1616. One Mary Smith executed here for Witchcraft on the twelfth of January:—one account says that she was burnt, and another that she was hanged; but all may safely say she was murdered. Alexander Roberts, one of the Lynn clergy, is said to have given an account of her execution, in a treatise he published that year on Witchcraft.
1617. St. Nicholas’s Library founded by the mayor and burgesses.—One Dr. Pearse gave 1000l. to the corporation, they to pay for it 5 per cent. interest; but they disclaimed and would not accept it. (see Joseph Cooper’s book, and Hall books No. 7,)—It is not said how the interest was to be applied.
1620. Two large fishes cast here on shore, one thirty feet long, and the other eighteen yards; but Mackerell is loath to believe the latter to be so large, and thinks it could be only eighteen feet.—The old custom-house now pulled down and rebuilt.—eight or nine ships driven up to St. Germans, and several sunk at the Ball, so as not to be seen at low water or dead neap. (J. Cooper’s MS.)
1621. A man drawn up by the rope of St. Margaret’s great bell and killed.—The people prohibited going to Gaywood Fair; but the reason not told.
1623. St. James’s church underwent additional demolition: one account says, that it was now “entirety pulled down,” which must be a mistake, as the cross aisle is still standing, and forms a principal part of the present workhouse.
1626. St. Ann’s Fort erected, and furnished with a number of great guns from the Tower. The house adjoining, and the piazza, or covered walk, supposed to have been erected about the same time.
1628. Chimes said to be now first set up in St. Margaret’s: but it seems to be a mistake, as we had heard of chimes there many years before, (see under 1566.) Chimes are also said to be now first set up at St. Nicholas’s.—On the 20th. December this year, the four varlets, or sergeants at mace being absent from the mayor, his worship caused them to be cried in different parts of the town:—what success attended this curious experiment, or whether his worship ever found his lost or strayed sergeants, does not appear.
1629. The Bedehouse repaired, and a pipe laid to it conveying thither St. Margaret’s water.—Writing school established in the chamber over the Butcher’s shambles, in Saturday market.—Those shambles furnished with a weighing stool to weigh children. But it seems an odd idea, to have children taken to the butcher’s shambles, to be weighed like hogs or sheep.
1630. April 29. The White Friars steeple, or tower of the Carmelite Convent in South Lynn, fell with a tremendous crash.—Draining of Paradise now took place, which seems to have been before in a hoggish state—The great muck-hill, at the East-gate, spread over St. Catharine’s ground, close by.—One Beane, a tailor, indicted for ravishing his maid, but got off, on paying a fine of 50l.
1631. A high tide, overflowing the lands about the town, deprived it of fresh water for a long time.