—The Magnet coach from London to Norwich had just crossed the bridge at Chesterford, Essex, when, owing to the swollen state of the river, the arch burst with a tremendous crash. Another coach was approaching, and received a lantern warning from the guard of the Magnet. The up Magnet coach from Norwich crossed the bridge shortly before its demolition but got off the road into a swamp. The passengers had to climb out upon the roof and remained there while the water flowed through the windows. The coach was dragged out by a strong team of cart horses. A public subscription was started in Norwich to reward the guard of the Magnet.
22.—Townshend, the pedestrian, commenced a walk of 64 miles per day of sixteen hours for six successive days. He started from Swaffham at 4.30 a.m., passed through Watton at 6.30, through Dereham at 8.30, and arrived at Swaffham at noon, and completed the same journey in the afternoon. (No further record.)
27.—Died, Mrs. M. Jones, of the Theatre Royal, Norwich, in her 61st year, “after long and patient suffering under one of the most tormenting of human disorders.” She was a daughter of the Rev. Nathaniel Gerard, rector of Waxham and vicar of Palling, and of Whepstead Rectory, Suffolk.
28.—Six officers of the 8th Hussars rowed in Capt. Cartwright’s six-oared boat from Norwich to Yarmouth in four hours against the tide, and returned in four and a half hours with a strong stream against them.
29.—The Ottawa, 320 tons, intended as a passage vessel from London to Quebec, was launched from the yard of Messrs. John and Thomas Douglas, at Yarmouth.
31.—The Mayor of Norwich (Mr. J. S. Patteson), with the Sheriffs, magistrates, and aldermen went in procession from the Guildhall to the site of the new gaol outside St. Giles’ Gates, and laid the foundation-stone. Several gold, silver, and copper coins were deposited in the stone, “and the whole was cemented with mortar and fastened with lead poured in boiling hot.” The proceedings were witnessed by hundreds of spectators, one of whom, “a person of respectability, had his pocket picked of a gold watch, chain, and seals.”
JUNE.
3.—Died, on his return from Madeira, aged 29, Dr. Thomas Martineau.
4.—The 3rd Norfolk Yeomanry Cavalry was inspected at Sprowston at the conclusion of permanent duty at Norwich.
7.—The Yarmouth Yeomanry Cavalry, commanded by Sir E. K. Lacon, Bart., were inspected by Major Deare, 8th Hussars, after permanent duty.