1.--At the Norwich Quarter Sessions, before the Recorder, Mr. Jermy,
James Ollett Marshall and James Darkin were indicted for publishing in a
paper called "The Searcher" a libellous article on Mr. Sparkall, of
Norwich. Marshall was sentenced to two months' imprisonment, and Darkin
fined 5 pounds.
4.--Died at Hempnall, in his 101st year, William Reed, cordwainer.
7.--A prize-fight took place on Pulham North Green, between Cricknell and
Cain. After six rounds had been fought, Cricknell was taken into custody
by the "Rural Police," conveyed to Harleston, and bound over to keep the
peace for twelve months. "The concourse of persons was not so numerous
as has been noticed on similar occasions. Whether this arose from the
necessary secrecy of the scene of action, on account of the declared
intentions of the magistrates to put a stop to these demoralising sights,
or the early hour (ten o'clock) the combatants set-to, cannot be fully
determined. But that these brutal attacks are fast declining in the
estimation of the middle classes may be fairly presumed by the paucity in
number and the circuitous route taken by many of them to the
battlefield."
10.--The Penny Postage "came into operation this day, according to the
official regulations. Our advertising friends and correspondents will
also be pleased to observe that unless the penny postage be prepaid the
expense of them will be DOUBLE on their orders or communications. Since
the 'schoolmaster has been abroad' the plural of penny is twopence. A
letter not exceeding half-an-ounce in weight may be sent from any part of
the United Kingdom to any other part for one penny, if paid when posted,
or for twopence if paid when delivered." On January 18th it was
announced "the penny postage reduction has about trebled the number of
letters in Norwich and in other towns, but printed circulars have formed
a great proportion of this temporary increase. A tradesman in this city,
we are informed, has sent out several thousands of such penny postpaid
circulars."
15.--Died, Mr. J. Purdy Beacham, aged 70, for 54 years a highly-respected
member of the Norwich Theatrical Company.
19.--A severe thunderstorm occurred. A stack of barley at Overstrand was
struck by lightning and entirely consumed; and on the 20th, during a
heavy gale at Carlton Forehoe, a barn was blown down. On the 21st the
thunderstorm raged with increased fury at Carlton Rode, where the
lightning struck the premises of Mr. James Ringer, a miller, and set the
thatch roof on fire. "His married daughter (Mrs. Matthews) was struck,
and her clothes set on fire in twenty different places. Her sister was
also enveloped in flames. The lightning inflamed her neck and shoulders,
ran down her back, her side and breast, ran down her legs, and burned her
heels, even the bottoms thereof, but neither her stockings nor boots were
the least injured. Of her upper apparel, every article was burnt through
and through."
23.--A fine schooner, named the Lady Sondes, was launched from the
shipyard of Mr. Lubbock, at Wells-next-the-Sea. The vessel was built for
Messrs. R. and R. Brereton, of Blakeney, and was intended for the foreign
trade. This was a very busy year for Norfolk shipbuilders. From Mr. J.
Parker's yard at the same town was launched, on May 20th, the Saucy Lass
schooner; from Mr. Joseph Hastings' yard at Yarmouth, on June 16th, a
vessel of 200 tons burden; from Mr. F. Preston's yard at Yarmouth, on
July 16th, a fine vessel named the Maid of Athens; from Mr. Fellowes'
yard at Yarmouth on September 15th, the Earl of Leicester brig; and from
the yard of Mr. Ambrose Palmer, Yarmouth, on October 28th, a vessel of
400 tons, called the Hamlet.
28.--Steeplechases took place at Long Stratton. Among the other meetings
this season were the military steeplechases by the officers of the 9th
Royal Lancers at Shimpling Hall on March 3rd; the Fakenham Steeplechases
on March 13th, over a four-mile course, with the winning-post on Hempton
Green, where, in the heavy weight race, the silver cup, value 100 pounds,
with 50 sovs. added, was won by Mr. Skelton's ch.h. Colonel, ridden by
Wright (sixty-five years of age), and Mr. J. Elmere's br.h. Lottery
(winner of the Liverpool stakes) was unplaced; the Norfolk and Suffolk
Steeplechases, at Diss, on March 17th; the Loddon Steeplechases, on March
27th; and the Yarmouth Steeplechases, on March 31st.
31.--The petition for the new Norwich Improvement Bill was presented in
the House of Commons by the Marquis of Douro, who, on February 26th,
introduced the Bill. On the previous day (February 25th) a common hall
was held at the Guildhall, at which it was resolved that there was no
necessity for the Bill, and a petition was drawn up in opposition to it.