10.--The hand-loom weavers in Norwich struck for a rise of wages. A
memorial was presented to the manufacturers, asking for an advance of
twopence per dozen on all finished fabrics.
16.--Died at Liverpool, aged 70, Admiral Bell, C.B., son of Mr. J. Barker
Bell, of Gorleston, Yarmouth. He entered the Navy in 1796, and
distinguished himself in many actions against the enemy. He attained to
flag rank in October, 1846.
26.--A public demonstration took place at Lynn in honour of Lieut. S.
Gurney Cresswell, the bearer of the despatches from Commander M'Clure,
relating to the expedition in search of Sir John Franklin. Lieut.
Cresswell was presented with a congratulatory address at a meeting held
at the Guildhall, and afterwards entertained at dinner at the Assembly
Rooms. He was third son of Mr. Francis Cresswell, a partner in the
banking firm of Gurney, Cresswell, and Co., King's Lynn, and a native of
the borough, where he was born in 1827. Not only was he the bearer of
the despatches announcing the discovery of the North-West passage, but he
had taken an active and important part in the expedition.
29.--Died at his residence, Monmouth Road, Bayswater, Dr. Bexfield. He
was born in Norwich on April 27th, 1824, and at seven years of age became
a chorister at the Cathedral. At the age of eleven he composed an anthem
in eight parts, which fully satisfied Mr. Buck that he possessed
extraordinary talent. On the expiration of his articles in his 21st
year, he was elected organist of Boston parish church, and in the same
year graduated Mus. Bac. at Cambridge. He afterwards published his
Concert Fugues for the organ, which were played during the Great
Exhibition. In 1847 he composed his "Six Songs," and earned for himself
the popular distinction of "the Poet-Musician." He was appointed, out of
thirty-five candidates, organist at St. Helen's, Bishopsgate, London. At
about this time he published a collection of pieces under the title of
"Musica di Camera," and at the age of twenty-four took the degree of Mus.
Doc. Dr. Bexfield was the author of a volume of "Church Anthems," which
formed part of the repertoire of most English cathedrals. In 1850 he
married a daughter of Mr. J. B. Millington, solicitor of Boston. The
work on which his reputation mainly depended was his oratorio "Israel
Restored," which on two occasions he conducted at St. Andrew's Hall,
Norwich, viz., at its first production at the Choral Society's concert in
October, 1851, and at the Musical Festival in 1852. A benefit concert
was given at St. Andrew's Hall on December 16th for his widow and family.
The sum of 500 pounds, including a donation of 20 guineas from the Queen,
was realised.