17.—Married at St. Martin’s-in-the-Fields, London, Mr. William Henry Brundall to Miss Priscilla Mason, both formerly of the Theatre Royal, Norwich.
19.—Died at Chelsea, Mr. Henry Cooper, barrister, aged 39. The son of an eminent Norwich barrister, he went to sea with Nelson, and as a boy was present at the battle of the Nile. He early quitted the naval profession for that of the law, and was afterwards appointed Attorney-General of the Bermudas. On the appointment of Mr. Sergeant Blosset to the Chief Justiceship of Bengal, Mr. Cooper, who was then rapidly rising on the Norfolk circuit, became one of the leaders.
21.—The first Triennial Musical Festival, “for the benefit of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital,” commenced on this date. On the evenings of the 21st, 22nd, and 23rd a miscellaneous concert was given at St. Andrew’s Hall; on the mornings of the 22nd, 23rd, and 24th oratorios were performed in the same building; and on the evening of the 24th a ball took place. The principal vocal performers were Mrs. Salmon, Miss Stephens, Miss Carew, Madame Renzi De Begnes, Mr. Vaughan, M. Sapio, Mr. Bellamy, Mr. Edward Taylor, of Norwich (in place of Mr. F. Novello, absent through family bereavement), Mr. Terrail, Master Kempton, and Signor De Begnes. Sir George Smart was the conductor. The Festival was attended by H.R.H. the Duke of Sussex, who was the guest of the Bishop of Norwich. The receipts amounted to £6,695, and the amount given to the Hospital was £2,411 4s. 2d. At a quarterly assembly of the Corporation on September 27th, the freedom of the city was voted to Sir George Smart, “for the eminent services rendered by him to the city and county as conductor of the late Musical Festival”; and the Corporation further agreed to purchase the organ erected for the occasion in St. Andrew’s Hall by Mr. Grey, for the sum of 280 guineas.
29.—Races were held at East Dereham, and were well attended by “beauty and fashion.”
OCTOBER.
14.—The premises of Mr. Ling, upholsterer and cabinet maker, Bridewell Alley, Norwich, were destroyed by fire. The terrified prisoners were removed from their cells in the Bridewell adjoining and conveyed to the City Gaol, and all the property that could be saved from the burning premises was taken into St. Andrew’s church. The 2nd Dragoon Guards were called out to preserve order, and the staff of the West Norfolk Militia assembled under arms. “Owing to the goods being stored in St. Andrew’s church it was impossible to hold service there on Sunday.”
15.—Died, in his 88th year, Mr. Robert Priest, of St. James’ Street, Norwich. He was for many years treasurer to the Charity Schools, and in 1786 paid the fine on declining the office of Sheriff.
21.—Died of consumption, in his 24th year, at Little Baddow,
Essex, the Rev. Stephen Morell, “pastor of the Christian Society at the Old Meeting House, Norwich.”
26.—Mrs. Sloman, formerly of the Norwich Company, made her first appearance at Covent Garden as Belvedera in “Venice Preserved.” The “Times” described the performance as “more than respectable—in many parts excellent”; and the “Morning Herald” stated that “it was the most promising tragic début since the days of Miss O’Neil, and the applause at the dropping of the curtain was long, loud, and universal.” Mrs. Sloman was subsequently engaged by the managers of Covent Garden for three years at a high salary.