2.--The Carrow Bridge toll bar, at Norwich, was let for three years at
the annual rent of 224 pounds.
4.--During a severe gale from the south-east great damage was done to
shipping on the Norfolk coast, and several vessels were driven ashore.
At the church of Pulham St. Mary the Virgin the chancel window, 20 feet
by 11 feet, was almost demolished, and another window on the south side
was entirely blown out with the stone work. Four large sheets of lead
were blown off the roof of East Bilney Church.
--It having been represented to the Norwich Court of Mayoralty that "the
annual Fair on Tombland hath for several years past been continued to an
unreasonable time of the night, not only to the disturbance and
inconvenience of the inhabitants, but so as to prevent the decent
observance of next day, being Good Friday," it was ordered "that the
ensuing Fair on Maunday Thursday shall end at eleven o'clock in the
evening of that day, when all persons resorting to the same are to repair
to their respective houses, and all those who shall have goods, stalls,
and shows are directed to cease their several trades and occupations at
the said hour of eleven, and immediately to remove and carry their goods
and effects from the said fairstead." The Fair was held on March 19,
when "there were few exhibitions on Tombland, the show caravans, which
were more numerous than usual, being judiciously arranged on the Castle
Meadow."
9.--The election of Common Councilmen for the four wards of Norwich,
commenced on this date. "The ascendency of the Purple and Orange or of
the Blue and White party in the Corporation is supposed to have some
influence at a General Election, and as that event is considered to be at
no great distance, neither money nor exertions were spared to obtain a
majority in the Long Ward." The expenses were estimated at some
thousands of pounds, from 15 to 40 pounds was paid for votes, and the
freemen were brought in carriages from the country to vote as at a
Parliamentary Election.
10.--Married at Benacre, by the Rev. Richard Gooch, Capt. G. W. Manby,
barrack master, Yarmouth, to Sophia, daughter of Sir Thomas Gooch, Bart.,
of Benacre Hall, and sister of Mr. Sherlock Gooch, M.P., for Suffolk.
16.--At the Norfolk Assizes, held at Thetford, the _crim. con._ action,
Muskett _v._ Gurney, in which the damages were laid at 10,000 pounds, was
tried before a special jury. Verdict for the defendant.
19.--The first Norwich Sick Poor Repository was held at Mr. Noverre's
room, St. Michael-at-Plea, on Tombland Fair day. "The room was crowded
by the beauty and fashion of our town and its vicinity, and the counters
were completely cleared at three o'clock, when the receipts amounted to
115 pounds."
24.--Died at Hare Street, Romford, Mr. Humphrey Repton, the celebrated
landscape gardener. He was buried at Aylsham.
26.--The organ at Swaffham church was opened by Mr. Beckwith, of Norwich.
Selections of sacred music were rendered at the church, and in the
evening a miscellaneous concert was given in the Assembly-room. The
principal vocalists were Mrs. Card, Miss Williams, Mr. C. Fisher (tenor),
and the choristers from Norwich Cathedral.
31.--Married, at Redenhall Church, by the Ven. Archdeacon Oldershaw, Mr.
Gurney Barclay, of Tavistock Square, London, to Miss Freshfield, of
Harleston. "On the bride's return the horses were taken from her
carriage, and, amid the cheering of the delighted people, she was drawn,
attended by a band of music, through the town."