Chronological Retrospect Of The History Of Yarmouth And Neighbourhood - free ebook by William Finch-Crisp

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Chronological Retrospect Of The History Of Yarmouth And Neighbourhood

William Finch-Crisp

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384 chapters

Chronological Retrospect OF THE History of Yarmouth and Neighbourhood, From A.D. 46 TO 1884,

Chronological Retrospect OF THE History of Yarmouth and Neighbourhood, From A.D. 46 TO 1884,

CONTAINING ABOUT 5,000 Important Local Events, &amp;c.; AND AN ALPHABETICAL LIST OF MAYORS. Shield of Yarmouth “It is to Chronology that History owes its use and beauty; as being without it a mere chaos, a jumble of facts confusedly heaped together, and consequently capable of affording neither pleasure nor instruction.”— Locke . By WILLIAM FINCH-CRISP, Author of “ Printer’s Business Guide ,” “ Printer’s Book of Reference ,” “ Punctuation Simplified ,” “ Handbook to Angling ,” &amp;c. ,

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PREFACE.

PREFACE.

Few words only are necessary to introduce this Third Edition to our readers, beyond expressing a hope that the contents will meet with general approbation, and that much pleasure will be derived from its perusal, now and for many years to come. We would ask, as a SPECIAL FAVOUR , in order to ensure a wider circulation, that our friends will recapitulate the comments of the Press, by recommending this History of Yarmouth as “worthy of a place in every library.” It is seven years since the Secon

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LIST OF MAYORS.

LIST OF MAYORS.

The following dates refer to the time of election , November 9 th , after the year 1836. Abbon Robert 1749 Albertson John 1688 Aldred C. C. 1856, ’65, ’79, ’81, ’82 Artis James 1710 Artis Samuel 1727 Baker John 1832 Baker Richd. 1754, ’60 Barber Robt. D. 1874 Barker Samuel 1800 Barnard Wm. 1883 Barnby J. Eager 1875 Barnby John 1762 Bernard Chris. 1740* Barth W. 1824, ’26, ’36* Bateman Dr. G. 1829 Bateman Dr. T. 1819 Bird John 1730 Borrett Henry 1711* Bracey Andrew 1714 Bradford Thos. 1685 Bright

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A.D. 46.

A.D. 46.

The Romans entered this part of Britain when the valleys of the Yare, Waveney, and Bure, as well as the sand-bank upon which Yarmouth stands, were covered by the ocean....

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100.

100.

Burgh Castle, a Roman encampment, supposed to have been founded....

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495.

495.

Cerdic, a Saxon Prince, and Qenrick his son, with five ships, entered the port of Yarmouth and named in Cerdic Shore. This Cerdic Shore seems to have been a great sand-bank formed along the shore between two branches or channels of the Yare called Havens, by which two channels the river entered the sea, one running near Caister and the other near Gorleston....

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633.

633.

Between this and the year 640, a Saxon Monastery was founded at Burgh, by Fursey, an Irish monk....

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870.

870.

Lodbrog, the Dane, driven by a sudden tempest from Denmark across the sea, and, entering the Yare, landed at Reedham, where the Court of Edmund, King of East Anglia, was then kept. Lodbrog is said to have been received into Court favour, but was soon afterwards murdered in a wood by the King’s huntsman (Bern) through jealousy. This led to the imprisonment and execution of Edmund, and put an end to the Saxon dynasty in East Anglia, after Hinguar and Hubba, two Danish chieftains, at the head of

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1008.

1008.

First houses and habitations erected in Yarmouth on Fuller’s Hill, that being then the only dry land in Yarmouth....

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1041–7.

1041–7.

Yarmouth belonged to the King in the reign of Edward the Confessor, and had 70 burgesses, besides a number of soccagers....

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1045.

1045.

Bishop Herbert born; and in 1091 was consecrated Bishop of Thetford....

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1066.

1066.

Cocklewater, or Grubb’s Haven, stopped up with sand....

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1100.

1100.

St. Bennet’s Church pulled down. It was built in the time of Edward the Confessor. Yarmouth governed by a Provost, the first constituted magistrate, whose public office was in the Congé , North Quay. Foreigners were only allowed to come to Yarmouth at the annual free-fair....

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1101.

1101.

Bishop Herbert de Lozinga, the first Bishop of Norwich [translated from the See of Thetford in the 7th year of William II. (Rufus), whose Chamberlain he was], founded St. Nicholas’ Church, and re-built a Chapel on the North Denes. He was made Lord High Chancellor to Henry I. of England in 1104, and died August 11th, 1119....

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1119.

1119.

St. Nicholas’ Church consecrated. Enlarged 1123, 1250, and 1338. The last attempt after 10 years’ labour in trying to build a west aisle, failing, the ruins were used in the building of a Chapel-of-Ease....

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1199.

1199.

Forty thousand lives lost at sea during the war between King John and the Barons; a great multitude washed ashore on Yarmouth beach....

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1204.

1204.

Monastery of Black Friars founded by St. Dominica....

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1205.

1205.

Yarmouth had three galleys or vessels of war. Two were manned with seven score mariners....

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1209.

1209.

First charter granted by King John, and Yarmouth incorporated as a borough. The document is still preserved (1834)....

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1216.

1216.

All vessels in the port with Scottish property on board were arrested....

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1257.

1257.

Henry III. granted certain franchises. In 1261 he granted licenses for fortifying the town; and on Sept. 28th, 1262, granted a Charter for enclosing the town with a wall and moat, so as to resist the power of an invading enemy. (See 1396.)...

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1261.

1261.

The Tolhouse Hall, Middlegate Street, erected....

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1272.

1272.

Yarmouth first called Magna (Great) in the reign of Edward I., to distinguish it from Little Yarmouth, or Southtown....

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1275.

1275.

The town wall and fosse commenced at the north end of town....

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1272.

1272.

St. Mary’s Hospital founded. It was a free Grammar School in 1551, and fitted up as a school for poor children in 1634. The Carmelites, or Whitefriars, founded at Yarmouth, and took the north and some other parts of the town under their charge. (See 1509.)...

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1285.

1285.

King Henry’s Tower erected at the north-east corner of St. Nicholas’ churchyard....

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1286.

1286.

St. Nicholas’ Church and churchyard consecrated by Bishop Middleton, of Norwich....

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1287.

1287.

The sea flowed into St. Nicholas’ Church 4 feet deep, and the town was inundated....

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1290.

1290.

A beautiful ship built at Yarmouth for King Edward II., and sent to Norway for the King’s daughter, upon her proposed marriage with the then Prince. She was heiress of Norway and Scotland....

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1291.

1291.

No one allowed to draw wine after the Curfew bell had rung....

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1294.

1294.

Yarmouth first summoned to send four Burgesses annually to Parliament....

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1295.

1295.

Sir J. De Botetourt, a Norfolk Knight, had command of a Yarmouth fleet of fifty-three vessels. Fresh herrings sold for 37s. per last....

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1297.

1297.

Simon Blaking, of Martham, fled into St. Nicholas’ Church, and confessed to having broken open a house at Hemsby and the prison at Southtown, and to having killed W. F. N. Blaking. The law in those days was, if a murderer could reach a church or churchyard before being apprehended, and confessed his crime to a coroner, justice, &amp;c., he was set at liberty without taking a trial....

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1299.

1299.

William Fastolf and H. Rose, Esqs., returned to Parliament, held at Lincoln....

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1300.

1300.

Leather was not only used for various military purposes, but formed a considerable part of the common dress of the people before the introduction, and during the infancy, of the woollen manufacture....

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1305.

1305.

Yarmouth claimed a free Borough by the Burgesses....

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1307.

1307.

William Fastolf and H. Rose, Esqs., again returned to Parliament, held at Nottingham. Price of pipe (120 gals.) of “red wine,” 20s....

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1308 to 1472.

1308 to 1472.

During the reigns of Edward II. and III., Richard II., Henry IV., V., and VI., and Edward IV., upwards of 160 Burgesses were returned to Parliament, 72 of which were held at Westminster, 6 at York, 1 at London, Ripon, and New Sarum, and 2 at Gloucester....

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1314.

1314.

Two Parliaments held, but not represented by the same Burgesses....

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1330.

1330.

A Castle stood on the site of the King Street Independent Chapel, but was demolished in 1621....

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1332.

1332.

Great disputes between the Barons of the Cinque Ports and the Bailiffs of this Borough, concerning the free fair which the former attempted to remove....

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1333.

1333.

Burgesses exempted from serving on Juries, Inquests, or at Assizes, within the Borough....

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1337.

1337.

Blackfriars’ Tower completed. Forty ships of war ordered to Yarmouth roads. The Yarmouth navy, comprising 20 men-of-war, had orders to proceed to the port of Dort, to convoy the King’s four plenipotentiaries to the Court of Hainault from those parts to England. On their return they took two Flemish ships and their cargoes. The Bishop of Glasgow, who was on board one, died of his wounds at Sandwich....

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1338.

1338.

Thomas De Drayton, a Yarmouth man, who had held the office of bailiff fifteen times, was appointed Admiral of the North Fleet. Yarmouth magistrates, &amp;c., fitted out a fleet of men-of-war, well equipped, at their own cost and charge, to go against the enemy at sea for the space of a month....

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1340.

1340.

John Perebrown, a burgess of Yarmouth, led the King’s North Sea Fleet in the great battle of Sluys, and did great service; 230 ships and 30,000 Frenchmen were lost....

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1342.

1342.

Oct. Edward III. embarked on board the Yarmouth squadron in his unsuccessful expedition to Brittany. The principal inhabitants fined 1000 marks for committing trespasses, &amp;c., on the sea coast....

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1346.

1346.

The first Haven cut....

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1347.

1347.

Yarmouth assisted Edward III. at the siege of Calais with 43 vessels of war and 1,075 mariners, which was 18 ships more than London sent, and more than any other port, except Fowey....

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1348–9.

1348–9.

Plague carried off 7,052 persons out of the then population of 10,000....

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1352.

1352.

Yarmouth gave to the St. George’s College of Windsor by charter, a last of red herrings, to be delivered annually for ever on St. Andrew’s day, concerning which many disputes have since arisen....

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1353.

1353.

Passenger boat from Yarmouth to Norwich sunk near Cantley, and 38 persons drowned....

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1354.

1354.

Fastolf, father of the renowned Sir John Fastolf, one of the bailiffs....

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1365.

1365.

Six Yarmouth vessels captured and burnt in the Bay of Brittany....

3 minute read

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1368.

1368.

John Lawers hung for not paying the Custom House dues....

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1369.

1369.

Yarmouth first appointed a staple port....

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1372.

1372.

August 22nd. Kirkley Road united to the town and port of Yarmouth by charter of Edward III., but repealed four years afterwards....

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1378.

1378.

Price of coal, including freight, 5s. 6d. per chaldron....

3 minute read

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1381.

1381.

The memorable rebellion of Wat Taylor. The town attacked by 20,000 rebel archers or bowmen, who plundered houses and did much damage, but who were defeated after much bloodshed....

8 minute read

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1382.

1382.

June 20th. Violent shock of an earthquake, and much damage done. June. King Richard II. visited Great Yarmouth....

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1384.

1384.

Market Place paved, and a Cross and Pillory built....

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1385.

1385.

William Bardolf, Baron Bardolf, died. He had large estates near Yarmouth....

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1386.

1386.

Sir Henry Percy and Fauset Percy sent to Yarmouth with 300 men-at-arms and 600 archers, to guard the coast, an invasion from France being apprehended....

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1392.

1392.

A Horse Ferry at Gorleston existed....

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1393.

1393.

The second Haven made, and a third in 1408....

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1395.

1395.

Several small Yarmouth and other ships taken by Danish pirates in a sharp conflict off the coast. Lost £20,000 in specie....

6 minute read

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1396.

1396.

After a lapse of 111 years the fortifications of the town were completed—20 towers, 10 gates, and the wall, 2,280 yards in extent. (See 1544.)...

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1400.

1400.

Coals first imported here from Newcastle. Wood was used as fuel before this....

3 minute read

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1403.

1403.

Henry IV. granted, by the consent of Parliament, that the shipping, weighing, and packing of wool, hides, and skins, should be done at Yarmouth, it being a frontier town....

8 minute read

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1408.

1408.

Third Haven cut....

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1427.

1427.

The annual election of four Bailiffs, reduced to two, and so continued until a Mayor was appointed in their stead. Yarmouth Bridge, with 8 arches, built, before which a horse, cart, cattle, and foot ferry-boat existed. This was replaced by 4 successive drawbridges, i.e., 1553, 1570, 1785, and 1836. (See 1849.)...

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1428.

1428.

About 60 pilgrims sailed from Yarmouth in the ship “Falcon,” for the shrine at Santiago, in Spain; and in 1434, 20 more left....

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1440.

1440.

The freedom of the Borough purchased for two marks....

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1448.

1448.

Ralph Wadiswyke was made Comptroller of the Customs for taking Lord Doisemond, a French lieutenant, prisoner....

4 minute read

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1450.

1450.

Caister Castle supposed to have been founded by Sir John Fastolf, K.G. He was born in 1377, and died in 1459 in his Hall at Caister, aged 82 years, and was buried in the Abbey Church of St. Bennet, at Holme, leaving his estate to John Paston, Esq....

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1459.

1459.

July 24th. Lord Lieutenants of Counties first appointed....

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1462 to 1586.

1462 to 1586.

Sacred Dramas and Mysteries performed in St. Nicholas’ Church....

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1463.

1463.

John Pedle, labourer, of Yarmouth, executed for coining and uttering 18 groats, made of copper and lead, as good and lawful money of England....

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1465.

1465.

Our Lady’s organ in St. Nicholas’ Church built; the old and new organs in 1485; great old organs in 1486; and Jesus’ organ in 1550....

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1466.

1466.

John Paston died in the Fleet Prison, after the seizure of his estates....

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1467.

1467.

Fourteen persons hanged at one time upon a gallows erected on the beach....

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1469.

1469.

The Duke of Norfolk, at the head of 3,000 men, laid siege to Caister Castle, which was surrendered to his Grace. He died in 1475, and Caister Castle again reverted to the Paston family....

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1475.

1475.

Yarmouth threatened by the French fleet. 200 armed men sent from Norwich. A whale came ashore south of Grubb’s Haven, which was cut to pieces and carried away in carts....

8 minute read

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1488.

1488.

The Bailiffs feasted Sir John Paston, son of the late John Paston, on porpoise, then a royal fish....

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1493.

1493.

May 16th. By charter of Henry VII., Burgesses were empowered to constitute Justices of the Peace....

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1508.

1508.

The fourth Haven made; and the fifth Haven cut in the reign of Henry VIII., 1529....

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1509.

1509.

House of Carmelites, or White Friars, destroyed by fire; founded in Edward I.’s time, 1278....

4 minute read

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1511.

1511.

Southtown united with Gorleston....

1 minute read

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1515.

1515.

Queen of France and her husband, Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk, entertained here three days....

4 minute read

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1525.

1525.

Church of the Dominicans burnt down....

2 minute read

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1528.

1528.

Great dearth of corn. The extravagant sale price then was 26s. 8d. per quarter. Several men were hanged for taking part in a riot arising from the same. Gorleston began to be built upon. (See 1511.) The first Yarmouth crane erected by Richard Bishop....

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1529.

1529.

Duke of Suffolk suppressed a riot arising from the dearness of corn....

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1535.

1535.

Nov. 1st. Tumult in St. Nicholas’ Church; twenty-four persons, with William Swarton, the chaplain, at their head, disturbed the congregation while the Rev. D. R. Cotton was preaching....

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1538.

1538.

The high altar of St. Nicholas’ Church, remarkable for its richness and beauty, with the saints’ figures and pictures, broken and destroyed....

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1541.

1541.

Oct. 28th. Four merchant heretics entered St. Nicholas’ Church, and created a great disturbance during the service. Nov. 2nd. A merchant and shoemaker were fined 2s. each for bargaining and selling a last of white herring in the Church. Sir Humphrey Wingfield returned to Parliament, held at Westminster. Ordered that Aldermen should wear scarlet gowns, with fur tippets and straight hose, at assemblies and festivals....

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1544.

1544.

Height of town wall, 23 feet. On war being declared the following year with France, a large rampire was thrown up on the eastern side, and afterwards extended along the north and south walls. (See 1396.) Sir H. Wingfield again returned to Parliament....

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1545.

1545.

At Corporate meetings no member allowed to depart without leave of the Bailiffs; otherwise was fined for disorderly conduct. Members of the Corporation compelled to wear scarlet gowns and straight hose, under penalty of fines....

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1546.

1546.

Two French ships and 120 prisoners taken by the town. A house for country butchers built....

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1549.

1549.

The sixth Haven made. It was agreed that the money, plate, ornaments, robes, vestments, tunicles, albs, ameffes, belonging to St. Nicholas’ Church, should be disposed of, together with the bells in the steeple and other property in the Church, and the proceeds (£1,816 9s. 7d.) devoted to its construction. The Haven was then commenced, 100 men being employed daily upon it. A rebellion in the town. Kett’s adherents advanced and destroyed all the materials for the Haven, and laid it in ruins; an

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1550.

1550.

Another great Plague. (See 1349.) The Castle used as a Borough Gaol. During subsequent periods of alarm, it was again repaired. The upper part of it was taken down in 1620, and the following year the whole fabric was ordered to be dismantled and demolished....

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1551.

1551.

Many of the brasses enclosing the inscriptions on the walls of St. Nicholas’ Church sent to London to be cast into weights and measures for the town’s use. John Dudley, Duke of Northumberland, K.G., High Steward of the Borough....

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1551.

1551.

A Grammar and Free School in existence in Yarmouth, the “Parson of Haddiscoe” being appointed for a quarter of a year on trial. He was succeeded the same year by an “expert man;” and it was agreed that each of the four-and-twenties (Aldermen) should pay towards his living 18d., and each of the eight-and-forties (Common Councilmen) 8d. a-year over the stipends, upon the well-doing of the schoolmaster. From 1551 till 1757, twenty-eight gentlemen were appointed to the Mastership. In 1757 the sch

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1552.

1552.

Sir W. Wodehouse, Knt., and N. Frymage, Esq., returned to Parliament. Every inhabitant found smoking tobacco or overcome with drink in any tippling-house was apprehended....

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1553.

1553.

Oct. 1st. Robert Eyre and Simon More were chosen Burgesses of the Parliament. Drawbridge erected to connect Southtown with Great Yarmouth, in place of the one built in 1427, but which was carried away in 1570 by the tide. Beer sold at 3s. 4d. per thirty-two gallons. This year and two following, six Aldermen were returned to Parliament....

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1554.

1554.

Thomas Howard, Duke of Norfolk, High Steward of the Borough. Fifty vessels wrecked off Yarmouth within 24 hours. A fire beacon placed on the top of the Castle, as the Haven was very dangerous....

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1555.

1555.

No brewer allowed to brew in the town unless by the appointment of the Bailiffs. Another attempt to form a Haven, a ship being sunk at the mouth to stem the tide. But this project was abandoned the following year, and it was stopped up with furze bundles in 1557. The Hermitage on the west side of the Haven given to the town....

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1557.

1557.

Dec. 1st. The town inundated. Men rowed up and down the streets in boats, and several ships were drawn over the Denes with windlasses....

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1558 to 1567.

1558 to 1567.

The ground on the south side of Town Hall was, in the time of Queen Elizabeth, called “The South Foreland,” or “Furlong’s End.” In 1568 the houses there standing were given by William Garton to the churchwardens for the use of the Church. In 1622 they were repaired, and in 1674 rebuilt. John Fastolf, the father of Sir John Fastolf, of Caister Castle, had a house in the “Foreland,” but whereabouts cannot now be discovered. These houses were re-fronted by the present owner in 1866. Sir T. Wode

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1559.

1559.

May 26th. Queen Elizabeth granted a Charter for the better security, defence, and protection of the town....

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1560.

1560.

Jan. 8th. The present (seventh) Haven commenced. Joyce Johnson, the eminent Dutch engineer, who superintended the construction, was paid 4s. a day. This Haven was cut near the spot of the one made in 1529. Nearly 1,000 persons, including women and children, were employed about the works, which were completed on March 4th to the satisfaction of the inhabitants. In 1566 the water broke through, and made its old channel towards Newton Cross. First Jetty erected, having a crane at the end to fa

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1561.

1561.

Three town wells opened....

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1562.

1562.

Thomas Timperley and William Grice, Esqs., were returned to Parliament; the latter was also returned in 1570 with William Barker, Esq.; in 1571 with John Bacon, Esq.; and in 1584 and 1585 with Thomas Damett, Esq. Three small silver maces, belonging to the Corporation, made....

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1563.

1563.

Herrings very scarce, and sold for £9 a last....

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1567.

1567.

Piers built on both sides of the Haven’s mouth. The London Privy Council lent the town of Yarmouth £1,000 without interest, for repairing the Haven, which was refunded by instalments of £100 a-year....

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1569.

1569.

Three ships of war compelled to leave by the town guns. Haven expenses for the year, £1,230 12s. 4d. The Paston family sold Caister Castle to meet their embarrassments. Herrings sold for £8 a last; a tun (4 hogshds.) of wine was also of the same value. Part of the town wall fell through being overcharged....

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1570.

1570.

Mr. Vincent Goodwin first preacher appointed at St. Nicholas’ Church. Drawbridge carried away by high tide, and another constructed in 1785, at a cost of £403 15s. 9d., notwithstanding £225 had been expended the year previous in repairs....

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1571.

1571.

Thatched roofs to houses forbidden, and wood was substituted....

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1572.

1572.

Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, K.G., High Steward of the Borough. Brewers ordered to brew with coals instead of wood. Every ale-house licensed by the Bailiffs....

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1573.

1573.

Regulations made to prevent goods lying on the Quay longer than necessary....

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1574.

1574.

A Bill introduced to Parliament to enroll Yarmouth as a Cinque Port; but this was not properly carried out. In 1702 the Government of Yarmouth was settled under Anne in its proper and present form....

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1575.

1575.

Feb. 10th. Mr. Harbrowne elected to Parliament in place of John Bacon, Esq., but only served one day, the latter being re-elected....

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1576.

1576.

Edward Owner born. He represented the town in Parliament four times, and died August 13th, 1650. A part of the Hospital, Market Place, converted into a House of Correction....

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1577.

1577.

Burgh Water Frolic first spoken of, being a grand event, and patronized by the Mayor and Corporation....

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1578.

1578.

Inhabitants prohibited from washing their clothes near the public wells. Lord Burleigh and the Earl of Leicester paid Yarmouth a visit, and were entertained at the Priory. Queen Elizabeth was expected, and a silver cup, in the form of a ship, costing £16, made for presentation to her Majesty, but she reached no further than Norwich. Scratby Sand became entirely dry land, and raised its head so much above high-water mark, that grass, &amp;c., grew on it, and sea birds built their nests. It

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1579.

1579.

May to Sept. Great plague; 2,000 persons died, and the Grammar School shut up for six months. (See 1349 and 1550.)...

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1580.

1580.

August 2nd. Dinner provided for 43 gentlemen on a sandbank out at sea, called Scratby Sand. In 1582 it was swept away by a strong easterly wind and tide, much to the disappointment of Sir Edward Clare, Knt., who had made a claim to it. Valuable wreckage was often found there. 2,000 lasts (2,640,000 single fish) of herrings brought in on one tide....

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1582.

1582.

Large fish, 17 yards long, the jaw 3¼ yards long, body 4½ yards thick, caught at Caister....

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1583.

1583.

No one could be elected a Burgess in Parliament unless he was an Alderman....

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1585.

1585.

The Privy Council requested the town to provide ships for the transport of 400 soldiers into the Low Countries. To raise funds, every Alderman advanced £5, and every Common Councilman £2 10s., the rest of the money being raised by assessment....

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1586.

1586.

Pulpit erected at the west-end of St. Nicholas’ Church; removed in 1635. Another erected in the south-east comer of the south aisle, which was also removed in 1846. Number of “tippling houses” in Yarmouth restricted to 16....

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1588.

1588.

John Stubbs and Roger Drury, Esqs., elected to Parliament. William Cecil, Lord Burleigh, K.G., High Steward of the Borough. In 1578 he visited Yarmouth in company with the Earl of Leicester. Preparations to receive the Spanish Armada. The fortifications put into the best state of defence, a boom thrown across the Haven at the south gates, and a mound of earth raised higher than the walls, called the “South Mount,” on which was placed several pieces of ordnance. Another mound, the “New Mount,”

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1589.

1589.

No victualler or innkeeper allowed to retail any “strange beer” under pain of forfeiture....

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1591.

1591.

An ale-house or tavern could only be kept by a Freeman or the widow of a Freeman. Two Yarmouth ships required to carry out 150 soldiers to Normandy....

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1592.

1592.

T. Damett, Esq., again returned to Parliament with John Felton, Esq....

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1593.

1593.

The fishing nets used by boat owners valued at £50,000....

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1596.

1596.

John Felton, Esq., again returned to Parliament with Sir H. Hobart. Elizabethan House on the Quay, built by Benjamin Cowper. It was sold to John Carter, a friend of Oliver Cromwell. The supporters of Cromwell frequently assembled in this house, and it is supposed that the death of Charles I. was here determined on. It was for many years previously to Feb. 26th, 1867, the residence and property of the late Charles J. Palmer, Esq., F.S.A. Arthur Wilson born at Yarmouth. He published an account

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1597.

1597.

Seven hundred vessels in the Haven at one time....

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1598.

1598.

The number of Rows was seven score (140). The south side of the Hospital School used as a House of Correction. Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex, K.G., High Steward of the Borough....

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1599.

1599.

Rev. Thomas Nash published the “Lenten Stuffe,” containing a poetical and satirical description of Yarmouth, &amp;c., and a play in “Praise of a Red Herring.” He was born at Lowestoft in 1567, and died in 1600. He was called by Dr. Lodge “the true English Gifford or Aretino.” His name is mentioned by Michael Drayton, and also in the play, “ Return from Parnassus .” ( Vide page 486, Pimperley’s “Encyclopædia of Literary and Typ. Anecdote.”) One penny per swill by day and 1½d. at night wer

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1599 to 1660.

1599 to 1660.

Caister Castle deserted as a residence....

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1600.

1600.

Sir Henry Hobart and T. Damett, Esq., again returned to Parliament; the latter, with John Wheeler, Esq., also returned on the accession of James I. The Dutch Chapel, South Quay, built, and afterwards converted into a Theatre. Every Alderman, or his deputy, with a constable, ordered to visit all ale-houses and taverns twice a week, and make inquiries respecting the customers....

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1601.

1601.

The washing and rinsing of nets near the public wells forbidden. The town required to provide and provision ships for transporting 600 soldiers to the Low Countries. Charles Howard, Earl of Nottingham, K.G., Lord High Admiral of England, elected High Steward of the Borough....

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1604.

1604.

A third Market Cross erected....

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1607.

1607.

The three local rivers frozen over for 40 days....

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1608.

1608.

James I. made Yarmouth a free Borough by charter, by the title of Bailiff, Aldermen, Burgesses, and Commonalty; which charter in 1683 (Charles II.) was surrendered to the King. (See July 22nd, 1684.)...

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1611.

1611.

Drapers, mercers, grocers, and haberdashers prohibited from having stalls in the market. Herring Fair held. A great scarcity of herrings this year—a last of Windsor herrings being sold for £15 5s....

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1612.

1612.

Great damage done to the Piers by a raging tide. Aldermen who had held office as Bailiffs, compelled to wear scarlet gowns with tippets, under pain of a 40s. fine. (See 1541.)...

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1613.

1613.

The present Haven completed at a cost of £38,682, and from this date to 1770 inclusive, £215,644 had been expended about the Haven and Piers....

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1614.

1614.

Sir Theophilus Finch and G. Hardware, Esq., returned to Parliament, but the former was succeeded soon after by Sir Henry Hobart. One hundred jacobuses (a gold coin struck in the time of James I.) presented to King James I. by the town, as a mark of loyalty and affection....

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1615.

1615.

At Corporate meetings no gentleman allowed to make uncomely and indecent speeches out of time and order, or create a disturbance when touching upon any public good, or even allowed to make a remark till the previous speaker had sat down, under penalty of fine or dismissal....

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1616.

1616.

About 50 Yarmouth fishermen laid up their vessels, having no licenses for exportation....

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1617.

1617.

License granted for the export of 600 lasts of herrings, which was annually renewed till 1624....

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1618.

1618.

The Cage or Stock-house set up. An ordinance made that all doors opening outwards into the Rows should be made to swing inwards, otherwise the constables would nail them up, and levy a fine of 5s. on the owners....

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1619.

1619.

The last demand made by the Crown for furnishing vessels of war, until Charles I. resorted to that means of raising a revenue without the sanction of Parliament....

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1620.

1620.

Dec. 21st. John Cowldham, J.P., four times a Bailiff, died, aged 84 years. B. Cowper and Edward Owner, Esqs., free Burgesses, elected to Parliament....

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1622.

1622.

“Tippling houses” had increased to 40, and were restricted to that number....

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1623.

1623.

Benjamin Cowper, Esq., re-elected, with G. Hardware, Esq., to serve in Parliament....

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1624.

1624.

Artillery yard on the site of present Unitarian Chapel....

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1625.

1625.

Dec. 29th. Poor people were ordered not to marry unless sanctioned in writing by the Chief Alderman and Chief Constable. Manship, who wrote the “History of Great Yarmouth,” died. He was Town Clerk in 1579. Sir John Corbet and E. Owner, Esq., elected to Parliament; and in the same year Sir John was re-elected with Thomas Johnson, Esq. Fish Market, on the site of the present, covered in and paved. Covering removed in 1844....

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1626.

1626.

Robert Sydney, Earl of Leicester, K.G., High Steward of the Borough....

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1626.

1626.

Nicholas Felton, Bishop of Ely, died. He was a native of Yarmouth, and one of the prelates employed by James I. in the new translation of the Bible....

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1627.

1627.

Sir John Wentworth and Miles Corbet, Esq., elected to Parliament....

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1628.

1628.

The town obtained leave to export 1,000 lasts of herrings, which continued till 1637, when £50 per annum was demanded by the Trinity for 10 years, and afterwards for 40 years....

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1629.

1629.

Twelve hundred householders in Yarmouth. Edward Sackville, Earl of Dorset, K.G., High Steward of the Borough....

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1631.

1631.

Fishing with a trawl prohibited by proclamation. £1 a quarter paid by the town to the Postmaster of Ipswich for carrying letters to and from Yarmouth for London....

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1632.

1632.

Tobacco allowed only to be retailed in this town by one apothecary, six grocers, two hosiers, one merchant, and a chairmaker. June 26th. Four Frenchmen executed for murdering Nicholas Harpley....

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1633.

1633.

Aldermen’s wives compelled to wear velvet hats up to this date, when the ordinance was annulled....

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1637.

1637.

Thirty-four brewing-houses in Yarmouth....

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1639.

1639.

Miles Corbet, Esq., re-elected, with Edward Owner, Esq., as members of Parliament. The East and West Flegg granted to the family of Cornwallis....

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1642.

1642.

Oct. 12th. A ship, with 140 armed soldiers on board, through stress of weather, put into Yarmouth port; she was seized by the townsmen, and her crew and soldiers imprisoned on behalf of the Parliament....

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1642.

1642.

Sept. Earl of Warwick, Lord High Admiral, visited Yarmouth, and was entertained by the Corporation. Dec. 23rd. A rate of £1,200 assessed upon the inhabitants for the fortifications. The town collected £136 for the relief of distressed subjects in Ireland....

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1643.

1643.

Feb. Lord Grey of Werke required Yarmouth to send 80 dragoons to Cambridge....

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1644.

1644.

The number of “tippling-houses” increased to 80, besides great inns and taverns; and in 1705 augmented to 120. Letters between Yarmouth and London only passed once a week. Twenty Iceland fishing barques belonging to Yarmouth merchants taken by pirates, only three escaping....

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1645.

1645.

Additional fortifications made. Breastworks and platforms built at the seaside, and ordnance mounted on them. The Earl of Lauderdale visited Yarmouth, and was sumptuously entertained at the town’s expense....

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1648.

1648.

Sep. 9th. Lord Fairfax marched into Yarmouth, and the town was converted into a garrison. Three men-of-war ships sent to convoy the fishers and guard the coast. The Burgesses raised 600 foot and 50 horse soldiers, in lieu of having other forces marched into the town to do garrison duty....

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1649.

1649.

Four Aldermen and 16 Common Councillors resigned office in the Corporation; 6 were afterwards reinstated....

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1650.

1650.

The Puritans removed a fine old organ from St. Nicholas’ Church. The Presbyterians made a doorway in the north wall of the Parish Church, and opened the north aisle of the chancel for public worship....

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1651.

1651.

Up to this date prayer was always used before the commencement of public business....

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1652.

1652.

Admiral Blake sent several ships to Yarmouth, which he had captured from the Dutch. Dr. Thomes Soame died. He was the son of a fisherman at Yarmouth, but related to a wealthy family of the same name at Burnham. He lived in the reign of Charles I., and having entered holy orders he became minister of Staines in Middlesex, and Prebendary of Windsor. During the civil wars he was so zealously attached to Royalty that he sent all he had to the King, so that when the rebels came to plunder him he h

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1653.

1653.

June 6th. Yarmouth sent 5 members to the “Little” Parliament summoned by Cromwell. Resigned Dec. 12th. Aug. 29th. General Monk granted a warrant to free Yarmouth fishermen from being pressed into the service of the State. Lord Henry, youngest son of Oliver Cromwell, High Steward of the Borough....

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1653–4.

1653–4.

Norfolk sent ten members to Parliament....

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1654.

1654.

Dec. 16th. Oliver Cromwell proclaimed in the Market Place Protector of the Commonwealth of the United Kingdom. Colonel William Goffe and Thomas Dunne, Esq., were elected Burgesses to Parliament by 3 Aldermen and 26 Common Councilmen....

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1656.

1656.

William Burton and C. G. Cock, Esqs., elected to Parliament....

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1659.

1659.

W. Burton and C. G. Cock, Esqs., re-elected to Parliament. Yarmouth people sent to Southwold 30 coombs of wheat and 10 coombs of rye for the sufferers from a fire which consumed the greater part of that town....

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1660.

1660.

Edward Hyde, Earl of Clarendon, High Steward of the Borough. A “Healing Parliament” called, and Sir J. Palgrave, Bart., and Miles Corbet, Esq., elected....

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1661.

1661.

Sir William D’Oyley, Bart., and Sir W. Coventry, Bart., Secretary to the Admiralty, returned to Parliament....

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1662.

1662.

Contention and bloodshed through concurrent jurisdiction ceased, when the Cinque Ports dissolved government with Yarmouth. Dec. 10th. James Smith was fined £10 for saying of Sir Thomas Medowe, a Bailiff, “He is a fool, and I have killed a bull of 80s. that had better brains than Sir Thomas have.”...

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1664.

1664.

Jan. 22nd. Rev. John Brinsley, sen., lecturer in Yarmouth, died, aged 64. Two thousand five hundred persons died of plague, including two ministers of St. Nicholas’ Church. (See 1349, 1550, and 1579.)...

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1665.

1665.

June 3rd. Great sea fight off Lowestoft, when the Dutch Admiral (Opdam) was defeated. Every person receiving parish relief ordered to wear a pewter badge on the left arm, which was called “the badge of poverty.”...

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1667.

1667.

John Carter, twice Bailiff, and one of the Elders, died, aged 73. Town farthings coined by the Overseers “for the use of the poor.” In 1673 they were cried down, and the town fined £90 for setting up a local mint. Lord Townshend petitioned the King on their behalf that he would pardon their offence....

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1668.

1668.

Twenty-two thousand seven hundred and sixty chaldrons of coal imported....

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1670.

1670.

An Act of Parliament passed appointing Haven Commissioners, viz., three for Norfolk, three for Suffolk, two for Norwich, and two for Yarmouth. April 21st. Mitchell Mew, twice Bailiff, and once Mayor, died, aged 71 years....

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1671.

1671.

Sep. 27th. Charles II. visited Yarmouth, accompanied by the Dukes of York, Monmouth, and Buckingham, and publicly entertained at a cost of £1,000.—The Corporation presented the King with four golden herrings and a chain, value £250. The King knighted three gentlemen of the Council....

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1672.

1672.

May 28th. Duke of York, commander of the English fleet, defeated the Dutch fleet under De Ruyter, in Sole Bay, or Southwold Bay. The guns were heard at Yarmouth, and the sick and wounded afterwards brought here. Yarmouth sent presents of wine, sheep, lambs, lemons, fowls, and fish to the Duke of York, previous to the engagement....

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1673.

1673.

April 8th. William Burton, sen., twice Bailiff of the town, died, aged 65 years. Son of Sir William Paston created Baron Paston and Viscount Yarmouth; also created Earl of Yarmouth in 1679. In 1676 he was shot at and wounded while in his coach. He died in 1682....

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1674.

1674.

Robert Paston, Viscount Yarmouth, chosen High Steward of the Borough. The famous “Yarmouth Troll Cart” in use. At this date they were known by the name of “Yarmouth Coaches,” being more elegantly made, and let out to pleasure parties. Bell factory supposed to have existed. Haven expenses this year, £2,099 9s. 6d....

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1677.

1677.

Grand celebration in Yarmouth on the marriage of William III., Prince of Orange, with Princess Mary. Captain Booth executed in the town for stabbing a seaman. The ground between the walls and the east side of the town, from the Market Place, along King Street to the Friars’ Lane, was sold for £2,265 17s. 6d., to sundry persons to build upon....

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1678.

1678.

Bonfires, by order of the Corporation, made in the Market Place and other parts of the town, on the passing of the “Test Act” by both Houses of Parliament....

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1679.

1679.

Sir W. Coventry, Knt., re-elected to Parliament, with Lord Huntingdon....

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1680.

1680.

Richard Huntingdon and George England, Esqs., returned to Parliament....

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1681.

1681.

Oct. 21st. Sir William Gooch, Bart., born at Yarmouth. Early in life he entered the army, and distinguished himself in the Rebellion of 1715. George I. made him Lieutenant-Governor of Virginia in 1727; and in 1740 he was appointed Colonel of an American Regiment, and assisted at the memorable siege of Carthagena. For his services he was promoted, being first made Brigadier and then Major-General, in which capacity, in 1747, he commanded in the expedition to Quebec. Died at Bath, Dec. 17th,

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1683.

1683.

William Paston, Earl of Yarmouth, High Steward of the Borough. Spire of St. Nicholas’ Church, being of wood and lead, set on fire by lightning. John Grice received from the Corporation a piece of plate, value £10, for extinguishing it....

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1684.

1684.

April 26th. First Yarmouth Fair held. May 7th. John Hall, Esq., died, aged 61 years. He was a merchant, Alderman by the old and new charters, and twice Bailiff of the town. July 22nd. The charter granted by which a Mayor was substituted for the 2 Bailiffs, 18 Aldermen instead of 36, and 36 Common Councilmen instead of 18. By Charles II. a High Steward, a Recorder, a Sub-Steward, 2 Coroners, 2 Chamberlains, and a Clerk of the Courts were also appointed. Southtown was added to the liberties

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1685.

1685.

May 1st. Earl of Yarmouth invited Sir A. Dean and Sir H. Shiers to view the Haven and Piers. The latter was presented at the “Three Feathers” Inn with 100 guineas for his journey. He also visited the town in 1687, accompanied by Lord Dartmouth, who recommended that a ship be sunk, or jetty made, northward of the north Pier, to prevent the sand from coming into the Haven, and that a basin be formed westward of the “brush,” with a sluice to let out the water forcibly into the Haven towards the

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1686.

1686.

Lord Huntingdon and George England, Esq., elected by the Freemen to serve in Parliament. The right of Freemen to vote was ever acquiesced in by the Corporation....

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1687.

1687.

Aug. 12th. Prince George of Denmark landed at Yarmouth, and went post to Windsor. James II. ejected 5 Aldermen and 12 Common Councilmen from the Corporate Body; and in the following year 3 Aldermen and 4 Councilmen, and placed others in their stead. This right of displacing the Corporate body was reserved by the King....

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1688.

1688.

June 24th. Tumult and riotous proceedings took place in the town through the bigoted conduct of King James II. Lord Huntingdon and G. England, Esq., again elected, and sent to the Convention Parliament the same year. Re-elected in 1690 and 1695. Prince George of Denmark’s regiment of Dragoons sent to Yarmouth; and in 1696, two companies of Lieut.-General Bellasis’ Royal Fusiliers were quartered in the town. The office of Mayor ceased, and the Government of the town again reverted to two Bailif

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1689.

1689.

Feb. 16th. Prince of Orange and the Princess Mary proclaimed in the Market Place. George England and Samuel Fuller, Esqs., returned to Parliament; also in 1695, 1698, and 1700....

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1690.

1690.

May 16th. Edmund Thaxter, Alderman and twice Bailiff, died, aged 62. The Maces carried by the Mayor’s officers ordered to be made. At New Romney are now (1884) two maces used here at Herring Fair....

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1691.

1691.

Anthony Ellys, Bishop of St. David’s, and author of several theological works, was born at Yarmouth. Died in 1761....

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1692.

1692.

Oct. 18th. William III. landed at Yarmouth, and received with great enthusiasm. The Corporation spent £106 in entertaining him. All Boroughs were reduced by proclamation to the same state of government as before the surrender of charters to Charles II. (See 1702.) Two hundred vessels and nearly 1,000 lives lost in one night off this coast....

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1693.

1693.

Sept. 11th. Thomas, second son of Sir George England, Alderman and twice Bailiff, died, aged 48 years. Oct. 28th. John Albertson, Esq., Alderman and Bailiff in 1655, died, aged 71 years....

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1694.

1694.

A Bar having formed across the Harbour’s mouth, the dangerous state of the Haven was made known by the beat of a drum, and the inhabitants desired to cut and dig a “gut” or trench through the Bar. Proposed to break up the streets and lay pipes to supply the inhabitants with spring water from a large reservoir, collected from the wells on the Denes. Also in 1810. (See 1835 and 1855.)...

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1697.

1697.

Corporation voted an address to the King upon his safe return, and peace with the French King....

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1701.

1701.

John Nicholson and John Burton, Esqs., returned to Parliament....

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1702.

1702.

June 30th. George England, Esq., eldest son of Sir George, died, aged 58 years. He was Recorder, and several times member of Parliament for the Borough. (See 1693 and 1711.) Fishermen’s Hospital (for 40 persons) erected by the Corporation. The Corporation obtained a new charter, granted by Queen Anne, which again allowed them to choose a Mayor on Sept. 29th, instead of two Bailiffs. (See 1692.) Benjamin England and J. Nicholson, Esqs., returned to Parliament; also in 1705....

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1703.

1703.

July 3rd. Thomas Bradford, Esq., Mayor, died, aged 74 years. March 11th. Twenty-fifth and last Charter granted by Queen Anne, re-appointing certain governors of the town. (See 1684.) When the Parliamentary and Municipal Reform Acts were passed (1832 and 1835), the Mayor was again required to be chosen from the whole body of the Corporation, whether Aldermen or Town Councillors. A dreadful Fire broke out at the north end of the town, and several houses were blown up to prevent its spreading..

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1704.

1704.

April 30th. Thomas Godfrey, twice Bailiff and many years Town Clerk of this Borough, died, aged 63 years. He was succeeded by John Carlow, and at his decease in 1710 by Francis Turner....

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1706.

1706.

The expenses of Yarmouth Haven amounted to £2,710 7s. 5d....

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1707.

1707.

April 27th. Thomas Bendish, Esq., died, aged 61 years. He was a descendant of the ancient family of Sir Thomas Bendish, Bart., of Essex, who was ambassador from Charles II. to the Grand Seigneur. He married Bridget, daughter of H. Ireton, Esq., of Ireton, for some time Lord Lieutenant of Ireland....

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1708.

1708.

Hon. Roger Townshend and Richard Ferrier, Esq., returned to Parliament....

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1709.

1709.

A Quaker had his Burgess Letter on taking his solemn affirmation only....

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1710.

1710.

Nov. 7th. William Browne, Esq., Mayor, died, aged 46 years. Richard Ferrier and Benjamin England, Esqs., returned to Parliament. Poll—F. 278; Eng. 269; Townshend 231; Ellys 173. Also in 1713....

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1711.

1711.

April 30th. Benjamin England, Esq., third son of Sir George, died. He was several times Bailiff, Mayor, and Member of Parliament for the Borough. Henry Borrett, Esq., was Mayor, but dying before his term of office was completed, Samuel Wakeman, Esq., was chosen. Ordered that no license be granted to any person to draw or retail ale or any other liquor at any house by the sea-side, except during the fishing seasons....

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1712.

1712.

Oct. 3rd. Twenty persons drowned on Breydon from the upsetting of a wherry. An Act obtained for making a causeway over the Denes from Yarmouth to Caister....

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1713.

1713.

The Charity School erected in the Market Place by a few benevolent persons; and in 1724 the Corporation built two large rooms. First Town Hall built at a cost of £880. (See April 20th, 1880, and May 31st, 1882.)...

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1715.

1715.

Mayors and Justices allowed to wear different gowns to those of other Corporate members. St. George’s Episcopal Chapel finished building. The contractors were Messrs. Price and Son, who built the Town Hall. The Chapel was consecrated Dec. 8th, 1815. Cost £3,800. South Denes laid out as a race-course by John Holdrich and other innkeepers of Yarmouth; but annual races not held till 1810. Easter Fair held on Good Friday until this date, when the Corporation ordered it to take place on the Friday

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1718.

1718.

It was agreed that the two last and every succeeding Mayor should receive £100 each, in lieu of the fishing thousand. The Vicar’s house built by the Corporation....

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1721.

1721.

An Act passed enforcing half the amount of ordinary duties on the Haven to be expended in improving the Haven, Piers, and Jetties; one-fourth part to be expended in deepening and cleansing the three rivers, and repairing the bridge and public quays at Yarmouth; and the remaining fourth part in cleansing and deepening Breydon....

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1722.

1722.

Oct. 2nd. William Spooner, Bailiff, and afterwards Mayor, died, aged 67 years. Hon. Charles Townshend and Hon. Horatio Walpole returned to Parliament. The latter created a Baronet in 1756....

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1723.

1723.

Guildhall, near St. Nicholas’ Church, pulled down and replaced by an unsightly building, where Corporate assemblies were held till 1835....

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1724.

1724.

The Charity School for 50 boys and 30 girls was built by subscription. (See, 1713). Jan. 28th. James Artis, Esq., Bailiff, Mayor, and Captain of Fusiliers, died, aged 68 years....

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1724.

1724.

Corbridge published his “West Prospect of Yarmouth.” Buck published one in 1741; and Laing’s Map came out in 1867....

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1726.

1726.

July 14th. Mrs. Bridget Bendish, granddaughter of Oliver Cromwell, died at Southtown....

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1727.

1727.

Hon. W. Townshend and Hon. Horatio Walpole returned to Parliament. The Norwich Mercury of this date says:—“The persons appointed for choosing a Mayor for the town of Great Yarmouth (according to custom) were locked up in a room on Tuesday last at 12 o’clock, and did not determine the election till 9 o’clock on Thursday morning, when Samuel Artis, Esq., a gentleman of known loyalty and integrity, was declared Mayor-Elect for the year ensuing, to the great disappointment of the Tories.”...

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1729.

1729.

The Pillory removed. £50 raised by the town for the relief of the English prisoners at Mequinez....

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1730.

1730.

July. A remarkable storm and tempest; hailstones of prodigious magnitude fell....

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1732

1732

Sir Robert Walpole, Earl of Orford, K.G., High Steward of the Borough....

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1733.

1733.

Dec. 20th. Organ now at the Parish Church first opened. The Rev. Thos. Macro, D.D., minister of Yarmouth, preached the sermon on “The Melody of the Heart.”— Eph. 5, 19 verse . (See Jan. 25th, 1869.)...

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1734.

1734.

A poor fisherman named Danby obtained a verdict, with £15 damages, against William Brown, Esq. (the Mayor), Justice Artis, and Masters (the Bridewell man), for whipping and false imprisoning the plaintiff. The Mayor’s gold chain and medal appendant having the arms of the Corporation on one side, and a ship under sail on the reverse, to be worn by every Mayor for ever. (See 1746.) It was subscribed for. The cost of the chain alone was £141 18s. 3d. Organ at St. George’s Chapel built by Jordan.

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1736.

1736.

Elizabeth Thompson hanged for the murder of a Dutchman in the Gaol-row....

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1737.

1737.

Jan. 14th. George II. landed a few miles south of Yarmouth....

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1739.

1739.

Sir R. Walpole sent 50 guineas to be expended in coal for the poor. Robert Ferrier appointed Town Clerk, and eleven years afterwards he filled the civic chair....

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1740.

1740.

Chris. Bernard, Esq., elected Mayor, but died before completing his term of office. Expenses of Yarmouth Haven were £3,299 15s. 9d. Amelia Sophia de Walmoden, presumed to have been the mistress of George II., was created Baroness and Countess of Yarmouth for life. She died in 1750....

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1741.

1741.

Hon. Roger Townshend and E. Walpole, Esq., returned to Parliament. Votes—T., 400, W., 391; Howling Luston, 104; Richard Fuller, 97....

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1742.

1742.

John Thacker hanged for killing John Auger with a pistol ball in a shop near the “Wheel of Fortune.”...

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1744.

1744.

The inquest, chosen for electing a Mayor, locked up in the Guildhall for ten days; in 1765, six days; in 1767, three days and three nights; and in 1814, fifty-four hours. Samuel Killett, Esq., Alderman, gave the Corporation of Yarmouth a silver oar, double gilt, the insignia of the Admiralty Court....

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1745.

1745.

Ancient Order of Foresters first formed. Robert Walpole, Earl of Orford, High Steward of the Borough....

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1746.

1746.

Nov. 25th. Mayor’s medal appendant sold; its value applied for adding links to the chain, the two being valued at £166. (See 1734.)...

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1747.

1747.

Hon. E. Walpole and the Hon. Chas. Townshend elected to Parliament. The Cage or Stock-house removed....

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1748.

1748.

Nov. 30th. John Dobson Tongue hanged for robbing Mr. Halsden on the Southtown-road....

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1749.

1749.

Oct. 13th. John Sullivan hanged for robbing Mrs. Meed on the Denes....

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1750.

1750.

John Barcham, mariner, executed for the murder of Robert Bullen. An Act passed appointing a committee of twelve inhabitants of Yarmouth to inspect the Haven works, and to summon the Commissioners in cases of need. Mrs. Cromwell, lineally descended from Oliver Cromwell, died at Yarmouth, at an advanced age. A live infant named Sarah Pycraft found in a basket in St. Nicholas’ Churchyard, and was taken to the Workhouse, where she died 96 years afterwards....

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1751.

1751.

George Walpole, Earl of Orford, High Steward of the Borough. Dr. John Butler, minister at St. Nicholas’ Church, and afterwards Bishop of Oxford and Hereford. He died in 1802. An Act passed to open the port of Yarmouth for the importation of wool and woollen yarn from Ireland....

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1752.

1752.

Chris. Taylor, Esq., Mayor, died before completing his term of office, and was succeeded by Giles Wakeman. The Gallows-house on the North Denes removed....

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1753.

1753.

Expenses of Yarmouth Haven amounted to £3,360 3s. 9d....

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1754.

1754.

April 18th. Right Hon. C. Townshend and his former colleague, then Sir E. Walpole, K.B., and Chief Secretary for Ireland, elected to Parliament. Votes—T., 541; W., 518; R. Fuller, 397; and William Browne, 342. Mr. Thos. Olivers made an unsuccessful attempt to introduce Methodism into the town. He and a friend were assailed on the Sunday with dirt, stones, and missiles of every description without mercy, and driven out of the town. Mr. Howell Harris made an attempt in 1760, which was more suc

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1756.

1756.

July 23rd. William Burton, M.D., died, aged 53. Sept. 1st. Naval engagement off Lowestoft between H.M.S. “Hazard” and a French privateer, “La Subtille,” carrying 12 guns and 86 men. After six hours the Frenchman struck off Winterton, and the next day (Sunday) the prisoners were landed and lodged in gaol. By undermining the prison wall, fourteen broke out, and only four were retaken. C. Townshend, Esq., of Honingham, a cousin to the Hon. Charles, was elected to Parliament by a majority of 32

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1756.

1756.

An Act for the better recovery of small debts within the liberties of the Borough obtained....

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1758.

1758.

Oct. 7th. Joseph Ames, F.R.S., died. He was born at Yarmouth on Jan. 23rd, 1688, and was the author of “Typographical Antiquities”; being an historical account of printing in England, with memoirs of our ancient printers, and a register of the books printed by them, from the year 1471 to 1600, with an appendix concerning printing in Scotland and Ireland to the same time. It was dedicated to Philip, Earl of Hardwick, Lord High Chancellor of England. He was originally a piano maker, and afterw

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1759.

1759.

Yarmouth Sea-baths built. Cost £2,000. A handsome public room added in 1785. Terrible affray with the 2nd Dragoons (Scotch Greys) and 6th Irish Dragoons (Enniskilling), who were quartered in the town. They attacked each other with swords....

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1761.

1761.

John Willis, Esq., elected Mayor, but died before completing his term of office. Hon. Sir Edward Walpole, K.B., and C. Townshend, Esq., returned to Parliament....

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1762.

1762.

The number of boys and girls at the Hospital School reduced from 49 to 41....

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1763.

1763.

Gorleston Parish, with the Hamlet of Southtown, in Mutford and Lothingland Hundreds (Suffolk) incorporated for the maintenance of the poor of its 24 parishes. Also by an amended Act in 1833....

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1765.

1765.

Dec. 10th. Rev. Christopher Spendlove, sen., lecturer, of Yarmouth, died, aged 69 years....

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1766.

1766.

Jan. 8th. Much distress caused through the high price of food, and a subscription was opened and liberally supported by the inhabitants—60,138 quartern loaves, weighing 4 lbs. 14 ozs., at 3d. each, distributed for three months, among the poor till April 25th....

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1767.

1767.

100 ft. of the Jetty carried away by high tide....

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1768.

1768.

C. Townshend, Esq., returned to Parliament, with the Hon. Richard Walpole. (Also in 1770, 1774, and 1780.)...

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1769.

1769.

Sept. 16th. Elizabeth Martin executed for the murder of her illegitimate child....

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1770.

1770.

April 18th. The day of John Wilkes’s releasement from the Tower celebrated at Yarmouth with great rejoicings. He was an eminent English politician. Nov. 8th. Rev. John Manclarke, minister of the parish, died, aged 38 years. During a gale, thirty vessels and two hundred men lost. Four of the Town Gates pulled down. One guinea bounty offered to every able seaman at Yarmouth who would join the fleet to suppress the war with Spain....

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1771.

1771.

“Clappermen” appointed to watch the vessels in the Harbour, and prevent any fire or light being used on board....

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1772.

1772.

Jan. 11th. Henry Swinden, a diligent antiquary, who for twenty years collected and digested a large mass of information respecting his native town, author of “History of Great Yarmouth,” died, the same year his work was published, and while the last sheet was in the press, aged 55 years. (See 1776.)...

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1774.

1774.

Charles Townshend, Esq., and the Hon. Richard Walpole returned to Parliament. Votes—T., 310; W., 310; W. Beckford, 218; Sir Charles Saunders, K.B., 216. In 1777, Charles Townshend, Esq., vacated his seat, but was returned with W. Beckford, Esq. Votes—T., 502; B., 199. The overseers’ account for the past year, ending at Easter, was—Money received, £2,694 16s.; money paid (including everything, and a new building at £201 10s.) left a balance in hand of £61 15s. 7d....

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1775.

1775.

The “Nine houses” at Southtown built by John Eggoty, on the site of public tea-gardens and cream house....

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1776.

1776.

“The History and Antiquities of Yarmouth,” by the Rev. Charles Parkin, M.A., Rector of Oxburgh, published. John Ives, F.R.S., F.S.A., died. He was born at Yarmouth in 1730, and became eminent for his skill in antiquarian science. He published “Manship’s History,” wrote the preface, and erected a marble monument in St. Nicholas’ Church to Manship’s memory....

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1778.

1778.

Dec. 4th. Theatre erected, and opened with the comedy of the English Merchant . Building cost £1,500. Renovated in 1828....

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1779.

1779.

Jan. 1st. A tremendous storm and flood, and much damage done to shipping. First Map of Yarmouth published by Mr. M. J. Armstrong. It was prepared by Swinden in 1722....

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1780.

1780.

March 6th. A Monthly Book Club established by the Rev. R. Turner, B.D. Armed Associations formed at Yarmouth....

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1781.

1781.

William Penn, a pirate, hanged in London, and afterwards put on a gibbet on the North Denes. Two batteries on the North Denes erected....

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1782.

1782.

A fort erected on Gorleston heights, armed with six 24-pounders and a battery of nine 18-pounders, for the defence of St. Nicholas’ Gat. An invasion expected. The Fisheries protected by an armed force. Parliamentary Reform agitated; and the town was filled with troops, much to the annoyance of the inhabitants. An Act passed for the better securing the duties payable on the importation of coal and cinders. The Norfolk Rangers first established....

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1783.

1783.

The celebrated John Wesley preached in Yarmouth, and on Oct. the 22nd opened a chapel. He paid the town several visits, the last in 1790, not five months before his death in 1791. Aged 87. Right Hon. C. Townshend re-elected to Parliament....

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1784.

1784.

First Census taken. Population 12,608. Two vessels fitted out for the Greenland whale fishery. Mr. S. Bream, of Yarmouth, advocated the extension of the North Pier for the removal of the Bar. Mr. J. Nichalls, an engineer, suggested in a report that the river should be straightened, and a weir placed across the river near its junction with Breydon....

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1784.

1784.

June 22nd. A great part of the outward wall of the east end of the Parish Church fell down, and destroyed the tombs and gravestones to some distance. Mr. Barrett died, aged 100 years. Oct. The Prince of Wales (afterwards Geo. IV.) invited by the Corporation to dine at the Town Hall. Not accepted. Sir John Jervis, K.B., returned to Parliament with H. Beaufoy, Esq....

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1785.

1785.

Another town gate pulled down. The Dutch sent over 87 boats for the herring fishery off our coast. Wooden drawbridge across the stream near the Town Hall built, and existed till 1843....

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1786.

1786.

Second drawbridge connecting Yarmouth with Southtown over the Yare re-built and opened to the public. Josiah Curtis appointed town crier, an office which he held for 32 years....

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1788.

1788.

Martha Stanninot, a peculiar woman known as “Queen Martha,” who fancied she should be Queen of England, lived and died in Row 28....

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1789.

1789.

Nov. 1st. Forty vessels driven ashore between Yarmouth and Southwold; 80 fishing boats wrecked, and 120 bodies washed ashore between Yarmouth and Cromer. An appointed day of thanksgiving for the King’s recovery, and the town illuminated. Seven hundred lasts of herrings taken by 180 boats....

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1790.

1790.

June 18th. Right Hon. Charles Townshend and Henry Beaufoy, Esq., returned to Parliament. Votes—T., 632; B., 455; J. T. Sandys, 182. A pottery established at Yarmouth....

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1791.

1791.

George Townshend, Marquis Townshend, High Steward of the Borough. Feb. 3rd. Part of the Jetty carried away by a destructive high tide, and the Denes under water. On the Southtown-road the water was deep enough for boats to ply. Oct. 27th. Riot on account of the dearness of provisions, but suppressed by the magistrates....

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1792.

1792.

Feb. 7th. House of Commons petitioned by Yarmouth for the abolition of slave trade. May 29th. The “Church and King Club” established, and first meeting held at the “Wrestler’s Inn.” Dec. Meeting held in Yarmouth, pledging themselves to support the Constitution of King, Lords, and Commons, as established in 1688....

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1793.

1793.

Feb. 11th. Embargo laid on all vessels at Yarmouth. Feb. 28th. H.M.S. “Savage” brought in the French privateer, “Custine,” she being the first prize taken in the war. Matthew Champion died at the age of 111 years. The title of Earl of Yarmouth was revived as the secondary title of the Marquis of Hertford....

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1794.

1794.

July. Subscription entered into and a benefit play performed at Yarmouth, for the relief of the widows and orphans of those killed on board the fleet in Lord Howe’s victory on June 1st....

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1795.

1795.

May 29th. On the death of H. Beaufoy, Esq., Colonel S. Howe was elected to Parliament with George Anson, Esq. Votes—H., 483; A., 347. Sir Edmund Lacon, Knt., Mayor. This hon. gentleman was knighted for quelling the riot which began in the Market Place, occasioned by the high price of provisions. The Distillery, on the site of the Silk Factory purchased by Government, and Barracks made of wood, erected there for 1,600 men. Jan. 19th. The illustrious fugitive, the Princess of Orange, with her

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1796.

1796.

June. Lord C. P. T. Townshend and Colonel S. Howe returned to Parliament. Lord Charles on the day following his election was found dead in his carriage, shot in the mouth by a pistol ball. The same year (Oct. 26th), Major-General W. Loftus and H. Jodrell, Esq., were elected to Parliament. Votes—L., 599; J., 561; Sir J. Jervis, K.B., 418. June 25th. First time that a squadron of men-of-war ships entered Yarmouth Roads. There were 13 British and 3 Russian, under the command of Admiral Macbri

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1797.

1797.

June 1st. Mutiny on board the North Sea Fleet at Yarmouth, and several sail of the line hoisted the red flag of defiance. Sept. 18th. Admiral Duncan assumed the command of the North Sea Fleet in the Roadstead, vice Admiral Macbride. Oct. 3rd. Admiral Duncan put into Yarmouth Roads, and six days afterwards went in search of the Dutch fleet, which was totally defeated (Oct. 11th) off Camperdown. The British fleet returned in triumph to Yarmouth Roads, bringing seven sail of the line as prizes.

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1798.

1798.

Mar. 2nd. Through financial pressure at the Bank of England, Yarmouth banks paid in their own notes, and fractional parts were paid in specie. Two Volunteer Companies of Yeomanry Cavalry formed at Yarmouth under Samuel Barker and H. Worship, Esqs. Oct. 1st. Intelligence of Admiral Viscount Nelson’s ever memorable victory off the mouth of the Nile received at Yarmouth with great rejoicing. Oct. 1st. The Times says: At half-past twelve the following men-of-war in Yarmouth Roads got under weigh

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1799.

1799.

Sept. 28th. The Duke of York’s army returned from an unsuccessful campaign, and the Guards and 24 other regiments, comprising 25,000 troops (infantry and cavalry), were landed at Yarmouth on their return from Holland. An embargo laid on all shipping at Yarmouth. Hospital for sick and wounded soldiers erected on the site of Grout’s Silk Factory. The wounded from Copenhagen were taken here....

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1800.

1800.

Sept. 25th. Freedom of the Borough voted to Sir A. Dickson and Mr. Pitt. Nov. 6th. Admiral Lord Nelson landed here after the battle of Aboukir, having been absent 2½ years from his native county, and was presented with an enthusiastic welcome and the freedom of the town. He stayed at the “Wrestler’s” Inn, Church Plain, and in a speech he made there, said, “I am myself a Norfolk man, and I glory in being so.” When he subsequently visited the Parish Church, the organ played, “See the Conquerin

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1801.

1801.

Jan. 1st. This day being the first of the 19th century, and the day on which the union of Great Britain and Ireland took place, the Durham Militia fired a feu de joie at Yarmouth; and the ships in the Roadstead gave a royal salute and hoisted their new colours in honour of the union. Mar. 7th. The St. “George,” carrying 98 guns, and bearing the flag of Lord Nelson, arrived in the Roadstead. Mar. 12th. The grand fleet of 47 ships of war, with 3,000 mariners, under the command of Admiral Sir Hy

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1802.

1802.

Jan. 6th. The Public Library first instituted by a certain number of subscribers. In 1808 the Corporation granted the lease of the present building. The Dutch clock (removed in 1861) was erected on the exterior in 1600, when the building was used as a Dutch Chapel by the Hollanders; was afterwards used as an English Chapel, and previous to the Theatre being built the back premises were converted into a room for dramatic entertainments. New Reading Room opened Feb. 19th, 1859. May 5th. The t

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1803.

1803.

May 5th. An active press at Yarmouth. May 16th. Embargo laid on all vessels in the Roads. June 13th. H.R.H. the Duke of Cambridge and suite left Yarmouth for Norwich. They came in the same frigate which brought Prince William of Gloucester from Cuxhaven, where their Royal Highnesses were nearly being made prisoners by the advanced guard of the French army. Had they remained there another hour they would have shared the fate of the Hanoverian army. The French General in Holland put an immen

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1804.

1804.

April 4th. The “Antelope,” (Commodore Sir W. Sydney Smith,) the brig “Cruizer,” and the cutter “Prince of Wales,” arrived at Yarmouth, from the Flushing station, which made an unsuccessful attempt to cut out an armed brig near the Scaw. They were attacked by an armed schooner, and obliged to abandon their enterprize, with the loss of five killed and ten wounded. April 11th. Rear-Admiral Sir W. Sydney Smith left Yarmouth for Norwich. The hero of St. Jean d’Acre proceeded next day on a tour of

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1805.

1805.

April 27th. Two gun-brigs, 14 guns each, built in Mr. J. Preston’s yard, launched. May 9th. One of the sharpest presses ever remembered in Yarmouth took place. No fewer than 300 persons of the town were impressed, of whom only about 50 were ultimately detained. (See 1802.) Nov. 7th. Intelligence received of the glorious victory over the combined fleets of France and Spain, off Cape Trafalgar, on the 21st of October, though purchased by the ever-to-be-lamented death of Vice-Admiral Lord Visc

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1806.

1806.

April 19th. The frigate, “Boreas,” 28 guns, launched from Messrs. Stone and Constance’s yard; the sloop, “Ariel,” 18 guns, from Mr. N. Palmer’s yard. June 9th. Vice-Admiral Russell, accompanied by several officers of the North Sea Fleet who were stationed at Yarmouth, visited Norwich. July 26th. French frigate “La Guerrière,” brought into the Roadstead by the frigate “Blanche.” The former was captured on the 18th, after a desperate action of 45 minutes; she had taken eight Greenlandmen and o

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1807.

1807.

Feb. 17th. Gun-brig “Snipe,” with 30 French prisoners on board, wrecked on the Beach. Many of them were drowned, together with part of her crew and some women, in all upwards of 60. There were several other wrecks, for the wind blew a hurricane, and a drifting snow rendered the highways for a time impassable. Feb. 18th. Capt. G. W. Manby, barrack-master at Yarmouth, first succeeded in projecting a line over a stranded vessel; and on Feb. 12th, 1808, seven lives were saved from a vessel 150 y

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1808.

1808.

Jan. 10th. Lord Hutchinson and Lord Gower landed here from the “Bellette” sloop-of-war, from St. Petersburgh. March 30th. Silver eel, 6 ft. long and 21 in. in girth, and weighing 42lbs., caught a mile below Yarmouth bridge in the harbour. May 10th. Expedition, consisting of 105 transports, under Admiral Keats, left the Roadstead for the Baltic and the protection of Sweden. Sir John Moore commanded the troops. He sailed in the “Mars,” and Major-Generals Paget and Murray in the “Audacious.” A

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1809.

1809.

Jan. 28th. Owing to a rapid thaw and the inundation of the meadows the barges proceeding from Norwich to Yarmouth were obliged to return, because the men were unable to find the channel of the river. Oct. 25th. Fiftieth anniversary of George III.’s reign celebrated in Yarmouth as a jubilee. One thousand four hundred and sixty-four pounds of fresh salmon from Scotland landed in one day, and sold in Yarmouth market owing to the embargo on all shipping. A very productive herring fishery....

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1810.

1810.

May 10th. Vice-Admiral Sir J. Saumarez’s fleet left the Roadstead for the Baltic; also the “Victory” (100 guns) and seven other sail of the line. May 20th. The Eight Hon. Charles, Lord Bayning, of Honingham Hall, a Privy Councillor and High Steward of Yarmouth, died in London, aged 81 years. Aug. Yarmouth Annual Races first established by the Officers of the Berkshire Militia. Berkshire Militia left the town. Mrs. Hunter died, aged 102. By the Paving Act, provision was made against placing ma

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1811.

1811.

March 28th. Count Guttorp sailed from Yarmouth on his return to the Continent. Vice-Admiral Murray appointed to the Naval command of Yarmouth. In 1815 Admiral Drake was appointed Port-Admiral of Yarmouth, the last who held the appointment. Census taken. Population of Yarmouth, 17,977; with Gorleston and Southtown, 19,691. The Royal Hospital or Asylum built by Government at a cost of £120,000. Foundation-stone laid by Admiral Billy Douglas in 1809. (See 1815.) The building was erected by Mr

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1812.

1812.

March 13th. The South Gate sold for £26 to Jonathan Poppy. July 27th. General Viscount Cathcart’s embassy to the Court of Russia left the Roadstead in the frigate “Aquilon.” Lord Walpole, secretary of Legation to Lord Cathcart, sailed in the “Calipso” to the headquarters of the Russian army. Oct. 6th. Edmund Knowles Lacon and William Loftus, Esqs., returned to Parliament. Votes—Lacon, 607; Loftus, 387; G. Wilson, 329. Oct. 26th. Tremendous gale, and eight vessels driven ashore in the vicin

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1813.

1813.

Feb. A high wind blew down and completely demolished the Conventual Church at Gorleston, dedicated to St. Nicholas. Feb. 18th. Gorleston steeple (about 100 ft. high), which stood near the Haven’s mouth as an immemorial sea-mark, was blown down in a gale. March 24th. Volunteer Corps of Infantry disbanded, and deposited their arms in store on the establishment of the local Militia. April 15th. Prince of Orange landed at the Jetty. April 29th. H.R.H. the Duke of Cumberland arrived at Yarmouth,

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1814.

1814.

July 6th. Peace proclaimed at Yarmouth; Mayor and Corporation went in procession, and at night the town was illuminated. The Duke of Clarence (afterwards King William IV.), accompanied by his Duchess (Queen Adelaide), landed at Yarmouth, and stayed one night at the “Angel Hotel.” March 11th. Henry Joddrell, Esq., Bayfield Hall, many years Recorder and Representative of Yarmouth, Chairman of the Norfolk Quarter Sessions, died in London. April 21st. Restoration of Louis XVIII. to the throne of

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1815.

1815.

Jan. 24th. A sea-eagle shot at Rollesby, which measured from tip to tip of its wings 7 ft. 6 in. May 10th. Sharp press for seamen at Yarmouth. John Thomas Townshend, Viscount Sydney, High Steward of the Borough. He died in 1831. Six hundred wounded men from Waterloo lodged in the Naval Hospital. (See 1811.) March 29th. The Nelson Monument Committee at Thetford, after inspecting 44 beautiful plans and designs, selected an Athenian Doric Column, sent by William Wilkins, Esq., architect, of Lo

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1816.

1816.

Feb. 16th. Very high tide, the sea and river meeting over the South Denes. A similar event had not occurred since Feb. 3rd, 1791. Feb. 19th. Corporation petitioned Parliament for a continuance of the Property Tax. Feb. 26th. Mr. Incledon, Master Taylor, and Mr. Collyer appeared at the Theatre Royal, in The Minstrel ; or , a Tour Through England and Ireland . Prices—4s., 3s., 2s. 6d., and 1s. Nov. 2nd. Thomas Penrice, Esq., of Yarmouth, to whom the late Lord Chedworth, of Ipswich, left the

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1817.

1817.

Jan. 1st. £1,000 subscribed at Yarmouth to relieve and employ the labouring poor; 460 men were employed to form roads to the Bath House, Jetty, &amp;c. Feb. 4th. The Corporation voted a loyal address to the Prince Regent, expressive of their abhorrence of the attack made upon his Royal person on his return from opening Parliament on the 28th ult. Presented at the levée by Isaac Preston, Esq. (Mayor), accompanied by the High Steward and the Members for the Borough. Feb. 13th. The new silv

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1818.

1818.

Jan. 19th. £6,000 subscribed for aiding a plan to extend the navigation of the River Waveney from Bungay to Diss by the inhabitants of Yarmouth at a meeting at the New Hall. March 4th. Several ships driven ashore in a heavy gale from the south-east. June 1st. Miss Bryne sustained the part of “Adela,” at the Theatre Royal, in the Haunted Tower . On the 2nd, in Love in a Village as “Rosella,” and in No Song No Supper the part of “Margaretta.” On the 4th, “Rosina,” in Rosina , and “Leonora,” i

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1819.

1819.

Feb. 15th. The Hon. George Anson unanimously elected Member of Parliament for the Borough (there being no other candidate), in the room of his brother, Lord Viscount Anson. April. Velocipedes or Pedestrian Hobby-horses used this year. A person could walk from eight to ten miles an hour on them. Like the Kaleidoscope, they proved only “a nine-days’ wonder,” till 1872, when velocipedes again came into general use. June 1st. Mr. Thomas Sutton (as surveyor) died on the top of the Nelson Monumen

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1820.

1820.

Jan. 29th. Death of George III., in the 82nd year of his age and 60th of his reign. On Feb. 1st George IV. was proclaimed at Yarmouth with much ceremony and rejoicing. Feb. 28th. Parliament dissolved; and on the 10th of March, after four days’ sharp contest, the Hon. George Anson and C. E. Rumbold Esq., were returned to Parliament for the Borough. The Hon. G. Anson polled 754; C. E. Rumbold, Esq., 752; Lieut.-General John Michell, 612; and J. H. Stracey, Esq., 612 votes. March 1st. A number

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1821.

1821.

Feb. 28th. An unusual supply of herrings caught off Yarmouth; and sold in the town twelve for one penny. March 13th. Petition presented by E. Wodehouse, Esq., to the House of Commons from the owners and occupiers of land in the vicinity of Yarmouth, praying for a repeal of the Malt-tax, and a modified tax on property. April 10th. A committee appointed and subscription entered into for forming a fund for rewarding boatmen who might save persons from shipwreck. Nov. 4th. Tremendous gale—a grea

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1822.

1822.

Jan. 31st. George IV. arrived, and anchored his vessel in the Roads. July 29th. Samuel Tolver, Esq., elected Town Clerk. He was succeeded by Henry Palmer, Esq., on June 6th, 1848; John Clowes, Esq., on Nov. 26th, 1850; and Chas. Cory, Esq., on Nov. 9th, 1851. (See June 9th, 1869.) Oct. 14th. The Revenue cutter “Ranger” lost at sea. Oct. 21st and 22nd. Miscellaneous concert, under the direction of Mr. Sippe, given at the Theatre. Leader, Mr. Eager. The principals were Mrs. Salmon and the

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1823.

1823.

March 3rd. Samuel Hurst, Esq., died at Southtown. Exported from the Port of Yarmouth—flour 126,768 sacks; barley, malt, oats, beans, pease, rye, and wheat, 264,546 quarters. Grout and Co.’s Silk Crape Factory erected. Admiralty Sessions for trial of Pirates last held in Yarmouth. Porpoise found on the Beach—7 ft. long, and weighing 4 cwt. Masonic Hall erected in Gaol Paved Row. James Sayer, son of a Yarmouth block-maker, a celebrated caricaturist, and author of many satirical poems suitable to

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1824.

1824.

Exported from the Port of Yarmouth—flour 148,252 sacks; barley, malt, oats, beans, pease, rye, and wheat, 326,789 quarters. Gas Works constructed; enlarged in 1862 and 1864, and new additional works afterwards erected. About five miles of the main iron pipe were laid in the streets, and on Dec. 6th the street lamps, 150 in number, were first lighted. Five beachmen drowned in rescuing a crew. Luke Waller died, aged 105 years. The number of vessels of all classes registered at the Custom House am

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1825.

1825.

Sept. 3rd. Miss Cranmer appeared at the Theatre Royal in Don Giovanni ; and “Adela,” in the Haunted Tower . Sept. 8th. Mr. Chippendale played “Useph,” in The Siege of Belgrade ; and “Chip,” in a Chip of the Old Block , at the Theatre Royal. Oct. 11th. The Catholic Chapel, in George Street (the first built in the town), finished, and consecrated by the Rev. Joseph Tate. The mackerel brought to Yarmouth realized £17,000. River overflowed the Quays and entered the houses and stores, doing much d

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1826.

1826.

M. A. Jefferies threw himself from the bridge. May 15th. Lord Anson and C. E. Rumbold, Esq., presented with the freedom of the town, and returned to Parliament June 9th. Votes—R., 649; A., 645; Sir E. K. Lacon, 250; Lord Suffield, 250. May 25th. The old Crane on South Quay blown down during a heavy gale of wind, and a new one erected at a cost of about £1,400. Mariners’ Chapel built by George Palmer, Esq., service having previously been held in a vessel named the “Ark,” which fell into decay

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1827.

1827.

Feb. 6th. Mary Welch died, aged 73 years, leaving 102 children and grandchildren. Vaughan and Murphey, two noted resurrectionists, stole several bodies from St. Nicholas’ churchyard, and caused great excitement in the town. The railings on the west side were subsequently erected in consequence....

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1828.

1828.

Mr. David Service, the Yarmouth poet, died....

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1829.

1829.

May 29th. The bells rang out a merry peal on the opening day of the Suspension Bridge. This structure, on the North Quay, was made chiefly of iron, and thrown across the river Bure by Robert Cory, Esq., under the powers of an Act of Parliament passed in the year 1827. It cost about £4,000....

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1830.

1830.

Feb. 8th. Intense frost; river frozen as far down as the Public Library. July 31st. Hon. Colonel G. Anson and C. E. Rumbold, Esq., returned to Parliament. Votes—A., 946; R., 945; H. Preston, 751; T. E. Campbell, 754....

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1831.

1831.

Launches: March 8th, schooner “Sea Witch;” March 15th, brig “Ocean,” from Mr. Palmer’s yard; Aug. 1st, brig “Earl Grey,” from Mr. Teasdel’s yard. March 15th. Marriage at Stokesby Church of Samuel Taylor, only son of Wm. Huke, of Yarmouth, with Charlotte Crowe Norton, of Stokesby. May 2nd. Hon. G. Anson and C. E. Rumbold, Esq., again returned to Parliament. July 7th. First stone of St. Peter’s Church laid, and finished building and consecrated Aug. 26th, 1838. Cost £12,000. Sept. 12th. Mr. P

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1832.

1832.

April 3rd. The Hon. and Rev. E. Pellew appointed Chaplain of St. Nicholas’ Church, at £40 per annum. April 17th. Mr. Wm. Hazard died, aged 72 years. May 27th. Messrs. Grout and Co.’s Silk Crape Factory burnt down. Present one erected in the same place. A Hospital originally stood here. (See 1828.) Oct. 11th. Russian Horn Band Concert at the Town Hall. Dec. 11th. The Hon. G. Anson and C. E. Rumbold, Esq., returned to Parliament, after the passing of the Reform Bill. Edw. Pellew, Admiral V

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1832 to 1835.

1832 to 1835.

By Municipal Reform Act the rest of Gorleston parish added to Yarmouth Borough....

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1833.

1833.

Launches: Jan. 18th, schooner “Cornelia” from Mr. Holmes’ yard; May 6th, brig “Hudson” from Mr. Preston’s yard; July 12th, schooner “Abeona” from Messrs. Fellows’ yard; July 21st, brig “Margaret” from Messrs. Fellows’ yard; same year the barque “Harmony;” Dec. 10th, schooner “Fairy Queen,” and Dec. 12th, brig “Pioneer” from Mr. Lubbock’s yard. Bishop of Norwich inspected the plate at St. Nicholas’ Church and St. George’s Chapel. Horatio Walpole, Earl of Orford, High Steward of the Borough....

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1834.

1834.

Jan. 15th. Divine Service performed in the Chancel of St. Nicholas’ Church for the first time. Jan. 24th. Brig “Pioneer,” of Yarmouth, stranded near the Dungeness Light. May 12th. Proprietary Grammar School at Southtown opened. It was demolished in July, 1858, to make room for the Goods Station of the East Suffolk Railway. The school cost £1,500. June 16th. Yarmouth and Southtown Ferry opened. Aug. 1st. First Annual Marine Regatta held. The Fort removed. Launches: May 18th, brig “Alexande

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1835.

1835.

Jan. 7th. Thomas Baling and W. M. Praed, Esqs., returned to Parliament. Jan. 23rd. Lord Walpole and E. Woodhouse, Esq., returned to Parliament. April 7th. The “Baltic,” “Venus,” and “Wellington” left the Harbour with 200 emigrants for Canada. Oct. 6th. Samuel Brock, a Yarmouth beachman, with a company, went off in the yawl “Increase” to the rescue of the crew of a Spanish ship, about twelve miles from land. They reached the vessel, and on returning in a squall the yawl was capsized, and nin

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1836.

1836.

William Barth, Esq., elected Mayor on Jan. 1st, and again on Nov. 9th. Feb. 27th. Brig “Isis” wrecked on the South Beach. “The History, Gazetteer, and Directory of Norfolk, including Great Yarmouth,” by Mr. William White, of Sheffield, published; second edition in 1815. Thomas William Anson, Earl of Lichfield, High Steward of the Borough. Great storm, twenty-three vessels stranded on Yarmouth Beach, and upwards of forty lost on the coast. The last Market Cross removed. Rev. R. Pillans, while d

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1837.

1837.

Nov. 12th. Captain William Watts died, aged 70 years. Dec. 2nd. Brig “Valeria” launched from Mr. Lubbock’s yard. First stone of the Wesleyan Chapel laid. The building cost £4,200. On Queen Victoria ascending the Throne, C. E. Rumbold, Esq., was re-seated in Parliament, and the election of W. Wilshere, Esq., secured as a colleague. G. D. Palmer, Esq., appointed as a Magistrate....

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1838.

1838.

Aug. 28th. William Wilshere again returned to Parliament. The new Workhouse opened. Cost of entire building up to 1860, about £10,000. Sergeant John Wright died, aged 110 years. The last of the Town Gates (Pudding) pulled down. Yarmouth Hospital founded, mainly through the exertions of Mr. Wm. Steward, and completed in 1839. Crew of ten hands, drowned from the fishing lugger “Walter and Ann.”...

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1839.

1839.

Feb. 14th. Brig “James,” of Yarmouth, lost off the coast of Scotland. March 7th. A tremendous hurricane, and the streets and rows were strewn with débris from the roofs of houses, to which much damage was done. Sept. 25th. Arthur Beevor, Esq. died, aged 82 years. Launches: June 13th, schooner “Rob Roy,” from Mr. Lubbock’s yard; Aug. 29th, schooner “George Lord,” from Mr. Preston’s yard; Oct. 2nd, brig “Elizabeth,” from Messrs. Fellows’ yard; and Nov. 11th, schooner “Star,” from Mr. Teasdel’s

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1840.

1840.

Jan. 10th. The uniform penny postage first came into operation, and excited a great deal of ridicule, and its speedy failure predicted. Railways were in their infancy. Book post established in 1855, and Postal Cards introduced in 1870. Jan. 30th. William Finch-Crisp, the compiler of this work, born at Hackney, afterwards lived at Erith, in Kent, for 11 years (where his father died on March 12th, 1850), and then came to reside in Great Yarmouth at the end of the year 1854, at which place he m

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1841.

1841.

March 22nd. First stone of the Victoria Buildings laid. June 29th. C. E. Rumbold and W. Wilshere, Esqs., returned to Parliament. Nov. 14th. The Birmingham Gazette of 100 years ago (1741) says:—“From Yarmouth we hear there are great complaints this year in relation to their herring fishery; their men being all pressed into the service, and only boys left in the town for that employ.” Nov. 18th. The barque “Iron Duke” came ashore, and sunk near the Britannia Pier. (See Oct., 1879.) The Sawyer

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1842.

1842.

Nov. 21st. First Concert of the Great Yarmouth Amateur Musical Society given at the Town Hall. Leader of the band, Mr. A. Suggate. The present Hospital School erected on the site of the one built in 1278. The duties levied on vessels entering the Port and discharging cargoes from the Roadstead amounted to £10,074 17s. Police Court, Station House, and detention cells added to the Town Hall. (See Sept. 30th, 1879.) Corn Exchange, Regent Street, attached to the Commercial Club-house, opened by a

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1843.

1843.

Aug. 3rd. Children’s Hospital School opened after its re-erection. Oct. 15th. Sarah Martin, the prison visitor, died; and in 1858 a memorial window to her memory was put in St. Nicholas’ Church. She was born in 1791, at Caister, and left an orphan at an early age. The Round Tower near the Hospital built; ascended by a flight of 42 stairs. It was built by the merchants and shipowners, as an observatory tower, at a cost of £150....

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1844.

1844.

May 1st. Railway between Norwich and Yarmouth opened, and the event was marked with great festivity and rejoicing. Messrs. Grissell and Peto contracted for the work at £10,000 per mile. Previous to this, steam packets plied twice a day on the Yare, between Norwich and Yarmouth. Oct. Fish Market erected and opened on the site of the old one, but removed to widen the road. Nov. 18th. Mrs. Harriet Chandler murdered in her grocery shop in Howard Street by Samuel Yarham, who was tried at Norwich

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1845.

1845.

Jan. 20th. Schooner “John,” of Jersey, stranded on the South Beach. Jan. 26th. The yawl “Phœnix” and seven lives lost. Meeting convened on the 29th to relieve the widows and orphans left destitute. April 16th. First stone of Unitarian Chapel, Middlegate Street, laid. Opened October 13th. Built on the site of the Old Meeting House. May 2nd. Fall of the Suspension Bridge. 400 persons precipitated into the water, out of which number 79 were drowned. An immense crowd were attracted to the b

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1846.

1846.

Sept. 2nd. Burgh Castle sold to Sir J. Boileau, Bart., of Ketteringham. W. H. Palmer, W. Thurtell, J. Fenn, B. Jay, and W. H. Bessey, Esqs., were appointed Magistrates. Lord Wodehouse, Lord Lieutenant of the County, died at Kimberley....

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1847.

1847.

County Court first held at Yarmouth. Steamer “Enterprise” seized for smuggling tobacco, and the engineer fined £100. The Sea Wall in front of Britannia Terrace erected by C. Cory, Esq. Cost £2,000. June 17th. The schooner “Ann and Jane” launched from Mr. King’s yard. July 29th. Lieutenant-Colonel Arthur Lennox and O. Coope, Esq., returned to Parliament. Aug. 31st. Jewish Synagogue, in Row 42, built and consecrated. It was built on the site of a former one. Nov. 29th. Cart-load of hay burne

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1848.

1848.

April 8th. The brig “Agenoria” wrecked on the North Beach. May 17th. Address of Loyalty presented to her Majesty by the Mayor. June 30th. A Bill brought into Parliament depriving the Freemen of Yarmouth of their votes. The number on the Register was 1,106. Only such householders as were on the Register allowed to vote at the ensuing election, when J. Saunders and C. E. Rumbold, Esqs., were returned to Parliament. Aug. St. Nicholas’ Church re-opened after restoration. Sept. 22nd. Richardso

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1849.

1849.

Feb. 12th. Stone coffin, containing a perfect skeleton wrapped in hempen sackcloth, discovered in the north wall of St. Nicholas’ Church. The Fishing boat “William Tell,” of Yarmouth (and crew), lost off North Foreland. Sept. 18th. Mr. John Driscoll buried in the Roman Catholic Cemetery; this was the first interment there. Nov. 15th. General Thanksgiving Day for Deliverance from Cholera. The remains of Bishop Stanley landed at the Crane Quay. The new Bridge crossing the River Yare, and connec

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1850.

1850.

Jan. 28th. Parliamentary and Financial Reform Meeting held at the Corn Hall. Mar. 31st. Mr. Waters’ Mill burned down. Sept. 5th. Primitive Methodist Chapel opened. The Schoolroom adjoining was opened Oct. 29th, 1855, and cost about £450. (See Aug. 3rd, 1874, and June 22nd, 1875.) Sept. St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church completed. Cost £10,000. St. Peter’s National Schools erected. Mr. Archard, with the assistance of Mr. C. C. Wilkinson (a resident of Yarmouth in 1880, and a relative of Mr.

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1851.

1851.

Feb. 22nd. Sailors’ Riot for advance of wages. 11th Hussars sent from Norwich to suppress it. 18 persons taken prisoners. The Duke of Northumberland awarded Mr. James Beeching 100 guineas for the Best Model of a Lifeboat. There were 280 competitors for the prize. Census taken. The returns were as follows:—Population of Yarmouth, 11,867 males, 15,014 females, total, 26,881—321 males included being at sea. Gorleston, 1,195 males, and 1,391 females. Southtown, 572 males, and 840 females. Th

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1852.

1852.

Jan. 1st. A procession of sailors through the town. Jan. 3rd. Mr. Ransom’s mill burned down. Jan. 17th. Douglas’ Travelling Theatre arrived here, and left on the 29th. Jan. 18th. The brig “James and Margaret,” of Newcastle, whilst passing through the Roadstead, was discovered to be on fire, and she was run on shore opposite the Victoria Hotel. The fire was got under, and she was towed into the Harbour by the tug “Robert Owen.” After being temporarily repaired was sent home. Feb. 5th. Mr.

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1853.

1853.

June 28th. On Tuesday afternoon the ceremony of driving the first pile of the Wellington Pier took place. The beach and terrace were decorated with flags, &amp;c. The pile driven had a brass plate inlaid, bearing the following inscription:—“This, the first pile of the Wellington Pier, was driven on the 28th of June, 1853, by S. C. Marsh, Esq., Mayor of this Borough. David Waddington, Esq., M.P., chairman of the Company; Mr. Peter Asheroft, Engineer; and C. J. Palmer, Secretary.” The pro

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1854.

1854.

July 19th. First stone of the Independent Chapel, King Street, laid. Building opened in June, 1855; cost £3,700, including site. One hundred and eighty-four licensed public-houses and 50 beer-shops in the town. George John Milles, Lord Sondes, High Steward of the Borough. Oct. 18th. The Southtown Bridge opened to the public. (See 1849.) Nov. 18th. Messrs. Gurneys and Co.’s Bank erected and opened....

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1855.

1855.

Jan. 1st. The town and neighbourhood visited with one of the highest tides witnessed for many years. The wind blew hard from N.W., and the moon was at the full. Some parts of Southtown were inundated, as also the North Quay, reaching to the Laughing Image Corner. It reached the north and south terraces on the beach, and a large boat floated near the Holkham Steps. July 28th. First number of the Yarmouth Free Press published; enlarged January 19th, 1856; and name altered to Yarmouth Independ

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1856.

1856.

Jan. 30th. The Norfolk Artillery Militia left by rail for the camp at Colchester. Mar. 19th. Sarah Hunnibell attempted to set fire to the Gaol. Mar. J. Laing, Esq., appointed Town Surveyor of Hastings, a similar office to which he had held for several years in Yarmouth, and was succeeded by A. W. Morant, Esq. (See Aug., 1875, and July, 28th, 1881.) April 16th. Steam tug “Robert Owen” sunk at the Haven’s mouth. May 29th. Peace celebration at the conclusion of the Russian War. May. The Rev.

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1857.

1857.

Jan. 8th. “Volunteer” steam-tug on fire in the harbour. Jan. 13th. Inauguration Dinner of the Eastern Star Provident Association Friendly Society held at the Corn Hall. The society started with near 900 members in 12 branches established in Norfolk and Suffolk. Jan. Rorqual whale, 45 feet in length, and weighing about 20 tons, caught at Winterton, and exhibited on Wrestler’s Plain. Feb. 6th. Mr. J. B. Beales appointed Inspector of Weights and Measures, succeeded by Mr. E. D. Louttid, who re

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1858.

1858.

Jan. 1st. Fire in Jane Place, destroyed the roofing of three houses, and entirely demolished the whole of a net chamber. It originated in Mr. Moore’s workshop. Jan. 11th. Testimonial, consisting of a splendid tea and coffee service, with an oval 24-inch waiter, weighing 203 ozs., presented to B. Fenn, Esq., by the Fishermen’s Provident Society. Jan. 18th. The Aztec Lilliputians, the reputed Gods of the Pagan Temple of Iximaya, exhibited at the Corn Hall, Regent Street. Feb. 11th. An Address

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1858–9.

1858–9.

The winter was remarkably fine, neither wind, rain, nor snow interrupting fine weather till 31st March, when snow fell, and a severe frost followed....

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1859.

1859.

Jan. 1st. Sailors’ Home established. Its completion on Feb. 2nd was celebrated by a tea given to a large party of beachmen and their wives at the Norfolk Hotel. The Home cost about £2,000. Jan. 12th. Mr. James Buddrell, master of the fishing vessel “Hosannah,” presented with a first-class silver medal and diploma from the Emperor of the French for saving the lives of 11 men, the crew of the French brig “La Prospère,” off Hasbro’. Jan. 12th. The Queen constituted the Colonies of British Colu

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1860.

1860.

Jan. 3rd. Three cases of wine, eight of spirits, and five of oil, and a cask of vinegar, landed here, having been picked up by the smack “Chance.” Jan. 4th. Schooner “Hero,” of and for Yarmouth, went ashore on Palling Beach and became a total wreck. Sold for £9. Jan. 20th. The people in Southtown alarmed by the report of a “Spring-heel’d Jack” in the locality for some days previous. The supposed fiend, who assaulted one of the employés on the East Suffolk railway, and left him insensible on

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1861.

1861.

Jan. 1st. Yarmouth specially appointed as one of the 32 Ports into which wine in casks was allowed to be imported, but the “testing” not permitted unless by special grant. Jan. 6th to 11th. Colder weather than had been experienced in Yarmouth within living memory. Jan. 15th. Meeting at the Town Hall for the relief of the poor in the town; £330 subscribed in the room. Feb. 1st. “Iconoclast” lectured at the Theatre to a crowded house. Subject, “What Must a Man Do to be Saved?” Admission, 6d.

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1862.

1862.

March 1st. 1862 changes of grandsire triples, composed and conducted by Mr. William Lee, were rung on eight bells in the Parish Church Steeple. April 9th. Suffolk Militia Artillery, commanded by Colonel Adair (460 men), arrived at Southtown. May 5th. Corner stone of the Bethel laid, and the Chapel opened Aug. 15th. Cost about £300. May 23rd. The Priory Musical Class presented Mr. Musgrave with a silver inkstand. May 27th. A portion of the Channel Fleet anchored in the Roadstead. It compri

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1863.

1863.

Jan. 1st. Assembly Rooms opened by a company. On Feb. 13th, 1870, the Billiard Rooms were destroyed by fire; damage, £700. Jan. 20th. Smack “Baron Campbell,” belonging to Mr. Yaxley, foundered in a heavy gale. The crew, after battling with the fury of the waves for 13 hours, and being nearly exhausted at the pumps, were gallantly rescued by the crew of the smack “Greyhound.” March 10th. Marriage of Prince Albert Edward with Princess Alexandra of Denmark, at Windsor. The display of enthusia

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1864.

1864.

Jan. 28th. Rev. John Walker, M.A., instituted to the Rectory of Bradwell; and the Rev. John James licensed to the Curacy of Southtown. Jan. Rev. T. K. Richmond, six years Curate of St. Nicholas’ Church, elected Chaplain of St. George’s Hospital, London. On the 17th of March this gentleman was presented with a gold lever watch, value £27, and a purse of £10, by a number of parishioners; and a silver communion service by the Clergy. Feb. 10th. The Danish corvette “Neils Juel,” 450 men and 47 g

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1865.

1865.

Jan. 8th. Hopton Church destroyed by fire. On Sept. 27th, 1866, the new Church was consecrated by the Bishop of Norwich. Jan. 11th. Mr. Robert Warner Durrell, organist of the Independent Chapel, Gorleston, presented with a splendid timepiece by the choir as a memento of their esteem; and on Jan. 11th, 1870, an easy chair. Jan. Sergt. Berry promoted to the rank of Inspector; and on Dec. 15th, 1870, the town presented him with a gold watch, value £20, and a purse of £140 in money, in recogniti

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1866.

1866.

Jan. 13th. The lifeboat “Rescuer” upset at Gorleston Pier, and twelve of her crew drowned. The names of the rescued were E. Woods, Wm. Austin, Geo. Palmer, and Robt. Warner. Eight widows and over thirty orphan children were left unprovided for. Jan. 27th. Exhibition of curiosities, &amp;c., at the Town Hall, closed after five weeks. Feb. St. George’s Denes laid out as a park and promenade, at a cost of £449 to the town. June 21st, 1807, an épergne of frosted silver and a silver salver

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1867.

1867.

Jan. 1st. Oddfellows’ Hall opened in Gorleston. Jan. 5th. Eighteen hands lost from the brigs “Sarah” and “The Ark,” in collision in the South Ham, 500 yards off Gorleston Pier. Jan. 8th. Mr. F. W. Maryson presented with a silver star, at the Steam Packet Tavern, by the Nottingham Order of Oddfellows. Jan. 12th. Heavy gale. Six vessels lost, and 48 shipwrecked mariners afterwards taken to the Sailors’ Home. Jan. Fish Wharf scheme proposed, and on April 20th the wharf was commenced by “turni

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1868.

1868.

Jan. 3rd. The schooner “Roberts” driven on the North Sand near the mouth of the Harbour, 300 yards from the shore, and her crew bravely rescued out of her shrouds by Mr. J. M. Petts and four beachmen.—The brig “Carl Frederick” was lost the same morning on Hasbro’ Sand, with seven of her crew, two boys only being saved. Jan. 9th. F. Diver, Esq., of Yarmouth, commander of the R.M.S. “Roman,” presented with a handsome watch, subscribed for by the passengers of the ship for having completed a voya

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1869.

1869.

Jan. 25th. The Chancellor (E. Howes, Esq., M.P.) decided the long-pending question of removing St. Nicholas’ Church organ from the west end of the south aisle to the North transept, in the affirmative. This grand old organ, built by Jordan, Bridge, and Bayfield, in 1733; repaired by England (Jordan’s grandson) in 1812, and by Gray in 1840; was removed to the north transept in Feb., 1869. Jan. Gaol Street Congregational Chapel (built in 1773) closed, and pulled down for the purpose of building

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1870.

1870.

Jan. 2nd. New organ at Roman Catholic Church opened. Feb. 14th. The schooner “St. Cyran” came ashore south of the Britannia Pier, and the crew rescued by the rocket apparatus; the Austrian brig “Giovanning” came ashore in the South Ham; the steamer “Sea Queen,” 677 tons burthen or 903 dead weight, laden with 1,100 tons of coal, wrecked off Yarmouth, and her crew of 24 hands perished; and the barque “Victoria” wrecked on Gorleston Beach, 500 yards from the shore, and out of a crew of 16 but fir

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1871.

1871.

Jan. 3rd. A male otter caught in one of the Broads near Yarmouth. It weighed 30 lbs., and was four feet long, the tail alone measuring 21 inches. Jan. 9th. Lady King, late of Telegraph House, died at Maddingley Hall, Cambridge. Jan. 13th. Race for £100 on the ice covering the Southtown marshes, between Mr. Barnes’ pony (ridden by the owner) and an excellent skater named Woodhouse. The rough-shod pony won by several yards. Jan. 13th. Public subscriptions for aiding the wounded in the Franco

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1872.

1872.

Jan. 1st, The barque “Sing Tai” (Rising Sun), 500 tons, launched from Messrs. Beeching’s shipyard. Jan. 1st. The brigantine “Sybil,” belonging to Mr. H. H. Gambling, while entering the harbour got on the North Sand, and was wrecked. Value, £400. Jan. 3rd. Rear-Admiral Charles Calmady Dent, of Yarmouth, died. (See April 4th.) Jan. 5th. Sir Francis Crossley, Bart., M.P., of Somerleyton Hall, died at Belle Vue, Halifax, aged 54 years. Jan. 10th. First prosecution for Sunday trading instituted

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1873.

1873.

Jan. 3rd. Three men lost in the North Sea out of the smack “Peep o’ Day,” belonging to Mr. Jex. Jan. 6th. Boiler explosion on board the s.s. “Druid,” seven miles off Yarmouth, resulting in the death of two men and serious injury to three others. Jan. 8th. Great Yarmouth Licensed Victuallers’ Association established through the exertions of Mr. R. S. Steele. Jan. 10th. The new building annexed to the Priory Schools for the accommodation of some 200 children, opened by the Mayor. Jan. 20th. D

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1874.

1874.

Jan. 1st. Rev. D. W. Seppings, M.A., late minister of St. Andrew’s, Yarmouth, died, aged 37, at Bramley, Leeds, where he was for seven years the senior curate. Jan. The Vicarage of Great Yarmouth vacated by the Rev. H. R. Nevill, and offered to the Rev. George Venables, S.C.L., four years the Vicar of St. Matthew’s, Leicester. (See Jan. 23rd, 25th, and Feb. 22nd.) Jan. 1st. The screw smack “Pioneer,” built for the Steam Carrying Company, launched from Messrs. Fellows’ shipyard at Southtown.

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1875.

1875.

Jan. 4th. The closing of the Gaol and sending all prisoners to Norwich, by order of the Home Secretary, reported. Jan. 5th. Mr. R. W. Durrell, organist, presented with a silver watch by the Gorleston Congregationalists, in recognition of his services; and on the 27th, Mr. and Mrs. Durrell were presented with an electro-plated cream jug and a pair of sugar tongs, as the remaining articles required to complete a previously-subscribed service. Jan. 7th and 8th. Two consecutive explosions of oxyg

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1876.

1876.

Jan. 3rd. Quarter Sessions. No prisoners for trial, a maiden session not having occurred for more than 20 years, the Mayor presented the Recorder with a pair of white kid gloves.—R. H. I. Palgrave, Esq., qualified as a magistrate for the Borough. Jan. 4th. Arthur George Thompson (22), incautiously walked on an overhanging cornice at the top of the new Temple, Priory Plain, from which he fell 45 feet to the ground and was killed. The falling débris so injured Thomas Kirk as to result fatally.

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1877.

1877.

Jan. A portion of the North Denes levelled, preparatory to laying the rails of the North Norfolk Railway. (See Oct. 27th, 1875.) Jan. 9th. Charles Diver, Esq., elected Justices’ Clerk for the East and West Fleggs, in place of the late Mr. S. B. Cory, deceased. Jan. 9th. Fifteen fishing craft belonging to Messrs. Smith and Son, sold at the “Star” for £13,320; and on Feb. 5th ten of the late Mr. J. W. Parsley’s realised £5,615. Jan. 16th. P.c. Edwards presented with a handsome timepiece and p

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1878.

1878.

Jan. The Rev. A. J. Worlledge, M.A., appointed by the Bishop of Lincoln to an honorary canonry of Lincoln Cathedral, at the early age of 29 years. Jan. 15th. Two fires broke out in fishhouses and premises belonging to Mr. R. T. Seago, Row 137, and Mr. Wisker, Row 138. Jan. 16th. John Van Hutton died, aged 102, being born on March 10th, 1776, and his remains buried in the New Cemetery. Jan. 31st. First triennial election of the School Board, who held office till Feb. 16th. The following 11 g

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1878–9.

1878–9.

The winter was one of the longest and severest known for many years past, lasting over seven months. The Southtown slabs and marshes were for several weeks covered with ice....

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1879.

1879.

Jan. 1st. Rateable yearly value of property in Yarmouth was £92,603. Number of paupers relieved this day—indoor, 307; outdoor, 852. Expenditure for year ending Michaelmas, 1878, in-maintenance, £3,778; out-relief, £4,413. Salaries, rations, and superannuation of officers, £1,824; maintenance of lunatics in asylums, £1,273; other expenses, £1,401; total relief to the poor, £12,689. Jan. Mr. J. T. Bottle, architect of this town, wrote and published a poetical play entitled, Brian Boru , of wh

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1880.

1880.

Jan. The Bure Preservation Society established. Jan. 3rd. Schooner “Kate,” of Yarmouth, wrecked. Jan. 13th. Fire at Mr. Pond’s shop, King Street; and on Jan. 30th a fire on the fishing premises of Mr. Joseph Ellis, Middle Market Road. Feb. 21st. Major James Henry Orde, 2nd N.R.V., of Hopton Hall, Suffolk, son of the late General and Lady Elizabeth Orde, died, aged 49. March 18th. A sad accident happened in the Market Place. Mr. Johnson’s horses, in a mourning coach, ran away, and overtakin

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1881.

1881.

Jan. 6th. Mr. W. H. Willis, boat owner of Gorleston, presented with a handsome timepiece by the Pilot Lodge (M.U.O.O.), of which he was hon. sec. Jan. The Local Government Board consented to lend the Corporation £2,000 for wood and concrete pavements, the money spent in wood to be refunded in 15 years, and that for concreting in 20 years. Jan. New Coastguard House on Gorleston Pier erected. Jan. 7th. Mr. Robert Warner’s sail and net stores at Gorleston destroyed by fire; damage about £3,500;

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1882.

1882.

Jan. 2nd. Mr. Henry H. Baker, town surveyor for nearly 20 years, died, aged 52 years. He succeeded Mr. Morant on his resignation in Nov., 1864. On Feb. 14th, Mr. J. W. Cockrill was appointed town surveyor. Jan. 9th. First annual tea given to 600 aged poor people at the Drill Hall, inaugurated by Mr. T. C. Foreman. Jan. 30th. James Hall, better known as “Jigger” Hall, died in the workhouse. He was one put upon his trial with Mapes and Royal for the murder of Mrs. Chandler, and acquitted. H

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1883.

1883.

Jan. 2nd. Frederick Redgrave (8), of Row 122, fell under the wheels of a railway truck on South Quay, and both his legs had to be amputated. £52 9s. 9d. was collected for his benefit. Jan. Mr. Fisher’s smack “Reindeer” lost. Jan. 23rd. Schooners “Jim Crow” and “Try,” of this port, stranded and became total wrecks. Jan. 24th. Mr. James Brown, Beach Station Master, presented by the staff employed on the railway, with a silver-mounted inkstand and pencil case, on his birthday. Jan. 24th. Very

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1884.

1884.

Jan. 8th. J. T. Waters, Esq., elected Borough Coroner in place of C. Diver, Esq., resigned. Jan. 15th. St. Andrew’s Hall, Gorleston, sold, including fittings and dwelling-house adjoining, for £430. Jan. 23rd. Heavy gale; and another on 26th, accompanied with a heavy thunderstorm. Jan. 26th. At midnight Mr. E. Bostock’s draper’s shop, King Street, burnt down, and stock-in-trade completely demolished; the Rose Tavern adjoining (occupied by Mr. W. Overed) was also partly destroyed by fire; at t

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