May 15th. Thackeray, the novelist, lectured in Yarmouth: Subject—Georges III. and IV.
May 16th. Emily Major, dressed in male attire, attempted to escape from Gaol.
May 27th. Two Russian trophies received at Yarmouth. The Mayor applied to Lord Panmure for them in June, 1856.
June 7th. Corner-stone of St. John’s Church laid. This building, which cost £2,000, was opened Feb. 7th, 1858. In 1859 the southern aisle was added as a memorial to the late Miss Maurice, and opened by Bishop Hills before his departure for British Columbia.
June 8th. The Bill authorising the construction of the Britannia Pier read a third time and passed. This Pier was opened by a public company, July 13th, 1858, which has since dissolved.
Aug. 28th. Meeting of the British Archæological Association at the Town Hall.
Aug. 29th. The House of Commons decided the election to Parliament of W. T. McCullagh and E. Watkins, Esqs., as invalid. A. W. Young and J. Mellor, Esqs., were returned to Parliament in their place; the next day a monster meeting, between 10,000 and 12,000 people being present, was held on the Quay. E. Watkin, Esq., was drawn by men, by means of a rope attached to his carriage, from the Railway Station round the town.
Sept. 15th. Two Prize Fights took place on the banks of the Yare, between Batson and Slack, and Stamp and Turner.
Sept. 18th. Meeting at the Town Hall on the Indian Mutinies; £233 17s. subscribed in the room for the sufferers.
Sept. 24th. Organ at St. Peter’s Church opened. It was built by Messrs. Bishop and Starr, at a cost of £400.