4.--Mr. Bolton, formerly coach proprietor and landlord of the Norfolk
Hotel, Norwich, was driving between Melton Mowbray and Stamford when his
horse ran away and overturned the vehicle. Mr. Bolton received severe
injuries, from which he died on the 10th.
12.--A serious riot occurred at Norwich. A party of Wymondham weavers,
who had damaged looms and destroyed silk to the value of 1,000 pounds, at
Ashwellthorpe, had been conveyed to Norwich Castle for examination. The
witnesses were brought to the city in hackney coaches, escorted by a
detachment of the 12th Lancers. The Norwich weavers, who had barricaded
the Golden Ball Lane entrance to Castle Meadow with a waggon, and placed
a similar obstruction near the Castle Bridge, received the military with
a volley of stones. The witnesses were then conveyed by way of
Timberhill to Orford Hill, and while a large body of special constables
displaced the waggon at the bridge, a second detachment of Lancers came
from the Barracks, charged the mob at full gallop, and dispersed them in
all directions. An attempted rally was frustrated by a second charge.
The Militia staff were under arms on the Castle Hill, and the streets
were patrolled by the Norwich light Horse Volunteers. At the Norwich
Assizes, on August 11th, several of the rioters were indicted before Mr.
Baron Garrow for assaults, and were discharged on entering into their
recognisances. David Seeker, Henry Rix, and William Thurston were
charged with the capital offence of riotously assembling together to the
disturbance of the public peace. Mr. Cooper, for the defence, objected
to the wording of the indictment. The words of the King's proclamation
read at the time of the disturbance were "chargeth and commandeth all
persons," &c.; the indictment said "chargeth and command"; and instead of
directing the people to "depart to their lawful habitations _or_ to their
lawful homes," the indictment said "_and_ to their lawful homes." The
learned Judge pronounced the objection to be valid, and expressed the
hope that the prisoners "would go home sensible of the blessings of
Providence in having shielded them that day, and saved them from an
ignominious death." The Ashwellthorpe rioters were bound over in the sum
of 50 pounds each.
19.--Breakfast _a la fourchette_ with the Mayor-elect (Mr. Peter Finch)
and luncheon with the Mayor (Mr. E. T. Booth), prepared the Sheriffs,
Aldermen, &c., for the Guild Day proceedings at Norwich. The customary
ceremonies were observed at the Guildhall, service was attended at the
Cathedral, and 600 guests dined at St Andrew's Hall.
23.--The Surrey Gardens, Thorpe Road, Norwich, were advertised as a
resort "for the reception of respectable families and invalids," where
"pure air, unbounded prospects of land and water, refreshing fruits and
odoriferous flowers" could be obtained. A military band played on Sunday
evenings, from five to seven o'clock.
27.--The Bishop of Norwich confirmed at North Walsham church 1,280
persons. On one day in the previous week his lordship confirmed in
Norwich Cathedral 1,100 persons.
30.--Died at Yarmouth, aged 87, Mr. Jacob Preston, senior magistrate of
the borough. He was Mayor in 1793, 1801, and 1813.
--Mr. Yates gave his entertainment, "Portraits and Sketches," at Norwich
Theatre. On subsequent evenings he was assisted by Mr. Brunton and Mrs.
Yates (formerly Miss Brunton).