21.—This day was received at Norwich intelligence of the death of his Majesty King William IV. The bells of all the city churches were tolled throughout the day. On the 25th (Sunday) the pulpits, communion tables, and reading-desks of all churches were draped in black, and special sermons were preached. In consequence of the funeral taking place on Saturday, the 7th, the public markets at Norwich were held on the 6th. On the day of the interment, the shops in the city, without a single exception, were closed, and public business entirely suspended. The Mayor and Sheriff, with members of the Corporation, attended the special service at the Cathedral, where the sermon was preached by Dean Pellew.
23.—The accession of her Royal Highness the Princess Alexandrina Victoria to the Crown of the United Kingdom was proclaimed in Norwich with the customary formalities. The members of the Corporation assembled at the Guildhall and took the oath of allegiance, after which
they proceeded to the leads, where, amid a scene of great enthusiasm, the Mayor read the Proclamation, and “God save the Queen” was played by a band in the Market Place. The civic procession, escorted by the 17th Lancers, under the command of Major St. Quintin, made a detour of the city, and the Proclamation was read at various places en route. The accession was officially proclaimed also at Yarmouth and Lynn.
27.—The 17th Lancers, commanded by Major St. Quintin, marched from Norwich Barracks, and were replaced by three troops of the 3rd Dragoon Guards, under the command of Major Huntly.
JULY.
1.—Mr. W. J. Utten Browne, one of the leaders of the Conservative party in Norwich, issued his address as Parliamentary candidate for Ashburton, Devonshire. (At the election Mr. Browne polled 83 votes, against 98 recorded for his opponent, Mr. Lushington.)
6.—Notice was given of the appointment of Mr. Charles Drake as registrar for the Conesford district; Mr. W. P. Nichols, Mancroft district; Mr. William Henry Taylor, West Wymer district; and Mr. William Tawell Roper, Coslany district, under the new Act of Parliament for the registration of births, deaths, and marriages. Mr. John Oddin Taylor was appointed registrar of marriages for the whole of the districts above-named, and Mr. Francis John Blake was superintendent registrar.
9.—At a special meeting of the Norwich Town Council, addresses of congratulation to the Queen and of condolence with the Queen Dowager were unanimously adopted.
21.—The elevation to the Peerage of Mr. T. W. Coke, of Holkham; by the names, styles, and titles of Viscount Coke and Earl of Leicester, was announced in the “London Gazette” of this date.
24.—The nomination of candidates for the representation of Norwich took place, consequent upon the death of the King, at the Guildhall. Arthur Richard Wellesley, Marquis of Douro, was nominated by Sir Robert John Harvey, and seconded by Mr. Samuel Bignold; the Hon. Robert Campbell Scarlett by Lieut.-Col. Harvey, seconded by Mr. E. T. Booth; Mr. Benjamin Smith (son of the late member) by Mr. Edward Trafford, seconded by Mr. W. Dalrymple; and Mr. W. Mountford Nurse by Mr. J. W. Robberds, seconded by Dr. Evans. Polling commenced on the 25th, and the result was declared on the 26th, as follows:—Douro (C), 1,863; Scarlett (C), 1,865; Smith (L), 1,843; Nurse (L), 1,831. On the 27th the newly-elected members dined with their supporters at the Norfolk Hotel, and the chairing took place on the 28th.