7.—Three hundred emigrants left Yarmouth Quay by the Baltic (Captain Newson), Venus (Captain Simmons), and Wellington (Captain Gilham), for Quebec. The Shannon sailed from Lynn for Quebec on April 16th, with 90 emigrants.
18.—James Clarke, aged 20, was executed on Castle Hill, Norwich, for setting fire to a wheat stack at Buxton. “The most singular feature attending the execution was that an old man named Wyer, a
person well known for his eccentricities, declared on the Hill that he would take the sufferer’s place for five shillings. The man made good his word, went home and hanged himself.”
20.—Mr. Macready commenced a four nights’ engagement at Norwich Theatre in the part of Macbeth. His other impersonations included Hamlet, Virginius, Werner, and Puff (“The Critic”). On the 23rd an outrage was committed by a person who “threw a chemical substance capable of ignition, in different parts of the building.” A reward of 20 gs. was offered for the apprehension of the offender.
25.—The West Norfolk and Lynn Hospital, designed by Mr. Angel and built by Mr. Sugars, was opened for the reception of patients.
—A troop of the 6th Inniskilling Dragoons arrived at Norwich Barracks, and were followed by two other troops of the same regiment, from Sheffield and Nottingham.
MAY.
1.—Mr. Moore and Mr. Steward were returned to the Norwich Court of Aldermen for election as Mayor. The first-named was chosen.
4.—The 2nd Dragoon Guards marched from Norwich Barracks, on their way to Liverpool, for embarcation for Dublin. The Mayor and Corporation testified to the excellent conduct of the regiment, and expressed regret at their departure.
—The Norwich Corporation agreed not to dispose of the old City Gaol without reserving a portion of the site for the purposes of the Norwich Public Library. On September 21st a lease was granted of part of the site (70 ft. by 70 ft.) to the trustees of the Library for the term of 99 years, at the annual rent of £1, “for the erection of a library room or other building connected therewith.” At a special meeting of the subscribers, on October 29th, the contract of Messrs. Darkins and Blake for the erection of the new building, at the total cost of £1,820, was confirmed, and it was decided to raise the amount in shares of £5 each.