1.--The Norwich Operatic Union gave its first concert, from Verdi's "Il
Trovatore," at St. Andrew's Hall. The principal vocalists were Miss
Theresa Jefferys, Mr. Angus Braham, Miss Laura Baxter, and Mr. Durand.
The band and chorus of 80 performers were conducted by Mr. Bunnett, B.M.,
Mr. Alfred Bowles was instrumental leader, and Mr. Henry Rudd choral
director.
--A fatal accident occurred on the works in progress at the new
Fishmarket, Norwich, by the falling in of three of the arches beneath the
"promenade." A workman, named William Powley, of Necton, was killed, and
another workman sustained a broken leg. At the adjourned inquest, on
December 15th, the jury returned a verdict of accidental death, with the
rider: "They consider, from the evidence of eminent architects of London
and builders of Norwich, that the buildings are in an unsafe condition,
and require the immediate attention of the Corporation, in order to
insure the perfect safety of the public."
10.--Died at Sydenham, Col. the Hon. John Walpole, of 18, Jermyn Street,
Piccadilly, aged 73. He was son of the second Earl of Orford, served
with the Guards in the Peninsula War, and was severely wounded at the
siege of Burgos. From 1827 to 1831 he was member of Parliament for
King's Lynn; from 1830 to 1833 private secretary to Lord Palmerston; from
1833 to 1841 Consul-General in Chili; and from 1841 to 1849 _charge
d'affaires_ there.
17.--A heavy fall of snow and a frost of great severity were recorded.
"In the course of the 17th, the thermometer fell to 14 degrees, and on
the 18th to 9 degrees, or 27 degrees below freezing-point."
26.--The pantomime at Norwich Theatre was "founded on the celebrated and
world-known Norfolk ballad," and entitled, "The Babes in the Wood, and
Harlequin and the Cruel Uncle, or the Forest Queen of the Fairy Dell."
The other Christmas attraction was Mander's Menagerie.
27.--Died, Jacob Astley, Lord Hastings, of Melton Constable and of Seaton
Delaval, Northumberland. He was son of Sir Jacob Henry Astley, fifth
baronet, by the youngest daughter and co-heiress of Samuel Browne, of
King's Lynn. His lordship was born in 1797, married in March, 1819, the
youngest daughter of Sir Henry Watkin Dashwood, Bart., and succeeded his
father in the baronetcy in 1817. As one of the heirs of Sir John de
Hastings, who sat in the Parliament of 18th Edward I., he was summoned to
the House of Peers in 1841. He was appointed first Captain and
Commandant of the Norfolk Militia Artillery in 1853, and Hon. Colonel in
1856. From 1832 to 1837 he represented West Norfolk in Parliament. His
lordship was succeeded by his son, the Hon. Jacob Henry Delaval Astley,
born in 1822.
1860.