9.--Died, at Thelveton, Mr. Thomas Mann, of Thelveton Hall, aged 65. Mr.
Mann, who succumbed to injuries received through an accidental fall from
his horse, was head of the extensive firm of London brewers, Messrs.
Mann, Crossman, and Paulin. He was a successful exhibitor of cattle, and
took great interest in agricultural pursuits; and during his long
residence at Thelveton effected a series of improvements, which were
hardly completed at the time of his death. Among Mr. Mann's most notable
works were the rebuilding of cottages on his estate, the restoration of
the parish church, and the erection of parish schools. He was a generous
supporter of many charities, and his death was greatly deplored both in
London and in Norfolk.
12.--The Congress of the Congregational Union of England and Wales was
opened at Norwich, under the presidency of the Rev. Edward White.
15.--Died, at his residence, Wroxham House, Mr. Robert Blake-Humfrey,
second son of Mr. Thomas Blake, of Norwich and Scottow. Born November
23rd, 1795, he was educated at Norwich Grammar School under Dr. Forster,
and afterwards under Valpy. At the early age of 16.5 years he was
gazetted to an ensigncy by purchase in the 3rd Regiment (the Buffs), and
joined the 2nd Battalion at Walmer Barracks. In July, 1813, he went out
with a detachment of 100 men to join the 1st Battalion in Spain, and
arrived off St. Sebastian during the siege. His detachment, with some
companies of the 43rd and 52nd, were immediately ordered to march up
country. The force to which the Buffs were attached having taken Vieux
Moguere, they were in turn driven out of it next day, and the light
company in which Blake was serving covered the retreat. On the order to
face about the British drove back the enemy and retook the village, and
in the assault the young officer was wounded in both legs by a grape
shot. Amputation of the left leg was rendered necessary, and his
military career ended. With pay and pension and a very small fortune
from his father, Mr. Blake retired to a quiet life in Norfolk. In 1838
he married Charlotte, youngest daughter of Colonel Harvey, of Thorpe, by
whom he left three sons and four daughters. On the death of the Rev.
John Humfrey, in 1847, he succeeded under his will to the Wroxham estate
and other property, and assumed the surname of Humfrey after and in
addition to the name of Blake. Mr. Blake-Humfrey spent much time in
drawing and etching and in the study of heraldry and archaeology. He
compiled a complete history in MS. of the Sheriffs of Norfolk, with their
coats of arms most beautifully emblazoned. Mr. Blake-Humfrey was a
magistrate for the county of Norfolk.
19.--At a meeting of the Norwich Town Council at letter was received from
the Mayor (Mr. John Gurney), suggesting that upon the Prison
Commissioners handing over the Castle to the Corporate authorities, steps
be taken to convert the keep and the prison buildings into a museum. The
cost of such work was estimated at 5,000, and in the event of its being
carried out Mr. Gurney intimated that he would be prepared to defray the
expense. (_See_ July 16th, 1887.)
21.--The portrait of Sir Willoughby Jones, Bart., painted by H. T. Wells,
R.A., was presented to the county by Sir F. G. M. Boileau, Bart., on
behalf of the subscribers.
25.--The Sheriff of Norwich and Mrs. J. J. Dawson Paul were presented at
the Guildhall with a valuable piece of plate and a diamond spray
bracelet, in token of personal esteem, and in commemoration of the birth
of their son, Joseph Dawson, during the year of Mr. Paul's shrievalty.
28.--The Bishop of Norwich laid the foundation-stone of the new church of
St. Thomas, Heigham. (_See_ June 28th, 1888.)