21.—Guild Day was held in the “old style” at Norwich by Mr. J. W. Robberds on his being sworn in as Mayor. The feast at St. Andrew’s Hall was attended by upwards of 500 guests, and a ball took place in the evening at Chapel Field House.
22.—A Musical Festival, “in celebration of the Peace,” commenced at the church of St. Peter Mancroft, Norwich, with a performance of “Judas Maccabaeus.” The “Messiah” was given on the 23rd, and a selection of sacred music on the 24th. On each evening a miscellaneous concert took place in St. Andrew’s Hall. The principal performers were Madame Catalani, Miss Stephens, Miss Booth, Mr. Braham, Mr. Garbett, Mr. Turner, and Mr. Welsh; leader of the band, Dr. Hague; organ and pianoforte, Mr. Beckwith.
JULY.
1.—A meeting, presided over by the Mayor, was held at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, when resolutions were passed in favour of the abolition of the African slave trade, and it was decided to petition the House of Commons to the same effect. The opponents of the resolutions moved, as an amendment, that the Prince Regent was the only person to be addressed pending the negociations with France upon the subject. The resolutions were adopted by large majorities.
2.*—“Capt. Matthias, of Stanhoe Hall, has returned to his family in perfect health after being a prisoner in France ten and a half years.”
4.—Holkham Sheep Shearing commenced on this date, a fortnight later than usual owing to the Peace celebrations in Norwich and the county. “None of the implements possessed sufficient merit to entitle the inventor to the handsome premium offered by Mr. Coke.”
6.—Peace was proclaimed at Yarmouth by the Mayor and Corporation going in procession through the town. At night there was a general illumination.
7.—Peace was proclaimed at King’s Lynn.
12.—At the Norwich Quarter Sessions the case of the King v. Griggs was tried. This was a prosecution at the suit of Mr. Joseph Stannard, a pork butcher, against the defendant, a dealer, for the publication of a libel in the form of a song, entitled “Soup Meagre Joe.” The song reflected on the quality of the soup made by Mr. Stannard, at the request of a Mr. Mitchell, for distribution among the poor of the city during the severe weather in February, 1814. It was stated that the prosecutor neither received nor expected remuneration. His beneficence was rewarded by gross insults from the mob, by assaults, by placards in the streets, by anonymous letters, and by songs which were sung by “Blind Peter” and another ballad singer. One of these songs was printed by Mr. Stewardson from MS. furnished by the defendant. The jury, after four hours’ deliberation, returned a verdict of guilty, and the defendant was fined £10.
13.—The first division of West Norfolk Militia, under the command of Col. Nelthorpe, marched into Norwich, from Yarmouth, where they had landed the previous morning from the Tickler cutter, and four Berwick traders from Leith. St. Peter’s bells were rung, and the