Chronological Retrospect of the History of Yarmouth and Neighbourhood Part 7

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.

1546.

Two French ships and 120 prisoners taken by the town.

A house for country butchers built.

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; and the work of the Harbour was stopped till the following year. The next attempt also proved as unsuccessful. Another report says-The Norfolk rebellion, under Kett, the tanner, commenced; but their designs were frustrated by Yarmouth men, who, setting fire to a stack of hay on the west side of the Haven, were able to attack the enemy unseen, and defeated them, many insurgents being killed, 80 taken prisoners, and six pieces of ordnance secured. They were afterwards defeated by the Earl of Warwick at head-quarters in Norwich, and lost some 4,500 men; their leaders, William and Robert Kett, being suspended alive in chains on a gibbet.

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.

1551.

Many of the bra.s.ses 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.

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 school appears to have been closed, for we find the master quitting possession and resigning his office; and on Feb. 5th, 1773, the chamberlains were directed to do necessary repairs, and to let the school to Mr. Richard Eaton, the younger, for 4 a-year. The school was re-established in 1863.

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.

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.

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.

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.

1557.

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