Transcribed from the 1901 edition by David Price, email ccx074@pglaf.org

NORFOLK ANNALS

A CHRONOLOGICAL RECORD OF REMARKABLE EVENTS IN
THE NINETEENTH CENTURY

(Compiled from the files of the “Norfolk Chronicle”)

by
CHARLES MACKIE

VOLUME I.

1801–1850

“It is beyond the capacity of the human intellect to discriminate beforehand between what is valuable and what is valueless in the pursuit of historical research. What would we give now for newspapers and trade circulars illustrating the social habits of many bygone times and peoples?”—The Times, May 4, 1900.

[Entered at Stationers’ Hall]

1901
Printed at the Office of the “Norfolk Chronicle” Market Place Norwich

SUBSCRIBERS.

Lord Amherst of Hackney, Didlington Hall, Brandon, Norfolk.
Major C. W. Archdale, Coltishall, Norwich.

The Rev. Thomas W. B. Bartlett, Beeston Rectory, Swaffham.
Miss Bateman, 1, Hanover Road, Brunswick Road, Norwich.
Sir Reginald P. Beauchamp, Bart., Langley Park.
The Rev. John Hare Beevor, Hevingham Rectory, Norwich (two copies).
W. T. Bensly, LL.D., F.S.A., Eaton, Norwich.
C. A. Bathurst Bignold, Eaton Hall, Norwich.
Edward L. Birkbeck, Lexham.
Henry Birkbeck, Westacre.
T. C. Blofeld, Hoveton House.
Thomas Blomfield, Wellington House, East Dereham.
Edward Boardman, Albemarle Road, Norwich.
E. T. Boardman, Queen Street, Norwich.
H. C. Bolingbroke, Shirehall, Norwich.
T. B. Brittan, Brentwood, City Road, Lakenham, Norwich.
William Cooper Brown, Hartwell, Wroxham.
Henry G. Browne, 84, West Pottergate Street, Norwich.
The Rev. E. Utten Browne, Besthorpe Vicarage, Attleborough.
Sir Harry Bullard, M.P., Hellesdon House, Norwich.
General W. E. G. L. Bulwer, C.B., Quebec House, East Dereham.
Edward Bunnett, Mus. Doc, The Close, Norwich.
C. Louis Buxton, Bolwick, Marsham, Norwich.
G. F. Buxton, Dunston Hall, Norwich.

Edward J. Caley, Chapel Field Works, Norwich.
Thomas Chaplin, Milestone House, Thorpe Road, Norwich.
Henry L. Clark, Maid’s Head Hotel, Norwich.
Stroud L. Cocks, Uplands, Diss.
Russell J. Colman, Bracondale Woods, Norwich.
Ben Cook, Aylsham.

Henry J. Copeman, 2, Town Close Road, Norwich.
S. Cozens-Hardy (Sheriff of Norwich), Bracondale, Norwich.
Thomas Cranmer, Clarence House, East Dereham.
Archdeacon Crosse, Cathedral Precincts, Norwich.
Henry R. Culley, 12, Bank Street, Norwich.

Travers Daveney, Linton, Cambridge.

Sir Peter Eade, St. Giles’ Street, Norwich.
Frederic R. Eaton, Cleveland House, Eaton, Norwich.
M. S. Emerson, Cathedral Close, Norwich.

The Hon. Ailwyn E. Fellowes, M.P., Honingham Hall.
G. B. ffolkes, Manor House, Wolferton, King’s Lynn.
Sir William H. B. ffolkes, Bart., Hillington Hall, King’s Lynn.
P. Berney Ficklin, Tasburgh Hall, Norwich.
Miss Franklin, 58, Unthank Road, Norwich.
Free Library, Norwich.

W. Coke Gee, Branksome, Catton.
W. B. Gerish, Ivy Lodge, Bishop’s Stortford, Herts.
Henry J. Gidney, Aylsham.
George Gilbert, Old Hall, Reedham.
Lieut.-Col. H. H. Gilbert, Cantley, Norfolk.
Sir Charles R. Gilman, Stafford House, Norwich.
The Rev. F. J. W. Girling, Shernborne Vicarage, King’s Lynn.
T. Inglis Goldie, Theatre Street, Norwich.
Agas H. Goose, 17, Prince of Wales Road, Norwich.
Robert Green, Angle Cottage, Sheringham.
Frederick Gregory, Excelsior House, North Walsham, Norfolk.
Guildhall Library, London.

W. H. Hackblock, Coltishall.
H. Rider Haggard, Ditchingham House.
J. B. Tooke Hales, The Close, Norwich.
Peter E. Hansell, Wroxham House, Wroxham, Norfolk.
P. Harbord, Lammas Hall, Norwich.
Bosworth Harcourt, 39, St. Giles’ Street, Norwich.
Thomas Hardie, Tudor House, Lower Clarence Road, Thorpe Hamlet.
W. T. Hartcup, Eastwood, Old Catton.

Captain E. Harvey, Holmwood, Thorpe, Norwich.
Lord Hastings, Melton Constable Hall, Norfolk.
Frank P. Hinde, The Fernery, Thorpe Hamlet, Norwich.
Sir Samuel Hoare, Bart., M.P., Sidestrand Hall.
Francis Hornor, Thorpe Mansions, Norwich.
The Rev. J. W. Hoste, Norfolk Club, Norwich.
Charles J. A. Howes, 36, Havelock Road, Earlham Road, Norwich.
The Rev. William Hudson, 15, Hartfield Square, Eastbourne.
John Hurn, 37, Surrey Street, Norwich.

Arthur Edward Jackson, 79, St. Giles’ Street, Norwich.
Sir Alfred Jodrell, Bart., Bayfield, Holt.
Frederick Johnson, 33, Queen’s Road, Great Yarmouth.

The Earl of Leicester, K.G., Holkham, Norfolk.
Thomas Barrett Lennard, Horsford Manor, Norwich.
Hamon le Strange, Hunstanton Hall, Norfolk.
Captain Evans Lombe, 88, Hough Green, Chester.
C. J. Temple Lynes, Blakeney, Norfolk.

A. H. Mann, Mus. Doc., King’s Field, Cambridge.
The Hon. Robert Marsham-Townshend, 5, Chesterfield Street, Mayfair, London, W.
Miss Elizabeth Matthews, The Hollies, Swaffham.
William McQueen, The Cedar, Heigham Grove, Norwich.
John C. Miles, The Denes, Great Yarmouth.
Fred Morgan, Theatre Royal, Norwich.

Norfolk and Norwich Library, Norwich.

The Earl of Orford, Mannington Hall, Aylsham, Norfolk.

J. J. D. Paul (Mayor of Norwich), Eaton Grove, Norwich.
Mrs. Petre (of Westwick), Furze Hill, North Walsham, Norfolk.
R. H. Porter, 7, Prince’s Street, Cavendish Square, London, W.
Arthur W. Preston, Bradestone House, Brundall.
Richard Preston, Tonbridge, Kent.
R. J. W. Purdy, Woodgate House, Aylsham.

John Quinton, Norfolk and Norwich Library, Norwich.

Clare Sewell Read, 91, Kensington Gardens Square, London, W.
Edmund Reeve, Ber House, Norwich.

James Reeve, Castle Museum, Norwich.
F. T. S. Rippingall, Langham, Blakeney, Norfolk.
Walter R. Rudd, The Mount, Thorpe Hamlet, Norwich.
Walter Rye, St. Leonard’s Priory, Norwich.

Alfred C. Self, Arlington, Mount Pleasant, Norwich.
John Shepheard, Cromer Road, North Walsham.
His Highness Prince Frederick Duleep Singh, Old Buckenham Hall, Attleborough.
Henry Smith, Ellingham Hall, Bungay.
Edwin B. Southwell, 60, Bracondale, Norwich.
E. Bowyer Sparke, Gunthorpe Hall, Dereham.
A. W. Spratt, St. Catherine’s College, Cambridge.
F. Primrose Stevenson, F.Z.S., 155, Trinity Road, Upper Tooting, London, S.W.

Francis Taylor, Diss.

W. Gladstone Ulph, The Grange, Martham.

John Walker, Wentworth Villa, Newmarket Road, Norwich.
Lord Walsingham, F.R.S., Merton Hall, Thetford.
John H. Walter, Drayton House, Norwich.
The Rev. G. D. D. Watt, 2, Park Road, Forest Hill, London, S.E.
George White, M.P., The Grange, Eaton, Norwich.
Edward Wild, The Hawthorns, Eaton, Norwich.
Edward R. Woodward, Guardians’ Office, St. Andrew’s Street, Norwich.

PREFACE.

The “Norfolk and Norwich Remembrancer and Vade Mecum,” upon the plan of which this work is compiled, was published in two editions. The first (undated) was issued in or about 1801. It appeared in pamphlet form (f’cap 8vo), and contained (1) a brief topographical description of the city and county; (2) a “Chronological Retrospect of the most remarkable events which have occurred in Norfolk and Norwich during the 18th century, with a list of Bishops, Deans, High Sheriffs, Mayors and Sheriffs of Norwich, and Mayors of Yarmouth and Lynn within that period”; (3) an Index Villaris, “including an accurate account of the population, &c., of every parish in the county, extracted from the official returns taken in 1801, with the measured and computed distance of each market town and village from the city of Norwich; also the returns of the population of Norwich, as taken in 1693, 1752, 1786, and 1801”; (4) a list of direct and cross roads from Yarmouth, Lynn, and Cromer; and (5) an alphabetical list of “noblemen and gentlemen’s seats and villas in the county, with their distance from Norwich.” The work was printed and sold by Stevenson and Matchett, Market Place, Norwich, and was “to be had of the distributors of the Norfolk Chronicle and of all booksellers.”

The “Remembrancer” consisted of 80 pages, and was published at eighteenpence. Although the “Chronological Retrospect” extended over the period of one hundred years—from 1701 to 1800 inclusive, it was compressed into 43 pages. This, the most important section of the work, was reprinted from a local chronology published in the Norfolk Chronicle, compiled partly from old Norwich histories and partly from the early files of the newspaper. “Omissions or errors which may have occurred in this work,” says a footnote to the “advertisement” to the first edition, “shall be corrected in a future edition, and notice of such will be thankfully received by the Editors.”

But many years elapsed before the publication of a second edition, and it was not until 1822 that the “Remembrancer” again made its appearance. The modest pamphlet of 1801 had grown to a crown 8vo volume of 274 pages, bound in cloth, and issued at three shillings and sixpence. It was printed in bolder type, and contained additional information of a miscellaneous character, which, published at a time when few general directories and books of reference were in circulation, and local statistics difficult to obtain, was received with favour as one of the earliest attempts to supply the want now so fully met by local handbooks and year-books. In this, as in the first edition, the Chronology was by far the most important part of the book. The 18th century “Retrospect” was revised and amplified, and the record, continued from January, 1801, to December, 1821, occupied 208 pages. The compiler of this edition, and probably of the former issue, although his name did not appear in connection therewith, was Mr. Jonathan Matchett, the senior proprietor of the Norfolk Chronicle, who states in his preface: “The Chronology of Remarkable Events has been compiled principally from the volumes of the Norfolk Chronicle, of which, with the local occurrences of the last fifty years at least, the Retrospect may be considered an epitome. Such errors of omission or commission as may be discovered in this humble compilation shall, if pointed out, be corrected in a future edition, if ever a third should be called for.” As no subsequent issue appeared, it may be assumed that the demand for the work was not such as to justify the expenditure of the time and labour necessary to its production. Mr. Matchett died November 24th, 1844, and from that time until the present no effort had been made to continue the Chronology.

Little need be written by way of preface to this work. It was commenced as an index to the Nineteenth Century files of the Norfolk Chronicle, and was not, as originally planned, intended for publication. The compiler, however, was advised to elaborate his scheme and to prepare, in place of a MS. index designed for private use, a work which would serve the twofold purpose of continuing the excellent Chronology begun by Mr. Matchett, and of supplying a book of reference upon a variety of subjects pertaining to Norfolk and Norwich.

In Volume I. of “Norfolk Annals” are recorded the events of the two decades included in the second edition of the “Remembrancer,” but the matter has been entirely re-written, and the field of research considerably enlarged. With the lapse of time many things, too familiar and commonplace to be very fully noticed in the “Remembrancer,”—e.g., the coaching system, sports which are now obsolete, country celebrations and observances, &c.,—have acquired an interest which they did not present to a compiler of eighty or a hundred years ago. Some of the facts recorded in these pages may not in themselves be considered “remarkable,” but collectively they illustrate the manners and customs, the wisdom and follies, the labours and amusements, of Norfolk people in the century just closed, and, it is hoped, show to what extent the county and city have progressed morally and socially during the last hundred years. In one respect “Norfolk Annals” is less pretentious than its antecessor—it gives no topographical and statistical information of the kind published in the “Norfolk and Norwich Remembrancer”; in another sense it is more pretentious—it contains an index, which will add to its usefulness as a book of reference.

The writer is indebted to the Chairman (Sir Charles Gilman) and the Directors of the Norfolk Chronicle Co., Limited, for permitting him to make use of the files of that newspaper, from which exclusively the following pages have been compiled.

CORRIGENDA. [0]

Page 128, last line, for “present” read “presented.”

„ 138, line 9, for “Hawkes” read “Hankes.”

„ 166, line 2, for “Henry” read “Hurry.”

„ 187, line 8, for “Miller” read “Milles.”

„ 216, first line of last paragraph for “Norfolk” read “Norwich.”

NORFOLK ANNALS.
VOLUME I.
1801–1850.

[Note.—Marginal dates distinguished by an asterisk are dates of publication, not of occurrence.]

1801.

JANUARY.

1.—This day (Thursday) was observed as the first day of the Nineteenth Century. It was also the day upon which the legislative Union of Great Britain and Ireland was effected. At Norwich, the 13th Regiment of Light Dragoons and the East Essex Militia fired a feu de joie in the Market Place, and the Union flag was displayed upon the tower of St. Peter Mancroft. At Yarmouth, there was a ceremonial parade of the Durham Militia, and the vessels in the Roads fired a royal salute and hoisted their new colours in honour of the Union. Rain fell heavily throughout the day.

3.—The Norwich Theatre was opened with the performance of “the last new comedy, ‘Life,’ and the farce, ‘Curiosity.’” The manager, Mr. Hindes, delivered an address to a crowded and fashionable audience. The alterations in the house were executed after designs by Mr. William Wilkins, the patentee, and it was said to be one of the handsomest theatres in the provinces.

5.*—“The Duke of Grafton’s hounds unkenneled a fox at Fakenham Wood, near Euston, and after a chase of upwards of 50 miles in 4 hours 5 minutes, killed him at New Buckenham.”

27.*—“A match for ten guineas (two miles) was trotted on the turnpike road between Setch and Lynn, between Mr. Robson’s pony Filch and Mr. Scarfe’s pony Fidler, which was won with great ease by the former, he having trotted over the ground at the rate of 18 miles an hour.”

Great scarcity prevailed throughout this month. About £1,500 was subscribed for supplying the poor of Norwich with soup,

and upwards of 247,000 quarts were distributed. At Norwich market wheat was quoted at the beginning of the month at 146s. per quarter, and rose at the end to 180s.; barley, 84s.; and oats, 50s. Various expedients were adopted to lessen the consumption of bread. “The officers of the West Norfolk Militia” it was stated, “have entirely left off the use of bread at their mess, and have forbid the use of puddings and pies, except the crust is made of rice or potatoes, which they eat in a variety of shapes as a substitute for bread.” Nurses were advised to use linseed meal and water instead of bread and milk in making poultices.

FEBRUARY.

9.—Died at Postwick, aged 21, Edward West, who had served as midshipman under Lord Nelson at the battle of the Nile, and accompanied Capt. Sir Edward Berry in the Foudroyant. In the action with the Guillaume Tell “he received a most severe wound, which occasioned a decline.”

11.—A General Fast was observed in Norwich.

14.*—“It is much to be regretted that although many large manufactures of hempen cloth are established in Norwich, all the spinning of the hemp is done in Suffolk, and a sufficient quantity is with difficulty obtained from thence. It is suggested to establish a spinning school for children, under the patronage of benevolent ladies.”

17.—A company was formed at Norwich for the erection of a “public mill to be worked by steam for supplying the bakers and inhabitants with flour.” A capital of £12,500 was raised in transferable shares of £25, and the mill was erected upon a site near Blackfriars’ Bridge.

24.—Mr. Charles Harvey, Steward of Norwich, elected Recorder, in place of Mr. Henry Partridge, resigned.

28.—The price of wheat at Norwich Market was 168s. per quarter.

MARCH.

6.—The Anacreontic Society, “which for many years has been established in Norwich, and to which the cause of music owes so much,” closed its winter session. The Hon. Mr. Wodehouse, Sir William Jerningham, Sir Richard Bedingfeld, and Capt. Sir Edward Berry were present. The Society gave monthly concerts in the Assembly Room from October to March. In the advertisement announcing the commencement of the next session, it was stated that the first concert would “begin precisely at 6; supper-rooms open at 9, and the President to quit the chair at 12 o’clock.”

7.—Arrived in Yarmouth Roads, the St. George, of 98 guns, bearing the flag of Lord Nelson. The grand fleet of 47 ships of war (with 3,000 marines), sailed on the 12th, under the command of Admiral Sir Hyde Parker, in the London, of 98 guns, with Nelson as his Vice-Admiral. The fleet first “rendezvoused” in Leith Roods, where it was joined by seven sail of the line, and afterwards proceeded to Copenhagen.

10.—A mob assembled at Lynn and grossly assaulted several millers and farmers by throwing at them stones and dirt. In the evening they broke the windows in the dining-room of the Duke’s Head Inn. “One of the ringleaders was taken to gaol, and by the active exertions of the Rutland Militia tranquillity was restored without bloodshed.”

11.*—“Mr. Kett, butcher, of Norwich, undertook to ride his horse 50 miles in four hours. He started from St. Stephen’s Gates at 12 o’clock, reached the 25th milestone on the Thetford road in about 2½ hours, and returned to the place whence he had set out one and a half minutes before the time allowed. Six to four was laid that the horse did not perform the journey.”

14.*—[Advt.] “The Yarmouth and Norwich mail coach will set out from the King’s Head, Market Place, Norwich, and the Star Tavern, Quay, Yarmouth, every day, at 12 o’clock.”

16.—The Invincible, of 74 guns (built in 1766), Rear-Admiral Totty, on her way to join the grand fleet, got on the Ridge, near Happisburgh Sand, and remained there till daybreak next morning, when she floated off. On entering deep water she went down immediately, with several officers and 300 men. Daniel Grigson, master of the Nancy cod-smack, saved seven officers and about 190 of the crew. At a Court Martial held at Sheerness, on March 31st, on Admiral Totty and the surviving officers and crew, it was proved that the disaster occurred through the ignorance of the pilot, and a verdict of honourable acquittal was returned.

19.—At the Norfolk Assizes, held at Thetford, before Mr. Justice Grose, the action, the King v. Augustus Beevor, clerk, was tried. The information was filed against the defendant by leave of the Court of King’s Bench, for sending a challenge to Major Edward Payne, in consequence of a dispute that had taken place between the Major and the defendant’s father. Defendant, referring to this dispute, wrote to Major Payne, demanding an apology, “or he should be under the necessity of compelling it by a mode generally used among gentlemen.” No notice was taken of the letter, and the defendant meeting Major Payne in the Market Place at Norwich told him publicly that “the contempt he had for his character protected his person.” The defendant was found guilty, and at the next term of the Court of King’s Bench (May 7) was sentenced to three weeks’ imprisonment in the King’s Bench Prison, and ordered to enter into his own recognisances of £500, to find two sureties of £250 each, and to be of good behaviour for three years.

20.*—“The remains of Miss Sophia Goddard, of the Theatre Royal, Norwich, were interred at St. Peter Mancroft. Mr. Hindes, the manager, and the principal actors attended on the melancholy occasion. This young lady had obtained considerable reputation on the Norwich boards, and was making rapid advance to eminence in her profession when death prematurely deprived the theatrical world of an actress whose talents would have ensured her success on any stage. She supported with great fortitude and resignation a long and painful illness, brought on by exertions that her constitution was unequal to, and died on Sunday last (March 15), in her 26th year, sincerely beloved and lamented by her family and friends.”

Wheat this month rose to 180s. per quarter.

APRIL.

3.—Died at the Cavalry Barracks, Norwich, Lieut. Robert Scully, 13th Light Dragoons. His remains were interred on Sunday, April 4th, with military honours, at St. Peter Mancroft.

4.—Died at Cambridge, Mrs. Lloyd, widow of Dean Lloyd, aged 79. “Her performances in needlework were so exquisitely wrought that they may justly be compared with the paintings of the most celebrated artists. The Transfiguration and other figures represented in the eastern windows of Norwich Cathedral have displayed the superior skill of her personal attainments.”

—Mousehold Heath, Norwich, was enclosed and cultivated. Plots of land were afterwards let at 25s. per acre.

—John Allen (23) and John Day (26), for burglary at the house of the Rev. Isaac Horsley, at North Walsham; Richard Grafton, for stealing a cow and three heifers; and James Chettleburgh (36), for stealing six sheep at Saxlingham, were executed at Thetford. “Day confessed to having committed four burglaries previous to that for which he suffered, and to having deserted thirteen times from different regiments.”

—In consequence of objections being made to the elections of Messrs. Staff and Proctor in the Wymer Ward, and of Messrs. Brittan and Scott in the Northern Ward, Norwich, on the ground of their being ineligible under the Corporation Act, having omitted to receive the Sacrament within a year previous to the election of Common Council, the Mayor did not make the returns till several days after the usual time. At a Court held on this day, the Recorder (Mr. Harvey), after the objections had been fully argued by counsel, declared that the persons objected to, who had the majority of votes, having omitted to come into Court according to summons, were not duly elected; but, as no regular notice had been given previous to the election, the candidates in the minority could not be returned. On May 2nd a rule was moved for in the Court of King’s Bench, to show cause why a mandamus should not be directed to the Mayor of Norwich to admit Mr. George Wymer into the office of Common Councilman of the city. Similar motions were made on behalf of Messrs. Bacon, Cooke, Fiske, and Webster, the other defeated candidates. “Lord Kenyon desired counsel to take rule to show cause, and to serve the rule not only on the Mayor, but also on those persons who were elected in fact, but not de jure.” On May 13th, Lord Kenyon confirmed the decision of the Recorder that “neither the candidates who had the majority of votes, from their not having taken the Sacrament, nor those in the minority were duly elected.” Another election for the wards took place on May 25th and 26th.

11.*—(Advt.) “To be seen alive in a genteel room at Mr. Peck’s Coffee-house, Church Stile, Market-place, Norwich, the largest Rattlesnake ever seen in England, 42 years old, near nine feet long, in full health and vigour. He is well secured, so that Ladies and Gentlemen may view him without the least danger. He has not taken any sustenance for the last 11 months. Admittance, Ladies and Gentlemen, 1s.; working people and children, 6d.”

14.—Intelligence received at Yarmouth of the destruction of the Danish fleet in Copenhagen Bay, by the British fleet, under the

immediate command of Lord Nelson, on April 2nd, after a battle of four hours. Seventeen sail of the Danish navy were taken or destroyed. The news was conveyed to Norwich by the coach, which entered the city with colours flying; the Volunteer corps paraded in the Market Place and fired a feu de joie, and the bells of St. Peter Mancroft and of other churches were rung.

18.*—“By the latest returns of the Secret Committee the County of Norfolk is reported amongst the most loyal counties in the kingdom.”

20.—A performance took place at the Theatre Royal, Norwich, “towards raising a fund for the benefit of those who through age or infirmity are obliged to retire from the Stage.”

23.—Died at Norwich, Mr. John Bonsell, aged 75 years, “an eminent leather cutter, who for upwards of 20 years lived an abstemious life, refraining from animal food and fermented liquors. He rendered himself very conspicuous in the religious world, as he professed opinions, in a great measure peculiar to himself, which bordered upon fanaticism. He wrote several religious controversial pamphlets, as ‘The Ram’s Horn,’ &c.”

25.—Comparative returns of the population of Norwich, “as taken in 1801, 1786, 1752, and 1693,” were published. In 1801, the population was 36,832; in 1786, 40,051; in 1752, 36,169; in 1693, 28,881. “The decrease of the population of this city since 1786 is 3,219, but it is to be observed that 1786 was a year of peace, and that in the returns of 1801 those serving in the Navy, Army, and Militia are not included. Norwich, during the present war, has furnished at least 4,000 recruits for the Army and Navy, and these will account for the decrease, and also for the great excess of females, which appears by the returns to be above one-fourth. Of the present population, 408 are chiefly employed in agriculture, and 12,267 in trade, manufactures, and handicrafts.”

MAY.

1.—“There being again this year no alderman below the chair who had served the office of Sheriff, the following aldermen were put in nomination for the office of Mayor:—James Crowe, Sir Roger Kerrison, John Morse, and Jeremiah Ives, jun. At the close the numbers were Ives, 668; Crowe, 638; Kerrison, 375; Morse, 37.” At a court of Mayoralty, held on Sunday, May 3rd, it was ruled that Mr. Crowe was ineligible, in consequence of having served the office three years previously to the date of the election. Sir Roger Kerrison, who stood next on the poll, retired in favour of Mr. Ives, who was thereupon declared elected, and was duly sworn on June 16th.

9.—Died, at Easton House, Sir Lambert Blackwell, Bart., aged 69. The title (conferred on his grandfather in 1718) became extinct. He bequeathed all his estates, with his valuable paintings, books, coins, &c., to Mr. William Foster, jun., of Norwich, subject to certain annuities.

16.—A reduction of from 15s. to 20s. per quarter in the price of bread corn was announced. There was also a decrease in the price

of live cattle of all kinds. “A sixpenny standard wheaten loaf, which about six weeks ago weighed only 1 lb. 4 ozs. 6 drs., now weighs 2 lbs. 10 ozs. 6 drs.”

23.*—“Another capital prize in the lottery has come down to Norwich. The whole ticket, number 24,350, a prize of £15,000 in the July Irish Lottery, is the sole property of Charles Weston, Esq., banker and brewer of this city. The ticket was purchased twelve months ago, and not being registered, the fortunate holder remained unconscious of his wealth until last week, when, on examining the public lists, he discovered that his ticket was a prize of the amount above stated.”

JUNE.

2.—Mr. Henry Harmer elected Speaker of the Common Council of Norwich, in place of his father, Mr. Samuel Harmer, who held the office upwards of 20 years.

4.—The King’s Birthday was celebrated at Norwich with great demonstrations of joy. The Corporation attended service at the Cathedral, the Loyal Military Association and the several parochial associations paraded in the Market Place and fired a feu de joie, and the members of the Norwich Light Horse, after a like ceremony, dined at the Maid’s Head. Major Patteson’s corps adjourned to Neeche’s Gardens, Capt. Blake’s corps to the Rose Inn, St Augustine’s, and the other corps to different taverns. The Mayor gave a dinner to the Aldermen.

8.*—“A quartermaster of the 13th Light Dragoons rode a certain distance up Thorpe Road in a given time, with his face to the horse’s tail, and afterwards up the sand hill near Kett’s Castle in the same position, and won both wagers.”

18.—The body of William Suffolk, who was executed in March, 1797, for the murder of Mary Beck, of North Walsham, was taken down by authority of the magistrates and interred on the spot where the gibbet was erected. “About ten days back a starling’s nest, with young ones, was taken out of the breast of Watson, who hangs on a gibbet on Bradenham Common, near Swaffham, for the murder of his wife, which was witnessed by hundreds of people as something very singular and extraordinary.”

20.—The ensign of the Généreux having been presented to the city by Capt. Sir Edward Berry, the Corporation caused it to be displayed in St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, with a suitable inscription.

22.—Holkham Sheep Shearing commenced and lasted until the 26th. Among those present were the Duke of Bedford, the Duke of Manchester, and other distinguished visitors. The new implements exhibited included a machine for drilling turnips, invented by the Rev. T. C. Munnings. It was described as “nothing more than a perforated tin box, affixed to and vertical with the axis of a wheelbarrow.” A thrashing machine “was much approved of.” At this meeting Mr. Coke announced his intention to give premiums for promoting the improvement of live stock and for encouraging experimental husbandry.

25.—A fire broke out on the roof of Norwich Cathedral, and occasioned damage to the amount of £500. Bishop Manners Sutton personally distributed refreshments to the soldiers and others who assisted in extinguishing the flames. About 45 feet of the roof were destroyed. The fire originated from the carelessness of plumbers at work upon the building.

27.*—“At the ordinary visitation of the clergy and general confirmation held during this month, Bishop Manners Sutton confirmed at Newmarket 1,150 persons of both sexes; at Bury St. Edmund’s, 4,500; at Stowmarket, 1,150; at Ipswich, 1,300; at Woodbridge, 1,150; at Framlingham, 960; at Beccles, 660; and at Norwich, 1,100.”

29.—Vice-Admiral Lord Nelson arrived at Yarmouth in the Kite sloop, Capt. Domett, from Copenhagen. He immediately proceeded on foot from the jetty to the Hospital, and visited the sick and wounded seamen. After a stay of about three hours, his lordship left Yarmouth for London, under escort of a troop of Yeomanry Cavalry.

The price of wheat at the end of this month fell to 120s. per quarter.

JULY.

11.*—“The duty on port wine expected at Lynn alone will, it is said, amount to £80,000.”

—*“The Postmasters General have permitted the mail coach to be established from Lynn to unite with that from Norwich and Yarmouth at Barton Mills.”

17.—Wroxham Regatta took place. “The novelty of a sailing match attracted a great deal of company.” It was won by the Union, the property of the Rev. Mr. Preston.

18.—The population of Norfolk was returned as 274,221, of whom 130,249 were males and 143,972 females.

28.—At a general meeting of the Deputy-Lieutenants and magistrates, presided over by the Lord Lieutenant (the Marquis Townshend), it was resolved to adopt measures for the effectual defence of the county and the preservation of property.

AUGUST.

1.—At the Norfolk Assizes, held at Thetford, before Lord Chief Baron Macdonald, was tried the action, Stracey v. Davy. The plaintiff was lord of the Manor of Rackheath, and the defendant a tenant of Mr. John Morse, jun. The action, which was for trespass, was brought for the purpose of ascertaining certain rights set up by the defendant. Davy sought to establish the privilege of sheep walk over that part of Mousehold Heath then belonging to the parish of Rackheath. He claimed severally the right of feeding 500, 400, and 300 sheep, and also the right of depasturing his sheep levant and couchant, and in various other modes. The special jury found a verdict for the

defendant, and confirmed his right of feeding 500 sheep at six score to the hundred.

3.—The annual Venison Feast was held at the Red Lion, Fakenham, to celebrate Lord Nelson’s victory of the Nile.

4.—The Norwich parochial Volunteer Associations assembled at St. Andrew’s Hall, and afterwards marched to the Market Place, where Capt. William Herring, the commanding officer for the day, read a letter from the Lord Lieutenant, requesting the men to be prepared in case of invasion.

—“This day, from five in the morning till ten at night, heavy cannonading was distinctly heard by the Rev. Mr. Burton and several of his parishioners at Horsford, which was at the time supposed to be the cannonading from Lord Nelson’s fleet before Boulogne.”

15.—Henry Lawn, aged 41, executed on the Castle Hill, Norwich, for horse stealing. “He denied to the last that he was guilty. He left a wife and six children. He would have enjoyed a considerable property, which the present possessor has entailed upon his children.”

24.—The Supplementary Militia was re-embodied. During this month meetings were held in different parishes in city and county to discuss the means to be adopted in case of invasion. The clergy in country parishes took account of the live and dead stock that could be removed, and of the number of waggons and carts to be made use of. The drilling of Yeomanry and Volunteer corps became general.

SEPTEMBER.

20.—Died at Brompton, Sir John Gresham, Bart., the last male heir of the family.

26.*—“A person residing in this city has within the last week been convicted in penalties amounting to £166 10s., for having laid a leaden pipe from his dwelling-house to communicate with the pipes belonging to the proprietors of the waterworks, without having obtained their consent or paid the accustomed water rent. The amount was paid to the company’s solicitor, who immediately returned the money, except 30 guineas, which he has paid to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital for the benefit of that institution.”

The portraits of Lord Nelson, by Sir William Beechey, and of Mr. John Herring, Mayor of Norwich in 1799, by Opie, were this month placed in St. Andrew’s Hall.

OCTOBER.

1.—Intelligence was received at Yarmouth, from Constantinople, of the surrender of Alexandria to the British and Turkish armies under General Hutchinson and the Grand Vizier.

3.—The intelligence reached Norwich that the Preliminaries of Peace had been signed in Paris. There were great rejoicings on the 10th on the ratification of the news. The horses of the mail coach, by which the intelligence was brought to the city, were so terrified by the demonstration that they became unmanageable, the coach was

overturned, and the coachman, the guard, and some of the passengers injured.

5.—At Yarmouth, during the Peace illuminations, a mob broke the windows of several houses occupied by Quakers. The ringleaders were committed for trial at the Sessions.

7.—At the Norfolk County Sessions, Elizabeth Manship, of Ormesby, was indicted for committing an outrage upon the Rev. Eli Morgan Price, when in the act of officiating at Divine service at the parish church. It appeared that while Mr. Price was reading a new form of thanksgiving “for the late plentiful season” the defendant rushed out of her pew and snatched the paper out of his hands, to the very great disturbance and alarm of the congregation. The jury found the defendant guilty, and she was sentenced to pay a fine of £20.

21.—A general illumination took place in Norwich in celebration of the Peace. There was a grand display of transparencies, and a huge bonfire was lighted in the Market Place, around which the Mayor and Corporation paraded. The celebration was general throughout the county.

24.*—“In the spring of this year the Palace Workhouse, Norwich, contained 1,017 paupers. They are now reduced to 425, a smaller number than has been known for the past 20 years. The reduction in the other workhouse has been nearly proportionate.”

NOVEMBER.

2.—The Prince of Orange arrived at Yarmouth from London, and on the 6th sailed in the Diana packet for Cuxhaven.

13.—Peter Donahue, a sergeant in the 30th Regiment of Foot, was executed at Lynn, for uttering counterfeit Bank of England notes. “We are sorry to add that he appeared sensible for many minutes after he was turned off, and a large effusion of blood gushed from his mouth and nose, which rendered the scene most awful, terrible, and distressing.”

20.—Prince William Frederick of Gloucester arrived at the house of Mr. J. Patteson, at Norwich, and in the afternoon stood sponsor for Mr. Patteson’s youngest son, who was christened at St. Stephen’s Church by the name of William Frederick. The Prince afterwards went to Houghton, where Lord Cholmondeley gave a grand fête in honour of the Peace. On his return to Norwich, on November 25th, his Royal Highness attended a ball and supper, given by Mrs. Charles Manners Sutton at the Bishop’s Palace.

21.*—“The coursing meeting at Swaffham last week was numerously and respectably attended. The silver cup was won by Mr. Denton’s bitch Nettle, which beat Mr. Tyssen’s bitch. The assembly was brilliantly and numerously attended”

DECEMBER.

5.—It was announced that the Duke of Norfolk intended to “pull down the old Palace, now used as a workhouse, and employ the premises for some beneficial and ornamental purpose.”

16.—The old Hall at Stratton Strawless, belonging to Mr. Robert Marsham, was destroyed by fire. The family had removed a few weeks before into the new hall.

26.—A serious affray occurred at Horsford between two Excise officers, assisted by two privates of the 3rd Dragoon Guards, and 30 smugglers. The officers had seized a large quantity of smuggled goods at Cawston, and the smugglers succeeded in retaking only a small part. One of the soldiers was shot; several of the smugglers were desperately wounded, and two died of their wounds.

—*(Advt.) “The Lord Nelson new Light Coach, from London to Lynn in 14 hours, through Cambridge and Ely. Agreeable to the wishes of the Vice-Chancellor and several members of the University, the proprietors mean to relinquish travelling on the Sunday. The coach will leave the Golden Cross, Charing Cross, on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings at half-past five, arrive at Cambridge at one, and Lynn at eight in the evening. The coach will return from the Globe Inn, Lynn, on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings. The coach carries four insides.”

—*(Advt.) “The Lord Nelson Coach, from London to Fakenham. The coach leaves the Crown, Fakenham, on Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday; sups at Cambridge, and arrives in London about seven in the morning. From the Golden Cross, same days, at six in the evening.”

Prices of corn at the end of the year: Wheat, 70s. to 76s. Rye, 36s. Barley, 40s. to 42s. per quarter. Oats, 20s. to 24s. Malt, 32s. per coomb. Best flour, £3 1s. 8¼d per sack. Coals, 40s. 4d. per chaldron.

1802.

JANUARY.

2.*—“Mr. W. E. Bulwer, of Heydon, has resolved to divide all his farms into 200 acres, as they come out of lease. They are worthy the attention of industrious men wanting situations.”

4.—The Duke of Bedford, Lord Paget, and Lord John Thynne, with four other gentlemen, on a visit to Lord Cholmondeley at Houghton, “had the greatest day’s sport ever known in Norfolk. They killed altogether 165 hares, 42 pheasants, 5 rabbits, 2 woodcock, and 2 partridges, and this notwithstanding that the woods had been beat five times this season.”

9.—A reduction of 3s. 6d. in the pound poor-rates announced. The mulct was fixed at 7s. in the pound. “For the last 30 years there have not been so few paupers in the two workhouses, principally owing to the manufacturers of Norwich having such large orders to execute that hands are actually wanted.”

—The non-commissioned officers and privates of the Blofield and South Walsham troop of Yeomanry Cavalry offered to continue their

services to the Government, and “thanked the officers for the unremitting and polite attention paid to them since the establishment in 1794.” Other troops of Yeomanry in the county made similar offers.

13.*—“Died lately at Bristol Hot Wells, where she had gone for the recovery of her health, the Countess of Leicester.”

—*“Died last week Mr. William Websdale. This venerable man lived in three centuries, and expired at the advanced age of 102 years.”

—*The following Coach advertisements were published on this date:—

“Royal Lynn Mail Coach sets out daily from the Duke’s Head Inn, Lynn, by way of Brandon, Barton Mills, Newmarket, Bournbridge, and Epping, to the White Horse, in Fetter Lane, whence it returns every day at three o’clock.”

“The Fakenham and Swaffham Light Post Coach sets out daily from the Red Lion, in Fakenham, at two o’clock, and returns from London as above.”

“The Lord Nelson Coach, from Lynn to Norwich in seven hours. From the Globe, Lynn, to the King’s Head, Norwich, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, returning Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at seven o’clock each morning.”

“The Lynn and Norwich Machine, from the Crown Tavern, Lynn, to the White Swan, Norwich. Runs three times a week. Insides, 12s.; outsides, 7s.”

14.—Mr. William Earle Bulwer installed Provincial Grand Master of Freemasons at the White Swan, St. Peter Mancroft, Norwich.

15.—The thermometer “very near to 0 (32 degrees below freezing point).”

16.—A fine grey eagle was taken alive in a trap upon the estate of Lord Montrath, at Weeting. It measured from the extremity of each wing 7 feet 8 inches, and from the beak to the tail nearly four feet.

FEBRUARY.

15.—The Norwich Court of Guardians considered the question of the erection of a new workhouse. The average number of poor maintained in the two workhouses during the previous 18 years had been 1,282. It was recommended that one building be erected to accommodate 1,300, the money to be borrowed on shares of £100 each, bearing interest, and to be paid off by lot, so that the whole debt, with interest thereon, would be discharged in 20 years. A Bill was brought before Parliament and received the Royal assent on May 24th, and a site for the building was purchased near “the opening to Chapel Field.” On December 7th, in consequence of observations made by Mr. Alderman Rigby on the subject of outdoor relief, the question was deferred until the committee had informed the Court whether “these allowances may not be so extended without any diminution of the comforts of the poor as to render unnecessary

the building of such a workhouse as has hitherto been proposed.” The scheme for the erection of the workhouse was ultimately abandoned.

21.—Died, Mr. Henry Skipper, dyer, St. Peter Hungate, Norwich. “He was in his time a famous pugilist, and fought several pitched battles with Algar, Henry, and others.”

MARCH.

16.—Died, at his house in Greville Street, Hatton Garden, London, in the 28th year of his age, Thomas Archibald Murray, M.D., one of the physicians of the public dispensary in Carey Street, and of the House of Recovery for Infectious Diseases, an institution which, in a great measure, owed its establishment to Dr. Murray’s exertions. He was the youngest son of Dr. John Murray, founder of the Scots Society in Norwich, who died September 26th, 1792.

20.*—“Died, lately, at Strawberry Hill, near Collumpton, Devonshire, aged 78, the Earl of Montrath, of Weeting Hall. The Earldom is extinct. His lordship left a legacy of £2,000 to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital. His invariable dread of small-pox occasioned his lordship to lead absolutely the life of a recluse. His terror was so great that he had five houses between his seat at Weeting and his house in Devonshire, to prevent the chance of infection, and at these houses small establishments were kept up, as he dared not sleep in an inn.”

24.—At the Norfolk Assizes, held at Thetford, the Grand Jury made a presentment, to the effect that, as hay and corn were considerably reduced in price, publicans and posting-masters might, without injury to themselves, decrease their charges. It was resolved “That those publicans and posting-masters who have already reduced their charges are deserving approbation and encouragement.” In an advertisement published on April 24th the post-masters stated that from the heavy duties imposed upon carriages, the first expense of chaises and their repair, the increased price of horses and of smith’s work, they could not, without great injury to themselves and their families, make any abatement in the charge of fifteen pence (which included the payment of a duty of 3d.) per mile, they having been considerable losers during the previous two years.

27.—Died, at Melton Constable, Sir Edward Astley, Bart., who represented Norfolk in four successive Parliaments. He was succeeded in the title and estates by Sir J. H. Astley, his only surviving son by his first wife, the eldest sister of John Lord Delaval, of Seaton Delaval, Northumberland.

30.—News was received of the Definite Treaty of Peace having been signed at Amiens, on March 27th, by the Marquis Cornwallis and Buonaparte. The Norwich Loyal Military Associations assembled at St. Andrew’s Hall. “Instead of field-pieces and ammunition waggons the martial divisions were preceded in their march from the Hall to the Market Place by two brewers’ drays, laden with six barrels of Norwich porter, which were drunk with much joy.”

APRIL.

10.*—(Advt.) “To Seafaring Men. A Double Caule to be sold. For price and particulars enquire of the Printers.”

—*“Within the last three months nearly 300 paupers have been discharged from the two workhouses, which at the present time do not contain more than 550 persons, the smallest number ever remembered. The next poor-rate, in consequence, will not exceed 4s. 3d. in the pound in Norwich.”

—*“It appears from the returns of assessment of income that Norfolk and Norwich last year contributed £111,513 17s. 1d., of which sum £18,801 0s. 3¼d. was paid by persons possessing incomes under £200 a year, and £92,712 16s. 9¾d. by persons of superior income.”

17.*—(Advt.) “Bear Baiting. Henry Gerrard respectfully informs the public that there will be a Bear Baiting in a meadow belonging to the Ferry Farm House, Great Yarmouth, on Monday next, the 19th inst., in the afternoon. Admission 1s.; 6d. to be returned in liquor.” (The baiting was prevented by the action of the county justices.)

—William Dunnett, for horse stealing, and John Saunders, for stealing a cow, were executed at Thetford.

24.—The East and West Regiments of Norfolk Militia disembodied at Yarmouth and Dereham. The several corps of Yeomanry Cavalry and Volunteer Infantry, on being disbanded, were thanked by the Government for their services.

—*“The whole of the French and Dutch prisoners confined in Yaxley Barracks were last week put on board different vessels in Lynn harbour, from whence they proceeded to their respective countries.”

26.—Died, at Bath, aged 78, the Rev. Edmund Nelson, father of Lord Nelson. He was rector of Burnham Thorpe, to which he was presented in 1755 by Lord Walpole.

27.—To commemorate the opening of the new organ, “built by the celebrated Mr. England, of London,” the oratorio, “The Messiah,” was performed at St. George Colegate Church, Norwich, which was “lighted up and matted for the occasion.” The organ was opened by Mr. Beckwith, who also conducted the band. Three shillings was charged for admission to the church.

MAY.

3.—The Corporation of Norwich voted an address to his Majesty the King on the acquisition of Peace. The address was presented to his Majesty at a Levée at St. James’s Palace, on May 21st, by Mr. Jeremiah Ives, jun., Mayor; Sir Roger Kerrison, Mayor-Elect; and Mr. William Foster, jun.

4.—Peace was proclaimed by the Mayor and Corporation, who went in procession through the streets of Norwich. Major Patteson’s corps of Volunteers and the several parochial military associations, after firing volleys in the Market Place, marched to the residence of the

Mayor-Elect, where they deposited their muskets and regimental colours. Officers and men afterwards repaired to Neeche’s Gardens, where they dined. In the evening there was a general illumination. The day was similarly observed at Yarmouth.

10.—A fête was held in Reffley Wood, near Lynn. A “fine Norfolk sheep” was roasted for the feast, presided over by Sir Martin ffolkes.

13.—Died, aged 85, Mrs. Beaton, of St. John Maddermarket, Norwich. “She was a native of Wales, and commonly called here ‘The Freemason,’ from the circumstance of her having contrived to conceal herself one evening in the wainscoting of the lodge-room, where she learnt that secret, the knowledge of which thousands of her sex in vain attempted to arrive at. She was a very singular old woman, and, as a proof of it, the secret died with her.”

14.—A heavy fall of snow, which in many places lay more than an inch thick upon the ground. On the 15th there was a severe frost, and snow fell for two hours. At Langley and other places it was between three and four inches in depth.

22.—Between one and two o’clock in the morning the dwelling-house of the Rev. Mr. Sykes, of Guestwick, was burglariously entered by two men. “They presented themselves at Mr. and Mrs. Sykes’ bedside. Their faces were blackened, and one of them had on a slip of linen, and the other a woman’s checked bed-gown. They each had a cudgel and a candle in their hands. They said, ‘We have pistols; your money or your lives.’ One of them remained by the bedside, while the other plundered the drawers. Then they departed, carrying away some money and a watch.”

24.—The Duke of Cambridge sailed from Yarmouth in the Amphion frigate for Hanover, of which kingdom he was appointed Regent.

24.—Died, aged 90, Mrs. Ann Fuller, of Raveningham. “Her remains were interred at the parish of Toft Monks. The pall was supported by six grandchildren, and the funeral attended by children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren in her own lineal descent to the number of 47.”

29.—At a county meeting an address to his Majesty on the Peace was moved by the Hon. Col. Wodehouse, seconded by the Hon. Col. Harbord, and unanimously adopted. The address was presented to the King by Mr. Robert Wilson, High Sheriff.

31.—A fire occurred at Swanton paper mill, a great part of which was destroyed, with all the paper. The damage was estimated at £4,000.

JUNE.

1.—This day was ordered to be observed as one of general thanksgiving for the Restoration of Peace. The Mayor and Corporation of Norwich attended the Cathedral, and the appointed service was performed at all parish churches. At Lynn, the inhabitants, instead of having an illumination, collected £300, which was distributed amongst the poor.

21.—Holkham Sheep Shearing commenced. A new thrashing machine was exhibited. An improved drill for turnip sowing was also shown. “From the same barrel seed and oilcake manure are delivered into one tube, through which it is deposited in the earth by the same coulters.”

22.—Guild Day at Norwich. The Mayor, Sir Roger Kerrison, went to the Cathedral “in a most elegant new chariot, the colour of royal blue; the coachman and the three footmen behind had handsome new liveries, with gold-laced cocked hats and gold-headed canes.” His worship “wore a full dress coat and embroidered waistcoat.” At the Guild feast, in St. Andrew’s Hall, 800 guests were present; and at the ball given in the evening, at Chapel Field House, Mr. T. A. Kerrison and Miss Chad opened the dancing for the 450 guests.

26.*—(Advt.) “On Wednesday, the 30th inst., a main of cocks will be fought at Aylsham, between the gentlemen of Suffolk and the gentlemen of Norfolk, for ten guineas a battle and twenty the odd. Feeder for Suffolk, Nath. Rowen; ditto for Norfolk, Henry Seaman.”

JULY.

2.—Dibden gave his entertainment, “Sans Souci,” at the Theatre Royal, Norwich. The performance was repeated on the succeeding evening.

5.—Parliament having been dissolved on June 29th, the election of members for the city of Norwich took place on this day. The candidates were the Right Hon. Wm. Windham, of Felbrigg, and Mr. John Frere, of Roydon; Mr. Robert Fellowes, of Shottesham, and Mr. William Smith. At the close of the poll the numbers were:—Fellowes, 1,532; Smith, 1,439; Windham, 1,356; Frere, 1,328. There was great rioting. The chairing took place on the day following the declaration of the poll.

12.—After the lapse of 34 years, a contested election took place for the county of Norfolk. The poll opened on the 12th, and continued for eight days. The result was declared as follows:—Mr. Thomas Wm. Coke, 4,317; Sir Jacob Henry Astley, 3,612; the Hon. Col. Wodehouse, 3,517. A scrutiny was demanded by the friends of the latter and granted. It commenced on July 30th, and continued till August 28th, when Col. Wodehouse’s counsel retired from the case, and Sir J. H. Astley and Mr. Coke were declared duly elected. The expenses of the contest were estimated at £35,000, and the amount spent by the successful candidates to bring distant voters to the poll was enormous.

Mr. John Hookham Frere, of Roydon, was this month appointed Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to the Court of Madrid.

AUGUST.

12.—This year’s anniversary service at the Cathedral, in aid of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, realised £165 3s. 4¾d. With the

proceeds of the dinner at the Maid’s Head Inn, the total amount handed to the institution was £204 17s. 8¾d.

14.*—“We hear from Brussels that a party of gentlemen from Lynn have reached that city in the Hebe pleasure yacht. This being the first vessel that ever displayed the British flag in Brussels the quay of the port has been crowded with spectators looking at her.”

17.—A duel was fought on Mousehold Heath, Norwich, by Mr. Robert Alderson, a well-known barrister, and Mr. Grigby. The latter conceived that he had been unfairly treated in cross-examination by Mr. Alderson at the Suffolk Assizes, and, refusing to accept his explanation, sent him a challenge. “Mr. Alderson was attended to the field by Mr. Mackintosh, and Mr. Grigby by Mr. Turner. Two shots were exchanged, with no effect than that of Mr. Grigby’s first ball passing through the skirts of Mr. Alderson’s coat. A cordial reconciliation was afterwards effected.”

28.—William Rix was executed on Castle Hill, Norwich, for sheep stealing.

SEPTEMBER.

5.—The organ of the Octagon Chapel, Norwich, was opened by Mr. Beckwith. The instrument was built by Crotch.

OCTOBER.

4.—A grand Musical Festival was held in Norwich, under the direction of Messrs. Beckwith and Sharp, and Mr. Ashley, of London, Mrs. Billington, Mr. Bartleman, and Mr. Braham were the principal artistes. The last performance was given on the 7th.

8.—The Princess of Wales concluded a visit to the Marquis and Marchioness Townshend at Rainham, and returned to Blackheath.

13.—Mr. Alderman Francis Columbine resigned his seat. Owing to his pecuniary distress, the Corporation of Norwich granted to him and his daughter an annuity of £100.

14.—Races were held at Blickling Park. Lady Caroline Harbord gave a ball and supper, attended by upwards of 100 guests from Aylsham and the neighbourhood.

18.—Three gentlemen, for a considerable wager, undertook to walk blindfolded from Post Office Court to the great doors of St. Peter Mancroft Church, Norwich, in 15 minutes. “Two of them performed it in less than the given time, much to the satisfaction of the spectators, but the other unfortunate gentleman bent his course rapidly for the Upper Market, and found himself at the expiration of the time at the great doors of St. Andrew’s Hall.”

21.—Mr. Edward Rigby was elected Alderman of the Great Northern Ward, in room of Mr. Francis Columbine, after a severe contest lasting two days. His opponent was Mr. Jonathan Davey.

23.—Died, at Vienna, aged 80, General Jerningham, nephew of Sir George Jerningham, Bart., of Costessey. He was upwards of 50 years

in the Imperial service, and was Chamberlin to the Empress Maria Theresa and to the Emperors Joseph, Leopold, and Francis.

NOVEMBER.

8.—Swaffham coursing meeting commenced.

25.—Mr. Welby, of Blickling, undertook, for a bet of 50 guineas, to ride his mare 90 miles on the Aylsham road in ten hours, all paces. “She performed the first 80 miles in 8 hours 25 minutes, and had an hour and thirty-five minutes to run the last ten miles, but was unable to accomplish it, to the great disappointment of those who bet three and four to one that the mare performed the journey.”

1803.

FEBRUARY.

8.—At a meeting held at the Guildhall, Norwich, a committee was appointed to prepare a Bill to be laid before a future meeting for the better paving, lighting, watching, and cleansing of the city. A meeting was held on the 15th, at which resolutions were passed in opposition to the proposal; and in the month of March it was announced that the Paving Committee deemed it advisable in the then state of public affairs to defer going to Parliament with their Bill until the next Session.

—Died, after having lived in three centuries, Mary Helsdon, of East Ruston, widow. “Her age was 105 years 11 months; she retained her faculties till about a year before her death, and she left a progeny of near 80 persons, including children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.”

12.*—“Mr. Coke, of Holkham, let out his Southdown tups last season for £1,500.”

—Nearly 100 pairs of shoes, the property of 20 different persons who had been fined for making them contrary to Act of Parliament, were publicly burnt in Norwich Market Place. One shoemaker, for refusing to allow the searchers to perform their duty, was fined the full penalty of £5. The tradespeople, after obtaining counsel’s opinion, gave notice that actions for trespass would be taken against searchers and sealers of leather if they entered their premises. On March 7th two shoemakers were fined for offering resistence.

23.—Died, Mr. Wignell, manager of the Philadelphia Theatre. He married, a short time before his death, Mrs. Merry, formerly Miss Brunton, of Norwich Theatre.

24.—Died, at Coltishall, Mr. Bartlett Gurney, banker, of Norwich, aged 46. He left £500 to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital.

MARCH.

5.*—“Mr. Stephen Martin, an old gentleman who lately died at Brentwood, bequeathed to the minister and churchwardens of St. Giles’, Norwich, the sum of £1,000 Stock in the three per cent. Consols, to be laid out for the use and benefit of the poor of that parish, of which he was a native. He was born in 1717, and when an infant was taken to Jamaica, where he amassed a fortune.”

7.—At an assembly of the Corporation of Norwich an address of congratulation was ordered to be presented to his Majesty “on the providential discovery of the late traitorous conspiracy against his Royal person and Government, entered into by Col. Despard and six other persons, who were executed on the top of the new Surrey prison, in Horsemonger Lane, on February 21st.” The address was presented to the King by the Mayor (Sir Roger Kerrison), accompanied by Mr. Robert Fellowes, M.P., and Alderman John Harvey. Similar addresses were voted by the Corporations of Yarmouth, Thetford, and Lynn; and by the High Sheriff and Grand Jury of Norfolk at the Assizes at Thetford. The latter address was presented by Sir J. H. Astley, M.P., and Mr. T. W. Coke, M.P., on March 30th.

11.—Died, aged 73, Mr. Thomas Twiddy, “who had been many years trumpet herald to the Norwich Company of Comedians.”

14.—Died, Mrs. Parfrey, aged 80, wife of Mr. R. Parfrey, of Holme Hale, near Swaffham. “The public will best recollect her, as a doctress, by her former name of Fyson, and for the many cures she made in dropsy and other complaints.”

15.—At a meeting held at St. Andrew’s Hall the late members of the Norwich Loyal Military Association, in consequence of the aspect of public affairs, offered their services to the Government.

19.*—“Two pairs of eagles were lately shot near Yarmouth. One pair measured and weighed as follows:—Female, length, 3 feet 4 inches; extent of wings, 8 feet; weight, 9¾ lbs. Male, length, 2 feet 9 inches; extent of wings, 7 feet 1 inch; weight, 9¼ lbs. Seventeen wild swans have also been shot by one man in the week.”

21.—The Militia Regiments in the county this day assembled at Yarmouth, East Dereham, and Swaffham.

22.—At the Norfolk Assizes, held at Thetford, before Mr. Justice Grose and a special jury, the case, Astley v. Harwood, was tried. This was an action for defamation. It was alleged that the defendant, at a ball held on July 6th, 1802, the day after the Norwich election, mounted a table, and, addressing the company, called the plaintiff a liar, a coward, an assassin, a scoundrel, and a murderer, “for he had murdered his father.” The jury found a verdict for the plaintiff, and assessed the damages at £2,000. On June 11th the Court of King’s Bench granted a new trial, on the ground that the impression the words made on the hearers was matter for aggravation or mitigation of damages. The new trial took place at Norwich Assizes in August, 1803, when a special jury confirmed the former verdict, and awarded Sir Jacob Astley £2,000 damages. On December 3rd, it was announced that the case had been removed to the Court of Exchequer on writ of error. In June, 1804, the judges in the Exchequer Chamber unanimously confirmed the former verdict, and

gave judgment, with costs, against Col. Harwood. Finally, on July 19th, 1804, the case was taken to the House of Lords, when the Lord Chancellor delivered his opinion in favour of Sir Jacob Astley, which was confirmed by the Lords, who ordered Col. Harwood to pay Sir Jacob £100 costs, occasioned by the writ of error.

The portrait of Capt. John Harvey, of the Norwich Light Horse Volunteers, painted by Opie at the request of the corps, was this month placed in St. Andrew’s Hall.

APRIL.

9.—Henry Ford was executed at Thetford, for stealing a silver watch, coat, and jacket from the person of Thomas Aylmer, of Pentney.

16.—A county meeting held at the Shirehall, Norwich, when an address of congratulation to his Majesty, on has escape “from the late traitorous conspiracy,” was moved by the Hon. Col. Wodehouse, seconded by Sir Roger Kerrison, and unanimously adopted.

26.—A rowing match took place between two crews, manning respectively two well-known Norwich boats, the Lion and the Dove. It was the only contest of the kind that had been witnessed in Norwich for nearly a quarter of a century. The course was from Carrow Abbey “to a signal post standing in Whitlingham reach, and return to Carrow, a distance of four miles.” In consequence of the narrowness of the stream, “the boats started about 300 yards distant from each other, the first having to go to the place whence the last set off.” The Lion won by about 80 yards in 38 minutes 40 seconds. (The number of oars not mentioned.)

27.—A public dispensary was established in Norwich. “The committee propose to recommend to the general meeting an extension of the original plan, and to connect with it inoculation for the cow-pox.”

MAY.

3.—Mr. William Firth was elected Steward of the Corporation of Norwich.

—The Norwich Loyal Military Association was re-established, and 300 men entered to serve therein.

5.—An impressment took place at Yarmouth.

7.*—“Lately, was married at Ranworth, Wm. Brown, aged 80, to Elizabeth Gunton, aged 63. The bridegroom had had three wives, the bride three husbands, and the bridegroom’s daughter, who attended this wedding, had also had three husbands.”

14.—The friends of the Right Hon. Wm. Windham celebrated his birthday by dining at the White Swan, St. Peter Mancroft, Norwich.

15.—Found dead in his bed, Edward Baldwin, of Wereham, near Stoke Ferry. He was a glover, aged 89, “commonly reputed ‘the Almanack’ of that neighbourhood, as he was remarkable for many years past for being a true prognosticator of the weather.”

16.—An embargo was laid on all the shipping in Yarmouth Roads.

18.—The Mayor of Norwich, attended by the two Sheriffs, the city officers, and citizens, proceeded on horseback, at nine o’clock, with band playing and colours flying, from the Guildhall, to visit the boundaries of the city and county of the city of Norwich. The cavalcade went from Conesford Gate to Trowse “Eye,” thence to Trowse, Lakenham, Hartford Bridge, Eaton, Earlham, Hellesdon, Mile Cross, Catton Field (“including Sir Edward Berry’s house”), across Mousehold Heath to Thorpe, Trowse Newton Hall, and Bishop’s Bridge. The company then returned to the Market Place, where three cheers were given and the band played “God Save the King.” In the evening, the Mayor dined with a large party at the King’s Head. (A similar perambulation took place in 1793.)

30.—Died, at Hardingham, aged 64, Sir Archibald Dickson, Admiral of the Blue.

31.—Thomas H. Case, of Great Fransham, formerly a private in the East Dereham or Second Troop of Yeomanry Cavalry, was charged before the Rev. Dixon Hoste with “obstinately refusing to deliver up his arms, accoutrements, and clothing,” for which he was fined £10.

—A two days’ race meeting commenced at Tivetshall. “The poney races afforded excellent sport, and there was some good running between the hunters.”

JUNE.

4.*—“This week the West Norfolk Militia marched from Thetford and Dereham to Colchester Barracks, to which place the East Norfolk have received orders to march next week.”

13.—The Duke of Cambridge and suite arrived in Norwich from Yarmouth. After changing horses and taking refreshment at the Maid’s Head, they proceeded on their way to London, by Attleborough. His Royal Highness had come to Yarmouth in the Amethyst frigate, with Prince William of Gloucester, from Cuxhaven, where they narrowly escaped being made prisoners by the advance guard of the French army. The French general in Holland put an immense number of fishing boats in requisition for the avowed purpose of invading England.

—The Aldermen requested the concurrence of the Common Council of Norwich to a dutiful and loyal address to his Majesty “on the present important crisis,” and a motion was made for the appointment of a committee to draw up such address. It was opposed by several members of the Common Council, and on a division rejected by 29 votes to 19.

21.—Mr. John Patteson was appointed to be lieutenant-colonel, Mr. Charles Harvey, major, and Messrs. Andrew Sieley, J. H. Cole, R. Partridge, and Hammond Fiske, captains in the battalion of Norwich Volunteers.

This month a ballot took place for the Supplementary Militia. Under the Army of Reserve Act, Norfolk (including Norwich) raised 927 men.

JULY.

9.—At a meeting of the deputy-lieutenants and magistrates of the county, presided over by the Marquis Townshend, the plan recommended by the Government, for establishing a system of communication throughout the county and for rendering the body of the people instrumental in the general defence and preservation of property in case of invasion, was approved and adopted. The county was formed into 13 divisions, consisting of a certain number of hundreds; each division was placed under the charge of lieutenants of divisions, nominated by the Lord Lieutenant; each hundred was under a magistrate, known as an Inspector of the Hundred; and each parish under some gentleman, clergyman, or principal farmer, termed Superintendent of the Parish.

13.—On this day and on the 14th, William Green, bricklayer, undertook at Yarmouth, for a bet of five guineas, to lay 3,800 bricks in a workmanlike manner in 24 hours, and completed his task in 20 hours, on a new building at the Bowling Green House.

23.—Two men, named Denny and Allen, were placed in the pillory at Norwich, in accordance with sentence passed upon them at the Quarter Sessions on July 15th, for conspiracy against Mr. F. Latham. “Over their heads was the inscription, ‘False Conspirators.’ Allen wept bitterly when he was put in, but Denny, with great effrontery, continued to nod and smile at the numerous spectators, until the people, by a shower of rotten eggs, and, at last, potatoes, convinced him of their detestation and abhorrence of his character and crime. This continued for about half-an-hour, when Denny, against whom all their violence was directed, appeared to faint, and by the advice of a medical man was taken out of the pillory and conducted to the gaol, where, being examined by several medical men, he was deemed to be in a fit state to be replaced on the pillory, and was carried back for that purpose, but all efforts to reinstate him there proved ineffectual, and he lay thereon till the hour was expired, amidst the execrations of the enraged multitude. When Denny was taken out the populace clamorously demanded that Allen, whose appearance excited their commiseration rather than their indignation, should be taken down. Mr. Sheriff Back immediately ascended the scaffold, and with the greatest firmness and severity expressed his determination to enforce obedience to the laws and to carry the sentence fully into execution. When the hour was expired they were taken down and removed to the Bridewell to undergo two years’ imprisonment.”

23.*—“All persons arrived from France and Holland and witnessed the immense preparations which are now making for the invasion of this country, express astonishment at the apathy and indifference which prevail here.”

24.—This day (Sunday) the Norfolk Rangers (Yeomanry Cavalry) had a field day at Rainham Park, and subscribed £100 towards the fund instituted by the merchants of London for the relief of persons “who may suffer in the general defence of the country.”

30.*—“At a Court of the Commissioners of Sewers, concerning the repairing of sea breaches between Happisburgh and Yarmouth, the jury, after hearing read three several verdicts of former juries given

in 1702, 1715, and 1742, and also, hearing several witnesses, delivered a verdict agreeable to the above, by all of which it was determined that no particular persons were bound to sustain or repair the sea walls adjoining their lands.”

—*“The male part of the Norwich Company (theatrical) have agreed to enroll themselves to learn the use of arms.”

—*“Messrs. Marsh and Sons, Norwich and Cambridge carriers, have within the last few days offered, for the service of the Government in case of invasion, 100 horses, 12 broad-wheel waggons, 24 men as drivers and assistants, 24 boats, amounting altogether to 200 tons burden, 6 watermen, and 9 boys, with blacksmiths, with their apparatus, tools, &c., and 2 wheelwrights, and 2 harness makers, with all necessary tools.”

—Major-General Money published an address on the necessity of immediately associating, subscribing, and arming for the defence of the county in case of invasion. It resulted in the formation of Volunteer corps in all the seaports and market towns in Norfolk.

Capt. John Harvey was this month promoted to be major of the squadron of Norwich Light Horse Volunteers.

During this month the number of poor in the Norwich Workhouse did not exceed 400, “a circumstance almost unprecedented.”

AUGUST.

6.*—“The Rev. Mr. Beloe, formerly of this city, has been appointed librarian to the British Museum.”

9.—A brig was launched from Cattermoul’s yard at Thorpe, near Norwich, in the presence of many hundreds of spectators. “She went off the stocks in very fine style, but when she was towing ashore for the company on board to get off her, everyone endeavouring to get ashore first, the weight of such a body of people, added to those on the rigging, overset her. Nearly one hundred men, women, and children were plunged into the water, and messengers were at once sent to Norwich for medical assistance.” It is somewhat remarkable that no lives were lost.

20.—The case of Mr. Cony, a ward in Chancery, came before the Court of Chancery. He was only 17 years of age, and had married Elizabeth Franklin, the daughter of an innkeeper at Downham Market, in which district he possessed a large property. The marriage took place by licence in London. The Chancellor annulled the marriage, ordering the cessation of all further intercourse between the parties, at the same time intimating that, if his orders were not strictly complied with, “he should take such steps as would prevent the possibility of their meeting.”

25.—Mr. George Wyer, of Downham Market, “carried a 20 stone sack of flour one mile, leading through the town of Watton, for a wager of 230 guineas, which he performed with great ease in 18 minutes, to the astonishment of a vast number of spectators.”

Active preparations commenced for the defence of the county in view of possible invasion. On the 8th several officers and non-commissioned officers of the 47th Regiment of Foot arrived in Norwich

to receive the balloted men and substitutes of the Army of Reserve, the training of whom commenced next day in Chapel Field. A county meeting was held at the Shirehall, Norwich, on the 10th, when resolutions were passed, assuring his Majesty of the readiness of the county to take defensive measures. A meeting of the inhabitants of Norwich was held at the Guildhall on the 16th, at which a subscription was opened for raising a regiment of Volunteer Infantry. Clerks attended in the porch of the Guildhall to enroll the names of the Volunteers, and the city flag was displayed from the window of the Town Clerk’s office. On the following day 702 men had offered themselves, and by Saturday, the 20th, the number had increased to 1,085, and the public subscription exceeded £3,000, of which £500 was given by the Corporation. On the 26th the regiment was formed, 800 strong, under Lieut.-Col. Harvey (commanding), Lieut.-Col. Plumptre, and Major Sigismund Trafford. The public subscription then amounted to £6,400. A Rifle Corps was also formed, with Mr. R. M. Bacon as captain. At Yarmouth, 500 persons enrolled themselves, under the command of Lieut.-Col. Wm. Gould. On the 27th, it was announced that the number of Volunteers in the county enabled the Lord Lieutenant to suspend the compulsory clauses of the Defence Act. The total number was about 7,300. The Government purchased some properties in Norwich to be converted into temporary barracks for the reception of 800 infantry.

SEPTEMBER.

1.—The first parade of the Norwich Regiment of Volunteer Infantry took place. Eight battalion companies, a light infantry company, and a grenadier company were formed, and “from five barrels of British brown stout they drank the King’s health and prosperity to their country and city, and success to the corps.”

7.—The brass ordnance belonging to the city were tested by some of the regular artillery stationed in Norwich. Four of the guns burst, and appended to the account delivered to the Corporation was the intimation:—“It is customary for the corporal to have the old metal when any of the pieces burst.” The official reply was to the effect that the Corporation were of opinion that the corporal “did not want brass.” The iron nine-pounders stood the test. The brass gun used by Kett in 1549 was preserved as a relic.

22.—The Norwich Volunteers, commanded by Lieut.-Col. Patteson, entered the Market Place, and after marching round the Hall and saluting the Corporation, had their colours presented to them by the Mayor. The men were afterwards regaled at Neeche’s Gardens, and the officers dined at the King’s Head.

24*—“Telegraphs, signal flags, or tar barrels are being stationed on all the churches and lofty edifices on the coast, in order to give in a chain of communication the earliest intelligence, either by night or day, of the event of the enemy’s landing.”

29.—A trial was made on the Castle ditches, Norwich, of carriages constructed for the conveyance of troops. A wooden frame, serving as a seat, was affixed to the skeleton of a four-wheel cart. A board

for the feet was attached to it by ropes. The vehicle was capable of conveying 17 men.

OCTOBER.

6.—At the Norfolk Quarter Sessions various resolutions were adopted and transmitted to the Government regarding the defence of the county. The principal resolution was as follows:—“An object of most essential concern, which this meeting think it incumbent upon them to point out, is the town and port of Yarmouth, the infinite importance of which as the principal and almost only naval station in the North Sea, and the circumstances of which they do not wish to detail, but which, they conceive, require the immediate attention of the Government, in order that they may be rendered as secure against attack likely to be made upon it by land as by the presence of a fleet, it is, they presume, against any attempt by sea.”

15.—At a parade of the Norwich Volunteers this day (Sunday) a letter was read from the Lord Lieutenant, asking if they would undertake to perform permanent duty at Yarmouth. A unanimous reply was given in the affirmative, and “the officers and gentlemen of the Light Horse Volunteers laid their hands on their breasts, as an appeal to their honour to undertake the duty whenever they should be required.” Shortly afterwards the commanding officers received instructions to have their corps in a perfect state of military equipment, and be prepared to march at a moment’s notice.

18.—The Artillery, Shropshire Militia, and the Volunteer Corps (horse and foot) took part in a sham fight on Bramerton Common. General Milner, the inspecting officer, commended all arms for their steadiness on parade.

19.—A general fast was observed. The Bishop of Norwich preached at the Cathedral, and the military attended service in the evening.

22.—Died, at Norwich, Mr. Elias Norgate, aged 76. He served the office of Sheriff in 1781, and of Mayor in 1785, and was a surgeon of great local eminence.

26.—The Lord Lieutenant transmitted to the justices of the peace his Majesty’s proclamation for establishing certain regulations under the Act, respecting aliens arriving in the kingdom or resident therein.

The monument to the memory of the Poet Cowper and of his friend, Mrs. Unwin, in the church of St. Nicholas, East Dereham, was erected this month.

NOVEMBER.

5.—Bonfires were prohibited in city and county, “as they might cause a false alarm.”

8.—The battalion of Norwich Volunteers, commanded by Lieut.-Col. Patteson, paraded in the Market Place at seven a.m., and, amid the ringing of St. Peter Mancroft bells, started on their march to Yarmouth for the performance of garrison duty. The battalion

halted at Acle, and, on resuming their march, reached Yarmouth at four o’clock. The rank and file numbered 280, out of an establishment of 312, and two officers only were absent. On the same day two troops of the Norfolk Rangers, headed by the Marquis Townshend and commanded by Capt. Sir M. B. ffolkes, Bart., and Capt. Beauchamp, entered Norwich on their way to Yarmouth. There were seven officers, two quartermasters, seven sergeants, two trumpeters, and 94 privates. The officers dined in the evening with Sir Roger Kerrison, and on the following morning the squadron resumed its march.

9.—The Fakenham Volunteers, Capt. P. M. Case, marched into Norwich from Aylsham. There were four officers, seven sergeants, four drummers, and 80 privates. This was the first Volunteer corps in Norfolk to volunteer for garrison duty at Yarmouth.

16.—The Norfolk Rangers arrived at Norwich on the termination of their duty at Yarmouth, and on the next day proceeded to their homes.

22.—The Norwich Regiment of Volunteer Infantry, under Lieut.-Col. Harvey, paraded on Tombland and marched to Yarmouth for garrison duly. On the same day Col. Patteson’s battalion marched in. They were preceded by the Fakenham corps, whose headquarters were at the White Swan.

30.—The troops stationed at Yarmouth were reviewed upon the Denes by General Milner.

—At the annual meeting of the Society of Universal Good Will, Norwich (formerly the Scots Society), it was reported that since its establishment in 1775 it had relieved 1,813 persons.

—The Lord Lieutenant received a circular letter from the Government, relative to the appointment of such householders to act as special constables who were not enrolled in any Volunteer corps.

—Mr. Thomas Wm. Coke was gazetted captain of the Holkham Yeomanry Cavalry.

—Alderman John Herring, of Norwich, received from the Duke of York a letter, in which his Royal Highness expressed approbation of the readiness with which the Norwich Volunteers had undertaken to do garrison duty at Yarmouth.

DECEMBER.

1.—Died, in Norwich, aged 43, Mr. James Burkin Burroughes, captain of the Blofield and South Walsham troop of Yeomanry Cavalry. His remains were interred, with military honours, at Burlingham on December 6th.

—The squadron of Norwich Light Horse, Major John Harvey, marched to Yarmouth, to relieve the Tunstead and Happing troop.

6.—Col. Harvey’s battalion returned to Norwich from Yarmouth. In the Regimental Orders, Col. Harvey referred to the steady and orderly march on the road, to the loyal discharge of duty at Yarmouth, and to the kindness with which the people of that town treated the men while in quarters.

15.—The Lynn and Freebridge Yeomanry Cavalry, with the artillery and rifle corps, commanded by Major Taylor, marched through Norwich for Yarmouth, to relieve the South Erpingham troop in garrison duty.

20.—The North Walsham Volunteers marched from that town at four o’clock in the morning, and arrived at Yarmouth at one o’clock, “without leaving a single man behind, although the roads were extremely bad, and the distance 26 miles.”

22.—The Dereham and Swaffham troops of Yeomanry Cavalry (Capts. Crisp and Johnson) marched through Norwich to Yarmouth, to relieve the Lynn and Freebridge troops. The Diss (Capt. Woodward), Wells (Capt. Bloom), and Old Buckenham (Capt. Powell) companies of infantry marched into Yarmouth for a fortnight’s garrison duty.

25.—This day (Sunday) the Norwich Rifle Corps paraded at St. Andrew’s Hall, took the oath of allegiance, and attended service at the church of St. Peter Mancroft. (The uniform and appointments of this corps consisted of a dark green jacket, with lace of the same colour, pantaloons, and short black gaiters; hussar cap, with green feather and trimmings; a rifle-carbine, sword bayonet attached to the side by a black waist belt, and a ball pouch and powder horn slung from the left shoulder.)

—At a church parade of the Lynn Sea Fencibles, Capt. Bentinck, the commanding officer, presented to the corps “a most elegant banner,” worked by Viscountess Andover, daughter of Mr. Coke, M.P.

30.—The Hingham troop (Capt. Alpe) and the Wymondham troop (Capt. the Hon. Wm. Wodehouse) marched to Yarmouth, to relieve the Dereham and Swaffham troops.

31.—The Dereham troop, which left Yarmouth on the 30th, arrived at Dereham, and was welcomed by a great concourse of the inhabitants. The church bells were rung, and the officers and many members of the troop dined in the evening at the King’s Arms Inn.

The twenty-two troops of Yeomanry Cavalry in the county were this month formed into three regiments. The Marquis Townshend was appointed colonel of the Western Regiment; Major-General Money, colonel of the Eastern Regiment; and Col. (afterwards Brigadier-General) Bulwer, colonel of the Midland (or Mid Norfolk) Regiment.

31.—Polito’s wild beasts were exhibited in the yard at the Duke’s Palace, Norwich.

1804.

JANUARY.

3.—The Old Buckenham Volunteers marched into Norwich from Yarmouth, and next day proceeded to their homes. The corps numbered 5 officers and 125 non-commissioned officers and privates.

—Capt. Dickens, of the Shropshire Militia, “undertook for a considerable wager to walk from the Angel at Yarmouth to the Angel at Norwich and back again (47 miles) in twelve hours, which he performed with apparent ease in eleven hours and a half.”

7.—Died, at Colchester, aged 65, Sir William Gordon, Bart., captain in the West Norfolk Militia, and for many years a resident in Norwich.

12.—A meeting was held at the Shirehall, Norwich, as to the depressed state of the corn trade. It was resolved to petition Parliament on the subject. (The prices quoted at this date were:—Wheat, 14s. to 26s.; barley, 9s. 6d. to 10s.; oats, 9s. 6d. to 10s. 6d. per coomb.)

13.—The Wymondham troop of Yeomanry Cavalry, commanded by Capt. the Hon. Wm. Wodehouse, attended at Kimberley and “thanked Lady Wodehouse for the colours lately presented by her ladyship, when they had the honour of dining with the family.”

14.—The colours of the Norwich Juvenile Regiment of Infantry were presented to them by “a young lady of the city.” (This was a cadet corps, armed with dummy muskets and tin bayonets.)

14.*—(Advt.) “The Norwich and Yarmouth Volunteer Coach leaves the Bell Inn, Hog Hill, every morning at eight o’clock, to the Wrestlers Inn, Great Yarmouth, and returns at four o’clock.”

18.—The City of Norwich Regiment of Volunteer Infantry, Lieut.-Col. Harvey, were presented with colours by the Mayor and Corporation. The colours were consecrated by the Rev. E. S. Thurlow, Prebendary of Norwich, and handed to the colonel by the Mayor (Mr. John Morse); and the King’s and regimental standards were delivered to the ensigns. The artillery, on Castle Hill, fired salutes, and the regiment discharged three volleys in the Market Place in the presence of an immense crowd.

22.—This day (Sunday) John Baker, a private in the Loddon Volunteers, was dismissed, “with every mark of ignominy at the head of the company, for refusing to take the oath of allegiance to his Majesty. His arms and accoutrements, together with the Volunteer clothing, were stripped off on parade, much to the satisfaction of the whole corps.”

31.—A baker of Norwich, named Winter, undertook, for a wager of £40, to carry 6s. worth of bread in a basket from Norwich to Yarmouth within six hours. He accomplished his task in 5 hours 35 minutes.

Mr. T. W. Coke was this month promoted to be lieutenant-colonel of the Western Regiment of Yeomanry Cavalry; Mr. Hammond Alpe to be lieutenant-colonel of the Eastern Regiment; and Mr. John Smyth to be lieutenant-colonel of the Midland Regiment.

The several companies of Norfolk Volunteer Infantry were this month formed into battalions as follow:—1st (Lynn), Lieut.-Col. E. Everard; 2nd (Wells, &c.), Lieut.-Col. Francis Bedingfeld; 3rd (not then appointed); 4th (Cromer, &c.), Lieut.-Col. the Right Hon. Wm. Windham; 5th (Aylsham, &c.), Lieut.-Col. Thomas Hutton (afterwards Sir Thomas Preston, Bart.); 6th (Yarmouth), Lieut.-Col. Wm Gould; 7th (Norwich), Lieut.-Col. Harvey; 8th (Loddon, &c.), Lieut.-Col.

John Kerrich; 9th (Diss, &c.), Lieut.-Col. T. J. Woodward; 10th (Swaffham, &c.), Lieut.-Col. R. W. Ottley; 11th (Freebridge Lynn, &c.), Lieut.-Col. A. Hamond.

300 pikes were sent to Norwich for the use of the special constables, who were called out to receive instruction in the pike exercise.

Flag staffs were placed at Rainham Hall, Holkham Hall, and Houghton Hall. The red flag was only to be hoisted in case of actual invasion or on the appearance of an enemy on the coast.

The ladies of Lynn inaugurated a movement for making flannel underclothing for the use of the men of the Lynn Volunteers.

FEBRUARY.

4.—The Cromer Sea Fencibles were practising with canister and grape shot upon the beach, when a ball struck Capt. Tremlett, R.N., on the foot, and shattered the leg of Mr. John Smith, so as to render immediate amputation necessary. A public subscription, amounting to £500, was made for Mr. Smith.

21.—Died, at Long Stratton, Mrs. Everitt, a Quaker, who had attained her one hundredth year. Lineally descended from her and living at the time were 77 children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

27.—Colours were presented to the East Dereham troop of Yeomanry Cavalry by Mrs. Smyth, on behalf of the ladies of the town and neighbourhood. The troop, accompanied by Capt. Leeder’s corps of infantry, attended service at the parish church, where the colours were “consecrated by prayer,” and the sermon was preached by the Rev. Geo. Preston, curate. A dinner followed at the King’s Arms Inn.

The Corporation of Norwich this month ordered an iron bridge to be erected at St. Michael’s Coslany. It was opened on November 15th.

MARCH.

1.—The birthday of the Marquis Townshend was celebrated at Fakenham by a dinner to the Norfolk Rangers.

27.—Lieut.-General Sir James Craig inspected the batteries and works from Holt to Cromer. Next day he reviewed, near Norwich, the 24th Regiment of Foot (Col. Macdonald); the detachment of Royal Artillery under Capt. Fyers; and two troops of the 1st Dragoons (Capt. Craven).

APRIL.

4.—Arrived at Yarmouth, the Antelope, cruiser brig, Commodore Sir Sidney Smith, and the Prince of Wales cutter, from the Flushing station. Some boats sent out by Sir Sidney made an unsuccessful attempt to cut out an armed brig near the Scaw. The boats were

attacked by an armed schooner, and obliged to abandon their enterprise, with the loss of five killed and ten wounded.

10.—Died, aged 12, Lord Viscount Bury, eldest son of the Earl of Albemarle.

11.—Commodore Sir Sidney Smith arrived at Norwich from Yarmouth, proceeded next day on a tour of the county, and returned to Yarmouth on the 13th.

21.—James Airton was publicly whipped in Norwich Market Place for stealing a box coat from the coach-house of Mr. Wm. Harvey.

25.—The Scipio of North Shields, Capt. Robinson, coal laden, was attacked by a sloop-rigged privateer four miles from Cromer. A sharp action, lasting three quarters of an hour, ensued, when the privateer sheered off. Capt. Robinson was wounded in the foot by a musket ball, and the vessel, whose sails and rigging were very much cut, was taken by the crew to Yarmouth Roads, where medical assistance was rendered to Capt. Robinson on board the Irresistible.

The portrait, painted by Hoppner, of the Right Hon. William Windham was this month placed in St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich. It was afterwards engraved in mezzotinto by Reynolds.

MAY.

2.—The gibbet on which the body of Payne (the pirate) was hung in chains, about 23 years previously, upon Yarmouth North Denes, was taken down by order of the Corporation. “A ludicrous circumstance happened the night it was erected. The different tackling being all adjusted previous to putting down the gibbet the day before Payne was hanged, some daring licencious bloods hoisted up a young ass by the hind legs, to the amusement of the spectators next morning, who could not but be surprised to find the gibbet so unexpectedly occupied. In consequence, however, the tackling became so entangled that until a young sailor undertook to climb the gibbet the prisoner could not be suspended.”

3.—The 2nd Battalion Norfolk Volunteer Infantry marched into Yarmouth for a fortnight’s permanent duty.

—A party of the Shropshire Militia marched into Norwich from Yarmouth with 84 French and Dutch prisoners, including five officers. The next day they proceeded on their route for Yaxley Barracks, under an escort provided by the 24th Regiment of Foot.

—An assembly of the Corporation of Norwich unanimously requested Mr. Charles Harvey, Recorder of the city, to sit for his portrait.

5.*—(Advt.) “There will be a regular main of cocks fought between the gentlemen of Norwich and the gentlemen of Norfolk, to show 21 mains for ten guineas the battle, and 50 the odd. The three turn outs for ten guineas a battle; to fight on the 23rd and 24th days of May at Mrs. Back’s, at the Bowling Green, Chapel Field. A pair of cocks to be pitted at six o’clock precisely. Feeders, Lamb for Norwich; Cox for Norfolk.”

7.—Col. Patteson’s Battalion of Volunteers (with the Riffle Corps attached), commanded by Capt. Cole; and the City of Norwich

Regiment of Volunteer Infantry were brigaded under the command of Lieut.-Col. Harvey, and, with the Royal Artillery under Capt. Fyers, were manœuvred at Hellesdon.

13.—Died, aged 76, the Rev. John Bruckner. He was invited to Norwich in 1750 as minister of the Walloon congregation, and during many years gave public and private lessons in French.

—The 10th Battalion Norfolk Volunteer Infantry marched into Lynn for ten days’ permanent duty.

14.—The birthday of the Right Hon. Wm Windham was celebrated by a numerous party of his friends at the Angel Inn, Norwich.

—The 1st Battalion of Norfolk Volunteer Infantry marched to Yarmouth for 14 days’ permanent duty.

21.—The 3rd Regiment of Norfolk Yeomanry Cavalry marched into Norwich for five days’ drill, and on the 24th were inspected by Major-General Milner at Hellesdon.

22.—The Blickling and Gunton Riflemen, commanded by the Hon. Lieut.-Col. Harbord, marched into Norwich, and next day proceeded to Yarmouth for 14 days’ permanent duty.

24.—A tight rope performer, named Richer, appeared at Norwich Theatre, where his performances were “the theme of general admiration.”

25.—A general fast was observed. At Yarmouth, the Shropshire Militia and Volunteers on permanent duty, to the number of nearly 2,500, attended Divine service.

26.—The Helena war sloop, of 20 guns, Capt. Losack, was launched from Mr. John Preston’s dockyard at Yarmouth.

—The North Walsham Light Infantry marched into Yarmouth for 14 days’ permanent duty.

—The 7th Battalion of the Army of Reserve, to which 500 Norfolk and Suffolk men belonged, volunteered to extend their services and become a regiment of the line.

JUNE.

1.—The City of Norwich Battalion of Volunteer Infantry, under the command of Lieut.-Col. Harvey, began one month’s permanent duty in Norwich. The battalion mustered 500, exclusive of officers.

4.—The King’s birthday was celebrated in Norwich. The detachment of Royal Artillery, the 24th Regiment of Foot, and the Norwich and Catton Volunteers, to the total number of 1,700, paraded on the Castle Hill, and fired a feu de joie. At Cromer, the Sea Fencibles, under Capt. Tremlett, R.N., three companies of the 4th Battalion Norfolk Volunteers, commanded by Lieut.-Col. George Windham, and the Volunteers of the Cromer battery had a sham fight at that place. Other Volunteer corps in the county held ceremonial parades.

7.—The water mills of Mr. Wm. Partridge, of North Walsham, were destroyed by fire.

11.—A sham fight, in which all the regular and auxiliary troops stationed in Norwich were engaged, took place at Bramerton. A

pontoon bridge, formed of wherries, was made use of in the course of the operations.

18.—The Corporation of Norwich granted the Blackfriars’ site in St. Andrew’s to the Court of Guardians for 200 years, the latter body having considered plans for improving the workhouse there for the accommodation of 800 persons.

—A motion by the Common Council of Norwich, to confer the freedom of the city upon Mr. R. Fellowes, M.P., and Mr. W. Smith, M.P., was, on a division, rejected by the aldermen by ten votes to eight.

—A motion was made in the Common Council to augment the sum of £100, allowed to the Mayor towards defraying the expenses of the Guild-day festival, but, as the revenue of Norwich did not justify the increase, it was not acceded to by the aldermen. The allowance of £100 was fixed 80 years previously.

25.—Holkham Sheep Shearing commenced. “Mr. Coke won the sweepstakes, having estimated with more exactness than any of his competitors the weight both of wool and of carcase of the Southdown ewe slain on the occasion.” A drill for “scattering at the same time turnip seed and the dust of pounded oil cakes, believed to be the best adapted manure,” was exhibited.

30.—Several “battles” were fought on Yarmouth Denes by the soldiers of the Shropshire Regiment. In an encounter between a private and an officer’s servant, the former received injuries from which he died three hours after, and at the inquest a verdict of manslaughter was returned against his assailant.

Major-General Money was appointed to the staff of the Eastern District. The command consisted of 32,000 fully equipped and efficient men.

Under Mr. Pitt’s Defence Bill the quota for Norfolk was 1,813 men.

JULY.

1.—The City of Norwich Battalion of Volunteer Infantry terminated its permanent duty of 30 days. All ranks received the highest commendation of Major-General Milner and Lieut.-Col. Metzner.

3.—The malt kiln, with a granary and dwelling-house, at the new brewery of Messrs. Prentice and Co., King Street, Norwich, was destroyed by fire. The loss amounted to nearly £1,000.

5.—The East Harling magistrates fined a farmer 20s., for refusing to send his waggon to assist in taking the baggage of the East Suffolk Militia from Thetford to Downham, after having been summoned for that purpose.

6.—Mrs. Bennett, wife of an actor in the Norwich company, gave birth to triplets.

—A foot race was run by Lord Frederick Bentinck and the Hon. Edward Harbord for the sum of 100 guineas, between the second and third milestone on the Edgeware Road, London. Mr. Harbord won easily.

12.—Died, aged 82, at Walsingham Abbey, Mr. Henry Lee Warner, “in whom the gentleman and scholar were happily blended.” His fine estate at Walsingham was devastated by lawless persons, whom, from mistaken leniency, he would not molest. He rose late in the evening, breakfasted at midnight, and dined at four or five o’clock in the morning. He wore a gold-laced hat, and waistcoat, with deep slashworked sleeves and richly-embossed buttons, a deep chitterling of rich yellow lace, and curved-toed shoes, with oblong buckles. Mr. Lee Warner served the office of High Sheriff in 1782, and was lineally descended from John Warner, Bishop of Rochester, whose estates he possessed, as well as those of Sir James Howe, Bart., of Berwick, Wilts., and of Mr. Henry Lee, in Kent.

14.—Messrs. Fisher and Scragg’s Company of Comedians concluded a theatrical season at East Dereham. Fisher ultimately assumed the sole management of the company, which for many years performed in its own theatres on the Norfolk and Suffolk Circuit.

—At the Norwich Court of Mayoralty, Mr. Edward Manning, citizen and brazier, was elected Sheriff, but was discharged from office on paying the statutory fine of £80. The letter was afterwards sent to Mr. James Pastons, citizen and grocer, and to Mr. John Howard, citizen and baker, who were also excused from serving on both paying the same fine. The letter was then sent to Mr. James Watts, citizen and butcher, who received his discharge on payment of the fine. It was next sent to Mr. Cotton Wright, citizen and coomber, who verbally replied that “he had neither ate nor drank at the expense of the Corporation, and he should neither pay the fine nor serve the office.” Mr. Wright paid the fine, but denied that he had sent the message above quoted. Eventually Mr. John Wright, citizen and linen draper, accepted office.

16.—The Yarmouth Volunteer Infantry terminated a fortnight’s garrison duty there.

21.*—“The Norwich and Yarmouth water frolics last week offered the utmost gratification to lovers of aquatic exercises. Nearly twenty boats proceeded from Sandling’s Ferry to Postwick Grove and the Wood’s End, and, if the day proved unfavourable, mirth and good humour prevailed.” The Mayor of Yarmouth and several members of the Corporation proceeded in a wherry, “purposely fitted up and plentifully stored,” over Breydon. Several boats started for a silver cup, which was won by Mr. Lovell’s craft.

—A “farewell dejeune” was given at Cromer by Brigadier-General Sherbrooke, on his removal from the Holt district. Breakfast was served at the New Inn, and was attended, amongst others, by Col. and Mrs. Macdonald, Sir Jacob and Lady Astley, and Sir Edward and Lady Berry. Then the company adjourned to a barn, where dancing was kept up till five o’clock in the afternoon.

23.—A silver vase, which cost upwards of £700, was presented by Mr. Dusgate, in the name of the farmers of Norfolk, to Mr. T. W. Coke, “as a token of their esteem, for the liberality of his conduct as a landlord, and of their gratitude for the benefit of his example as a practical farmer and most valuable member of society.”

24.—The Mayor and magistrates of Norwich resolved to present a petition against the Corn Regulation Bill, which, however, was passed

and received the Royal assent. The Act was framed to govern the export and import of England and Scotland by one general average of each country, taking the aggregate average of the twelve maritime districts of England and four of Scotland as the rule. Exportation was prohibited when wheat was above 54s. and barley 31s. per quarter. When wheat was at or under 48s. a five shilling bounty was to be given per quarter on exportation, and when barley was at or under 28s., a bounty of 2s. 6d. a quarter. A duty of from 6d. to 2s. 6d. was to be imposed on foreign corn imported if the price was as high as 66s. or 63s.

25.—The East and West Regiments of Norfolk Militia marched from Colchester Barracks to Coxheath Camp, in Kent, which was reached on the 27th.

28.—A general meeting of Lieutenancy was held at the Shirehall, Norwich, to carry into execution an Act “for establishing and maintaining a permanent additional force for the defence of the realm, and to provide for augmenting his Majesty’s regular forces, and for the gradual reduction of the Militia of England.”

30.—At the Norfolk Assizes, held at Norwich, before Lord Chief Justice Mansfield, a prisoner, named John Heath, was charged with an offence committed at Great Melton, “but it being proved that the prisoner was both deaf and dumb by the visitation of God, the prosecution was stopped, but he was ordered to remain till the next Assizes.” (There is no further record of the case.)

Col. Bulwer, of Heydon, was this month appointed Brigadier-General in the Eastern District. On August 8th, he fixed his headquarters in Norwich, and reviewed the several corps of Volunteers in the city, and on September 1st it was announced that the general had been ordered to Liverpool, to take command of the Volunteers in that district.

AUGUST.

3.—A violent thunderstorm occurred. Several horses were killed by lightning in different parts of the county; mills and barns were damaged, and trees torn up by the roots.

4.—At the Norfolk and Norwich Assizes, the action, Palmer v. James and William Bloomfield, was tried. It was an action for trespass, and the plaintiff, a miller at Elsing, claimed £2,000 damages because the defendants, occupiers of land at Bylaugh, had cut away a large part of the bank of the river Wensum, whereby a great quantity of water escaped from the stream into an old river or drain, and he was deprived of its service for the working of his mill. The hearing lasted ten hours, and Lord Chief Justice Mansfield, who left the court at eleven p.m., received the jury at his lodgings, when they returned a verdict for the defendants. In the Court of Common Pleas, on November 12th, rule nisi was taken for a new trial, but there is no further record of the case.

9.—Died, aged 83, the Rev. Robert Potter, M.A., Prebendary of Norwich Cathedral, vicar of Lowestoft, and a translator of Æschylus and other writers of Greek tragedy.

13.—The troops in the Eastern district received orders to hold themselves in readiness to take the field at the shortest notice.

18.—The death was recorded, at Bungay, of Mr. Thomas Miller, who was born at Norwich on August 14th, 1731. He was an extensive collector of books and antiquities, and in 1795 issued the “Miller half-penny,” of which only twenty-three pieces were struck off.

22.—A threshing machine on an entirely new principle, invented by a Devonshire engineer, named Ball, was tested at Norwich. At Hethersett, on December 6th, in competition with another machine, built by John Brown, a Norwich mechanic, it thrashed in 50 minutes 40 seconds about 29½ coombs of barley, Brown’s machine breaking down. Mutual recriminations and threats of legal proceedings followed, but without result.

Night signals were established along the coast, and special constables sworn in at Yarmouth, Lynn, and elsewhere.

At the suggestion of Major-General Money, two companies of Sharpshooters were raised, and, with a company of Cavalry Pioneers, were attached to the East Norfolk Regiment of Yeomanry Cavalry.

SEPTEMBER.

1.—What was considered to be a big bag of partridges was killed at Stiffkey by Lord James Townshend and Major Loftus, namely, 43 brace. At Cromer, Major Windham killed 25 brace.

4.—The Musquito brig, of 18 guns, was launched from Mr. John Preston’s yard at Yarmouth.

6.—The Cygnet sloop of war, of 18 guns, was launched from Mr. Nathaniel Palmer’s yard at Yarmouth.

13.—Excessive heat prevailed. On this day 80 degrees Fahr. was recorded.

15.*—“The Ipswich Mail now goes every day from the King’s Head Inn, Market Place, Norwich, to the Swan with two Necks, Lad Lane; and the Newmarket Mail to the Golden Cross, Charing Cross, daily. The mails arrive in London every morning at seven o’clock.”

24.—The East Norfolk Regiment of Yeomanry Cavalry, with Capt. C. Brown’s Company of Cavalry Pioneers, and Capt. Pillan’s Company of Sharpshooters, encamped on Hellesdon Field, under the command of Major-General Money. A sham fight, in which were engaged the Norwich Volunteer Infantry, under Col. Harvey, the Norwich Rifles, and the Artillery detachment, under Capt. Fyers, followed.

Major-General Milner was appointed to the charge of the Volunteer Infantry of Norfolk, which were inspected by him during the month.

OCTOBER.

6.—Died, aged 60, Sir Wm. Kemp, Bart., of Briston. “He was riding on a hobby, from which he fell and expired immediately.”

13.—A report was published by Messrs. Kent and Crease, suggesting improvements to Wells harbour at the estimated cost of £30,000.

17.—Died, in St. Augustine’s, Norwich, Mr. John Thompson, aged 70. “He established himself the heir-at-law of the late John Tilyard, whose property had long been the subject of litigation, by obtaining a verdict in his favour at the summer Assizes for this county in 1792, whereby he became entitled to a valuable estate at Oby.”

20.—A musical farce, entitled “Dash, or who but he?” written by Mr. F. Lathom, of Norwich, was produced at Drury Lane. It was first performed at Norwich Theatre under the title of “Holiday Time, or the School Boy’s Frolic.”

26.—Died, aged 83, the Rev. John Peele, 38 years Upper Minister of St. Peter Mancroft, Norwich. He was succeeded by the Rev. C J. Chapman.

—Races were held at Blickling Park. Events: A subscription purse for horses bred in Norfolk, the best of three one mile, heats; a subscription purse of £50, for the best of three two mile heats. Silver cup for the best of three two mile heats. A purse of five guineas for ponies, for the best of three two mile heats.

27.*—(Advt.) “The public are respectfully informed that the first number of a new weekly newspaper, entitled the ‘Yarmouth Herald, or Norfolk, Suffolk, and Essex Advertiser,’ will be published on Saturday, November 10th, 1804, and sold by James Black, bookseller, Great Yarmouth.”

—*“Mrs. Tuthill, wife of Mr. John Tuthill, of Heigham, is the fortunate holder of a 16th of the £10,000 prize.”

28.—Died, at Ipswich, Lord Viscount Chedworth. His estate was valued at £500,000, of which sum he bequeathed £180,000 in legacies to various persons, some of whom were unknown to him personally. Mr. Thomas Penrice, of Yarmouth, received £20,000 legacy, and was also residuary legatee, by which he came into a property of at least £300,000. His lordship left £40,000 to his solicitor, and large amounts to actors and actresses in Norwich and London. A caveat was entered by the next of kin, and on July 5th, 1805, an action to contest the validity of the will was tried before Lord Ellenborough in the Court of King’s Bench. The jury confirmed the will, and gave a verdict accordingly. An application for a new trial was refused.

31.—At a public meeting at Cromer it was resolved to establish a lifeboat, and upwards of £500 was subscribed for the purpose.

NOVEMBER.

10.—A one hundred yards race took place in Gunton Park between the Hon. Edward Harbord and a well-known runner, named Wade, of Aylsham. Mr. Harbord won by about four yards.

11.*—“In pulling down the old workhouse in the Lower Close, Norwich, to improve the entrance to the Deanery, some very curious remains of an ancient Saxon Gothic building were discovered. The arches and capitals had been richly gilt and ornamented. The style of architecture appeared to be that in use about the reign of King Stephen.”

14.—Died, at Norton, near Lincoln, aged 74, the Right Hon. George, Earl of Buckinghamshire, Baron Hobart, of Blickling, in Norfolk. He

was succeeded in his title and estates by the Right Hon. Lord Hobart, formerly his Majesty’s Principal Secretary of State for the Department of War and the Colonies.

16.—The Rev. J. Bowman was elected Under Minister at St. Peter Mancroft, Norwich, in succession to the Rev. C. J. Chapman.

22.—The Romney, of 50 guns, which sailed from Yarmouth Roads on the 18th, with bullocks and vegetables for the blockading fleet off the Texel, was lost in a gale on the South Haak Sand. All the officers and crew saved themselves on rafts, but were made prisoners by the Dutch. The officers were liberated on their parole by the Dutch Admiral Kikkert.

24.—The night coach from Norwich to Yarmouth was left near the King’s Arms, Burgh, in charge of a lad, when the horses broke away and galloped in the direction of Yarmouth. A Norwich tradesman, who was an inside passenger, climbed upon the box, succeeded in reaching the reins, which had become entangled upon the splinter bar, and stopped the animals.

26.—Ninety-eight French prisoners, the crew of a large French privateer, of 18 guns, commanded by the noted Blackman, and captured by Capt. Hancock, of the Cruiser sloop, marched into Norwich, and next morning proceeded, under a guard of Fifeshire Militia, for Norman Cross Barracks. The Corporation of Yarmouth and the merchants of the port voted their thanks to Capt. Hancock and his officers for their exertions in capturing Blackman, who had committed great depredations. Blackman himself was shipped to Chatham in the Monmouth. His vessel, La Contre-Amiral Magon, had sustained but trifling damage, and while she was lying at Mr. Palmer’s dock at Yarmouth, £2,500 was offered for her for privateering purposes.

27.—David Graham was convicted, before the Rev. J. Oldershaw, for driving cattle on Sunday at Harleston, and under the Act of Charles I. paid a penalty of 20s.

30.—It was reported at the annual meeting of the Society of Universal Good Will, at Norwich, that the number of persons relieved by it since its establishment was 1,940. An appeal was made for public support.

DECEMBER.

3.*—“The inhabitants of Loddon have entered into a subscription for the purpose of defraying the expense of lighting the town.”

4.—Signor Belzoni from Sadler’s Wells, by permission of the Mayor, gave a performance in the assembly room at the Maid’s Head Inn, Norwich. It was described as “a grand hydraulic exhibition, called Fire and Water, along with his phantasmagoria and wonderful feats of strength performed by the Patagonian Samson, who will carry on his head, arms, and body from five to ten men with the greatest ease.” This was the famous Belzoni, the traveller and discoverer of Egyptian antiquities, whose book entitled, “Narrative of the Operations and recent Discoveries in the Pyramids, Temples, Tombs, and Cities of Egypt and Nubia,” obtained a wide circulation.

10.—Thetford coursing meeting commenced. It lasted four days.

1805.

JANUARY.

10.—The Supervisor and officers of Excise belonging to the East Dereham district seized at Melton a horse and cart, with 80 gallons of Geneva and four gallons of brandy.

11.—A murderous poaching affray occurred in Thorpe Wood, near Aylsham, when several game watchers, in the service of Lord Suffield, were severely wounded. At the Norfolk Assizes at Thetford, in March, six of the poachers, indicted under the Black Act, were found guilty and sentenced to death. Lord Suffield and the Hon. Edward Harbord pleaded that their lives might be spared, and the sentence was ultimately commuted to transportation. When the gang were being conveyed by the Expedition night mail coach from Norwich, on their way to Portsmouth, the convicts got free from the chain and made a desperate attempt to escape, but were too heavily ironed. They attacked the coachman, and one of the guards presented a pistol, which missed fire; Johnson, the gaoler, rushed amongst them with a cutlass, and subdued them. One prisoner escaped, and the others were lodged in the Surrey New Gaol on the following morning.

17.—At a public meeting held at the Guildhall, Norwich, it was resolved to establish a Hospital and School for the Indigent Blind in Norfolk and Norwich; towards the foundation of which Mr. Thomas Tawell contributed a house and 3½ acres of land in Magdalen Street, valued at £1,050. Mr. Tawell, who was himself blind, made an eloquent and successful appeal, and the institution was opened on October 14th.

28.—The pantomime, “Don Juan,” was produced at Norwich Theatre “in a style which, for the display of beautiful scenery and of appropriate decorations and costumes, is very rarely to be witnessed on provincial boards.”

29.—Died, aged 57, Mr. Thomas Wodehouse, of Sennowe Lodge. He was one of the gentlemen of his Majesty’s Privy Chamber, in which office he was succeeded by Mr. J. W. Thomlinson, of Cley.

FEBRUARY.

2.—Bishop Manners Sutton, of Norwich, was nominated by the King and chosen, February 12th, Archbishop of Canterbury. On the 13th, his Grace arrived at the Palace, Norwich, from London; and on the 15th, the Mayor and Court of Aldermen proceeded in state from the Guildhall to the Palace, where the Recorder (Mr. Harvey) read an address of congratulation to the Archbishop. The clergy of Norwich, on the 16th, waited on his Grace, when the Rev. Prebendary Pretyman addressed the Archbishop in an appropriate speech. On the 17th, his Grace preached his farewell sermon at the Cathedral, and on the 18th departed for Lambeth.

9.—A woman, who had eloped from her home in Kent with a horse dealer, was found by her husband in a house in St. Peter Mancroft, Norwich. She refused to return to him. The dealer offered to buy the woman for £5, and her husband, agreeing, placed a halter round her neck, and surrendered all right and title to her for the sum named.

19.—Died, at his house, the Town Close, Norwich, Mr. Jeremiah Ives, senior alderman of Norwich. He was 78 years of age, and had served the office of Mayor in 1769-1795.

20.—A solemn fast was observed at Norwich.

21.—Mr. Robert Herring, of Bracondale, elected an alderman, in place of Mr. Jeremiah Ives, deceased.

23.—Experiments were made at Norwich to test the practicability of firing a field-piece from a common waggon without injury to the vehicle. The idea, which originated with Major-General Money, “succeeded perfectly, and the horses stood steady during the discharge of the field-piece.”

24.—The clergy of Norwich, having intimated that it was their intention to apply to Parliament for an increase of their incomes by assessment, considerable feeling was manifested in opposition. The Corporation at a quarterly assembly resolved to oppose the application. Vestry meetings were held throughout the city, and the inhabitants unanimously expressed an opinion adverse to the clergy’s proposal.

—The freedom of the city was conferred on Mr. John Frere, the former, and Mr. Robert Fellowes and Mr. William Smith, the then Parliamentary representatives of Norwich.

—A lease of the Dutch Church was granted to the Corporation for 200 years, for the use of the poor in the workhouse; the Dutch congregation reserving the right to bury their dead in the church, and to hold Divine service therein every forenoon of the first Sunday in the month.

MARCH.

4.—Died, aged 60, Elizabeth Clayton, of Wells-next-the-Sea. “This woman, from an early propensity for masculine employments, had worked as a ship’s carpenter at the dockyard of the above port upwards of 40 years, and always in man’s apparel. She used to drink, chew tobacco, and keep company only with workmen, yet would never enter into the matrimonial state. She was a strong robust woman, and never permitted anyone to insult her with impunity.”

18.—The Rev. Henry Bathurst, D.D., “elected Bishop of this Diocese by the Dean and Chapter.” His lordship was installed on May 10th.

23.—At a meeting at the Guildhall, Norwich, resolutions were agreed to “condemning the proposed alterations of the course of the mail coach from London to Norwich by way of Bury, from the consequent later delivery of the letters to the post-office here, and from the earlier despatch from thence, to the great inconvenience of the mercantile and trading houses of the city.” Representations to

this effect were made to the Postmaster-General, but without result. The coach started from the King’s Head, Norwich, at four o’clock, and passed through Thetford, Bury, and Newmarket. It ran every day and stopped at the Golden Cross, Charing Cross, London. Another coach, by Ipswich and Colchester, set up at the Swan with two Necks, Lad Lane.

28.—Miss Aickin, “an actress of superior talents and personal attractions,” made her first appearance at Norwich Theatre in the character of Widow Cheerly in the comedy of “The Soldier’s Daughter,” and as Aura in the farce of “The Farm House.” She played the part of Hamlet on May 4th.

30.*—“The Rev. William L. Gebbart has been elected minister of the Dutch congregation, and also appointed minister of the French church in Norwich.”

—*“It is in contemplation to establish telegraphic communication between Norwich and Yarmouth for mercantile purposes.” In October the Norwich Corporation agreed to pay £10 annually for its support.

—*“An earthen pot, containing 500 pieces of antient English silver coin, was ploughed up in a field near Aylsham. The pieces consisted chiefly of groats of Henry VII. and pennies of the Edwards. There were two gold angels of Henry VI.”

APRIL.

6.*—“A person in the country has lately been convicted, before Mr. Crowe, Mr. Astley and Mr. Norris, in the legal penalty for working and digging in his garden and openly profaning the Sabbath. It is to be hoped that his example will operate towards the discontinuance of the practice, which, perhaps, is nowhere so prevalent as in this county.”

—Leeds Mays, for horse stealing, was executed on the “new drop” on the Castle Hill, Norwich.

—Charles Pegg was publicly whipped in Norwich Market Place, for purchasing soldiers’ necessaries.

13.*—(Advt.) “A main of cocks will be fought on Easter Tuesday and Wednesday, 21 in the main for ten guineas the battle, and 30 guineas the odd; and likewise two turn outs for £20 the battle, and also two byes. April 16th and 17th, at Hindringham Duke of York. The first pair of cocks to be pitted at eleven o’clock in the forenoon. Accommodation for man and horse. Feeders, Fox for Walsingham; Whisker for Wighton.”

22.—At Swaffham, a man, named Angel, undertook for a trifling wager to run 20 miles in three hours. He ran it with ease in 2 hours 50 minutes.

27.—Two gun brigs, of 14 guns each, were launched from Mr. John Preston’s dockyard at Yarmouth.

28.—The oil mill at Hellesdon, belonging to Mr. Wm. Parkinson, was destroyed by fire. The loss amounted to between £2,000 and £3,000.

MAY.

2.—A public meeting was held at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, when resolutions, expressive of obligations to Earl St. Vincent, for promoting an enquiry into naval abuses, with thanks to Mr. Whitbread for introducing the tenth report of the Commissioners of Naval Enquiry to the notice of the House of Commons; and thanks to Mr. Robert Fellowes, M.P., and Mr. W. Smith, M.P., for supporting Mr. Whitbread’s motion, were unanimously agreed to.

3.—The Common Council of Norwich proposed a vote of thanks to Earl St. Vincent, to the Commissioners of Naval Enquiry, to Mr. Whitbread, and to the members of Parliament for the city. This was negatived by the aldermen by 12 votes to 4.

6.—An impressment took place at Yarmouth. “Ships’ parties stopped every person they met without discrimination or respect for appearances. No less than 300 persons were impressed. Some were confined in the rendezvous of the town gang, others were marched to the barracks or conveyed to the boats lying in readiness at the jetty, and the whole body were carried during the night on to the Monmouth. Next morning a regulation took place, and 50 only were detained.”

14.—At a county meeting, held at the Norwich Shirehall, several resolutions, thanking Earl St. Vincent and the Commissioners of Naval Enquiry, and Mr. Whitbread, Sir J. H. Astley, and Mr. T. W. Coke for their patriotic and independent conduct in Parliament, were unanimously agreed to.

18.—An officer of the Shropshire Militia decided in his favour a wager of ten guineas, “to pick up 100 stones laid in Chapel Field, Norwich, at a distance of a yard from each other, and to deposit them in two baskets placed at the extremities of the line, in the space of one hour.” Another person, a few weeks afterwards, performed the same feat in 44 minutes.

25.—Married, by special licence by the Bishop of Norwich, at his lordship’s house in Manchester-square, London, Mr. Benjamin Bathurst, secretary of legation to the Court of Stockholm, to Miss Call, daughter of Sir John Call, Bart. (In November, 1809, when travelling to England with important despatches as envoy to the Court of Vienna, Bathurst mysteriously disappeared in the town of Perleberg, and was never more seen or heard of.)

—*“A street, 26 feet wide, is about to be opened, forming an entrance, which has long been most desirable, from Chapel Field directly into Bethel Street, Norwich.”

The several battalions of Volunteer Infantry in the county performed a month’s garrison duty in Yarmouth. The Norwich Volunteers were on duty in the city.

JUNE.

1.—Lord Frederick Beauclerk and the Hon. Edward Harbord ran a hundred yards race on Lord’s Cricket Ground, London. Mr. Harbord

was beaten by two yards. He afterwards ran the same distance against Mr. Lambert, and won easily.

4.—The King’s birthday was celebrated in Norwich by the garrison and Volunteers, who paraded to the number of 1,800 and fired a feu de joie on the Castle Meadow. The weather was very cold, and at nine o’clock at night the thermometer registered 36 degrees, only four degrees above freezing point.

8.—William Carter, a private in the City of Norwich Battalion of Infantry Volunteers, convicted, before a regimental court martial, of absenting himself from parade on four successive days, was publicly disgraced and dismissed the battalion.

22.*—“Gabriel Swallow, aged 13, son of a gamekeeper to the Hon. Col. Harbord at Hunworth, shot 21 bullets at a target 80 yards distant for a bet of two guineas. With the exception of three shots, they were all placed within 5½ inches of the centre; three bullets were one inch from the centre; five ditto, two inches; six ditto, three inches; one ditto, four inches; two ditto, five inches; one ditto, 5½ inches.”

24.—Holkham Sheep Shearing commenced. Mr. Ball’s threshing machine was shown at work. An ingenious model of a dibbling machine, made by a young man in the neighbourhood; a mowing machine, invented by Mr. Burrell, of Thetford; a scuffler, by Mr. Clarke; the model of a threshing machine, by Mr. Cook, of Aylsham; and an improved drill, by Messrs. Wilson and Standish, of Lynn, were also exhibited. The sweepstake, to estimate the weight of Mr. Coke’s three-shear Leicester wether, was won by Lord Winchilsea, who guessed within half a pound of the actual weight.

JULY.

6.—Mr. Edward Rigby, Mayor of Norwich, in a letter to the Norfolk Chronicle, advocated vaccine inoculation. He wrote: “I inoculated my twin children when they were eight months old with smallpox ichor, and they resisted the infection. Since then I have exposed them to patients under smallpox and at that period of the disease when most likely to communicate infection, which, as before, they were insusceptible to.”

9.—Mdlle. Eloise Adelaide de Bourbon, daughter of the Prince of Condé, took the veil at Bodney Hall, the retreat of the nuns of Montargis.

—A “bugle man” of the Norwich Rifle Corps, named Hardingham, was killed by the accidental discharge of a rifle at target practice. His remains were interred, with military honours, in St. Giles’ churchyard on the 11th.

16.—At a meeting held at the Guildhall, presided over by the Mayor of Norwich, resolutions were adopted for taking the best means of stopping the progress of the contagion of smallpox, and of extending vaccine inoculation. A committee afterwards presented a memorial in favour of vaccination. On September 14th it was announced that nearly 400 of the poor had been vaccinated.

24.—A gift of silver plate was presented to Sir Thomas Beevor, Bart., at Hethel, by the Chairman and Committees of Chief Constables in Humbleyard and adjacent Hundreds, as “a testimonial of esteem and respect and approbation of the able and upright manner in which he had discharged the duties of a magistrate for more than half a century.”

27.*—“At Diss, a number of labourers in husbandry refused to work for the customary wages, and being out of employment applied to the magistrates, who advised the parish officers to put them to work, which they accordingly did. Their business was to carry bricks in a hod from Palgrave to Diss, a distance of two miles. This medicine had the desired effect, for after two days they returned to their former employment.”

AUGUST.

3.*—(Advt.) “A main of cocks will be fought at the Sun Inn, Wells, on Tuesday, August 13th, between the gentlemen of Foulsham and the gentlemen of Wells, five guineas the battle and twenty guineas the odd. There will be two pits. Feeders, Whisker for Foulsham; Souther for Wells.”

6.—The Norwich Society of Artists opened an exhibition of paintings and drawings in their room in Sir Benjamin Wrenche’s Court.

8.—In consequence of official intelligence of preparations along the enemy’s coast, Major-General Money addressed a letter to the commandants of Yeomanry and Volunteer Cavalry in Norfolk and Suffolk, requesting them to have their corps ready for inspection, and in marching order. A similar letter was sent by Major-General Milner to the commandants of Norfolk Volunteer Infantry, adding that the requisite number of waggons was ordered for their conveyance in case of necessity.

12.—A cricket match was played at Reepham between the gentlemen of Foulsham and the gentlemen of Reepham, Hackford, Whitwell, and Corpusty “for a considerable sum.” It was won by the former, “with eight notches to spare.” The return match, on October 21st, was also won by Foulsham.

26.—A cricket match was played in Blickling Park between elevens of the Blickling and Norwich clubs, and was won by the former. It was followed by a single wicket match between the same teams, when Blickling again won, with nine wickets to go down.

SEPTEMBER.

3.—The committee of the Court of Guardians, appointed to examine the poor-rates of the city and hamlets of Norwich, and to obtain a more equal assessment, reported that an increase of £16,000 stock and £1,800 rent, calculating on the half-rental only, might be made; and recommended a general survey and new valuation to be taken, in consequence of the great alteration which had taken place

in property, and in the value of land in particular since 1786, when the last survey was made.

7.—A remarkable whirlwind occurred at Rockland St. Mary. A rowing boat, lying on the bank of the broad, was lifted into the air and blown a distance of 70 yards; and another large boat was raised out of the water and hurled a considerable distance. A young man was lifted three or four yards in the air and blown several yards. Much damage was done to the roofs of cottages and to wheat sheafs in the fields.

13.—Mr. Incledon, the famous vocalist, appeared at Norwich Theatre in his entertainment, “The Wandering Melodist.”

21.—At a meeting of the Norwich Corporation the committee appointed to take into consideration the propriety of applying to Parliament for an Act for the better lighting, watching, and paving of the city, reported in favour of the proposal, and a gentleman present offered to subscribe £500 towards the undertaking. On October 26th, it was reported that the aldermen had adopted the recommendation, but the Commons threw it out by 20 votes against 16. At a meeting held on October 30th, at which the Bishop, the Mayor, and many of the principal owners and occupiers of estates were present, the petition was unanimously agreed to and signed.

28.*—“A finely preserved Saxon font has been discovered in the church of Great Hautbois, near Coltishall, by Mr. J. A. Repton. Many curious remains of antient sculpture are obscured by repeated coats of dirt and whitewash in our churches.”

—*“Died, lately, Sir James Tylney Longe, Bart., in the eleventh year of his age. By his death the Tylney property, amounting to £25,000 per annum and nearly £300,000 in the Funds, devolves on the distant branches of the Longe family.”

During this month Mr. James Neild, of Chelsea, a well-known philanthropist, visited the county gaol, the city gaol and bridewell, the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, and the Duke’s Palace Workhouse. In his report on the Hospital he wrote: “It does honour to the county, and is one of the best I have seen.”

OCTOBER.

7.—A mysterious outrage was committed at Fakenham. A man entered the bed-room of two maiden ladies, named Bale, brutally thrashed one, and attempted to cut the throat of the other, after which he decamped. The Home Office offered his Majesty’s pardon to any accomplice who gave evidence that would lead to a conviction, and Mr. Edward Bale, of Toftrees, offered a reward of £100 for the discovery of the guilty person. No clue was forthcoming.

12.*—“A few days since the Russian Countess Mengdon arrived at her newly-purchased seat, called New Place, Thetford, late the residence of Mr. James Mingay.”

18.—One of a pair of eagles was shot at Cantley. The extended wings measured 7 feet 4½ inches, and the bird was 2½ feet in height.

22.—A two days’ race meeting commenced in Blickling Park. A ball and supper were given by Lord Suffield.

—The Norwich Battalion of Volunteers, commanded by Lieut.-Col. Patteson, and the City of Norwich Battalion of Volunteer Infantry (Lieut.-Col. Harvey) were inspected by Major-General Milner. “A portion of the latter corps proceeded from the Castle ditches to Mile End in waggons, fitted up with seats, and provided throughout the county pursuant to general orders.”

Under the Additional Force Act, Norfolk raised this month 248 men to supply vacancies occasioned by those who had enlisted out of the Militia into the regular Army.

NOVEMBER.

2.*—“The Sheriff of Norwich, Mr. J. H. Yallop, is the fortunate holder of a sixteenth share of the ticket drawn for a prize of £3,000. In the lottery of 1803, Mr. Yallop also shared a prize of £2,000, and in 1804, part of the £20,000 prize.”

7.—Intelligence was received of the battle of Trafalgar, which was fought on October 21st, and of the death of Nelson. “The bells were rung and fired throughout the day, but all the joy that would have arisen from the victory was wholly absorbed in sorrow and regret for the death of the Hero of the Nile and Trafalgar.” Great rejoicings afterwards took place, and addresses of congratulation to his Majesty were unanimously voted by the Corporations of Norwich, Yarmouth, Lynn, &c.

30.—A county meeting was held at the Shirehall, Norwich, when an address to his Majesty on the victory of Trafalgar was agreed to. It was also resolved to open a subscription for erecting a memorial to perpetuate the memory of Lord Nelson’s victories.

DECEMBER.

3.—The Duke of Norfolk arrived at Norwich, and visited the Cathedral, St. Andrew’s Hall, and other public buildings.

—Thanksgiving day. Collections were made in the churches for the relief of the families of those who fell, and for those who were wounded. At Aylsham, there was a “grand naval procession,” barrels of beer were drunk in the Market Place, and a display of fireworks took place at night.

17.—A grand fête was held at the Norwich Assembly Rooms, in honour of Nelson’s victory. Upwards of 450 ladies and gentlemen of the county and city were present at the ball and supper, and the rooms were decorated with transparencies and brilliantly illuminated. The arrangements were carried out by the Norfolk Society, established in 1770.

Among the Acts of Parliament passed this year was one to enable Mr. Daniel Henry Woodward, his sons, and their descendants to use the surname and family arms of Mr. Henry Lee Warner, late of Walsingham.

1806.

JANUARY.

4.*—(Advt.) “To be sold, a Proprietor’s Share in the Norwich Theatre, with or without transferable ticket, which will admit the holder to the Yarmouth, Ipswich, and Colchester Theatres.”

—*“A man of the name of Baxter, formerly a respectable farmer at Buckenham, who took a rash resolution of refusing any kind of sustenance but water, which he continued to do for 38 days at the White Horse at Kenninghall, was induced to give up the same on Monday last by the offer of a noble lady to settle an allowance upon him. He some time ago persisted in the same mode of existence for 19 days.”

9.—The church bells in city and county were tolled from twelve o’clock to two o’clock, on the occasion of the funeral of Lord Nelson at St. Paul’s Cathedral.

12.—A subscription was made for the relief of the poor in Germany, who were suffering under the combined miseries of war and famine. About £300 was collected.

14.—A meeting was held at the Guildhall for the purpose of opposing the Norwich Paving Bill, and a petition against the measure was signed by 1,600 owners and occupiers. On February 8th, the Mayor (Mr. Rigby) announced that “the respectability of the signatures to the petition in favour of the Bill, and the large sum raised to defray the expenses of the application to Parliament, could not but determine its supporters to persevere firmly in promoting it.” On February 24th, the aldermen, by ten votes to eight, ordered the city seal to be affixed to the Bill. Leave was given on March 7th for the insertion of fresh notices in the Bill, in order that it might be carried before Parliament that Session. The Bill was read a first time on April 21st, and was in due course transmitted to a committee of the House of Commons. The taking of evidence for and against the Bill concluded on May 21st, and on June 13th it passed both Houses of Parliament and received the Royal assent. The first election of Commissioners under the Norwich Paving Act took place in July, and the first meeting of Commissioners was held on July 15th, when the Deputy-Mayor (Mr. Rigby) was appointed chairman; Mr. Elisha De Hague, clerk; Messrs. Harvey and Hudson, treasurers; and Mr. John Roots, surveyor.

15.—The vane and spindle of the “antient and beautiful spire” of St. Gregory’s Church, Norwich, were blown off during a severe gale.

FEBRUARY.

3.—On opening a vault at the church of St. Peter Mancroft, Norwich, a live bat was found therein, of a greyish colour, where it

had probably lain in a torpid state more than 32 years, the distance of time since the vault was before opened.”

8.*—(Advt.) “A main of cocks will be fought on Wednesday, February 19th, at the Red Lion Inn, Fakenham, between the gentlemen of Fakenham and the gentlemen of Foulsham. Eleven mains, two byes, and one turn out for five guineas the battle, and ten guineas the odd. Feeders, George Syder for Fakenham; David Lamb for Foulsham.”

9.—James Coleman, bricklayer, of Swardeston, was tolling the bell at the parish church, “when the crown and cannons broke from the bell, and she came down through both floors, killing him on the spot.”

13.—Married, at St. Peter Mancroft, Norwich, Henry Robert Bowles, acting-manager at the Theatre Royal, to Miss Aickin, of the same theatre.

16.—Died, at St. George Colegate, Norwich, Thomas Troughton, aged 88. “He was a member of the corps of Artillery raised for the internal defence during the Revolution of 1745, and is believed to be the last survivor of that loyal corps.”

22.*—“The interior of the Cathedral is about to undergo a thorough cleaning and repair. It is sixty years since a similar repair was done.” It was re-opened November 22nd.

24.—At a quarterly assembly of the Corporation of Norwich an address was ordered to be presented to his Majesty, “expressive of their gratitude for the paternal affection he has shown to his subjects by waiving every consideration for the public good in the appointment of men of the first abilities in the country to the high offices of State.” A county meeting was held at the Shirehall, Norwich, on March 28th, when a similar resolution was adopted, congratulating his Majesty on the appointment of an administration “in whom the nation feels a well-grounded confidence.” Like addresses were presented by the Corporations of Yarmouth and King’s Lynn.

27.—Landed at Yarmouth, on their return from the Continent, the 4th, 23rd, and 28th Regiments of Foot, and 300 riflemen, comprising the brigade commanded by General Paget.

MARCH.

1.*—“Lately, died, at the age of 113, Mrs. Roope, of Tharston, near Long Stratton. She lived to see her fifth generation.”

5.—A troop of the King’s German Legion (heavy cavalry) arrived at Norwich from Yarmouth, and on the following day proceeded on their march to Scotland.

7.—A public concert was given at Chapel Field House, Norwich. Vocalists: Mr. Vaughan and Mrs. Vaughan (formerly Miss Tennant); leader of the band, Mr. Parnell; at the pianoforte, Mr. Beckwith.

11.—The Board of Agriculture voted their gold medal to Mr. Thomas William Coke, “for his extensive and successful mode of irrigation, by which he has converted a track of unprofitable boggy land in Norfolk into sound and excellent water meadows.”

—The Marquis Townshend’s 85th birthday was celebrated by a dinner at the Crown Inn, and by a ball and supper at the Red Lion Inn, Fakenham.

15.—At the Norfolk Assizes, held at Thetford, before Mr. Justice Grose, was tried the case, the King v. Anthony. This was an information filed against the defendant by the Attorney-General for assaulting John Stevenson, an officer of Excise, while in the execution of his duty. Stevenson called at the White Horse Inn, Edgefield, on December 2nd, 1805, and found smuggled liquor in panniers belonging to the defendant, whose ostensible trade was that of a vendor of oysters. The officer seized the panniers, but defendant, in regaining them, committed an assault. He was found guilty, and the case was remitted to the King’s Bench for judgment. (No further record appears.)

—*(Advt.) “A main of cocks will be fought at the Maid’s Head Inn, Norwich, on Tuesday, the 25th inst., and two following days between the gentlemen of Norwich and the gentlemen of Yarmouth. To show 31 mains, and ten bye-cocks, to fight for ten guineas a battle, and 50 guineas the odd battle. There will be five pits. Feeders, David Lamb for Norwich; Thomas Cox for Yarmouth.”

16.—Died, at his house in Surrey Street, Norwich, John Manning, M.D., upwards of 30 years physician at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital.

17.—Died, at Snettisham Lodge, Mr. Thomas Daniell, Attorney-General of Dominica.

24.—Intelligence was received at Norwich of Vice-Admiral Duckworth’s victory over the French squadron in St. Domingo Bay. Col. Patteson’s Volunteers fired a feu de joie in the Market Place, and the bells of St. Peter Mancroft rang until midnight.

27.—Mr. Heath caught in Panxworth Broad a pike weighing 31 lbs., and measuring 45 inches in length, and 25 inches in girth.

28.—Died, at Bodney Hall, aged 49, Madame Elizabeth de Mirepoix. “Descended from one of the most distinguished families in France, she forsook the allurements of the Court for the retirement and austerity of monastic life. From the storms of the French Revolution the Benedictine Monastery (of which she had been a member 31 years and superior 22 years) sought shelter in England, and found an asylum in this county, where for the last 15 years the nuns have been occupied in the education of Catholic young ladies.”

This month upwards of £800 was subscribed to defray the cost of the erection in Norwich of a monument to the memory of Lord Nelson. Mr. Browne and Mr. Percy submitted designs and models to the committee, but insufficient support was given to the movement.

APRIL.

5.*—“The King has granted the dignity of Earl to the Right Hon. Horatio Baron Walpole, to be known as the Earl of Orford.” Mr. Thomas Wm. Coke was offered, but declined a peerage.

12.—At a meeting of farmers and others at Thetford, it was decided to hold a sheep and lamb fair in that town annually on September 1st.

19.—The Boreas frigate, 28 guns, was launched from the dockyard of Messrs. Stone and Custance, at Yarmouth. On the same day the Ariel sloop, of 18 guns, was launched from Mr. N. Palmer’s yard.

27.—General Milner inspected the Norwich Rifle Corps this day (Sunday); the Norwich Volunteer Regiment on the 28th; and Col. Patteson’s Battalion on the 29th.

MAY.

6.—Died, in his 82nd year, the Rev. George Thomas, vicar of East Dereham and brother of Dr. Thomas, Bishop of Rochester. He was succeeded by the Rev. Charles Hyde Wollaston.

14.—The annual meeting of the Dissenters Benevolent Society, presided over by Mr. Geo. Watson, was held at the Angel Inn, Norwich.

16.—A hundred yards foot race took place on Lord’s Cricket Ground between Lord E. Somerset and the Hon. Edward Harbord. “Lord Edward had the start of Mr. Harbord, and maintained the lead about 60 yards, when Mr. Harbord gained upon and crossed him. There was a foul, and Lord Edward fell. Lord Frederick Beauclerk, who was umpire, gave his decision as follows:—That on account of the accident the race was deemed void, but Mr. Harbord is allowed the power of calling upon Lord Edward to run the race over again any time within the next six months upon giving his lordship six weeks’ notice.”

17.—The sword of the Spanish Admiral, Don Xavier Francisco Winthuysen, who died of his wounds at the battle off Cape St. Vincent, February 14th, 1797, presented to the city of Norwich by Lord Nelson, was placed in the mural monument at the Guildhall.

29.—General Milner, in a letter addressed to the commanding officers of Volunteers in Norwich and Norfolk, expressed “the high sense he entertained of the merit of the Volunteer corps in coming forward in such force, when the country, and this district in particular, was threatened with invasion by a powerful enemy.”

30.—Died, at Calabar, East Indies, in his 32nd year, Capt. Smyth, 56th Regiment, son of Mr. James Smyth, attorney-at-law, of Norwich. He served in all the campaigns in Flanders and Holland under General Coote, in Ireland at the battle of Vinegar Hill, at Gibraltar during the mutiny, and under Sir Ralph Abercromby in Egypt.

JUNE.

9.—Vice-Admiral Russell, accompanied by several officers of the North Sea Fleet, stationed at Yarmouth, visited Norwich.

10.—A rowing match took place between the Lion and the Dove. The course, five miles, was between Carrow and Whitlingham, and the Lion won by 100 yards in 34 minutes.

18.—Wrestling matches were contested on Panxworth Green in the presence of a large number of spectators. “Green, of Beighton, was champion of the green, and came off victorious from all his engagements.” He was eighteen years old.

19.—Norwich Guild day. In consequence of the Cathedral undergoing reparation, the Mayor and Corporation attended service at the church of St. Peter Mancroft. The Mayor, Mr. Thomas Allday Kerrison, entertained 500 guests at dinner at St. Andrew’s Hall; the ball was held at Chapel Field House.

23.—At Holkham Sheep Shearing, Mr. John Herring, jun., of Norwich, exhibited three shawls, manufactured by Messrs. John Herring and Sons entirely from the fleece of Mr. Coke’s Southdowns.

24.—Lord Waldegrave, in command of a detachment of the 7th Light Dragoons, stationed at Norwich, commenced a series of three cricket matches, “with a select number of the men under his command against a party of gentlemen of this city and neighbourhood.” The soldiers won two out of the three games. In the following month Lord Waldegrave came of age, and succeeded to a property amounting to £30,000 a year.

28.—Mr. Incledon appeared at Norwich Theatre in his entertainment, consisting of songs and recitations, “Hospitality, or the Harvest Home.” He reappeared on the 30th.

JULY.

5.—Died, at his house in George Street, Portman Square, London, Arthur Richard Dillon, Archbishop and Duke of Narbonne, Primate of the Gauls, President of the States of Languedoc, and Commander of the Order of the Holy Ghost. “This venerable prelate was uncle to Lady Jerningham, of Costessey.”

—The Primary Visitation of the Bishop of Norwich (which commenced at Thetford on May 22nd) terminated at St. Peter Mancroft, Norwich. “Six hundred and ninety-nine young persons from the adjacent parishes, and on the following day nearly 600 persons from the several parishes and hamlets of the city were confirmed. The total number of persons who had been confirmed throughout the diocese in the course of this visitation is computed at nearly 17,000.”

10.—This day “the thermometer stood at 82, exposed to the north.” On the 19th of the previous month the heat was so great that many post horses died.

12.—The Royal assent was given to an Act to enable his Majesty “to grant the Castle of Norwich, with the county gaol, Castle Hill, and certain land adjacent thereto, in Norfolk, and for vesting the same in the justices of the peace for the said county, with the use thereof.”

13.—A remarkable suicide took place at Yarmouth. “Two servant women tied themselves together with ribbon, walked into the sea, and were drowned.” They were the wives of privates in the Shropshire Militia. “Their husbands had come to see them the previous day, and, refusing to permit them to return with them, they committed the rash act.”

14.—A large concourse assembled to witness a camping match on Crostwick Common between the Hundreds of Taverham and of Blofield. Conditions:—“Play 40 minutes; candidates to be young men under 25 and unmarried. Prize, a hat of the value of 10s. 6d. for each of the successful combatants.” The affair ended in a walk over, owing to the absence of the Blofield men. “It is now 20 years since a regular camp was played at Crostwick, and that one was patronised by one of his Majesty’s present ministers, who is not more celebrated for his political talents, and the accomplishments of a liberal and enlightened mind, than for his attachment to the ancient sports and amusements of his country.” (Reference is here made to William Windham.)

17.—The annual water frolic and aquatic procession took place at Norwich, “led by Admiral Clarke in full uniform in the Apollo.”

21.—The Corporation of Norwich again granted the use of St. Andrew’s Hall to the corn merchants, as a place of exchange, at the annual rent of 50 guineas. “A letter from Mr. Opie was read, in which that celebrated artist stated that, if due care was taken to prevent persons from touching the paintings in the hall, they would sustain no injury if the hall was opened ten times a week.”

26.—Arrived, at Yarmouth, the Blanche frigate, Capt. Lavie, with La Guerriere, French frigate of 50 guns, Capt. Hubert, captured on the 18th, after a desperate action of 45 minutes. La Guerriere had taken eight Greenlandmen and one Yarmouth vessel, all of which she had destroyed.

28.—The Volunteer corps agreed to continue their services under new regulations and at reduced pay. The regulations were made in accordance with a new Act of Parliament, which provided for the military training of the population by the calling out of 200,000 men in each year.

31.—The Duke’s Palace estate in Norwich, belonging to the Duke of Norfolk, was sold in lots for £5,055, exclusive of the Public Library and house adjoining.

AUGUST.

9.*—(Advt.) “To be seen alive (from Mr. Kendrick’s menagerie, 42, Piccadilly), in a commodious room at Mr. Peck’s, the Church Stile, in the Market Place, Norwich, a most surprising crocodile from the Nile ever seen in this kingdom. He is so remarkably tame that any lady or gentleman may touch him with safety.”

13.—The Norwich Society of Artists opened an exhibition in their room in Sir Benjamin Wrenche’s Court. The exhibitors included A. Brown, W. Browne, and Stone, architectural subjects; Crome, Dixon, Gordon, C. Hodgson, Ladbrooke, Leeds, and Thirtle, landscapes; Cooper, horses and cattle; Mrs. Coppin, Freeman, and Thirtle, portraits; and Sillett, flowers and still life. “The exhibition is such as to authorise our predicting that the seeds of genius, which have evidently taken deep root in some of the artists, will secure them most respectable places in the roll of fame.”

14.—The anniversary sermon for the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital was preached by the Bishop of Norwich at St. Peter Mancroft. The sum collected was £185 16s. 6d., and the proceeds of the dinner at the Swan Inn amounted to £41 9s. 6d.

28.—The Comus frigate, 22 guns, was launched from the dockyard of Messrs. Custance and Co., at Yarmouth.

30.—The Norwich Paving Commissioners advertised that they were “ready to contract with any person or persons for watch boxes, to be made of good and well-seasoned yellow deal, and painted on the outsides of a lead colour three times in oil. Also to receive proposals for and contract with any person or persons for 36 strong and well-made watchmen’s coats of a dark drab coloured cloth, large double collar, with belt of the same sewed to the coat, and white and strong metal buttons.”

SEPTEMBER.

11.—Died, at the age of 100 years, Mrs. Crisp, of Loddon.

12.—Died, at Brighton, aged 76, the Right Hon. Edward Lord Thurlow, Lord Chancellor 1778 to 1793, except for a few months during the Coalition Administration in 1783, when the seals were put in Commission. He was the son of the Rev. Mr. Thurlow, rector of Ashfield, Suffolk, and was born at Braconash, Norfolk, December 9th, 1730. He was succeeded in his title and estates by his nephew, only son of the Bishop of Durham.

—Died, at Breccles, near Watton, aged 107 years and 8 months, John Stubings, husbandman. “He never occupied more than five acres of land nor received any parochial relief.”

13.*—(Advt.) “Docking Snettisham, Lynn, and Norwich Telegraph, from Docking to Lynn and Lynn to Norwich. Leaves Docking at seven o’clock on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, through Snettisham and Castle Rising, to Star Inn, Lynn. Leaves Lynn at eleven o’clock, to the Woolpack, St. Giles, Norwich, through Gayton, Litcham, Mileham, Brisley, Elmham, Bawdeswell, Lenwade Bridge, Attlebridge, and Drayton, and returns the following morning at seven o’clock.”

25.—A shark, measuring nine feet in length and weighing three cwts., was caught off Yarmouth.

OCTOBER.

3.—The bells of several parish churches in Norwich were tolled at noon, the hour appointed for the interment, in Westminster Abbey, of the remains of the Right Hon. Charles James Fox, who died September 13th.

4.*—(Advt.) “The Norwich and Yarmouth Machine runs every day from the Black Horse, Tombland, and White Hart, near the Wrestlers, Yarmouth.”

15.—Died suddenly, aged 58, Henry Bowles, the elder, formerly of the Theatre Royal, Norwich.

21.—Blickling races commenced, and afforded “the greatest sport ever known at this place.” The principal event, a sweepstake for 50 guineas for horses bred in Norfolk, was won by Col. Harbord’s bay filly Czarina.

—Launched from the dockyard of Mr. J. S. Douglas, Yarmouth, the Lord Nelson packet, 91 tons, intended for the Harwich station.

29.—A trotting match for 50 guineas took place on the turnpike road from Norwich to Watton, between Mr. King’s chestnut hone Doubtful and Mr. Jeary’s brown mare Velocity. “The horse won by about two lengths. Owing to a dispute respecting the horse galloping within the last hundred yards the match still remains undetermined. Fifteen and a half miles were covered in one hour.”

Capt. Sir Edward Berry, R.N., was this month created a baronet, in consideration of his eminent services to the country.

NOVEMBER.

3.—A Parliamentary election took place at Norwich, resulting in the return of Mr. John Patteson, 1,733 votes, and Mr. Robert Fellowes, 1,370 votes. Mr. Wm. Smith, who polled 1,333 votes, was the unsuccessful candidate. On the 10th “the Norwich Battalion of Volunteers received Col. Patteson, M.P., with a general salute, and fired three vollies and gave three cheers in token of their satisfaction at his being elected one of the representatives of the city.”

—King’s Lynn election. Lord Walpole and Sir M. B. ffolkes returned unopposed.

4.—Thetford election. Lord William Fitzroy, 28 votes; Mr. James Mingay, 17 votes. Mr. Thomas Creevey, the unsuccessful candidate, polled 14 votes.

—Yarmouth election. The Hon. Edward Harbord and Mr. S. Lushington returned unopposed. A petition was lodged against the return, but the committee of the House of Commons declared it to be frivolous and vexatious, and the members retained their seats.

6.—Miss Elizabeth Bidwell, niece of Mr. Bidwell, of Thetford, arrived at Harwich from Berlin. “She was tutoress to the King of Prussia’s children, and had a narrow escape of falling into the hands of the French, and when she landed was destitute of money and change of raiment.” Miss Bidwell afterwards had an audience of the Queen at Windsor, to whom she related the details of her escape.

12.—The Sapphire sloop of war, 18 guns, launched from Messrs. Brindley’s yard at King’s Lynn.

13.—County election. The poll was open for six days. Mr. T. W. Coke, 4,118 votes; the Right Hon. William Windham, 3,722 votes. The unsuccessful candidate, the Hon. John Wodehouse, received 3,365 votes. “On the chairing day, as well as every day during the election, there were excellent dinners provided at the White Swan and Angel, where Mr. Coke and Mr. Windham met large parties of their friends, whose convivial enjoyments were much heightened by the eloquent orations of Mr. Plumptre and the exertions of Mr. Mingay, whose good-humoured sallies and witticisms never failed to set the

tables in a roar.” A petition against the return of the members was presented by Mr. T. T. Berney and others, and on February 12th, 1807, the committee of the House of Commons declared the election void. On February 26th, Mr. Coke was returned unopposed for Derby, in place of his brother, Mr. E. Coke, who had accepted the Chiltern Hundreds. On March 5th, Mr. E. Coke and Sir Jacob Astley, Bart., were returned unopposed for Norfolk, and Mr. Windham took his seat, without opposition, as member for New Romney.

24.—Died, in St. Lawrence’, Norwich, Mrs. Galey, aged 101.

30.—At the meeting of the Society of Universal Good Will, at Norwich, it was reported that 187 persons, besides weekly pensioners, had been relieved during the year, making in all 2,218 since the establishment of the institution.

DECEMBER.

4.—Mr. J. W. Robberds was elected an alderman for the Ward beyond the Water, Norwich, in place of Mr. J. G. Baseley, who died December 1st.

6.—Died, in the 63rd year of his age, Thomas Osborn, bell founder, Downham Market.

13.*—“Died, lately, in the parish of St. Mary, Norwich, Sarah Pickwood, aged 49 years. This was one of the most enormous cases of dropsy on record. In the course of about 50 months she was tapped 38 times, and discharged 350 gallons of the fluid, weighing 4,656 lbs. troy. The greatest quantity discharged at one operation measured 11½ gallons, and weighed 153½ lbs.”

18.—In the course of alterations at Ketteringham Hall, a fire occurred, which destroyed the centre of the building, with all the new work.

20.*—“Whenever a fire occurs in the neighbourhood the large travelling engine, belonging to the Norwich Fire Office, may be obtained by sending a man and two horses and applying to the sexton of St. Peter Mancroft Church, in which place the engine is deposited.”

The following Acts were passed this year:—

An Act to enable his Majesty to grant an annuity to Lady Viscountess Nelson, in consideration of the eminent services performed by the late Vice-Admiral Lord Nelson to his Majesty and the public.

An Act for settling and securing a certain annuity on Earl Nelson and the heirs male of his body and such persons to whom the title of Earl Nelson may descend, and for granting the sum of £100,000 to purchase an estate to accompany the said title; and for granting £10,000 to each of the sisters of the late Lord Nelson (Mrs. Matchem and Mrs. Bolton), in consideration of the eminent and signal services performed by the said Lord Nelson to his Majesty and the public.

An Act for amending, altering, and enlarging the powers of an Act, passed in the 42nd year of his Majesty, for paving and otherwise improving the borough of King’s Lynn.

An Act for repairing the parish Church of Great Yarmouth and rebuilding the tower thereof.

1807.

JANUARY.

10.—J. S. Cotman advertised that he had taken a house in Wymer Street, St. Andrew’s, Norwich, “for the accommodation of those ladies and gentlemen who may favour him by becoming pupils.” Terms: In the Academy, £2 2s. quarterly. Four private lessons, £1 1s.

16.—At Norwich Quarter Sessions, William Chapman, a coal hawker, appealed against his conviction, under the Hawkers and Pedlars Act, 29th Geo. III. c. 26, for “carrying coals about the streets of Norwich to sell by retail.” Mr. Steward Firth ordered the conviction to be quashed, with costs. This case was considered of great importance to the citizens, and especially to the poor.

17.*—“Orders have been received in Norwich from the East India Company for 16,000 pieces of fine camblets.”

18.—A length of about 40 yards of the city wall at Norwich fell in Ber Street with a tremendous crash. At the Quarter Sessions on the 16th, the Grand Jury made a presentment, in which attention was called to the dangerous state of the wall.

26.—Died, at Lakenham, Mr. James Crowe, alderman of Norwich, aged 58. He twice served the office of Mayor, in 1774 and 1797. Mr. John Steward was elected in his place.

Little Dunham Lodge, near Swaffham, was this month purchased by Mr. St. George Knudson, for £20,000.

FEBRUARY.

7.*—“A sixteenth share of No. 23,815, which has drawn a prize of £10,000, was sold to J. Turner, servant to Mr. M. F. Rishton, of Lynn.”

—*“The Paving Commissioners have decided to lay the first stone according to the new system of paving in Norwich, in St. Stephen’s Street.”

10.—At Harper’s Pantheon, Norwich, was exhibited a moving panorama, representing the funeral of Lord Nelson.

11.—A heavy fall of snow rendered the roads impassable. The Ipswich mail arrived at Norwich two hours after its usual time; and the Bury coach reached the city at about the same time, after having been once overturned. The Newmarket mail and the Expedition coach were unable to get through. The guard of the mail procured horses, rode across country with the mail bags, and on reaching Bury took a post chaise, arriving in Norwich at four o’clock on the 12th. The Expedition coach reached the city about eight o’clock the same night, drawn by eight horses. The Newmarket mail arrived on the 13th at 1.30 p.m.

11.—Several ships were wrecked during a severe gale on the Norfolk coast. His Majesty’s gun brig Snipe came ashore on the South Ham, with 30 French prisoners on board, many of whom, with part of the crew and some women, perished. In all 60 lives were lost in this ship. Twelve vessels were wrecked between Cromer and Yarmouth.

14.*—“The number of men liable to serve for this county under the Training Act is 18,152.” On April 6th, 607 persons, between the ages of 18 and 45, were drawn by ballot at Norwich to be trained and exercised for 24 days. Among those drawn were “several magistrates and other distinguished personages.”

17.—Died, at Windsor, in his 67th year, the Rev. Dr. Lancaster Adkin, rector of Belaugh and minister of St. Andrew, Norwich. “He was the first founder in Norwich of Sunday Schools, which he constantly attended and instructed for more than 21 years.”

—Orders were given for the enlargement of the courts in the Norwich Shire-house, for the repair of the bridge leading to the Castle, for providing a palisade, and for bringing a supply of river water from the main pipes in Golden Ball Lane to the county gaol.

MARCH.

7.—Sergt. John Parker, 3rd Dragoons, stationed at Norwich on recruiting service, was apprehended on suspicion of having committed a murder at Brighton in 1796. The extraordinary statement upon which the accused was apprehended was concocted by a man named William Cobb, of St. Martin-at-Oak, who informed the Mayor that Parker, when a private in the Somerset Fencible Cavalry, met him (Cobb), then a private in Col. Villier’s Fencible Light Dragoons, while halting at Dorking, and told him that he had murdered a woman at Brighton and had thrown her body into a well. An affidavit sent from Collumpton, in Devonshire, to the effect that Parker was there ill at the time of the alleged murder, was sufficient to procure him his discharge from custody.

9.—Died, in his 85th year, Henry Keymer, of East Dereham, “many years a respectable auctioneer and land surveyor, and late sole proprietor of Herring’s valuable antidote for the cure of the bite of a mad dog.”

11.—A bull, the property of Edward Kett, butcher, of Norwich, was baited near “Bishop Gates.” The baiting “offered very great sport; the bull was a game one, and the dogs equally so.”

24.—Died, in the Close, Norwich, aged 90, the Rev. George Sandby, D.D., 39 years Chancellor of the Diocese. He was Vice-Chancellor of Merton College, Oxford, in 1760.

28.*—“His Majesty has been pleased to appoint Wm. Firth, Esq., Steward of Norwich, to be attorney-general in the province of Upper Canada.” On his resignation of the Stewardship on May 3rd, Mr. Firth received the thanks of the Corporation, and Mr. Robert Alderson was appointed in his place. At about this date, Mr. Thomas Amyot was appointed secretary and registrar of Lower Canada.

APRIL.

4.—William Carter, aged 35, was executed on the “new drop,” Castle Hill, Norwich, for horse stealing.

5.—The Norwich Court of Guardians resolved to petition the House of Commons against Mr. Whitbread’s Bill for amending the Poor Laws.

9.—Died, at his house in Berners Street, London, in his 46th year, John Opie, R.A. His remains were interred in St. Paul’s Cathedral on April 20th.

13.—The Rev. James Brown was elected minister of St. Andrew, Norwich, in place of the Rev. Dr. Adkin, deceased. There were three other candidates. None but resident parishioners were allowed to vote.

16.—Died, at his house in King Street, Norwich, aged 60, Mr. James Hudson, banker. He served the office of Sheriff in 1788, was elected alderman for the Mancroft Ward in 1791, and was Mayor in 1794. Mr. Starling Day, jun., was elected alderman in his place.

MAY.

4.—An election took place at Norwich on the dissolution of Parliament. Mr. J. Patteson, who polled 1,474 votes, and Mr. W. Smith, 1,156 votes, were returned. The unsuccessful candidate, Mr. Robert Fellowes, polled 546 votes.

—Lynn election: Lord Walpole and Sir M. B. ffolkes returned unopposed.

8.—Thetford election: Lord Wm. Fitzroy and Mr. T. Creevey returned unopposed.

—Yarmouth election: Mr. S. Lushington, 604 votes; Mr. W. Jacob, 341; Mr. A. Upcher (unsuccessful), 21.

12.—County election: Mr. T. W. Coke and Sir Jacob Astley, Bart., elected unopposed.

—At a county meeting a committee was appointed for the purpose of forming a club for the independent freeholders of Norfolk. It was a revival of the Norfolk Club, and met three times a year in Norwich, namely, in the Summer Assize week, in the Michaelmas Sessions week, and in the Easter Sessions week. The first meeting was held at the Angel Inn, on October 6th, when Sir John Lombe, Bart., presided.

14.—The birthday of the Right Hon. Wm. Windham was celebrated by a dinner at the Angel Inn, Norwich, under the presidency of Mr. Wm. Smith, M.P.

25.—A rowing match took place, from Carrow Abbey to Whitlingham, between the Victory, four oars, and the Britannia, six oars. The course was 4½ miles, and the time of the winning boat, the Britannia, 33 mins. 50 secs.

JUNE.

1.—Died, at Worstead, Mrs. Ann Miller, formerly of Yarmouth, aged 102 years.

4.—His Majesty the King entered upon the 70th year of his age. There were great rejoicings in Norwich. The Mayor and Corporation attended service at the Cathedral, the troops—Regular, Militia, and Volunteer—paraded in the Market Place, fired a feu de joie, and marched past. The Mayor gave a dinner, and the several corps dined at their respective inns.

16.—Mr. Robert Herring was sworn into office as Mayor of Norwich, and gave a dinner to 150 guests at Chapel Field House. “The Mayor’s wine being of the first flavour and quality, the festivity of the day was kept up till past one o’clock the next morning.”

22.—Holkham Sheep Shearing commenced. The implements exhibited included an improved Norfolk plough, invented by Mr. Balls, of Saxlingham. Mr. Herring, jun., of Norwich, produced goods of his manufacture, and stated that 117 shawls had that year been made by his firm from 224 lbs. of Mr. Coke’s Southdown wool. Mr. Paul, of Norwich, showed some beautiful specimens of shawls manufactured by himself, “including a flowered shawl, a very close imitation of India, made wholly of Mr. Coke’s marino wool.” The best implement shown this year was an ingenious device by Mr. Paul, of Starston, for catching turnip fly.

29.—Mr. Bannister appeared at the Theatre Royal, Norwich, in “Bannister’s Budget, or an Actor’s Ways and Means.” The entertainment was repeated on July 4th.

JULY.

3.—Died, at Ferney Hill, Gloucester, Mrs. Cooper, widow of the Rev. Dr. Cooper, of Yarmouth, and daughter of Mr. James Bransby, of Shotesham. She was the author of several well-known works, namely, “Fanny Meadows,” “The Daughter,” “The School for Wives,” and “The Exemplary Mother.”

7.—Died, at Heydon House, aged 53, William Earle Bulwer, Colonel in the Army and Brigadier-General of Volunteers.

9.—An action for crim. con. was heard in the Court of King’s Bench, in which Sir G. B. Brograve, of Worstead Hall, Lieut.-Col. of the East Norfolk Militia, was plaintiff, and Capt. Elwin, of the same regiment, defendant. The jury returned a verdict for the plaintiff, damages, £2,000. At Doctor’s Commons, on November 21st, 1808, the court granted a divorce a mansâ et thoro, prayed for on the part of Sir Geo. Brograve against Lady Brograve.

8.—Capt. Manby, barrack-master at Yarmouth, made several experiments with his life-saving apparatus in the presence of Admiral Douglas and other officers of the Navy, who expressed satisfaction with the invention.

—A single wicket cricket match was played at Thetford between two gentlemen of that town and two of Newmarket. The former won, with 37 runs to spare.

11.—Died, at Lady Fenn’s, East Dereham, aged 67, Mr. John Frere, of Roydon, Norfolk, and of Finningham, Suffolk. He was member for Norwich from 1799 to 1802.

15.—Mr. Paul, of Starston, exhibited a machine for removing lice from peas. Two men, in four hours, caught 24 pecks of lice, and in the afternoon took 16 pecks in 2½ hours.

16.—Died, aged 81, Mr. Peter Finch, who for many years held the office of Clerk of the Peace for the county.

23.—A fleet of 24 sail of the line assembled in Yarmouth Roads, under the command of Admiral Gambier, who, with Vice-Admiral Stanhope, sailed on the 26th with 16 sail of the line, 10 frigates, 10 sloops, 9 gun brigs, &c., for the Baltic. Sir Sidney Smith sailed in the Prince of Wales, of 98 guns, Admiral Gambier’s flagship. A strict embargo commenced on the 24th. The remainder of the fleet afterwards sailed. An expedition, under Lieut.-General Sir David Baird, sailed from Harwich about the same time. On September 16th, intelligence was received of the surrender on the 7th of Copenhagen, with the arsenal and the whole of the Danish Navy, to the British forces, under the command of Lieut.-General Lord Cathcart and Admiral Gambier. The British fleet, which sailed from Yarmouth, sustained but comparatively trifling loss.

27.—At the Norfolk Assizes, held at Norwich, before Mr. Justice Grose, Martha Alden was tried for the murder of her husband, Samuel Alden, at Attleborough, on July 18th. While the man was asleep in bed his wife, with a bill-hook, inflicted terrible wounds on his head, face, and throat. With the assistance of a girl, named Mary Orvice, the prisoner on the 19th deposited the body in a dry ditch in the garden; on the 20th, they carried it in a corn sack to the common and “shot” it into a pond, where it was subsequently discovered. His lordship, in summing up, said that Orvice might have been charged with being accessory to an attempted concealment of murder. The jury found the prisoner guilty, and the judge “doomed her to death, to be drawn on a hurdle to the place of execution, there to be hanged by the neck, and her body to be dissected.” The execution took place at Norwich on July 31st. The populace at Attleborough showed their detestation of the crime by destroying the former dwelling-house of the prisoner. It was reported that the ghost of Alden “walked” on the Castle Hill, and in the month of December a party of drunken men, who went there to “lay” the spirit, were seized by the jailer and detained in prison for two days, pending an inquiry into their conduct.

—At the same Assizes, before Lord Ellenborough, an action was tried, in which Lord Albemarle claimed for the recovery of penalties, amounting to £700, under the game laws. The defendant, one Brooke, a poulterer and wholesale dealer in game, at Thetford, was connected with the poachers and gamekeepers in Norfolk, and with the dealers in Leadenhall market. “The interruption of his commerce,” said counsel, “had created as much alarm in Leadenhall market as the stagnation of trade between this country and the North of Germany had occasioned amongst the merchants at the Royal Exchange.” A verdict was given for the plaintiff, damages £40, “at the rate of £5 for each head of game which had fallen out of a basket sent by the defendant to the London waggon office at Thetford for transit to the metropolis.”

29.—At the public breakfasting at Harper’s Ranelagh Gardens, Norwich, nearly 1,100 persons assembled, and 3,500 were present at the evening performance.

30.—The sum of £180 3s. was collected at the anniversary service held at the Cathedral on behalf of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, and £50 16s. resulted from the dinner at the White Swan.

AUGUST.

5.—In the House of Commons a petition was presented on behalf of Messrs. Blackburne and Bonner, brewers, of Lynn, and of the inhabitants of the town, who complained of the undue influence and the arbitrary proceedings of the magistrates of that borough in withholding publicans’ licences.

8.—The Norwich Paving Commissioners advertised for tenders for lighting the city. The number of lamps, it was stated, would not be fewer than 1,200 nor more than 1,400.

10.—Mr. Edmund Reader, of Sisland, near Loddon, undertook, for a bet of five guineas, to cut and tie one acre of wheat in 16 hours in a field belonging to Mr. Burton, at Barford. In 14 hours he had cut one acre seven roods, and had tied 430 sheaves.

31.—A match at bowls was played at Cley, between three gentlemen of that parish and three of Holt, for 50 guineas a side. The latter won five games out of seven.

SEPTEMBER.

7.—The City of Norwich Regiment of Volunteers assembled on Tombland at five am., and marched to Yarmouth for garrison duty. There were on parade 26 officers, 30 sergeants, 25 corporals, and 500 rank and file.

12.—Mr. Philipsthal’s Phantasmagoria was exhibited at the Theatre Royal, Norwich.

14.—Died, at Rainham, in his 84th year, George Marquis Townshend, a Field Marshal, Colonel of the 2nd Regiment of Dragoon Guards, and Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk. His lordship represented Norfolk from 1747 to 1764, and from 1768 to 1772 was Viceroy of Ireland. He acted as Brigadier-General, and gained much honour at the taking of Quebec in 1759, when the command of the troops devolved upon him, in consequence of the death of General Wolfe and of the wounding of General Monkton, second in command. His Majesty granted a pension of £1,000 a year out of the privy purse to the Marchioness Townshend.

19.*—“One day last week a child, playing in the churchyard of St. Michael-at-Plea, Norwich, found concealed behind a gravestone, covered with a tile, a parcel, containing more than £90 in forged Bank of England notes and £14 in counterfeit shillings.”

21.—At a quarterly assembly of the Norwich Corporation the city gates still remaining were ordered to be taken down.

OCTOBER.

13.—The Duke of Clarence, accompanied by the Earl and Countess Cholmondeley, visited Lynn. The Corporation presented an address to his Royal Highness, who was afterwards admitted a free burgess.

19.—Blickling races were this year supplemented by wrestling matches.

22.—Died, aged 40, at Brickhill, Buckinghamshire, on his way from Liverpool, where he had arrived from America, Robert Murray, merchant, of New York, fifth son of Dr. John Murray, of Norwich. He had been absent more than 16 years, and had revisited England, in the hope of alleviating the symptoms of a pulmonary complaint.

24.—Died, in Dublin, aged 72, Mr. James Bradfield, of Stoke Ferry, who by his will endowed a school in that village for 25 poor children.

28.—Lord Cathcart, Commander-in-Chief of the Army employed against Copenhagen, arrived in Norwich from Yarmouth, and next day proceeded to London.

29.—Louis XVIII., travelling as Count de Lille, arrived off Yarmouth in a Swedish frigate, and landed on November 2nd. He was accompanied by the Duke D’Angoulême, the Duke de Berri, and by other representatives of the French nobility.

—A severe storm occurred off the Norfolk coast, and several transports were lost at Yarmouth, where Admiral Gambier arrived with 32 sail of the line, several Dutch prizes, and a great number of frigates.

31.*—“The Militia ballot has commenced. The quota for Norfolk and Norwich is 907.”

—At the Old Bailey, J. Hopgrave was indicted for an assault, with intent to murder his Majesty’s officers of Excise in a smuggling affray at Cawston. The ringleader, one Jeremiah Abel, was convicted at the Old Bailey some months previously. Hopgrave succeeded in proving an alibi, and was acquitted. On December 8th, Richard Wiseman, of the Three Pigs, at Edgefield, was charged at the Old Bailey with obstructing the Excise officers at the same time. He also was acquitted on proving an alibi.

At the end of this month a shooting party at Holkham killed in three days 1,457 head of game. The party included Mr. Coke, the Marquis of Tavistock, Lords Albemarle, Spencer, Althorpe, Anson, and Bradford, Generals Walpole and Keppel, Sir J. Shelly, Col. Keppel, Messrs. W. Smith, Churchill, Collet, Wilbraham, W. Fitzroy, and Smith. Mr. Coke killed 60 the first day, 66 the second, and 70 the third.

NOVEMBER.

4.—A large barn full of barley in the straw, and a stack of barley, the property of General Money, of Trowse, were destroyed by fire, caused by an incendiary, named Thomas Sutton. At the Assizes, held at Thetford, on March 21st, 1808, before Mr. Justice Grose, he was found guilty and sentenced to death. He had eight years

previously been sentenced to seven years’ transportation for stealing a pony belonging to the general, and his father had suffered death for horse stealing. “At the trial he behaved in a most audacious manner to the judge, and when sentenced requested the Sheriff to let him be taken to Norwich that he might be hanged amongst his friends.” He was executed on the Castle Hill, Norwich, April 9th, 1808.

—An entertainment was given by Lord and Lady Cholmondeley to upwards of 300 persons at Houghton Hall. The great hall was converted into a theatre for the performance of an opera written by Mr. Panton. The performers included the author, Miss Wood, Lord Malpas, and the Messrs. Lanyas. Between the acts Lady Charlotte Cholmondeley and Miss Cholmondeley played a pianoforte duet. The opera was preceded by an address, spoken by Lord Malpas, and was followed by a dance and supper.

7.*—“Nathaniel Easthaugh, bellman in Norwich, in gratitude for having had possession of the city bell for 27 years (one year only excepted), has liberally subscribed the sum of ten guineas towards the new pavement, he being at times unable, through infirmity, to walk over the old one.”

10.—Died, aged 52, the Rev. John Walker, one of the minor canons of Norwich Cathedral. His widow afterwards published a volume of his poems.

11.—Seven fishermen were drowned within 50 yards of the shore at Sheringham, through the upsetting of their boats in a sudden gale.

14.—The privateer La Décidé was brought into Yarmouth by L’Amiable frigate, Capt. G. Stuart. The privateer had long evaded the cruisers and committed great depredations upon commerce. She was supposed to have captured 30 prizes within three years.

27.—Died, aged 77, John Clarke Snell, of Norwich. “He was formerly of Bury St. Edmund’s, and remarkable for his eccentricities and for his study of astrology, which rendered him a well-known character.”

28.—John Gulley and Tom Cribb, the famous pugilists, gave an exhibition of sparring in the great room at the King’s Head Inn, Norwich. Upwards of 200 persons were present, including the Right Hon. William Windham and the Hon. Edward Harbord.

30.—At the annual meeting of the Society of Universal Good Will at Norwich, it was reported that 2,420 persons had been relieved since its establishment.

DECEMBER.

12.—Married, at his lordship’s house, Charles Street, Berkeley Square, London, the Right Hon. the Earl of Craven to Miss Louisa Brunton, of Covent Garden Theatre, and daughter of John Brunton, Esq., formerly of Norwich, who gave the bride away. “The Earl is in his 37th and the fair bride in her 25th year.” Mr. Brunton was for many years manager of the Norwich Theatre, and Miss Louisa Brunton was a favourite performer there.

13.—Died, in St. Simon’s, Norwich, aged 86, Mrs. Mary Mack. “She lived several years in the service of the late Mr. W. Tilyard, of Poringland, during which time she constantly travelled the number of 2,920 miles annually, which in ten years amounted to 29,220, the house being fully four miles from Norwich, and her master, who was a very eccentric character, never failed sending her every day (Sunday not excepted) for such things as his whimsical and capricious fancy suggested he stood in need of.”

—Died, at Claxton, Mrs. Eliza Norton, in her 101st year.

19.*—“A telegraph or signal station is on the point of being erected upon the hills leading from Norwich to Thorpe. It is to be commanded by a naval officer, and the object of it is to open and maintain a prompt communication with Yarmouth on the one side, and with the telegraphs between Norwich and London on the other.” Messages were afterwards sent from the Admiralty to Yarmouth in 17 minutes. The chain of communication was by Strumpshaw, Thorpe Hills, Honingham, Carlton, and Harling, and thence by way of Thetford and Bury St. Edmund’s, across Newmarket Heath, to London.

21.—Experiments were made at Norwich, with the view of testing the practicability of General Money’s proposal to Government for mounting cannon on waggons for the protection of vessels on the coast. The Artillery officers at Woolwich gave General Money credit for his invention, and many ship owners and masters of vessels approved the plan.

An Act was passed this year for enabling Rear-Admiral Bentinck, tenant for life under the will of his late father, Mr. John Albert Bentinck, to charge his estates in the county of Norfolk with the sums therein mentioned, for embanking, improving, and increasing the same estates by the means therein mentioned.

1808.

JANUARY.

9.*—“Capt. Manby’s invention for rescuing persons from vessels stranded on a lee shore has received the approbation of the Lords of the Admiralty.” On February 12th the apparatus was successfully employed in saving the crew of a vessel named the Elizabeth of Plymouth. In May, the Society of Arts awarded their gold medal to Capt. Manby for his invention; and Parliament at different times rewarded him with grants amounting to £6,000, and adopted his apparatus at various stations on dangerous parts of the coast.

10.—Lord Hutchinson and Lord L. Gower arrived at Norwich from Yarmouth, where they had landed from the Belette sloop of war, on their return from St. Petersburgh.

14.—During a heavy gale several vessels were stranded between Blakeney and Sheringham. Much damage was done by an inundation at Cley-next-the-Sea.

17.—Died, of typhus fever, in his 20th year, Viscount Trafalgar, only son of Earl Nelson.

23.*—“In consequence of the anniversary of King Charles’s martyrdom, the nights of performance at the Theatre Royal, Norwich, next week, will be Monday, the 25th, Wednesday, the 27th, Thursday, 28th, and Friday, 29th.”

FEBRUARY.

11.—A great snow storm. The coaches which should have arrived on Friday did not reach Norwich until the following Tuesday and Wednesday. “The mail guards were obliged to traverse the country with the bags on their shoulders, sometimes on foot, up to their breasts in snow, and sometimes on horseback, across the open fields and heaths. From the Friday till the following Tuesday the bags for London by Newmarket were dispatched hence in post chaises. Labourers were employed in clearing the highways, and in some places they cut three miles through the snow.” So complete an obstruction to communication had not occurred since 1797, when the coaches were four days performing the journey from London.

14.—Died, in London, in his 60th year, “that eccentric and truly worthy character,” the Rev. Joshua Larwood, rector of Swanton Morley, and many years chaplain on board the Britannia. He was the author of “Erratics,” and of several other works.

15.—The constables of Norwich destroyed many dogs which had been found without muzzles in the public streets. Several cases of rabies and of deaths from hydrophobia were reported at this date.

17.—Died, at the age of 83, at Norwich, Mr. Francis Columbine. He served the office of Sheriff in 1769, and of Mayor in 1776.

Meetings were held in Norwich and throughout Norfolk this month, at which Mr. Joseph Lancaster lectured on his improved method of education. Lancasterian schools were established in Norwich, Lynn, and Downham in May, 1809.

MARCH.

2.—The Hon. William Asheton Harbord appointed Lord Lieutenant and Custos Rotulorum of the county of Norfolk, in place of the Marquis Townshend, deceased. The Corporation of Norwich, on May 3rd, conferred upon Mr. Harbord the honorary freedom of the city.

5.*—“The Dean of Norwich has appointed Dr. Beckwith to be organist of the Cathedral, in the room of Mr. T. Garland, resigned.” (Mr. Garland died on February 21st, aged 77, having been organist 59 years.)

8.—Died, at Norwich, aged 77, William Love, musician. “He was formerly leader of the band at the Theatre, a person of great genius

in his profession, of great suavity of manners, and of great improvidence in conduct.”

11.—At a meeting held at the Angel Inn, Norwich, at which Mr. T. W. Coke presided, Mr. Nathaniel Kent, of Ripon Hall, was presented by the agriculturists of the county with a massive silver goblet, in recognition of “his integrity and impartiality between landlord and tenant, in his profession as a surveyor of land, and for his liberal and upright attachment to the interests of agriculture.”

30.—The Racoon sloop of war, 20 guns, was launched from Mr. J. Preston’s dockyard at Yarmouth.

31.—Died, at Wells-next-the-Sea, aged 82, Mr. Charles Boyles, brother of Mrs. Murray, widow of Dr. John Murray, of Norwich.

—Died, at Melton House, aged 18, Miss Astley, eldest daughter of Sir Jacob Astley, Bart. She was in the act of placing coals upon the fire, when her dress became ignited, and she succumbed to her injuries within twenty-four hours.

APRIL.

2.*—“We understand that, in consequence of many burdens lately brought on the city by the birth of illegitimate children, the Corporation of the Guardians have offered a reward of 2s. 6d. to any person who shall give information of the pregnancy or delivery of any unmarried woman in Norwich.”

4.—The week commencing this date, during which the ward elections were held at Norwich, was for the first time referred to as “cleansing week.” “Many voters, who had been cooped up at farm houses in the country at great expense, were brought in post chaises to the polling places. For the last four days we have had as much ringing and firing of bells as if we had received a confirmation of the reports of the naval victory in the Mediterranean.”

9.—The performance for the benefit of Mr. Hindes, manager of the Theatre Royal, Norwich, produced the largest receipt ever known at the house on a like occasion, namely, £163.

16.—John Chapman, 34, and William Fuller, 26, for shooting at and wounding a gamekeeper in the service of Lord Cholmondeley, were executed on Castle Hill, Norwich.

28.—A county meeting was held at the Shire-house, Norwich, to take into consideration the measure pending in Parliament for prohibiting the use of grain in distilleries, and for the substitution of sugar. It was resolved to petition against such prohibition as likely to prove injurious to the owners and occupiers of land in Norfolk. (Parliament determined, however, in favour of using Colonial produce instead of English barley.)

30.*—(Advt.) “There will be a match of cocks fought between the gentlemen of Norwich and the gentlemen of Norfolk, to show 25 mains and 8 byes, to fight for two guineas a battle, and 20 guineas the odd. One turn out for ten guineas; to be fought on the 2nd and 3rd day of May, at the King’s Head, in Magdalen Street, Norwich. A pair

of cocks to be pitted at twelve o’clock precisely. Feeders, Lamb for Norwich; Carter for Norfolk.”

Died, this month, aged 100, Mr. John Myhill, of Catfield.

MAY.

2.—A new peal of ten bells was opened at St. Nicholas, Great Yarmouth.

3.—Mr. Robert Alderson was elected Governor of the Norwich Court of Guardians, in the place of Mr. Robert Partridge, resigned.

6.—Mrs. and Miss Robertson, of the Close, Norwich, and the Misses Doune were returning to the city from Hockering, when they were stopped by a highwayman near Cossey Wood. He was armed with pistols, and, after taking all their valuable articles of jewellery, rode off.

10.—An Expedition, consisting of 150 transports, sailed from Yarmouth for the Baltic, for the protection of Sweden. The Mars, Admiral Keats, the Audacious, Capt. Lukin, and other warships formed the convoy; and Sir John Moore, with Major-Generals Paget and Murray, had command of the troops.

21.—The coach house, brew house, and offices at Blickling Hall, with 180 stand of arms, were destroyed by fire.

JUNE.

4.—The Society for the Encouragement of Arts and Manufactures awarded their silver medal to Mrs. Coppin, of St. Stephen’s Street, Norwich, for her oil painting, “The Gamesters.”

—An annual ploughing match was inaugurated at Ellingham by the Rev. Wm. Johnson, to encourage the use of oxen in husbandry.

6.—The Norwich Regiment of Volunteer Infantry, Col. Harvey, 500 strong, proceeded to Yarmouth for garrison duly, and returned to Norwich on the 18th.

13.—A cricket match, for 50 guineas a side, was played at Swaffham, between the gentlemen of Swaffham and the gentlemen of Shipdham, and was won by the latter.

16.—Died, at Norwich, in this 68th year, Sir Roger Kerrison, banker, and for many years Receiver-General for Norfolk. He was an alderman of the Mancroft Ward, served the office of High Sheriff in 1800, and was twice Mayor of Norwich, 1778-1802.

20.—Holkham Sheep Shearing commenced. The sweepstakes of 28 subscribers, at 10s. 6d. each, for naming the weight of Mr. Coke’s three-shear half-bred merino wether, was won by Mr. Thomas More, of Watham, who guessed the exact weight, 132 lbs. A patent dibbling iron, which deposited the seed at the time the holes were struck, exhibited by the Rev. Mr. Barker, of Woodbridge, was the winning implement. Mr. F. Smith, of Norwich, exhibited specimens of ladies’ merino dresses, scarves, shawls, stockings, coating, and cassimers, most of which were made from the wool of Mr. Coke’s

sheep. “A pair of worstead stockings were of so delicate a fabric that the two stockings passed at the same time through a lady’s ring. A manufacturer had ordered a dozen pair at 18 guineas.”

21.—The Guild feast given at St. Andrew’s Hall by the Mayor of Norwich, Mr. Starling Day, jun., was attended by 580 guests.

JULY.

12.—At the Norwich Quarter Sessions, the Norwich Flour Company appealed against the assessment of their premises in St. Andrew’s. The company was described as an unprofitable concern. The assessment was reduced.

—A member of the Swaffham Cricket Club played and beat, with great ease in one innings, “six players of professional celebrity in that town.”

13.—The thermometer registered 97 degrees in the shade at Catton. Many horses died from the excessive heat.

14.—Sergt.-Major Marshall, of the Thetford Volunteer Corps, and his son were killed by an accidental explosion while sorting damaged cartridges.

18.—A prize fight, for £40 a side, took place on Kirstead Green, between Wm. Underwood, of Seething, and John Chase, of Brooke. Eighty-five rounds were fought in two hours. Underwood won.

21.—Thorpe Water Frolic took place. “The Admiral of the flotilla was placed in a small boat and carried round Thorpe Gardens several times, with guns firing, flags flying, and music playing. The company sang ‘God Save the King’ and ‘Rule Britannia.’ A young gentleman favoured the company with an excellent hornpipe on the top of the Apollo barge.”

23.—The bankruptcy of Sir R. Kerrison and Sons created much sensation in Norwich. “The crowd was so great in the King’s Head Inn yard of persons who came to prove their debts that many had to return without proving them.” The amount proved was considerably over £580,000. On January 16th, 1809, the creditors agreed to pay the sum of £5,500 to Lady Kerrison, in lieu of dower and of other claims and demands she might have on the estate. On May 13th, a dividend of 6s. 8d. in the pound was ordered to be paid on the 17th to the 3,600 creditors who had proved their debts. Dividends amounting to 16s. 4d. in the pound were afterwards paid.

29.—At a special meeting of the Norwich Corporation, an address to his Majesty was unanimously agreed to, “on the subject of the noble struggle of the patriots of Spain and Portugal against the Ruler of France, and of the generous aid given to their endeavours by our Government.”

AUGUST.

1.—Mr. Stephen Springall, farmer, of Wroxham Hall, and his nephew, aged 12, were drowned at Wroxham Water Frolic, through the capsizing of their boat.

8.—A remarkable storm occurred at Norwich. Streets were inundated and cellars flooded. “The roaring of the waters in falling from the roof to the lower leads of the Cathedral was so tremendous as literally to drown the noise of the thunder that accompanied it.”

15.—The Norwich Society of Artists opened their fourth exhibition.

20.*—“At the Hospital anniversary at Norwich, the sum collected at the Cathedral was £161 1s., and at the dinner, £53 7s. Of the church collection, £1 6s. 6d. was base coin.”

—*“Among the many performers who have contributed in the course of the Assize week to the entertainment of the city, may be reckoned the wonderful John Howes, from Eyke, near Woodbridge. Though bereft of sight and moving in a humble sphere of life, his arrival in Norwich was announced by the ringing of bells, for he carries a complete peal of twelve about with him, which, when he performs, he suspends upon a pole placed horizontally across the backs of two chairs. A variety of peals, as well as song tunes, country dances, &c., he plays with a degree of accuracy and precision that charm all those who witness his performance.”

28.—Braconash Church was reopened for service by the Bishop of Norwich, after its complete restoration. Mr. T. T. Berney, of Bracon Hall, entertained many of the neighbouring clergy at dinner.

30.—Died, at the age of 101, Mrs. Mary Moneyment, of St. Faith’s.

Many of the Volunteers transferred their services to the Local Militia, established this month under the Act passed in July.

SEPTEMBER.

2.—Died, in his 49th year, Dr. Richard Lubbock, of Norwich. He was educated at the Grammar School, under the Rev. G. W. Lemon, author of the “English Derivative Dictionary,” was a pupil of Mr. Rigby, and studied for several years at Edinburgh University.

5.—A cricket match was played at Thetford, between the Thetford and Newmarket clubs. The former won by 50 “notches.”

17.*—“At the late meeting of the county magistrates, it was agreed that the passage way from the top of the Castle Hill, Norwich, to the north-east side should be filled up, and the iron railing continued from the bridge quite round. The descent from that part of the hill towards Gurney’s bank will be by a flight of stone steps.”

19.—Great festivities took place at Rainham Hall to celebrate the arrival of the Marquis Townshend. “A bullock was roasted and four sheep boiled, and a large quantity of that old beverage made from malt and hops contributed to make all heads and hearts glow with gratitude to the noble donor.”

21.—At a quarterly meeting of the Norwich Corporation, the Commons proposed that the representatives of the city be instructed to oppose the Bill for erecting a bridge over the river at Carrow Abbey. The motion was not agreed to by the aldermen. On December 15th, a numerous meeting was held at the Guildhall to oppose the erection of the bridge, on the ground that it was unnecessary. On February 20th, 1809, Mr. Patteson presented a petition to the House

of Commons, praying for leave to bring in a Bill for carrying out the proposal. On April 21st, Mr. Patteson moved the second reading of the Carrow Bridge Bill, which was opposed by Mr. W. Smith. Fourteen voted for the motion, and nine against. These numbers not constituting a House, the further consideration of the Bill was deferred to a future sitting, when the second reading was carried by 48 votes to 26. Ultimately, the Bill received the Royal assent. On July 26th, the Commissioners selected Mr. A. Brown’s plan for an iron bridge, and on July 31st, contracts were entered into with Mr. J. G. Aggs for casting the ironwork; with Messrs. Athow and De Carle for the stonework; and with Mr. N. Wyeth for the brickwork and abutments. On December 18th, a proposition was submitted to the Commissioners in favour of abandoning the Carrow Bridge scheme, in view of the projected erection, near the Foundry, of a bridge over the Wensum. It was decided, however, to push on with the work as speedily as possible; and the first stone was laid on April 26th, 1810, by the Mayor, Mr. Thomas Back.

25.—Died, the celebrated Greek scholar, Richard Porson. He was a native of Ruston, in Norfolk. He left a sister, the wife of Mr. S. Hawes, of Coltishall. His brother Thomas, who kept a boarding school at Fakenham, died in 1792.

27.—A rowing match, for ten guineas a side, took place at Norwich, between the six-oared boats, the Britannia and the Crown Point. The latter won. Distance, 4½ miles; time, 30 minutes 30 seconds.

OCTOBER.

5.—Mr. Shelford Bidwell was elected Mayor of Thetford. “The usual entertainment was given to the Corporation. The source from whence it was, as usual, derived is worthy of record. The roast beef is provided by the Town Clerk; the boiled beef by the tenant of the tolls of the navigation; the geese by the tenant of the bridge tolls; the game and wine by the Mayor-Elect; and the keeper of the tavern adjacent to the Guildhall finds the plumb puddings. Is this immemorial custom in the above very ancient borough not the origin of the present fashionable Pic Nics?”

10.—About two-thirds of Col. Patteson’s Volunteer Infantry were enrolled as Local Militia.

15.—The Norwich corn merchants demanded of the farmers a month’s credit, instead of paying ready money for their corn as hitherto, but it was resisted by the growers, and ultimately abandoned by the merchants. In the Court of King’s Bench, on November 25th, Lord Ellenborough, who was applied to for a rule, held that individuals might buy and sell upon terms agreed to, but combining to impose terms upon the growers was calculated to enhance the price of grain in the market, and to lessen the supply in the market, which was another cause for an increased price.

16.—Fundenhall Church was opened, after extensive repair. The chancel was almost rebuilt by Mr. T. T. Berney, the impropriator.

18.—A rowing match, for five guineas a side, took place between the Revenge, six oars, and the Lion, four oars. The course was from Carrow to Whitlingham and back. The Revenge won.

25.—At Blickling Races a silver cup was for the first time offered for competition by horses ridden in a regiment or troop of Norfolk Yeomanry Cavalry.

28.—The organ erected at St. Andrew’s Church, Norwich, was opened by Dr. Beckwith. A grand selection from the works of Handel was played upon the instrument, and upwards of £120 was collected.

31.—At Holkham, from October 31st to November 17th, Mr. Coke and seven other guns killed 1,131 hares, 214 pheasants, 366 partridges, 983 rabbits, 30 woodcock, 12 wood pigeons, and 5 snipe.

NOVEMBER.

9.—A woman, named Mary Hudson, aged 35, escaped from Norwich City Gaol under extraordinary circumstances. She made a hole through the wall of the room in which she was confined, and crept through it into the street, taking her six months old infant with her. The wall was two feet in thickness, and she must have been employed some nights in making the aperture. The bricks were concealed beneath her bed, and the loose rubbish put into the pillowcase. Another bed served to conceal the hole in the wall. In the hue and cry advertisement, offering a reward of ten guineas for her recapture, it was stated that a Yarmouth hawker and pedlar, named Thomas Cocks, “who frequently feeds cocks for fighting in Norfolk and Suffolk,” was suspected of having assisted the woman to escape. There is no record of her recapture.

15.—Swaffham Coursing Meeting took place. It was described as “the most successful meeting since the renewal of coursing here.” Two hundred persons attended the ball.

24.—The Wymondham troop of Yeomanry Cavalry presented a valuable sword to the commanding officer, Capt. John Darell.

DECEMBER.

10.*—“The lay clerks of Norwich Cathedral have lately had their salaries augmented £12 each, being only the second advance since the time of Henry VIII.”

17.—From Saturday, the 17th, to Saturday, the 24th, the Newmarket mail coach, owing to the heavy fall of snow, did not arrive in Norwich with the letters until after the departure of the coaches for London. Great inconvenience was occasioned thereby in commercial circles.

21.—Died, aged 18, Miss Fisher, only daughter of Mr. Fisher, of the Newmarket Theatre, and formerly of Norwich.

24.*—(Advt.) “A main of cocks will be fought at the Maid’s Head Inn, Norwich, on Tuesday and Wednesday, the 3rd and 4th of January, 1809; to show 31 mains, to fight for ten guineas a battle, and 100 the odd battle. Likewise to show ten bye cocks for five guineas a battle, and two turn outs. Feeders, Lamb, Norfolk; Cock, Norwich.”

31.—John Gulley, Tom Crib, and Tom Belcher gave a boxing exhibition at Norwich before an audience of 800 persons.

Col. Robert Harvey, not being joined by a sufficient number of the Volunteers under his command to permit of its becoming a battalion of Local Militia, he resigned his commission, and was succeeded by Lieut.-Col. De Hague.

1809.

JANUARY.

14.*—“The orders lately come down to Norwich, besides affording constant employment to most of the manufacturing poor for nearly twelve months, will in the different branches of labour diffuse upwards of £40,000 in earnings, exclusive of the amount circulated for combing and spinning.”

15.—The Norwich Volunteer Infantry, commanded by Lieut.-Col. De Hague, was formed into a battalion of five companies of 60 men each.

25.—A “grand operatical romance,” entitled “The Forty Thieves,” was produced for the first time at Norwich Theatre, with scenery specially painted by Dixon.

28.*—(Advt.) “A card. Mr. Lambert, from Leicester, respectfully informs the ladies and gentlemen of Norwich and its vicinity that he arrived on Sunday at Mr. Leeche’s, at the King’s Head, where he will see company from 11 to 2, from 3 till 6, and from 7 till 9 each day. Admission one shilling each.” Lambert died on Wednesday, June 21st, 1809, at Stamford. He was in his 40th year, and weighed 52 stones 11 lbs.

28.—In consequence of a rapid thaw, the low lying parts of Norwich were flooded. “Some of the houses were six or seven feet under water,” and boats were rowed in the street at St. Martin-at-Oak. The marshes below Norwich were so inundated that the course of the river could not be traced, and the barge proceeding to Yarmouth had to return, in consequence of the men being unable to find the channel.

30.—During a violent gale a stack of chimneys fell on the roof of an old house in Cockey Lane, Norwich. Mr. and Mrs. Graham were buried in the ruins and killed. On the same night a large tree in Sprowston Park was blown down. It was planted the day King Charles was beheaded, January 30th, 1649.

FEBRUARY.

3.—Mr. S. Mitchell (as nominee for the Wymer Ward, Norwich) obtained judgment in the Court of King’s Bench, by which it was ruled that Militiamen out on duty, but having dwellings in the city in which their families lived, had a right to vote at ward elections.

7.—A stage coach, owned by Mr. Wm. Funnell, and known as the Lynn and Norwich Telegraph, commenced running. It left the Star Inn, Lynn, on Tuesdays and Fridays at eight a.m., and arrived at the Woolpack Inn, Norwich, at eight p.m. It ran by way of Grimston, Great Massingham, Rougham, Litcham, Mileham, Stanfield, Brisley, Elmham, Billingford, Bawdeswell, Lenwade Bridge, Attlebridge, and Drayton. The return journey was on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

24.—Died, at his house in Bruton Street, London, aged 85, the Right Hon. the Earl of Orford. His lordship was the nephew of the famous Sir Robert Walpole, afterwards Earl of Orford. For many years he sat in the House of Lords as Baron Walpole of Wolterton. On the death of Horace, Earl of Orford, he succeeded to the Barony of Houghton, the Earldom becoming extinct, but he was afterwards created Earl of Orford. He was succeeded by his eldest son, Lord Walpole, who was for many years member for Lynn. General Walpole, who concluded the treaty with the Maroons in Jamaica, who seconded Mr. Tierney in his duel with Mr. Pitt, and who was one of Mr. Fox’s secretaries, was a younger son of the deceased Earl. The remains were brought from London for interment in the family vault at Wolterton. The funeral procession passed through Norwich on March 10th in the following order:—“Four horsemen preceding the Earl’s coronet, borne on a cushion of crimson velvet by a person on horseback, bare headed; then the body in a hearse, surmounted with plumes and drawn by six horses, followed by a mourning coach and six; his lordship’s coach and six, with blinds up, and servants on horseback closed the procession.” The great bell of St. Peter Mancroft, and the bells of other churches tolled as the procession passed through the city.

28.—The Norwich Squadron of Light Horse Volunteers had just concluded their drill on Mulbarton Common, when Capt. Darell’s hounds drove a stag across the parade ground. The Volunteers at once joined in the chase, “to which it will readily be conceived their numbers and appearance gave a great éclat.” The stag was taken alive in a shed at Mangreen, after a run of 3 hours 10 minutes.

Died, this month, Mr. John Wagstaffe, of Bawburgh. He was the author of a poem, entitled “Stonehenge,” dedicated to his friend and neighbour, Mr. Edward Jerningham.

APRIL.

3.—A trotting match took place between Young Adonis, a colt belonging to Mr. James Neeve, of Terrington St. Clement, and an eight year old horse, Hue and Cry, owned by Mr. James Mathew, of the same place. The stakes were £20 a side, and the distance five miles. The colt, which carried 13 stones, covered the distance in 19 minutes, and won.

10.—A meeting was held at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, at which resolutions were passed, thanking Col. Wardle and his supporters for their conduct in Parliament, respecting the charges preferred against the Duke of York.

21.—A new peal of bells was opened at Wiveton. The tenor, weighing upwards of 11 cwts., was cast and hung by Mr. Wm. Dobson, of Downham Market.

22.—The postmasters announced that “from the wonderfully high prices of horses, hay, corn, &c.,” they were “under the disagreeable necessity of charging eighteen pence per mile from this date.”

27.—Died, aged 32, in Arras prison, John Rising, sixth son of Mr. Robert Rising, of Somerton Hall. He commanded the Vanguard letter of marque, which was captured, on her return from Trinidad, off Beachy Head, by the Ambuscade, after a desperate resistance. The remains of the deceased were followed to the grave by upwards of 200 Englishmen.

MAY.

9.—The six regiments of Norfolk Local Militia assembled for 28 days’ training at Norwich, Yarmouth, Lynn, and Swaffham.

11.—Notice was issued of an intended application to Parliament for an Act for erecting a bridge over the river Wensum, at or near the Foundry, in the parish of St. Peter per Mountergate, Norwich, for making roads for connecting the bridge with the Thorpe turnpike road and the Castle Hill, and for raising money to carry the Act into execution. A petition for leave to bring in a Bill was presented in the House of Commons in February, 1810, and on March 13th the Bill was read a second time, and committed. It was announced on April 14th that the measure had passed the House of Commons, and been read a first time in the House of Lords. On April 18th, the Bill received the Royal assent. The first stone of the bridge was laid on August 6th by Alderman Jonathan Davey, the projector of the undertaking. The contractor was Mr. Mendham, of Holt.

12.—On this day the thermometer stood at 80 degrees in Norwich.

13.—The Rev. Charles Millard appointed Chancellor of the Diocese of Norwich, on the resignation of the Rev. Henry Bathurst.

19.—The officers of the Lynn Freebridge Legion presented a sword to their commanding officer, Lieut.-Col. Taylor.

JUNE.

3.—Died, aged 49, John Christmas Beckwith, Mus. Doc., organist of Norwich Cathedral and St. Peter Mancroft. On the 7th, “the remains of this eminent musician were interred in St. Peter’s Church under the organ, agreeable to his own desire.” His son, Mr. John Beckwith, succeeded him in both appointments.

7.—Died, in his 68th year, at his house in St. Saviour, Norwich, Mr. Thomas Watson, who served the office of Sheriff in 1789, and of Mayor in 1790.

17.—Mr. Bannister appeared at the Theatre Royal, Norwich, in his entertainment, “Bannister’s Second Budget for 1809.”

18.—Miss Booth, a well-known Norwich musician, elected organist at the Octagon Chapel, in the place of Mr. John Beckwith.

19.—Holkham Sheep Shearing commenced. An improved turnip drill, made by Mr. Coke’s blacksmith (Mann), was exhibited. “By

this drill the oilcake dust and turnip seed are kept separate till they come into the funnels, from which they combine and fall into the drills.” A manure drill cart, invented by Blyth, of Norwich, was also shown. “This implement first ploughs the soil, deposits the manure, and sows the seed after it, and both are instantly buried up.” It was worked by two horses and three men. Mr. Lester, of Paddington, exhibited a working model of a newly-invented machine for separating the corn and seeds from the straw and chaff.

20.—Guild Day at Norwich. Mr. Thomas Back was sworn in as Mayor, and entertained 640 guests at the Guild feast in St. Andrew’s Hall. At the ball at Chapel Field House the dancing was opened by the Mayor and Mrs. William Jerningham. The prisoners in the city gaol thanked the Mayor “for one guinea on the Guild Day, and for a plentiful basket of meat from the hall, which was equally divided amongst them.”

26.—The Bishop of Norwich confirmed 800 persons at the Cathedral.

27.—Swaffham Races re-established with great success. Four plates were run for on this and the next day, and several of the horses were from Newmarket. “Public ordinaries were provided at the different inns; that at the Crown was attended by a select party of 68 ladies and gentlemen. At seven the former retired to their toilettes, and at about nine o’clock proceeded to the assembly-room, where the company numbered 200 persons. The ball was opened by Mr. P. Hamond and Miss Upcher.”

Brooke House (with 170 acres of land), formerly the residence of Sir Roger Kerrison, was this month purchased by Mr. Thomas Kett, of Seething, for £16,010.

JULY.

5.—Arrived, at Yarmouth, part of the 40 sail of transports, for the purpose of receiving on board the 2nd Battalions of the 11th and 59th Regiments of Foot, the 1st Battalion of the 79th, and other regiments for the Expedition.

11.—At Norwich Quarter Sessions, George Hubbard was indicted for stealing a pair of velveteen breeches. “The offence being for a grand larceny the prisoner was allowed to plead the benefit of clergy.” He was sentenced to six months’ solitary confinement and to be publicly whipped.

12.—A curious case was tried at the Norfolk Quarter Sessions. In the course of the inquiry into the conduct of the Duke of York in September, 1808, it was stated that a Mrs. Sinclair Sutherland had written to his Royal Highness to induce him, “for certain reasons,” not to permit Major Turner, 3rd Dragoon Guards, to sell out in favour of Lieut. Sitwell until the following March. In consequence of this communication, Major Turner’s resignation was not accepted until some months after it had been sent in. Major Turner went to reside at Buckenham, in this county. Owing to the annoyance to which he was subjected by Mrs. Sutherland, who, it was alleged, had been under his protection, he appeared in court and moved to exhibit articles of the peace against her. The court ordered the defendant to enter into

her own recognisances of £100 and to keep the peace for one year. At the Quarter Sessions on October 4th, Major Turner exhibited fresh articles against Mrs. Sutherland, and stated that seven days after entering into her recognisances she again appeared at his house and committed a breach of the peace. The court thereupon ordered Mrs. Sutherland to find two sureties of £100 each, and to keep the peace for twelve months. Not being prepared with her bond, she was committed to Norwich Castle, but was afterwards released upon two Norwich gentlemen agreeing to be bound for her.

15.—Mr. Incledon appeared at the Theatre Royal, Norwich, in his entertainment, in three parts, entitled, “A Voyage to India.” A recitation was given by Mr. Powell, formerly of Norwich Theatre, and of Drury Lane Theatre.

22.—A duel was fought, “in a grove near Norwich, between Mr. B . . . n and Mr. L . . b . . t, both of Norwich, in consequence, we understand, of their paying their addresses to the same young lady. The parties fired, but neither received any injury, after which a reconciliation took place, and Mr. L. resigned his pretensions to the fair lady.”

24.—A letter was received by the Commandant of the Norwich Volunteer Infantry, from the Lord Lieutenant of the County, “signifying his Majesty’s intention not to make any further allowance for clothing to Volunteer corps, and desiring to know whether the Norwich Volunteers would consider themselves a corps, or transfer their services to the Local Militia?” The Colonel replied “that they would continue their services as long as his Majesty would be pleased to accept them and their present clothing held out.”

29.—It was announced that Mr. Henry Aston Barker, “who painted the pictures of London, Paris, Constantinople, Edinburgh, Dublin, Cairo, &c.,” exhibited in Leicester Square, London, had drawn “a panoramic view of Norwich and the surrounding country, as seen from the Castle Hill, accompanied by a perspective view of the Castle, engraved in stroke by Mr. Williams.”

31.—The annual exhibition of the Norwich Society of Artists was opened in Sir Benjamin Wrenche’s Court.

—At the Norfolk Assizes, held at Norwich, the case of the King v. Larke, Mileham, and others was tried. This was a prosecution for rioting in a Dissenting meeting-house at Aylsham, and for an assault upon a preacher, named Joseph King, on Sunday evening, March 13th, 1808. The defendants behaved in a very disorderly manner in the chapel, and carried off the minister by force to the Dog Inn. The case was settled by the defendants apologising to the prosecutor in open court, and by paying the costs of the prosecution.

—At the same Assizes, Lord Chief Justice Mansfield had before him the action, Leathes, clerk, v. Baker. It was brought by the Rector of Reedham, under a statute of Edward VI., to recover treble the value of the tithes of corn grown on the defendant’s farm there, in 1808, and involved in dispute a sum of between £300 and £400. The two main points which the plaintiff endeavoured to substantiate were, first, that the tenant had not set out the tithes according to law; and, secondly, if set out, it was done fraudulently and unfairly. It was proved that in one field defendant cut the whole crop, tithed and

carried a part on one day, and the remainder on the following day. The Judge ruled that this mode of tithing was contrary to law, and said he was sorry to be obliged to direct the special jury to find for the plaintiff. The jury, after requesting his lordship to inform them what was the lowest sum they could award, so as not to subject the defendant to costs, assessed the amount at £8. A similar action was brought by the same plaintiff at the Lent Assizes at Thetford, on March 19th, 1810, against a farmer, named Maddison, when the jury found for the defendant. At the Norfolk Assizes, held at Norwich, on August 13th, 1810, before the Lord Chief Justice, Baker brought an action against Mr. Leathes, to recover damages for inconvenience and loss sustained by him in 1808, by reason of the defendant allowing his tithes to remain and rot on the plaintiff’s land. A verdict was given for Baker, damages, £150. At the same Assizes, Mr. Leathes brought an action against a farmer, named Long, for not setting out his tithes according to law. Verdict for the plaintiff, damages, £12.

31.—The Grand Jury for the County held a meeting, at which renewed efforts were commenced to procure the removal of the Lent Assizes from Thetford to Norwich. It was decided to petition Parliament with that object. At Norwich Quarter Sessions, on October 3rd, the Grand Jury made a presentment, asking the city magistrates to co-operate with the county justices. On October 11th, the Norwich Corporation resolved to aid the county in the application to Parliament, and in February, 1810, a petition in favour of the removal was presented in the House of Commons by Mr. Patteson.

AUGUST.

6.—A wedding “of an unusual kind was celebrated at Swaffham. The bride and bridegroom, young persons, were both quite blind.”

10.—Races took place at Mattishall. A purse, “given by the town,” was won by a horse, named Lord Paget, owned by Mr. Carter, a well-known leader of sport in the district.

14.—Died, at his seat at Costessey, aged 74, Sir William Jerningham, Bart., (“subject to the decision now pending in the House of Lords”) Baron Stafford, of Stafford Castle. He was succeeded in his title and estate by his eldest son, Mr. George Jerningham, Haughley Park.

15.—News was received at Norwich of the victory of the British Army in Spain, under Sir Arthur Wellesley.

16.—The first division of the West Norfolk Militia marched into Norwich from Colchester, under the command of Lieut.-Col. Nelthorpe. The second division, commanded by Capt. Barnham, arrived next day. The regiment, which had not been stationed in Norwich for nearly 30 years, had the Earl of Orford as its colonel-in-chief.

SEPTEMBER.

4.—One hundred prisoners of war, from Flushing, arrived at the Cavalry Barracks, Norwich, from Yarmouth, and next day proceeded

on their route to Norman Cross. Among them were several officers, and their wives and families, who were sent to Northampton and Chesterford. They expressed their gratitude to the Mayor, magistrates, and citizens, for the humane treatment they had received in Norwich.

13.—Overstrand Hall was purchased by Lord Suffield for £16,510.

16.*—“Mr. Laverock Love, a young officer of the Aboukir, only 18 years of age (son of Mr. Love, surgeon, of East Dereham, in this county), had the command of a launch at the bombardment of Flushing, and was the first who fired a shot. Letters have been received from several of his brother officers, speaking in the highest terms of his intrepid gallantry.”

21.—A plan for the regulation of the Cattle Market was adopted by the Corporation of Norwich.

OCTOBER.

3.—H.R.H. the Duke of York left Buckenham Lodge, the seat of General Sir J. Pulteney, to whom he had been on a visit for the shooting.

7.*—(Advt.) “This day the ‘Norwich and Yarmouth Courier’ will be published and ready for delivery on the arrival of the mail, at the ‘Courier’ Office, late Post Office, Market Place, Norwich, containing the same news as the London papers delivered on Saturday in Norwich, and, of course, such as cannot appear in any country paper till the following week. A newspaper, gratis, sent post free to every advertiser.”

11.—The Corporation of Norwich voted a loyal address of congratulation to his Majesty, on his entering, on October 25th, upon the 50th year of his reign. It was decided by nine votes to eight not to celebrate the Jubilee “by roasting a bullock in the Market Place and giving away 10 barrels of beer”; and the aldermen negatived a proposal to appropriate a sum out of the Corporation revenues to secure the discharge of certain debtors, as a means of commemorating the event.

17.—Three newly-erected paper mills at Elsing “were set to work on an entirely new principle.”

19.—Died, in an obscure apartment in the White Hart Yard, St. Peter Mancroft, Norwich, Mr. Robert Fenn. “In the early part of his life his company was sought after and welcomed by persons of high rank in the sporting line. He possessed great skill as a marksman, and had the best method of training dogs. As a tavern companion he was jocular, facetious, and replete with anecdote, entertaining the company, and inspiring mirth with his oddities and eccentricities.” He was in his 75th year.

20.—The worsted and silk and worsted manufacturers of Norwich granted the weavers an increase of wages, involving an additional expenditure of £5,000 per annum.

22.—A new altar-piece, of Gothic design, the work of Mr. Copping, of St. Stephen’s, Norwich, was erected in Braconash Church.

25.—Celebration of the Jubilee of George III. The Mayor (Mr. Thos. Back) and the Corporation of Norwich attended service at the Cathedral. At the conclusion of the service the civic procession returned to the Guildhall, and the garrison and Volunteers fired a feu de joie on the Castle Ditches. The Mayor entertained 340 guests at dinner at St. Andrew’s Hall. A baron of beef, weighing 172 lbs., surmounted by the Union flag, was brought in by four grenadiers, who bore it twice round the hall to the air of “The Roast Beef of Old England,” and then placed it upon the head table. Before the company separated it was resolved “that, as a testimony of respect for the Mayor and particularly for his conduct on this day, he be requested to have his portrait painted.” Numerous benevolent movements were instituted in celebration of the Jubilee. One was the relief of about thirty poor citizens, with large families, who were liable to have their persons and effects seized under an execution of the Court of Requests, for various small debts, ranging from 5s. to 40s., and the whole amounting to between £26 and £27. The day was celebrated at Yarmouth, Lynn, and other towns in the county.

28.*—“A lover of improvements requests us to hint that what has been improperly termed Cockey Lane (Norwich) for a long time, should, in consequence of the recent alterations, assume a new appellation, by terming it Market Street or some other appropriate name.” (The thoroughfare here referred to is now known as London Street.)

—*“The harriers belonging to Mr. T. Thompson, of Bergh Apton, had last week one of the severest and longest chases they have yet experienced. Mr. Dyke’s famous horse died in the field long before the death of the hare, and three other capital horses were very badly knocked up at the same time. Only a few of the most dashing sportsmen could keep within sight of the hounds.”

29.—Died, at Earlham Hall, in his 60th year, Mr. John Gurney. His remains were interred on November 3rd at the Gildencroft burial ground, Norwich, in the presence of an immense concourse of citizens.

NOVEMBER.

2.—After the interval of seven years, a Musical Festival was held at Norwich. The opening performance on Thursday, 2nd, consisted of the production of the “Messiah” at the church of St. Peter Mancroft; and in the evening a grand miscellaneous concert was given at the Theatre. On Friday, 3rd, “Sampson” was performed at the church, where also in the evening were rendered selections from various oratorios. The Festival concluded on Saturday evening, the 4th, with a miscellaneous concert at the Theatre. The principal vocal performers were Mr. and Mrs. Vaughan, Miss Booth, Mr. Gross, and Mr. Elliott. Professor Hague, of Cambridge, led the band, and Mr. Beckwith was conductor. The admission to the church was:—Middle aisle, 5s.; side aisles, 3s. 6d., but no money was taken at the door.

11.*—“The pleasant town of Diss has lately undergone so much improvement as is scarcely to be conceived, the streets having been

entirely new paved, the roads much improved, and all obstructions by the projection of houses and shops removed. It will also be shortly lighted in such a manner as to render it as complete a town as any in the county.”

18.*—“Died, lately, at Warham, in his 73rd year, Capt. Isaac Eglis Warren. He was a volunteer in the siege of Quebec, and it was his solemn task to support on the rock and witness the last moments of the immortal Wolfe.”

20.—Died, Sir Philip Stephens, Bart., of Horsford, in his 80th year. He was 52 years secretary to the Admiralty Office, and was afterwards one of the Lords of the Admiralty. He possessed large estates in Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, and Middlesex.

25.*—“Some idea of the extent of Norfolk farms may be formed when it is known that one occupier in the western district last year expended more than £1,100 for only one sort of manure (brought many miles), notwithstanding the immense quantity made at home, and the great number of sheep annually folded on the grounds. On another farm, 25 acres are consumed in roads crossing the lands.”

DECEMBER.

2.—At the King’s Head Inn, Norwich, an estate near Harleston, consisting of 120 acres of moderate land, was sold by auction for 5,990 guineas. The purchaser had also to pay a considerable sum for timber growing upon the estate. A short time previously 22 acres of “unmixed and widely lying land” near Aylsham, and by no means of the best quality, fetched nearly 2,000 guineas; the timber was taken by valuation.

12.—Died, in his 80th year, Mr. John Dalrymple, formerly a merchant in Norwich. “He was a native of Scotland, and descended of an honourable family, set immediately at Thornhill, in Dumfries. His manly body was inhabited by a noble soul, for he was a model of probity, constancy, fortitude, and disinterestedness. To his fellow-citizens he presented, during a long and difficult career, an example of zealous and unshaken adherence to the cause of liberality.” Mr. Dalrymple was a steward of the Scots Society, founded in Norwich by Dr. John Murray.

19.—Mr. Saunder’s Equestrian Company opened their season’s engagement at the Pantheon, Ranelagh Gardens, Norwich, “with a stud of horses, all cream coloured, late the property of his Majesty.”

23.—Accounts were received at Yarmouth of the evacuation of the island of Walcheren by the British troops, 5,000 of whom died of fever after the capture of Flushing.

—Intelligence was received of the successful attack on the enemy’s forts at Cortelasso, between Venice and Trieste, by Capt. Hoste, of the Amphion frigate, who on August 24th captured ten Venetian gun boats and other prizes.

—News reached Norwich of the loss of the Glory, outward bound East Indiaman, Capt. Horatio Beevor, with all the officers, crew, and passengers.

30.*—“The quantity of turkies sent up to town from Norwich within the last ten days amounted to no less than 30 tons weight, which, averaging each bird at 12 lbs., the number would amount to 6,000.”

1810.

JANUARY.

6.—The estate of Sir R. Kerrison, deceased, at Thorpe, was sold for £38,219. Carrow Abbey House, with 32½ acres of land, was purchased by Mr. P. M. Martineau for £2,020.

8.—A prize fight took place at Thorpe, between Chapman and Pegg, “noted bruisers.” It ended in the defeat of Pegg, who sustained a broken jaw.

9.—His Majesty’s ship Nemesis struck on Happisburgh Sand. On the following day her guns were thrown overboard, and she was floated off.

18.—Died, in his 76th year, Mr. John Mitchell, of New Houghton. “His favourite mule, over 34 years old, at the request of the deceased, went in procession to the grave, and was to have been shot immediately after his return, but through the humane intercession of his granddaughter, Miss Young, the life of this excellent animal was saved, with the promise never to suffer it to be again used.” By a singular coincidence, Mr. Reynolds, surgeon, of Massingham, while in the act of attending on Mr. Mitchell, died suddenly of the same complaint to which the patient succumbed.

20.—A reconciliation dinner was held by the corn growers and buyers at the King’s Head Inn, Norwich. Mr. Crisp Brown presided. Among the toasts were “May the Buyers and Sellers in future meet together in friendship,” and “May the enemies of reconciliation keep a cold water club by themselves.” A second dinner was held at the King’s Head on March 3rd, under the presidency of Mr. Fellowes.

—*(Advt.) “To be seen at the Angel Inn, Market Place, Norwich, where he will arrive this day, that most wonderful and surprising Yorkshire youth, 17 years of age, 7 ft. 6 ins. high, and who weighs upwards of 24 stones, who has had the honour to be introduced to their Majesties and the Royal Family at Windsor, where he was most graciously received and entertained.”

25.—At a meeting of corn and coal merchants, held at the King’s Head Inn, Norwich, it was resolved, in consequence of the numerous depreciations committed on the river between Norwich and Yarmouth, not to employ any vessel after March 1st, the hatches of which were not secured by locks and iron bars. It was further resolved that every lock be sealed by the merchant before the vessel started upon its voyage.

FEBRUARY.

1.—Died, the eccentric John Fransham, of Norwich. He was well versed in Latin, Greek, and mathematics, of which for many years he was a teacher.

—Died, in her 59th year, Mrs. Martineau, wife of Mr. Philip Meadows Martineau. (Mr. Martineau was re-married on February 18th, 1811, at St. Peter Permountergate Church, Norwich, by the Rev. C. Elwin, to Mrs. Somers Clarke, of Tasburgh.)

3.—Bagshaw’s menagerie was exhibited on the Castle Ditches, Norwich.

4.—Died, at Gunton, in his 77th year, the Right Hon. Lord Suffield, who represented Norwich from 1756 to 1786.

10.—Mr. and Mrs. Bowles terminated their theatrical career at Norwich Theatre, and took their farewell benefit. There was a crowded audience, and the receipt of the house amounted to £160 15s. 6d. “Equally respectable in private as in public life,” said the newspaper notice, “their success in the scholastic line will, we trust, be as flattering and substantial as that of the drama.” On March 10th, Mr. Bowles advertised the academy conducted by himself in Queen Street, Great Yarmouth. On July 27th, 1811, it was announced: “Mr. Bowles, of Yarmouth and late of the Theatre Royal, Norwich, qualified as a dissenting minister at the last Quarter Sessions.”

14.—The East Dereham Troop of Yeomanry Cavalry presented to Capt. John Crisp a silver cup, “as a mark of respect for his conduct during the twelve years he had commanded them.”

20.—At a general meeting of the Norfolk Agricultural Society, it was resolved to petition Parliament against the Bill for prohibiting distillation from grain.

22.—Died, at his house on Castle Meadow, Norwich, aged 74, Mr. William Foster, attorney. “He was a promoter of most of the public charities in the city, and the founder of many of them.”

24.*—“A farm near Norwich, belonging to the Corporation, and containing not more than 77 acres of profitable land, was lately hired at the astonishing sum of £263 per annum; and the tithes, being all arable land, have long been 7s. 6d. per acre.”

28.—This day was observed as one of solemn fast and humiliation. At Norwich, “nearly all the shops were shut up, and Divine service performed at all the churches. The market was held on Tuesday, instead of Wednesday.”

MARCH.

3.*—“There is now living at Oxburgh, in this county, William Durrant, a gardener, who yearly eats 1,095 red herrings, chews 18 lbs. of tobacco, and, to give his nose pleasure, takes 365 ozs. of snuff. The total sum of tobacco, snuff, and red herrings is £13 18s. 10d.”

—*(Advt.) “A main will be fought at the Fleece Inn, Wells, on Monday and Tuesday, the 19th and 20th inst., between the gentlemen of Norfolk and Wells. To show 31 cocks and 10 byes, and to fight for 10 gs. the battle and 100 the odd; to make four in goes. Feeders: Fisher for Norfolk, Lamb for Wells.”

10.*—“During the last eleven months, the period of Miss Harriett Howell’s visits to this city, three schools have been established in Norwich, in which no fewer than 294 children are now educated on the plan advocated by Mr. J. Lancaster.”

—*“A drover, near Norwich, has attended the market at Smithfield for 25 years, in which time he has ridden on those journeys alone 126,000 miles.”

—A court martial was held on his Majesty’s ship Utile on a seaman belonging to the Désirée, “at his own request,” for striking an officer and using mutinous language. He was sentenced to death.

19.—At the Norfolk Assizes, held at Thetford, Thomas William Middleton, for embezzling money the property of Messrs. Gurney and Co., by whom he was employed as clerk, at Fakenham, was sentenced to 14 years’ transportation.

—The panorama, by Serries, of the town and port of Boulogne “with the flotilla, designed to invade this country, at anchor in the outer road,” was exhibited at Harper’s Pantheon, Norwich.

22.—Died in St. Peter Mancroft, Norwich, aged 57, Nathaniel Eastaugh, the common crier, and one of the Mayor’s beadles, “who except one year held the bell from 1780 up to the time of his death.” He was succeeded by Anthony Bailey.

23.—Mr. Joseph Lancaster visited Norwich, and at the Theatre gave lectures on his system of education. At a meeting at the Guildhall on April 17, a free school for boys, on Mr. Lancaster’s plan, was established by public subscription.

—Died in St. Peter Mancroft, Norwich, aged 72, David Kinnebrook, for 40 years master of one of the charity schools, “who never till his last illness absented himself from the school for a single day.”

24.—A large meeting of landowners, occupiers, and Scottish drovers was held at the Rampant Horse Inn, to discuss the right of the Corporation of Norwich to levy tolls upon cattle sold or exhibited for sale at the weekly mart on the Castle Hill. A deputation waited upon the Mayor and the Market Committee, and on April 11th a further meeting, presided over by Sir James Beevor, was held for the purpose of defending any action that might be brought by the Corporation to recover tolls.

APRIL.

3.—For the benefit of the Norwich Theatrical Fund, a performance of “The English Fleet in the year 1342,” and of “the grand seriocomic pantomime, called ‘Don Juan, or the Libertine destroyed,’” was given at the Theatre Royal.

12.—Died, aged 60, Mr. Thomas Barber, attorney, 27 years secretary of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital.

19.—Tombland Fair took place. It was stated to be customary on the occasion of this annual event for military bands to play in the Upper Close, which was used as a fashionable promenade. The bands of the 5th Dragoon Guards and the Wiltshire Militia were present on this occasion.

23.—The Norwich, Aylsham, and Cromer coach commenced running from 21, Lobster Lane, Norwich, to the Red Lion Inn, Cromer. It left Norwich on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and returned on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The proprietor was Mr. W. Spanton.

28.*—(Advt.) “Cocking. A main will be fought at the Maid’s Head Inn, Norwich, on the 14th and 15th days of May next, between the gentlemen of Norfolk and the gentlemen of Ipswich, to show 27 mains for six guineas a battle and 100 guineas the odd; likewise six byes and two turn-outs for five guineas a battle, to make four in goes. A pair of cocks in the pit precisely at 12 o’clock. Feeders: Lamb for Norfolk, Smith for Ipswich.”

30.—A rare fish called the Opah or King-fish (Chætodes of Linnæus) was found on Mundesley beach.

—Mr. Patteson presented in the House of Commons a petition from the Mayor, Alderman, and Justices of Norwich, against the Bill to alter, explain, and amend the laws in force respecting bread, and for better regulating the mode of setting the price thereof out of London. The petition stated that the proposed Bill would add 4s. to the then allowance of 12s. for every quarter of wheat, and the baker for his labour, salt, &c., which would tend to raise the price of bread. The magistrates had consulted the master and wardens of the Norwich Bakers’ Company, who declared that the bakers were perfectly satisfied with the mode of regulating the assize and with the allowance of 12s. per quarter.

MAY.

2.—At the Norfolk Quarter Sessions, a man named Stebbing, of Wymondham, was indicted for using seditious language in the presence of several persons, some of whom were Militia men. The prisoner was alleged to have asserted that “if Buonaparte would come he would be the first man to join him” and that “Buonaparte was a better man to his country than King George was to this.” The jury, “to the surprise of the whole court,” returned a verdict of not guilty, “and several gentlemen on the bench expressed their strongest reprobation.” Sergt. Money, of the Militia, one of the principal witnesses for the prosecution, was afterwards appointed to an ensigncy in the 4th Garrison Battalion.

10.—The Victory, 100 guns, Vice-Admiral Sir J. Saumarez, and seven other sail of the line, sailed from Yarmouth for the Baltic.

16.—The First Eastern Regiment of the Local Militia, commanded by Lord Suffield, assembled at Aylsham and marched thence to Yarmouth for 20 days’ training. The dates and places of assembly of the other regiments were as follow:—2nd Eastern Regiment, Col. Patteson, Norwich, May 22nd; 1st Western Regiment, Col. Petre, Norwich, May 17th; 2nd Western Regiment, Col. Edmund Wodehouse, Lynn, May 21st; 3rd Western Regiment, Col. Chad, Swaffham, May 10th,

whence they marched to Norwich. In consequence of insufficiency of accommodation at Norwich, three companies of the 3rd Western Regiment marched to Dereham, where the course of training was completed.

19.*—“One day last week, a young woman, of Dereham, being strongly attached to a soldier in the 24th Regiment of Foot, resolved to follow him to the wars, and habiting herself in man’s attire enlisted by mistake into the 54th Regiment of Foot recruiting in Norwich. Her sex was discovered and her intentions frustrated.”

20.—Died in London, aged 81, the Right Hon. Charles Lord Bayning, of Honingham Hall, a Privy Councillor, and High Steward of Great Yarmouth. He was succeeded by his son, the Hon. Charles Frederick Pawlett Townshend.

28.—The birthday of William Pitt was celebrated by the members of the Castle Corporation, Norwich, and other gentlemen to the number of 130, in Mr. Bailey’s great room.

JUNE.

2.*—(Advt. ) “A stage waggon sets out from the warehouse, Tombland, Norwich, every Friday evening, and arrives at Bury every Saturday, returning from Bury every Wednesday, and arrives at Norwich early on Friday morning. The London waggons through Cambridge every Tuesday and Friday. The Yorkshire waggons come regularly twice a week.” (Messrs. Marsh were the proprietors of the Norwich waggons. A similar service of waggons was also run at about this date by Mack, of Norwich. )

4.—The King’s birthday was observed as usual. “The prisoners of the city gaol return thanks to the Mayor and Corporation for the excellent dinner of roast beef and plum puddings, with plenty of strong ale. Likewise to numerous unknown passengers for their gifts to the box which is carried about every Saturday afternoon by a man appointed by the court to attend on them. And they humbly request the charitably disposed to put their contributions into the box themselves, which is locked up by the governor, and its contents equally distributed by him. They have also another box outside the gaol which is opened every quarter.”

—Died at his house in Pall Mall, aged 60, the Right Hon. William Windham, of Felbrigg. Three days before the event he predicted that he would expire on the King’s birthday. He represented Norwich in three successive Parliaments—from 1784 to 1802. The remains of the deceased statesman arrived in Norwich on their way to Felbrigg on the 10th. The body lay in state at the Maid’s Head Inn until the morning of the 11th, when the journey to Felbrigg was resumed, and the funeral took place there in the afternoon. In the funeral procession at the church was “a man bearing a false coffin.”

5.—A cricket match was played between the Norwich Club and the officers of the Wiltshire Regiment, on the Town Close ground, Norwich. Norwich, 134; Wiltshire Regiment, 49-43. The return match was played on the same ground on the 14th. Norwich, 71-150; Wiltshire Regiment, 57-53.

10.—At the burial of a woman, named Bumpstead, at Thurlton, “it was not a little singular that the husband and an ass walked to church next the corpse, and also back again to the house, as chief mourners.”

11.—A prize fight took place at Limpenhoe between John Green, of Beighton, and David William Rushmer, of Thurlton. “In the first seven rounds the latter received seven knock-down blows; but in the eighth he gave the other such a violent blow that he knocked him out of time and won.”

16.*—“Mr. Alderman Yallop, of Norwich, is the fortunate holder of an eighth of the ticket, 1,537, which drew a prize of £1,000 on Friday last. This is the fourth capital prize Mr. Yallop has had a share of in the different lotteries.”

19.—Guild-day at Norwich. The Mayor, Mr. John Steward, entertained 750 guests at dinner at St. Andrew’s Hall, and 400 attended the ball at Chapel Field House, where dancing was kept up until two o’clock next morning. “Several friends of conviviality kept the jovial spirit alive at the hall till after that late or rather early hour.”

25.—Holkham Sheep Shearing commenced. One of the implements exhibited was “a fumigating machine on two wheels which, in turning, worked a pair of bellows that blew into an iron cylinder filled with burning sulphur, and shavings or sawdust, and perforated at the bottom, which, when pushed over the land, suffocated the turnip flies, cankers, &c., or caught them on a tarred cover fixed over the head of the cylinder.” This remarkable contrivance was exhibited by a Mr. Plenty, of London.

JULY.

16.—A cricket match was played on the Town Close ground, Norwich, between eight of the Norwich Club and thirteen of the Wiltshire Regiment. Wiltshire Regiment, 72-78; Norwich, 32-69.

20.—A cricket match, for 50 guineas a side, was played at Swaffham, between the Norwich and Swaffham clubs. Norwich, 42-26; Swaffham, 67. The return match took place on the Town Close ground, Norwich, on August 20th. Norwich, 35-51; Swaffham, 55-30.

25.—Mr. Alderson, the City Steward, entertained the Common Council of Norwich at dinner at his house in St. Helen’s. The Commons returned the compliment by entertaining the Steward at the Maid’s Head Inn the following week.

26.—Died, aged 70, the Rev. William Sheepshanks, rector of Ovington, and Prebendary of Carlisle. He had been tutor to Lord Ellenborough, Sir S. Lawrence, the Bishop of Lincoln, &c., and was the intimate friend of Dr. Paley.

29.—Died in his 73rd year, Mr. John Crisp, of East Dereham, attorney, clerk to the magistrates, the commissioners, the deputy lieutenants, &c. He was captain of the Dereham Yeomanry Cavalry, and his remains were interred with military honours, at Shipdham, his native place.

AUGUST.

2.—Earl Moira and the Countess of Loudon arrived at Cromer for the bathing season, and on the following day witnessed a demonstration of the capabilities of Capt. Manby’s life-saving apparatus.

3.—At a special meeting of the Norwich Corporation it was resolved “that, having taken into consideration a paper called ‘Roope’s Weekly Letters,’ No. 9, and being of opinion that it contains gross libellous matter against Thomas Back, Esq., late Chief Magistrate, this assembly direct a prosecution.” On August 18th a meeting of freemen was held to take such measures “as will best ensure the election of Mr. Roope as Sheriff for the ensuing year.” It was announced on August 25th that Mr. Mills, of Thetford, had been “persuaded” to discontinue printing the “Weekly Letters.” At the election of Sheriff on August 28th, Roope was put in nomination in opposition to Mr. Troughton. The latter was returned with 625 votes to the former’s 313. Roope afterwards challenged the City Steward, Mr. Alderson, to fight a duel, in consequence of his having called him a rascal as he was leaving the court after the election. An information was laid against Roope for endeavouring to incite Alderson to commit a breach of the peace; and at the Quarter Sessions on October 2nd, application was made that his recognisances of £100 in respect of the libel case be estreated on the ground of his having committed a fresh breach of the peace by public comments on Mr. Alderson’s conduct. He was ordered to enter into fresh recognisances, himself in £200 and to find two sureties of £100 each, and to keep the peace towards Mr. Alderson and the public generally. At the Quarter Sessions on January 15th, 1811, the defendant, for inciting Mr. Alderson to fight a duel, was fined 40s. and sentenced to one month’s imprisonment. On June 29th Roope appeared before the Court of King’s Bench for the libel on Mr. Back, and was committed to the custody of the Marshal for three months, and ordered to find sureties for his good behaviour. Roope died, in his 37th year, on July 4th, 1812. “He sustained a lingering illness of nearly four months with a resignation and fortitude highly exemplary, and met the approach of his last moments with the utmost composure, leaving a widow and five young children.”

—A trotting match took place between the celebrated horse Shales, the property of Mr. John Chamberlain, of Magdalene, and Driver, owned by Mr. Reuben West, of Gaywood. They started from the South Gates, Lynn, at six o’clock, and trotted to the ninth milestone on the Swaffham road and back. At the expiration of an hour Shales had trotted 17 miles, beating the other by about 1½ miles, “with the greatest of ease, notwithstanding that he was the smaller horse and carried two stone more weight than the other.” The stakes amounted to £200.

6.—At Wroxham Water Frolic about one hundred sail of boats were present.

22.—Mr. Chalmers, a comedian of considerable merit, and formerly a member of the Norwich Company, was found speechless upon the doorstep of a house in Worcester. He was removed to the infirmary, where he died.

27.—A cricket match was played on Hardingham Common between

the gentlemen of Norwich and Swaffham. Norwich, 32-72; Swaffham, 143.

29.—Died at Lynn, aged 85, Mrs. Middleton, “who resided 83 years in the house in which she died.”

30.—The Norwich Cricket Club played a match against the Wiltshire Regiment. Norwich, 88-93; Wiltshire Regiment, 73-92.