—Died, aged 52, Samuel Thurston, for more than 30 years a ringer at St. Peter Mancroft, Norwich. “As a practical ringer and theorist combined, the art has lost one of its brightest ornaments. The date tablets erected in different parishes throughout the city and county record his fame as a ringer.”
16.—All the marshes and low-lying lands in the vicinity of Norwich were flooded upon the breaking up of the frost. Owing to the heavy state of the roads, the mail and stage coaches were delayed several hours beyond their usual time. The weather was remarkably warm and brilliant in the last week of the month.
FEBRUARY.
3.—Wintry weather set in with increased severity, the rivers were icebound, and navigation was completely stopped at Lynn.
—The Mayor of Norwich (Mr. Ed. Willett) entertained a large party at the Royal Hotel, in celebration of the christening of the Princess Royal. “Four swans formed a conspicuous figure in the second course, and the ancient and costly Corporation plate was brought into requisition on this occasion. Previous to the removal of the cloth the beautiful antique massive gilt dishes were passed round with rose water in them.” In the evening a ball was held at the Assembly Rooms.
8.—Miss Ellen Tree commenced a six nights’ engagement at Norwich Theatre. Her impersonations included Julia (“The Hunchback”), Letitia Hardy, Mrs. Haller, Constance (“The Love Chase”), Juliana (“The Honeymoon”), and Pauline.
12.—Died, at East Dereham, in her 101st year, Mrs. Carter, widow of the Rev. John Carter, formerly minister of the Independent chapel, Mattishall.
—Died, Sir Astley Paston Cooper, Bart., aged 78 years.
27.—Died at Scarning, aged 67, the Rev. L. Walton, perpetual curate of Wendling and Longham, and many years master of the Free Grammar School, Scarning.