Norfolk Annals - free ebook by Charles Mackie

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Norfolk Annals

Charles Mackie

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NORFOLK ANNALS

NORFOLK ANNALS

A CHRONOLOGICAL RECORD OF REMARKABLE EVENTS IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY ( Compiled from the files of the “ Norfolk Chronicle ”) by CHARLES MACKIE VOLUME I. 1801–1850 “It is beyond the capacity of the human intellect to discriminate beforehand between what is valuable and what is valueless in the pursuit of historical research. What would we give now for newspapers and trade circulars illustrating the social habits of many bygone times and peoples?”— The Times , May 4, 1900. [ Entered at Stationer

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SUBSCRIBERS.

SUBSCRIBERS.

Lord Amherst of Hackney, Didlington Hall, Brandon, Norfolk. Major C. W. Archdale, Coltishall, Norwich. The Rev. Thomas W. B. Bartlett, Beeston Rectory, Swaffham. Miss Bateman, 1, Hanover Road, Brunswick Road, Norwich. Sir Reginald P. Beauchamp, Bart., Langley Park. The Rev. John Hare Beevor, Hevingham Rectory, Norwich (two copies). W. T. Bensly, LL.D., F.S.A., Eaton, Norwich. C. A. Bathurst Bignold, Eaton Hall, Norwich. Edward L. Birkbeck, Lexham. Henry Birkbeck, Westacre. T. C. Blofeld, Hoveton

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PREFACE.

PREFACE.

The “Norfolk and Norwich Remembrancer and Vade Mecum,” upon the plan of which this work is compiled, was published in two editions. The first (undated) was issued in or about 1801. It appeared in pamphlet form (f’cap 8vo), and contained (1) a brief topographical description of the city and county; (2) a “Chronological Retrospect of the most remarkable events which have occurred in Norfolk and Norwich during the 18th century, with a list of Bishops, Deans, High Sheriffs, Mayors and Sheriffs of

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CORRIGENDA. [0]

CORRIGENDA. [0]

Page 128, last line, for “present” read “presented.” „ 138, line 9, for “Hawkes” read “Hankes.” „ 166, line 2, for “Henry” read “Hurry.” „ 187, line 8, for “Miller” read “Milles.” „ 216, first line of last paragraph for “Norfolk” read “Norwich.” [ Note .— Marginal dates distinguished by an asterisk are dates of publication , not of occurrence .]...

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1801.

1801.

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

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1802.

1802.

2.*—“Mr. W. E. Bulwer, of Heydon, has resolved to divide all his farms into 200 acres, as they come out of lease. They are worthy the attention of industrious men wanting situations.” 4.—The Duke of Bedford, Lord Paget, and Lord John Thynne, with four other gentlemen, on a visit to Lord Cholmondeley at Houghton, “had the greatest day’s sport ever known in Norfolk. They killed altogether 165 hares, 42 pheasants, 5 rabbits, 2 woodcock, and 2 partridges, and this notwithstanding that the woods ha

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1803.

1803.

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

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1804.

1804.

3.—The Old Buckenham Volunteers marched into Norwich from Yarmouth, and next day proceeded to their homes. The corps numbered 5 officers and 125 non-commissioned officers and privates. —Capt. Dickens, of the Shropshire Militia, “undertook for a considerable wager to walk from the Angel at Yarmouth to the Angel at Norwich and back again (47 miles) in twelve hours, which he performed with apparent ease in eleven hours and a half.” 7.—Died, at Colchester, aged 65, Sir William Gordon, Bart., captai

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1805.

1805.

10.—The Supervisor and officers of Excise belonging to the East Dereham district seized at Melton a horse and cart, with 80 gallons of Geneva and four gallons of brandy. 11.—A murderous poaching affray occurred in Thorpe Wood, near Aylsham, when several game watchers, in the service of Lord Suffield, were severely wounded. At the Norfolk Assizes at Thetford, in March, six of the poachers, indicted under the Black Act, were found guilty and sentenced to death. Lord Suffield and the Hon. Edward

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1806.

1806.

4.*—(Advt.) “To be sold, a Proprietor’s Share in the Norwich Theatre, with or without transferable ticket, which will admit the holder to the Yarmouth, Ipswich, and Colchester Theatres.” —*“A man of the name of Baxter, formerly a respectable farmer at Buckenham, who took a rash resolution of refusing any kind of sustenance but water, which he continued to do for 38 days at the White Horse at Kenninghall, was induced to give up the same on Monday last by the offer of a noble lady to settle an al

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1807.

1807.

10.—J. S. Cotman advertised that he had taken a house in Wymer Street, St. Andrew’s, Norwich, “for the accommodation of those ladies and gentlemen who may favour him by becoming pupils.” Terms: In the Academy, £2 2s. quarterly. Four private lessons, £1 1s. 16.—At Norwich Quarter Sessions, William Chapman, a coal hawker, appealed against his conviction, under the Hawkers and Pedlars Act, 29th Geo. III. c. 26, for “carrying coals about the streets of Norwich to sell by retail.” Mr. Steward Fir

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1808.

1808.

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

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1809.

1809.

14.*—“The orders lately come down to Norwich, besides affording constant employment to most of the manufacturing poor for nearly twelve months, will in the different branches of labour diffuse upwards of £40,000 in earnings, exclusive of the amount circulated for combing and spinning.” 15.—The Norwich Volunteer Infantry, commanded by Lieut.-Col. De Hague, was formed into a battalion of five companies of 60 men each. 25.—A “grand operatical romance,” entitled “The Forty Thieves,” was produced for

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1810.

1810.

6.—The estate of Sir R. Kerrison, deceased, at Thorpe, was sold for £38,219. Carrow Abbey House, with 32½ acres of land, was purchased by Mr. P. M. Martineau for £2,020. 8.—A prize fight took place at Thorpe, between Chapman and Pegg, “noted bruisers.” It ended in the defeat of Pegg, who sustained a broken jaw. 9.—His Majesty’s ship Nemesis struck on Happisburgh Sand. On the following day her guns were thrown overboard, and she was floated off. 18.—Died, in his 76th year, Mr. John Mitchell, o

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1811.

1811.

19.*—“Greatly to the credit of the numerous population of Norwich the Bridewell doors were thrown open several days during the present week, there not being a single person confined for any misdemeanour, a circumstance that has not before happened for a great number of years.” A piece of plate, value 100 guineas, was this month presented by the principal inhabitants of East and West Flegg Hundreds to the Rev. B. U. Salmon, for his public services as a magistrate, and as a mark of their individua

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1812.

1812.

2.—A silver vase, of the value of 200 guineas, was presented to Sir Edmund Bacon, premier baronet, of Raveningham, at the Swan Inn, Loddon, by the inhabitants of the Loddon and Clavering Hundred, as a token of their respect for him as a magistrate, and in recognition of his valuable services in the improvement of the roads in the district. 11.*—“The East India Company, on a representation from the manufacturers of camblets in Norwich, have raised their order from 16,000 to 22,000 pieces this sea

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1813.

1813.

2.—Polito’s menagerie was exhibited on the Castle Ditches, Norwich. —*“A smuggling cutter, with 600 casks of Geneva on board, was last week captured off Salthouse by the Sheringham Revenue boat. The vessel was taken to Blakeney harbour, and her cargo deposited in the King’s warehouse, at Cley.” 13.—A Methodist Chapel, erected in Tower Street, King’s Lynn, and estimated to hold 3,000 persons, was opened. 17.—Upwards of 1,000 persons attended evening service at St. Andrew’s Church, Norwich, when

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1814.

1814.

1.—A remarkable funeral took place at Shelfanger. The body of Mr. Smith, a farmer, was conveyed from Fersfield in a waggon drawn by his own team. The coffin was covered with a waggon tilt, and sacks of straw served as seats for his children and grandchildren. Behind the waggon walked his riding horse as chief mourner, and the singers of the congregation chanted a funeral dirge. “He was a person who in habits, manners, and opinions exhibited a singularity that was not easily paralleled.” 4.—D

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1815.

1815.

6.—At Brighton Pavilion the Prince Regent conferred the honour of knighthood on Colonel Kerrison, 7th Hussars. 12.—Mr. Crisp Brown, as “Mayor” of the Castle Corporation, Norwich, presented to Mr. Thomas Back a silver vase in recognition of his “zealous and liberal support of the loyal and constitutional principles of the society.” 13.—At a public meeting held at the Guildhall, Norwich, presided over by the Mayor, it was unanimously resolved to petition Parliament against the continuance of the P

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1816.

1816.

5.—At a Provincial Grand Lodge of Freemasons held at Norwich, Sir Jacob Henry Astley, M.P., was elected Grand Master. 6.—Mr. Thomas Coldwell was appointed postmaster at Norwich, in place of G. Litchfield. —*“One day this week a salmon trout measuring one yard four inches, and weighing twenty-one pounds, was caught in Trowse River, near Norwich.” 18.—Thanksgiving day for the restoration of Peace. The Mayor and Corporation of Norwich attended the Cathedral in state, and services were held at most

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1817.

1817.

1.—At a public meeting held at the Guildhall, Norwich, a subscription was opened for the relief of the labouring and manufacturing poor. Upwards of £3,050 was contributed, and several works were commenced for the improvement of the city. At Yarmouth over £1,000 was subscribed, and 460 men were employed in forming roads to the bath-house, jetty, &amp;c. 4.—Several coach advertisements were published this month. On the 4th it was announced that the Norwich, Ipswich, Colchester, Chelmsford,

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1818.

1818.

3.—Shore’s menagerie was exhibited on the Castle Ditches, Norwich. 5.—The Norwich Court of Guardians determined to proceed with the valuation of property in the city and hamlets. Messrs. Rooks, Athow, and Stannard were appointed to make the valuation at the remuneration of £850. 6.—Twelfth Day was observed in Norwich, “when the confectioners made a grand display of their frosted and ornamented cakes. Mr. Turner, of the Gentleman’s Walk, had one weighing 220 pounds and measuring three yards in

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1819.

1819.

12.—A new peal of six bells hung in St. Gregory’s Church by Mr. Hurry, of Norwich, was opened by the St. Peter Mancroft ringers, and a dinner in commemoration of the event took place at the Old Goat, Goat Lane. 13.—At the Norfolk Quarter Sessions was tried the appeal Burrows v. J. Stracey. The appellant was the keeper of the Norfolk and Norwich Arms public-house at Sprowston, and was convicted by the respondent under 26th George III., for selling beer without a licence, when in reality he then

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1820.

1820.

1.*—(Advt.) “Ned Painter begs to inform his friends and the public that he has taken the Sun and Anchor Tavern, Lobster Lane, Norwich, where he will have for their accommodation the best ales, London porter, spirits, wine, &amp;c., and he hopes by strict attention to merit patronage and support. N. P. begs to inform the Amateurs of Norwich and Norfolk that he intends to give private lessons in sparring in the most scientific style and at reasonable terms at all hours of the day.” 13.—Died

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1821.

1821.

2.—A meeting of the dyers, dressers, and manufacturers was held at the Guildhall, Norwich, under the presidency of Mr. John Harvey, chairman of the manufacturing interest, to consider “the most effectual means of checking the violation of the Sabbath, which has of late arisen to a most shameful height, in consequence of the recent increase in the trade of the city”; and the notice “on the part of the dyers and dressers of bombazines announcing to the manufacturers the conditions on which alone t

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1822.

1822.

2.—A party of thieves, known as the “Cossey gang,” committed great depredations in the neighbourhood of Norwich. On the night of the 2nd they broke into the Half Moon public-house, Stone Hills, and stole sixteen gallons of spirits and other property. “Tired of committing depredations on foot, about ten o’clock at night, as soon as they find those who keep horses are gone to bed, they resort to the stables and take out what horses they want, ride to the spot of depredation, whether for game, po

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1823.

1823.

1.—At the Norwich Adjourned Quarter Sessions, the magistrates decided to build a new gaol on a piece of ground outside St. Giles’ Gates. On February 23rd the Corporation granted to the justices a lease of the site, five acres in extent, for 500 years, at the annual rent of £50. At a full assembly of the magistrates on August 26th the tenders of Messrs. Mears and Blyth for building the new gaol in accordance with plans prepared by Mr. Barnes, for the sum of £17,395, were accepted. 2.—The coming

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1824.

1824.

1.—At a public meeting, held at Calvert Street chapel, it was decided to erect a second Wesleyan Methodist chapel in Norwich. A subscription was opened, and £600 contributed. The foundation-stone of the new (Lady Lane) chapel was laid on April 14th by the Rev. William Gilpin, superintendent of the Norwich circuit; and the building was opened for worship on October 21st by the Rev. R. Newton, president of the Methodist Conference, the Rev. John Anderson, of London, and the Rev. Mr. Farrar, of L

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1825.

1825.

1.—The “Norfolk and Suffolk Railway Company” advertised its prospectus. It was proposed to raise a capital of one million sterling in 10,000 shares of £100 each. The prospectus stated: “The trade from London to Norwich in bombazeen and crape is at once extensive and permanent, yet the conveyance of goods is dilatory, expensive, and troublesome. The mode of conveyance of fish is insufficient on the one hand, and extravagant on the other.” It was proposed to construct the railway from London t

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1826.

1826.

7.—In consequence of continued applications for relief by the unemployed weavers, &amp;c., the Norwich Court of Guardians increased the mulct for the ensuing quarter £3,000—an addition to the rates of 2s. in the pound.—On January 12th a Crape Ball, at which the lady patronesses wore white Norwich crape, other ladies scarlet geranium-coloured Norwich crapes, and gentlemen waistcoats of plain white shawl with shawl pattern border as part of their evening dress, was held at the Assembly Room fo

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1827.

1827.

6.—Mons. Louis, a native of Lorraine, 26 years of age, seven feet six inches in height, was exhibited at the Angel Inn, Norwich. 7.—Intelligence was received in Norwich of the death of H.R.H. the Duke of York, and the great bell of St. Peter Mancroft, and the bells of other churches in the city, were tolled for two hours. On Saturday, the 13th, the day of the funeral, “all the shops in Norwich were kept as closely shut as on the Sabbath”; the Mayor and Corporation attended service at the Cathed

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1828.

1828.

4.—A grand concert, given at Wells Theatre, was attended by Earl Rosebery, Lord and Lady Bury, Lord Dalmeney, Viscountess Andover, Admiral Digby, Lady H. Primrose, the Hon. Misses Anson, the Hon. B. Primrose, &amp;c. The programme opened with Haydn’s “Surprise Sinfonia,” and the artistes engaged included M. Venna, Master Sporle, Madame Baur, and Mr. Barron. “Gentlemen amateurs” sang glees, and at the close of the concert a ball took place, at which 200 were present. 18.—A resurrection-man

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1829.

1829.

1.—Died, aged 76, Mr. Philip Meadows Martineau, one of the surgeons of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital from its foundation in 1772. “Pre-eminently successful as an operator, and most intimately acquainted with the theory of his profession, Mr. Martineau was celebrated in every part of England and throughout Europe. He directed his attention to cases of lithotomy with distinguished success.” He was buried at Thorpe, on January 9th. 10.—Cockey Lane, Norwich, was for the first time accorded its

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1830.

1830.

1.—Died at Yarmouth, the Rev. H. R. Bowles, one of the ministers of the Unitarian chapel in that town. He was master of the Yarmouth Academy, and formerly an actor on the Norwich stage. 5.—Died at his house in St, Stephen’s, aged 86, Mr. James Keymer, city surgeon, and for upwards of fifty years surgeon and apothecary to the Norwich Bethel. He was known as “the father” of the Norfolk and Norwich Benevolent Medical Society (established in 1786), and “in his capacity of accoucheur introduced no

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1831.

1831.

1.—The non-commissioned officers and privates of the 1st Royal Dragoons were entertained by public subscription at dinner at the Assembly Rooms, East Dereham, in recognition of their services during the recent disturbances. 5.—Died at Hilborough Hall, aged 54, Mr. Ralph Caldwell. “He was among the first promoters of the Norfolk Foxhunting Society.” —The calendar of the Norfolk Quarter Sessions contained the names of 205 prisoners, of whom 108 were indicted for taking part in the machine-breakin

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1832.

1832.

6.—The Norfolk Court of Quarter Sessions made renewed efforts to procure the removal of the Lent Assizes from Thetford to Norwich. The Norwich Court of Mayoralty, on the 14th, addressed a memorial to the Lord Chancellor on the same subject; and it was officially announced on March 3rd that the Assizes would be adjourned from Thetford to Norwich, as in the previous year. On March 8th the Corporation conferred the honorary freedom of the city upon Mr. John Stracey, of Sprowston, “in testimony of

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1833.

1833.

4.—Lord Suffield resigned his chairmanship of the Norfolk Court of Quarter Sessions. 11.—In the Court of King’s Bench, the Sheriff of Norwich obtained a rule nisi for a criminal information against Mr. John Teasel, carpenter and builder, a Common Councilman of Norwich, for having taken away one of the poll-books at the last election at Norwich, and for attempting to tear and mutilate it. The rule was discharged on the 31st, on the defendant undertaking to answer an indictment at the ensuing Ass

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1834.

1834.

3.—The question of the restoration of the south and west faces of the keep of Norwich Castle was discussed at the Norfolk Quarter Sessions, and referred to the visiting justices, who recommended that it be undertaken; and on May 17th the tender of Mr. Watson was accepted and the work ordered to be proceeded with at once. On July 28th a public meeting was held at the Guildhall, “to take into consideration the expediency of instituting an inquiry into the necessity for covering up the face of suc

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1835.

1835.

5.—Yarmouth Election—T. Baring (C), 777; W. M. Praed (C), 768 (elected). Hon. Col. Anson (L), 680; C. E. Rumbold (L), 675. 6.—Norwich Election—Lord Viscount Stormont and the Hon. Robert Campbell Scarlett, Conservatives; the Hon. E. Vernon Harbord and Mr. Francis Offley Martin, Liberals, were nominated, and polling commenced on the same date. The books remained open until 5.30 p.m. on the 7th, when the result was declared as follows:—Stormont, 1,892; Scarlett, 1,878 (elected). Harbord, 1,592;

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1836.

1836.

1.—The first quarterly meeting of the new City Council was held at the Guildhall, Norwich. Mr. T. O. Springfield was elected Mayor. 4.—The first act of the Yarmouth reformed Town Council was to remove from office the Earl of Orford, Lord High Steward of the borough, and to elect the Earl of Lichfield in his place. The Earl, writing from Wolterton on January 26th, informed the Mayor that the only intimation he had received of his dismissal was through the newspaper paragraph in which it was ann

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1837.

1837.

3.—Hannah Manfield (or Saddler), aged 50, a woman of eccentric habits, residing on Denver Common, was found dead in her cottage, with her throat cut. A considerable quantity of plate had been taken from a cupboard, and a sum of money, supposed to be nearly £20, was also stolen. On the 14th Mr. Wright, a police-officer of Lynn, apprehended at Doncaster John Smith, aged 25, John Varnhem, 23, and George Timms, 22, who were committed for trial on the capital charge. ( See April 6th, 1837.) 5.—In

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1838.

1838.

1.—The weather on this day was of a beautiful and spring-like character. During the remainder of the week “the moon in her first quarter and the planet Venus made the evenings most brilliant. Never in the memory of man did the old year go out or the new one come in with such splendour as the last and the present. Both days in all respects resembled April or even May much more than December or January.” 3.—A public meeting was held at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, “for the purpose of taking into

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1839.

1839.

5.—Died at Braconash, aged 85, Elizabeth, widow of Mr. Thomas Berney, and third and last surviving daughter of Sir George Duckett, Bart., of Hartham, Wilts. “Mrs. Berney was a true representative of an English lady of times past, in its dignified and most attractive form.” At the funeral at Braconash, on the 15th, the hearse was preceded by “a canopy of plumes of feathers, borne by a mute with two others, one on each side.” 7.—A severe gale raged on the Norfolk coast, and many vessels were wre

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1840.

1840.

1.—At the Norwich Quarter Sessions, before the Recorder, Mr. Jermy, James Ollett Marshall and James Darkin were indicted for publishing in a paper called “The Searcher” a libellous article on Mr. Sparkall, of Norwich. Marshall was sentenced to two months’ imprisonment, and Darkin fined £5. 4.—Died at Hempnall, in his 101st year, William Reed, cordwainer. 7.—A prize-fight took place on Pulham North Green, between Cricknell and Cain. After six rounds had been fought, Cricknell was taken into cus

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1841.

1841.

3.—A severe gale, with thunder, lightning, and hailstorms, occurred. 4.—A correspondent writing to the Norfolk Chronicle on this date announced the discovery, in the old Library Room at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, of an antique chest containing the remains of a valuable collection of Roman and English coins. John Kirkpatrick, in his will, dated July, 1727, made the following bequest: “I give to the Mayor, Sheriffs, citizens and commonalty of Norwich all my ancient MSS. and all my medals and ant

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1842.

1842.

7.—At a meeting of the county magistrates, held at Norwich, the Earl of Orford presented a petition signed by a very large number of occupiers of land, “praying for a considerable change, if not a total abrogation, of the police force, as the introduction of the force had not decreased either the number of robberies or cases of vagrancy, while the expenses of the county were much increased by the costs arising from the prosecution of persons apprehended by the police for offences of a very trivi

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1843.

1843.

2.—Norwich Theatre opened for the season at reduced prices of admission, namely, boxes, single ticket, 4s., half price 2s., family tickets to admit six £1; upper boxes 2s., half price 1s.; pit 1s. (no half price); gallery 6d. The entire house had been redecorated by Mr. Thorne. Mr. Frederick Vining, of the Haymarket Theatre, London, and his daughter, Miss Vining, appeared on the 16th in the parts of Benedict and Beatrice, and fulfilled an engagement of seven weeks. The season, one of the mos

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1844.

1844.

9.—A meeting was held at Norwich, under the presidency of Mr. T. Brightwell, at which it was resolved to raise a subscription to pay the legal expenses of Mr. John Francis and of four other recusants, proceeded against in the Court of Arches for failing to make a rate for repairing the parish church of St. George Colegate. When the case was heard in the Arches Court, counsel for Mr. Francis protested that upon the face of the citation it did not appear that he had been guilty of any ecclesiasti

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1845.

1845.

5.—The Rev. Charles Chapman, who was elected vicar of the parish on November 5th, 1832, preached his farewell sermon at St. Peter Mancroft church, Norwich. The Rev. Thomas Wilson, M.A., was elected to the vacant living. 7.—At Norwich Quarter Sessions, before the Recorder (Mr. Isaac Jermy), John Dover, the notorious Chartist leader, was found guilty of receiving stolen silk, &amp;c., the property of William Martin and others, and sentenced to fourteen years’ transportation. 13.—Cooke’s Royal

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1846.

1846.

6.—The West Norfolk Agricultural Protective Association held a meeting at the Town Hall, King’s Lynn, under the presidency of Lord Hastings, “to preserve the Corn Laws from further violation.” A similar meeting was held at North Walsham on the 8th. On January 20th a great meeting took place at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, at which addresses were delivered by Mr. Cobden and Col. Thompson in favour of the repeal of the Corn Laws, and a resolution, moved by Mr. Geary, and seconded by Col. Angerste

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1847.

1847.

1.—A new form of entertainment was introduced at this date—“Ethiopian minstrelsy,” the precursor of the Christy minstrels. The troupe appeared at Norwich Theatre. “The band consists of five harmonists, with black faces and white eyes, black coats and white cuffs, black trousers and white waistcoats, black stocks and white collars. The instruments are a violin, two ‘banjoes’ (instruments that look like guitars run to seed), a tambourine, and ‘bones’ (a species of castanet).” 4.—Died at Earlham

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1848.

1848.

1.—Methwold church was re-opened after restoration. “The centre of the nave has been given to the poor, and the outside aisles appropriated to the rich.” 3.—Mr. Aldridge, “the African Roscius,” appeared at Norwich Theatre in the character of Othello, and afterwards as Zanga (“The Revenge”), Fabian (“The Black Doctor”), and Bertram. He was a native of Africa, and was described as a very intelligent actor. 5.—At the Norfolk Quarter Sessions, at Norwich, George Thurtell (47), horticulturist, “who

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1849.

1849.

22.—Mdlle. Jenny Lind, assisted by Miss Dolby, Signor Belletti, and Signor Marras, gave an evening concert at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, in aid of the charities of the city. On the 23rd she sang at a morning concert in furtherance of the same object. The total receipts amounted to £1,859 11s., and £1,250 remained after the payment of expenses. The services of the famous singer were rendered quite gratuitously. The Mayor (Mr. Bignold) and members of the Corporation waited upon her at the Pal

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1850.

1850.

3.—Mr. Sims Reeves took part in a performance of “the Messiah” at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich. The other vocalists included Miss Poole, Miss Kenneth, Herr Formes, and Master Mann. 10.—A sculling match from Bramerton to Whitlingham, for £10 a side, between R. Buttle, of Norwich, and Aldred, one of the crew of the “Young Company,” Yarmouth, was won easily by the former. 16.—Aylsham was for the first time lighted with gas, an event celebrated by the ringing of the church bells, by the distribution

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NORFOLK ANNALS

NORFOLK ANNALS

CHRONOLOGICAL RECORD OF REMARKABLE EVENTS IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY ( Compiled from the files of the “ Norfolk Chronicle ”) BY CHARLES MACKIE VOLUME II. 1851–1900 “It is beyond the capacity of the human intellect to discriminate beforehand between what is valuable and what is valueless in the pursuit of historical research. What would we give now for newspapers and trade circulars illustrating the social habits of many bygone times and peoples?”— The Times , May 4, 1900. [ Entered at Stationers

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PREFACE.

PREFACE.

In the terms of the publishers’ announcement the two volumes of “Norfolk Annals” were to have contained 800 pages; the work has really exceeded that estimate by 255 pages. Although the period from 1851 to 1900 was marked by many incidents of great importance in the history of Norfolk and Norwich, the record thereof in Volume II. of “Norfolk Annals” lacks several of the features which made Volume I. acceptable to the lover of folk lore and to the student of local events in the earlier days of the

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CORRIGENDA.

CORRIGENDA.

Page 40, fourth line of fifth paragraph, for “56 seconds” read “2 minutes 56 seconds.”...

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ADDITIONAL SUBSCRIBERS.

ADDITIONAL SUBSCRIBERS.

George Cubitt, Tombland, Norwich. H. R. Ladell, Aylsham Road, North Walsham. Arnold H. Miller, The Guildhall, Norwich. H. Newhouse, Bella Vista, Thorpe Road, Norwich. Colonel H. T. S. Patteson, Beeston St. Andrew Hall. Simms Reeve, 29, Thorpe Road, Norwich. The Earl of Rosebery, K.G., K.T., 38, Berkley Square, London, W. T. O. Springfield, The Rookery, Swainsthorpe. F. Oddin Taylor, St. Ethelbert, Norwich. Arthur Wolton, 78, Borough High Street, London, S.E. [ Note .— Marginal dates distinguishe

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1851.

1851.

2.—Died at Shipdham, Mary, widow of Mr. Henry Tash, farmer, in the hundredth year of her age. 3.—At the Norfolk Court of Quarter Sessions a report was presented upon the expenditure of the county, into which a committee had inquired in consequence of representations made at public meetings in various districts, to the effect that the ratepayers were unable to control the finances. The Court passed a resolution affirming that the evidence given before the committee had tended to prove that the f

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1852.

1852.

5.—Died at Letheringsett, Johnson Jex, originally a blacksmith and afterwards a manufacturer of watches. He was born at Billingford in or about the year 1778. After the death of his mother, in about 1830, he led a life of complete solitude, and became a scientific anchorite. “The first watch ever constructed by Jex was made after he had settled at Letheringsett, for his friend the Rev. T. Munnings, of Gorgate Hall, near East Dereham. Every part of this watch, including the silver face, and e

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1853.

1853.

8.—M. Gompertz’s panorama of the invasion of British India by the Sikh Army of the Punjaub was exhibited at the Assembly Rooms, Norwich. One of the scenic attractions was a representation of “the crypt of the Holy Sepulchre, under three distinct aspects,” a dioramic illusion which forms a popular feature in similar entertainments at the present day. 13.—A miraculous escape was recorded at Swaffham. A drunken man named Edward Horsepool went into the yard of the Angel public-house, at three o’c

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1854.

1854.

1.—Died at his residence, Thickthorn, near Norwich, in his 71st year, Mr. Richard Hanbury Gurney. He was the son of Mr. Richard Gurney, of Keswick, and in early life was a member of the Society of Friends. In 1818 Mr. Gurney was elected member for Norwich in conjunction with Mr. W. Smith; he was re-elected in 1820, in 1830, and in 1831. At the General Election in 1832 he and the other Liberal candidate, Mr. Ker, were, after a very severe contest, defeated by Lord Viscount Stormont and Sir Jam

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1855.

1855.

1.—The railways from Reedham to Yarmouth and Lowestoft were flooded, owing to the high tides in the rivers. The metals were displaced, and on the 2nd traffic was stopped. At Yarmouth the water rose above the quayhead. 9.—Lynn Corn Exchange was opened for business. It was built from designs by Mr. Maberley, at the cost of £2,450. —A “farewell festival” was held at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, “as a mark of respect and sympathy” to the Right Rev. Dr. Colenso, prior to his return to the diocese o

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1856.

1856.

21.—Mr. John Coleman, lessee of the Worcester circuit, appeared at Norwich Theatre, in the character of Claude Melnotte. His other impersonations included Evelyn (“Money”), Hamlet, Richelieu, and Ingomar. 5.—Madame Jenny Goldschmidt-Lind sang at a performance of “The Messiah,” at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich and on the 7th took part in a concert at which a miscellaneous programme was presented. The other performers included Mr. Lockey, Mr. Weiss, Miss Bassano. M. Otto Goldschmidt, and Mr. Swift

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1857.

1857.

4.—During a violent gale from the north, several ships went ashore at Yarmouth. “The beach presented a melancholy appearance, from the number of vessels upon it.” 8.—The Rev. A. C. Copeman was elected minister of the parish of St. Andrew, Norwich. The Revs. T. Rust, J. W. Cobb, and R. Wade withdrew from the contest, and Mr. Copeman defeated the remaining candidate, the Rev. J. W. Evans, by 96 votes to 33. 19.—The D Battery, Field Artillery, commanded by Major Strange, marched from the Cavalry

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1858.

1858.

1.—A fire, involving the destruction of several dwelling-houses and a large amount of other property, originated on the premises of Mr. W. Colby, fish merchant, St. James’s Place, South End, Yarmouth. 5.—The premises of Mr. H. F. Butcher, paper and mill-board manufacturer, St. Martin-at-Palace, Norwich, were destroyed by fire. On the same day a fire occurred at Mr. Orfeur’s timber-yard, St. Edmund’s; and on the 6th an outbreak took place at the soap manufactory of Messrs. Andrews and French, in

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1859.

1859.

6.—At the Norwich Police Court, Mr. H. Brown, proprietor of the “Cirque Unique,” Castle Meadow, appeared to answer an information preferred by Mr. William Sidney, manager of Norwich Theatre, charging him with performing a stage play without licence from the Lord Chamberlain. It was contended by the prosecution that the equestrian spectacle of “Mazeppa,” as presented at the Circus, was a stage play within the meaning of the Act to Regulate Theatres. The magistrates held that there was no contra

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1860.

1860.

5.—At the County Sessions, at Norwich, the Committee appointed at the previous Sessions recommended that the Chief Constable, on the application of the High Sheriff, be allowed to supply police-constables for keeping order in the Assize Courts, in place of the javelin men previously employed, the High Sheriff engaging to pay the additional expense. The Chairman (Sir Willoughby Jones) remarked that theoretically the javelin men kept the Courts, but practically they kept the neighbouring public-h

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1861.

1861.

5.—At the annual meeting of the Norfolk Agricultural Association, held at the Swan Hotel, Norwich, Mr. Clare Sewell Read moved that the annual show for 1861 be held at East Dereham, instead of at Swaffham. This effort to abolish the system of holding the exhibitions alternately at Norwich and Swaffham was defeated by 19 votes to 15. 6.—The frost continued with unusual intensity, and on this day snowstorms, which covered the ground to the depth of twelve inches, occurred. On the 10th a public m

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1862.

1862.

2.—Mr. Thomas Richmond Pinder, head master of Hingham Endowed School, was elected head master of the new Commercial School, built on the site of the old Workhouse, adjoining St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, at the cost of about £1,500. The school was designed by Mr. James S. Benest, architect to the trustees, and built by Messrs. Ling and Balls. It was opened as King Edward the Sixth’s Commercial School, on July 28th. 19.—An alarming fire occurred in the centre wing of Swaffham prison. The inmates

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1863.

1863.

21.—Died at his residence, Thorpe Hamlet, aged 82, Mr. John Skipper, who had filled several offices under the old Corporation of Norwich, including those of Speaker and Chamberlain. 24.—Died at Trumpington Street, Cambridge, Mr. S. D. Colkett, artist, formerly of Norwich. 31.—The litigation arising from the inundation in Marshland commenced on this date with the hearing, in the Vice-Chancellor’s Court, of an application for a mandamus to compel the Middle Level Commissioners to restore the palin

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1864.

1864.

6.—The mild weather of Christmas week was succeeded by frost of great intensity. On this day the thermometer stood at 14 degrees, and the river above the New Mills at Norwich was frozen. Large numbers of golden plover made their appearance in the neighbourhood of Thetford, and an extraordinary quantity of wild fowl came within the bounds of Shadwell, where Sir Robert Buxton prohibited their being shot or molested. 9.—Early in the morning intelligence was received at Norwich that the Princess o

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1865.

1865.

2.—The Prince and Princess of Wales arrived at Holkham Park, on a visit to the Earl and Countess of Leicester. On the 3rd, 4th, and 5th his Royal Highness shot over the estate, and on the latter date 2,000 head of game was killed. On the night of the 5th a distinguished company were invited to a ball, given by the Earl and Countess; and on the morning of the 6th the Prince and his noble host engaged in wildfowl shooting. Their Royal Highnesses returned to Sandringham the same afternoon. 7.*—“

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1866.

1866.

6.—At a meeting of the Norfolk Agricultural Association, held at the Swan Hotel, Norwich, it was decided to abandon the annual show for that year, “because the bringing of cattle from all parts of the country would be inconsistent with what is being done to prevent the transit of cattle during the prevalence of the cattle plague.” 8.—The Prince and Princess of Wales, accompanied by the Hon. T. de Grey, arrived at Holkham, on a visit to the Earl and Countess of Leicester. “Their Royal Highnesses

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1867.

1867.

6.—During a severe storm off Yarmouth, the brigs Ark, of Sunderland, and Sarah, of the same port, had a collision in the Roads, and were lost, with their crews of sixteen hands. 7.—The actions arising out of the Middle Level inundations now took the form of an arbitration. The arbitrators were laymen, appointed by both parties, with a legal umpire, and their investigation of the merits of the case or cases commenced on this date, at the Incorporated Law Society’s house, Chancery Lane, London.

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1868.

1868.

2.—At the Norfolk Quarter Sessions, held at Norwich, Mr. Day, the County Treasurer, gave notice of his intention at the Easter Sessions, to resign that office, which he had held for thirty-three years. Mr. Day took leave of the Court on April 2nd, and Mr. Herbert William Day was elected in his place. —Lord Suffield, at the Norfolk Quarter Sessions, moved the adoption of an address to her Majesty, expressing indignation at the Fenian outrages committed throughout the kingdom, and promising the h

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1869.

1869.

1.—At the justices’ room of the Mansion House, London, John Henry Gurney, Henry Edmund Gurney, Robert Birkbeck, Henry Ford Barclay, Henry George Gordon, and William Rennie, directors of Overend, Gurney, and Company, Limited, were summoned for having, in July, 1865, and at divers other times, conspired to defraud Dr. Adam Thom and others who became shareholders in the company, of money to the amount of three millions sterling. The defendants, on the 27th, were committed for trial, and were admit

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1870.

1870.

31.—In the Court of Common Pleas, before Lord Chief Justice Bovill and Justices Smith and Brett, Mr. Mellish, Q.C., showed cause against the rule calling upon the Master to review his taxation of the costs in the Norwich election petition. The bill of costs of the petitioner (Mr. J. H. Tillett) had been reduced from £3,015 7s. to £703 3s., and of the respondent (Sir H. J. Stracey) from £793 14s. 2d. to £168 6s. Four hundred witnesses had been subpœnaed. The Lord Chief Justice said the rule mu

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1871.

1871.

5.—At the Norfolk Quarter Sessions, a memorial was received from the Norfolk Chamber of Agriculture, affirming the necessity of the revision and re-adjustment of the existing mode of assessment, and of inducing the Government to contribute more largely to the rates levied under the authority of Courts of Quarter Sessions. Mr. C. S. Read, M.P., moved, “That, inasmuch as many of the charges at present paid by county rates, such as police, lunatic asylums, military stores, coroners, gaols, &am

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1872.

1872.

4.—At the Norfolk Quarter Sessions, held at the Shirehall, Norwich, the Earl of Kimberley moved an address to the Queen, conveying to her Majesty the assurance that the magistracy and all her loyal subjects in the county had felt the sincerest sympathy with her during the alarming illness of the Prince of Wales; and Lord Sondes moved a congratulatory address to his Royal Highness and the Princess of Wales. The clergy of the diocese, at a meeting held at the Palace on the 27th, adopted similar a

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1873.

1873.

2.—Died at his residence, Thorpe Hamlet, Norwich, Mr. Claude L. Nursey, artist, the painter of the well-known pictures illustrating scenes in the early days of the local Volunteer movement. He was a son of Mr. Perry Nursey, of Little Bealings, Suffolk, and was in his 54th year. 15.—The Norwich Town Council received a letter from Whitehall, intimating that as Mr. Secretary Bruce had received no information that any steps had been taken by the Corporation for erecting a pauper lunatic asylum, he

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1874.

1874.

2.—Died at Neal’s Square, St. Benedict’s Church Alley, Norwich, Susannah Steavenson, in her 105th year. “A few days ago she repeated no less than thirty verses which she had learnt at school 95 years ago. She attended the Mayor’s feast, given to the aged poor last Whit-Monday, and was accompanied by her daughter, aged 79. Mrs. Steavonson was born December 14th, 1769, and, according to a certificate given in 1836 by the Rev. W. F. Blakewell, the then minister at the Octagon chapel, was baptise

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1875.

1875.

2.—The frost, which, during the preceding week, had been very severe, suddenly broke up, and, under the influence of a south-west wind, a rapid thaw set in. —Died at his residence, Surrey Street, Norwich, Sir Samuel Bignold. He was the third son of Mr. Thomas Bignold, of Westerham, Kent, who came to Norwich towards the close of the eighteenth century, and established the Norfolk and Norwich General Assurance, “for the insurance of houses, stock, and merchandise from fire.” The office was in th

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1876.

1876.

1.—At a meeting of Norfolk agriculturists, held at the Norfolk Hotel, Norwich, it was decided to support the national movement for presenting Mr. C. S. Read, M.P., with a testimonial in recognition of his services to agriculture. Upwards of £600 was subscribed in the room, the Earl of Leicester, Lord Lieutenant of the county, heading the subscription-list with a handsome donation. The presentation was made at the Cannon Street Hotel, London, on May 2nd, at a banquet presided over by Mr. Charle

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1877.

1877.

1.—A deputation of the clergy and tenantry on the Royal estate waited upon the Prince of Wales at Sandringham, and presented him with a silver casket and an address, congratulating his Royal Highness upon his safe return from India. 4.—Castleacre church was re-opened for public worship after its restoration, at the cost of about £3,000, almost entirely subscribed by the parishioners. The chancel was renovated through the munificence of the Earl of Leicester, lord of the manor, and holder of the

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1878.

1878.

3.—At the Norfolk Quarter Sessions, the Committee of Visitors of the County Lunatic Asylum at Thorpe made certain recommendations as to the best means of raising the sum of £35,000 for the erection of new buildings and for enlarging the Asylum chapel, as decided upon at a previous sessions. Thirty-five acres of land had been purchased on which to erect the new buildings, which were intended to accommodate 250 additional patients. 5.—Died at Unthank’s Road, Norwich, in his 96th year, Mr. Stephen

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1879.

1879.

4.—A meeting, convened by the Mayor (Mr. Harry Bullard), and attended by many of the riparian owners of the county, was held at the Guildhall, Norwich, “for the purpose of determining whether an inquiry should be made into the causes of the recent floods, and for devising some means to prevent their recurrence.” A committee was appointed to hold an inquiry, and in the month of June Sir John Hawkshaw, C.E., made a report, in which he stated that floods might be prevented by suitable works, the c

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1880.

1880.

17.—Died at St. Giles’ Street, Norwich, in his 63rd year, Mr. Arthur Morris Foster Morgan, surgeon. He was third son of Mr. Richard Morgan, actuary of the Norwich Union Life Insurance Society, and after completing his professional studies was appointed medical-officer of the Norwich Dispensary, a post which he relinquished on entering into private practice. Mr. Morgan was president of the Board of Directors of the Norwich Equitable Fire Insurance Company, and held several other public appointm

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1881

1881

8.—Dr. F. E. Gladstone, it was announced, had resigned the post of organist of Norwich Cathedral, upon receiving a similar appointment at Christ church, Lancaster Gate, London. He was succeeded by Mr. Frederic C. Atkinson, organist of Manningham church, Bradford, a native of Norwich and pupil of Dr. Buck. 12.—Winter set in with great severity, and during the night upwards of six inches of snow fell. The frost was intense. On the 17th the Yare was frozen over and navigation stopped, and on the

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1882.

1882.

7.—Great discontent was caused among the agriculturists of the county by the issue of a Privy Council Order directing the closing of the markets for the sale of store stock, owing to the recurrence of foot-and-mouth disease. At a meeting of the Norfolk Chamber of Agriculture, a resolution was adopted and forwarded to Earl Spencer, declaring “that the severe restrictions imposed on the sale of cattle in the county were uncalled-for, and that a heavy penalty inflicted upon all persons moving dise

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1883.

1883.

6.—Died at Norwich, Mr. William Henry Daly, solicitor, aged 30. Mr. Daly was nephew of Mr. Frederick Lawrence Phillips, editor of the “Norwich Argus.” Upon the death of Mr. Phillips, he assumed for a short time the editorial control of the “Argus.” Mr. Daly, who was a man of brilliant attainments, and had before him a very promising career, had been a member of the Norwich Town Council, and was solicitor to the Norfolk and Norwich Licensed Victuallers’ Association. 12.—Professor Huxley, F.R.S

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1884.

1884.

5.—A great meeting of Norfolk farmers was held at the Agricultural Hall, Norwich, at which was passed a series of resolutions affirming that they viewed with alarm the serious loss imposed upon the nation by the importation of live stock from countries where foot and mouth disease was known to exist, and calling upon the Government to order the withdrawal of existing restrictions on the removal of stock in England. On the 29th a similar meeting, presided over by Lord Walsingham, was held at Lyn

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1885.

1885.

2.—The Hon. T. W. H. Pelham, one of the Commissioners appointed to inquire as to the boundaries to be assigned to the divisions of the several counties under the Redistribution of Seats Bill, attended at the Shirehall, Norwich, for the purpose of receiving suggestions and of hearing objections as to the constitution of the divisions of the county of Norfolk. On February 28th it was announced that the Commissioners had issued their report and had determined the areas of the six divisions into wh

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1886.

1886.

2.—The appointment of Dr. Bates, of Edinburgh, as organist and master of the choristers at Norwich Cathedral, was announced. 7.—The county magistrates decided to hire of Mr. James C. Snelling the mansion known as Eaton Hall as lodgings for the judges of Assize, at the yearly rental of £250. On January 20th, Mr. Justice Hawkins, after delivering his charge to the Grand Jury at the Norfolk Assizes, said he could not offer the magistrates his gratitude for their endeavours to provide for the comfo

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1887.

1887.

6.—Dr. David George Thomson, senior medical officer of the Surrey Asylum, was appointed by the Norfolk county magistrates Medical Superintendent of the County Asylum at Thorpe, in place of Dr. Hills, resigned. The Court granted Dr. Hills a superannuation allowance of £600 per annum. At the Easter Sessions resolutions were presented by thirteen unions, protesting against the allowance as an excessive burden upon the county rates. 14.—A serious riot occurred in Norwich Market Place. A crowd of

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1888.

1888.

2.—Mr. Edward Compton’s company appeared at Norwich Theatre in Mr. W. G. Wills’ play, “Jane Shore,” with Miss Isabel Bateman in the title rôle . 17.—Mr. Andrew Johnston, Assistant Commissioner under the Boundary Commission appointed to make inquiries as to the delimitation of counties and Poor Law Unions, in view of impending legislation in the form of a new Local Government Bill, attended a meeting of the County Rate Basis Committee, held at Lynn under the presidency of Mr. R. T. Gurdon, and he

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1889.

1889.

3.—The Norfolk magistrates met at the Shirehall, Norwich, for the last time for the discharge of the general business of the county. Mr. J. R. Bulwer, Q.C., presided. On the motion of Sir Francis Boileau, Bart., seconded by Mr. C. S. Read, a vote of thanks was accorded to the senior Chairman, Mr. R. T. Gurdon, “for the impartial, courteous, and punctual manner in which he has discharged the various duties appertaining to the office of Chairman during the eighteen years in which he has with mar

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1890.

1890.

7.—Died, at St. John’s House, Norwich, Mr. Samuel Grimmer, in his 76th year. Mr. Grimmer for many years sat in the Town Council as a representative of the Second Ward, and was chairman of the Sewerage and Irrigation Committee. He was Mayor in 1880–81, and entertained the Prince and Princess of Wales and other distinguished visitors on the occasion of the opening of the Fisheries Exhibition. 8.—Maria Brown, aged 62, wife of a labourer, was murdered at Pulham St. Mary Magdalene, by Elijah Snelli

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1891.

1891.

1.—A sudden break-up occurred of the severe frost, which had lasted twenty-one consecutive days, but at sunset it froze again with increased severity. This was stated to have been the longest frost recorded in Norfolk since 1813. On the 20th another thaw took place, followed by heavy rain; but during the night the frost reasserted itself, and became very severe on the 21st and 22nd. Then the temperature gradually increased, bright sunshine followed, and the wind having veered to the south rai

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1892.

1892.

2.—A meeting, convened by the Lord Lieutenant of the county (the Earl of Leicester) and the High Sheriff (Mr. S. Gurney Buxton), was held at the Shirehall, Norwich, to consider what steps should be taken to provide a present from Norfolk to the Duke of Clarence and Avondale and Princess Mary Victoria on the occasion of their marriage. It was resolved to open a public subscription. A similar movement was inaugurated by the citizens of Norwich. —The Norfolk County Council appointed Mr. H. C. Bol

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1893.

1893.

1.—The issue of second-class tickets was abolished throughout the system of the Great Eastern Railway Company, except in the case of trains running in the metropolitan suburban districts. 2.—“Sidney Carton,” a dramatised version of Dickens’ “Tale of Two Cities,” was performed for the first time on any stage at Norwich Theatre by the Compton Comedy Company. 5.—The frost continued to be very severe. Large numbers of skaters visited Wroxham and Surlingham Broads. —The course of lectures on Ecclesi

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1894.

1894.

1.—Severe frost set in, and continued until the 9th. The snowfall was very heavy, serious inconvenience was caused to railway and other traffic, and many casualties were reported upon the coast as the result of a north-east gale. 2.—The Duke of York made his first public visit to Lynn, and opened the new Technical School erected by the Corporation at the cost of £3,000. 10.—A furious gale which sprung up from the south-west did not subside until the 12th. Much damage was done in town and count

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1895.

1895.

1.—Severe weather was experienced throughout the county. The snowfall was heavy, and deep drifts everywhere impeded traffic, especially in West Norfolk. On the 23rd the Yare overflowed its banks, and during a fearful storm at Yarmouth the water rose to an alarming height. Elaborate precautions were taken to prevent a recurrence of the catastrophe of the previous mouth, and although the Hall Quay was flooded the water was kept out of the dwellings sad store-houses. The Beach Gardens narrowly

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1896.

1896.

21.—The Norwich Town Council approved a scheme formulated by the Charity Commissioners for the administration of Anguish’s endowment for boys. It involved the expenditure of about £1,000 per year for the education, under certain conditions, of poor boys in the city. —The announcement was made that Mr. Clare Sewell Read had decided to relinquish farming in Norfolk and to settle in or near London. Mr. Read gave a farewell address at East Dereham Market Tea on January 31st; and on September 19th

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1897.

1897.

19.—The Norwich Town Council ordered a petition to be presented to Parliament against a scheme for the construction of electric tramways in the city. This course was adopted not in a hostile spirit, but with the object of making the best terms possible for the citizens. On February 9th the Corporation gave its consent to the Tramways Bill then before Parliament, and on February 23rd a petition signed by nearly 23,500 inhabitants of the city was presented to the Town Council, asking them to sup

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1898.

1898.

14.—At Aylsham County Court, before Judge Willis, Q.C., was tried the action Astley and Wyrley-Birch v. MacLean. The plaintiffs sought to recover £50 damages from the defendant, who was master of the Baconsthorpe Harriers, for trespassing upon their lands and for disturbing game thereon. The defence was that a fair but unsuccessful attempt had been made to prevent the hounds from getting into the cover, and as soon as possible they were drawn out. The jury found a verdict for the plaintiffs,

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1899.

1899.

1.—In the list of New Year’s Honours appeared the name of Mr. Robert Thornhagh Gurdon, of Letton, upon whom her Majesty had conferred the dignity of peerage. Mr. Gurdon assumed the title of Baron Cranworth. 5.—Cringleford church, after restoration at the cost of about £1,400, was re-opened by the Bishop of Norwich. 7.—Died, aged 78, Mr. Samuel Culley, of Grove Avenue, Norwich, who held the office of City Accountant from 1887 to 1898. He was a son of Mr. Richard Culley, and at an early age lear

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1900.

1900.

1.—Died at Booton rectory, the Rev. Whitwell Elwin. He was born in Norfolk on February 25th, 1816, and entering Caius College, Cambridge, graduated B.A. in 1839. After his marriage with his cousin, Miss Frances Elvin, in that year, he was ordained, and became curate of Hemington with Hardington, in Somersetshire. In 1849 he was presented to the family living of Booton, where he resided until his death. During his incumbency he undertook the great work of re-building his parish church in the

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