1796. February 23. Eleven persons lost their lives in attempting to cross the river in the Ferry-Boat—see [978].—The preceding day a Marshland man, of the name of Fuller, going to see the wild beasts, and putting his hand to a Lion’s mouth, narrowly escaped being torn to pieces by him.—April 25. The Free-masons, went in procession, from the Maid’s Head Inn to St. Margaret’s church, where a sermon was preached to them by Dr. Lloyd, the present Hebrew Professor at Cambridge; all this preparatory or introductory to the instituting and consecrating a new lodge of Lynn Free Masons: see p. [1120], &c.
1797. A whale, measuring 44 feet, caught in Lynn channel.—An improved method of cleaning Wheat seed discovered by some of our farmers: see p. [979].—The subscription Library established this year; of which see p. [1176].—In April this year, prince William (now duke) of Gloucester visited Lynn, and, after reviewing the Volunteers and dining with the mayor, was admitted to the freedom of this borough.
1798. Lynn and Freebridge Yeomanry Cavalry, under Colonel Taylor, embodied. Divers other such corps in our vicinity sprung up about the same time—the martial ardour of the time extended even to the priesthood.—On 29 Dec. this year the Thermometer said to be at 3 below 0: see p. [981].
1799. The Lynn and Wisbeach Packet, and also the inglorious Income Tax commenced their progress and operations: the former with far less success than the latter.—A great controversy soon after arose here about the termination of the century; one party placing it at the close of this, and the other at the close of the following year: so that the controversy rested on this curious ground, whether or not 99 was equal to 100.
1800. St. Catherine’s Gates, commonly called East Gates, taken down after having stood above 700 years.—Sept. 3. The dearness of provisions caused here a considerable commotion among the common people; and Mr. Forster, a flour merchant, was very roughly treated by some of them.—The attempt of Hadfield upon the king’s life, at the theatre, this summer, caused no small agitation here and throughout the nation: two very loyal addresses were now presented to his majesty, by our corporation and the inhabitants.
1801. The old building or tower, called the Black Mount, on the town walls, fell this year without doing much damage, as the ropers had just left it, being their dinner time.—816l. 9s. subscribed here this year, to furnish the poor with pease-soup, which was served out to them from the Town Hall thrice a week, by reason of the extreme dearness of provisions.—Also one Peter Donahue executed here for forgery.—The Peace of Amiens excited no small joy here, and the town was illuminated on the occasion.
1802. A grand Fete given at Refley Spring, when a whole sheep, roasted (says one account,) was served up at dinner, as a peace-offering to the friends of Refley [which friends of Refley, we may suppose, were the gods worshipped there that day.]
1803. The first act for paving and improving the town was now obtained.—The new-road, from the South gate to St. James’s End, was also made this year.—Also the new Burying ground and Chapel consecrated, by the then bishop of Norwich, Dec. 14.
1806. In the course of this year there was a very high tide which demolished the remaining ruins of our Lady’s Chapel on the Bridge.—St. Nicholas’s Chapel this same year thoroughly repaired and greatly improved at a considerable expense.
1807. His royal highness the duke of Clarence, attended by Earl Cholmondeley visited Lynn, (13. October,) and they were both presented with the freedom of this borough.