Transcribed from the 1889 J. Buckle edition by David Price, email ccx074@pglaf.org. Many thanks to Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library, UK, for kindly allowing their copies to be used in checking this transcription and allowing the photographs.

Yarmouth Notes

1830–1872.

Collated from the File of the Norwich Mercury.

BY
FREDERICK DANBY PALMER.

GREAT YARMOUTH:
PRINTED BY J. BUCKLE, KING STREET.
1889.

PREFACE.

The following pages are a reprint of extracts from the file of the Norwich Mercury, which, under the heading of “Yarmouth Notes,” have recently appeared in the columns of the Yarmouth Mercury; and in consequence of a very generally expressed wish on the part of the public, re-appear in the present form.

At the time these notices of Yarmouth News appeared in the Norwich Mercury, that journal was the organ of the old Whig party, and such of them, as treat of politics, being doubtless tinged by the party feeling of the Editor, should be so taken and read.

The idea of collating this matter suggested itself to the compiler upon the occasion of Geo. Wm. Darby Palmer-Kerrison, Esq., presenting the file of the Norwich Mercury, (then in his Library), but which had been preserved by the late Robert Palmer Kemp, Esq., to the Yarmouth Free Library, and it is hoped that this action will not only prove of some entertainment and amusement to the reader, but also will be of service to any person who may, in the future, deal with local events as affecting the history of the borough of Great Yarmouth.

F. D. P.

Hall Quay,
December, 1889.

TO
THE RIGHT HONOURABLE
CHARLES LORD SUFFIELD,
P.C., K.C.B., &c, &c.

The following pages, relating to a Town, in the welfare of which his Lordship and his noble forefathers have taken so deep an interest for many years, are with his permission, inscribed by

HIS OBEDIENT SERVANT,
THE AUTHOR.

Great Yarmouth,
December, 1889.

FIRST SERIES, 1830–40.

“When found, make a note of”—

Capt. Cuttle.

1830.

Jan. 2nd.—Contains an advertisement of the report of the “Norfolk Association for preserving the lives of Shipwrecked Mariners,” held at Norwich, William Barth, Esq., in the chair, from which it appears that an investigation had taken place as to the loss of seven men from the brig Hamond, and that as the lifeboat was not constructed with a view to affording aid to vessels immediately on the beach, Mr. Ambrose Palmer had most kindly offered to supply a boat for that purpose.

Jan. 9th.—The prisoners in the gaol returned thanks to Mr. Daniel Hook for the good dinner of “roast beef and plum pudding and a quart of ale each,” which he had given them on New Year’s Day.

Jan. 21.—Mr. William Ferrier had given a lecture on Natural History, at the Mechanics’ Institution; and at an adjourned meeting of the Public library, Mr. Charles Nicholls entered upon the office of Treasurer in the room of the Rev. H. R. Bowles, deceased; and Mr. Thomas Hammond was re-elected librarian.

Jan. 28th.—Charles John Palmer, Esq., had been elected a F.S.A.

Feb. 4th.—Navigation was stopped by the frost.

Feb. 11th.—A Fisherman’s Provident Society had been established, to which George Danby-Palmer, Esq., “had been a liberal subscriber, and had accepted the office of treasurer, Mr. Thomas Hammond acting as secretary.”

March 25th.—A meeting had been held at the New Hall (George Bateman, Mayor, in the chair) to take into consideration “the expediency of building a new church,” when Robert Wall, Esq., George Danby-Palmer, Esq., Samuel Tolver, Esq. (Town-clerk), and Mr. Ferrier took part, and a resolution was carried against the proposal to build the church.

April 3rd.—A boldly contested steeplechase had been run off between several gentlemen of the Munro Hunt, when the prize, a large silver Cup and cover, was won by H. Munro, Esq., who rode the distance, from Fritton to Gorleston (above four miles), in fifteen minutes. Above forty gentlemen afterwards dined at the Bear.

April 15th.—A meeting had been held at the New Hall “for the purpose of petitioning Parliament for the further reduction of taxation and a retrenchment in the public expenditure.” George Danby-Palmer, Esq., was in the chair, and William Barth, Esq., Simon Cobb, Esq., John Shelley, Esq., John Burton Palmer, Esq., William Smith, Esq., Mr. John Barnes, Mr. Boulton, Mr. Dennent, and Mr. Barrett, took part in the proceedings.

April 22nd.—Much damage had been done to the shipping and in the town by a gale.

May 6th.—A meeting (George Danby-Palmer, Esq., in the chair) had been held for the purpose of appointing a select vestry for the parish.

July 3rd.—Owing to the death of King George IV. the paper appeared in mourning.

July 8th.—The Hon. Col. Anson and Mr. Rumbold had arrived to canvass the Borough.

July 15th.—A funeral service had been held for the late King (the Corporation attending in black robes, were afterwards entertained by the Mayor to chocolate, &c.) It was estimated that there were 3,000 persons in the church.

July 22nd.—Messrs. Preston and Campbell (the Tory candidates) had arrived. They were attended (so says the advertisement) “by upwards of 400 persons, 50 gentlemen on horseback, and an enormous company of gentlemen in their carriages, comprising all the consequence and wealth of the town.”

Aug. 12th.—A meeting had been held to congratulate the King on his accession to the Throne (George Danby-Palmer, Esq., in the chair); to the resolution then passed Mr. Palmer received a reply from Sir Robert Peel, stating that the King had received the same in a most gracious manner.

Aug. 15th.—Messrs. Anson and Rumbold had been returned “after a severe opposition by almost the entire force of the Corporation.” The poll closing—Anson, 944; Rumbold, 944; Campbell, 754; Preston, 754. A dinner of their supporters (W. Barth, Esq., in the chair) was afterwards held at the Masonic Hall.

Aug. 26th.—Contains an advertisement that “the old annual main of cocks would be fought near the Feathers’ Inn, on Tuesday and Wednesday, the 7th and 8th September, between the gentlemen of Norwich and Yarmouth, for five sovs. a battle and 50 the odds. Feeders—Stafford, Norwich, and Lamb, Yarmouth.”

Sept. 2nd.—On the “decollation of S. John” the following officers were elected for the Borough for the ensuing year:—

Mayor elect—Edmund Preston, Esq.

Chamberlain—Mr. Robert B. Fenn.

Churchwardens—I. Preston, Esq. and Mr. J. T. Bracey.

Auditors—G. Bateman, Esq., F. R. Reynolds, Esq., Mr. I. Preston, and Mr. E. Youell.

Collectors—Charles Costerton, Esq., and Mr. James Clarke.

Muragers—Charles Symonds and Charles J. Palmer, Esqs.

Dec. 9th.—A meeting had been held to petition the legislature for a Reform in Parliament. The Mayor (E. Preston, Esq., in the chair), Mr. Alderman Barth, Mr. S. Cobb, John Shelley, Esq., and John Brightwen, Esq., took part in the proceedings.

Dec. 23rd.—The self-styled Gorleston and Southtown Corporation dissolved, and formed itself into the “Hand in Hand Friendly Society,” and it was ordered that “the regalia of the late Corporation should be sold and the money arising therefrom distributed among the poor of the parish.”

1831.

Feb. 10th—The Gorleston and Southtown Magazine had been issued in weekly numbers or monthly parts, and contained a biographical notice of Mr. Dawson Turner, F.S.A., &c.

Feb. 17th.—Amongst the vessels lost and driven ashore by the then late gales were the Alfred (Simmonds), the Flora, the Juno (Moss), the Elizabeth and Mary Welch (Amis), and the Anson (Garwood).

March 5th.—Contains the following notice of Mr. Palmer’s Fancy Dress Ball:—

MR. PALMER’S FANCY BALL.

In our notice of this amusement at the late Festival, we recollect to have said—“The ice has been broken, the pleasure has been felt, and we shall be mistaken if the next effort be not more successful.” This prediction, intended at the time to be applied to future festivals, we did not expect to be so soon, so completely, or so successfully fulfilled, as in the instance we now have the pleasure to record. This entertainment was given at the Town Hall on Tuesday evening last, in celebration of the attainment of his majority by Mr. S. Palmer, the grandson of the late Danby Palmer, Esq., whose extended private connections and still wider mercantile pursuits have bequeathed to his grandson a more numerous portion of friends than it is the lot of most persons to enjoy at an early period of life. The invitations were sent out with such hospitality, the preparations were on so munificent a scale, that the spirit of the donor seemed to diffuse itself not only to all those who were about to be present, but to all the inhabitants of the borough. The novelty, the continued arrivals, the firing of cannon, the banners floating at the Town Hall, and in various parts of the town, the gay appearance of the ships in the harbour, most of which were decorated with pennons, as were several vessels in the Roads—all aided in keeping alive the expectation, so that in the evening the Quay, around the hall, was crowded with persons anxious to see the company—so anxious, indeed, that the carriage windows were assailed by men and women jumping up to get a peep at the interior. The company began to assemble about half-past eight, and on entering the ball room were announced by name, and received by Mr. Palmer and his mother and Miss A. Burton (to whom, we understand, Mr. Palmer is about to be united.) These ladies appeared in very elegant Court dresses, and Mr. Palmer in a full-dress Court suit. Till ten o’clock the company continued to arrive, at which hour Mr. Palmer opened the Ball by leading off a country dance with Miss A. Burton. We never saw a similar entertainment combining so great a variety of character. The brilliancy of the colours and the constant succession of costumes, the reliefs, the contrasts, and the varying shades, reminded us forcibly of those beautiful combinations formed by the kaleidoscope, of which, visually, this scene may be said to have been an animated representation. On the one side of a quadrille was to be seen the gawdy Spaniard, leading with haughty dignity the lively Mrs. Ford of the Elizabethian age; while behind him stood pondering o’er the fleeting vanity of this world the solitary Friar; opposite ranged the joyous Sailor, indulging his mirth at the expense of the courtly dignity of his fair partner. At one end was the Old Gentleman of two centuries since, in all the gravity and politeness of that age, leading forth some sprightly Tyrolese; while at the other was a Chinese Mandarin, paired off with a black-eyed Gipsy; a little further, and the Scotchman promenaded with the brilliant Circassian; the Frieselander with the simply-dressed Quakeress; the Queen of Scots with the bronze and fierce Turk; the reckless Massaroni with the lively Mrs. Page; the dark Colombian with the prim lady of an hundred years ago; the Forester with the Flower Girl; the haughty Knight Templar with the simple Swiss Peasant; the chivalrous Pole with the heavy Russian; the youthful Ivanhoe with a French Peasant; and to crown the diversity, Day and Night were to be seen at once, arm and arm with a Chimney Sweep.

April 14th.—The Preston (Capt. Woodthorpe), with passengers, for Prince Edward’s Island and Quebec, had been towed down the Harbour.

May 5th.—This number contains the following account of the Borough Election, consequent upon the rejection of a Reform Bill:—

The Mayor, in opening the proceedings, said that the electors were met to exercise an important trust, that of electing two persons to represent the Borough—a trust at all times of the greatest responsibility, but certainly never more so than at the present eventful crisis. Determined as he was to act with strict justice, and with that fairness and impartiality which were the best ornaments of the office he had the honour to hold, he entreated that the contest in which they were now about to be engaged might be conducted on both sides with that order and decorum that forbearance and moderation due from gentlemen to gentlemen, and from man to man. (Cheers.)

Mr. B. Dowson, in a brief but emphatic address, put in nomination the Hon. George Anson, this was seconded by R. Palmer Kemp, Esq.

T. Clowes, Esq., then proposed, in an address replete with sterling sense and strength, C. E. Rumbold, Esq., seconded by J. Shelley, Esq., who adverted to the circumstance of Mr. Colville being a merchant connected with the West Indian Trade and a supporter of colonial slavery.

I. Preston, Esq., jun., and — White, Esq., nominated A. Colville, Esq., and J. Lacon, Esq., jun., and Mr. J. Laws nominated W. Bliss, Esq.

Col. Anson and Mr. Rumbold addressed the electors at considerable length, pointing out the merits of the measure they supported, during which they were enthusiastically cheered.

Mr. Colville also spoke at length, amid much tumult, during which he was interrupted by loud yells of various kinds—attacking the Bill for its disfranchising nature, and defending colonial slavery.

Mr. Bliss had not arrived at that time.

A poll was determined and immediately opened and continued till five o’clock on that and the following day, when the numbers were announced by the Committee of Anson and Rumbold to be—

The poll was adjourned till Monday.

On Sunday morning, however, Messrs. Colville and Bliss left the town, or, as our correspondent writes, “May Day became more than commonly exhilarating, by the agreeable information quickly diffused through the town, that the enemies of freedom and of the Constitution had fled, happy in evading and escaping from merited punishment, so irritated were the minds of the lower class of society against these obtruders, without a shadow of claim to their suffrages, that, by their flight on Sunday morning, they probably escaped an ablution in the waters of the beautiful river Yare.”

On Monday the books opened, and at the close the final numbers were—

This vexatious contest, for it was vexatious, inasmuch as it was opposed to the general wish of the inhabitants, as not the slightest chance of success prevailed from the commencement, and the only object of which was to extract money from the purses of the two Members, terminated, not only in the triumphant defeat of the Boroughmongers, but by affording a lesson to the Charles Street Society in London, whose only object is to continue corruption, by the means of corruption, a proof that true independence and love of country is far beyond the purchase of the greatest wealth. But the friends of Reform at Yarmouth have set a noble example of consistency, for they have commenced among themselves one of the modes which the Reform Bill will enforce. They have determined to raise among themselves a sum sufficient to defray the legal expenses of the election, and to return their well-tried Members as unhurt in their finances as they are independent in principal, and by this mark of gratitude and esteem to repay the obligations which the inhabitants of Yarmouth in common with the country at large owe to the supporters of the Reform Bill—£1,750—has already been raised. We say to the rest of the nation, “Go thou and do likewise.”

The Chairing of the Members had taken place amid the most enthusiastic cheers.

May 19th.—The thanks of the Yarmouth District Committee for saving lives from shipwreck was voted to Lieut. Harmer, R.N., on saving the crew of the schooner Fleece, which had been wrecked on the Scroby Sand on the 14th inst.

May 26th.—The men employed by Messrs. Grout, Baylis, and Co., had an excellent dinner provided for them at J. B. Bales’, Apollo Gardens.

June 9th.—The Mayor had obtained a rule for a mandamus commanding the Members of the Corporation to attend a Court for the “transaction of public business.”

June 16th.—The population had increased 3,024 since the census of 1821, the numbers being—

The remaining part of the Eastern Regiment of Norfolk Militia, consisting of about 440 men, had assembled for 28 days’ training, under the command of Major Sir E. K. Lacon.

June 23rd.—“Our venerable and highly respected Recorder, Robert Alderson, Esq., had delivered in his resignation.”

June 30th.—The Bishop of Norwich consecrated St. Mary’s Church, Southtown. His Lordship was met by the Corporation “in full robes,” the Hon. and Rev. Viscount Nevill, the Rev. R. Turner, J. Kitson, Esq. (Registrar), W. Rackham, Esq. (Proctor), and the principal clergymen and gentry of the neighbourhood.

The following was the “correct statement” of the population, taken by the Overseers on 30th May and following days, and sworn by them in Petty Session:—

July 7th contains the following notice of the laying the first stone of St. Peter’s Church:—

“For some days past notices had been issued that the first stone of the new Church, to be erected in this town, was to be laid this day; and at half-past ten this morning the Mayor, Corporation, gentry, and inhabitants assembled at the Town Hall, and proceeded to St. Nicholas’ Church. Prayers were read by the Rev. Harvey Bawtree, and after service the procession moved in the following order:—Bellman, Church Beadles, Constables, the Corporation Band, Hospital Charity Children, Inhabitants and Gentry, Officers of the Navy, Mr. J. J. Scoles, the Architect, the Clergy of Yarmouth and its vicinity, the Regalia, the Right Worshipful Edmund Preston, Esq., the Mayor, his Majesty’s Lieutenant for the County, the Hon. and Very Rev. Dr. Pellew, Dean of Norwich, and the Rev. Richard Turner, the Right Hon. and Rev. Viscount Nevill, the Deputy-Mayor, the Aldermen in their scarlet gowns, the Common Councilmen, Constables. On arriving at the ground, the procession passed once round the building to the north-east corner.

A copy of the inscription, which had been written on vellum, and placed with the coins of the present King in a bottle, hermetically sealed, was then read by the Town Clerk:—

“Great Yarmouth.—The first stone of this Church, dedicated to St. Peter, and erected by His Majesty’s Commissioners for building new Churches (under the authority of an Act of Parliament, 58th Geo. III. c. 45) on a site granted by the Corporation, and with the assistance of their donations, and the subscriptions of several of the inhabitants of the town and its vicinity, was laid on the seventh day of July, in the second year of the reign of His Most Gracious Majesty King William the Fourth, mdcccxxxi., by the Right Worshipful Edmund Preston, Esquire, Mayor; the Right Reverend Henry Bathurst, Lord Bishop of the Diocese; the Honourable and Very Reverend George Pellew, D.D., Dean of Norwich; the Honourable and Reverend Edward Pellew, M.A., Minister of the parish. Architect, Joseph John Scoles; contractors, John Pigg, Jeremiah Wright, George Cattermole, Samuel Bligh, James Watson.”

The children sang the 100th Psalm during the operation of inserting the bottle in a cavity, and securing the stone, which had been prepared to receive it. A silver trowel was then presented by the Architect, and after the Mayor had spread the mortar, the stone was lowered to the proper place, and the ceremony of striking it was performed by the Clergy and Corporation in succession.

The Dean offered up appropriate prayers, accompanied by an address expressly composed for this occasion. The children then sang a collect. The Mayor afterwards addressed the company present, on the pious work which they had assisted in commencing; amidst the general plaudits of the surrounding multitude the band struck up “God save the King,” and the company returned to the Town Hall and partook of an elegant cold collation.

“The Church, which has been so happily begun, is calculated to contain 1,800 persons, and three-fifths of the seats are to be appropriated for ever as free sittings.”

August 25th.—Contains the following notice:—“By invitation from the Mayor and Mrs. Preston, on Monday sennight, to a promenade at their beautiful garden, situate on the banks of the river Yare, were assembled almost all the fashion of the town and its vicinity. At seven o’clock the band struck up the national air of “God Save the King,” immediately after which the younger part of the company formed themselves into quadrilles, &c., upon the grass plat, near the centre of which tables were supplied with wines of the first quality and every refreshment in season. At eight o’clock a fire balloon ascended from the grounds in very fine style, which was visible on the grounds and town for about twenty minutes. The amusements concluded with a brilliant display of fireworks. The extreme serenity of the evening, aided by the wild light of the moon and the more refulgent illumination of the garden with variegated lamps, rendered this a scene which for good humour and pleasantness has rarely or ever been equalled in this town.”

Sept. 1st.—Mr. Shelly attended the Corporation meeting and insisted on reading a protest in respect of the non-attendance of that body to their “ordinance.” The following officers were then elected:—

Mayor-Elect—John Preston, Esq.

Chamberlain—Mr. E. Youell.

Churchwardens—S. Paget, Esq., and Mr. T. E. Laws.

Auditors—R. Cory, jun., Esq., E. Preston, Esq., G. Danby-Palmer, Esq., and Mr. J. M. Bell.

Sept. 8th.—The Coronation Day was observed as a holiday.

The Races had been held on the 6th and 7th, as follows:—

“First Day—Tuesday, September 6th.

The Gold Cup Stakes of 100 sovs. (8 subscribers 10 sovs. each) with 20 sovs. added; the second horse to withdraw his stake. The winner to be sold for 400 sovs. if demanded, &c. Heats, two miles and distance.

A good race after the second heat. Two to one was freely betted on Ringleader; the last heat was very close, and was won by half a head. Lord Stradbroke’s filly lost her rider by a stirrup leather breaking in the second heat.

Half-Bred Stake. Heats, one mile and distance; 5 sovs. each.

The Members’ Plate of 50 sovs. The winner to be sold for 180 sovs. if demanded, &c. Heats, two miles and distance.

An excellent race; the heats with difficulty decided. The winner was well rode by C. Edwards.

Second Day—Wednesday, 7th September.

Town and Country Gentlemen’s Plate of 50 sovs. The winner to be sold for 250 sovs. if demanded, &c. Heats, two miles and distance.

A severely contested race of four heats.

Handicap Sweepstakes of 10 sovs. each, with the remainder added. Heats, one mile and distance.

After the above account of sport, it is needless to say that everyone who attended the Races was delighted. The severe running on the first day prevented several of the horses starting on the second, but the four well-contested heats for the Town and Country Gentlemen’s Plate more than compensated for the deficiency in the number of horses. The ordinaries and Ball were well attended—a very liberal subscription was entered into for the Races of 1832. The Gold Cup Stakes is already filled, and the Norfolk and Suffolk Hunters’ Stake of 5 sovs. each, with 20 sovs. added, for horses not thoroughbred, which have been regularly hunted in either of the above counties, has already six subscribers. The ladies at the Ball on Tuesday evening commenced a subscription for a Ladies’ Plate of 50 sovs. for next year, which will be in addition to the two Fifty Pounds Plates usually given. Edmund Preston, Esq., is appointed one of the stewards for 1832.”

Sept. 29th.—The Reformers of Yarmouth “had an excellent meeting” at the Town-hall. Mr. Alderman Barth was in the chair, and Messrs. Clowes, S. Cobb, Shelley, Hammond, Sewell, and Munsey took part in the proceedings.

Oct. 6th.—The Mayor (John Preston, Esq.,) “celebrated his inauguration at the Town-hall on Thursday sennight by a sumptuous entertainment, which was attended by the Lord Lieutenant, Judge Alderson, Sir W. Folkes, M.P., the Hon. E. Pellew, and about 300 gentlemen of the county and town.”

Nov. 17th.—A Board of Health had been established for the better cleansing the streets and lanes, and the removal of nuisances.

The “Star” coach, when about a mile this side of Eye, was driven into by “a fellow in a drunken state,” and one of the leaders was killed on the spot.

Nov. 24th.—The dairy of John Waters, Esq., of Ormesby, had been broken into and 16 pints of butter, 14 cheeses, a fat goose, and a quantity of meat and flour stolen.

Large flocks of “Stormy Petrels” had visited our shores, and between 6 and 7 dozen of them taken alive; several “Little Auks” and “Arctic Gulls” had also been shot.

Dec. 29th.—A poor man known as “Do you know him” was insulted, by a man pulling a nightcap over his face, and at the same time informing him that he was about to be “burked,” which so much “alarmed the poor creature, that he was taken to his home in a desponding state.”

1832.

Jan. 5th.—The Hon. and Rev. E. Pellew had distributed the prizes to the Sunday School children.

Jan. 12th.—Dr. Cox had delivered a very interesting lecture on “Physiology.”

Feb. 2nd.—The Rev. Henry Squire was advertised to deliver a course of lectures at the Old Meeting.

The case of the King against the Aldermen of Yarmouth is reported.

Feb. 9th.—With regard to which the following notice appears this week:—

THE KING AGAINST THE ALDERMEN OF YARMOUTH.

We are authorized to state that the Report of the hearing of this cause, in our last week’s paper, is incorrect, Lord Tenterden having observed that there was no ground for an attachment, as the parties had acted bona fide; that the business of the Corporation must be done, and directed that the rule should be enlarged, to give the Defendants an opportunity of doing so. The Counsel for the Defendants said they were ready to proceed, but could not compel the Mayor to call an Assembly, or the Common Councilmen to meet,—whereupon his Lordship, on the motion of Defendants’ Counsel, directed a mandamus to be issued for the filling up all vacancies, and then transacting the other necessary business; and upon a Return being made to the Writ, the Rule will be discharged.

Feb. 16th—A general meeting of the inhabitants was proposed to be held to take into consideration the expediency of erecting a new Workhouse, “it appearing by a report of the select Vestry now published, that the present one is quite inadequate to the purpose, both as to extent and arrangement, and as being utterly incapable of affording room for that classification which is indispensable to the moral improvement and employment of its inmates, and also to the comfort of the aged and infirm. It is now about fifty years since any room was added to it. The increase of inhabitants in the town, and not less so of pauperism during that period, calls for enlarged accommodation. It appears by the report that they are without a day room for the females, or any means of separating the sick from the healthy, and so cramped for lodging room, that a considerable number of the inmates are compelled to sleep three in a bed. It is intended to proceed agreeably to the directions of the 59th Geo. III. cap 12, and 1st and 2nd of William IV. cap. 42.”

March 22nd.—The National Fast had been observed “with a decent solemnity.”

April 5th.—The appointment of a Recorder is noticed as follows:—“At a Corporate Assembly, held on Tuesday last, the long-contested question of ‘who should fill the office of Recorder for the borough?’ (vacant by the resignation of Robert Alderson, Esq.,) was decided. The first business which came before the Court was the accepting of that gentleman’s resignation, after which Isaac Preston, Sen., Esq., proposed the Sub-Steward (I. Preston, Esq.,) to fill the vacant office; this was seconded by C. Symonds, Esq. R. Cory, Esq., then proposed Mr. Sergeant Merewether; this nomination was seconded by Samuel Paget, Esq. On a ballot being demanded, the numbers were found to be equal, viz., 20 for Merewether and the same number for Preston. There were 41 members of the body present, one of whom declined voting. A second ballot was proposed and acceded to, and the same result followed. The Deputy-Mayor (who presided in consequence of the extreme ill health of the Mayor) then said that he would give the members of the Court the chance of a third ballot, on which the gentleman before mentioned voted for Merewether, which gave the learned Sergeant a majority of one, the numbers being for Merewether 21, for Preston 20. Thus has terminated this long agitated question, the product of much squabbling, aye, and of much litigation too. Lord Viscount Exmouth was unanimously chosen Lord High Steward; Isaac Preston, Jun., Esq., and J. Baker, Esq., were elected Aldermen; and Messrs. J. E. Lacon, E. H. L. Preston, Henry Costerton and Samuel Jay, Common Councilmen. At this Court, Mr. J. Seaman received the appointment of Parish Clerk, and Mr. J. Daniel, Sexton; 50 guineas were also voted to St. Mary’s Church, Southtown; £15 per year granted to Mrs. Breeze (widow of the late hall-keeper), and £12 annuity settled on Mrs. Absolon (widow of the late Parish Clerk.) It was likewise ordered that the usual fee of 20s. upon apprentices’ indentures should be taken off. It is only right to state that the entire business of the day was conducted in the most amicable way possible, and that the greatest good temper and gentlemanly feeling was displayed during the discussion on the pending Recordership.”

April 12th.—The thanks of the Corporation were voted to the Rev. R. Turner upon his resignation of his office of Chaplain to that body.

The Sylvan (owned by J. H. Palmer, Esq., and commanded by Captain W. Gilham) and the Preston (belonging to I. Preston, Esq.) had respectively sailed with 100 and 110 emigrants.

April 19th.—Two more emigrant vessels, the Syren and Miser, were advertised to sail for America.—On Friday, then last, (here commonly called Black Friday) the annual meeting had been held at the Guild Hall for the purpose of “reading over” the income and expenditure of our local affairs when “secundum custom (sic.) it was proved that the receipts of any sum, say £5,299, and the payment of £5,298 was balanced by £1 being added to the credit side.” Mr. Shelly and other gentlemen protested against the manner in which these accounts were made out and presented to the freemen.

April 26th.—The newly elected Common Councilmen, Messrs. John Lacon, E. H. L. Preston, Henry Costerton, and Samuel Jay entertained the Corporation and others. John Lacon, Esq., presided, and the following toasts were given:—The King, Queen Adelaide, Princess Victoria, and the Royal Family, Lord Hill and the Army, Sir James Graham and the Navy, Lord Viscount Exmouth, the County Members, &c.

Burglaries had been committed on the premises of Mr. William Green, Messrs. Bracey and Son, Mr. Benjamin Welch, and Mr. Joseph Stevenson, and a man named Woolsey had been charged with the offences.

May 3rd.—The Fair had been held without “A Yarmouth Fair Wind,” and was “very numerously and respectably attended, nor could its visitants complain of lack of amusements, for of remarkable giantesses, as remarkable dwarfs, optical dioramas, &c., &c., there were quantum suff, while roundabouts, Russian swings, and ups-and-downs displayed themselves in abundance to allure the juvenile part of the company out of their stray half-pence and pence.”

May 10th.—The southern bastion of the fort had fallen “with an immense crash.”

The “first fruits of the fishing season” had been landed by a boat, (No. 3), belonging to Mr. George Giles. The night’s haul had produced 48 mackerel, which sold at 1s. 6d. each.

The following vessels had been launched:—The brig Sarah, 190 tons (from Messrs. Tuck’s yard), and the brig Sarepta, 160 tons (from Mr. Lubbock’s yard.)

May 17th.—The news that the Duke of Wellington had “given in and that Lord Grey was then at the palace” was received with joy, and the bells had been rung.

May 24th.—The Rattlesnake (180 tons) had been launched from Mr. F. Preston’s yard.

The mackerel fishery was going on badly, and there was great distress in the town, as thousands depended on that industry for a living.

May 31st.—There had been a great fire at Messrs. Grout and Co’s. Factory, the loss estimated at £12,000, the premises were uninsured.

Two female factory hands, aged respectively 16 and 17, had “fought it out” on the Denes, the prize, a “young tar,” when the “shorter combatant” proved victorious.

June 7th.—The King’s birthday had been celebrated with a great display of flags, the firing of the Church bells, salutes from the Forts, batteries, etc.

June 14th.—The following notice appears as to the Reform Act:—

REFORM.

For some days previous to the passing of the new Magna Charta of our liberties, the Reform Bill, the friends of that great and really Conservative measure had met at the Ship Tavern, for the purpose of considering the best method of celebrating the anticipated triumph. At their first meeting it was determined to open a subscription, leaving the precise manner in which the proceeds should be expended as a matter for future consideration. District Committees were forthwith appointed to manage the collections. The subscription, which is not yet closed, is expected to amount to something very handsome. It was first intended to give the freemen a dinner, but on sounding the latter it was found that they (without any exception) preferred receiving a pecuniary present; it was therefore at a subsequent meeting resolved, that each of those persons should receive a donation in money, and that the friends of Reform should dine together at a time and place hereafter to be appointed. The news of the passing of the unmutilated Bill was received here with every demonstration of joy. The vessels at the Quay displayed a profusion of flags, as did also the principal taverns and inns in the town—indeed everything seemed to show a universal gladness of heart. On Friday last, however, when information arrived of the Royal sanction having been given to the Bill, the fullness of joy exhibited on the occasion knew no bounds. Expectant of the event, a large party of our townsmen (of every grade and condition in life) had proceeded along the Southtown Road on the forenoon of the day, accompanied by a band, flags with appropriate mottoes, &c., to meet the Telegraph. Singular enough, however, the guard of that coach refused to take up the colours, and in answer to repeated enquiries declared “there was no news,” although it was afterwards ascertained that he had read from a newspaper in his possession an account of the Royal signature to the inhabitants of Gorleston while passing through that village. The Reformers of Yarmouth, to show their indignant sense of such conduct, refused to wait at night for the Morning Star (that coach being under the same proprietory as the Telegraph), but instantly sent a courier to Lowestoft to announce their intention of meeting, in procession, the Old Blue. Ultimately, that coach, surrounded by a profusion of elegant and appropriate flags, bands playing, &c., paraded the town. It was really a most animating and exhilarating spectacle; numbers of elegant and beautiful females assembled at the windows to witness the heart-cheering sight of a countless multitude of persons, composed of all ranks in life, alike animated by one feeling, that of exultation and delight. Surely after this our enemies will no longer prate of a reaction! At any rate, such a flagrant attempt at delusion would be scouted by our patriotic townsmen, as one of the basest of libels on old Yarmouth * * * * The public dinner, rejoicings, &c., will, we have just heard, not take place till after the passing of the Scotch and Irish Bills. The dinner, will, we believe, be held at the Town Hall, there being no reason to doubt that the Mayor, with his accustomed gentlemanly feeling, will grant the building for that purpose. Wm. Barth, Esq., is expected to preside.

During the Spring eight vessels had sailed from Yarmouth to different parts of the Canadas, carrying 916 passengers.

June 21st.—The Haven and Pier Commissioners had attended for the purpose of examining the Harbour Works, and it was hoped that extensive improvements would be made therein.

The Conservatives had not announced any candidates, and it was considered probable that Messrs. Anson and Rumbold would be re-elected.

The Rev. Mr. Griffith, junr., had delivered a very impressive sermon on board the Cyrus under the Bethel Flag.

June 28th.—The Corporation had voted an address to the King upon his escape from the late “atrocious” attack upon him.

A vessel was lying off the Pier Head with the Yellow Flag (cholera) flying.

July 5th.—A public dinner was to be held to celebrate the passing of the Reform Bill, and Mr. Windham, the Liberal candidate for E. Norfolk, was to meet his friends, Major Keppel being unable to accompany him.

July 12th.—The Dreadnought lugger (having on board a large cargo of smuggled goods) had been captured.

The Sylvan (belonging to J. H. Palmer, Esq.,) had arrived at Quebec with emigrants.

July 26th.—The annual water frolic is thus noticed: “Monday last was our annual water frolic. The heavens, which appeared inauspiciously to lour during the early part of the day, cleared about noon, and a cloudless and sun-lit sky enabled the admirers of boating excursions to enjoy with high zest the pleasures afforded them by the recurrence of this aquatic treat. The beautiful bosom of Breydon was literally covered with craft of every description, from the stately barge and elegant pleasure boat, down to the humble punt. Three boats, the Coriander, Balls; the Emerald, of Lowestoft, Col. Jones; and the Hornet, of Beccles (the two latter latteeners), were the competitors for the cup. The former had the start, and kept the lead during the three heats, and eventually won by 400 yards. About five o’clock p.m. the boats drew up for dinner. The toute ensemble was at this time picturesque in the extreme, the river, as we have said, studded with boats of various descriptions; the rond (which at this time was more than usually dry and firm) crowded with well-dressed persons of both sexes, whose joyous countenances showed that they looked gratifyingly on the sight; the beautiful ruins of Burgh Castle (the Garianonum of the ancients) in the distance, gilded with the gloomy brightness of a western sun—the declivity of the hill bedecked with many tea-drinking parties, all presented a scene which must have given delight to every true lover of his species. On the following day a cup (the gift of the spirited landlord of the Berney Arms) was sailed for by five 14 feet boats, which was won by the Sultan, George Alexander, who beat her antagonists hollow. We are happy to say that the general feeling of pleasure was not alloyed by the occurrence of a single accident.”

The Theatre had opened with Guy Mannering and Damp Beds. There was a very poor house.

The brig Ida (188 tons) had been launched from Mr. F. Preston’s yard.

August 23rd.—The following estimate of the number of electors under the Reform Act had been made:—Freemen 1,063; £10 householders in Yarmouth, 492; and in Gorleston, 144; total, 1,699.

The Summer Fishing had commenced; 300 lasts of herring had already been brought in.

August 30th.—Messrs. Windham and Keppel (the Liberal candidates for East Norfolk) had dined with about 50 electors at the King’s Head (B. Dowson, Esq., in the chair.)

The following Corporate officers had been elected:—

Mayor-Elect—John Baker, Esq.

Chamberlain—Mr. R. Ferrier.

Churchwardens—John Preston and Charles Symonds, Esqs.

Auditors—I. Preston, John Danby-Palmer, T. F. Garwood, and Charles J. Palmer, Esqs.

Collectors—John Danby-Palmer, Esq., and Mr. Henry Costerton.

Sept. 6th.—The Races had been held and proved very successful.

Sept 13th.—Mr. C. E. Rumbold (Col. Anson being detained in Derbyshire by illness) made a public entry into this town, when the carriage containing the Hon. Member and N. B. Palmer, Esq., had supported on its roof a most elegant silk flag bearing the words “Gorleston and Southtown Voters” upon it.

Sept. 20th.—A public dinner had been given by the Gorleston voters to Messrs. Anson and Rumbold, when 52 gentlemen attended, and W. Barth, Esq., occupied the chair.

Oct. 4th.—The inaugural dinner to the Mayor was held at the Town Hall, and was attended by “nearly 500 guests, among whom were a large number of the nobility and gentry residing in or near Yarmouth.”

Oct. 11th.—The herring fishing had been very unsuccessful. This was attributed to warm weather.

Oct. 18th.—The following notice as to the Wandering Piper appears:—“The Wandering Piper, who has attracted so much notoriety, is expected to visit Yarmouth in the course of a very few days. He is of a rank in life which few suspect who are not acquainted with his private history. He was for a considerable time an officer in the Army, served under Sir John Moore and the Duke of Wellington, and sold his commission after the battle of Waterloo. His opponent is Count Bender, a French Nobleman, but educated in Scotland at the same school with the piper, and betwixt him a great friendship subsisted. They met in London in 1825, when a dispute arose between them concerning the hospitality of different nations, which ended in both parties finally agreeing, for the sum of £5,000, to travel in disguise, the one as a fiddler in France and Belgium, and the other (our hero) as a piper in Britain and Ireland, to subsist upon what the public might be pleased to give them unsolicited, and whoever should have most money in the end was to gain the prize. They both commenced their wanderings in the summer of 1825, but an uncle of the piper’s, who then held a high official situation, having got notice of the freak, put a stop to the proceedings before the end of three months; this gentleman, however, died in 1827, which left both parties free from restraint, in consequence of which they started in August, 1828, the one from Stonehaven, in Scotland, and the other from Calais, in France. This important campaign was only intended to last three years, and would have been finished before now had not the piper received a severe hurt from the upsetting of a stage coach in Ireland, which confined him for fifteen months—during which time there was a secession of hostilities on both sides. The piper during his illness lay at the house of Sir Thomas Butler, Bart., Ballintemple, county Carlow, where he met with the greatest kindness; indeed, the Irish, high and low, seem to have completely entered into the spirit of the undertaking. He was never allowed in any one instance to pay anything at the hotels where he put up, waiter, chambermaid, boots, and porter all refused to accept of any remuneration for their services, nay, the very beggar wished his ‘honour good luck and a safe journey,’ without laying him under further contribution. He says that he has been charged in all instances to the very utmost extent in England; we could have wished it had been otherwise, for the honour of our national character. During his rambles, it is said he had given £550 to different charities, that receipts for which are lodged for safety with John Stuart, Esq., of 19, Cleveland Row, Finsbury Square, London.”

Oct. 25th.—The wandering piper had begun his rounds and had lunched with the Mayor.

Nov. 8th—Electioneering partizanship was displaying itself. A “True Red Committee (composed of the lowest order of beer-loving Burgesses) had been formed” and Andrew Colville, Esq., had been requested to stand for the Borough in that interest.

Nov. 15th.—Mr. Colville had arrived in the Borough and addressed the electors from the “Star” balcony.

Dec. 6th.—Contains the following article:—

Tuesday last was a proud day for the friends of Reform, comprising as they do a vast majority of all ranks of our town’s-people. It having been announced by hand-bill the day previous that Col. Anson and Mr. Rumbold would arrive the following day, as early as the hour at noon, the Southtown Road was crowded with pedestrians and equestrians of all classes. Between twelve and one o’clock the entire body of the Political Union (full 400 strong) assembled at the Guardian Angel, with blue ribbons and their badges round their necks. The worthy candidates having arrived at the above inn, the procession began to move in the following order:—Two trumpeters on horseback; banner—Yarmouth Union of the Working Classes; flags—Union Jack, Royal Standard of England; ‘Universal Suffrage and Vote by Ballot’; ‘Short Parliaments and Liberty of the Press’; ‘The love of our Country leads us’; ‘Close Corporations abolished’; ‘Equal Laws and Equal Rights’; ‘United we stand, divided we fall’; banners of the King and Reform. Flags—‘Gorleston and Southtown Voters’; ‘Anson and Rumbold’; ‘Friends.’ Flags—‘The People’s Cause’; ‘The Poor Man’s Rights’; ‘Reduction of Taxation’; ‘Close Corporations Opened’; ‘Abolition of Slavery’; ‘Cheap Government and Equal Rights’; ‘The Liberty of the Press’; ‘Knowledge is Power’; ‘Civil and Religious Liberty’; ‘Freedom of Election.’ The procession, on entering the town by the Bridge, was welcomed by the exultant shouts of an innumerable concourse of expectant individuals, who had by this time lined the new Hall Quay, eager to witness the imposing spectacle. The blue pennons of numerous ships, ‘floating in the breeze,’ added not a little to the joyousness of the occasion. The procession moved on, adding to its numbers as it advanced along the Quay, up South Street, along King Street, down our beautiful Market Place, and back to the Committee Rooms, from the windows of which the assembled multitude (consisting certainly of not less than 5,000 persons) were addressed by Mr. Alderman Barth, Col. Anson, Mr. Rumbold, and J. Shelly, Esq. The weather was till towards noon rather showery; fortunately it then cleared up. Such, however, appeared to us the general enthusiasm, that it seemed as if no weather could have damped the universal feeling of delight, nor have abated the desire to witness the proceedings of this memorable day. Numbers of well-dressed females from the windows of the houses, as the procession passed along, were to be seen, with approving smiles, shaking blue flags, elegant banners, &c., &c., thus demonstrating their hearty participation in the high feeling of satisfaction which displayed itself all around. Too much praise cannot be given to Capt. Garson and Mr. Gamble for the judgment shown by them in marshalling the procession. Nor ought we to omit mentioning, in terms of high commendation, the excellent conduct of the Union on the occasion—conduct which was noticed in the evening at the King’s Head, by the Chairman (Mr. T. Hammond) making a very handsome acknowledgment of their services, and giving as a toast (which was drank with three times three and very general applause) ‘The Council of the Political Union.’ Surely, if it had been before possible for the Conservatives (as they improperly styled themselves) to have mistaken the feeling of the town, the proceedings of Tuesday last must have entirely undeceived them, and enabled them to see the utter hopelessness of a contest with our late excellent representatives. Monday next is the day of election, when we shall see whether these hardy and obstinate men are still determined to pull down certain ruin on their party.

On Thursday night Messrs. Anson and Rumbold, addressing their numerous friends from the balcony of the Crown and Anchor, were insulted by water thrown upon, and it is reported tiles at them, from a small red inn adjoining. This roused the indignation of the multitude, and the destruction of the windows was the consequence. A spirited youth resented still further indignity offered to his friends by springing from the balcony and seizing upon and destroying the enemy’s blood-red standard.

Dec. 15th.—The nomination took place at the “Tol-hall,” and after the Mayor had opened the proceedings, Col. Anson was nominated by William Barth, Esq., seconded by Mr. Thomas Clowes, Mr. Rumbold by John Shelly and John Brightwen, Esqs., and A. Colville, Esq., by John Lacon, Esq., and Mr. B. Gooch. The show of hands was in favour of Messrs. Anson and Rumbold. The poll for the first day was—

And at the close on the second day—

Dec. 20th.—A dinner had been held to celebrate the return of these gentlemen, “when William Barth, Esq., presided, C. Sayers, Esq., was his vice, and N. Palmer and John Shelly, Esqs., headed the tables to the right and left of him.”

1833.

Jan. 3rd.—The prisoners in the Gaol and Bridewell returned thanks to the Mayor (J. Baker, Esq.) for the plentiful dinner of roast beef, plum pudding, and a quart of ale each, which he gave them on Christmas Day.

Jan. 10th.—A large alligator had been taken by a Dutch fishing boat off Orford Ness.

Jan. 14th.—H.M. frigates Castor (Capt. Lord J. Hay) and Conway (Capt. Eden), together with the French frigate Arcade, came into the Roads to victual and get a supply of water.

Jan. 17th.—A number of ladies and gentlemen visited the men-of-war; and on the following Tuesday the vessels proceeded “out of the Cockle,” accompanied by the Royal Charlotte cutter (Lieut. Harmer), she “keeping to windward until lost to view.”

Jan. 31st.—A suggestion had been made at the Corporation assembly as to reform of that body, but was not supported.

Feb. 7th.—A fine vessel of 216 tons had been launched from Mr. Preston’s yard, and it was stated that “It is now allowed by merchants from all parts of the world that the finest and handsomest vessels are now built in this port.”

Feb. 21st.—The Flora, a French frigate, had arrived in the Roads.

Feb. 28th.—The petition against the return of Messrs. Windham and Keppel (M.P.’s for East Norfolk) had “excited much surprise and indignation amongst the numerous friends of these gentlemen in the town.”

March 7th.—It was proposed to start a steam packet for the conveying of goods and passengers to Hull.

A warrant from the Speaker of the House of Commons had been received, requesting the attendance of the Mayor and Town Clerk before a Committee of the House “to give an account of all matters relating to the town and Corporation; consequently J. Baker, Esq., and S. Tolver, Esq., had left Yarmouth on Monday.”

A public meeting on the question of Corporation Reform had been held, Mr. C. Sayers in the chair. Messrs. J. Shelly and S. Cobb spoke, and a petition was adopted, which received 1,958 signatures.

A petition had also been adopted by the members of the “Yarmouth Union of the Working Classes” against “The Irish Coercion Bill.”

March 14th.—The Inquiry as to the administration of Corporate affairs was proceeding in London, when the following gentlemen were there upon that business on behalf of the Corporation:—The Mayor, the Town Clerk, and the Water Bailiff, while Messrs. Worship, Barth, Shelly, and Barrett represented the Town Committee.

March 21st.—The works at St. Peter’s Church were “at a stand” for the want of funds, £600 being required.

April 4th.—The Haven Commission were indebted £25,000.

The Sessions were held with the “light calendar of 15 prisoners.”

April 18th.—Lord Orford had accepted the office of Lord High Steward of the Borough, rendered vacant through the death of Lord Exmouth.

The Rev. Mark Waters had been appointed one of the ministers of St. George’s Chapel.

April 24th.—The Rev. Mr. Clarke of Norwich, had accepted the ministry of St. Peter’s, the ladies proposed to present the communion plate to this Church.

May 23rd.—The mackerel fishing had been very unsuccessful.

A meeting had been held to approve of the proposed Rules for the intended Proprietary Grammar School.

May 30th.—A Commission had been appointed to inquire into Corporate affairs “on the spot.”

Sir F. Palgrave had obtained from H.M. Commissioners of Records the presentation of some valuable publications to the Library.

June 13th.—Lord Exmouth had arrived in his yacht, and subsequently sailed with his brother, the Vicar (the Hon. E. Pellew), for St. Petersburgh.

June 20th.—Vice-Admiral Parker had been appointed a K.C.B.

July 11th.—The following is the account of the Burgh Water Frolic:—

“Monday last being the day appointed for our annual water frolic, an immense quantity of boats (from the splendid pleasure barge to the humble punt) started from our Bridge at eleven o’clock a.m. with a favourable and somewhat stiff breeze from the N.E. At two o’clock the various crafts laid-to in the Narrows to witness the sailing match. The competitors were the Venus (cutter-rigged boat), Last; Algerine (latteener), Craske; Emerald, (latteener) Col. Jones; and the Hornet, Everett. The prize (an elegant silver cup) was won by the Venus. At starting the Hornet had the lead for a short distance, when she was passed by the Venus, and on rounding the upper cross stake the latter boat and the Emerald were close together, and remained so, till they got within the Narrows, when the Colonel succeeded in passing her, winning the first by about half a minute. In two minutes after the Venus recovered her lost ground and passed her opponent, and succeeded in rounding the stake one minute before the Emerald, who, however, neared so fast that had not the Venus rounded the flag very closely she must have lost the match, the Colonel being to windward. The oldest boater never remembers so closely contested a run. After sailing, the various crafts (which absolutely studded the river) got under weigh, and proceeded towards the ancient Garianonum, opposite to which they dined. At seven o’clock p.m. the boats started for home, where they arrived in about an hour, all safe, nothing having occurred to damp the pleasures of the day, which was an extremely fine one. At Burgh, Chase, the spirited proprietor of the Neptune Gardens, was completely at home, while on the adjacent hills, opposite the cage, various groups of happy faces were to be seen enjoying tea, &c. This, together with the immense crowd of company that congregated on the road, presented a scene that must have been witnessed to have been fully appreciated. Among the company were our worthy Mayor and a large party of fashionables in the handsome barge belonging to W. Fisher, Esq., S. T. Berney, and J. Penrice, Esqs., in the former’s fast-sailing boat Meteor, Mr. Alderman Barth in the admiral’s (Green’s) boat, &c., &c. This, together with the countless multitudes that crowded the decks of the tug, Royal Sovereign and Emperor steamers, made the river appear a sort of floating fair. On the next day a number of boats, barges, &c., sailed to the Berney Arms to witness a rowing match (for a silver cup, given by Mr. Barnett, the landlord of the house) by four-oared gigs, which was won by the Wasp, a Norwich boat, belonging to William Gallant, jun. Nearer home we observed an unusually large number of stalls, &c., at our bridge foot. On the whole, there seemed nothing wanting to make this annual festival worthy of brighter days, but the presence of the Corporation barge, without which (although no brawlers against innovation) we cannot but think the Regatta is shorn of much of its glory.”

July 18th.—A fight had taken place on the Factory Denes, for one Sovereign, between Thomas Purdy, of Caister, commonly known as “The Caister Champion,” and George Elliott, of Ingham. At the 133rd round (the battle lasted 1 h. 50 min.) Elliott was declared the victor.

Two men (Seager and Hanson) had quarrelled in the Bear Tap, when Nathaniel Lacey, in trying to part them, was knocked down and his leg broken.

August 22nd.—“As early as nine o’clock on Friday morning an immense concourse of genteely-dressed persons had congregated before St. Peter’s Church, anxious not to miss the opportunity of witnessing the solemn and imposing ceremonial about to take place. At ten o’clock the principal door was thrown open, and this large assemblage entered. The greatest order and decorum prevailed, owing certainly to the excellent arrangement of C. Symonds, Esq., one of the Churchwardens for the year, who, to prevent confusion, had issued tickets, which were left at the houses of the respectable housekeepers, without the least distinction, as also at the various lodging houses for the use of the visitors. About eleven o’clock the Mayor (John Baker, Esq.), with the customary regalia, attended by several other members of the Corporate body entered the church, and were shown to the pews appropriated for their reception. The Bishop of Winchester soon arrived with his Chaplain and Registrar and proceeded up the middle aisle to the altar, where the service began by the latter gentleman presenting the petition to the Bishop, who redelivered it to the Registrar, when it was by him read aloud. The Right Rev. Prelate then pronounced the following words, in a solemn, appropriate, and sonorous tone of voice—“I am now ready to give my full consent to that which you have desired, and may Almighty God bless the good work in which we are about engaging.” His Lordship then, with his officers and clergy, walked to the west end of the church and back again to the altar, repeating alternate versicles of the 42nd Psalm. The Bishop having seated himself at the table, the Deed of Consecration was read by the surrogate (the Very Rev. the Dean of Norwich), after which his Lordship read the exhortation, prayers, &c., appointed for the occasion. The usual morning prayers were read from the desk by the Hon. and Rev. E. Pellew, with the exception of those parts especially appropriated to the occasion, which were read by the Bishop. The reading Psalms most judiciously selected for the occasion were the 84th, 122nd, and 132nd; the lessons, parts of the 8th chapter of 1st Kings, and of the 10th chapter of Hebrews. After the prayers, verses 6, 7, and 8 of 26th, with Gloria Patri, was performed by a very full orchestra of instrumentalists and vocalists. The common service was performed by the Bishop, with the exception of the Epistle and the Nicene Creed, which were read by his Lordship’s Chaplain, the Rev. Alexander Dallas. The 100th Psalm (Tate and Brady’s version) was then sung by the whole choir. The sermon, a striking, apposite, and eloquent one, was preached by the Rev. Mr. Clark, the appointed minister of the Church, from Genesis, chapter 28th, verses 16 and 17—“And Jacob awaketh out of his sleep, &c.” [832 young persons were confirmed by the Bishop of Winchester.]”

August 29th.—The Races had been held, and on “Tuesday and Wednesday the great annual main of cocks had been fought at the Bush Tavern, South Quay, between the gentlemen of Norwich and the gentlemen of Yarmouth for £5 a battle and £50 the odds, which was won by Norwich, who were six battles a head.”

Sept. 15th.—The smack Endeavour, of London, had been seized with 65 casks and 16 bales (2,800 lbs. in weight) of tobacco on board her.

The following Corporate officers had been chosen:—John Danby-Palmer, Esq., Mayor; Mr. James Jay, Chamberlain; F. R. Reynolds, Esq., and J. M. Bell, Esq., Churchwardens.

The late gales had caused an immense quantity of sand and shingle to be washed into the Harbour, so as to form a point opposite the South Pier.

Oct. 3rd.—The following is the report of the Yarmouth Guild Day:—

On Monday the Mayor and the Mayor Elect (J. Danby-Palmer, Esq.), accompanied by the Earl of Orford and the members of the Corporation, attended divine service at St. Nicholas’ Church, by the Hon. and Rev. Edward Pellew, after which the Rev. Thomas Baker, Chaplain to the Body Corporate, preached an excellent sermon. After service the Corporation adjourned to the Guildhall, where the Mayor-Elect was sworn into office with the customary ceremonies.

The Recorder (Mr. Sergeant Merewether) being absent, the Town Clerk, previous to presenting the patent of appointment as Lord High Steward of the Borough to the Earl of Orford, addressed his Lordship, observing that the Corporation entertained a high sense of the honour conferred upon them by his Lordship’s acceptance of an office which (as constituted by one of the charters of the borough) assimilated with that of Lord High Steward of England, an office of great power and authority, having under the King the regulating the administration of justice, which had not since its forfeiture in the reign of Henry the Third, by its hereditary possessor, been granted to any one except upon and for particular occasions, and had only been presented to one of the Nobility and a Lord of Parliament. So by the Charter of King Charles, the High Steward of the borough of Yarmouth must be ‘unus praeclarus vir,’ the meaning of which might be gathered from the appointment of William, Earl of Yarmouth, to be the first modern High Steward, and that to the present time the office had been filled by noblemen distinguished by their talents and services as statesmen, or great naval and military commanders. Amongst them were the celebrated Sir Robert Walpole, Earl of Orford, a second Robert Earl of Orford, and George Earl of Orford, who together held that office for nearly 60 years, much to the honour and advantage of the Borough. Although their connection with that noble family had been interrupted, it had not been forgotten by the Corporation, who were happy in having the honour of renewing it in the person of his Lordship, in whom they found that ‘praeclarus vir’ pointed out by the charter, and they doubted not but that his Lordship would support them in all transactions grounded in honour, honesty, and good faith, and having for their object the public good, and that he would defend and maintain their ancient rights, privileges, and immunities. The Town Clerk then presented Lord Orford with his appointment, and assured his Lordship that his presence among them would always be hailed with pleasure by the Corporation.

The Earl of Orford was then sworn, and immediately addressed the Mayor and Corporation in an eloquent speech, in which he said he claimed no merit to himself for the choice which had been made by the Corporation, but attributed it solely to the recollection of the former connection of the borough with his ancestors, which had been so handsomely alluded to by the Town Clerk, and to that firm line of conduct in political life which he had thought it his duty steadfastly to pursue, which it was his pride and pleasure to maintain, and that although the Corporation might have selected a person of more influence than himself, yet he would yield to no one in zeal, and no exertion on his part would be spared to uphold the rights, privileges, and immunities of the Corporation, which had that day been entrusted to the Mayor, and which it was to be hoped he would be permitted to resign unimpaired to his successor. He himself should always feel it his duty and pleasure to render his services available to the true interests of the borough.

The other annual officers were then sworn, and the Mayor, accompanied by the High Steward and the Corporate Body, walked to the Town Hall, where a most splendid entertainment was provided for upwards of three hundred and thirty gentlemen, among whom were the Right Hon. the Earl of Orford, the Right Hon. Viscount Nevill, the Hon. Mr. Justice Alderson, the Hon. the Rev. E. Pellew, the Hon. P. H. Abbott, Sir E. K. Lacon, Bart., Vice-Admiral Sir George Parker, K.C.B., Col. Petre, Col. Mason, Robert Marsham, Esq., J. Postle, Esq., Stratton Marsham, Esq., E. H. K. Lacon, Esq., W. M. Praed, Esq., Rev. C. Penrice, Rev. J. Humfrey, Rev. — Clarke, Rev. J. Gunn, Rev. B. Winthorp, John Penrice, Esq., R. Rising, Esq., S. Palmer, Esq., W. Carpenter, Esq., Capt. Onslow, R.N., Capt. M. Kelly, R.N., Capt. Travers, R.N., Major Travers, Capt. Carew, R.N., H. Munro, Esq., B. Caldecott, Esq., &c., &c.

The healths of their Majesties—the Princess Victoria and the rest of the Royal Family—his Majesty’s Ministers, and the Duke of Wellington, were drank. On the health of the Earl of Orford being given, the noble Lord, in returning thanks, alluded to the commission for investigating Corporations, declaring ‘that he denounced the illegality of the commission.’ His Lordship gave the health of the Mayor and Prosperity to the Town of Yarmouth, for which the Chief Magistrate expressed his acknowledgment, stating his determination to do all he could to forward the best interests of the town on every occasion.

On the health of Mr. Justice Alderson being given, the learned Judge spoke of the Constitution of this country as being so framed as to allow all who had the talents and industry to arrive at the very highest dignities the King could confer, and concluded by saying that the question for the people to consider was whether they would close the avenues to those dignities. The healths of Lord Nevill, Mr. Charles Palmer (the son of the Mayor), Sir E. K. Lacon, Lord Walpole and the House of Wolterton, Lord Wodehouse and the House of Kimberley, and a variety of other toasts were given; after which the Mayor and a large party adjourned to the Ball at the Bath Rooms, where dancing continued till a late hour.

Oct. 31st.—“On Monday evening last, as Mr. Marsh, of the house of Marsh and Barnes, wine and spirit merchants, was returning in his gig from Beccles, he overtook a female on the road near Fritton, who, as Mr. M. passed, implored assistance. He pulled up, and finding the poor creature in an exhausted and high state of nervous excitement, and that she was on her way to this place, he took her up, when she stated as follows—that she had walked from Yarmouth to Heckingham House to obtain relief for a relative residing in Yarmouth, that she had obtained 3s., was returning home across the Marshes, and when near the New Cut and bridge over the dam, she saw two men, who appeared to come from a wherry, and when they met her one of them presented a pistol and threatened to shoot her, but she answering in the negative to the enquiry of “Do you know us,” one of them said, “Don’t shoot her.” They then searched, took from her 2s. 6d., some halfpence, and a handkerchief with some trifles, knocked her down by a blow on the face, and so left her. When she recovered she proceeded on her journey till the above gentleman humanely assisted her into the town and relieved her; but she was so weak from the fright as to stagger when she left the gig. She states that she thinks she could recognize one of the men. Might not some enquiry as to what wherry was moored in the Cut at that time lead to the detection of the perpetrators of so diabolical an act as that of distressing the distressed. We respectfully submit to the gentlemen who are the guardians for the hundred of Heckingham if some safe plan could not be devised to relieve non-resident paupers, so as to obviate the necessity of a journey by them of so many miles.”

Dec. 5th.—The winter assemblies having been discontinued for two years had been revived, and the first assembly had been held at the Town Hall, (the Mayor (J. Danby Palmer, Esq.) and Vice-Admiral Sir George Parker, K.C.B., Stewards). It was attended by all the principal families of the town and neighbourhood.

Dec. 12th.—A fine schooner named the Fairy Queen, 150 tons register, had been launched from W. Lubbock’s yard.

Dec. 28th.—The altar piece presented to St. Peter’s Church by Col. Mason was put up on Christmas Eve.

1834.

Jan. 9th.—Samuel Tolver and Charles John Palmer, Esqs., had been appointed Perpetual Commissioners for the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk.

Jan. 16th.—News had been received that the Lion, belonging to G. D. Palmer, Esq., had arrived at Civita Vecchia on the 26th ult.

Jan. 30th.—Two schooners of about 80 tons register, named the Norwich Trader and Lowestoft Merchant, had been launched from Mr. Thomas W. Branford’s yard.

A requisition was being signed for the purpose of having the “upper” ferry established.

Feb. 6th.—Messrs. Buckle and Hogg, two of H.M. Municipal Commissioners, had arrived for the purpose of holding an Inquiry into the doings of the Corporation.

A crowded meeting had been held to petition Parliament for an abolition of Church Rates. J. Shelly, Esq., was called to the chair, and the following gentlemen took part in the proceedings:—Rev. Mr. Betts, J. B. Palmer, Esq., Rev. T. Tait, Mr. D. Chapman, Rev. H. Squire, and Rev. A. Creak.

Feb. 20th.—Capt. Manby had given “an elegant and fully attended fete” at the Barracks.

Feb. 29th.—The Municipal Commissioners were sitting at the Tolhouse.

March 6th.—The Commissioners having finished their investigation were entertained by Alderman Bath at Dinner.

April 10th.—Mr. G. Garson had been appointed Lloyd’s Surveyor.

The annual silver cup, given by Mr. Bales to the members of the “Yarmouth British Yacht Club,” was to be sailed for in May.

April 17th.—A meeting had been held to oppose certain clauses in the proposed Haven and Pier Bill then before Parliament, Mr. Alderman Barth in the chair, the following took part in the proceedings:—Messrs. J. Brightwen, J. Shelly, A. Palmer, S. Cobb, R. Ferrier, G. D. Palmer, B. Dowson, P. Stead, and William Barber.

April 24th.—The Baltic (belonging to I. Preston, Esq.) and The Venus (belonging to G. D. Palmer, Esq.) had sailed with emigrants for North America.

May 1st.—A brig called the Friends, of 190 tons register, had been launched from Mr. A. Palmer’s yard.

May 15th.—The “New Proprietary Grammar School” had been opened, John Danby Palmer, Esq., being Chairman during the proceedings.

June 5th.—The Misses Seaman had been appointed postmistresses.

June 12th.—“A remarkably fine ship of 374 tons” had been launched from the dockyard of Ambrose Palmer, Esq.

June 26th.—Contains the following notice of an “Ingenious Invention”:—“A few weeks since a young lady having lost her left leg by amputation, four inches below the knee, applied to Mr. W. B. Neslen, shoe and last maker, of this town, complaining of the inconvenience she experienced from the wooden substitute she had procured. Mr. N. immediately set about remedying this, which he eventually accomplished by the making of a leg, which for useful purposes has in a very great measure supplied the loss of the original limb. It was composed of light sycamore wood, cased with leather, with elastic springs for the foot. It was shown to several mechanics in the neighbourhood, who all gave an opinion highly favourable to the ingenuity of its construction. It weighs 3lbs. (the former substitute weighed 7lbs.) and is connected with the knee by springs. The lady is enabled to make very nearly the same use of the artificial as she previously had done with the real limb.”

The anniversary of the King’s accession to the Throne had been observed, the Corporation attending divine service, when the Rev. T. Baker preached “an appropriate sermon.”

July 24th.—Mr. William Mabson had been chosen a Common Councilman in the room of Mr. John Robson, deceased.

July 31st.—The annual water frolic had been held, Mr. Stephen Miller’s Water Witch taking the prize.

Aug. 14th.—Messrs. C. Davie, Samuel Palmer, Frederick Paget, Capt. Todman, R.N., and the Rev. Mark Waters had been elected Paving Commissioners.

Aug. 21st.—A dinner had been given (G. D. Palmer, Esq., in the chair) to Messrs. T. Hammond and R. B. Fenn, as a compliment for services rendered by them to the fishing interest.

Aug. 28th.—The Stratheden, 400 tons register, had been launched from Mr. F. Preston’s yard.

Sept. 2nd.—The following had been chosen Corporate officers for the ensuing year:—Isaac Preston, jun., Esq., Mayor; Mr. J. E. Laws, Chamberlain; J. Danby Palmer, and E. H. L. Preston, Esqs., Churchwardens; Sir E. K. Lacon, Bart., Isaac Preston, Esq., and Messrs. R. Ferrier and William Yetts, Auditors; J. D. Palmer, Edmund Preston, Robert Cory, jun., William Barth, Esqs., and Messrs. E. H. L. Preston, S. B. Cory, C. J. Palmer, Vestry; J. Baker, Esq., and Mr. James Jay, Collectors; and Messrs. F. Preston and Samuel Jay, Muragers.

Oct. 2nd.—Contains the following report of the proceedings on the “Mayor’s Day”:—

Monday being the feast of St. Michael, the day was ushered in by ringing of Bells, flags at the New Hall, Church, &c. The Mayor-Elect (I. Preston, jun., Esq.) ordered twopenny buns to be given to the children of the different charity schools in the town, and it was really gratifying to observe the number of happy boys and girls, with cheers parading Gaol-street, the Quay, &c., with their gifts in their hands. About two o’clock in the afternoon the Mayor and Corporation attended divine service at St. Nicholas’ Church, where a sermon was delivered by the Rev. F. Baker (son of the Rector of Rollesby) from Acts, chapter 23rd, 4th and 5th verses, which in the days when passive obedience and non-resistance reigned might have been considered an excellent one. Happily, however, those days are past, and few, probably, of the rev. gentleman’s hearers accorded with him when they heard him denounce from the pulpit the great majority of those who sought Reform in the Church, and other acknowledged abuses as infidels, atheists, and anarchists, and those who aimed at the overthrow of the Church, the Altar, and the Crown. From the Church the Corporation proceeded to the Guildhall, where the Mayor-Elect (after having taken the oath of office) spoke to the following effect:—“Gentlemen, previous to assuming the chair of Chief Magistracy, which I am about to fill, you will allow me to thank you for the proof that you have given me of your confidence. Gentlemen, I sought not this office; I have accepted it only that I might endeavour to render myself useful to my fellow townsmen. Gentlemen, it is not the pageantry, the sword and mace (though even these may be of use in their way) that have allured me to this office—no; had I been capable of being actuated by such motives, I should have been indeed unworthy of taking (as I have just taken) the Holy Gospels in my hand, and to have sworn before my God, to execute to the best of my ability, the important duties of Chief Magistrate of my native town. I would now address myself to my proper brethren, I would address myself to all, high or low, rich or poor, and exhort them to do all that in their power lie to promote the decorum of social life, by cheeking vice, immorality, and debauchery. Gentlemen, I thank you very much for the patience with which you have heard me.” This address was delivered with much firmness, and at the same time with considerable emotion, and was received with great applause. After the ceremony of robing, and the other routine business had been gone through, the newly-elected Mayor, Deputy-Mayor, &c., proceeded (escorted by the town band, flags, &c.) to the New Hall, where a sumptuous dinner was served to a numerous and highly respectable assembly of the Body Corporate, and the friends of the Chief Magistrate. The dessert, which was fine and abundant, was, we understand, served by Mr. Brooks, of the Market Row.

Oct. 9th.—Harry Worship, Esq., had delivered a very interesting lecture on the “Philosophy of Dreams.”

Oct. 16th.—The frequency of robbery at sea had induced the fishermen to keep an unusually sharp look out.

Oct. 23rd.—Charles J. Palmer, Esq., had been elected an Alderman in the place of Dr. Bateman, deceased.

It appears from the report of the proceedings at the Revision Court that the lower ferry was then let at £30 a year only.

Oct. 30th.—The “Blues” claimed a gain of 50 on the revision of the Freeman’s list.

The fishing was reported as going on “very badly.”

Nov. 6th.—A public meeting had been held on the subject of the Port and Haven Bill, the Mayor in the chair, when Messrs. George Danby Palmer, Shelly, Brightwen, Ferrier, Barth, and Dowson took part in the proceedings.

Nov. 20th.—The Conservatives had held a meeting at Bammant’s Green, Mr. William Mabson in the chair, pledging themselves to support the Hon. W. H. Beresford and W. M. Praed.

Nov. 27th.—Col. Anson had spoken from the Committee Room in Regent Street, when Messrs. George Steward and J. Shelly took part in the proceedings.

The “Political Union” required Col. Anson and Mr. Rumbold to pledge themselves to support “Corporation Reform, Triennial Parliaments, Extension of the Suffrage, and Vote by Ballot.”

Dec. 4th.—A meeting of voters in the Blue interest had been held at the Crown and Anchor Tavern, when it was determined “to sink all minor differences” in order to secure the return of Col. Anson and Mr. Rumbold. Mr. N. B. Palmer addressed a crowded assembly from the Committee Rooms.

Dec. 11th.—Thomas Baring, Esq., had arrived as Mr. Praed’s colleague, and both gentlemen had addressed the electors from the Newcastle Tavern, and a house on the South Quay, which they had engaged as a Committee Room.

Dec. 18th.—The contest was progressing, Col. Anson assuring his supporters “that at that moment their canvassing book stood better than he had ever known it to stand since he had known Yarmouth.”

Dec. 23rd.—There had been a “violent scuffle” between the Reds and the Blues, during which “the son of a Baronet was pulled from his horse and beaten violently.”

1835.

Jan. 8th, contains the following account of the election:—

“It is with feelings of the deepest sorrow that we announce that our late members, Messrs. Anson and Rumbold, are ousted from the representation. We said last week that nothing but the most gross and unblushing bribery could possibly unseat these gentlemen, and these means have been had recourse to, to an unprecedented extent. Messrs. Baring and Praed are returned, not by the free and independent voice of the people, but by a bought majority, bought by means most disgraceful both to giver and receiver, although we cannot help thinking that the larger portion of disgrace attaches to the former—for what can be more discreditable, what can be more contrary to the high honour which ought to distinguish the gentleman, than to take advantage of the poor freeman, and by (in this instance doubly accursed) gold to make him forfeit his solemn promises? Do our opponents ask for proofs of this? We have them in the infamous system of cooping (a system which we had hoped was confined to a neighbouring city, but which has been now imported into this till now uncorrupt borough), which has been with a bold unblushing front carried on to a large extent in certain houses in the town. We have them in the number of freemen who were to be seen on both election days coming up to the Red booth with Blue colours in their hats, and in the madness of infuriating drink, flinging them in the face of and grossly abusing a highly respected and respectable fellow townsman of ours, while at the same time they recorded their votes for Messrs. Baring and Praed. We have it in the fact that four sovereigns, with a promise of as much more, and £2 10s., with a like promise, were given to two poor freemen of the names of Boyce and Stevenson, to induce them to vote for the Reds, but who, with a truly noble spirit that cannot be too highly appreciated, brought the money into their hands to the Blue booth, and then polled for Messrs. Anson and Rumbold. But, unfortunately for the good cause, these glorious examples were not generally followed. The Red Leaders took good care for the most part of their deluded and purchased victims, by plying them with drink, keeping them in strong hold, &c., to allow them to return to the paths of rectitude. We do think that the feelings of our late members are rather to be envied by those of the present, the former having lost with honour, the latter owing their election not to the feeling of the town (that we confidently say, without fear of contradiction, is with Messrs. Anson and Rumbold), but to the exercise of the most abominable and venal means to effectuate it. If anything like the sums which we have heard mentioned have been expended in this shameful warfare of gold against principle, our opponents may truly say with one of yore, ‘another such victory will ruin us!’ The most active measures are being had recourse to (and may they be successful) either by substantiating the individual instances of bribery, which we know have to a great extent taken place to oust the members from those seats which they so unjustly obtained by bad means, manifestly against the feeling and real wishes of the town to oust Messrs. Baring and Praed from the ill-earned honours so surreptitiously procured for them, or at any rate to make the guilty individual perpetrators pay the penalty of such acts!”

“The nomination of the candidates took place at the Guildhall, on hustings erected outside. The Town Clerk (S. Tolver, Esq.) having read the precept, the Mayor, in a loud voice, requested a patient hearing for those who might address them. Mr. Alderman Barth, in a neat speech, proposed the Hon. Col Anson as a fit and proper person to represent the borough. B. Dowson, Esq., seconded the nomination. Vice-Admiral Sir G. Parker, K.C.B., in a very manly and straightforward speech, proposed Mr. Rumbold, when Mr. Shelly presented himself as the seconder. A picked party of his opponents, evidently brought there for the purpose, attempted by every discordant noise to prevent his being heard; by dint of perseverance, however, and the powerful support of his numerous friends, Mr. S. with even more than his usual eloquence, at considerable length supported the nomination. Messrs. R. Ferrier and A. Palmer proposed and seconded Mr. Baring, and Mr. J. Penrice proposed and Mr. J. Lacon seconded the nomination of Mr. Praed. The Hon. Col. Anson spoke at great length, and with all his wonted power, in the course of a really luminous speech, he expressed the surprise he had felt on finding Mr. A. Palmer (a gentleman who had before honoured him with his support) among the ranks of his opponents. Mr. P. explained by saying it was because Col. A. had allied himself to Radicals and destructives. The Hon. Col. said he was surprised at having such a reason assigned. It was known to all that he had never succumbed to the Radicals. That deeply grateful as he was for their support, he had, and should again, unless convinced of their necessity, oppose their great measures of vote by ballot and triennial parliaments. That he was so far independent appeared in this, that with the ballot he believed the present opposition would scarcely have occurred, or if it had it would have been but a very few hours ere it would have terminated in the triumph of himself and Mr. Rumbold. (Loud cheers.) The other candidates also addressed the assembled multitude. The poll commenced the following day, and from the activity with the Pink and Purples, or Reds, or Conservatives, for in the motley assemblage of coalition of colours we scarcely know what exactly they call themselves, brought up their voters, it was feared that they would head the first day’s poll. The event proved the correctness of the prediction, for at four o’clock it was found that the Tories had a majority of 192; although the Blues rallied next morning, that majority could not be altogether overcome. The final close of the poll left Messrs. Baring and Praed a majority of 88.

“Col. Anson and Mr. Rumbold addressed an immense concourse of persons, by whom they were repeatedly and loudly cheered, from the King’s Head windows. They were preceded by Mr. Alderman Barth, Col. Anson’s very deep emotion not enabling him immediately to come forward. When he did come forward he said no language which he could use could sufficiently express his sorrow at the dissolution of the connection so long subsisting between them; their present members would find their task a comparatively easy one; they would find that such attention had been paid to the town that the path would be plain before them, and that little indeed would remain to be done. (Loud cheers.) They had been defeated by means most flagitious. Let not the present members, however, be too certain of their seats, for if by any means these foul proceedings could be sifted to the bottom, measures would be taken to remove them from their ill-acquired honours. With him and Mr. Rumbold, he was happy to say, still remained the real voice of the people. (Cheers.) He was proud of this, and would in conclusion assure them that whether in or out of Parliament their interests would ever have a prominent place in his regards. (Loud cheers.) Mr. Rumbold spoke under the influence of great agitation, and in the course of a very luminous speech adverted to the disgraceful fact of having in his pocket a proof that, in a room in this town a bribe was offered in the presence and with the cognizance of a Magistrate. (Cries of ‘Shame, shame.’) He should carry into retirement with him the deepest sense of their uniform kindness, and a determination ever to forward the interests of any of his former constituents, who might apply to him, to the best of his ability. The chairing of to-day was hailed by numbers with demonstrations which must have been the very reverse to the members; indeed, we are sure that if the Blues had shown in full strength their exasperated feelings (and they did not do this alone in compliance with the advice of their leaders), there could have been no chairing. A dinner of our late members’ friends is now about taking place at the Masonic Hall, very numerously attended. A subscription for the purchase of a piece of plate for them is commenced, and will include the smallest amount. This will confirm us in our conviction that the sense of the town is with the Blues.”

Jan. 15th.—About 100 supporters of Messrs. Anson and Rumbold dined at the Masonic Hall, when both those gentlemen were present.

Jan. 22nd.—The polling for East Norfolk showed a majority of 149 in the town for Windham and Gurney. Mr. Hume, M.P., Mr. Windham, and Mr. Palmer had addressed the electors.

Feb. 12th contains the following account of a sailing match from Yarmouth to Venice:—

“The Lion, Punchard, having some time been considered the fastest ship out of this port, a brig was built, and launched in the middle of September, called the Vivid (Captain M. Butcher, jun.) and matched against the Lion, for Venice, which vessel sailed at 3 p.m. on the 2nd of December, and the Vivid sailed at 6 p.m. on the following day, being 27 hours difference in favour of the former vessel; since which period letters have been received from Venice from each Captain, stating that the Vivid passed the Gut of Gibraltar on the 22nd of December and the Lion on the 29th. They also state that the Vivid arrived at Venice on the 17th ult, and the Lion on the 24th ult.”

A meeting of the subscribers to the plate to be presented to the late M.P.’s (Messrs. Anson and Rumbold) had been held, when it appeared that 3,685 persons had contributed £370 0s. 8d.

March 2nd.—Mr. C. Aldred had given a lecture on the “Philosophy of Sleep.”

There had been “a most tremendous hurricane,” and it was stated that “the oldest seaman does not recollect so much damage occurring on this coast with an off-shore wind.”

March 16th.—£100 had been deposited by three gentlemen “as the issue of a voyage to be performed by the Vivid, Lion, and Rapid, from these Roads to the Naze of Norway and back.”

March 26th.—The ladies of Yarmouth were about to present two very elegant silver mugs to Miss Anson and Miss Emily Anson, the daughters of the late M.P. for the borough.

April 16th.—Mr. W. Davie, Trinity Agent, had been appointed a Sub-Commissioner of Pilotage in the room of John Fisher, Esq., on the recommendation of John Danby Palmer, Esq., and W. J. Hurry, Esq., the other Commissioners.

Mr. F. Preston had launched a very fine vessel of 464 tons called the Mary Anne.

A Society for promoting the Purity of Election had been formed.

April 23rd.—The members (Messrs. Baring and Praed) attended a dinner to which they had been invited by their constituents, at the Town Hall. Sir E. K. Lacon, Bart., presided. John Penrice, Esq., sat at the head of the right hand table, and Ambrose Palmer, Esq., at the head of the left. Mr. Paget was vice-president. Among the company were Lord Walpole, M.P., E. Wodehouse, Esq., M.P., Sir Thomas Gooch, Bart., Sir Jacob Preston, Bart.,— Lawson, Esq., M.P., the Mayor of Yarmouth, John Danby Palmer, Esq., Captains Onslow, Gunthorpe, Manby, and Grint; M. Lacon, J. M. Lacon, W. Fisher, I. Preston, J. Preston, R. Ferrier, J. G. Fisher, E. Leathes, G. E. Francis, R. Cory, W. Yetts, F. Preston, and Chas. J. Palmer, Esqs.; the Revs. T. Baker, C. Penrice, W. Lucas, — Green, and about 250 electors.

May 14th.—The smuggler “Nancy, of London,” was brought in by the Badger, cutter, having on board 150 tubs of brandy, a few bags of tea, and some dry goods.

June 18th.—A meeting of Reformers had been held at the Star Hotel, when G. Danby Palmer, Esq., moved that a petition should be presented in favour of the Corporation Reform Bill.

June 25th.—Another meeting on the same subject had been held at the Mechanics’ Hall. Messrs. William Barth, R. Wall, Thomas Hammond, E. Sewell, S. Cobb, and J. Shelly taking part in the proceedings.

July 2nd.—Mr. Praed had presented a petition against the Corporation Reform Bill from the town.

July 30th.—The following notice appears of the death of J. Shelly, Esq.:—

“It is with feelings of more than ordinary regret that we this week announce the sudden death of John Shelly, Esq. This estimable gentleman had concluded his examination on Tuesday forenoon last before the Parliamentary Committee, and after being highly complimented by the noble Chairman (Lord F. Egerton) for his ability (feeling himself somewhat unwell), had retired to his inn, where he directed the waiter to call him in half-an-hour. The servant went upstairs at the time appointed, about two in the afternoon, and found Mr. S. sitting in a chair, nearly dead. We repeat that we feel more than ordinary regret at having this announcement to make. As a leader and representative (if we may so say) of a party his death will create a void that it will be long indeed ere it be filled. His was a master mind—once embarked in a subject (whatever might be its magnitude) it was sure to be treated powerfully and ably by Mr. Shelly, the whole energies of whose mind were directed to its elucidation for the benefit of his fellow townsmen. There might, indeed, be those who excelled this really gifted man in some particular department, but for general knowledge, facility, power, ease, and even elegance of expression, our lamented friend, we should say, has not left his equal in this, his native town. That he was a warm partizan, no one can deny, but that he was directed in his every movement of a public nature by sincerity and conscience is equally clear to every one who had the happiness of knowing him. The great majority of the shops kept by those in the Liberal interest are shaded, to show the sense which is entertained of the irreparable nature of the public loss sustained. But it is not alone in public that the work of Mr. S. was known. As a father, husband, friend, and Christian, his conduct was alike exemplary. We will venture to say that, warm as was his political partizanship, he never made himself one personal enemy. Mr. Shelly has left an amiable wife and eleven children to deplore his loss.”

August 8th.—The Regatta had been held, when the cup was won by Sir Jacob Preston’s “Maria”; on this occasion Edmund Preston, Esq., entertained “about 200 of the fashionables of the town.”

August 13th.—The petition in favour of Corporation Reform had been signed by 2,500 persons.

August 20th.—The following notice appears:—

“On Friday night, Mr. Prentice, of whose contumacy before a Committee of the House of Commons our readers have heard so much, arrived here, having been recently released from Newgate. The day previous handbills made their appearance, inviting the friends of Messrs. Baring and Praed to accompany Prentice into town. About seven o’clock on the first-mentioned evening a party of from twenty to thirty left the house of a publican in Chapel Street, preceded with band, colours, and banners down Regent Street, over the bridge, and so on to Hopton. On the arrival of the “Morning Star” coach Prentice was taken out and placed in an open landau, in which he stood upright, bowing, as he went along, to the assemblage, which by this time had become very large, induced thereto by the novelty of the scene. The procession with much mock gravity moved on to the bridge, by torch light, went round the town, and thence proceeded to the Bowling Green, where the lion of the night spoke from a window. He described the present as the proudest, the happiest day of his life—said that although the Reform Bill had given him a vote, yet he hated it,—he hated also the Corporation Reform Bill, and hoped that the Lords would so mutilate it that Lord John Russell might not know his own child again.”

October 8th contains the following paragraph:—

“Some admirers of the Corporation met on Tuesday sen’night to celebrate Michaelmas Day at the Angel Inn, Mr. F. Paget in the chair. We understand that some of the leading members of the expiring body were present.”

October 18th contains a notice of Brock’s miraculous escape from drowning.

Oct. 22nd.—The first Oddfellows’ funeral in this town is thus recorded:—

“On Thursday afternoon last the novel ceremonial of an Oddfellows’ funeral took place in processional order. The deceased, Nathaniel Spilman, had been for many years a member of the two lodges in this town, and, it having been his request, he was interred with the usual honours appertaining to the Order. Accordingly, the brethren of the two lodges proceeded in the following order to the house of the deceased:—officer of the lodge with his drawn sword, secretary bearing the scroll, two officers with their wands, two of the head officers of each lodge, two officers with wands, two of the second officers of the lodges, a large concourse of the brethren adorned with their numerous silver medals, aprons, &c., two of the wardens carrying their badges. On their arrival at the house they proceeded to the churchyard in the above order, with the addition of the Hon. and Rev. Edward Pellew preceding the body, which was carried by six of the brethren of the lodge, with six others as pall-holders, wearing their different medals and aprons. When at the grave the Hon. and Rev. E. Pellew read the burial service, and at the conclusion the scroll was thrown in, each of the brethren throwing in sprigs of rosemary. The secretary to both lodges read the funeral obsequies over the grave. They then returned to the house of the deceased’s relatives, and after leaving the family (who had attended the remains to the grave) proceeded in the same order to the lodge-room, where they soon after separated. Certainly nothing could have been more solemn and impressive than was the whole of this ceremonial. At a meeting of the brethren on the Monday following, it was unanimously resolved, that the secretary should issue a circular to the Hon. and Rev. E. Pellew, thanking him for the great condescension and kindness evinced by him in attending the funeral of their late departed brother.”

Nov. 5th.—A meeting to consider the question of constructing a railway had been held. Admiral Sir G. Parker, William Barth, Esq., Ambrose Palmer, Esq. (who prognosticated that by means of a railway the fisheries would become so immense as to be the astonishment of all), R. S. Lonsdale, Esq., R. Ferrier, Esq., R. Palmer Kemp, Esq., and others took part in the proceedings.

Nov. 12th.—The following gentlemen had been nominated by the Whig party as the candidates for election to the Reformed Corporation:—Gorleston Ward: William Barth, Thomas Hammond, J. S. Bell, H. Martin, P. Stead, and J. W. Dowson. Nelson Ward: George Danby Palmer, R. Palmer Kemp, S. Robinson, J. Symonds, G. W. Garson, and M. Butcher. St. George’s Ward: C. Sayers, H. V. Worship, Thomas Lettis, William Grave, George Penrice, M.D., and William Barker. Regent Ward: John Brightwen, S. Palmer, S. C. Marsh, C. Davie, B. Dowson, and J. Tomlinson. Market Ward: E. M. Clowes, William Johnson, W. Hammond, S. Cobb, E. Sewell, and B. Cobb. St. Nicholas’ Ward: Thomas Thornton, A. Sewell, Joseph Fiddes, R. Hammond, W. N. Burroughs, and C. E. Doughty. It was reported that the Tories had held “secret meetings” and were prepared to nominate Messrs. S. H. Aldred, J. E. Laws, B. Sherrington, P. Moore, E. H. L. Preston, and — Moore. Messrs. J. G. Plummer, D. Hook, and S. Sherrington had also issued a joint address in the South Ward; R. Ferrier and F. Preston had offered themselves for the St. George’s and St. Andrew’s Wards, and R. Wall for the South Ward.

Nov. 26th.—It is recorded that in the month ending October, then last, there entered “inwards” at the Custom House of this port 306 vessels, the tonnage of which amounted to 24,933 tons, and with cargoes “outwards” 120 vessels, of a tonnage of 8,560 tons. The “Old Spring,” a ship of nearly 400 tons (belonging to George Danby Palmer, Esq.), had arrived from Archangel with timber, and came up to the Quay without unlading any part of her cargo.

Dec. 10th.—The retiring Aldermen (except Mr. Barth) were entertained by their Tory friends previous to their quitting office.

Dec. 20th.—About 120 gentlemen retaliated upon this course by giving a dinner to Mr. Barth, S. Cobb, Esq., in the chair. S. Palmer, H. Worship, Thos. Hammond, George Danby Palmer, R. Palmer Kemp, H. V. Worship, C. Bell, Thomas Green, Esqs., Capt. Jeffries, and Messrs. Burroughs, W. J. Mason, B. Cobb, Grave, R. Hammond, T. Lettis, and S. Robinson took part in this entertainment.

1836.

Jan. 2nd.—The following is the account of the first election of Town Councillors under the Municipal Reform Act:—

“The election of Town Councillors took place here on Saturday last. The polling commenced at nine o’clock in the morning, and finished at four in the afternoon. The return was published on Monday by the Mayor, as follows:—

It is a matter of great congratulation that 34 out of the 36 Councillors are Reformers. This election was conducted with tranquility. Devoutly it is to be wished that parliamentary elections were managed in the same way. The laborious portion of our population had no inducement held out to them to lose a single hour. It is a little curious that Mr. William Prentice—that very Mr. Prentice who made so conspicuous a figure in our election parliamentary investigation, proved one of the most formidable antagonists with whom the Liberal candidates in the town had to contend.”

Jan. 7th.—The first meeting of the Reformed Corporation is reported as follows:—

“The Town Council met on Thursday last at the Tolhouse Hall, John Brightwen, Esq., in the chair, (Isaac Preston, Esq., having, we understand, ceased to exercise the functions of Mayor since his publication of the Council List), for the purpose of choosing twelve Aldermen. The choice fell on the following gentlemen:—Messrs. J. Brightwen, Benjamin Dowson, Robert Teasdel, Joseph Starling, J. B. Palmer, R. S. Lonsdale, Thomas Pitt, Captain William Larke, R.N., Benjamin Fenn, Robert Wall, Christopher Nicholls, and Captain James Jefferies. On the following day the Aldermen and Council met at the same place for the election of a Mayor and for other public business. Mr. E. H. L. Preston proposed Mr. Richard Hammond. Mr. H. thanked Mr. P. for the proposition, and said that he should still more thank his friends if they voted against him. William Barth, Esq., was then chosen Mayor, amidst loud cheering. Mr. B. was then, together with the Aldermen, sworn in. The Court was then thrown open to the public, when the front and side galleries were instantly filled by a very respectable concourse of persons, the body of the hall being appropriated to the Council. Several gentlemen were named for Magistrates to be recommended to the Crown. Accounts were ordered touching the property (and profits arising from such property) held by the late Corporation, together with accounts of the official persons employed, their salaries, &c., for the last five years. J. Tolver, Esq., was then chosen, during pleasure, as Town Clerk.”

“Our Conservatives had dined together on Thursday to celebrate the anniversary of the return of Messrs. Baring and Praed. They have been obliged to put themselves on a level with the Reformers, and be content with three shilling tickets instead of fifteen. The dinner took place at the Angel Inn, J. E. Lacon, Esq., in the chair.”

Jan. 14th contains the following report:—