Volume I Part 64 (1/2)

7.-In consequence of continued applications for relief by the unemployed weavers, &c., the Norwich Court of Guardians increased the mulct for the ensuing quarter 3,000-an addition to the rates of 2s. in the pound.-On January 12th a c.r.a.pe Ball, at which the lady patronesses wore white Norwich c.r.a.pe, other ladies scarlet geranium-coloured Norwich c.r.a.pes, and gentlemen waistcoats of plain white shawl with shawl pattern border as part of their evening dress, was held at the a.s.sembly Room for the purpose of promoting a fund for the relief of the poor, and produced a clear profit of 79. The fund was formally inaugurated at a public meeting held at the Guildhall on January 16th, and upwards of 5,000 was afterwards subscribed.-The Paving Act Commissioners on January 24th decided to macadamise Ber Street in order to afford relief work, and in March the manufacturers, with the same object, commenced making bombazetts and twilled stuffs, articles that were entirely new to Norwich. On March 10th the governors of the Bank of England granted to the manufacturers the loan of 80,000 for four months at the rate of five per cent. per annum; and on May 15th application was made to the committee in London for the relief of distressed manufactures, who granted 600 to the unemployed weavers, still numbering several thousands.-The Court of Guardians on July 4th increased the mulct for the ensuing quarter to 15,000; and in August offered to obtain employment for a considerable number of distressed weavers if they would consent to a slight reduction of wages. The men declined the offer because the manufacturers refused to guarantee that they would not send work into the country. During the remaining portion of the year employment continued to be scarce.

14.*-”Mr. W. E. L. Bulwer, of Heydon Hall, has lately been presented by his tenants with a piece of plate, of the value of 500 guineas, as a testimony of their respect and esteem for his general good conduct, and especially as a mark of grat.i.tude for his disinterested generosity during the late agricultural distresses.”

18.-Died at Yarmouth, John Joy, for 30 years guard of the mail coach to London. ”He has left three sons, two of whom, since the death of Serres, are said to be the first marine painters in the kingdom.”

26.-A great skating match at Wisbech, in which all the princ.i.p.al fen skaters took part, was won by Farrow, of Nordelph.

31.-A large number of weavers caused a riot in Norwich, and destroyed a carrier's cart which was conveying into the country materials for manufacturing purposes. On February 1st the mob stopped all country carts and seized what manufacturing articles were found upon them, broke the windows of several factories, and became so aggressive that the Scots Greys were called out to quell the disturbance. The rioting was resumed on February 13th, when many citizens were sworn in as special constables, and after the Riot Act had been read the cavalry cleared the streets.

FEBRUARY.

4.*-”Died at a rustic and old habitation on Kettlestone Common, at the age of 99, Robert Pamell, an honest husbandman, who, until he was 93, never took relief from the parish. He had frequently said he never recollected having taken physic in his life.”

9.-The Norwich and Lowestoft Navigation Bill was introduced into the House of Commons and read a first time; it pa.s.sed its second reading on February 17th, and on February 27th pet.i.tions were presented against the measure from the Corporation of Yarmouth and the owners of estates, and in its favour from the inhabitants of Lowestoft and the Port Reeve and inhabitants of Beccles. On April 10th a Committee of the House proceeded to take evidence, and after a sitting of 18 days 20 votes were given for the Bill and 25 against. The result of the Parliamentary proceedings gave rise to great rejoicings at Yarmouth, where, on May 18th, a dinner was held to celebrate the defeat of the Bill.-On August 8th the Haven and Pier Commissioners received a deputation from the Norwich and Lowestoft Navigation Committee, and a conference was held. Further discussion was deferred until September 5th.-On August 26th the county magistrates held a meeting at the Norwich s.h.i.+rehall, and resolved that it was desirable that Norwich be made a port through Yarmouth, and requested the Haven and Pier Commissioners to continue negociations with the Norwich Joint Stock Company.-At the adjourned meeting on September 5th the negociations fell through owing to the strong opposition manifested by the traders and merchants of Yarmouth. The Navigation Company, on September 29th, decided to revive the Lowestoft scheme, to execute the work for a sum not exceeding 100,000, and to apply for a Bill in the next Session of Parliament. On November 22nd a pet.i.tion was presented in the House of Commons for leave to bring in the Bill, and was referred to Committee.

At a public meeting at Yarmouth on November 28th, it was resolved to exercise every influence to bring about the defeat of the measure.-The Bill was read a first time in the House of Commons on November 29th.

12.-Died at his house in St. Giles', the Rev. Charles John Chapman, B.D., upper minister of St. Peter Mancroft, Norwich. He was educated at the Norwich Free Grammar School, under the Rev. Dr. Parr, and at the University of Cambridge, and was some time fellow of Corpus Christi College.

13.-Capt. Parry, R.N., was presented with the freedom of Lynn ”in testimony of his meritorious and enterprising conduct in his several voyages of discovery.” On the 15th the Corporation gave a dinner in his honour at the Town Hall.

14.-Died, Mrs. Mary Seaman, of Norwich, aged 100.

23.-The Scots Greys marched from Norwich for Liverpool.

MARCH.

3.-The 1st Dragoon Guards marched into Norwich.

9.-At a meeting of the county magistrates, held at the s.h.i.+rehall, Norwich, a letter from the Secretary of State was read on the subject of the removal of the Lent a.s.sizes from Thetford to Norwich. It was agreed to answer the various objections it contained, and to strongly urge the removal of the a.s.sizes.-The Grand Jury at Norwich a.s.sizes on July 22nd made a presentment of the grievance from which the city suffered in the absence of a second gaol delivery in the course of the year.

18.*-”Died lately in London, aged 62, Mr. Henry Smith, of Ellingham Hall, who for 29 years held the situation of solicitor to the East India Dock Company, and clerk of the Drapers' Company. Mr. Smith some time ago represented the borough of Colne in Parliament.”

25.-Between 60 and 70 friends of Mr. Cobbett dined at the Bowling Green Inn, Norwich, under the presidency of Sir Thomas Beevor. Mr. Cobbett was present, and replied to the toast of ”Our Guest,” proposed by Sir Thomas.

27.-The new Theatre at Norwich was opened with the performance of ”The School for Scandal” and of the farce ”Youth, Love, and Folly.” The proceedings commenced with the singing of the National Anthem by the whole of the company, after which the leading actor, Mr. Osbaldiston, delivered an address, ”written by a young lady of this city for the occasion.” On the previous Sat.u.r.day evening (March 25th) the patentee, Mr. Wilkins, entertained a party of 150 ladies and gentlemen in the green room of the Theatre. The High Sheriff (Col. Harvey) proposed ”Success to the new Theatre,” ”which the guests readily pledged in gla.s.ses of sparkling champagne,” and the evening concluded with a dance upon the stage.

APRIL.

11.-Died at her house, Rue Neuve du Luxembourg, Paris, Madame De Bardelin, wife of Monsieur le Chevalier Laget De Bardelin, Officier Superieur, Lieutenant des Gardes du Corps du Roy. ”Madame De Bardelin was well known and highly respected by many distinguished families in Norwich and Norfolk, where, when she was Miss Sutton, she resided for a considerable time.”

14.-A squadron of 1st King's Dragoon Guards left Norwich for Leeds, and on the same day the depot of the 40th (2nd Somersets.h.i.+re) Regiment of Foot arrived in the city and occupied the Cavalry Barracks.

20.-Mr. Osbaldiston took leave of the Norwich stage in the part of Virginius, and proceeded to the Haymarket Theatre, London.

30.-The large east window of Norwich Cathedral was exposed to view after restoration. ”The central light formerly comprised the Transfiguration, after Raphael, painted by the lady of the late Dean Lloyd, with varnished colours, but these not having been burnt in were after a time entirely dissipated. The same subject has now been re-executed in vitrified colours from the picture by Julio Romano, in the possession of Mr. W.