17.—East Raynham church was re-opened, after restoration. The Marquis Townshend had entirely rebuilt the nave, at the cost of upwards of £4,000, and the rector, the Rev. R. Phayre, the chancel, at the cost of £1,000. The work was commenced in May, 1866, by the contractor, Mr. William Hubbard, of East Dereham.
25.—Died at Ballycroy, Ballina, co. Mayo, where he had occupied an extensive farm, Mr. T. J. Birch, Judge of the Norfolk County Court circuit. The second son of Mr. Wyrley Birch, of Wretham Hall, he was born prior to the settlement of the family in the county. He was educated at Eton, and having graduated at Oxford, entered the Inner Temple, and was called to the Bar on November 18th, 1831. His first official connection with the county was as a magistrate and joint chairman of the Court of Quarter Sessions. After the passing of the first County Courts Act, the Liberal Government of the day appointed him, in March, 1847, to the judgeship of the Norfolk district. He was succeeded in his appointment by Mr. William Henry Cooke, Q.C., Recorder of Oxford.
MAY.
1.—Died at the South Kensington Hotel, London, Mr. Albemarle Cator, of Woodbastwick Hall, aged 55. He was one of the most prominent sportsmen in the county, was a Conservative in politics, and was upon the Commission of the Peace. In the year preceding his death he served the office of High Sheriff of Norfolk.
4.—At a special meeting of the Norwich Town Council, an address was adopted congratulating the Queen upon the failure of the attempted assassination of the Duke of Edinburgh.
25.—The Queen’s birthday was observed at Norwich as a public holiday. The Rifle Volunteers fired a feu de joie in the Market Place, and the Artillery Volunteers a salute on the Castle Hill. The Mayor’s déjeuner at the Drill Hall was attended by 1,000 guests, and his entertainment at the Corn Hall by over 1,000 of the aged poor, among whom were an old lady aged 98 and her daughter aged 80.
30.—Died at Thetford, Mr. Leonard Shelford Bidwell, aged 86. Mr. Bidwell had several times served the office of Mayor, was upon the Commission of the Peace for the county and for the borough, and was senior Alderman of the Corporation. In politics he was a Conservative, and had always given his support and influence to the house of Baring in the representation of the borough.
JUNE.
11.—Died at his residence, Burrator, Devon, Sir James Brooke, K.C.B., Rajah of Sarawak.
13.—The name of Lord Ranelagh, High Sheriff of the county, was brought into unpleasant prominence at Bow Street Police Court, during the hearing of a charge against Madame Rachel for fraudulently obtaining from a Mrs. Borradaile the sum of £1,000, upon pretence of making her “beautiful for ever.” Madame Rachel had informed her dupe that Lord Ranelagh had fallen desperately in love with her, and was ready to marry her “providing he had £1,400 for Volunteering purposes.” Lord Ranelagh emphatically denied having had anything to do in the matter further than that he had received letters from Mrs. Borradaile, and had suggested to her family that she should be taken care of, believing that she was under delusions.