2.--A meeting of landowners, agriculturists, and merchants of the county,
presided over by the High Sheriff (Mr. Tyssen), approved the scheme of
the Norwich and Brandon Railway, expounded by Mr. G. P. Bidder. The
estimated cost was 380,000 pounds, to be raised in 19,000 shares of 20
pounds each. (_See_ July 29th, 1845.)
9.--The first person in Norwich to advertise "patent photographic
portraits" was Mr. Beard, of the Royal Bazaar. These likenesses were
stated to be "surprisingly correct," and severe chemical tests proved
that they would "last to infinity." The prices ranged from one to two
guineas.
--Mr. George Pinson, Governor of Gressenhall Workhouse, was selected by
the visiting justices Governor of the County Gaol at Norwich Castle, in
succession to Mr. Johnson, resigned.
15.--Died in St. Peter Southgate, Norwich, John Smith, gardener, aged
102.
16.--The improvement of Briggs' Street, Norwich, was completed, and the
Paving Commissioners were paid 700 pounds by the trustees of the D'Oyley
fund.
19.--Died, Mrs. Elizabeth Barbara Bulwer Lytton, widow of General Bulwer,
of Heydon Hall, and daughter and sole heiress of Richard Warburton
Lytton, of Knebworth Park, Herts. "She was mother of the Ambassador at
Madrid, of Sir Edward, who succeeds to the estates, and of Mr. W. L.
Bulwer, of Heydon Hall. The literary tastes and accomplishments of Mrs.
Bulwer Lytton may have had an influence in early life upon her son's
mind. Many poems of hers circulated amongst her immediate friends are
full of feeling and grace."
26.--The report on the Christmas trade at Norwich stated that the stage
coaches conveyed 3,036 hampers of game and poultry to London. Sykes'
waggons in five days conveyed to the Metropolitan market 68 tons of meat,
game, and poultry, from Norfolk and Suffolk.
--For the first time for many years, Norwich Theatre opened on Boxing
Day. The programme included "The Stranger," "Cherry Bounce," and the
pantomime "Harlequin Baron Munchausen." The other Christmas attractions
were Batty's Equestrian Company at the Pantheon, Victoria Gardens, and
Wombwell's Menagerie on the Castle Meadow.
1844.