Norfolk Annals Volume I Part 95

NOVEMBER.

5.-At Yarmouth Quarter Sessions, before the Recorder, Mr. N. Palmer, Fortunatus Robert Townshend Crisp was indicted for publishing, in a paper called the "Paul Pry," a slanderous and malicious libel upon Henry Holmes Baker. Many persons in Yarmouth had, it was stated, been grossly libelled in this notorious publication. Defendant was found guilty, and ordered to pay damages amounting to 5.

9.-Capt. Philip John Money was elected Mayor, and Mr. John Barwell appointed Sheriff, of Norwich.

11.-Mr. Arrow, auctioneer, of Lynn, was served with an Exchequer writ under peculiar circ.u.mstances. Proceedings had been taken against several individuals in St. Margaret's parish for non-payment of Church rates, and their goods were distrained and put up for auction in the Sat.u.r.day Market Place. Among other articles offered was a silver-cased watch. Mr. Arrow not having a licence to sell plate, offered the works only, and proposed to make a present of the case to the person who purchased the works, and in this manner the watch was disposed of. On receiving the writ, Mr.

Arrow wrote to the Commissioners of Stamps and Taxes, giving a full explanation of the circ.u.mstances, whereupon further proceedings were stayed.

16.*-"A new Paving Bill is being prepared by Mr. C. S. Gilman, and its entire management is to be entrusted to a committee of inhabitants and owners of property in Norwich and the hamlets." Among its objects were the prevention of the erection or maintenance of any toll-gate in any part of the hamlets, the acquisition of powers to widen Briggs Street, Theatre Street, and London Street; to open a carriage way through the Back of the Inns from London Street to White Lion Street; to afford public carriage communication from the Back of the Inns through Angel Street to the Castle Ditches, and to effect other improvements conducive to the health, cleanliness, and security of the inhabitants. (_See_ January 31st, 1840.)

22.-At a meeting of the county magistrates, held at the Shirehall, Norwich, the Hon. and Rev. R. Wilson moved, Lord Wodehouse seconded, and it was resolved by a large majority to adopt the new Constabulary Act throughout the county. The force, known as the "Rural Police," was const.i.tuted as follows:-One chief constable, at the salary of 500 per annum; 12 superintendents, at 100 each; and 120 petty constables, at 1 each per week. Each superintendent was allotted a district of twelve square miles. On January 3rd, 1840, Lieut.-Col. Richard Montague Oakes was appointed Chief Constable.

23.-Ducrow's Circus was opened at the Ranelagh Gardens, Norwich.

26.-A meeting of the insurers in the Norwich Union Life Office was held at the a.s.sembly Rooms, Norwich, "to take into consideration the examiners' report, agreeable to the resolutions of the meeting held on the 6th inst." These proceedings arose mainly because of long-continued personal attacks made upon Mr. Bignold by Mr. Bacon, editor of the "Norwich Mercury." "The character of Mr. Bignold was placed on the highest pinnacle of unimpeachable honour and good fame; and the present state of the society's affairs is founded on that firm and equitable basis of adjustment which fully warrants its members in looking forward to years of increasing prosperity and success for the establishment."

DECEMBER.

21.-Wombwell's Menagerie was exhibited at Norwich. The collection had largely increased in extent since its previous visit, and included three elephants. "In consequence of the rapid growth of the enormous elephant, G. W. has been obliged to erect the largest machine in the form of a waggon that was ever built, so ponderous as to require six roller wheels to support it, and from 12 to 18 horses to draw it."

21.-Died in St. Stephen's, Norwich, aged 65, Mr. William Moore. He served the office of Sheriff in 1824, and of Mayor in 1835. Mr. Moore was the last Mayor elected by the old Corporation before the Munic.i.p.al Corporations Act came into force.

24.-The weather on this day was only ten degrees colder than on June 24th. "The thermometer out of doors remained at 50."

28.*-"One night last week some persons stole from the church at Swardeston one of the bells. The rogues broke the bell to pieces on the spot, and although the blows must have made a great noise, the villagers were not alarmed, and the sacrilegious depredators were enabled to carry off their booty unmolested."

1840.

JANUARY.

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 custody by the "Rural Police," conveyed to Harleston, and bound over to keep the peace for twelve months. "The concourse of persons was not so numerous as has been noticed on similar occasions. Whether this arose from the necessary secrecy of the scene of action, on account of the declared intentions of the magistrates to put a stop to these demoralising sights, or the early hour (ten o'clock) the combatants set-to, cannot be fully determined. But that these brutal attacks are fast declining in the estimation of the middle cla.s.ses may be fairly presumed by the paucity in number and the circuitous route taken by many of them to the battlefield."

10.-The Penny Postage "came into operation this day, according to the official regulations. Our advertising friends and correspondents will also be pleased to observe that unless the penny postage be prepaid the expense of them will be DOUBLE on their orders or communications. Since the 'schoolmaster has been abroad' the plural of penny is twopence. A letter not exceeding half-an-ounce in weight may be sent from any part of the United Kingdom to any other part for one penny, if paid when posted, or for twopence if paid when delivered." On January 18th it was announced "the penny postage reduction has about trebled the number of letters in Norwich and in other towns, but printed circulars have formed a great proportion of this temporary increase. A tradesman in this city, we are informed, has sent out several thousands of such penny postpaid circulars."

15.-Died, Mr. J. Purdy Beacham, aged 70, for 54 years a highly-respected member of the Norwich Theatrical Company.

19.-A severe thunderstorm occurred. A stack of barley at Overstrand was struck by lightning and entirely consumed; and on the 20th, during a heavy gale at Carlton Forehoe, a barn was blown down. On the 21st the thunderstorm raged with increased fury at Carlton Rode, where the lightning struck the premises of Mr. James Ringer, a miller, and set the thatch roof on fire. "His married daughter (Mrs. Matthews) was struck, and her clothes set on fire in twenty different places. Her sister was also enveloped in flames. The lightning inflamed her neck and shoulders, ran down her back, her side and breast, ran down her legs, and burned her heels, even the bottoms thereof, but neither her stockings nor boots were the least injured. Of her upper apparel, every article was burnt through and through."

23.-A fine schooner, named the Lady Sondes, was launched from the shipyard of Mr. Lubbock, at Wells-next-the-Sea. The vessel was built for Messrs. R. and R. Brereton, of Blakeney, and was intended for the foreign trade. This was a very busy year for Norfolk shipbuilders. From Mr. J.

Parker's yard at the same town was launched, on May 20th, the Saucy La.s.s schooner; from Mr. Joseph Hastings' yard at Yarmouth, on June 16th, a vessel of 200 tons burden; from Mr. F. Preston's yard at Yarmouth, on July 16th, a fine vessel named the Maid of Athens; from Mr. Fellowes'

yard at Yarmouth on September 15th, the Earl of Leicester brig; and from the yard of Mr. Ambrose Palmer, Yarmouth, on October 28th, a vessel of 400 tons, called the Hamlet.

28.-Steeplechases took place at Long Stratton. Among the other meetings this season were the military steeplechases by the officers of the 9th Royal Lancers at Shimpling Hall on March 3rd; the Fakenham Steeplechases on March 13th, over a four-mile course, with the winning-post on Hempton Green, where, in the heavy weight race, the silver cup, value 100, with 50 sovs. added, was won by Mr. Skelton's ch.h. Colonel, ridden by Wright (sixty-five years of age), and Mr. J. Elmere's br.h. Lottery (winner of the Liverpool stakes) was unplaced; the Norfolk and Suffolk Steeplechases, at Diss, on March 17th; the Loddon Steeplechases, on March 27th; and the Yarmouth Steeplechases, on March 31st.

31.-The pet.i.tion for the new Norwich Improvement Bill was presented in the House of Commons by the Marquis of Douro, who, on February 26th, introduced the Bill. On the previous day (February 25th) a common hall was held at the Guildhall, at which it was resolved that there was no necessity for the Bill, and a pet.i.tion was drawn up in opposition to it.

FEBRUARY.

1.-Norwich Theatre opened for the season with the production of "The Lady of Lyons," in which the part of Claude Melnotte was played by Mr. G. V.

Brooke. "When we see the huge amphitheatre which is now in rapid progress towards completion on the Castle Meadow, under the sanction of the const.i.tuted authorities, for the reception of another batch of horse riders so soon after the visit of Ducrow's troupe, and just at the very moment the players are come, we are constrained to observe that the jewel of fair play does not appear likely to be awarded as it ought to be to a cla.s.s of her Majesty's servants." On February 4th Mr. J. Russell, of Drury Lane and Covent Garden, appeared in the parts of Dominique ("The Deserter") and Pat Murphy ("The Happy Man"). Before the end of the season it was announced that Mr. G. V. Brooke had been added to the permanent strength of the Norwich Company.

2.-A remarkable case of somnolence was reported at Norwich. John Browne, master of the Yarmouth Bridge public-house, Red Lion Street, who died on this day, aged 39, and was reputed to be the heaviest man in the city, had been constantly afflicted with sleepiness. "He weighed at the time of his death nearly 27 st., and had generally slept away his time. He kept awake only a few minutes at a time, and even in conversation fell asleep. Browne was several years turnkey at the City Gaol, and was then by no means a man of over size, but he had been increasing in bulk for several years, notwithstanding the rigid temperance which he observed, living entirely upon dry toast and tea. His coffin was 3 ft. across, 6 ft. long, and 1 ft. 9 in. in height."

10.-The marriage of her Majesty the Queen was celebrated in Norwich. The Mayor and members of the Corporation, wearing white favours, attended service at the Cathedral, where the sermon was preached by the Rev.

Prebendary Wodehouse. After service the quarterly meeting of the Town Council was held at the Guildhall, when congratulatory addresses to her Majesty and Prince Albert were adopted. At one o'clock the 9th Lancers, under the command of Capt. Arthur Williams, entered the Market Place and fired a _feu de joie_ with their pistols; "the trumpeters played 'G.o.d save the Queen,' and the soldiers gave three hearty cheers, flourishing their sabres in the air." Luncheon was afterwards served in the Council Chamber, "the princ.i.p.al object on the table being a large wedding-cake, lavishly decorated." At five o'clock one hundred gentlemen dined at the Swan Inn, under the presidency of the Mayor. At night there was a firework display in the Market Place. On the staging at the north-east angle of the Market Place the fireworks were prematurely exploded; a rocket was driven through the shutters of a shop on the Walk, and another entered the second storey window of a house in London Street. A man was severely wounded in the face, and others were also injured. A ball took place at the a.s.sembly Room, "and in conformity with the wishes of the committee of the Council, the pit and gallery of the Theatre were thrown open gratis." The pieces performed were "The Wedding Day" and "The Ill.u.s.trious Stranger," followed by the pantomime, "The House that Jack Built." There were many parochial celebrations. At Yarmouth the vessels in the harbour were decorated with flags, the Revenue cutter in the Roads fired a royal salute, and a public dinner was held at the Town Hall. At a county meeting held at the Shirehall, Norwich, on March 21st, at which Mr. Henry Villebois, High Sheriff, presided, congratulatory addresses were ordered to be sent to her Majesty and Prince Albert.

12.-At the Norfolk and Norwich Museum, Mr. William Stark delivered a lecture on "The functions of the brain phrenologically considered." It was really a defence of the theory of phrenology, and gave rise to much adverse comment.

15.-Died, aged 31, Mr. George Stannard, younger brother of Mr. A Stannard, the Norwich artist. The deceased was described as "an artist of superior talents."

19.-Died, in his 108th year, Richard Pattle, of Rudham. "He was a poor but honest man, and had through life earned his bread by the sweat of his brow, and was so respected by his neighbours that they some time ago employed an artist to take his likeness, from which a print was published, and is now in possession of most of the neighbouring gentry and farmers."

27.-A fire occurred on the newly-erected premises of Mr. Thorrold, engineer and ironfounder, near Foundry Bridge, Norwich, "and totally consumed all but the bare walls."

MARCH.

2.-Batty's Royal Circus commenced a season in "the most elegant, s.p.a.cious, and substantial building ever erected in Norwich." Its site was on the Castle Meadow. One of the princ.i.p.al productions of the season was the spectacle, "The Council of Clermont," in which trained lions and leopards were introduced.

7.-At a meeting of the owners and occupiers of land in the Hundred of Henstead, held at the Bell Inn, Orford Hill, Norwich, under the presidency of Mr. Robert Fellowes, it was determined to present a pet.i.tion to Parliament against any alteration in the Corn Laws. The question was discussed at a meeting of the Norwich Town Council on March 24th, on a motion by Mr. Marshall that a pet.i.tion be presented to Parliament "to repeal the present laws affecting the importation of foreign corn, and to subst.i.tute such a duty as shall secure to the agriculturists of the country present protection, with the prospect of a progressive diminution of that duty as well as of others which form our commercial code." The motion was negatived. Mr. Bell, of the "Farmers'

Journal," delivered a lecture in Norwich Corn Hall at the close of the market on March 28th, and argued that the theory of Free Trade was false in the principle on which it professed to be founded. On the 11th a public discussion took place at St. Andrew's Hall between Mr. Bell and Mr. Ackland, one of the lecturers of the Manchester Anti-Corn Law League.

Many meetings were held, for and against repeal, in different parts of the county.

-*"Died, lately, Mr. Robin Wade, of Ditchingham, aged 102."

-*"Mr. William Bagge, M.P. for West Norfolk, has lately purchased Col.

Say's estate at Crimplesham, for 35,000, including the timber."

14.-At the Norfolk Sheriff's Court at Norwich, a jury was empanelled to a.s.sess damages in a case of _crim. con._, in which the plaintiff was Mr.

Edward William Trafford, and the defendant Mr. Ellis, a lieutenant in the 9th Royal Lancers stationed at Norwich in 1839. The Attorney-General (Sir John Campbell) was one of the counsel for the plaintiff, Mr.

Thesiger was leading counsel for defendant, and Mrs. Opie was a witness in the case. Mr. N. Palmer, barrister, was deputed by the High Sheriff to preside. The damages were laid at 5,000, and the special jury, composed of county gentlemen, a.s.sessed them at 500. On August 4th the Royal a.s.sent was given to Mr. and Mrs. Trafford's Divorce Bill.