11.*--"The long-continued rains have increased the floods in the valleys
of the Eastern division of the county. Throughout the valley of the
Yare, a large extent of land has been for some time under water, on
either side of the river, for a distance of thirty miles." At Southery
and Feltwell about 8,000 acres were flooded, and upwards of one hundred
poor families were compelled to leave their habitations. The estimated
loss to the district was between 25,000 pounds and 30,000 pounds, and a
public subscription was opened for the relief of the sufferers.
21.--The Public Library and Museums Act Committee reported to the Norwich
Town Council that it was desirable to hire the Museum for the use of the
public for two days in the week, and to erect a building for the purposes
of a free library, and that, in compliance with the Act, a rate of one
halfpenny in the pound be levied, one-third to be devoted to the former
object, and two-thirds to the latter. The principle of the rate was
affirmed, and its application postponed for further consideration.
(_See_ September 13th, 1854.)
24.*--"Died at Reedham, a few days since, at the advanced age of 103, Mr.
John Softly. He retained his faculties and was an active man up to the
time of his death."
26.--One of the most terrific storms of wind and rain ever remembered at
Norwich occurred on this date. In the rural districts many stacks were
blown down and scattered in all directions.
1853.