1880.
JANUARY.
17.—Died at St. Giles’ Street, Norwich, in his 63rd year, Mr. Arthur Morris Foster Morgan, surgeon. He was third son of Mr. Richard Morgan, actuary of the Norwich Union Life Insurance Society, and after completing his professional studies was appointed medical-officer of the Norwich Dispensary, a post which he relinquished on entering into private practice. Mr. Morgan was president of the Board of Directors of the Norwich Equitable Fire Insurance Company, and held several other public appointments. For twenty years he was a member of the Corporation, and for some time was an alderman of the city. In polities he was a Liberal.
FEBRUARY.
12.—Died at his residence, Stradsett Hall, near Downham Market, Sir William Bagge, Bart., M.P. One of twins born on June 17th, 1810, he was a son of Mr. Thomas Philip Bagge, and priority of birth entitled him to the family estates, to which he succeeded on the death of his father, on June 30th, 1827. In 1833 he married Frances, fourth daughter of Sir Thomas Preston, Bart., of Beeston Hall, and two years after made his entry into public life by acceding to a request to contest the Parliamentary representation of West Norfolk, which had hitherto been in undisturbed possession of the Whigs. In this first attempt to break down the political monopoly exercised in the division Mr. Bagge was unsuccessful; three years subsequently, however, he and Mr. Chute were returned. In 1841 he and his colleague were returned unopposed. In 1847 the Liberals made another attempt, and succeeded in electing one of their candidates, the Hon. E. K. Coke, but were unable to displace Mr. Bagge from his position. In 1852 Mr. Bagge was joined by Mr. G. W. P. Bentinck, and the contest resulted in an easy victory over Mr. Hamond. It was deemed advisable by both sides in 1857 to have a compromise, and Mr. Bagge, “from private reasons, and a desire not to disturb the peace of the county,” retired to make room for Mr. Gurdon, who, with Mr. Bentinck, thereafter represented the division. At the General Election in 1865 the Conservatives resolved to take the entire representation, and Mr. Bentinck’s state of health not allowing him to undertake the fatigue of a contest, Mr. Bagge was asked to come forward with the Hon. T. de Grey. The result was a large increase of Conservative strength and the return of both candidates. In 1867 the honour of a baronetcy was conferred upon Mr. Bagge, in recognition of his valuable political services. Sir William was succeeded by his eldest son, William Henry Ernest, who was born in 1840.
14.—A public meeting was held at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, for the purpose of making known in the county the aims and objects of the Farmers’ Alliance. Mr. Henry Birkbeck presided, and it was asserted that the society was non-political. “Everything passed smoothly until the hon. member for South Norfolk, Mr. C. S. Read, ventured to take a different view from that of preceding speakers, and he was subjected to persistent interruption by certain well-known Liberal politicians.” Mr. J. Howard, president of the Alliance, and Mr. J. W. Barclay, M.P. for Forfarshire, were among the speakers.
17.—Two monster pike were captured in private waters in the county. One, taken by Mr. Joseph English, of Upper St. Giles’ Street, Norwich, weighed 30½ lbs., and measured from the nose to the fork of the tail nearly 46 inches; its girth was 24 inches, and the length of its head 13 inches. The other, killed by Mr. Frank Thorns, of Exchange Street, Norwich, was 47 inches in length, and 27 inches in girth; its head from the tip of the lower jaw to the edge of the gill covers was 13½ inches.
21.—Died at Yarmouth, Mr. James Henry Orde. He was born in Jersey, graduated at Oriel College, Oxford, and was appointed a clerk in the War Office through the influence of his uncle, Lord Raglan. Mr. Orde was appointed private secretary to General Peele, Secretary of State for War, and held that office until 1859, when he went to Yarmouth, and devoted himself to public affairs in that town. He married Margaret Barclay, fourth daughter of Mr. Daniel Gurney, of North Runcton.
24.—Died at Ber Street, Norwich, Mr. Samuel Richardson, aged 73. He was well-known in scientific circles as a geologist and antiquary, and as a contributor to various periodicals.
25.—Died at his residence, the Upper Close, Norwich, Dr. Edward Copeman. For nearly half a century he occupied a prominent position in the medical profession of East Anglia. The eldest son of Mr. Edward Breese Copeman, merchant, he was born at Great Witchingham on December 26th, 1809, and was educated at Trunch Grammar School, then conducted by the Rev. W. Rees. He became a pupil of Mr. Arthur Brown, of Norwich, on whose death he was transferred to Mr. J. G. Crosse; he subsequently studied at St. George’s Hospital, London, and became M.R.C.S. and L.A.C. in 1832. Soon afterwards he was elected house-surgeon of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, which institution he left to enter into general practice with Mr. W. Taylor, at Coltishall. In 1848 he returned to Norwich, and, having graduated as M.D. at Aberdeen University, established himself in consulting practice. Dr. Copeman was afterwards elected a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons, became a member of the Royal College of Physicians, and in 1871 was made a Fellow of that body. In 1851 he was elected physician of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital; he was also physician to the Norwich Eye Infirmary, the Norwich Magdalen, and the Lying-in Charity, and was one of the founders of the Jenny Lind Infirmary for Sick Children, of which institution he was the first physician. Dr. Copeman was a magistrate of the city and a trustee of Doughty’s Hospital. A frequent contributor to the medical literature of the day, he was the author of several standard works, among which were “A Treatise on Apoplexy,” “Records of Obstetric Practice,” “Illustrations of Puerperal Fever,” “Cerebral Diseases of Infancy,” “A History of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital,” &c.
MARCH.
6.—A disastrous fire occurred at New Buckenham, in a range of shops and private houses. Damage was done to the amount of £3,000.
8.—Mr. William Amhurst Tyssen-Amherst was returned unopposed as the representative of the division of West Norfolk, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Sir William Bagge, Bart., M.P.
16.—At a meeting of the Norwich Town Council, the Town Clerk reported the receipt of a letter from the Home Office, informing him that the old City Gaol had been sold for £7,505, and that, in accordance with the provisions of the Prisons Act, the sum of £1,984 0s. 5d. was due from that amount to the Corporation.
29.—Mr. Charles Dillon, “one of the few living actors of the old school” commenced a twelve nights’ engagement at Norwich Theatre. He was supported by Miss Bella Mortimer. Among the plays produced were “Richelieu,” “Othello,” “The Merchant of Venice,” “The Gamester,” “Much Ado about Nothing,” and “Macbeth.” The last-named tragedy was performed on Saturday, April 10th, on which occasion Mr. Dillon made his final appearance on the Norwich stage. (See June 24th, 1881.)
30.—The nomination of candidates for the representation of Norwich took place. The nominees were Mr. J. J. Column and Mr. J. H. Tillett (liberals), sad Mr. Henry Harben, of Seaford Lodge, Hampstead, and the Hon. F. W. B. Massey-Mainwaring, 30, Grosvenor Place, London (Conservatives). The potting on the 31st resulted as follows: Colman, 6,549; Tillett, 6,512; Harben, 5,242; Massey-Mainwaring 5,032.
31.—Sir Robert Jacob Buxton, Bart., and Mr. Clare Sewell Read (Conservatives), and Mr. Robert Thornhagh Gurdon (Liberal) were nominated candidates for the representation of South Norfolk. The polling took place on April 6th, and the counting of the ballot-papers was proceeded with at the Shirehall, Norwich, on the 7th. “The result of the first count was a dead heat between Mr. Read and Mr. Gurdon, the numbers for both being 2,906. Mr. Read’s agent demanded a second count, and on the clerks going through the papers, one of them discovered a voting-paper for Buxton and Read, on the back of which the voter, in distinct violation of the Ballot Act, had inscribed his name. The rejection of this paper made the numbers as between Mr. Read and Mr. Gurdon 2,905 and 2,906. Thus the seat was lost by one vote, and the official return was made as follows; Buxton, 2,917; Gurdon, 2,906; Read, 2905.” A proposed petition against the return of Mr. Gurdon was abandoned.
APRIL.
3.—Sir E. H. K. Lacon, Bart., and Mr. Edward Birkbeck were returned unopposed for the division of North Norfolk.
4.—The funeral took place at Langham of William Nelson, who died at the age of 101 years 4 months.
8.—Mr. Kay, Q.C., was appointed third Chairman of the Norfolk Court of Quarter Sessions.
—King’s Lynn election took place, and resulted as follows: Sir W. ffolkes (Liberal), 1,286; the Hon. R. Bourke (Conservative), 1,257; Lord Claud J. Hamilton (Conservative), 1,192; Mr. Frank Lockwood (Liberal), 1,151.
9.—Polling took place in the Western Division of Norfolk, and resulted as follows: Mr. William Amhurst Tyssen-Amherst, 2,671; Mr. G. Bentinck, 2,433; Mr. Anthony Hamond, 2,304.
10.—Mr. Thomas Johnson Seppings, of Wormegay Grange, Mayor of King’s Lynn, died suddenly when presiding at a meeting of a Committee of the Corporation, held at the Town Hall. Mr. Seppings was in his 69th year.
14.—Lord Walsingham was elected second Chairman of Swaffham Quarter Sessions, in place of Sir William Bagge, deceased.
23.—Mr. Bret Harte, the celebrated American author, delivered, at Noverre’s Rooms, Norwich, a lecture descriptive of early Californian life, entitled, “The Argonauts of ’49.”
MAY.
3.—The Norwich City Asylum, at Hellesdon, built by Messrs. Cornish and Gaymer, from plans by Mr. R. M. Phipson, was formally handed over to the Committee of Visitors by the contractors. The wards were designed for the accommodation of 311 patients, and the total cost of the Asylum, including land (£1,841), and building (£48,708) was £62,159.
15.*—[Advt.] “The Erpingham Coach-and-Four is now running every Tuesday and Saturday, calling at the several parishes on the way. Times and fares can be had at the Maid’s Head Hotel, Norwich, the starting-place.”
17.—The Annual Moveable Committee of the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows commenced its proceedings at King’s Lynn, and was attended by 400 delegates.
19.—The Duke of Edinburgh arrived at Yarmouth, in the discharge his duties as Admiral-Superintendent of Naval Reserves and Coastguards. In the evening his Royal Highness attended a ball given by the officers of the Prince of Wales’ Own Norfolk Artillery Militia, and left Yarmouth on the 21st.
21.—A meeting was held at the Royal Hotel, Norwich, under the presidency of the Mayor (Mr. H. Bullard), in furtherance of the proposed new line of railway between Lynn, Fakenham, and Norwich. Mr. Walrond Smith, C.E., stated the details of the scheme, and a committee was appointed to promote the progress of a Bill before Parliament. The Corporation of Norwich had previously presented a petition against the railway, but, on the promoters giving an undertaking to construct a new road from Barn Road to a point in St. Martin-at-Oak Street, to be carried over the Wensum by a bridge, the Town Council, on May 26th, consented to the withdrawal of the petition. Before the end of the year a more elaborate scheme was submitted by the promoters, who suggested an extension of the line beyond the intended terminus at North Heigham. It was to cross the Wensum and pass beneath the Fakenham and Aylsham turnpikes to the hamlet of Pockthorpe, to be again carried over the river near Bishop Bridge, and to pass through the Lower Close and St. Faith’s Lane to the Prince of Wales Road, where it was proposed to erect a central station for the accommodation of passengers, goods, and cattle. Application was made to the Corporation to contribute £50,000 towards the cost of the land required for this undertaking. The matter was considered at a meeting of the Town Council on December 21st, when the proposals generally, and the suggested contribution in particular, were ridiculed. The Dean of Norwich, on behalf of the Cathedral body and the inhabitants of the Close, wrote an indignant protest against the contemplated intrusion upon their privacy and injury to their property. The subject was referred to the Parliamentary and Bylaws Committee, who, in due course, condemned the scheme. (See March 31st, 1882.)
24.—The Sheriff of Norwich (Mr. Philip Back) revived the observance of the Queen’s birthday, a custom which had been in abeyance for some years, by giving a grand ball at St. Andrew’s Hall.
27.—The headquarters of the 6th Inniskilling Dragoons arrived at Norwich Cavalry Barracks.
JUNE.
3.—At a meeting of the Norwich Board of Guardians, a series of resolutions and amendments on the subject of the Boys’ Home and the education and industrial training of pauper children was considered. Mr. Daynes moved that from and after June 24th the Boys’ Home in St. Faith’s Lane be discontinued, and the boys transferred to the Workhouse, and that the Home be offered for sale. Canon Copeman moved that it was desirable to provide education and industrial training for the children of the poor apart from the Workhouse. The amendment was adopted by 24 votes against 12.
3.—The centenary anniversary of the Yarmouth Monthly Book Club was celebrated by a dinner held at the Crown and Anchor Hotel. “In former days the custom was for each member present at the dinner to propose the health of a lady. The society was promoted by the Rev. Richard Turner, afterwards vicar of the parish, who, at the first meeting, was elected honorary secretary, and held that office fifty years. He was succeeded by Dr. G. Penrice, who was followed by the Rev. Mark Waters, B.A., in 1841. After the decease of that gentleman, in 1864, the business was conducted by the Rev. Bowyer Vaux, who, five years ago, resigned, and was succeeded by Mr. J. F. Waters. The club is remarkable for its age, for having had during its century of existence only five secretaries, and for being still as flourishing as it was in its early years.”
12.—A special meeting of the Norwich Diocesan Conference, summoned by requisition, was held at Noverre’s Rooms, Norwich, to consider the Burials Bill introduced by the Government. The Conference adopted resolutions protesting against the principle of the Bill, and suggesting certain amendments thereto, the chief of which were that its provisions should not extend to the consecrated parts of cemeteries nor to churchyards to which land had been added by living donors, and that the permissive clause as to the modification of services be omitted.
14.—Died at North Runcton, Mr. Daniel Gurney, in his 90th year. He was for many years senior partner in the Lynn and district banks of Messrs. Gurney and Co. Mr. Gurney was a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries, and wrote some useful essays on banking and “A Record of the House of Gurney,” printed for private circulation. He was a magistrate and Deputy Lieutenant for the county, and served the office of High Sheriff in 1858.
15.—Died at St. Leonard’s Precincts, Mousehold, Norwich, Mr. John Henry Druery, of the Middle Temple, barrister-at-law. He was a member of the Antiquarian Society of London, of the Norfolk and Norwich Archæological Society, membre de la Société Française d’Archæologie, &c.
—At a meeting of the Norwich Town Council, the corporate seal was affixed to an agreement between the Ecclesiastical Commissioners for England and the Corporation, for carrying into effect the arrangement made in 1866 with the Dean and Chapter of Norwich for conveying Mousehold Heath to the Corporation for the purpose of public pleasure grounds. The proposal met with strenuous opposition from the inhabitants of Pockthorpe, who claimed the Heath as the property of themselves and their successors, and asserted that while they were entitled to the rents, rights, and profits, the Ecclesiastical Commissioners had no title whatever. (See June 21st, 1881.)
16.—The Summer Show of the Norfolk Agricultural Association was held at Downham Market, and was continued on the 17th. Mr. H. Villebois was president.
27.—The celebration of the centenary of the Sunday School movement originated practically by Robert Raikes, the newspaper editor, of Gloucester, commenced at Norwich with a special service at the Cathedral and children’s services at the parish churches. The proceedings of the week closed on July 1st. The centenary was celebrated throughout the county.
JULY.
1.—Colonel Black, Chief Constable of Norfolk, resigned his appointment, and received from the magistrates the highest superannuation allowance permitted by law. On September 23rd Mr. Paynton Pigott, who, for six years, had been Deputy Chief Constable, was elected to the vacant post. Colonel Black, on his retirement, was presented with valuable testimonials by the magistrates and the constabulary.
10.—A fifty miles walking match, for £20 a side, took place at the Hop-pole Gardens, Norwich, between George Parry, winner of O’Leary’s champion belt of the world, at Chicago, and William Clarke, the Norfolk champion. Heavy rainstorms occurred during the day, and at times the track was flooded. Clarke left the path after completing 40 miles, and Parry, who was three miles ahead, also retired.
14.—The Duke of Norfolk visited Norwich, and presided at an influential meeting held at St. Andrew’s Hall, on behalf of the Eastern Counties’ Asylum for Idiots. The principal streets of the city were decorated in honour of the visit, peals were rung upon the bells of St. Peter Mancroft, and his Grace was received at the hall by the Mayor (Mr. Harry Bullard), the Sheriff (Mr. Philip Back), the Deputy Mayor. (Mr. J. D. Smith), and other civic dignitaries. The Mayor presented to the Duke an address of welcome, adopted on the previous day by the Town Council, and afterwards entertained his Grace and 200 guests at a déjeuner.
17.—The Norfolk Chamber of Agriculture adopted a resolution, moved by Mr. C. S. Read, expressing satisfaction with the steps taken by the Government for the repeal of the Malt Tax by the substitution of a beer duty, “as repeatedly recommended by the chamber.”
22.—Died at Munich, three weeks after her arrival there from London, Madame Anna Caroline de Belleville Oury, one of the most distinguished pianists of her time.
24.—The 3rd and 4th Battalions of Norfolk Rifle Volunteers went into camp at Great Yarmouth, under the command of Lieut.-Colonel Bulwer and Lieut.-Colonel Gurdon, M.P. The total number of men under canvas was 1,301.
27.—The Norwich Town Council, on the motion of Mr. George White, adopted the following resolution: “Several months having elapsed since this Council requested the Parliamentary and Bylaws Committee to consider the legal position in which the Corporation stands with the British Gaslight Company, and, considering the enormous interests at stake, the Council urges upon the Committee the necessity of at once reporting as to what steps, if any, they advise to be taken, in order to relieve the citizens from the unjust and unnecessary burdens imposed upon them through the extravagant charge made for gas.” The Committee were also instructed “to take into consideration the question of electric lighting, as lately adopted by several corporations.” (See August 30th, 1881.)
27.—A grand bazaar was held in Holkham Park, in aid of the restoration fund of Wells church. The proceedings realised a profit of £845.
28.—Died at Castle Rising, the Hon. Theophilus Howard, second son of Charles John, Earl of Suffolk and Berkshire. Mr. Howard entered into possession of the estate of Castle Rising at the close of 1876, having received it by deed of gift from Mrs. Howard, of Ashstead. By his succession this property, which came into the possession of the Howard family in 1545, again reverted to the Suffolk and Berkshire line, from which it was separated by the death of Henry, twelfth Earl of Suffolk and Berkshire, in the year 1779. Mr. Howard married Lady Audrey Townshend, youngest daughter of the Marquis Townshend, in 1873, and left two sons and two daughters. He was called to the Bar in 1863, and in 1873 was appointed a Commissioner in Lunacy, a post which he resigned in 1878. “He was the first of the great Howard family who made Castle Rising his permanent residence and home, for though the estate had been possessed by the Howards since 1545 it was always as a political occupation when Castle Rising was a Parliamentary borough, or as a temporary residence for the shooting. Consequently, through the long period of 335 years not one of the family is known to have died there, and certainly none, with the exception of Mr. Howard, have been buried in the parish church or churchyard.”
AUGUST.
9.—At the Norwich Police Court, William Davies, of the Army Hospital Corps, Henry Pritchard, and William Solly, privates in the 6th Inniskilling Dragoons, and Staff-Sergt. Alexander W. Browne, Army Hospital Corps, were charged with attempting to kill and murder John Smith, a private of the 17th Regiment of Foot, at the Cavalry Barracks, on August 3rd. Smith had been left in the military hospital by a detachment of the 17th, who had handed the barracks over to the Inniskillings. Smith was suffering from a loathsome disease, and it was alleged that the orderlies of the dragoons and Davies, who had charge of him, with the cognisance of Browne, stuffed up the fireplace of the ward with straw, closed the windows and door, and placed plates of burning sulphur upon the floor, for the purpose of suffocating him. The man died a few days subsequently from the effects of the disease from which he was suffering. The prosecution alleged two motives against the prisoners—first, that some of them were interested in a will made by Smith in their favour, and, secondly, that they were desirous of getting rid of an unpleasant patient. After several remands, the prisoners were committed for trial at the Assizes. The case was heard before the Lord Chief Justice on November 12th, when the jury acquitted the prisoners. Sergt. Browne was shortly afterwards promoted to the post of Acting Sergt.-Major in the Army Hospital Corps at the North Camp, Aldershot, and headmaster of the 3rd District Station Hospital.
16.—Mr. Traverner’s English Opera Company commenced a six nights’ engagement at Norwich Theatre, in the opera of “Martha.” The company included Miss Annette Albu, Mdlle. Joyce-Maas, Mr. Michael Dwyer, Mr. William Parkinson, and Madame Arabella Smythe.
—The annual meeting of the National Association of Architects commenced at Norwich. Visits were made to different parts of the county, for the inspection of the church architecture of the district.
30.—The extension of the East Norfolk Railway from Aylsham to Cawston was inspected by General Hutchinson, and was opened for public traffic on September 1st.
31.—The Norwich Town Council received a report from a special committee recommending a scheme for repairing the main streets of the city with wood, at the cost of £19,284. The scheme was adopted on September 15th. On October 13th Mr. Arnold Taylor, an Inspector of the Local Government Board, held an inquiry at the Guildhall as to an application by the Corporation for powers to borrow £30,300 for street improvements and wood paving. It was stated that of the amount named, £25,000 would be required for the latter work. The Town Clerk reported, on November 16th, that the Local Government Board had sanctioned a loan of £25,000, repayable with interest within a period not exceeding twelve years. (See January 22nd, 1883.)
SEPTEMBER.
3.—The Grantully Castle steamship, with Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone on board, arrived in Yarmouth Roads. Mr. J. J. Colman, M.P., and several members of the local Liberal party put off in the steam-tug Meteor, and boarded the steamer. Mr. A. Peaton read to the right hon. gentleman an address, conveying to him the congratulations of the Liberal party in Yarmouth upon his recovery from his recent severe illness. Mr. Gladstone, who had most cordially received the deputation, returned thanks in a characteristic speech.
—The staff of the Anchor Brewery, Norwich, to the number of 650, were conveyed by special train to the Alexandra Palace, by invitation of the head of the firm, Mr. Harry Bullard, Mayor of the city.
17.—Died at the Bedford Hotel, Brighton, aged 84, the Right Hon. Sir Fitzroy Edward Kelly, Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer Division of the High Court of Justice. He was elected High Steward of Norwich, an office which was abolished by the Municipal Reform Act. Sir Fitzroy received three years’ annuity to January 1st, 1839, and a life pension of £48 a year.
18.—The appointment was announced of Dr. Horace Hill as chorus-master of the Norwich Festivals.
21.—The Norwich Town Council appointed Dr. Bunnett City Organist, at the salary of £50 per annum.
26.—Died at Aylsham, in his 86th year, Mr. Robert William Parmeter, who held the office of Clerk of the Peace for the county of Norfolk from 1842 to 1868, when he was succeeded by Mr. Charles Foster.
27.—Died at Fawley Court, Buckinghamshire, Mr. Edward Mackenzie, aged 69. He was a member of a family who were largely identified with railway enterprises, especially in France, where he resided sixteen years. Mr. Mackenzie’s connection with Norfolk and Suffolk began in 1869, when he purchased the estates of Thetford and Santon-Downham. “He is best remembered by the public for his foundation of the British Orphan Asylum at Slough.”
OCTOBER.
5.—A meeting of the Wells and Fakenham Turnpike Trustees was held at Wells, for the purpose of letting the toll-gates for a term of eleven months expiring on November 1st, 1881. The trust would have ceased in 1876, but Mr. E. B. Loynes, clerk to the trustees, was instructed to attend a Select Committee of the House of Commons, to give information on the subject. This resulted in a further period of five years being granted, and certain restrictions and conditions were imposed to be observed by the trustees. It was only in 1824 an Act was obtained for making this road. “Under no conditions, however, can the trust be maintained beyond November 1st, 1881, and therefore after that date the Wells and Fakenham Turnpike Trust will be a thing of the past.”
11.—Died at Unthank’s Road, Norwich, the Rev. John Hallett, aged 57, for twenty-four years minister of the Old Meeting House.
18.—The “Caste” Company, under the management of Messrs. Robertson and Bruce, commenced a farewell engagement at Norwich Theatre. Miss Cora Stuart (Mrs. T. W. Robertson) made her first appearance on the Norwich stage.
22.—A new organ, erected at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, by Messrs. Bryceson Bros. and Ellis, Charlton Works, Islington, was formally handed over by Mr. Hugh Barclay, on behalf of the subscribers, to the Mayor (Mr. Harry Bullard). The organ and its accessories cost £1,874. The receipts amounted to £1,841, and Mr. R. A. Gorell made up the deficiency by handing in a cheque for £35. Dr. Bridge, organist of Westminster Abbey, Dr. Bennett, and Dr. Gladstone played selections upon the new instrument, and the Mayor entertained the large company present on the occasion. The public opening of the organ took place on the 23rd, when Dr. Bunnett gave the first recital of his annual series.
26.—Died at Lowestoft, Mr. John Bathurst Graver-Browne, of Morley Hall, aged 43. He was a son of Mr. John Graver-Browne, by his wife Frances Bathurst, granddaughter of the Bishop of Norwich, and married, in 1871, Frances Julia, daughter of Sir Henry Stracey, Bart. Mr. Graver-Browne was a magistrate and Deputy Lieutenant of the county, and served the office of High Sheriff in 1873.
29.—A dreadful disaster occurred at Wells-next-the-Sea. The Eliza Adams lifeboat, manned by thirteen men, capsized while going to a ship in distress, and eleven of the crew were drowned. Great public sympathy was expressed, and to the fund inaugurated for the relief of the bereaved families the Royal National Lifeboat Institution contributed £1,000.
NOVEMBER.
4.—Chapel Field, Norwich, renamed Chapel Field Gardens, was re-opened for the use of the public. This hitherto neglected area had been tastefully laid out as a garden, and in the centre was erected the wrought-iron pavilion manufactured by Messrs. Barnards and Bishop, and exhibited by them four years previously at the Philadelphia Exhibition. It was designed by Mr. T. Jeckyll, and purchased for the city by public subscription. The Mayor (Mr. Harry Bullard) performed the opening ceremony, and after the band of the 6th Inniskilling Dragoons had played the National Anthem, his worship entertained a large company to luncheon at the Drill Hall.
—The Norwich Diocesan Conference commenced its sittings at Noverre’s Rooms, Norwich, under the presidency of the Lord Bishop. The proceedings concluded on the 5th.
—Died at Tasburgh, Mr. Ernest H. Willett, only son of Mr. Henry Willett, of Norwich. He was a well-known cricketer, and although he fell away from the early promise of his Radley days, did good service as captain of the county eleven. With Mr. H. Birkbeck, jun., and the Rev. H. W. Turner, Mr. Willett resuscitated the County Club, which played its first match with Essex, at Brentwood, on July 28th and 29th, 1876.
9.—Mr. Samuel Grimmer was elected Mayor, and Dr. Eade appointed Sheriff of Norwich.
14.—Died at Stow Hall, Downham Market, Sir Thomas Leigh Hare, Bart. Born July 18th, 1807, he was formerly captain in the 2nd Life Guards, and afterwards captain in the West Norfolk Militia. A magistrate and a Deputy Lieutenant for Norfolk, he had served the office of High Sheriff.
18.—The annual exhibition of the Norfolk and Norwich Christmas Show Association opened at the Drill Hall and Chapel Field, Norwich, and was attended by the Patron, the Prince of Wales, who arrived from Horstead Hall, where he had been staying as the guest of Mr. Edward Birkbeck. His Royal Highness, after leaving the show, was entertained to luncheon by Mr. and Mrs. Colman, at Carrow House. The Prince, before returning to Horstead, inspected the various departments at Carrow Works.
20.*—“A final dividend of 9½d. in the pound is announced in connection with the bankruptcy of Messrs. Harvey and Hudsons, bankers, Norwich, who failed for upwards of £1,700,000, in July, 1870. The total return to the creditors has been 14s. 3½d. in the pound.” (See December 3rd.)
22.—The Prince and Princess of Wales arrived at Melton Constable, on a visit to Lord and Lady Hastings. Their Royal Highnesses left on November 26th.
—The dead body of Henry Jonathan Minns, lay clerk at Norwich Cathedral, and a well-known local tenor, was discovered suspended by the neck upon a ladder in the presbytery triforium over St. Luke’s chapel at the Cathedral. At the adjourned inquest, held on the 26th, the jury returned a verdict to the effect that deceased committed suicide while of unsound mind. On the same day “a special service of humiliation” was held at the Cathedral, when an address was delivered by the Dean.
23.—The Duke of Edinburgh arrived at Didlington Hall, on a visit to Mr. W. A. Tyssen-Amherst, M.P., and left on the 26th. His Royal Highness was engaged in the inspection of the Coastguard and Naval Reserves on the East Coast.
24.—A special choral service, in aid of the Choir Benevolent Fund, was held at Norwich Cathedral. Members of the choirs of her Majesty’s Chapels Royal, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Ely, Norwich, and Peterborough Cathedrals, Eton College, and St. George’s Chapel, Windsor, took part, and the sermon was preached by the Rev. Dr. Swainson, Canon of Chichester.
29.—The bells of Blofield church were re-opened, after re-hanging by the Redenhall firm of bell-founders—Captain Moore, Mr. Gervas Holmes, M.A., of Emanuel College, Cambridge, and Mr. Mackenzie, C.E.
—The Conservative party at Lynn presented to Lady Hamilton, wife of Lord Claud J. Hamilton, a valuable diamond bracelet, and congratulated his lordship, who formerly represented the borough, upon his election for Liverpool.
DECEMBER.
3.—Application was made in the Rolls Court for leave to bring an action in connection with the Harvey and Hudsons bankruptcy. It was alleged that a certain asset of the firm (a life interest on property which had been sold by Mr. E. K. Harvey to his brother, Sir Robert) was disposed of for a sum far below its value; Messrs. Boswell and Baxter, wine merchants, who were creditors of Messrs. Harvey and Hudsons, claimed that the matter should be re-opened and re-adjusted. Divested of technicalities, the claim of the plaintiffs, who sued for themselves and other creditors of Sir R. J. Harvey’s joint and separate estates, was to have the purchase of the life interest by the defendants set aside, and to have the benefit of the policies effected, and payment of the income arising from the life interest which had been already received by the defendants, after allowance had been made for the purchase-money and interest of the premiums paid on the policies; and also the costs of the suit. The Master of the Rolls granted the application to December 9th. (See December 7th, 1882.)
8.—Trinity Wesleyan chapel, Dereham, the foundation-stone of which was laid in the month of April, was opened for public worship. The work, executed from designs by Mr. Edward Boardman, architect, Norwich, cost, inclusive of minister’s house, &c., £3,400.
15.—A new warehouse, erected at the cost of many thousands of pounds, at Lynn docks, and stored with large quantities of cotton seed, belonging to different merchants, was destroyed by fire. The damage was estimated at £15,000.
18.—At a meeting of the Executive Committee of the county of Norfolk, held at the Shirehall, Norwich, the Chairman (Mr. C. S. Read) reported an alarming outbreak of foot-and-mouth diseases affecting 1,754 cattle, 1,640 sheep, and 66 pigs. (See February 28th, 1881.)
24.—The Christmas pantomime produced at Norwich Theatre by Messrs. Herbert and Collingwood was entitled, “Robinson Crusoe and Harlequin Billee Taylor, or Man Friday among the Afghans.” This was the last Christmas pantomime performed at the Theatre. At Messrs. John Sanger and Son’s Circus, on December 27th, was produced, “Little Red Riding Hood, the Wicked Wolf, and the Princess’s Fairy Garden Party.”