1.--The Wells and Fakenham Railway was opened. In 1853 the company was
formed, with a capital of 70,000 pounds, 14,000 pounds of which was
contributed by the inhabitants of Wells, 10,000 pounds by the Earl of
Leicester, and 30,000 pounds by the Norfolk Railway Company. Mr. G.
Berkeley, of Great George Street, Westminster, was the engineer, and Mr.
Solomon Treadwell the contractor. The opening-day was observed in the
district as a general holiday. A special train was run over the nine and
a half miles of line, the Earl of Leicester entertained a large party at
Holkham, and in the evening his lordship presided over a public dinner,
held at the Crown Inn, Wells.
5.*--"Norwich manufactures at present may be said to be almost at a
standstill. There has not been so complete a state of stagnation for
some years past. Hundreds of operatives who are usually employed at this
season in the production of spring goods are now out of work."
9.--Mr. Alexander Hugh Baring was returned without opposition member of
Parliament for the borough of Thetford, on the retirement of his father
from the representation of the constituency.
14.--A sculling match, for 10 pounds a side, was rowed from Postwick Hall
to Whitlingham Point, between John Wright and Lancaster. The former won
easily.
22.--The Norwich Town Council adopted a motion in favour of the erection
of a new Fishmarket.
23.--The West Norfolk Militia, which assembled on November 10th, 600
strong, left Norwich by rail for garrison duty. The headquarters and
three companies, under the command of Lieut.-Col. Custance, proceeded to
Chester; three companies, commanded by Major Bedingfeld, to Liverpool;
and two companies, commanded by Capt. Marsham, to Stockport. The
regiment returned to Norwich on April 23rd, 1858.
26.--The pantomime at Norwich Theatre was entitled, "Harlequin Sinbad the
Sailor, or the Princess with the Diamond Eyes and the Fairy of the Island
of Jewels."
1858.