15.—The funeral of the late King took place on this date. The day was observed in Norwich “with the complete features of the Sabbath.” The Corporation attended service at the Cathedral, services were held in other places of worship, and the great bell of St. Peter Mancroft tolled from eight o’clock till midnight.
24.—At the General Election which took place consequent upon the death of the King, Mr. Richard Hanbury Gurney, acceding to the urgent appeals of the “Blue and White” party in Norwich, consented to contest the city, in conjunction with Mr. Robert Grant. On this date he and his colleague made their public entry. Col. Peel, who sought re-election, and Vice-Admiral Sir Charles Ogle, Bart., the other “Orange and Purple” candidate, arrived on the 26th. The nomination took place on the 29th, and the polling commenced immediately afterwards. Throughout the election great excitement prevailed, and there was much rioting. The poll was declared on the 30th, as follows: Gurney, 2,363; Grant, 2,279; Peel, 1,912; Ogle, 1,762.
30.—The election at Yarmouth commenced, and, after a sharp contest, the poll was declared, on the 31st, as follows: The Hon. George Anson, 944; Rumbold, 944; Preston, 751; Campbell, 754.
31.—Lynn election took place, and resulted in the return of Lord
George Bentinck and Col. Walpole, with 78 and 73 votes respectively. The unsuccessful candidate, Sir W. B. ffolkes, polled 8 votes.
AUGUST.
3.—Mr. T. W. Coke and Mr. Edmond Wodehouse, the outgoing members, offered themselves for re-election by the county. Mr. Coke issued an address on this date, asking the electors to support Sir William ffolkes, who stood as a third candidate. Mr. Wodehouse withdrew his candidature rather than involve himself and his supporters in a protracted contest, and the two first-named gentlemen were returned unopposed on the 6th.
7.—An inquest upon the body of a man accidentally killed was held in the porch of Earlham church by Mr. William Bell, Coroner.
9.—Mr. Samuel Bignold was elected one of the Sheriffs of Norwich.
—At an inquest held at Norwich on the body of John Morse, aged 38, who, during the city election was violently struck by a stone, and received such injuries that he died on August 6th, a verdict of wilful murder against some person or persons unknown, was returned, and the Court of Mayoralty offered a reward of £50 for a conviction.