“That this council beg to offer their hearty congratulations to Sir S. Bignold, the mayor of Norwich, on his accession to the dignity which Her Majesty has graciously bestowed upon him, and wish him many years to enjoy the honour so worthily conferred.”
1856. The New Cemetery was opened by the Board of Health, and the east side of it was consecrated by the bishop. The other side was assigned to the Nonconformists. Since then about 20,000 bodies have been interred in the spacious area of thirty-five acres next the Earlham Road. The grounds have been well laid out and planted with trees and shrubs.
1857. The Yare Preservation and Anglers’ Society was founded, for the improvement of the angling in the rivers Wensum and Yare. This society has done good service for the lovers of angling on the two rivers, which formerly abounded with fish near Norwich. But on account of the pollution of the stream, anglers are obliged to go down as far as Coldham Hall or Cantley to fish with any prospect of success.
The Russian war having been brought to a close, peace was celebrated here with great rejoicings and illuminations. Major General Windham, “the hero of the Redan,” visited the city, and a grand banquet was given to him in St. Andrew’s Hall, where he delivered an eloquent address on the events of the war and its successful termination.
In August the annual congress of the British Archæological Association met in Norwich. Meetings were held in the Guildhall, St. Andrew’s Hall, the Public Library, and other buildings. Addresses were delivered by Professor Willis, Mr. Britton, and many other gentlemen. The members and friends visited the Cathedral, where Professor Willis gave a description of the edifice. They also made excursions to Ely, Dereham, Binham, Walsingham, and other places of interest. On their return to Norwich they dined together at the Swan Inn.
1858. The Local Government Act came into operation, and gave the corporation full power to carry out all necessary improvements.
1859. On November 19th, the Norwich Battalion of Volunteers was formally enrolled, 300 strong, in three companies, under the command of Colonel Brett, a highly-esteemed officer. The other officers were, Capt. Middleton of the first company, Capt. H. S. Patteson of the second company, and Captain Hay Gurney of the third company. The force gradually increased in number till the battalion became 530 strong, in six companies. Colonel Brett resigned on account of ill health, and Colonel Black was appointed to the chief command; next to him Major Patteson; Capt. Henry Morgan first company, Capt. John Steward second, Capt. Peter Hansell third, Capt. Charles Foster fourth, Capt. J. B. Morgan fifth, Capt. E. Field sixth; Lieut. H. Pulley, Quarter Master; John Friar Clarke, Quarter Master Sergeant; T. W. Crosse, Surgeon; Rev. F. Meyrick, Chaplain. The corporation subsequently granted a piece of land at the north-west corner of Chapel Field, and a company of shareholders built the Drill Hall for the use of the members of the corps, which has the reputation of being very efficient.
1861. A meeting was held on January 10th to consider the best means of relieving the distress which had for some time prevailed, owing to the depression of trade; and within a month, more than £4,000 were raised for the relief of the poor. Since then the weavers have gradually found employment in some other branches of industry, especially the boot and shoe manufacture, which has greatly increased. Hundreds of operatives are also employed in iron manufactures, and in making machines for agricultural and horticultural purposes.
This year a census of the population was taken, showing a great increase, the total number being 74,891 persons, viz., males, 33,863; females, 41,028. Inhabited houses, 17,112; uninhabited houses, 739; building, 103.
The parishes within the city, together with their respective population in 1861 and their real property in 1860, were as follows:—