THE GUILD-HALL.
In this Hall, the assizes and quarter sessions for the city are held. Also the Mayor’s office, for the daily administration of justice; the town-clerk’s and chamberlain’s offices: and all elections for Mayor, Aldermen, Sheriffs and Common-councilmen are here determined.
The windows contained many stories on painted or stained glass, relating to the administration of justice;—there now remain perfect only one large and two small windows, to perpetuate the remembrance of this beautiful art.
The room is adorned with the pictures of King William and Queen Mary, many eminent men of the county, mayors of the city, and other benefactors.
Herein is the following inscription, suspended from a Golden Anchor, at the bottom of which are Lord Nelson’s arms, neatly executed—in the center Tria junca in uno, on one side a Lion, on the other a Sailor, at foot Faith and Works.
“The Sword of the Spanish Admiral Don Xavier Winthuysen, who died of the wounds he received in an engagement with the British Fleet under the command of Admiral Earl St. Vincent, 14th Feb. 1797, which ended in the most brilliant victory ever obtained by this Country over the Enemy at Sea: wherein the heroic Valour and cool determined Courage of Rear Admiral Sir Horatio Nelson, K. B. had ample scope for their display. He being a Native of Norfolk, honoured the City by presenting this Sword, surrendered to him in that Action.”
The City Prison is directly opposite.
ST. PETER OF MANCROFT CHURCH
Was begun in 1430, and finished in 1455. It is esteemed a very handsome parish church: has a fine square tower steeple, 98 feet high, though designed at first to have been much higher, as appears from the double buttresses reaching to the top, and the thickness of the walls: this tower contains an excellent peal of twelve bells, cast by Messrs. Pack and Chapman, of London, in 1775; the Tenor weighing 41 cwt. The whole is covered with lead, and supported by two rows of pillars, remarkably neat and slender, forming eliptic arches at their top.
The altar-piece, representing the story of St. Peter being delivered out of prison, was painted by that ingenious artist Mr. Catton, and presented to the parish by Alderman Starling, in 1768. The furniture of the altar is crimson velvet, and the plate exceedingly grand, all but one cup being double gilt: one piece of it is remarkably curious, being an elegant standing cup and cover of silver, double gilt, weighing 46 oz. 1 gr. 1 pt. given by Sir Peter Gleane, Knight, whereon is beautifully chased the story of Abigail bringing presents to David.