The Castle used as a Borough Gaol. During subsequent periods of alarm,
it was again repaired. The upper part of it was taken down in 1620, and
the following year the whole fabric was ordered to be dismantled and
demolished.
1551.
Many of the brasses enclosing the inscriptions on the walls of St.
Nicholas’ Church sent to London to be cast into weights and measures for
the town’s use.
John Dudley, Duke of Northumberland, K.G., High Steward of the Borough.
1551.
A Grammar and Free School in existence in Yarmouth, the “Parson of
Haddiscoe” being appointed for a quarter of a year on trial. He was
succeeded the same year by an “expert man;” and it was agreed that each
of the four-and-twenties (Aldermen) should pay towards his living 18d.,
and each of the eight-and-forties (Common Councilmen) 8d. a-year over the
stipends, upon the well-doing of the schoolmaster. From 1551 till 1757,
twenty-eight gentlemen were appointed to the Mastership. In 1757 the
school appears to have been closed, for we find the master quitting
possession and resigning his office; and on Feb. 5th, 1773, the
chamberlains were directed to do necessary repairs, and to let the school
to Mr. Richard Eaton, the younger, for £4 a-year. The school was
re-established in 1863.
1552.
Sir W. Wodehouse, Knt., and N. Frymage, Esq., returned to Parliament.
Every inhabitant found smoking tobacco or overcome with drink in any
tippling-house was apprehended.
1553.
Oct. 1st. Robert Eyre and Simon More were chosen Burgesses of the
Parliament.
Drawbridge erected to connect Southtown with Great Yarmouth, in place of
the one built in 1427, but which was carried away in 1570 by the tide.
Beer sold at 3s. 4d. per thirty-two gallons.
This year and two following, six Aldermen were returned to Parliament.
1554.
Thomas Howard, Duke of Norfolk, High Steward of the Borough.
Fifty vessels wrecked off Yarmouth within 24 hours.
A fire beacon placed on the top of the Castle, as the Haven was very
dangerous.
1555.
No brewer allowed to brew in the town unless by the appointment of the
Bailiffs.
Another attempt to form a Haven, a ship being sunk at the mouth to stem
the tide. But this project was abandoned the following year, and it was
stopped up with furze bundles in 1557.
The Hermitage on the west side of the Haven given to the town.
1557.
Dec. 1st. The town inundated. Men rowed up and down the streets in
boats, and several ships were drawn over the Denes with windlasses.
1558 to 1567.
The ground on the south side of Town Hall was, in the time of Queen
Elizabeth, called “The South Foreland,” or “Furlong’s End.” In 1568 the
houses there standing were given by William Garton to the churchwardens
for the use of the Church. In 1622 they were repaired, and in 1674
rebuilt. John Fastolf, the father of Sir John Fastolf, of Caister
Castle, had a house in the “Foreland,” but whereabouts cannot now be
discovered. These houses were re-fronted by the present owner in 1866.
Sir T. Wodehouse, Knt., and William Barker, Esq., returned to Parliament.
The Market Cross repaired.
1559.
May 26th. Queen Elizabeth granted a Charter for the better security,
defence, and protection of the town.
1560.
Jan. 8th. The present (seventh) Haven commenced. Joyce Johnson, the
eminent Dutch engineer, who superintended the construction, was paid 4s.
a day. This Haven was cut near the spot of the one made in 1529. Nearly
1,000 persons, including women and children, were employed about the
works, which were completed on March 4th to the satisfaction of the
inhabitants. In 1566 the water broke through, and made its old channel
towards Newton Cross.
First Jetty erected, having a crane at the end to facilitate the landing
of goods from boats. Re-built in 1767.
1561.
Three town wells opened.
1562.
Thomas Timperley and William Grice, Esqs., were returned to Parliament;
the latter was also returned in 1570 with William Barker, Esq.; in 1571
with John Bacon, Esq.; and in 1584 and 1585 with Thomas Damett, Esq.
Three small silver maces, belonging to the Corporation, made.
1563.
Herrings very scarce, and sold for £9 a last.
1567.
Piers built on both sides of the Haven’s mouth.
The London Privy Council lent the town of Yarmouth £1,000 without
interest, for repairing the Haven, which was refunded by instalments of
£100 a-year.
1569.
Three ships of war compelled to leave by the town guns.
Haven expenses for the year, £1,230 12s. 4d.
The Paston family sold Caister Castle to meet their embarrassments.
Herrings sold for £8 a last; a tun (4 hogshds.) of wine was also of the
same value.
Part of the town wall fell through being overcharged.
1570.
Mr. Vincent Goodwin first preacher appointed at St. Nicholas’ Church.
Drawbridge carried away by high tide, and another constructed in 1785, at
a cost of £403 15s. 9d., notwithstanding £225 had been expended the year
previous in repairs.
1571.
Thatched roofs to houses forbidden, and wood was substituted.
1572.
Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, K.G., High Steward of the Borough.
Brewers ordered to brew with coals instead of wood.
Every ale-house licensed by the Bailiffs.
1573.
Regulations made to prevent goods lying on the Quay longer than
necessary.
1574.
A Bill introduced to Parliament to enroll Yarmouth as a Cinque Port; but
this was not properly carried out. In 1702 the Government of Yarmouth
was settled under Anne in its proper and present form.
1575.
Feb. 10th. Mr. Harbrowne elected to Parliament in place of John Bacon,
Esq., but only served one day, the latter being re-elected.
1576.
Edward Owner born. He represented the town in Parliament four times, and
died August 13th, 1650.
A part of the Hospital, Market Place, converted into a House of
Correction.
1577.
Burgh Water Frolic first spoken of, being a grand event, and patronized
by the Mayor and Corporation.
1578.
Inhabitants prohibited from washing their clothes near the public wells.
Lord Burleigh and the Earl of Leicester paid Yarmouth a visit, and were
entertained at the Priory. Queen Elizabeth was expected, and a silver
cup, in the form of a ship, costing £16, made for presentation to her
Majesty, but she reached no further than Norwich.
Scratby Sand became entirely dry land, and raised its head so much above
high-water mark, that grass, &c., grew on it, and sea birds built their
nests. It was called “Yarmouth Island,” and was a favourite resort in
the summer season for Yarmouth people.
1579.
May to Sept. Great plague; 2,000 persons died, and the Grammar School
shut up for six months. (See 1349 and 1550.)
1580.
August 2nd. Dinner provided for 43 gentlemen on a sandbank out at sea,
called Scratby Sand. In 1582 it was swept away by a strong easterly wind
and tide, much to the disappointment of Sir Edward Clare, Knt., who had
made a claim to it. Valuable wreckage was often found there.
2,000 lasts (2,640,000 single fish) of herrings brought in on one tide.
1582.
Large fish, 17 yards long, the jaw 3¼ yards long, body 4½ yards thick,
caught at Caister.
1583.
No one could be elected a Burgess in Parliament unless he was an
Alderman.
1585.
The Privy Council requested the town to provide ships for the transport
of 400 soldiers into the Low Countries. To raise funds, every Alderman
advanced £5, and every Common Councilman £2 10s., the rest of the money
being raised by assessment.
1586.
Pulpit erected at the west-end of St. Nicholas’ Church; removed in 1635.
Another erected in the south-east comer of the south aisle, which was
also removed in 1846.
Number of “tippling houses” in Yarmouth restricted to 16.
1588.
John Stubbs and Roger Drury, Esqs., elected to Parliament.
William Cecil, Lord Burleigh, K.G., High Steward of the Borough. In 1578
he visited Yarmouth in company with the Earl of Leicester.
Preparations to receive the Spanish Armada. The fortifications put into
the best state of defence, a boom thrown across the Haven at the south
gates, and a mound of earth raised higher than the walls, called the
“South Mount,” on which was placed several pieces of ordnance. Another
mound, the “New Mount,” was afterwards thrown up near St. George’s
Chapel, and a warlike ship fitted out at the town’s expense to annoy the
enemy at sea, and preparations made to lodge and provision a garrison of
1,000 men. The sum of £1,355 4s. 9d. was assessed on the County.
1589.
No victualler or innkeeper allowed to retail any “strange beer” under
pain of forfeiture.
1591.
An ale-house or tavern could only be kept by a Freeman or the widow of a
Freeman.
Two Yarmouth ships required to carry out 150 soldiers to Normandy.
1592.
T. Damett, Esq., again returned to Parliament with John Felton, Esq.
1593.
The fishing nets used by boat owners valued at £50,000.
1596.
John Felton, Esq., again returned to Parliament with Sir H. Hobart.
Elizabethan House on the Quay, built by Benjamin Cowper. It was sold to
John Carter, a friend of Oliver Cromwell. The supporters of Cromwell
frequently assembled in this house, and it is supposed that the death of
Charles I. was here determined on. It was for many years previously to
Feb. 26th, 1867, the residence and property of the late Charles J.
Palmer, Esq., F.S.A.
Arthur Wilson born at Yarmouth. He published an account of the life and
reign of James I, written with much freedom, and displaying a thorough
knowledge of Court intrigues; but the liberties he took in exposing the
propensities of that monarch and his son towards the Catholic cause,
brought upon him the vehement censure of the friends of the Stuart
family, who said that he had written from conjectures rather than from
records, and that his work was more like a pasquinade than an authentic
history. He was for many years an attendant on the Earl of Essex, and
afterwards steward to the Earl of Warwick. He died in 1652.
1597.
Seven hundred vessels in the Haven at one time.
1598.
The number of Rows was seven score (140).
The south side of the Hospital School used as a House of Correction.
Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex, K.G., High Steward of the Borough.
1599.
Rev. Thomas Nash published the “Lenten Stuffe,” containing a poetical and
satirical description of Yarmouth, &c., and a play in “Praise of a Red
Herring.” He was born at Lowestoft in 1567, and died in 1600. He was
called by Dr. Lodge “the true English Gifford or Aretino.” His name is
mentioned by Michael Drayton, and also in the play, “_Return from
Parnassus_.” (_Vide_ page 486, Pimperley’s “Encyclopædia of Literary and
Typ. Anecdote.”)
One penny per swill by day and 1½d. at night were charged for carting
herrings from the beach.
1599 to 1660.
Caister Castle deserted as a residence.
1600.
Sir Henry Hobart and T. Damett, Esq., again returned to Parliament; the
latter, with John Wheeler, Esq., also returned on the accession of James
I.
The Dutch Chapel, South Quay, built, and afterwards converted into a
Theatre.
Every Alderman, or his deputy, with a constable, ordered to visit all
ale-houses and taverns twice a week, and make inquiries respecting the
customers.
1601.
The washing and rinsing of nets near the public wells forbidden.
The town required to provide and provision ships for transporting 600
soldiers to the Low Countries.
Charles Howard, Earl of Nottingham, K.G., Lord High Admiral of England,
elected High Steward of the Borough.
1604.
A third Market Cross erected.
1607.
The three local rivers frozen over for 40 days.
1608.
James I. made Yarmouth a free Borough by charter, by the title of
Bailiff, Aldermen, Burgesses, and Commonalty; which charter in 1683
(Charles II.) was surrendered to the King. (See July 22nd, 1684.)
1611.
Drapers, mercers, grocers, and haberdashers prohibited from having stalls
in the market.
Herring Fair held. A great scarcity of herrings this year—a last of
Windsor herrings being sold for £15 5s.
1612.
Great damage done to the Piers by a raging tide.
Aldermen who had held office as Bailiffs, compelled to wear scarlet gowns
with tippets, under pain of a 40s. fine. (See 1541.)
1613.
The present Haven completed at a cost of £38,682, and from this date to
1770 inclusive, £215,644 had been expended about the Haven and Piers.
1614.
Sir Theophilus Finch and G. Hardware, Esq., returned to Parliament, but
the former was succeeded soon after by Sir Henry Hobart.
One hundred jacobuses (a gold coin struck in the time of James I.)
presented to King James I. by the town, as a mark of loyalty and
affection.
1615.
At Corporate meetings no gentleman allowed to make uncomely and indecent
speeches out of time and order, or create a disturbance when touching
upon any public good, or even allowed to make a remark till the previous
speaker had sat down, under penalty of fine or dismissal.
1616.
About 50 Yarmouth fishermen laid up their vessels, having no licenses for
exportation.
1617.
License granted for the export of 600 lasts of herrings, which was
annually renewed till 1624.
1618.
The Cage or Stock-house set up.
An ordinance made that all doors opening outwards into the Rows should be
made to swing inwards, otherwise the constables would nail them up, and
levy a fine of 5s. on the owners.
1619.
The last demand made by the Crown for furnishing vessels of war, until
Charles I. resorted to that means of raising a revenue without the
sanction of Parliament.
1620.
Dec. 21st. John Cowldham, J.P., four times a Bailiff, died, aged 84
years.
B. Cowper and Edward Owner, Esqs., free Burgesses, elected to Parliament.
1622.
“Tippling houses” had increased to 40, and were restricted to that
number.
1623.
Benjamin Cowper, Esq., re-elected, with G. Hardware, Esq., to serve in
Parliament.
1624.
Artillery yard on the site of present Unitarian Chapel.
1625.
Dec. 29th. Poor people were ordered not to marry unless sanctioned in
writing by the Chief Alderman and Chief Constable.
Manship, who wrote the “History of Great Yarmouth,” died. He was Town
Clerk in 1579.
Sir John Corbet and E. Owner, Esq., elected to Parliament; and in the
same year Sir John was re-elected with Thomas Johnson, Esq.
Fish Market, on the site of the present, covered in and paved. Covering
removed in 1844.
1626.
Robert Sydney, Earl of Leicester, K.G., High Steward of the Borough.
1626.
Nicholas Felton, Bishop of Ely, died. He was a native of Yarmouth, and
one of the prelates employed by James I. in the new translation of the
Bible.
1627.
Sir John Wentworth and Miles Corbet, Esq., elected to Parliament.
1628.
The town obtained leave to export 1,000 lasts of herrings, which
continued till 1637, when £50 per annum was demanded by the Trinity for
10 years, and afterwards for 40 years.
1629.
Twelve hundred householders in Yarmouth.
Edward Sackville, Earl of Dorset, K.G., High Steward of the Borough.
1631.
Fishing with a trawl prohibited by proclamation.
£1 a quarter paid by the town to the Postmaster of Ipswich for carrying
letters to and from Yarmouth for London.
1632.
Tobacco allowed only to be retailed in this town by one apothecary, six
grocers, two hosiers, one merchant, and a chairmaker.
June 26th. Four Frenchmen executed for murdering Nicholas Harpley.
1633.
Aldermen’s wives compelled to wear velvet hats up to this date, when the
ordinance was annulled.
1637.
Thirty-four brewing-houses in Yarmouth.
1639.
Miles Corbet, Esq., re-elected, with Edward Owner, Esq., as members of
Parliament.
The East and West Flegg granted to the family of Cornwallis.
1642.
Oct. 12th. A ship, with 140 armed soldiers on board, through stress of
weather, put into Yarmouth port; she was seized by the townsmen, and her
crew and soldiers imprisoned on behalf of the Parliament.
1642.
Sept. Earl of Warwick, Lord High Admiral, visited Yarmouth, and was
entertained by the Corporation.
Dec. 23rd. A rate of £1,200 assessed upon the inhabitants for the
fortifications.
The town collected £136 for the relief of distressed subjects in Ireland.
1643.
Feb. Lord Grey of Werke required Yarmouth to send 80 dragoons to
Cambridge.
1644.
The number of “tippling-houses” increased to 80, besides great inns and
taverns; and in 1705 augmented to 120.
Letters between Yarmouth and London only passed once a week.
Twenty Iceland fishing barques belonging to Yarmouth merchants taken by
pirates, only three escaping.
1645.
Additional fortifications made. Breastworks and platforms built at the
seaside, and ordnance mounted on them.
The Earl of Lauderdale visited Yarmouth, and was sumptuously entertained
at the town’s expense.
1648.
Sep. 9th. Lord Fairfax marched into Yarmouth, and the town was converted
into a garrison.
Three men-of-war ships sent to convoy the fishers and guard the coast.
The Burgesses raised 600 foot and 50 horse soldiers, in lieu of having
other forces marched into the town to do garrison duty.
1649.
Four Aldermen and 16 Common Councillors resigned office in the
Corporation; 6 were afterwards reinstated.
1650.
The Puritans removed a fine old organ from St. Nicholas’ Church.
The Presbyterians made a doorway in the north wall of the Parish Church,
and opened the north aisle of the chancel for public worship.
1651.
Up to this date prayer was always used before the commencement of public
business.
1652.
Admiral Blake sent several ships to Yarmouth, which he had captured from
the Dutch.
Dr. Thomes Soame died. He was the son of a fisherman at Yarmouth, but
related to a wealthy family of the same name at Burnham. He lived in the
reign of Charles I., and having entered holy orders he became minister of
Staines in Middlesex, and Prebendary of Windsor. During the civil wars
he was so zealously attached to Royalty that he sent all he had to the
King, so that when the rebels came to plunder him he had nothing, for
which he was imprisoned, first in Newgate, and afterwards in the Fleet
Prison, where he died.
1653.
June 6th. Yarmouth sent 5 members to the “Little” Parliament summoned by
Cromwell. Resigned Dec. 12th.
Aug. 29th. General Monk granted a warrant to free Yarmouth fishermen
from being pressed into the service of the State.
Lord Henry, youngest son of Oliver Cromwell, High Steward of the Borough.
1653–4.
Norfolk sent ten members to Parliament.
1654.
Dec. 16th. Oliver Cromwell proclaimed in the Market Place Protector of
the Commonwealth of the United Kingdom.
Colonel William Goffe and Thomas Dunne, Esq., were elected Burgesses to
Parliament by 3 Aldermen and 26 Common Councilmen.
1656.
William Burton and C. G. Cock, Esqs., elected to Parliament.
1659.
W. Burton and C. G. Cock, Esqs., re-elected to Parliament.
Yarmouth people sent to Southwold 30 coombs of wheat and 10 coombs of rye
for the sufferers from a fire which consumed the greater part of that
town.
1660.
Edward Hyde, Earl of Clarendon, High Steward of the Borough.
A “Healing Parliament” called, and Sir J. Palgrave, Bart., and Miles
Corbet, Esq., elected.
1661.
Sir William D’Oyley, Bart., and Sir W. Coventry, Bart., Secretary to the
Admiralty, returned to Parliament.
1662.
Contention and bloodshed through concurrent jurisdiction ceased, when the
Cinque Ports dissolved government with Yarmouth.
Dec. 10th. James Smith was fined £10 for saying of Sir Thomas Medowe, a
Bailiff, “He is a fool, and I have killed a bull of 80s. that had better
brains than Sir Thomas have.”
1664.
Jan. 22nd. Rev. John Brinsley, sen., lecturer in Yarmouth, died, aged
64.
Two thousand five hundred persons died of plague, including two ministers
of St. Nicholas’ Church. (See 1349, 1550, and 1579.)
1665.
June 3rd. Great sea fight off Lowestoft, when the Dutch Admiral (Opdam)
was defeated.
Every person receiving parish relief ordered to wear a pewter badge on
the left arm, which was called “the badge of poverty.”
1667.
John Carter, twice Bailiff, and one of the Elders, died, aged 73.
Town farthings coined by the Overseers “for the use of the poor.” In
1673 they were cried down, and the town fined £90 for setting up a local
mint. Lord Townshend petitioned the King on their behalf that he would
pardon their offence.
1668.
Twenty-two thousand seven hundred and sixty chaldrons of coal imported.
1670.
An Act of Parliament passed appointing Haven Commissioners, viz., three
for Norfolk, three for Suffolk, two for Norwich, and two for Yarmouth.
April 21st. Mitchell Mew, twice Bailiff, and once Mayor, died, aged 71
years.
1671.
Sep. 27th. Charles II. visited Yarmouth, accompanied by the Dukes of
York, Monmouth, and Buckingham, and publicly entertained at a cost of
£1,000.—The Corporation presented the King with four golden herrings and
a chain, value £250. The King knighted three gentlemen of the Council.
1672.
May 28th. Duke of York, commander of the English fleet, defeated the
Dutch fleet under De Ruyter, in Sole Bay, or Southwold Bay. The guns
were heard at Yarmouth, and the sick and wounded afterwards brought here.
Yarmouth sent presents of wine, sheep, lambs, lemons, fowls, and fish to
the Duke of York, previous to the engagement.
1673.
April 8th. William Burton, sen., twice Bailiff of the town, died, aged
65 years.
Son of Sir William Paston created Baron Paston and Viscount Yarmouth;
also created Earl of Yarmouth in 1679. In 1676 he was shot at and
wounded while in his coach. He died in 1682.
1674.
Robert Paston, Viscount Yarmouth, chosen High Steward of the Borough.
The famous “Yarmouth Troll Cart” in use. At this date they were known by
the name of “Yarmouth Coaches,” being more elegantly made, and let out to
pleasure parties.
Bell factory supposed to have existed.
Haven expenses this year, £2,099 9s. 6d.
1677.
Grand celebration in Yarmouth on the marriage of William III., Prince of
Orange, with Princess Mary.
Captain Booth executed in the town for stabbing a seaman.
The ground between the walls and the east side of the town, from the
Market Place, along King Street to the Friars’ Lane, was sold for £2,265
17s. 6d., to sundry persons to build upon.
1678.
Bonfires, by order of the Corporation, made in the Market Place and other
parts of the town, on the passing of the “Test Act” by both Houses of
Parliament.
1679.
Sir W. Coventry, Knt., re-elected to Parliament, with Lord Huntingdon.
1680.
Richard Huntingdon and George England, Esqs., returned to Parliament.
1681.
Oct. 21st. Sir William Gooch, Bart., born at Yarmouth. Early in life he
entered the army, and distinguished himself in the Rebellion of 1715.
George I. made him Lieutenant-Governor of Virginia in 1727; and in 1740
he was appointed Colonel of an American Regiment, and assisted at the
memorable siege of Carthagena. For his services he was promoted, being
first made Brigadier and then Major-General, in which capacity, in 1747,
he commanded in the expedition to Quebec. Died at Bath, Dec. 17th, 1751.
The whole body of Freemen claimed a right of electing members for the
town, and accordingly chose Sir James Johnson, Knt., and George England,
Esq. Before this, the Corporation had usually taken upon themselves this
business, sometimes by a majority of the assembly, and sometimes by an
inquest of six Aldermen and six Common Councilmen.
H.R.H. the Duke of York entertained to a sumptuous dinner in Yarmouth;
afterwards embarked in the frigate “Gloucester,” but (May 6th) the vessel
striking on the Leman and Ower sand, 12 leagues from Yarmouth, she filled
with water, and the Duke escaped in a shallop, with Colonel Churchill,
Earl of Aberdeen, Duke of Montrose, and a few other distinguished
personages.
1683.
William Paston, Earl of Yarmouth, High Steward of the Borough.
Spire of St. Nicholas’ Church, being of wood and lead, set on fire by
lightning. John Grice received from the Corporation a piece of plate,
value £10, for extinguishing it.
1684.
April 26th. First Yarmouth Fair held.
May 7th. John Hall, Esq., died, aged 61 years. He was a merchant,
Alderman by the old and new charters, and twice Bailiff of the town.
July 22nd. The charter granted by which a Mayor was substituted for the
2 Bailiffs, 18 Aldermen instead of 36, and 36 Common Councilmen instead
of 18. By Charles II. a High Steward, a Recorder, a Sub-Steward, 2
Coroners, 2 Chamberlains, and a Clerk of the Courts were also appointed.
Southtown was added to the liberties of the Borough. (See 1608, 1687,
and 1763.) This charter also empowered them to hold _two_ fairs yearly.
The instrument was brought from London by the eldest son of the Earl of
Yarmouth to Haddiscoe, and given to George Ward, Esq., the first Mayor
elected. He, accompanied by a large train of carriages, and from 300 to
400 horsemen, proceeded to Haddiscoe to receive it. Great rejoicing in
the town.
Lady Yarmouth, wife of the above Earl, died.
The Corporation Sword of Justice, carried before the Mayor, adopted.
Sir Thomas Medowe, Mayor, being the second elected the same year.
Bailiffs prior to this year were chosen instead of Mayor.
Lord Huntingdon and George England, Esq., returned to Parliament; also in
1686 and 1688.
Town Charters surrendered to Charles II.
1685.
May 1st. Earl of Yarmouth invited Sir A. Dean and Sir H. Shiers to view
the Haven and Piers. The latter was presented at the “Three Feathers”
Inn with 100 guineas for his journey. He also visited the town in 1687,
accompanied by Lord Dartmouth, who recommended that a ship be sunk, or
jetty made, northward of the north Pier, to prevent the sand from coming
into the Haven, and that a basin be formed westward of the “brush,” with
a sluice to let out the water forcibly into the Haven towards the latter
ebb.
1686.
Lord Huntingdon and George England, Esq., elected by the Freemen to serve
in Parliament. The right of Freemen to vote was ever acquiesced in by
the Corporation.
1687.
Aug. 12th. Prince George of Denmark landed at Yarmouth, and went post to
Windsor.
James II. ejected 5 Aldermen and 12 Common Councilmen from the Corporate
Body; and in the following year 3 Aldermen and 4 Councilmen, and placed
others in their stead. This right of displacing the Corporate body was
reserved by the King.
1688.
June 24th. Tumult and riotous proceedings took place in the town through
the bigoted conduct of King James II.
Lord Huntingdon and G. England, Esq., again elected, and sent to the
Convention Parliament the same year. Re-elected in 1690 and 1695.
Prince George of Denmark’s regiment of Dragoons sent to Yarmouth; and in
1696, two companies of Lieut.-General Bellasis’ Royal Fusiliers were
quartered in the town.
The office of Mayor ceased, and the Government of the town again reverted
to two Bailiffs, under King James II.’s proclamation. This continued
till the time of Queen Anne. (See 1702.)
Haven expenses for the year, £2,323 5s. 4d.
1689.
Feb. 16th. Prince of Orange and the Princess Mary proclaimed in the
Market Place.
George England and Samuel Fuller, Esqs., returned to Parliament; also in
1695, 1698, and 1700.
1690.
May 16th. Edmund Thaxter, Alderman and twice Bailiff, died, aged 62.
The Maces carried by the Mayor’s officers ordered to be made. At New
Romney are now (1884) two maces used here at Herring Fair.
1691.
Anthony Ellys, Bishop of St. David’s, and author of several theological
works, was born at Yarmouth. Died in 1761.
1692.
Oct. 18th. William III. landed at Yarmouth, and received with great
enthusiasm. The Corporation spent £106 in entertaining him.
All Boroughs were reduced by proclamation to the same state of government
as before the surrender of charters to Charles II. (See 1702.)
Two hundred vessels and nearly 1,000 lives lost in one night off this
coast.
1693.
Sept. 11th. Thomas, second son of Sir George England, Alderman and twice
Bailiff, died, aged 48 years.
Oct. 28th. John Albertson, Esq., Alderman and Bailiff in 1655, died,
aged 71 years.
1694.
A Bar having formed across the Harbour’s mouth, the dangerous state of
the Haven was made known by the beat of a drum, and the inhabitants
desired to cut and dig a “gut” or trench through the Bar.
Proposed to break up the streets and lay pipes to supply the inhabitants
with spring water from a large reservoir, collected from the wells on the
Denes. Also in 1810. (See 1835 and 1855.)
1697.
Corporation voted an address to the King upon his safe return, and peace
with the French King.
1701.
John Nicholson and John Burton, Esqs., returned to Parliament.
1702.
June 30th. George England, Esq., eldest son of Sir George, died, aged 58
years. He was Recorder, and several times member of Parliament for the
Borough. (See 1693 and 1711.)
Fishermen’s Hospital (for 40 persons) erected by the Corporation.
The Corporation obtained a new charter, granted by Queen Anne, which
again allowed them to choose a Mayor on Sept. 29th, instead of two
Bailiffs. (See 1692.)
Benjamin England and J. Nicholson, Esqs., returned to Parliament; also in
1705.
1703.
July 3rd. Thomas Bradford, Esq., Mayor, died, aged 74 years.
March 11th. Twenty-fifth and last Charter granted by Queen Anne,
re-appointing certain governors of the town. (See 1684.) When the
Parliamentary and Municipal Reform Acts were passed (1832 and 1835), the
Mayor was again required to be chosen from the whole body of the
Corporation, whether Aldermen or Town Councillors.
A dreadful Fire broke out at the north end of the town, and several
houses were blown up to prevent its spreading.
1704.
April 30th. Thomas Godfrey, twice Bailiff and many years Town Clerk of
this Borough, died, aged 63 years. He was succeeded by John Carlow, and
at his decease in 1710 by Francis Turner.
1706.
The expenses of Yarmouth Haven amounted to £2,710 7s. 5d.
1707.
April 27th. Thomas Bendish, Esq., died, aged 61 years. He was a
descendant of the ancient family of Sir Thomas Bendish, Bart., of Essex,
who was ambassador from Charles II. to the Grand Seigneur. He married
Bridget, daughter of H. Ireton, Esq., of Ireton, for some time Lord
Lieutenant of Ireland.
1708.
Hon. Roger Townshend and Richard Ferrier, Esq., returned to Parliament.
1709.
A Quaker had his Burgess Letter on taking his solemn _affirmation_ only.
1710.
Nov. 7th. William Browne, Esq., Mayor, died, aged 46 years.
Richard Ferrier and Benjamin England, Esqs., returned to Parliament.
Poll—F. 278; Eng. 269; Townshend 231; Ellys 173. Also in 1713.
1711.
April 30th. Benjamin England, Esq., third son of Sir George, died. He
was several times Bailiff, Mayor, and Member of Parliament for the
Borough.
Henry Borrett, Esq., was Mayor, but dying before his term of office was
completed, Samuel Wakeman, Esq., was chosen.
Ordered that no license be granted to any person to draw or retail ale or
any other liquor at any house by the sea-side, except during the fishing
seasons.
1712.
Oct. 3rd. Twenty persons drowned on Breydon from the upsetting of a
wherry.
An Act obtained for making a causeway over the Denes from Yarmouth to
Caister.
1713.
The Charity School erected in the Market Place by a few benevolent
persons; and in 1724 the Corporation built two large rooms.
First Town Hall built at a cost of £880. (See April 20th, 1880, and May
31st, 1882.)
1715.
Mayors and Justices allowed to wear different gowns to those of other
Corporate members.
St. George’s Episcopal Chapel finished building. The contractors were
Messrs. Price and Son, who built the Town Hall. The Chapel was
consecrated Dec. 8th, 1815. Cost £3,800.
South Denes laid out as a race-course by John Holdrich and other
innkeepers of Yarmouth; but annual races not held till 1810.
Easter Fair held on Good Friday until this date, when the Corporation
ordered it to take place on the Friday following.
Geo. England, Esq., and the Hon. Horatio Townshend returned to
Parliament.
1718.
It was agreed that the two last and every succeeding Mayor should receive
£100 each, in lieu of the fishing thousand.
The Vicar’s house built by the Corporation.
1721.
An Act passed enforcing half the amount of ordinary duties on the Haven
to be expended in improving the Haven, Piers, and Jetties; one-fourth
part to be expended in deepening and cleansing the three rivers, and
repairing the bridge and public quays at Yarmouth; and the remaining
fourth part in cleansing and deepening Breydon.
1722.
Oct. 2nd. William Spooner, Bailiff, and afterwards Mayor, died, aged 67
years.
Hon. Charles Townshend and Hon. Horatio Walpole returned to Parliament.
The latter created a Baronet in 1756.
1723.
Guildhall, near St. Nicholas’ Church, pulled down and replaced by an
unsightly building, where Corporate assemblies were held till 1835.
1724.
The Charity School for 50 boys and 30 girls was built by subscription.
(See, 1713).
Jan. 28th. James Artis, Esq., Bailiff, Mayor, and Captain of Fusiliers,
died, aged 68 years.
1724.
Corbridge published his “West Prospect of Yarmouth.” Buck published one
in 1741; and Laing’s Map came out in 1867.
1726.
July 14th. Mrs. Bridget Bendish, granddaughter of Oliver Cromwell, died
at Southtown.
1727.
Hon. W. Townshend and Hon. Horatio Walpole returned to Parliament.
The _Norwich Mercury_ of this date says:—“The persons appointed for
choosing a Mayor for the town of Great Yarmouth (according to custom)
were locked up in a room on Tuesday last at 12 o’clock, and did not
determine the election till 9 o’clock on Thursday morning, when Samuel
Artis, Esq., a gentleman of known loyalty and integrity, was declared
Mayor-Elect for the year ensuing, to the great disappointment of the
Tories.”
1729.
The Pillory removed.
£50 raised by the town for the relief of the English prisoners at
Mequinez.
1730.
July. A remarkable storm and tempest; hailstones of prodigious magnitude
fell.
1732
Sir Robert Walpole, Earl of Orford, K.G., High Steward of the Borough.
1733.
Dec. 20th. Organ now at the Parish Church first opened. The Rev. Thos.
Macro, D.D., minister of Yarmouth, preached the sermon on “The Melody of
the Heart.”—_Eph._ 5, 19 _verse_. (See Jan. 25th, 1869.)
1734.
A poor fisherman named Danby obtained a verdict, with £15 damages,
against William Brown, Esq. (the Mayor), Justice Artis, and Masters (the
Bridewell man), for whipping and false imprisoning the plaintiff.
The Mayor’s gold chain and medal appendant having the arms of the
Corporation on one side, and a ship under sail on the reverse, to be worn
by every Mayor for ever. (See 1746.) It was subscribed for. The cost
of the chain alone was £141 18s. 3d.
Organ at St. George’s Chapel built by Jordan.
Hon. Edward Walpole and the Hon. William Townshend returned to
Parliament, but the latter dying in 1737, was succeeded by his brother,
the Hon. Roger Townshend.
Sarah Johnson, a widow, was whipped upon a cart round the Market Place,
for stealing three gold rings and a silver spoon. In 1763 two sailors
were served in like manner, receiving four lashes under each public-house
sign for stealing merchandise.
1736.
Elizabeth Thompson hanged for the murder of a Dutchman in the Gaol-row.
1737.
Jan. 14th. George II. landed a few miles south of Yarmouth.
1739.
Sir R. Walpole sent 50 guineas to be expended in coal for the poor.
Robert Ferrier appointed Town Clerk, and eleven years afterwards he
filled the civic chair.
1740.
Chris. Bernard, Esq., elected Mayor, but died before completing his term
of office.
Expenses of Yarmouth Haven were £3,299 15s. 9d.
Amelia Sophia de Walmoden, presumed to have been the mistress of George
II., was created Baroness and Countess of Yarmouth for life. She died in
1750.
1741.
Hon. Roger Townshend and E. Walpole, Esq., returned to Parliament.
Votes—T., 400, W., 391; Howling Luston, 104; Richard Fuller, 97.
1742.
John Thacker hanged for killing John Auger with a pistol ball in a shop
near the “Wheel of Fortune.”
1744.
The inquest, chosen for electing a Mayor, locked up in the Guildhall for
ten days; in 1765, six days; in 1767, three days and three nights; and in
1814, fifty-four hours.
Samuel Killett, Esq., Alderman, gave the Corporation of Yarmouth a silver
oar, double gilt, the insignia of the Admiralty Court.
1745.
Ancient Order of Foresters first formed.
Robert Walpole, Earl of Orford, High Steward of the Borough.
1746.
Nov. 25th. Mayor’s medal appendant sold; its value applied for adding
links to the chain, the two being valued at £166. (See 1734.)
1747.
Hon. E. Walpole and the Hon. Chas. Townshend elected to Parliament.
The Cage or Stock-house removed.
1748.
Nov. 30th. John Dobson Tongue hanged for robbing Mr. Halsden on the
Southtown-road.
1749.
Oct. 13th. John Sullivan hanged for robbing Mrs. Meed on the Denes.
1750.
John Barcham, mariner, executed for the murder of Robert Bullen.
An Act passed appointing a committee of twelve inhabitants of Yarmouth to
inspect the Haven works, and to summon the Commissioners in cases of
need.
Mrs. Cromwell, lineally descended from Oliver Cromwell, died at Yarmouth,
at an advanced age.
A live infant named Sarah Pycraft found in a basket in St. Nicholas’
Churchyard, and was taken to the Workhouse, where she died 96 years
afterwards.
1751.
George Walpole, Earl of Orford, High Steward of the Borough.
Dr. John Butler, minister at St. Nicholas’ Church, and afterwards Bishop
of Oxford and Hereford. He died in 1802.
An Act passed to open the port of Yarmouth for the importation of wool
and woollen yarn from Ireland.
1752.
Chris. Taylor, Esq., Mayor, died before completing his term of office,
and was succeeded by Giles Wakeman.
The Gallows-house on the North Denes removed.
1753.
Expenses of Yarmouth Haven amounted to £3,360 3s. 9d.
1754.
April 18th. Right Hon. C. Townshend and his former colleague, then Sir
E. Walpole, K.B., and Chief Secretary for Ireland, elected to Parliament.
Votes—T., 541; W., 518; R. Fuller, 397; and William Browne, 342.
Mr. Thos. Olivers made an unsuccessful attempt to introduce Methodism
into the town. He and a friend were assailed on the Sunday with dirt,
stones, and missiles of every description without mercy, and driven out
of the town. Mr. Howell Harris made an attempt in 1760, which was more
successful, though at great risk of his life.
1756.
July 23rd. William Burton, M.D., died, aged 53.
Sept. 1st. Naval engagement off Lowestoft between H.M.S. “Hazard” and a
French privateer, “La Subtille,” carrying 12 guns and 86 men. After six
hours the Frenchman struck off Winterton, and the next day (Sunday) the
prisoners were landed and lodged in gaol. By undermining the prison
wall, fourteen broke out, and only four were retaken.
C. Townshend, Esq., of Honingham, a cousin to the Hon. Charles, was
elected to Parliament by a majority of 32 votes, on the latter accepting
the office of Treasurer of his Majesty’s Chamber. Mr. C. Townshend was
elected eight times in thirty-three years.
1756.
An Act for the better recovery of small debts within the liberties of the
Borough obtained.
1758.
Oct. 7th. Joseph Ames, F.R.S., died. He was born at Yarmouth on Jan.
23rd, 1688, and was the author of “Typographical Antiquities”; being an
historical account of printing in England, with memoirs of our ancient
printers, and a register of the books printed by them, from the year 1471
to 1600, with an appendix concerning printing in Scotland and Ireland to
the same time. It was dedicated to Philip, Earl of Hardwick, Lord High
Chancellor of England. He was originally a piano maker, and afterwards a
ship chandler at Wapping, which trade he carried on till his death. He
was a great lover of history. In 1741 was appointed secretary of the
Society of Antiquaries. Mr. Ames printed a “Catalogue of English
Printers from 1471 to 1700,” “An Index to Lord Pembroke’s Coins,” also “A
Catalogue of English Heads, or an account of about 2,000 prints,”
describing what is peculiar on each; he drew up the “Parentalia, or
Memoirs of the Family of Wren.” His collection of coins, curiosities,
books, &c., were sold in 1760. Among the latter was a copy of Tindall’s
New Testament, supposed to be the only one which escaped the flames, when
the Bishop of London (Tonstall) ordered them to be burnt. _Vide_
“Timperley’s Encyclopedia of Literary and Typ. Anecdote,” 1842, p. 703.
1759.
Yarmouth Sea-baths built. Cost £2,000. A handsome public room added in
1785.
Terrible affray with the 2nd Dragoons (Scotch Greys) and 6th Irish
Dragoons (Enniskilling), who were quartered in the town. They attacked
each other with swords.
1761.
John Willis, Esq., elected Mayor, but died before completing his term of
office.
Hon. Sir Edward Walpole, K.B., and C. Townshend, Esq., returned to
Parliament.
1762.
The number of boys and girls at the Hospital School reduced from 49 to
41.
1763.
Gorleston Parish, with the Hamlet of Southtown, in Mutford and
Lothingland Hundreds (Suffolk) incorporated for the maintenance of the
poor of its 24 parishes. Also by an amended Act in 1833.
1765.
Dec. 10th. Rev. Christopher Spendlove, sen., lecturer, of Yarmouth,
died, aged 69 years.
1766.
Jan. 8th. Much distress caused through the high price of food, and a
subscription was opened and liberally supported by the inhabitants—60,138
quartern loaves, weighing 4 lbs. 14 ozs., at 3d. each, distributed for
three months, among the poor till April 25th.
1767.