1.--A prize fight for a subscription purse of 50 pounds, given by the
amateurs of Norwich, took place on Rumburgh Green, near Bungay, between
Purcell and Warkley, of Norwich, a pupil of Oliver. The former was
seconded by Ned Painter and Fuller, and the latter by Oliver and
Scroggins. Forty-five rounds were fought in two hours three minutes, and
the battle ended in favour of Purcell.
3.--A grand boxing entertainment took place at the White Swan, St. Peter
Mancroft, Norwich, at which Oliver, Fuller, Turner, and Scroggins
appeared.
5.--Died at St. George's Colegate, Norwich, aged 67, Mr. John Aldis, who
served the office of Sheriff in 1813.
10.--Died, aged 101, Charles Grimmer, of Norwich.
--Died, Mr. George Cobb, of Diss, aged 100.
--James Belcham was executed on Castle Hill, Norwich, for committing a
burglary in an outhouse at Castleacre. He was 34 years old, and "left an
aged mother, a wife in her last stage of pregnancy, and two children."
The execution was witnessed by many well-dressed women. The culprit was
buried in Castleacre churchyard, and on the Sunday following the
execution "a funeral sermon was preached by the Rev. Mr. Gibbs to a
congregation amounting to 1,000 persons."
15.--A public meeting was held at St. Andrew's Hall, Norwich, at which it
was decided to petition Parliament against the duty of 6s. 6d. per
chaldron on coals.
17.*--"We are informed that three cargoes of _foreign barley_ have
arrived this week at Yarmouth, which were purchased in London, and that
the greater part is already brought to this city (Norwich), where it will
be malted. It is a novel circumstance to have barley in the London
markets at such low prices as to induce the Norfolk maltsters to bring it
into this great barley county to be manufactured into malt."
--*"Several of those machines denominated Pedestrian Hobby Horses have
been exhibited here this week. The principle of this invention is taken
from the art of skating, and consists in the simple idea of a seat upon
two wheels propelled by the feet acting upon the ground. The riding seat
or saddle is fixed on a perch upon two double shod wheels, running after
each other, so that they can go upon the footways. To preserve a balance
a small board covered and stuffed is placed before on which the arms are
laid, and in front of which is a little guiding pole, which is held in
the hand to direct the route. The swiftness with which a person can
travel is almost beyond belief--eight, nine, or even ten miles an hour
may be done on good level ground."
18.--In response to a circular letter issued by the Bishop of Norwich to
the clergy of the diocese, sermons were preached at the Cathedral, and at
most of the churches in the city and county in aid of the funds of the
Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts. The effort
was made chiefly with the view of assisting the Bishop of Calcutta (the
Right Rev. Dr. Middleton, formerly of St. Peter Mancroft, Norwich), in
his benevolent plans to establish Christianity in the East Indies. The
collections, subscriptions, and benefactions exceeded 1,800 pounds.
19.--A three "double day play of cocks" commenced at the White Swan Inn,
Norwich, between the gentlemen of Norwich and the gentlemen of Cambridge,
for 10 guineas a battle and 200 guineas the odd. Norwich won by a single
battle. Feeders: Lamb for Norwich, Thompson for Cambridge.
24.--Master Sewell, the Lincolnshire gigantic youth, 13 years of age, and
weighing 18 stone, and Miss Elenor Fitzjohn, Queen of the Dwarfs, 19
years old, 30 inches high, and weighing 27 lbs., were exhibited at the
Two-Necked Swan, Market Place, Norwich.
--Died at St. Stephen's, Norwich, aged 60, Mr. James Wade, butcher. He
served the office of Sheriff in 1810.
26.--James Bigmore, aged 20, left Sudbury at 12.30 noon with the
Phenomenon coach by the side of which he ran the whole way thence to
Norwich, where he arrived at five minutes to seven o'clock. "To keep up
with the coach he was obliged to run eleven miles in the first hour. On
arriving at places where the coach stopped he did not take refreshment or
repose, but assisted in putting the horses to at every change. He was
not at all distressed on reaching Norwich."