Quarter Sessions, on April 8th, the thanks of the county were accorded to Dr. Pellew.
29.—At the Norwich Assizes, before Mr. Justice Gaselee, the case of John Pilgrim was further respited, in consequence of the illness of one of the prosecutors. (There is no further record of this case.)
APRIL.
1.—At the Norfolk Assizes, before Mr. Justice Gaselee, Peter Taylor was found guilty, as an accessary before the fact, of the murder of Mary Taylor, his wife, at Burnham Westgate, on March 12th, 1835. The prosecution arose out of the trial of the women Frarey and Billing, who were executed as principals in the murder. Taylor, who to the last protested his innocence, was hanged on the Castle Hill, Norwich, on April 23rd.
—At the same Assizes, before Mr. Justice Gaselee, John Sucker (23), Thomas Bassett (40), Joseph Bruce (21), Thomas Dawes (25), and James Staines (37) were indicted, Sucker and Bassett for the murder of William Case, on November 30th, 1835, and the other prisoners for aiding and assisting in the commission of the crime while poaching on the lands of Mr. W. L. Jones, at Methwold. They were found guilty and sentenced to death. The jury subsequently delivered to his lordship at the Deanery the following declaration: “Our opinion is that the prisoners were guilty of manslaughter, not murder, and it was our intention so to find had we not been called upon to give our opinion as to the facts.” The execution was deferred for the opinion of the Judges assembled in the Court of Exchequer. On April 23rd Lord Denman stated that the Judges, after hearing counsel on both sides, were of opinion it would not be proper to execute the prisoners for the crime of murder.
2.—A vessel of 500 tons burden, intended for the trade between England and the Mauritius, was launched from the ship-yard of Mr. Richardson, Friars’ Fleet, Lynn.
4.—On the occasion of the presentation of a piece of plate to the Rev. A. Goode, of Terrington St. Clement, 800 villagers accompanied
the deputation, with flags and banners, and “86 young females attending the Sunday School bore branches of laurel.” The plate was borne upon a tray by “two respectable parishioners,” supported by “some emblematical characters, one of whom personated the renowned Tom Hickathrift, the Marshland giant of the olden time, and the bold defender of the ancient rights of Marshland Smeeth. The representative of Hickathrift delivered an appropriate speech.”
8.—At the Norfolk county magistrates’ meeting, Mr. J. Brown was elected Surveyor of the county, and Mr. James Watson surveyor of bridges.
—The Lord Lieutenant of the county, accompanied by Mr. Samuel Bignold, visited the factory of the Norwich Yarn Company. “There are now 300 workmen, upwards of 60 reelers, and about 200 children constantly at work in the establishment, and the labour bill exceeds £200 a week.”
—Francis Widdows, “who was upwards of 50 years leader of the company of singers in St. Mary’s chapel,” died at Doughty’s Hospital, Norwich, in his 80th year.
13.—One hundred and ninety-five emigrants from villages in the neighbourhood embarked at Friars’ Fleet, Lynn, on board the ship Anne, bound for Quebec. Mr. Daniel Gurney distributed among them Bibles, Prayer-books, &c. Large numbers of emigrants left the county during the spring. By May 17th 1,625 had sailed from Yarmouth. From the same port, on May 25th, sailed the Morning Star, with 212 emigrants, chiefly labourers, from Suffolk, and the Brunswick, with 447 agriculturists from East Norfolk. By July 2nd the total number embarked at Yarmouth for Quebec and Port St. Francis on the St. Lawrence was 3,200.
22.—Died, aged 72, at St. John Timberhill, Norwich, Mr. J. P. Cocksedge, who served the office of Sheriff in 1827.
27.—Died, aged 37, “the eccentric and whimsical John Gudgeon, the celebrated shuttle-maker, of Norwich.”
28.—In consequence of the Mayor and Sheriff of Norwich having declined to extend the customary patronage to the Theatre, the performance on this night was under “the immediate patronage of the Conservatives of Norwich.” The pieces produced were “The Rivals” and “The Mayor of Garrat.”
—The three troops of the 6th Inniskilling Dragoons stationed at Norwich Cavalry Barracks, marched on their route to Canterbury and Brighton, and were replaced by three troops of the 17th Lancers from Manchester.
30.*—“The King has been pleased to confer the honour of knighthood on a native of Norwich, Dr. W. J. Hooker, Professor of Botany at Glasgow, and a Companion of the Third Class of the Royal Guelphio Hanoverian Order.”
MAY.
1.—The celebration of May Day, which, from time immemorial, has been observed at Lynn by children parading the streets with garlands of flowers and the sounding of horns, was this year prohibited by the authorities of the borough.
25.—Miss Read, a native of the city, appeared at Norwich Theatre as Belvedera (“Venice Preserved”). “Her performance was marked by talent and feeling very creditable in so young an actress.”
26.—A specimen of the common plant valerian rubra was exhibited at the show of the Norfolk and Norwich Horticultural Society with the following inscription upon the label attached: “This plant was raised from seed found in a cement coffin discovered beneath the ruins of Wymondham Priory church. The period of interment is proved antecedent to 1300.”
31.—Married at Kensington, by the Rev. T. B. Murray, the Rev. George William Murray, of Merton College, Oxford, assistant minister of St. Peter’s, Pimlico, fifth son of Charles Murray, formerly of Norwich, to Marianne, second daughter of Major-General Sir William Douglas, K.C.B., of Timperdean, Roxburghshire.
JUNE.
4.*—“Died lately, aged 68, William Brett, an ingenious and eccentric individual, generally known as ‘Duke Brett,’ of Swaffham, by trade a shoemaker, but a perfect factotum in all manner of handicraft, and a celebrated opium-eater, having for many years consumed large quantities of this drug daily.”
8.—At a meeting of the Norwich Town Council, Capt. Money moved a resolution in favour of the admission of the public to the discussions of that body, “because it would make the members more measured in their language, more careful, and more honest.” Mr. Burt moved a negative resolution, and stated that “if they could not restrain their language in the company of gentlemen of education and respectability, they would not do so in the presence of a school of persons casually admitted.” Capt Money’s motion was negatived.
28.—A meeting of the directors and proprietors of the Norwich Yarn Company was held at the Guildhall, at which it was stated that the factory was incapable of supplying even one-third of the quantity of yarn required for manufacturing purposes in the city and neighbourhood. It was decided that the capital be increased by the creation of 700 additional shares of £100 each. (See December 1st, 1836.)
JULY.
4.—A novel feat of pedestrianism was performed on the Norwich Cricket Ground, in the presence of a great number of spectators. “Sixty yards of cord were wound round a pole one foot in circumference. The pedestrian took the end of the cord and ran round the pole until the whole was off, which was to be completed in the space of four hours, the distance being computed to be 20 miles. The pedestrian, John Baldwin, a native of Norwich, performed the arduous task in less than three and a half hours.”
7.—The Yarmouth Town Council ordered the removal of the Market Cross, upon the petition of certain inhabitants of the borough.
9.*—“Died, lately, Mr. William Read, farmer, of Dumpling Green, East Dereham. His remains were conveyed to the grave by his express desire in one of his waggons, drawn by four of his best horses, of which he prided himself in having the first in the county, and attended by an immense concourse of persons, drawn together by the novelty of the scene.”
—Mr. J. Gotobed, one of the proprietors of the Lynn coach, was fined £50 “for having driven away the coach after it had been seized by his Majesty’s officers of Excise for conveying contraband spirits.”
16.*—“Many hundred tons of oysters have been caught off Cley, where there are very extensive beds, during the last season, and sold to the Kent dealers at less than sixpence a bushel.”
19.—The Sandringham Hall Estate was sold by Mr. W. W. Simpson, at the Auction Mart, London, after a spirited competition, for £76,000. It was the property of Mr. Henry Hoste Henly.
29.—Died at Longford, Derbyshire, Mr. Edward Coke, brother of Mr. T. W. Coke, of Holkham. Mr. Coke for several Sessions represented Derby in Parliament, and was returned for Norfolk in 1807.
AUGUST.
1.—Norwich Theatre was re-opened after thorough renovation. Gas light was used for the first time. Mrs. Yates appeared as Rachael (“The Jewess”), and in the petite comedy, “An Actress of All Work,” in which she sustained six distinct characters. On the 6th Mr. Yates appeared in conjunction with his wife. Norwich Theatre was described as “one of the handsomest, most comfortable, and best lighted of the minor theatres in this kingdom.”
4.—A two-days’ cricket match, between Yorkshire and Norfolk, commenced on the Norwich Ground. Yorkshire won, by 25 runs.
SEPTEMBER.
5.—Died, at his residence on the Castle Ditches, Norwich, in his 89th year, Mr. Robert Ward, who served the office of Sheriff in 1800, and was for upwards of 45 years a member of the Court of Guardians.
13.—A petition by Mr. Samuel Bignold and Mr. William Rackham on the one part, and Mr. T. O. Springfield on the other part, having been presented to the Lord Chancellor relative to the composition of the trustees of the Norwich charities, the matter was argued on this date before the Master in Chancery, who ruled that in composing the list of trustees he would not admit more than four Dissenters out of the 21; further, that in the execution of their official duties, the trustees should be divided into two classes, and that none but those who were members of the Church of England should have a voice in the presentation to any Church living. On December 23rd the Master presented a draft report, stating the composition of the “Church list” and of the “general list.” The former contained eleven selected from the twenty-one names submitted by Messrs. Springfield, Finch, and Willett, and ten from the twenty-one names submitted by Messrs.
Bignold and Rackham. The “general list” contained twelve names submitted by the former and eight by the latter. (See March 18th, 1837.)
20.—The Norwich Musical Festival, “for the benefit of the Norfolk and Norwich and West Norfolk Hospitals, the School for the Indigent Blind, the Eye Infirmary, and the Dispensary,” commenced. The principals were Madame Caradori Allan, Miss Bruce, Miss Rainforth, Mrs. A. Shaw, Miss Tipping, Signora Assandri, Signer Ivanoff, Mr. Hobbs, Mr. Hawking, Mr. H. Phillips, Mr. E. Taylor, and Signor Lablach. Messrs. Cramer and Blagrove were leaders of the band, and Sir George Smart conductor. Miscellaneous concerts were given on the evenings of the 20th, 21st, and 22nd; on the morning of the 21st a selection of sacred music and “The Redemption”; on the 22nd “The Creation” and “The Seventh Day”; and on the 23rd “The Christian’s Prayer” and “Israel in Egypt.” The Festival concluded on the night of the 23rd with a fancy dress ball, at which “masks and dominoes” were prohibited.
—The Wendling Estate, near East Dereham, was sold at Garraway’s, by Mr. Spelman, of Norwich, for £14,000.
29.—A new fire escape, invented by the Rev. Mr. Arthy, of Caistor near Norwich, was exhibited in front of the Union Office, Surrey Street. “It consists of a jointed ladder, the first length 10 ft. and seven others 6 ft. 7 in. long, with a pulley inserted in the head of the first length, over which a chain passes, to one end of which a large basket is attached, and two rollers are affixed to the under side of the top length, to enable the ladder to pass freely over the brickwork, and two ropes are attached to the outer sides of the top, to guide the ladder in raising it, to bring it forward where projections occur, and to keep it from slipping either way. After the ladder is raised to the proper height, the ropes pass under the basket to keep it steady in going up or down. The machine is constructed on a small platform, mounted on wheels, and can be conveyed with great rapidity to any given point.”
OCTOBER.
24.—Ole B. Bull, the Norwegian violinist, appeared at a morning concert held at the Assembly Rooms, Norwich. The vocalists were Mdlle. De Angiole, Signor Curioni, and Mr. Bochisa.
NOVEMBER.
1.—Municipal elections were held for the first time on this date, under the Municipal Reform Act. At Norwich the contests in the eight wards resulted in the return of eight Conservatives and eight Whig-Radicals.
—Died at King’s Lynn, Mr. Joseph Waters, for many years a prominent merchant in that town. “This melancholy event took place owing to a violent fright which he received in the Theatre on that day.”
4.—In the Court of King’s Bench commenced a long course of litigation in which the Corporation of Norwich was concerned. Sir W. Follett applied for a rule to shew cause why a quo warranto should not
be filed calling upon Mr. Thomas Brightwell to show by what authority he claimed to exercise the office of Alderman. It was explained that after the passing of the Municipal Reform Act a certain number of Aldermen were elected for the city. Instead of each being nominated separately, they were all proposed and elected in a batch, which, it was contended, was clearly illegal. The court granted the application. A similar rule was applied for against the Mayor, Mr. Springfield, for, it was argued, if the Aldermen had not themselves been properly elected, they could not elect a Mayor. A rule was also granted in this case. On November 24th the rule was made absolute in the case of Mr. Brightwell, and enlarged in the case of Mr. Springfield. In the Bail Court on the same date Mr. Kelly obtained rules nisi calling upon fourteen persons to show by what authority they took upon themselves to act as Aldermen. On December 19th the Attorney-General applied in the Rolls Court for an injunction to restrain the Mayor and Corporation from defraying out of the municipal funds the expenses incurred in defending the quo warrantos in the Court of King’s Bench, calling upon Messrs. Springfield and Brightwell to show cause by what authority they held the offices, the former of Mayor and the latter of Alderman, as well as the expenses attending the presentation of a petition to the Lord Chancellor to appoint new trustees of the funds of the public charities, the management of which was vested in the Corporation. The bill charged the defendants with applying the Corporation funds wrongfully, in a manner inconsistent with the duties of a Mayor and Corporation, and in direct violation of the provisions of the Municipal Corporation Act, by applying them for the aforesaid purposes, in consequence of certain resolutions to which the corporate body had come. The effect of these resolutions was that the City Treasurer should from time to time pay out of the city funds such sums of money as the committee of the Corporation should deem necessary towards defraying the expenses of the quo warrantos and petition above-named. The defendants put in two demurrers to the bill, and Lord Langdale said he would consider the case before pronouncing judgment. (See January 13th, 1837.)
5.*—“We wish to direct the attention of landowners and farmers in Norfolk to the extraordinary success which has attended the attempt of Mr. R. Crawshay, of Honingham Hall, to cultivate hops in Norfolk. A sample of them may now be seen at Norgate and Co.’s, which competent judges have declared to surpass the growth of any other county in the kingdom. Our agriculturists will be deeply indebted to this gentleman for proving to them that a valuable plant indigenous to the soil may be cultivated with profitable success in Norfolk.”
9.—Mr. Thomas Brightwell was elected Mayor, and Mr. John Bateman appointed Sheriff, of Norwich.
23.—A musical festival took place at Fakenham parish church. “The Messiah” was rendered in the morning, and “Judas Maccabeus” in the evening. The soloists were supplied by the choir of Norwich Cathedral. “Admission, middle aisle, 3s.; other parts, 2s.”
26.*—“The allotment system has been tried on a tolerably large scale in the parish of Attleborough, by Sir John Smyth, Bart., of Woodmarston Hall, Surrey, lord of the manor of Attleborough. The allotments are let at moderate rents, not exceeding the rent of similar
lands in farm, with the addition of the tithes and other charges which are paid by the landlord.”
28.—Sir James Flower’s hounds met at Stow, where the stag was turned off and was taken at Garboldisham Lings, after a run of five hours. The distance from point to point was about eleven miles, but the stag ran at least 40 miles, and the only horsemen up at the finish were the huntsman and first whip.
29.—A severe gale occurred. A large wooden building erected at the Ranelagh Gardens, Norwich, for circus performances, was blown down by the tremendous violence of the wind. “The great oak at Necton, for which the late Mr. William Mason was offered by a shipwright at Lynn, in 1812, 120 guineas, had two arms blown off it, each the size of ordinary timber trees.” Barns and wheat stacks were blown down at Necton, Ashill, West Bradenham, and Beeston. At Carbrooke a windmill, the property of Mr. Robert Homes, was wrecked, and his son killed.
—The Freebridge Lynn Hundred Association for the encouragement of agricultural labourers and servants was formed at a meeting held at the Duke’s Head Inn, Lynn. Sir W. B. ffolkes was elected president; the Rev. C. D. Brereton, of Little Massingham, secretary; and Mr. B. Aldham, treasurer.
DECEMBER.
1.—The directors of the Norwich Yarn Company having obtained the minimum sum necessary for commencing their new works on the ground purchased of Mr. Youngman, the first stone of the new factory was laid on this day. The event was celebrated by a procession in honour of Bishop Blaize, to illustrate the pagan story of Jason’s argonautic expedition to Colchis in search of the Golden Fleece. The last celebration of the kind took place in 1783. The character of Bishop Blaize was impersonated “most appropriately, both as to age and gravity, by Richard Dickerson, comber, who had taken part in the former procession.” Starting from the premises of the company, the procession paraded the principal streets of the city, and halted opposite Mr. Bignold’s house in Surrey Street, where an “oratorical address” was delivered by the senior orator, Edward Warman. At noon the procession arrived at St. Edmund’s, where Mr. Bignold laid the foundation stone, and, in addressing the company, stated that the building about to be erected would be 163 ft. in length, by 42 feet in width, and four storeys high. As the works already in operation afforded employment to 800 people, this mill, which would be one-third larger, would yield employment to 1,200. Upwards of £15,000 had been raised for defraying the cost of the works. The procession afterwards moved by a circuitous route to St. Andrew’s Hall, where the directors entertained 900 persons who had taken part in the proceedings. John Sell Cotman, who had sketched the pageant, announced the issue and sale of folio prints illustrating the event. He stated: “In pure regard of the children of the industrious poor of my native city, I give my labour, with the entire profits of the work.”
10.—The skeleton of a gigantic whale, taken at Plymouth in October, 1831, was exhibited on the Castle Hill, Norwich. It measured 85 feet in length, and was advertised as “The Prince of Whales at Home.”
25.—Christmas Day was ushered in with snowstorms and hailstorms, thunder, and lightning. On the 26th the roads were rendered almost impassable by the drifting snow, which, in some localities, was from ten to twelve feet deep. Soon all vehicular traffic was stopped. The Ipswich mail coach, which should have arrived at Norwich on Christmas Day, did not reach the city until eleven o’clock on the night of the 29th. It was detained at Thwaite Duke’s Head, whence the letter bags were despatched in the charge of mounted messengers. One of the passengers, Capt. Petre, undertook to walk to Norwich, a distance of twenty-eight miles; he arrived in the city on the 28th, and thence proceeded on his journey to Westwick House. The Newmarket mail could get no further than Bury St. Edmund’s, and all other public vehicles were delayed. On the Dereham, Fakenham, and other turnpikes gangs of labourers were employed to remove the snowdrifts. There were many shipping casualties on the Norfolk coast. Such severe weather had not been experienced since 1799. The thaw commenced in the middle of January, 1837, and high floods occurred in the neighbourhood of Norwich and in other localities.
26.—Ryan’s Royal Circus was opened for the season in a large wooden building erected at the Ranelagh Gardens, Norwich, by Mr. Bunn.