2.--Mrs. Fitzwilliam, of Covent Garden Theatre, commenced a six nights'
engagement at the Theatre Royal, Norwich. She was described as the first
comic actress of the day and a most accomplished vocalist. On the 7th
Mrs. Fitzwilliam was joined by Mr. Buckstone, of the Haymarket Theatre,
with whom she appeared in "My Tender Charge" and "Foreign Airs and Native
Graces."
14.--In a case before the county justices at the Shirehall, Norwich, in
which the keeper of Hellesdon toll-bar was summoned for unlawfully taking
toll in respect of a vehicle called a "wheel machine," interesting
particulars were given of the contrivance, which belonged to a Norwich
mechanic named Matthew Fish. It was described as "only a barrow worked
by the feet, and not propelled by machinery." The carriage was shown
outside the Court, and "appeared to be a very ingenious machine, which
could be worked at the rate of ten miles an hour on a level road." It
had three wheels and two levers. Mr. Repton, the clerk to the turnpike
trustees, urged that the narrow wheels cut up the road more than those of
heavy carriages, and that _such contrivances for evading toll and the
keeping of horses were increasing_. These carriages were considered a
nuisance on the roads, no horses liked to pass them, and the Act laid a
heavy toll upon them to prevent them running on any turnpike at all. The
matter was ultimately settled without a conviction.
16.--Carter, the "Lion King," appeared at Norwich Theatre with his
trained lions, &c., in a drama founded on the adventures of Mungo Park.
"The submissive bearing with which they crouched to the lash and the
utter want of animation and spirit which they exhibited, divested the
exhibition of all sense of danger."
17.--A severe gale occurred on the Norfolk coast, several vessels were
driven ashore, and five lives were lost off Bacton.
23.--The Norfolk Yeomanry Cavalry paraded at East Dereham and received
from the Lord Lieutenant of the county a standard, in commemoration of
the honour conferred upon it by Prince Albert, in allowing the corps to
be called after his name. "The helmets, which formerly were fronted with
the Maltese Cross, now exhibit the Royal Arms."