1.--Douglas's Theatrical Company, which performed in several of the towns
previously visited by the Norfolk and Suffolk Company of Comedians for so
many years under the management of the Fishers, concluded a successful
season at East Dereham. "Those who have witnessed the performances have
been agreeably surprised at finding so great an amount of talent in an
itinerant company."
3.--Died at Lynn, Mr. James Smith, many years manager of the Theatre
Royal, Norwich. He was in his 74th year.
11.--A performance of "Speed the Plough" was given at the Theatre Royal,
Norwich, for the benefit of Mr. George Bennett, the "Father of the
Norwich Stage," and "a member of the company in the palmy days of the
drama in the city." Mr. Bennett appeared in the character of Farmer
Ashfield. "The Mayor gave his patronage, and in every part of the dress
circle were to be recognised parties of high respectability, including
the old familiar faces of those who, thirty or forty years ago, were wont
to uphold and maintain the then palmy but now very depressed cause of
legitimate drama." The night's receipts amounted to upwards of 90
pounds.
--The Norwich Town Council resolved to petition the House of Commons for
the total repeal of the Window-tax.
18.--Mr. Peter Master Yarington was presented with a silver salver and a
purse of 283 sovs., in recognition of his efficient discharge of duty as
Superintendent of the Norwich Police. He was appointed Governor of the
City Gaol on July 31st, and was succeeded as head of the police force by
Mr. Dunne, formerly of the Kent constabulary. Mr. Yarington died, in his
41st year, on July 21st, 1852, and on October 19th of that year Mr.
Robert Campling was appointed Governor of the gaol.
19.--Mr. Albert Smith gave his "new literary, pictorial, and musical
entertainment," entitled, "The Overland Mail," at the Assembly Rooms,
Norwich.
22.--A serious riot occurred at Yarmouth. Samuel Graystone, mate of the
Ant, from Yarmouth to Plymouth, had signed articles to go the voyage, but
was forcibly prevented by seamen from boarding his ship. Masters of
other vessels complained to the magistrates that they had been subjected
to similar treatment. The staff of the East Norfolk Militia and the
Coastguard were called out to keep the riotous seamen in check, and two
troops of the 11th Hussars were conveyed by special trains from Norwich
to assist in quelling the disturbance. The cavalry rode through the
town, and quickly cleared the streets. "The rioters, frightened by the
mere appearance of the troops, flew in every direction up the narrow rows
of the town, and in a few hours tranquillity was restored." It was
stated that, but for the timely arrival of the troops, a body of
Gorleston seamen would have made an attack upon the town. Several of the
rioters were tried at the Quarter Sessions on March 6th, when, to the
surprise of the Court, a verdict of not guilty was returned.
26.--Died at his family seat, Kirby Hall, the Hon. and Rev. Lord Berners.
"He succeeded to the title and estates on the death of his brother
Robert, Lord Berners, better known in the sporting world as Col. Wilson.
He only attended at the House of Lords on a few occasions, one of which
was to vote for the Reform Bill; but though absent in person, his proxy
was always given to the support of the Whigs, of which, through life, he
was a firm and constant supporter."
--An exhibition of hawking was given on Hellesdon Brakes, near Norwich,
by Mr. Barr, the celebrated Scottish falconer. Many hundreds of persons
were present. Mr. Barr used four young hawks of the peregrine species.
They were flown at pigeons which were let loose, and in two hours two
dozen were brought to the ground. "The first two or three were so
frightened, that when pursued by the hawk they took refuge among the
people, and one of them alighted on the back of a horse, and was taken by
hand." Mr. Barr gave a second exhibition on March 10th, on Mr. George
Gowing's land at Trowse.