Norfolk Annals, Vol. 2 A Chronological Record of Remarkable Events in the Nineteeth Century (part 3 of 5)

Norfolk Annals, Vol. 2 A Chronological Record of Remarkable Events in the Nineteeth Century (part 3 of 5)

2.—At the Lambeth Police Court, William Sheward, aged 57, was charged upon his own confession with the wilful murder of his wife, Martha Sheward, at Norwich, on June 15th, 1851. On the night of January 1st the prisoner went to the Carter Street Police Station and said to the officer in charge, “I have killed my wife. I have kept the secret for years, but I can keep it no longer.” In a further statement he said he had intended to destroy himself, “but the Almighty would not let him do it.” He added that he had cut up his wife’s body, and that a portion was kept in spirits of wine at the Guildhall at Norwich, by order of the magistrates. At the Norwich Police Court, on January 4th, the Chief Constable (Mr. Hitchman) detailed to the magistrates the particulars reported to him by the London police, and stated that on June 21st, 1851, portions of a human body were found in different parts of the city and deposited at the Guildhall. The magistrates issued a warrant for the apprehension of Sheward, who, on January 7th, was brought to Norwich, and appeared before the Bench on January 8th. He was described as a licensed victualler, of the Key and Castle public-house, St. Martin-at-Oak, and it was proved that he married his first wife, a Norfolk woman, who formerly lived at Wymondham, at Greenwich, on October 28th, 1836. In 1838 he came to Norwich, opened a pawnbroker’s shop in St. Giles’, and became bankrupt. When living in Tabernacle Street, in 1851, his wife suddenly disappeared, about the 9th or 10th of June. Upon this evidence the prisoner was remanded, and at subsequent hearings witnesses were called who deposed to finding various portions of human remains in different parts of the city and suburbs in the summer of 1851. Relatives of the deceased woman stated that the prisoner accounted for her disappearance by saying that she had left Norwich for a time. On February 1st the prisoner was fully committed for trial. At the Norwich Assizes, on March 29th, before Mr. Baron Pigott, Sheward was placed upon his trial, and on the second day of the hearing Mr. Metcalfe, Q.C., for the defence, contended that the accused was labouring under delusions when he made the confession. The jury, after three-quarters of an hour private deliberation, returned a verdict of guilty, and the prisoner, who had nothing to say, was sentenced to death. Immediately after the trial anonymous letters were published in the London newspapers asserting the innocence of the prisoner; similar letters were addressed to the Magistrates’ Clerk at Norwich, and one communication actually purported to have been written by Mrs. Sheward herself. Efforts were made to obtain a commutation of sentence, on the ground of the long interval that had elapsed between the perpetration of the murder and the trial of the accused. These efforts, however, were of no avail, and the capital sentence was carried out by Calcraft at the City Gaol on April 20th. This was the first private execution that had taken place in Norwich. It was announced that on April 13th the culprit made a full confession of his crime, and gave detailed particulars of the manner in which he had disposed of the body of the murdered woman. In a letter to his second wife he also admitted his guilt.

14.—The trial of the election petition presented by Mr. Jacob Henry Tillett against the return of Sir Henry Josias Stracey, Bart., as member of Parliament for Norwich, commenced at the Shirehall, before Mr. Baron Martin. Counsel for the petitioner were Mr. Serjeant Ballantyne, Mr. Keane, Q.C., and Mr. Simms Reeve; and for the respondent, Mr. Rodwell, Q.C., Mr. Serjeant Sleigh, Mr. E. L. O’Malley, and Mr. J. C. C. Wyld. Bribery, treating, personation, and other matters were alleged. In his opening address, Mr. Ballantyne asserted “that the bribery was most profligate and most wholesale, and that houses were opened by persons of apparent respectability for the mere purpose of carrying out this bribery, and men of position who ought to have known a great deal better were concerned in it.” After three days’ hearing, the trial resulted in the unseating of Sir Henry Stracey. The learned judge, in his report to the Speaker of the House of Commons, stated that although no corrupt practice was proved to have been made with the knowledge or consent of any of the candidates, and, further, it was proved to his entire satisfaction that neither Sir Henry Stracey nor the other candidates at the said election had any personal knowledge of or connection whatever with bribery or any other illegal or corrupt practice, he had determined that Sir Henry Stracey was not duly elected, and that his election was rendered void by the acts of his agents. The persons reported for being guilty of corrupt practices were Robert Hardiment, Arthur Hunt, Robert Callow, and Thomas Hutchings. The first-named absconded after the petition was presented. It was also stated in the report that a number of persons went to the poll in a gross state of drunkenness. (See April 1st.)

15.—A trout weighing 15 lbs. was captured in a drop net near the New Mills, Norwich.

16.—Messrs. Jolly and Son, coachbuilders, Norwich, advertised that they had “arranged to supply from a noted French maker the celebrated bicycle velocipede, so much in vogue in Paris.” The price of the machine was from 8 gs. upwards. On the 30th there was an editorial announcement to the effect that “an attempt is being made to introduce this latest novelty in locomotive machinery, now so fashionable in Paris, to the Norwich public, by Mr. C. Thorn, who has two at his establishment, for the inspection of the curious.” The “first velocipede journey of any considerable distance from Norwich” was performed on March 30th by Mr. B. W. Jolly, who travelled from Norwich to Yarmouth, including a stoppage of fifteen minutes at Acle, in 2 hours 30 minutes. “The progress of the traveller was considerably retarded by the roughness of the roads and a powerful gale.” A short time previously Mr. G. W. Bellamy, of Saxlingham, on a velocipede built by Messrs. Jolly and Son, but under much more favourable conditions as to roads and weather, accomplished a distance of 56 miles in 6 hours 25 minutes, exclusive of a short delay midway on the journey. A Norwich Velocipede Club was established in the month of April, and on the 29th an exhibition of the machines was held at the Corn Hall, under the management of Mr. Thorn. On the same occasion was exhibited “one of the old-fashioned dandy horses, the original or the velocipede tribe,” but, it was added, “the now velocipede is more easily managed.” The first velocipede races took place at the athletic sports of the Norwich Gymnastic Society, held on Newmarket Road Cricket Ground, on May 24th. A “slow race,” ridden by Messrs. Jolly, Griffiths, and Goldsmith, was won by the last-named. A “plank race,” in which the bicycles were ridden upon a seventy yards’ length of plank, was won by a competitor named Ewing. A one mile “fast race” was ridden in heats, the first of which was won by Kent, of Beccles, and the second by Bellamy. Kent was the winner of the final heat, in 4 minutes 49 seconds. “He came over on his bicycle from Beccles in the morning, and returned the same way after the sports.” By the end of the year there was a marked increase in the number of local cyclists. Accidents to inexperienced riders were frequently recorded, and many complaints were made by drivers of the alarm occasioned to horses by the appearance of these new-fangled machines.

16.—The so-called monastic chapel erected at Elm Hill, Norwich, by Father Ignatius, was the subject of further discussion. Miss Robinson, a “lady preacher,” had hired the “monastery,” and named it the “Jehovah Jireh chapel,” whereupon Ignatius issued a notice warning her and others concerned that he was the owner of the building. On this date “Brother Philip” and one or two other members of the confraternity came to Norwich, under instructions from Ignatius, and demanded the keys of the building from Mr. Liddlelow, who refused to give them up unless authorised by his principal, Mr. Backhouse, surveyor, of Ipswich. At midnight on the 18th Ignatius, who had arrived in Norwich a few hours previously, with other brethren, gained access to the old sanctuary by, they asserted, miraculous intervention, and thence made their way to the new chapel. The police were sent for, and Ignatius was informed that he had no right there; as he declined to leave the building, the police refused to interfere. Mr. Liddlelow, on the 19th, applied to the magistrates for an order of ejectment, but as a question of right was involved, they would have nothing to do with the matter. On the same evening Ignatius performed service in the chapel, and stated, in the course of his address, that Miss Robinson had acted in the most honourable manner, but had been misled by others. He alluded to her as his “sister in Christ,” and Miss Robinson, who preached in the chapel on the evening of the 20th, spoke of Ignatius as her “brother in Christ.” Ignatius addressed the congregation at the close of the proceedings, and informed them that he should never allow the chapel to be used for any other purpose than that of monastic worship. “Although the members of Father Ignatius’ congregation and the members of Miss Robinson’s flock could not be more opposed in their mode of thought, yet the greatest harmony prevailed, and at the close they offered up the Lord’s Prayer in perfect unison.”

18.—The new Cemetery at Diss was consecrated by the Bishop of Norwich. The total cost of the chapels, lodge, &c., was about £1,750, but this sum was exclusive of the price of the land.

FEBRUARY.

5.—Died, in his 87th year, at Norwich, Thomas Hurry, church bell-hanger, and for more than 50 years a member of the St. Peter Mancroft company of ringers.

12.—A severe gale occurred on the Norfolk coast. The barque Try Again was lost off Yarmouth, and the crew saved by means of the rocket apparatus. Other vessels were wrecked, and several lives lost.

13.*—“We are sorry to learn that the Norfolk County Cricket Club has been brought to an untimely end. The officers of the club hold out no hope that it can be carried on, as the persistent apathy of those who call themselves members, many of whom have failed to pay their subscriptions, has left the treasurer with a large amount of debts and no hope of being able to meet them.” At a meeting held on the 17th, it was agreed by the Dereham Cricket Club to hire the ground hitherto let to the County Cricket Club.

MARCH.

5.—At a meeting of the Norwich Town Council, a report was received from the Sewerage and Irrigation Committee, stating that an intimation had been made by the contractor for the construction of the intercepting sewers that he would be unable to proceed with his contract unless the Committee advanced him a sum of money. As neither the Committee nor the Board of Health had power to do so under the contract, proposals were made to the contractor (Mr. Wainwright), which resulted in the Committee taking possession of the works, materials, &c. The opinion was expressed that the Committee had acted with due consideration of the interests and safety of the public, and at the same time with consideration for the contractor, who appeared to have met with unforeseen difficulties in the prosecution of that part of the works in course of construction at Trowse, the soil there consisting of sand instead, as was supposed, of chalk. The Town Council, on March 16th, agreed that the contract with Mr. Wainwright be cancelled, upon payment to the parties entitled thereto of £2,800, in full satisfaction of all claims and for the purchase of plant and materials. On July 20th the Sewerage and Irrigation Committee reported that, in consequence of the nature of the soil through which so large a portion of the tunnelling had to be carried, and other unforeseen circumstances, the original estimate would be exceeded, but the ultimate cost of the works would not be more than £81,500, to be reduced to £78,500 by the sale of plant, &c. A description of the sewerage works was published on December 24th, from which it appeared that all the money authorised to be raised by Act of Parliament, £75,000, had been borrowed, and the greater part of it already expended. The whole of the high level sewer was completed on this date. It extended from the Ipswich Road, along Town Close Road, through Mount Pleasant Lane, across the fields and under Mill Hill Lane to West Pottergate street, Bedford Street, Opie Street, the Cattle Market, and King Street, to a point near Messrs. Morgan’s Brewery, where it joined the low level sewer, a distance of more than two and a half miles. Branch sewers had been laid in various directions. The low level sewer, from the New Mills, along Westwick Street, Charing Cross, St. Andrew’s, Prince’s Street, Tombland, Upper King Street, and along King Street to the gates had also been completed, a few short distances excepted. The work was carried out under the direction of the engineer, Mr. Morant, and of the Sewerage and Irrigation Committee, of which Mr. J. G. Johnson was chairman. (See October 1st, 1872.)

9.—Died at Torquay, Sir John P. Boileau, Bart., of Ketteringham Park. The eldest son of Mr. John Peter Boileau, he was born in 1794, educated at Eton and Merton College, Oxford, and in 1813 entered the Rifle Brigade, from which he retired in 1818. He married, in 1824, Lady Catherine Sarah Elliot, daughter of the first Earl of Minto, by whom he had two sons, Francis George Manningham, born in 1830, who succeeded to the baronetcy, and Edward William Pollin, born in 1831, and five daughters. Sir John was a magistrate and Deputy Lieutenant for the county of Norfolk, and served the office of High Sheriff in 1844. As a memorial to his wife, who died in 1862, he founded the Catherine ward in the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital. He was devoted to the pursuit of science and the arts, was a vice-president of the Society of Antiquaries, a Fellow of the Royal Society and of the Society of Artists, president of the Norfolk and Norwich Archæological Society, vice-president of the Norfolk and Norwich Museum, and a member of the committee of the Norfolk and Norwich Triennial Musical Festival.

11.—Prince’s Street chapel, Norwich, was re-opened, after having been re-arranged and improved, under the direction of Mr. Edward Boardman, architect, at the cost of £2,600. As originally planned, in 1819, it was a building of heavy and uninteresting appearance; the new designs by Mr. Boardman gave to it an imposing façade. The Rev. Newman Hall preached at the opening services.

12.—A race took place between Joseph Tuck, a pedestrian, of Little Snoring, and a trotting pony belonging to Mr. Gutteridge. The match was for £40, the distance 500 yards, and the start was from scratch. Tuck had the race in hand the whole way, and passed the winning-post thirty yards ahead of the pony.

13.*—“Mr. Bunnett, of Norwich, has successfully undergone the necessary preliminary of the searching examination in music by Professor Sterndale Bennett. As a corollary of the examination, the exercise of Mr. Bunnett for the degree of Doctor in Music was performed in the chapel of Trinity College, Cambridge, on the 8th instant, in the presence of Professor Bennett, and produced a very good impression.”

16.—The trial of the election petition against the return of the Hon. R. Bourke, one of the Conservative members for the borough, commenced at King’s Lynn, before Mr. Baron Martin. The petitioners alleged corrupt practices, treating, and intimidation. The hearing concluded on the 17th, when the Judge stated that he was clearly of opinion that the object of the petition had failed, and it would be his duty to report to the Speaker of the House of Commons that Mr. Bourke had been duly elected.

27.—At the Norwich Assizes, before Mr. Baron Pigott, Francis Howard Clare (42), shoemaker, was indicted for the wilful murder of his wife, Ann Frances Clare, on October 16th, 1868. The woman was found with her throat cut, and it was alleged that the prisoner had inflicted the wound. Mr. Metcalfe, for the defence, set up the theory of suicide, and the jury, adopting that view, returned a verdict of not guilty.

APRIL.

1.—In the House of Commons a motion was agreed to for the appointment of a Royal Commission to inquire into alleged corrupt practices at Norwich at the last election of members to serve in Parliament. (See August 21st.)

14.—The Watton and Swaffham Railway Bill was considered by a Select Committee of the House of Commons. The company asked for powers to extend from Watton in the direction of Thetford the line of railway constructed between Swaffham and Watton. The Committee decided that the preamble had been proved. On June 25th a Select Committee of the House of Lords ordered the Bill to be reported to that House. The estimated cost of the construction of the line was £72,500; the capital proposed to be raised under the Bill was £80,000—£62,000 by shares, and the remaining £20,000 by borrowing powers. The line to Roudham was opened for passenger traffic on October 18th.

15.—The Committee appointed by the House of Commons to investigate the condition of turnpike trusts considered the affairs of the Norfolk group. The Committee decided that the New Buckenham, the Norwich, Swaffham, and Mattishall, the Norwich and Watton, and the Thetford trusts be not continued, and that the Aylsham and Cromer trusts be continued.

MAY.

12.—Died at King’s Lynn, Mr. Charles Gill, “the well-known and highly respected lessee and manager of theatres in the East Anglian district, and talented comedian.” Mr. Gill had attained the age of 74 years, and left a daughter with whom he was about to proceed to Australia. In his earlier days Mr. Gill performed with the great Kean and many other eminent actors.

17.—Loveday’s English Opera Company commenced an engagement at Norwich Theatre. Mdlle. Mariana and Miss Ella Collins made their first appearance in Norwich.

—The hearing of the election petition against the return of the Hon. Frederick Walpole and Sir E. H. K. Lacon, as members for North Norfolk, commenced at the Shirehall, Norwich, before Mr. Justice Blackburn. The nominal petitioner was Mr. Edward Colman, merchant, of London, who alleged bribery, treating, undue influence, employment of roughs, illegal payment of travelling expenses, and, what was a novel feature in election inquiries, the employment of canvassers. Counsel for the petitioner were Mr. Serjeant Ballantyne and Mr. Littler, and for the respondents Mr. O’Malley, Q.C., Mr. Rodwell, Q.C., and Mr. Blofeld. The trial concluded on the 24th, when his lordship, in delivering judgment, said the petition had completely failed. Both members were duly elected, and in the present case there was no reason for departing from the rule that the petitioner must pay the costs.

24.—The Queen’s birthday was observed in the usual manner at Norwich. A parade of the Royal Horse Artillery and the Volunteers took place. The event was officially observed on June 2nd, when the troops were reviewed on Mousehold; the Mayor and Mayoress entertained the aged poor at the Corn Hall, and gave a feast to the inmates of the Workhouse.

26.—The foundation-stone of the new church of St. James’, Yarmouth, was laid by the Dean of Norwich. The church was partially opened on April 27th, 1870.

JUNE.

4.—A crane was shot at South Pickenham. It was a young male, in good condition, measured 64 inches in length, and weighed 10½ lbs.; the expanse of its wings was 93 inches. On the 12th two were killed out of four seen at Burnham, and about the same time another was shot on the Thornham salt marshes. The occurrence of so many cranes in one year was remarkable, as not more than three or four specimens were known to have been procured in Norfolk during the preceding half century.

8.—A great demonstration was held at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, in opposition to the Irish Church Bill. The meeting was convened by the Norwich Conservative and Constitutional Association, and was presided over by Sir Samuel Bignold.

9.—Died at Lugano, Switzerland, where he had gone for the benefit of his health, Mr. Charles Cory, Town Clerk of Great Yarmouth, aged 57. He was a son of Mr. Robert Cory, solicitor, a former Mayor of the borough, and was elected Town Clerk in 1851, in succession to Mr. J. Clowes. Mr. Charles Diver was elected to the vacant office on June 21st.

15.—At a special meeting of the Norwich Town Council, it was reported that new governors had been appointed under the amended Grammar School and Commercial School scheme. The Town Clerk, it was stated, had obtained for the Corporation the right of interfering in the trust, and had procured the adoption of the lists furnished by the Council. The principle obtained was an important one—that no body of trustees exercising a trust for the benefit of the city and neighbourhood should be allowed to make enormous and various changes in their government and management of the school, which was the property of the Council as much as theirs, without the sanction of the representative body.

24.—The annual show of the Norfolk Agricultural Association commenced at Attleborough, and was continued on the 25th. The members’ dinner took place at the Corn Hall, and was presided over by the Hon. Thomas de Grey, M.P.

26.—The annual camp of the 1st Administrative Battalion of Norfolk Volunteers was formed at Hunstanton Park. The Battalion was inspected by Lieut.-Col. Elliott, and the camp was struck on July 2nd.

JULY.

7.—The new dock at Lynn, completed at the cost of upwards of £80,000, was opened by the Prince of Wales, who was accompanied by the Princess of Wales. Their Royal Highnesses arrived by special train from London, and were received at the railway station by the Chairman of the Dock Company (Mr. L. W. Jarvis), the Mayor (Mr. J. Thorley), the members of Parliament for the borough, and others. Escorted by a troop of the 3rd (Prince of Wales’) Dragoons, from Colchester, the Prince and Princess proceeded to the Town Hall, where an address was read by the Recorder. After a visit to the Grammar School, where his Royal Highness presented the medal annually given by him to the head boy, the procession went to the Common Staithe Quay, where the twin screw steamer Mary, of London, was lying ready to receive the party on board. The band of the Grenadier Guards, under Mr. Dan Godfrey, played a selection of music as the vessel steamed down the Estuary Channel. Returning to the harbour, the Mary passed through the lock gate into the Dock basin, amid the loud cheers of the spectators, the playing of the National Anthem, and the ringing of the church bells. His Royal Highness having declared the Dock duly opened, said that it would thenceforth be called the Alexandra Dock. The Royal visitors and a distinguished company next proceeded to the Town Hall for luncheon. The Prince and Princess afterwards left for Sandringham. In the evening the town was illuminated, and a display of fireworks was given in the Tuesday Market Place.

8.—After lying high and dry for upwards of nine weeks, the large screw steamer, Lady Flora, was launched from Caister beach. She was a first-class vessel, of 750 tons register, and 1,000 tons gross, 205 feet in length, 29 feet beam, and was valued at £16,000. On May 1st she ran hard and fast on the beach, in close contiguity to the dangerous shoal known as the Patch. Early in June the services of Mr. T. B. Carr, engineer, of Hull, were engaged by the underwriters, and efforts were made to get her off. The steamer had become embedded in the sand to the depth of eight feet, but by the aid of very powerful hydraulic cranes and other appliances, and assisted by 120 men, Mr. Carr succeeded in lifting the vessel four feet above the beach. In these operations upwards of £2,000 was expended. Three thousand persons assembled to witness the launch. When the blocks were knocked away the vessel, by her own weight, glided broadside off, and rolled in magnificent style into 4½ feet of water. Her draught (empty) was eight feet; as the tide rose she floated with it, and was towed to Hull for repair. On November 20th it was announced that the Lady Flora, which was then engaged in the Baltic trade, had been lost at sea.

16.—In recognition of the great services he had rendered to the Norwich Battalion of Rifle Volunteers during the five years it was under his command, Col. Black was presented with a service of plate by the officers, non-commissioned officers, and members of the corps. Col. Black was succeeded in the command of the Battalion by Col. G. M. Boileau.

19.—Robertson’s comedy, “Caste,” which marked a new era in the character of theatrical representation, was produced for the first time in Norwich, by a company which appeared at the Theatre Royal, under the management of Mr. Frederick Younge. The transition from sensational drama and broad farce to refined comedy was by no means appreciated by local playgoers, and the attendance during the week was unusually small even for Norwich. “School” was the other piece performed by the company, which comprised Mr. Frederick Younge, Mr. Craven, Mr. J. W. Ray, Mr. G. Canninge, Mr. Fortune, Mrs. E. Dyas, Miss Ada Dyas, and Miss Brunton.

21.—Died at Saham, Mr. Jonas Silvanus Wright, aged 71. He was the author of “The Prodigal Son,” “Rambles in Wales,” and other poems.

AUGUST.

12.—A two days’ cricket match, between eleven of the South of England and twenty-two of Norfolk and Norwich, commenced on the Newmarket Road ground, Norwich. Scores: South of England, 33—161; Norfolk and Norwich, 172—124.

13.—The advance party of the D Battery, Royal Horse Artillery, arrived at Norwich, and on the 16th the B Battery marched en route to Ireland.

19.—The Royal Commission appointed to inquire into the existence of corrupt practices at the last election of members to serve in Parliament for the city of Norwich commenced its sittings at the Shirehall, Norwich. The Commissioners were Mr. George Morley Dowdeswell, Q.C., Mr. Horatio Mansfield, and Mr. John Biron. On September 4th (the fifteenth day) the Court adjourned until the 27th, when the inquiry was resumed. Sir Henry Stracey was examined on October 9th (the 27th day), and Mr. J. H. Tillett on October 11th (the 29th day). The inquiry terminated on October 15th (the 32nd day). The Chief Commissioner acknowledged the assistance given by the police and the Guardians. “We feel,” he said, “that these bodies have rendered us most efficient and signal assistance, and we only wish that other officials in this city had also offered us that assistance, and that we had not experienced obstacles on their part. We fear that the encouragement which has been given by them to persons to withhold information has led to many of those spectacles which have been to us a source of signal pain in the course of our inquiry.” The Commissioners, in their report, dated February 15th, 1870, stated that corrupt practices did not extensively prevail in Norwich at the election in November, 1868; that Sir Henry Stracey was returned through such practices; and that corrupt practices did not extensively prevail at the election of 1865 or that of 1860. Several persons were scheduled for bribery and for corruptly influencing voters by treating. The Norwich Voters Disfranchisement Bill, by which it was proposed to disfranchise 119 electors, passed its second reading in the House of Commons on May 2nd, 1870, and received the Royal assent on July 4th in the same year. (See January 31st, 1870.)

30.—The Norfolk and Norwich Triennial Musical Festival commenced at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, with an evening concert, at which the “Hymn of Praise” and “Acis and Galatea” were performed. The other works in the programme were the following:—Wednesday morning, September 1st, selection from “Hezekiah” and “The Fall of Babylon”; Thursday morning, September 2nd, Sacred Cantata, by Horace Hill, “Messe Solennelle” (first time of performance out of London), and the Dettingen Te Deum; Friday morning, September 3rd, “The Messiah.” Grand miscellaneous concerts were given on the evenings of August 31st and September 1st and 2nd. The principal vocalists were Mdlle. Tietjens, Mdlle. Ilma de Murska, Madame Talbot Cherer, Madame Patey, and Madame Trebelli Bettini, Mr. Vernon Rigby, Mr. Arthur Byron, Mr. W. H. Cummings, Signor Bettini, Signor Foli, and Mr. Santley. Mr. Benedict conducted. A “dress ball” took place on the evening of September 3rd. Financially the Festival was a failure, and the total receipts, about £4,000, barely covered expenses.

SEPTEMBER.

15.—A Conservative banquet was held at the Town Hall, Great Yarmouth, to celebrate the return of the Hon. Frederick Walpole and Sir E. Lacon, Bart., as members for North Norfolk. Upwards of 1,000 electors of the Flegg Hundreds were present, and presented to Sir Edmund Lacon a piece of plate weighing nearly 900 ozs., in recognition of the services he had rendered during the period he represented Yarmouth in Parliament.

20.—Blondin gave tight-rope performances at Norwich Theatre during the week commencing on this date.

30.—An ascent was made from Norwich Market Place in a “fish balloon,” by Mr. Orton, accompanied by Mr. William Maris. The descent took place at Tuddenham, near East Dereham, a distance of fourteen miles from Norwich.

OCTOBER.

12.—Died at his residence, the Royal Mews, Buckingham Palace, Mr. Bernard Bolingbroke Woodward, B.A. (Lond.), F.S.A., aged 53 years. He had for some years held the post of librarian to the Queen at Windsor Castle, and was the eldest son of Mr. Samuel Woodward, of Norwich.

16.*—“The mansion that Sir Robert Harvey, Bart., is erecting on his estate at Crown Point is approaching completion. It has been built from the designs of Messrs. Coe and Peake, architects, of London.”

18.—The Prince of Wales, with his suite, passed through Norwich, on his way to Gunton Hall, on a visit to Lord Suffield.

19.—A heavy gale took place at Yarmouth, where shipping casualties occurred and several lives were lost. The sea rose to within a few feet of the houses on the Marine Parade.

—A week’s festivities commenced at Holkham Hall, in celebration of the majority of Viscount Coke, which his lordship attained in the previous month of July. The proceedings had been postponed in consequence of the illness of the Earl of Leicester.

20.—Died at Thorpe Hamlet, in his 81st year, Mr. John Kitson, Registrar of the Diocese of Norwich. He had for 58 years held the office of secretary to the Bishop, having been appointed in 1811 by Bishop Bathurst, and continued in the office by his successors, Bishop Stanley, Bishop Hinds, and Bishop Pelham. Mr. Kitson was appointed Registrar in 1825, and was Chapter Clerk and Registrar to the Dean and Chapter, and district registrar in her Majesty’s Court of Probate.

NOVEMBER.

1.—That portion of Dereham Cemetery appropriated to the Church of England was consecrated by the Bishop of Norwich. The chapels were designed by Mr. Brown, architect, of Norwich, and built by Mr. Hubbard, of East Dereham. “The old churchyard is said to have been used as a burial-ground for 600 years.”

9.—Mr. Augustus Frederick Coke Bolingbroke was elected Mayor, and Mr. Henry Morgan appointed Sheriff of Norwich.

12.—A new self-righting lifeboat, 33 feet in length, was launched at Wells-next-the-Sea. It was purchased with the proceeds of “penny readings” given in various parts of the kingdom. The fund, which was inaugurated by Mr. E. B. Adams, surgeon, of Bungay, amounted to the sum of £500, and represented the contributions of eighteen different counties. Of this amount Norfolk raised £161. In the presence of several thousands of spectators, the Countess of Leicester christened the boat the Eliza Adams. Luncheon was served at the Crown Hotel, under the presidency of the Earl of Leicester, and in the evening a ball was held.

18.—Died at his residence, St. Clement’s, Norwich, Mr. Henry Ladbrooke, landscape painter. He was a member of the accomplished family of Norfolk artists and a pupil of the celebrated Crome, the influence of whose style was apparent in his works. After residing many years in Lynn, he removed to Norwich.

20.*—“Mr. W. T. Bensly, LL.D., has been appointed by the Dean and Chapter of Norwich to be Chapter Clerk, in the place of the late Mr. Kitson.”

25.—Mdlle. Christine Nilsson, Mdlle. Anna Drasdil, Madame Gilardoni, Signor Foli, and Mr. J. M. Wheli, with Mr. Benedict as conductor, appeared at a concert at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, on this and the following evening, in aid of the local charities, which had suffered from the non-success of the late Festival. The concerts were arranged by Mr. Howlett and Mr. C. S. Gilman, who handed to the charities a sum of nearly £200.

27.*—“The catch of herring last week was a most extraordinary and exceptional one, not only as regards the present season, but also as compared with those of the wonderful voyage of 1868. The quantities of herring delivered on Yarmouth fishwharf exceeded 2,400 lasts (13,200 fish per last), a catch probably unprecedented. Several of the smacks had ‘made up’ before the recent successes, being compelled to do so in consequence of the terrible disasters that had befallen them.”

DECEMBER.

7.—Lord Claud Hamilton and Mr. Richard Young were nominated candidates for the representation of King’s Lynn, rendered vacant by Lord Stanley’s succession to the Earldom of Derby. The proceedings were of a most tumultuous character, and the show of hands being in favour of the Liberal candidate, the supporters of Lord Claud Hamilton demanded a poll. In apprehension of a disturbance, detachments of the 4th and 8th Foot were drafted into the town, and were stationed in the National Schoolroom, St. Margaret’s. The polling took place on the 8th, and resulted as follows:—Hamilton, 1,051; Young, 1,032.

13.—Died at Westacre, aged 64, Mr. Anthony Hamond. He was the representative of a Norfolk family of considerable antiquity, and succeeded to the Westacre estate on the death of his father, Mr. Philip Hamond, in 1824. In 1828 he married Mary Anne, eldest daughter of Mr. John Chaworth Musters, of Colwick, Notts. He was succeeded in his estate by his son Anthony, born in 1834, Mr. Hamond served the office of High Sheriff in 1836, and twice unsuccessfully contested the representation of the Western Division of the county—in 1847 and 1852; and in 1854 accepted an invitation to become a candidate for Norwich, in opposition to Sir Samuel Bignold, by whom he was defeated. Mr. Hamond took a great interest in country pursuits, and was ever foremost in promoting experiments for the advancement of agricultural science.

14.—Holkham church was re-opened after restoration by the Earl and Countess of Leicester, at the estimated cost of £10,000, of which £7,000 was expended for wood carving alone.

27.—The Prince and Princess of Wales, with Prince Albert Victor and Prince George, arrived at Holkham, on a visit to the Earl and Countess of Leicester. Their Royal Highnesses left on January 1st, 1870, for Gunton Park.

—The pantomime at Norwich Theatre was produced by Mr. J. F. Young. It was entitled, “The King of the Peacocks.” Circus entertainments were provided at Messrs. Henry and Adams’ establishment on the Castle Meadow.

1870.

JANUARY.

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 must be discharged. “Sir Henry Stracey,” it was stated on March 19th, “has this week paid to Mr. Tillett’s solicitors £583 17s. 8d., which has been accepted as payment in full for his costs in the matter. The total amount of the petitioner’s costs was £3,800, and deducting Sir Henry’s contribution, it leaves upwards of £3,200 to be paid by the petitioner.” (See March 31st.)

FEBRUARY.

1.—Died in Florida, while on leave of absence from Montreal, Lieut.-General Sir Charles Ashe Windham, K.C.B., commanding the forces in Canada. He was the fourth son of Vice-Admiral Windham, of Felbrigg Hall, who was the son of the Rev. George William Lukin, Dean of Wells, and who assumed the name of Windham on succeeding to the estates of his distinguished relative, the Right Hon. William Windham. His mother was Anne, daughter of Mr. Peter Thellusson, of Broadsmouth, Yorkshire, and sister of the first Baron Rendlesham. He was born at Felbrigg in 1810, and married first, in 1849, Marianne Catherine Emily, daughter of Admiral Sir John P. Beresford, Bart., K.C.B., who died in 1865; and secondly, in 1866, Charlotte Jane, eldest daughter of the Rev. Henry Des Vœux. Educated at Sandhurst, he entered the Army in 1826, as ensign and lieutenant in the Coldstream Guards, and served in Canada during the time of the rebellion, from 1838 to 1842. He continued with the regiment until the outbreak of the war with Russia, when he accompanied the Eastern Army as Assistant Quarter-master General of the 4th Division, and served from September, 1854, to July, 1856, without a day’s absence. He was present at the battle of the Alma, at Balaclava, and at the repulse of the powerful sortie on October 26th, 1854, and was with Sir George Cathcart when the latter was killed at the battle of Inkerman. At the second assault on the Redan, on September 8th, 1855, Windham (then Colonel) greatly distinguished himself by his personal daring and gallantry in command of the storming party of the second division, and for his intrepid conduct was promoted Major-General. In September, 1855, he was appointed Governor of the British portion of Sebastopol, and in the following month was entrusted with the command of the 4th Division. For his services in the Crimea he received numerous clasps, medals, and orders. In 1857 General Windham proceeded to India and commanded a division in the field, under Lord Clyde, during the advance to Kallee Nuddee. On June 17th, 1861, he was appointed to the command of the 46th Regiment of Foot, and in October, 1867, became Commander of the Forces in Canada. On the return of General Windham from the Crimea, in July, 1856, he was enthusiastically received at Norwich and presented with two handsome swords, purchased by public subscription. In April, 1857, he was returned to Parliament for East Norfolk, and remained its member for two years.

5.—A meeting of the Norwich Diocesan Church Association was held at the Church Societies’ Rooms, Norwich, for the purpose of discussing the question of national education, a subject which was brought prominently before the country during this year. The Bishop of Norwich presided, and the Dean moved, “That in any legislative enactments for promoting the education of the children of the working classes called for by the destitution in this respect of many places in England and Wales, the inculcation of Christian truth ought to form an essential feature, and that provision for this purpose can be best made under existing circumstances through the medium of parochial and other schools attached to the Church of England or to other religious communions.” A further resolution was moved by the Hon. Frederick Walpole, M.P., “That the present system, which has been successfully in operation during the last thirty years, carried on by means of voluntary efforts, and maintained by school fees, charitable contributions, and grants from the Consolidated Fund, is capable of further extension and improvement, and is able, if adequately assisted by the State, to supply the national wants of the country without resorting to local taxation for the purpose, unless in those extreme cases for which provision can be made in no other way.” A third resolution was moved by Mr. C. S. Read, M.P., “That compulsory education, except under especial circumstances, such as the case of vagrant, criminal, and destitute children, would be an unnecessary interference with the rights and responsibilities of parents, and unless applied to all classes of the community, create an unjust and invidious distinction between rich and poor, and its enforcement by pains and penalties would cause a general feeling of hardship and discontent, while its objects could be attained by other means, such as the extension, under due restrictions, of the Factory Acts and of similar measures regulating the employment of children’s labour.” The final resolution was moved by the Rev. Canon Heaviside, “That in the opinion of this meeting it is expedient that the promoters of Church education should consent that in schools aided by the Government grant provision should be made for securing perfect liberty of distinctive religious teaching combined with perfect liberty of declining it.” These resolutions were adopted. The Elementary Education Bill, introduced by Mr. W. E. Forster on February 17th, was passed, and received the Royal assent on August 9th. On October 11th a meeting of the clergy was held, under the presidency of the Mayor (Mr. A. F. C. Bolingbroke), at the Girls’ Model School, Norwich, “for the purpose of consulting as to the steps to be taken under the Elementary Education Act,” and it was resolved to convene a public meeting for the discussion of the question. This meeting was held on October 19th, at the Free Library, and was composed of “school managers and supporters of Church education.” The Mayor again presided. The Lord Bishop moved, “That, with the view of carrying out the objects of the Elementary Education Act, 1870, in this city, steps be immediately taken to supply and maintain sufficient, efficient, and suitable schools on the voluntary principle, in order to secure in Church schools religious education in accordance with the teaching of the Church of England.” This was seconded by Mr. Henry Birkbeck. The Sheriff (Mr. Henry Morgan) moved, “That an immediate appeal be made to the citizens of Norwich to provide funds on the voluntary principle for carrying out the object of this meeting.” A further resolution was adopted, “That the Bishop of the Diocese, with the clergy of the city, the managers of Church schools, and such donors and subscribers as may be willing to act be constituted a council, and shall appoint, as soon as possible, a committee to carry out the former resolutions, and to report progress to the council from time to time.” The body thus constituted was afterwards known as the Church Education Council. On November 28th the supporters of voluntary education held a large meeting at St. Andrew’s Hall, at which were adopted resolutions framed on similar lines to the foregoing. The supporters of unsectarian education held a meeting at the Free Library on the 30th, under the presidency of Mr. Jacob Henry Tillett, at which the Rev. G. S. Barrett moved, “That a request be sent to the Mayor to convene a common hall, in order that steps may be taken immediately for the formation of a School Board in the city.” The Rev. J. Hallett seconded the motion, which was unanimously adopted, and a committee was formed for the purpose of carrying it into effect. The Church Education Council, on December 13th, announced that sufficient subscriptions had been obtained for providing necessary school accommodation in Norwich. At a special meeting of the Town Council on December 20th, the return made under the provisions of the Act to the Education Department of the Privy Council was approved. It stated that the estimated population of the city was 82,000, the rateable value £212,129; the total number of assessments, 21,397; and the number of voters on the municipal register, 10,909. “The returns from elementary schools as being in operation were 93; the number of schools to which forms were delivered but refused to fill them up was 27.” (See February 28th, 1871.)

6.—Died at Bethel Street, Norwich, in his 78th year, Mr. Henry Browne. He was the youngest son of Mr. Alderman John Browne, and a liberal supporter of the charitable institutions of Norwich. In his early days of business life Mr. Browne was led to join in those well-intentioned but unfortunately not permanently successful enterprises, the Yarn Company and the movement for making Norwich a port by communication with the sea at Lowestoft.

9.—Strong gales from the E. and E.N.E., accompanied by snow squalls, prevailed off the Norfolk coast, and increased in severity until the 14th. Several shipping disasters occurred. On the 13th the screw steamer Sea Queen, with her crew, was lost on the Scroby Sands, and the American-built barque Victoria, 700 tons, bound from North Shields to Barcelona, with a cargo of coals, went down. Of her crew, several hands were lost.

12.—The Assembly Rooms, erected in 1862, on the Victoria Esplanade, Yarmouth, at the cost of £6,000, were destroyed by fire.

24.—Sir R. J. H. Harvey declined to accede to a memorial signed by 3,000 electors of Norwich, requesting him to allow himself to be adopted as Conservative candidate for the city.

26.*—“Since January 1st several rare birds have been met with in the neighbourhood of Swaffham, namely, a fork-tailed petrel, picked up at Gooderstone; little gull (Larus minutus), in good condition, and weighing only 3 ozs., shot at Beechamwell; stormy petrel, picked up at Narborough; bittern, shot at Weeting; pied thrush, shot at Cockley Cley; pied common partridge, shot at Didlington; dusky grebe, shot at Castleacre; and a peregrine falcon, a fine old female bird weighing 43 ozs. and measuring 47 inches from tip to tip of its wings, shot at Beechamwell.”

28.—The organ at Yarmouth parish church was opened after restoration. The instrument was built by Jordan, Bridge, and Byfield, in 1733, repaired by England (Jordan’s grandson) in 1812, and again in 1840 by Gray. It was finally restored and enlarged by Messrs. Hill, of London.

MARCH.

20.—A movement known as “The Church’s Call” commenced in Norwich. A simultaneous and united effort was made at all the churches in the city; “all seemed resolved to cast aside minor differences, and High Churchmen, Low Churchmen, and Broad Churchmen apparently vied with each other in doing the work set before them.”

23.—Died at Warham All Saints, Margaret Green, aged 100 years. “The Thursford register testifies to her baptism in that parish on March 27th, 1769.”

31.—At the Norwich Assizes, before Mr. Justice Byles, Robert Hardiment, tanner and fellmonger, was charged on five counts with bribing voters at the last General Election to vote for Sir H. J. Stracey. The Attorney-General appeared for the prosecution, and the defendant was found guilty. His lordship remarked that this was a very serious crime, and, as he was desirous that sentence should be pronounced by the highest judicature of the country, judgment was reserved. Another person, named Banfather, charged with bribery at the same election, was acquitted. On April 1st, at the same Court, John Hughes Hulme was found guilty of bribery, and sentence was reserved. Edward Stracey, son of Sir Henry J. Stracey, was next charged. The Attorney-General conducted the case for the prosecution, and Mr. A. Staveley Hill, Q.C., was specially retained for the defence. On April 2nd the jury returned a verdict of not guilty. “No sooner was the announcement made than deafening cheers were raised in the Court, and it was in vain that the officers tried to suppress them.” The defendant Hardiment was indicted, before Mr. Justice Blackburn, on various counts, for committing acts of bribery at the Eighth Ward Municipal Election, on November 1st, 1869. On being found guilty, he was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment. Joseph Stanley, solicitor, was charged with unlawfully conspiring with Robert Hardiment and others to induce, by means of bribes, certain persons to vote for Edward Bennett and George Gedge, candidates at the municipal election in question. The jury acquitted the defendant. Anthony Freestone, baker, and Henry Ellis, shoe manufacturer, were also indicted for conspiring to bribe at the municipal election, and were acquitted. On April 8th Messrs. W. H. Tillett and Co., solicitors, addressed a letter to the newspapers, asserting that “the jury drew lots to decide what their verdict should be in the cases of Freestone and Ellis.” They added, “The verdict is, of course, bad, and we shall feel it our duty to lay the facts before the committee of gentlemen who instructed us in the prosecutions.” No further action was taken, however. In the Court of Queen’s Bench, on May 10th, before the Lord Chief Justice and Justices Blackburn, Mellor, and Hannen, Hardiment and Hulme were brought up for sentence. Mr. Bulwer, Q.C., applied for mitigation of sentence in the case of Hardiment, on the ground that he was then undergoing imprisonment for municipal bribery; in the case of Hulme it was urged that imprisonment would be injurious to his health. The Court passed sentence of ten months’ imprisonment upon the first-named defendant, to run concurrently with the six months he had received for municipal bribery, two months of which he had already served, to be classed as a second-class misdemeanant, and to be fined £100. Hulme was fined £100. Mr. C. S. Read, M.P., subsequently presented to the Home Secretary a memorial, signed by 1,500 citizens, praying that Hardiment should be classed as a first-class misdemeanant.

APRIL.

4.—The Rev. Canon Greenwell, of Durham, “the well-known opener of the Yorkshire wold tumuli,” who had been making scientific investigations at Weeting, opened one of the peculiar mounds known as “Grimes’ Graves,” and discovered therein “two primitive picks in situ, with a splendid ground axe, the skeleton of a bird, a chalk bowl or lamp, and other curious relics.”

18.—The Loveday Opera Company commenced an engagement at Norwich Theatre. The celebrated pantomimists and dancers, the Paynes, and Mdlle. Esta, appeared with the company.

20.—Died at Aigle, Switzerland, the Rev. W. Beal, LL.D., vicar of Brooke, aged 54. Dr. Beal was the well-known originator of harvest festivals.

21.—Died at Holkham, the Countess of Leicester. Her ladyship was the eldest daughter of Mr. Samuel Charles Whitbread, of Cardington, Bedfordshire, and was married to the Earl of Leicester in 1843.

26.—The portrait of the Rev. John Gunn, F.G.S., painted by Capt. H. H. Roberts, of Thorpe, was hung at the Norfolk and Norwich Museum, “in acknowledgment of his munificent gift to the geological department of his unrivalled collection of local mammalian remains.”

28.—The south aisle of Yarmouth parish church was opened. The Bishop of Rochester and the Bishop of the Diocese were the preachers.

—Died, aged 84, William Gurney, compositor, of Norwich. He had been for seventy years in continuous employment at the NORFOLK CHRONICLE Office.

30.—Died at his residence, Horsforth Hall, near Leeds, in his 74th year, Mr. John Marshall, who was Sheriff of Norwich in 1834 and Mayor in 1838 and 1841. Mr. Marshall, who was an advanced Liberal, went to Leeds in 1843, and there took an active part in the affairs of that town. His remains were interred at the Rosary burial-ground, Norwich.

MAY.

8.—Died at Cholmondeley Castle, Cheshire, George Horatio Cholmondeley, second Marquis and Earl of Cholmondeley. He was the eldest son of George James, the first Marquis, by his wife, Lady Georgina Charlotte Bertie, second daughter of Peregrine, third Duke of Ancaster. Born January 16th, 1792, he married, first, on October 20th, 1812, Caroline, second daughter of Lieut.-General Colin Campbell, who died in October, 1815; and secondly, on May 11th, 1830, Lady Susan Caroline Somerset, fourth daughter of Henry Charles, sixth Duke of Beaufort, by whom he was survived. He succeeded to the marquisate on the death of his father, in 1827.

16.—Miss Heath, principal tragedienne of the Drury Lane, Haymarket, and Princess’ Theatres, London, supported by Mr. Wilson Barrett, commenced an engagement at Norwich Theatre, in “East Lynne,” “The Jealous Wife,” “The Bond of Life,” and “Masks and Faces.” Mr. Wilson Barrett was described as “a painstaking and conscientious actor.”

24.—The Queen’s birthday was celebrated at Norwich by a review of the Royal Horse Artillery and the Volunteers on Mousehold Heath. The Mayor entertained a large party at the Drill Hall, and gave a dinner at the Corn Hall to the indigent blind and to poor children; and the Norwich Athletic Club held sports on the Newmarket Road Ground.

JUNE.

13.—At a meeting of 2,000 Liberal electors, held at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, Mr. Jacob Henry Tillett was adopted a candidate for Norwich. A meeting of the Whig party, convened by Sir William Foster, was held at the Royal Hotel on the 14th, under the presidency of Mr. I. O. Taylor, at which it was decided to adopt the candidature of Mr. Edward Warner.

17.—Died at Edgbaston, Birmingham, in his 72nd year, Mr. Robert Martineau, brother of the Rev. James Martineau and Miss Harriet Martineau. He was a native of Norwich, but settled in Birmingham as a manufacturer at an early period of his life, and took an active part in the Reform agitation preceding the Bill of 1832. For the last fourteen years of his life he lived in retirement, owing to almost total blindness.

23.—The annual show of the Norfolk Agricultural Association commenced at Harleston, and was continued on the 24th. Mr. Edward Howes, M.P., presided at the dinner.

—The Earl of Rosebery visited his Norfolk estate for the first time. His lordship was met at the entrance to the village of Postwick by a brass band, which preceded the carriage to the rectory, where he was received by the Rev. W. and Lady Margaret Vincent, the Countess of Buchan, Lord Cardross, and other guests. The cottage tenants were entertained at dinner, and “the orator of the village” proposed his lordship’s health, to which the Earl replied. A dinner to the tenantry was given in the school-room, at which his lordship presided, and the festivities ended with a display of fireworks.

JULY.

1.—The first annual meeting of the Norwich Meteorological Society was held at the Literary Institution. After the visit of the British Association to Norwich in 1868, the local committee, having defrayed all the expenses, had a balance in hand of upwards of £300. At a meeting of subscribers, £100 of this balance was devoted to the purchase of meteorological instruments, and on December 3rd, 1868, the society was formed, with Mr. S. Gurney Buxton as president.

4.—Died at his London residence, Clapham, the Right Hon. William Schomberg Robert Kerr, Marquis of Lothian. He was the eldest of the four surviving sons of John William Robert, seventh Marquis, by Lady Cecil Chetwynd Talbot, daughter of Charles, second Earl Talbot. Born on August 12th, 1832, he married, on August 12th, 1857, Lady Constance Harriet Mahonesa Talbot, eldest surviving daughter of the Earl of Shrewsbury and Talbot. He succeeded to the marquisate on the death of his father, in November, 1844. Educated at Christchurch, Oxford, he took high honours, having been first class in classics in 1853, and first class in jurisprudence and modern history in 1854. After he had finished his University career, he went to India for a year, but the climate had an injurious effect upon his naturally feeble constitution. His lordship died without issue, and the family estates in Scotland and Norfolk were inherited by his brother, Lord Schomberg Kerr.

6.—The foundation-stone of St. Philip’s church, Norwich, was laid by the Mayor (Mr. A. F. C. Bolingbroke), who was accompanied by members of the Corporation. The church was consecrated by the Bishop of Norwich on August 3rd, 1871. The architect was Mr. Edward Power, of London, and the builder Mr. J. Nelson, of Necton. It was designed to seat 775 persons, and the cost was estimated at about £3,575.

9.—The 1st Administrative Battalion Norfolk Rifle Volunteers went into camp at Hunstanton Park. The battalion was inspected by Col. Freer, 27th Regiment.

11.—The nomination of candidates to fill the vacancy in the representation of Norwich caused by the unseating on petition of Sir Henry Josias Stracey, took place at the Guildhall. Mr. Jacob Henry Tillett was nominated by Mr. J. J. Colman, and seconded by Mr. Henry Birkbeck; and Mr. John Walter Huddleston, Q.C., by Sir Samuel Bignold, seconded by Mr. H. S. Patteson. The show of hands was in favour of Mr. Huddlestone, and a poll was demanded by the Liberals. The polling took place on the 12th, and resulted as follows: Tillett, 4,236; Huddlestone, 3,874. Mr. Tillett, on the 14th, took the oath and his seat in the House of Commons. (See August 3rd.)

15.—Great consternation was caused in Norwich by a report that Sir Robert Harvey had committed suicide in his grounds at Crown Point. As it subsequently proved, the rumour was well founded. Sir Robert was in his shrubbery when two pistol shots were heard. Two workmen employed upon the premises, on proceeding to the spot, found Sir Robert in a sitting posture, bleeding from a severe wound in the chest. He was at once removed into the house and placed in the library. Mr. Nichols, the family surgeon, and Mr. Cadge were summoned, and on arriving found Sir Robert in a critical condition. Dr. Copeman was subsequently called in, and every effort was made to preserve life. On the 16th the patient rallied slightly, and on the 17th he was pronounced to be better, but on the 18th he became worse, and was visited by the Dean of Norwich, who prayed with him and afforded him spiritual consolation. Later his prostration increased, and he passed away in an unconscious state on the 19th. With the report of the suicide was circulated the rumour that Sir Robert had speculated and lost heavily, and having been unable to meet his engagements, was posted a defaulter on the Stock Exchange. At an early hour on the 16th the following notice was exhibited upon the closed doors of the Crown Bank: “Norwich Crown Bank. In consequence of the lamentable catastrophe which has happened to Sir Robert Harvey, it has been determined by the other partners to suspend the business of the Bank for the present.” This notice gave rise to increased anxiety. Messrs. Gurneys offered to afford every possible accommodation to the customers of the Crown Bank, and a few hours later the National Provincial Bank made a similar offer. The affairs of the Crown Bank being inextricably involved, Mr. Allday Kerrison, one of the partners, signed, on the 16th, a declaration of insolvency, and on the same day the largest city creditor, Mr. George Gedge, presented a petition for bankruptcy. The sale of the good-will and premises of the Bank was provisionally made to Messrs. Gurneys and Co. on the 18th. Mr. Allday Kerrison and his son, gentlemen of unsullied honour, had their fortunes shattered by one dire stroke, through the reckless speculations of their partner, speculations of which they were entirely ignorant. The inquest was held upon the body of the deceased baronet at Crown Point on the 20th, by Mr. W. H. N. Turner, one of the Deputy Coroners for the Liberty of the Dean and Chapter of Norwich, and the jury returned the following verdict: “The jury are of opinion that Sir Robert Harvey’s death was caused by firearms discharged by himself while in a state of temporary insanity.” A meeting of the principal creditors was held at the Royal Hotel on the 21st, under the presidency of the Mayor, and the following resolution was passed: “That this meeting entirely approves of the steps taken by Messrs. Kerrison in suspending the business of the Bank, the measures taken to protect the assets of the Bank by the immediate filing of a petition in bankruptcy and the negotiations for the sale of the goodwill and the business and premises to Messrs. Gurneys and Co.” On the 27th a meeting was held at the Royal Hotel for the purpose of considering and discussing the best course to be taken in liquidating the estate of the bankrupts. Mr. E. C. Bailey was appointed trustee of the estate, and the Mayor and Messrs. F. E. Watson, H. S. Patteson, H. Woods, and C. Hornor a committee of inspection. The first general meeting of creditors was held on August 3rd, when it was reported that the total liabilities to rank for dividend would be £1,600,321, and the total assets £910,187. [Sir Robert John Harvey Harvey was the eldest son of General Sir Robert John Harvey, C.B., K.T.S., of Mousehold House, Norwich, by Charlotte (his cousin), daughter and heiress of Mr. Robert Harvey, of Walton, Suffolk. Born in 1817, he married, in 1845, Lady Henrietta Augusta, daughter of George, Viscount Kilcoursie, and granddaughter of the eighth Earl of Craven. He was High Sheriff of Norfolk in 1863, and represented Thetford in Parliament from July, 1865, to November, 1868, when the borough was disfranchised under the new Reform Act. His son and heir, Charles Harvey, was born at Bracondale in 1849.]

AUGUST.

1.—The Grand English Opera Company, under the management of Mr. Henry Corri, appeared at Norwich Theatre. The principal artistes were Madame Ida Gilliers Corri, Miss Fanny Harrison, Mr. Henry Corri, and Mr. Haydn Corri.

3.—In the Court of Common Pleas a petition was filed by Mr. Gardiner C. Stevens against the return of Mr. Jacob Henry Tillett, as member for Norwich. In addition to the usual allegations of bribery and undue influence at the last election, there was a special one of disqualification on account of corrupt practices at the election in 1868. On November 3rd Mr. Tillett obtained an order in the Court of Common Pleas for the striking out of this clause, but leave was given to the petitioner to move the full Court for a rule to show cause why the order should not be rescinded. On November 23rd motion was made accordingly, and the Court unanimously ordered the clause which had been struck out to be restored. (See January 5th, 1871.)

8.—Died at Great Yarmouth, in his 90th year, Mr. Edward Youell, a partner in the banking-house of Lacons, Youell, and Co. He retired from the firm in 1863, after having been in the house nearly 70 years, for 42 of which he was a partner. For several years he had been afflicted with total blindness.

13.—A half-yearly meeting of the East Norfolk Railway Company was held at Norwich. This company was formed for the purpose of constructing a railway from Norwich to North Walsham, and thence to Cromer. After commencing operations, it was unable to proceed from want of capital and other circumstances. It was reported that the estate of the contractor was in the Court of Chancery, a further survey of the proposed line was ordered, and steps were taken to ensure the resumption of the works. (See October 20th, 1874.)

30.—At a meeting of the Norwich Town Council, a proposed tramway scheme was discussed. The Wensum Valley railway scheme, for which an Act of Parliament was obtained in 1864, having been abandoned, it was considered that a tramway taking its place would prove useful for conveying produce from the several mills in the district to Norwich. The estimated cost of construction was £2,000 per mile, and the total estimated cost £14,000. The matter was referred to the Paving Committee, and no further steps were taken.

SEPTEMBER.

2.—Mr. Sothern appeared at Norwich Theatre as Lord Dundreary (“Our American Cousin”) and Hugh de Brass (“A Regular Fix”). On the 3rd he played the part of Colonel John White (“Home”), and appeared in “Dundreary Married and Settled,” and “Whitebait at Greenwich.”

3.—Mr. B. V. Winch was appointed Postmaster at Norwich, in place of Mr. S. Base, retired.

15.—A three days’ bazaar was opened at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, in aid of a fund for converting the Hospital field into an ornamental garden. The sum of £462 was realised.

27.—An explosion took place on the premises of Mr. George Coe, firework manufacturer, New Catton. Two persons were severely injured, and removed to the Hospital.

OCTOBER.

6.—Died at Landfort House, Portsmouth, Col. Edwin Wodehouse, C.B., commanding Royal Artillery in the Southern District. He was the eldest son of Vice-Admiral the Hon. Philip Wodehouse, and was born at Halifax, Nova Scotia, on April 17th, 1817. Entering the Army as lieutenant in the Royal Artillery, on December 19th, 1834, he served in the campaign of 1854–55, was present at the battles of the Alma, Balaclava, and Inkerman (where his horse was killed beneath him), at the siege and fall of Sebastopol, and at the repulse and sortie of October 26th, 1854. Col. Wodehouse was three times mentioned in dispatches, and received the medal with four clasps.

10.—The first number of the “Eastern Daily Press” was published. A rival newspaper, called the “Eastern Daily Journal,” published at the price of one halfpenny, was issued this month, and had but a very brief existence.

31.—The first Diocesan Conference was held at Norwich. At the ruri-decanal meetings held in the spring of the year, the question propounded by the Bishop for consideration was, “Is it desirable that there should be held in this diocese a Diocesan Conference, in which both the clergy and laity should be fully represented, for the purpose of considering and eliciting the opinions of Churchmen upon matters affecting the Church in general, or our own diocese in particular?” A large majority of the clergy and laity were in favour of the Conference, and the Bishop, considering the large area of the diocese, decided that the meetings should take place in five different centres. The first Conference was held at St. Andrew’s Hall on this date; the second at Fakenham Corn Hall, on November 1st; the third at Ipswich Public Hall, on November 2nd; the fourth at Halesworth, on November 3rd; and the fifth at Lynn Athenæum, on November 4th. At each Conference papers were read, followed by the moving of resolutions and by discussions.

NOVEMBER.

9.—Mr. Frederick Elwin Watson was elected Mayor (for the second time), and Mr. William Butcher appointed Sheriff of Norwich.

21.—The Prince of Wales arrived at Merton Hall, on a visit to Lord and Lady Walsingham.

29.—The building known as the temporary church in the parish of St. Bartholomew, Norwich, was opened by the Bishop of the Diocese. It was intended for the accommodation of 500 persons, and was erected at the cost of £600.

DECEMBER.

14.—The Widow Steavenson, residing in St. Gregory’s parish, Norwich, completed her 101st year. “Several of the parishioners called upon her, congratulated her on the event, and supplied her with all the needful viands and wine to enable her to entertain several old friends. Her daughter, now 77 years old, is a widow, having had to mourn the loss of three husbands, but is on the point of marrying again.” (See January 2nd, 1874.)

24.—Mr. Sidney produced his “farewell pantomime” at Norwich Theatre. It was entitled, “St. George, the Dragon, and the Seven Champions of Christendom.”

31.—The Prince of Wales, on his journey from Gunton to Sandringham, lunched at the County Club, Norwich. The party travelled from Gunton to Norwich in sleighs and closed carriages, and his Royal Highness afterwards proceeded by rail from Thorpe station to Wolferton.

—Died at Merton Hall, the Right Hon. Thomas, Lord Walsingham. He was the eldest son of Thomas, fourth Lord Walsingham, by his wife Lady Elizabeth, fourth daughter of the Hon. and Right Rev. Brownlow North, Bishop of Winchester, and was born July 5th, 1804. On the death of his father, on September 8th, 1839, he succeeded to the barony, and married, on August 6th, 1842, Augusta Louisa, eldest daughter of Sir Robert Frankland Russell, Bart. Of this marriage he had issue a son, the Hon. Thomas de Grey. Lady Walsingham died in 1844, and his lordship married, secondly, on October 25th, 1847, the Horn Emily Elizabeth Julia Thellusson, eldest daughter of John, second Lord Rendlesham, by whom he left issue three sons and three daughters. His lordship was educated at St. John’s College, Cambridge, where he graduated M.A. in 1824, was called to the Bar at Lincoln’s Inn in 1827, and in 1842 was made LL.D. of his University. Although educated for the law, he devoted himself to agriculture, the improvement of his estate, and of his cattle and sheep. He was a member of the leading agricultural societies and of the Smithfield Club, an excellent landlord, and one who carried out to the fullest extent the motto of his house, “Excitari non hebescere.” His lordship was succeeded in his title and estates by his son, the Hon. Thomas de Grey, M.P. for West Norfolk, who was born in 1843.

—*“The December of 1870 has been no less remarkable for its cold than its heat. In the opening days of the month the temperature was unusually high, and only a fortnight before winter made its appearance in stern reality the thermometer registered in Norwich 55. On the 21st there were four degrees of frost, and on the 23rd the thermometer fell as low as 8.5. On Christmas Eve the cold was so intense that the register on the following morning was as low as 5.5. Christmas Day was the coldest experienced since Christmas Day, 1860, when the cold was more intense by some two or three degrees.” There was a deep fall of snow throughout the county.

1871.

JANUARY.

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, &c., are rendered necessary not for the benefit of any particular class or locality, but of the community at large, it is both just and politic that those charges should be much more liberally supplemented from the National Exchequer, and that a petition from Quarter Sessions be presented to the House of Commons to this effect.” The resolution was seconded by Mr. Dalrymple, M.P., and agreed to.

5.—The trial of the election petition presented by Mr. Gardiner C. Stevens against the return of Mr. Jacob Henry Tillett, as one of the members of Parliament for Norwich, commenced at the Shirehall, Norwich, before Mr. Justice Keating. Mr. O’Malley, Q.C., and Mr. Griffits were counsel for the petitioner, and Mr. Rodwell, Q.C., Mr. Serjeant Ballantine, and Mr. Simms Reeve for the respondent. The case for the petitioner closed on the 6th, and on the 7th Mr. Rodwell commenced his address on behalf of the respondent. On the 10th Mr. Serjeant Ballantine summed up the respondent’s case, and on the same day Mr. O’Malley replied. His lordship gave judgment on the 11th, declaring the election void, and stated that he should report to the House of Commons “the names of everyone engaged with this shameful and disgraceful bribery.” (See February 20th.)

18.—Died, in his 93rd year, at Alexandra Road, Norwich, Christopher Bunting. “He was present at the capture of the French ship Généreux, whose ensign now hangs in St. Andrew’s Hall. In his early days he was a steward in the Royal Navy, and not only saw the ensign strike to the Foudroyant, but on the quarterdeck of that vessel saw it packed and addressed to Robert Harvey, Esq., then (1800) Mayor of Norwich, little imagining that he would subsequently reside in Norwich, and for more than half a century have the opportunity of seeing the flag decorating the walls of its principal building.”

24.—Died, suddenly, at 2, Rectory Grove, Clapham, Mr. Henry Harrod, F.S.A., aged 53. Mr. Harrod was a native of Aylsham, and commenced practice as a solicitor, at Norwich, where he resided some years. He was best known for his devotion to antiquarian pursuits and by his contributions to the Transactions of the Norfolk and Norwich Archæological Society, of which he was an honorary secretary, in conjunction with Mr. R. G. P. Minty. His principal work was “Gleanings from the Castles and Convents of Norfolk.” Possessed of remarkable skill in deciphering old documents, his services in this respect were taken advantage of by the Corporations of Norwich, Lynn, and other boroughs, whose ancient records he undertook to arrange. Mr. Harrod was local secretary of the Society of Antiquaries, of which he was a Fellow, and of the Archæological Institute, and a corresponding member of the New England Historic Genealogical Society.

27.—A new reservoir constructed by the Norwich Waterworks Company at Lakenham, from designs by Mr. Thomas Hawkesley, C.E., of London, engineer in chief to the company, was opened. It cost between £6,000 and £7,000, and was of 1,400,000 gallons capacity.

FEBRUARY.

4.—Died at Cambridge, Mr. Robert Steward, of Yarmouth. He served the office of Mayor of Yarmouth for four consecutive years, namely, from 1858 to 1861. In addition to being a borough magistrate, he was upon the Commission of the Peace for the county of Norfolk.

6.—A new type of traction engine (Thompson’s patent) was tested in the streets of Thetford by Messrs. Burrell, of the St. Nicholas Ironworks. “The peculiarities of the engine consist of its wheels, three in number, being fitted with a length of indiarubber, six inches thick and twelve inches wide, covered with steel and kept on the wheels by endless chains. The great use of these indiarubber tyres is to give elasticity.”

8.—Mr. George William Perrepoint Bentinck, of Davies Street, Berkeley Square, London, was, at Swaffham, returned unopposed to fill the vacancy caused in the representation of West Norfolk by the elevation to the Peerage of the Hon. Thomas de Grey.

10.—A storm of great violence swept over the Eastern coast, and strewed the shores from Yarmouth to the Humber with wrecks and drifting spars. “Off Yarmouth vessel after vessel went down bodily with all hands, and left no clue as to their names or of the ports to which they belonged.” Six Lynn vessels were lost in the Deeps. On this day large flocks of wild geese and swans, with mallards and widgeon, were seen in the neighbourhood of Yarmouth, and the stormy petrel was observed.

20.—The nomination of candidates to fill the vacancy caused in the representation of Norwich by the unseating of Mr. Jacob Henry Tillett for bribery took place at the Guildhall. Sir Charles Legard, of Ganton, Yorkshire, was the Conservative, and Mr. J. J. Colman, of Carrow House, Norwich, the Liberal candidate. The show of hands was in favour of the latter, and a poll was demanded by Sir Samuel Bignold, on behalf of the Conservative nominee. The election took place on the 21st, with the following result: Colman, 4,637; Legard, 3,389.

28.—At a meeting of the Norwich Town Council, a report was received from a special committee appointed on January 17th to consider the question of the necessity of a School Board for the city. The committee stated that after communication with the Education Department of the Privy Council, they considered the appointment of a School Board for the corporate district to be inevitable. Mr. Tillett moved the adoption of the report, which was seconded by Mr. Youngs. Mr. Priest moved, and Dr. Copeman seconded, a resolution—“That, in the opinion of the Council, a School Board is not at present desirable, and that they see no sufficient reason why it should be inevitable.” Mr. Tillett’s motion was carried, by 29 votes to 5. (See April 12th.)

—The Norwich Town Council authorised the Sewerage and Irrigation Committee to borrow a further sum of £10,000 for the completion of the drainage works. On April 17th the works were used for the first time for delivering sewage upon the land at Kirby Bedon.

MARCH.

3.—The foundation-stone of the new passenger station for the Great Eastern, the Midland, and the Great Northern Railways, at King’s Lynn, was laid by the Mayor (Mr. E. E. Durrant).

8.—Died at his Norfolk seat, Melton Constable, Jacob Henry Delaval Astley, twenty-third Baron Hastings. His lordship, who was in his 49th year, succeeded his father in 1859. He married, in 1848, the Hon. Frances Diana Manners Sutton, daughter of Viscount Canterbury. He took no part in public affairs, but he was much esteemed for his amiable disposition, and deservedly popular in the county for the spirited manner in which he promoted field sports, and for his courteous bearing as a Master of Foxhounds. Having no issue, his lordship was succeeded by his brother, the Hon. and Rev. Delaval Loftus Astley, of East Barsham.

9.—At Norwich Police Court, Richard Hoskins, a clerk in the employment of the National Provincial Bank of England, was charged with feloniously stealing divers sums, amounting altogether to £1,835, the moneys of his employers. The magistrates consented to deal with the case summarily, and, on the prisoner pleading guilty, he was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment, with hard labour.

10.—Mr. Henry Haigh’s Opera Company, with Madame Haigh-Dyer as prima donna, opened the Easter season at Norwich Theatre with a performance of “The Grand Duchess.”

15.—Died at his residence, St. Andrew’s, Norwich, Mr. James Newbegin, aged 51. He was Chairman of the Norwich Board of Guardians, and was possessed of considerable scientific attainments. Mr. Edward Field was elected to the chairmanship of the Board on April 17th.

21.—The marriage of Princess Louise was celebrated at Norwich by the ringing of bells and by the partial decoration of the city. The Town Council, at a special meeting, adopted a congratulatory address for presentation to the Queen, and in the evening the Scottish residents in the city held a banquet at the Norfolk Hotel. “Although a number of their English friends were invited to join it, the gentlemen from North of the Tweed assembled in sufficiently preponderating numbers to give a distinctive character to the gathering, and the whole of the arrangements were carried out by a committee of Scotchmen.” The “Number Twenty-Four” Club also dined at the same hotel, and the event was similarly celebrated at Yarmouth, Lynn, and Thetford.

26.—Died at Morningthorpe, Mr. Edward Howes, member of Parliament for South Norfolk. Born July 7th, 1813, he was the eldest surviving son of the Rev. George Howes, rector of Spixworth, his mother being a daughter of Mr. Robert Fellowes, of Shotesham Park. From St. Paul’s School he proceeded to Cambridge, and came out high in the list of Wranglers of his year (1835); in 1836 he was elected a Fellow of his College (Trinity), and three years after was called to the Bar. In 1859 Mr. Howes was returned without opposition for the Eastern Division of the county, in conjunction with Colonel Coke, and in 1865 he was again elected, with Mr. Clare Sewell Read as his colleague. In 1868, when the county was subdivided, Mr. Howes and Mr. Read selected the Southern Division, and were again returned. Mr. Howes was appointed Chancellor of the Diocese on the death of Mr. Chancellor Evans; he was a Chairman of Norfolk Quarter Sessions, and one of her Majesty’s Ecclesiastical Commissioners. He married first, in 1842, Agnes Maria, daughter of Mr. Richard Gwyn, who died in 1843; and secondly, in 1851, his cousin, the fourth daughter of Mr. R. Fellowes, deceased, by whom he left a son and a daughter.

APRIL.

1.—Died, in his 88th year, Mr. George Samuel Kett, of Brooke House. He served the office of High Sheriff in 1820, and was a magistrate and Deputy Lieutenant of the county.

4.—Died, suddenly, while on a visit to Norwich, Mr. G. Middleton, of Wimbledon. Mr. Middleton, who was a magistrate of the city, served the office of Mayor in 1859.

11.—The dedication-stone of a new church at Harleston was laid by Mr. Sancroft Holmes. The building was designed to accommodate 400 persons, and the contract amounted to £3,150, exclusive of fittings. Mr. Phipson was the architect, and Mr. Grimwood, of Weybread, the contractor.

—The nomination of candidates to fill the vacancy in the Southern Division of the county, occasioned by the death of Mr. Howes, took place at the Shirehall, Norwich. Sir Robert Jacob Buxton, Conservative, and Mr. Robert Thornhagh Gurdon, Liberal, were nominated. The polling took place on the 14th, and resulted in the return of the Conservative candidate. The official declaration was made at the Shirehall on the 17th, as follows: Buxton, 2,868; Gurdon, 2,547.

12.—The first School Board election took place at Norwich. “There was a total absence of excitement, and not much interest was shown.” The following candidates were elected:—Mr. J. H. Tillett, Mr. H. Morgan, Mr. H. Birkbeck, Mr. J. W. Dowson. Mr. T. R. Pinder, Mr. R. A. Cooper, the Rev. Hinds Howell, Mr. A. J. N. Chamberlin, Mr. C. J. Bunting, the Rev. E. P. Costello (Roman Catholic), the Rev. A. C. Copeman, the Rev. J. W. L. Heaviside, and Mr. J. C. Barnham. The unsuccessful candidates were Mr. John Youngs, Mr. F. Paul, the Rev. G. S. Barrett, and the Rev. A. Jessopp. On April 27th Canon Heaviside was elected Chairman, and Mr. Barnham Vice-Chairman; and on May 22nd Mr. E. P. Simpson was appointed Clerk.

15.*—“In consequence of the Purchas judgment, the clergy of Yarmouth intend to wear the surplice in future instead of the black gown when preaching. This resolution was carried into effect during Passion week, and on Easter Sunday at the various churches. At St. John’s, St. James’, and St. Andrew’s churches the black gown has long been discarded.”

18.—The sale of the stud and foxhounds of the late Lord Hastings, at Melton Constable, attracted an enormous number of persons from all parts of England. About £4,000 was realised. On the 19th the daily cows and red and fallow deer were sold for £1,600.

21.—Died at his residence, the Crescent, Norwich, the Rev. Samuel Titlow, vicar of St. John Timberhill and rector of St. Peter Hungate, aged 78. Mr. Titlow was a native of Harleston, and was seventh Wrangler in the mathematical tripos of 1817. Ordained deacon in the same year, he was appointed curate of Broxbourne, and in 1818 received priest’s orders. He came to Norwich in 1819, as mathematical master at the Grammar School, under Dr. Valpy, and held the curacy of St. Clement. Mr. Titlow afterwards opened a school in Pottergate Street, which he carried on for several years with great success. In 1831 he was appointed to the vicarage of St. John Timberhill, and in 1839 the Lord Chancellor presented him to the rectory of St. Peter Hungate.

22.—Died at his residence, Hellesdon House, Norwich, Mr. John Norgate, a warm supporter of the benevolent and educational institutions of the city, and a good judge of the fine arts.

27.—A great meeting was held at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, under the presidency of the Mayor (Mr. F. E. Watson), “for the purpose of protesting against the Intoxicating Liquors (Licensing) Bill introduced into the House of Commons by the Home Secretary, Mr. Bruce.” The principal speakers were Sir Samuel Bignold, Mr. W. P. Nichols, Mr. S. Gurney Buxton, and Mr. H. Patteson. Resolutions were adopted affirming that the Bill was unjust in its character and indefensible in its confiscating the rights of property, and ought to be opposed by every constitutional means, and that it was an undue interference with the rights, liberties, and necessities of the working man, and inconsistent with the true spirit of freedom.

MAY.

7.—Died, at Great Plumstead, Robert Maidstone, in his one hundredth year. For the last twenty years of his life he was postmaster of the village, and had served for more than half a century the office of parish clerk.

13.—The census returns for Norwich were published on this date. The number of houses inhabited was 18,328; uninhabited, 1,117; building, 181; the total population was 80,382—males, 36,583; females, 43,799.

17.—Snow fell at Norwich, “and the weather was more like that of midwinter than of the merrie month of May.”

18.—The sale of the late Lord Walsingham’s Merton herd was conducted by Mr. John Thornton. Forty-six cows realised £1,906 16s., and eleven bulls, £402 3s., a respective average of £41 9s. and £36 11s. 2d. The total amount was £2,308 19s. The Southdown flock was sold by Mr. Thornton on June 29th. The highest price paid for a yearling ram was 180 guineas, and the total amount realised £5,489 15s.

21.—Died, at St. Augustine’s, Norwich, Mr. John Sultzer, in his 69th year. Since the year 1839 he had carried on an extensive manufacturing business; he was a magistrate of the city, a member of the Town Council, and chairman of the Norwich Waterworks Company, and of the Board of Management of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital. Mr. Sultzer was a native of Leicester, and at the age of 25 settled in Lichfield, of which city he was Mayor at the time of the Coronation of Queen Victoria. In politics he was a Liberal.

24.—The Queen’s birthday was celebrated in the customary manner at Norwich. The Royal Horse Artillery and Volunteers were reviewed on Mousehold, and the Mayor and Sheriff, besides entertaining a large number of guests at the Drill Hall, gave a dinner at St. Andrew’s Hall to 1,200 of the aged poor.

JUNE.

7.—A rifle match between two teams of 22 men each, representing the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk, took place on the Billingford range, East Dereham, and was won by Norfolk by 589 points against 562.

20.—A fine barque, classed A 1 at Lloyd’s for fourteen years, named the Oleander, was launched from the shipyard of Mr. J. H. Fellows, at Southtown, Yarmouth. The vessel was 440 tons builder’s measurement, and 386 tons register, 133 feet in length, and 27 feet beam, and was intended for the South African trade.

21.—The annual show of the Norfolk Agricultural Association commenced at East Dereham, and was continued on the 22nd. It was the most successful that the society had held. Mr. C. S. Read, M.P., presided at the public dinner, which took place at the Corn Hall.

JULY.

14.—Mrs. Elizabeth Watts, of Badding’s Lane, St. Martin-at-Palace, Norwich, attained her one hundredth year.

15.—The 2nd Administrative Battalion of Norfolk Volunteers and the 1st Administrative Battalion of Suffolk Volunteers were encamped on the North Denes, Yarmouth. Major-General F. Murray inspected the battalions on the 20th.

18.—The projected establishment of a Norfolk County School for the education of the middle classes “on similar principles to those which have been successfully carried out in other counties,” was discussed at a meeting of the West Norfolk Chamber of Agriculture held at King’s Lynn. The movement, which was initiated by the Rev. J. L. Brereton, was deemed worthy of support not only by the chamber, but by the county generally. On September 30th the announcement was made that the school was being experimentally conducted at Great Massingham. (See January 22nd, 1872.)

22.—The 1st Administrative Battalion of Norfolk Rifle Volunteers went into camp at Holkham Park. The North Walsham corps marched the whole distance of thirty miles; they started the day before, and were billeted for the night at Holt. Lieut.-Col. Wilkinson inspected the battalion on the 26th, and the camp was struck on the 29th.

AUGUST.

2.—The Eastern Counties Industrial and Fine Arts Exhibition commenced at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich. It remained open for two months.

5.—At a special meeting of the Governors of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, the Centenary Committee appointed for the purpose of suggesting a scheme for affording increased accommodation for in-patients, and for soliciting donations and subscriptions to carry out the object, reported that in consequence of conflicting opinions they had been unable to come to a decision. It was agreed by the Board that no additional building be commenced not only until the necessary funds for completing the building were provided, but until increased subscriptions for the maintenance of additional in-patients were forthcoming. (See November 20th, 1876.)

7.—The first Monday in August falling upon this date, “the banks at Norwich were closed, under the Bank Holiday Act.” At East Dereham “the first of the holidays mentioned in the new statute was officially observed by the various bank officials, for whose convenience the measure was passed into law.” A meeting of the merchants, manufacturers, traders, and others was held at the Guildhall, Norwich, on December 14th, “to determine whether the holidays mentioned in the Bank Holiday Act should be permanently adopted in this city.” Those present pledged themselves to adopt the holidays.

15.—The Yarmouth Town Council voted an address to Sir James Paget, a native of the borough, congratulating him upon the honour of a baronetcy conferred upon him by the Queen.

22.—The D Battery, B Brigade, Royal Horse Artillery, marched from Norwich for Aldershot, and were accompanied to the city boundary by the bands of the Artillery and Rifle Volunteers.

26.—Died, Mr. James De Carle Sowerby, aged 84. He belonged to a Norwich family of naturalists, and was chiefly employed in drawing, engraving, and colouring. “There were few departments of natural history in which his attainments were not considerable, and he published many papers on shells and other subjects in the Transactions of the Geological and other societies.”

SEPTEMBER.

2.—Mr. Walter Montgomery, the well-known actor, committed suicide by shooting himself at Shelly’s Hotel, Stafford Street, London. Only on the 30th of the previous month he married, at St. George’s, Hanover Square, Miss Laleah B. Bigelow, an American lady. Mr. Montgomery, whose real name was Richard Tomlinson, was a native of Norwich, and for some years resided at Walsingham, where he was apprenticed to Mr. William Coker, a grocer and draper. At an early age he showed a predilection for the stage, and after a series of recitals in private, made his first appearance at Norwich Theatre, and subsequently played at Yarmouth, Bath, Bristol, and other provincial towns. He went to Birmingham in 1854, and thence to the Theatre Royal, Manchester, where he became a great favourite. He performed also at Drury Lane and the Haymarket, and made a tour in Australia, where he established for himself a high reputation. Returning to England, he sustained heavy pecuniary losses by his connexion with the Gaiety Theatre, and had resolved to emigrate to America. Mr. Montgomery was 44 years of age.

11.—Mdlle. Beatrice appeared at Norwich Theatre with “Frou-frou” Company. During the engagement, “The Happy Pair” and “The Ticket-of-Leave Man,” in which Mr. Horace Wigan sustained his original character of Hawkshaw, the Detective, were produced.

27.—The All England and Norfolk Ploughing Matches commenced at Booton, near Reepham, and were continued on the 28th. There were seven contests—three for implement manufacturers and four for Norfolk ploughmen. A public dinner was held at Hackford schoolroom on the evening of the first day, when Mr. C. S. Read, M.P., presided, and several local members of Parliament were present.

OCTOBER.

4.—The headquarters of the 7th Dragoon Guards arrived at Norwich, under the command of Lieut.-Col. Peyton. The Cavalry Barracks being under repair, the officers took up their quarters at the Royal Hotel.

6.—Great excitement was caused at Diss by the closing of the doors of Messrs. Fincham and Co.’s Bank. In a circular issued shortly afterwards, Mr. Simpson stated that he was compelled to adopt this course owing to the continued strain upon his resources. On the 7th it was announced that arrangements were being made by which it was hoped the business of the Bank would be carried on; and on the same day Messrs. Gurneys intimated that they would afford banking facilities to the customers of Messrs. Fincham and Simpson during the temporary suspension of business. A meeting of the creditors was held on the 10th, and a committee appointed; and representatives of the London and Provincial Bank carried out negotiations which resulted in the Bank being re-opened on the 11th. Another meeting was held on November 2nd, for the purpose of proving debts and of realising the estate. Payment to the creditors of 10s. in the pound was arranged, it being understood that further dividends would be paid as the estate was realised. The liabilities were reported to be £87,305 5s. 6d., and the assets £54,491 18s. 2d.

13.—Sir Samuel Bignold, on the completion of his 80th year, was presented by the clerks at the Union Offices with a silver inkstand and an illuminated address. Several of the Conservative Ward Associations adopted congratulatory addresses, and, on the 17th, a resolution was passed by the Town Council expressive of the congratulations of that body. On January 9th, 1872, the proprietors of the Norwich Union Fire Office presented Sir Samuel with a service of plate and his portrait, painted by Ventnor.

15.—Died at his residence, Buckingham Palace Road, London, Mr. Richard Young, who, on the 13th inst., had been re-elected by the Livery of the Corporation Sheriff of London and Middlesex. Mr. Young, who was a merchant and shipowner, and a director of the Great Eastern Railway and other companies, was born at Scarning, in 1809, and was a self-made man.

16.—Died at the house of her nephew, Mr. H. Wilkin, West Pottergate Street, Norwich, Sarah Nolbrow, aged 100 years.

17.—The Norwich Town Council accepted a portrait of Mr. Jacob Henry Tillett, painted by Sandys, to be placed in St. Andrew’s Hall.

—The Sanitary Committee reported to the Norwich Town Council that the number of outbreaks of small-pox in the city was such as to occasion considerable alarm. It was stated that the necessary precautions had been taken, and, in case of death, burial within forty-eight hours had, as far as possible, been enforced, and arrangements made to prevent the bodies of children being carried to the Cemetery in cabs. Dr. Eade, at a meeting of the Town Council on November 28th, referred to the alarming spread of the disease, and urged the necessity of enforcing vaccination. During this and the succeeding month several persons were prosecuted for neglect of precautionary measures. On December 19th it was reported to the Town Council that the Marchioness of Lothian had munificently given to the city a small-pox hospital. (See March 23rd, 1872.)

18.—A new Corn Hall, erected through the enterprise of Mr. J. W. Davey, was opened at Yarmouth. It was designed by Mr. J. B. Pearce, and built by Mr. J. W. Lacey, at the cost of £3,800. “For many years past the corn merchants had met in all weathers in front of the Duke’s Head Hotel, without the slightest shelter, and transacted their affairs at great inconvenience to themselves and to the annoyance of the general public.”

26.—At Norwich Quarter Sessions, before the Recorder, Mr. O’Malley, Q.C., Henry Brown Woolsey (36), formerly a clerk at Carrow Works, pleaded guilty to feloniously embezzling £558, the monies of his employers, Mr. J. J. Colman and others, and was sentenced to five years’ penal servitude, although recommended to mercy by the prosecutors. Considerable comment was made upon the disparity of the sentences in this and in the Hoskins case (q.v. page 210).

NOVEMBER.

9.—Mr. Robert Chamberlin was elected Mayor, and Mr. Frederick Grimmer appointed Sheriff of Norwich.

23.—A telegram was received at Norwich announcing that the Prince of Wales was suffering from an attack of typhoid fever at Sandringham. “There are,” it was added, “no unfavourable symptoms.” Later bulletins were of a most alarming character, and the inhabitants of county and city soon realised that his Royal Highness was in a critical condition. The Queen arrived from Windsor on the 29th, and was met at Wolferton station by the Duke of Edinburgh, who escorted her to Sandringham. This was her Majesty’s first visit to Sandringham, and her second to Norfolk. [As Princess Victoria, she, with her mother, the Duchess of Kent, visited Mr. Coke at Holkham, in 1835.] Her Majesty returned to Windsor on December 1st. On the 8th his Royal Highness had a very serious relapse, and his Royal mother, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh and Princess Louise, hurried back to Sandringham. On December 10th a special form of prayer was used in all churches, and supplications were made at Nonconformist places of worship. Public suspense continued until the 14th, when a turn for the better took place, and on the 19th her Majesty returned to Windsor. On the same day a special meeting of the Norwich Town Council was held, at which, on the motion of Sir William Foster, seconded by Sir Samuel Bignold, a resolution was adopted expressing to her Majesty and the Princess of Wales the deep sympathy felt by the citizens during the dangerous and painful illness of his Royal Highness. Throughout this trying period the newspaper offices in Norwich were besieged by anxious crowds, eager to receive intelligence. (See January 4th, 1872.)

30.—A severe gale burst over the East coast, and was productive of the most terrible disasters to shipping and the fishing fleet.

DECEMBER.

26.—The pantomime produced at Norwich Theatre, by Miss May Holt, was entitled, “The Fair One with the Golden Locks, or Harlequin Zephyr and the Peris’ Paradise on the Jewelled Island.” At Charles Adams’ Circus was produced the equestrian pantomime, “Ride a Cock Horse to Banbury Cross, or Harlequin Mother Goose.”

1872.

JANUARY.

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 addresses. “Thanksgiving Day” was observed throughout the county on February 27th. At Norwich the principal business establishments were closed, and services held at the Cathedral, the parish churches, and other places of worship.

11.—The centenary of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital was celebrated by an entertainment given at the institution.

22.—The Norwich, Costessey, and Taverham Tramway Scheme was considered by the Board of Trade, to whose satisfaction the promoters proved that the preliminary steps required under the Tramways Act, 1870, had been complied with.

—The Norfolk County School Association held its first meeting at the temporary school at Great Massingham, under the presidency of Sir Willoughby Jones. The Rev. J. L. Brereton reported that the Prince of Wales had become a patron of the school, and the sum of £5,920 had been subscribed by about seventy shareholders. At a meeting held at the Earl of Leicester’s, house in Grosvenor Square, London, on April 24th, it was decided to erect the school on Bintry Hill, near North Elmham. (See April 14th, 1873.)

24.—The Norwich Waterworks Company opened a second covered reservoir at Lakenham, and, in celebration of the event, luncheon was served within the works, under the presidency of the chairman of the company, Mr. H. S. Patteson. The reservoir was 128 feet in length and 120 feet in width.

FEBRUARY.

7.—Died at his residence, Notting Hill, London, the Right Rev. Samuel Hinds, D.D., formerly Bishop of Norwich. Born at Barbadoes in 1793, he came at an early age to England, and was educated at a private school at Ridland, near Bristol. He entered Balliol College, Oxford, but migrated to Queen’s, where he took Second Class Honours in Classics and the University Latin Essay. After ordination by the Bishop of London, he returned to Barbadoes as the first missionary to the negro population. Soon afterwards the headmastership of Codrington College fell vacant, and Dr. Hinds was appointed thereto by Bishop’ Howley. On returning to England, he held a small living in Hertfordshire, and the rectory of Castle Knock, near Dublin; in 1848 was appointed Dean of Carlisle, and in 1849, on the death of Bishop Stanley, he became Bishop of Norwich. On account of ill-health he resigned the See in 1857. Bishop Hinds was the author of “A Treatise on Logic,” “A History of the Rise and Early Progress of Christianity,” “An Inquiry into the Nature and Extent of Inspiration,” and “Sonnets and Sacred Poems.” “His beautiful hymn, to which Dr. Buck set such appropriate music, is familiar to every attendant at our Cathedral services.”

MARCH.

1.—Died at Gateley, Mr. Money Griggs, in his one hundredth year.

9.*—“Under the provisions of Mr. Cardwell’s Army Organization Bill, Yarmouth has been selected as the headquarters of the depôt of the 9th East Norfolk Regiment of Foot.”

11.—Died, at 21, Taviton Street, Gordon Square, London, Emily Taylor, daughter of Mr. Samuel Taylor, of New Buckenham. She was born April 8th, 1795, and for nearly fifty years resided in Norfolk. At the age of five her singing was said to be wonderful; before seven years of age she had read the Iliad of Homer and made herself acquainted with many books of history. Among her writings were “Tales of the Saxons,” “Tales of the English,” “The Ball I live on,” “Poetical Illustrations,” &c. Her last work was “Contemporary Poets,” issued in 1868. Miss Taylor, who was a native of Banham, removed to London in 1858, and established the West Central Collegiate School, Southampton Road, Russell Square. Her remains were interred in Highgate Cemetery, on March 14th, near the resting-place of Miss Martineau.

14.—Died at his residence in Duke Street, Norwich, very suddenly, aged 51, Mr. Henry Rudd, chorus master of the Norfolk and Norwich Triennial Musical Festival. Mr. Rudd was originally a sawyer, but his taste for music was observed by Mr. Taylor, organist of St. John’s Roman Catholic chapel, from whom he received his musical education. For many years he was a member of the Choral Society and of other musical associations, held the situation of music master at the Diocesan Training Institution, and was instrumental in forming the Norwich Gatehouse Choir. On the resignation of Mr. J. F. Hill, he obtained the post of director of the Festival Choral Society. Mr. Rudd was succeeded as chorus master by Mr. James Harcourt.

20.—Died at Northrepps Hall, aged 88, Hannah, widow of the first Sir Thomas Fowell Buxton, whom she survived twenty-seven years. Lady Buxton was sister of the well-known philanthropist, Elizabeth Fry, and of Mr. John Joseph Gurney.

22.—Died at Burlingham Hall, Mr. Henry Negus Burroughes, aged 81. He succeeded to the family estates at an early age, and in 1815 served the office of High Sheriff. In 1837, in conjunction with Mr. Edmond Wodehouse, he successfully contested the representation of East Norfolk against Mr. W. H. Windham and Mr. R. H. Gurney, and he continued to represent the division until 1857, having meanwhile stood a second contest, in 1841, with Sir William ffolkes, and been twice re-elected, in 1847 and 1852, without opposition. In 1857, however, he and his colleague, Sir Henry Stracey, who had been elected in 1855, in the room of Mr. Wodehouse, declined to come forward again, the then popularity of their chief opponent, Major-General Windham, who had just returned triumphant from the Crimea, rendering success doubtful. Mr. Burroughes had taken an active part in the public business of the county.

23.—In the week ending this date there was a marked decline in the mortality from small-pox in Norwich. The largest number of deaths in any week was 37, and for several weeks the number was reported as 30.

30.—Died at Coltishall, in his 80th year, Mr. Nathaniel Palmer, of the Inner Temple, barrister-at-law. By his death the Recordership of Yarmouth and the Judgeship of the Norwich Court of Record became vacant. The first-named office was filled by the appointment of Mr. Simms Reeve, and the latter by the election of Mr. Carlos Cooper. Mr. Palmer was one of the oldest of the Norwich magistrates, and for many years occupied a leading position in the Liberal party. Born in 1792, he was the son of Mr. Nathaniel Palmer, Government contractor for the Navy and distributor of stamps, and was articled to Mr. Worship, solicitor, of Yarmouth, in which borough he practised as an attorney, with considerable success. In 1827 he was called to the Bar by the Inner Temple. He married Rachael, only daughter of Mr. Thomas Hitchin, of Norwich, by whom he had five children. One of his sons was Mr. T. H. Palmer, registrar of the Norwich County Court.

APRIL.

1.—Mr. Henry Leslie’s Opera Bouffe Company commenced an engagement at Norwich Theatre, in “Princess of Trebizonde.”

13.—The agricultural labourers’ agitation began in Norfolk with a meeting held at Old Buckenham. The movement was shortly afterwards taken up in earnest in many parts of the county. The principal object of its supporters was to obtain an increase in the rate of wages. (See February 20th, 1873.)

22.—Died at Norwich, aged 50, Mr. Frederick Simpson, for many years City Treasurer. Mr. T. Hancock, a member of the Town Council, resigned his seat, and on May 3rd was elected to the vacant office.

MAY.

1.—The arbitration case, Coaks v. Tillett, was opened at the Shirehall, Norwich, before Sir Willoughby Jones, Bart. The inquiry had reference to a claim made by Mr. I. B. Coaks against Mr. J. H. Tillett, arising out of the winding-up of the affairs of the East of England Bank. An action was originally brought in the Court of Queen’s Bench, and was intended to have been heard at the previous Norwich Assizes, but by consent of both parties the matter in dispute was referred to the arbitration of Sir Willoughby Jones. Mr. Merewether appeared for Mr. Coaks, and Mr. Tillett conducted his own case. The amount claimed was £2,160, and the arbitrator, after an exhaustive inquiry was due consideration, awarded £1,881 4s. 5d.

8.—In the Court of Queen’s Bench, the Attorney-General moved for a rule nisi calling upon the Town Council of Norwich to show cause why a mandamus should not issue directing them to build a new asylum for pauper lunatics. The question had been in abeyance since 1863, and various reasons were urged why the asylum should not be erected. The Court granted the rule nisi. On the 17th it was resolved, at a meeting of the Town Council, to write to the Secretary of State, pointing out that on April 17th a resolution was passed in the House of Commons affirming that occupiers in counties and boroughs should be relieved either in whole or in part of charges imposed for lunatics, the expenditure for such purpose being almost entirely independent of local control. The Home Secretary was asked whether he felt it imcumbent by compulsory measures to force upon the local rates of Norwich an expenditure estimated at between £40,000 and £50,000. On the 21st the Town Council sent a memorial to the House of Commons, asking them “to intervene for the protection of this municipality, or at least obtain a postponement of the threatened proceedings until Parliament shall have definitely settled by whom the cost of maintaining lunatics shall be permanently borne.” The Court of Queen’s Bench, on June 10th, made the rule absolute against the Corporation, and on June 18th the Corporation decided, by 33 votes to 7, to offer continued resistance to the mandamus. (See January 15th, 1873.)

14.—A meeting, presided over by Colonel Hugh FitzRoy, was held at the Town Hall, Aylsham, to discuss the feasibility of constructing a narrow gauge railway between Norwich and Aylsham, and thence to Aldborough and Beeston. Mr. Minshull, engineer, estimated the cost of construction at £5,000 per mile. The meeting was in favour of the scheme, and appointed a committee to consider details.

16.—The first stone of Christ church, Eaton, was laid by the Mayor of Norwich (Mr. R. Chamberlin). The church was opened on November 4th, 1873, by the Bishop of Norwich. Mr. H. Bolingbroke gave the site; the architects were Mr. J. H. Brown and Mr. J. B. Pearce, and the contractors Mr. W. Wright and Mr. J. W. Lacey. “It is said that the bell fixed in the turret was formerly the sanctus bell at the Cathedral.”

20.—The Queen’s birthday was celebrated at Norwich on this day (Whit-Monday). “It was a demonstration of regard towards the person of her Majesty and of joy that his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales had recovered from his illness.” The streets of the city were decorated, a military review took place on Mousehold, civic entertainments were given, and the festivities terminated with a display of fireworks on the Castle Meadow.

21.—Captain Bates, the Kentucky Giant, and Chrissie-Millie, better known as the “Two-headed Nightingale,” appeared at the Lecture Hall, St. Andrew’s, Norwich. Of this mulatto girl it was said, “Chrissie and Millie are fairly educated, and sing either solos or duets with ease and effect.”

23.—Died at Naples, the Right Hon. Henry Lytton Earle Bulwer, Baron Dalling and Bulwer. Born in 1804, his lordship was the second son of General William Bulwer, of Heydon Hall and Wood Dalling, by Elizabeth Barbara Lytton, sole heiress and last descendant of the Lyttons of Knebworth in Hertfordshire. His career as a diplomatist is familiar to every student of history. His lordship was the author of “Historical Characters,” which appeared in two volumes in the winter of 1867, and rapidly ran into a sixth edition; and of a “Life of Lord Palmerston,” published in 1871. The remains of the deceased nobleman were interred at Heydon on June 25th.

27.—A one hundred yards’ race took place on the West Winch Road, Lynn, between Thomas Akers and a horse belonging to Mr. W. L. Proctor. “Akers led off, the horse not starting directly the signal was given, but he had not proceeded far when he was overtaken by the animal and beaten by about ten yards.”

29.—The tower of the church of Beeston-next-Mileham was struck by lightning. “The Litcham fire-engine was taken into the church, but the molten lead and burning timber fell so rapidly that nothing could be done, and the tower was entirely destroyed.”

—A remarkable mirage was witnessed at Yarmouth. “The weather was exceedingly sultry, with heavy banks of clouds towards the east and south-east, just opposite Yarmouth, and extending from the Scroby to the Corton Sands there appeared a sharply-defined and magnificent outline of Gorleston and Corton cliff, with the entrance to the harbour and even the white sands. A stranger visiting the locality for the first time would have supposed that Yarmouth was embayed by a narrow peninsula.”

JUNE.

3.—Mr. G. B. Loveday’s Gaiety Operetta Company, under the direction of Mr. John Hollingshead, appeared at Norwich Theatre.

6.—The Prince of Wales visited Yarmouth for the first time. His Royal Highness, accompanied by the Earl of Leicester, arrived at Southtown station, and was received by the Mayor (Mr. E. H. L. Preston), the members of the Corporation, and the Recorder (Mr. Simms Reeve), who read an address of welcome. The Militia Artillery and the Rifle Volunteers formed guards of honour, and the Royal carriage was escorted from the station to the Town Hall, by the 7th Dragoon Guards from Norwich, under the command of Colonel Peyton. After luncheon at the Town Hall, his Royal Highness proceeded to the newly-erected Grammar School, at the junction of Trafalgar Road and Apsley Road, and declared the buildings open; in the evening he dined at the Artillery mess and attended a performance in which Mr. Toole appeared, at the Regent Hall. On the 7th the Prince was present at a review of the Artillery Militia, of which he was honorary colonel, and on the 8th returned by special train to London.

10.—Mr. J. L. Toole and Miss E. Farren appeared at Norwich Theatre on this and the succeeding evening in “Dearer than Life,” “The Steeplechase,” “The Weavers,” scenes from “Paul Pry,” and “Ici on parle Français.”

19.—The show of the Norfolk Agricultural Association, of which the Prince of Wales was this year President, commenced at King’s Lynn, and was attended by his Royal Highness, who was accompanied by the Princess of Wales. The Prince presided at the luncheon, which, for the first time, took place in a marquee erected in the showground, and was attended by upwards of 900 guests. In addition to the Prince of Wales, the speakers at the gathering included the Earl of Leicester, the Bishop of Norwich, Lord Sondes, Lord Suffield, Admiral Sir Henry Keppel, the Hon. R. Bourke, M.P., Sir W. Bagge, M.P., Mr. C. S. Read, M.P., Mr. G. W. P. Bentinck, M.P., &c.

JULY.

2.—Died at the Roman Catholic Presbytery, Willow Lane, Norwich, the Rev. Edmund Costello, S.J., aged 44. Father Costello had been in ill-health, and his death was accelerated by his devoted ministrations among the poor when the small-pox epidemic was at its height. He was a son of Mr. James Costello, of Eyre Square, Galway, was educated at the Irish College, Paris, at Maynooth, and at Stonyhurst, and entered upon the Norwich Roman Catholic Mission in 1868.

27.—The 3rd Norfolk Rifle Volunteers (formerly the 1st Administrative Battalion), commanded by Lieut.-Colonel Duff, went into camp at Ketteringham Park. The North Walsham corps marched from that town to the camp, a distance of twenty-two miles. The 2nd Battalion, commanded by Lieut.-Colonel R. T. Gurdon, was brigaded with the 3rd Battalion. The camp was struck on August 2nd.

29.—The sale of Crown Point and Whitlingham estate took place at the Royal Hotel, Norwich, by order of the Court of Chancery. Messrs. J. and J. Colman were the purchasers, at £55,700.

30.—Sir Henry Stracey was presented, at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, by the Conservatives of the city, with a valuable piece of plate, as “a mark of their appreciation of his political conduct during the recent contests, and their admiration of his example as a straightforward English gentleman.” Lady Stracey received from the ladies of Norwich a diamond bracelet, and silver bouquet-holders were presented by working-men to the Misses Stracey.

AUGUST.

5.—The High Sheriff (Mr. Angerstein) was fined £50 by the Judge of Assize at Norwich. (Mr. Justice Keating), for non-attendance with his carriage at the Judge’s lodgings. His lordship had driven to the court in a cab, which he considered to be “a way not fitting her Majesty’s Judges.” The High Sheriff subsequently explained that a mistake had been made as to the time fixed for the sitting of the court, and having tendered an apology, the fine was remitted by his lordship.

5.—At the Norfolk Assizes, before Mr. Justice Byles, James Johnson, of North Walsham, sought to recover from Mr. W. H. Cooke, Q.C., Judge of the Norfolk County Court, damages for false imprisonment and assault. It was alleged that the defendant wrongfully imprisoned the plaintiff for thirty days; when the plaintiff left Norwich Castle he personally served the Judge, as he was leaving the court, with a notice of action for false imprisonment, and his Honour, mistaking the man’s intention, seized him by the collar, and a second time ordered his arrest. For the defendant it was alleged that he had acted within his jurisdiction. After two days’ trial the jury returned a verdict for the plaintiff, damages one farthing.

8.—An alarming flood occurred at Walsingham. Owing to heavy rains, the stream in the vicinity overflowed its banks, and the low-lying part of the town was submerged. Forty women and children were rescued from the upper rooms of the cottages by means of ladders, and conveyed in boats to a place of safety. On the 9th a temporary dam was erected, which had the effect of diverting the flow of water. The village of East Barsham was also flooded, and the high road at West Barsham was under water.

10.—At a meeting of the Norfolk Central Committee, held at the Shirehall, Norwich, it was reported that foot-and-mouth disease had spread to an alarming extent among cattle and sheep. On the motion of Mr. C. S. Read, M.P., it was ordered that markets for fat stock be held under the same restrictions that were in force during the time of the cattle plague, and that similar regulations should govern the movements of store stock as were then in force. In Norfolk alone during the previous five weeks the loss to stockowners from foot-and-mouth disease was estimated at £22,500, in respect of 10,000 cattle and 5,000 sheep. The committee sent a memorial to the Privy Council to prohibit the opening of all fairs and markets for the period of six weeks.

12.—Died suddenly, at Hills Road, Cambridge, Mr. George Kett. He was born at Suton, near Wymondham, on June 26th, 1809, and commenced life in a small way of business as a wood carver at Wymondham. After copying poppyheads at Wymondham church, he undertook the carving of the seats for Ketteringham and Mulbarton churches. He then removed to Norwich, where he was engaged upon the restoration of the Cathedral stalls and canopies. Whilst he was working there Mr. James Rattee was placed under him as an apprentice, and the two afterwards became partners. Mr. Kett was next offered employment upon the works for the new Houses of Parliament. In 1845 he removed to London, where he was principally employed under the immediate direction of Sir Charles Barry, in supplying designs for the wood carving. Among other portions of the work on which he was specially engaged were the Royal Arms at the back of the Throne in the House of Lords. Mr. Rattee, in 1848, consulted him upon an estimate for the restoration of the choir of Ely Cathedral, and Mr. Kett agreed that if the tender were accepted he would remove to Cambridge and assist him in carrying it out. The business partnership thus commenced continued after Mr. Rattee’s death, in 1854, with his widow, under the style of Rattee and Kett. Mrs. Rattee died in 1866, when Mr. Kett assumed sole control of the establishment, and was largely engaged in the work of church restoration in all parts of the United Kingdom.

15.—Died at Felbrigg Park, Mr. John Ketton, in his 61st year. Mr. Ketton was a native of Norwich, where for many years he was engaged in commercial pursuits. His success enabled him, when Mr. Windham’s affairs became embarrassed, to purchase the Felbrigg estate, where he resided until the period of his death.

—Died at Reigate, Surrey, from the effects of injuries inflicted upon himself, Mr. Benjamin Land, better known as “Ben Land,” a sporting character of great celebrity in his day. Mr. Land began life as a Norfolk farmer, and gave great encouragement to steeple-chasing in the county, upon the introduction of that sport in the first half of the century. One of his earliest winning mounts was in 1836, a horse named Predictor. Then he owned a very useful nag called Neewood, and another, Lottery, an exceedingly clever animal over a country. Land made himself further known by his doings on Jim Crow, Faith, the Novice, Yellow Dwarf, Little Nell, Victoria, and Wonder, who could all run and jump a bit, and sad teasers they were to other Norfolk sportsmen. While still holding on his farm, Land hunted a pack of staghounds, but he gradually got out of business as an agriculturist, and took to riding and training as a profession.

17.—The provisions of the new Licensing Act came into operation in Norwich. A notice had been issued by the Chief Constable that on Sunday, Christmas-day, and Good Friday, licensed houses were not to open before 12.30 at noon and to close at 2.30 in the afternoon; not to open again before six in the evening, and to close at ten o’clock. On week-days they were not to open until six in the morning, and to close at eleven o’clock at night. “This application of the Act came on the city suddenly and unexpectedly, the general opinion having prevailed that everything would go on as usual until the next annual licensing-day. In Union Place and King Street many people determined to have their own way as far as they could, and accordingly just before closing time they made a great demand upon the can accommodation of the houses. Large cans and small cans, when filled with beer, were borne off in triumphant defiance to the pavement outside, or to the men’s private gardens or houses, where friend and neighbour remained drinking, and, in some cases, singing, together long after the lights of the various public-houses had been extinguished. In two or three instances some ill-advised publicans persisted in keeping their houses open.” Several licensed victuallers were fined for infringing the regulations of the new Act, and in the early days of its operation the Norwich magistrates were very liberal in granting extensions of time on the occasion of the Christmas, Easter, and Whitsun holidays. At East Dereham the justices permitted the public-houses to remain open until twelve o’clock during four months of the year.

19.—The first really notable journey upon a bicycle was performed by Percy Everett, of Ryburgh, a lad aged 16. He started at 4.45 a.m. from Ryburgh station, and rode to Newmarket, where he had breakfast; thence to Whittlesford, where he lunched; and at 5.30 p.m. he reached Ware, in Hertfordshire, having accomplished the distance of 110 miles in about 12½ hours. Everett rode one of the first of the rubber-tyred bicycles—a machine of Coventry make, known as the “Aeriel.”

20.—Died, Mr. Edmund Harbord Lushington Preston, Mayor of Great Yarmouth. Mr. Preston was born in 1806, at the period when the Hon. E. Harbord (second son of the then Lord Suffield) and Mr. Stephen Lushington were returned to Parliament as members for Yarmouth—hence two of his Christian names. After the passing of the Municipal Reform Act, he was one of the first burgesses returned to the Town Council on Conservative principles, and, with the exception of a short period, from November, 1868, to November, 1869, he continued to be a member of the Corporation. Mr. Preston was for twenty years one of the magistrates of the borough, and a member of the Port and Haven Commission.

27.—The Blake-Bignold incident occurred at the Norwich Police-court. Mr. Blake, on September 2nd, was charged with assaulting a publican, and fined, and, on his leaving the court, was followed by a mob, who endeavoured to overturn the cab in which he had taken refuge.

28.—Lord Walsingham, while shooting on Blubberhouse Moor, Yorkshire, killed with his own gun 842 head of grouse, between the hours of 5.30 a.m. and 3 p.m. The birds were driven, and before one o’clock 550 had been bagged.

29.—A portion of the Reserve Squadron, consisting of nine ironclad war vessels, under the command of Admiral Randolph, entered Yarmouth Roads, and sailed on the 30th for the Nore. The officers and men numbered 4,500.

—A 300 yards swimming match took place at Thorpe, between John Morris, ex-champion of England, and “Victor Natator, the champion under-water performer,” for £10 a side. “Natator” received ten yards’ start, and, after an exciting race, was beaten by three yards.

SEPTEMBER.

2.—Died at Slough, Buckinghamshire, aged 95 years, Mrs. Anne Rigby, widow of Dr. Rigby, of Norwich, whom she survived 51 years.

5.—The Norwich Board of Guardians, after a long and acrimonious discussion, agreed, on the motion of the Rev. A. C. Copeman, seconded by Dr. Bateman, to accede to the request of Professor Humphrey, of Cambridge, that he be supplied, for the purposes of dissection, with the unclaimed bodies of persons who died in the Workhouse. At a meeting on October 3rd an attempt was made to rescind the resolution, which, however, was confirmed by 16 votes against 12. On December 12th a third debate resulted in the rescission of the original motion by one vote.

9.—The first election in the Eastern Counties under the new Ballot Act took place at Great Yarmouth, when a councillor was returned to fill in the Town Council the vacancy occasioned by the death of Mr. Preston.

10.—Lord Walsingham was presented by his Merton tenantry with an address of welcome upon his return after a prolonged visit to America.

16.—Norwich Theatre was opened for the winter season, under the management of Mr. G. H. Chaplin. “It has been our lot to witness some very indifferent acting upon the Norwich boards, but we never remember having seen a whole company (with the exception of Mr. Chaplin) so thoroughly destitute of histrionic talent, or so wretchedly poor in the dresses whereby to represent the characters.”

—The Norfolk and Norwich Triennial Musical Festival commenced with an evening performance of the “Festival Te Deum” (composed in celebration of the recovery of the Prince of Wales) and of “The Creation.” The morning performance on the 18th was “Elijah,” on the 19th “St. Peter” (first time of performance in Norwich); and on the 20th “The Messiah.” On the evening of the 17th a grand ballad concert took place, and on the 18th and 19th miscellaneous concerts. The principal vocalists were Mdlle. Tietjens, Mdlle. Florence Lancia, Mdlle. Albani, Madame Patey, Madame Trebelli-Bettini, Mr. W. H. Cummings, Mr. Edward Lloyd, Mr. Kerr Gedge, Mr. J. G. Patey, and Mr. Santley. Sir Julius Benedict conducted. The Festival ball was held on the night of the 20th.

25.—Great rejoicings took place at Gunthorpe, in celebration of the return of Mr. and Mrs. E. Bowyer Sparke, from their wedding tour. The squire was presented by the tenantry with an illuminated address.

27.—Died, Mr. John Longe, of Spixworth Park. He was the second son of the Rev. John Longe, vicar of Coddenham, Suffolk. Educated at Norwich Grammar School, under Valpy, and subsequently at Cambridge, he succeeded to the estate in 1828, on the death of the widow of his cousin, Mr. Francis Longe, who was High Sheriff in 1786. He married, in 1829, Caroline Elizabeth, eldest daughter and co-heiress of Lieut.-Colonel Warnford, of Warnford Place, Wilts., and niece of Henry, fourth Viscount Ashbrook. As a Valpeian, Mr. Longe always took the greatest interest in the success of the Norwich Grammar School, of which he was a governor. He was a Deputy-Lieutenant of the county, and for some years captain in the East Norfolk Militia, and was succeeded in his estates by his brother, the Rev. Robert Longe, vicar of Coddenham, who was born in 1800.

—A heavy gale prevailed off the East coast, and many shipping casualties were reported.

28.—Died at his seat, Melton Constable, the Right Hon. and Rev. Delaval Loftus, ninth Baron Hastings, in his 48th year. His lordship had been summoned from Wiesbaden, in consequence of the alarming illness of Lady Hastings. He was at the time recovering from a severe attack of gout, and little fitted to undertake a long journey. On reaching Melton Constable he was seized with an illness which proved fatal. Lord Hastings was educated at Trinity College, Cambridge, and, on taking holy orders, was appointed to the family living of Foulsham, and subsequently to that of East Barsham and Little Snoring. He married, in 1848, the Hon. Frances Diana Manners Sutton, daughter of the first Viscount Canterbury, by whom he left three sons and a daughter, and succeeded to the title and estates on the death of his brother, in March, 1871. His successor was the Hon. Bernan Edward Delaval Astley, who was born in 1855, and was, at the time of his father’s death, completing his term at Eton.

OCTOBER.

1.—The Norwich Town Council decided to purchase, for sewerage and irrigation purposes, a portion of the Crown Point estate, for £27,000. (See February 11th, 1873.)

—Died at his residence, Cambridge House, Westling-on-Trym, Bristol, in his 77th year, the Rev. William Charles Wollaston, for upwards of thirty years rector of East Dereham. “Mr. Wollaston was the thirty-seventh and last of the sinecure rectors of Dereham, and the exceptional custom of tolling the muffled bell, which had long been held in this parish when any of its rectors or vicars died, was observed.”

14.—The ceremony of laying the first rail of the East Suffolk Tramway was performed at Yarmouth by Sir E. H. K. Lacon, M.P. for North Norfolk. As originally planned, the tramway was to extend from Southtown Railway station to Gorleston, and thence to Lowestoft and Southwold, and eventually to form a junction with Halesworth. On March 22nd, 1873, it was announced: “From present appearances, it would seem that the East Suffolk Tramway scheme has been abandoned. The works have been wholly stopped for months past, and the Southtown Road has been restored to its former state.” (See April 1st, 1875.)

19.—At a meeting of the Governors of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, the thanks of the Board were accorded to Mr. William Peter Nichols “for his able, humane, and successful services as surgeon to the charity during the last 21 years, and for the active and zealous part he has taken during the same period in promoting the general interests of the Hospital.” Mr. Nichols afterwards became honorary consulting surgeon to the institution, and on March 22nd, 1873, was presented by public subscription with a valuable, silver centrepiece, in recognition of his eminent services. Mr. T. W. Crosse was elected to the office rendered vacant by the resignation of Mr. Nichols.

23.—The second Diocesan Conference was held at Noverre’s Rooms, Norwich, and was continued on the 24th, whereby the meeting in the Fakenham district was dispensed with. The remaining meetings were held at Lynn on the 25th, Ipswich on the 30th, and Halesworth on the 31st.

28.—The ceremony of opening the first school built by the Norwich School Board—the Mariners’ Lane School—was performed by the Rev. Canon Heaviside, chairman of the Board. It was intended for the accommodation of 125 boys.

31.—Died at Costessey, where he laboured as a Roman Catholic priest for more than fifty years, the Very Rev. Frederick Charles Husenbeth, D.D., President of the Brotherhood, Provost of the Chapter of Northampton, and Vicar-General of the Roman Catholic Diocese. Dr. Husenbeth, who was in his 77th year, was a frequent contributor to “Notes and Queries,” and was the author of many works, the best known of which was “Emblems of the Saints.”

NOVEMBER.

1.—The municipal elections were, for the first time, conducted under the provisions of the Ballot Act. At Norwich, where fourteen out of a possible sixteen Conservative candidates were returned, the elections were rendered noteworthy by all the members of the firm of Messrs. Bullard and Sons intimating that in future it was their intention to adopt Conservative principles.

4.—The Prince and Princess of Wales passed through Thetford, on their way to Elveden, on a visit to the Maharajah Duleep Singh, and were received with great enthusiasm by the inhabitants of the borough.

—Mr. George Grossmith, “of the Temple, London,” made the first of his visits to Norwich, and appeared at Noverre’s Rooms in an entertainment entitled, “The Comic Side of Life.”

9.—Sir Samuel Bignold was, for the fourth time, elected Mayor of Norwich; Dr. Frederic Bateman was appointed Sheriff.

10.—Hospital Sunday was, for the first time, observed in Norwich. The amount collected was £454 6s., 3d.

14.—The new schools of St. Philip, Heigham, Norwich, completed through the munificent donation of Mr. James Harford and his late sister, and the voluntary efforts of the friends of Church of England education, at the cost of £2,000, were opened by the Bishop of Norwich. The architect was Mr. Edward Power, of London, and the builder Mr. James Youngs.

18.—Died, in his 60th year, Mr. Henry Kett Kett-Tompson, of Brooke House and Witchingham Hall. He was the last representative of an old Norwich family, whose connection with the city dated back more than three centuries, and who during nearly two centuries were extensive brewers in King Street. Messrs. Morgan, in 1846, purchased the business of Mr. Kett-Tompson and his brother, their landed property in the county rendering it unnecessary for them to continue the brewery. Mr. Kett-Tompson was one of two sons of Mr. Charles Tompson (High Sheriff in 1827), by Juliana, second daughter of Thomas Kett, of Seething Hall, and sister and co-heiress of George Samuel Kett, of Brooke House. His grandfather was Timothy Tompson, formerly of Denton, and afterwards of Witchingham Hall. He was born in 1813, and married, in February, 1843, Margaret Amelia, second daughter of Rear-Admiral the Hon. Frederick Paul Irby, C.B., of Boyland Hall, and second son of the second Lord Boston. The name of Mr. Kett-Tompson stood first upon the list of gentlemen to fill the office of High Sheriff of Norfolk in 1873.

19.—Died, Elizabeth Harvey, widow of James Harvey, of Rollesby, in her 102nd year.

20.—A heavy gale occurred. Several vessels were lost off Yarmouth, and a ship wrecked at Wells.

21.—A grand fancy dress ball, attended by representatives of the principal families in Norfolk, was held at Hillington Hall, in celebration of the twenty-fifth birthday of Sir William ffolkes, Bart.

24.—Died at his residence, Heigham Grove, Norwich, aged 73, Major-General Burton Daveney, formerly of the Royal Scots Regiment. He was born at Colton, in December, 1799, and obtained his commission as ensign in the 57th Regiment. In 1825 he went to Australia as lieutenant in command of a detachment which had charge of nearly 200 convicts. On the voyage small-pox broke out, and the vessel was placed in quarantine. The young lieutenant throughout a period of the greatest difficulty discharged his duties with conspicuous success. In 1830 he exchanged into the 1st Royals (afterwards the Royal Scots), and served in one or other of the battalions of that regiment for thirty-one years. He passed through the Canadian Rebellion in 1837, was present at the affairs of St. Charles and St. Eustache, and returned to England in 1841. In the Crimea, as commandant at Balaclava, his duties were so arduous that when he left, completely broken down in health, in January, 1855, the work was divided among three officers. In the absence of the colonel he brought the regiment to Aldershot, and afterwards had the honour of dining with her Majesty, to whom he was presented by the Prince Consort. He next sailed to India, and assisted in quelling the Mutiny, and returned in 1862, when he retired on full pay, with the rank of Major-General. He had seen forty-one years of active service without passing a single day on half-pay. General Daveney was the possessor of three clasps for the Crimea, the Order of the Medjidié, and several other decorations presented by the Sultan to British officers who had served in the war against Russia.

DECEMBER.

8.—A fearful storm swept over East Anglia. At Norwich and other towns in the county great damage was done to buildings; in the country trees were uprooted and stacks overturned; and on the coast there were many shipping casualties.

21.—Mr. James Bacon was elected secretary of the Norfolk Agricultural Association, in place of Mr. Cross, resigned. Mr. E. C. Bailey resigned the office of honorary director.

—A conference was held at the Guildhall, Norwich, at which representatives of the sanitary authorities in city and county discussed the best method of carrying out the provisions of the new Public Health Act, more particularly as to the appointment of medical-officers of health and inspectors of nuisances. It was suggested that the county be divided into seven districts, exclusive of the city of Norwich; that a medical-officer of health be appointed to each district, the election to be made by representatives of the sanitary authorities; and that a similar course be adopted in regard to inspectors of nuisances. Mr. T. W. Crosse, on January 23rd, 1873, resigned his seat in the Norwich Town Council as a representative of the First Ward, and was appointed Medical-Officer of Health for the city, at the salary of £200 per annum.

26.—A pantomime (titled not stated) was produced at Norwich Theatre by Mr. G. H. Chaplin. “The transformation scene,” it was stated, “has not been surpassed for gorgeous beauty on our stage.” Edmonds’ (late Wombwell’s) Menagerie was exhibited on the Castle Meadow.

30.—The Prince and Princess of Wales arrived at Holkham, on a visit to the Earl of Leicester.

31.—Colonel Peyton and officers of the 7th Dragoon Guards gave a grand invitation ball at the Crown Bank building, Norwich. It was attended by many of the leading families of the county.

1873.

JANUARY.

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 had instructed the Solicitor to the Treasury to proceed in the matter of the mandamus. (See July 21st, 1874.)

21.—The resignation of Mr. A. W. Morant, City Engineer, and the author of the first sewerage scheme, was received by the Norwich Town Council, on his appointment as engineer to the borough of Leeds. On March 25th Mr. Christopher Thwaites, C.E., of London, was appointed to the vacant post.

27.—Died at Trinity College, Cambridge, the Rev. Adam Sedgwick, LL.D., aged 87, Woodwardian Professor of Geology. He came of a North country family, and was born at Dent, in Yorkshire. In due course he entered at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he took his Bachelor’s degree in 1808, as fifth wrangler. In 1810 he was elected to a Fellowship in his College, of which at his death he was the senior member. He succeeded, in 1818, Professor Hailstone in the chair of Geology, founded at Cambridge by the celebrated Dr. John Woodward. Professor Sedgwick had been a Canon of Norwich Cathedral since 1834.

FEBRUARY.

11.—A Local Government Board inquiry was held at the Guildhall, Norwich, by Mr. R. Morgan, C.E., as to an application made by the Town Council to borrow the sum of £32,500, for the purchase of a portion of the Crown Point estate, for sewerage and irrigation purposes. The amount required for the purchase of the land was £27,500, for legal and other charges, £500, and the remainder was for erecting buildings, &c. The application was opposed by the Norwich Ratepayers’ Protection League. Another phase of the sewerage question occupied the attention of the Town Council at a special meeting on May 13th, when the City Engineer presented a report stating that serious defects existed in the low-level sewer, and part of the works had given way. It was resolved to borrow £20,000, at four per cent., on mortgage of the sewerage farm, as a permanent loan for ten years. On August 19th the City Engineer submitted to the Council three alternative plans for dealing with the difficulty—(1) By plating the sewer, at a cost of not less than £17,178; (2) by reconstruction, at a minimum cost of £25,000; and (3) of providing a new lining at not less than £33,000. Up to that time the total expenditure on the works amounted to £113,000. On October 21st the Council decided to consult Messrs. Hawkesley and Bazalgette, who, on December 16th, presented a report suggesting that certain remedial works be carried out at an approximate cost of £34,000. (See January 20th, 1874.)

20.—In consequence of the demand by agricultural labourers for increased wages, an important meeting of employers resident in the district of the Wayland Agricultural Association was held at Watton, under the presidency of Lord Walsingham, when resolutions were adopted whereby the meeting pledged itself to decline to recognise the system of compulsion exercised by the Labourers’ Union, and to refuse any demand for higher wages made by those who were members of the Union, “although willing to give favourable consideration to any request made in a proper manner whenever circumstances might be found to justify it.” It was further decided to invite co-operation from a larger area, and to form a society to be called the Wayland Farmers’ Defensive Association. Similar action was taken by employers in the North Walsham district, at Swaffham, and in the Blofield and Taverham Hundreds. (See March 14th, 1874.)

MARCH.

25.—The Sheriff of Norwich (Dr. Bateman) and the Mayor (Sir Samuel Bignold) attended at the Shirehall, on the conclusion of the Norfolk Assizes, when the former, addressing Mr. Baron Martin, presented his lordship with a pair of white kid gloves, in commemoration of the fact that for the first time in forty-three years the city of Norwich had had a maiden Assize. The Mayor corroborated the statement, and said that in that year, 1830, he happened to be Sheriff of the city. His lordship remarked it was extremely creditable that a city of 80,000 inhabitants should have no cases for trial at the Assizes.

29.—Two meetings were held at Norwich, in furtherance of an effort to secure a visit of the Royal Agricultural Society to the city in 1874. The Norfolk Agricultural Association agreed to suspend its own show, and to vote £500 to the funds of the Royal; and a gathering of county and city gentlemen promised subscriptions to the amount of £1,100. The Mayor authorised the secretaries to guarantee the full amount required—£2,000.

29.—A fire occurred at Mr. Darken’s music warehouse, Norwich, and damage was done to the amount of £1,500.

APRIL.

2.—The Docking Union Association, founded in 1839 for the purpose of promoting habits of industry and frugality and of rewarding good conduct amongst labourers, was dissolved, and the balance of £87 paid to the funds of hospitals in the county.

4.—Died at Southtown, Great Yarmouth, aged 82, Commander George Jenner, R.N. He entered the Navy in 1806, and served on board the Milan; in 1810 he joined the Desiré, was at the taking of San Sebastian, and was awarded the medal for gallant service.

12.—At the All England Champion Athletic meeting, held at Lillie Bridge Grounds, London, A. R. Upcher won the quarter-mile and H. K. Upcher the 120 yards hurdle race. “This makes seven championships won by Norfolk men, namely, the walking, in 1868, by W. Rye; the four miles, in 1870, by H. C. Riches; the quarter-mile, in 1870–71–73, by A. R. Upcher; the pole jump, in 1872, by H. C. Fellowes; and the hurdle-race, in 1873, by H. K. Upcher.”

14.—The foundation-stone of the Norfolk County School was laid by the Prince of Wales. His Royal Highness, with whom was the Princess of Wales, left Wolferton station by special train, and was accompanied by the Bishop of Norwich, Lord and Lady Suffield, and Viscount Newry. At Holkham the Royal party was joined by the Earl of Leicester and Lady Anne Coke, and other members of the family. At Elmham station the Prince and Princess were received by Lord and Lady Sondes. A detachment of picked men of the 3rd Norfolk Rifle Volunteers, under the command of Captain Bulwer, formed a guard of honour at the entrance to the enclosure on the school site. After an address had been read to their Royal Highnesses by Prebendary Brereton, chairman of the Board of Directors, the Prince laid the stone, inscribed, “Albert. Edward, Prince of Wales, April 14, 1873.” The Lord Bishop offered prayer, and a hymn was sung, after which a large and distinguished company, presided over by the Earl of Leicester, partook of luncheon in a marquee. Their Royal Highnesses, after taking tea with Lord and Lady Sondes, at Elmham Hall, returned to Wolferton by special train. The school was opened on September 16th, 1874, when an inaugural luncheon was held, and an address delivered by the Right Hon. Earl Fortesque.

—Mr. Henry Leslie’s Opera Bouffe Company commenced an engagement at Norwich Theatre. The pieces produced included “Lischen and Fritzchen,” “Genevieve de Brabant,” “The Princess of Trebizonde,” and “The Brigands.”

28.—The headquarters of the 7th Dragoon Guards marched from Norwich for Manchester. On the regiment reaching the Market Place, the officers adjourned to the Royal Hotel, where the Mayor, on behalf of the traders of the city, presented to Colonel Peyton and the officers a massive silver cup and an illuminated address. The cup was filled with champagne, and the officers drank “Health end Prosperity to the City of Norwich.” At Costessey Park the regiment was entertained by Lord Stafford.

MAY.

6.—The depôt of the 51st Regiment, from Yarmouth, arrived at Norwich and took over the Cavalry Barracks.

24.—The Queen’s birthday was observed at Norwich with the customary festivities. The event was further marked by the presentation to the Mayor and Sheriff of a set of official robes, purchased by public subscription.

26.—A specially-organized company, under the management of Mr. Craven Robertson, performed the comedy of “Caste” at Norwich Theatre. “School” was also produced during the six nights’ engagement. On this occasion the favourite actress, Miss Fanny Addison, made her first appearance in Norwich, and Mr. J. F. Young was a member of the company.

30.—A detachment of the Honourable Artillery Company, numbering 64 officers and men, arrived at Yarmouth by train, and on the 31st marched for Norwich. At Blofield the detachment was met by the band of the Norwich Artillery Volunteers, and at Brundall the men boarded the Alexandra steamer, by which they performed the remainder of the journey to Norwich. Headquarters were established at the Royal Hotel. On Sunday, June 1st, the Honourable Artillery Company and the Norwich Artillery Volunteers attended service at the Cathedral, and on June 2nd the Norwich corps accompanied the London men on their march to Wymondham. The London corps proceeded to Attleborough, where they took train for London.

JUNE.

9.—Mr. and Mrs. Rousby commenced an engagement at Norwich Theatre, in “Twixt Axe and Crown.” On subsequent evenings, “The School for Scandal,” “Romeo and Juliet,” and “Joan of Arc,” were produced.

19.—The annual show of the Norfolk Agricultural Association commenced at Thetford. Mr. Angerstein presided at the members’ luncheon.

30.—The Earl of Leicester was invested by the Queen with the Riband and Badge of the Garter. His lordship previously received the honour of knighthood.

JULY.

10.—Mr. J. L. Toole commenced an engagement at Norwich Theatre, during which he appeared in a round of his favourite characters.

19.—The 3rd Norfolk Rifle Volunteers went into camp at Heacham Park, and on the 23rd were inspected by Colonel Knox, C.B., commanding the 31st Depôt.

21.—A company, under the management of Captain Disney Roebuck (late Royal Welsh Fusiliers), commenced an engagement at Norwich Theatre. The repertory included “David Garrick,” “Society,” “The School for Scandal,” “East Lynne,” and the bouffe burlesque, “The Rows of Castille.”

21.—Mr. David Fisher gave a dramatic reading at North Walsham. “Since the closing of the theatrical circuit under the management of the Fisher family, no member had visited it until Mr. David Fisher, now of the London theatres, and known to us first as a boy actor with his father and grandfather, came to read ‘The School for Scandal.’ Mr. David Fisher in London has carried out the promise of his early life, and in coming upon scenes of his boyhood finds those who tell him tales of former years, and pleasure no doubt arises on the other side from the opening up of old associations. We have spoken of Mr. Fisher’s reading—he does not read, he acts two-thirds of the whole play from memory; every character is given with perfect clearness. He visits all the towns where formerly theatres stood under the management of his family.” On this tour Mr. Fisher was accompanied by his daughter, Miss Mary Fisher, who displayed her musical abilities.

30.—The valuable collection presented to the Norfolk and Norwich Museum by Mrs. E. P. Clarke, of Wymondham, was opened to the public. This collection was formed by Mr. Edward Lombe, of Great Melton, and set up by the first taxidermist of his day, the elder Leadbeater, of London. Regret was expressed at the absence of any memoranda of dates and localities. The British birds alone numbered 551 specimens, representing 280 distinct species.

—The headquarters and six troops of the 3rd Dragoon Guards marched into Norwich, under the command of Colonel Conyers Tower, C.B.

—A new iron bridge over the River Ouze, constructed in place of the wooden structure known as the Free Bridge, near Lynn, was formally opened by Mr. E. Fellowes, M.P., chairman of the Ouze Outfall Commissioners. It was designed by Messrs. Brunlees and McKerrow.

AUGUST.

14.—An extensive fire occurred at the engineering works of Messrs. Holmes and Sons, Cattle Market, Norwich. The damage was estimated at £10,000. Effective assistance was rendered to the fire brigade by three troops of the 3rd Dragoon Guards, and by members of the Norwich Rifle Volunteers.

18.—Mr. Charles Wyndham’s company appeared at Norwich Theatre in the political and satirical burlesque, “The Happy Land.” The piece was interdicted by the Lord Chamberlain on its production at the Court Theatre, London, on account of its caricature of three Liberal Ministers—Mr. Gladstone, Mr. Lowe, and Mr. Ayrton. It was played at Norwich, it was announced, with the excised portions restored.

26.—At Norwich Brewster Sessions, the licensed victuallers of the city applied for an alteration of the hours of closing, namely, an extension of the time from 11 to 12 on week-days, and from 10 to 11 o’clock on Sunday. A memorial in favour of the alteration, signed by 7,000 persons, was presented. The Dean of Norwich handed in a memorial containing 7,925 signatures against the alteration. The magistrates declined to alter the hours of closing.

2.—The marriage took place at Holkham of Lady Winifred Coke, fifth daughter of the Earl of Leicester, and Mr. Robert Clements, only son of the Hon. and Rev. Francis Nathaniel Clements, vicar of Norton, Durham, and heir to the Earldom of Leitrim.

11.—The ceremony of laying the foundation-stone of the new Congregational chapel, built on the site of Cowper’s house, at East Dereham, was performed by Mr. Henry Wright, of Kensington. The building, which was erected by Mr. Hubbard, of Dereham, from designs by Mr. Edward Boardman, architect, Norwich, at the cost of £3,500, was intended for the accommodation of 500 worshippers. It was opened for public worship on September 24th, 1874.

12.—Mr. Charles Durand’s English Opera Company appeared at Norwich Theatre, and on the 19th produced, for the first time in the city, Meyerbeer’s opera, “L’Africaine.”

19.—Died at Caldecot, near Botley, Hampshire, Dr. Dalrymple, M.P. He was born in 1814, and was the fourth son of Mr. William Dalrymple, an eminent surgeon, of Norwich. He married a daughter of Mr. T. O. Springfield, on whose death he was placed in possession of an ample fortune. Dr. Dalrymple then relinquished his practice in favour of his partner, Mr. Cadge. In 1862 he made a tour through Egypt and Palestine, and on his return published a work on “The Climate of Egypt.” On the invitation of the Liberal electors of Bath, he, in 1868, contested the representation of that city, and was returned. His chief Parliamentary labours were most conspicuous in connection with his well-known Habitual Drunkards Bill, a measure which, while not in accordance with the spirit of English legislation, evinced that devotion to philanthropic objects which was the characteristic of Dr. Dalrymple’s life. He served the office of Sheriff of Norwich in 1860–61, was a director of the Norwich Union Fire Office, chairman of the Governors of King Edward VI. School, and at various times had taken part in the management of the local charitable and scientific institutions. Dr. Dalrymple was a magistrate and Deputy-lieutenant of the county.

21.—Died at Ipswich, Mr. Henry Bright, the well-known artist. He was born at Saxmundham, in June, 1814, and, after serving his apprenticeship to a chemist and druggist at Woodbridge, removed to Norwich, where he acted as dispenser to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital. An acquaintance with Crome, Cotman, the elder Ladbrooke, Stark, Vincent, and others of the Norwich School of Artists, stimulated him to work with his pencil. Proceeding to London, he devoted himself entirely to art, and, by teaching drawing and painting, realised nearly £2,000 a year from that branch of his profession. For splendid sky effects Bright is second only to Turner, and his crayon drawings are almost unequalled.

OCTOBER.

1.—Miss E. Farren and Mr. Lionel Brough, supported by the London Gaiety Company, commenced an engagement at Norwich Theatre. The productions included, “A Nice Girl,” “The Rough Diamond,” “Good for Nothing,” “Stage Struck,” “Betty Martin,” “Lischen and Fritzchen,” &c. The company made a return visit on November 25th.

1.—The Social Science Congress commenced its proceedings at Norwich, under the presidency of the Right Hon. Lord Houghton, D.C.L., F.R.S. The meetings terminated on the 8th.

13.—The eighty-second birthday of Sir Samuel Bignold, Mayor of Norwich, was celebrated. The Cathedral choristers, under Dr. Buck, assembled in the garden of Sir Samuel’s residence in Surrey Street, at eight a.m., and sang “Lift up thine eyes” (Handel), “The Old English Gentleman,” and the Nunc Dimittis. The bells of St. Peter Mancroft were rung, the boys of the Grammar and Commercial Schools were granted a holiday, the inmates of the Boys’ Home and the Girls’ Home were entertained at St. Andrew’s Hall, and a feast was given to the paupers in the Workhouse.

20.—Died at the Charterhouse, London, Mr. James S. Garthon, aged 74, formerly a surgeon in Norwich. He was the son of a farmer at Costessey, and was himself originally in business as a corn dealer. It was not until he was well advanced in life that he entered the medical profession. In addition to his private practice, he undertook the duties of surgeon to the Norwich police force. Mr. Garthon was a Liberal in politics.

23.—The Sheriff of Norwich (Dr. Bateman) delivered a lecture to the members of the Churchman’s Club, on “Darwinism tested by Scientific Researches in Language.” The Dean presided.

NOVEMBER.

3.—The Prince of Wales passed through Thetford, on his way to Elveden Hall, to visit the Maharajah Duleep Singh.

10.—Mr. Samuel Gurney Buxton was elected Mayor, and Mr. Alexander Robert Chamberlin appointed Sheriff of Norwich.

—The Prince of Wales arrived at Merton Hall, on a visit to Lord Walsingham, and left on the 15th.

18.—Died at Bournemouth, Mr. Thomas Baring, member of Parliament for Huntingdon. Mr. Baring, who was 73 years of age, was second son of Sir Thomas Baring, second baronet, nephew of the first Lord Ashburton, and brother of the first Lord Northbrooke. At the General Election in 1835 he successfully contested Great Yarmouth in the Conservative interest, but in 1837, 1838, and 1841 he was defeated. Elected for Huntingdon in 1844, without opposition, he held undisputed possession of the seat for nearly thirty years. Mr. Baring was head of the great house of Baring Brothers and Co. He twice refused the Chancellorship of the Exchequer, and twice declined the offer of a peerage.

DECEMBER.

2.—A meeting of the creditors of the Crown Bank was held at the Royal Hotel, Norwich, under the presidency of Sir Samuel Bignold, to receive an account of the receipts and payments of the trustee in bankruptcy to November 15th, and to consider the question of the remuneration of the Committee of Inspection. It was reported that the estate, under judicious management, had produced 11s. 6d. in the pound. The solicitors’ law costs amounted to upwards of £10,000, and it was decided that £8,000 be paid as remuneration.

15.—The death took place, at Yarmouth, of Samuel Brock, aged 69, who, on October 6th, 1835, performed the remarkable feat of swimming fourteen miles after the wreck of the Young Company’s yawl Increase, of which he was one of the crew (q.v. Vol. I., p. 344).

23.—The first annual meeting of the Norwich Hospital Sunday Fund was held at the Guildhall, under the presidency of the Sheriff (Mr. A. R. Chamberlin). It was reported that the Sunday collection amounted to £670 8s. 11d., and the Saturday collection to £188 16s. 3d.

26.—The pantomime of “The Babes in the Wood, or Harlequin Robin Hood and the Fairies of the Forest,” written by Mr. F. Robson, was produced at Norwich Theatre by Mr. Richard Younge’s company. “Jack the Giant Killer” was the Christmas attraction at Batty’s Circus.

1874.

JANUARY.

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 baptised there on December 24th, 1769. She was the daughter of Joshua Sabberton, chairmaker, in St. George’s Colegate.”

7.—Died at Saxlingham Hall, Mr. Edward Steward, aged 67. He was the last Tory Alderman elected under the old Corporation, and, owing to his youth, was known as “The Boy Alderman.” In 1832 he fought a severe contest with Mr. (afterwards Sir William) Foster, for the office of Freemen’s Sheriff, and was defeated by seven votes only. In the following year he was elected without opposition, and served in conjunction with Mr. W. J. Utten Browne. Mr. Steward was president of the Norwich Union Fire Office.

13.—Died at his residence, St. Giles’ Street, Norwich, Mr. John Godwin Johnson, in his 77th year. Born November 26th, 1797, he was the youngest son of Mr. John Johnson, for many years Governor of Norwich Castle. He became a pupil of Dr. Rigby, and afterwards joining Mr. Page Scott, commenced a long and successful career as a medical practitioner. Mr. Johnson was a member of both the old and “reformed” Corporations, was elected Mayor in 1855, and for twenty-five years was on the Haven and Pier Commission. He took a prominent part in founding the Jenny Lind Infirmary for Sick Children.

13.—Died at Amélie les Bains, Mr. Charles Mends Gibson, F.R.C.S., aged 65. He was for many years resident medical-officer of the Norwich Bethel, devoted much of his time to scientific pursuits, was a member of the Royal Microscopical and other societies, and a warm supporter of the Norfolk and Norwich Museum and Literary Institution.

—At a meeting of the Norwich Union Fire Insurance Society, Sir Samuel Bignold was presented by the proprietors with his portrait (painted by Sandys), in recognition of his long and successful services as secretary.

16.—The marriage of Lady Anne Coke, second daughter of the Earl of Leicester, with Lieut.-Colonel Edmund Manningham Buller, of the Rifle Brigade, second son of Sir Edward Manningham Buller, of Dilhorn Hall, Staffordshire, was solemnised at Holkham church.

20.—At a special meeting of the Norwich Town Council, the report of Mr. J. W. Bazalgette on the condition of the low-level sewer was adopted, and it was agreed to consult Sir John Hawkshaw and Mr. J. F. Bateman. On July 21st it was decided, on their recommendation, to line the sewer with cast-iron tubing; and on November 17th the Council passed a resolution in favour of applying to the Local Government Board for powers to raise for the purpose a sum not exceeding £25,000, on mortgage of the General District Rates.

23.—The marriage of the Duke of Edinburgh was celebrated in Norwich by the partial decoration of the city. The 3rd Dragoon Guards and the Volunteers paraded in the Market Place and fired a feu de joie, and at a special meeting of the Town Council congratulatory addresses were adopted and the loving-cup passed round. At night a display of fireworks took place on the Castle Meadow, and on the 27th the Mayor gave a soirée at St. Andrew’s Hall.

31.—The General Election, the first contested under the Ballot Act, commenced in Norfolk, with the unopposed return for the Northern Division of the Hon. Frederick Walpole and Sir Edmund K. Lacon, Bart.

—King’s Lynn election took place. The candidates were the Hon. R. Bourke, 1,163 votes; Lord Claud Hamilton, 1,093; Sir William ffolkes, Bart., 999; and Mr. E. R. Wodehouse, 895.

FEBRUARY.

2.—Sir William Bagge, Bart., and Mr. G. W. P. Bentinck were returned unopposed for West Norfolk.

4.—Polling took place at Norwich, “when, owing to the operation of the Ballot Act, there was less excitement than usual.” The votes were counted on the 5th, and the poll was declared at five o’clock, as follows: Mr. J. J. Colman, 6,138; Mr. J. W. Huddleston, Q.C., 5,823; Mr. J. H. Tillett, 5,776; and Sir H. J. Stracey, Bart., 5,290. The number of votes polled was 11,786, and the time occupied in counting, eight hours. (See August 16th, 1875.)

10.—The South Norfolk election took place. The votes were counted at the Shirehall, Norwich, on the 11th, and the result was declared as follows: Mr. C. S. Read, 3,146; Sir R. J. Buxton, Bart., 3,010; Mr. R. T. Gurdon, 2,699. Mr. Read, M.P., and Sir R. J. Buxton, M.P., were, on April 9th, entertained at a banquet given at Wymondham by the Conservatives of the district, when Mr. H. W. B. Edwards, chairman of the South Norfolk Conservative Registration Association, presided.

14.—Died at Snetterton, Sarah Edwards, aged 100 years.

15.—Died at St. John Maddermarket, Norwich, the Rev. John Dalton, canon of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Northampton, in his 60th year. Canon Dalton was of Irish parentage, and passed the early years of his life at Coventry. After his ordination, he was employed on missions at Northampton, Lynn, and Norwich. In 1858–59 he resided at St. Alban’s College, Valladolid, in Spain. He returned to that country in 1866, to collect subscriptions towards the erection in London of a cathedral in memory of the illustrious Cardinal Wiseman, who was himself born in Spain; his mission was, however, unsuccessful. Canon Dalton was the author of several theological works. “Amiable, genial-hearted, charitable, and good, no sectarian difference was ever suffered to affect that thorough respect and esteem which was extended to him from the representatives of all creeds.”

28.—At a meeting of the Norfolk Chamber of Agriculture, held at the Norfolk Hotel, Norwich, a resolution was adopted expressive of satisfaction on the appointment of the President, Mr. C. S. Read, M.P., as Parliamentary Secretary of the Local Government Board.

MARCH.

14.—A meeting of the agriculturists of the county, whose interests were affected by the action of the Labourers’ Union, was held at the Norfolk Hotel, Norwich, “to take action with reference to the demands now being pressed upon the occupiers of the soil.” It was decided to form a Norfolk Farmers’ Labour Defence Association. Another meeting took place on April 25th, for promoting the objects of the association. Many meetings were held throughout the county by the Labourers’ Union during this year, and much strong feeling was manifested. At the Norfolk Lent Assizes, on March 28th, before Mr. Justice Blackburn, the Rev. John Spurgin, vicar of Hockham, brought an action against Mr. John Edward Matthew Vincent, of the “Labourers’ Union Chronicle,” for publishing a false and malicious libel, “whereby he was injured in his credit and reputation as a clergyman.” The paper, which was published at Leamington, alleged that the “reverend divine” claimed tithe on charity coals supplied to the poor parishioners, and “had two tons out of the twenty carted to his divine rectory, for his own consumption.” The defendant afterwards expressed deep regret for publishing the imputation, and the jury found a verdict for the plaintiff—damages £100.

APRIL.

19.—Died, while on a visit to Norwich, Mr. Robert Seaman, of Tunbridge Wells, aged 63. He served the office of Sheriff in 1856–57, and was a magistrate for the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk.

MAY.

2.—The marriage of Lady Margaret Coke, sixth daughter of the Earl of Leicester, with the Hon. H. Strutt, eldest son of Lord Belper, took place at Holkham church.

5.—Died at his residence, Newmarket Road, Norwich, Mr. John Robison. He was born in Norwich in November, 1809, was for many years a partner in the firm of Grout and Co., and in 1868 served the office of Sheriff.

9.—Died in London, Lieut.-General Sir Archdale Wilson, G.C.B., Colonel commandant Royal Artillery. Born in 1803, he was a son of the Rev. George Wilson, of Kirby Cane (uncle of Lord Berners), by a daughter of the Rev. C. Millard, Chancellor of Norwich. He entered the service of the East India Company, and went through some of the earlier campaigns in India. For his eminent services during the Indian Mutiny he received the thanks of both Houses of Parliament, and was nominated in succession Companion, Knight Commander, and Knight Grand Cross of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath. General Wilson was granted a pension of £1,000 a year by the East India Company, and created a baronet. He was a brother of Mr. Philip Wilson, a Lynn solicitor, with whom he resided for some time after his return from India, and was succeeded in the baronetcy by his nephew, Mr. Rowland Knyvett Wilson, Fellow of King’s College, Cambridge.

15.—Died at his residence, Unthank’s Road, Norwich, Mr. John Briggs, who for many years was connected with the firm of Messrs. Bullard and Sons. Early in life Mr. Briggs married a sister-in-law of Mr. Richard Bullard, and sailed for America, where he landed with only a few shillings in his pocket. He offered his services as an assistant in a lithographic establishment, and though practically unacquainted with the business beyond a taste for drawing, he not only secured the appointment, but in a short time acquired sufficient knowledge of the art to earn a fair competence for himself. Amongst other work which subsequently came into his hands was the drawing of plans for many of the streets and blocks of buildings in Chicago, of which the chief part were destroyed in the great fire. Mr. Briggs made several remunerative purchases of land in the United States. Ill-health compelled him to return to England, and, settling in Norwich, he joined his brother-in-law in the Anchor Brewery, the success of which was greatly promoted by his active business habits.

19.—At a meeting of the Norwich Town Council, certain members expressed strong disapproval of the action of the City Committee “in ordering the destruction of the chapel of Thomas à Becket, one of the archæological gems of the city.” Several members stated that they had never heard of the place, and the Town Clerk informed the Council that the chapel was “a vault at the back of the Dutch church,” and had been converted into a place of storage. The subject was discussed at a meeting of the Norfolk and Norwich Archæological Society, on the 20th, when Mr. Gunn referred to the members of the Town Council as “a pachydermatous set,” and Sir Francis Boileau described them as “ruthless Goths.”

25.—The Mayor and Sheriff of Norwich entertained, at St. Andrew’s Hall, 1,600 of the aged poor of the city, in celebration of the Queen’s birthday.

JUNE.

3.—Died, aged 69, Mr. John Oddin Taylor, of Norwich. He was an Alderman of the city, “and the grand Cattle Market and Prince of Wales Road, for which we are mainly indebted to him, are monuments of his far-seeing judgment and untiring zeal.” Descended from a long line of Norfolk yeomen, Mr. Taylor was born at Thuxton, on April 26th, 1805, and in due course was articled to Mr. T. Bignold and Mr. T. Brightwell. In politics he was one of the old school of Whigs, and on the passing of the Municipal Reform Act in 1835 became a member of the Corporation. Mr. Taylor was one of the Liberals who protested against the displacement of the old Corporation officials. He served the office of Mayor in 1861–62; was made a Deputy-Lieutenant of the county in acknowledgment of his political services as Liberal agent, and was a trustee of the Grammar and Commercial Schools, and an active member of the Committee of the Norfolk and Norwich Triennial Musical Festival. Mr. Taylor married the eldest daughter of Mr. Brewer, of Mile End House, Norwich, and of the marriage there were two sons and three daughters.

15.—A fire took place on the premises of Mr. Dixon, silversmith and jeweller, of London Street, Norwich, and did damage to the amount of £2,000.

17.—The annual show of the Norfolk Agricultural Association commenced at Norwich. It was held upon the grounds of the Sheriff (Mr. A. R. Chamberlin), on Ipswich Road, and the luncheon was under the presidency of Mr. J. J. Colman, M.P.

18.—A meeting of the Norfolk and Norwich Provident Building Society was held at the Bell Hotel, Norwich, under the presidency of Mr. H. S. Patteson, when it was reported that the secretary, Mr. Josiah Buttifant, had left the city on the 2nd inst., ostensibly for the purpose of taking a holiday; but it was afterwards discovered that he had committed defalcations to the amount of about £5,000. A committee was appointed to consider the best course to be adopted, and soon afterwards a petition was presented for the winding-up of the society, and a warrant issued for the apprehension of Buttifant. On July 6th William Frederick Fish, a clerk in the employment of Buttifant, was taken into custody, on the information of Samuel Beckett Hook, a shareholder in the society, on the charge of cheating and defrauding Agas Goose and others, trustees, of the sum of £10 7s., and on other days of divers other sums, amounting in the whole to £10,000. The accused was finally committed for trial on July 20th; and on July 27th Mr. Justice Blackburn granted an application for a writ of certiorari to remove the trial of Fish to the Central Criminal Court. On August 14th a telegram was received in Norwich, announcing that Buttifant had been arrested at Valentia. The arrest was effected on August 7th, by Detective Williamson, of the Norwich police. Buttifant and his son Archibald were staying, under the name of Biron, at the Hotel de Ville Madrid, Valentia. He was brought to England, viâ Marseilles, reached Norwich on August 14th, and underwent his preliminary examination before the magistrates on the 15th, on charges of forgery and embezzlement. After several remands he was committed for trial at the Norwich Assizes. At the Central Criminal Court, on November 25th, Fish was placed upon his trial, on the charge of stealing £39 2s., and of aiding and assisting Buttifant in the embezzlement, and was sentenced by Mr. Baron Pollock to sixteen calendar months’ imprisonment, with hard labour. (See March 25th, 1875.)

JULY.

6.—The first prize-day was held at the resuscitated Grammar School at North Walsham. In 1606 Sir William Paston founded a free Grammar School in the town for forty boys, sons of inhabitants of the Hundreds of Tunstead, North Erpingham, Happing, and East and West Flegg. The school gradually decayed until only the head-master remained. In 1871 Mr. Robert Wortley called attention to the fact that the endowment was lying perfectly useless; an appeal was made to the Endowed School Commission to take action, and finally the Committee of Council on Education adapted a scheme for the management of the school. New governors were appointed, with Lord Suffield as president, the school house and master’s house were restored, and the Rev. F. R. Pentreath, formerly master of Retford Grammar School, appointed head-master. The school was re-opened in February, 1874.

8.—The foundation-stone of the Baptist church in Unthank’s Road, Norwich, was laid by Mr. J. J. Colman, M.P. The building, which was designed by Mr. Edward Boardman, and was estimated to cost £5,000, was opened for public worship on July 8th, 1875.

11.—During the week ending this date the 3rd Dragoon Guards marched from the Cavalry Barracks, Norwich, en route to York.

18.—The 3rd Norfolk Rifle Volunteers went into camp at Hunstanton Park, and were inspected on the 23rd by Colonel T. E. Knox, C.B.

21.—The Norwich Town Council, at a special meeting, decided to comply with the order of the Home Secretary, directing them to build a new asylum for the reception of pauper lunatics; and a memorial was adopted praying the Public Works Loan Commissioners to grant the necessary loan at 3½ per cent., repayable in fifty years. (See February 5th, 1875.)

24.—At a meeting of the Church Missionary Society, held at Wymondham Vicarage, Mr. Edward Hutchinson, lay secretary of the society, presented to Jacob Wainwright, one of the Nassick boys in attendance upon Dr. Livingstone in his last journey, the bronze medal of the Royal Geographical Society. Wainwright, who addressed the meeting in very good English, described how they preserved the body of Livingstone and conveyed it to Zanzibar.

25.—A new lifeboat, presented to the Royal Lifeboat Institution by Mrs. Boettefure, was launched at Brancaster. It was christened by Mrs. Simms Reeve, in the name of the Joseph and Mary.

27.—At a meeting held at the Guildhall, Norwich, under the presidency of the Mayor, it was decided to establish a branch of the Girls’ Public Day School Company, and the Rev. W. Vincent was appointed local secretary.

—A mulatto woman, known as Madame Angelo, was credited with completing the feat of walking, at the Hoppole Gardens, Norwich, one thousand miles in one thousand hours. “Although the greatest vigilance has been exercised,” says the report, “it has not yet transpired that she has ever failed to come to the scratch at the appointed times. During the last week she showed signs of flagging, her limbs swelling, and considerable difficulty was experienced in keeping her awake. It was announced that she would walk the last mile with her infant baby in her arms, but it was evident from her appearance that this would be too much for her, and her infant was handed to her when she had only four laps to walk.”

AUGUST.

3.—At the Norwich Assizes, before Mr. Justice Keating, Frederick Sutton, formerly medical-officer of the Norwich Pauper Lunatic Asylum, and Emma Styggles, head female attendant, were charged with conspiring to cheat and defraud the Mayor, aldermen, and citizens of the sum of £3 10s. 6½d., in the month of January. Sutton was sentenced to one calendar month, and Styggles to seven days’ imprisonment.

5.—At the Norfolk Assizes, before Mr. Justice Keating, Frederick Wales, aged 21, a labourer, was charged with the wilful murder of Thomas Pettingill, at Raveningham, on July 16th. He was found guilty of manslaughter, and ordered to be kept in penal servitude for the term of his natural life.

7.—Mr. J. R. Bulwer, Q.C., M.P., and Mr. William Graham, Crown Commissioners, opened an inquiry at the Royal Hotel, Norwich, into the circumstances of what was known as the Creak case (q.v. Vol. I., p. 485; Vol. II., p. 18). A special jury was empanelled. Miss Margaret Creak was an eccentric person, who died in 1850. It transpired at the trial of certain actions brought in 1866 by Mr. Kent, solicitor, that the deceased’s property in the parishes of St. Andrew and St. George Colegate had been purchased by Margaret Creak’s mother during her widowhood. Margaret Creak having died without leaving legal heirs, it was held that her property devolved upon the Crown, for a strange will made by her had been decided to be void and of no effect. Since her death the property had been held by different individuals, some of whom had exercised the rights and enjoyed the profits of landlord, whilst others had lived upon the property rent free. The Crown, on being informed of these facts, issued a Commission under the Great Seal to ascertain (1) what property Margaret Creak possessed at the time of her death, and (2) what had become of her brothers and sisters. The jury, on the 8th, found that Margaret Creak was seised of the fee simple of three lots of property; that she left no heir thereto; that the property was of the yearly value of £330 at the time of her death; and that as the property was holden of the Crown in common socage, it devolved to her Majesty, in virtue of her prerogative Royal. The jury further said that mesne profits amounting to £7,920 had accrued since the death of Margaret Creak, of which about £2,000 had been received by Jonathan Flowers, of Gressenhall, and various sums by other persons. The Commissioners thereupon seized the property into the hands of her Majesty, and ordered the inquisition to be returned to the Court of Chancery. (See July 24th, 1876.)

11.—The forty-second annual meeting of the British Medical Association commenced at Norwich, under the presidency of Sir William Fergusson, Bart., Serjeant Surgeon to the Queen. The President-elect was Dr. Edward Copeman. During the proceedings, which concluded on the 14th, addresses were delivered by Sir James Paget, Dr. Eade, Mr. Cadge, &c. A prominent feature of the visit was an exhibition at St. Andrew’s Hall of the works of deceased and living Norfolk and Suffolk artists. This remarkable collection included examples by Old Crome and his sons, Stannard, Stark, the Cotmans, Thirtle, Opie, Vincent, Colkett, and others. (See December 9th.)

12.—The 7th Hussars arrived at Norwich. The Duke of Connaught was an officer of the regiment, and his Royal Highness was welcomed by the citizens with great enthusiasm. At the south entrance to the Guildhall, Lieut.-Colonel Hale and the officers were received by the Mayor (Mr. S. Gurney Buxton), the Sheriff (Mr. A. R. Chamberlin), the Deputy-Mayor (Sir Samuel Bignold), the magistrates, and members of the Town Council. An adjournment was then made to the Council Chamber, where the loving cup was passed round, and the proceedings were concluded by the Duke of Connaught proposing the health of the Mayor.

17.—A great Liberal demonstration was held at Whitlingham, at which addresses were delivered by Mr. J. J. Colman, M.P., Mr. Henry Birkbeck, Mr. J. H. Tillett, and other prominent local leaders of the party.

SEPTEMBER.

10.—A terrible railway collision occurred at Thorpe. The mail train leaving Yarmouth at 8.46 p.m. was joined at Reedham by another train from Lowestoft. The combined train proceeded to Brundall, where, owing to the existence of only a single line, it had to wait until the arrival of the express train from Norwich to Yarmouth, or until permission should be given to the engine-driver to proceed. The accident was caused by the down express being allowed to leave Norwich while the mail train was permitted to come on from Brundall. The telegraphic message to Brundall, which had been written by Night-Inspector Alfred Cooper, but not signed, was sent through some mistake by the telegraph clerk, John Robson. A few minutes later the inspector, not knowing that the message had gone, allowed the down express to proceed. Hardly had he done so when the fatal error was discovered. A second message was immediately dispatched to Brundall to stop the mail, if possible, but the answer came back, “Mail gone,” and nothing remained but to make arrangements for dealing with the inevitable catastrophe. Both drivers had reason for putting on increased speed, believing, as they did, that each train was waiting for the other. The speed of the up mail, which consisted of thirteen carriages, was from thirty to thirty-five miles an hour, while the rate of the down express of fourteen carriages was from twenty to twenty-five miles. The trains met near Thorpe village, the impact producing a terrific crash which resembled a peal of thunder. The drivers and firemen of the locomotives were killed, eighteen passengers were killed on the spot, and about fifty were severely wounded, of whom five died in the course of a few days, making a total of twenty-five killed. The dead and dying were removed to Field’s boathouse and to the Tuns Inn, and the injured were taken to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital. On the following morning the scene of the catastrophe was visited by many hundreds of persons, among whom was the Duke of Connaught, then stationed in Norwich with his regiment, the 7th Hussars. The City Coroner (Mr. E. S. Bignold) opened an inquest on the bodies of two persons who had died at Thorpe station, and, after formal evidence, adjourned the inquiry to the 25th, when the jury found that the accident was due to the negligence of Robson and Cooper, against whom they returned a verdict of manslaughter. The County Coroner (Mr. E. Press), on the 12th, held an inquest on the bodies lying at Thorpe, and adjourned the inquiry to the Shirehall. On October 5th the jury returned a verdict of manslaughter against Robson only. The Board of Trade inquiry commenced at the Guildhall, before Capt. Tyler, R.E., and Mr. Ravenhill, on September 21st, and on the 22nd was adjourned sine die. It was resumed on October 5th, and again adjourned. (See February 23rd, 1875.)

15.—Madame C. Nilsson, assisted by Madame Patey, Mr. E. Lloyd, Signor Foli, &c., gave a concert at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, in aid of the endowment fund of the Jenny Lind Infirmary. A second concert was given on the 16th. Sir Julius Benedict conducted on both occasions. Madame Nilsson was presented with an address by the Mayor and Corporation, in acknowledgment of her valuable services to the institution.

17.—The memorial stone of the Norwich Presbyterian church was laid by Mr. C. E. Lewis, M.P., and at a public meeting subsequently held at St. Andrew’s Hall an address was delivered by the Rev. Dr. Chalmers, of London. The estimated cost of the church was £3,600. It was designed by Mr. Edward Boardman, architect, of Norwich, and built by Mr. Samuel Hall. Efforts to establish a Presbyterian church in the city were made in 1866, when a “station” was opened and meetings for worship were held at the Lecture Hall in St. Andrew’s. A communion was formed, and in 1867 St. Peter’s Hall, Theatre Street, was purchased by the congregation. The church, which is built upon a site adjoining the hall, was opened for public worship on June 23rd, 1875, by the Rev. John Matheson, the Moderator, and the Rev. Dr. Fraser.

20.—Three war vessels, the Northumberland, the Sultan, and the Monarch, forming part of the Channel Fleet, entered Yarmouth Roads, under the command of Rear-Admiral Hancock. On the 22nd the Mayor and Corporation gave a ball at the Town Hall, at which the officers were present. The vessels sailed for Spithead early on the morning of the 23rd.

20.—Died, from injuries received in the Thorpe collision, Mr. Bransby Francis, surgeon, of Norwich, aged 59. Mr. Francis, who was a native of Bungay, was an excellent botanist and naturalist.

26.—At a general meeting of the members of the Norfolk Cattle Plague Association, held at the Norfolk Hotel, Norwich, it was agreed, “That this meeting recommend the presentation of a testimonial to the chairman, Mr. C. S. Read, M.P., out of the funds of the association, in acknowledgment of the great services rendered by him to the association.” It was also decided to present Mr. C. R. Gilman, secretary to the association, with a testimonial of the value of £50.

OCTOBER.

7.—Died at Langley Park, Sir Thomas W. H. Proctor Beauchamp, Bart., in his 60th year. Educated at Eton, he entered the Royal Horse Guards in 1836, and in 1852 married the Hon. Catherine Esther Waldegrave, daughter of Admiral Lord Radstock. On the death of his father, Admiral Sir William Beauchamp Proctor, third baronet, he succeeded to the baronetcy in 1861. A Liberal in politics, Sir Thomas consented, at the request of the party, to contest the representation of the Eastern Division of the county in 1865, in conjunction with Colonel Coke, but was unsuccessful. Upon the commencement of the Volunteer movement, he gave it his active support, and was for some years Lieutenant-Colonel of the 2nd Administrative Battalion. He served the office of High Sheriff in 1869–70, and was a Deputy-Lieutenant and magistrate of the county. Sir Thomas was a warm supporter of local charities, and shortly before his death gave a donation of £1,000 to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital. He was succeeded by his eldest son, Reginald William, who was born in 1853.

9.—Died at Costessey Hall, the Hon. Francis Stafford Jerningham, aged 59. He was the youngest brother of Lord Stafford, and formerly an examiner in the Audit Office. For many years he took an active part in the management of the Costessey estate.

11.—Died, Mr. Edward Freestone, solicitor, of Norwich. The youngest son of Mr. Anthony Freestone, he was born at South Elmham St. Margaret, and educated at Mr. Brewer’s school at Norwich. After serving his articles with Mr. Crabtree, at Halesworth, he was admitted an attorney and solicitor in 1825, and commenced practice in Norwich and Bungay, in partnership with Mr. J. C. Copeman. In politics Mr. Freestone was a Liberal, but systematically declined to take part in municipal affairs. He, however, held several important public appointments. The Freestone family lived and owned property at South Elmham for nearly 200 years. For three generations, ranging over the long period of 150 years, they hunted their own hounds. Mr. Freestone’s only sister married the celebrated botanist, Dr. Lindley and was mother to Mr. Lindley, Q.C., the eminent equity barrister.

16.—An operetta, in two acts, by Mr. J. Arthur Harcourt, entitled, “The Science of Love,” was performed for the first time by a company of amateurs at Noverre’s Rooms, Norwich.

20.—The East Norfolk Railway, from Norwich to North Walsham, was opened for traffic. The line was constructed by Messrs. Lucas Bros., from plans by Mr. E. Wilson, C.E.

22.—Mr. W. H. Cooke, Q.C., Judge of the Norfolk County Court, resigned his appointment. He was succeeded by Mr. Edwin Plumer Price, Q.C., Recorder of York.

23.—Died at Chapel Field Road, Norwich, Mr. Henry Ninham, aged 82. He was the son of John Ninham, who, in 1792, at the request of Mr. William Stevenson, F.S.A., drew, with the assistance of the camera obscura, the ancient gates of Norwich, then about to be demolished. He succeeded to his father’s business as an heraldic painter and copper-plate printer, and was for many years employed by the principal coachbuilders of the city to paint armorial bearings on their patrons’ carnages. A few days prior to his death, he completed, for the Very Rev. Dr. Goulburn, a large painting of the arms of the Deans of Norwich. Mr. Ninham was a frequent contributor to the Norwich exhibitions, both in oil and water-colours, and made many careful and truthful delineations of picturesque old houses and churches in the city and its neighbourhood. A good etcher, he published (without letterpress) “Eight Etchings of Antiquities of Norwich,” including the Strangers’ Hall, Sir Benjamin Wrenche’s Court, &c.; and afterwards “Views of the Gates of Norwich,” from drawings made by Kirkpatrick about the year 1720. For private circulation only, he etched a series of small but spirited plates, principally views in Norwich and Norfolk. The illustrations of Bloom’s “Castle Acre,” and Grigor’s “Eastern Arboretum,” were also etched by him. The well-known works, “Remnants of Antiquity in Norwich,” and “Norwich Corporation Pageantry,” were illustrated in lithograph by Ninham from his own drawings. He was a large contributor of illustrations to “Norfolk Archæology” and other local antiquarian works.

24.—Mr. Paynton Pigott, barrister-at-law, of the Oxford Circuit, and revising barrister of the Western Division of Staffordshire, a nephew of Mr. Baron Pigott, was admitted to the office of Deputy Chief Constable of Norfolk.

30.—Died at his residence, Tombland, Norwich, Mr. Thomas Hancock, City Treasurer. Mr. Hancock, who made himself prominent by his efforts to revive the ancient office of City Chamberlain, took an active part in many public movements, and is said to have fallen a victim to over-work. Mr. Edwin Syder Steward was, on November 9th, elected to the vacant office of City Treasurer.

31.—Died at Topcroft Rectory, the Rev. Edward Wilson, aged 75. Mr. Wilson, early in life, wrote “The Martyr of Carthage” in “Burns’s Englishman’s Library.” Soon afterwards, his mind, unhappily, became clouded, and his services were lost to the Church for over twenty years. When at length a surprising recovery restored him to his friends, he returned to the study of theology and the arts with a vigour and perseverance that would have been remarkable in a young man of unbroken health. In his youth Mr. Wilson was no mean poet, and his unpublished verses received the warm praise of Wordsworth. He had, too, the makings of a great painter, and some of his best efforts in colouring were executed only a few weeks before his death. Mr. Wilson was brother of Sir Archdale Wilson, Bart., of Delhi, and first cousin to Henry Wilson, Lord Berners, at whose decease the barony, one of the oldest in England, passed, through an heiress, into another name. The family was descended from Bourchier, Lord Berners, the translator of Froissart, and through him from Bourchier, the Earl of Essex and his wife, a granddaughter of Edward III.

NOVEMBER.

6.—Died at Lynn, Mr. F. Reynolds, formerly of Newton next Castleacre, at an advanced age, and in very reduced circumstances. “The deceased for many years was known by the sobriquet of ‘The Marquis,’ which was given him when he kept a pack of harriers at his own expense, and with which he had good sport. Once in pursuit of a stolen horse, for a neighbour, he drove one of his hunters, a bay blood horse, 100 miles in ten hours, only stopping once, namely, at Six Mile Bottom, near Newmarket, where he gave his horse some corn from his own bag, and fetched him water in his hat from a brook. One of his first, and, perhaps, best hunters, that he trained to such perfection, was a bay thoroughbred mare by Old Whisker, bred by Chifney, the celebrated jockey. She became a distinguished hunter with the Marham Staghounds. For Chip he gave but £8, and this horse was afterwards sold by Mr. Anderson for 500 guineas. Grey Tail, too, was sold by Mr. Taylor for 400 guineas, and Sweep, bought for £10, was sold by Mr. Percival for 300 guineas; whilst poor old Hawk struggled on with him in his decline, winning him a few pounds at country races by his indomitable pluck, and carrying him miles and miles when other people were at rest. Although Mr. Reynolds had his failings, no one could impeach his honour. He possessed such peculiar blandness, free from haughty and unkind feeling, that he was always regarded with something more than the common courtesy of life. He received, in his dying illness, the greatest attention from his old servant Peter, his former whip.”

7.—The Prince and Princess of Wales arrived at Sandringham, from Coventry, accompanied by Prince Albert Victor and Prince George, and by the Czarewitch of Russia, Prince Wolkonsky, Prince Bariatinsky, &c. It was on this occasion that the new railway-station erected at Wolferton was formally opened. On the 20th a grand county ball was given at Sandringham.

9.—Mr. Edward Kerrison Harvey was elected Mayor, and Mr. John Youngs appointed Sheriff of Norwich.

18.—Died in London, the Hon. George Sulyarde Stafford Jerningham, C.B., formerly Minister Plenipotentiary to the Court of Sweden, aged 69. He was third son of the eighth Lord Stafford, and was born February 17th, 1806. Mr. Jerningham was attached to the embassies at St. Petersburg and the Hague in 1826, was appointed an attaché at the Hague in 1832, and Secretary of Legation in 1833, and was chargé d’affaires there until 1836, when he was sent as secretary of legation to Turin, where he was chargé d’affaires in 1838. He subsequently filed similar offices at Madrid and Paris.

DECEMBER.

2.—Died at his residence, St. Giles’ Street, Norwich, Sir William Foster, Bart., aged 76. For half a century he had taken a prominent position in Norwich in all matters connected with its municipal and charitable institutions, and, as the head of one of the oldest legal firms in the city, was greatly esteemed in his professional career. Under the old Corporation he served the office of Sheriff in 1832, and in 1838 was created a baronet. Sir William was elected Mayor of Norwich in 1844. In politics he was a warm supporter of Liberal principles, and was for many years the recognised leader of the old Whig school in Norwich. He was succeeded by Capt. William Foster, formerly in the 11th Hussars.

6.—Died at Golding Street, Heigham, Norwich, Mrs. Winifred Johnson, aged 101 years.

9.—Died at 39, Chapel Street, Marylebone Road, London, Mr. Benjamin Bond Cabbell, F.R.S., F.S.A., of Cromer Hall, in his 94th year. Educated at Westminster and at Exeter College, Oxford, and called to the Bar in 1816, he was a Bencher of the Middle Temple, a justice of the peace and Deputy-Lieutenant for Middlesex and Norfolk, and Provincial Grand Master of Freemasons in the latter county. In 1846 he was returned to the House of Commons for St. Alban’s, and represented Boston from 1847 to 1857. On purchasing the Cromer Hall estate, Mr. Bond Cabbell became identified with Norfolk, presented to Cromer a fully-equipped lifeboat, and contributed largely to the restoration of the parish church.

—A remarkable charge of cruelty to dogs was preferred at Norwich Police-court, against Dr. Eugene Magnan, of London, Mr. Haynes S. Robinson, Mr. John Ballard Pitt, Mr. Richard Wentworth White, and Mr. Horace Turner, well-known medical men residing in Norwich. It was alleged that on the occasion of the visit of the British Medical Association to Norwich, application was made by a committee of gentlemen that a certain experiment, namely, the injection of alcohol and absinthe into the veins and bloodvessels of dogs, should be made. Dr. Magnan performed the operation, and the other defendants took part. Among the witnesses called for the prosecution was Dr. Tuffnell, President of the Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland, who said the experiment was cruel because unnecessary, and similar evidence was given by Sir William Fergusson, Professor William Pritchard, R.C.V.S., Professor Varnell, R.C.V.S., Mr. G. Fleming, Examining Member of the Council of Veterinary Surgeons, and one of the editors of the “Veterinarian,” and others. For the defence it was denied that Dr. Magnan performed the experiment simply for the amusement of those present, and Dr. Beverley, Dr. Bateman, Dr. Eade, Dr. Copeman, Mr. Cadge, Mr. W. P. Nichols, Mr. G. W. W. Firth, Mr. Joseph Allen, and others were called to prove that the operation was justifiable. The magistrates dismissed the charges, but expressed the opinion that the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals were justified in bringing the case.

10.—Died at 7, Lowndes Street, London, Mr. Peter Frank O’Malley, Q.C., last surviving son of Mr. Charles O’Malley, of Castlebar, co. Mayo. Born in 1804, he was educated at Trinity College, Dublin, where he graduated M.A. in 1828, and was called to the Bar at Lincoln’s Inn in May, 1834. He married, in August, 1839, Emily, second daughter of Mr. William Rodwell, of Woodlands, Suffolk, sister of Mr. B. B. Hunter Rodwell, M.P., Q.C. In 1850 he was appointed Queen’s Counsel and made a Bencher of the Middle Temple. On the elevation of Mr. Serjeant Byles to the Bench, in 1858, Mr. O’Malley succeeded to the leadership of the Norfolk Circuit, and in the following year was appointed to the Recordership of Norwich. In politics he was a Conservative, and, as an advocate, was remarkable for his eloquence, earnestness, and zeal. Mr. O’Malley was succeeded as Recorder of Norwich by Mr. W. J. Metcalfe, Q.C.

15.—The Duke of Connaught presented the prizes at Norwich Grammar School.

—Died at Bracondale, Norwich, Mr. Samuel Jarrold, in his 69th year. Mr. Jarrold, who was head of the wall-known firm of publishers, was an ardent temperance reformer, and one of the earliest advocates of the cause in Norwich.

17.—Died at his Norfolk seat, Elmham Hall, George John Milles, fourth Baron Sondes. The deceased nobleman had almost attained his 81st year. The second son of Lewis Thomas Watson, second Lord Sondes, by Mary Elizabeth, daughter of Richard Milles, of North Elmham, he succeeded to the title on the death of his brother, in 1836. He was educated at Eton and at Christ Church, Oxford, and entered the Royal Horse Guards, in which regiment he served in the Peninsular War, and was present at the battle of Waterloo. In 1823 he married Eleanor, fifth daughter of Sir Edward Knatchbull, Bart., and in 1824, on succeeding to the Elmham estate, assumed the name of Milles in lieu of that of Watson. After his retirement from military service, he took great interest in agricultural pursuits, and was very successful in his efforts to improve the breeds of cattle and sheep. The Elmham herd of red polled cattle and flock of Southdowns attained universal reputation. His lordship was High Steward of Great Yarmouth, to which office he was elected in 1854.

26.—The pantomime at Norwich Theatre was “Dick Whittington and his Wonderful Cat.” At the Prince Arthur Royal Circus, on Castle Meadow, the pantomime, “King Bombast, or Harlequin Reckless Ralph and his Lilliputian Army,” was produced.

1875.

JANUARY.

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 the Market Place, where Mr. Bignold also carried on the business of a wine and spirit merchant until the end of 1807. Mr. Samuel Bignold was elected Corporation Sheriff on August 9th, 1830, and in 1831 succeeded Mr. John Patteson as Alderman of the Great Mancroft Ward. In 1832 he was instrumental in introducing to the city Lord Stormont and Sir James Scarlett, as candidates for its representation in Parliament. During his Mayoralty in 1833 he wrote a letter to the Governor of the Court of Guardians, suggesting the establishment of a joint stock company for spinning yarn, in order to give employment to the poor. The result was the formation of the Norwich Yarn Company, and the first stone of their factory was laid by Mr. Bignold on December 1st, 1836. This undertaking was commenced with every indication of success, but it finally succumbed to the powerful competition of the North. In 1848 Mr. Bignold was a second time elected Mayor, and was chosen a third time for the office in 1853. On May 3rd, 1854, having been requested by the Corporation to present to the Queen an address pledging its loyal support to her Majesty in the prosecution of the Crimean War, he received the honour of knighthood, and his portrait was painted by public subscription, by J. P. Knight, R.A., and placed in St. Andrew’s Hall. In the same year Sir Samuel was returned as member of Parliament for the city, in opposition to Mr. Anthony Hamond, the Liberal candidate. On seeking re-election, in 1857, he was defeated by Lord Bury and Mr. Schneider, and again in April, 1859, by the same gentlemen; but that election was declared void. In June, 1859, when Lord Bury sought re-election, having vacated his seat by accepting the appointment of Comptroller of her Majesty’s household, Sir Samuel was again defeated, and Lord Bury was a second time unseated on petition. In all subsequent elections, although not a candidate himself, Sir Samuel Bignold continued to take an active part. He was associated with many public companies and charitable and other institutions. After the passing of the Municipal Reform Act, he was elected a Councillor for the Fifth Ward, which he continued to represent until his death. He was placed on the Commission of the Peace for the County in 1835, and became a Deputy-Lieutenant, and was appointed a city magistrate in 1841.

4.—The Norwich Choral Society, founded by Professor Taylor, in 1824, for the performance of choral and orchestral music, was voluntarily dissolved by the few remaining members.

—The Prince and Princess of Wales arrived at Holkham, on a visit to the Earl of Leicester.

20.—Died at her residence, Thorpe St. Andrew, in her 69th year, Miss Mary Ann Bacon, third daughter of Mr. R. M. Bacon, of Costessey. She possessed varied accomplishments and poetical talent. Early in life she assisted her father by translating and writing several valuable articles for the “Musical Review”; and she was associated with Mr. Owen Jones in the production of some volumes of combined art and poetry which attracted much attention at the time of their appearance. Miss Bacon was particularly happy in her metrical translations of German, French, and Italian songs, and the books of the Norwich Festivals for many years attested her ready talent in giving the spirit of those languages when combined with music. She contributed many fugitive verses and serial tales in prose to the “People’s Journal” and other periodicals and magazines.

FEBRUARY.

3.—A special meeting of the Norwich Town Council was held for the purpose of considering and passing resolutions authorising the Council to petition Parliament against the Norwich Gas Bill, by which the British Gaslight Company sought to acquire additional lands and to raise further capital. It was decided to oppose the Bill, and the action of the Council was confirmed at a common hall held on the 4th.

—Died at 26, Highbury Place, London, the Rev. Luke Hoult Wiseman, aged 53. He was a son of Mr. Samuel Wiseman of Norwich, so well known for his long and devoted services to the British and Foreign Bible Society. He became private secretary to Sir Thomas Fowell Buxton, and afterwards entered as a candidate for the Wesleyan Methodist ministry. A popular and powerful preacher, he was appointed, in 1868, one of the general secretaries of the Wesleyan Missionary Society. In 1871 he was elected secretary to the Conference, and in 1872 was appointed its president. Mr. Wiseman wrote much for the Press, and all his writings bore the impress of a clear and vigorous intellect. His best known works were “Christ’s Temptation in the Wilderness” and “Men of Faith.”

4.—A fire, which resulted in the destruction of the treadmill-house and of a small storage building, occurred at the City Gaol, Norwich. An alarming rumour of an attempted escape of the prisoners was circulated, and a detachment of the 7th Hussars was summoned from the Cavalry Barracks. The prisoners, however, were safely removed from the south to the north side of the gaol, the fire was extinguished by the city police, and the cavalry were ordered back to quarters.

5.—The Norwich Town Council discussed the question of the proposed site for the new pauper lunatic asylum, and decided to erect the building at Hellesdon.

23.—The Sheriff of Norwich (Mr. J. Youngs) and the Under-Sheriff (Mr. F. Foster) opened a court at the Shirehall for the assessment of damages in the claims brought against the Great Eastern Railway Company by the relatives of certain persons who had been killed or injured in the Thorpe collision. At Norwich Assizes, on April 6th, before Mr. Justice Blackburn, Alfred Cooper, formerly night inspector, and John Robson, formerly telegraph clerk at Thorpe railway station, were indicted for feloniously killing and slaying George Robert Womack, on September 10th. Mr. Womack was one of the victims of the collision. The jury acquitted Robson, and returned a verdict of guilty against Cooper, who was sentenced to eight calendar months’ imprisonment. At the same Assizes, a special jury tried the civil action, Morse v. the Great Eastern Railway Company, in which the Rev. Charles Morse sued the company for compensation for injuries sustained in the collision. The jury awarded plaintiff £2,050 damages. On April 17th it was announced: “It is now expected that the amount of compensation claims will not exceed £40,000. About £10,000 has been paid in the amicable adjustment of minor claims, and juries have awarded some £15,000 more.” At the Summer Assizes, on August 6th, before Mr. Baron Bramwell, a special jury awarded Mr. C. R. Gilman the sum of £6,497 3s. 8d. for damages, medical attendance, and extra expenses consequent upon injuries received by him in the collision.

MARCH.

1.—Mr. Craven Robertson’s company commenced an engagement at Norwich Theatre. “Caste,” “School,” “Ours,” and “M.P.” were produced.

5.—An election to fill the vacancy caused in the representation of Norwich by the elevation to the judicial bench of Mr. Huddleston, Q.C., took place. The candidates were Mr. J. H. Tillett and Colonel Josiah Wilkinson, Southampton Lodge, Highgate. The result was declared as follows: Tillett, 5,877; Wilkinson, 5,079. On April 2nd a petition against the return of Mr. Tillett, M.P., was filed in the Court of Common Pleas, by Frank Ames, a workman at Messrs. Barnard and Bishop’s Ironworks. (See May 6th.)

7.—Died at Brighton, Mr. Edward Warner, of Hingham Hall, Woodford, Essex, formerly member of Parliament for Norwich. He was first returned in 1852, in conjunction with Sir Morton Peto, and in opposition to the Marquis of Douro and Lieut.-Colonel Dickson; and sat in the House of Commons until the dissolution in 1857, but did not present himself for re-election. In 1860 he again came forward, with Sir William Russell, with whom he was returned, defeating the Conservative candidates, Mr. W. Forlonge and Mr. W. D. Lewis. In 1865 he and Sir William Russell were unsuccessfully opposed by Mr. A. Goldsmid and Mr. R. E. Chester Waters. After the passing of the new Reform Act, the advanced Liberals selected Mr. J. H. Tillett as their candidate, and the Whigs adhered to Sir William Russell. In 1870 Mr. Warner took the field in opposition to Mr. Tillett, but, after consulting the electors, he decided to retire from the contest. Thereafter he lived in comparative retirement.

11.—A severe gale raged on the East Coast. The schooner Elizabeth, belonging to Messrs. Bessey and Palmer, of Yarmouth, struck on the Barber Sand, and the crew of four hands were drowned. Several other casualties occurred.

25.—Application was made in the Court of Common Pleas, on behalf of Josiah Buttifant, charged with the building society frauds at Norwich, for an order that a writ of certiorari might issue to remove the indictments into the Court of Queen’s Bench. The order was granted, and the case came for trial before Mr. Justice Archibald, on May 6th, when it was stated that the prisoner’s defalcations amounted to £20,000. Buttifant pleaded not guilty to the charge of forging certain documents, but guilty to embezzling various sums. A jury was sworn to try the charge of forgery, and returned a verdict of guilty. The prisoner was sentenced to fifteen years’ penal servitude.

31.—St. Margaret’s church, Lynn, which had been restored at the cost of £7,000, as an act of thanksgiving for the recovery of the Prince of Wales from his severe illness, was re-opened for Divine worship. The sermon was preached by the Lord Bishop, and a distinguished company assembled for luncheon at the Town Hall, under the presidency of the Mayor (Mr. E. E. Durrant). The Prince and Princess of Wales attended afternoon service at the church on Sunday, April 18th, and were received by the Mayor and Corporation. The work of restoration was carried out under the direction of Mr. Ewan Christian and Sir E. Gilbert Scott.

—A new organ, erected at North Walsham church, by Messrs. Hill and Son, of London, at the cost of £487, was opened by Mr. James Turle, organist of Westminster Abbey, at a special service, at which the sermon was preached by the Dean of Norwich.

APRIL.

1.—The Yarmouth and Gorleston tramway was formally opened by the Mayor of Yarmouth (Mr. R. D. Barber).

5.—At the Norfolk Assizes, before Mr. Justice Grove, William Sillis, 25, labourer, was found guilty of feloniously assaulting Miss Ann Elizabeth Blyth, at Great Massingham, on October 12th, 1874, and was sentenced to eighteen years’ penal servitude and twenty lashes of the “cat.” The whipping was inflicted at Norwich Castle on April 20th. “The prisoner’s back having been bared, he was securely fastened by the hands and feet to the whipping-post and the flagellation duly administered by Mr. Pinson, the Governor, with a ‘cat’ having nine tails of braided whipcord. When the third lash had been given the prisoner turned his head round and implored, ‘For God’s sake, don’t hit twice in the same place,’ and, howling and wincing, threatened to break down at the eighth lash; but the whipping proceeded until the punishment was completed. When released from the post he appeared faint, and required assistance to get on his shirt. ‘A poor devil had better be hanged than punished like that,’ he said.”

9.—At a military tournament given by the 7th Hussars at Norwich, the “cavalry ride,” now known as the “musical ride,” was performed for the first time. It was introduced by the bandmaster, Van Der Huevil, who was afterwards transferred to the Household Cavalry, and under his direction the display became one of the most prominent features of the Royal Military Tournament.

17.—Died at her residence, Surrey Street, Norwich, Miss Cecilia Lucy Brightwell, eldest daughter of Mr. Thomas Brightwell. For nearly forty years she was the devoted and inseparable companion of her father. Miss Brightwell was a voluminous writer, and more than twenty works of hers had issued from the press, the first of which was a biography, the only one extant, of her old friend, Amelia Opie, whose diary and correspondence she had access to through her father, Mrs. Opie’s executor. Amongst her other works was a “Life of Linnæus,” “Early Lives and Doings of Great Lawyers,” “Annals of Curious and Romantic Lives,” “Palissy, the Huguenot Potter,” “Footsteps of the Reformers,” “Heroes of the Workshop,” “Men of Mark,” “Annals of Industry and Genius,” &c. Proficient in the use of the etching needle, she illustrated her father’s works on “Infusoria.” “A singular evidence of Miss Brightwell’s skill in etching may be found in the British Museum, where, side by side with the work of Rembrandt, known as ‘The Long Landscape,’ is a copy by her which the gentleman then in charge of that department could not believe to be such until vouched for by others.”

MAY.

6.—The hearing of the election petition against the return of Mr. Jacob Henry Tillett as member of Parliament for the city commenced at the Shirehall, Norwich, before Mr. Justice Lush. Mr. Giffard, Q.C., was leading counsel for the petitioner, and Mr. Hawkins, Q.C., for the respondent. It was alleged on the part of the petitioner that a large number of voters had received employment of a colourable character. “Wherever possible a voter was made a messenger, clerk, or something. The majority for Mr. Huddleston at the General Election was between 40 and 50, but by this kind of device the Conservative majority was converted into a minority of one under 800.” The inquiry proceeded, and on the 15th Mr. Hawkins announced that “Mr. Tillett had come to the conclusion it had been sufficiently established that a great number of the lower class voters were employed unjustifiably in his behalf, and he felt he could not struggle further to retain the seat.” After hearing the evidence of Mr. Tillett and a few other witnesses, his lordship said: “The result is the respondent has become disqualified by reason of this corruption by his agents, and I have nothing more to do than to declare the election void and award costs to the petitioner.” (See August 16th.)

13.—The centenary of the banking house of Messrs. Gurneys and Co. was celebrated by a dinner given at Stoke Holy Cross, the seat of Mr. Henry Birkbeck. “The original founders of the Bank were John and Henry Gurney, who, in addition to their ordinary trade, that of merchants, carried on a banking business, first in Pitt Street, and afterwards in Magdalen Street. They were the sons of John Gurney, who earned the title of the ‘Weavers’ Friend,’ by reason of his advocacy of their cause. The Gurneys having, in 1779, devoted themselves exclusively to banking, the business was transferred to Bartlett Gurney (son of Henry Gurney), who removed to the present premises on Bank Plain, having as a partner his uncle, John Gurney. Bartlett Gurney died in 1803, and John Gurney was left sole proprietor, being joined shortly by his cousins, Richard and Joseph Gurney. John Gurney lived at Earlham Hall, Richard Gurney at Keswick, and Joseph Gurney at Lakenham. Changes from time to time occurred, and Hudson Gurney, Richard Hanbury Gurney, James John Gurney, Henry Birkbeck (the father of the present head of the firm), and Simon Martin became at subsequent periods partners in the great banking house. The panics of the years 1792 and 1825, which caused the failure of many banking houses, only resulted in establishing the Gurneys on a firmer and more prosperous basis, for they not only survived these financial disasters, but assisted others to tide over their difficulties. The year 1866 will be remembered as one which tested the stability of the house. The run on the Bank in that and the following year was as remarkable for its intensity as it was lasting. The run having ended, the business was further extended in 1870 by the addition of that of Harveys and Hudsons, the goodwill of which was purchased, and, by the liberality of the firm, that which might have ended in a catastrophe for Norfolk was averted. It is now by far the largest private banking house in the provinces.”

JUNE.

5.—The Reedham Hall estate was sold by auction by Messrs. Spelman, at the Rampant Horse Hotel, Norwich, for £31,568. The purchaser was Mr. John Rose.

8.—Mr. Frank Buckland, Inspector of Salmon Fisheries, opened an inquiry at Yarmouth, at the request of the Home Secretary, into the crab, lobster, and other sea fisheries on the Norfolk coast, with the view of ascertaining the expediency of adopting regulations for the prevention of waste and the preservation of fish. Similar inquiries were held at Lynn, Wells, and Cromer.

16.—The annual show of the Norfolk Agricultural Association opened at Fakenham, and was continued on the 17th. Mr. Anthony Hamond was president for the year.

19.—An important meeting was held at the Guildhall, Norwich, for the purpose of conferring with Mr. Frank Buckland as to the possibility of extending legislative protection to the fishing in the rivers and broads of Norfolk. Mr. Buckland expressed his full concurrence in the necessity of an Act of Parliament, for placing restrictions on the fishing, and resolutions to that effect were adopted. (See January 22nd, 1876.)

21.—The centenary of the opening of the bells of St. Peter Mancroft, Norwich, was celebrated by the ringers of that church.

JULY.

3.—Extracts from an article in the “Natal Mercury” of May 11th, on the life and labours of Mr. Thomas Baines, F.R.G.S., “just then deceased,” were published. Mr. Baines was a native of King’s Lynn, where he was born in 1822. At an early age he gave evidence of artistic instincts, and of his love of travel and adventure. His first experiences of the kind were in South Australia. When little more than a youth, he took part in an expedition which traversed a then unpenetrated portion of the Continent. He and his companions carried their lives in their hands, and many were the hairbreadth escapes from the perils of both sea and savages. Baines arrived in South Africa about the year 1848, and took an active part in the Kaffir wars of 1850–51–52. In 1860 he joined Dr. Livingstone’s expedition to Zanzibar, but differences arose between him and his illustrious chief. The next few years were spent in devious travel, and in 1866 he returned home and published several important works. He subsequently went to Natal as leader of a party sent out by the South African Gold Fields Exploration Company, and it was at Natal that he spent a large portion of the last few years of his life.

8.—Died at Mulbarton, Mary Ann Todd, aged 100 years.

22.—The Norfolk polled cattle and flock of pure Southdown sheep on the North Elmham estate were sold by Messrs. Thornton and Long. The total amount realised was £4,953 5s.

23.—The last detachment of the 7th Hussars left Norwich for Manchester by special train; and on the 24th the dismounted party of the 6th Dragoon Guards (Carabiniers), from Shorncliffe, took over the Cavalry Barracks.

AUGUST.

2.—A vessel named the Ponda Chief, intended for trading between this country and Port Natal, was launched from the shipyard of Messrs. J. Fellows, at Southtown, Yarmouth. She was 140 feet long, 26 feet beam, 14 ft. 6 in. deep, and 416 tons register. This was one of the largest vessels ever built at the port.

3.—H.M.S. Favourite, an armour-plated corvette of 2,094 tons and 490 horse-power, ran upon the south spit of Scroby Sand, when endeavouring to make the gatway. At the flood tide the vessel floated off and steamed out to sea.

9.—At the Norfolk Assizes, before Mr. Justice Mellor, William Harper Stewardson, printer, of Norwich, was charged with publishing in a newspaper called the “Herald and Dispatch,” a malicious and defamatory libel of and concerning Frederick Lawrence Phillips, editor of the “Norwich Argus.” The jury returned a verdict of guilty, and the defendant was fined £20, and ordered to enter into his own recognisances of £100 to be of good behaviour for twelve months.

16.—A Royal Commission, issued in consequence of the report of Mr. Justice Lush, “that he had reason to believe corrupt practices extensively prevailed at the election which took place in Norwich on March 5th, on the elevation to the Bench of Mr. Baron Huddleston,” commenced its proceedings at the Shirehall, Norwich. The Commissioners were Mr. John Morgan Howard, Q.C., Mr. Patrick MacMahon, and Mr. Gabriel Prior Goldney, with Mr. Tyndal Atkinson as secretary. On the 43rd day, Wednesday, October 28th, the court terminated its sittings in Norwich, and the inquiry was resumed in the House of Lords on November 8th. The fiftieth day was reached on December 3rd, when a further adjournment took place. (See March 15th, 1876.)

26.—The marriage was solemnised, at Latimer, of the Earl of Leicester and the Hon. Georgiana Cavendish, eldest daughter of Lord and Lady Chesham.

SEPTEMBER.

20.—The Norfolk and Norwich Triennial Musical Festival commenced with an evening performance of “Elijah.” The morning performances were as follow: 22nd, “Hymn of Praise” and selection, “Jerusalem”; 23rd, “Stabat Mater” and “Woman of Samaria”; 24th, “The Messiah.” Miscellaneous concerts were given on the evenings of the dates named, except on the 24th, when a dress ball took place. The principal vocalists were Mdlle. Albani, Mdlle. Mathilda Enequist, Madame Lemmens Sherrington, Mdlle. Anna de Belocca, Miss Enriquez, Madame Patey, Mr. Edward Lloyd, Mr. H. J. Minns, Mr. Henry Guy, Mr. J. L. Wadmore, and Signor Foli. Sir Julius Benedict conducted.

26.—Died at his residence, Bracondale, Norwich, Mr. Frederic Brown, aged 67. He served the office of Sheriff in 1863–64, was a magistrate of the city, and a director of the Norwich Waterworks and Corn Exchange Companies.

OCTOBER.

4.—Don Edgardo Colona, a Mexican tragedian, appeared at Norwich Theatre, and during a week’s engagement played a round of Shakesperian and classical characters.

9.—The foundation-stone of Yarmouth Aquarium was laid by Lord Suffield. The building was opened on September 5th, 1876.

16.*—“Her Majesty has been graciously pleased to approve the Norfolk Regiment of Artillery Militia being in future designated the Prince of Wales’ Own Norfolk Artillery Militia, and of the officers, non-commissioned officers, and men of the regiment being permitted to wear, as a distinctive badge, on the collars of the tunics, the Prince of Wales’ plume and the motto, ‘Ich Dien.’”

20.—During a severe gale, the barque Young England, of Middlesbrough, 371 tons (Captain Brown), bound from the Baltic to London with deals, drifted on the Cockle Sand. The crew of twelve men and a boy took to the boat, which was capsized, and all, with the exception of the boy, were drowned.

26.—A public meeting was held at Yarmouth, to consider a project for constructing a railway from that town to Stalham, viâ Caister, Ormesby, Martham, Potter Heigham, and Catfield. Sir E. H. K. Lacon, Bart., M.P., presided, and resolutions were adopted affirming the desirability of the undertaking, which was estimated to cost £70,000. (See August 7th, 1877.)

28.—A preliminary meeting of landowners and others interested in the construction of a new line of railway from March to Wymondham, to be known as the Central Norfolk Railway, was held at the Crown Hotel, Watton, under the presidency of Mr. W. A. Tyssen-Amherst. Mr. A. F. Jerningham, C.E., described the proposed route, and it was agreed that the railway was desirable. Its cost was estimated at £450,000, or £10,000 per mile. A Bill for the promotion of the undertaking was introduced in Parliament, but was withdrawn in January, 1876.

NOVEMBER.

5.—Mr. Charles Tadman, for many years manager at Norwich Gasworks, committed suicide by shooting himself with a revolver.

8.—Mr. Anthony Hamond, Master of the West Norfolk Hunt, was presented with his portrait, painted by Mr. Graves, R.A. Sir William ffolkes, Bart., made the presentation, on behalf of 400 subscribers.

9.—Mr. Jacob Henry Tillett was elected Mayor, and Mr. Henry Stevenson appointed Sheriff of Norwich.

10.—The first Poor-law Conference, attended by delegates from twenty-two Norfolk unions, was held at the Guildhall, Norwich, under the presidency of Mr. C. S. Read, M.P., “to take counsel on the important point of the more uniform administration of poor relief.”

13.—Died at St. Leonard’s, the Rev. Dr. William Brock. Dr. Brock, who was upwards of 70 years of age, was formerly minister of the Baptist congregation, in Norwich, and resigned that post about twenty-five years previously, and became minister of Bloomsbury chapel, London, then recently built. There he remained until he retired from the ministry. Dr. Brock was one of the most popular ministers in the Baptist denomination, and took an active part on the Liberal side in many of the political movements of his time.

—An extremely high tide occurred at Lynn, owing to heavy rains and strong gales. On the 15th Denver Sluice was in jeopardy, and large numbers of men were employed to strengthen the banks. At Hunstanton great masses of cliff were washed away; on the 19th railway traffic between Brandon and Ely was suspended, owing to the floods, and considerable damage was done to the line between Reedham and Haddiscoe by the overflow of water.

17.—Sir William Bagge, Bart., M.P., presided at a luncheon at Downham Market, held in celebration of the opening of the new Public Hall. The building was converted from the old Theatre by a company formed for the purpose of carrying out the project.

18.—At the adjourned Norfolk Quarter Sessions, held at the Shirehall, Norwich, a report was received on the advisability of amalgamating the county prisons and of transferring the Governor of Swaffham Prison to Norwich Castle, the Governor of the latter prison, Mr. Pinson, having given notice of his resignation of office. The report recommended that Swaffham Prison be discontinued from January 13th, 1876; that the prisoners at the time under detention be removed to Norwich Castle; and that Mr. Duncan Stuart, Governor of Swaffham Prison, be appointed to succeed Mr. Pinson at Norwich. The report was adopted. Mr. Stuart took over the governorship of Norwich Castle in January, 1876, but resigned office in the following month, when he was succeeded by Mr. Miles Joseph Walker.

19.—A gale, the severity of which had been unequalled for many years previously, visited the coast of Norfolk. Several wrecks occurred off Yarmouth and Caister, and many lives were lost in the Wash. The Scotch fishing fleet suffered terrible privations. Five bodies of the crew of the smack Beautiful Star, of St. Monance, Fifeshire, were picked up at the entrance to Lynn Well, and at a subsequent date the bodies of other unfortunate fishermen from the North were discovered in the same locality.

20.—The Hon. Frederick Walpole, M.P., F.R.G.S., was installed Grand Master of the Norfolk Provincial Grand Lodge of Freemasons, in place of Mr. Benjamin Bond Cabbell, deceased.

21.—On this day (Sunday) a mad freak was perpetrated at Yarmouth by a Scotch fisherman, named Watson. Having gained admittance to the Nelson column, he climbed the figure of Britannia and clasped his arms about its neck. He then came down to the platform, and, dangling his legs over the edge of the capital, took off his shoes and proceeded to descend by the lightning conductor which runs down the outside of the column. The conductor was only seven-eighths of an inch in diameter, and placed close to the stone work, “and how he managed to get over the edge of the projecting capital was a marvel.” The man, however, reached the ground in safety; but his hands were terribly lacerated, “as in several instances he had to pull the conductor from the wall to get his fingers in. He was under the influence of drink when he performed the feat.”

30.—Died, in his 75th year, Mr. Francis John Blake, solicitor, for forty years treasurer of the Norfolk County Lunatic Asylum, and thirty-eight years Superintendent Registrar for the city of Norwich. Mr. Blake was for many years treasurer of the Norwich Musical Festival, and a director of several public companies.

—St. Andrew’s Day was celebrated in Norwich by the members of the newly-formed St. Andrew Society dining at the Maid’s Head Hotel. Mr. T. Muir Grant, the founder and president of the society, was in the chair, and Dr. Waddell, the vice-president, officiated as croupier.

—A suit, the Archdeacon of Norwich v. William Delph and William Thomas Gilbert, churchwardens of St. Augustine, which came before the Consistory Court at Norwich, excited much public comment. The case was heard originally in November, 1874, when the Chancellor decreed that the respondents, who had desecrated the churchyard by throwing a portion of it into the public road, should, by placing certain stones in the pathway and wall, mark the ancient boundary of the churchyard. The respondents not having obeyed the decree of the court, application was made on October 5th by Mr. Walter Overbury, as Proctor for the Archdeacon, that they might be pronounced contumacious. The case was adjourned until this date, and the decree not having been obeyed, the Chancellor pronounced the respondents contumacious, and issued a certificate to her Majesty in the High Court of Justice, in order that an attachment might forthwith issue against them. This action resulted in the arrest and imprisonment of Mr. Gilbert. At a meeting of the Town Council, on December 21st, Mr. J. D. Smith called attention to the case, and stated that Mr. Gilbert was imprisoned for alleged contempt of court in not paying the costs of the suit. He moved a resolution expressing regret that the ecclesiastical authorities should have instituted the prosecution, and urging that the Parliamentary and Bye-Laws Committee confer immediately as to the best steps to be taken to obtain the release of the prisoner. The motion was carried by 27 votes against 1, “the Conservatives having vacated their seats, leaving only Mr. H. W. Stafford, who voted against the motion.” Mr. Gilbert was liberated on December 24th, an undertaking having been given on the part of Mr. Delph that the decree of the Consistorial Court should be carried out.

DECEMBER.

4.—A heavy gale prevailed on the coast of Norfolk, and continued until the 6th. There were many shipping casualties, and much loss of life.

7.—At the annual dinner of the Farmers’ Club, held at the Salisbury Hotel, London, Mr. Clare Sewell Read announced that he would no longer continue a member of the Government. He took office, he said, on the stipulation that he should have perfect freedom to speak upon all agricultural matters, and that if he believed the interests of agriculture were neglected by any department of the Government he should resign. “I believe,” he added, “that the interests of the stockholders of this country have been persistently ignored by the Veterinary Department of the Privy Council, and that being the case, I have to inform you that I am no longer the Secretary of the Local Government Board, and that I only hold office until my successor be appointed.” Mr. Read further said that, to a tenant-farmer whose principal income was derived from the occupation of 600 or 700 acres of land, £1,500 a year was an extremely convenient addition to his income; but he was quite sure that all present would approve of what he had done. During the Cattle Show week it was announced that some suitable recognition would be made of Mr. Read’s services to agriculture, and, at a large meeting of the agriculturists of the county—Conservative and Liberal—held at the Norfolk Hotel, Norwich, on December 18th, a deputation was appointed to attend a meeting at the Salisbury Hotel, on the 20th, in support of the testimonial fund which was forthwith inaugurated. (See January 1st, 1876.)

13.—A dreadful tragedy occurred at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital. A weaver, 42 years of age, named Robert Edwards, who resided at Marsham, had been admitted to the Hospital on an indoor recommendation obtained from the Rev. J. Gunton, rector of the parish. The physician who examined him prior to admission believed that he was suffering from some bodily ailment of a dyspeptic character. Ten or twelve weeks previously his case was regarded as one of insanity; he had been restless and violent at times, and his friends had placed him under surveillance. Early on the morning of this date, Edwards, in a fit of homicidal mania, escaped from the Catherine ward, and, finding his way to the children’s ward, seized a pair of tongs from the fireplace, and, before he could be secured, made a murderous assault upon some of the unfortunate young patients, which resulted in two being slain outright, a third died shortly afterwards, and grievous injuries were inflicted upon two others. Edwards was disarmed by Mr. Baumgartner, the house surgeon, taken into custody, and charged on the 14th, at Norwich Police Court, with feloniously killing William Martin, aged 14, of Ryburgh; John Lacey, 10, of Griffin Yard, Pockthorpe; and Joseph Colman, 11, of Barton Turf. A fourth lad, Alfred Clarke, aged 9, died on February 20th, 1876. On the 18th the magistrates committed him for trial at the Assizes, but meanwhile he was certified to be insane and incapable of pleading, and was sent to Broadmoor Criminal Lunatic Asylum. At the Coroner’s inquest, held on December 18th, a verdict of wilful murder was returned, and the jury expressed, in the strongest terms, their disapproval of the circumstances under which Edwards had been admitted to the institution, and their high opinion of the courageous conduct of Mr. Baumgartner.

22.—Died at Bombay, Bernard Edward Delaval Astley, tenth Baron Hastings, aged 20. His lordship left England early in October, for India, accompanied by Viscount Ebrington, and, after staying with Sir Philip Wodehouse, the Governor, at Parell, during the Prince of Wales’ visit there, he proceeded to Calicut, and thence to the Annamally Hills, for shooting. He there fell a victim to jungle fever. Born September 9th, 1855, his lordship was eldest son of the Rev. Delaval Loftus Astley, some time vicar of East Barsham, and afterwards ninth Lord Hastings, and grandson of Jacob Astley, Lord Hastings, better known by his former name of Sir Jacob Astley, M.P. He was educated at Eton, and succeeded to the family honours in 1872. The title passed to his next brother, the Hon. George Manners Astley, who was born in April, 1857.

26.—The Christmas pantomime produced by Mr. George H. Chaplin, at Norwich Theatre, was entitled, “Bluff King Hal the Bluffer and his Crippled Guy, or Harlequin Darnley, the Pet of the Court.”

1876.

JANUARY.

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. Charles Howard, of Bidenham, and attended by 160 of the leading agriculturists of the three kingdoms. The testimonial consisted of a massive silver salver weighing 115 ozs., and inscribed, “Presented, the 2nd May, 1876, to Clare Sewell Read, M.P. for Norfolk since 1865, with a cheque for £5,500, in testimony of his valuable services to Agriculture.”

19.—The first of the entertainments known as “Spelling Bees” was given at Noverre’s Rooms, Norwich. It was claimed that they “served the twofold purpose of testing the orthographical and philological knowledge of the competitors and of providing amusement for the public.” The Mayor (Mr. J. H. Tillett) presided. The referees were Mr. Carlos Cooper, the Rev. A. C. Copeman, and Mr. A. Master, and their decisions were in accordance with the Imperial, Richardson’s, and Walker’s dictionaries. Mr. T. Richmond Pinder was interrogator. “Spelling Bees” enjoyed for some months the same popularity as their precursors, “Penny Readings,” and every town and village in the county took up the movement, which, however, was very short-lived.

22.—The members of the Yare Preservation Society and the riparian owners of the county adopted a memorial to the Home Secretary, praying for the legislative protection of local sea and inland fisheries. A deputation, which included the members of Parliament for the county and city, approached the Home Secretary upon the subject on February 1st, and received the assurance that “if the Government could see their way they would take the matter up at some future time.” (See February 2nd, 1877.)

29.—Died at his residence, Unthank’s Road, Norwich, Mr. Abel Towler, one of the senior magistrates of the city, aged 83. He was head of the firm of Towler, Allen, and Co. In politics Mr. Towler was “a Liberal of the old school.”

FEBRUARY.

1.—A fire occurred at the works of Messrs. Riches and Watts, agricultural engineers, Duke’s Palace, Norwich. The damage amounted to between £3,000 and £4,000.

12.—Died at his residence, the Depperhaugh, Diss, Admiral Sir John Baldwin Wake Walker, Bart., K.C.B. Born in 1803, he entered the Navy in 1812, and saw much service. In 1847 he was appointed Surveyor to the Navy; in 1861 he assumed command of the Cape of Good Hope station, and attained the rank of Admiral in 1870. He was created a baronet in 1856.

16.—Died at his residence, Drayton Lodge, near Norwich, Mr. James Winter, aged 79. He was the last member but one of the old Corporation, in which he held the important office of Speaker. Mr. Winter remained a member of the new Corporation from its formation in 1835 until a few years before his death.

19.—An outbreak of small-pox was announced to have taken place amongst the prisoners confined in Norwich Castle. There were twelve cases, two of which were serious, but no deaths occurred.

27.—Died at his residence, Surrey Street, Norwich, Mr. John Harwell, in his 78th year. His mother was a daughter of John Samuel Sedley, of Barford and Morley, a lineal descendant of Sir Charles Sedley, the wit and poet. Mr. Barwell married, in 1824, the eldest daughter of Mr. Richard Mackenzie Bacon, proprietor and editor of the “Norwich Mercury.” He succeeded his father in his wine merchant’s business, was for many years an alderman for the Mancroft Ward, and served the office of Sheriff in 1839–40. On the occasion of the marriage of Queen Victoria, he was one of the deputation who presented, on behalf of the city, an address of congratulation to her Majesty and the Prince Consort. Mr. Barwell engaged largely in artistic pursuits, and was an accomplished musician and vocalist. A skilful amateur artist, he painted a portrait of Miss Julia Smith, daughter of Mr. William Smith, M.P., and aunt of Florence Nightingale, which was exhibited at the National Portrait Gallery, South Kensington, in 1868. He did much to promote art in Norwich, and, in conjunction with Cotman, Crome, and other Norwich artists, established a drawing academy. Many years later he had the satisfaction of seeing his views carried out by the establishment of a Science and Art Department of the Government, and by the opening of Schools of Science and Art in Norwich and most of the principal towns in the kingdom. With the assistance of Mr. Burt, he established the Norwich Cricket Club, and, in co-operation with Bentley, and afterwards with Fuller Pilch, formed the Cricket Ground at Lakenham, which was one of the best in England. Mr. Barwell was a Liberal in principle, but always refrained from taking an active part in local politics.

MARCH.

6.—Mr. Craven Robertson’s “Caste” Company commenced an engagement at Norwich Theatre, and produced, for the first time there, Mr. T. W. Robertson’s latest comedy, “Play.”

14.—In the House of Commons, Mr. C. S. Read called attention to the report of the Contagious Diseases (Animals) Act Committee, 1873, and moved, “That, in the opinion of this House, the general orders and regulations for the stoppage of disease should cease to be varying or permissive, and should be uniform throughout Great Britain and Ireland.” On an assurance from Viscount Sandon that the Government accepted the principle of uniformity, Mr. Read said he would not be justified in asking the House to divide, and withdrew the motion.

15.—The Norwich Election Commissioners issued their report. They found that corrupt practices extensively prevailed in Norwich at the election in March, 1875, and in February, 1874. The number of persons scheduled was as follows: Schedule I., persons guilty of bribery at the election of 1874 or 1875, 72; Schedule II., persons bribed at the election of 1874 or 1875, 31; Schedule III., guilty of personation, 1; Schedule IV., persons guilty of procuring personation, 2. In the House of Commons, on May 29th, the Attorney-General announced that the scheduled voters were to be disfranchised, and the writ for the vacant seat suspended during the then Parliament. At a meeting of the Norwich Town Council, on February 26th, 1878, the Lords Commissioners of her Majesty’s Treasury requested payment by the city of £3,943 19s. 2d., the cost of the Commission. This charge was equal to a rate of 5d. in the pound.

APRIL.

1.—Died at Dean Street, Park Lane, London, the Hon. Frederick Walpole, M.P. He was third son of Horatio, third Earl of Orford, by Mary, eldest daughter of Mr. W. Fawkner, and was born September 18th, 1822. In 1837 he entered the Royal Navy, became Lieutenant in 1845, and retired from the service in 1864, as Commander. He served in the first China War, in India, and in the campaign on the Danube. Mr. Walpole unsuccessfully contested King’s Lynn at the General Election in November, 1865, when Sir Thomas Fowell Buxton and Lord Stanley (afterwards Earl of Derby) were returned. At the General Election in November, 1868, he was elected one of the members for the Northern Division of Norfolk, and at the next General Election was returned unopposed. Mr. Walpole was the author of “Five Years in the Pacific,” “The Ansayrii, or Further East,” and a novel, “May and December.” He was a Fellow of the Royal Society of Antiquaries and of the Geological Society. Mr. Walpole also served in the West Norfolk Militia, of which he was Major, and shortly before his death received the honorary rank of Lieut.-Colonel. He married, on February 12th, 1852, his cousin, Laura Sophia Frances, only daughter of Mr. Francis Walpole, by whom he left issue two sons and a daughter. Amy Rachael, who married the Hon. Henry Charles Manners Sutton, eldest son of Viscount Canterbury. One of the last acts of Mr. Walpole’s Parliamentary career was the introduction of the Bill for the protection of the crab and lobster fisheries on the Norfolk coast.

3.—A serious disturbance took place at Hethersett, on the occasion of the Norfolk and Norwich Steeplechases. A large number of roughs from Norwich had planned the robbery of the tills of the person who had received the gate-money and had charge of the refreshment department. An effort was made to unhorse Hickman, Mr. Angerstein’s huntsman, who was engaged in keeping the course, and in the mêlée which ensued an officer of the Carabiniers brought up at the trot a mounted detachment on duty at the races, and speedily quelled the disturbance.

5.—The Norwich Town Council, on the recommendation of the Executive Committee, decided to proceed with the work of widening London Street, from the Market Place to Castle Street, at a cost not exceeding £22,000, and appointed a committee to negotiate with owners of property and to inquire into the best mode of carrying out the improvement. The subject was discussed in detail at various meetings during the year. (See April 7th, 1877.)

10.—At the Norfolk Assizes, before Mr. Baron Cleasby, Henry Webster, aged 61, a labourer, was found guilty of the murder of his wife, Sarah Webster, aged 53, at Cranworth, on September 17th, 1875. Sentence of death was passed, and the culprit was executed at Norwich Castle on May 1st. Marwood was the executioner.

17.—Mr. Charles Durand’s Grand English Opera Company commenced an engagement at Norwich Theatre, in Rossini’s comic opera, “Cinderella, or the Fairy of the Glass Slipper.” Miss Florence St. John was a member of the company.

18.—At an early hour in the morning the emigrant ship Humboldt, of Hamburgh, 729 tons register, bound from Hamburgh to the Brazils, with 349 emigrants on board, ran ashore on Winterton beach. With the assistance of tugs the vessel was got off and taken to Yarmouth Roads for repair. The master, Henrisch Detlof Busch, had lost his bearings, and believed himself to be off the coast of France!

20.—The first Starr-Bowkett Building Society was established at Norwich, by Mr. Starr, one of the originators of the system.

—The nomination of candidates for the election in the Northern Division of the county, consequent upon the death of the Hon. Frederick Walpole, M.P., took place at Aylsham. The candidates were Lieut.-Colonel James Duff, of Westwick House, and Sir Thomas Fowell Buxton, Bart., of Warlies, Waltham Abbey. The polling, which took place on the 21st, resulted as follows: Duff, 2,302; Buxton, 2,192. Colonel Duff, during the election campaign, was confined to his house by sickness.

29.—A meeting of gentlemen interested in the field sports of the county was held at the Royal Hotel, Norwich, to consider the advisability of accepting the offer made by Mr. Angerstein, namely, that he would give to the county his pack of staghounds and deer, on condition that the county subscribed a sufficient sum “to hunt them in a proper manner.” The meeting agreed to take over the hounds if adequate funds were forthcoming.

MAY.

15.—Mdlle. Beatrice’s Comedy-Drama Company commenced an engagement at Norwich Theatre. The repertory included “The School for Scandal,” “Mary Stuart,” “Frou-frou,” “Nos Intimes,” “The Ticket-of-Leave Man,” “John Jasper’s Wife,” and “East Lynne.”

18.—Died at his residence, Theatre Street, Norwich, in his 82nd year, Mr. William Butcher, a well-known land surveyor and auctioneer. He was a native of Brooke, and entered the office of Mr. Robert Corby, of Kirstead, a land surveyor, who had one of the largest practices in the district, if not in the kingdom. Mr. Butcher had unusual opportunities of acquiring a practical knowledge of the business at the time when enclosures of commons in Norfolk and Suffolk were being carried out, for Mr. Corby was the surveyor employed. For nearly sixty years he carried on a most lucrative practice, which was not confined to local limits, but extended throughout the kingdom, from the remotest parts of Scotland to the Land’s End. Mr. Butcher served one term as an alderman of the city, and was Sheriff of Norwich in 1870–71.

24.—The Queen’s birthday was celebrated in Norwich by an entertainment given to the inmates of the Workhouse by the Sheriff (Mr. Stevenson). It was stated that the Easter Monday and Whit Monday holidays provided by the Bank Holidays Act had affected the public observance of the day, and Volunteer reviews, sham fights, and civic feasts were no longer held to commemorate the occasion.

27.*—“The early closing of our shops on Thursdays in the summer months seems now to be the universal custom in Norwich, with the solitary exception of the chemists and druggists.” (See March 26th, 1879.)

—*“Some days since some men at work on Feltwell Fen found a quantity of Roman silver coins, many of them distinctly bearing the names of Hadrian, Antoninus, Trajan, Marcus Aurelius, Divas Antoninus, Vespasian, &c. They were contained in a vessel which was broken to pieces by the plough which turned it up.”

31.—The ceremony of laying the foundation-stone of the new building in Little Orford Street, of the Norwich Church of England Young Men’s Society, was performed by the President, Mr. F. E. Watson. The building, which was designed by Mr. Edward Boardman, architect, and erected by Mr. G. E. Hawes, was formally opened on December 6th.

JUNE.

14.—The annual show of the Norfolk Agricultural Association opened at Swaffham. Sir William ffolkes, High Sheriff of Norfolk, presided at the luncheon.

15.—Died at his residence, South Quay, Great Yarmouth, Vice-Admiral Thomas Lewis Gooch, aged 69, youngest son of Sir Thomas Sherlock Gooch, Bart., of Benacre Hall. Born at Bramfield, he joined the Royal Naval College in 1820, and entering the Navy, obtained Lieutenant’s rank in 1828. He was appointed to the command of H.M.S. Kite, went to the West Coast of Africa, and brought home the survivors of the first ill-fated Niger Expedition. In 1865 he attained the rank of retired Rear-Admiral, and became Vice-Admiral in 1871. In 1828 he married Anne, eldest daughter of General the Hon. William Gardner, Lieutenant-Governor of Malta.

18.—Father Ignatius announced that he would commence an eight days’ mission at the Monastery, Elm Hill, Norwich. Miss Ware, a lady residing at Claydon, to whom, it was stated, the property belonged, was communicated with, and she instructed her solicitors to take the necessary steps for the ejectment of Ignatius. Mr. J. Clabburn, of Norwich, as agent to the solicitors, went to the Monastery, accompanied by three process-servers, and forcibly removed Ignatius and a brother monk as they were in the act of celebrating mass. On the 20th Ignatius summoned Mr. Clabburn and his men for assault, and, after a prolonged hearing at the Police Court, the magistrates dismissed the case. Meanwhile Ignatius held his services in the large room at the Bell Hotel, in the yard of the Rampant Horse Hotel, and at St. Andrew’s Hall.

27.—Died at Ambleside, Miss Harriet Martineau, who was born in Norwich on June 13th, 1802. “Although she was not a great she was a most industrious writer, and thoroughly in earnest in whatever she undertook.”

28.—The new organ erected at East Dereham church by Messrs. Hill and Son, of London, at a cost of between £700 and £800, was opened by Dr. E. T. Chipp, organist of Ely Cathedral.

30.—Died at Catton House, Norwich, Mr. Robert Chamberlin, aged 74. He thrice served the office of Mayor—in 1854–5, 1856–7, and 1871–2, and was Sheriff in 1848–9. Mr. Chamberlin was a magistrate for the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk, and for the city of Norwich, and was a Deputy-Lieutenant of the first-named county.

JULY.

1.—The 3rd Norfolk Rifle Volunteers, under the command of Lieut.-Colonel Duff, M.P., went into camp at Hunstanton Park, and were officially inspected on the 6th by Colonel Harenc, commanding the 31st Brigade Depôt at Yarmouth.

2.—Two troops of the 6th Dragoon Guards (Carabiniers) marched from Norwich, en route to York; the headquarters left on the 8th.

19.—Died, Mr. Wace Lockett Mendham, Town Clerk of Norwich. He was in his 66th year, and was appointed to the office on the death of Mr. J. R. Staff, in 1855. A Liberal in politics, “previous to his appointment he might have been a warm partisan, but in his office of Town Clerk he most carefully concealed his political feelings, and acted with strict impartiality.” Mr. Mendham married Miss Tillett, a sister of Mr. J. H. Tillett. He was succeeded as Town Clerk by Mr. Henry Blake Miller.

21.—The Norwich Central Conservative Club was formally constituted at a meeting of the party, held at the Bell Hotel.

22.—Died at Cardiff, aged 38, Mr. Henry Powel Smith, fourth son of Mr. George Smith, formerly manager of the Norwich Theatrical Circuit.

24.—In pursuance of a writ from the Exchequer Division of the High Court of Justice, the Sheriff of Norwich, by his Under-Sheriff (Mr. F. Fox), empanelled a jury at the Royal Hotel to inquire what lands and tenements, and their yearly value, were possessed by James Frederick Neale, of St. Andrew’s Hall Plain, grocer, and what goods and chattels any person had in trust for him, as he was truly indebted to the Crown in the sum of £801 10s., “which sum was in danger of being lost unless some method more speedy than the ordinary course of procedure at law be had.” These proceedings constituted another phase of the notorious Creak case. The jury found that Mr. Neale possessed property to the amount of £855, including £300 book debts, £505 stock-in-trade, and £50 paid on a life insurance policy, besides freehold property of the value of £16 a year. The jury thought they were not bound to find what was Mr. Neale’s indebtedness to the Crown, or what was the yearly value of the property he held belonging to the late Margaret Creak.

29.—The 1st Dragoons (Royal)—five troops with headquarters—arrived at Norwich, under the command of Lieut.-Colonel Graham.

AUGUST.

11.—A fire, involving damage to the amount of about £10,000, occurred at Messrs. Boulton and Paul’s Ironworks, Rose Lane, Norwich.

12.—Died at his residence, Unthank’s Road, Norwich, Mr. Josiah Fletcher, aged 70. He was born at Henley-on-Thames, and in 1822 was apprenticed to Mr. Simon Wilkin, printer, &c., of the Haymarket, Norwich, with whom, on the completion of his term, he entered into partnership. Mr. Fletcher, in 1834, succeeded to the business, which was subsequently removed to the Market Place, and was there carried on by him until 1871, when, in consequence of his failing health, he retired, and was succeeded by his only son, who erected the extensive premises at Davey Place Steps. “Mr. Fletcher may be said to have been the originator of the ‘Norfolk News,’ of which journal he was for some time the editor and chief manager.”

18.—Died at Ingoldisthorpe Hall, in his 88th year, Captain John Davy, R.N. He entered the Navy in 1803, was midshipman of the Barfleur in Sir Robert Calder’s action in 1805, saw much gunboat service in 1807 and 1808 in the Faro off Messina, and was present at the reduction of the islands of Ischia and Procida.

29.—At a meeting of the Norwich Town Council, it was decided to purchase the Oxford Hotel for a sum not exceeding £2,000, for the purpose of converting it into municipal offices. A special meeting was held on September 19th, at which it was reported that immediately after the decision of the Council a Norwich solicitor had offered £2,250 for the building. Mr. J. D. Smith, on behalf of the Corporation, offered £2,275, at which price it became city property. Considerable indignation was expressed at the action of the solicitor in question, which, it was pointed out, involved an increase in the rates of one farthing in the pound.

SEPTEMBER.

1.—Mr. and Mrs. German Reed appeared at Norwich Theatre, and were assisted in their entertainment by Mr. Corney Grain, Miss Fanny Holland, and Mr. A. E. Bishop.

4.—Madame Blanche Cole’s Crystal Palace Opera Company began a six nights’ engagement at Norwich Theatre.

6.—In compliance with a requisition signed by persons of both political parties, the Mayor of Norwich (Mr. J. H. Tillett) convened a Common Hall, “for the purpose of giving expression to the views entertained by the requisitionists on the atrocities committed in Bulgaria.” The Mayor presided, and the Lord Bishop and many other leading citizens were present. Resolutions were adopted expressing indignation and horror at the atrocities perpetrated by troops in the service of the Turkish Government. Meetings of a similar character were held in many of the towns and villages of the county, sermons were preached in churches and chapels, and relief funds organized.

9.—Mr. R. T. Gurdon was presented with his portrait (painted by Mr. Sidley, of London), in recognition of his political services to the county. The presentation was made by Sir Francis Boileau, Bart., at the Liberal Club, Norwich.

10.—Swaffham church was re-opened for public worship. It had undergone extensive restoration, under the superintendence of Mr. W. O. Milne, architect, of London.

11.—Mr. H. Loraine and Miss Edith Kingsley opened Norwich Theatre for a short season with a performance of “Othello.” Among the other plays produced were “The Gamester,” “Hamlet,” and “Richelieu.”

12.—An explosion occurred on board the Alexandra steamer, which had been chartered for the conveyance of the workpeople of Pockthorpe Brewery, Norwich, on a river excursion. A case of fireworks placed in the bar exploded, and filled the cabin with fumes by which many of the party were seriously affected. Four deaths resulted. At the subsequent inquest, the jury returned a verdict of accidental death, and expressed their strong opinion “that in future no fireworks or combustibles be taken on board steamers without being declared as such and placed under proper charge.”

13.—A disastrous gas explosion occurred at the church of St. John Maddermarket, Norwich. The Rev. H. L. Rumsey and several members of the choir were at practice when an escape of gas was noticed. Mr. Rumsey, with a lighted taper in his hand, was in the act of turning off the gas at one of the standards when a brilliant flame shot across the north side of the nave, followed by a terrible explosion, which completely wrecked the interior of the church. The choir escaped without injury, but Mr. Rumsey was hurled a distance of several yards, and severely shaken and bruised. The damage was estimated at £1,000.

19.—A skating rink, built at the cost of £9,000, including fittings, &c., was opened at St. Giles’ Street, Norwich. It was 103 feet in length, 55 feet in width, with promenade gallery, smoking rooms, &c. An outer rink, abutting upon Bethel Street, covered an area of 80 feet by 40 feet. For some months roller skating proved a very popular amusement, and weekly returns were published of the number of persons who visited the establishment. This popularity was, however, of short duration, for on May 26th, 1877, it was announced: “The passion for rinking having fallen to zero, the managers have introduced additional attractions in the shape of a couple of clever bicyclists and a troupe of performing dogs.” A theatrical licence was subsequently obtained, and the rink was opened, on September 10th, 1877, as “The Vaudeville Theatre of Varieties,” under the management of Mr. Hugh J. Didcott, with Mr. B. Isaacson as musical director. The originator of the skating rink was Mr. Warner Wright, a local solicitor.

24.—A brilliant meteor “fell about half-past six o’clock directly over the planet Saturn, which was then shining in a cloudless sky.” It was observed throughout the Eastern and Southern Counties, and upon the Continent.

25.—Messrs. H. M. Pitt and H. Hamilton’s Company commenced a three weeks’ dramatic season at the Theatre Royal, Norwich. The pieces produced included “False Shame,” “Partners for Life,” “Old Sailors,” “Two Roses,” “Forgiven,” “Queen Mab,” “Still Waters Run Deep,” “New Men and Old Acres,” “Money,” “London Assurance,” &c. In the company were Miss Fanny Addison, Miss Alma Murray, Miss Dora Santon, Mr. and Mrs. George Canninge, Mr. John Burton, Mr. J. Watkins, Mr. Sidney Weatherilt, Mr. Edward Fowler, Mr. E. D. Ward, Mr. A. Walters, and Mr. Barry. Mr. H. Cecil Beryl (Mr. W. H. Sparrow, of Norwich) was the acting manager.

27.—Died at Great Yarmouth, Commander Horatio Nelson Atkinson, “named after his god-father, the hero of Trafalgar.” He was the eldest son of Thomas Atkinson, master attendant on Nelson’s flagships, and entered the Navy in January, 1817. When mate of the Seringapatam, in 1825, he received three severe gunshot wounds. He attained the rank of Lieutenant on November 27th, 1827, and served from February 23rd, 1831, until July, 1834, in the Alfred on the Mediterranean station, where he witnessed the establishment of King Otho on the throne of Greece, and was presented, when off Alexandria, with a sword by Mehemet Ali. From March 31st, 1836, until his retirement he was employed in the Coastguard, owing to his inability to procure further occupation afloat. Commander Atkinson was in his 74th year.

OCTOBER.

14.—A new County Cricket Club was formed at a meeting held at the Royal Hotel, Norwich. Lord Suffield was elected president.

30.—The Boileau drinking-fountain, erected at the junction of the Newmarket and Ipswich Roads, Norwich, was inaugurated. Sir John Boileau, Bart., had bequeathed the sum of £1,000 to defray the cost of the work, which was designed by Mr. T. Jeckyll, St. George’s Terrace, Queen’s Gate, London. The statuary was designed and executed in bronze by Mr. J. E. Boehm, the well-known sculptor, and the structure was built by Mr. Hubbard, of East Dereham. Sir Francis Boileau, Bart., performed the ceremony of asking the city to accept the fountain, and was thanked by the Mayor (Mr. J. H. Tillett), in the name of the citizens.

30.—Norwich Theatre was opened for the winter season by Mrs. W. Sidney, with an excellent production of Dion Boucicault’s Irish drama, “The Shaughraun.”

NOVEMBER.

9.—Mr. Richard Coller was elected Mayor, and Mr. William Cadge appointed Sheriff of Norwich.

13.—The Prince of Wales arrived at Morton Hall, on a visit to Lord Walsingham.

20.—The Prince and Princess of Wales visited Norwich, with the object of furthering an important scheme promoted by the governing body of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital for enlarging the institution. Their Royal Highnesses, who travelled by special train from Wolferton, were received at Thorpe Station by the Mayor, Sheriff, and Deputy-Mayor, and presented with an illuminated address, after which they drove to St. Andrew’s Hall, where a distinguished audience had assembled, under the presidency of the Earl of Leicester, Lord Lieutenant of the county. The High Sheriff (Sir William ffolkes, Bart.) moved, “That the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital fully deserves the confidence and support of the county of Norfolk and city of Norwich, on account of its services, extended over a hundred years, to the sick and suffering poor.” The Lord Bishop seconded the motion, which was adopted. His Royal Highness then moved, “That it is desirable, both for the accommodation of the patients and the improvement of the sanitary condition of the Hospital, that the proposed alterations and additions be carried out, and that for this purpose an application be made to the county and city to raise the sum of £35,000 for a building and sustentation fund.” Votes of thanks were accorded to their Royal Highnesses for attending the meeting, and to Lord Leicester for presiding. Lord Leicester, who had previously offered to subscribe £5,000, on condition that the remaining £30,000 of the £35,000 required were raised within a stipulated time, now announced that he would give £13,000 to be invested for the future sustentation of the Hospital. At the conclusion of the proceedings the Prince and Princess were entertained at luncheon at the Bishop’s Palace, where a distinguished company had been invited to meet them; and in the afternoon his Royal Highness attended a Masonic gathering at the Drill Hall, and installed Lord Suffield as Provincial Grand Master. Later their Royal Highnesses proceeded by rail to Gunton, to spend a few days with Lord and Lady Suffield; and in the evening a concert was given at St. Andrew’s Hall, at which Madame Albani was the principal performer. (See February 3rd, 1877.)

—A man named William Nelson was severely injured in St. Peter Mancroft Church Alley, by the explosion of a gaspipe charged with gunpowder. He was removed to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, where he died on the following day. At the Coroner’s inquest, on the 22nd, the jury returned a verdict of manslaughter against some person or persons unknown. A reward was offered by the Mayor for the discovery of the perpetrator of the outrage, but no information was forthcoming.

DECEMBER.

18.—The Prince and Princess of Wales arrived at Holkham, on a visit to the Earl and Countess of Leicester, who, on the 21st, gave a grand ball in honour of the event.

23.—Died at Norwich, Mr. William Cooke Stafford, aged 83. Mr. Stafford was one of the oldest journalists in the kingdom. After a visit to America, he commenced his professional career in London, in 1818, as a contributor to the “Anti-Jacobean Review,” the “White Dwarf,” &c., for which he wrote leading articles. He afterwards became editor of the “Leeds Intelligencer,” and proceeded to York to edit the “Yorkshire Gazette.” Leaving York, he established the “Doncaster Chronicle,” and had subsequent engagements on the “Hull Packet” and the NORFOLK CHRONICLE. His later years were spent in London, where he did a considerable amount of literary work as “publisher’s editor,” by writing a history of the Crimean War, and part of “The World as It Is,” for Mr. Peter Jackson. Mr. Stafford also re-edited Hume and Smollett’s History, and did much work of a similar character.

26.—The pantomime of “Beauty and the Beast, or Harlequin Prince Azor and the Good Fairy of the Wedding Ring,” produced under the direction of Mrs. Sidney, at Norwich Theatre, was one of the best and most successful pieces of the kind in the annals of the house. Stoodley and Harmston’s Circus and Edmunds’ Menagerie were exhibited on Castle Meadow; and Madame Rose Hersée, supported by an excellent concert party, appeared before a meagre audience at Noverre’s Rooms.

27.—Died at the Grove, Chapel Field Road, Norwich, Mr. Joshua Swann, aged 71. He was a partner in the firm of Messrs. Willett, Nephew, and Co., and an alderman of the city. Mr. Swann’s literary and scientific tastes rendered him a valued and most active member of the committees of the Norfolk and Norwich Museum and Literary Institution, and he was a warm supporter of the School of Art and the East Anglian Art Society, formed shortly before his death. He left a collection rich in portraits of local celebrities and etchings by Norwich artists.

30.—Died at Catton, Mr. George Gedge, aged 78. For many years Mr. Gedge carried on an extensive business as a dyer, by which he realised a fortune. He was a Conservative in politics, and long served the city as a member of the Town Council and of the old Court of Guardians. He directed his attention especially to the advocacy of a system of national rating, in the furtherance of which he spent both time and money. It was to Mr. Gedge’s enterprise that the city was indebted for the first visit of Jenny Lind, the precursor of so much benefit to local charitable institutions, and of the founding of the Jenny Lind Infirmary for Sick Children.

1877.

JANUARY.

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 impropriate tithes.

—Died at Ashwicken Rectory, the Rev. John Freeman, aged 61. He was the author of a life of Kirby, the entomologist, published in 1852.

5.—The trial of a petition filed by Mr. J. D. Smith against the return of Mr. Philip Back and Mr. Josiah Harrison Ladyman, as members for the Fourth Ward, at the Norwich Municipal Election, in November, 1876, commenced in the Sessions Court at the Guildhall, before Mr. Thomas William Saunders, barrister, and Recorder of Bath, the Commissioner appointed for the purpose. This was the first municipal inquiry of the kind that had been held in the city, and the greatest interest was taken in the proceedings. The petitioner, who alleged bribery, treating, and other corrupt practices, was represented by Mr. Merewether, Q.C., M.P., and Mr. Blofeld; and the respondents by Mr. Grantham, M.P., and the Hon. John de Grey. The inquiry lasted eight days, and on the 13th the Commissioner delivered judgment, declaring the respondents to be duly elected. The scene which ensued in the court was one of the wildest enthusiasm, which was increased by the announcement that costs followed the event. In the evening the bells of St. Peter Mancroft were rung, and a band paraded the streets of the city.

18.—The first annual meeting of the Norfolk and Norwich Bicycle Club was held at the Grapes Hotel, Norwich. The first road race of the club took place on April 30th. Six competitors entered for the run, which was from the Grapes Hotel by way of Unthank’s Road to Wymondham, Wicklewood, &c., and thence to Carleton Forehoe, through Colney and Earlham, to the top of Belvoir Street, Earlham Road—distance about 24 miles. The winner was J. Campling; F. D. Wheeler second. The club uniform consisted of “a cloth helmet with a metallic monogram in front, a smart dark gray tunic, and knickerbockers.” The first sports organized by the club were held, by permission of the Corporation, in Chapel Field, on October 18th.

19.—Died at Bracondale, Miss Fanny Anne Martineau, only daughter of Mr. Philip M. Martineau, aged 64. She was a cousin of Harriet Martineau, the authoress, and, like other members of the family, possessed intellectual gifts of a high order.

—Died at Nice, Lord George William Loftus, third son of John, second Marquis of Ely, by Maria, daughter of Sir H. W. Dashwood, Bart. He was born in May, 1813, and in June, 1846, married Martha, eldest daughter of Mr. J. Fuller, of Norwich.

27.—A meeting was held at the Guildhall, Norwich, under the presidency of the Mayor (Mr. R. Coller), at which it was resolved, on the motion of Mr. C. S. Read, seconded by Mr. George Forrester, “That it is desirable to hold a Christmas show for the county of Norfolk and city of Norwich, of fat stock and other produce of the farm and garden.” A second meeting was held on February 10th, when the Norfolk and Norwich Christmas Show Association was established, with the Prince of Wales as patron. The first show commenced on Thursday, November 22nd, and closed on Saturday, the 24th. The general exhibits were displayed in the Volunteer Drill Hall, and the live stock shown in an annexe erected in Chapel Field.

30.—A severe gale occurred at Yarmouth. The sea rose to a great height, broke over the Marine Parade, and did considerable damage, and many houses on the North Quay were flooded. Several fishing vessels were lost in the storm. The Lords of the Admiralty sent the Valorous and Seamew, Government vessels, in search of the missing boats, but they returned to the Roads on February 24th and 25th, and reported that no intelligence had been gained. Of the Yarmouth, men alone 112 perished, leaving 46 widows, 11 aged parents, and 101 children. A fund was raised for their relief, and £5,255 collected, including £2,715 from the Mansion House.

FEBRUARY.

2.—A meeting was held at the Guildhall, Norwich, under the presidency of the Mayor, for the purpose of considering a Bill proposed to be introduced in Parliament for the preservation of fish in the rivers Wensum, Yare, and Waveney. Mr. Frank Buckland and Mr. Spencer Walpole, inspectors of fisheries, attended the meeting, and resolutions were adopted in favour of legislation. The Norfolk and Suffolk Fisheries Bill passed the Select Committee of the House of Commons on May 8th, and was reported to the House, and before the end of the year became law.

3.—Died at her residence, High Street, Lowestoft, Dame Pleasance Smith, widow of Sir James Edward Smith, of Norwich, formerly president of the Linnæan Society. This venerable lady, who was 103 years of age, had received from Queen Victoria a copy of “Our Life in the Highlands,” containing the inscription, in her Majesty’s own handwriting, “To Lady Smith, on her one hundredth birthday, from her friend, Victoria R., May 11th, 1873.”

—The Earl of Leicester presided at a meeting held at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, “for the purpose of turning to the best account the large sum of money offered to the Hospital by the public.” It was stated that £24,000 had been subscribed, and that £35,000 was the maximum sum required. The Sheriff (Mr. Cadge) moved, “That, in the opinion of this meeting, it is expedient that a new hospital should be erected, in lieu of any plan for improving the old building.” Mr. J. J. Colman, M.P., seconded the motion, which was adopted. (See June 17th, 1879.)

5.—Mr. C. J. Palmer, author of “The Perlustration of Great Yarmouth,” was presented with a silver epergne and gold watch by the inhabitants of the borough, in recognition of his labours in antiquarian work and literature.

9.—Died at Norwich, aged 59, Mr. James Frederick Hill, for twenty-five years chorus master of the Norfolk and Norwich Triennial Musical Festival.

15.—A resolution having been passed by the owners and ratepayers, declaring the expediency of the parish of East Dereham being constituted a local government district, Mr. Arnold Taylor, the inspector appointed for the purpose, held an inquiry at the Assembly Rooms, and received evidence on the subject. The first Local Improvement Board was elected on August 1st.

19.—At Norwich Theatre, Mr. W. H. Pennington, “the celebrated tragic actor, one of the Six Hundred, formerly of the 11th Hussars, and one of the few wounded survivors of the world-famed light cavalry charge at Balaclava, on October 25th, 1854,” made his first appearance, in the character of Hamlet, and was supported by Miss Viola Dacre as Ophelia. On subsequent evenings Mr. Pennington appeared as Macbeth, Richard the Third, &c., and on the 23rd recited, in the uniform of his old regiment, “The Charge of the Light Brigade.”

MARCH.

5.—Died at Great Yarmouth, Major-General Francis Montague Ommanney, R.A., aged 50 years. He was the youngest son of Mr. E. S. Ommanney, formerly of Yarmouth, by Henrietta, daughter of Sir Edmund Lacon, Bart. With the Royal Artillery he served in the West Indies, and saw much service in the Indian Mutiny, when he commanded a siege train under Sir Hugh Rose, afterwards Lord Strathnairn. He married Harriet Ellen, youngest daughter of Mr. John Mortlock Lacon.

6.—Died at Scratby, Benjamin Daniels, “the last of the giants of East Anglia.” His age was 54; height, 6 ft. 6 in.; weight, 24 stones; width, from shoulder to shoulder across the back, 24 inches. He possessed great strength, and frequently loaded has own waggon by carrying four bushels of wheat under both arms at one time. “When in great haste to have his farm work done, the horses being much engaged, he has harnessed himself to one of his harrows and cultivated the land.” Daniels was buried at Ormesby St. Margaret, on March 12th.

10.—An unprecedented incident occurred in the ring at Messrs. Stoodley and Harmston’s Circus, at Norwich, during the performance of “Dick Turpin’s Ride to York.” After the “ride,” which results in the death of Black Bess, the mare is removed from the scene on hurdles. On this occasion, when the grooms, at the conclusion of the performance, attempted to raise the animal, it was found that life was really extinct—Black Bess had sustained an internal rupture in leaping the “turnpike” gate. The animal was the property of a French-woman named Gaertner, and, as a trick horse, was valued at several hundred pounds.

15.—The Norfolk Staghounds had an extraordinary run. The meet was at Hempnall House, and fifty horsemen were present. The stag ran to Shelton and Alburgh, and then made to the right for Redenhall, through Stanton, Pulham St. Mary, and Pulham Market, crossing the turnpike by Carpenter’s Walk, on through Wacton and Moulton, to Tivetshall station, where the first check of two minutes occurred—time, 1 hour 3 minutes; distance, 14 miles. The hounds again upon the line, went through Gissing to Dickleburgh, Burston, and Diss, made for the right to Shelfanger, when another slight check occurred. The field by this time had dwindled down to twelve. On again through Winfarthing to Kenninghall, to the left to Bridgham and East Harling, and back to Kenninghall, where the deer was recaptured and placed in a stable belonging to Messrs. Murton and Turner. The distance was supposed to be 45 miles, and the run occupied 3 hours 5 minutes. “Among those who rode straightest to the end of this wonderful run were Hickman, the huntsman, who went like a bird, and handled his horse well; Mr. E. Fellowes, Mr. T. N. Ward, Mr. James Limmer, Mr. Cross, and two officers of the Royal Dragoons, from Norwich.”

23.—A petition having been sent to the Local Government Board by the Corporation of Norwich, asking them to issue a provisional order confirming an improvement scheme made under the Artisans’ and Labourers’ Dwellings Improvement Act, 1875, with reference to an area in the parish of St. Paul which had been declared by the Medical-Officer of Health as unhealthy and unfit for habitation, Lieut.-Colonel Ponsonby Cox, R.E., one of the inspectors of the Local Government Board, held an inquiry at the Guildhall, for the purpose of ascertaining the correctness of the official representation. The inspector commended the scheme, and stated that it was of a most satisfactory character.

24.—Captain Tyler, inspector of railways, made an official inspection of the newly-constructed railway between Gunton and Cromer, and consented to its being opened for traffic on the 26th.

—At the Norwich Assizes, before Mr. Baron Bramwell, Ann Farrow, a widow living at Nordelph, brought an action against John Robert Childs, stonemason, of Norwich, to recover damages for breach of promise of marriage. After a trial which lasted two days, and in which the plaintiff made some remarkable allegations, the jury returned a verdict for the defendant.

APRIL.

5.—A new organ, erected at Swaffham church, by Messrs. Bishop and Son, of London, was opened.

7.—At the adjourned Norwich Quarter Sessions, before the Recorder (Mr. W. J. Metcalfe, Q.C.), a special jury was empanelled to assess the value of certain property in London Street, which the Corporation proposed to take under the compulsory provisions of their Act of Parliament for the purpose of widening the thoroughfare. At a meeting of the Town Council on May 8th, it was agreed that the owners be offered sums amounting to £9,818.

9.—Lieut.-Colonel Bignold was elected president of the Norwich Central Conservative Club, a position which conferred upon him the leadership of the Conservative party in Norwich.

9.—The Norwich Corporation farms at Whitlingham and Kirby Bedon having entailed a loss to the city of £4,000 in five years, the Town Council accepted the tender of Mr. Garrett Taylor, of Easton, to hire them at the annual rent of £1,710.

12.—At a meeting held at the King’s Arms Hotel, North Walsham, nearly £300 was subscribed to start a pack of harriers in North Norfolk, and an offer by Lord Suffield to keep the pack in his kennels at Gunton was unanimously accepted.

13.—Mr. Samuel Brandram, M.A., gave a dramatic recital at Noverre’s Rooms, Norwich, in aid of the building fund of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital. It was the first appearance in Norwich of this accomplished elocutionist, who was regarded as the legitimate successor of the great Bellew.

18.—The 5th Royal Irish Lancers, commanded by Colonel Dunham Massy, of Redan fame, marched into Norwich from Aldershot, to relieve the 1st Dragoons (Royal).

30.—At Norwich Theatre, H. J. Byron’s comedy, “Our Boys,” was presented for the first time by Mr. Duck’s company. The part of Perkyn Middlewick was played by Mr. F. Marshall.

—Died at Norwich, aged 36, Mr. Robert Edward Gibson, surgeon. He was the son of a solicitor, a former Mayor of Plymouth, and a nephew of Mr. C. M. Gibson, his predecessor in the office of medical superintendent of the Norwich Bethel. For some years he was surgeon to the Jenny Lind Infirmary, and held the appointments of surgeon to the City Police, the Post Office staff, and the Workhouse. Mr. Gibson married a daughter of Mr. I. O. Taylor.

MAY.

19.—Died at his residence at Catton, Mr. Osborn Springfield, in his 65th year. He was a son of Mr. T. O. Springfield, and served the office of Mayor of Norwich in 1863–4. For many years he was a member of the Town Council and a magistrate for the city, and was reputed to be one of the largest owners of cottage property in Norwich. Mr. Springfield was a Liberal in politics.

26.—The Norwich Town Council accepted the resignation of Mr. C. Thwaites, City Engineer, on his appointment to a similar post in the borough of Sunderland. Mr. Peter Paul Marshall, of Stone, near Dartford, was elected to fill the vacancy.

JUNE.

7.—A grand military tournament, the first of its kind in Norwich, was given on the Lakenham Cricket Ground by the officers and men of the 5th Royal Irish Lancers, in aid of a fund for the widow and orphans of Mr. A. Frayling, late bandmaster of the regiment.

14.—The veteran actor, Mr. Charles Mathews, commenced a three nights’ engagement at Norwich Theatre, as Adonis Evergreen, in the comedy of “My Awful Dad.”

20.—The two days’ show of the Norfolk Agricultural Association was opened in the grounds of Walcot Hall, Diss. Sir Edward C. Kerrison, Bart., presided at the luncheon.

24.—Died at 12, Queensbury Place, London, Sir John Henry Thomas Manners Sutton, third Viscount Canterbury and Baron Bottesford. His lordship was the younger and only surviving son of the first Viscount Canterbury, better known as Sir Charles Manners Sutton, for seventeen years Speaker of the House of Commons. Educated at Eton and at Trinity College, Cambridge, he sat in Parliament in 1839–40 as member for Cambridge. He was again elected in 1841, on his appointment as Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department under Sir Robert Peel’s second Administration. From 1854 to 1861 he was Lieutenant-Governor of New Brunswick, and from 1864 to 1866 Governor of Trinidad. In the latter year he was appointed Governor and Commander-in-Chief of Victoria. On his lordship’s return to England in 1873, he resided chiefly on his estate in Norfolk. He married, July 5th, 1838, Georgiana, youngest daughter of Mr. Charles Tompson, of Witchingham Hall, by whom he had, with other issue, the Hon. Henry Charles Manners Sutton, who married Amyée Rachael, only daughter of the Hon. Frederick Walpole, M.P.

JULY.

5.—Mr. C. S. Read, M.P., gave evidence before the Select Committee appointed by the House of Commons to consider what further legislation might be necessary for the repression of cattle disease, and for the regulation of the importation of foreign cattle. Mr. Read insisted upon the necessity of slaughtering foreign fat beasts at the port of debarkation, and of a period of quarantine for store stock, which he would only allow to be landed at certain ports.

7.—At the Norwich Police Court, John L’Estrange, of Union Place, “the well-known archæological authority, who has published one or two highly important and valuable works on the archæology of Norfolk,” was charged with forging the name of Francis Gostling Foster, distributor of stamps, with intent to defraud, and with stealing stamps to the amount of £1,400. The prisoner had been in the office for twenty years, and had charge of the stamp department. He was committed for trial on the 13th, and at the ensuing Assizes, on August 4th, pleaded guilty, and was sentenced by Sir James Fitzjames Stephen to seven years’ penal servitude. L’Estrange died in Millbank Prison, from fistula, on October 15th.

14.—The Norfolk team won the China Cup at the Wimbledon meeting. Exceedingly good shooting was made by Norfolk Volunteers, and upwards of £150 was brought to the county.

21.—Died at St. Leonard’s-on-Sea, the Rev. John Nathaniel Micklethwait, of Taverham, aged 65. He was the eldest surviving son of Mr. Nathaniel Micklethwait, who was High Sheriff in 1810. In 1849 he married Emily Elizabeth, eldest daughter of Mr. Charles Mills, of Hillingdon Court, Middlesex, and succeeded to the family estates on the death of his brother, in July, 1856. Mr. Micklethwait had no family, and was succeeded by his next brother, Henry Nathaniel, born in 1814. He was a warm supporter of the Conservative party, took a great interest in agriculture, and, in his later years, turned his attention to the breeding of shorthorns, of which he had formed a fine herd.

21.—Died at Portman Square, London, Mr. William Earle Lytton Bulwer, of Heydon Hall, the chief representative of the old Norman family of Bulwer, which has held a leading position in Norfolk since the time of the Conquest. Mr. Bulwer was born April 29th, 1799, and was the eldest son of General William Earle Bulwer, who married Elizabeth, daughter and sole heiress of Mr. Richard Warburton Lytton, of Knebworth Park, Herts., and whose other sons were the celebrated novelist and statesman, Lord Lytton, and the well-known diplomatist, Baron Dalling and Bulwer. Mr. Bulwer succeeded to the estates of his father in 1807, and married, in 1827, Emily, youngest daughter of General Gascoyne, by whom he had three sons and three daughters. He married subsequently, in 1841, Elizabeth, daughter of William Green, of Forty Hill, Enfield. He was succeeded by his eldest son, William Earle Gascoyne Lytton, formerly of the Scots Fusilier Guards, who married, in 1855, Marion Dering, daughter and heiress of Mr. W. Lee Warner, of Quebec House, East Dereham. Mr. Bulwer was a Liberal in politics, and took a leading part in all political movements in North Norfolk, where he was popular as a landlord, and had considerable influence.

—The 3rd and 4th Battalions of Norfolk Rifle Volunteers, commanded respectively by Lieut.-Colonel Duff, M.P., and Lieut.-Colonel Gurdon, went into camp at Yarmouth, and on the 26th were inspected by Colonel Harenc.

25.—The two principal stones of the nave of St. James’ church, Yarmouth, were laid by the Mayor and Mayoress (Mr. and Mrs. T. B. Steward). The sum of £2,300 had been collected for the erection of the nave. The architect was Mr. J. P. Seddon, and the contractor Mr. W. E. Martin, of Hereford. The work was completed at the cost of about £3,250, and the new building was opened on May 1st, 1878, when the sermon was preached by Dean Goulburn.

AUGUST.

7.—The first section of the Yarmouth and Stalham Railway—the portion extending from the first-mentioned town to Ormesby—was inspected by Major-General Hutchinson, R.E., and the first train was run on the 8th. (See July 15th, 1878.)

20.—The Norwich Rifle Volunteers were, for the first time, officially inspected in their new scarlet uniform. The inspecting officer was Colonel Harenc.

21.—By the death, on this date, at Duntrune, Forfarshire, of Miss Clementine Stirling Grahame, in her 96th year, Mr. J. Edmund Lacon, of Yarmouth, succeeded to the estate of Duntrune, and to the relics and papers of the great Viscount Dundee.

22.—The first stone of the Hunstanton Convalescent Home was laid by the Countess of Leicester. The building was erected as a memorial of the convalescence of the Prince of Wales.

24.—Died at Denton Rectory, near Harleston, the Ven. William Arundell Bouverie, B.D., Hon. Canon of Norwich, and formerly Archdeacon of Norfolk, in his 80th year. He was appointed to the living of Denton in 1839, accepted the archdeaconry in 1850, and resigned it in 1869, in consequence of ill-health.

SEPTEMBER.

17.—Died, Mr. William Cooper, barrister, and Recorder of Ipswich. He was the eldest son of Mr. W. Cooper, barrister, of Norwich, and brother of Mr. Carlos Cooper. Called to the Bar in 1831, he practised in Norwich and on the Norfolk circuit for some years, but ultimately settled in London, and devoted his attention to the Central Criminal Court, where he enjoyed a large practice. He was the author of several dramatic pieces, the principal of which, “Mokanna, or the Veiled Prophet of Khorassan,” a play in blank verse, was produced at Norwich Theatre, with great success, on April 21st, 1843. Mr. Cooper was succeeded in the Recordership of Ipswich by Mr. Thomas Calthorpe Blofeld.

22.—Norwich Theatre was re-opened for the winter season, under the management of Mr. G. H. Chaplin. The house had undergone partial and much-needed cleansing and decoration.

24.—The newly-formed Diocesan Bell Ringers’ Association held its first annual meeting in Norwich. The society was established by the Rev. G. H. Harris, Mr. Gervas Holmes, and other gentlemen interested in bells and bell ringing.

OCTOBER.

16.—A remarkable case of fraud was tried at the Norwich Quarter Sessions, before the Recorder (Mr. J. W. Metcalfe, Q.C.). The prisoner, one William Dowman, was charged with defrauding accident insurance companies. He insured under various names with different companies, and by a peculiar formation of his joints was enabled to assume the appearance of having been injured. By this means he obtained medical certificates, and made successful claims upon the offices. He was sentenced to fifteen calendar months’ imprisonment.

25.—The sale of the Taverham Hall herd of pure-bred shorthorns and whole-coloured Jerseys was conducted by Mr. John Thornton. The total amount realised was £3,041 1s. 6d.

NOVEMBER.

1.—The restored chancel and newly-erected organ of Diss church were opened. The instrument was built by Messrs. J. Rayson and Sons, of Ipswich, at the cost of £360.

—At Ipswich Assizes (where Norfolk prisoners were, on this occasion, tried), before Mr. Justice Hawkins, Henry March (59), blacksmith, was indicted for the wilful murder of Henry Bidewell, blacksmith, and Thomas Moys, shoeing-smith and farmer, at Wymondham, on October 20th. The prisoner was found guilty and sentenced to death. The execution took place at Norwich Castle on November 20th. Marwood was the executioner.

3.—Died at Camperdown Place, Great Yarmouth, Mr. William Thurtell, in his 83rd year. Mr. Thurtell, who was a staunch supporter of Conservative principles, was appointed a magistrate for the borough in 1846. His father was Mayor of Norwich in 1828.

6.—In the House of Lords, before the Lord Chancellor, Lord Penzance, Lord Blackburn, and Lord Gordon, the action, Read v. Bailey, was heard, on an appeal from a decision by the Lords Justices. On an inspection of the books of the Bank on the failure of the firm of Harveys and Hudsons, in 1870, it was discovered that Sir Robert Harvey had abstracted large sums of money from the coffers of the Bank, and had sought to cover the deficiency by the opening of fictitious accounts, and by crediting forged bills to his private account. In consequence, the trustee under the bankruptcy of the firm preferred a claim against the separate estate of Sir Robert Harvey, amounting to the sum of £600,000, for the moneys so abstracted by Sir Robert Harvey in his lifetime. This claim was, in 1876, supported by a great mass of evidence before the Master of the Rolls, who decided in favour of the claim, and gave the trustee of Harveys and Hudsons the right to rank as a creditor against the private or separate estate of Sir Robert Harvey, in competition with the stockbrokers and other private creditors. The importance of the decision of the Master of the Rolls, as affecting the interests of the stockbrokers, was great. But for this claim of £600,000 they would have received 20s. in the pound on their debts, whereas the allowance of the claim to rank in competition with their debts prevented Sir Robert Harvey’s private estate paying more than 6s. 8d. in the pound. The stockbrokers accordingly appealed to the Lords Justices against the decision of the Master of the Rolls, and their lordships upheld the claim of £600,000, and dismissed the stockbrokers’ appeal, with costs. The stockbrokers now appealed to the House of Lords, who confirmed the judgments of the Lords Justices and the Master of the Rolls, and dismissed the appeal, with costs; in other words, admitting the trustee’s claim for £600,000. (See December 3rd, 1880.)

9.—Mr. Joseph De Carle Smith was elected Mayor, and Mr. Harry Bullard appointed Sheriff of Norwich.

10.—It was announced that Mr. Francis Edmund Gladstone, Mus. Bac., Cantab., had been appointed organist of Norwich Cathedral, in the room of Dr. Buck, who resigned the appointment in the month of June. Regret was expressed that Dr. Bunnett’s claims for the post should have been “so strangely and perversely ignored.” Much adverse feeling was manifested, and on November 28th a complimentary concert was given to Dr. Bunnett, under the patronage of the leading inhabitants of the county and city.

11.—During a heavy gale at Yarmouth, six vessels were driven ashore, and many other shipping casualties were reported.

21.—A meeting of the promoters of the Lynn and Fakenham Railway was held at Fakenham, and the necessary steps taken in furtherance of the scheme. (See May 21st, 1880.)

24.—Died, suddenly, at Norwich, in his 65th year, Mr. Thomas Jarrold, the last survivor of the three brothers who comprised the well-known firm of Jarrold and Sons. Mr. Jarrold took especial interest in the education of the poor, in acknowledgment of which his friends, shortly before his death, presented him with his portrait.

26.—The new Middle Level Sluice, at Wiggenhall St. Mary, near King’s Lynn, was opened by Mr. E. Fellowes, M.P., chairman of the Middle Level Commission. This sluice replaced the one designed by Mr. J. Walker and constructed by Brogden, of Manchester, at the cost of £30,000, in 1842, which gave way on May 4th, 1862, with the widespread and disastrous consequences known as the Middle Level inundation. After many unsuccessful attempts to construct a dam across the drain, Sir John Hawkshaw, C.E., was called in, and he eventually succeeded in that object, and under his advice sixteen large iron syphons, with the necessary engine and apparatus for exhausting air from them, were constructed upon the dam, so as to secure an outlet of the drainage without admitting sea water from the Ouze. These syphons answered very well for years, but were not equal to the task. The Commissioners went to Parliament in 1874, and obtained powers to raise money to construct a new sluice, from designs by Sir J. Hawkshaw, at an estimated cost of between £50,000 and £60,000, and the work was commenced by the contractor, Mr. Webster, in September, 1874.

DECEMBER.

3.—Died at Hindringham, in his 93rd year, Mr. William Freeman, formerly resident in Norwich. He was appointed Sheriff in 1842, and elected Mayor in 1843.

7.—Mr. Harry Bullard, Sheriff of Norwich, was presented by the clerks and heads of departments at the Anchor Brewery with his portrait, painted in oil by Mr. Ventnor.

19.—Died at Birmingham, in his 79th year, Mr. George Smith, for many years manager of the Norwich Theatrical Circuit. “If unsuccessful in his managerial speculations, he was much esteemed for his kindly disposition, and had in Norwich at one time hosts of friends.”

26.—The pantomime produced at Norwich Theatre, by Mr. G. H. Chaplin, was entitled, “Sinbad the Sailor.” At the Skating Rink, then known as the Vaudeville Theatre, was performed the extravaganza, “Turko the Terrible; or Prince Amabel and the Fairy Roses.” Messrs. Stoodley and Hamilton’s Circus was opened on the Castle Meadow.

1878.

JANUARY.

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 Wilde, for many years Governor of the City Gaol. “He was paymaster-sergeant and last surviving member of Mr. J. Patteson’s Volunteer Corps raised in the year 1798.”

7.—Died at Starston Rectory, the Ven. Augustus Macdonald Hopper, Archdeacon of Norwich, and thirty-two years rector of Starston, aged 61. He graduated at Trinity College, Cambridge, as Senior Optime, and first class in the Classical Tripos in 1839. Subsequently he obtained by competition a Fellowship at St. John’s College, and in 1845 was appointed to his living. After holding the offices of Rural Dean and Proctor for the Diocese in Convocation, Mr. Hopper became Archdeacon of Norwich in 1868. He was succeeded as Archdeacon by the Rev. T. T. Perowne.

8.—Died at Cassell Road, Small Heath, Birmingham, the residence of her son, Mr. Vivian Crome, artist, grandson of Old Crome, Mary Ann Crome, widow of William Henry Crome, aged 75. “She was an amateur pupil of that worthy master, and for many years, while yet Miss Steel, was governess in several Norfolk county families.”

—Died at Middle Market Road, Great Yarmouth, Mrs. Gunn, aged 74. “She was a poet of no inconsiderable merit. Many of her poems have reference to local events, but the greater number are quite imaginative. Mrs. Gunn’s writings were printed and published, and found such acceptance that a further edition was necessary.”

25.—Severe weather prevailed at Yarmouth. Great damage was done to vessels at sea, and several lives were lost.

26.—A special meeting of the Norfolk Agricultural Association was held at the Royal Hotel, Norwich, under the presidency of Lieut.-Colonel FitzRoy, at which it was decided to hold a spring show of cart horses. The first show took place at Norwich, on March 9th.

FEBRUARY.

2.—A telegram from Shanghai announced the death of Mr. Charles Wyncliffe Goodwin, assistant judge at that place. Mr. Goodwin, who was 60 years of age, was a scholar of considerable eminence, and the author of several learned works, including the article on the “Mosaic Cosmogony,” in “Essays and Reviews.” He was a son of Mr. C. Goodwin, solicitor, of King’s Lynn, and elder brother of the Bishop of Carlisle.

8.—The Lynn Town Council unanimously resolved to take steps to abolish “the annual collection of rubbish and roguery which passes under the title of the Cheese Fair.” The fair, which for many years had been held in King Street, was abolished by an order issued by the Home Secretary in the month of April.

18.—The Amateur Dramatic Club of the 5th Royal Irish Lancers commenced a series of performances at Norwich Theatre, with the production of “Ingomar.” On succeeding evenings, “The Lady of Lyons,” “Black-eyed Susan,” and other pieces were performed. The proceeds were in aid of the new uniform fund of the Norwich Rifle Volunteers, and of the Soldiers’ Monument on Norwich Cemetery.

21.—Interesting experiments were made with the telephone in the counting-house of Messrs. J. and J. Colman, Carrow Works, under the direction of Mr. H. Sack, superintendent of the Great Eastern Railway telegraph department. Telephones were attached to Messrs. Colman’s private wire to London, viâ Ipswich, and to the railway company’s wire viâ Cambridge to Liverpool Street Station, a distance of about 120 miles. “Parties of ladies and gentlemen at both ends were able to converse freely with each other, the words being clearly understood and distinctly heard. This was considered to be a very successful experiment, although it does not appear that at present the telephone can be adapted to public use.”

22.—Died at Heckingham, in her 100th year, Kezia, widow of Richard Haywood.

MARCH.

7.—Sir Wilfrid Lawson, M.P., addressed a meeting held at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, in furtherance of the Permissive Bill.

9.*—“The rules approved by the Secretary of State for the regulation of prisons in England and Wales under the Act of Parliament (the Prisons Act) passed last year have been issued. From these it appears that upon an order being directed for the discontinuance of Norwich Gaol and Wymondham Bridewell, the prisoners therein will be transferred to the County Gaol, Norwich Castle.” The prisoners were transferred from the Gaol to the Castle in the early part of May.

11.—Mr. H. M. Pitt’s Comedy-Drama Company commenced an engagement at Norwich Theatre. The company re-appeared at the Theatre on November 25th, for a season of eighteen nights—its farewell visit.

15.—Died at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, from cancer on the tongue, Mr. John Joseph Cotman, aged 63. “As an artist he would have rivalled his father, John Sell Cotman, but unhappily his unquestionably great genius was marred by an eccentricity which at times verged on insanity, and ruined a career which should have been one of honour and renown to himself and of profit to his family.”

—Died at Lewes, Sussex, Mr. George P. Bacon, in his 71st year. He was the second son of Mr. Richard Mackenzie Bacon, proprietor and editor of the “Norwich Mercury.” In 1843 he became proprietor of the “Sussex Advertiser,” which he conducted in a very spirited manner. Mr. Bacon joined his brother in forming the “Norwich Mercury” Company. He was also well-known as secretary to the Association for the Repeal of the Hop Duty.

16.—A silver inkstand and a purse of 200 gs. were presented to Mr. H. J. Martin, in recognition of his services as honorary secretary of the Norwich Central Conservative Club.

17.—Died at the Cathedral Close, Norwich, Mr. Henry Hansell, proctor, solicitor and notary public, and registrar of the Archdeaconry of Norfolk, aged 71. Mr. Hansell was a warm supporter of the local charities, and was for several years honorary secretary of the Jenny Lind Infirmary. His knowledge of ecclesiastical law and of the rules and practices of the courts was most profound. He was succeeded in his registrarship and other appointments by his son, Mr. Thomas William Hansell.

25.—The celebrated Vokes Family commenced an engagement at Norwich Theatre, in “Belles of the Kitchen,” “The Wrong Man in the Right Place,” &c.

28.—The 5th Royal Irish Lancers gave a mounted and dismounted assault-at-arms at the Circus building, Castle Meadow, Norwich, in aid of the local charities and other objects. The performance was repeated on the 30th. The regiment received from the Town Council the thanks of the city for its valuable services.

APRIL.

13.*—“The death is announced of Mr. Thomas Hoseason, of Lynn, at the age of 68. It is said that he was the last representative of one of the famous Dutch families who came over to England with William III., and took a foremost part in the settlement and cultivation of the country of Marshland, so much resembling their native land. The Hoseasons were for many years large landed proprietors, but their estates have changed hands, and the deceased had gradually fallen into a state of utter destitution, and for a long time past had been dependent upon the aid of friends, and lived in a secluded lodging in a back street in the town.”

17.—A public meeting was held at Yarmouth, in opposition to the proposal of the Corporation to erect a new town hall, with courts and public offices, at the cost of £24,000. A resolution condemning the scheme, and asserting that the outlay would be £36,000, and would involve an addition to the rates of 3d. in the pound for the next fifty years, was adopted. The Town Council, on July 15th, approved the plans of Mr. J. B. Pearce, architect, Norwich. (See May 31st, 1882.)

22.—Died at the Wilderness, Bracondale, the Rev. Joseph Crompton, rector of St. Lawrence’, Norwich, in his 65th year. Mr. Crompton began his career in Norwich as a Nonconformist minister, in about 1848. For many years he was minister at the Octagon chapel; but his views underwent such a change that he relinquished the pastorate and established what was known as the Free Christian Church, which assembled at the Dutch church, Elm Hill. After a ministry of several years, Mr. Crompton, whose views had approximated to those of the Broad Church party, began to show strong sympathy with that section of the Establishment. He avowed himself “a Dissenter against his will,” and stated that the Athanasian Creed was the last stumbling-block in his way to joining the Church of England. At his own request the Bishop shortly afterwards admitted him to Holy Orders, and he officiated as curate to the Rev. Charles Morse, both at St. Mary’s and St. Michael-at-Plea. On the Rev. E. A. Hillyard leaving St. Lawrence’, Mr. Crompton was appointed rector of the parish. He took great interest in scientific pursuits, and his name was associated with the Norfolk and Norwich Museum as a lecturer with Professors Lindley and Sedgwick, Thomas Brightwell, and the Rev. R. Lubbock. Mr. Crompton was a zealous supporter of the Norfolk and Norwich Naturalists’ Society, of which he was President in the first two years of its existence. In politics he was a decided Liberal. A window erected to his memory by public subscription was unveiled at St. Lawrence’ church by Mr. Harry Bullard, Mayor of Norwich, on November 6th, 1879.

22.—The farcical comedy, “Pink Dominoes,” was produced at Norwich Theatre by a company under the management of Mr. S. Genese. “It is a class of piece which we are sorry to see introduced on the English stage. Originating in France, it had better be kept in an atmosphere for which it may be specially adapted.”

26.—Mr. Frank Buckland and Mr. Spencer Walpole, fishery commissioners, held a public inquiry at Lynn into the use of trawl and seine nets, and into the alleged destruction of the fry and spawn of sea fish. A similar inquiry was held at Yarmouth.

MAY.

9.—At a meeting held at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, a branch of the Church of England Temperance Society was established. The Lord Bishop presided, and addresses were delivered by the Rev. Canon Ellison, the Rev. Canon Wilberforce, Mr. Cadge, and Dr. Eade.

12.—A fire occurred on premises on the South Denes Road and Exmouth Road, Yarmouth, by which damage was done to the amount of £3,000.

15.—Died at Norwich, Mr. Edward Press, in his 77th year. He was a son of the Rev. Edward Press, B.A., and was born at Barnham Broom. For many years he practised as a solicitor at Hingham, and held several local appointments of a public character. He was, however, more widely known as County Coroner, the duties of which office he discharged with marked ability for fifty years. In politics Mr. Press was a Liberal. He was succeeded as County Coroner by Mr. Robert Thomas Culley, who was elected unopposed on June 6th.

23.—The 5th Royal Irish Lancers’ Christy Minstrel Troupe gave performances at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, in aid of the local charities.

JUNE.

1.—Died at his residence, Theatre Square, Norwich, Mr. Frank Noverre, aged 71. Mr. Noverre was descended from a French family long associated with Norwich. His father was one of the original directors of the Norwich Union Life Insurance Society, and he was himself for many years a director of the same institution. At one time he was honorary treasurer of the Norwich Choral Society, honorary secretary of the Norwich Philharmonic Society, and a member of the sub-committee of management of the Norfolk and Norwich Musical Festival.

10.—The celebration of the coming of age of Lord Hastings, on April 4th, commenced on this date, at Melton Constable. The festivities lasted five days.

19.—The Summer Show of the Norfolk Agricultural Association was opened at North Walsham, and was continued on the 20th. Lord Suffield presided at the luncheon.

—At a meeting of the Governors of the Norwich Dispensary, it was agreed, on the motion of Mr. John Gurney, to adopt the provident system in the working of the institution.

24.—Colonel Massy and the officers of the 5th Royal Irish Lancers, on the occasion of the departure of the first detachment of the regiment from Norwich, were entertained at a civic luncheon, given at the Guildhall, under the presidency of the Mayor (Mr. J. D. Smith). The Mayor, on behalf of the citizens, presented to the officers a massive silver-gilt cup, “in appreciation of the exemplary conduct of the regiment during its stay among them, and in grateful remembrance of the many benefits conferred by it upon the city and its institutions.” The remainder of the regiment marched on the 25th. The Town Council, on July 1st, passed a special resolution, recording its high estimation of the regiment, and ordering the entry in the minutes of the fact that “no complaint has been made nor any collision taken place between the military and the citizens during the time the regiment has been quartered in the city.” The Lancers were relieved by the 21st Hussars, commanded by Colonel Wake.

29.—Died at Constantinople, aged 32, Mr. Robert Pulvertoft Master, Commissioner of the Turkish Compassionate Fund. He was the second son of Mr. Alfred Master, of Norwich, and rendered great services in the cause of humanity during the Russo-Turkish War. Mr. Master was educated at Norwich Grammar School, and, after spending a year in Germany, and a like period in a commercial house in London, proceeded to Ceylon, where he became manager of a coffee estate, and married Amelia, second daughter of Sir Edward Creasy, Chief Justice of the island.

JULY.

4.—Died at Pottergate Street, Norwich, Mr. William Smith, veterinary surgeon, aged 61. Mr. Smith attained to considerable eminence in his profession. During the time of the Cattle Plague, he did good service to the county in his official capacity as inspector to the Central Committee, and at the meeting of the British Association at Norwich read an able paper on the disease, its origin and treatment.

9.—Winterton church was re-opened by the Bishop of Norwich. It had been restored at the cost of £3,000.

13.—The 3rd and 4th Battalions of Norfolk Rifle Volunteers went into camp at Yarmouth, under the command of Lieut.-Colonel Duff, M.P., and Lieut.-Colonel Gurdon.

15.—The Hemsby to Martham extension of the Yarmouth and Stalham Railway was opened on this date. Powers having been obtained for carrying the line to North Walsham, it was thereafter known as the North Norfolk Railway. (See June 8th, 1881.)

20.—Died at Norwich, in his 93rd year, Commander Crane, R.N. He was the son of Mr. Edward Crane, Coroner of Norwich, and entered the Royal Navy as midshipman on board the Repulse, in 1798. During the summer of 1805 he accompanied Nelson in his pursuit to the West Indies of the combined French and Spanish fleets. After continuous service he joined the Reynard, 18 guns, as Acting Commander in the advance on Riga, and was the first to bring to the Admiral of the station lying off Carlscrona news of the great defeat of Napoleon at Moscow. He was in May, 1813, while in charge of a prize, driven by a gale into Frederickstadt, in Norway, where he was detained a prisoner for some months. In 1843 he received the rank of commander, and since 1848 had resided in Norwich.

AUGUST.

3.—At the Norfolk Assizes, before Lord Justice Thesiger, Mr. W. G. Loftus, of Bracon Lodge, brought an action against the Rev. T. T. Berney, rector of Braconash, for trespass. The defendant claimed the right, as lord of the manor, of shooting over thirty-four acres’ of land around Bracon Lodge. This land was principally garden ground. The plaintiff objected to defendant sporting in his kitchen garden, and wished to put an end to the nuisance. In the course of argument between Mr. Day, Q.C., for the plaintiff, and Sir Patrick Colquhoun, Q.C., for the defendant, reference was made to several “musty deeds” produced by Mr. Berney. The jury found for the plaintiff, damages 40s.

5.—A singular claim to the Stanfield Hall estate was made at the Norfolk Assizes, before Lord Justice Thesiger. The action was brought by George Taylor, a railway guard, against Mr. Reginald Gwyn and the Rev. Henry H. H. Lubbock, the owners of the estate, who pleaded that they had a possessory title, and that plaintiff’s title and right of action were barred by the Statute of Limitations. The estate was originally in the possession of William Jermy, of Bayfield, who died in 1752, and plaintiff alleged that, as a lineal descendant of Robert Jermy, who died in 1758, he was heir-at-law. Mr. Bulwer, Q.C., after opening the case for the plaintiff, said he was not justified in occupying the time of the court and putting the parties to further trouble in the matter, when he knew perfectly well that he must be beaten in the end. The jury returned a verdict for the defendants, for whom his lordship gave judgment.

18.—Died at Whitwell Hall, Mr. Robert Leamon, aged 56. Mr. Leamon, who was described as “a good specimen of the old Norfolk yeoman,” broke down the Whig monopoly in East Norfolk, “and became the political godfather of Mr. C. S. Read, for whom he entertained the warmest personal regard.” Mr. Leamon was born in 1822, and inherited from his father a fine property and extensive business. He married, in 1848, a daughter of Mr. John Brooke Gill, of Wood Norton.

22.—Died at Runton, aged 76, Favell Lee, widow of the Rev. Thomas Mortimer. She was the authoress of “The Peep of Day,” and other works of a similar character.

24.—A fire took place at Messrs. Bagshaw’s paper mills, St. Miles’, Norwich, and did damage amounting to several thousands of pounds.

30.—Among the most notable of architectural improvements in Norwich was the new building known as Cooper’s Restaurant, which was opened on this date. It was designed by Mr. Edward Boardman, architect, and occupies a site on which stood the old business premises of Messrs. Butcher, cheese factors.

SEPTEMBER.

5.—Mr. and Mrs. German Reed, assisted by Miss Fanny Holland, Mr. Dale, Mr. Corney Grain, and Mr. Arthur Law, commenced a three nights’ engagement at St. Giles’ Hall, Norwich.

9.—Mr. Henry Walsham opened an operatic season at Norwich Theatre. The company included Madame Rose Hersée, Miss Palmer, Madame Telma, and Mr. Ludwig.

11.—The Sheriff of Norwich (Mr. Harry Bullard) provided the first of his annual excursions for the employés at the Anchor Brewery. The workpeople in the service of the firm (with their wives), to the number of 600, were conveyed to the Crystal Palace and back by special train.

OCTOBER.

2.—A four-oared race, between a crew of the 21st Hussars (Capt. Lovewell, stroke) and of the Norwich Police, took place between Field’s boat-house, Thorpe, and Trowse railway-bridge—distance, a mile and a quarter. After a very close race, the police crew won.

10.—Died, the Rev. Henry Lombe, of Bylaugh Park, aged 86. He was fifty years a parochial clergyman, and for twenty-six years rector of Lyng. At Swanton Morley, in 1831, when the poor-rates were at an appalling figure, and poverty excessive, he set on foot and carried on for years on his own responsibility an extensive cotton weaving business, reduced a turbulent population to order, and saved the whole parish from starvation. In the days of incendiarism he was the main instrument in hunting down into their hiding-places the leaders of that infamous movement, and the means of bringing the notorious Nockolds to justice (q.v. Vol. I., p. 304). Before the days of the rural police, he organized a voluntary system of constabulary in his desperately disturbed parish of Lyng. In company with the farmers, he patrolled the parish during the whole winter, visited every farmstead, and preserved the village from utter ruin. Clubs, coal charities, and penny banks were under his personal superintendence to the last day of his active life. Mr. Lombe was succeeded in the possession of his extensive landed estates by his son, Mr. Henry Evans Lombe, of Melton Hall, a B.A. of Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, and a magistrate for Norfolk and Suffolk.

14.—Died at his residence, St. Giles’, Norwich, Mr. George Warren Watts Firth, F.R.C.S., aged 64. He was senior surgeon to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, a magistrate of the city, and honorary consulting surgeon to the Norfolk County Lunatic Asylum, a distinction conferred upon him after his retirement from the office of surgeon to that institution.

15.—The Norfolk and Norwich Triennial Musical Festival commenced at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, with an evening performance of “Acis and Galatea,” and of “Spring” (from “The Seasons”). The morning performances were as follow:—16th, “Joseph,” and 1st Mass in C (Mozart); 17th, “Elijah”; 18th, “The Messiah.” On the evening of the 16th a grand ballad concert was given, and on the evening of the 17th an operatic concert. The vocalists were Madame Albani, Miss Catherine Penna, Miss Anna Williams, Madame A. Sterling, Madame Trebelli, Mr. Edward Lloyd, Mr. H. J. Minns, Mr. W. Shakespeare, Mr. R. Hilton, and Mr. Santley. Sir Julius Benedict conducted. The total receipts amounted to £4,140 4s. 9d., and the expenditure to £3,898 2s. 6d.

17.—The Rev. Sidney Pelham, curate-in-charge of Aylsham, was elected vicar of St. Peter Mancroft, Norwich, in place of the Rev. Charles Turner, who had accepted the living of Bixley with Framingham Earl, after 31 years’ ministry at St. Peter’s.

—The monument erected at Norwich Cemetery “to the memory of deceased soldiers of regiments stationed in this city or who may die while on service here,” was unveiled by Lord Waveney. It was designed by Mr. John Bell, a Norfolk man. The figure forming the finial, called by the designer “The Spirit of the Army,” was cast in terra cotta by Messrs. Doulton, of the Lambeth Pottery. Colonel Wake, of the 21st Hussars, in the name of the British Army and on behalf of his brother officers, thanked the representatives of the county of Norfolk and city of Norwich for erecting the memorial.

20.—Died at Norwich, James Truman, aged 70, for upwards of fifty years a member of the St. Peter Mancroft Company of Ringers. In 1831 he rang with the St. Peter’s company an intricate peal of Double Norwich Court Bob Major, at St. Michael at Coslany tower, and in 1844 conducted a long peal of Stedman’s Cinques on the twelve bells of St. Peter’s. The peal consisted of 7,126 changes, and occupied 5 hours 17 minutes in ringing. At that time it was the longest peal that had been accomplished in the method.

28.—Mr. J. B. Gough, the American temperance advocate, gave an “oration” at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, at a meeting presided over by Canon Lee Warner.

—Died at Norwich, aged 27, Mr. W. Wilson Turnbull, a member of the literary staff of the “Eastern Daily Press.” He was the author of Messrs. Weldon’s annual, “Benjamin D---,” illustrated by a Norwich amateur, and of several able pamphlets on the Permissive Bill. At the time of his death, Mr. Turnbull was engaged in the preparation of another annual for Messrs. Weldon.

29.—A meeting of the clergy and lay representatives of the diocese was held at Noverre’s Rooms, Norwich, “for the purpose of deciding upon the question of the institution of a diocesan conference or synod.” The Lord Bishop presided. The Very Rev. Dean Goulburn moved, “That this meeting do advise the Lord Bishop that, in their judgment, it is inexpedient to constitute a diocesan conference to meet periodically.” Lord Walsingham seconded the motion. Mr. C. S. Read, M.P., moved a direct negative—“That it is desirable that a conference of the clergy and laity be established in this diocese.” The Ven. Archdeacon Groome seconded. After a long discussion, Mr. Read’s proposition was adopted by the votes of 140 laity and 115 clergy, against the votes of 15 laity and 6 clergy.

NOVEMBER.

5.—The marriage of Viscount Anson, eldest son of the Earl of Lichfield, and Lady Mildred Coke, youngest daughter of the Earl of Leicester, was solemnised at Holkham church.

6.—The first general meeting of the shareholders of the Norwich Café Company was held at the Guildhall, under the presidency of Mr. John Gurney. The company was incorporated in July, with a nominal capital of £20,000, in 20,000 shares of £1 each. About 8,000 shares had been subscribed for at this date, by about 90 shareholders.

7.—The extension of the franchise to female householders was advocated at a public meeting held at St. Giles’ Hall, Norwich, presided over by the Mayor (Mr. J. D. Smith), and addresses were delivered by Miss Helen Taylor and Miss P. H. Downing.

9.—Mr. Harry Bullard, on the expiration of his term of office as Sheriff of Norwich, was elected Mayor. For the office of Sheriff there were two nominees, Mr. William Howlett and Mr. Donald Steward. After a long and acrimonious discussion, Mr. Steward was appointed.

16.—At a meeting of the Board of Management of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, Mr. Samuel Herbert Burton was elected house-surgeon, Mr. Charles Williams surgeon, and Mr. H. S. Robinson assistant surgeon.

—The memorable and disastrous flood occurred at Norwich. A heavy fall of snow on the 12th, followed by a rapid thaw and continuous rain, had the effect of greatly swelling the tributaries of the Yare and Wensum. Simultaneously, a north-west wind occasioned a high tide at Yarmouth, so that the river waters were denied their natural outlet. Instead of ebbing with the tide, the Yare rose steadily on the 15th, and many thousand acres of marshes lying between Norwich and Yarmouth were inundated on the following day. The New Mills at Norwich, were, however, responsible for the greater part of the damage from which the city suffered. The obstruction caused the waters to overflow the banks of the river, and, in a short time, many of the streets in the low-lying localities were flooded, and hundreds of the inhabitants were compelled to leave their houses by means of boats. An enormous amount of distress prevailed. The Mayor (Mr. Harry Bullard) convened a meeting at the Guildhall on the 17th (Sunday), at which it was decided to establish centres for the distribution of provisions; and permission was obtained from the Government authorities to make use of the governor’s house at the disused City Gaol for the accommodation of the houseless people, of whom 200 found refuge there. The Sessions Court at the Guildhall was opened during the day as a store-house, in which 2,600 loaves of bread and many hundreds of blankets, received from the County Gaol, Asylum, Workhouse, and Cavalry Barracks, were placed ready for distribution. At 6.30 on the same evening another influential meeting was held at the Guildhall, when the Mayor and the Sheriff (Mr. Donald Steward) were publicly thanked for the active part they had taken in mitigating the distress of the people. On the 18th a third meeting took place, at which a relief fund was inaugurated, when, in a few minutes, £2,271 13s. 6d. was subscribed, an amount which, by the end of the week, was increased to £4,200. Three or four persons lost their lives in the flood. In various parts of the county rivers overflowed their banks, and much damage was done to property. (See January 4th, 1879.)

18.—An art loan exhibition, largely contributed to by noblemen and others in the Eastern Counties, was opened at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, by the Mayor (Mr. Harry Bullard) in aid of a fund for the restoration of the church of St. Peter Mancroft. An inaugural ode, specially written by Mr. E Oxenford, and composed by Dr. Bunnett, was performed by members of the Norfolk and Norwich Musical Union. The exhibition remained open until December 14th, when a balance of £820 3s. 6d. was handed over to the credit of the fund. (See October 4th, 1881.)

19.—At a meeting of the Norwich Town Council, the Provincial Tramways Company applied for permission to construct tramways in the city. The proposed route was to commence at the Cemetery and to proceed by Dereham Road, St. Giles’ Road, Chapel Field Road, Queen’s Road, Upper Surrey Street, All Saints’ Green, Golden Ball Street, Castle Meadow, Prince of Wales Road, Foundry Bridge, and Thorpe Road to Whitlingham Railway Station. An adjourned meeting was held on December 17th, at which it was agreed not to oppose the Bill, provided the Tramways Company consented to the insertion of such clauses, conditions, and restrictions as, in the opinion of the Parliamentary and Bylaws Committee might be deemed necessary. The Norwich Tramways Bill was considered by a Select Committee of the House of Commons, on May 6th, 1879. It was opposed by the Great Eastern Railway Company and Mr. Foster, a local resident, and thrown out after only the promoters’ case had been heard. (See January 16th, 1883.)

21.—The Norfolk and Norwich Fat Cattle Show was opened at Chapel Field, Norwich.

DECEMBER.

12.—The old parish church of St. Bartholomew, Heigham, Norwich, which had undergone complete restoration and enlargement, by the addition of a north aisle, at the cost of £2,500, was opened by the Lord Bishop of Norwich.

17.—A special meeting of the Norwich Town Council adopted a vote of sympathy with the Queen and other members of the Royal Family, on the death of the Grand Duchess of Hesse (Princess Alice of England), and a muffled peal was rung upon the bells of St. Peter Mancroft. Similar votes were adopted by the Corporations of Yarmouth and Lynn; and the county magistrates voted an address to her Majesty on January 4th, 1879.

19.—Mr. E. C. Bailey resigned the office of Clerk to the Norwich Board of Guardians, after a service of thirty-four years. He was succeeded in the appointment by Mr. John Cross.

22.—Died at his residence, Surrey Street, Norwich, Mr. William Peter Nichols, F.R.C.S., aged 77. Mr. Nichols was born at Yelverton, and was educated at King Edward VI. School, Norwich, under Valpy. He was subsequently articled to Mr. Dalrymple, and, having studied at St. Thomas’ and Guy’s Hospitals, under Sir Astley Cooper, passed his examinations, and in 1823 established himself in Norwich, where he speedily made a reputation, although it was not until late in life that he reaped the full honours he deserved. On the death of Mr. J. G. Crosse, Mr. Nichols was elected surgeon of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, a position he held for twenty-two years, and relinquished the post in 1872, when probably the highest possible testimony was paid to his skill as an operator by Dr. Copeman, who mentioned that in lithotomy his average of successful cases was higher than that of Dr. Donne, Dr. Martineau, or Mr. Norgate, all giants in their day. On his retirement from office he was unanimously appointed honorary consulting surgeon. Mr. Nichols was also consulting surgeon to the Bethel Hospital, and, with Mr. J. F. Watson, successfully carried on for many years the private asylum at Heigham Hall. He was elected Mayor of Norwich in 1865, and had the honour to take the lead in the reception of the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Duke of Edinburgh, and the Queen of Denmark, when they visited the city in 1866. In politics he was a Liberal, and occupied at various times a seat in the Town Council. He was also a magistrate of the city.

23.—Died at his town residence, 36, Upper Brooke Street, Lieut.-Colonel James Duff, M.P. He was born at Innis House, Elgin, on July 29th, 1831, and was the son of General Sir James Duff, who married Miss Eliza Charlotte Prescott, eldest daughter of General Sir Beeston Prescott, Bart., of Theobald’s Park, Herts. Educated at Rugby, he entered the Army in 1851, as ensign in the 23rd Fusiliers, with which regiment he afterwards went to the Crimea, and obtained his captaincy in 1854. At the battle of Inkerman he was taken prisoner, and on his release acted as aide-de-camp to General Syssons, who commanded the Second Brigade Light Division until the end of the war. Captain Duff then embarked with his regiment for China, but the Indian Mutiny breaking out meanwhile, they were ordered to Calcutta, to assist in its suppression. Captain Duff was present with Lord Clyde at the capture of Lucknow, and was specially mentioned in dispatches for his services. He received the Crimean medal with two clasps, the Turkish medal, the 5th class of the Medjidie, &c. In 1858 he left the service, and the following year married Mary, only daughter of Mr. Edward Dawkins, of Upper Brooke Street, London, and niece of Mr. John Berney Petre, of Westwick House. On taking up his residence in the county, he was appointed to the command of the 3rd Administrative Battalion of Norfolk Rifle Volunteers, and, on the death of the Hon. Frederick Walpole, was returned as Conservative member for North Norfolk. In conjunction with Sir Robert Buxton, Mr. Clare Sewell Read, Mr. Colman, and Sir Edmund Lacon, he was unwearied in his exertions to secure the passing of the Norfolk and Suffolk Fisheries Preservation Act, and the modification of Mr. Mundella’s Fisheries Bill to the advantage of the district which he represented.

26.—The Christmas amusements at Norwich included Messrs. Edwards and Waldegrave’s pantomime of “The Children in the Wood, or Harlequin Good Humour, the Wicked Uncle, and the Good Fairy Birds of the Forest,” at the Theatre; and Bostock and Wombwell’s Menagerie on the Castle Meadow.

1879.

JANUARY.

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 cost of which would be heavy if charged entirely on the flooded lands, but moderate if spread in suitable proportions. Mr. Bullard, on November 10th, was presented with his portrait, painted by Mr. Ventnor, in recognition of the services he had rendered to his fellow-citizens during the floods.

5.—Died at St. Giles’ Street, Norwich, Mr. Horatio Bolingbroke, aged 80. He was educated at Norwich Grammar School, under Valpy, was for many years engaged in business as a manufacturer, and did much to enhance the reputation of Norwich for the production of textile fabrics. Mr. Bolingbroke was a prominent figure in the political life of the city, was the first Sheriff appointed under the Municipal Corporations Act, and was amongst the first of the Liberal members returned to the “reformed” Corporation. He was a generous supporter of local charities, chairman of the Norwich Charity Trustees (General List), and a Justice of the Peace. Labouring under the affliction of blindness, he had for some years prior to his death retired from active public life.

16.—The nomination of candidates to fill the vacancy in the representation of North Norfolk, occasioned by the death of Colonel Duff, took place at Aylsham. Mr. Edward Birkbeck, of Horstead Hall, was the Conservative, and Sir Thomas Fowell Buxton, Bart., the Liberal nominee. The polling took place on the 21st, and the result was declared on the 22nd, as follows:—Birkbeck, 2,742; Buxton, 2,252.

FEBRUARY.

8.—At the Norfolk Assizes, before the Lord Chief Baron, an action was brought by Mr. Hamon le Strange, lord of the manor of Snettisham, and his tenant, William Harding, against Richard Auker, for trespassing upon the foreshore at Snettisham and removing shingle, mussels, and cockles. Mr. le Strange in 1866 took legal proceedings to maintain his proprietary rights on the foreshore, and obtained a verdict, against which an appeal was entered; but a full bench of judges confirmed the verdict. Since then he had issued licences to persons to remove mussels from the foreshore, and had leased it to Harding, who had found the defendant carrying mussels away. The special jury returned a verdict for the plaintiffs, damages one shilling, and the learned Judge said he would make the injunction issued against the defendant perpetual. (See January 21st, 1885.)

13.—Died at Kirstead, the Rev. Jonathan Bates, rector of Kirstead with Langhale. He was the son of a Wesleyan minister, and was born at New Buckenham, on June 13th, 1829. When still a child he removed with his family to Edinburgh, where he was placed in the High School. Thence he went to Huddersfield College, and at eighteen became junior master. He had not only passed the examinations of the London University, but had saved sufficient money, with the help of the scholarships he had won, to enable him, on leaving Huddersfield, to enter St. John’s College, Cambridge, where he graduated in 1854, taking his place as eleventh Wrangler in the Mathematical Tripos. On completing his University career, he was appointed second classical and mathematical master of the Colchester Grammar School. This post he held four years, and was then chosen senior or classical tutor and chaplain to the Queen’s Medical College at Birmingham. Ordained deacon in 1854, and priest in 1855, by the Bishop of Rochester, he returned to Colchester as mathematical master at the Grammar School, and did duty as a curate in the vicinity. In 1860 he was appointed Vice-Principal of the Chester Diocesan College, and in 1862 was presented by Caius College to the living of Kirstead. Mr. Bates married the youngest daughter of the celebrated Dr. Medhurst, for many years a missionary in China.

16.—Died at the Rectory, Toppesfield, the Rev. Professor Brewer, M.A., Preacher at the Rolls Chapel, and rector of Toppesfield. He was a son of Mr. John Sherren Brewer, of Mile End House, Norwich, and was born at Calvert Street, in March, 1809. After receiving his early education at the hands of his father, he proceeded to Queen’s College, Oxford, where he graduated B.A. in 1833, taking first class honours in Classics. In 1841 he was appointed to a Professorship, and in November, 1870, was elected an honorary Fellow of his College. Professor Brewer was editor of “Fuller’s Church History,” published by the University of Oxford, and of the Calendars of State Papers relating to the Reign of Henry VIII., published by the Master of the Rolls. He was for some time honorary librarian to the Marquis of Salisbury at Hatfield House, and, in addition to his appointment as Preacher at the Rolls Chapel, he held the Professorship of English Literature in King’s College, London. In 1876 he was presented by Lord Beaconsfield to the Crown living of Toppesfield, which had a gross income of £1,120 and a parsonage house.

21.—Edward Payson Weston, the American pedestrian, passed through Norwich, on his walk of 2,000 miles in 1,000 consecutive hours (except on Sundays). He arrived from Dereham, and at one o’clock lectured at the Victoria Hall, St. Andrew’s, where a large audience had assembled, under the presidency of the Mayor (Mr. Harry Bullard). In the afternoon Weston continued his walk, and arrived at Yarmouth in the evening.

—Died at Wandsworth, Mr. P. Le Neve Foster, secretary of the Society of Arts. He was born in 1809, and educated at Norwich Grammar School, prior to studying at Cambridge, where he took his degree in 1830. A few years afterwards he was called to the Bar, and, after working zealously with the Prince Consort to promote the success of the Exhibition of 1851, was appointed Secretary of the Society of Arts in 1853.

24.—Under the auspices of the Anglo-American Electric Lighting Company, Limited, a descriptive lecture was given at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, upon the possibilities of the electric light, by Mr. H. Edmunds, a representative of the company. The hall was brilliantly illuminated by a special electric installation.

27.—Died at Bournemouth, Lieut.-Colonel Hugh FitzRoy, formerly of the Grenadier Guards. He was born in 1808, and was second son of the Rev. Lord Henry FitzRoy. He married, in 1831, Lucy Sarah, second daughter of Sir Thomas Buller Lethbridge, who died in 1855. In December, 1856, he married, secondly, Emily Louisa, widow of Mr. Charles William Marsham, of Stratton Strawless. Colonel FitzRoy was an active county magistrate, and chairman of the Great Yarmouth Haven and Pier Commissioners.

MARCH.

6.—The twelve hours’ roller skating championship of the Eastern Counties was competed for at St. Giles’ Hall, Norwich. The winner was Candler, of Norwich, who, between eight a.m. and eight p.m. covered 77 miles 7 laps; second, G. Woolsey, of Yarmouth, 74 miles 20 laps.

13.—The marriage of the Duke of Connaught and Princess Louise Marguerite was celebrated in Norwich by the ringing of St. Peter Mancroft bells, and by a civic luncheon given in the Council Chamber, Guildhall, by the Mayor (Mr. Harry Bullard). A congratulatory address adopted by the Corporation was presented to the Queen by the Mayor and Sheriff, at St. James’s Palace, on May 3rd.

22.—The first of the Saturday evening popular concerts, inaugurated in Prince’s Street Schoolroom, and transferred to St. Andrew’s Hall, was given, under the presidency of the Mayor of Norwich.

26.—A Common Hall was held at the Guildhall, Norwich, under the presidency of the Mayor, “to consider the question of the continuance of the half-holiday movement on Thursdays during the approaching summer months.” A memorial was presented by the traders of the city, affirming that the two o’clock closing was not conducive to the welfare of the assistants nor to the commercial prosperity of the city. After much discussion, the meeting was adjourned sine die, and a few weeks later official notice was given that “the shops of Norwich, with few exceptions, remain open on Thursdays till five o’clock.”

APRIL.

6.—Died at Great Yarmouth, Sir Thomas Branthwayt Beevor, Bart., of Hargham. Born on April 7th, 1798, he was thrice married—in 1819, to Elizabeth Bridget, daughter of Dr. Richard Lubbock, of Norwich; in 1832, to Martha, daughter of Mr. Archibald Hardiment, of Old Buckenham; and in 1845, to Mary, daughter of Mr. F. Davies. Sir Thomas had for some years resided in a quiet and unostentatious manner at Yarmouth, but in his early years, as a Liberal of the advanced school, he took a leading part in the political contests of the county.

7.—Mr. T. W. Robertson, son of the author of “Caste,” and other favourite comedies, made his first appearance with the Caste Company at Norwich Theatre. The company made a return visit on November 3rd. Mr. Robertson, junior, who had been articled to a veterinary surgeon in the city, afterwards became very popular as an actor.

11.—Died at Hereford, Miss Christiana Glover, second and last surviving daughter of the Rev. Edward Glover, M.A., of Norwich, aged 91. For several years she lived with the family of Sir Thomas Fowell Buxton, and afterwards became a devoted coadjutor of her talented sister, Miss Sarah Glover, in the work of imparting Christian education in accordance with the principles of the Church of England to the poorer classes in the city. The sisters originated the Norwich Sol-Fa System of Psalmody, “which may be said to be entirely unrivalled in its results, as producing perfect intonation and good harmony at comparatively small expense of time and labour. The system in a somewhat modified form has been very widely and successfully diffused by Mr. Curwen.”

15.—A new oratorio, “Nehemiah,” by Dr. Hill, of Norwich, was performed for the first time. It was produced at the Corn Hall, Diss, by the members of the Diss Choral Society.

—Considerable excitement was caused at Thorpe, near Norwich, by the action of Mr. Henry Blake, who had enclosed the strip of grass land known as Thorpe Green, by the side of the river. Mr. William Birkbeck, as lord of the manor, announced that if the palings, &c., were not removed by noon on this day they would be forcibly taken down. The notice was disregarded, and Mr. P. E. Hansell, as steward of the manor, directed the removal of the obstruction. After the posts and palings had been taken down, Mr. Hansell intimated that Mr. Birkbeck was prepared to take the matter into the law courts, and to the House of Lords, if necessary.

16.—A remarkable scene was witnessed at a meeting of the Norwich School Board. A motion to increase the staff was supported by the majority and opposed by the Denominational minority, the latter of whom asserted that the proposal could be carried out only by rescinding a resolution passed almost unanimously at a previous meeting. “Finding their last effort useless to stem the current of expenditure into which the Board had plunged, and justly indignant at the treatment they received, the minority left the room, and Canon Heaviside intimated that it would be a matter for consideration whether they ever again entered it.” On May 8th a deputation went to Canon Heaviside’s residence and presented to the gentlemen constituting the minority a memorial, signed by the ratepayers, urging that by their presence at the Board they could “continue to protest against reckless extravagance, and so keep the ratepayers better informed of what is going on.” Ultimately the minority agreed to resume their duties, “at the request of their constituents, and in the hope that the public attention called to the proceedings which led to their withdrawal would have the effect of strengthening their hands in the endeavour to discharge effectively the duties that devolved upon them.”

28.—Mr. Sims Reeves sang at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich. His engagement was originally announced for April 17th, but the usual postponement occurred.

—Application having been made by the Norfolk Court of Quarter Sessions that nine disturnpiked roads in the county should, by a provisional order, be declared ordinary, not main, roads, Mr. Courteney Boyle, an inspector of the Local Government Board, attended at the Shirehall, to hear the grounds of the application and any objections thereto. The application had been made on the following grounds: (1) That in consequence of the increase of railways, there was comparatively but little through traffic along the disturnpiked reads; (2) there being no highway districts in the county, the Court was not prepared to encounter the difficulty and expense of dealing separately with the surveyors of the large number of parishes through which the disturnpiked roads passed; (3) that should a highway board be established in the county, the unions through which the disturnpiked roads passed would not be unfairly burdened by their maintenance, while it would be hard upon outlying districts of the county to contribute to the repair of roads which they never used; and (4) that the Court having previously expressed itself in favour of county boards, hesitated to sanction so novel and large an expenditure for the county rate as would be involved in paying half the cost of repairing the disturnpiked roads until the ratepayers were more directly represented in the county authority. Mr. C. S. Read, M.P., stated his reasons for moving these resolutions at the Court of Quarter Sessions, and after evidence had been taken in regard to each road in question, the Inspector said that he should make his report.

MAY.

19.—A glove fight took place at the Corn Hall, Norwich, in the presence of an immense audience, between Walter Emms and Arthur Shaw. At the Police Court, on the 26th, the principals, and John Hicks, James Clarke, James Laxton, Robert Watson, sub-editor of the “Sporting Life,” London; Thomas Snelling, and Edwin Cunningham were summoned for unlawfully assembling together for the purpose of a prize-fight. Emms and Shaw were ordered to enter into their own recognisances of £100, to find two sureties of £50 each, and to keep the peace for six months. The other defendants were bound over in the sum of £20 each to keep the peace for six months.

20.—The Norwich Omnibus Company, Limited, was formed. The first omnibuses were put upon the Dereham Road route on June 23rd.

—Died at the Crescent, Norwich, Mr. John M. Croker, aged 57. His ample leisure enabled him to be of great service to many of the public institutions of the city, and he was for several years honorary secretary of the Norfolk and Norwich Cricket Club.

21.—A fire occurred on Messrs. Willis and Southall’s shoe premises, the Upper Market, Norwich. The damage was estimated at £1,000.

JUNE.

2.—A case of considerable importance to the agricultural community, in which the Earl of Leicester, Lord Lieutenant of the county, was defendant, was heard by the Walsingham magistrates. His lordship was alleged to have infringed the Contagious Diseases (Animals) Act, 1878, and the Animals Order of 1878. The informations, laid by the Veterinary Inspector of the district (Mr. Edward Case), charged his lordship (1) with unlawfully causing to be driven on March 3rd a sheep affected with sheep scab; and (2) with causing 200 suspected animals to be removed. After a hearing which lasted eight hours, the Bench dismissed the case, “because the defendant had satisfied them that there was no cause for suspecting the animals removed.”

5.—A singular accident occurred at Wells railway station. The driver of engine of a passenger train from Norwich was unable to control the brakes, and the engine dashing into the station, knocked down the buffer stops, ran through the end platform, and, crashing into the lavatories and porter’s room, demolished the outer wall of the station, and came to a standstill when partly in the public street. A young man named John Cook was killed. At the inquest a verdict of accidental death was returned, and at the subsequent Board of Trade inquiry the engine-driver was exonerated of blame.

9.—St. Giles’ Hall, Norwich, originally opened as a skating rink, and afterwards used as a variety hall and theatre, was on this date opened for the summer season as a circus by Mr. Stoodley.

11.—The Summer Show of the Norfolk Agricultural Association was opened at East Dereham, when the entries were larger than on any previous occasion. Mr. R. T. Gurdon was president.

15.—The Norwich Artillery Volunteers paraded for the first time in their new uniform. The regulation scarlet facings and helmet of the Royal Artillery had been substituted for the white facings and busby previously worn.

17.—The Prince of Wales visited Norwich, for the purpose of laying the foundation-stone of the new Norfolk and Norwich Hospital. The visit was of a semi-private character. His Royal Highness, who was received at Thorpe Station by the Mayor (Mr. Harry Bullard), the Sheriff (Mr. Donald Steward), the Earl of Leicester, Lord Suffield, and Lord Carrington, proceeded to the site of the new building, and having performed the ceremony, returned to the station and travelled by special train to Yarmouth. The cost of the new Hospital was originally estimated at £35,500, but the Board of Governors subsequently decided to purchase adjoining property, at an additional outlay of £5,000. The Board afterwards adopted a building design jointly prepared by Mr. T. H. Wyatt, of London, and Mr. Edward Boardman, of Norwich, and accepted the tender of Messrs. Lacey and Co. for the completion of the work. (See June 30th, 1881.)

—The Prince of Wales arrived at Yarmouth, and on the 18th inspected the Prince of Wales’ Own Norfolk Artillery. His Royal Highness left on the morning of the 19th. On both evenings of his stay in the town, the Prince attended performances given by the Gaiety Company at the Theatre Royal.

27.—At a special meeting of the Norwich Town Council, Mr. J. H. Tillett moved, “That this Council objects to the proposed schemes of the Charity Commissioners, particularly to those relating to the Boys’ Hospital and the Girls’ Hospital Schools, on the ground that educational and other funds given expressly and emphatically for the benefit of the poor are thereby diverted from their proper objects, and applied to the increase of the endowments in middle and upper schools, which schools, if in need, should be helped otherwise than at the expense of the poor.” The motion was adopted, and the Parliamentary and Bylaw Committee were requested to prepare a petition against the scheme. A Common Hall was held on July 16th, at which resolutions were adopted expressing dissatisfaction with the scheme; and at a meeting of the Town Council, on August 26th, the Parliamentary and Bylaws Committee, in a draft report upon the scheme, urged that to apply grants originally given for the maintenance, education, and advancement of the children of the poor, in aid of the Grammar and Commercial Schools, or either of them, would involve a misappropriation of the funds and a violation of the intentions of the founders. (See October 24th, 1882.)

JULY.

3.—At the Norfolk county magistrates’ meeting, a report was received from the Committee of Visitors that several serious cases of erysipelas, sore throat, and diarrhoea had occurred at Thorpe Asylum, “and it would appear that the very offensive smell which pervades the Asylum whenever the wind blows from the Sewage Farm on the opposite side of the river is the cause of the above-named epidemics.”

4.—In the House of Commons, Mr. C. S. Read supported, in a long and able speech, Mr. Chaplin’s motion, for a Royal Commission to enquire into the depressed condition of the agricultural interest.

6.—Died at the Vyne, Basingstoke, Mr. W. L. Wiggett Chute, aged 79, formerly of Pickenham Hall, near Swaffham. He was called to the Bar by the Middle Temple in 1827, in which year he assumed, by Royal licence, the additional name and arms of Chute, on inheriting the estates of that ancient family in Hampshire and Norfolk. He was elected with Sir William Bagge in the Conservative interest at the General Election of 1837, and held the seat until 1847, when he retired. In 1837 he married Martha, second daughter of Mr. Theophilus Russell Buckworth, of Cockley Cley.

9.—A “silver cradle,” in the form of a massive epergne, was presented by the Corporation to the Mayor of Norwich (Mr. Harry Bullard), “in commemoration of the birth of his daughter, Hilda May, on May 13th, 1879.”

11.—Died at Kett’s Castle Villa, Mousehold, Norwich, Mr. John Berney Ladbrooke. Born in 1803, he was a son of Robert Ladbrooke, painter and drawing master, and nephew of Old Crome, whose pupil he became after he had received rudimentary instruction from his father. “Crome’s influence is traced in nearly all his pictures, although of late years in tone and colour they more closely resemble the best works of Henry Bright. He especially excelled in the representation of woodland scenery.” As a drawing master Ladbrooke was much valued.

12.—Died at Norwich, Mr. John Withers Dowson. A son of Mr. Benjamin Dowson, merchant, of Geldeston, he was born in 1800. Educated at Norwich Grammar School, he was articled to a London firm of solicitors, and afterwards commenced practice in Norwich. The pursuit of professional emolument was, however, less an object with him than the furtherance of the education and the improvement of those around him, especially the poor, and probably no one in the city or county had in his time done more practical work in the cause of education.

14.—An inter-county bicycle race, between Norfolk and Suffolk cyclists, was ridden from Ipswich to Norwich. The competitors started from Ipswich at 3.5 p.m., and the race was won by Popplewell, of Ipswich, who arrived at the Boileau fountain, Norwich, at 6.5 p.m. Morgan, of Yarmouth, was second. The distance ridden was forty-three miles.

15.—An important question affecting the boundary of the city came before the Norwich Town Council. The Town Clerk reported that, in the preparation of the Ordnance Survey, a question had arisen as to whether two pieces of land, one containing about 38 acres, situate in the parish of Catton, and the other of about 45 acres, with 150 houses thereon, situate in the parish of Sprowston, should not be included within the Parliamentary and municipal boundary of the city and county of the city of Norwich. On investigating the matter, it appeared that, by the charter of Philip and Mary, granted to the city in 1556, these two inclosures of land were clearly defined as being within the city boundary, and by several ancient manuscripts and books, including Blomefield’s “History of Norfolk,” reference was also made to these lands as belonging to the city. It also appeared by the report of the Commissioners appointed to report on the boundaries of boroughs and corporate towns, by order of the House of Commons, on April 25th, 1837, that such lands were within the city jurisdiction, and a plan attached to such report corroborated the fact. The matter being important, and the Town Clerk having been requested to state whether the city authorities were willing in the new survey to allow such lands to be shown as forming part of the county of Norfolk, it was referred to the Parliamentary and Bylaws Committee, for further investigation and consideration. On August 26th, the Committee reported that they had consulted the Town Clerk and Major Jones, of the Ordnance Survey, had referred to extracts from charters and from Blomefield, and had resolved that sufficient evidence had not been produced to set forth where the boundary of the city of Norwich should be drawn, and that, therefore, they left Major Jones to define it as he might think best, without prejudice to the rights of any party.

19.—The 3rd and 4th Battalions of Norfolk Rifle Volunteers went into camp on Yarmouth South Denes. Colonel Bulwer, who had succeeded Colonel Duff, was in command of the 3rd Battalion, and Lieut.-Colonel Gurdon commanded the 4th Battalion.

20.—Owing to a heavy and continuous downpour of rain and a strong wind blowing from the north-west, the waters of the Yare were “backed up,” overflowed the banks of the river, and submerged many thousand acres of marshes between Norwich and Yarmouth. Most of the hay crop in Norfolk was ruined by the wet weather.

23.—A silver epergne was presented to Mr. E. H. H. Combe, Mayor of Yarmouth, as a “silver cradle,” to commemorate the birth of a daughter in his year of office.

26.—Particulars were published on this date of the establishment of the Norwich Steam Laundry and Public Baths, at North Heigham.

27.—A remarkable landslip occurred at Attleborough. As Mr. Gathergood, a farmer, whose land lay partly in Attleborough and Rockland, was crossing a turnip field, he was stunned by a loud report resembling the roar of a cannon, immediately followed by a rustling noise within a yard or two of him. On recovering his presence of mind, he discovered that a space of land twenty-four yards in circumference had sunk out of sight, and water was rising in its stead. On the 28th the water subsided, and revealed a chasm from thirty-five to forty feet deep, with perfectly perpendicular sides. This strange phenomenon was attributed to the action of the heavy rainfall.

AUGUST.

2.—A terrible thunderstorm and hurricane commenced in the night and prevailed during the early hours of the morning of the 3rd (Sunday). It was accompanied by a deluge of rain and a heavy hailstorm. Great damage was done to property in city and county. But the greatest calamity was the destruction of Wells church, the tower of which was struck by lightning at 5.50 a.m. on the 3rd. The roof of the nave was soon in flames, and fell in with a crash, and by nine o’clock the whole church was reduced to a state of utter ruin. The fine peal of bells was totally destroyed, and the entire damage was estimated at from £10,000 to £15,000. (See April 18th, 1883.)

4.—Died at Oxford Street, Unthank’s Road, Norwich, Mr. Thomas William Bond, in his 76th year. Mr. Bond was some time subeditor, and afterwards publisher, of the “Norfolk News,” and before removing to Norwich kept a school at Barton Mills, near Stoke Ferry. He was the compiler of a small book for children, known as “Bond’s Catechism,” which was published by Jarrold, and for many years extensively used in all parts of the country.

5.—Died at the residence of his son, Belmont House, Newport, Essex, Zachariah Buck, Mus. Doc. He was born at Norwich on September 19th, 1798, and at an early age attracted the attention of Dr. Beckwith, the then organist of the Cathedral, who took him into the choir. Dr. Beckwith died in 1809, and was succeeded as organist by his son, Mr. John Beckwith, with whom young Buck continued, and to whom he was articled. On the death of Beckwith, in 1819, Buck, at the early age of twenty-one, succeeded in obtaining the appointment of Cathedral organist, his chief competitor being Alfred Pettet, a fellow-pupil, who was appointed to St. Peter Mancroft. Buck soon obtained a large and lucrative practice as a teacher, and established his reputation as a trainer of boys. For nearly forty years he continued to perform the active duties of organist and choirmaster, but during the last twenty years of his life he relinquished the organ to his subsequent assistant and partner, Dr. Bunnett. Besides instructing during his long career some 7,000 amateur pupils, Dr. Buck trained a very large number of professional students, most of whom were selected from his choir. He composed no great work, but was the author of a number of pleasing anthems, and of the hymn, “Come hither, angel tongues invite,” which, it was understood, gained for him his Lambeth degree of Doctor of Music, conferred upon him by the Archbishop of Canterbury. He resigned, on June 5th, 1877, his appointment at the Cathedral, after seventy years’ connection therewith. Dr. Buck was twice married—first to Miss Hansell, and secondly to Miss Holloway, and left three sons.

11.—The British, Archæological Association opened its congress at Yarmouth. Lord Waveney, as president, delivered an inaugural address. The members of the Congress visited Norwich on the 18th.

26.—Mr. C. S. Read, M.P., having declined the invitation of the Government to become a member of the Royal Commission appointed to enquire into the depressed state of agriculture and its causes, and believing that he could serve farmers better another way, sailed on this date from Liverpool for America, in the City of Montreal liner, in company with Mr. Albert Pell, M.P. The object of the hon. gentlemen was to collect, in the United States, information conducive to the inquiry, and this duty they undertook as unpaid assistant commissioners. They made a tour through the Western agricultural regions of Manitoba, Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Kentucky, went south-west to Texas, and returned to Philadelphia on November 26th. They thoroughly examined the system of cultivation, transportation, and ocean shipment of provisions and grain; they travelled an average of 120 miles each day, besides making minute investigations; and in this work they were greatly assisted by the St. Paul and Sioux City Railway, who gave them the use of a special train for a week. They examined the terminal and shipping facilities of the Pennsylvania railroad, the American steamship line at Philadelphia, and the Abbatoir Company’s arrangements for the shipping of live and dead meat. After visiting Baltimore, Washington, and New York, Mr. Read and Mr. Pell sailed for home on December 10th. Mr. Read arrived in Norfolk on December 22nd, and was welcomed at Wymondham station by Mrs. Read and several personal friends.

26.—The Town Clerk reported, at a meeting of the Norwich Town Council, that the Norwich Improvement Act received the Royal assent on July 22nd. Among the works which it enabled the city to undertake was to remove Foundry Bridge and construct a new one forty-five feet wide; to build a bridge across the Wensum at St. Martin-at-Oak, and to exercise increased powers in the sanitary administration and local government of the city.

30.—The death was announced, at Brussels, of Lord Gordon of Drumearn, who, when Lord Advocate for Scotland, in 1867, was returned as member of Parliament for the borough of Thetford.

SEPTEMBER.

16.—The Norwich Town Council adopted a resolution authorising the paving of the Provision Market with wood, at a cost not exceeding £1,100. (See August 31st, 1880.)

—The improvement of Chapel Field, Norwich, was, after many delays, ordered by the Town Council to be undertaken, at a sum not exceeding £1,000, the cost to be charged to the sanitary rate. On November 7th the Mayor and Mayoress (Mr. and Mrs. Bullard) and Mrs. Donald Steward planted the first of the new trees. (See November 4th, 1880.)

OCTOBER.

6.—Died at Norwich, in his 70th year, the Rev. William Grigson, M.A., for thirty-three years rector of Whinburgh and Westfield. A son of Mr. Edward Harvey Grigson, of Saham Toney, he was educated at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, and married, in 1844, Margaret, third daughter of Mr. James Hales, of Norwich. The first of his ancestors to settle in the county was the Rev. William Grigson, M.A., rector of Hardingham, in 1584, and since that period they have continued to reside in Norfolk, where they once held a large extent of landed property. Mr. Grigson’s favourite studies were archæology and genealogy. As an authority upon the latter, his assistance was sought from all parts of the kingdom, and his name will always be remembered in connection with the “Visitations of Norfolk,” of which work he was a joint editor.

15.—Died at the Chantry, Norwich, in his 77th year, Mr. G. Pinson, formerly Governor of Norwich Castle.

28.—Died at Knapton House, Sir Henry Robinson, K.B., in his 76th year. He was a son of Mr. George Robinson, and served for some years in her Majesty’s Bodyguard of Gentlemen-at-Arms, of which he was appointed Standard-Bearer in 1840, and Lieutenant-Commanding in 1845. In 1842 he married Lucy, daughter of Mr. W. D. Cooper-Cooper, of Toddington Manor, Bedford.

NOVEMBER.

6.—The Norwich Diocesan Conference was opened at Noverre’s Rooms, Norwich, under the presidency of the Lord Bishop. The proceedings were continued on the 7th.

10.—The Norwich Town Council, owing to political differences, were unable to elect a Mayor. Mr. Willis was nominated and declared elected, but refused to take office. Mr. Philip Back having been appointed Sheriff, the meeting was adjourned until the 22nd, when the Liberal party declining to nominate, Colonel Bignold proposed Mr. Samuel Newman, who refused to accept the position. Another adjournment was made to the 28th, when Mr. Harry Bullard declared his readiness, by accepting the office for another year, to relieve the city of the stigma cast upon it. The meeting then adjourned until December 2nd, when Mr. Bullard was re-elected.

18.—Mr. Frank Buckland and Mr. Spencer Walpole, Inspectors of Fisheries, opened an inquiry at Cromer as to an application for an Order prohibiting either entirely or subject to such exceptions and restrictions as the Board of Trade might determine, the fishing for and taking of small edible crabs and berried hen lobsters. A similar inquiry was held at Sheringham on the 19th.

20.—The Norwich Fat Cattle Show was opened at Chapel Field, and was continued on the 21st and 22nd.

DECEMBER.

3.—Died at Westbourne Terrace, Hyde Park, London, Mr. John Unthank. The third son of Mr. William Unthank, of Norwich, a solicitor in considerable practice and agent to Mr. Coke, afterwards Earl of Leicester, he was born in 1798. In 1842 he was called to the Bar at Lincoln’s Inn, and joined the Northern Circuit, where, for several years, he practised as a special pleader. In 1859 he was appointed a Master of the Court of Queen’s Bench, and held the post until 1878, when he retired, in consequence of ill-health.

7.—Died at 18, Bethel Street, Norwich, Mr. Frederick Lawrence Phillips, journalist, for many years editor and part proprietor of the “Norwich Argus.” Mr. Phillips, who was sixty years of age, was originally intended for the legal profession, but took to the stage, upon which he achieved fair success, and married Miss Ellen Daly, a prominent actress of her day. An unfortunate accident, while playing Rob Roy, at Norwich Theatre, terminated his hope of advancement in the theatrical profession. Confined to his couch for some time, he employed himself in the study of languages, and subsequently devoted himself to the translation of tales and dramas, and to the production of original dramatic works.

9.—The Rev. Osborne W. Tancock, M.A., of Exeter College, Oxford, seventeen years master at Sherborne School, was appointed master of Norwich Grammar School, in place of the Rev. Dr. Jessopp, on his presentation to the rectory of Scarning.

18.—The marriage of William Heveagre Legge, Viscount Lewisham, Member of Parliament for West Kent, eldest son of the Earl of Dartmouth, with Lady Mary Coke, fourth daughter of the Earl of Leicester, took place at Holkham.

25.—Died at Threxton, aged 68, Mr. Thomas Edward Walter Barton. The Watton and Thetford Railway was originated mainly through Mr. Barton’s instrumentality. His favourite study was archæology, and he possessed a valuable antiquarian collection and library.

26.—The Christmas pantomime produced at Norwich Theatre by Mr. R. Hall was entitled, “Aladdin the Great.”

27.—Died at his residence, Upper Surrey Street, Norwich, aged 68, Mr. Thomas Brightwell, a well-known solicitor, and clerk to the Charity Trustees, in which office he was succeeded by Mr. E. S. Bignold.

1880.

JANUARY.

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 appointments. For twenty years he was a member of the Corporation, and for some time was an alderman of the city. In polities he was a Liberal.

FEBRUARY.

12.—Died at his residence, Stradsett Hall, near Downham Market, Sir William Bagge, Bart., M.P. One of twins born on June 17th, 1810, he was a son of Mr. Thomas Philip Bagge, and priority of birth entitled him to the family estates, to which he succeeded on the death of his father, on June 30th, 1827. In 1833 he married Frances, fourth daughter of Sir Thomas Preston, Bart., of Beeston Hall, and two years after made his entry into public life by acceding to a request to contest the Parliamentary representation of West Norfolk, which had hitherto been in undisturbed possession of the Whigs. In this first attempt to break down the political monopoly exercised in the division Mr. Bagge was unsuccessful; three years subsequently, however, he and Mr. Chute were returned. In 1841 he and his colleague were returned unopposed. In 1847 the Liberals made another attempt, and succeeded in electing one of their candidates, the Hon. E. K. Coke, but were unable to displace Mr. Bagge from his position. In 1852 Mr. Bagge was joined by Mr. G. W. P. Bentinck, and the contest resulted in an easy victory over Mr. Hamond. It was deemed advisable by both sides in 1857 to have a compromise, and Mr. Bagge, “from private reasons, and a desire not to disturb the peace of the county,” retired to make room for Mr. Gurdon, who, with Mr. Bentinck, thereafter represented the division. At the General Election in 1865 the Conservatives resolved to take the entire representation, and Mr. Bentinck’s state of health not allowing him to undertake the fatigue of a contest, Mr. Bagge was asked to come forward with the Hon. T. de Grey. The result was a large increase of Conservative strength and the return of both candidates. In 1867 the honour of a baronetcy was conferred upon Mr. Bagge, in recognition of his valuable political services. Sir William was succeeded by his eldest son, William Henry Ernest, who was born in 1840.

14.—A public meeting was held at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, for the purpose of making known in the county the aims and objects of the Farmers’ Alliance. Mr. Henry Birkbeck presided, and it was asserted that the society was non-political. “Everything passed smoothly until the hon. member for South Norfolk, Mr. C. S. Read, ventured to take a different view from that of preceding speakers, and he was subjected to persistent interruption by certain well-known Liberal politicians.” Mr. J. Howard, president of the Alliance, and Mr. J. W. Barclay, M.P. for Forfarshire, were among the speakers.

17.—Two monster pike were captured in private waters in the county. One, taken by Mr. Joseph English, of Upper St. Giles’ Street, Norwich, weighed 30½ lbs., and measured from the nose to the fork of the tail nearly 46 inches; its girth was 24 inches, and the length of its head 13 inches. The other, killed by Mr. Frank Thorns, of Exchange Street, Norwich, was 47 inches in length, and 27 inches in girth; its head from the tip of the lower jaw to the edge of the gill covers was 13½ inches.

21.—Died at Yarmouth, Mr. James Henry Orde. He was born in Jersey, graduated at Oriel College, Oxford, and was appointed a clerk in the War Office through the influence of his uncle, Lord Raglan. Mr. Orde was appointed private secretary to General Peele, Secretary of State for War, and held that office until 1859, when he went to Yarmouth, and devoted himself to public affairs in that town. He married Margaret Barclay, fourth daughter of Mr. Daniel Gurney, of North Runcton.

24.—Died at Ber Street, Norwich, Mr. Samuel Richardson, aged 73. He was well-known in scientific circles as a geologist and antiquary, and as a contributor to various periodicals.

25.—Died at his residence, the Upper Close, Norwich, Dr. Edward Copeman. For nearly half a century he occupied a prominent position in the medical profession of East Anglia. The eldest son of Mr. Edward Breese Copeman, merchant, he was born at Great Witchingham on December 26th, 1809, and was educated at Trunch Grammar School, then conducted by the Rev. W. Rees. He became a pupil of Mr. Arthur Brown, of Norwich, on whose death he was transferred to Mr. J. G. Crosse; he subsequently studied at St. George’s Hospital, London, and became M.R.C.S. and L.A.C. in 1832. Soon afterwards he was elected house-surgeon of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, which institution he left to enter into general practice with Mr. W. Taylor, at Coltishall. In 1848 he returned to Norwich, and, having graduated as M.D. at Aberdeen University, established himself in consulting practice. Dr. Copeman was afterwards elected a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons, became a member of the Royal College of Physicians, and in 1871 was made a Fellow of that body. In 1851 he was elected physician of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital; he was also physician to the Norwich Eye Infirmary, the Norwich Magdalen, and the Lying-in Charity, and was one of the founders of the Jenny Lind Infirmary for Sick Children, of which institution he was the first physician. Dr. Copeman was a magistrate of the city and a trustee of Doughty’s Hospital. A frequent contributor to the medical literature of the day, he was the author of several standard works, among which were “A Treatise on Apoplexy,” “Records of Obstetric Practice,” “Illustrations of Puerperal Fever,” “Cerebral Diseases of Infancy,” “A History of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital,” &c.

MARCH.

6.—A disastrous fire occurred at New Buckenham, in a range of shops and private houses. Damage was done to the amount of £3,000.

8.—Mr. William Amhurst Tyssen-Amherst was returned unopposed as the representative of the division of West Norfolk, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Sir William Bagge, Bart., M.P.

16.—At a meeting of the Norwich Town Council, the Town Clerk reported the receipt of a letter from the Home Office, informing him that the old City Gaol had been sold for £7,505, and that, in accordance with the provisions of the Prisons Act, the sum of £1,984 0s. 5d. was due from that amount to the Corporation.

29.—Mr. Charles Dillon, “one of the few living actors of the old school” commenced a twelve nights’ engagement at Norwich Theatre. He was supported by Miss Bella Mortimer. Among the plays produced were “Richelieu,” “Othello,” “The Merchant of Venice,” “The Gamester,” “Much Ado about Nothing,” and “Macbeth.” The last-named tragedy was performed on Saturday, April 10th, on which occasion Mr. Dillon made his final appearance on the Norwich stage. (See June 24th, 1881.)

30.—The nomination of candidates for the representation of Norwich took place. The nominees were Mr. J. J. Column and Mr. J. H. Tillett (liberals), sad Mr. Henry Harben, of Seaford Lodge, Hampstead, and the Hon. F. W. B. Massey-Mainwaring, 30, Grosvenor Place, London (Conservatives). The potting on the 31st resulted as follows: Colman, 6,549; Tillett, 6,512; Harben, 5,242; Massey-Mainwaring 5,032.

31.—Sir Robert Jacob Buxton, Bart., and Mr. Clare Sewell Read (Conservatives), and Mr. Robert Thornhagh Gurdon (Liberal) were nominated candidates for the representation of South Norfolk. The polling took place on April 6th, and the counting of the ballot-papers was proceeded with at the Shirehall, Norwich, on the 7th. “The result of the first count was a dead heat between Mr. Read and Mr. Gurdon, the numbers for both being 2,906. Mr. Read’s agent demanded a second count, and on the clerks going through the papers, one of them discovered a voting-paper for Buxton and Read, on the back of which the voter, in distinct violation of the Ballot Act, had inscribed his name. The rejection of this paper made the numbers as between Mr. Read and Mr. Gurdon 2,905 and 2,906. Thus the seat was lost by one vote, and the official return was made as follows; Buxton, 2,917; Gurdon, 2,906; Read, 2905.” A proposed petition against the return of Mr. Gurdon was abandoned.

APRIL.

3.—Sir E. H. K. Lacon, Bart., and Mr. Edward Birkbeck were returned unopposed for the division of North Norfolk.

4.—The funeral took place at Langham of William Nelson, who died at the age of 101 years 4 months.

8.—Mr. Kay, Q.C., was appointed third Chairman of the Norfolk Court of Quarter Sessions.

—King’s Lynn election took place, and resulted as follows: Sir W. ffolkes (Liberal), 1,286; the Hon. R. Bourke (Conservative), 1,257; Lord Claud J. Hamilton (Conservative), 1,192; Mr. Frank Lockwood (Liberal), 1,151.

9.—Polling took place in the Western Division of Norfolk, and resulted as follows: Mr. William Amhurst Tyssen-Amherst, 2,671; Mr. G. Bentinck, 2,433; Mr. Anthony Hamond, 2,304.

10.—Mr. Thomas Johnson Seppings, of Wormegay Grange, Mayor of King’s Lynn, died suddenly when presiding at a meeting of a Committee of the Corporation, held at the Town Hall. Mr. Seppings was in his 69th year.

14.—Lord Walsingham was elected second Chairman of Swaffham Quarter Sessions, in place of Sir William Bagge, deceased.

23.—Mr. Bret Harte, the celebrated American author, delivered, at Noverre’s Rooms, Norwich, a lecture descriptive of early Californian life, entitled, “The Argonauts of ’49.”

MAY.

3.—The Norwich City Asylum, at Hellesdon, built by Messrs. Cornish and Gaymer, from plans by Mr. R. M. Phipson, was formally handed over to the Committee of Visitors by the contractors. The wards were designed for the accommodation of 311 patients, and the total cost of the Asylum, including land (£1,841), and building (£48,708) was £62,159.

15.*—[Advt.] “The Erpingham Coach-and-Four is now running every Tuesday and Saturday, calling at the several parishes on the way. Times and fares can be had at the Maid’s Head Hotel, Norwich, the starting-place.”

17.—The Annual Moveable Committee of the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows commenced its proceedings at King’s Lynn, and was attended by 400 delegates.

19.—The Duke of Edinburgh arrived at Yarmouth, in the discharge his duties as Admiral-Superintendent of Naval Reserves and Coastguards. In the evening his Royal Highness attended a ball given by the officers of the Prince of Wales’ Own Norfolk Artillery Militia, and left Yarmouth on the 21st.

21.—A meeting was held at the Royal Hotel, Norwich, under the presidency of the Mayor (Mr. H. Bullard), in furtherance of the proposed new line of railway between Lynn, Fakenham, and Norwich. Mr. Walrond Smith, C.E., stated the details of the scheme, and a committee was appointed to promote the progress of a Bill before Parliament. The Corporation of Norwich had previously presented a petition against the railway, but, on the promoters giving an undertaking to construct a new road from Barn Road to a point in St. Martin-at-Oak Street, to be carried over the Wensum by a bridge, the Town Council, on May 26th, consented to the withdrawal of the petition. Before the end of the year a more elaborate scheme was submitted by the promoters, who suggested an extension of the line beyond the intended terminus at North Heigham. It was to cross the Wensum and pass beneath the Fakenham and Aylsham turnpikes to the hamlet of Pockthorpe, to be again carried over the river near Bishop Bridge, and to pass through the Lower Close and St. Faith’s Lane to the Prince of Wales Road, where it was proposed to erect a central station for the accommodation of passengers, goods, and cattle. Application was made to the Corporation to contribute £50,000 towards the cost of the land required for this undertaking. The matter was considered at a meeting of the Town Council on December 21st, when the proposals generally, and the suggested contribution in particular, were ridiculed. The Dean of Norwich, on behalf of the Cathedral body and the inhabitants of the Close, wrote an indignant protest against the contemplated intrusion upon their privacy and injury to their property. The subject was referred to the Parliamentary and Bylaws Committee, who, in due course, condemned the scheme. (See March 31st, 1882.)

24.—The Sheriff of Norwich (Mr. Philip Back) revived the observance of the Queen’s birthday, a custom which had been in abeyance for some years, by giving a grand ball at St. Andrew’s Hall.

27.—The headquarters of the 6th Inniskilling Dragoons arrived at Norwich Cavalry Barracks.

JUNE.

3.—At a meeting of the Norwich Board of Guardians, a series of resolutions and amendments on the subject of the Boys’ Home and the education and industrial training of pauper children was considered. Mr. Daynes moved that from and after June 24th the Boys’ Home in St. Faith’s Lane be discontinued, and the boys transferred to the Workhouse, and that the Home be offered for sale. Canon Copeman moved that it was desirable to provide education and industrial training for the children of the poor apart from the Workhouse. The amendment was adopted by 24 votes against 12.

3.—The centenary anniversary of the Yarmouth Monthly Book Club was celebrated by a dinner held at the Crown and Anchor Hotel. “In former days the custom was for each member present at the dinner to propose the health of a lady. The society was promoted by the Rev. Richard Turner, afterwards vicar of the parish, who, at the first meeting, was elected honorary secretary, and held that office fifty years. He was succeeded by Dr. G. Penrice, who was followed by the Rev. Mark Waters, B.A., in 1841. After the decease of that gentleman, in 1864, the business was conducted by the Rev. Bowyer Vaux, who, five years ago, resigned, and was succeeded by Mr. J. F. Waters. The club is remarkable for its age, for having had during its century of existence only five secretaries, and for being still as flourishing as it was in its early years.”

12.—A special meeting of the Norwich Diocesan Conference, summoned by requisition, was held at Noverre’s Rooms, Norwich, to consider the Burials Bill introduced by the Government. The Conference adopted resolutions protesting against the principle of the Bill, and suggesting certain amendments thereto, the chief of which were that its provisions should not extend to the consecrated parts of cemeteries nor to churchyards to which land had been added by living donors, and that the permissive clause as to the modification of services be omitted.

14.—Died at North Runcton, Mr. Daniel Gurney, in his 90th year. He was for many years senior partner in the Lynn and district banks of Messrs. Gurney and Co. Mr. Gurney was a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries, and wrote some useful essays on banking and “A Record of the House of Gurney,” printed for private circulation. He was a magistrate and Deputy Lieutenant for the county, and served the office of High Sheriff in 1858.

15.—Died at St. Leonard’s Precincts, Mousehold, Norwich, Mr. John Henry Druery, of the Middle Temple, barrister-at-law. He was a member of the Antiquarian Society of London, of the Norfolk and Norwich Archæological Society, membre de la Société Française d’Archæologie, &c.

—At a meeting of the Norwich Town Council, the corporate seal was affixed to an agreement between the Ecclesiastical Commissioners for England and the Corporation, for carrying into effect the arrangement made in 1866 with the Dean and Chapter of Norwich for conveying Mousehold Heath to the Corporation for the purpose of public pleasure grounds. The proposal met with strenuous opposition from the inhabitants of Pockthorpe, who claimed the Heath as the property of themselves and their successors, and asserted that while they were entitled to the rents, rights, and profits, the Ecclesiastical Commissioners had no title whatever. (See June 21st, 1881.)

16.—The Summer Show of the Norfolk Agricultural Association was held at Downham Market, and was continued on the 17th. Mr. H. Villebois was president.

27.—The celebration of the centenary of the Sunday School movement originated practically by Robert Raikes, the newspaper editor, of Gloucester, commenced at Norwich with a special service at the Cathedral and children’s services at the parish churches. The proceedings of the week closed on July 1st. The centenary was celebrated throughout the county.

JULY.

1.—Colonel Black, Chief Constable of Norfolk, resigned his appointment, and received from the magistrates the highest superannuation allowance permitted by law. On September 23rd Mr. Paynton Pigott, who, for six years, had been Deputy Chief Constable, was elected to the vacant post. Colonel Black, on his retirement, was presented with valuable testimonials by the magistrates and the constabulary.

10.—A fifty miles walking match, for £20 a side, took place at the Hop-pole Gardens, Norwich, between George Parry, winner of O’Leary’s champion belt of the world, at Chicago, and William Clarke, the Norfolk champion. Heavy rainstorms occurred during the day, and at times the track was flooded. Clarke left the path after completing 40 miles, and Parry, who was three miles ahead, also retired.

14.—The Duke of Norfolk visited Norwich, and presided at an influential meeting held at St. Andrew’s Hall, on behalf of the Eastern Counties’ Asylum for Idiots. The principal streets of the city were decorated in honour of the visit, peals were rung upon the bells of St. Peter Mancroft, and his Grace was received at the hall by the Mayor (Mr. Harry Bullard), the Sheriff (Mr. Philip Back), the Deputy Mayor. (Mr. J. D. Smith), and other civic dignitaries. The Mayor presented to the Duke an address of welcome, adopted on the previous day by the Town Council, and afterwards entertained his Grace and 200 guests at a déjeuner.

17.—The Norfolk Chamber of Agriculture adopted a resolution, moved by Mr. C. S. Read, expressing satisfaction with the steps taken by the Government for the repeal of the Malt Tax by the substitution of a beer duty, “as repeatedly recommended by the chamber.”

22.—Died at Munich, three weeks after her arrival there from London, Madame Anna Caroline de Belleville Oury, one of the most distinguished pianists of her time.

24.—The 3rd and 4th Battalions of Norfolk Rifle Volunteers went into camp at Great Yarmouth, under the command of Lieut.-Colonel Bulwer and Lieut.-Colonel Gurdon, M.P. The total number of men under canvas was 1,301.

27.—The Norwich Town Council, on the motion of Mr. George White, adopted the following resolution: “Several months having elapsed since this Council requested the Parliamentary and Bylaws Committee to consider the legal position in which the Corporation stands with the British Gaslight Company, and, considering the enormous interests at stake, the Council urges upon the Committee the necessity of at once reporting as to what steps, if any, they advise to be taken, in order to relieve the citizens from the unjust and unnecessary burdens imposed upon them through the extravagant charge made for gas.” The Committee were also instructed “to take into consideration the question of electric lighting, as lately adopted by several corporations.” (See August 30th, 1881.)

27.—A grand bazaar was held in Holkham Park, in aid of the restoration fund of Wells church. The proceedings realised a profit of £845.

28.—Died at Castle Rising, the Hon. Theophilus Howard, second son of Charles John, Earl of Suffolk and Berkshire. Mr. Howard entered into possession of the estate of Castle Rising at the close of 1876, having received it by deed of gift from Mrs. Howard, of Ashstead. By his succession this property, which came into the possession of the Howard family in 1545, again reverted to the Suffolk and Berkshire line, from which it was separated by the death of Henry, twelfth Earl of Suffolk and Berkshire, in the year 1779. Mr. Howard married Lady Audrey Townshend, youngest daughter of the Marquis Townshend, in 1873, and left two sons and two daughters. He was called to the Bar in 1863, and in 1873 was appointed a Commissioner in Lunacy, a post which he resigned in 1878. “He was the first of the great Howard family who made Castle Rising his permanent residence and home, for though the estate had been possessed by the Howards since 1545 it was always as a political occupation when Castle Rising was a Parliamentary borough, or as a temporary residence for the shooting. Consequently, through the long period of 335 years not one of the family is known to have died there, and certainly none, with the exception of Mr. Howard, have been buried in the parish church or churchyard.”

AUGUST.

9.—At the Norwich Police Court, William Davies, of the Army Hospital Corps, Henry Pritchard, and William Solly, privates in the 6th Inniskilling Dragoons, and Staff-Sergt. Alexander W. Browne, Army Hospital Corps, were charged with attempting to kill and murder John Smith, a private of the 17th Regiment of Foot, at the Cavalry Barracks, on August 3rd. Smith had been left in the military hospital by a detachment of the 17th, who had handed the barracks over to the Inniskillings. Smith was suffering from a loathsome disease, and it was alleged that the orderlies of the dragoons and Davies, who had charge of him, with the cognisance of Browne, stuffed up the fireplace of the ward with straw, closed the windows and door, and placed plates of burning sulphur upon the floor, for the purpose of suffocating him. The man died a few days subsequently from the effects of the disease from which he was suffering. The prosecution alleged two motives against the prisoners—first, that some of them were interested in a will made by Smith in their favour, and, secondly, that they were desirous of getting rid of an unpleasant patient. After several remands, the prisoners were committed for trial at the Assizes. The case was heard before the Lord Chief Justice on November 12th, when the jury acquitted the prisoners. Sergt. Browne was shortly afterwards promoted to the post of Acting Sergt.-Major in the Army Hospital Corps at the North Camp, Aldershot, and headmaster of the 3rd District Station Hospital.

16.—Mr. Traverner’s English Opera Company commenced a six nights’ engagement at Norwich Theatre, in the opera of “Martha.” The company included Miss Annette Albu, Mdlle. Joyce-Maas, Mr. Michael Dwyer, Mr. William Parkinson, and Madame Arabella Smythe.

—The annual meeting of the National Association of Architects commenced at Norwich. Visits were made to different parts of the county, for the inspection of the church architecture of the district.

30.—The extension of the East Norfolk Railway from Aylsham to Cawston was inspected by General Hutchinson, and was opened for public traffic on September 1st.

31.—The Norwich Town Council received a report from a special committee recommending a scheme for repairing the main streets of the city with wood, at the cost of £19,284. The scheme was adopted on September 15th. On October 13th Mr. Arnold Taylor, an Inspector of the Local Government Board, held an inquiry at the Guildhall as to an application by the Corporation for powers to borrow £30,300 for street improvements and wood paving. It was stated that of the amount named, £25,000 would be required for the latter work. The Town Clerk reported, on November 16th, that the Local Government Board had sanctioned a loan of £25,000, repayable with interest within a period not exceeding twelve years. (See January 22nd, 1883.)

SEPTEMBER.

3.—The Grantully Castle steamship, with Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone on board, arrived in Yarmouth Roads. Mr. J. J. Colman, M.P., and several members of the local Liberal party put off in the steam-tug Meteor, and boarded the steamer. Mr. A. Peaton read to the right hon. gentleman an address, conveying to him the congratulations of the Liberal party in Yarmouth upon his recovery from his recent severe illness. Mr. Gladstone, who had most cordially received the deputation, returned thanks in a characteristic speech.

—The staff of the Anchor Brewery, Norwich, to the number of 650, were conveyed by special train to the Alexandra Palace, by invitation of the head of the firm, Mr. Harry Bullard, Mayor of the city.

17.—Died at the Bedford Hotel, Brighton, aged 84, the Right Hon. Sir Fitzroy Edward Kelly, Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer Division of the High Court of Justice. He was elected High Steward of Norwich, an office which was abolished by the Municipal Reform Act. Sir Fitzroy received three years’ annuity to January 1st, 1839, and a life pension of £48 a year.

18.—The appointment was announced of Dr. Horace Hill as chorus-master of the Norwich Festivals.

21.—The Norwich Town Council appointed Dr. Bunnett City Organist, at the salary of £50 per annum.

26.—Died at Aylsham, in his 86th year, Mr. Robert William Parmeter, who held the office of Clerk of the Peace for the county of Norfolk from 1842 to 1868, when he was succeeded by Mr. Charles Foster.

27.—Died at Fawley Court, Buckinghamshire, Mr. Edward Mackenzie, aged 69. He was a member of a family who were largely identified with railway enterprises, especially in France, where he resided sixteen years. Mr. Mackenzie’s connection with Norfolk and Suffolk began in 1869, when he purchased the estates of Thetford and Santon-Downham. “He is best remembered by the public for his foundation of the British Orphan Asylum at Slough.”

OCTOBER.

5.—A meeting of the Wells and Fakenham Turnpike Trustees was held at Wells, for the purpose of letting the toll-gates for a term of eleven months expiring on November 1st, 1881. The trust would have ceased in 1876, but Mr. E. B. Loynes, clerk to the trustees, was instructed to attend a Select Committee of the House of Commons, to give information on the subject. This resulted in a further period of five years being granted, and certain restrictions and conditions were imposed to be observed by the trustees. It was only in 1824 an Act was obtained for making this road. “Under no conditions, however, can the trust be maintained beyond November 1st, 1881, and therefore after that date the Wells and Fakenham Turnpike Trust will be a thing of the past.”

11.—Died at Unthank’s Road, Norwich, the Rev. John Hallett, aged 57, for twenty-four years minister of the Old Meeting House.

18.—The “Caste” Company, under the management of Messrs. Robertson and Bruce, commenced a farewell engagement at Norwich Theatre. Miss Cora Stuart (Mrs. T. W. Robertson) made her first appearance on the Norwich stage.

22.—A new organ, erected at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, by Messrs. Bryceson Bros. and Ellis, Charlton Works, Islington, was formally handed over by Mr. Hugh Barclay, on behalf of the subscribers, to the Mayor (Mr. Harry Bullard). The organ and its accessories cost £1,874. The receipts amounted to £1,841, and Mr. R. A. Gorell made up the deficiency by handing in a cheque for £35. Dr. Bridge, organist of Westminster Abbey, Dr. Bennett, and Dr. Gladstone played selections upon the new instrument, and the Mayor entertained the large company present on the occasion. The public opening of the organ took place on the 23rd, when Dr. Bunnett gave the first recital of his annual series.

26.—Died at Lowestoft, Mr. John Bathurst Graver-Browne, of Morley Hall, aged 43. He was a son of Mr. John Graver-Browne, by his wife Frances Bathurst, granddaughter of the Bishop of Norwich, and married, in 1871, Frances Julia, daughter of Sir Henry Stracey, Bart. Mr. Graver-Browne was a magistrate and Deputy Lieutenant of the county, and served the office of High Sheriff in 1873.

29.—A dreadful disaster occurred at Wells-next-the-Sea. The Eliza Adams lifeboat, manned by thirteen men, capsized while going to a ship in distress, and eleven of the crew were drowned. Great public sympathy was expressed, and to the fund inaugurated for the relief of the bereaved families the Royal National Lifeboat Institution contributed £1,000.

NOVEMBER.

4.—Chapel Field, Norwich, renamed Chapel Field Gardens, was re-opened for the use of the public. This hitherto neglected area had been tastefully laid out as a garden, and in the centre was erected the wrought-iron pavilion manufactured by Messrs. Barnards and Bishop, and exhibited by them four years previously at the Philadelphia Exhibition. It was designed by Mr. T. Jeckyll, and purchased for the city by public subscription. The Mayor (Mr. Harry Bullard) performed the opening ceremony, and after the band of the 6th Inniskilling Dragoons had played the National Anthem, his worship entertained a large company to luncheon at the Drill Hall.

—The Norwich Diocesan Conference commenced its sittings at Noverre’s Rooms, Norwich, under the presidency of the Lord Bishop. The proceedings concluded on the 5th.

—Died at Tasburgh, Mr. Ernest H. Willett, only son of Mr. Henry Willett, of Norwich. He was a well-known cricketer, and although he fell away from the early promise of his Radley days, did good service as captain of the county eleven. With Mr. H. Birkbeck, jun., and the Rev. H. W. Turner, Mr. Willett resuscitated the County Club, which played its first match with Essex, at Brentwood, on July 28th and 29th, 1876.

9.—Mr. Samuel Grimmer was elected Mayor, and Dr. Eade appointed Sheriff of Norwich.

14.—Died at Stow Hall, Downham Market, Sir Thomas Leigh Hare, Bart. Born July 18th, 1807, he was formerly captain in the 2nd Life Guards, and afterwards captain in the West Norfolk Militia. A magistrate and a Deputy Lieutenant for Norfolk, he had served the office of High Sheriff.

18.—The annual exhibition of the Norfolk and Norwich Christmas Show Association opened at the Drill Hall and Chapel Field, Norwich, and was attended by the Patron, the Prince of Wales, who arrived from Horstead Hall, where he had been staying as the guest of Mr. Edward Birkbeck. His Royal Highness, after leaving the show, was entertained to luncheon by Mr. and Mrs. Colman, at Carrow House. The Prince, before returning to Horstead, inspected the various departments at Carrow Works.

20.*—“A final dividend of 9½d. in the pound is announced in connection with the bankruptcy of Messrs. Harvey and Hudsons, bankers, Norwich, who failed for upwards of £1,700,000, in July, 1870. The total return to the creditors has been 14s. 3½d. in the pound.” (See December 3rd.)

22.—The Prince and Princess of Wales arrived at Melton Constable, on a visit to Lord and Lady Hastings. Their Royal Highnesses left on November 26th.

—The dead body of Henry Jonathan Minns, lay clerk at Norwich Cathedral, and a well-known local tenor, was discovered suspended by the neck upon a ladder in the presbytery triforium over St. Luke’s chapel at the Cathedral. At the adjourned inquest, held on the 26th, the jury returned a verdict to the effect that deceased committed suicide while of unsound mind. On the same day “a special service of humiliation” was held at the Cathedral, when an address was delivered by the Dean.

23.—The Duke of Edinburgh arrived at Didlington Hall, on a visit to Mr. W. A. Tyssen-Amherst, M.P., and left on the 26th. His Royal Highness was engaged in the inspection of the Coastguard and Naval Reserves on the East Coast.

24.—A special choral service, in aid of the Choir Benevolent Fund, was held at Norwich Cathedral. Members of the choirs of her Majesty’s Chapels Royal, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Ely, Norwich, and Peterborough Cathedrals, Eton College, and St. George’s Chapel, Windsor, took part, and the sermon was preached by the Rev. Dr. Swainson, Canon of Chichester.

29.—The bells of Blofield church were re-opened, after re-hanging by the Redenhall firm of bell-founders—Captain Moore, Mr. Gervas Holmes, M.A., of Emanuel College, Cambridge, and Mr. Mackenzie, C.E.

—The Conservative party at Lynn presented to Lady Hamilton, wife of Lord Claud J. Hamilton, a valuable diamond bracelet, and congratulated his lordship, who formerly represented the borough, upon his election for Liverpool.

DECEMBER.

3.—Application was made in the Rolls Court for leave to bring an action in connection with the Harvey and Hudsons bankruptcy. It was alleged that a certain asset of the firm (a life interest on property which had been sold by Mr. E. K. Harvey to his brother, Sir Robert) was disposed of for a sum far below its value; Messrs. Boswell and Baxter, wine merchants, who were creditors of Messrs. Harvey and Hudsons, claimed that the matter should be re-opened and re-adjusted. Divested of technicalities, the claim of the plaintiffs, who sued for themselves and other creditors of Sir R. J. Harvey’s joint and separate estates, was to have the purchase of the life interest by the defendants set aside, and to have the benefit of the policies effected, and payment of the income arising from the life interest which had been already received by the defendants, after allowance had been made for the purchase-money and interest of the premiums paid on the policies; and also the costs of the suit. The Master of the Rolls granted the application to December 9th. (See December 7th, 1882.)

8.—Trinity Wesleyan chapel, Dereham, the foundation-stone of which was laid in the month of April, was opened for public worship. The work, executed from designs by Mr. Edward Boardman, architect, Norwich, cost, inclusive of minister’s house, &c., £3,400.

15.—A new warehouse, erected at the cost of many thousands of pounds, at Lynn docks, and stored with large quantities of cotton seed, belonging to different merchants, was destroyed by fire. The damage was estimated at £15,000.

18.—At a meeting of the Executive Committee of the county of Norfolk, held at the Shirehall, Norwich, the Chairman (Mr. C. S. Read) reported an alarming outbreak of foot-and-mouth diseases affecting 1,754 cattle, 1,640 sheep, and 66 pigs. (See February 28th, 1881.)

24.—The Christmas pantomime produced at Norwich Theatre by Messrs. Herbert and Collingwood was entitled, “Robinson Crusoe and Harlequin Billee Taylor, or Man Friday among the Afghans.” This was the last Christmas pantomime performed at the Theatre. At Messrs. John Sanger and Son’s Circus, on December 27th, was produced, “Little Red Riding Hood, the Wicked Wolf, and the Princess’s Fairy Garden Party.”

1881

JANUARY.

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 18th an extraordinary snowstorm and gale occurred. The thermometer registered 32 degrees of frost, and the wind, which during the preceding night had veered to the east, suddenly assumed the strength of a hurricane, which raged for nearly twenty-four hours. “A velocity of 548 miles was recorded, a force very rarely experienced in this part of the country.” Little snow fell until about five o’clock in the afternoon, when the clouds discharged themselves with a virulence almost unprecedented. From six to eight inches of snow fell in a few hours, and in places there were drifts ten feet in depth. The traffic on most of the branch lines of the Great Eastern Railway was suspended nearly twenty-four hours. The mail train from Norwich to Yarmouth—four hours late—ran into a drift near Buckenham, and remained embedded six hours. The use of five engines and the efforts of sixty men proved unavailing, and there was no alternative but to take the train back to Norwich. Many of the roads being impassable, the mail-cart drivers abandoned their journeys. Terrible shipping disasters occurred off Yarmouth; thirteen vessels were wrecked, and nearly fifty lives lost. The surf lifeboat was capsized a few yards from the shore, and of the crew of ten who were entangled in the tackle beneath the craft six were drowned. From the 14th to the 21st never once did the thermometer rise above freezing-point. On the 26th the temperature rose to 38 degrees, and rain fell on the 27th.

17.—Prince’s Street Sunday schools and Lecture Hall, Norwich, were opened, as an adjunct to the Congregational church. The fine block of buildings was designed by Mr. Edward Boardman, architect, and erected by Messrs. Downing and Sons, at the cost of about £12,600.

24.—The National Skating Association held a race-meeting on Wroxham Broad. Fixed originally for the 18th, but postponed in consequence of the gale, it was attended, amongst other competitors, by George (“Fish”) Smart, Champion of England, W. (“Turkey”) Smart, and many prominent Fen skaters.

28.—Killed at the battle of Lang’s Nek, South Africa, aged 21, Lieut. Robert Hamond Elwes, Grenadier Guards, aide-de-camp to Sir G. Pomeroy Colley. He was the eldest son of Mr. Robert Elwes, of Congham House, near King’s Lynn.

FEBRUARY.

9.—A squadron of the 3rd Hussars arrived at Norwich Cavalry Barracks, from Colchester.

14.—The comic opera, “Les Cloches de Corneville,” was performed at Norwich Theatre for the first time by a company under the management of Mr. Charles Bernard. A company of children presented the same opera at the Theatre on March 28th.

28.—In accordance with a resolution adopted at a meeting of the Norfolk Chamber of Agriculture on the 26th, a deputation waited upon Earl Spencer, President of the Privy Council, when Mr. C. S. Read, as president of the Chamber and Chairman of the Executive Committee of the County, expressed, on behalf of Norfolk agriculturists, the desire that, in view of the prevalence of foot-and-mouth disease, greater restrictions should be observed in regard to store cattle, and that a certain relaxation should be made in the case of fat cattle, which, it was proposed, should be sent direct from licensed sales and markets to slaughter-houses, to be killed within four days. It was also suggested that the Privy Council should prohibit the importation of live animals from countries where they knew disease existed. A further deputation, headed by the Mayor of Norwich (Mr. S. Grimmer), interviewed Earl Spencer on March 25th, with the view of obtaining such relaxation of the Orders in Council as to permit the sale of store stock at Tombland Fair. A fresh outbreak of the disease occurred in the autumn, and on October 28th the county authority passed a resolution affirming that, notwithstanding its recurrence, the time had not arrived for the closing of the markets; that should the Privy Council consider it necessary to stop the spread of the disease by closing the store stock markets, such order should not take effect before the first week in December; that the existing regulations for preventing the importation of diseased cattle from foreign countries were entirely insufficient, and that until more stringent regulations were in force the system of closing markets was vexatious. (See January 7th, 1882.)

MARCH.

8.—The Spring Show of the Norfolk Agricultural Association was held at Lynn, but the change of venue resulted in a very small entry.

19.*—“Died, a few days ago, in a modest dwelling in Yarmouth, Charles Crawshay Wilkinson, the inventor of perforated sheet stamps. The Government offered a very handsome reward for a contrivance by which postage and other stamps might be most easily separated. Mr. Wilkinson, then only a working-man, in the service of a distinguished firm, exercised the considerable technical knowledge and natural cleverness he possessed, and constructed a perforating machine similar to those now in use. This success was made known to his employers, who presented him with a sum for the invention, but obtained the credit for it, and also the large reward offered. The inventor gained a competency by his industry, went to Yarmouth, and lived happily in retirement. With the exception of intimate friends, very few knew him as the real originator of a device which had benefited countless millions of people.”

APRIL.

2.*—“Mr. Edward Ebenezer Kay, Q.C., of Thorpe Abbots, near Scole, has accepted the Judgeship vacant by the retirement of Vice-Chancellor Sir Richard Malins. He does not become Vice-chancellor, but simply one of the Judges of the High Court of Justice.”

18.—The National Fisheries Exhibition was opened at the Drill Hall, Norwich, by the Prince of Wales. His Royal Highness, who was accompanied by the Princess of Wales, Prince Leopold, the Lord President of the Privy Council and the Countess Spencer, Sir W. Vernon Harcourt and Lady Harcourt, his Excellency Count Dannesekjold-Samsoë, Count Frijs-Frijsonborg, Lord and Lady Charles Beresford, Mr. Mundella, M.P., and Sir Philip Cunliffe Owen, arrived from Wolferton at Thorpe station at 12.20, and was received by the Mayor (Mr. S. Grimmer), the Sheriff (Dr. Eade), and the Deputy-Mayor (Mr. Harry Bullard). The Artillery Volunteers supplied a guard of honour in the station yard, and the Royal visitors were escorted by a detachment of the 3rd Hussars. At the Drill Hall, where the Rifle Volunteers mounted a guard of honour, their Royal Highnesses were received by the President of the exhibition (Mr. Edward Birkbeck, M.P.) and other officials. The President presented an address to the Prince of Wales, who replied, and declared the exhibition open. The Mayor afterwards entertained their Royal Highnesses and a distinguished company to a déjeuner at St. Andrew’s Hall. At four o’clock the Royal party returned to Thorpe station, whence they proceeded to Wolferton. The exhibition, which was promoted by the Norfolk and Suffolk Fish Acclimatization Society, remained open until May 7th, was visited by 70,000 persons, exclusive of exhibitors and their assistants, and nearly £2,800 was received for admission. Several distinguished scientists delivered lectures at the Prince’s Street Lecture Hall—Professor Huxley on “The Herring,” on April 21st; Mr. Edward Jex, on “Deep Sea Fisheries,” on April 22nd; Mr. R. Bowdler Sharpe, on “Fish-eating Birds,” on April 25th; and Mr. H. N. Moseley, naturalist to the Challenger Expedition, on “Deep-sea Dredging,” on April 28th. On the last day of the exhibition, Earl Ducie distributed the prizes and diplomas to the exhibitors.

19.—A meeting of the members of the Norfolk Chamber of Agriculture and of farmers and agriculturists residing in West Norfolk was held at the Town Hall, Lynn, under the presidency of Mr. C. S. Read, when a resolution affirming “that the present state of the agricultural interest demands the serious attention of the Government of the country” was unanimously adopted. In compliance with a letter addressed to the parochial clergy by the Lord Bishop, services of humiliation and of intercession for a plentiful harvest were held throughout the diocese during the last week of May.

26.—On the occasion of the funeral of Lord Beaconsfield, flags were displayed at half-mast on the churches and public buildings of Norwich, muffled bells were tolled, and many business establishments were partially closed. A funeral sermon was preached at the Cathedral by Canon Heaviside.

28.—Died, in his 84th year, Mr. Brampton Gurdon, of Letton Hall and Grundisburgh Hall, Suffolk. He was the eldest son of Mr. Theophilus Thornhagh Gurdon, of Letton, and in 1855 served the office of High Sheriff. In 1857 Mr. Gurdon was elected unopposed one of the members for the Western division of the county, and was again returned, with Mr. Bentinck, in 1859. He retained the seat until July, 1865, when he and Sir Willoughby Jones were defeated by Mr. Bagge and the Hon. T. de Grey. Mr. Gurdon married the Hon. Henrietta Susannah, daughter and co-heiress of the first Baron Colborne, of West Harling Hall.

29.—Charles Monsey, a superannuated Excise officer, murdered his wife at Worstead, by inflicting wounds upon her head with a hatchet. At Ipswich Assizes, before Mr. Justice Hawkins, on May 9th, affidavits were produced as to the insanity of the accused, and the trial was postponed. Monsey was afterwards detained as a criminal lunatic.

MAY.

7.—The Census returns for Norwich were published on this date, as follow:—Houses: Inhabited, 19,777; uninhabited, 1,011; building, 246. Persons: Males, 40,281; females, 47,560; total, 87,841.

29.—Died at Hoveton House, the Rev. Thomas John Blofeld, vicar of the parish, aged 74. He was educated at Eton and Trinity College, Cambridge, where he graduated in 1829. Ordained in 1830, he was for a short time vicar of Old Sodbury, Gloucestershire, and exchanged the living for the rectory of Drayton and Hellesdon. Mr. Blofeld was rural dean of the deanery of Taverham, which he resigned, with the rectory of Drayton, in 1851, on his appointment to the living of Hoveton. He married, in 1834, Catherine Charlotte, daughter of the Rev. Anthony Collett, of Heveningham, Suffolk, by whom he had three sons and a daughter. Mr. Blofeld was an active county magistrate, chairman of the visiting justices of the County Gaol, an auditor of the county accounts, and a Deputy Lieutenant. For many years he was one of the most able and energetic of the leaders of the Conservative party in North Norfolk. In his youth he was a great oarsman, was stroke of the Trinity boat, and one of the founders of boating on the Cam. With a taste for outdoor pursuits, he was a keen and skilled naturalist, and a sportsman of the best type.

30.—Died at Les Avants, the Rev. Herbert Pelham, aged 26, curate of St. Philip, Heigham, and youngest son of the Bishop of Norwich. “He had been staying at Gleion, in Montreaux, on the banks of Lake Geneva, with his brother, the Rev. Sidney Pelham. In the morning, at four o’clock, both brothers left their hotel for a walk amongst the mountains, aiming at a point which they reached at seven o’clock. After resting half an hour, they began to descend. Not more than ten minutes had elapsed after their starting, when, on a grassy slope, Mr. Sidney Pelham, who was in front, heard a rushing sound, and perceived that his brother was falling head foremost down a cliff some 240 feet in extent.” On hurrying to the spot he found the body motionless, and a surgeon who was summoned pronounced that death had been instantaneous. Great public sympathy was expressed in Norwich and the diocese, and many resolutions of condolence were sent to the Bishop.

31.—Died at his residence, at Thorpe, Norwich, Mr. William Howlett, aged 78. He had been an alderman and town councillor. Identified with the musical profession, Mr. Howlett had rendered very valuable assistance to the funds of many of the Norwich charities.

JUNE.

8.—The new section of the Yarmouth and North Norfolk Railway, between Stalham and North Walsham, was inspected by Major-General Hutchinson, R.E., and was opened for passenger traffic on the 13th. A public dinner to commemorate the event was held, under the presidency of Mr. C. S. Read, at the King’s Arms Hotel, North Walsham, on the 15th.

9.—The Prince of Wales arrived at Yarmouth, and inspected the Norfolk Artillery Militia on the South Denes. The Duke of Cambridge, Commander-in-Chief, arrived in the evening, and on the 10th inspected the Militia, and the 2nd Norfolk Artillery Volunteers.

21.—The Norwich Town Council granted to the promoters of the proposed Agricultural Hall the lease of a piece of land 174 feet long by 103 feet wide, for a term of seventy-five years, commencing September 29th, 1881, at an annual ground rent of £100, subject to the promoters expending at least £7,000 for the erection of the building thereon. (See March 25th, 1882.)

—At a meeting of the Norwich Town Council, a scheme for the regulation and management of Mousehold Heath was adopted. On June 24th, at Norwich Quarter Sessions, eleven persons were indicted for committing damage to certain roadways on the Heath, the property of the Corporation. The case was adjourned to the October Sessions. In the High Court of Justice, on July 29th, before the Master of the Rolls, application was made for an injunction to restrain the “Pockthorpe Committee” and others from dealing in any way with Mousehold Heath. The injunction was granted. At the October Sessions, the prosecution was withdrawn, on the ground that the injunction had been obeyed by the defendants. (See June 5th, 1883.)

22.—The Summer Show of the Norfolk Agricultural Association was opened at Wymondham, and closed on the 23rd. The Earl of Kimberley presided at the public luncheon.

24.—Died, in his 64th year, the Rev. Thomas Lyon Fellowes, vicar of Honingham and East Tuddenham, and Hon. Canon of Norwich Cathedral. He was a son of the Rev. J. Fellowes, rector of Shotesham, took a great interest in agriculture, and was for many years chairman of the Executive Committee of the Norfolk Agricultural Association. Mr. Fellowes gave valuable assistance to the Norfolk and Norwich Christmas Show Association, and was a renowned breeder and successful exhibitor of poultry. He married Miss Reeve, of Lowestoft.

24.—Died, suddenly, at Hawick, N.B., where he was fulfilling an engagement, Mr. Charles Dillon, the well-known actor. Mr. Dillon, who was in his 62nd year, was a native of Diss, and first appeared upon the provincial stage, where he acquired considerable reputation as an elocutionist and exponent of legitimate drama. He made his first appearance on the London stage at Sadler’s Wells Theatre, and subsequently became lessee and manager of the Lyceum Theatre. Mr. Dillon’s last appearance in London was in September, 1878, and in Norwich on April 10th, 1880.

29.—An extensive fire occurred at Carrow Works, and resulted in the destruction of a pile of lofty buildings.

30.—The wards of that portion of the new Norfolk and Norwich Hospital known as the pavilion and central administrative block having been completed for the reception of patients, were opened. Mr. Edward Boardman was the architect of the building. Mr. T. H. Wyatt, of London, was originally associated with him, but, by the failure of his health and subsequent death the whole of the work devolved upon Mr. Boardman. (See August 20th, 1883.)

JULY.

9.—The Norwich Rifle Volunteers, under the command of Lieut.-Colonel Boileau, proceeded by special train to Windsor, and took part in the Volunteer review before her Majesty the Queen in the Great Park. On the return journey the train by which they travelled dashed into a train of empty carriages at Egham. The accident delayed the return of the Volunteers, who reached Norwich at four o’clock on the morning of the 10th.

19.—The Strumpshaw Hall estate was sold, at the Royal Hotel, Norwich, by Messrs. Spelman, for £33,145, exclusive of timber.

—Died at Ipswich, Mr. John Worlledge, Chancellor of the Diocese of Norwich, and for twenty-four years Judge of the Suffolk County Court circuit. Mr. Worlledge, who was in his 72nd year, was a son of Mr. John Worlledge, of Chevington, and was educated at Felstead Grammar School and Trinity College, Cambridge, where he graduated fourth wrangler in 1831. Called to the Bar at the Middle Temple in 1838, he became well known as a pleader on the Norfolk Circuit, and was appointed Chancellor of the Diocese in April, 1871.

26.—Died at Oulton, Mr. George Thomas Borrow, author of “The Bible in Spain,” “Lavengro,” and other works. “The deceased was in his usual health up to the afternoon of the 25th, when he complained of feeling unwell, and was assisted to bed. On the following morning he was found dead in bed.” The writer of the obituary notice, after stating that Borrow was a son of Captain Borrow, Adjutant of the West Norfolk Militia, and was born at East Dereham in 1803, records several more or less familiar incidents in his career, and concludes a summary of his literary work with the remark: “His most important book was ‘Romano Lavo-Lil,’ a vocabulary of the English gipsy language, which represents the labour of many years, and was published in 1874.”

30.—The 3rd and 4th Battalions of Norfolk Rifle Volunteers went into camp at Yarmouth, under the command of Lieut.-Colonel Bulwer and Lieut.-Colonel Gordon, M.P.

AUGUST.

1.—The first Norwich Cricket Week commenced on the Lakenham Ground.

3.—North Walsham pariah church was re-opened, on the completion of the new roof to the nave. The work was carried out at the cost of £2,208, by Messrs. Cornish and Gaymer, under the direction of Mr. J. B. Pearce, architect, of Norwich.

13.—Died at Bilney rectory, the Rev. Henry Collison, aged 89. Mr. Collison, who was one of the oldest clergymen of the Church of England, was the eldest surviving son of Mr. Nicholas Cobb Collison, a merchant of London, by his marriage with Elizabeth, eldest daughter of Mr. Peter Stoughton, of Wymondham. He was formerly chaplain of the King’s Bench Prison, of the old Marshalsea in the Borough, and of the Court of the Palace of Westminster. For some time he served as military chaplain at the Cape of Good Hope, and afterwards held the rectory of Bilney for nearly half a century. Mr. Collison married, in 1851, Harriett Mary, younger daughter of Mr. Thomas Abel Ward, of Watford, Herts.

30.—The Norwich Town Council, who had erected two electric lights in the Market Place, decided to extend the system experimentally to several of the principal streets, at a cost not exceeding £400, for twelve months. (See April 24th, 1883.)

SEPTEMBER.

5.—Mr. Thomas Calthorpe Blofeld, who had been appointed to the office of Chancellor of the Diocese of Norwich, rendered vacant by the death of Mr. Worlledge, presided for the first time at the Norwich Consistory Court, and received the congratulations of the officials.

8.—The Church of England portion of Wymondham Cemetery was consecrated by the Bishop of Norwich, and a dedicatory service was held by the Nonconformists in that part of the burial-ground appropriated to their use. The entire cost of the Cemetery, including the chapels, designed by Mr. Edward Boardman, of Norwich, was £2,000.

20.—The Norwich Town Council adopted a resolution of condolence with the American nation on the death of President Garfield.

29.—Sidestrand church was consecrated by the Bishop of Norwich. “In 1846, owing to a landslip, caused by the action of the sea, considerable anxiety was felt for the safety of the old church, and a fund was started with the object of removing it to another site. About £300 was contributed, but as there seemed no immediate necessity to remove the church, the money was invested, and it was not until November, 1880, that the vestry definitely decided to build the new church. With accumulated interest, the original fund amounted to £850, and the balance of the cost of removal and restoration, which is now over £2,000, has been generously provided by the lord of the manor, Mr. Samuel Hoare, who also gave the site.”

OCTOBER.

4.—The church of St. Peter Mancroft, Norwich, was re-opened after restoration, at the cost of £7,500. The contractor was Mr. G. E. Hawes, and the architect Mr. G. E. Street. The Restoration Committee decided to proceed with the work upon the tower, and a special appeal was made to the citizens to assist the completion of this great undertaking. (See January 11th, 1882.)

11.—The Norfolk and Norwich Triennial Musical Festival commenced at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich. The artistes included Madame Albani, Miss Mary Davies, Mrs. Osgood, Madame Patey, Madame Mudie-Bolingbroke, Mr. Edward Lloyd, Mr. Barton McGuckin, Mr. Santley, Mr. Frederic King, and Mr. Brockbank. Mr. Alberto Randegger conducted for the first time. The following productions were included in the programme: 11th, evening, “St. Paul”; 12th, morning, “The Martyr of Antioch”; evening, “Faust”; 13th, morning, “St. Ursula” (Cowen), composed expressly for the Festival, and Racine’s “Athalie”; evening, grand operatic and ballad concert, including “The Sun Worshippers,” composed for the Festival by A. G. Thomas; 14th, morning, “The Messiah”; evening, operatic and ballad concert, including “The Harvest Home,” composed expressly for the Festival by J. F. Barnett.

14.—A hurricane, which prevailed throughout Great Britain, did great damage in the towns and villages of Norfolk. Many fine trees were uprooted, and houses unroofed; railway signal-boxes were blown down, and several shipping disasters occurred along the coast.

18.—The jubilee anniversary of the Eldon Club, formed in 1831, was celebrated at the Bell Hotel, Norwich, when the members dined under the presidency of Lieut.-Colonel Bignold.

21.—A girl, named Hannah Brett, was brutally murdered at Saham Toney, by an ex-convict, named Henry Stebbings. At the Norfolk Assizes, on February 9th, 1882, before Mr. Justice Grove, he was found guilty and sentenced to death, but was respited, on the ground of homicidal mania.

23.—Died at Woking, Sir William Henry Ernest Bagge, Bart., of Stradsett Hall, aged 41. In default of issue, he was succeeded in the baronetcy by his only brother, Commander Alfred Thomas Bagge, R.N.

NOVEMBER.

1.—Salhouse church was re-opened, after restoration at the cost of £2,100.

3.—The Norwich Diocesan Conference met at Noverre’s Rooms, Norwich, and the proceedings were continued on the 4th. A special meeting was held on December 19th, to consider proposals for the revision of the Education code.

—The Ven. Archdeacon Nevill was elected vicar of St. Peter Mancroft, Norwich, on the resignation of the Rev. Sidney Pelham.

9.—Mr. William Hunter was elected Mayor, and Mr. J. J. Winter appointed Sheriff of Norwich.

10.—Died at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, aged 53, Edmund Stephen Weller, formerly of the 16th Landers. As colonel’s trumpeter, he sounded the famous charge of the regiment at Aliwal, on January 28th, 1846.

15.—The squadron of the 3rd Hussars marched from Norwich, for Aldershot. The headquarters of the 7th Dragoon Guards, commanded by Colonel Colin Campbell, arrived on the 17th. “Since the regiment was last quartered here, Captain Mollyneaux, a former officer, obtained from the Tower of London and presented to the regiment a pair of kettledrums captured by the 7th at the battle of Dettingen, in 1743.”

DECEMBER.

17.*—“A line of wire has been suspended between Messrs. Morgan’s Brewery, King Street, and Mousehold House, the residence of Mr. W. H. Hackblock, who is a member of the firm.” This is the first record of a telephone wire erected in Norwich. The line was constructed by the United Telephone Company.

19.—The Prince and Princess of Wales arrived at Holkham, on a visit to the Earl and Countess of Leicester.

26.—For the first time for many years there was no pantomime at Norwich Theatre. The Christmas attraction was the appearance of Mr. George Loveday’s London Folly Company, in Paul Merritt’s “Rough and Ready” and Pinero’s “Hester’s Mystery.” The company included Messrs. John Billington, E. D. Ward, E. W. Garden, Misses Ada Mellon, Emily Thorn, Eliza Johnstone, &c. At John Sanger and Son’s Circus, on Castle Meadow, was produced the equestrian spectacle, “Dick Whittington and his Wonderful Cat.”

1882.

JANUARY.

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 diseased cattle would be a sufficient protection from disease.” On the 14th Mr. Edward Birkbeck, M.P., presided at a large meeting held at Norwich Corn Hall, at which resolutions were adopted protesting against “harassing and unnecessary restrictions, entailing serious loss upon the farming community”; and on the 18th a deputation appointed by the meeting waited upon Earl Spencer, with the object of obtaining relaxation of the restrictions. An important conference of the local authorities and Privy Council inspectors was held on the 21st, to discuss the state of the cattle lairs at Trowse and Lakenham, when it was resolved that as the local authorities had done all in their power to check the spread of the disease through the lairs, the Privy Council be requested to take such further steps as might seem desirable. On the 28th a telegram was received from the Privy Council, stating that the Order relating to the sale of fat beasts had been so far relaxed as to permit animals that had been offered at a public sale in a place not infected being sent within six days to the Metropolitan markets; and on February 17th the “London Gazette” announced that the restrictions in Norfolk, Essex, and Suffolk had been removed. Another outbreak occurred in December, and on the 9th of that month Norwich market was closed in respect to the sale of fat cattle. On the same day a large meeting of farmers, graziers, and dealers was held, under the auspices of the Norfolk Chamber of Agriculture, for the purpose of supporting an application made by Mr. Birkbeck, M.P., to the Vice-President of the Privy Council (Mr. Mundella), “that other than the Metropolitan market be opened to fat cattle sold on Norwich Hill and at the cattle sales held in the county.” On December 23rd it was announced that the authorities of the county and city were taking energetic measures to stop the sale of store stock unless the animals had been on a farm or premises fourteen days, and persons were appointed to watch the movements of animals, with the view of detecting any evasion of the Privy Council Order. (See March 17th, 1883.)

10.—Mr. J. L. Toole appeared with Mr. G. Loveday’s London Folly Company at Norwich Theatre, and continued his performances on the 11th, 12th, and 13th. His characters were Barnaby Doublechick (“Upper Crust”), Spriggins (“Ici On Parle Français”), Paul Pry, Tom Cranky (“Birthplace of Podgers”), Caleb Plummer (“Dot”), and Tittums (“The Steeplechase”).

11.—An “Old English Fair,” in aid of the restoration fund of the church of St. Peter Mancroft, was opened at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, and continued on the 12th and 13th. A total profit of £1,880 10s. 6d. resulted, and by the first week in March the required sum—£4,000—for the completion of the work had been raised. (See April 29th, 1883.)

FEBRUARY.

13.—Died at his residence, Unthank’s Road, Norwich, the Rev. George Gould, minister of St. Mary’s chapel, aged 63. Mr. Gould was a native of Bristol, and, on entering the Baptist ministry, took charge of the Abbey church, Abbey street, Dublin. Thence he removed to Exeter, and in the spring of 1849 succeeded the Rev. W. Brock in the Norwich pastorate. He was president of the Baptist Union in 1879–80, chairman of the Norwich School Board, and for several years a governor of the Grammar School and Commercial School. Mr. Gould was very decided in his religious and political opinions, and firm in upholding them; in private life he was greatly esteemed.

MARCH.

1.—A fine steamer, named the Levadia, of Newcastle, bound from Shields to Alexandria, with coals, was wrecked on the Middle Cross Sand, five miles off Yarmouth. Several men were drowned by the upsetting of one of the ship’s boats, others who had lashed themselves to the masts of the vessel perished from cold and exposure, and of the crew of twenty-five a solitary survivor, Thomas Sewell, a Yarmouth man, was rescued by the Gorleston lifeboat.

2.—Mr. Arthur H. Mann, B.Mus., of New College, Oxford, organist at King’s College, Cambridge, whose exercise, “Ecce Homo,” had been performed on the previous day in the Sheldonian Theatre, was admitted to the degree of Doctor of Music.

7.—The first Good Friday performance of “The Messiah,” took place at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich. Mr. F. W. B. Noverre was leader of the band, Dr. Bunnett organist, and Dr. Hill conductor.

21.—The Norwich Town Council adopted a memorial to the Secretary of State for War, in which the War Office was petitioned to retain Norwich as a cavalry station. The Mayor, Sheriff, and the members of Parliament for the city, on May 5th, waited upon the Secretary of State for War, and urged the retention of cavalry headquarters in the city, in addition to its being made the brigade depot of the Norfolk Regiment. (See March 24th, 1883.)

25.—The Spring Show of the Norfolk Agricultural Association was held on the Lakenham Cricket Ground, Norwich.

—The Earl of Leicester performed the ceremony of laying the foundation-stone of the Norfolk and Norwich Agricultural Hall, at Norwich. On April 27th, in the High Court of Justice, Chancery Division, before the Vice-Chancellor, Sir C. Hall, application was made on behalf of Mr. Philip Back for an injunction against the Corporation of Norwich and the Agricultural Hall Company, Limited, to restrain them from erecting the hall, on the ground that the Corporation had no power to let the land, which had been dedicated from time immemorial to fairs and markets. The hearing was adjourned until May 20th, when the Court refused the application; and on November 11th it was announced that Mr. Back had consented to abandon the action. (See November 16th.)

31.—In the House of Commons, the opposition of the Dean and Chapter and other residents in the Cathedral Close, Norwich, to the invasion of the precincts of the Cathedral by the Lynn and Fakenham Railway Company was successful, the company being compelled, by the strong feeling expressed against the proposed route, to withdraw that portion of their Bill affecting the Close.

APRIL.

14.—The last sections of the line of railway from Wroxham to the Wells branch of the Great Eastern Railway Company, by which the union of East and West Norfolk was effected, was inspected, on its completion, by Major-General Hutchinson. The line was opened for traffic on May 1st.

15.—A party of about twenty members of the North Walsham and Aylsham Agricultural Association started from Norwich on a trip to Holland, the expenses of which were defrayed by Mr. Samuel Hoare and Sir T. Fowell Buxton, Bart. They arrived at Rotterdam on the 16th. In the course of the tour much valuable information was obtained regarding the Dutch systems of agriculture and dairying.

18.—The portrait of Mr. Harry Bullard, to which fifteen hundred persons subscribed, in recognition of his eminent services to the city, was hung in St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich. It was painted by Mr. Frank Holl, A.R.A.

22.—A county meeting, in furtherance of the movement originated by the Prince of Wales for establishing a Royal College of Music, was held at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, under the presidency of the Earl of Leicester.

25.—Mary Ann Plunkett, aged nineteen, was murdered at Mill Hill, Catton, by a youth of twenty-two, named William George Abigail, who shot her in the head with a revolver. He was tried at Ipswich Assizes, before Mr. Baron Pollock, and sentenced to death. The execution was carried out at Norwich Castle, by Marwood, on May 22nd.

MAY.

13.—The Norfolk Chamber of Agriculture discussed the financial proposals made by Government with regard to the maintenance of highways. The following motion, by Mr. C. S. Read, was adopted: “That this Chamber approves of the principle of relieving local rates by applying some special taxes towards the repair of main roads, but considers the proposals of the Government are no sufficient remedy for the extra cost of maintenance of main roads, and expresses its disappointment that a contribution of only £250,000 from the Imperial finances can be given in aid of local rates without the imposition of additional taxation.”

17.—Cardinal Manning addressed a great meeting at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, in furtherance of the principle of Local Option. His Eminence, on August 30th, again visited Norwich, and at the Victoria Hall addressed the members of the Roman Catholic temperance society—the League of the Cross.

21.—Died at his house in Grosvenor Square, London, William Henry FitzRoy, Duke of Grafton. His Grace was the eldest son of Henry, fifth Duke, by Mary Caroline, third daughter of Admiral the Hon. George Cranefeld Berkeley. He was born on August 4th, 1819; served as an attaché of the British Legation at Naples in 1841, and represented Thetford in the House of Commons from 1847 to 1863. In politics his Grace was a Whig of the old school.

31.—The new Town Hall at Yarmouth was opened by the Prince of Wales. After the ceremony, at which a loyal address was read on behalf of the burgesses by the Recorder (Mr. Simms Reeve), the Mayor (Mr. C. C. Aldred) entertained his Royal Highness and a distinguished company to luncheon. On June 1st the Prince of Wales inspected the Norfolk Artillery, and left the town on June 2nd.

JUNE.

1.—A sacred and operatic concert was given at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, under the direction of Sir Julius Benedict, in aid of the funds of the Jenny Lind Infirmary for Sick Children. The performers included Madame Blanche Cole, Miss Lucy Franklein, Madame Alice Barth, Mr. Faulkner Leigh, Mr. Aynsley Cook, &c., and the band and chorus were composed of the opera company performing at the Theatre Royal and of the members of the Norfolk and Norwich Festival Choir.

2.—At Norwich Theatre was produced Sir Julius Benedict’s romantic opera, “The Lily of Killarney,” under the personal direction of the composer. The performance was repeated on the 3rd.

22.—The Summer Show of the Norfolk Agricultural Association was opened at Norwich, in the grounds of Mr. A. R. Chamberlin, Ipswich Road, and was continued on the 23rd. Mr. Henry Birkbeck presided at the public luncheon.

JULY.

2.—The Right Rev. Samuel Crowther, D.D., Bishop of the Niger district of Africa, preached at St. Giles’ church, Norwich, and at the Cathedral. Originally an African slave-boy, he was the first Bishop of the negro race, and at the time of his visit to Norwich was 70 years of age.

8.—It was announced that Sir Willoughby Jones, Bart., had resigned the senior chairmanship of the Norfolk Quarter Sessions, to which position he was elected in October, 1856. On October 19th, Mr. J. R. Bulwer, Q.C., M.P., Recorder of Cambridge, was elected to fill the vacancy.

22.—The 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Battalions of Norfolk Rifle Volunteers went into camp at Yarmouth, under the respective commands of Lieut.-Colonel H. E. Buxton, Lieut.-Colonel Bulwer, and Lieut.-Colonel R. T. Gurdon, M.P.

24.—Bishop Pelham, who, on June 11th, completed the twenty-fifth year of his episcopate, received at the Palace, Norwich, a congratulatory address from the clergy of the several archdeaconries. (A portrait of his lordship, painted by Mr. W. Owles, R.A., was presented to him on October 18th, 1883.)

AUGUST.

3.—The officers of the 7th Dragoon Guards were entertained to luncheon at the Guildhall, Norwich, by the Mayor (Mr. W. Hunter), prior to the departure of the regiment for active service in Egypt. The right wing left Trowse station on the 4th, and sailed from the South West India Docks, in the Egyptian Monarch, on the 5th. The left wing proceeded from Trowse to Southampton on the 6th. On the departure of the cavalry, the Barracks were temporarily occupied by a detachment of the 1st Battalion Norfolk Regiment, from Colchester. In September the citizens sent a petition to the Secretary of State for War, asking that the 7th Dragoons might be permitted to return to Norwich, but the authorities were unable to accede to the request.

12.—The first reference was made to the commencement of operations in Norwich by the Salvation Army, who had “secured St. Giles’ Hall, formerly the Skating Rink, and converted it into suitable quarters.” Frequent complaints of nuisances created by the “Army” were from time to time addressed to the magistrates. “General” Booth made his first visit to Norwich on September 9th.

23.—Mr. J. J. Henley and Dr. Airey, Local Government Board Inspectors, opened an inquiry at Norwich Workhouse into certain cases of alleged injury from vaccination reported to the Department by Mr. Ralph Lee Bliss. Eight definite cases were submitted, and in each the operation had been performed by the public vaccinator (Dr. Guy), at the vaccination station. Six of these cases were investigated. Subsequently five other cases were submitted, but only two were the subject of inquiry, the others being private cases, into which the Inspectors had no power to enquire. The inquiry concluded on September 4th. The Commissioners, in their report, dated October 21st, stated that no blame was to be attached to the public vaccinator as to the performance of his duties; “but we think,” they added, “he should discontinue the use again and again of the same ivory points, and we consider it was an error of judgment on his part to continue vaccination attendance while he was daily visiting cases of erysipelas, without taking more than ordinary precautions to guard against the spread of infection.”

SEPTEMBER.

1.—A three weeks’ mission, in furtherance of the Blue Ribbon movement, was commenced in Norwich by its founder, Mr. Francis Murphy. The new pledges taken during the mission numbered 10,000, and upwards of 15,000 blue ribbons were distributed.

—The express service from the Eastern Counties to Doncaster was opened by the Great Eastern Railway Company, over their own and the Great Northern joint line.

5.—The coming of age of Mr. Russell J. Colman, eldest son of Mr. J. J. Colman, M.P., was celebrated by a dinner given in the grounds of Carrow House, to between 3,000 and 4,000 of the employés at Carrow Works.

9.—The death was recorded of Mr. John Laffan Hanly, proprietor and editor of the “Levant Times,” at Constantinople, at the age of 48. Mr. Hanly was for some time chief reporter on the NORFOLK CHRONICLE, and subsequently editor of the “Lincolnshire Chronicle.”

13.—The French fishing lugger, La Reine des Anges, deeply laden with herring, was wrecked on the Middle Cross Sand off Yarmouth, and of her crew of eighteen, ten were drowned.

17.—Special thanksgivings were offered in the churches in Norwich “for the glorious success achieved by our arms at Tel-el-Kebir, with the consequent collapse of the rebellion of Arabi and the prospect of the restoration of peace in Egypt.”

24.—Died at Yarmouth, Mr. Charles John Palmer, F.S.A. He was Mayor of the borough in 1835, 1854, and 1855, and was very zealous in promoting various local undertakings, among which was the restoration of the parish church. Mr. Palmer was the author of several antiquarian works, the best known of which is his “Perlustration of Great Yarmouth.”

27.—The coming of age of Mr. Edward Evans Lombe, eldest son of the Rev. Henry Evans Lombe, was celebrated at Bylaugh Park.

OCTOBER.

21.—Died at East Dereham, Mr. George Alfred Carthew, F.S.A., M.A., aged 75. Mr. Carthew, who was known throughout the kingdom as an able archæologist, contributed many valuable papers to the journals of learned societies. He was the author of “A History of the Hundred of Launditch,” and of a similar work, passing through the press at the time of his death, on the topography, archæology, genealogy, and biography of East and West Bradenham, Necton, and Holme Hale. He had vast stores of curious information, acquired in the course of a life-long study of matters illustrating the history of the county in ancient times. He was a descendant of the old Cornish family of Carthew, a member of which, Thomas Carthew, of Canalidgy, married, in the year 1685, Mary Colby, of Banham. Mr. Carthew helped to found the Norfolk and Norwich Archæological Society, and to establish its position among the learned societies of the kingdom.

24.—An inquiry, directed by the Charity Commissioners for England and Wales, under the Endowed Schools Act, 1869, was opened at the Guildhall, Norwich, by Mr. C. H. Stanton, into the matter of the endowments commonly known as the Grammar School of the foundation of King Edward VI., the Commercial School of the same foundation, the Boys’ Hospital, the Girls’ Hospital, and Norman’s Charity. Many prominent citizens made statements before the Commissioner, who closed his inquiry on the 25th. (See August 11th, 1883.)

26.—A remarkable case of somnambulism occurred on this date. A girl of seventeen, employed as general servant by a shopkeeper at Felthorpe, after retiring to rest at nine o’clock, got out of bed, and, having put on a dress and a pair of boots, climbed out of the bed-room window, and, without waking, reached the ground by groping along the roof of a lean-to shed. She then walked to Cawston, a distance of five miles, and was found about four o’clock in the morning sitting fast asleep on the doorstep of her father’s house. She was stiff, cold, and speechless, and on being restored to warmth and consciousness, stated that she had no recollection whatever of having left her bed.

28.—A severe gale, accompanied by wrecks and loss of life, occurred on the Norfolk coast.

—At the Norwich Assizes, before Mr. Justice Lindley, James Charles Edwards, 37, solicitor’s clerk, pleaded guilty to forging certain documents. The prisoner read a written statement, in which he said, “A love for pictures was my ruin, a craving desire and mania to possess myself of something better than my neighbours gradually developed, until at last it became a madness with me.” He was sentenced to ten years’ penal servitude.

NOVEMBER.

2.—The Norwich Diocesan Conference was opened at Noverre’s Rooms, Norwich. The sittings concluded on the 3rd.

9.—Mr. Charles Rackham Gilman was elected Mayor, and Mr. Samuel Newman appointed Sheriff of Norwich.

16.—The new Agricultural Hall at Norwich was opened by the Prince of Wales, on the occasion of the first exhibition held within the building by the Norfolk and Norwich Christmas Show Association. Among the distinguished company who received his Royal Highness were the Earl of Leicester, the Marquis of Hamilton, the Earl of Rosebery, Lord Walsingham, Lord Hastings, Lord Claud Hamilton, the High Sheriff, the Mayor of Norwich and Mrs. Gilman, &c. The Prince of Wales, having declared the hall open, made a tour of the show, and subsequently attended a meeting in the Farmers’ Room, at which the recently-formed Prisoners’ Aid Society was inaugurated. [The Christmas Show has since been held annually at the hall in the month of November.]

17.—The Rev. W. L. Blackley, rector of North Waltham, Hampshire, author of “Essays on the Prevention of Pauperism,” delivered an address at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, on his scheme of “national insurance or compulsory providence.” On the 18th Mr. Blackley addressed a second meeting, held at Noverre’s Rooms, under the presidency of Lord Walsingham.

21.—The Prince and Princess of Wales arrived at Merton Hall, on a visit to Lord and Lady Walsingham.

DECEMBER.

2.—The opening of the Norwich extension of the Lynn and Fakenham Railway, completed on November 21st, was celebrated by a déjeuner given at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, by the contractors, Messrs. Wilkinson and Jarvis. Sir William ffolkes, Bart., presided over the large and representative gathering.

7.—The action, Boswell v. Coaks, came before Mr. Justice Pearson. His lordship stated that he was intimately acquainted with one of the defendants, and suggested that the action be taken elsewhere. All parties agreed, and the trial was consequently deferred. (See February 26th, 1883.)

18.—A large portion of Gunton Hall, the seat of Lord Suffield, was destroyed by fire.

—An important public meeting, presided over by the Mayor (Mr. C. R. Gilman) was held at the Guildhall, Norwich, at which resolutions were adopted in favour of the entire prohibition of the use of drag-nets in the Yare and Wensum.

26.—Messrs. T. W. Robertson and H. Bruce’s Company appeared at Norwich Theatre, in the farcical comedy, “The Guv’nor.”

28.—A meeting of the clergy and laity of the diocese was held at the Clerical Rooms, Norwich, at which Dean Goulburn moved, “That the proposed memorial to Dr. Pusey, embodying as it does a scheme for the purchase of his library and the appointment of clergy of the Church of England as librarians, who shall devote themselves to theological research and instruction, and to the help and counsel of junior members of the University, deserves the cordial and earnest support of all Churchmen.” The motion was adopted, and a committee appointed to obtain funds towards the establishment and maintenance of the proposed memorial.

29.—Woodbastwick Hall, the seat of Mr. Albemarle Cator, was destroyed by fire, involving the loss of about £40,000.

1883.

JANUARY.

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., Inspector of Fisheries, held a public inquiry at Cromer, as to the desirability or otherwise of granting an order under the provisions of the Fisheries (Oyster, Crab, and Lobster) Act, to continue or vary the existing Order, dated February 2nd, 1880. A similar inquiry was held at Sheringham. As the result of the evidence, the Order was renewed and made more stringent.

16.—The Norwich Tramways Bill, promoted by the Hallidie Patent Cable Tramways Corporation, Limited, was reported upon by the Parliamentary and Bylaws Committee of the Norwich Town Council, who recommended “that, in consequence of the nuisance and discomfort caused by their construction and working,” a petition be presented against the Bill in its entirety. The discussion was adjourned until the 22nd, when an amendment, “That the Bill be opposed only so far as to protect the interests of the citizens,” was negatived by 25 votes to 18. The recommendation of the Committee was thereupon adopted, and the company ultimately abandoned the scheme. (See November 16th, 1886.)

22.—At a meeting of the Norwich Town Council, it was reported that the wood-paving scheme had been completed. An area of 75,638 yards had been laid, at the total cost of £24,036 17s. 10½d. The scheme was subsequently extended to districts in which special application was made by the ratepayers.

29.—The first of the touring pantomime companies appeared at Norwich Theatre—Messrs. Sheridan and Watkin’s Company, in “Little Red Riding Hood,” originally produced at Yarmouth Theatre.

30.—The centenary anniversary of the Norwich Public Library was celebrated by a conversazione, given by the President (Mr. C. E. Noverre), the Vice-President (Mr. T. Muir Grant), and the ex-President (Mr. Bosworth Harcourt).

31.—The Great Yarmouth Golf Club was formed, at a public meeting held in that town. The game had for some months previously been played on the Denes.

FEBRUARY.

6.—M. Guilmant, the celebrated French organist, gave organ recitals at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich. He revisited the city on December 18th.

9.—A meeting under the auspices of the Marriage Law Defence Union was held at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, under the presidency of Mr. H. S. Patteson. Earl Percy, Earl Beauchamp, the Right Hon. A. J. R. Beresford Hope, M.P., and the Rev. Dr. Badenoch were announced to speak. The proceedings were very disorderly, and ultimately the promoters of the meeting were compelled to vacate the platform. The opposing party thereupon proposed and adopted resolutions in favour of legalising marriage with a deceased wife’s sister.

14.—At the Guildhall Police Court, Norwich, Mr. Joseph Stanley, solicitor, was charged, on the information of Edward Burgess, described as a printer and publisher, with assaulting him. The defendant, it was alleged, met the complainant in London Street, and, producing a riding-whip from beneath his coat, struck him several blows across the face. The assault was admitted, and defendant pleaded, in mitigation, that he horsewhipped the complainant in consequence of certain statements published by him in a paper called “Daylight.” The Bench inflicted a fine of one shilling, and declined to make an order as to costs. This was the first of a remarkable series of cases arising directly or indirectly from the publication of the print above referred to. At Norwich County Court, on February 21st, before the Judge (Mr. E. P. Price, Q.C.) and a jury, William Hammond, “otherwise E. Field and Co.,” brought an action against Edward Burgees and J. A. Burgis, the proprietors of “Daylight,” for an alleged libel. The action was originally entered for trial in the High Court of Justice, the plaintiff laying his damages at £1,000, but it was remitted to the County Court, on the application of the defendants, on the plaintiff failing to give security for costs. Mr. Horace Brown was for the plaintiff (who did not appear), and Mr. Montague Williams for the defendants. The case was partly heard when Mr. Brown said that, having regard to what had transpired, he did not think it right to ask the jury for damages. A verdict was therefore entered for the defendants. On February 24th, Arthur Ventnor, artist, of Bridewell Alley, was charged at the Police Court with wilfully breaking the plate-glass windows at the office of “Daylight,” and doing damage to the amount of £20. The defendant was committed for trial at the Quarter Sessions, held on April 3rd, before the Recorder (Mr. W. J. Metcalfe, Q.C.). It was urged on behalf of the defendant that he had broken the windows owing to a caricature of himself being exhibited therein. The Grand Jury made the following presentment: “We consider that considerable provocation was given to Mr. Ventnor by the exhibition of the caricature before he broke the windows.” The Recorder, who deplored the publication of such a paper, addressing the defendant, said, “The sentence of the Court is that you be imprisoned for three hours, which means that you have been in the dock a great deal too long already, and that you now be discharged. Who is to pay the costs of this prosecution? Not the public, certainly, but the people who provoke other people to smash their windows.” The verdict was received with great applause by a crowded court. At the Police Court on April 23rd, Messrs. Burgess and Burgis appeared in answer to an information laid by Lewin Samuel, clothier, of St. Giles’ Street, for publishing in “Daylight” a defamatory libel of and concerning him. This was a criminal prosecution, on the fiat of the Public Prosecutor. The defendants alleged in their paper that the complainant and his brother were “Jew money-lenders, who sold up the homes of hard-working men and the beds from under women and children, and extorted 150 per cent. and more, interests for small loans.” The case was sent for trial at the Assizes. The defendants appeared before Mr. Justice Day, on August 9th. After the case had been part heard, Mr. Horace Brown, counsel for the prosecution, asked leave to withdraw. His lordship granted the request, and remarked that Mr. Brown’s client “had attained his object in having the character of his business thoroughly exposed to the public.” The defendants were then discharged.

26.—The trial of the action. Boswell v. Coaks, commenced before Mr. Justice Fry. On the fifth day of the trial, March 12th, his lordship gave judgment. In his opinion, he said, the plaintiff’s case had failed, and he dismissed the action, with costs. Later in the day the judge remarked that there was a certain point in the case which he had not appreciated, and ordered the action to be restored to the paper as part heard. At the further hearing, on March 19th, his lordship said he adhered to the view which he previously expressed, and pronounced judgment unreservedly in favour of the defendants, who were entirely acquitted of the charge against them. On June 19th an appeal was entered against the decision of Mr. Justice Fry. (See May 19th, 1884.)

27.—Hengler’s Grand Circus, the first exhibition of the kind given in a permanent building in the city, was opened at the Agricultural Hall, Norwich.

—At a meeting held at the Globe Hotel, Lynn, under the presidency of Sir William ffolkes. M.P., Mr. A. C. Fountaine, of Narford Hall, was selected master of the West Norfolk Foxhounds, in place of Mr. Anthony Hamond, who had hunted the hounds for eighteen years. At the suggestion of the Prince of Wales, a fund was inaugurated for the purpose of presenting Mr. Hamond with a testimonial upon his retirement. The presentation took place at Sandringham, on December 1st, when a large number of the subscribers were entertained to breakfast by his Royal Highness, who handed to Mr. Hamond “his portrait in oil, mounted upon his favourite hunter, with the huntsman, Bob Claydon, and the whips, H. Browne and F. Clayden, in attendance.” The picture was painted by Mr. Samuel Carter, who was born upon the Westacre estate.

—The new railway from Acle to Yarmouth was inspected by Major-General Hutchinson, and shortly afterwards opened for traffic.

MARCH.

6.—A strong gale and high tide occurred at Yarmouth. Many of the houses on the Marine Parade were in danger of being flooded. Many thousands of fish were killed in the Yare by the ingress of salt water.

—The Mayor and Mayoress of Norwich (Mr. and Mrs. C. R. Gilman) attended the launch, at Hull, of a new steamer, the Norwich, built by Messrs. Earle’s Shipbuilding Company, for the Great Eastern Railway Company’s service between Harwich and Antwerp. The Mayoress performed the ceremony of naming the vessel.

10.*—“Lieutenant M. W. M. Edwards, 2nd Battalion Highland Light Infantry, son of Mr. H. W. B. Edwards, of Hardingham, has been presented by the Queen with the Victoria Cross, for conspicuous bravery, displayed by him at the battle of Tel-el-Kebir.”

11.—A remarkably high tide took place at Lynn. The waters overflowed not only the quays, but the high banks of the river, a circumstance unprecedented for at least half a century. The lands reclaimed by the Norfolk Estuary Company from the bed of the old river were flooded to the extent of 400 acres. The low-lying streets of the town were inundated by the overflow from the river and “flats,” and by sewage driven up through the gullies. At Wells the waters overflowed the quay and entered the adjacent houses.

17.—It was announced that the Privy Council had granted licences for the sale of store sheep at Tombland Fair, on March 2nd. Norwich Cattle Market was opened for the sale of fat and store stock on April 7th, under certain conditions. (See January 5th, 1884.)

22.—The Spring Show of the Norfolk Agricultural Association was held on the Old Cricket Ground, Lakenham.

24.—A public subscription was inaugurated to enable the city of Norwich to purchase a site for the erection of brigade depôt barracks for the Norfolk Regiment. The War Office, it was announced, had agreed to retain the Cavalry Barracks on condition that the city provided a site for the infantry depôt. On July 24th the War Office intimated their acceptance of the site on Plumstead Road, which was purchased at the cost of £1,600.

26.—The accomplished young tragedienne, Miss Alleyn, made her first appearance at Norwich Theatre in the character of Juliet, with a company under the management of Mr. Charles Bernard. Among her other impersonations during the engagement were Marguerite Gauthier (“Woman’s Love”), Lady Teazle, Adrienne Lecouvreur, Rosalind, Pauline, Iolanthe (“King René’s Daughter”), and Portia. Miss Alleyn was described as “incomparably the best actress seen on the Norwich stage within the last thirty years.”

30.—Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone passed through Lynn railway-station, on their way to Sandringham, to visit the Prince and Princess of Wales. “Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone travelled in a first-class carriage, and on the arrival of the train they were apparently asleep. Mr. Gladstone, however, soon woke up, and immediately one of his admirers, in the form of a ‘working-man,’ proceeded to the carriage window and introduced himself as one of his supporters, and thereupon shook hands with the Premier. On Sunday morning (April 1st), some prominent members of the Liberal party in Lynn received fictitious invitations to lunch with Mr. Gladstone at Sandringham, the envelopes in which the notes were enclosed bearing the postmark of that village.” The visit terminated on April 2nd.

APRIL.

11.—Mr. Melton Prior, special artist of the “Illustrated London News,” delivered at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, a pictorial lecture on the Egyptian War.

13.—A specially-invited company visited Carrow Works, Norwich, to witness the lighting of the premises for the first time with the electric light installed by the Hammond Electric Light and Power Supply Company. The machinery in the printing works was, for the first time, driven by electric power.

18.—The parish church of Wells-next-the-Sea, rebuilt at the cost of £10,000, after the destruction of the original building by lightning, on August 3rd, 1879, was opened. Mr. Herbert Green, of Norwich, was the architect, and Mr. S. C. Parmenter, of Braintree, Essex, the contractor.

20.—Died at Bank Street, Norwich, aged 48, Mr. R. T. Culley, Coroner for the County of Norfolk, to which office he was appointed in June, 1878, after discharging for sixteen years the duties of Deputy Coroner.

21.*—“Major-General Seager died the other day, at Scarborough, aged 71. General Seager rose from the ranks. He was regimental sergeant-major of the 8th Hussars when that regiment was stationed in Norwich in 1840, and formed an attachment for a young lady residing in the Close, whose parents interfered and stopped the further progress of the engagement, which they would hardly have done could they have anticipated the career which lay before the disdained young sergeant-major. Though in the ranks, he was the son of a Liverpool merchant. He won his honours and promotion in the Crimea and in the Indian Mutiny. For the former he was ‘specially mentioned’ for his bravery in the heroic Balaclava charge, when he broke through the Russian lines, for which he was made captain.”

22.—A porpoise was killed in the Yare at Buckenham Ferry. “A capture of this kind is unparalleled on the river Yare. It is supposed the fish came up on the night of the 21st, with the strong flood tide.”

24.—The Norwich Town Council decided to discontinue the experimental lighting of the city with the electric light. In the House of Commons, on August 1st, a Bill to confirm a provisional order of the Board of Trade, in reference to electric lighting at Norwich, was considered, and reported to be read a third time.

29.—The Mayor and Corporation of Norwich attended the re-opening service at St. Peter Mancroft church, on the completion of the great work of restoration. The sermon was preached by the Bishop of Liverpool. “By means of the liberal donations of Messrs. Gurney and Co., the twelve bells have been repaired and re-hung, three houses which stood on the churchyard have been purchased and taken down, and the accumulated soil has been removed from the church walls and the churchyard levelled.”

MAY.

3.—Mr. Hugh Aylmer’s herd of shorthorns was sold at West Dereham, by Mr. John Thornton. The cows and heifers (55 lots) averaged £69 11s. 3d., and the bulls (18) £72 14s. 10d. The total amount realised was £5,108 5s.

3.—A meeting of the freeholders in the Norwich district was held at the Shirehall, under the presidency of the High Sheriff (Colonel W. E. G. L. Bulwer), for the nomination of candidates for the office of County Coroner. Mr. John Furness, solicitor, of Forncett, was nominated by Sir Francis Boileau, and seconded by Mr. C. S. Read; and Mr. Joseph Stanley, solicitor, of Norwich, was proposed by Mr. Fred Bullard, and seconded by Mr. John Hotblack. The show of hands was declared to be in favour of Mr. Stanley; whereupon a poll was demanded on behalf of Mr. Furness. The election took place on May 7th, and the result was declared as follows: Stanley, 707; Furness, 628. The last contested election for the County Coronership took place in 1827.

8.—The first steam fire-engine for the use of the city was tested in Norwich Market Place. It was purchased for £600, partly contributed by the Norwich Union Fire Office, and partly subscribed by the public.

26.*—“The Queen has been pleased to approve the 1st City of Norwich and the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Norfolk Rifle Volunteer Corps to be known respectively as the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Volunteer Battalions of the Norfolk Regiment regular force.”

27.—Died at his residence, St. Andrew’s Broad Street, Norwich, Mr. James Harcourt, aged 64, formerly choirmaster of the Norfolk and Norwich Musical Festival. He was a pupil of Mr. Pettet, a musician of great local repute, and organist of St. Peter Mancroft and St. Stephen’s churches. Mr. Harcourt succeeded to his master’s position at St. Peter’s, on its being relinquished by Mr. Critchfield, also a pupil and the successor of Mr. Pettet. He held that post for twenty-seven years. On the death of Mr. Hill he was chosen Festival choir-master, and was also conductor of the Norwich Philharmonic Society and of the Norfolk and Suffolk Church Choral Association.

JUNE.

2.—Died at Broad House, Wroxham, Mr. Alfred John N. Chamberlin, in his 60th year. He was a prominent supporter of aquatic sports, and the annual regatta on Wroxham Broad was mainly kept up by his energy. Mr. Chamberlin had been a member of the Norfolk and Suffolk Yacht Club from its commencement, and was one of the promoters of the National Fisheries Exhibition at Norwich.

5.—In the High Court of Justice, Chancery Division, before Mr. Justice Chitty, was heard the action, the Mayor and Corporation of Norwich v. Browne and other inhabitants of Pockthorpe, by which the plaintiffs sought to establish the title of the citizens to Mousehold Heath. Judgment was given on the 7th, in favour of the Corporation, to whom the Ecclesiastical Commissioners had transferred their rights in the Heath. It was understood that if the defendants loyally accepted the judgment, no attempt would be made by the Corporation to enforce costs. On November 5th an official inquiry was held at the Guildhall, Norwich, by Mr. H. S. Milman, Assistant Land Commissioner, into objections or suggestions respecting a draft scheme prepared for the regulation of Mousehold Heath. (See April 28th, 1884.)

18.—Died at Bournemouth, Major Charles Loftus. A son of General William Loftus, of Kilbride, co. Wicklow, Colonel of the 2nd Dragoon Guards, and lieutenant of the Tower of London, by his second wife, Lady Elizabeth Townshend, only surviving daughter of George, first Marquis Townshend, he was born at Stiffkey, on September 21st, 1796, and entered the Royal Navy in 1809. He served until the conclusion of the war, in 1815, when an accidental fall from the main rigging to the quarterdeck of his ship necessitated his retirement. He so far recovered as to be able to take a commission in the Coldstream Guards, which, however, he was compelled to resign by increasing affliction. In 1835 he married a daughter of Colonel John Dixon, of Gledhow, Yorkshire, and settled at Dunham Cottage, Norfolk. On Lord Sondes’ retirement from the command of the Norfolk Regiment of Yeomanry Cavalry, in 1838, he was made Major Commandant of the corps, which in 1841 was, by Royal permission, entitled Prince Albert’s Own Norfolk Yeomanry Cavalry. When in 1849 blindness compelled him to live in retirement, Major Loftus occupied his time by dictating recollections of his youth and after life, which were published in two series, “My Youth by Land and Sea,” and “My Life from 1815 to 1849.”

20.—The Summer Show of the Norfolk Agricultural Association was opened at Fakenham. Prince Albert Victor came from Sandringham and made a tour of the showyard in company with Lord Hastings, the president for the year. The show was continued on the 21st.

30.—A disastrous thunderstorm occurred at Norwich. Many of the low-lying streets were flooded by the rain water, and in Grove Street, Unthank’s Road, a man sheltering beneath a tree was struck dead by lightning. Another man was killed by lightning on the farm of Mr. Keable, at Earlham, and some of the farm buildings were destroyed by fire. In several parts of the county stacks were fired and live stock killed.

JULY.

9.—Died at Southtown, Yarmouth, Commander Francis Harris, R.N. He entered the Navy on July 12th, 1805, as first-class volunteer on board the Temeraire, 98, Captain Harvey and Sir Charles Hamilton, in which ship he was present at the battle of Trafalgar. From 1826 to 1860 he was employed with the Coast Guard, and retired with the rank of commander.

13.—Died at Tunstead, the Rev. G. H. Harris, aged 57, for twenty years rector of the parish. Mr. Harris was well known for his exertions in behalf of church bell-ringing, and was the means of reviving the art not only in his own neighbourhood, but in other parts of the county. He was the originator and honorary secretary of the Norwich Diocesan Association of Ringers.

14.—In the High Court of Justice, Chancery Division, before Vice-Chancellor Bacon, an order was made for the compulsory winding-up of the Norwich Equitable Fire Insurance Company, which was stated to be insolvent.

25.—Died at East Dereham, where he had spent the declining years of his life, Mr. Antonio James Oury, the celebrated violinist. Mr. Oury was born in London in 1800. His father, a native of Nice and of noble descent, left home to follow the early campaigns of the then General Bounaparte, and was taken prisoner by the British and landed near Southampton, at which place he married, in 1799, the daughter of a Mr. Hughes, a musician and dancing master. Young Oury at the age of three years commenced violin playing under the tuition of his father and George Macfarren. In 1812 he became the pupil of three eminent professors, Mori, Spagnoletti, and Kiessewetter; and in 1820 he went to Paris to study under Baillot, Kreutzer, and Lupont. Returning to England, he made his début at the London Philharmonic Society, and afterwards became joint leader with Francis Cramer at the Birmingham, York, Leicester, and Derby Musical Festivals, and made several operatic tours in Ireland. In 1826 he was engaged as leader of the ballet, sub-leader of the opera, and solo violinist at the King’s Theatre, and as successor to Mori and Lacy he held this tripartite post for five years. Oury married, in 1831, the distinguished pianist, Mdlle. Belleville, whose father had been an officer of Napoleon’s. In 1832 they left England for Hamburg, Berlin, St. Petersburg, and Moscow, gave twenty-three concerts during a residence of two years in Russia, and returned to Berlin. They next visited Leipzig, Dresden, Prague, and Vienna. After a brilliant sojourn of two years in the Austrian capital Oury visited Pesth and Buda, gave seven concerts with great success and profit, played in the presence of the Imperial Court at the Bourge Theatre, Vienna, and returned to Munich. Accompanied by Madame Oury he gave concerts in all the principal towns on the Rhine, and arrived in Holland, where his wife was attacked by a serious illness, which interrupted several professional engagements. They subsequently visited a number of other places on the Continent, and returned to England after an absence of nine years. In 1846–47 Oury and his accomplished partner visited Italy, gave concerts at Rome, Naples, Venice, and Milan, and returned to England in 1848. Oury removed to Norwich in 1868, and after being some years resident there, proceeded to Dereham, where he lived with Mr. Arthur Mori.

AUGUST.

6.—Lady Walsingham unveiled a fountain and rest erected at Swaffham as a memorial to Sir William Bagge, Bart., for thirty-six years a representative in Parliament of the Western Division of the county. Its cost, which amounted to £800, was defrayed by public subscription.

7.—Died suddenly at a board meeting of the Norwich Union Fire Insurance Society, of which he was a director, Mr. Elijah Crosier Bailey, Clerk of the Peace for the city, aged 65. He was head of the firm of Bailey, Cross, and Barnard, solicitors, and was appointed Clerk to the Norwich Board of Guardians in 1844, in succession to Mr. Roger Kerrison, and resigned in 1879. On the death of Mr. Arthur Dalrymple in 1868 he was elected Clerk of the Peace. Mr. Bailey was for many years secretary of the Norfolk Agricultural Association, and on his resignation of that office was appointed honorary director. A warm supporter of the party, he was for a long period Conservative agent for East Norfolk. Mr. Bailey married, first, Miss Cann, daughter of Mr. W. R. Cann, of Wymondham, by whom he left four sons; and, secondly, in January, 1879, Miss Haselwood, of Swardon, Kent, granddaughter of Sir Edward Dering, Bart., M.P.

—At Norwich Assizes, before Mr. Justice Day, Joseph Betts, described as a labourer, was charged with maliciously sending to the Right Rev. the Lord Bishop of Norwich, on June 5th, a letter threatening to murder him. Mr. Blofeld, for the prosecution, said that the Bishop was of opinion that the prisoner had no real intention to take any step towards carrying out his threat, and was desirous that the case should be withdrawn. The judge said that his lordship had acted in a very handsome and generous manner, and allowed the prosecution to be withdrawn on the prisoner entering into recognisances to keep the peace towards the Bishop and all other persons. At the Norwich Police Court on September 21st Betts was charged with knowingly, wilfully, and feloniously sending to Mr. J. J. Colman, M.P., a letter, signed “Another Invincible,” threatening to murder him “unless he fairly and proportionately distributed his last year’s balance among his workmen.” He was committed for trial, and at the Assizes on October 27th was sentenced by Lord Justice Fry to twelve calendar months’ imprisonment. (See February 21st, 1889.)

11.—The scheme prepared by the Charity Commissioners for the future management of the endowed schools and children’s hospitals in connection with King Edward VI.’s charity and Anguish’s and Norman’s charities, was published. The scheme for the Grammar and Commercial Schools was practically the same as those promulgated in 1878. In the matter of Anguish’s charity, it was proposed to divide the endowment into two parts, one to be called Thomas Anguish’s endowment for boys, and the other Thomas Anguish’s endowment for girls. The existing boys’ school was to be given up, the master pensioned, and the income devoted, so far as £200 yearly was concerned, to providing lodging, clothing, and maintenance for boys holding exhibitions preferentially awarded under the scheme. With the rest of the income the governors were to maintain seven special exhibitions for poor boys who for not less than three years had been scholars in some public elementary school or schools, and as many general exhibitions for poor boys as the income available would allow to be tenable at either of King Edward VI. schools. As to Thomas Anguish’s endowment for girls, the girls’ hospital was to be abolished and the income applied in the same way as that for boys, except that £300 yearly was to be devoted to providing lodging, clothing, and maintenance for orphan or other necessitous girls. Norman’s charity was to cease to exist in its then form, the master pensioned, and the endowment to be appropriated to the maintenance of a girls’ middle school, the scheme for which was practically the same as that for the King Edward VI. Middle School for Boys, and to be known as Norman’s School, provision being made for the acquisition by purchase of the Girls’ Hospital School at Lakenham by the new governors of the Norman School. On August 28th the Norwich Town Council passed resolutions in opposition to the scheme, on the ground that it was contrary to the wishes of the founders and of the people of Norwich; and similar resolutions were carried at a meeting of the Norwich Charities Protection Society held at the Guildhall on September 10th, under the presidency of the Sheriff. (See February 3rd, 1888.)

20.—Miss Maude Branscombe and her London company appeared at Norwich Theatre in the comedy, “Masks and Dominoes,” and the burlesque, “Undine, or ye Nymph, ye Knight, and ye Awful Fright.”

—The Norfolk acid Norwich Hospital was opened by the Duke and Duchess of Connaught upon its completion. The actual expenditure to this date had been £51,179, of which about £39,118 had been obtained by subscription, £10,192 was withdrawn from invested capital, and £2,569 was advanced to the treasurer by Messrs. Gurney and Co. To wholly clear the new building from debt about £5,000 was required. The Duke and Duchess were received at Thorpe Station by the Mayor (Mr. C. R. Gilman), the Sheriff (Mr. S. Newman), the Deputy-Mayor (Mr. W. Hunter), the Earl of Leicester, and other representatives of the Hospital. His Royal Highness, after replying to an address read by the Town Clerk, drove with the Duchess through the gaily decorated streets of the city to the Hospital, where Prince Albert Victor had arrived some time previously from Horstead Hall in company with Mr. Edward Birkbeck, M.P. After the formal opening of the building their Royal Highnesses visited the various departments, and attended a grand bazaar held in the grounds; and later in the afternoon proceeded to Cotton Hall as the guests of Mr. S. Gurney Buxton and Miss Buxton. On the morning of the 21st their Royal Highnesses visited the Cathedral, and left for London at 2.55 p.m. The Hospital bazaar, which remained open until the 25th, produced net receipts amounting to £5,779 5s. 3d.

28.—At a meeting of the Norwich Town Council, Mr. J. Wilson Gilbert was elected Clerk of the Peace by 27 votes, against 25 recorded for Mr. George Alden Stevens.

SEPTEMBER.

3.—Died, at Norwich, Mr. Alfred Master, F.R.C.S., aged 67. He was a son of Colonel Harcourt Master, and was born at Catton. A pupil of Mr. P. N. Scott, and afterwards of Mr. J. Godwin Johnson, with whom he became associated in practice, Mr. Master was for many years surgeon of the County Gaol. He was a magistrate of the city and a prominent member of the committee of the Norfolk and Norwich Musical Festival.

7.—Knapton church was re-opened by the Bishop of Norwich. It had been restored at the cost of about £2,000.

10.—Mr. J. C. Buckmaster, of the Science and Art Department, South Kensington, delivered a lecture at Cromer on “Science Teaching in Agriculture.” Mr. Buckmaster also lectured at North Walsham, Coltishall, Aylsham, Wymondham, and Norwich.

—Mr. Sheil Barry made his first appearance on the Norwich stage in his famous impersonation of Gaspard in “Les Cloches de Corneville.”

14.—Died, in his 83rd year, the Rev. John Methold, vicar of Wighton. He was educated at Harrow and Trinity College, Cambridge, and was appointed to his living in 1839. “It is a singular fact that the last three vicars of Wighton, Mr. Charles, Mr. Tickell, and Mr. Methold, held the vicarage for no less than 143 years.” Mr. Methold played for Harrow in the first cricket match which that school won against Eton.

15.—Died, at his residence, Ber Street House, Norwich, Mr. John May Robberds, of the firm of Fosters, Burroughes, and Robberds, solicitors, aged 74. A son of John Warden Robberds, who in his day was a geologist of some note, and contributed the historical and geological notes to “Stark’s River Scenery,” Mr. Robberds had lived in comparative retirement for upwards of half a century. He was unrivalled as an authority upon conveyancing law.

OCTOBER.

1.—At Norwich Police Court, Mr. William Sidney, proprietor of the Theatre Royal, made application for a licence for the performance of stage plays in that building. He stated that it was fifty years since he first performed at the Theatre, when, under the management of Mr. Davenport, it was open all the year round, and was understood to be a patent theatre. It was afterwards purchased by a company of which Sir William Foster and Mr. Robberds were the chairmen. He (Mr. Sidney) became lessee and afterwards proprietor, and purchased the shares and freehold land. The understanding during all those years was that it was a patent theatre and required no licence from the magistrates. The Town Clerk had requested him to produce the patent, but neither he nor his solicitors (Messrs. Rackham) were able to do so. Eventually a patent was found, but to their great surprise it was granted to one Thomas Ivory for seven months in the year only, commencing November 1st. The Town Clerk explained to the magistrates that the attention of the Executive Committee of the Corporation having been called to the necessity of certain structural alterations at the Theatre, Mr. Sidney was requested to have them carried out, and in consequence of his non-compliance the Lord Chamberlain was communicated with, and then it appeared that no patent had been granted to a theatre in Norwich since 1768. The magistrates, before granting the licence, required Mr. Sidney to comply with the demands of the Corporation, and on the 19th, it being reported that the work was completed, his application was acceded to.

15.—The coming of age of Mr. John Cator, eldest son of Mr. Albemarle Cator, was celebrated at Woodbastwick by a village fête.

18.—The Duke of Portland laid the last stone of a new dock at Lynn.

30.—The Norwich Diocesan Conference was opened at the Victoria Hall, Norwich, under the presidency of the Lord Bishop. The proceedings concluded on the 31st.

NOVEMBER.

9.—Dr. Eade was elected Mayor and Mr. J. Farrar Ranson appointed Sheriff of Norwich.

12.—Col. Boileau, at the annual distribution of prizes to the 1st Volunteer Battalion Norfolk Regiment, announced his impending retirement from the command of the corps. He was succeeded by Lieut.-Colonel Mansel.

23.—The headquarters of the 4th (Queen’s Own) Hussars arrived at the Cavalry Barracks, Norwich.

24.—A fire occurred on the premises of Mr. Ilott, Bridewell Alley, Norwich, and caused damage to the amount of between £1,200 and £1,500.

DECEMBER.

3.—Mr. David James commenced a six nights’ engagement at Norwich Theatre in the character of Perkyn Middlewick (“Our Boys”).

18.—At a meeting of the Norwich Town Council an important letter was read from Mr. John Gurney, of Sprowston Hall, referring to the opportunity then afforded to acquire Norwich Castle and the surrounding grounds for the use and recreation of the citizens. (See February 19th, 1884.)

26.—The holiday attraction at Norwich Theatre was the production of the Drury Lane drama, “Youth,” by Messrs. Holt and Wilmot’s company.

28.—The Mayor and Mayoress of Norwich (Dr. and Mrs. Eade) entertained 820 aged men and women at St. Andrew’s Hall.

1884.

JANUARY.

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 Lynn, and a third meeting took place at Fakenham on the 31st. Deputations from the Corporations of Norwich and Lynn waited upon the local authority at Norwich on February 23rd to discuss what steps should be taken to effect the re-opening of the cattle markets in the city and borough, and it was decided to send a deputation to the Privy Council. This deputation, consisting of representatives of the county authority, and of the Corporations of Norwich and Lynn, waited upon Lord Carlingford on February 28th, and asked for the immediate opening of the markets and the removal or modification of other restrictions. At the quarterly meeting of the county magistrates on April 10th, Mr. C. S. Read, M.P., reported that the sum of £2,586 had been expended during the three months for inspection and expenses in carrying out the provisions of the Act. The Contagious Diseases (Animals) Act Amendment Bill was read a second time on March 21st and a third time on May 3rd, and on May 19th it received the Royal assent and became law.

20.—Died, at King’s Lynn, Mr. James Fiddaman. He began life in very humble circumstances and without the advantages afforded by education. The son of a tailor in a small way of business, he first acted as an assistant to his uncle, who was ostler at a tavern in Lynn. He was afterwards ostler or “boots” at inns and hotels in neighbouring towns; subsequently he tramped the country for a time, visiting London, Brighton, and other places in quest of a good situation. Eventually he returned to Lynn, took a public-house known as the Wheatsheaf, in Norfolk Street, and made it the local centre of the sporting interest in West Norfolk. After a time he bought the house, converted it into an hotel and wine vaults, and rapidly made a fortune. Mr. Fiddaman was a munificent donor to many benevolent institutions, and his private acts of charity were numerous. An enormous concourse of persons attended his funeral.

30.—Died, at his residence, Thorpe St. Andrew, Mr. Richard Noverre Bacon, aged 85, probably the oldest journalist in the kingdom. At an early age he was engaged in newspaper work under his father, Richard Mackenzie Bacon, whom in 1845 he succeeded as proprietor and editor of the “Norwich Mercury.” A Whig of the old school, Mr. Bacon in his editorship of the “Mercury” was tenacious in the maintenance of his opinions, and held them with a firmness which did not always please the more advanced section of the Liberal party—hence the establishment of the “Norfolk News” as the representative organ of Liberal Nonconformity in county and city. Mr. Bacon served his fellow-citizens in the Town Council, on the Hospital board, and in other capacities, and assisted in founding the Jenny Lind Infirmary for Sick Children. As a journalist he was decidedly inferior to his distinguished father, and his only literary work was his “Essay on Norfolk Agriculture,” written in 1844, which won for him the prize offered by the Royal Agricultural Society, besides bringing him prominently forward among the agriculturists of the county, a connection he was assiduous in maintaining to the close of his career.

FEBRUARY.

19.—A deputation of Norfolk magistrates and members of the Norwich Town Council waited upon the Home Secretary (Sir William Harcourt) on the subject of the proposed provision of a new prison site at Norwich. Lord Walsingham explained the objects of the deputation. The county prison at Norwich, with the Castle and a portion of the ground on which it stands, having been offered under Section 34 of the Prisons Act, 1877, for re-purchase by the original prison authority, i.e., the county of Norfolk, at the statutory price fixed by the Act (amounting in this case to £10,569), a committee was appointed by the Court of Quarter Sessions for the county, and another committee by the Town Council of Norwich. The county authority would not consent to take money out of the pockets of the heavily-burdened ratepayers for the repurchase of property which they had been compelled by law to part with for nothing; but they asked that this ancient and interesting piece of county property should be restored to its original owners “that it might be by them preserved to the best advantage in all its imposing dignity and grandeur.” The Mayor of Norwich (Dr. Eade) stated that Mr. John Gurney had gone so far as to offer, free of cost, another site for a prison. The Home Secretary replied that the Prison Commissioners would not abandon the site, but would continue to occupy it, unless an offer were made which they could accept. If it was desired that they should go elsewhere, it should be made worth their while to do so. At a meeting of the Norwich Town Council on April 10th it was reported that the Home Secretary was willing to accept £5,000 for the Castle, and that a still further reduction was probable. On June 17th the Mayor announced to the Corporation that the Government had agreed to sell to the city the Castle and its environments for £4,000; and it was resolved to purchase the property for that sum. (See October 19th, 1886.)

20.—Mr. C. S. Read was returned unopposed to fill the vacancy in the representation of the Western Division of the county, caused by the resignation of Mr. Bentinck, M.P. Mr. Read took his seat in the House of Commons on the 21st, and had a very cordial reception. “The Premier shook his hand when he came to the table, and a score of members behind the chair greeted him as heartily.”

MARCH.

15.—On this date were published the names of Norfolk men, and of those connected with the county, who had distinguished themselves at the battle of Teb, on March 13th. The list included Colonel Sir Redvers Buller, of Castle Rising; Commander Rolfe, of Heacham; Major Haggard, son of Mr. Haggard, of East Bradenham; Lieutenant Probyn (killed), nephew of Sir Dighton Probyn; and Captain Wilson, R.N., of the Hecla, son of Mr. Knyvett Wilson, of Swaffham. Captain Wilson afterwards received the Victoria Cross.

20.—Mr. Oscar Wilde lectured before a large audience in the Assembly Room, Agricultural Hall, Norwich, on the subject of “The House Beautiful.”

22.—The Spring Show of the Norfolk Agricultural Association was held for the first time at the Agricultural Hall, Norwich. Since this date the show has been held annually in the same building in the month of March.

26.—Mr. E. P. Weston, the celebrated pedestrian, who on the 15th completed his walk of 5,000 miles in as many consecutive hours (Sundays and Christmas Day excluded), delivered a lecture at the Agricultural Hall, Norwich, on “How I Came to Walk into Walking.” The Mayor (Dr. Eade) presided. Weston, whose address was in the cause of temperance, stated that in fourteen years he had walked 56,000 miles.

28.—Intelligence was received at Norwich of the death, at Cannes, of the Duke of Albany. The great bell of St. Peter Mancroft was tolled, and flags displayed at half-mast. References were made to the sad event by preachers in various places of worship on Sunday, the 30th; on April 8th the Town Council passed a resolution of condolence with her Majesty the Queen and the Duchess of Albany; and on April 10th the county magistrates adopted a similar resolution.

APRIL.

12.—Died, at Rackheath Park, Lady Stracey, wife of Sir Henry J. Stracey, Bart. Her ladyship was a daughter of Mr. George Denne, of the Paddock, Canterbury, and married Sir Henry on March 5th, 1835. Of the marriage there were eight sons and six daughters.

—Died, at Yarmouth, Mr. William Norton Burroughs, in his 86th year. He was Mayor of the borough in 1846.

14.—Madame Cave-Ashton’s Opera Company commenced an engagement at Norwich Theatre, in “Il Trovatore.”

25.—Died, at Morningthorpe Rectory, the Rev. Edmund Nelson Rolfe, eldest son of the Rev. Robert Rolfe, rector of Hempnall aged 73. He was first cousin to Lord Chancellor Cranworth. “Of an old Norfolk family, he bore the Christian name of Nelson to mark his relationship to the great Lord Nelson. His mother was a daughter of the Rev. Edmund Nelson, and aunt to Horatio Viscount Nelson.”

28.—The Royal assent was given to “The City of Norwich (Mousehold Heath) Scheme Confirmation.”

MAY.

1.—At St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Rev. Sidney Linton, D.D., vicar of St. Philip’s, Heigham, Norwich, was consecrated by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Bishop of Riverina, New South Wales. A farewell meeting was held in St. Philip’s parish on May 26th, when the Bishop received parting gifts.

13.—“Cuthbert Bede” (the Rev. Edward Bradley), author of “Verdant Green,” lectured in the Assembly Room, Agricultural Hall, Norwich, on “Modern Humourists.”

19.—In the Court of Appeal, Lords Justices Baggallay, Cotton, and Lindley commenced the hearing of the appeal case, Boswell and others v. Coaks and others. This was an appeal from the judgment of Mr. Justice Fry in the action brought by Mr. J. F. Boswell and Mr. James Baxter on behalf of themselves and of other unsatisfied creditors of Sir Robert John Harvey, deceased, against Isaac Bugg Coaks and others, to have the purchase of a life interest on certain property set aside. Mr. Justice Fry had given judgment for the defendants, and from that judgment the plaintiffs now appealed. On Wednesday, 28th, the sixth day of the hearing, their lordships adjourned until after the Whitsuntide recess. The hearing was resumed on June 12th, and continued until June 16th, when Lord Baggallay said their lordships would consider their judgment. On July 31st judgment was given for the plaintiffs. “The arguments of counsel and examination of witnesses in the appeal occupied the time of the Court for nine days, and it is just over six weeks since the case closed and their lordships announced that they would consider their judgment. It amounts to a complete vindication of the action taken by the plaintiffs, for whom practically the verdict throughout was given, with costs.” (See December 9th, 1885.)

29.—Died, at Wimbledon, the Right Hon. Sir Bartle Frere, G.C.B., G.C.S.I. He belonged to an ancient family established in Norfolk and Suffolk from the time of the Conquest, and was a younger brother of Mr. George Edward Frere, of Roydon, near Diss. Born on March 29th, 1815, he was educated at Bath Grammar School, and at the age of seventeen was nominated to Haileybury; in the entrance examination he came out last but one, but once admitted he set himself to work with such energy that at the end of 1833 be passed from the college as its foremost student into the ranks of the Company’s Civil Service. His name will ever be associated with South African diplomacy.

31.—A great county and city meeting was held at the Agricultural Hall, Norwich, under the presidency of the Earl of Leicester, for the purpose of taking such measures as might be necessary to induce the Council of the Royal Agricultural Society of England to hold their annual meeting at Norwich in 1886. Resolutions were adopted in furtherance of the objects of the meeting. (See July 12th, 1886.)

JUNE.

10.—A fire occurred at Scole, and resulted in the destruction of the shop of Mr. A. Pettit, and of other property. Mr. Pettit’s loss amounted to upwards of £1,000.

—Died, at Catton, Mrs. Mary Sewell, widow of Mr. Isaac Sewell. She was the daughter of Mr. John Wright, of Buxton, and was born in 1797 at either Felthorpe or Great Yarmouth. Most of her early life was spent at the former place; and in 1818 she married Mr. Sewell, of Yarmouth. Subsequently they removed to the neighbourhood of London, where they resided until 1835. During the next twenty years they lived at Brighton and at Chichester, and then removed to Bath, where they remained till 1867, when Mrs. Sewell went to reside with her son at Catton. Her connection with literature began at a very early period of her life, and her publications were both numerous and popular. The most successful were “Mother’s Last Words” and “Our Father’s Care.” The former was issued by Messrs. Jarrold on November 1st, 1860, and up to January 25th, 1884, upwards of one million copies had been printed and circulated. Similar success attended the latter work, which proved equally popular. Mrs. Sewell was originally a member of the Society of Friends, but in consequence of misgivings she withdrew in 1834, and for a time attended a Congregational chapel in London. On her removal to Brighton she associated herself with the Church of England. “She was no sectarian, but a Christian in the broadest and most genuine sense.”

18.—The Summer Show of the Norfolk Agricultural Association opened at Lynn, and was continued on the 19th. Sir Lewis W. Jarvis was president.

26.—Died, at Newmarket Road, Norwich, Mr. John Pymar, aged 76. For more than fifty years he served the city in various capacities, but never aspired to the higher offices. For nearly half a century Mr. Pymar was a member of the Board of Guardians, and for more than forty years an alderman of the city. Throughout his career he was a moderate and consistent Liberal.

—Died, at Prince’s Street, Norwich, Mr. John Quinton, for fifty-five years librarian at the Norfolk and Norwich Literary Institution, aged 72.

28.—Died, at Yarmouth, aged 73, Mr. Charles Cory Aldred, Deputy-Mayor of the borough. In early life he served as naval surgeon in H.M.S. Dreadnought, and was afterwards surgeon-major in the Norfolk Artillery Militia.

29.—The Rev. Frederick Baggallay, who had been elected vicar of St. Peter Mancroft, Norwich, in succession to the Ven. Archdeacon Nevill, officiated for the first time. He was the fifth son of the Right Hon. Sir Richard Baggallay, Lord Justice of Appeal, and formerly curate at St. George’s, Hanover Square.

JULY.

1.—St. John’s church, Yarmouth, was re-opened after further enlargement, at the cost of £1,500. Within a quarter of a century the building had been five times enlarged.

—Died, at Glaisdale Lodge, Hunstanton, Rhoda Bunn, formerly of Wolferton, in her 104th year. She was born at Beeston-next-Mileham, on February 23rd, 1781, “and shortly after her last birthday was presented by the Queen with her portrait upon receipt of a photograph of the old lady sent by the vicar, the Rev. A. Waller.”

7.—Colonel George Wilson Boileau was presented by the members of the 1st Volunteer Battalion Norfolk Regiment, at Norwich, with a massive silver Monteith bowl “as a mark of respect and esteem on his retirement in 1883, after commanding the battalion fifteen years.”

14.—A large meeting of the Conservative party in West Norfolk was held at Swaffham “with the object of supporting the Lords in their constitutional action with regard to the Franchise Bill.” This was the first of many meetings held throughout the county at which the principle of redistribution was strongly enforced, and Mr. Bright’s famous dictum at Bradford in 1859 quoted: “Repudiate without mercy any Bill of any Government, whatever its franchise, whatever its seeming concessions may be, if it does not redistribute the seats.” At Lynn, on July 22nd, Sir Stafford Northcote, Lord Cranborne, and Mr. Bourke addressed a largely-attended meeting in support of redistribution, and at Norwich, on the 29th, the Earl of Donoughmore, Sir Hardinge Giffard, Q.C., M.P., and Sir R. J. Buxon, M.P., spoke in favour of the action of the House of Lords.

—The newly-erected parish church at Edgefield was consecrated by the Bishop of Norwich. The dilapidated church of SS. Peter and Paul standing upon the confines of the parish had been demolished, and the materials capable of being re-used were utilised for the erection of the new church upon a more convenient site. The demolition was commenced on November 13th, 1882, and the building of the new church was carried out from plans by Mr. J. D. Steading, of Charlotte Street, Bradford Square, W.C., by Mr. Bartram, builder, of Aylsham, at the cost of £1,900.

30.—Deopham church was re-opened, after restoration by Messrs. Cornish and Gaymer, of North Walsham.

AUGUST.

9.—Died, at Merton Rectory, the Rev. George Crabbe, B.A. He was a son of the eldest brother of the celebrated poet Crabbe, and was born at Pucklechurch, Somerset, in 1819. Educated at Bury St. Edmund’s School, and at Queen’s College, Cambridge, he was presented to the living of Merton by Lord Walsingham, father of the present peer. Mr. Crabbe married his cousin, the third daughter of the Rev. George Crabbe, younger son of the poet. During the last two or three years of his life he was engaged in examining and arranging the family documents at Merton Hall, and the result of his researches was published in 1883 by direction of the Committee of the Norfolk and Norwich Archæological Society, under the title of “Robert de Grey, Recusant.” This was followed by Part I. of “A Report on the Muniments of Merton Hall, Norfolk,” published in the “Norfolk Antiquarian Miscellany,” edited by Walter Rye. Part II. was nearly completed at the time of his death.

11.—Great heat was experienced on this date. “The heat registered in the shade was 90 degrees at Eaton, and 95 in Park Lane, Norwich.” A violent thunderstorm occurred on the 12th.

13.—Died suddenly, at Brighton railway station, the Duke of Wellington. Born February 3rd, 1807, he succeeded his illustrious father, the greatest of British generals, on September 14th, 1852. As Lord Douro he was elected Conservative member for Aldeburgh in 1830, and retained his seat until 1831. In 1837 he was returned for Norwich, and continued to sit until July, 1852, a few months previous to the death of his father. During the life of Sir Samuel Bignold, with whom he was on terms of the closest intimacy, the Duke of Wellington was a frequent visitor to Norwich, the last occasion being in 1874, when he joined in the celebration of the venerable knight’s 83rd birthday, on October 13th, and on the following evening accompanied him to the annual dinner of the Eldon Club.

21.—Died suddenly, at Cranmer Hall, Sir Willoughby Jones, Bart., aged 63. He was the second son of Major-General Sir John Thomas Jones, K.C.B., aide-de-camp to the Queen (who was created a baronet in 1831), by Catherine Maria, daughter of Mr. Effingham Laurence, of New York. Educated at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he took a wrangler’s degree in 1843, he entered for the Bar, but his future career was decided by the death of his brother, Sir Laurence Jones, who, having held the baronetcy for only two years, was murdered by brigands whilst on a tour in Turkey, in November, 1845. Sir Willoughby, on succeeding to the baronetcy, devoted himself to the pursuits and duties of a country gentleman. He was for nearly thirty years Chairman of the Norfolk Court of Quarter Sessions, chairman of the Norwich centre of the Cambridge Local Examinations, and a member of the Archæological Society and of the Naturalists’ Society. He also took great interest in the Volunteer movement, and in its early days was captain of the 10th Company of Norfolk Rifles. Sir Willoughby served the office of High Sheriff in 1851, and married in 1856 his cousin, Emily, daughter of Mr. Henry Taylor Jones, of Chatham, by whom he left three sons and four daughters. In early life he was a Conservative, and as such sat for Cheltenham in 1847–48; but he afterwards changed his principles, and in 1865, as a Liberal, unsuccessfully contested West Norfolk.

25.—Mr. Edward Terry commenced a three nights’ engagement at Norwich Theatre, as Captain Ginger (“Weak Woman”). His other impersonations were Chevalier Walkinshaw (“The Rocket”), Kerry (“Kerry, or Night and Morning”), and Paul Pry.

26.—A long and heated discussion took place at a meeting of the Norwich Town Council on a motion for adopting a recommendation by the Libraries Committee “that the reading room at the Free Library be opened on Sundays from 3 o’clock until 9 p.m., from Michaelmas to Christmas next, by way of experiment.” A strong protest was handed in on behalf of the clergy of the city, and the motion was defeated by 21 votes against 12.

SEPTEMBER.

20.—It was announced that the Mousehold site for the new brigade depot for the Norfolk Regiment had been handed over to the military authorities, and plans were in hand for the erection of the barracks. (See June 18th, 1888.)

29.—A new lifeboat was launched at Cromer, and was named by Mrs. Bond-Cabbell the “Benjamin Bond-Cabbell.” It was built by Messrs. Beeching, of Yarmouth.

OCTOBER.

6.—The Eastern and Midland Railway extension to Holt was inspected and approved by Major-General Hutchinson.

14.—The Norfolk and Norwich Musical Festival commenced with an evening performance of “Elijah.” The other productions were: On the 15th “The Redemption,” first time of performance in Norwich; the 16th the dramatic oratorio, “The Rose of Sharon,” the music composed expressly for this Festival by A. C. Mackenzie; the 17th “The Messiah.” Grand miscellaneous concerts were given on the evenings of the 15th, 16th, and 17th. The principal vocalists were Miss Emma Navada, Miss Anna Williams, Madame Patey, Miss Damian, Mr. Edward Lloyd, Mr. Maas, Mr. H. E. Thorndike, and Mr. Santley. Mr. Alberto Randegger conducted. The balance, after the payment of expenses, amounted to £953 1s. 3d., of which amount £700 was distributed among the local charities.

15.—The Prince and Princess of Wales arrived at Norwich from Melton Constable, where they were on a visit to Lord and Lady Hastings, and attended the Musical Festival. Their Royal Highnesses arrived at the City Station of the Eastern and Midlands Railway at 11.40 and were received by the Mayor (Dr. Eade), the Sheriff (Mr. J. Farrar Ranson), and the Deputy-Mayor (Mr. C. R. Gilman), and were escorted to St. Andrew’s Hall by a detachment of the 4th (Queen’s Own) Hussars. During the interval in the performance of “The Redemption” their Royal Highnesses and a distinguished company were entertained to luncheon by the Mayor. On leaving the hall the Prince and Princess visited the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, and later returned to Melton Constable. Their Royal Highnesses again visited the city on the evening of the 17th, and attended the Festival concert, at the conclusion of which they proceeded to Melton Constable, and ended their visit to Lord and Lady Hastings on the 18th.

NOVEMBER.

6.—The Norwich Diocesan Conference commenced its sittings at Noverre’s Rooms, Norwich. The proceedings ended on the 7th.

7.—The new building erected on St. James’s Road by the Corporation of Lynn, for the reception of the Stanley Library, was opened. The Bishop of Carlisle (Dr. Harvey Goodwin, son of Mr. Charles Goodwin, of Lynn) delivered an inaugural address, in the course of which he reviewed the changes and improvements in his native town since he last visited it twenty-five years previously.

10.—Mr. John Hotblack was elected Mayor and Mr. William Howard Dakin appointed Sheriff of Norwich.

18.—At a meeting of the Norwich Town Council the Parliamentary and Bylaws Committee reported that counsel was of opinion “that the Corporation should for the present hold its hand and not make any further distribution among the freemen of the funds arising from the Town Close Estate.” The recommendation of the Committee “that the question of payment remain in abeyance until the next meeting,” was adopted by 45 votes against 11. At an adjourned meeting held on December 16th “to consider the case submitted to the Solicitor-General and Mr. Asquith,” Mr. Hackblock moved the adoption of the recommendation of the Parliamentary and Bylaws Committee “that the City Treasurer be directed to carry the amounts of the rents of the Town Close Estate in his hands to a separate account, with the view of affording an opportunity for obtaining a judicial decision as to the rights of the freemen to the estate.” Mr. Joseph Stanley moved “That the freemen be paid as usual.” The amendment was defeated by 26 votes against 21. On the adjournment of the Council a writ issued by Mr. Stanley on behalf of four freemen, and directed against the Mayor, Aldermen, and Councillors and her Majesty’s Attorney General, was served upon the Town Clerk. It claimed for the freemen a declaration that the Corporation was seized and entitled to the receipt of the rents and profits of the Town Close Estate upon trust only for the benefit of the plaintiffs and others the freemen of the city, and an account of the rents and profits of the estate which had been received by the Corporation. The appointment of a receiver was asked for, and in addition the plaintiffs sought an injunction to restrain the Corporation from admitting to the freedom of the city by servitude any persons who had served only under articles of clerkship to a solicitor for not exceeding five years, and had not served seven years’ apprenticeship to a freeman trader. The Corporation was also desired to furnish an account of all persons so admitted from September 9th, 1835, it being contended by the freemen that the profession of law was not a trade or business as required by the Act, and that no man could be admitted under less than a seven years’ apprenticeship. (See March 21st, 1887.)

30.—Died, at Costessey Park, the Right Hon. Henry Valentine Baron Stafford. He was a son of George William, eighth lord (in whose favour an attainder was reversed in 1824), by his first wife, Frances Henrietta, youngest daughter and co-heiress of Mr. Edward Sulyarde, of Wetherdon, Suffolk, and was born January 2nd, 1802. His lordship was twice married, first on February 13th, 1829, to Julia, second daughter of Mr. Edward C. Howard, F.R.S., and niece of the 12th Duke of Norfolk, who died in November, 1856; and, secondly, in September, 1859, to Emma Eliza, daughter of Mr. Frederick S. Gerard, of Aspull House, Lincolnshire, and niece of Robert Lord Gerard, by whom he was survived. He was one of the first Roman Catholics who sat in the House of Commons after the passing of the Roman Catholic Relief Bill, when he was chosen member for Pontefract. On the occasion of the visit of the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Queen of Denmark, and the Duke of Edinburgh to Norwich, in 1866, Lord Stafford entertained them at Costessey Park. In recognition of his munificent liberality on that occasion a subscription was inaugurated by the Corporation of Norwich for a full-length portrait of his lordship, which was placed in St. Andrew’s Hall. Lord Stafford was the courtliest of gentlemen and the most liberal of landlords.

DECEMBER.

2.—Died, at Bacton Grange, North Walsham, in his 67th year, Mr. William Partridge Cubitt. He was born at Bacton, where the Cubitt family had been for many generations tenants under the Wodehouses. As a coal merchant he owned ships which traded between Bacton and the North. For many years he was captain of the Bacton lifeboat crew, and had received medals and certificates for courageously saving life on the Norfolk coast. On one occasion he swam his horse out to a wreck and brought the sailors to shore hanging to the stirrup-leathers of his saddle. “He was not only a good sailor, a good farmer, and a sharp and wise merchant, but he was also a splendid horseman across country.” In politics Mr. Cubitt was strongly Liberal.

2.—A meeting was held at King’s Lynn, at which was formed for West Norfolk a branch of the National Fair Trade League. The principles of the League were, for a time, advocated in this and other parts of Norfolk, but the movement was short-lived.

3.—Died, at the Close, Norwich, Mr. John Orfeur, in his 80th year. He was a son of Lieutenant Abdiel Orfeur, R.N., of Great Yarmouth, a descendant of the family of Orfeur in Cumberland. By business a timber merchant, he devoted his leisure time to scientific pursuits, was one of the promoters of the Norwich Geological Society, and of the Norfolk and Norwich Naturalists’ Society, and a warm supporter of the Norfolk and Norwich Museum.

6.—The Norfolk Chamber of Agriculture adopted a resolution affirming its belief that the long-continued depression in agriculture injuriously affected all other industries, and its desire that a Committee of the two Houses of Parliament should enquire into the causes of the distress and recommend such practical remedies as might be found advisable. Mr. C. S. Read, M.P., moved a similar resolution at a meeting of the Central Chamber of Agriculture, on December 10th.

16.—Died, at Houghton Hall, his seat in Norfolk, the Marquis of Cholmondeley. His lordship, who was born August 31st, 1800, was the younger of the two sons of George James, fourth earl and first Marquis of Cholmondeley, by his marriage with the Lady Georgina Charlotte Bertie, second daughter and co-heiress of Peregrine, third Duke of Ancaster. He was educated at Eton and Christ Church, and at the age of 22, as Lord Henry Cholmondeley, he entered the House of Commons as one of the members for the pocket borough of Castle Rising, in the place of his brother, Lord Rocksavage, who was called to the Upper House in his father’s Barony of Newburgh. In 1832 Castle Rising was disfranchised under Lord John Russell’s Reform Act, and Lord Henry remained out of Parliament until 1852, when he was returned as one of the members for South Hampshire. In May, 1870, on his elder brother’s death, he succeeded to the Marquisate and the rest of the family honours, and to the estates of Cholmondeley Castle in Cheshire, and of Houghton Hall, Norfolk. He was an excellent and considerate landlord, and did his best to encourage agricultural improvements on his estates.

17.—An extensive fire occurred in the drapery establishment of Mr. Alfred Jermyn, High Street, Lynn. A range of buildings was entirely destroyed. The premises were valued at £6,500, and the stock in trade at £20,000.

26.—Messrs. T. W. Robertson and H. Brace’s Comedy Company appeared at Norwich Theatre in the farcical pieces, “Nita’s First” and “My Milliner’s Bill.” At Messrs. John Sanger and Son’s Circus, at the Agricultural Hall, was produced the Christmas spectacle, “Aladdin, or an Old Lamp with a New Face.”

29.—Died, at Bridewell Alley, Norwich, aged 53, Mr. Arthur Dale Ventnor, a well-known portrait painter.

30.—Died, at his residence, Surrey Street, Norwich, Mr. Richard Makilwaine Phipson, F.S.A., aged 57. He commenced practice as an architect in London, and in 1849 took an office at Ipswich. In 1859 he was appointed to the post of County Surveyor of Norfolk, and afterwards became one of the diocesan surveyors under the Ecclesiastical Dilapidations Act, 1871. Much of the work of church restoration carried out during the quarter of a century preceding his death had been entrusted to him, and he was the architect of the Norwich City Asylum. Mr. Phipson was a Fellow of the Royal Society of Antiquaries, and took great interest in the Norfolk and Norwich Archæological Society.

1885.

JANUARY.

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 which the county would be divided, with one member to each. These were known as South, South-West, East, North, Mid, and North-West. Yarmouth and King’s Lynn were allotted one member each.

6.—Died, at Cathedral Street, Norwich, Mrs. Emily Stannard, widow of Joseph Stannard, artist, and daughter of Daniel Coppin, aged 82. Mrs. Stannard was a clever painter of fruit, flowers, and still life. In 1821 she was presented with the large gold medal of the Society of Arts for an original painting of fruit, and in 1828 received a gold medal for a painting of game.

8.—The coming of age of Prince Albert Victor Christian Edward of Wales, eldest son of the Prince and Princess of Wales, was marked by great rejoicings not only at Sandringham, but throughout the county. Addresses and gifts were presented by the tenantry, and by the Corporations of Norwich and Lynn; Sanger’s circus company from Norwich gave performances for the amusement of the villagers; and in the evening a grand ball took place at Sandringham House. The Mayor of Norwich (Mr. John Hotblack) invited 600 children to a fancy dress ball given at St. Andrew’s Hall in honour of the event.

15.—The Mayor and Corporation of Norwich attended at St. Andrew’s Hall to inaugurate an art loan exhibition in aid of St. Peter Mancroft church restoration fund, and of the churchyard improvement. The exhibition remained open for three weeks, and realised a balance of £517.

21.—At the Norfolk Assizes, before the Lord Chief Justice, Mr. Hamon le Strange brought an action against the Corporation of Lynn for the purpose of determining the boundary between his fishery and the fishery of the Corporation, which were coterminous. It was alleged that the defendants wrongfully cut away and removed two buoys belonging to the plaintiff. The defendants denied the act, but subsequently justified it on the ground that the buoys were an interference with the fishery of the Corporation. The hearing concluded on the 24th, when the jury found for the plaintiff and allowed 40s. damages in order to carry costs. The defendants gave notice of motion for a new trial on the ground of misdirection of the jury. On June 24th the application was made in the Queen’s Beach Division, and was refused.

21.—Died, at All Saints’ Green, Norwich, Thomas Frederick Armes, bugle-major of the 1st Volunteer Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Formerly in the 4th Light Dragoons, he took part in the famous light cavalry charge at Balaclava, in which he was wounded and left for dead on the field.

26.—The Prince of Wales attended the annual meeting of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Norfolk Freemasons at Lynn, and was present at the banquet presided over by Lord Suffield.

29.—A widow, named Elizabeth Everitt, 50 years of age, of Wormegay, near Downham Market, was murdered by her son, William Everitt. The murderer was certified to be insane, and was removed to the Broadmoor Criminal Lunatic Asylum.

—Died, at Hill House, Surlingham, Mr. Frederick Anthony Mills, in his 85th year. Born at Pulham St. Mary, where for many years his father practised as a surgeon, he received his early education under Valpy at Norwich Grammar School, and was one of the last survivors of the Valpeian Club. A taste for natural history and anatomical investigation rendered his studies when a pupil at Guy’s both congenial and promising. For some time he practised surgery in Norwich in partnership with Mr. Cadge, and after the death of his wife, settled at Surlingham with his old friend and fellow-sportsman, Mr. Robert Pratt, and indulged in his favourite pursuits of fishing and shooting. Mr. Mills was a Liberal of the old school, “but his contempt for mere party triumphs led him to speak with more pride than regret of his never having been a member of the Norwich Town Council.”

FEBRUARY.

2.—Died, at Surrey Street, Norwich, Mrs. Louisa Mary Barwell, widow of Mr. John Barwell. She was the eldest daughter of Mr. Richard Mackenzie Bacon, and was born March 4th, 1800. In early life she showed great taste and talent in music, became one of the finest amateur singers of her day, and assisted her father in editing the “Musical Review.” In 1824 she married Mr. John Barwell, and soon afterwards contributed articles to the “Journal of Education” and other similar periodicals. Mrs. Barwell in 1833 published her first book, “Little Lessons for Little Learners.” Her works on educational subjects numbered fourteen.

11.—The “Tichborne Claimant” (who was released from Pentonville Prison on October 20th, 1884) appeared at Sanger’s Circus, Norwich, and addressed the audience on his life and adventures. He made a second appearance on the 12th.

16.—Sir J. W. Lubbock, M.P., and Mr. H. L. Courtney, M.P., at the Agricultural Hall, Norwich, propounded the principles advocated by the Proportional Representation Society.

MARCH.

5.—A “service of humiliation” was held in the nave of Norwich Cathedral, “with prayers for our nation in general and specially for our soldiers and sailors in Egypt.”

—A salmon trout, weighing 4¾ lbs., was captured at Pull’s Ferry, Norwich.

7.—At the Norfolk Adjourned Quarter Sessions, held at the Shirehall, Norwich, Mr. T. H. B. Heslop of Thames Ditton, Surrey, was appointed County Surveyor, in place of Mr. R. M. Phipson, deceased.

APRIL.

6.—An English Opera Company, including Mr. Faulkner Leigh, Madame Cave-Ashton, Madame Campobello, and Mr. William Parkinson, commenced a season at Norwich Theatre in the operas of “La Sonnambula,” “The Waterman,” “Il Trovatore,” “Pygmalion and Galatea,” “Maritana,” &c. Sir Julius Benedict was announced as conductor, but in consequence of his serious illness his name was withdrawn.

—The annual conference of the National Union of Elementary Teachers opened at the Lecture Hall, Prince’s Street, Norwich, and concluded on the 9th.

19.—Died, at his residence, Heigham, Norwich, aged 84, the Rev. Frederick Field, LL.D. He graduated at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he obtained the Tyrwhitt Hebrew Scholarship, and took his Bachelor’s degree as tenth wrangler and Chancellor’s medallist. He was afterwards elected to a Fellowship, and in 1843 was instituted to the rectory of Reepham, which he held till 1863. In 1875 he was created an honorary LL.D. of Cambridge University. Dr. Field was a member of the Old Testament Revision Committee, and the editor of “Barrow’s Treatise on the Pope’s Supremacy,” and of several learned works published by the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, the Clarendon Press, Oxford, and the Cambridge University Press.

21.—Died, at Hill House, Dersingham, Captain William D’Urban Blyth, late 14th Hussars, aged 59. He was a member of an old Norfolk family, and joined his regiment, then the 14th Light Dragoons, in India in 1847. He served through the Punjaub Campaign of 1848 and 1849; and with the Central India Field Force, under Sir Hugh Rose, during the Mutiny. Captain Blyth for some time held the post of riding master in his regiment, and in addition superintended the training of 1,200 remounts for cavalry during the Crimean War. He took part in thirty-six separate engagements, and was never once wounded. On retiring from the Army he settled at Weasenham Hall, his birthplace, and subsequently at Dersingham, where he became a warm supporter of the West Norfolk Foxhounds, and a justice of the peace.

MAY.

1.—A “habitation” of the Primrose League was inaugurated at Holt at a meeting held under the presidency of Sir Alfred Jodrell, Bart. This is the first record of the formation of a branch of the organization in Norfolk. The preliminary meeting was followed by a great gathering held in the same town on May 12th. Other “habitations” were quickly formed in various parts of the county.

9.—The Norfolk Chamber of Agriculture discussed the question of inaugurating a series of agricultural experiments. The committee to whom the matter had been referred reported in favour of the proposal, which had the warm support of the Prince of Wales and the Earl of Leicester. The report was adopted, and it was decided to commence experiments in the autumn. An address on the subject was delivered by Sir Thomas Acland, M.P.

20.—The Prince of Wales arrived at Yarmouth, and on the 21st inspected the Norfolk Artillery, in which Prince Albert Victor was serving at the time. On the 22nd the Prince of Wales was to have visited Norwich for the purpose of inspecting the 3rd Battalion Norfolk Regiment, but the parade was abandoned in consequence of the heavy rain. A ball given at Yarmouth Town Hall in the evening by the officers of the Eastern District Brigade, was attended by their Royal Highnesses. The Prince of Wales left for Sandringham on the 23rd.

21.—Died, aged 78, Mr. Jeremiah Colman, of Carshalton Park, senior partner in the firm of Messrs. J. and J. Colman. He was one of the twelve sons of Mr. Robert Colman, and a member of the cricket team of eleven brothers.

JUNE.

3.—The Derby Stakes were won at Epsom by Lord Hastings’ Norfolk-bred horse, Melton, which beat Mr. Brodrick-Cloete’s Paradox and Mr. Childwick’s Royal Hampton. On September 16th Melton won the St. Leger Stakes at Doncaster by six lengths.

4.—A festival of the Choir Benevolent Fund took place at Norwich Cathedral.

13.—The Queen, it was announced, had conferred the honour of knighthood upon Dr. Eade, of Norwich. The Norwich Town Council on the 16th passed a vote of congratulation to Sir Peter Eade, who on August 1st was presented to her Majesty at Osborne.

17.—The Summer Show of the Norfolk Agricultural Association was opened at Watton, and was continued on the 18th. Lord Walsingham was president.

JULY.

4.—Captain Smith, East Surrey Regiment, son of Mr. Henry Smith, of Ellingham Hall, was enthusiastically welcomed on his return after active service in Afghanistan and the Soudan. Captain Smith entered the Army in 1878, and went immediately to the front. He served in the Afghan War under Sir Donald Stewart, and in the Soudan under General Graham, and took part in the operations at Hasheen and Tamai. While at Suakim he contracted fever and was invalided home.

9.—The Merton flock of pure-bred Southdown sheep, the property of Lord Walsingham, was sold by Mr. John Thornton. The 541 lots revised £3,254 12s. 6d.

—Died, at Catton, aged 82, Mr. William Jary Cubitt, who served the office of Sheriff of Norwich in 1865–66.

10.—Died, at Thorpland Hall, Fakenham, aged 83, the Rev. Henry James Lee Warner. He was born at Stanton St. Quintin, Wiltshire, where his father was then curate. Soon afterwards his grandfather succeeded to the Walsingham Abbey estates, and in 1807 his father accepted the charge of the adjoining parishes of Walsingham and Houghton-in-the-Dale. Having attended Aylsham Grammar School he proceeded to Rugby, and thence to St. John’s College, Cambridge, where, in 1825, he took double honours in classics and mathematics, being fourth Senior Optime and in the second class of the Classical Tripos. After residing at the Temple and reading for the Bar, he travelled for some time on the Continent, and on returning to England read for Holy Orders, and was ordained at Norwich by Bishop Bathurst. Mr. Lee Warner first held a curacy at Canterbury, and in 1834 succeeded his father in the parishes of Great and Little Walsingham and Houghton-in-the-Dale. From conscientious motives he resigned his plurality of livings and thenceforth devoted himself to the more populous parish of Little Walsingham on a stipend of £100 per annum. Mr. Lee Warner largely identified himself with Church work in the diocese, and in 1863 was appointed an Honorary Canon of Norwich Cathedral. He was a well-known archæologist. “A man of singular modesty, of simple faith and self-denying habits, he was not only a strong teetotaller by conviction, but also in many ways opposed to what he considered excessive luxury.”

10.—The North Elmham herd of red polled cattle, purchased and bred since 1875 by Mr. Thomas Fulcher, was sold by Mr. John Thornton. Forty-six cows and heifers realised a total of 1,077 guineas, and nine bulls 165 guineas.

21.—A terrible disaster occurred at Caister. At about midnight a vessel was observed in distress near the Barber Sand, and the yawl Zephyr, manned by a crew of fifteen hands, was launched. The yawl had not proceeded far when she struck a sunken wreck, and her side being ripped away, she sank rapidly, and eight of her crew were drowned.

22.—Died, at Yarmouth, Alfred George Stannard, artist, aged 57. He was the eldest son of Alfred Stannard, of Norwich, a nephew of “Joe” Stannard and brother of Miss Stannard, the painter of fruit and flowers.

25.—The 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Volunteer Battalions Norfolk Regiment went into camp at Yarmouth.

AUGUST.

1.—The Norfolk Agricultural Association decided to merge with the Royal Agricultural Society in 1886 and to hold no county show that year.

6.—In the House of Commons, Mr. J. A. Picton asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether it was a fact that, as reported in the London papers, the Rev. Coker Adams, rector of Saham Toney, had on Sunday, July 26th, pronounced in his parish church sentence of excommunication against Joseph Payne, a parishioner, aged 82, because of his persistent neglect of the Church’s ordinances and refusal of her ministrations, and enquired whether notice would be taken of his illegal action? Sir Richard Cross replied that he saw this account with extreme surprise and regret, and he thought it right the sentence should be sent to the Bishop, who, he had no doubt, would make enquiry into the matter.

7.—Died, at Rackheath Park, Sir Henry Josias Stracey, Bart. A prominent member of a well-known county family, Sir Henry for many years occupied a distinguished position. Born in 1802, he was educated at Eton, and afterwards served for several years in the 1st Dragoons, and on succeeding to the baronetcy, on the death of his father in 1855, he entered with considerable ardour into politics. Just previously he had been returned without opposition as one of the representatives of East Norfolk on the retirement of Mr. Edmond Wodehouse. On the dissolution of Parliament in 1857 Major-General Windham, in the flush of the fame he had gained in the Crimea, was brought forward for East Norfolk with Sir E. N. Buxton, and there being divided opinions in the Conservative camp, Mr. Burroughes and Sir Henry Stracey declined to contest the seat. On the death of Sir E. N. Buxton in June, 1858, Sir Henry was again nominated, and was defeated by the Hon. Wenman Coke. In the following year he was returned with Sir Edmund Lacon for Yarmouth, defeating Mr. (afterwards Sir E. W.) Watkin and Mr. Young, and sat for that borough until 1865. In 1868 he stood for Norwich in opposition to Sir W. Russell and Mr. Tillett, and was returned at the head of the poll, but was unseated on petition. In 1874 he again came forward, in conjunction with Mr. Huddleston, was unsuccessful, and thereafter took no share in polities. Sir Henry married, in 1835, Charlotte, only daughter and heiress of Mr. George Denne, of the Paddock, Canterbury. He served the office of High Sheriff in 1871, and was a Deputy Lieutenant and magistrate for the county of Norfolk.

18.—Died, at Hingham, Sir Thomas Beevor, Bart., aged 61. He married, on December 19th, 1850, Sophia Jane, daughter of the Rev. Clement Chevallier, rector of Badington and Cransford, Suffolk, and widow of Mr. Isaac Jermy Jermy, who, with his father, Mr. Isaac Jermy, fell a victim to the murderer, James Blomfield Rush. “The Beevor family, which, with their connections, are very numerous, are descended from the Rev. William Beevor, rector of South Walsham and Rockland in 1659 (the eldest son of Abraham Beevor, of Heckmondwike, Yorkshire), whose grandson, Sir Thomas, eldest son of Thomas Beevor, of Norwich, and Hester, daughter of John Sharpe, of Norwich, was created a baronet in 1784.” The subject of this notice was educated for the Bar, but in his latter years devoted himself to the supervision of the business of the Norwich Union Life Assurance Society, of which he was chairman of the directors, and was at the same time a director of the Norwich Union Fire Office. His eldest son, Thomas Edward, died to 1879, and the second son, Hugh Reeve, succeeded to the baronetcy.

24.—Norwich Theatre was opened under the management of Mr. Fred Morgan. The inaugural performance, “In Chancery,” was given by Mr. Edward Terry’s company. On succeeding evenings “Weak Woman” and “The Rocket” were produced, and Mr. Terry also appeared in the character of James Blodder in an adaptation of Thackeray’s “Jeames’s Diary.” Several improvements had been effected in the Theatre, which had undergone much-needed redecoration.

SEPTEMBER.

4.—The 4th Queen’s Own Hussars marched from Norwich Cavalry Barracks, en route to Edinburgh and Glasgow.

14.—The first exhibition by members of the Norwich Art Circle (formed in the month of February) was opened at the Old Bank of England Chambers, Queen Street.

25.—The annual congress of the homœopathic practitioners of Great Britain was held at the Royal Hotel, Norwich, under the presidency of Dr. Herbert Nankivell, of Bournemouth.

—Mr. Arthur Coyte, of Thorpe Hamlet, Norwich, died from gunshot wounds accidentally inflicted whilst shooting on the Stratton Strawless estate on the previous day. Mr. Coyte, who was the second son of the Rev. James Coyte, rector of Polstead, Suffolk, was 53 years of age.

30.—Died, at Norwich, aged 91 years, the Rev. Henry Banfather. He was educated at Norwich Grammar School under Forster and Valpy, by the latter of whom he was made an assistant master. On Valpy’s death he took private pupils, and was most successful in obtaining candidates for Holy Orders. He was then appointed by the Corporation headmaster of the school, a position which he held for many years before his retirement to the living of Sprowston.

OCTOBER.

7.—Died, at his chambers, Great Ormond Street, London, Mr. Robert Hindry Mason, aged 61 years. Mr. Mason had led a busy life as a journalist. He established, edited, and conducted, from 1852 to 1854, the “Greenwich, and West Kent Observer,” owned the “Sunderland Times” and “Sheffield Advertiser,” and subsequently became proprietor of the “London and Eton Gazette.” Some years previously, when a resident in Norwich, he published a work, entitled “Norfolk Photographically Illustrated,” and at the time of his death was engaged upon his best known work, the “History of Norfolk.”

12.—A great Conservative demonstration was held at the Agricultural Hall, Norwich, at which a requisition, signed by 5,000 electors, was presented to Mr. Harry Bullard, inviting him to contest the representation of the city in the Conservative interest. Lieutenant-Colonel Bignold presided, and was supported by the Earl of Dunraven, Under Secretary for the Colonies, and by many prominent leaders of the party in county and city. In reply to the requisition Mr. Bullard said, “My answer is unhesitatingly ‘Yes.’” This meeting was said to have been the largest ever held in a public building in Norwich.

19.—Lord Randolph Churchill addressed a large meeting of the Conservative party at Lynn in support of the candidature of Lord Henry Bentinck for North-West Norfolk. On the 20th Lord Randolph proceeded to Merton Hall as the guest of Lord and Lady Walsingham.

24.—The Channel Squadron, consisting of the Minotaur (flagship), Agincourt, Monarch, Sultan, Iron Duke, and Leander, arrived in Yarmouth Roads, and anchored between the Britannia and Wellington Piers. Admiral Fellowes was in command, and the officers and men numbered 3,750. The squadron sailed for Deal on November 4th.

31.—Mr. Edward Birkbeck, M.P., was presented, at the Fishmongers’ Hall, London, with a valuable service of silver plate, subscribed for by many fishermen, boatowners, and others in recognition of his successful efforts to serve the fishing industry of the United Kingdom. The presentation was made by the Prince of Wales, who was accompanied by Prince Albert Victor.

NOVEMBER.

4.—The 13th Hussars, who formed the principal cavalry contingent of Sir Charles Warren’s Bechuanaland expeditionary force, arrived at Norwich by two special trains. A portion of the regiment had proceeded to Colchester. Lieutenant-Colonel Miller was in command of the headquarter troops, which numbered 16 officers and 240 men.

9.—Mr. John Gurney, of Sprowston Hall, was elected Mayor, and Mr. J. J. Dawson Paul appointed Sheriff of Norwich.

12.—Madame Albani gave a concert at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, in aid of the Jenny Lind Infirmary. She received the voluntary assistance of Miss Damian, Mr. Edward Lloyd, Mr. Santley, Lady Benedict (solo pianist), M. Carl Walther (solo violinist), Dr. Bunnett (organist), and the Norwich Gatehouse Choir. Signor Bisaccia conducted, and the proceeds amounted to £529 14s. 8d.

13.—Died, at Milgrove House, Fulham, Thomas Heron Jones, seventh Viscount Ranelagh. He was born at Fulham in 1812, and succeeded his father in 1820. His lordship took a prominent part in originating and forming the Volunteer force in 1859. For some time he served in the 1st Life Guards and in the 7th Fusiliers. By his death the title, which was created in 1628, became extinct. He was succeeded in his estates (principally at St. Faith’s, Norwich) by his cousin, Alexander Montgomery, son of Vice-Admiral the Hon. Alexander Montgomery Jones, son of the fourth Viscount. Lord Ranelagh served the office of High Sheriff of Norfolk in 1868.

13.—At the Norfolk Assizes, before Mr. Justice Stephen, Robert Goodale, 45, gardener, was indicted for the wilful murder of his wife, Bathsheba Goodale, at Walsoken, on September 15th. He was found guilty and sentenced to death. The execution took place at Norwich Castle on November 30th. Berry, of Bradford, was the executioner. “As the clock of an adjacent church struck the hour of eight, Berry, who was stationed behind the prisoner with the lever in his hand, asked him, ‘Do you wish to say anything else before you go?’ to which Goodale replied in the negative, and before the eighth stroke had sounded, the lever was pulled, the trap-door fell, and the prisoner, who weighed 15 stone, and was 5 ft. 11 in. in height, and was allowed a drop just short of six feet, disappeared from view. To the horror of the bystanders the rope rebounded, and it was thought that by some means it had become unfastened. On looking into the pit below the scaffold the spectators observed the body lying on the ground, with the head still enveloped in the white cap, completely severed from the trunk.” At the subsequent inquest the jury found that death was caused by hanging, and “they imputed no blame to anyone for what had occurred.”

19.—A desperate encounter took place between a couple of tigers at Bostock and Wombwell’s menagerie at Norwich. One animal seized the other, named Tippo, by the throat, and although every effort was made to separate them, Tippo was laid lifeless upon the floor. The victim’s windpipe was crushed, and death resulted from suffocation. The animal, a fine specimen of the Royal Bengal tiger, was valued at £400.

23.—The General Election under the extended franchise commenced on this date. The nomination of candidates for the representation of Norwich took place at the Guildhall, before the Sheriff (Mr. J. J. Dawson Paul). The following were proposed:—Mr. Harry Bullard, of Hellesdon House (C.); Mr. Jeremiah James Colman, of Carrow House (L.); and Mr. Robert Samuel Wright, of 1, Paper Buildings, Temple, London, barrister-at-law (L.). The polling took place on the 25th, between the hours of eight a.m. and eight p.m. “The Market Place was the scene of a regular carnival. The principal form of practical joking was the discharge of small bags of flour at any prominent person who chanced to run the gauntlet of the crowd. No ill-temper was displayed, and probably no election ever took place in Norwich where so little animosity was exhibited. We think the keeping of the poll open until eight o’clock was generally admitted to be a mistake, as unnecessarily prolonging the excitement incidental to an election where party feeling runs high.” At the close of the poll the ballot boxes were conveyed to the Guildhall, where the counting immediately commenced, and the result was declared at 12.45 as follows:—Bullard, 7,279; Colman, 6,666; Wright, 6,251. On December 21st a petition was lodged against the return of Mr. Bullard. (See March 17th, 1886.)

—At Yarmouth, on the re-enfranchisement of the borough, Sir Henry Wheatley Tyler (C.) and Captain Cecil W. Norton (L.) were nominated. The polling, which took place on the 24th, resulted as follows:—Tyler, 2,661; Norton, 2,476.

—The Right Hon. Robert Bourke (C.) and Sir W. ffolkes, Bart. (L.) were nominated for King’s Lynn. The polling on the 25th resulted—Bourke, 1,472; ffolkes, 1,302.

24.—For South Norfolk Sir Robert Jacob Buxton, Bart. (C), and Mr. Francis Taylor, of Diss (L.), were nominated. The polling took place on the 27th, and the result was declared at the Shirehall, Norwich, on the 28th as follows:—Taylor, 4,580; Buxton, 3,588.

—The candidates nominated for East Norfolk were Mr. Edward Birkbeck (C.) and Mr. Philip Falk, of Kensington Palace Gardens, London (L.). The polling took place on the 30th, and the result was declared at the Shirehall, Norwich, on December 1st as follows:—Birkbeck, 4,682; Falk, 4,459.

25.—The nomination of candidates for North Norfolk took place at Aylsham. The nominees were Mr. Samuel Hoare, of Cliff House, Cromer (C), and Mr. Herbert Hardy Cozens-Hardy, Q.C., of 50, Ladbroke Grove, Notting Hill, London (L.). The polling was on December 1st, and the declaration, at Aylsham, on December 2nd. Result:—Cozens-Hardy, 5,028; Hoare, 3,342.

27.—The nomination of candidates for South-West Norfolk took place at Swaffham. The candidates were Mr. W. A. Tyssen Amherst (C.) and Sir W. Brampton Gurdon (L.). The polling was on December 4th, and the declaration on December 5th:—Amherst, 4,096; Gurdon, 3,776.

30.—The candidates for North-West Norfolk—Lord Henry Bentinck (C.) and Mr. Joseph Arch (L.), were nominated at Lynn. The latter, described as the president of the National Agricultural Labourers’ Union, was nominated by Sir Lawrence Jones, Bart. The polling, on December 8th, was declared on December 9th as follows:—Arch, 4,461; Bentinck, 3,821.

DECEMBER.

3.—Mid Norfolk election, candidates, Mr. Ailwyn E. Fellowes (C.) and Mr. R. T. Gurdon (L.), took place. The poll was declared on the 4th at East Dereham—Gurdon, 5,275; Fellowes, 2,872.

9.—The parish church of East Dereham, partially restored at the cost of £2,134, by Messrs. Cornish and Gaymer, of North Walsham, under the supervision of Mr. E. P. Willins, was re-opened. The eighteenth century plaster, which concealed the Early English roof of the nave, was removed, and the unsightly old galleries, which blocked up the north and south aisles and the west end, were demolished. The Perpendicular font was transferred from the north transept to its original position near the west door. Colonel Bulwer was chairman of the Restoration Committee.

—In the House of Lords, before Lords Selborne, Blackburn, Bramwell, Watson, and Fitzgerald, was commenced the hearing of the appeal, Coaks and others v. Boswell and others. This was an appeal from the judgment of Lords Justices Baggallay, Cotton, and Lindley. On Monday, 14th, the fourth day, the case for the respondents closed, and their lordships reserved judgment. (See February 22nd, 1886.)

20.—The new reredos at the church of St. Peter Mancroft, Norwich, designed by Mr. Seddon, and executed by Mr. Harry Hems, of Exeter, was formally dedicated. It was described as “an adaptation of the Norfolk screen, with its carved oak and painted panel work.”

26.—Miss May Holt’s company appeared at Norwich Theatre in her “local drama,” entitled, “Every Man for Himself.” “Little Red Riding Hood” was produced at Sanger’s Circus at the Agricultural Hall.

1886.

JANUARY.

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 comfort of her Majesty’s judges, unless, indeed, they thought he and his marshal had the habits and tastes of a Polar bear and an Arctic fox. Eaton Hall was well fitted for one or both, as it was simply a bleak house in a frozen waste; it was redolent of putty and paint; workmen were tapping just beyond the dining-room door in precisely the same way as he should expect to hear tapping in the back manufactory of an undertaker’s shop; and the rooms were furnished with the view to economy and discomfort with a show of luxury skilfully but not very judiciously combined. On November 15th Mr. Justice Field, in concluding his charge to the Grand Jury, said he found the accommodation at Eaton Hall exceedingly nice and extremely comfortable, and he added, amid laughter, he had not seen any Polar bears or Arctic foxes.

10.—The jubilee of the Norwich District of the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows was celebrated by a special service held at the Cathedral, and attended by several hundred members, and by the Mayor and Corporation. “The Order was introduced into Norfolk in the year 1835 by five woolsorters from the North of England—John Raven, Walter Meldrum, Thomas Dack, Benjamin Fearnside, and Thomas Lambert. They were the founders of the mother lodge of the district, the Travellers’ Rest, the first place of meeting being at the New Brewery, Pockthorpe.” The Mayor (Mr. John Gurney) entertained to dinner at St. Andrew’s Hall, on May 18th, upwards of 900 members of the Order.

19.—At a meeting of the Norwich Town Council, an application was received from the Norwich School Board for the consent of the Corporation to an assignment of the lease of the Dutch Church from the trustees to the Board, with the view of converting the building into a higher grade school. The Norfolk and Norwich Archæological Society addressed to the Council a strong protest against the application, which was refused by 35 votes against 12. On April 21st a meeting was held, under the presidency of the Mayor, at the Old Bank Buildings, at which it was moved by Mr. Colman, M.P., seconded by Mr. Harry Bullard, and unanimously agreed, “That the provisional contract entered into by Mr. Frederic Oddin Taylor in February last for the purchase of the lease of the Dutch Church be adopted, and that a scheme be formulated assuring the future inalienable use of the building as an adjunct to and in connection with St. Andrew’s Hall, subject to existing rights.” It was further decided to raise by public subscription the sum required (£800) to present the building, “hereafter to be called Blackfriars’ Hall,” to the city after proper renovation. The Town Council on June 29th passed a resolution expressing warm appreciation of the efforts made by Mr. F. Oddin Taylor, and received a deputation composed of the gentlemen who had taken part in the movement, from whom they accepted Blackfriars’ Hall as a gift to the citizens.

21.—Died, at Child’s Hill House, Hampstead, Mr. Joseph Hoare, in his 72nd year. He was the fourth son of Mr. Samuel Hoare, banker, of London, by his marriage with Louisa, daughter of Mr. John Gurney of Earlham. Mr. Hoare, who was educated at Trinity College, Cambridge, was a Deputy Lieutenant for the county of Middlesex, and was president of the Hampstead Conservative Association. In May, 1859, he was returned to the House of Commons as member for Hull, but was unseated on petition. He married, in 1847, Rachel Juliana, second daughter of Mr. Charles Barclay, M.P. For many years it was his custom to spend the summer at Cromer, where he was known as a generous supporter of charitable and religious institutions.

22.—At the Norfolk Assizes, before Mr. Justice Hawkins, John Thurston, 30, labourer, was indicted for the wilful murder of Henry Springall, an old man, at Hingham, on December 5th, 1885. The prisoner was found guilty, and received sentence of death. The execution took place at Norwich Castle on February 10th. The culprit was a nephew of Henry Webster, who was hanged at the same prison on May 1st, 1876, for the murder of his wife at Cranworth.

—St. Cuthbert’s church, Sprowston, erected at the cost of £2,000, was opened by the Bishop of Norwich. The building was designed by Mr. A. R. G. Flemming, of Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London, and the contractor was Mr. G. E. Hawes, of Norwich.

26.—A violent explosion, caused by an escape of gas, occurred at Victoria Station, Norwich.

FEBRUARY.

2.—Died, at St. Clement’s Hill, Catton, the Rev. Richard Rigg, M.A., for forty-two years rector of St. Clement’s, and some time rector of St. Michael-at-Coslany and St. Edmund the King, Norwich, in his 81st year. A clergyman of the old school, he was a warm adherent to the Evangelical party, was for forty years secretary of the Norfolk and Norwich Auxiliary of the British and Foreign Bible Society, and one of the founders of the Norwich Church of England Young Men’s Society.

—Mr. John Ellis, of Sprowston, received from the Treasury a grant of £150 “in consideration of his services to the nation in having been the founder of the first juvenile reformatory in England, that of Saltley, near Birmingham.”

6.—It was announced that her Majesty the Queen had conferred upon Mr. Edward Birkbeck, M.P., the honour of a baronetcy.

7.—Died, at Brockheath, Salisbury, General William Custance, C.B., colonel of the 11th Hussars, in his 75th year. The second son of Mr. Hamilton Thomas Custance, of Weston House, he entered the Army in 1831, and served with distinction in the Crimean War and the Indian Mutiny.

13.—A deputation of unemployed workmen waited upon the Mayor of Norwich at the Guildhall and urged upon him the necessity of steps being taken to relieve the exceptional distress then prevailing in the city. On the 17th a public meeting was held, at which a fund was opened. Relief works were shortly afterwards started on Mousehold Heath.

14.—Died, at St. Helen’s House, Norwich, Mr. Edward Field, in his 75th year. He succeeded Mr. Thomas Bignold as solicitor to the Norwich Fire and Life Assurance Offices, and in 1857–8 served as Mayor of Norwich. On the death of Sir Samuel Bignold Mr. Field became leader of the Conservative party in the Town Council, and was for many years Chairman of the Board of Guardians. He drafted the Norfolk and Suffolk Fisheries Act, 1877, and was chiefly instrumental in getting it passed; subsequently he became honorary secretary to the Board of Conservators, of which also he was a member. Mr. Field, who was a magistrate of the city, for several years held the rank of captain in the Norwich Rifle Volunteers.

20.—Died, at 49, Brook Street, Grosvenor Square, London, Mr. George William Pierrepont Bentinck, aged 82. He was the eldest son of Vice-Admiral William Bentinck (a representative of the junior branch of the family of the Duke of Portland), by marriage with Lady Frances Eliza Augusta Pierrepont, only daughter of Charles, first Earl of Manvers. In 1853 he was returned as Conservative member for West Norfolk, and retained the seat until March, 1868, when he retired on account of ill-health. He was, however, re-elected by the same constituency in 1871, and sat till February, 1884, when he finally retired from Parliamentary life. Mr. Bentinck, who was a Tory of the old school, and maintained his principles to the last, was a magistrate and a Deputy Lieutenant for the county.

22.—In the House of Lords judgment was given in the case, Coaks and others, appellants, and Boswell and others, respondents. Their lordships held that there had been no fraud in the purchase of the Harvey life interest, and therefore reversed the order of the Court of Appeal and that of Mr. Justice Fry, dismissing the action with costs restored. The respondents were condemned in the whole costs of the case. On September 17th, 1887, it was announced: “The plaintiffs have discharged the taxed costs of the defendants. These amounted to £12,930 19s. 11d., of which £2,194 13s. 5d. was allowed in respect of the appeal in the House of Lords.” Mr. M. S. Emerson, solicitor to the plaintiffs, stated, in a letter published on September 24th, 1887, that they had the opportunity of compromising the case. “It is a fact,” he wrote, “that I refused £30,000 before the case came into court. . . . The six counsel engaged for the plaintiffs met, and were unanimous in their opinion that I was right in refusing the £30,000.” (See July 22nd, 1892.)

MARCH.

2.—At a special meeting of the shareholders of the Norwich Public Library, held for the purpose of taking into consideration the advisability of amalgamating the Library with the Literary Institution, according to a scheme prepared and approved by the committees of both institutions, it was agreed by 27 votes against 4 to adopt the proposal.

17.—The trial of the election petition presented by Mr. Henry Birkbeck and others against the return of Mr. Harry Bullard as one of the members for Norwich, commenced at the Shirehall before Mr. Justice Denman and Mr. Justice Cave. Counsel for the petitioners were Mr. Charles, Q.C., Mr. R. T. Reid, Q.C., and the Hon. Mark Napier; and for the respondent Mr. Gully, Q.C., the Hon. Mr. Denman, and Mr. Blofeld. Bribery, treating, undue influence, and personation by agents, were alleged. The only case of bribery that was proved was the gift of a two-shilling piece by an alleged agent, to a voter, but it was sufficient to render the election void, and Mr. Bullard was unseated. The judges, however, declined to give the petitioners their costs, and Mr. Bullard’s costs were defrayed by the subscriptions of men of all parties. (See May 7th.)

18.—Died, at Marham Hall, Mr. Henry Villebois, aged 79. An excellent landlord, an ardent sportsman, and for some years Master of the West Norfolk Foxhounds, Mr. Villebois was one of the earliest friends in Norfolk of the Prince of Wales, whom he had the honour of several times entertaining at Marham. He married, in 1831, Maria, elder daughter of Mr. Thomas Philip Bagge, of Stradsett Hall, and was a magistrate and a Deputy Lieutenant for the county. Mr. Villebois commenced active duties as a M.F.H. about 1842, when he took the Vale of White Horse, purchasing the pack from the triumvirate, the Earl of Suffolk, Earl Bathurst, and Mr. Cripps, who had hunted the country conjointly. He likewise purchased the Herefordshire Hounds from Sir Vevers Cornwall, and, with John Dinnecombe as huntsman, showed excellent sport until 1854, when, in consequence of a severe accident, he resigned the mastership to Lord Gifford, and sold his hounds to the Earl of Portsmouth. For the next three or four years he hunted with Lord Suffield, and in 1858 consented to hunt the West Norfolk. His lordship continued with the East Norfolk, but resigned in 1859; Mr. Villebois then hunted the entire country, but after two or three years resigned the Eastern portion to Lord Hastings. In the spring of 1865 Mr. Villebois sold his hounds and horses at Albert Gate, when seven of the hunters, bought from Mr. Newcome Mason, of Hendon, his great ally in all hunting matters, realised 1,015 guineas. After giving up the mastership he stuck to West Norfolk, and from 1871 to 1875 hunted the country round Marham with a small pack purchased from the Rev. “Jack” Russell. The shooting at Marham could not be excelled, for Mr. Villebois would have partridges and pheasants as well as foxes. His funeral at Marham on March 24th was attended by upwards of three thousand persons.

29.—The funeral took place, at the Rosary burial ground, Norwich, of Thomas Harrison, who was born in the city in 1795, and had seen much active service as a soldier. He joined the 69th Regiment at the age of 17, was taken prisoner at the bombardment of Antwerp, was present at Waterloo, went out to India, where he was under arms for fourteen years, took part in the first expedition to Burmah, and on returning to England in 1832 was rewarded with a pension of fifteen pence per day.

31.—A fire occurred at Browick Hall, near Wymondham, and did damage to the amount of £2,000.

APRIL.

7.—At the Guildhall, Norwich, Mr. Samuel Hoare, of Cliff House, Cromer, was nominated a candidate to fill the vacancy caused in the representation of the city by the unseating on petition of Mr. Harry Bullard. The Liberal party offered no opposition, and Mr. Hoare was declared duly elected.

9.—Died, at Great Yarmouth, Mr. Oswald Diver, aged 59. When a young man he was renowned as an oarsman, won many sculling matches on the Thames, and at Norwich, Lynn, and other places, and in 1847 beat Playford, who then held the Thames Amateur Championship.

22.—The Archbishop of Canterbury administered at Sandringham church the rite of confirmation to the Princess Victoria of Wales.

24.—The Prince of Wales visited Norwich for the purpose of inspecting the show-ground of the Royal Agricultural Society, and was entertained at Carrow House by Mr. J. J. Colman, M.P.

29.—A special meeting of the Norwich Diocesan Conference, convened by the Lord Bishop, in compliance with a numerously-signed requisition, was held at Noverre’s Rooms to take into consideration the subject of Church Reform.

MAY.

1.—The new station erected by the Great Eastern Railway Company at Thorpe, Norwich, was opened for inspection, and on the 3rd was used by the public for the first time. It was built by Messrs. Youngs and Son, of Norwich, from designs by Mr. J. Wilson, the company’s engineer, at the cost of £60,000, and replaced the old station, which had been in use since the opening of the line.

—A great meeting of “an entirely non-party character” was held at St. Andrew’s Hall, Norwich, under the presidency of the Earl of Leicester, Lord Lieutenant of the county, in support of the principles of the Irish Loyal and Patriotic Union. A resolution was adopted affirming that any proposals tending to invalidate the legislative union between Great Britain and Ireland would prove disastrous to the interests of both countries. On June 25th Lord Leicester wrote a letter which had an important influence upon the electorate of the county. “I have never been in the habit,” he wrote, “of taking part in political matters of a purely party description, though if ever I should have been inclined to break through the rule it would be at a time like the present, when we are passing through a great crisis in our national history, when the old party barriers have been broken down, and when Liberals, Radicals, and Conservatives meet on a common platform in a common cause. The question before the country is solely this: whether the loyalists and Protestants of Ireland should be legislated for by an independent Parliament composed of men whom Mr. Gladstone himself has termed as marching through rapine to the dismemberment of the empire, or whether the United Kingdom is to remain under one Queen and one Parliament. I cannot believe that Englishmen will ever consent to the former proposal. I trust that the electors of Norfolk, with those of the rest of England, will insist that their members shall be patriots and decline to support Mr. Gladstone’s dangerous policy.” Lord Suffield and other prominent Liberals also renounced their adhesion to Mr. Gladstone.

7.—At the combined Norfolk and Suffolk Assizes, held at Ipswich, before Mr. Baron Pollock, Charles Edward Wigger, a shoemaker, was indicted for receiving from one Walter Banham, a bribe for voting, or agreeing to vote, for Mr. Harry Bullard at the Norwich election on November 25th, 1885, and was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment with hard labour.

10.—George Edward Ray, 31, solicitor, of Norwich, was sentenced at the Norfolk and Suffolk Assizes, at Ipswich, to seven years’ penal servitude for forging the conveyance of a real estate with intent to defraud.

11.—At the same Assizes Edward Burgess, of Norwich, the printer and publisher of a newspaper called “Daylight,” was indicted for publishing on February 20th a libel upon Mr. Joseph Stanley, solicitor, and Coroner for Norfolk. The trial occupied three days, and on the jury finding the defendant guilty he was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment without hard labour, and ordered to pay the costs of the prosecution.

12.—The Mayor of Norwich (Mr. John Gurney), as chairman of the Conservators of Mousehold Heath, opened the new road constructed thereon, and dedicated the Heath to the free use of the people as a recreation park for ever.

19.—The sale of the Westacre shorthorns and shirehorses, the property of Mr. Anthony Hamond, was conducted by Mr. John Thornton and Mr. Sexton, respectively. Forty-five cows averaged £28 ls. 5d.; seven bulls averaged £34 16s., and 16 mares and seven stallions £53 16s. 3d. The total amount realised was £2,690 13s. 6d.

25.—At a meeting of the Norwich Town Council, Mr. E. S. Steward tendered his resignation of the office of City Treasurer. On June 8th it was decided that the resignation be not accepted, but that Mr. Steward be dismissed from office. Mr. Hugh Gurney Barclay was on June 16th appointed to fill the vacancy. At the Norwich Assizes, on November 23rd, the late City Treasurer was indicted for falsifying and making certain false entries in the bankers’ pass book belonging to the Mayor and Corporation, with intent to defraud them of £1,848 16s. 9d., and on the 24th was found guilty and sentenced by Mr. Justice Field to six months’ imprisonment, (See January 25th, 1887.)

29.—The 19th (Princess of Wales’ Own) Hussars, who had been on active service in Egypt since 1882, arrived at Norwich, and took over the Cavalry Barracks, vacated during the week by the 13th Hussars. The regiment, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Combe, came by special train from Harwich, where they had disembarked from the transport Geelong, and at Thorpe station were received by the Deputy-Mayor (Mr. John Hotblack), the Sheriff (Mr. J. J. Dawson Paul), and other prominent citizens. The route from the station to the barracks was profusely decorated, and the regiment received an enthusiastic welcome from the citizens.

JUNE.

10.—Died, at Fincham Rectory, the Rev. William Blyth, rector of the parish and hon. canon of Norwich Cathedral. An ardent archæologist, he was the author of a “History of Fincham,” published in 1863. During his tenure of office as rural dean five new churches were built, fifteen restored, and thirteen greatly improved, out of a total of twenty-fire churches in his deanery. The total outlay upon this work was £45,000.

20.—Died, Mr. Henry James Lee Warner, of Walsingham Abbey. The eldest son of the Rev. Daniel Henry Lee Warner, he was born January 12th, 1809, and succeeded to the estate in 1858. Mr. Lee Warner served as High Sheriff in 1863, and some years previously successfully contested Canterbury in the Conservative interest.

JULY.

2.—The General Election commenced. The contest was fought upon the issue of Home Rule, and the candidates were distinguished severally Conservatives, Liberal Unionists, and Gladstonians. Liberal Unionist candidates received the support of the Conservative party.

2.—Polling took place at Yarmouth: Sir H. W. Tyler (C.), 2,977; Captain C. Norton (G.), 2,011.

—Lynn election: The Right Hon. Robert Bourke (C.), 1,417; Mr. J. J. Briscoe, Bourne Hall, Cambridgeshire (G.), 1,146.

—Mr. W. A. Tyssen Amherst (C.) was returned unopposed for South-West Norfolk.

3.—Sir Edward Birkbeck (C.) and Mr. H. Lee Warner (G.) were nominated at the Shirehall, Norwich, candidates for East Norfolk. The polling took place on the 8th: Birkbeck, 4,578; Lee Warner, 4,000.

—Mr. Francis Taylor, of Diss (L.U.), was returned unopposed member for South Norfolk.

5.—The nomination of candidates—Lord Henry Bentinck (C.) and Mr. Joseph Arch (G.)—for the representation of North-West Norfolk, took place at the Town Hall, King’s Lynn. The polling was held on the 9th: Bentinck, 4,084; Arch, 4,064. (See April 5th, 1887.)

6.—Mr. Ailwyn Edward Fellowes (C.) and Mr. Herbert Hardy Cozens-Hardy, Q.C. (G.) were nominated, at the Town Hall, Aylsham, candidates for North Norfolk. The poll was opened on July 10th: Cozens-Hardy, 4,084; Fellowes, 3,325.

7.—The nomination took place at East Dereham of Mr. R. T. Gurdon (L.U.) and Mr. James Toller, tenant-farmer, of Winfield Farm, Waterbeach (G.), as candidates for Mid Norfolk. The polling took place on the 15th: Gurdon, 3,032; Toller, 2,638.

8.—The nomination of candidates for the representation of Norwich took place at the Guildhall before the Sheriff (Mr. J. J. Dawson Paul). The candidates were Mr. J. J. Colman (L.), Mr. Samuel Hoare (C.), Mr. Jacob Henry Tillett (L.), and Mr. Clare Sewell Read (C.). The polling on the 9th resulted as follows:—Colman, 6,295; Hoare, 6,156; Tillett, 6,119; Read, 5,564.

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