5.—The Rev. Charles Chapman, who was elected vicar of the parish on November 5th, 1832, preached his farewell sermon at St. Peter Mancroft church, Norwich. The Rev. Thomas Wilson, M.A., was elected to the vacant living.
7.—At Norwich Quarter Sessions, before the Recorder (Mr. Isaac Jermy), John Dover, the notorious Chartist leader, was found guilty of receiving stolen silk, &c., the property of William Martin and others, and sentenced to fourteen years’ transportation.
13.—Cooke’s Royal Circus was opened at the Amphitheatre, Victoria Gardens, Norwich. During the season various “horse spectacles,” pantomimes, farces, and burlettas were produced.
18.—Died at his house near St. Giles’ Gates, Norwich, Mr. James Bennett, a man of great scientific attainments. By trade a watchmaker, “he invented an instrument for performing the operation of the trepan, which was mentioned with much praise by Sir Astley Cooper in his lectures, and ever afterwards used by that distinguished surgeon. He was the first man who made an electrical machine in Norwich. To different societies he sent original contributions, and presented articles of value, particularly the splendid anatomical preparations of the late Mr. Stevenson, veterinary surgeon, Castle Meadow, which were given to a museum in London. He took great interest in witnessing surgical operations, and could dissect an eye very beautifully. He was an adept at music and drawing, and was one of the original members of the Hall Concert.” Mr. Bennett served the office of Sheriff in 1826, and by virtue of seniority was “Father of the Common Council.” He was the oldest surviving “brother” of the intellectual and benevolent confraternity, the College of United Friars, and was for many years a member of the Castle Corporation.
25.—The Norfolk Chronicle published the results of an inquiry into the state of the manufactures of Norwich, and in its comments stated: “Norwich has lost its former prominence as a manufacturing city, partly in consequence of the high price of coals compared with the North and West, and partly from improvements in machinery being tardily introduced. We regret that while 8,000 persons are employed in or connected with our factories and mills, a large number are constantly without work, and this is likely to be the state of things for some time to come.”
26.—On this date occurred the highest tide ever recorded at Yarmouth. The depth of water on the bar was 19 ft. 6 in. A severe gale
prevailed, and several vessels were in distress. The Phœnix yawl, which went out to the assistance of a brig stranded on the north end of the Scroby Sand, was lost, and seven of her crew drowned.
FEBRUARY.
19.—Died at his residence, Northrepps Hall, Cromer, Sir T. Fowell Buxton, Bart. He was in his 59th year.
23.—Died at St. Peter Mancroft, Norwich, Mr. Thomas Stannard, engraver, aged 55.