1.*--"An order has been received from the Home Secretary, calling upon
the churchwardens of every parish in Norwich to discontinue forthwith the
burials in the inside of their respective churches, and to discontinue
those in the churchyards from and after February 1st, 1855. Burial
Boards are about to be formed for the purpose of providing a suitable
ground for interment in the vicinity."
8.--Mr. G. V. Brooke concluded a week's engagement at Lynn Theatre. He
appeared in the parts of Othello, Master Walter ("The Hunchback"), Sir
Giles Overreach, Claude Melnot, and Hamlet.
11.--A public meeting, held at St. Andrew's Hall, Norwich, with the view
of promoting the abolition of capital punishment, resolved to petition
the House of Commons in favour of such abolition.
19.--An address to the Queen was adopted at a special meeting of the
Norwich Town Council, assuring her Majesty "that she had their
unqualified support in the prosecution of the war."
22.--That remarkable character, Philip Coots, better known as "Philip the
Pieman," and the "Drum-boy," died at Norwich, aged 49.
--Died at Yarmouth, Eleanor Warrant, aged 102.
25.--The West Norfolk Militia, 1,000 strong, assembled at Norwich for a
month's training. The East Norfolk Militia and the Norfolk Artillery
Militia commenced their training at Yarmouth on the same date. The East
Norfolk Regiment was, on May 16th, presented with colours by the Lord
Lieutenant.
26.--This date was observed as a day of humiliation. In Norwich shops
were closed, all business suspended, and the Mayor and Corporation
attended service at the Cathedral, where "the Almighty's blessing was
implored upon the war." The day was similarly observed at Lynn and
Yarmouth.
27.--Died at Mount Street, Grosvenor Square, London, Lieut.-Col.
Nelthorpe, of the West Norfolk Militia, in his 83rd year. He was
succeeded in the lieutenant-colonelcy by Major Custance.