John Fransham, the Norwich Polytheist, a very eccentric character, was born in St. George’s Colegate. He was an excellent mathematician, and was a great admirer of the ancient writers on this science. He frequently took rapid solitary walks, with a broad brimmed hat slouched over his eyes, and a plaid on his shoulders, and was supposed to sleep often on Mousehold Heath. He died on February 1st, 1810. His biography was written by his pupil, Mr. Saint.
Thomas Hall, Esq., a merchant, lived in the early part of this period. He founded a monthly sacramental lecture, left several legacies to the charities, and £100 for a gold chain to be worn by the Mayor of Norwich, and which is now worn by the Deputy Mayor. He died on December 17th, 1715, and was buried with great funeral pomp at St. George’s Colegate. A portrait of this pious and liberal benefactor was presented by John and Edward Taylor, Esqs., to the corporation, and placed in the council chamber, May, 1821.
John Hobart, Earl of Buckinghamshire, sat as member of parliament for this city from 1747 to 1756, when he succeeded to the peerage. He was a liberal benefactor to the city. He was born August 17th, 1723, and died September 3rd, 1793.
James Hooke, a celebrated musician, author of more than 2400 songs, 140 complete works or operas, one oratorio, and many odes, anthems, &c., was born in this city. At the early age of four years he was capable of playing many pieces, and at six he performed in public. He died in 1813, leaving two sons by his first wife. One of them was Dr. James Hooke, Dean of Worcester, who died in 1828. The other was the celebrated author of “Sayings and Doings.”
David Kinnebrook, an eminent mathematician, was born here. He was master of one of the charity schools for forty years, and never absented himself a single day until his last illness. He died March 23rd, 1810, aged 72.
John Lens, Esq., M.A., ancient sergeant at law, is believed to have been born in the parish of St. Andrew’s, and was educated here. In 1781, he was called to the bar. He first practised in the Courts of King’s Bench, but being made a sergeant, confined himself chiefly to the common pleas. He was afterwards made King’s and next King’s Ancient Sergeant. On more than one occasion he declined the offer of the bench. He died August 6th, 1825, in his 69th year.
Richard Lubbock, M.D., was born here in 1759, and was educated at the Free Grammar School. He obtained his degree at Edinburgh in 1784. On his return to Norwich he practised with great success. He died September 1st, 1808, and was buried at Earlham church.
The Right Rev. Jacob Mountain, D.D., was the first protestant bishop in the Canadas. He was born in the parish of St. Andrew. He presided over the church in the two Canadas for thirty-two years, and died June 16th, 1825, in the seventy-fifth year of his age.
Samuel Parr, LL.D., was master of the Free Grammar School from 1778 to 1792, when he resigned on being presented to the rectory of Buckden, in Lincolnshire.
Edward Rigby, M.D., was born at Chawbent, in Lancashire, December 9th, 1749. He was under the tuition of Dr. Priestley until he was fourteen, when he was apprenticed to Mr. David Martineau of this city. In 1805 he was elected mayor, and died Oct. 27th, 1822. In August, 1818, the corporation voted him and his lady a piece of plate of the value of twenty-five guineas, as a memento of the memorable birth of their four children at one time, and the event was recorded in the city books. Two of the children lived to be nearly twelve weeks old, and the other two not quite seven weeks.