Transcribed from the 1810 C. Berry edition by David Price, email
ccx074@pglaf.org. Many thanks to Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library,
UK, for kindly supplying the images from which this transcription was
made.
A
CONCISE HISTORY
AND
DIRECTORY
OF THE
_CITY OF NORWICH_;
For 1811:
Containing besides the LISTS,
A VARIETY OF
LOCAL INFORMATION,
_USEFUL and INTERESTING_
To RESIDENTS and STRANGERS.
[Picture: Decorative divider]
_Embellished with an engraved Plan of the City_. {0}
[Picture: Decorative divider]
* * * * *
Norwich:
Printed by and for C. Berry, jun. Dove-Lane.
1810.
THE
_Editor's Address to the Public_.
Nine years have expired since the publication of the last NORWICH
DIRECTORY (which was out of print almost as soon as in); during which
period, alterations have been constantly taking place in the residence of
the inhabitants, independent of those which have been entirely removed by
death or otherwise. It will be found of those which were inserted in the
former, and are still to be found in this, not half of them remain in the
same residence.--He was not aware of the difficulty of obtaining the
address of so large a population, or he would have been deterred from the
undertaking: he has used his utmost endeavors to render it as correct as
possible, and hopes he has made no very flagrant errors or
omissions.--The DIRECTORY contains several hundred names more than that
before noticed--the historical part is entirely written and compiled for
the present purpose--many charitable and public institutions are noticed
which cannot be found elsewhere--and the lists are much augmented, and
corrected to the present time.--The alphabetical order of the DIRECTORY,
is corrected to the first vowel.
He cannot let this opportunity escape, without returning his thanks to
several gentlemen who have rendered him information he could not
otherwise have obtained.--He writes not for fame, but throws himself on
an indulgent public; and should his feeble efforts prove in any degree
useful, or meet the approbation of his fellow-citizens, his end is
gained.
_NORWICH_, _October_ 19, 1810.
TABLE
OF THE
_POPULATION of the City and County of NORWICH_,
In the Years 1801, 1786, 1752, & 1693.
PARISHES. Houses Persons Persons Persons Persons
1801 1801 1786 1752 1693
St. Peter 123 378 507 425 470
Southgate
St. Etheldred 68 252 254 247 243
St. Julian 211 662 846 595 593
St. Peter 316 1350 1362 1408 1376
Permountergate
St. John 312 1144 1114 1004 781
Sepulchre
St. Michael at 402 1198 1442 1127 865
Thorn
St. John 231 888 975 890 668
Timberhill
All Saints 176 701 825 578 425
St. Stephen 541 2211 2360 2314 1769
St. Peter 460 2120 2299 2288 1953
Mancroft
St. Giles 239 1076 1117 961 910
St. Benedict 227 830 900 715 652
St. Swithin 120 503 643 751 496
St. Margaret 173 662 859 856 664
St. Laurence 269 899 1018 952 668
St. Gregory 221 1057 1113 1202 772
St. John 160 1698 1571 1107 657
Maddermarket
St. Andrew 235 1858 1773 1334 935
St. Michael at 77 446 502 482 479
Plea
St. Peter 88 371 394 341 267
Hungate
St. George 135 750 720 737 722
Tombland
St. Simon and 83 333 443 420 362
Jude
St. Martin at 253 936 1109 1083 819
Palace
St. Helen 80 393 446 386 338
St. Michael 255 1031 1185 1046 1026
Coslany
St. Mary 306 1018 1202 1178 949
St. Martin at 370 1747 2153 1698 1243
Oak
St. Augustine 402 1232 1899 1226 850
St. George 283 1132 1272 1295 1154
Colegate
St. Clement 146 853 800 816 593
St. Edmund 99 446 531 520 370
St. Saviour 225 984 593 810 701
St. Paul 378 1395 1681 1461 983
St. James 251 520 608 696 416
Pockthorp 241 979 1272 1116 732
Heigham 227 854 923 653 544
HAMLETS.
Lakenham 89 428 486 165 221
Eaton 38 278 260 226 153
Earlham 12 95 66 68 50
Hellesdon 17 81 108 70 65
Thorpe 17 74 82 36 69
Trowse, Carrow, 89 353 348 386 258
and Bracon
Precinct of the 118 616 700 650
Close
Norwich Goal 22
Total 8763 36854 40051 36396 28911
A CONCISE
_HISTORY OF NORWICH_.
In attempting a brief History of Norwich, it shall be endeavoured, so far
as the limits of the design will admit, to consider its situation and
extent, foundation and present state, former and present population,
memorable events, antiquities, eminent or learned inhabitants, trade,
manufactures, &c.
Norwich is situate in 1. 25. E. of London, and in 52. 40. N. latitude; it
lies considerably eastward of the centre of the county of Norfolk, of
which it is the capital, and indeed it may be considered as the principal
city in the eastern district of the kingdom. It occupies the top and
sides of a gentle hill, which runs parallel with the river Wensum on its
western side; the river suddenly takes an almost western course, and runs
through nearly the centre of the city. It is distinguished in the annals
of Great Britain for its manufactures, the memorable events that have
occurred, its antiquities, and for various other objects which shall be
briefly touched upon.
Norwich, in its present state, is said to occupy more ground,
comparatively with its population, than any city in the kingdom, being
much interspersed with gardens, and it is frequently stiled, a city in an
orchard; its shape is irregular, and may not unaptly be compared to a
shoulder of mutton--it is full one mile and a half in length, and a mile
and quarter broad. It contains thirty four churches and a number of
chapels and meeting houses, besides the cathedral; it has five bridges
over the river; it was formerly nearly surrounded with a wall, planted
with forty two towers and had twelve gates, the former is dilapidated the
latter, within a few years have been taken down.
The original foundation of Norwich is not easily asertained; however, it
is certain, that the Romans, presently after their establishment in
Britain, either erected fortresses near the British towns, or invited the
natives to assemble round the Roman military stations; and most of our
cities and chief towns occupy the site of such stations, or are in their
immediate vicinity, which makes it probable, that Norwich orginated in
the decay of (_Venta Icenorum_) Castor, and which the following old
distich commemorates.
"Castor was a city when Norwich was none,
"And Norwich was built of Castor stone.
Camden says, he had no where met with the name of Norwich previous to the
Danish invasion; on the origin of the name, various opinions have been
formed; however, there is very little doubt that it received its name
from the Saxons, their word _Northwic_, signifying a northern station,
castle, or town, and the word occurs on the Saxon coins of various
reigns. Blomfield mentions several of these--one in the time of Alfred
the Great, about the year 872; another in the early part of the reign of
Athelstan about the year 925, and several others; besides three coins
minted here of Ethelred, called the _Unready_, of which it seems, some
are yet extant; and from which it appears, that Norwich was a place of
note before the Danes were in possession of Britain.
The Saxons immediately took advantage of the Romans leaving Britain, to
pour in their own troops, under pretence of protecting the natives; but
they soon threw off the mask, and erecting fortresses to defend what they
had seized, they shortly became possessed of the whole Island. At this
period 'tis probable the former Castle of Norwich was first founded.
Vulgar chronology makes it as old as Julius Caesar; but its gothic
structure belied such conjecture--the elevated spot on which this castle
stood, commanding a prospect over a large space of country, pointed it
out as a proper place to fix an advanced post.
Uffa is considered the first Saxon monarch over this part of the kingdom,
in the year 575; but it appears, notwithstanding, from undoubted
authority, that Grecca, the father of Uffa, was the first sovereign of
East Anglia.
The monarchy, therefore, was probably established between the years 530
and 540, and the castle erected about the same period. In the year 642
it is said to have been a fortified royal seat of Anna, the seventh king
of the East Anglian line.
From this time till the reign of Alfred, we find little or no mention of
the Castle: but during the incursions of the Danes, it was frequently
possessed by them and the Saxons alternately; and it appears, that king
Alfred in his time, finding the walls and ramparts of Norwich Castle
insufficient to repel the attack of the Danes, caused others to be
erected with the most durable materials.
Norwich Castle was evidently a military station in Alfred's time, as
appears also by the coin struck here, about the year 872, before noticed;
but in the reign of Etheldred the II. it is described to have been
utterly destroyed by an army under Sweyne, king of Denmark, about the
year 1004. In 1010 the Danes again settled in and fortified Norwich, and
the Castle appears to have been rebuilt by Canute, about the year 1018;
to have been first used as a prison in the early part of the 14th
century, and from this period, its history merges into that of the city.
Mr. Wilkins says, Norwich castle is the best exterior of this kind of
architecture extant. The area of the ancient castle, including its outer
works, contained about 23 acres, the whole of which was surrounded by a
wall; the principal entrance was by Bar, now Ber-street, through
Golden-Ball-lane, by the Barbican Gate, which was flanked by two towers,
and connected with the external vallum, by a wall; the extent of the
outermost ditch reached on the west part to the edge of the present
Market Pace, on the north to London-lane, which it included; and on the
east almost to King-street; the southern part reached to the
Golden-Ball-lane, where the grand gate stood.
According to Mr. Wilkins, the entrance into the Barbican was at the south
end of Golden-Ball-Lane, and not at the north, as Blomfield has it; over
each foss in this direction was a bridge, but only one of them remains;
this extends across the inner ditch, and according to Mr. Wilkins, is
formed of "the largest and most perfect arch of Saxon workmanship in the
kingdom." This bridge is nearly 150 feet in extent, and the Castle
stands just across it on the south west part of the hill; the extent of
the Castle from east to west, including a small tower through which was
the principal entrance, is 110 feet 3 inches, and from north to south, 92
feet 10 inches; and the height to the top of the battlements, 69 feet 6
inches; the height of the basement story is about 24 feet, which is faced
with rough flint; the upper part is ornamented with small arches and
decorated so as to appear something like Mosaic work; the small tower
before-mentioned on the east side, was of a richer kind of architecture,
called, Bigod's Tower, which is now chiefly inclosed, defaced or pulled
down, as in the year 1793 the county thought it necessary to erect a new
goal, and it was resolved to attach it to the eastern side of the old
Castle. Mr. Wilkins expresses himself justly indignant at the addition,
which he calls an heterogeneous and discordant mass.--This venerable pile
has been a castle of defence to British, Saxon, and Norman kings; it has
been the boast and pride of the province for ages past, yet by this
recent change it is bereaved of its ancient beauty; but, surely, whatever
alterations were necessary, they might have preserved the same character
and apparent date of architecture with the mutilated parts of this
stately pile. The interior is also now an unroofed area, although
formerly covered and divided by floors. The entrance to the top of the
Castle is on the west side, at the south corner by a flight of 99 steps.
The Castle precinct contains upwards of six acres, and the summit of the
hill is in circumference 360 yards, the whole of which is enclosed with
iron palisadoes, as is also the ditch around it; which, within the last
20 years, have been occupied for gardens, many of which are tastefully
laid out; and the summit of the hill on all sides commands a most
delightful view of the city and surrounding country. The Castle with the
hill and ditch surrounding it, may be considered a _chef d'oeuvre_, and
the prospect therefrom superior to any thing of the kind in England.
A panoramic view of the city and surrounding country has been lately
published by Messrs. Stevenson, Matchett, and Stevenson, taken from
several stations on the hill.
The shirehouse which joins the Castle, has lately undergone complete
internal repair, and considerable alteration whereby the courts are
enlarged and rendered much more commodious than heretofore; and here all
county business is transacted, and the summer assizes held.
The town of _Nor_-_wic_ probably soon succeeded the building of the
Castle, and became occupied by the Anglo-Romans, from Castor, at which
time it appears to have been chiefly inhabited by fishermen and
merchants. According to ancient manuscripts, a large arm of the sea
flowed up to Norwich, till about the time of William the Conqueror.
There exists positive evidence of Norwich being a fishing town in the
reign of Canute, about the year 1020. In the time of Edward the
Confessor, about the year 1050, it appears to have had 25 churches, and
1320 Burgesses; during the peaceable reign of Edward, and his successor,
Harold, it continued to increase in wealth and population. In the year
1075, it experienced a serious decrease by siege; in about the year 1085,
according to Doomsday book, a great number of houses were uninhabited,
yet the churches were increased to 54, and the houses to 738, which,
allowing six persons to each house, makes the population 4428. In the
reign of William II. the bishop's see was removed from Thetford hither,
which together with a great influx of Jews at that time, made a
considerable increase to the population. In the reign of Henry I. the
government of the city was separated from the castle jurisdiction and in
the following reign licence was granted for Norwich to have coroners and
bailiffs. In the time of Richard I. 1193, the inhabitants were called
citizens.
The city wall was begun in 1294, and finished in 1320.
Previous to the plague in 1348, according to Blomfield, the population
amounted to 70,000; but, surely, this account as applied to the city,
must appear incredible from the extent of the walls, and from the
increase of population since 1085, a term of 263 years, the population
must have increased sixteen fold--a circumstance, I believe, unparalleled
in the annals of History.
In 1336, a great influx of Flemings in consequence of religious
persecution, settled in Norwich, and introduced the worsted manufactory.
Henry IV. in the year 1403, granted the city a charter, which made
Norwich a county of itself; and from this time it was governed by a mayor
instead of bailiffs; and in 1406, another charter was obtained for
regulating the mode of choosing the mayor, sheriffs, &c.
This city has suffered greatly at various times by the plague and
scarcity, and few places have sustained more damage by fire, which may be
attributed, in some measure, to the custom of covering the houses with
thatch.--Two desolating fires which happened in the latter part of Henry
VII's reign, induced the corporation to make a law, that no new building
should afterwards be covered with thatch.
Norwich was beginning to decline, but again revived in 1566, by the
settling here of about 300 Dutch and Walloons, who had fled from the
persecution of the Duke of Alva; and their number kept increasing very
rapidly for several years. About this time, bombasines and some other
valuable articles were invented here, and contributed much to the
population of the city. In 1574, Norwich exhibited on its muster roll
2120 able men, towards the general defence against the invincible Armada.
In 1578, queen Elizabeth took up her abode for several days in the city.
In 1688, the charter was confirmed to its full extent, by virtue of
which, the government is vested in a mayor, recorder, steward, two
sheriffs, twenty-four aldermen, of which the mayor is one, sixty common
councilmen, a town clerk, chamberlain, sword bearer and other officers.
In 1556, the extent of Norwich was ascertained, by which it appears to be
14 miles in circumference. Norwich first sent members to parliament in
1264. In 1403, four citizens were summoned to parliament, but as they
were paid by the citizens 3 pounds for their attendance, they petitioned
sending only two to save expence. The city at present sends two who are
chosen by the freeholders and freemen, some of whom are so by
inheritance, some by servitude, and others by purchase--the sheriffs for
the time being, are the returning officers.
Till within a few years, the population of Norwich had been increasing,
_viz._ from the year 1693 to 1786, as will appear by the annexed
parochial list; but this is owing principally to strangers resorting to
Norwich as a manufacturing place, for by comparing, the births with the
deaths within that period, the latter have considerably exceeded the
former. The decrease in the population observable in the table since
1786, is 3197; but 1786 was a year of peace; and in 1801, those serving
in the army, navy, and militia, were not included; out of the number of
houses in 1801, there were 747 unoccupied, and of the total number of
persons, 21,044 were females, and 15,810 males, being nearly in
proportion of 4 to 3.
At what period the art of manufacturing cloth from wool was first
introduced in this Island, is not certain; but it may be supposed it was
early practised in Norfolk, from the circumstance of spinning with the
distaff, being still retained here. Before William the Conqueror woollen
cloths were made in Norwich; but what tended most to increase the Norwich
worsted manufactory, was the number of Flemish artizans who came over
here in 1336; and in the time of Richard the II. and succedings reigns,
various statutes were enacted for the encouragement and regulation of the
trade. In 1445 the trade had arrived to such a degree of excellence, as
to rival all other nations in the foreign Markets. In Henry VIII's time,
according to Blomfield, the sale of stuffs made in Norwich only amounted
annually to 200,000 pounds besides hose which were computed at 60,000
pounds more. During the reigns of Edward VI. and Queen Mary, new
articles of Manufactory continued to be introduced, and new regulations
made. In the time of Queen Elizabeth, encouragement was given to the
inhabitants of the low Countries, under the persecution of the Duke of
Alva, to settle here; and they introduced a variety of new fabrications,
by the intermixture of silk and mohair and several new articles were
manufactured as various in their qualities as their names. In 1575
Bombasines were first introduced, for the manufactory of which elegant
article, Norwich has ever since been famed, but still the trade seemed
confined principally to home consumption; and the act of 1721, which
prohibited the general wearing of cottons, and the order for the Court
Mourning to consist of Norwich crapes, serve as proof that the trade did
not depend so much on foreign demand as home consumption. From about,
1740 to 1760, the stuff trade gradually declined, and through the
prevalence of the India and Manchester cotton goods the destruction of
the home trade was almost completed. The Manufacturers were obliged to
extend their continental connections, their travellers were seen in every
kingdom in Europe, and the great continental fairs were crouded with
purchasers for goods of Norwich manufactory. They also sent their sons
to be educated on the continent that by learning the languages they might
strengthen their connections; the taste and habits of every country and
clime were consulted. Hence Norwich and the Country for many miles
round, became crowded with looms, and though Norfolk and Suffolk, were
incessantly employed, yet the produce was unequal to the demand. It
became necessary to import yarn, as well as wool, and the consumption of
bay yarn from Ireland was very great. The neighbouring Counties and
Scotland also contributed something considerable. At this meridian of
prosperity, the trade, from the capriciousness of fashion, began again to
decay, and the disastrous war breaking out, dissolved its continental
connections, depressed the spirit of enterprise, and paralized the hand
of industry.
The author of the Tour through the Island of Great Britain, in 1724,
gives a statement which was furnished by a manufacturer, whereby it
appears 120,000 persons were employed in the various branches of the
Norwich manufactory. Arthur Young considers the interval from the year
1743, till the unfortunate dispute with the American colonies, to have
been a flourishing era; the number of looms were then found to be 12,000,
and it was calculated that each loom, with its attendant preparation,
produced work to the value of 100 pounds per annum; and that every loom
employed five hands besides the weaver, in the various processes before
and after the weaving, so that the whole number of persons employed, many
of which were old women and children, amounted to 72,000, and the money
earned by them to 1,200,000 pounds.
At present, the merchants being shut out of foreign markets by war, and
from our own by fashion, the number of hands employed must be
considerably reduced. The principal articles of this manufactory, are
bombazines and broad camblets, for the latter, of which the East India
Company, have annually given large orders, and it is much to be lamented
that the benefits, which formerly accrued from this manufacture, should
within the last few years have been in a great measure dissipated by a
narrow jealousy and want of unanimity amongst the manufacturers. This
discordance has created a baneful competition, for the favours of the
East India Company, which are consequently distributed, in the greatest
proportion, to that quarter, where the labours of the poor must
necessarily be the most depreciated. A good understanding between them
would not only have preserved their consequence with the company, but
would certainly have rendered their connection with that body much more
advantageous, the Company finding their account in the goods; and not
being able to procure them at any other market. However, during the
failure of a continental trade, it certainly is of considerable
consequence to the city. The wools of Lincolnshire and Leicestershire
are chiefly used.
To articles before mentioned, have been of late years added, cottons,
shawls and some other fancy goods, both of silk and cotton; some of which
are calculated for furniture, and some for dress, and which for elegance,
surpass any thing of the kind made in the kingdom. Cotton thread lace is
also made here, and no inconsiderable quantity of hempen cloth.
The staple manufactory of Norwich, furnishes about fifty distinct
occupations from the shearer of the sheep to the mariner who ships the
goods. The earnings of the different artizens are various--men from 6s.
to 30s. per week; women from 5s. to 15s. and children, by spinning,
filling and tire drawing, from 1s. to 4s.
The combing of wool used to employ a great number of hands; but since the
invention of machines, their employ is in a great measure superseded.
In the time of Edward III. it is recorded there were not less than 76
places of Christian worship, besides a Jewish synagogue, in Norwich--we
shall now proceed to give a brief account of some of these now remaining.
The foundation stone of the cathedral is recorded to have been laid by
bishop Herbert, in 1096, and it was not until the year 1430, the
cloisters were completed. In 1361, the upper part of the steeple was
partly blown down by a hurrican, after which, the present spire was
built. About the year 1470, the stone roof of the nave was constructed,
and adorned with sculptures of scripture history; and shortly after, the
stone roof over the choir was erected, and adorned in a similar manner;
and about the same time, the whole vaulting was covered with lead. In
1509, it was considerably injured by fire; in 1601, part of the spire was
struck down by lightning, but speedily repaired; it again suffered
considerably by the rebellion, in 1543; it was completely repaired and
beautified in 1763, and again in 1807.
The architecture is chiefly of the style, called Norman; the columns and
arches are exceedingly various in their size, mouldings, and ornaments;
the choir terminates with a semicircular east end, over which, are
curiously painted windows, by Dean Lloyd's lady. The walls include
various chapels, and some courts belonging to the dean and chapter. The
extreme length of the building is 411 feet from east to west; and the
width from north to south, 191 feet; the height of the spire and tower,
315 feet; the spire is ornamented with bold crockets, 5 feet asunder,
attached to and running up the ribs at each angle, and is the highest in
England, except Salisbury. The cloisters are 174 feet square, with
arched openings or windows, looking inwards on all sides; the roof, which
is about 16 feet high, is ornamented with scripture sculptures, which
however, are much injured by accident and time. The west front of the
cathedral displays a large central compartment, corresponding with the
width and heigth of the nave; also two lateral divisions corresponding
with the side aisles, the whole forming a very grand entrance. The
interior must be allowed to have a grand and solemn general effect, and
that the whole appears of an unusual, bold and substantial stile. It is
to be lamented that the fitting up of the choirs serve to destroy part of
the grandeur and solemnity, and shuts out the sight from a general and
comprehensive view of the building. Within the church and cloisters,
still remain some curious memorials of the dead; but the greater part are
removed, like those to whom they belong, to make room for others, or have
fallen a sacrifice to the gradual inroads of time.
The Bishop's Palace stands on the north side of the cathedral, was
erected in the year 1318, and was enlarged and ornamented by several
successive Bishops; it suffered greatly in the rebellion, and it was with
some difficulty made habitable; it has been improving ever since, and is
now made a tolerable neat and convenient residence.
On the south side of the cathedral, formerly stood a priory, occuping
part of the space, now called the Lower Close, and which was built as a
residence for 60 monks, who officiated in the cathedral.
In the year 1804, on pulling down the workhouse, which stood at the
entrance of the deanery, some curious ruins were discovered, and the
shafts of three massive pillars are still left standing, as specimens of
the architecture of the age in which they were built.
At the west end stands the free school, formerly the charnel-house--was
built about the year 1316; the upper part was appropriated for the
residence of four officiating priests, the part beneath was a vault used
as a charnel house, which is now rendered into cellars, and part of the
building occupied by the master of the school. The present portico is
much more modern than the other parts of the building.
Adjoining the free-school, stands Erpingham's gate, (it having been built
by Sir Thomas Erpingham as a penance) and is an elegant specimen of the
architecture of the time; it is much enriched with columns, mouldings,
and many small statutes in canopied niches, in one of which, over the
centre, is Sir Thomas Erpingham kneeling, and in the act of prayer.
The gate called St. Ethelbert's gate, from a church dedicated to that
saint, having formerly occupied its scite, and which appears to have been
built prior to the cathedral, was burnt down in the insurrection, in
1272; after which, the citizens were compelled to build the present
handsome gate with the chapel over it: the front facing tombland was
formerly richly ornamented, but by modern innovation and repair, it is
deprived of all its beauty. The chapel was some years since used as the
bishop's registry, but has for the last ten years been occupied as a
weekly concert room, by a society of gentlemen amateurs.
There are few churches after the cathedral which deserves particular
mention as architectural objects, their names may be found in the list of
population; however, we shall notice St. Julian's church, being founded
anterior to the conquest and for its exhibiting some specimens of Saxon
architecture.
St. Peter's Mancroft church, a handsome regular building, and after the
cathedral, superior in size and architecture to any other; it stands on
an elevated spot at the south west corner of the market place. Blomfield
states it was finished in the year 1455; it consists of a square tower,
about 100 feet high, though evidently intended to have been much higher,
as appears by the double buttresses extending to the top, and the
thickness of the walls; it contains an excellent peal of 12 bells, by
Messrs Pack and Chapman, in 1775; the tenor weighs 41cwt. they are
acknowledged for general effect, to be the first peal in the world--and
the ringers are justly ranked with the first in the kingdom.
The church is wholly covered with lead, and supported by two rows of
pillars remarkably neat and slender; the body of the church, including
the chancel, is 212 feet in length, and is 70 feet wide; on the north and
south sides are entrance porches. The altar is ornamented with a
painting, representing the deliverance of St. Peter out of prison, was
executed by Catton, and presented to the parish by Alderman Starling, in
the year 1768. Within the church are some few sepulchral monuments
worthy notice, and a fine organ built in 1707. The plate and furniture
of the altar is very valuable, one cup weighing upwards of 46 ozs. very
beautifully chased with the story of Abigal bringing presents to David,
which was given to the church, by Sir Peter Gleane.
In the vestry is a neat old painted carving, in alabaster. A very
curious piece of tapastry, in high presevation; there is also an octavo
Bible, on vellum, written in 1340, and a folio manuscript much more
ancient.
St. Laurance church occupies the spot, which at a remote period, was the
quay for landing all fish brought to Norwich; the tythes of the fishery,
which must have been considerable, were granted to the abbey of St.
Edmund's Bury, on condition that the abbot would erect a church. The
present church was erected in 1472, at the expence of the monastery of
St. Edmunds Bury, aided by private benefactions; the tower is a bold
square building, 112 feet in height; over the west door are several
figures sculptured in stone. Previous to the civil war, the church was
highly decorated with various altars, tabernacles, &c. the window
ornamented with glass, and, according to Blomfield, in 1643, the
communion rails were broken down, the floor of the chancel taken up, and
the stained glass defaced. In the parish registry is this entry, "laid
out to Goodman Perfett, for the putting out the superstitious
inscriptions in the church window, and the pulling down of crucifixes 1s.
8d." In this church are several monuments.
Norwich is much indebted to monachism for many charitable institutions,
among which, are the free Grammar School, before mentioned, which was
originally kept in the fratry of a suppressed convent of friars; but
afterwards the charnel house was appropriated to that use, the houses of
the chaplains being fitted up for the Master, and the chaple for the
school-room.
The master has 50 pounds per annum, and the house; it is also endowed
with scholarships and fellowships belonging to Caius College, Cambridge.
Are here also five charity schools for boys, and one for girls, which
have been instituted more than a century, and are supported by
benefactions, annual subscriptions, annual collections made at fourteen
sermons, preached at different parishes, by rents of two estates left by
Alderman Riseborough, the one situate in Walpole, and the other in
Walton, in Norfolk, and by dividends arising from funded property. The
boys are taught reading, writing and arithmetic, and the girls reading
and sewing, and both instructed in the religious duties according to the
Liturgy of the Church of England.
In the year 1784, labour was introduced and the boys and girls went
alternately to spinning and reading, &c. but so prejudiced were their
parents against this plan, that the number of children was reduced from
480 in 1784, to 188 in 1803. At a special meeting held in 1803, the low
stale of the schools was taken into consideration; and the introduction
of labour being considered as the cause of it, the abandonment of the
spinning school was unanimously agreed; and the number from that time has
gradually increased. From the last state of the charity, it appears that
46 boys are taught at each of the schools, making a total of 230.
Since the publication of the last state, the girls school has been
established on the improved system of teaching, according to the plan of
Dr. Bell, and Mr. Lancaster; and 104 girls are taught reading, writing,
arithmetic, and sewing, at very little more expence than formerly 40
were.--The Rev. C. J. Chapman, Treasurer.
Each of the masters have a liberal salary, including house rent and
firing, and the governess of the girl's school has similar advantages.
The boys, in addition to their learning, have a coat once a year, in
February, and such books as they want during their term, which is five
years--the girls are suitably allowed.
In addition to the above, are various parish Sunday schools, where
children of both sexes are instructed in the early rudiments of
education; also a school for 48 girls, where they are taught reading,
writing, sewing, and every other necessary accomplishment, in the
Bull-lane, St. Stephen's, which is under the patronage, direction, and at
the entire expence of Miss Gurney. They attend church with the governess
every Sunday, and in addition to their learning, &c. have each a hat, and
those whose parents are unable, are furnished with other articles of
dress, to render their appearance suitable and decent.
There is also a school belonging to the Unitarians; the present master,
Mr. Harwin, lives in the Rose-lane, King-street, where 50 boys and girls
are educated.
The Independents and other dissenters from the church, contribute
something towards the education of the children of their respective
persuasions; besides, a school for the education of girls has been lately
established by the dissenters, which is supported by annual collections
at the different meetings. The school-room is in St. Paul's and the
number educated is 120.
Of the hospitals, there were formerly one in St. Edmund's, for 30 boys,
who were clad in blue coats and red caps, and altogether educated and
maintained upon the foundation; and one for 24 girls, who where clothed
in blue gowns, and educated and maintained upon the foundation. The
original plan of both these institutions is entirely altered, and they
are at present consolidated on the premises of the boy's hospital, in St.
Edmund's, were 40 boys, and 31 girls are educated, and their parents
allowed 10. pounds a year for their maintenance, out of which, they pay
for their education.--The present master for the boys', Mr. Gidney, and
the governess of the girls', Mrs. Gidney.
St. Giles' or the old Man's Hospital, in St. Helen's parish, was founded
1249; and was originally intended for men only; at present it maintains
53 men, and 53 women, including 6 nurses; any one before they can be
admitted must be 60 years of age; are elected by a court of mayoralty,
and must carry with them, a featherbed, blankets, and ten shillings for a
coffin.
Doughty's hospital, in St. Saviour's parish, was originally endowed for
24 poor men and 8 poor women, each being 60 years of age and upwards,
having a room in the hospital, partly furnished, with an allowance of two
shillings a week, and one chaldron of coals annually delivered them, at
several stated times, by the master, who must be a single man, has two
rooms, and double allowance; the men were also allowed a coat, and the
women a gown, every 2 years, of purple cloth; but the trustees have been
enabled to add sixpence per week, at several times, to the original
donation, in consequence of various benefactions left of late years to
the foundation; at present, the establishment is for 28 men and 10 women,
who have an allowance of three shillings and sixpence weekly; the coals
as heretofore, and the coats and gowns changed to a pair of shoes, and a
shirt or a shift each annually.
Cooke's hospital, in the Rose-lane, St. Peter's per Mountergate was
endowed by Robert and Thomas Cooke, Esqrs. for the habitation of 10 poor
women being 60 years of age or upwards, of good character, and who had
been inhabitants of the city at least 10 years. Each of them in addition
to their room are allowed thirteen shillings per quarter, and some who
are exceedingly needy, assisted with clothing.
The Norfolk and Norwich hospital was first opened for the reception of
patients, in 1772; it stands about a quarter of a mile from the walls of
the city on the London road. Its front aspect is nearly south east; it
is a neat brick building, in the form of an H; it was erected and is
still supported by voluntary contributions, and cost upwards of 13,000
pounds. A new wing was added in 1802, which completed the original plan.
The governors meet every Saturday at eleven o'clock, to transact the
business of the hospital. It appears from an abstract of the register to
the end of the year 1808, a period of 36 years--there have been on the
admission list, 27,051 in and out patients, out of which 17,727 have been
discharged as cured; 3786 relieved; 3400 for non-attendance, and other
irregularities; 640 incurable; 1292 died; and 206 remaining on the books,
the number of patients have been much increasing, as appears from the
yearly statements.
Bethelham Hospital, or Bedlam, was founded in the year 1713, for the
reception of lunatics; for its endowment, the founder settled by will,
all her estates on a body of trustees, who were to have the management of
the house forever. As many poor lunatics are kept here gratis, as the
funds will allow--the inhabitants of the city having the first claim;
after which the trustees have the power of selecting proper objects from
any part of the county; they may also admit others, while there is room,
whose friends will agree to pay the moderate allowance of four shillings
and sixpence per week. Additions were made to the building in 1807. The
number of objects are considerably increased, by the good management of
the trustees, and some late benefactions, and the funds are in a thriving
state. The master's salary is 40 pounds besides his dwelling, and two
chaldron of coals yearly.--There is also a private lunatic house, situate
near where brazen doors formerly stood.
The Norwich Dispensary, in Pottergate street, instituted in 1804, for the
purpose of giving advice and medicine gratis to such indigent poor of the
city, as are unable to procure assistance. Mr. Powel, the apothecary,
has a liberal salary, including house rent and taxes. The physicians
attend every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday Mornings, for the examination
and admission of patients. The number of patients who have received the
benefit of this institution, have in the course of 12 months, amounted to
near 600, of which the greater part have been discharged cured.
The Infirmary in St. Augustine's parish, just outside the city walls, was
probably founded by a bishop of Norwich, as an hospital for lepers, but
is now occupied by ancient poor of both sexes, who are past labor, and
not fit to be put into common workhouses; they are in wards from 8 to 12
in each ward, and have every necessary, both of food and raiment; the
number entertained here is 103, and as soon as one dies, the vacancy is
filled up by election of the committee of the court of guardians for the
poor. The master has a good house on the premises, and a liberal salary.
The hospital for indigent blind of Norfolk and Norwich, was instituted in
1805, and in the month of October, various pupils were admitted. It is
principally indebted to Thomas Tawell Esq. who purchased a very handsome
house, with upwards of 3 acres of ground, in Magdalen-street, which he
contributed for the use of the establishment, and applied it as an asylum
for aged blind persons, and a school for the instruction of the young, in
manufacturing articles, by which they may obtain a livelihood; there are
now 5 aged persons and 16 pupils. The annual subscriptions already
raised for its support, amount to about 400 pounds, and the benefactions
to nearly 1000 pounds.
The Humane Society for the recovery of persons apparently drowned, paid
from June 1807, to June 1809, 5. pounds 8s. 6d. for assistance given to
18 objects who were in danger of being drowned--The Mayor of Norwich, for
the time being, is Treasurer.
The Friars' Society, for the participation of useful knowledge,
instituted in 1785; their rooms for meeting are in Crown-Court, Elm Hill.
Their principal is an abbot, who has a prior and other officers under
him; they, during the winter season, distribute soup and bread to a great
number of the poor in Norwich.
The Friendly Society, for the benefit of poor women in sickness and old
age, was instituted in April, 1802, and consists of subscribing and
recommended members. A subscribing member pays on admission 5s. 6d. and
7s. 6d. annually, which enables her to recommend one poor woman under 45
years of age. A benefactor of five guineas has the same privilege.
A recommended member pays 2s. 9d. on admission, and 6.5d. on the first
Monday of every calendar month, which after one year entitles her to 5s.
per week during her confinement in child-bed, for one month, and 2s. 6d.
per week afterwards, if confined by consequent illness; and during any
other sickness or misfortune, 3s. 6d. per week for one month, and 2s. 6d.
per week afterwards; at the death of her husband 1 pound; and 5s. for
each of her children under 14 years of age.
At the age of 60 years, a recommended member ceases to pay her monthly
subscriptions, and is entitled to an annuity of 2. pounds 12s. for life,
or to such other annuity as the funds of the society are judged capable
of paying.
This society from its institution, to April, 1809, has paid 613. pounds
11s. 6d. to 760 women; to 308 during confinement in child-bed; 438 during
sickness; and to 14 losing their husbands. Treasurer, the Rev. C. J.
Chapman Secretary, Mr. J. English.
Charity for Clergymen's widows, &c. in Norwich and Norfolk. President,
the Lord Bishop of Norwich for the time being Treasurer, the Rev. Mr.
Parr.
The Norfolk Dissenters' Benevolent Association, for the relief of aged
dissenting Ministers, their widows and orphans, is supported by voluntary
subscriptions among the Calvinistic Unitarian, and Baptist Dissenters;
and an annual collection, in aid of the funds, is made at every meeting
of the above persuasions in the county. The annual meeting of the
society is held the first week in May. J. Barnard, Esq. of Knapton,
Treasurer.
The Benevolent Association, for the relief of decayed tradesmen's
windows, and orphans; was instituted in 1790. From the statement of the
society, it appears that near 700 tradesmen's widows and orphans have
already received benefit from the funds of the association; and that the
accumulating fund of the society from benefactions, &c. amount to nearly
3000 pounds. Mr. C. Bagg, Clerk.
The Norfolk Benevolent Medical Society, for raising and establishing a
fund for the relief and benefit of widows and children of surgeons and
apothecaries, and of indigent members of the profession, in Norfolk and
Norwich, instituted in 1786. This society holds a general meeting
yearly, in May, at Norwich and Swaffham, alternately.
The Society of Universal Goodwill, in Norwich, for the relief of
foreigners who are not entitled to assistance from the parish laws of
this country. The number of persons who have been relieved by this
society, amounts to near 3000.
The Amicable Society for Attornies, for raising and establishing a fund
for the relief and benefit of the widows and children of Attornies in
Norfolk and Norwich, instituted 1784. Subscribers pay one guinea
annually, and they have accumulated a fund of upwards 2000 pounds.
Meetings of the society are held at the White Swan, St. Peter's, on the
first Monday in April and October.
Besides the preceding, here are some other public, and many private
charities and benefactions, which, together with those already
enumerated, serve to shew that the spirit of beneficence is not fled, nor
the hand of liberality closed.
Formerly, here were two workhouses for the poor, one the Duke of
Norfolk's Palace, hired by the Court of him for that purpose, and within
these few year, pulled down; the other in St. Andrew's, adjoining the
Hall, which is the only place occupied for that purpose at present.
The annual expence of maintaining the poor of Norwich, has amounted to
20,000 pounds on an average for the last 20 years, which has been raised
by an assessment on the half rental of occupations, at about 5s. on the
pound quarterly.
The workhouses falling to decay; inconvenient, unhealthy, and
unnecessarily expensive; an act was obtained, in 1802, for building a new
workhouse, without side the city walls, capable of containing 1300
persons. Seven acres and a half of land was purchased for this purpose,
in a healthy situation, near Chapel-field; but, after many meetings, and
various plans and estimates offered, it was determined not to build a new
house, but to enlarge and completely repair the old one in St. Andrew's,
some adjoining buildings were accordingly purchased, the whole new
modelled, and made convenient and comfortable for 600 people, and if
necessary, room can be made for 200 more.
Bridewell is in the Mayor's jurisdiction for the confinment of such as
commit petty offences or outrages in the city, is situated in St.
Andrew's parish. The north wall of which is about 79 feet in length, by
27 in height, and is considered one of the greatest curiosities of the
kind in the kingdom; it is incrusted with flints squared to about three
inches each, and cut to so great a nicety, that the edge of a knife can
scarcely be insinuated between the joints; it appears as regular and
smooth as brick-work; it was built about the year 1370, and seems to have
sustained little or no injury by time or accident, although the other
parts of the building have been twice nearly consumed by fire. There are
some other pieces of flint-work in the city, equally well executed,
particularly on the south side of St. Michael's Coslany church. The art
of squaring flints appears to have been lost in England, but some works
executed in that way within the last century in France, prove the art is
in some measure recovered there.
The City Gaol, till the year 1597, occupied the east end of Guild-hall,
at which time it was removed to its present situation, opposite the
Guild-hall in the market, and had, until that time been a public inn,
called the Lamb, which was purchased by St. George's company, to be
converted to its present use.
The Guild-hall was originally a small thatched building, and in Edward
the third's time, was called a toll-booth; about the same time, a small
room was added, from which it acquired the name of the Guild-hall, and
continued in this state till Henry the Fourth in 1406, granted the city,
a charter for electing a Mayor, &c., at which time, a committee was
formed, and a warrant granted them to raise money, and press all workmen
for the erecting of a new Guild-hall, which business was so vigorously
pursued, that in 1409, the roof was raised; in 1511 part of the roof at
the east end fell down, and in 1635 it was near being demolished by the
deputes' servants undermining its foundation in digging for saltpetre.
The windows of the Council chamber were formerly of painted and stained
glass, which have been miserably mutilated.--This room is ornamented with
portraits of various eminent persons, and also the arms of the great
Norfolk hero, the late Lord Nelson, with the sword of the Spanish
Admiral, taken by his Lordship in 1797, and presented by him to the
Corporation.