20.—The Duke of Wellington passed through Norwich on his way to Gunton. His grace returned to the city on the 27th on his journey back to town.
21.—Died, John Nash, of Hempnall. He was clerk of the parish 56 years, keeper of the Swan Inn 35 years, and at the age of 40 weighed 24 stone.
23.—Died at Ludham, aged 79, Thomas Smith, shoemaker. “By his particular request he was carried to the grave by six men of his own trade, each with his leather apron tied round him, and stirrups with hand leathers attached slung across their shoulders.”
24.—Fox’s birthday was commemorated by a dinner at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, at which 460 noblemen and gentlemen were present. The company included H.R.H. the Duke of Sussex, the Duke of Norfolk, the Earl of Albemarle (who presided), Mr. T. W. Coke, M.P., &c.
25.—Intelligence was received in Norwich of the death of H.R.H. the Duke of Kent.
27.—The Castle Corporation at Norwich celebrated their 55th anniversary.
29.—Mr. Harley, of Drury Lane Theatre, commenced an engagement at Norwich Theatre. The performances were interrupted by the intelligence of the death of George III., and were resumed on February 17th. His characters included Marplot (“The Busybody”), Tristran Fickle (“The Weathercock”), Popolino (“The Sleeping Draught”), Risk (“Love Laughs at Locksmiths”), Caleb Quotem (“The Wags of Windsor”), Peter Fidget (“The Boarding House”), Phantom (“Frightened to Death”), and Somno (“The Sleep Walker”).
30.—A messenger from London brought to Lord and Lady Castlereagh, who were staying at Gunton Hall, intelligence of the death of George III., which was announced in Norwich on the morning of the 31st. Most of the shops were immediately closed, and the bells of the parish churches were tolled for three hours.
FEBRUARY.
2.—The accession of George IV. was proclaimed on the Castle Hill, Norwich, by Sir William Windham Dalling, Bart., High Sheriff of the county of Norfolk, who was accompanied by Mr. Edmond Wodehouse, M.P., and other gentlemen, who gave three cheers for his Majesty. In accordance with a writ addressed to the Mayor and Sheriffs of Norwich on the 1st inst., the proclamation was made in the city with due formality on the 2nd. The Corporation assembled at the Guildhall, and the 14th Light Dragoons paraded in the Market Place. From the leads of the Guildhall, after a flourish of trumpets, the Town Clerk (Mr. Elisha de Hague) read the proclamation amid loud cheers. A procession was afterwards formed and passed through the city, the proclamation being read at various points. “At the upper gate of the Close the Under Chamberlain advanced and demanded the gates to be opened in pursuance of the King’s writ. Mr. J. Kitson, the Chapter clerk, then answered from within, ‘In obedience to his Majesty’s commands the gates shall be opened.’” After the proclamation had been made in the Close the procession returned to the Guildhall, where refreshments were served. The proclamation was made in similar form at Yarmouth, Lynn, and Thetford.