Jan. Mr. J. T. Bottle, architect of this town, wrote and published a poetical play entitled, Brian Boru, of which the Spectator says:—“There is so much that is pure, and stately, and dramatic in the tragedy, that we cannot but hope much for the author.”
Jan. 18th. Weston, the American pedestrian, started from the Royal Exchange on a walk of 2,000 miles in 1,000 hours. After completing 1,782½ miles he lectured at the Yarmouth Theatre. On Feb. 28th, Weston had walked 1,977½ miles, being 22½ miles in arrear.
Jan. 21st. Edward Birkbeck, Esq., of Horstead Hall, Norwich, elected M.P. for North Norfolk, in place of the late Col. Duff, by a majority of 490 over Sir Thomas Fowell Buxton, Bart., of Warlies, Waltham Abbey, Essex. The declaration of the poll at Aylsham next day was—Birkbeck (C.), 2,742; Buxton, 2,252. About 1,600 voters polled in Yarmouth, and the remainder in the Division. The constituency comprised 6,474 electors, but 1,480 abstained from voting. It was a sharply-contested battle, and cost, according to official returns, Mr. Birkbeck, £3,496; and Sir Thomas Fowell Buxton, £3,189 14s. 8d.
Feb. 9th. Mr. F. Hewitt’s smack “Henry and Polly” foundered on the Shipwash Sand, and on Feb. 10th, the “William” on Scroby.
Feb. 12th. St. John’s Church re-opened.
Feb. The smack “Himalaya” launched.
Feb. 18th. Captain Wilson presented with a handsome silver flower-stand by the Mayor, on behalf of the Gorleston Company of the 2nd Norfolk Rifles, as a testimonial.
March 6th. In the skating contest of 12 hours, at the Norwich Rink, 33 rounds to the mile, for the Championship of the Eastern Counties, 16 entered, but only eight started, the son of Mr. E. Candler, now of “Angel” Hotel, Yarmouth, taking first prize—a gold medal, in a beautiful case, bearing the following inscription:—“Twelve hours’ skating contest, champion of Eastern Counties, won by E. F. Candler. Distance skated in twelve hours, 77 miles 7 laps.”
March 7th. T. B. Steward, Wm. Barnard, W. Harrison, Walter Brown, W. H. Bessey, R. E. Dowson, J. A. Norman, J. P. Baumgartner, and R. Bryant, Esqs., appointed Magistrates for the Borough.
March 25th. Receipts of the School Board for past half-year, £1,765; expenditure, £1,521. The rate was then 1d. on the £ per quarter.