2.--The Wellington statue, erected in Norwich Market Place, was unveiled
by the Mayor (Sir Samuel Bignold) in the presence of 20,000 spectators.
The band of the West Norfolk Militia played the National Anthem, and the
Royal Artillery fired a salute on the Castle Hill. At the luncheon given
at the Guildhall, speeches were delivered by the Earl of Orford, Lord
Ranelagh, Sir John Boileau, Lord Royston, and Mr. H. J. S. Stracey. The
statue cost about 1,000 pounds. "The hero is represented in the
identical boots, cloak, and some other portions of dress actually worn by
him at Waterloo, which were placed at the service of Mr. Adams, the
sculptor, when he was modelling the figure. Mr. Adams has placed a copy
of last Saturday's NORFOLK CHRONICLE in a small space chiselled for the
purpose under the foot of the statue."
8.--Swaffham Coursing Meeting, which had greatly degenerated, was held,
but owing to the small number of entries, the sport concluded early in
the afternoon. "Although it does not appear that in other places
coursing meetings have declined, it is clear that the glories of the
Swaffham one have departed. The loss of Mr. Richard Gurney struck a blow
at it almost fatal. This was followed by the withdrawal of Mr. Hamond
and others, leaving the club originally consisting of all the letters of
the alphabet reduced to two members. Although disappointed by the
curtailment of the sports of the field, it was determined that the ladies
should have the assembly as usual. It was held on Tuesday (the 7th), but
it was known that none of the Club would be there to meet them as
heretofore." The fortunes of the Club could only be restored, it was
said, by throwing the meeting open to all England.
9.--Mr. Robert Chamberlin was elected Mayor, and Mr. R. J. H. Harvey
appointed Sheriff of Norwich.
11.--Mr. J. H. Tillett, it was announced on this date, had resigned his
seat in the Norwich Town Council, in consequence of the Liberal candidate
for the Seventh Ward "being forced upon the reluctant electors by
bribery." Mr. Tillett wrote: "A due regard to that peace of mind which
is essential to a man's happiness compels me to separate myself at once
and for ever in the most decided and unequivocal manner possible from any
association with those who are not prepared in public matters to adhere
to a right and honest course."
18.--Died at his residence, Pedestal House, Southtown, Yarmouth in his
89th year, Captain Manby, F.R.S., the inventor of the apparatus for
saving the lives of shipwrecked mariners. "His life for the last fifty
years had been spent in serving his country, and his name will be revered
by thousands who would have been widows and orphans but for the
successful application of science which was perfected by his untiring
industry and perseverance." His remains were buried at Hilgay on
November 24th.
20.--Mrs. Fanny Kemble commenced a series of Shakesperian readings at the
Assembly Rooms, Norwich.