September 3—The Rev. Mr. Ketley, appointed by the London Missionary Society to take the place of the ill-treated Smith, of Demerara, whose case had occupied so large a share of public attention, was publicly ordained at the Independent Chapel, Worcester.
September 26—A sumptuous silver vase, presented to Viscount Eastnor by the Yeomanry, “as a farewell token of the cordial and lasting esteem which is felt for him by all ranks of the corps.”
October 29—The inhabitants of Bewdley, following suite with the Kentish Brunswickers on Penenden Heath, declared in public meeting that “the Protestant constitution shall not be changed.” John Williams, Esq., the High Bailiff, was in the chair; and the petition against the Catholic claims was moved by the Rev. John Cawood, and seconded by John Nichols, Esq. There was no opposition. The Mayor and Corporation of Evesham forwarded a similar petition.
1829.
The ministry—supposed by all England to be determined to resist, a l’outrance, the claims of the Catholics to emancipation—astounded the country by making the King recommend, in his speech at the opening of Parliament, that these claims should be immediately taken into consideration. The Catholic Association and Mr. O’Connell’s election for Clare were supposed to have been the causes immediately compelling ministers to give way; but the Emancipation Act really owed its existence to the continuous efforts of the great Liberal party and the weight of public opinion in England. The measure was passed in the Commons by a majority of 173, and in the Lords of 105. The circulation of small notes came to an end in the early part of this year, and although so much time had been afforded for preparation for this step, and it had been so repeatedly postponed, it nevertheless produced much straitness in commercial transactions, and had its effect in reducing both the price of the provisions and the wages of labour. Three per Cents. averaged 88; wheat averaged 66s. 3d.
January—A subscription entered into for the relief of the Worcester poor.
February—The petitions against Catholic Emancipation, got up by the Brunswick Club, received about 6,000 signatures in this county. On the presentation of the petition in the House of Lords, Lord Lyttelton characterised the manner in which it was got up as “anomalous and irregular.”
February 9—The Worcester Literary and Scientific Institution established at a public meeting held at the Guildhall, presided over by Mr. Daukes of Diglis House. It was for some years warmly supported by Lord Lyttelton and most of the literati of the county.
February 17—An alarming fire in the outbuildings of Mr. Joseph Ross of Sneachill, White Lady Aston, consuming altogether about four thousand pounds’ worth of property, and wholly uninsured. Three hundred guineas were offered as a reward for the discovery of the incendiary, no doubt being entertained that it was wilful.
March 24—Meeting of the clergy of the diocese, with Archdeacon Onslow in the chair, to petition against the Catholic Relief Bill. The tone of the proceedings and petition was very moderate. The Hon. H. B. Lygon was the only member for this county who voted against the Bill.