“THE CHANNEL FLEET AND PRINCE ALFRED.”
For several days after Wednesday last, a number of persons in this
town were almost in a fever of expectation as to the arrival of
Prince Alfred, in the “St. George;” and in spite of official
intimation that the Prince is to be considered on business when with
the fleet, and, as a consequence, exempt from municipal honours and
popular demonstrations, it was determined to make the most of him
here. The forerunners of the “St. George” were boarded and teased by
all sorts of enquiries; bills were posted about with the words “the
arrival of Prince Alfred” upon them, and all imaginable measures
taken to get up excitement. All, however, failed to draw a large
number of strangers to the town; and we do not exceed the fact when
we say that the visit of the Channel Squadron for a much briefer
period in 1860, brought to the town ten times the number of strangers
who have come on this occasion. The Mayor of Yarmouth, soon after
the fleet arrived, offered to give the officers a dinner if they
would accept the invitation; but it was declined. A ball was then
offered to be got up, and it was promised that such of the officers
as could attend would do so if the ships still remained in the Roads
and provided it were got up for the earliest possible day—Monday. A
ball was, therefore, decided on for that evening. But some
uneasiness was felt as to the non-arrival of the “St. George” with
Prince Alfred; and when, on Saturday, the ship did not appear, it
began to be feared that she would not come, and the people consoled
themselves with such information as that the Admiral—a jolly tar—had
amused himself by playing a game of bowls at the Vauxhall Green, &c.
Although Admiral Smart and the officers declined to dine with the
Mayor on shore, they invited his worship and other gentlemen to dine
with them afloat, which the Mayor accepted for Saturday night. On
Sunday morning the “St. George” came quietly into the Roads through
the Cockle Gat, and anchored at the northern end of the line of
ships, abreast of the town, at about half-past eight o’clock. It was
reported for some time that the ship which had just arrived was the
“Donegal,” but as it became known that it really was the “St.
George,” flags were run up in all directions, and persons went to
work with their spy glasses, apparently hoping to catch a sight of
the Prince. The steamtugs, which ran as passenger boats round the
fleet, at once got better freights, and many who took trips in them
returned under the impression that they had seen the Prince in the
maintop of the “St. George.” Others would have it that the Prince
was one of the young officers who was ashore on Sunday afternoon,
walking leisurely up and down the drive and elsewhere; this turned
out to be correct. But as the Prince was, happily for him, not
recognised whilst ashore, he walked about unmolested. Few persons
believed that so large a ship as the “St. George” (Captain Egerton)
would venture to enter the Roads through the Cockle, but to the
surprise of many local nautical authorities she sailed through as
cleanly as any fishing cutter, and dropped anchor in as familiar a
manner as might have been expected from an old visitant of these
waters. Soon after she had anchored the “St. George” was boarded by
Mr. Watson, secretary of the Sailors’ Home, who brought off messages
and letters. Prince Alfred went on shore, _incognito_, in the
afternoon, as did also a large number of other midshipmen and older
officers. On Monday morning, the town authorities, and sightseers
generally, were on the alert—all being in search of the Prince. But
again, as few individuals had a personal knowledge of his Royal
Highness, he escaped without recognition, and with Major Cowell (and,
we believe, other gentlemen) he drove out into the country. As to
this and other proceedings of the Prince during the day, there were
scores of different reports; but we believe we are correct in saying
that, after his trip inland, His Royal Highness went from the Beach,
in the boat of which he is midshipman, on board the “St. George.” On
board the ship the Mayor and Town Clerk were, we understand,
introduced to the Prince, and courteously received. Between two and
three o’clock p.m., the Prince, Admiral Smart, Major Cowell, and the
Hon. Manners Sutton (with whom the Prince had consented to partake of
luncheon, at Kimberley Terrace), came on shore, accompanied in the
boat by the Mayor and Town Clerk. His Royal Highness, the Hon.
Manners Sutton, and Major Cowell, then walked down to the Cricket
Ground at the South Denes, where a party of officers from the fleet
were playing a game of cricket with the members of the Yarmouth Club.
It had been reported that the Prince would visit the Cricket Ground,
and the consequence was that a large number of persons (probably
2,000) congregated there about two o’clock, over and above those
individuals who had been previously attracted to the spot by the
match itself, and by the two bands—one from the fleet, and that of
the East Norfolk Militia. As soon as His Royal Highness was
recognised upon the ground, the crowd rapidly closed in around him,
and had it not been for the protection afforded him by the two
gentlemen by whom he was accompanied, he would in all likelihood have
undergone an unpleasant jostling. So pressing and eager did the
inquisitive public become that in a few minutes the Royal sailor and
Mr. Sutton commenced a retrograde movement, whereupon the people
began running and pushing frantically—going in some instances as the
saying hath it, “head over heels.” Remarks such as “That is he!”
with comments upon the Prince’s personal appearance, were loud and
frequent; and much surprise appeared to be felt that the “Duke of
York” should go abroad in the ordinary unassuming attire of a
midshipman. Some faint attempts at cheering were assayed, but the
clamour of the “hunt” which was got up, overpowered everything but
the dust. The Prince took all this good humouredly, and with his two
protectors walked sharply on to Kimberley Terrace, pursued all the
way up the drive by an immense crowd. Most of the persons going
southward, and who met the crowd, had no idea what all the row was
about until they were told. His Royal Highness got safely to Mr.
Sutton’s house, and in two or three minutes there was in front of the
house, close from the area railing to the coping-stones of the drive
on the eastward, a dense assemblage, which continued to increase up
to five o’clock, when we observed it still standing there.
Lunch over, the Prince, a little after five o’clock, escaped from the
back door, unobserved by the crowd, and was enabled to stroll into
the town. He went up St. George’s Road, through King Street, down
Regent Street, and along the Quay, but did not venture into the
Market Row. He then visited Mrs. Onslow, who son is chaplain on
board the “St. George,” and, we believe, a tutor of the Prince.
The cricket match terminated in favour of the naval men, who had, we
hear, 69 runs to spare. In the first innings the Yarmouth players
had the best of it, but in the second the bowling of Midshipman
Lawson made sad havoc among the batsmen.
The Ball at the Town Hall was well attended, and went off with great
_éclat_. The Prince, of course, was not present; but in the course
of the evening Admiral Smart and a party of naval officers—who were
brought up to the Quay-side, opposite the Hall, in the “Porpoise”
gunboat—joined the assembly and remained until after midnight.
The number of visitors to the ships increased considerably on Tuesday
(this) morning, when it became known that an order had been received
for the ships to hold themselves in readiness for sailing next day.
Altogether the visit of the fleet on this occasion has been a
brilliant affair; and the public have had ample time to inspect the
ships, some of which might much oftener, with advantage, find a berth
in Yarmouth Roads.
The town has not, we believe, been visited by a Royal personage since
the time that Prince William (afterwards King) and the Princess
Adelaide landed here, and remained for the night at the Angel Hotel.
June 7th.—At the Channel Fleet Ball among those present were the Mayor,
the Town Clerk, Sir E. Lacon, M.P., Admiral Smart, Captain Fellowes,
R.N., Captain Egerton, R.N., Lieutenant the Hon. F. Gordon, Mr. and Miss
I. Preston, Lord W. Kerr and other naval officers, Mr. and Mrs. E. H. L.
Preston, Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Aldred, Misses Cubitt, Mr. A. and Misses
Steward, &c. Next day a large number of persons visited the fleet, and
dancing took place on the ships’ decks.
Colonel Ibetson had inspected the Rifle Volunteers on the Denes.
The “Ino” (a pleasure boat) had capsized when alongside the “St. George,”
but all the people in her were saved.
June 11th.—At the Vestry Meeting, the “Small Tenements Act” was proposed
to be applied to the parish.
Several houses and men had been struck by lightning during a
thunderstorm.
June 14th.—The programme for the Volunteer Review had been published; it
was expected that 3,324 men would take part in it.
June 18th.—The Dinner to the Volunteers on this occasion was to take
place on St. George’s Denes; there were to be 17 tables, and the dining
room to cover 7,550 feet of ground. One quart of beer per man had been
offered by Sir E. Lacon to the Volunteers.
June 21st.—The Review had taken place and proved a great success: there
were 3,324 men actually on the Denes. At the Dinner held on St. George’s
Denes, the Mayor presided, and after giving the toasts of “The Queen” and
“The Royal Family,” he gave “The Army, Navy, and Militia,” to which
Colonel Grey, C.B., Captain Lacon, R.N., and Colonel Adair responded.
The Mayor then gave “The Volunteers,” to which Colonel Brett replied, and
“The Lord Lieutenants of Norfolk and Suffolk,” which was acknowledged by
Lord Suffield (Vice-Lieutenant of Norfolk) and Colonel Adair. The Mayor
then gave “The High Sheriff,” who responded. The Mayor then gave “The
Lord High Steward,” responded to by Lord Sondes, and “The health of
Colonel Grey,” to which that officer replied; also “The Brigadiers of the
Day,” replied to by Colonels Custance, Sir E. Lacon, and Astley. The
High Sheriff then proposed “The Mayor,” to which his Worship responded,
and the healths of the Rev. H. Nevill, of the Noblemen and Gentlemen “who
had honoured us with their presence,” of “Mr. Charles J. Palmer” and “The
Ladies” were also given and responded to. It was considered that “The
Mayor and gentlemen who formed the Committee of Management, and
particularly Mr. Charles J. Palmer, well deserved the thanks of the
public and the Volunteers.”
June 28th.—Major Marsh (of the artillery) had resigned his commission.
July 2nd.—It was stated that Major Marsh would be succeeded in his
command by Capt. John Lee Barber of the 1st Company, but Mr. Trafford was
stated to have also resigned, and it was rumoured that the Artillery was
likely to be amalgamated with the Rifle Corps.
July 9th.—The Midsummer herring voyage was a failure. Some attributed
this to the 130 smacks then fishing from the port, and others to the
early catches of immature fish.
July 12th.—“Blondin” had been performing at the Victoria Gardens.
July 16th.—Commissioner Cane had been holding an inquiry at the Workhouse
to “ascertain the nature of the duties of the various public officers and
method of their discharge.”
July 19th.—Mr. Henry R. Harmer had been appointed an Admiralty
Commissioner.
July 23rd.—There had been a poll at Gorleston upon the Church Rate
question, which had resulted in a majority of 142 against that impost.
The Caister Lifeboat had been struck by lightning while on the Beach and
several persons who were taking shelter under her bow injured.
July 26th.—At the Regatta the “Audax,” J. H. Johnson, R.T.Y.C. won the
yacht prize. In the yawl race the “Star of the East,” the “Queen
Victoria,” and the “Glance” competed, and the former won. The “Wanderer”
(Mr. J. L. Barber) won the River Yachts’ match, and the “Volunteer” the
small Yawl match.
Aug. 6th.—Contains the following notice of “The Water Frolic:—This event,
which was formerly important from the fact of the ‘new’ Mayor being then
chosen, and the official barge of the Mayor and Corporation being
present, came off on Monday afternoon, at that part of the Waveney
opposite Burgh Castle. No official patronage was given to the affair,
and consequently it was not, municipally, of any weight. But as the
weather was fine and sunny, with a ‘spanking’ southerly breeze, the
yachts, which had arranged to attend and compete in two races, were sure
of good sport, and the large crowds of persons who assembled early in the
day on the North Quay, augured well for the steamboats which Mr. Fill—a
worthy man of enterprise—always offers for the accommodation of the
public (pay or not pay) either for trips to Cromer and Southwold, or even
to Rotterdam fair, an event which East Anglians of old were wont to
delight in. At Burgh there was a large assemblage of craft—wherries,
ships’ boats, punts, yachts, and, in fact, anything that would safely
float. Two matches were announced to take place, each for a stake value
at £10, and the ordinary river yachts were the competitors, with the
exception of the new and mischievous-looking boat of the High Sheriff of
Norfolk—a boat which, although it could not out-run Mr. Barber’s ‘Flying
Wanderer,’ will yet do credit to her build. The ‘public-house wherries,’
the pie stalls, the acrobats, and the rest of the contributors to the
day’s fun were all active and appeared to do a good business. The
yachting competition—which the public ought to have considered the best
business of the day—began with a match for £10, in which five
cutter-rigged yachts sailed, viz., Mr. Barber’s ‘Wanderer,’ Mr.
Nightingale’s ‘Red Rover,’ Mr. Read’s ‘Belvidere,’ Mr. R. J. H. Harvey’s
‘Lady in White,’ and Mr. Morgan’s ‘Bittern.’ The Wanderer had the
advantage throughout, and won—although she was occasionally closely
pressed by the Red Rover. The match extended over four rounds. In the
second match for a similar stake by latteens the ‘Vampire’ (Mr. Everett),
the ‘Enchantress’ (Mr. Green), and the ‘Merlin’ (Mr. Humfrey) started,
and continued in the order named to the close. The ‘frolicers’ then
commenced their homeward journey, and in the midst of music and song all
arrived safely, we believe, at the Bridge Foot, after spending a
convivial, if not a dignified, half day on the stream. The frolic,
however, in the absence of official support, is shorn of its ancient
splendour.”
August 13th.—The “Order of Precedence of the members of the Council” had
been printed. The Mayor had requested the members of that body to
accompany him to church on Sundays, Good Friday, and Christmas Day.
Mr. S. Nightingale had backed his “Red Rover” against Mr. Barber’s
“Wanderer” for four matches at £50 aside.
Thieves had “drank the Sacramental wine and robbed the Poor’s box” at the
Independent Chapel, Gorleston.
August 16th.—At the Races, none of the Stewards (who were Lord W.
Powlett, Count Batthyany, and Sir H. J. Stracey, Bart., M.P.,) had
attended, and the usual Ball at the Town Hall had not been held through
lack of patronage.
August 20th.—The Yarmouth Cricket Club had played the “Visitors.” The
score was:—First Innings: Yarmouth, 29; Visitors, 15. Second Innings:
Yarmouth, 89; Visitors, 32. Grand Totals: Yarmouth, 118; Visitors, 47.
August 23rd.—It was proposed to raise a Rifle Corps at Ormesby.
August 27th.—Sir H. Stracey, had invited the members of the Corporation
to spend a day at Rackheath.
August 30th.—Sir E. Lacon, Bart., had been gazetted Major of the N.A.V.,
(vice Marsh resigned.)
Sept. 3rd.—It was, at the Corporation’s visit to Rackheath, distinctly
understood that Sir H. Stracey would offer himself again as a candidate
for the Borough, and that Mr. Watkin was pledged to come forward again in
the Liberal interest.
The Council had determined to place an illuminated clock on the Town
Hall.
The Southtown Barracks had been repaired at considerable expense.
Sept. 6th.—At the rifle prize shooting, Colour-Sergeant Chipperfield had
taken the ladies’ challenge cup from Sergeant Fenner by one point.
Corporal Denew had won the Chief Officers’ prize, and Sergeant Dick the
Borough Members’ prize.
Sept. 10th.—This shooting had been continued, and prizes won by Sergeant
Pearson, Sergeant Swann, and Volunteer Barrett.
Sept. 17th.—The High Sheriff of Norfolk had given a grand Volunteer
Review and Fête at Crown Point, the Norfolk Artillery (Norwich and
Yarmouth), mustered on the field 7 Officers, 42 Non-Commissioned
Officers, 105 Gunners, and 23 Band, total 178; the Yarmouth Rifles (4
Companies) were 235 strong, viz., one field Officer, 4 Captains, 8
Subalterns, 5 Staff, 12 Sergeants, 4 Drummers, 185 rank and file, and 16
Band.
In the afternoon, the Volunteers and some 2,000 guests were entertained
at dinner in marquees erected for the purpose, and various amusements
provided. The following Yarmouth names appear in the list of the
competitors for the prizes:—Major Orde, Lieut. C. Diver, and Privates
Mark Waters, Isaac Preston, J. B. Pearce, and C. Marsh, while among the
guests were the following ladies and gentlemen from this locality:—Col.
and Mrs. Baddeley, Mr. and Mrs. J. Brown, junr., Mr. B. Button, Mr. and
Mrs. F Clowes, Capt. and Mrs. Cubitt, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel, Mr. and Mrs.
Frere, Mr. and Mrs. Harmer, Sir E. H. K. Lacon and Lady Lacon, Capt. and
Mrs. Lacon, Mr. T. Matravers, the Mayor of Yarmouth, Lieut. G. W. and
Mrs. Moore, Lieut. and Mrs. Morant, Mr. Nightingale, Mr. and Mrs. C. J.
Palmer, Mr. and Mrs. W. Danby-Palmer, Mr. and Mrs. F. Palmer, Mr. F.
Danby-Palmer, Mr. and Miss I. Preston, the Rev. J. J. and Mrs. Raven, Mr.
W. C. Reynolds, Mr. R. Rising, Capt. Rivers, Mr. and Mrs. S. Reeve, Capt.
Turnour, Ensign and Mrs. Watling, Mr. W. and Mrs. Worship, Lieut. and
Mrs. Wynyard, and Mr. E. P. and Mrs. Youell.
Next day the High Sheriff also entertained upwards of 4,000 poor people
at Crown Point.
Sept. 20th.—Mr. Fenner and Mr. Chipperfield had been shooting well at the
County Association Meeting.
Messrs. Youell and Co., (Florists) had won two prizes at the Kensington
Autumn Flower Show.
Sept. 27th.—The Liberals claimed a gain of 50 upon the revision of the
Borough Voters’ List, and it was stated the “the Liberal cause was much
indebted to Mr. J. Eagleton, their Yarmouth agent, whose exertions in the
Registration Court, in which the late Sir R. Peel said elections were to
be won, had been unceasing.”
Mr. G. V. Brooke was attracting crowded houses at the Theatre.
Oct. 4th.—A French and an English corvette were on this station to
protect the fisheries.
Mr. Chamberlin had appeared before the Justices in support of an
application against the form of the Poor’s Rate, but the Court had
overruled his objections.
Oct. 8th.—At the Municipal Revision Court, Mr. John Clowes and the Vestry
Clerk, accused Mr. John Cooper of tampering with the latter gentleman’s
papers, and a warm discussion ensued thereon.
Oct. 15th.—At the Quarter Sessions, the Recorder (N. Palmer, Esq.) made
an order quashing the Poor’s Rate. Mr. C. Cooper appeared on behalf of
Mr. J. Clowes as appellant, against the Churchwardens and Overseers,
respondents in this case.
At the Police Court, Mr. Gardiner, Editor of the _Yarmouth Independent_,
craved sureties of the peace against Mr. J. H. Harrison, when, although
the defendant called no evidence to rebut the charge made against him,
the Bench (by a majority of two) decided against calling upon him to find
sureties. The complainant said he expected this when he saw such a “drum
up” of Magistrates “who had been brought there as on Licensing day.”
Oct. 18th.—A narrative of the proceedings at the Volunteer Review had
been prepared by Mr. C. J. Palmer, and published.
Oct. 22nd.—There had been disastrous storms at sea, and it was known that
four vessels had foundered in the roads.
The retiring Councillors were—North Ward: H. Boulter and W. N. Burroughs.
Market Ward: F. Worship and C. C. Aldred. Regent Ward: S. C. Marsh and
S. B. Cory. St. George’s Ward: J. G. Plummer and J. C. Smith. Nelson
Ward: G. Danby Palmer and C. E. Bartram. St. Andrew’s Ward: E. H. L.
Preston and H. Teasdel.
One thousand persons had visited the Exhibition (London) by a cheap
train.
Oct. 25th.—The Mayor had entertained a large party of invited guests at
the Town Hall.
The Dutchmen had already arrived “in the schuyts or sea-tubs” for the
fishing.
Nov. 1st.—Several shipments of herring had been made for the
Mediterranean.
Nov. 5th.—At the Municipal election Mr. Mainprice had taken the place of
Mr. Burroughs (who retired), and Mr. Rose had ousted Mr. S. B. Cory, who
refused “to the curb to yield.”
Nov. 8th.—Line fishing from boats and the Britannia Pier had become a
fashionable amusement.
Nov. 12th.—The Town Council had voted an address of loyalty to the Queen,
and to the Prince of Wales, upon the latter attaining his majority.
Sir E. H. K. Lacon proposed, and C. J. Palmer, Esq., seconded, the
re-election of the Mayor, which motion was carried _nem. dis._, and the
retiring aldermen, Messrs. J. T. Bracey, J. Bunn, B. Fenn, H. R. Harmer,
W. Laws, and W. Mabson were re-elected.
Nov. 19th.—The prizes recently shot for by the Rifle Volunteers had been
distributed at the Victoria Gardens by the Mayor.
Nov. 22nd.—The local Charity Trustees’ scheme for the establishment of a
Grammar School had been approved by the Charity Commissioners.
The Lancashire Relief Committee was in full work, and the following
articles had been forwarded to Manchester:—63 coats, 70 cloaks and
shawls, 21 dresses, 20 children’s frocks, 20 blankets and quilts, 28
pairs of boots, 42 flannel waistcoats and shirts, 34 pairs of trousers,
36 hats, and 361 other articles of clothing.
In one day 1,500 lasts of herring had been brought into the harbour.
Nov. 26th.—A public meeting in aid of the Lancashire Relief Fund had been
held (the Mayor in the chair), and £160 subscribed in the room.
Dec. 13th.—Two hundred barrels of herring had been sent to Manchester for
the Relief Fund by the fish merchants.
Dec. 17th.—The following rota of magistrates for salvage purposes had
been appointed:—R. Hammond, E. H. L. Preston, J. W. Shelly, R. Steward.
B. Jay, J. Clark, J. Fenn, and P. Pullyn.
Dec. 20th.—During the week more than 600 articles of wearing apparel had
been forwarded to Manchester for the Relief Fund.
The fishing had proved a “successful and profitable season.”
Dec. 24th.—Mr. Rust had launched a fine new brig for the Mediterranean
trade.
Dec. 27th.—£850 had been raised for the Lancashire Relief Fund.
The town tolls had let as follows:—Market, £550 per annum; Fish Market,
£55; and Ballastage, £660; the lessees being Messrs. Bowen and Co. of
Leeds.
Dec. 31st.—Steps were being taken to induce the Norfolk Agricultural
Association to visit Yarmouth.
The Rev. B. Vaux had presided at the Hospital meeting.
The Artillery and Rifle Volunteers had been brigaded together on the
South Denes.
1863.
Jan. 10th.—An inquiry was being held in respect of certain charges
against the crew of the lifeboat.
Mr. B. Fenn had presided at the annual library meeting.
Jan. 14th.—At the lifeboat inquiry, after hearing evidence, the Rev. Mr.
Steward moved, and Mr. Fellows seconded, “That the Beachmen were in no
way culpable on the occasion, and that, on the contrary, their conduct
was all that it ought to have been,” which motion was carried
unanimously.
Mr. E. P. Youell had executed some sleight-of-hand tricks _a la Frickel_
with neatness and dexterity at the Priory Entertainment.
Jan. 17th.—Four hundred persons sat down to tea at the Tract Lenders’
Festival.
A prize fight had taken place near the town, on a marsh next the Acle
Road.
Jan. 24th.—There had been a “tremendous gale.”
Jan. 28th.—The following Charity Trustees had met for the purpose of
appointing a head master of the Grammar School—Messrs. Charles J. Palmer
(chairman), C. Cory, R. Hammond, W. N. Burroughs, E. H. L. Preston, B.
Jay, and C. C. Aldred, when the Rev. H. J. Evans was elected; the other
candidates being the Revs. Merryman, W. Algar, J. Partridge, C. Bachelor,
and S. Eld.
Jan. 31st.—Sad accounts continued to arrive from the Fishing Fleet,
inconsequence of the late gales, “scarcely a smack arriving without
bearing some marks of its fury, and the loss of spars and gear, while
many of the crews have tales of horror to recount of vessels foundering,
and all hands perishing before their eyes without the possibility of
rescue.”
Feb. 4th.—A meeting of the inhabitants had been held to consider what
steps should be taken to celebrate the marriage of the Prince of Wales.
Feb. 14th.—Harriet Cattermole had jumped into the river, but had been
floated by her crinoline until rescued by the police.
Feb. 21st.—P.G. J. C. Smith, Surgeon, had presided at the annual dinner
of the “Prince of Wales’” Lodge, M.U.O.F., held at the Market Tavern, 46
members and friends being present on the occasion.
Feb. 25th.—C. J. Palmer, Esq., (the President), had taken the chair at
the meeting of the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society, when it appeared that
215 seamen and widows had been relieved during the past year, and that
the income was £177 18s. 4d., as against an expenditure of £219 14s. 4d.
Feb. 28th.—At the revision of the Proxy Book, it appeared that a number
of persons claiming to act as proxies for the owners of property, were
not authorised to do so by such owners, and Mr. Neave intimated that “the
loss of his election last year was due to the scandalous manner in which
the proxies had been worked against him.”
March 16th.—The town had been _en fete_ upon the occasion of the marriage
of the Prince of Wales, when the Corporation had attended St. Nicholas’
Church; a special sermon had been preached by the Rev. H. R. Nevill, the
Artillery had fired a salute of 21 guns from the South Battery, and the
Rifles a _feu de joie_ in the Market-place.
A Council meeting had also been held, when loyal addresses were moved,
and seconded to the Queen and to the Prince and Princess of Wales by
Messrs. E. H. L. Preston and John Clowes, and C. J. Palmer and W. Worship
respectively.
A volunteer banquet had been held on this occasion at Messrs. Lacon and
Co.’s stores, when the following arrangements were made:—First table,
Nos. 1 and 2 companies Artillery, (Captains J. L. Barber and W. Foreman);
second table, 1 and 2 companies Rifles, (Captain Tomlinson and Lieutenant
Harmer); third table, 3 and 4 companies Artillery, (Captains Green and
Brown); fourth table, 3 and 4 Companies Rifles, (Captains W. Holt and H.
Barber); the fifth table, Staffs of E.N.M., and N.M.A. Regiments. In
addition to the Volunteers, the following gentlemen were present as
guests of Sir E. H. K. Lacon, the Mayor (R. Steward, Esq.), Rev. H.
Nevill, Rev. B. Vaux, Captain Long, Major Penrice, Major Orde, Adjutant
Gilbertson, Adjutant Smith, J. C. Smith, Esq., E.N.M., C. C. Aldred,
Esq., Captain Dods, Lieutenant W. Danby-Palmer, E.N.M., Mr. Petts,
Quarter-Masters Smith and Hardiment, &c.
In the evening “the illuminations were on a most extensive scale,
scarcely a house without a transparency or device. The designs on the
Town Hall and Hospital School were very beautiful, while many others on
private houses were greatly admired. On the Town Hall, facing the north,
was fixed the principal illumination, consisting of a magnificent plume
of feathers, having the letters “A. A.” on either side, and partly
encircled with a wreath of oak leaves and acorns. The height of the
design was 18 feet by 30 feet in width, and was drawn by Mr. Morant, Town
Surveyor, and manufactured by Mr. Doughty, of Gaol Street. The fireworks
were continued to a late hour, and we are happy to record that,
notwithstanding the pressure of the crowd, no accident occurred to mar
the pleasure of the day. The arrangements of the police throughout were
most satisfactory, and to the credit of our townsmen it must be stated
that at the Police Court the following morning, the magistrates’ business
was finished in two minutes and a half, the only charge being a case of
drunkenness, which was graciously forgiven. The ball at the Town Hall
was fashionably and numerously attended and dancing was kept up to the
music of Hulley’s quadrille band with unflagging spirit until an early
hour the following morning. During the day the inmates of the Workhouse
and Gaol were regaled, the former at the expense of the Guardians, and
the latter by the Mayor. The inmates of the Fishermen’s Hospital were
also regaled with plum pudding and roast beef, each man having, in
addition, a pipe of tobacco, with a liberal supply of stout. The women
also partook of tea, with a plentiful supply of cake. The inmates
expressed themselves deeply grateful to the trustees of the charity for
thus enabling them to participate in the festivities of the day.”
March 18th.—A project had been suggested for the amalgamation of the two
local Volunteer Corps, under the command of Lieut.-Col. Sir E. Lacon,
Bart.
March 21st.—At an adjourned meeting of the Rifle Corps this question was
introduced by Major Orde, who advocated the suggestion, which was opposed
by Ensigns Watling and Cobb, and the project was thereupon rejected by a
majority of nearly 100; consequently the officers, (who were generally in
favour of the movement), threatened to resign their commissions.
March 28th.—The Poor’s Rate, (which had been 1s. 8d.), was reduced to 1s.
2d. in the £.
W. Yetts, Esq., had died at the age of 68; he had been for many years a
member of the Corporation, and a Justice for the Borough. “Mr. Yetts was
possessed of considerable talent as an artist, and as a musician, and was
at all times a liberal patron of the fine arts.”
April 1st.—The action of “Bayly v. Woodrow” had been tried at the
Assizes, the charge being one of slander upon the plaintiff, who was a
surgeon, by the defendant, a baker in the town. The verdict being for
40s. and costs.
Mr. Coxon, postmaster, had died somewhat suddenly.
April 11th.—Messrs. Steward and Aldred had been re-elected Churchwardens;
and Messrs. G. Danby-Palmer and J. Barker, Haven Commissioners, with
Messrs. R. Hammond and D. A. Gourlay as supernumeraries.
April 18th.—The East Norfolk Militia had mustered 780 strong at their
annual training.
The Election of Guardians had resulted in no change being made in the
Board except as regarded the election of Frederick Palmer, Esq., a
scrutiny of votes was threatened by the defeated candidates.
April 22nd.—An otter had been captured on the Hall-quay and remained “in
charge of the police,” and was the only “prisoner” before the Justices.
May 2nd.—The Corporation addresses to the Prince and Princess of Wales
had been presented by the Mayor, Lord Sondes, and Sir E. Lacon, Bart.
J. G. Plummer, Esq., J.P., and a member of the Council, had died.
May 9th.—The first ball of the season had been held at the new
Assembly-rooms, South Beach, the Stewards being the Mayor, Sir E. H. K.
Lacon, Bart., M.P., Major Marcon, Captain Ensor, Captain Longe, and Mr.
C. J. Palmer.
May 13th.—Mr. J. Scott had been elected a Councillor for the St. George’s
ward in the place of the late Mr. Plummer without opposition, Mr. R.
Norman (who had issued an address in the Conservative interest) having
retired on the eve of the election.
H.M.S. “Porcupine” was in the Roads.
An “Old Crome” late the property of Mr. Hunt, had been sold for £110 to
Mr. J. J. Colman.
May 16th.—The Mayor had distributed prizes to the following members of
the Norfolk Artillery Volunteers:—Sergeant-Major Stolworthy, Sergeant
Sparrow, Sergeant Cocks, Corporal Page, Bombardiers Bullimore, Greenwood,
Nutman, Self, and C. Bartram, and Corporal Baker.
The Norfolk Artillery Militia, under command of Colonel Astley, had
assembled, 600 strong, for its annual training.
Mr. Marsh’s wine and spirit stores at the corner of Regent and King
Streets, had been sold by auction for £3,210.
The death of W. T. Clarke, Esq., J.P., had caused a vacancy for the St.
Andrew’s Ward, and Mr. W. J. Brand had issued an address to the electors.