1.--This day (Thursday) was observed as the first day of the Nineteenth
Century. It was also the day upon which the legislative Union of Great
Britain and Ireland was effected. At Norwich, the 13th Regiment of Light
Dragoons and the East Essex Militia fired a _feu de joie_ in the Market
Place, and the Union flag was displayed upon the tower of St. Peter
Mancroft. At Yarmouth, there was a ceremonial parade of the Durham
Militia, and the vessels in the Roads fired a royal salute and hoisted
their new colours in honour of the Union. Rain fell heavily throughout
the day.
3.--The Norwich Theatre was opened with the performance of "the last new
comedy, 'Life,' and the farce, 'Curiosity.'" The manager, Mr. Hindes,
delivered an address to a crowded and fashionable audience. The
alterations in the house were executed after designs by Mr. William
Wilkins, the patentee, and it was said to be one of the handsomest
theatres in the provinces.
5.*--"The Duke of Grafton's hounds unkenneled a fox at Fakenham Wood,
near Euston, and after a chase of upwards of 50 miles in 4 hours 5
minutes, killed him at New Buckenham."
27.*--"A match for ten guineas (two miles) was trotted on the turnpike
road between Setch and Lynn, between Mr. Robson's pony Filch and Mr.
Scarfe's pony Fidler, which was won with great ease by the former, he
having trotted over the ground at the rate of 18 miles an hour."
Great scarcity prevailed throughout this month. About 1,500 pounds was
subscribed for supplying the poor of Norwich with soup, and upwards of
247,000 quarts were distributed. At Norwich market wheat was quoted at
the beginning of the month at 146s. per quarter, and rose at the end to
180s.; barley, 84s.; and oats, 50s. Various expedients were adopted to
lessen the consumption of bread. "The officers of the West Norfolk
Militia" it was stated, "have entirely left off the use of bread at their
mess, and have forbid the use of puddings and pies, except the crust is
made of rice or potatoes, which they eat in a variety of shapes as a
substitute for bread." Nurses were advised to use linseed meal and water
instead of bread and milk in making poultices.