9.—Mr. Edward Willett was elected Mayor, and Mr. Richard Coaks appointed Sheriff, of Norwich.
—Died at his residence, St. Margaret’s Place, Lynn, aged 63, Mr. John Prescott Blencowe, who had several times served the office of Mayor of that borough.
10.—The Norwich Polytechnic Exhibition was opened in the premises known as the Royal Bazaar, St. Andrew’s. The exhibition consisted of scientific objects, paintings, drawings, machinery, &c. Professor Partington delivered a course of lectures on arts and manufactures.
18.—A county meeting was held at St. Andrew’s Hall, in furtherance of the movement for suppressing the slave trade in Africa. The High Sheriff (Mr. H. Villebois) presided. The Chartists attended in force, and “gave groans for the Whigs of Norwich, for Mr. J. J. Gurney, the Bishop of Norwich, and Sir T. Fowell Buxton.” The ringleader, Dover, moved a resolution affirming that the meeting “views with deep regret the many proofs of despotic slavery now increasing at home, and it therefore pledges itself to use all its exertions to put a final stop to slavery wherever it is found to exist.” This was negatived, amid great uproar, and the resolutions drafted by the promoters of the meeting adopted.
22.—Intelligence was received in Norwich of the birth of a Princess (Princess Royal). The bells of St. Peter Mancroft were rung, and next day (Monday) there were further demonstrations of joy. On December 2nd a special meeting of the Norwich Court of Guardians was held, “to drink the health of the Queen and the Princess Royal”; and on the same day the Bishop, in celebration of the birth, entertained the
inmates of the Workhouse. The Town Council, on the 10th, adopted a loyal and dutiful address of congratulation.
22.—A severe gale occurred on the Norfolk coast, and resulted in the loss of several lives. Ships were driven ashore at Cromer.
DECEMBER.
14.—A young man named William Bunting appeared before the Norwich magistrates, charged with using threatening language to Mr. R. N. Bacon, of the “Norwich Mercury.” The defendant, a groom in the service of Capt. Ives, rode a horse named Newman Nogs at Long Stratton steeplechases on December 9th. The animal was injured, and had to be destroyed. The complainant, in his report in the “Mercury,” insinuated that the rider “had too much nog in his head”; and Bunting, taking offence, called at the office, and threatened to horsewhip Mr. Bacon. It was alleged that, during the interview, Capt. Ives rode backwards and forwards in front of the office. Defendant was ordered to find sureties, and keep the peace.
26.—Navigation between Norwich and Yarmouth was obstructed by the frozen state of the river.