1835.
Jan. 8th, contains the following account of the election:—
“It is with feelings of the deepest sorrow that we announce that our late members, Messrs. Anson and Rumbold, are ousted from the representation. We said last week that nothing but the most gross and unblushing bribery could possibly unseat these gentlemen, and these means have been had recourse to, to an unprecedented extent. Messrs. Baring and Praed are returned, not by the free and independent voice of the people, but by a bought majority, bought by means most disgraceful both to giver and receiver, although we cannot help thinking that the larger portion of disgrace attaches to the former—for what can be more discreditable, what can be more contrary to the high honour which ought to distinguish the gentleman, than to take advantage of the poor freeman, and by (in this instance doubly accursed) gold to make him forfeit his solemn promises? Do our opponents ask for proofs of this? We have them in the infamous system of cooping (a system which we had hoped was confined to a neighbouring city, but which has been now imported into this till now uncorrupt borough), which has been with a bold unblushing front carried on to a large extent in certain houses in the town. We have them in the number of freemen who were to be seen on both election days coming up to the Red booth with Blue colours in their hats, and in the madness of infuriating drink, flinging them in the face of and grossly abusing a highly respected and respectable fellow townsman of ours, while at the same time they recorded their votes for Messrs. Baring and Praed. We have it in the fact that four sovereigns, with a promise of as much more, and £2 10s., with a like promise, were given to two poor freemen of the names of Boyce and Stevenson, to induce them to vote for the Reds, but who, with a truly noble spirit that cannot be too highly appreciated, brought the money into their hands to the Blue booth, and then polled for Messrs. Anson and Rumbold. But, unfortunately for the good cause, these glorious examples were not generally followed. The Red Leaders took good care for the most part of their deluded and purchased victims, by plying them with drink, keeping them in strong hold, &c., to allow them to return to the paths of rectitude. We do think that the feelings of our late members are rather to be envied by those of the present, the former having lost with honour, the latter owing their election not to the feeling of the town (that we confidently say, without fear of contradiction, is with Messrs. Anson and Rumbold), but to the exercise of the most abominable and venal means to effectuate it. If anything like the sums which we have heard mentioned have been expended in this shameful warfare of gold against principle, our opponents may truly say with one of yore, ‘another such victory will ruin us!’ The most active measures are being had recourse to (and may they be successful) either by substantiating the individual instances of bribery, which we know have to a great extent taken place to oust the members from those seats which they so unjustly obtained by bad means, manifestly against the feeling and real wishes of the town to oust Messrs. Baring and Praed from the ill-earned honours so surreptitiously procured for them, or at any rate to make the guilty individual perpetrators pay the penalty of such acts!”
“The nomination of the candidates took place at the Guildhall, on hustings erected outside. The Town Clerk (S. Tolver, Esq.) having read the precept, the Mayor, in a loud voice, requested a patient hearing for those who might address them. Mr. Alderman Barth, in a neat speech, proposed the Hon. Col Anson as a fit and proper person to represent the borough. B. Dowson, Esq., seconded the nomination. Vice-Admiral Sir G. Parker, K.C.B., in a very manly and straightforward speech, proposed Mr. Rumbold, when Mr. Shelly presented himself as the seconder. A picked party of his opponents, evidently brought there for the purpose, attempted by every discordant noise to prevent his being heard; by dint of perseverance, however, and the powerful support of his numerous friends, Mr. S. with even more than his usual eloquence, at considerable length supported the nomination. Messrs. R. Ferrier and A. Palmer proposed and seconded Mr. Baring, and Mr. J. Penrice proposed and Mr. J. Lacon seconded the nomination of Mr. Praed. The Hon. Col. Anson spoke at great length, and with all his wonted power, in the course of a really luminous speech, he expressed the surprise he had felt on finding Mr. A. Palmer (a gentleman who had before honoured him with his support) among the ranks of his opponents. Mr. P. explained by saying it was because Col. A. had allied himself to Radicals and destructives. The Hon. Col. said he was surprised at having such a reason assigned. It was known to all that he had never succumbed to the Radicals. That deeply grateful as he was for their support, he had, and should again, unless convinced of their necessity, oppose their great measures of vote by ballot and triennial parliaments. That he was so far independent appeared in this, that with the ballot he believed the present opposition would scarcely have occurred, or if it had it would have been but a very few hours ere it would have terminated in the triumph of himself and Mr. Rumbold. (Loud cheers.) The other candidates also addressed the assembled multitude. The poll commenced the following day, and from the activity with the Pink and Purples, or Reds, or Conservatives, for in the motley assemblage of coalition of colours we scarcely know what exactly they call themselves, brought up their voters, it was feared that they would head the first day’s poll. The event proved the correctness of the prediction, for at four o’clock it was found that the Tories had a majority of 192; although the Blues rallied next morning, that majority could not be altogether overcome. The final close of the poll left Messrs. Baring and Praed a majority of 88.
| Anson | 680 |
| Rumbold | 675 |
| Baring | 772 |
| Praed | 768 |
“Col. Anson and Mr. Rumbold addressed an immense concourse of persons, by whom they were repeatedly and loudly cheered, from the King’s Head windows. They were preceded by Mr. Alderman Barth, Col. Anson’s very deep emotion not enabling him immediately to come forward. When he did come forward he said no language which he could use could sufficiently express his sorrow at the dissolution of the connection so long subsisting between them; their present members would find their task a comparatively easy one; they would find that such attention had been paid to the town that the path would be plain before them, and that little indeed would remain to be done. (Loud cheers.) They had been defeated by means most flagitious. Let not the present members, however, be too certain of their seats, for if by any means these foul proceedings could be sifted to the bottom, measures would be taken to remove them from their ill-acquired honours. With him and Mr. Rumbold, he was happy to say, still remained the real voice of the people. (Cheers.) He was proud of this, and would in conclusion assure them that whether in or out of Parliament their interests would ever have a prominent place in his regards. (Loud cheers.) Mr. Rumbold spoke under the influence of great agitation, and in the course of a very luminous speech adverted to the disgraceful fact of having in his pocket a proof that, in a room in this town a bribe was offered in the presence and with the cognizance of a Magistrate. (Cries of ‘Shame, shame.’) He should carry into retirement with him the deepest sense of their uniform kindness, and a determination ever to forward the interests of any of his former constituents, who might apply to him, to the best of his ability. The chairing of to-day was hailed by numbers with demonstrations which must have been the very reverse to the members; indeed, we are sure that if the Blues had shown in full strength their exasperated feelings (and they did not do this alone in compliance with the advice of their leaders), there could have been no chairing. A dinner of our late members’ friends is now about taking place at the Masonic Hall, very numerously attended. A subscription for the purchase of a piece of plate for them is commenced, and will include the smallest amount. This will confirm us in our conviction that the sense of the town is with the Blues.”
Jan. 15th.—About 100 supporters of Messrs. Anson and Rumbold dined at the Masonic Hall, when both those gentlemen were present.
Jan. 22nd.—The polling for East Norfolk showed a majority of 149 in the town for Windham and Gurney. Mr. Hume, M.P., Mr. Windham, and Mr. Palmer had addressed the electors.
Feb. 12th contains the following account of a sailing match from Yarmouth to Venice:—
“The Lion, Punchard, having some time been considered the fastest ship out of this port, a brig was built, and launched in the middle of September, called the Vivid (Captain M. Butcher, jun.) and matched against the Lion, for Venice, which vessel sailed at 3 p.m. on the 2nd of December, and the Vivid sailed at 6 p.m. on the following day, being 27 hours difference in favour of the former vessel; since which period letters have been received from Venice from each Captain, stating that the Vivid passed the Gut of Gibraltar on the 22nd of December and the Lion on the 29th. They also state that the Vivid arrived at Venice on the 17th ult, and the Lion on the 24th ult.”
A meeting of the subscribers to the plate to be presented to the late M.P.’s (Messrs. Anson and Rumbold) had been held, when it appeared that 3,685 persons had contributed £370 0s. 8d.
March 2nd.—Mr. C. Aldred had given a lecture on the “Philosophy of Sleep.”
There had been “a most tremendous hurricane,” and it was stated that “the oldest seaman does not recollect so much damage occurring on this coast with an off-shore wind.”
March 16th.—£100 had been deposited by three gentlemen “as the issue of a voyage to be performed by the Vivid, Lion, and Rapid, from these Roads to the Naze of Norway and back.”
March 26th.—The ladies of Yarmouth were about to present two very elegant silver mugs to Miss Anson and Miss Emily Anson, the daughters of the late M.P. for the borough.
April 16th.—Mr. W. Davie, Trinity Agent, had been appointed a Sub-Commissioner of Pilotage in the room of John Fisher, Esq., on the recommendation of John Danby Palmer, Esq., and W. J. Hurry, Esq., the other Commissioners.
Mr. F. Preston had launched a very fine vessel of 464 tons called the Mary Anne.
A Society for promoting the Purity of Election had been formed.
April 23rd.—The members (Messrs. Baring and Praed) attended a dinner to which they had been invited by their constituents, at the Town Hall. Sir E. K. Lacon, Bart., presided. John Penrice, Esq., sat at the head of the right hand table, and Ambrose Palmer, Esq., at the head of the left. Mr. Paget was vice-president. Among the company were Lord Walpole, M.P., E. Wodehouse, Esq., M.P., Sir Thomas Gooch, Bart., Sir Jacob Preston, Bart.,— Lawson, Esq., M.P., the Mayor of Yarmouth, John Danby Palmer, Esq., Captains Onslow, Gunthorpe, Manby, and Grint; M. Lacon, J. M. Lacon, W. Fisher, I. Preston, J. Preston, R. Ferrier, J. G. Fisher, E. Leathes, G. E. Francis, R. Cory, W. Yetts, F. Preston, and Chas. J. Palmer, Esqs.; the Revs. T. Baker, C. Penrice, W. Lucas, — Green, and about 250 electors.
May 14th.—The smuggler “Nancy, of London,” was brought in by the Badger, cutter, having on board 150 tubs of brandy, a few bags of tea, and some dry goods.
June 18th.—A meeting of Reformers had been held at the Star Hotel, when G. Danby Palmer, Esq., moved that a petition should be presented in favour of the Corporation Reform Bill.
June 25th.—Another meeting on the same subject had been held at the Mechanics’ Hall. Messrs. William Barth, R. Wall, Thomas Hammond, E. Sewell, S. Cobb, and J. Shelly taking part in the proceedings.
July 2nd.—Mr. Praed had presented a petition against the Corporation Reform Bill from the town.
July 30th.—The following notice appears of the death of J. Shelly, Esq.:—
“It is with feelings of more than ordinary regret that we this week announce the sudden death of John Shelly, Esq. This estimable gentleman had concluded his examination on Tuesday forenoon last before the Parliamentary Committee, and after being highly complimented by the noble Chairman (Lord F. Egerton) for his ability (feeling himself somewhat unwell), had retired to his inn, where he directed the waiter to call him in half-an-hour. The servant went upstairs at the time appointed, about two in the afternoon, and found Mr. S. sitting in a chair, nearly dead. We repeat that we feel more than ordinary regret at having this announcement to make. As a leader and representative (if we may so say) of a party his death will create a void that it will be long indeed ere it be filled. His was a master mind—once embarked in a subject (whatever might be its magnitude) it was sure to be treated powerfully and ably by Mr. Shelly, the whole energies of whose mind were directed to its elucidation for the benefit of his fellow townsmen. There might, indeed, be those who excelled this really gifted man in some particular department, but for general knowledge, facility, power, ease, and even elegance of expression, our lamented friend, we should say, has not left his equal in this, his native town. That he was a warm partizan, no one can deny, but that he was directed in his every movement of a public nature by sincerity and conscience is equally clear to every one who had the happiness of knowing him. The great majority of the shops kept by those in the Liberal interest are shaded, to show the sense which is entertained of the irreparable nature of the public loss sustained. But it is not alone in public that the work of Mr. S. was known. As a father, husband, friend, and Christian, his conduct was alike exemplary. We will venture to say that, warm as was his political partizanship, he never made himself one personal enemy. Mr. Shelly has left an amiable wife and eleven children to deplore his loss.”
August 8th.—The Regatta had been held, when the cup was won by Sir Jacob Preston’s “Maria”; on this occasion Edmund Preston, Esq., entertained “about 200 of the fashionables of the town.”
August 13th.—The petition in favour of Corporation Reform had been signed by 2,500 persons.
August 20th.—The following notice appears:—
“On Friday night, Mr. Prentice, of whose contumacy before a Committee of the House of Commons our readers have heard so much, arrived here, having been recently released from Newgate. The day previous handbills made their appearance, inviting the friends of Messrs. Baring and Praed to accompany Prentice into town. About seven o’clock on the first-mentioned evening a party of from twenty to thirty left the house of a publican in Chapel Street, preceded with band, colours, and banners down Regent Street, over the bridge, and so on to Hopton. On the arrival of the “Morning Star” coach Prentice was taken out and placed in an open landau, in which he stood upright, bowing, as he went along, to the assemblage, which by this time had become very large, induced thereto by the novelty of the scene. The procession with much mock gravity moved on to the bridge, by torch light, went round the town, and thence proceeded to the Bowling Green, where the lion of the night spoke from a window. He described the present as the proudest, the happiest day of his life—said that although the Reform Bill had given him a vote, yet he hated it,—he hated also the Corporation Reform Bill, and hoped that the Lords would so mutilate it that Lord John Russell might not know his own child again.”
October 8th contains the following paragraph:—
“Some admirers of the Corporation met on Tuesday sen’night to celebrate Michaelmas Day at the Angel Inn, Mr. F. Paget in the chair. We understand that some of the leading members of the expiring body were present.”
October 18th contains a notice of Brock’s miraculous escape from drowning.
Oct. 22nd.—The first Oddfellows’ funeral in this town is thus recorded:—
“On Thursday afternoon last the novel ceremonial of an Oddfellows’ funeral took place in processional order. The deceased, Nathaniel Spilman, had been for many years a member of the two lodges in this town, and, it having been his request, he was interred with the usual honours appertaining to the Order. Accordingly, the brethren of the two lodges proceeded in the following order to the house of the deceased:—officer of the lodge with his drawn sword, secretary bearing the scroll, two officers with their wands, two of the head officers of each lodge, two officers with wands, two of the second officers of the lodges, a large concourse of the brethren adorned with their numerous silver medals, aprons, &c., two of the wardens carrying their badges. On their arrival at the house they proceeded to the churchyard in the above order, with the addition of the Hon. and Rev. Edward Pellew preceding the body, which was carried by six of the brethren of the lodge, with six others as pall-holders, wearing their different medals and aprons. When at the grave the Hon. and Rev. E. Pellew read the burial service, and at the conclusion the scroll was thrown in, each of the brethren throwing in sprigs of rosemary. The secretary to both lodges read the funeral obsequies over the grave. They then returned to the house of the deceased’s relatives, and after leaving the family (who had attended the remains to the grave) proceeded in the same order to the lodge-room, where they soon after separated. Certainly nothing could have been more solemn and impressive than was the whole of this ceremonial. At a meeting of the brethren on the Monday following, it was unanimously resolved, that the secretary should issue a circular to the Hon. and Rev. E. Pellew, thanking him for the great condescension and kindness evinced by him in attending the funeral of their late departed brother.”
Nov. 5th.—A meeting to consider the question of constructing a railway had been held. Admiral Sir G. Parker, William Barth, Esq., Ambrose Palmer, Esq. (who prognosticated that by means of a railway the fisheries would become so immense as to be the astonishment of all), R. S. Lonsdale, Esq., R. Ferrier, Esq., R. Palmer Kemp, Esq., and others took part in the proceedings.
Nov. 12th.—The following gentlemen had been nominated by the Whig party as the candidates for election to the Reformed Corporation:—Gorleston Ward: William Barth, Thomas Hammond, J. S. Bell, H. Martin, P. Stead, and J. W. Dowson. Nelson Ward: George Danby Palmer, R. Palmer Kemp, S. Robinson, J. Symonds, G. W. Garson, and M. Butcher. St. George’s Ward: C. Sayers, H. V. Worship, Thomas Lettis, William Grave, George Penrice, M.D., and William Barker. Regent Ward: John Brightwen, S. Palmer, S. C. Marsh, C. Davie, B. Dowson, and J. Tomlinson. Market Ward: E. M. Clowes, William Johnson, W. Hammond, S. Cobb, E. Sewell, and B. Cobb. St. Nicholas’ Ward: Thomas Thornton, A. Sewell, Joseph Fiddes, R. Hammond, W. N. Burroughs, and C. E. Doughty. It was reported that the Tories had held “secret meetings” and were prepared to nominate Messrs. S. H. Aldred, J. E. Laws, B. Sherrington, P. Moore, E. H. L. Preston, and — Moore. Messrs. J. G. Plummer, D. Hook, and S. Sherrington had also issued a joint address in the South Ward; R. Ferrier and F. Preston had offered themselves for the St. George’s and St. Andrew’s Wards, and R. Wall for the South Ward.
Nov. 26th.—It is recorded that in the month ending October, then last, there entered “inwards” at the Custom House of this port 306 vessels, the tonnage of which amounted to 24,933 tons, and with cargoes “outwards” 120 vessels, of a tonnage of 8,560 tons. The “Old Spring,” a ship of nearly 400 tons (belonging to George Danby Palmer, Esq.), had arrived from Archangel with timber, and came up to the Quay without unlading any part of her cargo.
Dec. 10th.—The retiring Aldermen (except Mr. Barth) were entertained by their Tory friends previous to their quitting office.
Dec. 20th.—About 120 gentlemen retaliated upon this course by giving a dinner to Mr. Barth, S. Cobb, Esq., in the chair. S. Palmer, H. Worship, Thos. Hammond, George Danby Palmer, R. Palmer Kemp, H. V. Worship, C. Bell, Thomas Green, Esqs., Capt. Jeffries, and Messrs. Burroughs, W. J. Mason, B. Cobb, Grave, R. Hammond, T. Lettis, and S. Robinson took part in this entertainment.
1836.
Jan. 2nd.—The following is the account of the first election of Town Councillors under the Municipal Reform Act:—
“The election of Town Councillors took place here on Saturday last. The polling commenced at nine o’clock in the morning, and finished at four in the afternoon. The return was published on Monday by the Mayor, as follows:—
NORTH WARD. | |
Richard Hammond | 108 |
William N. Burroughs | 99 |
Abraham Sewell | 94 |
Charles George Doughty | 91 |
Benjamin Sherrington | 90 |
E. H. L. Preston | 89 |
MARKET WARD. | |
Simon Cobb | 135 |
William Johnson | 134 |
William Hammond | 131 |
Benjamin Cobb | 129 |
Edward N. Clowes | 128 |
Edward Sewell | 124 |
REGENT WARD. | |
John Brightwen | 98 |
Samuel Palmer | 98 |
S. C. Marsh | 98 |
Joseph Tomlinson | 98 |
C. Davie | 97 |
Benjamin Dowson | 95 |
ST. GEORGE’S WARD. | |
C. Sayers | 91 |
W. Grave | 91 |
George Penrice, M.D. | 91 |
W. Barber | 91 |
H. V. Worship | 90 |
Thomas Lettis | 89 |
SOUTH WARD. | |
G. D. Palmer | 147 |
R. P. Kemp | 137 |
George Garson | 127 |
M. Butcher | 124 |
John Symonds | 122 |
Samuel Robinson | 118 |
GORLESTON AND SOUTHTOWN, OR ST. ANDREW’SWARD. | |
J. S. Bell | 115 |
Thomas Hammond | 111 |
J. W. Dowson | 105 |
William Barth | 101 |
Hezekiah Martin | 91 |
P. Stead | 87 |
It is a matter of great congratulation that 34 out of the 36 Councillors are Reformers. This election was conducted with tranquility. Devoutly it is to be wished that parliamentary elections were managed in the same way. The laborious portion of our population had no inducement held out to them to lose a single hour. It is a little curious that Mr. William Prentice—that very Mr. Prentice who made so conspicuous a figure in our election parliamentary investigation, proved one of the most formidable antagonists with whom the Liberal candidates in the town had to contend.”
Jan. 7th.—The first meeting of the Reformed Corporation is reported as follows:—
“The Town Council met on Thursday last at the Tolhouse Hall, John Brightwen, Esq., in the chair, (Isaac Preston, Esq., having, we understand, ceased to exercise the functions of Mayor since his publication of the Council List), for the purpose of choosing twelve Aldermen. The choice fell on the following gentlemen:—Messrs. J. Brightwen, Benjamin Dowson, Robert Teasdel, Joseph Starling, J. B. Palmer, R. S. Lonsdale, Thomas Pitt, Captain William Larke, R.N., Benjamin Fenn, Robert Wall, Christopher Nicholls, and Captain James Jefferies. On the following day the Aldermen and Council met at the same place for the election of a Mayor and for other public business. Mr. E. H. L. Preston proposed Mr. Richard Hammond. Mr. H. thanked Mr. P. for the proposition, and said that he should still more thank his friends if they voted against him. William Barth, Esq., was then chosen Mayor, amidst loud cheering. Mr. B. was then, together with the Aldermen, sworn in. The Court was then thrown open to the public, when the front and side galleries were instantly filled by a very respectable concourse of persons, the body of the hall being appropriated to the Council. Several gentlemen were named for Magistrates to be recommended to the Crown. Accounts were ordered touching the property (and profits arising from such property) held by the late Corporation, together with accounts of the official persons employed, their salaries, &c., for the last five years. J. Tolver, Esq., was then chosen, during pleasure, as Town Clerk.”
“Our Conservatives had dined together on Thursday to celebrate the anniversary of the return of Messrs. Baring and Praed. They have been obliged to put themselves on a level with the Reformers, and be content with three shilling tickets instead of fifteen. The dinner took place at the Angel Inn, J. E. Lacon, Esq., in the chair.”
Jan. 14th contains the following report:—
“There was an unusual quantity of business transacted at the Corporation Assembly on Wednesday last. It was first proposed that a petition should be addressed to the King, praying for four Sessions of Oyer and Terminer a year. It was suggested that the Recorder should be allowed £60 a year. To this Mr. E. L. Preston objected, who moved that it should be £50. To this it was replied that the latter sum was allowed by the late Corporation when Sessions were only held twice a year. The original motion was carried unanimously, Mr. E. Sewell observing that Mr. P’s was a false economy. It was next moved by Mr. S. Cobb that the Great Seal should be called that of the Town Council, and not of St. Nicholas. He had no objection to all remaining as it was except the expensive name of St. Nicholas. This was warmly opposed by Mr. Preston. It was, however, carried unanimously. Mr. Richard Hammond read a list of persons to form the Committee of Finance. To this plan Mr. Preston warmly objected, saying he had no notion of names being got up “ready cut and dried.” It was stated in answer that the list (to which no objection was then made) was agreed to at the Watch Committee, of which Mr. P. formed one, and which he might have attended if he pleased. Mr. B. Sherrington (of the same politics as Mr. P.) was on the Committee, and was present. The Finance Committee agreed to were, the Mayor (who is appointed ex-officio on all Committees), Messrs. S. Cobb, R. S. Lonsdale, Charles Nicholls, B. Dowson, Martin, G. D. Palmer, C. Sayers, W. Johnson, and Burroughs. On the Mayor explaining the duties of the Borough Lands Committee, it was suggested and agreed to, that the tradesmen employed solely by this Committee should be only for small jobs. This being a most important business, it was determined that all the Council should form the Committee. On the Water-Bailiffs and Met Farm Office Committee, it was resolved, on the motion of Mr. S. Cobb, that it be called “Committee of Port Dues”; the officer “Collector of Port Dues.” The Committee appointed were Messrs. W. Barber, G. D. Palmer, T. Pitt, R. Teasdel, Martin, J. B. Palmer, Thomas Hammond, Fenn, Butcher, and Dowson. Market and Corporation Tolls’ Committee: Messrs. Johnson, Brightwen, S. Cobb, Sayers, Nicholls, Sherrington, R. Hammond, S. Palmer, Symonds, J. B. Palmer, and Martin. Committee for Caister Causeway: Messrs. R. P. Kemp, S. Palmer, Nicholls, Fenn, Tomlinson, R. Hammond, and Sayers. Church Trustees: Messrs. Larke, Kemp, Burroughs, J. Dowson, Starling, B. Cobb, S. Palmer, E. N. Clowes, Marsh, Tomlinson, Garson, Grave, Butcher, Barber, Robinson, Preston, Martin, Symonds, Sherrington, and G. D. Palmer. All the outstanding drawbacks arc to be referred to the Port Dues Committee. The ringers’ bill, £12 10s. for five days’ ringing, was disallowed. Admiralty Court: R. Cory, jun., returned that he had in five years received as registrar £1,483 16s. 8d., and claimed as compensation £200 per year for his natural life. Proctors: C. J. Palmer claimed £1,036 7s., C. Sayers £1,196 5s. 6d., I. Preston £692, E. R. Palmer £497. Thomas King, gaoler, petitioned for continuance of place, stated emoluments, and asked £13 7s. 4½d. compensation, as Marshall of the Court of Admiralty. Mrs. King, as matron, received £10 per year, and prayed to be continued. Alfred King, turnkey, received 14s. per. week, and prayed for continuance. The five sergeants-at-mace sent a return of their emoluments for five years, and petitioned for their continuance. B. Welsh, chapel clerk, made about £47 per year, and prayed for continuance. The Rev. Thomas Baker, as lecturer, received £120 per year. The Hon. and Rev. E. Pellew received from the late Corporation £40 per year and a house, for which he pays 1s. per year rent. John Seaman, parish clerk, receives no salary, but averages about £80 per annum. The Revs. J. Homfray and Mark Waters declined the statement of their proceeds, as they conceived the returns did not apply to them as Ministers of a Chapel endowed by Act of Parliament. They begged their refusal might not be considered as arising from discourtesy. Their communication was rejected. These returns were referred to a Committee of the Mayor’s assistants.”
Jan. 21st.—The Earl of Orford had been removed from his office of High Steward and the Earl of Lichfield elected in his place.
The following gentlemen were suggested as Magistrates:—William Barth, Esq., Sir George Parker, K.C.B., George Danby Palmer, H. V. Worship, J. Brightwen, C. Nicholls, R. Palmer Kemp, S. Cobb, and S. Palmer, Esqs., and Capt. Larke, R.N., by the Council.
Sixteen new watch and policemen, and two superintendents had been appointed.
The Mayor and Town Council had attended service at St. Nicholas’ Church, “The Mayor with no other insignia of office than the chain and the sword carried by an officer.”
Feb. 4th.—The Tories had held a dinner in the Theatre in honour of Messrs. Baring and Praed. Seven hundred persons attended.
Feb. 18th.—Has the following report of a high tide:—
“The scene of devastation on our beach, occasioned by the late high tides, exceed the powers of description. Wednesday morning, in some measure, prepared us for the event; the sea was at that time breaking over the jetty, and reached as high as the houses. It was prophesied by nautical men that if the next tide was equally high the consequences would be most disastrous, and, unfortunately, it so proved. The sea in the evening undermined the foundations of most of the dwellings, throwing down the walls of many, to the great injury of those of the inmates who had not taken the precautions to remove their property. Furniture was seen floating in all directions, in the presence of the astonished and alarmed multitude. The summer residence of the Right Hon. Lord Berners is more than half destroyed, while the house of the Misses Ansell and the Right Hon. Lord Nevill were surrounded; in fact, such a scene of general devastation never in the memory of the oldest inhabitant presented itself. The sea at one time reached some way up the Jetty Road. While a person was assisting the landlord of the Holkham Tavern to remove his beds, &c., to a back warehouse, the sea burst in and broke down the front wall. At one part of the South Denes the sea and river might be seen meeting. Part of the South Quay was flooded. It was unusually high at the bridge, and likewise some of the lower parts of the town. Amidst this wide spreading destruction, we are glad to say, no lives were lost.”
Feb. 22nd.—The Lord High Steward (the Earl of Lichfield) had been sworn in, and a dinner given in his honour. The noble lord was accompanied by the Mayor, Lord Suffield, the Hon. George Anson, Mr. Rumbold, Sir W. Ffolkes, and Mr. Adair.
March 10th.—A meeting had been held, the Hon. and Rev. E. Pellew presiding, to consider the establishment of a penny library for the working classes.
March 24th.—A bet had been made by Mr. Ringer, of the Elephant and Castle liquor shop in the Market Place, “that on Monday he would sell 1,000 glasses of ale and porter from six o’clock in the morning and close the same night. Mr. R. closed at 10, after selling 2,454, at one penny per glass.”
Mr. F. Preston had launched a fine ship of 370 tons from his yard.
April 2nd.—Mr. Edward H. L. Preston and Mr. Green had been tried and acquitted upon charges of bribery alleged to have been committed by them at the General Election, when Messrs. Baring and Praed were returned for the borough.
April 7th.—A poll had taken place for two Haven and Pier Commissioners, as follows:—
| George Danby Palmer | 375 |
| William Barth | 375 |
| Sir E. Lacon | 207 |
| Samuel Paget | 168 |
and Messrs. Palmer and Barth were consequently elected.
April 14th contains the following paragraph as to the recent bribery prosecution:—
“Yesterday there was a grand public dinner at the Angel Inn, to celebrate what the Tories call ‘the defeat of the Attorney-General and the Yarmouth Radicals;’ but what we should say was a fortunate escape of the accused parties, arising from the glorious uncertainty of the law. John Lacon, Esq., was in the chair. Richard Ferrier, Esq., presided at the left hand table. The two vice-presidents were Mr. Aldred and Mr. John Clarke. A very handsome silver teapot and ewer were presented to Mr. William Green, by John Penrice, Esq., in an appropriate speech, for his exertions at the last election. We were not present, but had these particulars from a Tory friend, who also said ‘he thought ’twas hard poor Prentice hadn’t something, as he did as much as Green, and more too.’ There were about 70 persons present.”
Twenty gentlemen, all of Reform principles, had been elected select Vestrymen.
Five hundred merchants and others had attended a public meeting to protest against the proposal of the Eastern Counties’ Railway Company to construct a line to Harwich.
April 28th.—The seamen had “struck” for an increase of wages.
Several persons had been fined for keeping disorderly houses.
Seven vessels had been cleared with emigrants for America, carrying 850 adults and 600 children, and several other vessels were fitting out for the same voyage.
May 5th.—The town was suffering from a number of dogs prowling about, one of which had severely bitten a young lady.
May 19th.—Mr. William Ferrier had been elected Coroner by the Council, which body had voted, by a majority of one, to retain the Market Cross.
June 9th—Mr. Jefferies Barth had been elected Clerk of the Peace.
June 17th.—Nathaniel Palmer, Esq., had been appointed Recorder.
June 23rd.—A fine new schooner (The Clipper) had been launched for William Hurry Palmer, Esq., and was expected to be the fastest sailing vessel out of the port.
June 30th.—The Cross was ordered to be pulled down.
July 14th.—It was stated that “Yarmouth is very full of strangers, who flock here from all parts of the country to enjoy the cool sea breezes. We believe there is not any other place that affords so excellent a view of shipping in motion as Yarmouth Roads, it being the great thoroughfare for all vessels trading to the North. The Bath Room is one of the principal attractions to visitors, as it is a most agreeable lounge during the heat of the day, and frequent undress balls enliven the youthful part of the company. The Bath Room has been well attended this year, and we are happy to say the list of subscribers gives promise of a good season.”
The destruction of the Cross is thus noticed:—
“On Friday last the Market Cross was sold by public tender for £55 6s., and on Monday morning workmen commenced pulling it down. It has now entirely disappeared, to the gratification of the residents in the Market Place, to whom it had long been a great annoyance, in consequence of its having become a rendezvous for idle and dissolute persons. The Tories lament the loss of it, and call the Corporation destructives for having removed a public nuisance! We know not what claim it had upon their sympathies, except in being a fit emblem of the late Body Corporate, for like that it perhaps was of service at some bygone period of time, but having long ceased to be useful, it had fallen to abuse and rottenness, and to complete the resemblance it has, after some struggles, been swept away by the current of public opinion.”
August 9th.—The Hon. and Rev. E. Pellew had been presented with plate of the value of £100 by the parishioners.
August 25th.—The Races had been held, the Stewards being the Earl of Orford, Lord Henniker, and T. Baring, Esq., M.P. About 160 ladies and gentlemen attended the Race Ball, and 2,000 persons patronized the Vauxhall Gardens.
Sept. 1st.—The Regatta had been held, and the Theatre had been well filled on the Stewards’ bespeak, when an attempt to get up a cry of “Baring and Rumbold” proved a failure.
Sept. 22nd.—172 persons holding Corporation leaseholds had intimated their desire to purchase the freehold of their properties, at prices amounting to £6,911.
Oct. 6th.—The price of herrings was £23 to £24 per last.
Oct. 13th.—The compensation awarded to the Town Clerk for loss of his offices of Magistrates’ Clerk and Clerk of the Peace had been settled at £222 per annum.
Nov. 3rd.—The result of the Municipal Election is reported as follows:—
“Our Municipal Election took place on Tuesday last. The contest in the St. Nicholas’ Ward was a severe one. It was neck and neck between Mr. Nuthall and E. H. L. Preston all day. At length the election was carried by a worthy, who, after promising constantly to vote for Nuthall and Sherrington, was suddenly not to be found; but about five minutes before the close of the poll he was brought out of the Saracen’s Head, a low public-house, in a state of intoxication, his voting paper having been changed or altered to Preston and Fiddes. This decided the thing in Mr. Preston’s favour, as before that time the numbers for him and Mr. Nuthall were 102 each. Such a mode of gaining an election is quite in keeping with Tory practices, and needs no comment. The validity of the election is, however, disputed on the grounds of a bad vote on the Tory side, and an informality in the appointment of an Alderman to preside in the absence of the Aldermen of the Ward. The following is a list of Councillors returned:—St. Nicholas’ Ward: Mr. Sherrington and Mr. Preston. Market: Mr. E. N. Clowes and Mr. Sewell. Regent: Mr. Cufaude Davie and Mr. John Fish. St. George’s: Mr. Worship and Mr. Lettis. Nelson: Mr. Robinson and Mr. Symonds. St. Andrew’s: Mr. Martin and Mr. Frederick Preston.”
Nov. 10th.—A dinner, attended by 200 gentlemen, had been given to William Barth, Esq. (the Mayor.)
Nov. 24th.—The old Bridge had been sold in one lot for £96.
Dec. 22nd.—Mr. F. Preston had launched a beautiful brig called the “Catherine,” of 212 tons register.
Dec. 29th.—Heavy weather prevailed, with so much snow that the coaches were obliged to cease running.