Volume I Part 4 (1/2)

5.-Parliament having been dissolved on June 29th, the election of members for the city of Norwich took place on this day. The candidates were the Right Hon. Wm. Windham, of Felbrigg, and Mr. John Frere, of Roydon; Mr.

Robert Fellowes, of Shottesham, and Mr. William Smith. At the close of the poll the numbers were:-Fellowes, 1,532; Smith, 1,439; Windham, 1,356; Frere, 1,328. There was great rioting. The chairing took place on the day following the declaration of the poll.

12.-After the lapse of 34 years, a contested election took place for the county of Norfolk. The poll opened on the 12th, and continued for eight days. The result was declared as follows:-Mr. Thomas Wm. c.o.ke, 4,317; Sir Jacob Henry Astley, 3,612; the Hon. Col. Wodehouse, 3,517. A scrutiny was demanded by the friends of the latter and granted. It commenced on July 30th, and continued till August 28th, when Col.

Wodehouse's counsel retired from the case, and Sir J. H. Astley and Mr.

c.o.ke were declared duly elected. The expenses of the contest were estimated at 35,000, and the amount spent by the successful candidates to bring distant voters to the poll was enormous.

Mr. John Hookham Frere, of Roydon, was this month appointed Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to the Court of Madrid.

AUGUST.

12.-This year's anniversary service at the Cathedral, in aid of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, realised 165 3s. 4d. With the proceeds of the dinner at the Maid's Head Inn, the total amount handed to the inst.i.tution was 204 17s. 8d.

14.*-”We hear from Brussels that a party of gentlemen from Lynn have reached that city in the Hebe pleasure yacht. This being the first vessel that ever displayed the British flag in Brussels the quay of the port has been crowded with spectators looking at her.”

17.-A duel was fought on Mousehold Heath, Norwich, by Mr. Robert Alderson, a well-known barrister, and Mr. Grigby. The latter conceived that he had been unfairly treated in cross-examination by Mr. Alderson at the Suffolk a.s.sizes, and, refusing to accept his explanation, sent him a challenge. ”Mr. Alderson was attended to the field by Mr. Mackintosh, and Mr. Grigby by Mr. Turner. Two shots were exchanged, with no effect than that of Mr. Grigby's first ball pa.s.sing through the skirts of Mr.

Alderson's coat. A cordial reconciliation was afterwards effected.”

28.-William Rix was executed on Castle Hill, Norwich, for sheep stealing.

SEPTEMBER.

5.-The organ of the Octagon Chapel, Norwich, was opened by Mr. Beckwith.

The instrument was built by Crotch.

OCTOBER.

4.-A grand Musical Festival was held in Norwich, under the direction of Messrs. Beckwith and Sharp, and Mr. Ashley, of London, Mrs. Billington, Mr. Bartleman, and Mr. Braham were the princ.i.p.al _artistes_. The last performance was given on the 7th.

8.-The Princess of Wales concluded a visit to the Marquis and Marchioness Townshend at Rainham, and returned to Blackheath.

13.-Mr. Alderman Francis Columbine resigned his seat. Owing to his pecuniary distress, the Corporation of Norwich granted to him and his daughter an annuity of 100.

14.-Races were held at Blickling Park. Lady Caroline Harbord gave a ball and supper, attended by upwards of 100 guests from Aylsham and the neighbourhood.

18.-Three gentlemen, for a considerable wager, undertook to walk blindfolded from Post Office Court to the great doors of St. Peter Mancroft Church, Norwich, in 15 minutes. ”Two of them performed it in less than the given time, much to the satisfaction of the spectators, but the other unfortunate gentleman bent his course rapidly for the Upper Market, and found himself at the expiration of the time at the great doors of St. Andrew's Hall.”

21.-Mr. Edward Rigby was elected Alderman of the Great Northern Ward, in room of Mr. Francis Columbine, after a severe contest lasting two days.

His opponent was Mr. Jonathan Davey.

23.-Died, at Vienna, aged 80, General Jerningham, nephew of Sir George Jerningham, Bart., of Costessey. He was upwards of 50 years in the Imperial service, and was Chamberlin to the Empress Maria Theresa and to the Emperors Joseph, Leopold, and Francis.