No. 294 Lodge of Union, city of Norwich, St. Stephen’s, second Sunday and fourth Monday.—Ancient Masons.
No. 563 Norwich Theatrical, at the different Theatres in the circuit, second Friday,—June 26th, 1797.
Royal Arch Masons, Knight Templers, and Grand Chapter of Harodim, Gate House Tombland.
Also Three Lodges of Odd Fellows, instituted in 1804.
At the Norwich Volunteer, in St. Stephens, and since removed to the Duke of York, on the Cattle Meadow, called the York Lodge—they have near 400 names enrolled on their books.
The Trafalgar Lodge, instituted in 1808, at the Three Tons, near St. Andrew’s Steps
The Prince of Wales Lodge, instituted in 1809, at the Old Lobster, in Lobster-lane.
There is likewise a Lodge of Druids, at the Rose, in St. Augustines.
A sketch of the actions and characters of those persons born in this city, who have distinguished themselves by their talents or application, would furnish ample materials for an interesting volume; yet, to pass over so important a topic entirely, might be censurable; brief particulars of some few of the most eminent are here given:—
William Bateman, commonly known as William de Norwico, was born in the beginning of the 14th century, (his father represented the City in Parliament in 1326;) he received the rudiments of education at Norwich, and afterwards at Cambridge studied the civil law, and was early noticed for his literary acquirements, Bishop Ayremine recommended him to Rome,