4.--Died, aged 60, Elizabeth Clayton, of Wells-next-the-Sea. "This
woman, from an early propensity for masculine employments, had worked as
a ship's carpenter at the dockyard of the above port upwards of 40 years,
and always in man's apparel. She used to drink, chew tobacco, and keep
company only with workmen, yet would never enter into the matrimonial
state. She was a strong robust woman, and never permitted anyone to
insult her with impunity."
18.--The Rev. Henry Bathurst, D.D., "elected Bishop of this Diocese by
the Dean and Chapter." His lordship was installed on May 10th.
23.--At a meeting at the Guildhall, Norwich, resolutions were agreed to
"condemning the proposed alterations of the course of the mail coach from
London to Norwich by way of Bury, from the consequent later delivery of
the letters to the post-office here, and from the earlier despatch from
thence, to the great inconvenience of the mercantile and trading houses
of the city." Representations to this effect were made to the
Postmaster-General, but without result. The coach started from the
King's Head, Norwich, at four o'clock, and passed through Thetford, Bury,
and Newmarket. It ran every day and stopped at the Golden Cross, Charing
Cross, London. Another coach, by Ipswich and Colchester, set up at the
Swan with two Necks, Lad Lane.
28.--Miss Aickin, "an actress of superior talents and personal
attractions," made her first appearance at Norwich Theatre in the
character of Widow Cheerly in the comedy of "The Soldier's Daughter," and
as Aura in the farce of "The Farm House." She played the part of Hamlet
on May 4th.
30.*--"The Rev. William L. Gebbart has been elected minister of the Dutch
congregation, and also appointed minister of the French church in
Norwich."
--*"It is in contemplation to establish telegraphic communication between
Norwich and Yarmouth for mercantile purposes." In October the Norwich
Corporation agreed to pay 10 pounds annually for its support.
--*"An earthen pot, containing 500 pieces of antient English silver coin,
was ploughed up in a field near Aylsham. The pieces consisted chiefly of
groats of Henry VII. and pennies of the Edwards. There were two gold
angels of Henry VI."