1.--The "Norfolk and Suffolk Railway Company" advertised its prospectus.
It was proposed to raise a capital of one million sterling in 10,000
shares of 100 pounds each. The prospectus stated: "The trade from London
to Norwich in bombazeen and crape is at once extensive and permanent, yet
the conveyance of goods is dilatory, expensive, and troublesome. The
mode of conveyance of fish is insufficient on the one hand, and
extravagant on the other." It was proposed to construct the railway from
London to Norwich through Chelmsford and Colchester, with a branch to
Harwich; to Ipswich with a branch to Bury St. Edmund's; and to Norwich
with branches to Lynn and Yarmouth. The cost of the undertaking was
estimated at 980,000 pounds, and there were to be twelve country and
twelve London directors. Among the former were Messrs. E. T. Booth, W.
Foster, Joseph Geldart, R. Hawkes, and J. Ives, of Norwich; and Sir E. K.
Lacon, of Yarmouth.
5.--At a public meeting held at the Guildhall, Norwich, under the
presidency of the Mayor, it was decided to establish a Mechanics'
Institution, "similar to those already formed in London." Nearly 100
members joined at the conclusion of the meeting.
12.--At the Norfolk Quarter Sessions, the justices ordered that the
houses of correction at Aylsham and Wymondham be abolished on the
completion of the county gaol.
22.--A new roadway made through the city wall at the west end of
Pottergate Street, Norwich, was completed on this date, and opened for
vehicular traffic on the 24th. "This great improvement was effected by
Mr. Alderman T. S. Day, aided by the exertions of Mr. Blyth, who, in
company with Mrs. Blyth, was the first who rode through the new way."
24.--Died at Lynn, aged 78, William Hall, auctioneer and bookseller. "He
was generally known by the appellation Antiquarian Hall, having for many
years been in the habit of dealing in works of black letter lore, of
which, at one time, he had a good collection. He was a man quite
uneducated, but of strong natural abilities, and had read a great deal on
subjects of antiquity. Though a man of very eccentric habits, he was
universally respected for his industry and integrity."
--The exhibition commenced at the Ranelagh Gardens, Norwich, of a "grand
model of the Holy Sepulchre at Jerusalem."
25.--The Castle Corporation at Norwich celebrated its 60th anniversary.
29.*--"Died last week, at Holt, Mary Ann Edge, at the advanced age of
103."
31.--Norwich Theatre re-opened for the season. The new members of the
company included Mr. Balls, comedian; Mr. Baker, comedian; Mr. Warren,
"walking gentleman"; Miss Scruton, Mrs. Sheppard (formerly Miss Diddear),
Mrs. Balls, and Mrs. Watkinson.