9th, 1749. He was under the tuition of Dr. Priestley until he was
fourteen, when he was apprenticed to Mr. David Martineau of this city.
In 1805 he was elected mayor, and died Oct. 27th, 1822. In August, 1818,
the corporation voted him and his lady a piece of plate of the value of
twenty-five guineas, as a memento of the memorable birth of their four
children at one time, and the event was recorded in the city books. Two
of the children lived to be nearly twelve weeks old, and the other two
not quite seven weeks.
_William Saint_, one of the mathematical masters of the Royal Military
Academy, at Woolwich, was a native of St. Mary’s Coslany. He wrote the
“Life of Fransham,” and was a contributor to the “Lady’s Diary.” He died
July 9th, 1819.
_George Sandby_, _D.D._, chancellor of the diocese of Norwich, personally
presided in the consistorial court of the Lord Bishop of Norwich for
nearly thirty years, during the whole of which time no decree of his was
reversed by a superior court. He died March 17th, 1807, aged ninety-one.
_William Say_, an eminent mezzotinto engraver, was born at Lakenham in
1768.
_Frank Sayers_, _M.D._, an eminent physician and literary character, who
for many years resided in this city, was born in London, March 3rd, 1763.
He was the author of “Dramatic Sketches of the Ancient Northern
Mythology,” “Poems,” “Disquisitious, Metaphysical and Literary,” “Nugæ
Poeticæ,” and “Miscellanies, Antiquarian and Historical.” He died August
16th, 1817, and a mural monument is erected to his memory in the
Cathedral, with a Latin inscription by the Rev. F. Howes. His works were
collected and edited by the late William Taylor of this city.
_Sir James Edward Smith_, _M.D._, _F.R.S._, president of the Linnæan
Society, London, and of the Norwich Museum, and member of several foreign
academies, was born in St. Peter’s Mancroft, December 2nd, 1759. He
received his education here, and graduated as a physician at Leyden, in
1786. He assisted materially in the establishment of the Linnæan
Society, in 1788, of which he was the first president, and he continued
to preside over the society until his death, March 15th, 1828. He was
the author of several admirable botanical works.
_William Stevenson_, _F.S.A._, who was for many years proprietor of the
“Norfolk Chronicle,” and who edited a new edition of “Bentham’s History
of Ely Cathedral,” was born at East Retford, in 1750, and died at his
house in Surrey Street in this city, May 13th, 1821, aged seventy-one.
He was, in the early part of his life, an artist of no mean pretension;
and was esteemed an antiquarian and numismatist of considerable knowledge
and research.
_John Taylor_, _D.D._, was a native of Lancaster. He came to Norwich in
1733, and was a minister to the Presbyterian dissenters in 1757. He was
the author of several theological works, and died at Warrington, March
5th, 1761, aged sixty-six.
_William Taylor_, a celebrated German scholar, and a very eccentric
character, author of an “Historical Survey of German Poetry,” and a
translator of several German works, was born in this city, and resided
for many years in Upper King Street. He died in 1836, aged sixty-nine.
_Edward Baron Thurlow_ was born at Bracon Ash, in this county. He
received the rudiments of his education at the Free Grammar School here.
He rose successively to be appointed solicitor general, attorney general,
master of the rolls, and lord high chancellor of Great Britain, and was
created Lord Thurlow in 1778. In 1793 he resigned the seals. He died at
Brighton, September 12th, 1806.
_William Wilkins_, _sen._, architect, was born in the parish of St.
Benedict, about the year 1744 or 1747. He received but a limited
education, but possessed an admirable taste for design, and his plans and
drawings were very beautiful. He was the author of a clever essay in
Vol. xii. of the “Archæologia,” on the Venta Icenorum.
_William Wilkins_, _M.A._, son of the above, was born in St. Giles’
parish. He was educated at the Free Grammar School here. He was
employed in the erection of several public buildings in London, and
numerous private mansions. His literary labours were confined to the
subject of architecture, and his “Magna Græcia” is considered to be an
excellent work.
_William Windham_. This eminent statesman represented the city in
several parliaments. He was born in London in 1750, and first sat for
Norwich in 1780. In 1783 he was appointed secretary to the lord
lieutenant of Ireland, and made his first speech in parliament in 1785.
He died in 1806.
_Sir Benjamin Wrench_, an eminent physician, who practised here for sixty
years, lived in St. Andrew’s. His house occupied the site of the present
Corn Exchange. He was lord of the manor of Little Melton in Blomefield’s
time.
NORWICH IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY.
We have now arrived at the present age of political progress, and
material prosperity; the age of inventions, railways, newspapers, and
telegraphs; the age of expansion and general intelligence. George III.,
George IV., and William IV., have reigned in this century, and have been
succeeded by our beloved Queen Victoria. Under her benign sway the old
semi-barbarous state of society has passed away like a dream, and we live
in a new social era, the result of the progress of education, of the
march of improvement, and of the spread of true religion.
As it has been often stated by local historians that Norwich formerly
contained a very large population, and as this statement is very
generally believed, we may here correct the mistake by giving the
returns, which show a very gradual, and very slow increase from the
earliest period to the present time. The parochial returns show that in
1693 the population was only 28,881; in 1752 it had increased to 36,169;
and in 1786 to 40,051. This was the greatest number up to the end of the
last century. In 1801 it was 36,832, not including 6,000 recruits for
the army, navy, and militia; making the total number 42,832. This
indicates a very slow increase of population. The following are the
returns for the present century: 1801, 36,832; 1811, 37,256; 1821,
50,288; 1831, 61,116; 1841, 62,294; 1851, 68,713; 1861, 74,414, being an
increase of about 500 yearly. Norwich in 1752 contained only 7131
houses, and in 1801 8763, of which 1747 were returned as empty. In 1831
the number was 14,201, of which 13,132 were inhabited. Now the number is
over 21,000, and the rateable value is £178,882.
We must now leave the stately march of history for a more broken and
interrupted step. There is some difficulty in detailing the events of
this period, for every reader is more or less acquainted with it, and has
viewed it in relation to his own interests and prejudices. The records
of facts are so voluminous, that every reader may think that there is
something omitted, or misrepresented, or exaggerated. It is impossible,
however, to mention every local occurrence which some one may think
important, every accident, or fire, or crime, or every grand concert or
entertainment. We have to deal with events more connected with general
history; and we shall first state the more remarkable occurrences of a
civil or municipal character, reserving political matters for a
subsequent chapter. But in order to render our narrative of local
events, and especially local elections, more intelligible, it will be
necessary to give a brief account of the old corporation, whose
proceedings occupy so large a part of our records.
NORWICH CORPORATION.
This body claims a prescriptive origin. Certain privileges were granted
to the city by the charters of different sovereigns, the first being that
of Henry I., which was annulled and again renewed by Stephen. The
particular privileges conceded by it cannot now be ascertained. The next
charter is that of the 5th Henry II., but this is only confirmatory of
former grants, and the original is still preserved in the Guildhall. One
granted by Richard I. contains some estimable clauses. The most
prominent are, that no citizen shall be forced to answer any plea or
action in any but the city courts, except for those concerning
possessions out of the city; that the citizens should have _acquittance_
of _murder_, which is equivalent to granting them a coroner; that they
should not be forced to _duel_, that is, should be exempt from the
general law which was then in force, of deciding causes by single combat;
that they should be free from toll throughout all England; and that they
should have other liberties, all highly important, and no doubt justly
appreciated by the citizens of that period. King John’s charter is
similar to the preceding, and that of Henry II., with the addition that
all persons living in the city, and participating in the liberties of the
citizens, shall be talliated or taxed, and pay as the aforesaid citizens
of Norwich do, when tollages and aid shall be laid upon them. It is
probable that the principal authority was invested in bailiffs, instead
of a provost, in 1223, as there is no evidence of the existence of such
officers before that time.
Two deeds of Henry III., and several of succeeding kings, all either
confirmed or enlarged the privileges granted to the city; but our
attention is most attracted by the concessions of Henry IV., which
established the constitution of a mayor, sheriffs, &c. The original
charter is lost, but those of his son and more modern princes have
sufficiently preserved the spirit of it. The charter of Henry V. made
the extensive territory within the corporation limits a county of itself,
excepting only the castle, which belonged to Norfolk. This territory
was, by the boundary act, included for the purposes of representation.
Twenty-five charters, the latest by James II., are known to have been
granted, and probably others existed and have been lost. When the
innovations, made in old establishments during the Commonwealth, were
gradually reformed, the citizens petitioned for a renewal of their
rights. The charter of 15th Charles II. was obtained, and under it the
city was governed till the passing of the Municipal Reform Act. Most of
the old charters were granted in consideration for sums of money given or
lent to kings to enable them to carry on wars. Many of the charters were
more injurious than beneficial to the city, as they created monopolies of
one kind or other, or gave powers to the old corporation which were
frequently abused. Those who wish to study those old documents more
minutely may find them in Blomefield’s history.
The old corporation was more ornamental than useful to the city for 400
years. Under it the sanitary state of the city was so bad, the drainage
of the city so defective, and the supply of water so insufficient, that
plagues and pestilences, which carried off thousands of the citizens,
were of frequent occurrence. Ward elections were so often contested,
that bribery, treating, and intimidation, were quite common, and the
corruption of the freemen and lower classes was universal. Physically
and morally the city was for centuries in the worst possible condition.
The ward elections were carried on with a spirit which was surpassed in
no other place. They were considered as trials of strength between
different parties; and if they happened at a period when a general
election was anticipated, an enormous sum of money was spent in treating
and bribery. Indeed, it has been asserted on good authority that no less
a sum than £16,000 was wasted in the contest for a single ward in 1818!
The city was divided into four great wards, each of which was subdivided
into three small wards. The mayor was elected by the freemen on May 1st,
and sworn into his office on the Guild day, which was always the Tuesday
before Midsummer day. He was chosen from the aldermen, and afterwards he
was a magistrate for life. One of the sheriffs was chosen by the court
of aldermen, the other by the freemen on the last Tuesday in August. The
twenty-four aldermen were chosen for the twelve smaller wards, two for
each ward, whose office was to keep the peace in their several divisions.
When anyone of them died, the freemen of that great ward in which the
lesser ward was included, for which he was to serve, elected another in
his place within five days. The common councilmen were elected by the
freemen dwelling in each of the four great wards separately; for
Conisford great ward on the Monday; Mancroft on the Tuesday; Wymer on the
Wednesday; and the Northern ward on the Thursday in Passion week, thence
called “cleansing” week. They chose a speaker yearly, who was called
speaker of the commons. The old freemen therefore formed the whole of
the local constituency for municipal purposes.
Memoirs are often the best sources of information respecting public
matters, as they let us behind the scenes and show us what the actors
really thought and did. A good memoir of the late Professor Taylor,
which appeared in the _Norfolk News_, of March 28th and April 4th, 1863,
contained the following, “So far back as 1808 we find Mr. Taylor
recording that he was ‘elected a common councilman for the fourth time.’”
He also states that the contest for nominees in the Long ward was “the
severest ever remembered.” Few people now-a-days could realize the
import of those few words. Few understand how much was implied by the
once common phrase “a battle for the Long ward.” The combatants would
have scorned such mealy-mouthed appellations, as “conservative” and
“liberal,” or indeed any name but that of the colors under which they
fought. They were “blue-and-whites,” or “orange-and-purples;” the former
being what would now be called the “liberal,” and the latter the
“conservative,” party. To be a blue-and-white or an orange-and-purple,
was to be an angel or a devil, as the case might be; the angels being of
course those of your own side, to whichever you belonged. Great was the
potency of colors: though not supposed to be worn at municipal elections,
they were a rallying cry, and they were always at hand to be flouted,
like a red rag at a turkey, in the face of the enemy. Even housemaids
and children concealed them about their persons, in readiness to show
them slyly from some window, both to encourage their friends and
exasperate their enemies, whenever a procession passed. Great were the
preparations for the contest. A sort of civic press-gang prowled the
streets by night for the purpose of “cooping chickens,” which, being done
into English, means carrying men off by force, and keeping them drunk and
in confinement, so that if they could not be got to vote “for” it would
be impossible for them to vote “against.” If they could not be safely
secured in the city, they were “cribbed, cabined, and confined” in
wherries on the river, or the broads, or even taken to Yarmouth and
carried out to sea. When the day of battle came, great was the shouting,
the drinking, the betting, the bribing, and the fighting, till the
longest purse contrived to win the day. Of course, the dirty work was
done by dirty men. But leading men on both sides were so used to see
this sort of thing, that they considered it only as a necessary part and
parcel of an election. It was regarded rather as a limb which could not
be safely severed from the body, than as a shabby coat which disgraced
the wearer. Besides, palliating rhetoric was not absent. Better do a
little evil than surrender a cause essential to the welfare of the state!
“What we did,” we honest orange-and-purples, or we pure blue-and-whites,
“was done in mere self-defence.”
LEADING EVENTS IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY.
1801. January 1st, 1801, being the first day of the nineteenth century,
and the day on which the Union of Great Britain and Ireland took place,
the 13th Regiment of Light Dragoons dismounted, and the Militia fired a
_feu de joie_ in the Market Place.
January 3rd. The old Theatre (built in 1757) was re-opened after
extensive improvements. The alterations were executed after the designs
of William Wilkins, Esq., the patentee. This theatre was formerly a good
school for young actors, and many promising performers have first
appeared on these boards. Of late, operatic performances appear to be
most in favour with the gentry.
February 24th. Charles Harvey, Esq., the steward, was unanimously
elected Recorder of Norwich, vice Henry Partridge, Esq., resigned.
April 4th. Mrs. Lloyd, widow of the Rev. Dean Lloyd, died at Cambridge,
aged 79. This lady painted the Transfiguration, and other figures in the
eastern windows of the Cathedral.
In April, the ward elections were the causes of great contention. In
consequence of objections being made to the elections of two nominees of
the Wymer ward, and three of the Northern ward, on the ground of their
being ineligible under the corporation act, having omitted to receive the
sacrament within a year previous to the election of the common council,
the mayor did not make the returns till several days after the usual
time. At a court held April 4th, after the objections had been fully
heard by counsel, the recorder (Mr. Harvey) declared that the persons
objected to who had the majority of votes, having omitted to come into
court according to summons, were not duly elected, but as no regular
notice had been given previous to the election, the candidates in the
minority could not be returned. A new election for the above wards
accordingly took place on May 25th and 26th.
June 16th. Jeremiah Ives, Esq., of Catton, was elected mayor a second
time. There was no guild feast this year at St. Andrew’s Hall.
June 25th. An awful fire, which lasted two hours, broke out on the roof
of the Cathedral, and in less than an hour, 45 feet of the leaded roof,
towards the western end of the nave, were consumed. Some plumbers had
been at work repairing the roof, and set fire to it either accidentally
or intentionally. The damage was about £500. The Lord Bishop (Dr.
Sutton) was present, and distributed refreshment to the soldiers and
people who assisted in arresting the progress of the conflagration.
* * * * *
1802. Peace was proclaimed throughout the city on May the 4th, in due
form; and the mayor and corporation went in procession from the hall
through the principal streets. There was a general illumination at
night. At a quarterly assembly of the council, a congratulatory address
to his majesty on the restoration of peace, was voted unanimously.
On May 21st, the city address was presented to the king, at the levee at
St. James’ Palace, by Jeremiah Ives, Esq., Junr., the mayor, and Sir
Roger Kerrison.
On May 29th, a county meeting was held, when a similar address was
adopted.
October 4th to 7th. A grand musical festival was held in Norwich, under
the direction of Messrs. Beckwith and Sharp of this city, and Mr. Ashley
of London. Mrs. Billington, Mr. Bartleman, and Mr. Braham, were the
principal performers.
October 21st. There was a severe contest for the election of an alderman
in the great northern ward, in the room of Francis Colombine, Esq.,
resigned. The numbers were—for E. Rigby, Esq., 261; Jonathan Davey,
Esq., 259.
* * * * *
1803. February 8th. At a full meeting held at the Guildhall, a
committee was appointed to prepare a bill to be laid before a future
meeting, for better paving, lighting, watching, and cleansing the city.
A petition to the house of commons for leave to bring in a bill, was
afterwards presented, but it was strongly opposed as not being then
expedient. An act was, however, ultimately carried.
March 7th. At a special assembly of the corporation, an address of
congratulation was adopted, to be presented to his majesty, on the
providential discovery of the late traitorous conspiracy against his
royal person and government, entered into by Colonel Despard and six
other persons, who were executed on the top of the New Surrey prison, in
Horsemonger Lane. The high sheriff and grand jury of Norfolk, at
Thetford, also voted an address of congratulation to the king, and a
similar address was adopted at a county meeting held at the Shirehall.
March 21st. The portrait of Captain John Harvey, of the Norwich Light
Horse volunteers, painted by Mr. Opie, at the request of the troop, was
placed in St. Andrew’s Hall.
April 27th. A public dispensary was established in Norwich, and has been
a great benefit to the poor people of the city.
August 16th. France having again threatened to invade this kingdom, a
meeting of the inhabitants of the city was held at the Guildhall, for the
purpose of forming a regiment of volunteer infantry under the regulations
of the Acts for the defence of the realm, when resolutions to that effect
were adopted, and upwards of £6400 subscribed, and 1400 citizens enrolled
themselves under the command of Lieut.-Colonel Harvey. A rifle corps was
also formed, of which R. M. Bacon, Esq., then editor of the Mercury, was
appointed Captain. Both parties manifested the greatest enthusiasm, but
fortunately the services of the local warriors were not required. On
September 29th, a new telegraph was erected on the top of Norwich Castle,
to communicate with Strumpshaw Mill, Filby Church, and Yarmouth, so as to
give notice of any danger. In October, the Norfolk and Norwich volunteer
regiments agreed to perform permanent duty at Yarmouth in case of
invasion, and many of them were stationed in the port during the
succeeding two months. The victory of the Norfolk hero, Lord Nelson, at
Trafalgar in 1805, discouraged Napoleon I., and he relinquished his
intention to invade this land of freedom. In July 1806, the local
militia act was passed, and many of the volunteers transferred their
services to that body. The volunteer corps of Norwich and Norfolk were
disbanded on March 24th, 1813. The West Norfolk militia returned to
Norwich from Ireland, on May 11th, 1816, and were disembodied on June
17th in that year. A long peace of 40 years ensued, but the old trade of
Norwich destroyed by the war, never revived. In January, 1817, upwards
of £3000 were contributed to relieve the poor, many of whom were employed
in making a new road to Carrow, and in other public works, the trade of
the city being in a state of stagnation.
* * * * *
1804. January 18th. The city of Norwich Regiment of Volunteer Infantry,
600 strong, commanded by Lieut. Col. Harvey, received their colours. The
banners, given by the mayor and corporation, were first consecrated in
the Market Place, by the Rev. E. S. Thurlow, prebendary of Norwich, with
a suitable address and prayer, and were afterwards presented by the
mayor, John Morse, Esq., to the colonel in due form. The king’s and
regimental standards were then delivered to the ensigns. The Artillery,
under Capt. Fyers, stationed on the Castle Hill, fired salutes; the
Regiment fired three vollies; and St. Peter’s bells rang merry peals.
June 1st. The city of Norwich (or 7th) Regiment of Norfolk Volunteer
Infantry, commanded by Lieut. Colonel Harvey, entered on one month’s
permanent duty in Norwich. The Regiment mustered 500 strong, exclusive
of officers.
June 4th. The anniversary of His Majesty’s birthday was celebrated in
Norwich by the grandest military spectacle ever witnessed here. Upwards
of 1700 men of the Royal Artillery, 24th Regiment of Foot, and the
Norwich Volunteer Corps, assembled on the Castle Hill and fired a _feu de
joie_ with fine effect. During this year the citizens were often
entertained with military displays. June 18th, Major General Money was
appointed to the staff of the eastern district; in which a force of
32,000 men was now fully completed for the reception of any invading
enemy.
June 18th. The corporation granted the site of the Blackfriars, in St.
Andrew’s, to the court of guardians, for 200 years at their old rent for
the purpose of improving the same, and repairing the Old Workhouse for
the poor, the plan of erecting a New Workhouse having been abandoned.
Subsequently, large sums of money were wasted in repairing the old house,
sufficient to build a new one, and ultimately it was found to be
absolutely necessary to build a new house, which was done at a cost of
£30,000.
* * * * *
1805. January 17th. At a public meeting held at the Guildhall, it was
resolved to establish an hospital and school for the indigent blind, in
Norwich and Norfolk. Towards the foundation of this admirable
institution, Thomas Tawell, Esq., contributed a house and three
and-a-half acres of land in Magdalen Street, valued at £1050. Mr.
Tawell, who was unfortunately blind, introduced his humane proposal in an
able speech, appealing for subscriptions. A large sum was at once
subscribed. The hospital was opened on the 14th October following.
February 2nd. Dr. Charles Manners Sutton, bishop of Norwich, was
nominated by the king, and chosen, February 12th, archbishop of
Canterbury. On the 13th, His Grace arrived at the palace, Norwich, from
London. On the 15th, the mayor and court of aldermen proceeded in state
from the Guildhall to the Bishop’s Palace, where the recorder, Mr.
Harvey, delivered an address of congratulation to the archbishop on his
translation, to which His Grace returned a dignified answer. Next day,
the clergy of Norwich waited on His Grace, when the Rev. Dr. Pretyman,
prebendary, addressed the archbishop in an appropriate speech, to which
His Grace made an impressive reply. On the 17th His Grace preached his
farewell sermon in the Cathedral.
February 24th. The clergy of Norwich having intimated an intention of
applying to Parliament for an increase of their incomes, then very small,
by assessment, the council, at a quarterly assembly, resolved to oppose
the application; the citizens, in vestry meetings, being unanimous
against the measure, which was never carried out.
March 18th. Dr. Henry Bathurst (one of the prebendaries of Durham) was
elected bishop of Norwich by the dean and chapter. He soon made himself
universally beloved by the clergy and the citizens. Professor Taylor
gave the following account of the late and also of the newly appointed
bishop:—
“In 1805, Dr. Bathurst succeeded Dr. Sutton as bishop of Norwich.
The latter, who had been translated to the See of Canterbury, was a
man of polished manners, extravagant habits, and courtier-like
address. He was too polite to quarrel with anybody and too prudent
to provoke controversy. He neither felt nor affected to feel any
horror of Unitarians. He invited them to his table, and at the
request of the mayor, he preached a charity sermon at St. George’s
Colegate, knowing that my father had been asked and had consented to
write the hymns.”
“Dr. Bathurst removed from Durham to Norwich, and as he was a
stranger in his new residence, never having taken any prominent part
as a public man, little expectation was excited as to his future
conduct. He was known to owe his elevation to his relation, Lord
Bathurst; and it was generally taken for granted that his views on
public affairs were similar to those of the administration of which
that noble lord was a member. Curiosity led me to the Cathedral to
hear the new bishop’s primary charge, and I soon found the spirit it
breathed to resemble the benevolence that beamed from his
countenance.”
“What the bishop preached he also practised. He never shrunk from
appearing to be what he really was, nor while he received a dissenter
in his study with politeness would he pass him unnoticed in the
street. He was to be seen walking arm-in-arm with persons, of all
persuasions, whom he respected, in the streets of Norwich. He was
not afraid of shaking ‘brother Madge,’ as he called him, by the hand,
nor of welcoming Unitarians to his table. What he was as a member of
the house of peers, on all occasions in which the great principles of
religious liberty were concerned, is well known. I have only here to
speak of his conduct as a resident in Norwich.”
Sept 3rd. The committee of the court of guardians appointed to examine
the poor rates of the city and hamlets, for the purpose of obtaining a
more equal assessment, made their report, in which they stated that an
increase of £16,000 stock and £1800 rent, calculating on the half rental
only, might be made, and recommended a general survey and new valuation
to be taken, in consequence of the great alteration which had taken place
in property since 1786, when the previous survey was taken.
December 17th. There was a grand entertainment at the Assembly Rooms, in
honour of Lord Nelson’s glorious victory off Cape Trafalgar; more than
450 ladies and gentlemen of the city and county were present. The rooms
were decorated with transparencies and brilliantly illuminated for a
grand ball and supper. The victory so celebrated, and which had been won
on October 21st, was dearly purchased by the death of Viscount Nelson.
The last order given before the action began, was by the newly-invented
telegraph:—“England expects every man to do his duty.”
* * * * *
1806. January 9th. This day the great bells of the several churches in
the city were tolled from twelve till two o’clock, it being the day on
which the remains of the immortal Lord Nelson were interred under the
dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral. The body, after lying in state in the hall
of Greenwich Hospital, was brought thence on January 8th by water to
Whitehall stairs, and carried on a bier to the Admiralty Office, and
deposited in the Captain’s room for the night. Next day the corpse was
removed on a funeral car, drawn by six horses, to St. Paul’s. The Duke
of York headed the procession, the grandest ever witnessed; 500 persons
of distinction attended at the funeral.
February 24th. At a quarterly assembly of the corporation, a loyal
address was unanimously adopted, to be presented to His Majesty,
“expressive of their gratitude for the paternal affection which he has
shown to his subjects, by waiving every consideration, but the public
good, in the appointment of men of the first abilities in the country to
the high offices of state!”
* * * * *
1807. March 4th. A committee of the House of Commons declared Mr.
Windham and Mr. Coke not duly elected, and another election took place
for two members for the county. Sir J. H. Astley, Bart., and Edward
Coke, Esq., (of Derby) were returned without opposition. Mr. Windham
afterwards took his seat for New Romney, and Mr. Coke was returned for
Derby _vice_ his brother, who had previously accepted the Chiltern
Hundreds.
May 14th. The anniversary of the birthday of that illustrious statesman,
the Right Hon. Wm. Windham, was celebrated at the Angel Inn (now Royal
Hotel) by a large party of his numerous friends. William Smith, Esq.,
M.P., presided.
June 16th. Robert Herring, Esq., was sworn into the office of mayor of
Norwich; and he afterwards gave a dinner to 150 gentlemen at Chapel-field
house.
October 6th. The first meeting was held of the revived Norfolk Club at
the Angel Inn, Norwich. Sir John Lombe, Bart., was in the chair. The
Hon. Colonel Fitzroy, Mr. W. Smith, and Mr. Windham were also present.
* * * * *
1808. January. By the telegraph, orders from the Admiralty Office were
received at Yarmouth, in 17 minutes. The chain of communication was by
Strumpshaw, Thorpe Hills, Honingham, Carlton, and Harling, and from
thence proceeded between Thetford and Bury, over Newmarket Heath to
London.
Captain Manby’s invention for rescuing persons stranded on a lee shore,
was approved by the Lords of the Admiralty. Parliament rewarded Captain
Manby at different times with grants amounting to £6000, and adopted his
apparatus at many parts of the coast.
July 29th. At a special assembly of the corporation of Norwich, an
address to his majesty was agreed to unanimously, on the subject of the
noble struggle of the patriots of Spain and Portugal against the Ruler of
France, and of the generous aid given to their endeavours by the
government.
* * * * *
1809. January. In consequence of Colonel Robert Harvey not being joined
by a sufficient number of the Volunteers under his command to become a
local Militia Battalion, he resigned the command of the Norwich Volunteer
Regiment, and was succeeded by Colonel De Hague.
May 9th. The six Regiments of Norfolk Local Militia first assembled to
perform 28 days’ exercise. They were stationed at Norwich, Yarmouth,
Swaffham, and Lynn.
October 15th. The Norwich corn merchants demanded of the farmers a
month’s credit, instead of paying ready money for their corn as
heretofore, but it was resisted by the growers, and ultimately abandoned
by the merchants.
November 2nd. After an interval of seven years, there was a grand
musical festival here, combining oratorios at St. Peter’s Church, and
concerts at the Theatre, under the direction of Mr. Beckwith, eldest son
of the late Dr. Beckwith. Professor Hague, of Cambridge, led the band.
* * * * *
1810. January 20th. The disputes between the corn growers and buyers in
the city and county, having been amicably adjusted, a reconciliation
dinner took place at the Maid’s Head Inn. Amongst the toasts was, “Fair
Play—ready money on both sides, or ready money on neither.”
February 4th. Died at Gunton, in his 77th year, the Rt. Hon. Harbord
Lord Suffield. He represented Norwich from 1756 to 1786. He was much
respected by his constituents.
April 26th. The first stone of the new bridge at Carrow was laid by the
mayor, T. Back, Esq., in due form.
August 6th. The first stone of the Norwich Foundry Bridge was laid by
Alderman Jonathan Davey, the projector of the undertaking.
September 27th. A contest took place for the office of alderman of the
great Northern ward, in the room of John Herring, Esq., who died on the
23rd, aged 61. The poll closed as follows—for William Hankes, Esq., 258;
N. Bolingbroke, Esq., 229. The former was declared duly elected.
December 8th. The Rev. Edward Valpy, B.D., was elected by the aldermen,
master of the Free Grammar School, Norwich, in the room of the Rev. Dr.
S. Forster, resigned. Under Mr. Valpy, the school attained great
celebrity, and here Rajah Brooke and other eminent men were educated.
* * * * *
1811. January 15th. Mr. Thomas Roope was convicted at the sessions of
having sent a challenge to Mr. Robert Alderson, Steward of the
Corporation, to provoke him to fight a duel; and was sentenced to pay a
fine of 40/- to the king, and to be imprisoned for one month.
June 29th. Mr. Thomas Roope was sentenced in the Court of King’s Bench,
to be committed to the custody of the marshal for three months, and to
find sureties afterwards, for a libel on Thomas Back, Esq., late mayor of
Norwich.
August 6th. A portrait of Thomas Back, Esq., was placed in St. Andrew’s
Hall. It was painted by Mr. Clover, a native of the city.
September 11th. A numerous meeting was held in St. Andrew’s Hall, with
the mayor, J. H. Cole, Esq., in the chair, when the Norfolk and Norwich
Auxiliary Bible Society was instituted. The Bishop of Norwich (who was
present) was appointed president, and the three secretaries of the
British and Foreign Bible Society also attended. Annual meetings have
been held ever since.
* * * * *
1812. June 16th. Starling Day, Esq., was sworn in Mayor of Norwich for
the second time; but in consequence of his advanced age and infirmities,
there was no dinner in St. Andrew’s Hall, on the guild-day. Mr. Alderman
Davey (who was one of the unsuccessful candidates for the office of mayor
on May 1st and 2nd) gave a dinner under the trees adjoining his house at
Eaton, to about 500 freemen of the liberal interest. Strange as it may
seem now, contests often took place for the office of mayor, during the
old corporation.
July 17th. At a meeting of noblemen, gentry, and clergy, held at the
Shirehall, (Lord Viscount Primrose in the chair,) the Norfolk and Norwich
Society for the education of the poor in the principles of the Church of
England, was established. Upwards of £3000 was subscribed for the
object. The Lord Bishop of Norwich was elected patron, and Lord
Suffield, president.
* * * * *
1813. May 1st. A contested election for the office of Mayor of Norwich
came on, and was not finished till next morning, when Alderman Davey and
J. Harvey were returned as the two highest; but on May 3rd, an objection
was made to Alderman J. Harvey, as being ineligible, from his not being a
resident inhabitant of the city, as required by charter. Counsel’s
opinion was obtained in favour of that objection, and another election
took place on June 7th, when another contest ensued, and after a spirited
poll the numbers were—for Alderman Leman, 797; Alderman Davey, 801. The
Court of Aldermen elected the former gentleman.
July 4th. Great rejoicings took place here on the arrival of the news of
the great victory obtained by the British army commanded by the Marquis
of Wellington, over the French army, under Joseph Buonaparte, at Vittoria
in Spain, on June 21st, when the enemy lost 151 pieces of cannon, 415
waggons, all his baggage, and many prisoners. The Marquis of Wellington
was promoted to be a Field-Marshal. A form of prayer and thanksgiving
for this victory was used in all the churches on August 1st.
* * * * *
1814. May 1st. An election took place for the office of Mayor of
Norwich, and the contest lasted two days. Aldermen Back and Robberds
being the highest on the poll, a scrutiny was demanded on behalf of
Alderman Davey. The scrutiny commenced on the 12th, and continued till
the 19th, when Alderman Davey declined proceeding further. Aldermen
Robberds and Back were then returned to the Court of Aldermen, who
elected J. W. Robberds, Esq., to serve the office of Mayor.
June 3rd. The Expedition coach being the first to arrive in Norwich with
the news of the definitive treaty of peace, (signed at Paris on the 30th
ult.,) was drawn by the people four times round the Market Place, and
through the principal streets.
June 8th. The Newmarket mail arrived in Norwich with news of the Corn
Importation Bill having been thrown out of the House of Commons by a
majority of 10, and was dragged by the excited people for hours through
the streets. At night a great bonfire was made.
June 27th. Peace with France was proclaimed. The mayor and corporation
went in a procession of carriages from the Guildhall through the
principal streets, preceded by trumpets, and accompanied by thousands of
people.
July 7th. The thanksgiving day for the happy restoration of peace. The
mayor and corporation attended divine service at the Cathedral. About
700 children from the church schools went in procession to St. Andrew’s
Hall, where a plentiful dinner of roast beef and plum pudding was
provided for them by the treasurers of the charity schools. The poor in
their several parishes participated in the general joy, and were regaled
with plentiful dinners, paid for by subscriptions.
* * * * *
1815. March 4th. The late Professor Taylor stood a contest, for the
third time, for nominee of St. Peter’s Mancroft ward. Of course he was
beaten, this being an orange-and-purple ward, but he polled 107 votes.
However, he was soon afterwards elected a common councilman, without
difficulty, in the Northern ward, where the blue-and-whites had always a
large majority. This was on March 16th, and on May 3rd he was elected a
member of the court of guardians. He took a very active part in local
politics, and was the first man who ever reported and published the
proceedings of the common council.
June 23rd. The glorious news was received in Norwich, with triumphant
rejoicings, of the ever memorable victory obtained by the Duke of
Wellington over the French army, commanded by Buonaparte in person, at
Waterloo, near Brussels, on the 18th. Buonaparte fled to Paris, leaving
upwards of 200 pieces of cannon in the hands of the allied armies.
June 27th. Rejoicings were renewed here on the news being received of
the second abdication of Buonaparte, the immediate consequence of the
grand victory of La Belle Alliance.
* * * * *
1816. January 18th. This day was appointed a thanksgiving day for the
restoration of peace, and it was solemnly observed. The mayor and
corporation of Norwich attended divine service at the Cathedral. Sermons
were preached at the different places of worship, and collections were
made for the poor.
January 25th. At the 51st anniversary of the Castle corporation, Thomas
Back, Esq., alderman, presented two medals to be worn by the recorder and
steward of the society. Each medal bore a good likeness of Mr. Pitt, on
a beautiful cameo; the motto round which was _Non Sibi sed Patriæ Vixit_.
On the reverse were the words, “Presented by Thomas Back, Junior, Esq.,
to the Castle Corporation, Norwich, in commemoration of the great victory
of Waterloo, obtained on the 18th June, 1815, by the Allied Armies under
the command of Field Marshal the Duke of Wellington;” and around this was
the motto, “In memory of the Right Hon. William Pitt; died the 23rd
January, 1806, aged 47.”
January 29th. Died, aged 86, Robert Harvey, Esq., called the Father of
the City of Norwich, for his great benevolence and liberality and
promotion of trade.
February 20th. A numerous meeting was held at the Guildhall, Norwich,
with the mayor, J. H. Yallop, Esq., in the chair, when resolutions
against the property tax, and a petition founded thereon, were passed
unanimously. Similar petitions were sent from Lynn, Yarmouth, and other
towns. County meetings were also held to petition against the tax.
March 29th. At a public meeting held at the Guildhall, Norwich, with the
mayor in the chair, it was resolved to establish a bank for savings,
where servants and others might deposit a portion of their earnings. It
was opened on April 29th, and has continued to be very prosperous.
April 3rd. A meeting of merchants, manufacturers, and others, was held
at the Guildhall, Norwich, John Harvey, Esq., presiding, when resolutions
were passed to instruct the city members to watch and oppose the intended
measure for allowing the exportation of wool free of all restrictions.
This measure was for the time relinquished.
April 4th. At a public meeting held under the presidency of the mayor, a
petition to parliament was adopted for the repeal of the Insolvent
Debtors’ act as being injurious to trade and commerce. It was not
repealed for a long time.
May 11th. The West Norfolk militia returned to Norwich from Ireland, and
were disembodied on the 17th of June.
May 16th. A number of riotous persons, chiefly youths, broke into the
New Mills, in Norwich, threw some of the flour into the mill pool, and
committed several outrages on persons and dwellings before they
dispersed. The pretext for the disturbance was the want of employment.
They assembled again on the next evening, but were dispersed by the
magistrates and military, and several of the rioters were taken into
custody. Similar proceedings took place at Downham and other places in
Norfolk.
June 17th. At a quarterly assembly of the corporation, an address of
congratulation to the Prince Regent was voted, to be presented to his
Royal Highness, on the occasion of the marriage of the Princess Charlotte
of Wales, and Prince Leopold of Saxe Coburg. The address was presented
by the city members. The marriage took place on May 2nd.
June 18th. This day being the anniversary of the glorious victory of
Waterloo, the non-commissioned officers and privates of the First Royal
Dragoons, and other soldiers quartered in Norwich, were treated with a
handsome dinner in the cavalry riding school, several gentlemen having
entered into a subscription for that purpose, the corporation adding the
sum of £10. Robert Hawkes, Esq., first suggested the entertainment.
July 10th. An address of congratulation was voted by the court of
mayoralty of Norwich, to be presented to the Princess Charlotte and
Prince Leopold on their marriage.
October 14th. A public meeting was held in St. Andrew’s Hall (Mr.
Sheriff Bolingbroke in the chair), when certain resolutions, and a
petition to parliament founded thereon, were agreed to. The petition was
for the greatest possible retrenchment of the public expenditure, and for
a Reform of the House of Commons. Thus early began the Reform movement,
and it continued to extend all over the country. It became stronger and
stronger, till at last it overcame all opposition.
* * * * *
1817. January 1st. At a public meeting in the Guildhall, with the
mayor, William Hankes, Esq., presiding, a subscription was commenced to
relieve the labouring poor, which amounted to £3050. The poor people
were employed on works of public improvement, and were supplied with
soup, &c. Upwards of £1000 was also raised at Yarmouth for the same
laudable purpose, and 460 men were employed in forming roads to the Bath
House, Jetty, &c. The committee in Norwich granted £270 to be expended
for labour on cutting a road through Butter Hills to Carrow Bridge, which
was effected in the course of the summer.
March 26th. The severest contest took place ever known for nominees of
Wymer, or the Long ward, very few votes remaining unpolled. Some of the
freemen came in post-chaises from Thetford to poll. The numbers were,
Messrs. S. Mitchell, 306; J. Reynolds, 305; A. Thwaites, 292; Messrs. W.
Foster, 297; R. Purland, 288; C. Higgen, 283. Mr. Foster was successful,
having five votes above Mr. Thwaites, one of the old nominees.
April 4th. On Good Friday morning, Wright’s Norwich and Yarmouth steam
packet had just started from the Foundry Bridge, when the boiler of the
engine burst with a tremendous explosion, by which the vessel was blown
to atoms, and of 22 persons on board, five men three women, and one child
were instantly killed. Six women with fractured arms and legs were
conveyed to the hospital, where one died. The remaining seven escaped
without much injury. A subscription amounting to £350 was raised for the
sufferers. Soon afterwards, a packet was introduced on the river, worked
by four horses, as in a thrashing machine; the animals walking in a path
18 feet in diameter. The vessel was propelled from six to seven miles an
hour, as wind and tide favoured. This packet did not long run, and steam
packets were again introduced, which went from Norwich to Yarmouth daily.
September 26th. A meeting was held in St. Andrew’s Hall, when an
auxiliary association to the London Society for Promoting Christianity
amongst the Jews was established. The Lord Bishop of Norwich was
appointed president. Annual meetings have been held ever since to
promote the objects of the society.
December 3rd. At a special meeting of the corporation, two addresses of
condolence, one to the Prince Regent, and the other to Prince Leopold, of
Saxe Coburg, were voted, expressive of the grief of the citizens on the
death of the Princess Charlotte.
* * * * *
1818. January 5th. The court of guardians having determined to proceed
in the valuation of the property in the city and hamlets, Messrs. Rook,
Athow, and Stannard were appointed to make such valuation. They were to
be paid £850 for their trouble.
A repository was established in Norwich for the sale of articles of
ingenuity, to increase the funds of the society for relieving the sick
poor in Norwich. The first exhibition took place on Tombland fair day,
at Mr. Noverre’s room.
March 11th. This year, the several wards in Norwich (except the Northern
ward) were strongly contested, particularly the Wymer ward. After a
spirited poll for nominees of the common council, the numbers were for
Mr. Foster, 361; Mr. Higgen, 357; Mr. Purland, 355; Mr. Mitchell, 345;
Mr. Culley, 340; Mr. Beckwith, 322. The liberal party at last obtained
the ascendancy, but had to pay for it. The expenditure at this local
contest was estimated at some thousands. From £15 to £40 were given for
votes, and the freemen were brought in carriages from the country.
May 16th. This being Guild-day, Barnabas Leman, Esq., was sworn in mayor
of Norwich for the second time. The corporation went in procession to
the Cathedral, preceded by the Blue and White Clubs, the freemen wearing
those colours in their hats, which was considered improper and ill-timed.
Mr. William Smith, before the procession started, after recommending his
friends to abstain from this display of party feeling on such a day,
pulled his colours from his hat and put them in his pocket. It being
quite a matter of taste, his example was not followed.
* * * * *
1819. This year some important meetings were held, and a good deal of
political excitement prevailed in the city. Mr. E. Taylor was elected
sheriff after a contest with Mr. T. S. Day. The former was evidently the
popular candidate, the numbers being for Taylor 807, for Day 530. In
acknowledging the honour which had been conferred upon him he said,—
“There are times, gentlemen, when the post of honour is the post of
duty—times when it is the duty of every man to stand forward to
maintain and uphold the laws of his country, and prevent them from
being outraged. Such, gentlemen, are the present. Scenes have
recently been exhibited in a distant part of this country which I
blush to mention. The laws have there been outraged and trodden
under foot, not by the people, but by the magistrates, whose duty it
was to protect them. At Manchester we have seen a merciless
soldiery, or rather, I should say, persons wearing red coats, and
pretending to be soldiers, let loose to butcher men, women, and
children in cold blood who were peaceably and legally met to
discharge a duty which they owed to their country. The right of
petitioning is a right which, till lately, we have enjoyed
uninterruptedly, none daring to make us afraid; and where is the man
who will tell me that these people did not legally and
constitutionally meet? But, gentlemen, they have been treated in a
manner so brutal and inhuman, that our history furnishes no
parallel.”
He alluded to the “Peterloo Massacre” as it was then called, and which
excited universal indignation throughout the country.
January 25th. The birthday of Mr. Fox was commemorated, by nearly 250
gentlemen, at the Assembly rooms. The earl of Albemarle presided,
supported by Mr. Coke and Viscount Bury. The high sheriff was at the
head of the right hand table, and Mr. Wm. Smith of the left. After
dinner, speeches were delivered, setting forth the views of the Liberal
party.
April 15th. A public meeting was held in St. Andrew’s Hall, when a
petition to the House of Commons against the duty on coals (6s. 6d. per
chaldron) was adopted by acclamation. R. H. Gurney, Esq., M.P., assured
the meeting that he should support the prayer of the petition, and do
everything in his power towards alleviating the burdens of his
fellow-citizens. The tax was ultimately abolished.
April 22nd. The duke of Sussex arrived in Norwich and lodged at the
house of William Foster, Esq., in Queen Street, where his royal highness
was waited upon by the mayor and corporation. Mr. Steward Alderson, in
an address of congratulation on his arrival, informed his royal highness
that the whole body corporate had voted to him the freedom of the city,
which the royal duke was pleased to accept, at the same time returning a
dignified answer. On the next day a grand meeting of the Masonic
brethren, 320 in number, was held in Chapel-field house. The large
Assembly room was decorated in the most splendid style. At 10.30 a.m.,
the duke of Sussex (as grand master of England) installed Thomas Wm.
Coke, Esq., M.P., as provincial grand master, with the accustomed Masonic
ceremonies. His royal highness delivered an impressive charge, on
investing Mr. Coke with the jewel, apron, and gloves. After this
ceremony a procession was formed, every officer and member of the
assembled lodges wearing his full masonic costume and jewels, and the
banners were carried in the procession to the Cathedral. In the evening,
there was a sumptuous banquet in St. Andrew’s Hall, at which the royal
duke presided, supported by Mr. Coke and I. Ives, Esq., the deputy
provincial grand master. About 254 persons dined, and many ladies were
present to witness the festive scene. Toasts were proposed in right
royal style, and duly responded to. Next day His Royal Highness was
admitted to the honorary freedom of the city at the Guildhall, where he
took the customary oaths. After visiting the exhibition of the Artists’
Society, the royal duke left Norwich about noon and proceeded to Holkham,
paying a visit to Sir George Jerningham, at Cossey Hall, on his way
thither.
May 28th. The anniversary of the birthday of the Rt. Hon. Wm. Pitt was
commemorated at the Assembly rooms, Norwich, by a very numerous company
of noblemen, gentlemen, and citizens.
June 4th. The anniversary of the birthday of the long afflicted
sovereign, George III., who had entered on the eighty-second year of his
age, was celebrated for the last time in Norwich, Yarmouth, Lynn, and
other towns, with the accustomed demonstration of loyalty and attachment.
July 15th. Meetings were held in Norwich, and resolutions were passed,
and petitions to parliament adopted, against the proposed additional
duties on malt and on foreign wool. Petitions were also presented to
parliament praying for an alteration in the corn laws, in consequence of
the depressed state of agriculture.
September 16th. A public meeting was held in St. Andrew’s Hall, in order
to take into consideration the late disastrous transactions at
Manchester, on August 16th. The mayor, R. Bolingbroke, Esq., presided,
when resolutions were adopted asserting the right of the subject to
petition the king, and the legality of the late meeting at Manchester,
censuring the conduct of the magistrates and yeomanry, and recommending a
subscription for the relief of the sufferers. An address to the prince
regent was agreed to for the removal of ministers from his presence and
councils for ever. The address was afterwards presented by the city
members.
October 18th. A public meeting was held by adjournment at the Guildhall
to take into consideration the propriety of erecting a bridge over the
river, near the Duke’s Palace, to connect Pitt Street with the Market
Place. A proposition to that effect was negatived, but a bill for
erecting the bridge was introduced into parliament and ultimately passed.
Nearly £9,000 were proposed to be raised, by shares of £25 each, to
complete the same. The bridge was built in course of time, and toll had
to be paid for many years. By the exertions and influence of the late T.
O. Springfield, Esq., the bridge was made a free thoroughfare, greatly to
the convenience of the citizens.
* * * * *
1820. January 5th. At a special meeting of the Diocesan Committee of
the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, held in Norwich, (the Lord
Bishop presiding) resolutions were adopted to counteract the evil effects
of infidel and blasphemous publications, by issuing tracts of the Parent
Society at very reduced prices, and a subscription was entered into for
that purpose.
January 24th. The anniversary of the birthday of the Right Hon. C. J.
Fox was commemorated by a grand public dinner in St. Andrew’s Hall by 460
noblemen and gentlemen, amongst whom were the Duke of Sussex, the Duke of
Norfolk, the Earl of Albemarle (who presided), Viscount Bury, Lord
Molyneux, and many other leading gentlemen of the liberal party. The
hall was handsomely decorated, and the names of FOX and ALBEMARLE
appeared in variegated lamps, and in a semi-circular transparency was
that of SUSSEX, in letters of gold upon a ground of purple silk.
January 30th. A messenger from London brought to Lord and Lady
Castlereagh (who were at Gunton Hall) the melancholy tidings of the death
of King George III., which became known in Norwich on the following
morning, when nearly all the shops were closed, and the bells of the
churches were tolled for three hours. The king died on January 29th, in
the 82nd year of his age, and the 60th of his troubled reign, during
which long wars desolated Europe, doubled our national debt, and
impoverished the country. His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales, (who
was appointed regent on February 6th, 1811,) immediately ascended the
throne. King George IV. was soon afterwards seriously indisposed with
inflammation in the lungs, but happily recovered from the attack in the
course of a week.
February 1st. King George IV. was proclaimed on the Castle Hill by the
High Sheriff, Sir William Windham Dalling, Bart., amid the cheers of
those assembled. On the same day His Majesty was proclaimed in the city
in full form and with great rejoicings.
March 6th. A spirited contest took place for the gown, vacant by the
death of Starling Day, Esq., alderman of Wymer ward. At the close of the
poll the numbers were for Henry Francis, Esq., 413; John Lovick, Esq.,
372; majority for Mr. Francis 41, who was declared duly elected. In this
month Messrs. Mitchell, Beckwith, and Culley were elected nominees for
the long ward without opposition. The other three wards were contested.
After the elections for Wymer and the Northern wards, processions took
place at night to celebrate the triumph of the two contending parties.
August 2nd. A common hall was held for the purpose of getting up an
address to be presented to Queen Caroline. Mr. Alderman Leman presided,
and Mr. Sheriff Taylor introduced the subject, declaring that their duty
was not merely to vote an address to Her Majesty on her accession, but to
protest against the proceedings adopted by His Majesty’s ministers,
against her “whom we ought to honour as our Queen, and esteem as a
woman.” He denied the imputation that this meeting was held for factious
and seditious purposes. He reviewed the various charges which had been
brought against Her Majesty, and mentioned several instances of noble
conduct on her part. He regarded the erasure of her name from the
liturgy as a gross insult, and spoke of the firmness, and sagacity, and
judgment which characterised her determination to return to England. He
reminded his hearers of the enthusiasm which attended her entry into
London. But no sooner was she arrived than a large green bag was laid on
the table. Now he had an instinctive horror of a green bag, as he had
once the honour of occupying a small corner of one. He then challenged
the ministers, through Mr. Coke, to prove any one of the charges brought
against him in the green bag; and he received an answer that it was all a
mistake, and that Norwich should not have been inserted. The resolutions
were carried by acclamation, and he afterwards presented an address to
the Queen at Brandenburgh house.
There was but one opinion here as to the character of George IV., and
with respect to the Queen, all the world agreed that she was much to be
pitied. Men’s passions were so strongly excited, that whichever side
they took, whether for her or against her, her conduct was viewed through
a false medium. Nothing showed this more strongly than the behaviour of
the two parties upon her death. The blue-and-whites, many of whom had
never put on black for a royal personage before, were to be seen dressed
in black and white, while on the other hand the orange-and-purples, not
content with appearing in their ordinary attire, flaunted about in the
gayest colours.
December 12th. In consequence of the numerous robberies committed in the
city and county, public meetings were held, and resolutions passed to
grant high rewards to watchmen who might apprehend offenders. More
burglaries had been committed in that year than in the preceding twenty
years. Increased poverty had produced crime, and the “Old Charlies” were
of little use.
* * * * *
1821. March 7th. E. T. Booth, Esq., (sheriff) was elected an alderman
of Great Wymer ward in the room of the late William Foster, Esq., who had
died on March 3rd. There was an opposition; at the close of the poll the
numbers were, for Mr. Booth 444, Mr. R. Shaw 433.
March 31st. The freedom of the city having been voted at the quarterly
assembly of the corporation on the 24th ult., to be presented to Captain
William Edward Parry of the Royal Navy; that gallant officer attended in
full uniform, and was sworn in at a full court of mayoralty. The
parchment containing the freedom of the city was presented to him in a
box formed of a piece of oak, part of the ship Hecla, with an appropriate
inscription.
April 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th. Cleansing Week ward elections took place.
Conisford ward no opposition, Messrs. J. Kitton, J. Angel, and J. P.
Cocksedge (nominees); Mancroft ward no opposition, Messrs. P. Chamberlin,
J. Bennett, and J. Goodwin, (nominees); Wymer ward, Mr. A. A. H. Beckwith
432, Mr. J. Culley, 432, Mr. J. Reynolds 423 (nominees), Mr. J. Parkinson
254, Mr. Newin 249, Mr. R. Purland 236, Mr. S. Mitchell 45; Northern
ward, Mr. T. Barnard 418, Mr. T. O. Springfield 416, Mr. S. S. Beare 416,
(nominees), Mr. G. Morse 231, Mr. Troughton 230, Mr. T. Grimmer 231.
May 1st. The election for mayor came on. At the close of the poll the
numbers were for Alderman Rackham 986, Alderman Hawkes 950, Alderman
Marsh 630, Alderman Yallop 631. The former two were returned to the
court of aldermen, who elected William Rackham, Esq., to serve the office
of chief magistrate.
June 18th. This being Guild day, William Rackham, Esq., was sworn in
mayor, on which occasion he gave a sumptuous dinner to about 650 ladies
and gentlemen in St. Andrews Hall, the hall having previously undergone
various alterations and improvements.
July 27th. The coronation of George IV. was celebrated here in a very
splendid manner, and gave occasion for a display of the exuberant loyalty
of the citizens. This king, called “the finest gentleman in Europe,” had
governed the realm for nearly ten years, and visited the city in 1812.
His reign was peaceful and prosperous, and he was a great promoter of the
arts and sciences. The most important event of his reign was the passing
of the act for Roman Catholic emancipation, by which Roman Catholics
became entitled to all the rights and privileges enjoyed by the rest of
the community, a measure strongly supported here by the liberal party.
During this reign the citizens of Norwich took a very active part in all
the great movements of the age—the Roman Catholic Emancipation movement,
the Anti-Slavery movement, and the Reform agitation. Strong contests at
elections took place on all these questions. Bribery, corruption,
treating, cooping, and intimidation, were resorted to by both parties on
every occasion, as will appear in a subsequent chapter, on our political
history. Party spirit never ran higher in any town than in Norwich.
* * * * *
1822. January 24th. The anniversary of the birthday of the Rt. Hon. C.
J. Fox was commemorated by a public dinner of the liberal party at the
Assembly Rooms.
February 24th. At a quarterly meeting of the corporation it was
unanimously resolved, that a piece of plate, of the value of 150 guineas,
be presented to Charles Harvey, Esq., the recorder of Norwich, as a
testimony of the high appreciation entertained by that assembly of his
upright and impartial conduct in the performance of the duties of his
office, and of his zeal on all occasions for the interests of the city.
March. When the elections came on in Cleansing Week, there was no
opposition for the Conisford and Mancroft wards, and the
orange-and-purple party maintained their ascendancy. Wymer ward, Mr. J.
Reynolds 401, Mr. A. A. H. Beckwith 401, Mr. J. Culley 401, (nominees);
P. Greenwood 56, W. Simmons 56, R. Widdows 54. Northern ward, Mr. A.
Shaw 379, Mr. S. S. Beare 368, Mr. E. Taylor 200, (nominees); W. G.
Edwards 189, A. Beloe 193, T. Grimmer 190, St. Quintin 190.
May 1st. The election of mayor came on. At the close of the poll the
numbers were for Alderman Hawkes 957, Alderman J. S. Patteson 908,
Alderman Thurtell 364, Alderman Yallop 318; the former two were returned
to the court of aldermen, who elected Robert Hawkes, Esq., to serve the
office of chief magistrate.
June 18th. This being Guild day, Robert Hawkes, Esq., was sworn in as
mayor, and he gave a grand dinner to the citizens in St. Andrew’s Hall.
September 27th. The weavers, 2,361 in number, subscribed for, and
presented a piece of plate to John Harvey, Esq., as a testimony of the
high esteem in which they held him; and he deserved it, for he was a
great promoter of the manufactures of the city, and a friend of the
operatives. They were then in a prosperous state, and well employed by
many large firms who executed orders for the East India Company to the
extent of 20,000 pieces of camlets yearly. This trade continued till
1832.
* * * * *
1823. January 23rd. At a meeting held in the Old Library Room, St.
Andrew’s Hall, a society was formed for supplying the poor with blankets
at a reduced price; and upwards of 1100 were distributed during the
winter.
February 24th. At a quarterly assembly of the corporation a lease was
granted to the magistrates of the city, for 500 years, of the piece of
land outside of St. Giles’ Gates, on which it had been decided to build
the new jail, at the annual rent of £50.
March 4th. At a meeting held at the Guildhall, petitions to parliament
were adopted against the Insolvent Debtors Act.
March. Cleansing Week for the ward elections passed off without any
opposition; the orange-and-purple party kept the Conisford, Mancroft, and
Wymer wards, and the blue-and-white the Northern ward.
April 14th. At a special assembly of the corporation, a petition to His
Majesty was adopted, praying for two jail deliveries in the course of the
year.
April 25th. At a meeting held at the Guildhall, to take into
consideration the state of the West India Colonies, with a view to
promote the abolition of slavery, resolutions in favour of the object
were carried.
May 1st. The election of mayor took place, and at the close of the poll
the numbers were, Alderman J. S. Patteson 835, Alderman Francis 774,
Alderman Leman 101, Alderman Yallop 94. The two former were returned to
the court of aldermen, who elected J. S. Patteson, Esq., to serve the
office of chief magistrate.
May 3rd. At a quarterly assembly of the corporation, the freedom of the
city was voted to the Hon. John Wodehouse, lieutenant of the city and
county.
June 17th. This being Guild day, J. S. Patteson, Esq., was sworn in
mayor; and he gave a splendid dinner to a large party in St. Andrew’s
Hall.
* * * * *
1824. In September of this year the first Norfolk and Norwich Musical
Festival was held in St. Andrew’s Hall, and the concerts given were well
attended by the nobility and gentry of the county. This Festival was
very much promoted by Mr. Edward Taylor, Mr. R. M. Bacon, then editor of
the _Mercury_, and other amateurs in the city, and proved eminently
successful, the hospital receiving the sum of £2,399 out of the profits.
In 1825, King George IV. presented the hospital with a copy of Arnold’s
edition of Handel’s Works. It was determined that a triennial festival
should be held in aid of the funds of the institution, and that the
Norwich Choral Society should be maintained in an efficient state for
that purpose.