2.--Died at Annesley Place, Cambridge, aged 61, Mr. W. Wilkins, M.A.,
R.A. He was the architect of Downing College and of the new buildings at
King's, Trinity, and Corpus Christi Colleges; the University College,
London, and the National Gallery were erected from his designs, as were
also the Shirehall and the Theatre Royal at Norwich. Mr. Wilkins
graduated as a member of Caius College, of which he was afterwards
Fellow. He was the author of "Magna Graecia" and other works on
architecture. With his father, Mr. William Wilkins, F.S.A., he resided
some years in Norwich.
15.--A cuckoo, in fine plumage, was shot in the garden of Messrs. Howes,
Red Lion Street, Norwich.
17.--At the Norfolk and Norwich Musical Festival, which began on this
date, the programme included "Israel in Egypt," the new oratorio
"Calvary," produced on the 19th and conducted in person by the composer,
Spohr; selections from the "Redemption," and the "Messiah." A
miscellaneous concert took place each evening, and the Festival concluded
with a fancy dress ball. The principal artistes were Signora Persiani,
Signora Placci, Miss Birch, Miss Hawes, Madame Stockhausen, Mr. Hobbs,
Mr. H. Phillips, Mr. Balfe, Mr. Young, Mr. Francis, Signor Tamburini; Mr.
F. Cramer was leader of the band, and Professor Taylor conducted. The
gross receipts were 5,639 pounds 0s. 5d., and the gross expenses 4,343
pounds 4s. 2d.
--A two days' race meeting commenced on Mousehold Heath, Norwich, and was
attended by 30,000 persons.
23.--The foundation-stone of Yarmouth Hospital was laid by Mr. Simon
Cobb, Mayor of the borough.
25.--Mr. Hampton made a balloon ascent from the Gas Works, Bishop Bridge,
Norwich, at 4.30 p.m., and descended prematurely in a field at Rackheath.
A parachute containing a monkey was detached from the car as the balloon
passed over Mousehold Heath.