Chronological Retrospect of the History of Yarmouth and Neighbourhood Part 21

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

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 a.s.sailed 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 successful, though at great risk of his life.

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 votes, on the latter accepting the office of Treasurer of his Majesty's Chamber. Mr. C. Townshend was elected eight times in thirty-three years.

1756.

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

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 afterwards a ship chandler at Wapping, which trade he carried on till his death. He was a great lover of history. In 1741 was appointed secretary of the Society of Antiquaries. Mr. Ames printed a "Catalogue of English Printers from 1471 to 1700," "An Index to Lord Pembroke's Coins," also "A Catalogue of English Heads, or an account of about 2,000 prints,"

describing what is peculiar on each; he drew up the "Parentalia, or Memoirs of the Family of Wren." His collection of coins, curiosities, books, &c., were sold in 1760. Among the latter was a copy of Tindall's New Testament, supposed to be the only one which escaped the flames, when the Bishop of London (Tonstall) ordered them to be burnt. _Vide_ "Timperley's Encyclopedia of Literary and Typ. Anecdote," 1842, p. 703.

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.

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.

1762.

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

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.

1765.

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

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.

1767.

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

1768.

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