Yarmouth Notes, 1830-1872. Collated From The File Of The Norwich Mercury

Yarmouth Notes

1830–1872. Collated from the File of the Norwich Mercury . BY FREDERICK DANBY PALMER. GREAT YARMOUTH: PRINTED BY J. BUCKLE, KING STREET. 1889....

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PREFACE.

The following pages are a reprint of extracts from the file of the Norwich Mercury , which, under the heading of “Yarmouth Notes,” have recently appeared in the columns of the Yarmouth Mercury ; and in consequence of a very generally expressed wish on the part of the public, re-appear in the present form. At the time these notices of Yarmouth News appeared in the Norwich Mercury , that journal was the organ of the old Whig party, and such of them, as treat of politics, being doubtless tinged by

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1830.

Jan. 2nd.—Contains an advertisement of the report of the “Norfolk Association for preserving the lives of Shipwrecked Mariners,” held at Norwich, William Barth, Esq., in the chair, from which it appears that an investigation had taken place as to the loss of seven men from the brig Hamond, and that as the lifeboat was not constructed with a view to affording aid to vessels immediately on the beach, Mr. Ambrose Palmer had most kindly offered to supply a boat for that purpose. Jan. 9th.—The prison

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1831.

Feb. 10th— The Gorleston and Southtown Magazine had been issued in weekly numbers or monthly parts, and contained a biographical notice of Mr. Dawson Turner, F.S.A., &amp;c. Feb. 17th.—Amongst the vessels lost and driven ashore by the then late gales were the Alfred (Simmonds), the Flora, the Juno (Moss), the Elizabeth and Mary Welch (Amis), and the Anson (Garwood). March 5th.—Contains the following notice of Mr. Palmer’s Fancy Dress Ball:— MR. PALMER’S FANCY BALL. In our notice of this amus

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1832.

Jan. 5th.—The Hon. and Rev. E. Pellew had distributed the prizes to the Sunday School children. Jan. 12th.—Dr. Cox had delivered a very interesting lecture on “Physiology.” Feb. 2nd.—The Rev. Henry Squire was advertised to deliver a course of lectures at the Old Meeting. The case of the King against the Aldermen of Yarmouth is reported. Feb. 9th.—With regard to which the following notice appears this week:— THE KING AGAINST THE ALDERMEN OF YARMOUTH. We are authorized to state that the Report of

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1833.

Jan. 3rd.—The prisoners in the Gaol and Bridewell returned thanks to the Mayor (J. Baker, Esq.) for the plentiful dinner of roast beef, plum pudding, and a quart of ale each, which he gave them on Christmas Day. Jan. 10th.—A large alligator had been taken by a Dutch fishing boat off Orford Ness. Jan. 14th.—H.M. frigates Castor (Capt. Lord J. Hay) and Conway (Capt. Eden), together with the French frigate Arcade, came into the Roads to victual and get a supply of water. Jan. 17th.—A number of ladi

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1834.

Jan. 9th.—Samuel Tolver and Charles John Palmer, Esqs., had been appointed Perpetual Commissioners for the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk. Jan. 16th.—News had been received that the Lion, belonging to G. D. Palmer, Esq., had arrived at Civita Vecchia on the 26th ult. Jan. 30th.—Two schooners of about 80 tons register, named the Norwich Trader and Lowestoft Merchant, had been launched from Mr. Thomas W. Branford’s yard. A requisition was being signed for the purpose of having the “upper” ferry e

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1835.

Jan. 8th, contains the following account of the election:— “It is with feelings of the deepest sorrow that we announce that our late members, Messrs. Anson and Rumbold, are ousted from the representation. We said last week that nothing but the most gross and unblushing bribery could possibly unseat these gentlemen, and these means have been had recourse to, to an unprecedented extent. Messrs. Baring and Praed are returned, not by the free and independent voice of the people, but by a bought ma

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1836.

Jan. 2nd.—The following is the account of the first election of Town Councillors under the Municipal Reform Act:— “The election of Town Councillors took place here on Saturday last. The polling commenced at nine o’clock in the morning, and finished at four in the afternoon. The return was published on Monday by the Mayor, as follows:— NORTH WARD. Richard Hammond 108 William N. Burroughs 99 Abraham Sewell 94 Charles George Doughty 91 Benjamin Sherrington 90 E. H. L. Preston 89 MARKET WARD. Simo

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1837.

Jan. 5th.—The “Isis,” of this port, and a sloop belonging to Wells, had been towed off the beach into the harbour. Jan. 12th.—Eleven vessels still remained on the beach, and the jetty had been damaged by the Henry, of North Shields, having run into it. Improvements were being effected at the Bath Rooms. A floating-light was to be placed at St. Nicholas’ Gat. Jan. 19th.—The increase in the Customs for the year ended 5th January, 1837, was £7,000. Feb. 2nd.—The Town debt was stated to have been le

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1838.

April 19th.—Winter had come again, and the frost had blocked up several pumps. The nights were extremely dark, and great complaints had been made by inhabitants of the total absence of lights in the streets. Coaches had been engaged to take up the Tory witnesses for the hearing of the election petition, while the Whigs were going to London by the “Ailsa Craig” steam packet. April 26th.—The following Committee had been struck for the hearing of such petition:—The Hon. E. Grimshaw, Charles Rushou

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1839.

Jan. 3rd.—The first half-yearly meeting of the governors and subscribers to the Hospital had been held, and is reported as follows:— “On Friday the first half-yearly meeting of the governors and subscribers to the Hospital was held at the Town Hall, the Hon. and Rev. Edward Pellew in the chair. Mr. A. Drew was unanimously elected resident Dispenser, at a salary of £60 per annum. Some alterations of the rules were agreed upon. Mr. S. S. Barber then moved that the votes for officers to the inst

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1840.

Jan. 2nd contains the following as to “Yarmouth Hospital”:— The half-yearly meeting of the governors of this institution was held at the Town Hall on Saturday. William Steward, Esq., took the chair, and stated that the building was expected to be completed for the reception of patients by Lady-day. The cost of the building, including furniture and the tower (a very ornamental building, to be used as a look-out), with other incidental charges, would amount to £1,600. (Expressions of surprise,

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1841.

Jan. 14th.—A meeting for the relief of the poor had been held, when £300 was raised in the room. Jan. 21st.—Mr. E. R. Palmer had been appointed Inspector of Corn Returns. Jan. 28th—The “Greyhound” (Barker) had arrived at Naples in fifteen days, “being the quickest passage ever known.” Feb. 11th.—About fifty tradesmen had dined at the “Star” to commemorate the baptism of the Princess Royal. Feb. 18th.—A local committee had been formed in connection with the “Marine Penitent Female Refuge,” with t

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1842.

Jan. 1st.—The half-yearly Hospital meeting had been held. The prisoners had been regaled by the Mayor with roast beef, plum pudding and one pint of beer each. Jan. 8th.—Some boys had made a “slider” near Dr. Borrett’s house, upon which Mrs. Borrett had fallen and broken one of her arms. Jan. 20th.—A public meeting of the inhabitants had been held for the purpose of considering the way in which they should celebrate the Royal Christening, when Sir E. Lacon, the Hon. and Rev. E. Pellew, Messrs. G.

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1843.

Jan. 5th.—A Bachelors’ ball had been held at the Bath Rooms, when 57 ladies and about a similar number of gentlemen were present. The party broke up at about three o’clock in the morning. Some young fig trees had sprung up in Mr. H. Fellows’ Dock. Jan. 12th.—A “true and complete peal of Grandsire Caters containing 5004 changes,” had been rung on St. Nicholas’ bells:—James Burman (treble), James Stolworthy (second), Robert Bunn (third), James Lamb, aged 83 (fourth), Henry Stolworthy (fifth), Fre

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1844.

Jan. 6th.—At a concert and ball given at the Town Hall, a violin duet, by the Masters Hulley, was played with “great spirit.” Bartholomew Earle, “for the last eight years butler to S. Palmer, Esq.” had been discovered quite dead, suspended by the neck from a beam in that gentleman’s cellar. The inquest lasted seven hours, and was attended by S. C. Marsh, Esq. (Mayor), and S. Palmer, G. D. Palmer, W. D. Palmer, C. Pearson, G. Bateman, J. C. Smith, J. Hammond, and A. Woods, Esqs. The deceased le

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1845.

Jan. 11th.—A Railway meeting had been held (W. H. Palmer, Esq., in the chair) to consider the report of the Committee appointed at the previous meeting. Feb. 1st.—A meeting had been held to assist the widows and children of the men lost on the 26th January then last. Progress was being made in building Brandon Terrace. On Sunday night, between 11 and 12 o’clock, there had been 19 feet 6 ins. of water on the bar, being 10 ins. higher than any tide of which there was an official report. Southtown

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1846.

Jan. 3rd.—The friends of total abstinence had held their ninth anniversary and festival at the Town-hall on 26th December. Yarham had been privately examined on the charge of murdering Mrs. Chandler, and remanded to the 5th inst. Jan. 10th.—Yarham had been further examined privately and a further remand granted. Jan. 17th.—Yarham had been committed for trial on the capital charge by S. Palmer, W. H. Palmer, and W. Johnson, Esqs. Feb. 7th—Disputes had arisen with regard to the rating of houses on

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1847.

Jan. 2nd.—The Mayor had purchased a seventy stone ox, and distributed the meat from it to the poor. Jan. 9th.—Chas. J. Palmer, Esq., had been appointed Receiver of Admiralty Droits in the place of F. R. Reynolds, Esq., deceased. Jan. 16th.—A meeting had been held to consider the distress in Ireland, and a subscription list opened for the purpose of affording relief. A meeting had been held to consider and forward, if possible, the building of a new bridge over the river. The frost in Holland had

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1848.

Jan. 1.—The elder Brethren of the Trinity House had declined to take Nelson’s Monument into their hands. The “Earl Grey,” London trader, had been lost. It was said that 35 years had elapsed since a similar fate had befallen one of these vessels. Jan. 8th.—Five vessels had been fitted out for the sole and turbot fishery in the style of the Barking smacks. Jan. 15th.—The Mayor had entertained 140 guests at a dinner in the Town Hall. The pumps in Regent street had suddenly become dry. Jan. 22nd.—T

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1849.

Jan. 13th.—The “Cosmopolite,” 312 tons register, had been launched from Mr. Brandford’s yard. Feb. 3rd.—There were 1,145 boys and 1,461 girls attending the Sunday Schools, about 1,000 of whom belonged to the Established Church. Feb. 10th.—Mr. John Lomas Cufaude had been unanimously elected Clerk of the Peace, in the place of Mr. J. Barth resigned. Feb. 17th.—Mr. Ferrier, upon wishing to leave the Council found the door locked, and made a disturbance by kicking it “with great violence.” The Mayor

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1850.

Jan. 5th.—At the Hospital meeting it was stated that £96 4s. 11d. had been collected for that institution on the general Fast Day. Mr. B. Dowson occupied the chair, and Messrs. G. D. Palmer, J. G. Cannell, W. Steele, W. H. Palmer, and Dr. Impey took part in the proceedings. Jan. 12th.—The Haven Commissioners were being urged to lengthen the Jetty, to enable vessels to land there when they could not enter the port. Jan. 19th.—An address of condolence had been voted by the Town Council to the Que

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1851.

Jan. 4th.—At the meeting of the Town Council, the Councillors for the St. George’s, Market and Gorleston Wards refused to appoint Ward Aldermen “as they had no confidence” in the Aldermen recently appointed by the casting vote of the Mayor. The “Water question” was before the public, when, as to the Ormesby water with which it was proposed to supply the town, Mr. Cooper, an eminent analytical chemist, stated that such water “was turbid from the green and brown matter in it” and that “the large q

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1852.

Jan. 3rd.—The new Railway Bridge had been opened. Jan. 17th.—There was further dissatisfaction in the town on the subject of the Assessment and the Poor’s Rate; a summons, obtained by Mr. J. H. Harrison against some officials for not allowing him to inspect the rate-books, was dismissed with costs. Mr. Hammond (one of the Justices) had called the attention of the Press to the manner in which on certain occasions Magistrates were “drummed up.” William Rising, Esq., of Somerton Hall, had entertain

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1853.

Jan. 8th.—A meeting of Liberal electors had been addressed by Mr. McCullagh relative to the rejection on technical grounds of the petition against the return of the M.Ps. George Danby-Palmer, Esq., occupied the chair, and Messrs. F. S. Costerton, P. Pullyn, R. Hammond, J. Clowes, C. E. Bartram, J. Jackson, J. Bayly, W. N. Burroughs, J. D. Chapman, J. Cobb, W. Livingstone, S. Parker, J. Mainprice, D. R. Fowler, P. White and others were present. It was rumoured that Mr. Rumbold would not again of

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1854.

Jan. 7th.—Several houses had been damaged by a “fearful” storm. The “Seamen’s Association” had held a demonstration with a procession round the town. At a subsequent meeting held at their Club House the following toasts were given:—“The Queen,” “May British Sailors weather the Storm,” “England expects every man will do his duty,” “The Owners and Merchants of Yarmouth,” “May British Sailors never want for grog and tobacco.” Jan. 14th.—The “Eleanor Palmer,” belonging to W. H. Palmer, Esq., had be

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1855.

Jan. 6th.—There had been a high tide and heavy flood; 130 yards of the rails between Yarmouth and Reedham had been carried away by the latter. The following gentlemen had been chosen as the Library Committee.—The Mayor (C. J. Palmer, Esq.), Rev. J. B. Bampton, Rev. H. Squire, and Messrs. B. Fenn, R. R. B. Norman, J. Bayly, and S. C. Burton. It was considered too cold to drill the Militia on the South-denes. Jan. 13th.—The following quantity of fish had been forwarded from Yarmouth during the pre

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1857.

Jan. 3rd.—The fourth anniversary of Court “Crown and Anchor” A.O.F. had been celebrated by a dinner at Bro. Franklin’s, Hall Quay. Mr. C. B. Dashwood occupied the chair, and it was stated that the Court then consisted of 90 members. Jan. 10th.—There had been a loan exhibition at the Priory Hall. Messrs. Charles J. Palmer, B. Fenn, Rev. H. Squire, Dumbleton, R. R. B. Norman, Burton, and J. Bayly had been elected the members of the Public Library Committee. Jan. 17th.—The “Britannia Pier Bill” wa

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1858.

Jan. 2nd.—Contains the following article on the Old Year:—“1857 has been a good year for our port. Our fisheries have prospered; our mercantile and shipping report is favourable; and our commercial credit has stood firm and upright against the pressure of a severe monetary crisis. We have proved the elasticity of our resources, and have demonstrated the strength and stability of our enterprise. The fashionable season has also been one on which we have to congratulate ourselves. During the su

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1859.

Jan. 5th.—A meeting had been held (C. J. Palmer, Esq., in the chair) for the purpose of raising a fund with a view to presenting a testimonial to the Rev. George Hills. Sir E. H. K. Lacon, and Messrs. R. Hammond, T. Brightwen, C. C. Aldred, E. H. L. Preston, C. S. D. Steward, and C. Cory, took part in the proceedings, and £145 was raised in the room. The Mayor (R. Steward, Esq.), had given away 300 cwts. of coal to poor persons. Jan. 12th.—It was reported that 20 missionary clergymen would acco

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1860.

Jan. 4th.—The Artillery Company had secured the services of a band, and armed the trumpeters “with swords.” Several herring boats had again proceeded to sea. Jan. 7th.—Mr. Hulley and Sergeant Cattermole were playing in the N.A.V. Band. Jan. 11th.—The “canard” that one of the M.Ps. intended to retire was denied. Petitions were being largely signed in favour of marriage with a deceased wife’s sister. About 30 gentlemen had attended the dinner of the Amicable Shipping Club, including Mr. Gourlay (w

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1861.

Jan. 2nd.—The poor rate assessment had been raised some £14,000, and a 1s. 2d. rate thereon made. Mr. F. Ferrier (Deputy Coroner) had held an inquest on the body of Thomas Algar, the clown who had expired at the Theatre immediately after the performance on the previous Friday. The deceased was 34 years of age, and left a widow and one child. The verdict was that deceased died from “natural causes”; Mr. C. C. Aldred (the Surgeon) and the Jury gave their fees to the family. Jan. 5th.—The Revenue

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1862.

Jan. 4th.—Parcels containing Christmas fare “had fallen among thieves” on the Railway. Jan. 8th.—Up to the 30th ult., 9,257 offers had been received and 8,229 Volunteers enrolled in the Royal Naval Reserve; of this number 24 held Masters’ Certificates, 116 Mates’ Certificates, and the force embraced 1,148 petty officers in the Merchant Service. Jan. 15th.—Two pugilists named Foxall and Chambers, (who were occasionally employed as Beachmen), had engaged in a prize fight. “Ducky” Chambers was the

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1863.

Jan. 10th.—An inquiry was being held in respect of certain charges against the crew of the lifeboat. Mr. B. Fenn had presided at the annual library meeting. Jan. 14th.—At the lifeboat inquiry, after hearing evidence, the Rev. Mr. Steward moved, and Mr. Fellows seconded, “That the Beachmen were in no way culpable on the occasion, and that, on the contrary, their conduct was all that it ought to have been,” which motion was carried unanimously. Mr. E. P. Youell had executed some sleight-of-hand tr

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1865.

Jan. 7th.—A man, 60 years of age, had attended the Guardians, with a view to obtaining a wife out of the Workhouse. He was referred back by the Board to his own parish (Clippesby). Jan. 11th.—Benjamin Dowson, Esq., had died in his 77th year; he was much respected, and the flags on the shipping and the public buildings had been hoisted at half-mast. Jan. 14th.—The Haven was in a bad state, and there was so little water on the bar that the “Rainbow” steamer had landed her passengers on the Beach.

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1867.

Jan. 2nd.—An attack had been made upon the Recorder (N. Palmer, Esq.), whose ill-health had caused his absence from the Quarter Sessions, by Messrs. R. Steward and C. C. Aldred, and the Mayor (Mr. E. P. Youell) by his casting vote, gave effect to this action. David Falcke, Esq., had died; his widow had sent £5 for the poor of the town. Jan. 12th.—The “South-end Mission,” which had been erected at a cost of £500, had been opened: the Corporation attended this ceremony. Jan. 16th.—The attempt to d

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1868.

Jan. 1st.—A. Brogden, Esq., had given 20 tons of coals to the poor of the borough. Jan. 8th.—“Fenian scare.” The Magistrates had held a private Meeting, which was attended by Major Jones and Captain Scovell, (96th Regiment) with a view to adopting measures for the more efficient protection of property within the borough. The ammunition stores had been removed from the Batteries to the Barracks and the Military had paraded and marched to Church with muskets and side arms. Jan. 11th.—The “United

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1869.

Jan. 2nd.—The average price of herring during the fishing had been £8 17s. 6d. per last, and the money thus expended had amounted to £146,000. Jan. 6th.—Mr. J. D. Hayes had been elected one of the Relieving Officers in the place of Mr. Nutman deceased. John Coleby alias “Jack Sheppard,” who had recently broken out of gaol, had been re-captured. Jan. 16th.—There had been a contest in St. George’s Ward to fill the vacancy caused by Mr. R. Ferrier’s death; when the following was the poll:— Mr. T. W

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1870.

Jan. 1st.—Charles Dashwood, Esq., had given a ball at the Assembly Rooms. Jan. 12th.—Thomas Brightwen, Esq., had died at the age of 59. Damage had been occasioned to several houses in the town by a heavy gale. Jan. 26th.—Another wrecked vessel had been in contact with the Britannia Bier. Jan. 29th.—Mr. J. H. Orde had been elected Borough Treasurer in the place of Mr. T. Brightwen deceased. Two vessels had been in collision with the Newarp lightship. Feb. 12th.—J. Tomlinson, Esq., had been electe

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1871.

Jan. 4th.—Records the abandonment of what was known as the “Ordering up system,” under which complainants had been accustomed, on payment of a fee of 2s. (without summons), to have persons brought before the Magistrates by the police. A young Danish girl had been discovered working as a sailor on board a vessel. Jan. 10th.—One Thacker, a veteran gunner, generally known as “Old Stork” had brought down five swans at one shot on Breydon. Jan. 14th.—The Mayor (E. H. L. Preston, Esq.), had given a ba

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1872.

Jan. 6th.—Mr. J. T. Clarke had been appointed an Admiralty Commissioner. Jan. 20th.—The Town Council had voted congratulatory addresses to the Queen, and the Prince and Princess of Wales, upon the occasion of the recovery of the Prince from his serious illness. There had been a heavy gale from the S.S.W. Jan. 27th.—It was stated that within 12 years five penny newspapers had been started in Yarmouth, all of which had ceased to exist. Jan. 31st.—Mr. John L. Cufaude, Clerk of the Peace, Clerk to t

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