4.--A large barn full of barley in the straw, and a stack of barley, the
property of General Money, of Trowse, were destroyed by fire, caused by
an incendiary, named Thomas Sutton. At the Assizes, held at Thetford, on
March 21st, 1808, before Mr. Justice Grose, he was found guilty and
sentenced to death. He had eight years previously been sentenced to
seven years' transportation for stealing a pony belonging to the general,
and his father had suffered death for horse stealing. "At the trial he
behaved in a most audacious manner to the judge, and when sentenced
requested the Sheriff to let him be taken to Norwich that he might be
hanged amongst his friends." He was executed on the Castle Hill,
Norwich, April 9th, 1808.
--An entertainment was given by Lord and Lady Cholmondeley to upwards of
300 persons at Houghton Hall. The great hall was converted into a
theatre for the performance of an opera written by Mr. Panton. The
performers included the author, Miss Wood, Lord Malpas, and the Messrs.
Lanyas. Between the acts Lady Charlotte Cholmondeley and Miss
Cholmondeley played a pianoforte duet. The opera was preceded by an
address, spoken by Lord Malpas, and was followed by a dance and supper.
7.*--"Nathaniel Easthaugh, bellman in Norwich, in gratitude for having
had possession of the city bell for 27 years (one year only excepted),
has liberally subscribed the sum of ten guineas towards the new pavement,
he being at times unable, through infirmity, to walk over the old one."
10.--Died, aged 52, the Rev. John Walker, one of the minor canons of
Norwich Cathedral. His widow afterwards published a volume of his poems.
11.--Seven fishermen were drowned within 50 yards of the shore at
Sheringham, through the upsetting of their boats in a sudden gale.
14.--The privateer La Decide was brought into Yarmouth by L'Amiable
frigate, Capt. G. Stuart. The privateer had long evaded the cruisers and
committed great depredations upon commerce. She was supposed to have
captured 30 prizes within three years.
27.--Died, aged 77, John Clarke Snell, of Norwich. "He was formerly of
Bury St. Edmund's, and remarkable for his eccentricities and for his
study of astrology, which rendered him a well-known character."
28.--John Gulley and Tom Cribb, the famous pugilists, gave an exhibition
of sparring in the great room at the King's Head Inn, Norwich. Upwards
of 200 persons were present, including the Right Hon. William Windham and
the Hon. Edward Harbord.
30.--At the annual meeting of the Society of Universal Good Will at
Norwich, it was reported that 2,420 persons had been relieved since its
establishment.