11.*—“Died, lately, at Swainsthorpe, aged 75, Robert Utting, commonly called ‘Blind Bob.’ He could find any place to which he was sent in Norwich, and was for more than 50 years postman from that city to Swainsthorpe.”
27.—The Pilot coach was on its journey from Norwich to Lowestoft, with eight outside and two inside passengers, when the leader of the unicorn team became restive, on Bracondale Hill, and turning sharply into Martineau’s Lane, overturned the vehicle. Mr. Benson Rathbone, of Geldeston, one of the passengers, sustained a fracture of the skull, from which he died an hour afterwards, at the Pine Apple public-house, at Trowse. Several other passengers were injured.
NOVEMBER.
4.—The members of the Orange and Purple Club (president, Mr. W. J. Utten Browne), at the Norfolk Hotel, Norwich, presented a piece of silver plate to Mr. A. A. H. Beckwith, in recognition of his important services to the Conservative cause.
19.—At the Guildhall, Norwich, Mr. Samuel Bignold was presented with a silver candelabrum, valued at £200, “to perpetuate the remembrance of his ability and independence as a magistrate, his munificent hospitality, and his important public services.”
—The Hon. W. H. Beresford and Mr. W. M. Praed were adopted Conservative candidates at Yarmouth. Mr. Beresford afterwards withdrew in favour of Mr. Thomas Baring.
26.—The annual meeting of the Norfolk and Norwich Museum was held for the first time “in the new building in Exchange Street,” which was informally opened on that occasion.
29.—The Rev. A. Sedgwick, M.A., F.R.S., Woodwardian Professor in the University of Cambridge, was installed a Prebendary of Norwich Cathedral.
DECEMBER.
2.—A meeting of Nonconformists was held at Edwards’ Room, Orford Hill, Norwich, in defence of their civil and religious liberty. Alarm was expressed at the dismissal of Lord Melbourne and his colleagues from office, and at the management of the affairs of State “being consigned to individuals who had proved themselves the enemies of Reform and of the claims of Protestant Dissenters.” The Hon. Edward Vernon Harbord was requested to become a candidate for the representation of Norwich.