11.*—(Advt.) “To be seen alive in a genteel room at Mr. Peck’s Coffee-house, Church Stile, Market-place, Norwich, the largest Rattlesnake ever seen in England, 42 years old, near nine feet long, in full health and vigour. He is well secured, so that Ladies and Gentlemen may view him without the least danger. He has not taken any sustenance for the last 11 months. Admittance, Ladies and Gentlemen, 1s.; working people and children, 6d.”
14.—Intelligence received at Yarmouth of the destruction of the Danish fleet in Copenhagen Bay, by the British fleet, under the
immediate command of Lord Nelson, on April 2nd, after a battle of four hours. Seventeen sail of the Danish navy were taken or destroyed. The news was conveyed to Norwich by the coach, which entered the city with colours flying; the Volunteer corps paraded in the Market Place and fired a feu de joie, and the bells of St. Peter Mancroft and of other churches were rung.
18.*—“By the latest returns of the Secret Committee the County of Norfolk is reported amongst the most loyal counties in the kingdom.”
20.—A performance took place at the Theatre Royal, Norwich, “towards raising a fund for the benefit of those who through age or infirmity are obliged to retire from the Stage.”
23.—Died at Norwich, Mr. John Bonsell, aged 75 years, “an eminent leather cutter, who for upwards of 20 years lived an abstemious life, refraining from animal food and fermented liquors. He rendered himself very conspicuous in the religious world, as he professed opinions, in a great measure peculiar to himself, which bordered upon fanaticism. He wrote several religious controversial pamphlets, as ‘The Ram’s Horn,’ &c.”
25.—Comparative returns of the population of Norwich, “as taken in 1801, 1786, 1752, and 1693,” were published. In 1801, the population was 36,832; in 1786, 40,051; in 1752, 36,169; in 1693, 28,881. “The decrease of the population of this city since 1786 is 3,219, but it is to be observed that 1786 was a year of peace, and that in the returns of 1801 those serving in the Navy, Army, and Militia are not included. Norwich, during the present war, has furnished at least 4,000 recruits for the Army and Navy, and these will account for the decrease, and also for the great excess of females, which appears by the returns to be above one-fourth. Of the present population, 408 are chiefly employed in agriculture, and 12,267 in trade, manufactures, and handicrafts.”
MAY.
1.—“There being again this year no alderman below the chair who had served the office of Sheriff, the following aldermen were put in nomination for the office of Mayor:—James Crowe, Sir Roger Kerrison, John Morse, and Jeremiah Ives, jun. At the close the numbers were Ives, 668; Crowe, 638; Kerrison, 375; Morse, 37.” At a court of Mayoralty, held on Sunday, May 3rd, it was ruled that Mr. Crowe was ineligible, in consequence of having served the office three years previously to the date of the election. Sir Roger Kerrison, who stood next on the poll, retired in favour of Mr. Ives, who was thereupon declared elected, and was duly sworn on June 16th.
9.—Died, at Easton House, Sir Lambert Blackwell, Bart., aged 69. The title (conferred on his grandfather in 1718) became extinct. He bequeathed all his estates, with his valuable paintings, books, coins, &c., to Mr. William Foster, jun., of Norwich, subject to certain annuities.