21.—Thunderstorms were general throughout the county. At Beechamwell seventeen sheep were killed by lightning, and everywhere the ripening corn crops were greatly damaged by rain and hail.
27.—The four Volunteer Battalions of the Norfolk Regiment went into brigade camp on Rushford Heath, under the command of Brigadier-General Bulwer. The marching in state was 1,563. General Buchanan, C.B., inspected the brigade on the 30th, and the camp was struck on August 1st.
AUGUST.
1.—The chancel of Cromer church, which had been restored at the cost of £6,800, under the superintendence of Sir A. W. Blomfield, A.R.A., was re-opened.
6.—The Royal Archæological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland visited Norwich, and held its inaugural meeting at St. Andrew’s Hall. The proceedings were attended by the Mayor and Corporation and by the members of the Norfolk and Norwich Archæological Society. The Duke of Norfolk, as president for the week, delivered an opening address; and from this day until the closing meeting on the 15th many places of interest in the city and county were visited. On the 8th the Mayor and Mrs. Hanson gave a conversazione at St. Andrew’s Hall in honour of the visit of the Institute.
7.—The Norwich Cricket Week theatrical performance, organized by Sir Kenneth Kemp, Bart., was given at the Theatre Royal. It consisted of the production of the comedy, “Upper Crust.” The piece was performed again on the 9th.
SEPTEMBER.
2.—A violent thunderstorm occurred, accompanied by torrents of rain, which did excessive damage to unharvested crops.
19.—An amateur performance of “Lady Deadlock’s Secret” was given at Norwich Theatre in aid of the funds of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital. Lady Monckton sustained the character of Lady Deadlock, and was supported by Mr. Charles Colnaghi, Mr. George Nugent, Mr. E. F. Nugent, Mr. C. H. Clark, Mr. Eustace Ponsonby, Mr. C. W. A Trollope, and other distinguished amateurs. The performance was repeated on the 20th.
27.—Lieut.-Colonel Bignold, leader of the Conservative party in Norwich, was presented with his portrait, painted by W. B. Richmond, A.R.A., and with an album containing an illuminated address and list of subscribers—members of the Conservative party in city and county. The presentation was made by Sir Harry Bullard at a garden party given by Colonel Bignold at Harford Lodge.