9.--At a meeting of the deputy-lieutenants and magistrates of the county,
presided over by the Marquis Townshend, the plan recommended by the
Government, for establishing a system of communication throughout the
county and for rendering the body of the people instrumental in the
general defence and preservation of property in case of invasion, was
approved and adopted. The county was formed into 13 divisions,
consisting of a certain number of hundreds; each division was placed
under the charge of lieutenants of divisions, nominated by the Lord
Lieutenant; each hundred was under a magistrate, known as an Inspector of
the Hundred; and each parish under some gentleman, clergyman, or
principal farmer, termed Superintendent of the Parish.
13.--On this day and on the 14th, William Green, bricklayer, undertook at
Yarmouth, for a bet of five guineas, to lay 3,800 bricks in a workmanlike
manner in 24 hours, and completed his task in 20 hours, on a new building
at the Bowling Green House.
23.--Two men, named Denny and Allen, were placed in the pillory at
Norwich, in accordance with sentence passed upon them at the Quarter
Sessions on July 15th, for conspiracy against Mr. F. Latham. "Over their
heads was the inscription, 'False Conspirators.' Allen wept bitterly
when he was put in, but Denny, with great effrontery, continued to nod
and smile at the numerous spectators, until the people, by a shower of
rotten eggs, and, at last, potatoes, convinced him of their detestation
and abhorrence of his character and crime. This continued for about
half-an-hour, when Denny, against whom all their violence was directed,
appeared to faint, and by the advice of a medical man was taken out of
the pillory and conducted to the gaol, where, being examined by several
medical men, he was deemed to be in a fit state to be replaced on the
pillory, and was carried back for that purpose, but all efforts to
reinstate him there proved ineffectual, and he lay thereon till the hour
was expired, amidst the execrations of the enraged multitude. When Denny
was taken out the populace clamorously demanded that Allen, whose
appearance excited their commiseration rather than their indignation,
should be taken down. Mr. Sheriff Back immediately ascended the
scaffold, and with the greatest firmness and severity expressed his
determination to enforce obedience to the laws and to carry the sentence
fully into execution. When the hour was expired they were taken down and
removed to the Bridewell to undergo two years' imprisonment."
23.*--"All persons arrived from France and Holland and witnessed the
immense preparations which are now making for the invasion of this
country, express astonishment at the apathy and indifference which
prevail here."
24.--This day (Sunday) the Norfolk Rangers (Yeomanry Cavalry) had a field
day at Rainham Park, and subscribed 100 pounds towards the fund
instituted by the merchants of London for the relief of persons "who may
suffer in the general defence of the country."
30.*--"At a Court of the Commissioners of Sewers, concerning the
repairing of sea breaches between Happisburgh and Yarmouth, the jury,
after hearing read three several verdicts of former juries given in 1702,
1715, and 1742, and also, hearing several witnesses, delivered a verdict
agreeable to the above, by all of which it was determined that no
particular persons were bound to sustain or repair the sea walls
adjoining their lands."
--*"The male part of the Norwich Company (theatrical) have agreed to
enroll themselves to learn the use of arms."
--*"Messrs. Marsh and Sons, Norwich and Cambridge carriers, have within
the last few days offered, for the service of the Government in case of
invasion, 100 horses, 12 broad-wheel waggons, 24 men as drivers and
assistants, 24 boats, amounting altogether to 200 tons burden, 6
watermen, and 9 boys, with blacksmiths, with their apparatus, tools, &c.,
and 2 wheelwrights, and 2 harness makers, with all necessary tools."
--Major-General Money published an address on the necessity of
immediately associating, subscribing, and arming for the defence of the
county in case of invasion. It resulted in the formation of Volunteer
corps in all the seaports and market towns in Norfolk.
Capt. John Harvey was this month promoted to be major of the squadron of
Norwich Light Horse Volunteers.
During this month the number of poor in the Norwich Workhouse did not
exceed 400, "a circumstance almost unprecedented."