1844.
Jan. 6th.—At a concert and ball given at the Town Hall, a violin duet, by the Masters Hulley, was played with “great spirit.”
Bartholomew Earle, “for the last eight years butler to S. Palmer, Esq.” had been discovered quite dead, suspended by the neck from a beam in that gentleman’s cellar. The inquest lasted seven hours, and was attended by S. C. Marsh, Esq. (Mayor), and S. Palmer, G. D. Palmer, W. D. Palmer, C. Pearson, G. Bateman, J. C. Smith, J. Hammond, and A. Woods, Esqs. The deceased left a widow and four children; the verdict was temporary insanity.
Jan. 13th.—The Railway Company had abandoned their plan of erecting a bridge over the river with wharfs on the North Quay.
Jan. 20th.—The congregation of the Mariner’s Chapel had presented a testimonial to their minister, Mr. Joseph Pike.
Jan. 27th.—The Hon. and Rev. E. Pellew had been presented with a testimonial consisting of a teapot, coffee pot, massive silver waiter, cream ewer, and sugar basin upon his resigning the Vicarage.
Feb. 3rd.—The Haven Commissioners had determined to oppose the proposed Railway bridge over the Bure, the following Commissioners being present on this occasion:—Robert Marsham, Esq. (Chairman), H. N. Burroughes, Esq., M.P., Col. Petre, John Penrice, John F. Leathes, F. W. Farr, Geo. Danby Palmer, T. O. Springall, John Marshall, Peter Finch, and W. Hammond, Esqs.
The Borough Lands Committee recommended that the Rev. H. Mackenzie (the incoming Vicar) should have the parsonage house at the yearly rent of 1s.
Feb. 10th.—John Franklin, the Southtown pedestrian, had walked from the Duke’s Head Inn, Yarmouth, to the Shire Hall, Norwich, and back in 11½ hours for a wager of £10.
Feb. 17th.—In pursuance of the will of the late Mr. James Moyse, of Yarmouth, the Rev. F. P. Baker and Mr. John Baker had distributed £50 amongst poor persons residing in the town, and Mr. E. C. Sharpin, of Beccles, had distributed £10 amongst the poor there.
It was proposed to appoint a schoolmaster at the Gaol, with a salary of £50 a year.
Feb. 24th.—A dispute having arisen between the Magistrates and the Town Council as to the liability of the latter to furnish the Justices Court Room, Mr. C. Austin’s opinion had been taken on the subject, which proved to be in favour of the Justices.
March 2nd.—The electric telegraph had been laid along the railway.
March 8th.—A meeting had been held of the owners and occupiers of property in the Market Ward, when it was proposed to oppose the Railway Bridge scheme, and Messrs. Wm. Johnson and Richard Ferrier were appointed a deputation to wait upon Sir E. Lacon (the only local Director) to urge the views of the meeting upon him.
March 23rd.—The Town Council had determined to expend £500 in alterations at the Gaol.
The Rev. R. G. Mason, “the Father Matthew of Scotland,” had held two meetings at the Town Hall.
March 30th.—The Committee of the House of Commons sitting on the Railway Bill had found the preamble as to the proposed Bridge over the Bure “not proven.”
Mr. Pellew had been presented with the testimonial by Sir E. Lacon and B. Dowson, Esq., on behalf of the subscribers.
April 6th.—Messrs. Wm. Cross, John Richmond, Wm. Burton, and J. T. Buston had been appointed overseers.
The following gentlemen had been elected Guardians:—Messrs. G. Danby Palmer, W. A. Burton, J. Fiddes, J. Fish, S. C. Marsh, J. Starling, J. Tomlinson, D. A. Gourlay, J. Lawn, F. Clark, S. W. Bly, W. Smith, J. D. Chapman, T. Hammond, J. Brightwen, and C. Pearson. There was only one Tory candidate, who was rejected.
April 13th.—On Good Friday, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Tomlinson had been thrown from a gig at Fritton, and Mrs. Tomlinson was seriously injured, while Mr. Tomlinson escaped with a few bruises; their little boy who was with them was unhurt.
May 4th.—Contains the report of the opening of the Railway from Norwich to Yarmouth, on the 30th April, it was stated that the works had been completed in the space of eight months from their commencement, by Messrs. Peto, Grissel & Co.
A dejeneur had been given at the Assembly Rooms, Norwich, by the contractor to 150 ladies and gentlemen, when the following toasts were given:—“The Queen,” “Success to the Yarmouth and Norwich Railway,” “Prosperity to the City of Norwich and the Port of Yarmouth,” “The healths of the Mayors of Norwich and Yarmouth,” “Mr. Peto” (by the Mayor of Norwich), “The Ladies,” (by Mr. Peto), after which they retired; “Mr. Stephenson and the Directors,” and “Mr. Grissel” (by John Penrice, Esq.)
On the same day a train made its first trip to Yarmouth, starting at twelve o’clock, and returning at 7 minutes to 4 o’clock, accomplishing the return journey between Yarmouth and Norwich in 42 minutes.
On 1st May the shareholders and friends of the Railway gave a dinner to the Directors, at the Victoria Hotel, the Mayor in the chair. C. J. Palmer, Esq., was vice-president, and there were also present Sir E. H. K. Lacon, Bart., Adam Duff, Esq., H. Bolingbroke, Esq., R. Till, Esq. (treasurer), G. N. Tootal, Esq. (secretary), the Mayor and Sheriff of Norwich, J. Penrice, J. E. Lacon, Capt. Lacon, RN., E. H. L. Preston, W. H. Palmer, W. Johnson, W. Yetts, J. C. Smith, R. Hammond, W. Goldsmith, T. M. Nelson, E. Youell, I. O. Taylor, W. S. Ferrier, H. Fellows, S. Nightingale, C. Brown, and H. Aldred, Esqs.
May 11th.—A number of sailors had been thrown out of employment owing to a strike of pitmen in the North and other causes, and it was proposed that they should apply to the Guardians for temporary relief.
May 18th.—The Yarmouth Anti-Corn Law League had held a meeting at the Masonic Hall, Mr. D. A. Gourlay in the chair.
A meeting of the Gas Company had been held in London, when it was agreed to reduce the price of gas from 10s. to 8s. per 1000 cubic feet; (in 1840 the price had been 13s. 4d.,) the shareholders were then receiving 5 per cent. on their shares.
Mr. Nelson had stated to Mr. Lacon that he could not redeem his pledge to complete Kimberley Terrace.
Mr. T. C. Foreman (confectioner), had been assaulted by Mr. Bidden (surgeon).
May 25th.—Miss Pestall had received a telegraphic message to provide a dinner for the Railway Directors at five o’clock, which left Norwich at four o’clock on the same day, and the order was fulfilled in “the fine old carved room.”
June 1st.—The second instance of the escape of a prisoner from the gaol during the last few months had occurred, this man’s name was Cooper.
June 9th.—A meeting, to establish a Marine Regatta, had been held, when the following Committee was appointed for that purpose:—The Mayor, S. Palmer, B. Dowson, John Penrice, and Chas. Pearson, Esqs., Sir George Parker, and Lieut. Eaton.
The Victoria Brass Band had commenced playing on the Terrace.
June 15th.—Madame Vestris and Chas. Matthews were to appear at the Theatre.
July 6th.—The “Byzantium,” 290 tons, had been launched from Mr. F. Preston’s yard.
A meeting of the local Anti-Corn Law League had been held, and the conduct of Messrs. Rumbold and Wilshere censured for not supporting the movement for the entire abolition of these duties.
July 13th.—Mr. C. D. Arnott, of Gorleston, had obtained the diploma of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, and had been admitted a Licentiate of the Apothecaries’ Company.
July 27th.—At the Water Frolic, the “Red Rover” (S. C. Marsh) had beaten the “Leviathan” (Bessey), and the “Pearl” (Sir W. B. Proctor), but was disqualified on protest, and the prize awarded to the “Leviathan.”
August 3rd.—The Regatta had proved a success, the following is the report given of the sport:—
“The Regatta at Yarmouth, on Friday, was one of the most spirited and gay scenes ever witnessed. The terrace, the shore, the Jetty, the windows, were filled with gaily-dressed spectators, whose constantly moving figures rendered the scene one vast and ever-changing kaleidoscope. The day was glorious, and the sea was thickly sprinkled with boats and vessels of all kinds, which merrily bounded before the gale in quick and ever-varying succession. The following was the result of the day’s amusement, which gave infinite pleasure to the thousands who thronged from all parts of the country.
A silver cup and cover, value £50, for Yachts not exceeding 25 tons, belonging to a Yacht Club.
| Yachts | tons. | Owners. | Colours. | |
| 1. | Mystery | 25 | Lord A. Paget | b & w Maltese cross |
| 2. | Gnome | 25 | Thos. Meeson | b & w with crown |
Carried away gaff topsail yard, and gave up.
A silver cup, value £12, by Pleasure Boats, 19 feet on the ram and upwards.
Won by “Leviathan,” (Mr. W. Bessey), beating four others.
A handsome silver Cup.—A Rowing Match by Amateur Gigs, not exceeding 25 feet, given by Mr. Balls of the Victoria Hotel, which was won by the “Enigma.”
A grand sailing match for a purse of 25 sovs. by Yawls of any length.—First yawl to have 12 sovs., the second 5, and the third 3. Won by the “Victoria”; 2nd, “Greyhound”; 3rd, “Royal Sovereign.”
A Rowing Match for a purse of 10 sovs. by Beach Gigs of any description, and manned as they pleased. First gig 7 sovs., second 3 sovs., which was won by the “Princess Victoria” (Critten), the “Star” being second.
The amount of receipts at the Repository held at Bath Rooms, on Friday, including a few subsequent sales, was £77 8s. 0d., viz., received at the doors, £16 16s. 6d.; contributions by the members for the Borough, £10; amount of sales, £50 11s. 6d.; the expenses of fitting up the rooms, etc., were £12 8s. 0d.; leaving a balance of £65, which was distributed as follows:—For the aged poor, £3; the sick poor £1; and to the District Visiting Society, School of Industry, and Blanket and Clothing Society, £20 6s. 8d. each.
Aug. 10th.—Five individuals were living in a house in the Lion and Lamb Row, whose united ages amounted to 385 years.
Aug. 24th.—The tide had flowed up to Victoria Terrace and beyond Ansell’s Buildings, affording an enchanting sight to the visitors.
The foundation stone of the New Wesleyan Chapel had been laid at Gorleston.
Sept. 21st.—The organ of S. Nicholas’ had been re-opened, full Cathedral service being performed, when about 5,000 persons attended the two services. Mr. Mackenzie preached from Psalm 100, 1st and 2nd, and £72 10s. was collected.
A choir was about to be formed, under Mr. Warne.
Oct. 5th.—The Victoria Building Company had sold the ground for the purpose of the erection of Brandon Terrace.
Oct. 19th.—The Magistrates had determined upon memorialising the Postmaster General to have the mails transmitted by railroad.
Nov. 2nd.—A “Railway meeting” had been held upon the requisition of the Mayor, and the following committee appointed to inquire as to the schemes proposed. The Mayor (S. C. Marsh), G. Danby Palmer, E. H. L. Preston, W. Johnson, J. E. Lacon, R. Hammond, R. Ferrier, R. S. Lonsdale, J. Clark, S. Palmer, A. Palmer, W. H. Palmer, J. Orfeur, B. Dowson, D. Turner, and J. W. Shelly, Esqs., and Messrs. C. Moore and T. Hammond.
The following had been again re-elected Councillors without any opposition:—Richard Hammond, W. N. Burroughs, W. Johnson, John Owles, J. Tomlinson, S. C. Marsh, Thos. Lettis, jun., J. W. Shelly, Geo. Danby Palmer, W. Chambers, S. Crow, and T. Hammond.
Messrs. Chas. Cory, Geo. Danby Palmer, T. O. Springfield, R. Marsham, Samuel Tolver, and Capt. Smyth, R.N., had had an interview with the President of the Board of Trade on the subject of the proposed new Bridge over the Bure.
Twenty-five gentlemen of the Corporation had dined at the Feather’s Inn, to commemorate the opening of the new Fish Market by S. C. Marsh, Esq. (the Mayor), who presided on the occasion.
November 9th contains the following legal report:—
The Queen v. Chas. Cory Aldred.—Application for a criminal information.—Mr. Martin applied in this case on behalf of Mr. Marsh, the Mayor of Yarmouth, for a rule for a criminal information against the defendant. Mr. Marsh stated in his affidavit that he was Mayor of Yarmouth, and a Magistrate of the Borough, and that on the 10th of June last he attended at his office for the purpose of transacting magisterial business, upon which occasion a person was charged with ringing the bell of Mr. Aldred during divine service, and a constable produced a paper without any direction or signature relative to the offence with which the person was charged. The Mayor and the Magistrate who was with him were of opinion that they could not receive such a paper, and that Mr. Aldred ought to attend himself. The paper was returned to the constable with injunctions to tell Mr. Aldred that he must attend himself if he wished to take proceedings against the party. This took place on the 10th of June. On the 12th of June, Mr. Marsh was going along King-street, when defendant came up to him, seized him by the arm, and making use of some very offensive expressions, demanded an explanation for the impertinent manner in which the Mayor had treated his letter. The Mayor replied that he was the Chief Magistrate of the town, that his hands were therefore tied up, and that he could not enter into any explanation then. Mr. Aldred then reiterated the expressions, and followed Mr. Marsh up the street, still repeating them all the time. Mr. Marsh after this sent two persons to Mr. Aldred, requesting him to consider what he had done, and whether he would not attend to make some apology for his conduct. Mr. Aldred did attend, but instead of making an apology he repeated the observations again in a manner most offensive to the Mayor. After the first offence, the Mayor thought to take proceedings against the defendant for sureties to keep the peace, but considered that the repetition of such conduct in an open Court was such an aggravation of the original offence, that he felt it due to his office and himself to take other proceedings. One of the Magistrates insisted on taking sureties, which he did two or three days afterwards. But he (Mr. Martin) apprehended that the circumstances of this case were such as not to deprive Mr. Marsh on that account of coming to this Court.
Mr. Justice Patteson—You do not put this as being a provocation to a breach of the peace?
Mr. Martin—It was an actual breach of the peace, for an assault was committed.
Mr. Justice Patteson—That was in the first instance. There was nothing but words in the second instance, but the Magistrate was acting at the time in his magisterial capacity.
Mr. Martin—It was so; and they thought it also right to have an affidavit from the Police-constable, who stated in his affidavit that he merely delivered the paper without any offensive expression whatever, and the answer he received was “D---n the Mayor and Magistrates; what do I care for them?—Rule nisi granted.”
Nov. 16th.—Wm. Hurry Palmer, Esq., had been unanimously elected Mayor, and entertained 50 or 60 of his friends at the Star Hotel. The event was also commemorated by dinners at the “Capt. Harmer” and at the “Queen’s Head.”
Nov. 23rd—Colliers were getting 7s. a ton for freight.
A large party of gentlemen of different politics had given a dinner to the Mayor (W. H. Palmer, Esq.) at the “Victoria,” when J. E. Lacon, Esq., presided.
Nov. 30th.—The Rule in “the Queen’s on prosecution of Marsh v. Aldred” had been made absolute. Mr. Martin and Mr. Palmer supported, and Mr. Platt opposed in these proceedings.
Dec. 14th.—Complaint was made that the Bridport nets were driving the nets made in Yarmouth by women and girls out of use.
Great excitement prevailed in consequence of the murder of Mrs. Chandler, with regard to which some men named Yarham, Royal, and Hall were supposed to be the culprits.
Dec. 21st.—The grocers had determined to close their shops at 8 o’clock.