Whittingham, Lynn]
4. OLD LYNN, or _West Lynn_ Church; otherwise _West Lynn St. Peters_.
This edifice, as its last name implies, is dedicated to _St. Peter_;
meaning, as we presume, the apostle so called. It stands on the western
bank of the Ouse, nearly opposite to St. Margaret’s. It is not the
original church of old Lynn; nor does it stand on the same spot: that
stood to the east of it, and within the present bed of the river. It is
said to have been destroyed, together with the church-yard, about the
56th. of Henry III, or 1271, by an _inundation of the sea_; or rather,
perhaps, by the vast _increase of fresh water_ in this harbour, from the
addition of the Grant, the Ouse, and the Nene, about that time, to those
other rivers which before had their passage to the sea by this town. The
present church, it seems, was erected very soon after, on a piece of
ground which the rector, William Pakenham, had procured for that purpose;
who, to avoid all disputes, allowed the former patron, the prior of
Lewes, the soil or ground, and the right of patronage. To this new
church was afterwards added a _chapel_ dedicated to _our Lady_, in which
was _her image_: also a chauntry, endowed with much land and divers
tenements; all which was seized by the crown at the dissolution, and
granted afterwards to the L’estranges of Hunstanton. This church is a
rectory:—it is covered (says Parkin) with lead, and the chancel with
reed; and he adds, “it has a square tower with 3 bells.” So much for
this consecrated fabric.
5. NORTH LYNN _church_, or, (as we may call it) _Lynn St. Edmund’s_,
from its being dedicated to a royal saint of that name. Of this sacred
structure not a vestige now remains. We have been able to discover
neither the time when it was built, nor yet when it disappeared. But it
was probably built soon after the death, or canonization of _king
Edmund_, called the _martyr_, to whom it was dedicated. It seems to have
stood many ages; for it was standing in the latter part of the reign of
Henry VII; and it probably stood a good while after that; even to the
time of the reformation or later. It appears from Parkin’s account, that
it was standing at the beginning of the 16th century; for John Byrd, the
then rector, and who calls himself _parson of_ OLD LYNN, (which, by the
bye, seems to imply that the name of _old Lyn_ was then applied to both
parishes,) by his will dated 1505, wills to be buried in the chancel of
this church. This proves that it was then standing, and that there was
no apprehension entertained of its being in any great danger of falling,
or of being swallowed up by the waters. Yet it certainly underwent that
catastrophe sometime after though perhaps not very soon: so that both
church and church-yard were completely swept away. It is supposed they
stood in the present bed of the river, somewhere nearly opposite to the
fort, or the block-house. Since that period the North-Lynn rectory has
been a _sine cure_. Repeated attempts, if are not mistaken, have been
made since (though in vain) to have this benefice bestowed on the
corporation, for the better maintenance of the ministers of the town.
One of those attempts was made in the reign of Charles I, as is evinced
by the following extract from the Hall-books—“1647, _Dec._ 17. _Ordered
a Letter to Mr. Alderman Toll and Mr. Recorder_, _to acquaint them with
the death of Mr. Scott_, _minister of North-Lyn_, _and to get that living
by some means to be bestowed on this town toward the maintenance of the
ministers thereof_.”—The present incumbent, being also one of the
ministers of the town, the object then had in view may be said to be in
some measure secured during his life-time. But it is not certain, or
even very likely, that it will be secured any further.
SECTION II.
_Brief account of the different dissenting chapels in this town_.
Of all our present sects the _Jews_ and the _Catholics_ seem to claim the
precedence in point of antiquity. The former composed a part of the
population of Lynn at a pretty remote period; and the treatment they here
experienced ought to be spoken of only in terms of the utmost
reprobation. They were pillaged and massacred in the most brutal manner,
and had their very habitations burnt and destroyed, as has been related
in a former part of this work. {1103} There are still some Jewish
families resident here; and we believe they have always had a synagogue
in the town. It was for many years in Tower Street; but that has been
lately pulled down, being part of the premises which the _Methodists_
have purchased for the purpose of erecting there their intended
magnificent and capacious temple. We have not learnt that the Jews have
yet been able to procure another synagogue; but we may suppose that they
will not be long without it. At present they probably meet in some
private apartment fitted up for the purpose, till a more suitable place
can be obtained.
As to the CATHOLICS, they were formerly our predominant sect, and
constituted the established church of England and of Lynn, for near a
thousand years. They have long been reduced here to a small society, and
are not at present likely to become more numerous or considerable. They
have generally a priest stationed among them. Their present chapel is a
small room in Ferry Street, and those who attend are, of course, but few
in number. The present minister is a French emigrant, of fair character,
and very well respected in this town, to whom many of our townsmen are
indebted for the proficiency they have made in the knowledge of the
French language. The Roman Catholic religion being no longer the
religion of the state, it has ceased to be oppressive or formidable to
our other religious communities; and it is supposed to have lost (at
least in these kingdoms) much of that intolerant and sanguinary character
which distinguished its professors in former times. By many the
Catholics in these realms, and especially in Ireland, are thought an
oppressed people; and it is much to be wished that every just reason for
such an opinion might entirely be done away.
3. That respectable body of protestant Dissenters, who have assumed the
name of FRIENDS, and are by others called _Quakers_, have long had a
place of worship in this town, and formed a reputable part of its
population. It seems that some of our townsmen have been of that
denomination ever since the year 1655. _George Fox_ himself visited this
town in the course of that year, and preached here with considerable
effect. A Person was sent about the town to apprize the inhabitants of
his arrival, and invite them to give him a hearing, especially the more
sober and pious part of them, together with the officers of the garrison.
A large congregation appears to have assembled, many of whom were much
affected by the sermon: consequently, as we learn from Fox’s Journal, a
fine meeting or congregation was formed here, “_who had come from the
hireling teachers to sit under the teaching of the Lord Jesus Christ_.”
From that time to this it is supposed that there has always existed here
a society of Friends or Quakers. Fox, however, was not the first of that
Denomination who visited Lynn. It was visited, as _Sewel_ informs us, by
_Thomas Briggs_ two years before, who warned the people to repent, but
appears not to have been much listened to, and even to have met a very
unchristian reception—“a great mastiff (says Sewel,) was set upon him;
but the dog coming near, fawned upon him, and would do him no harm:” so
that the poor brute behaved to him much better than those of his own
species. But it has often so happened to those who endeavoured to reform
the world and turn mankind from the errors of their ways. Fox visited
Lynn again in 1662, when some of his Friends were confined here in
prison. We find that he preached here then with acceptance; which was,
probably, what excited the magistrates to have him apprehended and
imprisoned; but before they could effect their cruel purpose, he escaped
out of their jurisdiction. Where those of his persuasion held their
meetings here in those troublesome times does not appear, but they
afterwards met in the Cross Yard near Lady Bridge, which continued to be
their place of worship till the erection of their present place in New
Conduit Street. This is a neat, but small place; though quite large
enough for their congregation, which is supposed to be now much smaller
than it has been in former times, as is also the case in most parts of
the kingdom—the modern Quakers having but a small portion of that zeal in
disseminating their principles which was manifested by their early
ancestors. This is to be regretted, as some of those principles are
certainly very excellent, and deserve every possible exertion to
disseminate them throughout the world. Of the particular tenets of the
Quakers a full account may be found in _Barclay’s Apology_, and also in
_Clarkson’s Portraiture of Quakerism_. They have no preaching among
them, here except when a stranger comes, as they have no public friend or
minister among themselves. They have three burying places in this town,
which may indicate that they have had here three different meeting
houses.
4. PRESBYTERIAN _Chapel_. Though the Presbyterians seem to be of
somewhat longer standing in this town than the Quakers, yet it does not
appear that they had here a separate place of worship as early as they.
They appeared here as a distinct sect soon after the Restoration, in
consequence of the ejection of _Mr. Horne_ from the vicarage of Lynn
Allhallows, and from the established priesthood. His acknowledged piety,
learning, and respectability of character, were likely to gain him
adherents as an ejected minister. The number of those who adhered to him
on that trying occasion we have not been able to learn; but it is certain
that they soon formed themselves into a separate society, and report has
said, that they met for some time at a place fitted up for the purpose in
a certain yard or alley in Black-goose Street. They afterwards removed
to Spinner Lane, behind the house now inhabited by Mr. _Dennis_, where
they fitted up and converted into a decent chapel, a round house,
originally erected for a Glass-house. Here the congregation assembled
during the whole ministration of the _two Rastricks_, and part of that of
_Mr. Mayhew_. After he had been here some time, the old chapel falling
into decay was given up, and the congregation then removed to a new and
neat chapel which they had erected in Broad Street, which was a more
eligible situation. Mr. Mayhew about the 70th year of his age resigned
the ministry, and was succeeded by _Mr. Warner_, who was the minister of
this chapel from 1777 to 1801, when he resigned his charge and removed to
_Hapton_. Before his removal the congregation had been for sometime
declining, not for want of abilities in him, but rather for want of a
larger portion of sectarianism and proselytism. Several of the principal
members were removed by death, some before his departure, and others soon
after. Of the remainder, those of them who might be expected to retain
some attachment to the cause, fearing the expense which might attend any
exertion on their part to revive and support it, now dastardly quitted
their post, and ingloriously sneaked back into the bosom of the
established church, and have ever since, as might be expected,
constituted some of its most useless members. In consequence of that
defection and desertion, the Calvinian Methodists, under the name of
Independents, thrust themselves in, and got possession of the chapel, to
which they could apparently have no more right than the other Methodists,
or even the Quakers. Indeed it would seem that they had less right to it
than those, as the Lynn Presbyterians had always been _Arminians_ from
the beginning. It was always said by Mr. Warner, that the place, in the
event of the extinction of the Presbyterian interest here, according to
the chapel deeds, would become the property of the Presbyterian board, in
London. As to the Trustees, if they knew their business, they could not
suppose that they had any right transfer to another and hostile
denomination the possession of the property with which they were
entrusted. This we notice as what we conceive to be due to historical
truth, and to the memory of the Presbyterian congregation, which existed
so usefully and reputably in this town near 150 years, and whose
ministers were in general among the chief ornaments of the place for
learning and respectability of deportment.—The Presbyterian chapel was
about 40 feet by 25, with a gallery fronting the pulpit. It has been
since lengthened to about 58 feet, with the addition of very narrow side
galleries. It is but ill planned, and supposed not capable of containing
so many people as either the Methodist or Baptist chapels.
5. BAPTIST _Chapel_. This also is situated in _Broad Street_, and not
far from that of the Presbyterians. It has been lately rebuilt, and is a
neat handsome place, about 46 feet by 26, with deep galleries in the
front and at both ends. The dissenters of this denomination are not of
so long standing at Lynn as those treated of under the two last articles.
They were gathered and formed into a society here in the reign of James
II, by the ministry of the worthy and memorable _Thomas Grantham_, who
was indefatigable in his endeavours to enlighten and reform his
countrymen, and establish them in what he deemed to be scriptural
christianity. Till a proper place of worship could be procured, it is
understood that he was allowed to preach in the Townhall; and he appears
to have been treated here with much respect, owing perhaps to his
respectable connections, the Granthams being then one of the first
families in Lincolnshire. He was what is called a _general_ Baptist, and
therefore not what was then, or would be now, deemed orthodox. He never
settled here, but went mostly about, as an apostle or reformer, to
promote what he conceived to be the pure religion of the New Testament.
He succeeded in gathering and establishing many congregations in
different parts of the country, but chiefly in Lincolnshire and Norfolk.
The latter part of his time he resided mostly at Norwich, where he
gathered a congregation, in spite of the intolerance and bitter enmity to
dissenters, which continued to rage there, even after the revolution: and
there he died at the beginning of 1692, at the age of 58. {1109} About
that time or a few months earlier, the congregation at Lynn became the
objects of persecution from the ruling powers here. They were proceeded
against upon the _conventicle act_, although both their place of worship
and their minister had been regularly licenced. An account of this dark
and disgraceful business has been given before at page 861. How long the
congregation was enabled to withstand this persecution we have not been
able to ascertain. Perhaps it was soon after borne down and crushed. We
are sure that it had become extinct long before the denomination was
again revived here about the commencement of the present reign by the
ministry of Mr. _Chesterton_. The society then formed was _calvinistic_,
and so more orthodox than the former, and so it still continues. It was
dissolved about the time of Mr. Chesterton’s death, but again revived and
reorganized about the year 1777; since which time it has been kept up,
though not always without some difficulty. Their present minister is a
person of good report, and it is hoped he will be long comfortable and
very useful in his situation.
6. METHODIST _Chapel_. This place, situated in the _North Clough Lane_,
is very well contrived and neatly fitted up. It is about 42 feet by 30,
with very deep galleries in front and at both ends. It is so constructed
as to be capable of accommodating, perhaps, a greater number of hearers
than any of our other chapels; yet such has been the late increase of
Methodism here, that it is now become too small for the audience; and
therefore for their better accommodation, a new and very capacious, as
well as elegant and splendid place is now about to be erected in _Tower
Street_, which is expected to be completed by next Michaelmas. The
expense of this intended erection is estimated at 4000_l._ or more. As
to the old place, it is likely to be soon desecrated and converted to a
granary or warehouse, or place for some such secular and unhallowed use:
and though it would be a very commodious place of worship for any other
description of christians, yet it is understood that it would not be
obtainable for such a purpose, from, as it would seem, the low and
tradesman-like consideration, that it would not be quite safe to have it
occupied in the same line, lest it should prove detrimental to the trade
of the new shop. The present writer remembers the Methodists a
persecuted sect, classed among the heretics of the day, and much spoken
against every where. They were then meek and passive, and not apt to
brand those of other denominations with bad names, or fix upon them the
odium of heresy. The case is greatly altered since: they were then weak,
but are now powerful; they were then few, now they are numerous, and
their numbers daily and rapidly increasing. They consequently assume a
high tone, and join in the cry of _heresy_ as loudly as any of our
persecuting sects—especially against _anti-trinitarians_, or
_unitarians_, and _universalists_: and yet it is certain that the public
mind, or national opinion is no more inimical to persons of those
denominations at present, than it was to the Methodists fifty years ago.
Let the Methodists think of this, and learn a becoming measure of
moderation and good neighbourhood.—What has happened to themselves may
also happen, in a course of time, to those whom they now so very bitterly
and violently decry, and so unmercifully stigmatize and anathematize.
7. SALEM _Chapel_. This is a new place of worship, erected the latter
pact of last year, (1811,) in consequence of the dismission of _Mr.
Finch_ from the pastoral office in the Baptist congregation, on account
of some difference of opinion about _satanic influence_, and some other
speculative and abstruse points. The place is about 50 feet by 30; and
so larger than any of the other chapels here: and when galleries are
erected, (a measure already in contemplation,) it will be capable of
containing a larger audience than any of them. It is at present well
attended, and supposed likely to continue so.—Mr. Finch’s dismission from
his late situation in the Baptist chapel, {1112} and especially the
manner in which it was transacted, being disapproved by many of the
hearers, who were much attached to his ministry, measures were soon
adopted to retain him still in the town, by erecting for him a new
chapel, where things should be conducted on a more liberal plan, and in
the true spirit of protestantism, to the exclusion of all human creeds
and formulas, and the admission of the scripture as the only religious
directory, or sole rule of faith and practice. In a society so formed,
the essence of christianity, it was _hoped_, would be exhibited as
consisting in the imitation of Jesus of Nazareth, a submission to his
authority, and reliance on him, arising from the firm persuasion or
belief of his Messiahship, or that he is indeed the Christ, the Son of
God—of which the New Testament affords such clear and ample evidence.
Whether or not that hope will be realized, must be left for time to
determine. The persons chiefly concerned in this new undertaking are not
anxious to identify themselves with any one of our religious parties or
denominations, though they wish to maintain peace and good neighbourhood
with them all. If they ever connect or identify themselves with any one
party, it will probably be a liberal, though small body of those called
_general Baptists_, {1113} one of whose ministers, the worthy and
respectable author of the _Sketch of the Denominations of the Christian
World_, was unanimously invited to assist at the opening of this new
chapel, when his services gave entire and abundant satisfaction. The
first sermon he preached here, being also the first that was delivered in
this new place, has been since published, with an _Appendix_, containing
an account of a late very curious correspondence between him and _Mr.
Berington_, a learned _Catholic priest_, which it is supposed must render
this publication very interesting. Except the stated minister, _Mr.
Evans_ is the only one that has yet preached in this new chapel; but it
is understood that the occasional service of any worthy minister, of
whatever denomination, whether reputed orthodox or otherwise, who passing
this way may be disposed to address this congregation, would not be here
rejected. It may therefore be expected that ministers of different views
on many religious subjects will be found sometimes officiating in this
new pulpit; which seems very well to accord with the avowed principles of
these people, who profess a readiness to hear what any serious and pious
religionist may have to say, and then to judge for themselves of its
reasonableness and accordance with the scriptures. It is hoped they will
carefully persevere in this laudable course, trying all things, and
holding fast that which is good, however unfashionable such a mode of
proceeding may appear to have now become in the religious world.
Having now finished the account of places of worship, it may not be
improper to add here a few supplementary observations before we close
this section. First then it may be remarked, that religion at Lynn
exhibits the appearance of considerable diversity; which diversity is
allowed by the higher powers, for which they are certainly not to be
censured, as religious liberty is one of the first and most undoubted
rights of man. Accordingly there are here Jews and Christians, Catholics
and Protestants, Churchmen and Dissenters, and the latter of various
orders and descriptions—all at present quite unannoyed and undisturbed,
_except what may be occasioned by the bigotry and malevolence which some
of them too often manifest towards others of a different way of
thinking_. This is disgraceful enough to our sectarian bigots, and shews
how little they have yet learnt of Christ, and how ignorant they still
are of the spirit of his religion, notwithstanding their loud pretensions
to superior knowledge.
Each of the great bodies or sects, with which most of our religious
communities here are connected, has its particular constitution, which is
its law of confederation and great bond of union, and may be said to be
no less definable than our boasted and admired English Constitution. All
these sectarian constitutions answer pretty well the end of their
formation; but do not all discover equal legislative capacity, or
profoundness of judgment in the different framers of them. Some of them
are such as can reflect but little credit on the skill or judgment of
their constructors, while others discover such profound sagacity, deep
penetration, and accurate knowledge of mankind as would not have
disgraced a Solon or a Lycurgus. Of this latter sort is the constitution
of those respectable sectaries called _Friends_ or _Quakers_, as appears
from _Barclay’s Apology_, and _Clarkson’s Portraiture_. Of this sort too
is _the constitution of the Arminian or Wesleyan Methodists_, of which
the fairest, and fullest, and best account this writer has seen, or knows
of, is in _Nightingale’s Portraiture of Methodism_; which is a moderate
size octavo volume, and well worth the perusal of all who wish to become
more intimately acquainted with the history and character of this rapidly
increasing sect, which is said to be likely soon to swallow up all the
rest. However that may happen, it seems very certain that Methodism,
from the nature of its constitution and organization, is calculated for a
wide and rapid increase, far beyond any otter existing sect now within
the British dominions. What may render this more credible to the reader
is, that there are now about 30 preachers of this denomination,
(including those called _local_) belonging to this town and circuit, all
in very constant employ here, or in the surrounding villages; which seems
a pretty fair specimen of their present state throughout the realm. This
is not mentioned to disparage their exertions. If they think their cause
of superlative importance to mankind, let them persevere, while they use
no other, or worse means to insure success, than pious persuasion and
fair argument. If they succeed and become the most numerous body of
religionists in the country, let them by all means be the _established
church of England_. Where would be the harm of that? We know of none:
at least, if they were to be constrained at the same time to renounce and
quit forever every remnant of a bigoted or intolerant spirit towards
their dissenting neighbours. {1116}
SECTION III.
_Hints relating to the state of Deism_, _Scepticism_, _Free-Masonry_,
_&c. in this town_.
Considering the easy faith, or aversion to incredulity, which our
townsmen, in common with most of their dear countrymen, have generally
shewn, on almost all subjects and occasions, it may seem rather odd that
there should be found here any religious unbelievers; and yet such is
really the case. A very large portion of the community, comprehending
not a few persons of reading and some reflection, appear to be at this
time, either unconvinced, or decided disbelievers of the divine authority
and truth of christianity. Nor is this perhaps much to be wondered at,
when the case is duly considered. To many, no doubt, this unbelief, or
infidelity, proves very _convenient_ and desirable, as it frees them from
almost every moral restraint, and leaves them much at liberty to follow
and gratify their vicious and lawless inclinations. Upon this ground we
may pretty safely account for the scepticism and unbelief of _most_ of
our avowed infidels. These too, seem to be the very worst of them, as
they are more inexcusable than that other sort, who viewing christianity
through the medium of its _corruptions_, hastily reject it altogether, as
utterly unworthy of their credit or acceptance. But it may be said,
“they are very wrong, in determining so hastily, without looking into the
New Testament, and examining it as it is delivered there.” Very true.
But who among our numerous christian sects and parties, will dare, for
shame, to reproach them on that account, while they themselves, with all
their professed veneration for that book, make no scruple to deviate from
it, whenever their interest or policy, or the established formulas,
creeds, or customs of their respective parties require them so to do?
One takes up _the Athanasian Creed_, and says, “this is christianity; and
except a man believe it he cannot be saved, but must, without doubt,
perish everlastingly.” Can it be any wonder that an honest and rational
enquirer should startle, and say, “if this be christianity, I cannot
believe its divine authority, or that it came from God, for I am very
sure that such a self-contradictory farrago can never have proceeded from
him.”—Other articles in great abundance, all equally absurd and
incredible, and very prominent in the creeds and observances of the
religions world, might be here added, and which professing christians and
christian ministers are daily representing and recommending, as
unquestionable parts of christianity, and most worthy of our belief and
reception. In viewing christianity through the mists and fogs of its
numerous and enormous corruptions, it is certainly not very wonderful
that many who are not disposed to bestow much time upon religious
enquires should be discouraged, so as to stand aloof, and deem the divine
authority of it incredible—and if they are very blameable for so doing,
still no small portion of the blame must be imputable to those who have
so greatly tarnished the beauties of christianity, and obscured its
truth, by presumptuously introducing, supporting, and advocating those
corruptions.
After all, the Deists are not to be deemed the worst enemies of
christianity. Its most dangerous foes are to be found among its
pretended friends and admirers, who would fain persuade us that our
public and national transactions are all, forsooth, very christianlike
and evangelical: and so by divesting christianity of its morality, and
reducing it to a mere state engine, they do all they can to render it
incredible and contemptible in the eyes of all reflecting and honest
men.—Thus the American War, with all its enormities—the African Slave
trade, West Indian system, Caribbean war of extermination, with all their
horrors—the late war, with all its follies—Pitt’s reign of terror, with
all its espionage and profligacy—our days of thanksgiving, fasting, and
humiliation, with all their hypocrisy and solemn mockery—the Copenhagen
expedition—the whole Irish system, and every public deviation from wisdom
and moral rectitude, have been represented by these men as very
justifiable, and thoroughly consistent with the dictates of christianity.
These people consist of courtiers and statesmen, placemen and pensioners,
laity and clergy, (even most of our prelates and dignitaries,) and in
short, the whole of that immense multitude who live upon the public
loaves and fishes, or expect to come in for a share of them. That they
should profess the religion of the state, and be very clamorous too in
its defence, is natural enough—as well as that they should be very ready
to defend and justify all our public or state measures; but it is not
quite so clear that they are more friendly or favourable to christianity,
properly so called, than our professed deists: on the contrary, by
identifying their monstrous corruptions with christianity, they may be
said to be its worst enemies; in comparison with whom, our professed or
avowed deists are feeble and harmless adversaries. The deists of this
town are said to be very numerous, and would, if formed into a society,
constitute, perhaps, the largest congregation in the place: but they are
not of a gregarious or congregating character; {1120a} and they know in
general so little of the New Testament, or uncorrupted christianity, that
their objections seldom affect any part of it—their assault being chiefly
directed against its outworks, or rather its corruptions: and for every
attempt to expose and explore them they deserve every honest man’s
thanks.
2. _Free Masons_. The origin of this numerous sect or fraternity, as
well as that of the _Gypsies_, is involved in great and impenetrable
obscurity. It is in vain to look even to the most knowing of its own
members for any information upon that subject, that may in the least be
depended upon. Almost every thing they urge or allege about it is
evidently and ridiculously false and fabulous. They tell us that the art
and mystery of Masonry was first introduced at the building of the _Tower
of Babel_, and from thence handed down by _Euclid_, who communicated it
to _Hiram_, {1120b} the Master Mason concerned in the building of
_Solomon’s Temple_; where was an excellent and curious Mason that was
chief under the grand Master _Hiram_ whose name was _Mannon Grecus_; who
taught the art of Masonry to _Carolus Marcel_, in France, who was
afterwards elected king of France; and from thence was brought to England
in the reign of king _Athelston_, who ordered an assembly to be held once
every year at York, which was the first introduction of it to England.
{1121} At other times they say, that masons first appeared in England
A.D. 43, when they built the monastery of _Glastonbury_. They might as
well have introduced them at the building of _Stonehenge_, or at the
commencement of _Druidism_, and erection of the _druidical altars_. But
it probably slipt their memory. Others, indeed, though they seem not to
have belonged to the craft, have actually supposed them to have sprung
from the _druids_, who like them had a method of making themselves known
to one another by certain _secret signs_; as is also said to have been
the case with the _Gnostics_ and some other ancient heretical sects.
Others, however, carry the origin of the order still farther back, even
beyond the Flood, and name _Tubal-cain_ as one of the grandmasters of
that period; in proof of which they refer to a certain document, which
they call, an _original Record_.—Such wild and extravagant pretentions
exhibit Free-Masonry in a very queer and unfavourable light: and they
ought never to have been countenanced by any of the members who had any
regard for their own characters.
Not only about their origin or extraction, but also in what relates to
their subsequent history, are the Free-Masons chargeable with propagating
the most idle fabrications. Thus they tell us a most strange tale about
the grand master _Hiram_, called also _Hiram Abiff_; how _three_ out of
the 15 _fellow crafts_ conspired to assassinate him, which they effected
as he was coming out of the _Sanctum Sanctorum_, where he had been
praying. This was at noon day. They hid the body, afterwards buried it,
and then absconded. These ruffians, whose names were _Jubela_, _Jubelo_,
and _Jubelum_, were afterwards discovered near Joppa, by _three other
fellow crafts_, who had gone in pursuit of them. They were then brought
before king Solomon, by whose orders they were all three executed.
Hiram’s body, being by the king’s order dug out of the grave where the
three masonic ruffians had buried it, was afterwards solemnly interred,
forsooth, in the _Sanctum Sanctorum_.—The tale is pretty long in some of
the masonic books; but this is the substance: and it is very disgraceful
to the fabricators and the propagators of it, as it discovers a glaring
propensity to the most sottish and profligate kind of lying.—Much might
be here added to the same purpose; but this it is hoped will induce the
members of this community at Lynn, to review and reject this and every
other exceptionable part of their system.
As to the mode of admission, parade about the cardinal points of the
compass, where the master and inferior functionaries are stationed, and
their forms about tyling the lodge, setting the men to work, and calling
them off to take refreshment, &c. &c. they may be all harmless enough, or
at least, comparatively so: yet to the serious by-stander, or
uninitiated, they can hardly fail of appearing in no small degree
frivolous and childish.—Many indeed have deemed the whole system or
institution of masonry a designed burlesque upon scripture and religion.
But though there may be many circumstances that would seem to bear that
way, yet such is the unquestionable respectability of many of its members
that it is very certain such a design could never have met with their
concurrence or countenance. The fact, that such characters do really
belong to this community seems also to prove that there must be some good
points pertaining to masonry, which recommend it to their approbation,
and hide in a great measure, or at least appear to counterbalance the
defects above mentioned. In particular, it is said, that those of this
fraternity, not only are much given to conviviality and good fellowship,
but also abound in acts of kindness and charity, especially among
themselves, and towards their brethren in distress; and even that they
are generally among the most active promoters of benevolent deeds, or
good works in the places where they reside. If it be really so, it will
account for that warm attachment to masonry which many well disposed and
respectable persons have often manifested. In short, when we consider
the fair and estimable characters of many of our masons, the order
appears respectable: but, on the other hand, when we advert to the forged
and absurd tales, and to those idle forms, customs, and ceremonies that
are attached to the institution, we cannot help wondering how those
worthy members can patiently or possibly endure them, or quietly continue
in the connection. But they conceive, no doubt, that the good
preponderates, or that the excellencies of masonry outweigh its defects,
and satisfy their minds with that consideration. Be it so, it is not
meant here to judge or blame them for so doing: they have certainly a
very good right to think and act for themselves, so long as no one is
thereby wronged or injured.
The present form and organization of the masonic sect appear to be but of
very recent origin, and cannot perhaps be traced beyond the era of the
revolution. The fraternity soon after began to assume something like its
present appearance; and as it consisted mostly of rather suspicious
characters, it was for a long while deemed a tory or jacobitical
institution. It did not spread very much before the accession of the
Brunswick family; after which it multiplied apace, but was still thought
to consist, chiefly at least, of disaffected persons and friends of the
pretender. In process of time, however, that reproach was completely
done away, when it came to be known that not only courtiers, but even
some branches of the reigning family were among its members.
The first regular lodge in this town was opened at the White Lion Inn,
October 1. 1729. Since which time there is supposed to have always
existed here one or more regular lodges. There are now here three
lodges. Two of them deem themselves to all intents and purposes regular
and orthodox, but are not willing to allow the third to be so. What is
the real ground of this difference, or what it is that constitutes
masonic regularity or irregularity, orthodoxy or heterodoxy, is beyond
the competency of the present writer to pronounce or explain. He has
been informed by some of the Lynn masons, that the whole number of them
now in this town, (exclusive, as he understood, of those of the irregular
lodge) amount to above five hundred: from which it would seem that
masonry is here at this time in a thriving and flourishing condition. As
to their great and boasted secret, we shall not presume to guess what it
may be, but shall most willingly let it quietly remain among the
mysteries, without the least solicitude or wish for its discovery. Nor
will we so much as mention the heavy charge which professor _Robison_ and
the _Frenchman_ brought some years ago against the whole order; believing
as we do that it was totally unfounded.
3. _Society of True Britons_. This institution did not last long. It
seemed not to have any very important object in view. The dignified name
it assumed, with the pompous formalities of its organisation, could not
therefore insure its permanence. It was established with no small
parade, with _Governor_, _Deputy governor_, _Secretary_, _Sword-bearer_,
&c. together with _laws_ and a _constitution_, which all the members were
solemnly to _swear_ to observe, and keep inviolate. The first meetings
of this memorable Society were held in the autumn of 1749; after which
they were conducted for sometime in great form: but their proceedings
appeared in general very much like a burlesque upon all corporate bodies
and social institutions. This might be very easily exemplified, but it
would probably afford the reader but little gratification, as we cannot
find that the society proved of any material benefit to church or state;
or to the town itself—some of whose leading families, however, such as
its _Bagges_ and _Brownes_, were among its members. {1126} But we will
here dismiss the subject and close this section.
SECTION IV.
_Brief account of the Almshouses of Lynn_; _and also of its Purse-clubs
or Benefit Societies_.
Of St. Mary Magdalen’s Hospital, or the _Gaywood Almshouse_, which stands
a little way out of the town, a pretty long and circumstantial account
has been already given, in another part of the work. (see p. 530,
&c.)—Exclusive of that, there are here three almshouses, which are all
within the town, but of more recent origin than the former. Of these
three, by much the most ancient is the _Bede-house_, or old women’s
almshouse, over against the New Burying-ground. Near to this, and
seemingly about the spot now occupied by _Mr. Bonnett’s school_ and
dwelling, stood formerly an almshouse for _old men_; which being the
_southmost_ of the two, was probably the reason why the other, according
to some old writings, went by the name of the _North-house_. These
almshouses appear to have been founded in the 14th century, by some of
the original members of one of our ancient Gilds, that of _St. Giles_ and
_St. Julian_. It is not quite clear that they owed their origin to that
gild itself, but rather to some of its most charitable and opulent
members; such as _Edm. Bellyter_, (_or Bellyete_,) merchant; _Tho.
Constantyn_, _Esq_; and _Margaret_, his daughter; and _Wm. Inot_,
merchant. The gild was constituted in 1384, but the date of the erection
of these almshouses, is involved in considerable obscurity, so that it
seems uncertain whether it occurred previously or subsequently to that
year.
But whenever they were erected, and whether by the persons above
mentioned, exclusively, or by the gild at large, it is pretty evident
that they became in no long time the property of that gild; and there is
reason to believe that they continued so till the dissolution of the
Monasteries, when all the gilds shared the same fate. At that time the
property of this gild, as well as that of others still more opulent, fell
probably into the hands of the corporation. For some reason, the _men’s_
almshouse was dissolved, but that of the _women_, or _Bedehouse_, as it
was then, and is still called, was continued, under the patronage of that
body. It does not clearly appear how many persons were originally
maintained in these _two_ houses. But we learn that the _men’s_ house
had in it _seven_ chambers, and the _women’s six_. Supposing therefore
that but _one_ person occupied each chamber, the number between both
houses would be _thirteen_; but if we suppose that _two_ were placed in
each chamber, (as might be the case in those times; and more than two
cannot be supposed;) then the whole number would be _twenty-six_. The
question, however, is now immaterial, and requires no further attention.
{1129}
When the Bedehouse came into the hands of the corporation, it seems they
divided each of the chambers into two, so as to make _twelve_, instead of
_six_, as we find is still the case. This probably accounts for one half
of them being without a fireplace, which is not likely to have been the
case originally: and it has certainly been very inconvenient ever since
to those who have occupied those chambers. It is therefore to be hoped,
that when Mr. _Cook’s_ legacy is obtained, this inconvenience will be
soon remedied. The number of occupants now, as well as for a long time
past, is _twelve_: _eleven women_, and the _reader_; who is a sort of
_chaplain_, reading prayers and guiding the devotion of the sisterhood,
mornings and evenings.
Till the last summer, (1811,) this house had been for some years in a
very low state, and might be denominated the mansion of starvation,
rather than the habitation of mercy and charity, or house of bread. The
weekly allowance to each poor woman was only _thirty pence_ and _three
farthings_!—a sad proof of the very low ebb to which the generosity and
humanity of the patrons of the place had been reduced! At length however
they awoke to a sense of the unseemliness of this mock charity, and very
commendably added _another thirty pence_ to the weekly allowance of each
inmate, or pensioner. This addition has materially benefitted them, and
ameliorated their condition, and the present writer wishes he had it in
his power to name the individual from whom it originated, who certainly
has deserved well, not only of the poor pensioners themselves, but also
of the community at large.
Soon after this fortunate augmentation of the allowance or income of
those poor pensioners, intelligence arrived of a still further provision
being made for them, by a gentleman lately deceased, of the name of
_Cook_, {1130a} who lived in London, and left them by his will 2000_l._
in the 3 per cents; the interest whereof to be applied in augmentation of
their weekly income. This charitable bequest, which is likely soon to be
transferred into the hands of the corporation, as the trustees or
guardians of these poor pensioners, will add it is to be hoped, another
_half crown_ to their weekly allowance; which will render their situation
very comfortable, compared with what it has been of late years. To have
each chamber destitute of a fireplace furnished with that needful
appendage, {1130b} would be to most of them a still further and very
desirable accommodation.
By an old MS. volume which has very lately fallen into the hands of this
writer, he learns that one John _Loneyson_, or _Leneyston_, {1131a} by
will bearing date in 1594, endowed this almshouse, and gave it an annuity
of 10_l._ from 75, (or 76) acres of pasture, called _out marshes_, or
_salt marshes_, lying and being in South Lyn, anciently purchased of
_Charles Cornwallis_ and _George Nicholls_ Esqrs. and demised to _Elsdin_
by the corporation in the 2nd. year of James I. {1131b} How far this
corroborates or contradicts the _Tablet_ in the church, which made such
stir among our townsmen last year, may deserve some consideration from
the member of the Hall.
Beside the above endowment in land there was a sum of money amounting
600_l._ left by divers persons to this almshouse, the interest whereof to
be applied to the support or maintenance of the pensioners: and as money
bore then a higher interest than at present, the annual product of this
provision amounted to no trifling sum. This money was placed in the
hands of the corporation; 400_l._ of it laid out at interest, and 200_l._
employed in buying or trafficking in _rye_; whence it was sometimes
called _rye money_. In short the 600_l._ and the 10_l._ a year before
mentioned seem to have constituted formerly the chief of the funds of
this almshouse: only in extraordinary cases, such as sickness, the
pensioners were relieved by voluntary contributions. {1132a} It should
be here further noted that it appears from the said MS. that in
consideration of the above funds, the corporation formerly paid yearly in
money to this almshouse 44_l._ and moreover 8_l._ 4_s._ by 9 chaldron of
_coals_ and 200 _sedge_—making in all 52_l._ 4_s._ which, including the
afore-mentioned extraordinary charges, is said to _surmount the interest
of the whole money given_; which might well be supposed to have been the
case. {1132b}
2. _Finkel-Row Almshouse_, or _Valenger’s Hospital_, in South Lynn.
This house was founded in 1605. by _Thomas Valenger_, gent. then
Town-Clerk of Lynn, for _four poor men_ to dwell in gratis. We cannot
learn that he endowed it with any land or money, though it is said that
some land does now belong to it, an advance in the rent of which, two
years ago, occasioned an addition of 3_d._ a week to be made to the
allowance of each pensioner. Last year there was a more considerable
addition, of no less than _one shilling_ a week, made to that allowance;
making it in the whole 4_s._ a week, which is the amount of the present
weekly allowance of each of them: and this sum is paid them weekly by the
overseers of the parish. As _Mr. Cook_, mentioned under the preceding
article, has left 700_l._ in the 3 per cents to this charity, each
pensioner, it is supposed, may shortly expect a further addition of 2_s._
a week or more to their present allowance. Like the Gaywood hospital,
this house was originally designed for _men_; but it has been now for a
good many years converted to the use of the other sex, and has been ever
since occupied by _four_ poor _women_, who have in it now very
comfortable dwellings, the house having been rebuilt in 1806.
3. _Paradise Hospital_, or _Broad Street Almshouse_. This house appears
to have been founded in 1676, by one _John Heathcote_, _otherwise
Helcote_, of whom some mention has been already made, at page 827. He
dying while the work was unfinished, the completion of it was undertaken
and effected the year following by the famous _Henry Framingham_. Of him
also some mention is made in the page last referred to, as well as in
page 861. It is probable that the former died intestate, without having
made any provision for the endowment of the almshouse, and that his heirs
were not disposed to complete the plan which he had formed. However that
was, Framingham appears to have then stept forward and purchased the
premises, for the laudable purpose of completing the benevolent
institution which the other had projected. This house is pleasantly
situated, in the field called Paradise, on the east side of Broad Street,
with which it communicates, and from which is its only entrance. It
consists of a chapel and twelve apartments or dwellings, all opening into
a quadrangular court, to which there is an entrance by a gateway from the
street. Those dwellings are occupied by 12 poor men, one of whom
officiates as chaplain, and is called _The Reader_; in consideration of
which he has an additional pension or allowance. Attached to those 12
apartments are as many little gardens, which lie on each side of the
entrance from the street. Framingham, it seems, endowed only 11 of these
dwellings: the other endowed a long while after, by one of our alderman,
whose was _John Goodwyn_. The present weekly allowance of each of these
12 pensioners is 3_s._ 6_d._ with the addition of 15_d._ to the chaplain,
which makes his weekly allowance 4_s._ 9_d._ The 11 lay brethren have
each a chaldren of coals yearly, and the chaplain a chaldron and half.
They have beside, the interest of 250_l._ which they receive half yearly.
This it is presumed is a pretty correct account of the present state of
these pensioners; but it must not here pass unnoticed, that Mr. _Cook_,
the charitable benefactor of the other almshouses, and whose memory ought
to be very dear to all our pensioners, has left to this house the sum of
2000_l._ 3 per cent stock, for the augmentation of the weekly allowance
of the 12 poor occupants: when this bequest therefore is obtained, which
is now very soon expected, it can not fail of considerably bettering
their condition. But what an indelible disgrace is the benefaction of
Mr. Cook to the memories of all those overgrown wealthy Lynn men, who
have departed this life without the least apparent spark of benevolence,
or one charitable thought towards their indigent neighbours.
Besides its _four_ Almshouses, (including that of Gaywood,) Lynn is also
distinguished for divers other charitable institutions, and particularly
for a great number of those called _benefit societies_, or _purse clubs_,
which amount to _upwards of twenty_. Most of them consist of _men_, but
some few are made up of the other sex; {1135} which in most places we
believe is rather an unusual case, as it has been generally supposed that
such societies would not succeed. Here, however, they are said to have
succeeded, and to have proved very beneficial. Their plans and
constitutions seem well formed, and their rules and orders have been
circulated in print. These societies, as might be supposed, hold their
meetings in private houses, those, probably, of some of their most
opulent and active patronesses. Of the societies of this description
which consist wholly of _men_, some are of a superior order, and designed
particularly for the benefit of females or _widows_. One of those, if we
are not mistaken, is called, “The Provident Society for the benefit of
widows;” and another, “The Benevolent Viduarian Society.” The latter was
established Nov. 5.1807. and the former several years earlier. Both of
them, if we are rightly informed, secure to each widow an annuity of
twenty pounds, which to most cannot fail of being a very desirable
object.
The meetings of these two societies, and of all the rest that belong to
the _men_, are kept at different public houses in various parts of the
town: {1136} and it is probable that they are the most suitable places,
upon the whole, that could be easily obtained for that purpose. It may
be here further observed, that we scarce ever hear of any thing in the
conduct of those who attend at these meetings, that is palpably improper,
unbecoming, or exceptionable. So that the rules and orders of these
fraternities appear to have taught the members in general to pay a due
respect to a propriety or decency of behaviour, so as to fit them to be
better members of the community. This consideration not a little
enhances the use and importance of these friendly and fraternal
institutions, as manifestly conducing to the cultivation of good manners,
civilization, and moral improvement.
But in an account of our Benefit-Societies, and provident, benevolent, or
charitable institutions, the two following charities ought not to be
forgotten—1. The _Lying-in Charity_. This was set on foot in 1791, by
the late Mrs. Elizabeth Gibbons, in conjunction with Mrs. Keed, Mrs. S.
Newham, &c. for _lending Child-bed Linen __to poor women_: and it is said
to have been the means of affording great relief to those who were the
objects of it. It has been assisted and supported by subscriptions from
several Ladies, amounting for the last year to 37_l._ 6_s._—As it is
known to have proved very beneficial, it is to be hoped that it will be
long continued.—2. The _Stranger’s friend Society_. {1138} This has been
set on foot here by the _Methodists_, but has been supported by many
others of the inhabitants, and rendered very useful to the poor.—An
account of the state and proceedings of this society is published
annually: about which time a sermon is also preached at the Methodist
Chapel, for the benefit of the institution. Those who are appointed by
the society for the office of _visiting_ the distressed poor, are
directed to assist them by prayer and religious instruction, as well as
by their alms.
☞ Before he entirely closes this section, the author feels it incumbent
upon him to confess, that since the last sheet was printed off, he has,
upon further consideration, become less confident of the annuity
mentioned at p. 1131 being originally left to the _Bedehouse_.
SECTION V.
_Brief account of the_ Schools, _with some hints on the present state of
Education at Lynn_.
Before the Reformation, the education (such as it was) of the children
and youth of this country was committed chiefly to the monks and friars;
and carried on in the convents and religious houses,—of which description
were even the very universities themselves, if indeed they are not so
still. Lynn had then many of those convents and religious houses; and it
seems probable that each of them had in it a school, of some sort or
other. But they were all schools for _boys_; and yet but few, compared
with the whole number of the Lynn boys of those times, can be supposed to
have been so fortunate as to get there admitted. As to the _girls_,
there was then no such provision made for their education: and they seem
to have been, in that point of view, as little regarded as if our
ancestors thought, like the Mahometans, that women had no souls.
Among the inconveniences occasioned by the general dissolution of the
monasteries, one of them must have been that of being deprived of those
conventual schools. How long the town continued without any substitutes
for them, we are not able to say. Something probably might be done in
the reign of _Edward_, though we have not been able to discover any clear
proof of it: only the fact may be supposed, as it is well known that many
schools were established in that reign, and endowed with some small
fragments of the abbey-revenues. Indeed there is some reason to conclude
that there was a school, on a very small scale, established here by the
corporation, almost immediately after the dissolution, as appears from
the following passage in an old memorandum book, extracted chiefly, as it
would seem, from the Hall-records—“1538, Sept; 29. Thomas Person, prest,
late ffryer, was chosen to be Charnell Prest: He to have for his selary
viii_l._ iiii_s._ and licence to preche iiii tymes every Quarter, _and
frely to teche vi Child.[ren.]_”—The last expression necessarily implies
the establishment of a _school_ for the education of _six children_: and
as the teacher was the charnel priest, it may reasonably be concluded
that the school was kept at, or over the charnel house. That also being
the place where our Grammar School was kept till the erection of the
present building, it seems not improbable that this little school for the
education of half a dozen boys may have been the origin of that seminary.
How long our means of education were confined to one solitary
establishment for six boys, we are not able now to say; but we could
discover no appearance of the existence of any thing further till _above
forty years_ after the dissolution of the convents, when a respectable
seminary, on an extensive scale, began to give additional dignity to the
character of the town.—We will now proceed to give a cursory view of our
principal schools, and present state of education.
1. _The Grammar School_. This has long borne a respectable character
among the grammar-schools of this country. It is supposed to have been
established about the middle of the reign of Elizabeth, as we have been
able to trace it no further back than the year 1580, when we find it an
established school, and its _master’s_ name _Iverye_. {1140} He died in
1590, and was succeeded by _Alex. Roberts M.A._ who had a stipend of 20
marks a year, and the house where his predecessor lived. He becoming one
of the ministers of the town, was succeeded in 1593 by _Nic. Eston M.A._
of Pemb. Hall, Cambridge. Eston in 1597, was succeeded by _John Man_
M.A. who in 1608, was succeeded by _Hen. Allston_, on condition that he
_considered himself as holding the school only during the goodwill and
pleasure of the Mayor_, _A. and C. C._ He appears not to have been on
the best terms with the corporation; and about 1613, was succeeded by a
_Mr. Armitage_. He dying in 1618, was succeeded by _Mr. Robt. Robinson_.
He died in 1626, and was succeeded by _Ambr. Fish_, who shortly after
gave up his charge, and was succeeded, 11. May 1627, by _Robt. Woodmansea
M.A._ of Loughborough. He removing in the spring of 1634 (or rather
1635,) had for his successor _John Rawlinson M.A._ of St. John’s Col.
Cambridge, who removed, as it seems, in 1637, and was then succeeded by
_Edw. Bell M.A._ who, if we are not mistaken, held the place 40 years;
and dying in 1678 was succeeded by the memorable _John Horne M.A._ who
held the mastership of this seminary still longer; even no less than 51
or 52 years, with much credit to himself and no small advantage to his
numerous pupils. He was succeeded May 21. 1730. by _Charles Squire_; who
was succeeded by — _Pigge_; and he by _John Danville_, and he by _John
Knox_, who resigned in 1760, {1142a} when he was succeeded by _Dr. David
Lloyd_, who continued at the head of this seminary 34 years, and
supported during all that time a character no way inferior, perhaps, to
the most eminent of his predecessors. He was succeeded in 1794 by his
eldest son _Henry Lloyd D.D._ the present Hebrew Professor at Cambridge.
Upon his resignation in 1797, he was succeeded by _Richard Scott_, who in
1803 was succeeded by the present master, the rev. _Martin Coulcher_.
{1142b}
The course of education in this seminary, is similar to what is usual in
most of our endowed grammar-schools, or free-schools. Its original
object seems to have been to teach the rudiments of the learned
languages, which still forms a principal part of the plan; but like the
generality of our modern numerous and respectable boarding schools, it
has now for many years embraced divers other objects, and even all those
branches of education, the knowledge of which is now deemed necessary to
fit our youth to become men of business, and useful and accomplished
members of society. The endowment to this seminary is about 60_l._ a
year, and a handsome dwelling-house for the master; for which he is to
teach a certain number of freemen’s children gratis: but it is only in
grammar or classical learning; for which reason they are but few in
number; and he depends chiefly for his support upon those pupils he
derives from other quarters. In some cases those who go from this
seminary to the university, are entitled to certain exhibitions or
pecuniary aids, which some well disposed persons deceased have bequeathed
for the benefit of such young scholars.
Our other _boy_-schools are now pretty numerous, and are entitled to
different degrees of estimation, from those of Messrs. Coulton, Smith,
and Bonnet, down to those of our veriest or humblest abecedarian
pedagogues, who yet are doubtless very useful in their sphere.—Of
_girl_-schools there are here likewise a great many, and they also are of
different sorts, and descend, like the former, in various gradations,
from the respected boarding schools of Miss Nichols and Miss Henderson,
to the liliputian seminaries of those homely dames whose pupils are made
up of young misses and masters of two, three, and four years old. The
two schools here first mentioned, (those of Miss N. and Miss H.) are very
respectable; and the former has been so for a great many years, and still
maintains its character with undiminished reputation. But as these good
ladies can be in no want of any encomium or praises which are in the
power of this writer to bestow, he will here drop the subject.
We must not however close our account of the Lynn schools, without
noticing those which are formed on the Lancasterian plan; of which there
are two here established—one for _boys_ and the other for _girls_. Of
the latter the following sketch, it is presumed, will be found pretty
correct.
“_The Charity School for Girls_ was founded by voluntary
subscription, at a meeting of ladies held at the Town-hall, April 13.
1792, and opened May 28 following. It provided instruction, in
reading, sewing, and spinning, with some portion of clothing, for 30
children. A room in Purfleet street was for some years hired for the
purpose; but in 1805 a much more suitable apartment, adjoining to the
north tower of St. Margaret’s Church, was fitted up by the
subscribers: and the school has been since extended to 50 girls,
under the direction of _Miss Harriet Howell_, who has successfully
adapted the new or Lancasterian method of education to the
instruction of girls—This school is now supported in a great measure
by taking in plain work; as the whole amount of the subscription, for
the current year is only 49_l._ 7_s._”
The other charitable seminary, that for _boys_, and which in fact is our
proper Lancasterian school, is of much later origin than the preceding.
Of its rise and progress the following brief account, we doubt not, will
be found pretty accurate—
“It is remarkable that in so large a town as this, there was no
public charity school for boys prior to the year 1808. Complaints
were loud and universal of the number of idle and disorderly boys,
who were rioting in our streets, and sometimes committing great
depredations upon the property of individuals. But the very
magnitude of the evil seemed to discourage all endeavours to remove
it. The expense of educating so large a number upon the old plan of
instruction, which required one master to every 30 or 40 boys,
precluded all hope of raising an adequate contribution from the
public; and no effect could not be expected from a private person
commensurate to the existing evil, of so large a portion of the
population being destitute of all moral or religious instruction.
But the rise of the new system of education, by which one master can
teach almost any number of boys that one room can hold, soon
attracted the attention of those who felt for the rising generation:
and as this improved system was then practised only by Mr. Joseph
Lancaster, in London, an application was made to him for a master.
Upon which he kindly offered to come down, and gave a public lecture
at the assembly room upon the subject, February 8. 1808. Several
resolutions for the establishment of a school in this place, by his
assistance, were immediately agreed upon; a committee of 15
subscribers for the management of the institution, were afterwards
nominated; the Corporation granted the use of a building well adapted
for the purpose, and on Wednesday, May 11. in the same year, the
school was opened for 230 boys. {1146a}—The success and the utility
of this institution have fully answered every reasonable expectation
which could be formed respecting it.—The annual subscriptions for the
present year amount to 111_l._ 6_s._”
Besides these schools, which are under the direction of the clergymen of
the establishment, there are here two sunday schools under the direction
of the dissenters. The chief of these, and of the longest standing, is
under the care of the revd. _I. Allen_, and kept at his meeting house, in
Broad Street; but it is supported by the subscriptions of persons of
different denominations, churchmen as well as dissenters. {1146b} It has
existed some years, and is deemed a very useful institution. The other
is of more recent origin, and at present on a much smaller scale, and is
kept at the Baptist meeting house. It is only for boys; whereas Mr.
Allen’s is for both boys and girls, but chiefly the latter. In his last
annual account, if we are not mistaken, Mr. A. has represented both these
schools as only one school, making the whole number of scholars 249—143
girls, and 109 boys. Of the latter about 60, as we are told, belong to
the _Baptist_ Sunday School. These institutions, it is to be hoped, will
long prove very useful to the town.—But we must not omit here to mention
that the Lynn Sunday Schools originated with the _Methodists_ about 25
years ago. The school which they then established was carried on with
much spirit, and to very good purpose for several years; but was at last
given up in favour of an extensive day-school, which was then planned,
and which it was supposed would render the other unnecessary. But either
that day-school was not established, or it did not succeed; so that the
Methodists were too hasty in discontinuing their school, which if we
rightly recollect, consisted of about 200 children. {1147}
From the foregoing account the reader may form some idea of the present
state of education in this town. The Lancasterian schools have answered
the most sanguine expectations of their patrons and promoters, and
especially the boy-school, which has hitherto given abundant
satisfaction, and has greatly conduced to the credit both of the managers
and the teacher. The dispute which has agitated other parts of the
kingdom as to the respective merits of Bell and Lancaster, will, it is to
be hoped, not materially affect this town. For though the Church
Catechism is taught here, which the present writer thinks in part very
absurd; yet if the young pupils think at all as they grow up, and advert
to the new testament, that absurdity will not long have any very strong
hold upon their minds, or remain a great while unperceived. As they will
be enabled to read the scriptures, if they will take the trouble of
searching them, and judge for themselves, they may be soon very capable
to determine how far the Church Catechism and the Common prayer book are
to be deemed necessary appendages to the inspired writings.
As to our schools of the better sort, or of the higher order, we judge
that they are as well conducted as those of the like description in most
other places. Some indeed have found fault, especially with those for
female education, for what may be called too much uniformity, or not
varying more the course of instruction, and adapting it to the ranks,
circumstances, or prospects of the respective pupils. Hence the
tradesman’s and petty farmer’s daughters are taught music, drawing, and
other genteel accomplishments, in common with those of the squire, the
merchant, and opulent farmer, who are expected and designed to move in a
much higher sphere. In giving the former the education of fine ladies
they are supposed to be unfitted for that station in life in which they
are likely to be placed, by having their minds filled with such high
notions as can but very ill accord with their probable future destiny.
This therefore has been deemed contrary to the dictates of reason, and
every just rule of prudence and propriety. But however absurd this may
be, the blame seems not imputable to the governesses of these seminaries,
but rather to the parents or guardians of those pupils. Nor would it be
very safe perhaps for our governesses to remonstrate with these, or even
so much as hint on the absurdity or impropriety of such an indiscriminate
and preposterous course of instruction, as it would be taken as a
reflection on their superior wisdom, or their competency to dictate the
proper line of pupilage for their young relatives. But it is not
intended here to insinuate that the circumstance in question is peculiar
to our Lynn Boarding-schools: on the contrary, the same is supposed to be
very much the case in many, if not in most other places. If however it
be so improper as many have supposed, it would no doubt, be very
desirable to have it discontinued. But the world is not very likely soon
to agree to discontinue all improper practices.
☞ Here before he begins another section, or proceeds any further, the
author begs leave to apprize the reader of an error he has committed at
page 1134, in suggesting that Framingham endowed 11 out of the 12
dwellings in the Broad street Almshouse. He has understood since that he
endowed but _ten_, and that the _eleventh_ was endowed by Ald. Goodwyn,
and the twelfth by the elder _Hogg_, great grand father of our present
alderman of that name, and founder of that respectable mercantile family.
This correction is made, as due to the memory of the said _Mr. Hogg_,
which stands much higher, as a benefactor to the poor, than that of any
of our wealthy men who survived him.—It is also due to the sacredness of
historical truth, which demands as much fidelity as a statement of facts
upon oath in a court of judicature.
SECTION VI.
_Sketch of the Corporation_, _with cursory remarks on its power_,
_possessions_, _privileges_, _&c._
The Corporation of Lynn was established in the reign of king John, which
is not mentioned here as a circumstance redounding to its honour, or yet
to its dishonour. Our corporations might be very proper and useful in
those feudal and barbarous times, as a check to the despotism and tyranny
of the barons and feudal lords; but in the present state of the nation
their propriety and utility are very far from being obvious; seeing such
places as Birmingham, Manchester, and Sheffield, appear to have done full
as well, and thrived quite as much, without any chartered immunities, or
such a privileged order of men, as our most famous or favoured
corporations. It is not however to be expected that these dignified
bodies will readily descend from their elevated situations, and place
themselves by the side of their unprivileged neighbours.
The Lynn Corporation is generally considered as consisting of a Mayor,
Recorder, Lord High Steward, twelve Aldermen, eighteen Common-councilmen,
town Clerk, Chamberlain, two Coroners, and several inferior officers.
{1150} The power, privileges, and possessions of this body are very
considerable, so that their dignity and consequence seem not a little
superior to those of some others of our corporate bodies in different
parts of the kingdom. Their various immunities are distinctly specified
in their numerous charters, which they obtained of different sovereigns,
from John to Charles the second. But as it seems to be intended shortly
to publish those Charters, it may be needless to say any more here about
their contents. There has been a pretty general wish for some time to
have these documents published in English, that the freemen might know
the full meaning and extent of the oaths tendered to them in taking up
their freedom, of which not one in twenty of them are supposed to have at
present any adequate idea: and as there is known to exist now in the town
a fair translation of them, it is hoped and expected that it will ere
long be made public. In that case the dignity, power, and prerogatives
of this privileged body will be sufficiently explained, and our future
freemen will be enabled to discover the nature and extent of the
obligation imposed upon them by their burgess oaths.
The possessions of the Lynn Corporation in landed property &c. are said
to be very considerable; and together with their various tolls, tallages,
and privileges, produce a large annual income, which we are told might be
considerably increased, were their lands all let to the best bidders, or
according to their full value, instead of letting them in the usual
unfair and partial manner, for the accommodation of their own particular
friends and favourites. With such an ample revenue as their means might
be made to produce, and of which they are understood to be but the
trustees of the commonalty, our corporation might be real and great
benefactors to this town, and secure to themselves the esteem and
applause of all their reasonable and respectable fellow-citizens; but
being apt sometimes to carry themselves rather too haughty and arrogantly
towards their unprivileged neighbours, they are not always in possession
of the respect that would otherwise be very readily paid to them. It is
not however likely that they are much more despotically disposed than the
generality of the rulers of other corporations.
The _mayor_ of Lynn is chosen annually on the 29th. of August, from among
the aldermen, by the members of the common-council: and he must be one
who has not served the office previously for at least five years. In
case he declines the appointment, or refuses to serve, without reasonable
cause to be allowed, the major and aldermen may fine him in any sum not
exceeding 60_l._ {1154a} Also in case of such refusal, or of a mayor’s
death, the common-council-men may within eight days choose any other
alderman, who has not served for five years, in his room. The new mayor
being elected on the 29th of August, he is not sworn in till the 29th. of
the ensuing month, or Michaelmas-day, when his official year commences.
If he should happen to be sick, so as not to be able to attend at the
Guild-hall to be sworn, on the day last mentioned, it shall be lawful to
administer the oath, or oaths to him at his own house, or wherever he
shall be within the borough. {1154b}
Formerly it was customary to have here at the hall, both on St. John’s,
and St Michael’s days, elegant entertainments or sumptuous public
dinners, given at the mayor’s expense, and often much expatiated upon by
former writers; but the custom has of late been discontinued, and we are
not sure that it will be ever again resumed: nor are we sure that its
resumption would be at all desirable; on the contrary, it seems more
probable that its utter abolition would be of far greater use to the
community in general, at such a time as this, as it might serve to remind
us all of the absolute necessity of retrenching and observing the utmost
economy in the management of all our temporal affairs, as the only way to
escape starvation and all its concomitant miseries. For all which we
have to thank the vile maxims that have directed and distinguished our
public affairs for these 50 years, and especially those that characterize
the administration of the last Pitt and his successors.
Of the present revenue of this Corporation, which is understood to be
very considerable, we have not been able to ascertain the exact amount.
It is one of those secrets, it seems, which the members make a point of
keeping to themselves, and whose disclosure would render them liable to
expulsion. It being therefore a corporation and sworn secret, we will
not presume to pry any further into it. But it is very certain that
several of their present sources of revenue did not at all belong to them
formerly. Among which are to be reckoned the possessions of the Gilds of
the _Trinity_, and _St. George_, and perhaps of some of the others; which
were granted to the Corporation at the dissolution. Also the profits of
the _Toll-booth_, which were originally divided between the _bishop of
Norwich_, and the _Earl of Arundel_ as lord of _Rising_, comprehending
what is called _Tronage_, _Measurage_, and _Lovecop_, {1155} with the
_baily-ship of the Water of Wiggenhall_, &c. Of these, after passing
through several hands, a _fourth_ part was vested in the prince of Wales,
as Duke of Cornwall, and the other _three_ parts afterwards reverted to
the crown, and were by Henry VIII. granted to the corporation, who have
been in possession of them ever since. The fourth part is supposed to
belong still to the duchy of Cornwall, and rented from the managers of
its concerns by the mayor and burgesses.—An _admiralty_ jurisdiction
within the liberties of this borough, has also been granted to this body
corporate, by king James’ Charter, which will probably avail them very
materially in their present dispute with lord William Bentinck.
Before we close these remarks we may just observe, that four or five of
our aldermen, and several of our common-council-men are now absentees, or
live out of town—a case, it is supposed, never known here before, and
which would not have been allowed in former days: for absence or removal
out of town was always heretofore succeeded by expulsion, if the
absentees did not think proper to resign of their own accord. It seems
somewhat difficult to account for the unexampled indulgence with which
our present absentees are treated, especially as the mayor is said to
find it often very difficult, on that very account, to get a Hall, or
muster such a number of members as is necessary for transacting their
municipal business.
Other sources of municipal revenue here, are the _fairs_ and _markets_.
Of the former there are only two in the year: one of these is very
considerable and celebrated, but was much more so in former times. It is
commonly called _the mart_, or the _Lynn mart_, and commences on the
14th. of February, when it is with great formality _proclaimed_ {1157} to
last for _six days_, but is generally allowed to continue about a
_fortnight_. It is but the shadow of what it was formerly, when most of
the town and country shopkeepers were then supplied with goods till the
time of _Sturbitch fair_, where they procured a fresh supply. But the
latter also is now sunk into great comparative insignificance. Both of
them therefore might now be discontinued without any material loss,
except to those concerned with their respective revenues. The other Lynn
fair is held on the 17th. of October, and is called the _cheese fair_.
It was formerly, it seems, a respectable fair, but is now become so
inconsiderable and insignificant as not to require or merit here any
further notice.
Besides the _Fairs_, there are at Lynn _two weekly markets_, one on
_Tuesday_ and the other on _Saturday_. They are kept in two different
parts of the town: the former towards the north end, on a spot called the
_Tuesday market-place_; which is a spacious area of about three acres,
surrounded by very good houses, and having, on an ascent of four steps, a
beautiful free stone _Market Cross_, of modern architecture, built in
1710, adorned with statues and other embellishments, with a peristyle
round below, supported by 16 pillars of the Ionic order, as also another
walk above, encompassed with an iron palisade, enriched with tracery work
and foliage, enclosing a neat octagon room, on the outside of which, in
niches, were standing four statues, representing the cardinal virtues,
and facing the four cardinal points. The upper part is finished with a
cupola, in which hangs the market-bell, and the whole is 70 feet high.
The foundation having given way on the west side, it is thought the
building ere long must be taken down. From the cross, in a semicircular
direction on each side, extends a range of covered stalls or shambles,
having a small turret at each end. The _fish-market_, which formerly
stood behind the cross, has lately been taken down, and since that time
the fish-market is in Common-stath-yard, where a convenient building had
been previously constructed for that purpose.
[Picture: Market Cross, pub.D Feb.y 1ST 1810, by W. Whittingham, Lynn]
The _Saturday Market_ is kept in a convenient area opened of late years
near St. Margaret’s church, where capacious shambles have been erected,
over which the Grammar School is kept. Before 1782 it was kept in that
part of High Street which is next this church; but which being found
inconvenient, the present spot was prepared for that purpose, and it is
on the whole a good commodious market-place. It was however, with great
reluctance that the market people quitted their former station, and
consented to remove to the new one, though it must have been evident to
all that the latter was far preferable. But that was only the natural
effect of that strange attachment which most people feel for old habits
and customs. Both the Lynn markets are plentifully supplied with good
and excellent provisions, and at as reasonable a rate as can well be
expected in these strange times, when our _guinea_ is of no more value
than the _shilling_ of our ancestors. But we will here close this
section. {1160}
SECTION VII.
_Present stele of Lynn_, _as to its shipping_, _trade and commerce_,
_exports and imports_, _population_, _&c._
In former times, and even at some pretty remote periods, Lynn stood high
among our English sea-ports, in regard to its shipping. Hence, as long
ago as the year 1374, when Edward the III was fitting out an expedition
against France, and required his principal sea-ports to furnish ships to
enable him more effectually to accomplish his purpose, he is said to have
had from Lynn 19 ships, when London sent only 24, Bristol 25, Plymouth,
26, Sandwich 22, Dover 21, Weymouth 20; and Newcastle only 17, Hull 16,
Harwich 14, and Ipswich 12. So that Lynn appears to have been then among
the first of our sea-ports, as to the number of its ships, or the extent
of its trade and commerce. In after ages it is supposed to have
maintained its rank among its sister ports; but we are not able to
ascertain the exact degree of its weight and consequence among them
during all the subsequent periods.
Of late years our trade and commerce have fluctuated with the times, and
our shipping and tonnage have increased or decreased according to the
natural operation of a state of peace or of war. In 1776, being the
earliest period at which any record appears to have been preserved of
them, the number of trading vessels belonging to this port {1161} was 85,
and the amount of tonnage 12,700; in 1777 and 1778, ( and probably in
1779,) they continued in much the same state, as appears from a MS.
account which belonged to a late shipmaster: but in 1780, or 1781, there
was an increase, though we cannot learn how much. But in 1791 the ships
were 125, and tonnage 17,000; in 1801, ships 108, tonnage 13,000; in
1806, ships 134, tonnage 15,600; in 1811, ships 106, tonnage 12,000.—From
this it would seem, that our trade is not now in a progressive or
thriving state; and though our shipping are still considerable in number,
yet in point of _tonnage_ they are less than at any former period here
referred to, or probably than at any one period since the commencement of
the present reign. What effect a peace would have, it is impossible
precisely to say, but the probability is, that our trade would then
revive, and things revert again into their old channels.
The trade of this town formerly to different parts of the continent was
very considerable, and particularly to the Baltic; but it is now almost
totally deprived of all its foreign trade; and except some little
intercourse with Spain and Portugal, its trade is at present almost
wholly confined to the importation of _Coals_, and the exportation of
_Corn_ coastwise to different British ports. The quantity of coals
imported these years is said to have been very great, and that of last
year has perhaps exceeded any other year: and as that article bears a
very heavy duty it has greatly helped to keep up the revenue of the
custom-house. Foreigners, under the licence system, bringing the produce
of the Baltic, may also be supposed to have contributed considerably to
produce the same effect. The tables below will serve to cast some
further light upon the subject, and help the reader to judge of the trade
of this place for the last fifty years. {1162a}
As to the _Coal-trade_, which now constitutes the chief article or main
branch of our remaining commerce, and which of late has employed so large
a portion of our shipping, and is thought likely to decline considerably
this year (1812,) owing to the price of that commodity having been lately
lowered, so as to diminish the profits so much, that it will be no longer
worth the while of the private ship-owners, who are pretty numerous, to
employ their vessels in the trade: and it is supposed that they will
therefore be obliged to lay them up. This seems a great hardship upon
them, for which our principal merchants are much blamed, whether justly
or not, the present writer will not take upon him to say. Powerful
merchants, most certainly, as well as powerful men of other professions,
have before now acted very unfairly and oppressively towards their weaker
neighbours.
The trade to _Greenland_ and to _Davis’s Straits_, or what is called the
_Whale Fishery_, is another branch in which Lynn has been concerned for
many years: and as it is still persevered in, it may be presumed to have
proved no ungainful concern. The ships fitted out for this trade
generally sail in March and return about July. Three or four ships have
been usually employed in this trade, and sometimes more, but we
understand that there are only two fitted out this year. Some ships also
of late years have traded between this town and Canada, chiefly, we
believe, for timber: and as we are now quite shut out from the Baltic,
this trade will probably increase. On the whole, we presume it may be
very truly said, that the trade of Lynn is at this time at a lower ebb
than it was ever known to be at any time within the last hundred years or
more. When we shall have driven the French out of Spain and Portugal,
and obliged Napoleon to restore all his conquests, and allow us a free
trade to every part of the continent, it may be hoped it will once more
revive and flourish as much as ever.
The _population_ of Lynn is _between ten and eleven thousand_. The
census taken in 1801 fixed it at 10,097, and that taken in 1811 at
10,253. But there is no reliance to be placed on the accuracy of either.
The real population probably exceeded both these numbers, and it is
uncertain at which of the two periods was the most numerous. Some have
thought that it must have been in 1801, and the present writer was once
of that opinion. What led him to that conclusion was, the great and
unusual number of untenanted houses found in different parts of the town
in 1810, amounting in all to _above one hundred_. But observing, upon
further deliberation, that a still greater number of new houses, of a
smaller rent, had lately sprung up in certain alleys and outskirts of the
town, and all tenanted, he was induced to relinquish his former opinion,
and conclude that our population had not actually decreased. Nor can he
now help thinking the real population of the town at each of those
periods to have much exceeded the numbers made out by the respective
persons employed on the occasion; and moreover, that our present
population is not below 10,500 souls.
Of this population, it is a melancholy consideration that the greatest
part are still very ignorant and unenlightened, and never frequent any
place of worship, and are in fact in a state of mere heathenism, though
they are all absurdly considered as members of the established church.
It is indeed by such members that this same church is enabled so greatly
to outnumber our great body of dissenters, or the nonconforming party
throughout the nation. Were only the sober and devout on each side to be
numbered, it is highly probable that the established church, with all its
vast wealth, and alliance with the state, would be found to be the minor
party. As to the regular communicants, it is the opinion of some, that
even the very methodists alone could at present muster a number not
inferior to those of our establishment. Be that as it may, it must be
exceedingly absurd and stupid to consider the ignorant, the irreligious,
and heathenish part of the community as belonging to any church at all.
The religious functionaries or ministers of this town, both churchmen and
dissenters, are allowed to be in general very assiduous in the discharge
of their clerical and ministerial duties; and were they at the same time
less subject to prejudice, bigotry, and intolerance, and more disposed to
believe what their Lord and Master has declared, that _they who are not
against us are for us_, they would certainly deserve great commendation.
But they and their flocks are, _for the most part_, so deficient in the
articles of christian charity, forbearance, and liberality, that they may
be said to dishonour the very cause they have espoused, and the service
in which they are embarked. The more orthodox and evangelical they
pretend to be, the more uncharitable and intolerant they are generally
found. Their evil spirit of intolerance and infallibility seems to carry
them so far as hardly to allow those who stand without the pale of their
respective communions to be worthy of even the name of christians.
Sometimes they have been heard to pronounce such as they fancied to be
heterodox, as presuming to _teach men to be christians without believing
any one principle of that institution_; as if God had endowed them with
the infallible knowledge of christian truth, and constituted them judges
of the very state and destinies of their fellow professors. It was a
saying in the primitive times, “See how these christians love one
another;” but here it might rather be said, “See how these christian
parties and sects envy, vilify, and hate one another.” In short, they
may be said to possess so large a portion of that unworthy spirit of
jealousy and rivalry as would disgrace even the meanest tradesmen, or the
very lowest orders of shopkeepers and mechanics: and what is still worse,
they seem quite incapable of blushing for their absurd and unchristian
conduct. There are however some honourable exceptions to this
representation, though they seem to be very few. But we will now close
this section, and here conclude the regular series of this history.
SUPPLEMENTARY SECTION;
(_containing divers recollections_, _corrections_, _and miscellaneous
matters_:)—_defects in the plans and modes of public worship_, _or the
usual proceedings in our religious assemblies—our gentry and tradesmen
capriciously and absurdly distinguished—shrimp trade—water-works—brief
account of certain public buildings previously omitted—additional hints
relating to our grammar-school_, _our libraries_, _and present
population_.
To what was said of our religious sects and parties in the preceding
section, under the heads of rivalry, envy, uncharitableness, &c. it might
justly have been added, that they are also very deficient in their modes
of conducting public worship, or their way and manner of proceeding in
their religious assemblies; and particularly in _neglecting_ as they do
the _reading_ and _expounding_ of the scriptures. Things would be likely
to come to a much better pass, if, at least, _half_ the time that is now
spent in _preaching_ and _singing_ were appropriated to the important
duties of _reading_ and _expounding_ the sacred writings. The minds and
attention of the people, in that case, would be directed to the meaning
and understanding of holy writ, and a spirit of enquiry after scripture
knowledge could not well fail of being effectually promoted in our
respective congregations. Instead of that, as the case now stands, or as
the public ministry is at present conducted, the people seem in general
as unacquainted with the scripture at the end of the year, as they were
at the beginning of it, and quite unconcerned or indifferent about the
matter. They appear to attend for some other purpose—that of mere
amusement, or something very short of what they ought to have in view in
attending the christian ministry. Most preachers seem, as if afraid to
lay the scriptures at large before the people, lest they should attract
too much of their attention, so as to induce them by degrees to read,
think, and judge for themselves, or become actual searchers of the
scripture, and indisposed to take every thing upon _trust_ from their
ghostly guides: for notwithstanding our usual outcry against the
_papists_, our priests and theirs are more nearly allied than is
generally supposed. These hints, it is presumed, are not altogether
unworthy of the serious consideration of the different religionists of
this town. {1168}
Except these of the learned professions, and _very few_ besides, all the
principal families of this town are in fact _tradesmen_; yet even these
are here very capriciously and superciliously distinguished into
_gentlemen_ and _tradesmen_; though the former retale their goods, or
sell their commodities in small quantities, as well as the latter: and
surely a man who buys corn by the bushel, the coomb, or the quarter, and
sells coals by the chalder and half chalder, and his deals in any small
quantity the buyer may wish, and his bottled wine by single dozens, is to
all intents and purposes as much a tradesman as a grocer, a linen-draper,
an ironmonger, or a druggist. What then is the ground of this
distinction? Is it education? No: our tradesmen in general have been
brought up at the grammar-school, and the others can seldom or ever
pretend to any higher advantage. Nor do they possess minds more
cultivated by reading and knowledge of the world; for there is every
reason to believe that the tradesmen are at least their equals in those
respects, and some of them perhaps very much their superiors. But is not
fortune or _wealth_ the ground of this distinction? No: many of those
denominated tradesmen are known to be much more wealthy, as well as much
more intelligent and respectable, than some of those who have arrogated
to themselves the dignified name of gentlemen. On what then can this
curious distinction be founded? It may very truly be answered, On pride,
arrogance, ignorance, impertinence, and vulgar servility. {1169}
In treating of our trade and commerce, in the preceding section, that
remarkable branch or article, the _shrimp-trade_, was quite forgotten;
and some perhaps may think that it might as well still remain so: others
however will be of a different opinion; at least when they learn that
beside what has been consumed in the town and parts adjacent, and up the
country, there have been actually sent from hence to London alone, by the
stage coaches, in one season, or within a year, no less then between
_sixty and seventy tons of shrimps_. {1170} It is a vast quantity to be
sent by land, and coach carriage, to the distance of a hundred miles. We
have not learnt how long this trade has been kept up on this large scale.
It is said to have somewhat declined since the Bostonians have taken it
up and become our rivals. But this rivalship can do no harm, as London,
no doubt, will readily receive as many shrimps as both these towns can
possibly furnish.
[Picture: N. E. View of the Kettle Mills or Waterworks]
The _Water-works_ of this town are also among the articles overlooked in
the preceding part of this history. It is agreed on all hands that Lynn
is supplied with excellent water from the Gaywood river, a stream that
takes its rise about Grimston, six or seven miles off. At the
Kettle-mills, in the north-east outskirt of Lynn, this water is raised
into a reservoir, which is between 30 and 40 feet higher than the surface
of the water in the river. Formerly there were two engines used for this
purpose. One of them was worked by a fall of water in the river, and the
other by horses. This latter was used when the water-engine was under
repairs, or in dry seasons when the water-engine had not sufficient power
to supply the town. In very dry seasons the hire of horses was very
expensive. About the year 1779 or 1780 the water-engine became unfit for
further use. A new one being then erected on better principles, had near
three times the power of the old one. Thus the town was plentifully
supplied with water for some years, and at a small expense, as the
horse-engine was seldom used. But unfortunately the corporation came
afterwards to a resolution to have the town supplied with water by the
force of _steam_. A fire-engine was erected, which afforded an ample
supply of water to the town; in consequence of which the horse and water
engines were taken down. But the corporation, neglecting to avail
themselves of the improvements of Bolton and Watts, erected their engine
on the old principle of Newcomen; and it was soon discovered, to the
astonishment of the unlearned in hydraulics, that the expense of coals
and repairs amounted to a sum so far beyond the calculation of the
corporation, that it was absolutely necessary to purchase no more steam
at that rate.—The town is now supplied by an engine turned by water; but
as it is constructed on old principles, the town, in dry seasons, must be
ill-supplied and much distressed: and as the steam engine is become unfit
for further use, the town must always be without a drop of water while
the water engine is under repairs, which sometimes takes up more than a
fortnight. This is an inconvenience which the town is said never to have
experienced until the late alterations were made. On the whole
therefore, this business appears to have been injudiciously managed; so
that it would be very desirable to see it put upon a better footing,
which it certainly ought to be, as there has lately been an advance made
in the water-rate—for which no plausible reason is known to have been yet
assigned, any more than for the unexpected advance in the price of
_beer_.
In our preceding account of _the public buildings_, it now appears that
divers of them have passed unnoticed, and particularly the _Theatre_, the
_Custom-Haute_, and the _Town-Hall_; each of which we shall now briefly
describe. The _Theatre_ was originally the Hall of an opulent company,
which constituted one of our numerous _Guilds_, that of _St. George_.
After the dissolution of the Guilds it was converted it seems into a kind
of _Exchange_, and after that into a _court-house_, for holding the
county quarter sessions of the peace. Since those sessions were allowed
to be held in the town-hall it has been converted into a Theatre, or
Play-house, which is said to be very convenient and neat, neither
profusely ornamented nor disgustingly plain; and although not free from
faults, yet they are, it seems, what resulted from the architect having
to fill up the shell of an old building which had been erected for
another purpose. The usual time of performing here is in the Spring,
when the inhabitants are entertained by the Norwich Company.
The _Custom House_ was erected for an _Exchange_, in 1683, by Sir John
Turner, the founder it is supposed of that family. It is a handsome
free-stone building, with two tiers of pilasters, the lower of the Doric,
and the upper of the Ionic order, with a small open turret, terminating
in a pinnacle. In a niche, in front, is a statue of king Charles the
second, that _most religious_ king, as his bishops and clergy used to
call him, even in their addresses to the deity. This building contains
several commodious apartments, well suited for the accommodation of the
respectable collector of his majesty’s customs and his numerous
underlings.—It has been noticed before that the revenue of this house, in
1806 amounted to 84,200_l._ and the last year (1811,) to 75,300_l._ which
is said to exceed the revenue of most houses of the same description in
the kingdom. {1173}
[Picture: Custom House, published Oct. 1, 1810, by W. Whittingham, Lynn]
[Picture: The Town Hall, Jail House, published April 1810, by W.
Whittingham, Lynn]
The _Town-hall_, or _Guild-hall_, alias _Trinity-hall_, is an ancient
building of stone and flint. It consists of divers apartments, the first
of which is the _stone-hall_, where the county quarter sessions, as well
as the town sessions are held. This hall, comprehending probably the
principal part of the old Guild-hall, is 58 feet in length, by 27 wide,
and proportionably lofty. There are in it the following
_portraits_:—Full-length of _Sir Robert Walpole_, who is said to have
been returned for this borough seventeen times; and so firmly was it
attached to him, or so completely under his control, that even after he
was expelled the House of Commons he still continued member for this
place: Also half length of Sir _Thomas White_, the liberal benefactor to
young tradesmen: Likewise a half length of _Sir __Benjamin Keene_, the
memorable ambassador to the Spanish Court, who was a native of this
town.—The adjoining _Ball-room_ is 60 feet long, 27 broad, and 22 feet
high. The adjoining _Card-room_ is 27 feet by 27, and 22 feet in height.
Some have pronounced these rooms ill contrived and have observed that, as
they are upon a line, it would have given them an uncommon elegance had
the openings from one into another been in three arches in the centre,
supported by pillars, instead of the present _Glass-doors_, which have a
mean appearance. The eye, it has been further observed, would then at
once have commanded a suit of one hundred and forty-five feet, which,
with handsome lustres properly disposed, would have rendered these rooms
inferior to few in England. The position of the _music gallery_ has also
been found fault with. But on these matters we will not enlarge: nor
does it seem necessary to subjoin a particular description of the
_Council-room_ and other apartments or offices connected with this
building. {1174}
As Lynn has not been much distinguished for its literature or
bookishness, it can be no great wonder that it should not abound with
public libraries. Till of late years there was here nothing of the kind,
except in the two churches of St. Nicholas and St. Margaret, each of
which was furnished with a library. That of the former is now no more:
it was removed some years ago to the other church, by way of addition to
that collection. Both being thus consolidated or united, form what is
called the _Church library_. It may be said to be, on the whole, a
respectable collection, consisting of the donations of divers
individuals, at different times; but it has never been supported with
much spirit, nor has it received any great addition now for many years;
owing, perhaps, to the unliterary or unbookish character of our
corporation, and of most of our great and wealthy families. St.
Nicholas’ Library, it seems, was founded in 1617, and that of St.
Margaret’s about 14 years later. This was much augmented in 1714, by the
will of _Dr. Thomas Thurlin_, master of St. John’s College, Cambridge,
and rector of Gaywood, who bequeathed to it 179 folios, 178 octavos and
duodecimo’s, and 84 quartos; in all 441 volumes, valued then at 160_l._
which it is presumed was the best single donation ever made to this
Library. This bibliothecal collection is the property of the
corporation, and is under the care of a librarian of their appointment,
with an annual salary of 2_l._ It is not open to the public at large,
and is not therefore, strictly speaking, a public library. It contains
about 1700 volumes.
Before the year 1797, our reading and bookish people chiefly consisted of
the members of a few _book-clubs_, which then existed in the town;
together with the subscribers to those _circulating libraries_, (made up
mostly of _novels_,) which our booksellers had formed, and which
constituted, if it do not still constitute, a lucrative branch of their
trade; for _novel-reading_ is carried on hereon a large scale, especially
among the female part of our population; to which not a few of them
probably owe all the polish, real or fictitious, which their manners have
acquired.—But in the year 1797 a subscription Library was here founded,
which has been hitherto in a thriving way, and it has at present upwards
of a hundred members. The rules or orders of this society consist of
about twenty, and are, on the whole, well expressed and adapted to the
occasion. {1176} A general meeting of the society is held _annually_, on
the _first Monday_ in _July_, (the anniversary of the establishment of
the Library in 1797.) _Quarterly_ meetings are also held, on the _first
Mondays_ in _October_, _January_, and _April_, every year. Each
subscriber may propose what books he pleases for the Library, (except
such as ape _merely professional_, _political pamphlets_, or _Novels_,)
by entering their Titles and Prices in a book kept for that purpose. But
they must be so entered a week at least before the general or quarterly
meeting, otherwise they cannot lawfully be then balloted: nor must the
same book be balloted for more than _twice_ in one year. A _librarian_,
(who is also _treasurer_) and a _sub-librarian_, are annually chosen; the
latter gives daily attendance at the library, from _eleven_ to _one_, and
from _six_ to _eight_. The present number of different articles or
_works_ in this library amounts to about 600, and the number of _volumes_
to near 1400; many of them very valuable and expensive. They are all new
books.
Here in addition to what was before advanced, at pages 1164 and 1165,
relating to our present population, it seems proper and necessary to say
something further upon that subject, as _West Lynn_, or _Old Lynn_, and
_Gaywood_, {1177} which may justly be denominated _out suburbs_, were not
included in that reckoning. Now the population of these two places
amounts to about 800, which added to 10,253, will make our whole
population somewhat to exceed eleven thousand: and as this does not
comprehend our _sea faring people_, who are very numerous, our whole or
actual population may be very reasonably and safely supposed to be now no
less than twelve thousand. Yet this is probably much below what it has
been in former times.
In addition also to what was said of the _pictures_ in the town-hall, it
may be proper here just to add, that the Ball-room there contains two
whole lengths, the one of his present _Majesty_ in his coronation robes,
and the other of the late _Lord Nelson_. The former a copy, from an
original by Sir Joshua Reynolds, and the latter a copy, from an original
by Hoppner—both done by _Mr. Lane_, son to our present collector, and
said to do no small credit to the skill and talents of that young artist,
who is supposed to be the very first native of Lynn that has ever
promised to rise to eminence in that line.
* * * * *
_Lynn Benefactions_, _or Charities_.
Here it was intended to close the work, by a table or _summary of
remarkable events_, chronologically arranged; but considering that our
different _benefactions_ and _charities_ seemed to require to be more
fully stated and particularized, it was thought proper to give first a
cursory view of that subject—Among these charities the first place
perhaps is due to the _endowment of the grammar-school_; which may
probably be ascribed to one of the _Thorsbys_, sometime before the
reformation, whose Will is noticed at page 1174, and who it is supposed
was that same Thorsby mentioned before at p. 528, as founder of the
_college_ in this town. It is likely he might fit up the place over the
charnel-house for a school-room, settle on the master a house to dwell
in, and an annual salary. He was contemporary with _Walter Coney_, and
like him wealthy, and also ready to employ his wealth in acts of
liberality and charity, which has made his memory truly respectable.
_Sir Thomas White_, citizen and alderman of London, who lived in queen
Mary’s time, was another of our early benefactors. He gave during his
life 2000_l._ to the city of _Bristol_ to purchase lands of the yearly
value of 120_l._ for which it was agreed that the mayor and corporation
of that city, in 1567 and the ten ensuing years, should pay the sum of
100_l._ which having for that time been allowed to accumulate, was to be
thus expended: 800_l._ to be divided in loans without interest, among
sixteen young Clothiers, freemen of that city, for ten years, upon
sufficient security; at the aid of which time that sum to be lent to such
other persons as the desire of the mayor, alderman, and four of the
common council shall point out. The remaining 200 to be expended in the
purchase of corn to be sold to the poor at prime cost. At the expiration
of nine years at the feast of St. Bartholomew he directed that 104_l._
should be paid to the mayor and corporation of _York_, to be lent by them
to four young freemen of that city, (clothiers always preferred.) The
same sum the next year on the same conditions, to the city of
_Canterbury_: the next to _Reading_, the next to the _Merchant Tailors’
company_; the next to _Gloucester_, and so on successively, to
_Worcester_, _Exeter_, _Salisbury_, _Norwich_, _Southampton_, _Lincoln_,
_Winchester_, _Hereford_, _Oxford_, _Cambridge_, _Shrewsbury_, _LYNN_,
_Bath_, _Derby_, _Ipswich_, _Colchester_, _Newcastle_; and then to begin
again at Bristol, and to proceed annually and regularly to the other
places for ever.—Lynn first received this money (if we are not mistaken)
in 1594; then in 1618, then in 1642; it next became due in 1666, but was
put off for three years, till 1669, on account of the seat of the late
rebellion (as it was said) having been where the estate lay. The rent
was therefore lost for three years. The next payments was made in 1693.
The next was received in 1724, the payment having been retarded because
the corporations refused to allow taxes, which were unjustly insisted
upon by the city of Bristol: at last however, rather than go to law, they
agreed to allow those taxes. How many times Lynn has received this money
since, we have not learnt; but suppose it has been paid pretty regularly;
so that our corporation ought to have now in hand a large sum to lend to
poor tradesmen. The present expence of _stamps_ is said to have in a
great measure destroyed the benevolent intention and use of this
benefaction.
But one of the principal charities belonging to this town is that which
bears the name of Mr. _John Crane_, an apothecary of Cambridge, about the
time of Charles the First and the Common Wealth. It consists of 147
acres and one rood of land, at Fleet in Lincolnshire, or rather arises
out of the rental of that land, which now amounts to 395_l._ 10_s._ a
year, which comes to Lynn by rotation every five years, as it belongs
successively to the town of Cambridge, the university of Cambridge, the
town of Ipswich, the town of Wisbeach, and the town of Lynn. The rental
being originally only 62_l._ was appropriated to each of these places
successively, till each of them should receive to the amount of 200_l._
From each payment the sum of 20_l._ a-piece was to be lent to _three_
young tradesmen, without interest, for 20 years. The odd forty shillings
to be given to the minister who should be appointed to preach, at the
place which received the money, a commemoration sermon to stir up others
to the like charitable deeds. Afterwards the benefaction to continue to
each place for ever, and supplied as follows; viz. to relieve honest old
men and women in distress, and release from prison poor men confined
there for debt. The testator changes those entrusted with the management
of this concern (as they will answer it before God) to relieve the _most
honest and most religious men and women_ in their several places, who had
lived well, had a good report, and had been reduced by mere misfortune,
or through no fault of their own: and he cautions them against applying
any part of his benefaction to the relief of _dissembling hypocritical
persons_. The chief part of this statement the author has drawn, with
some abridgement, from a MS. account, once the property of a former
alderman. He has not been able to learn how this charity is now applied
by our corporation: only that it is at the disposal of the mayor and the
four senior aldermen.
Other charities are as follow—15_l._ given by _Robert Boston_ alias
_Tyler_, to be lent from year to year to deserving objects.—Also _John
Strogers_ of Lynn, Cook, by will, 25 April, 1670, gave 45_l._ to the
mayor and burgesses, that 20_s._ per annum might be paid to the minister
of St. Margaret’s to preach a sermon the 1st. of January, and 14_s._ to
14 widowers and widows in Trinity-Hall ward, and 10_s._ to ten poor women
in Stonegate ward upon the 20th. of December; and 10_l._ to the mayor and
burgesses to buy a piece of plate.—Also _Edward Robinson_, born and
educated in this town, by will, dated April 12, 1770, gave a capital
tenement, in Lath Street, to the mayor and burgesses, and their
successors forever, upon the trusts, and to the uses, intents, and
purposes following—_viz._ To pay 1_l._ to the curate of St. Margaret’s
church, to preach a sermon there every Good Friday for ever—and to pay to
12 poor decayed seamen, or other decayed aged men, that the mayor,
aldermen, and common-council shall elect, for life, upon each Good
Friday, ten shillings apiece:—and (after paying _one pound_ on St.
Thomas’s day to the minister and church wardens of _Thornham_,) to
distribute the remainder of the rents among such 12 poor men as shall be
placed in the Broad Street Almshouse, above 60 years of age.—Also Mr.
_John Horn_, the memorable master of the Grammar-school, by his Will
dated 27 April 1731, after sundry Legacies given to his relations,
directed the residue of his estate to be sold, and the produce to be paid
to the mayor and aldermen, to be by them put out at interest, and that
interest to be by them yearly for ever employed for binding out of poor
children apprentices.—Moreover, of late years, _Mary Leake_, widow, of
this town, bequeathed 200_l._ to the mayor, aldermen, and common-council,
to be put out at interest, and the produce applied, as before, to bind
poor children apprentices:—also her sister _Catherine Barwell_,
bequeathed 300_l._ to the same trustees, the interest whereof to be laid
out in purchasing coals, to be given away to such industrious poor women
as receive no parish relief.—The last, but not the least of all our
benefactions, is that of the late _Mr. Cook_ of London, who bequeathed
5000_l._ 3 per cent stock, in trust to the mayor and burgesses, the
interest whereof to be applied for the benefit of the three almshouses in
the town: viz. that of 2300_l._ to the _Bede-house_, that of 700_l._ to
the _South-Lynn_ almshouse, and that of 2000_l._ to the almshouse in
_Broad-Street_.
To those above enumerated may be added the following benefactions.—Viz.
_Loneyson’s_ annuity of 10_l._ to St. James’ Hospital; from 75 acres of
pasture land in the south marshes. (see p. 1134)—Also 30_s._ a year
towards cloathing two poor widows, arising from a Legacy of 40_l._
bequeathed by _Joan Maye_ to the mayor and burgesses, about 1660.—Also
40_s._ a year, for 7 years, to a _poor scholar_, a native of Lynn, who
shall go thence to the university of Cambridge; being a bequest of _Alex
Hall_, merchant of this town, who died about 1597.—Also 16_s._ or 3_l._
8_s._ 8_d._ a year for the term of _five years_, (out of Nottely tithes
in North Runcton) to a _poor scholar_, chosen out of the poorest scholars
of this Free-school, by the master and vicar master of Trinity College
Cambridge, and the mayor of Lynn: being the gift, it seems, of _Richard
Hopps_.—Also _John Pierson_, carpenter, left 6_l._ per annum by his Will
dated 22. Oct. 1623, as follows; _viz._ 40_s._ a year to a _poor
scholar_, who shall go out of the grammar school of this town to any
college in Cambridge, to be continued during the first seven years of his
abiding there; also the same sum of 40_s._ every Lent season to the poor
people in the Lynn Almshouse, (the _Bedehouse_ we presume;) and another
sum of 40_s._ to the poor people in _Stone gate-ward_, to be distributed
also in the Lent season by the direction of the mayor for the time being,
or the alderman of the said ward.—Beside these there is the
_Token-money_, consisting of the sum of about 43_l._ annually laid out in
_coals_, which are distributed in single mets, or some such small
quantities among the poor in the different wards. When or whence this
money originated the author cannot distinctly say, but he understands it
to be of pretty long standing, and the gift of some well disposed person
or persons, of other times. He also understands from good authority that
_all the charities_, or _benefactions now in the gift of the
corporation_, _amount to the annual sum of_ 498_l._ 16_s._ _exclusive of
the endowments of the different Almshouses_. {1184}
☞ Since the above was sent to the press, the author got sight of a
curious old book which belonged to a former town-chamberlain, (Jos.
Cooper senr.) in which the following charities are recorded.
“_Mrs. Titloe_, about 1613, left a Legacy to the town, the interest
whereof, amounting to 11_l._ annually, to be paid to Emanuel College
Cambridge: 8_l._ of which to be paid to _two_ scholars that have gone
from this Free-school thither: the remaining 3_l._ to the fellows
towards the repairs of the chapel.—Also _Matthew Clarke_, alderman,
gave 10_l._ the interest to be divided among 20 poor widows in the 10
wards, [interest then at 10 per cent.]—Also _Mrs. Jane Gurlin_, maid,
gave 20_l._ to be lent out for three years gratis.—Also _Wm. Cleave_
Esq. of London, gave a house situated at the corner of Grass-Market,
let at 13_l._ per annum, the rent to be distributed to the poor of
St. Margaret’s parish, at the discretion of the minister,
church-wardens, and overseen of the same.—Also _Gyles Bridgman_,
alderman, (mayor in 1679) gave 100_l._ to the mayor and burgesses on
trust, the interest to be paid for ever to the master and widows, or
sisters in the almshouse (_Bedehouse_) by way of augmentation of
their weekly pensions.—Also, Nov. 10, 1721, _Mrs. Margery Brock_,
gave 20_l._ the interests to be laid out in coals, and given to 4
poor widows in St. Margaret’s parish for ever.”
In the same book also stand recorded the sources and amount of our
Christmas _Coal-Charity_, thus expressed,
Here follows what is given to the poor in money and coals at Christmas.
_l._ _s._ _d._
_Mr. Graves_ and _Mr. Sendall_ gave 20 13 6 8
nobles each
_Mr. Clarke_ the interest of 20_l._ to 20 1 0 0
widows of the ten wards.
_Mr. Strogers_ to three wards 1 14 0
_Mr. Peirson_ to Stonegate ward 2 0 0
_Alderman Holly_ interest of 100_l._ 6 0 0
_Alderman Auborne_ to the ten wards 9 10 0
Likewise is Coals 9 10 0
_Total_ £43 0 8
Then it is added,—
And on New Year’s day among the poor children 1 0 0
in the Work-house
And near Easter Sunday to the poor 3 0 0
(pensioners) in St Mary Magdalen’s Hospital.
And to those in Framingham’s Hospital. 3 0 0
And to those in St James’s Hospital 3 0 0
(Bedehouse)
And for a Sermon on Midsummer-day 1 0 0
£11 0 0
Then it is also added, that Alderman Auborne’s Charity was first disposed
of at Christmas 1741.
But it must not be here forgotten that this same old book also discovers
the origin and founder of the Lynn _Grammar School_, which had we
obtained a sight of in time, would have saved us those useless
conjectures at pages 1140, 1160, 1178. The passage alluded to is as
follows—
“_Mr. Thos. Thorisby_, alderman, and sometimes mayor, built a chapple
adjoining to the south side of the church of St. Margarets, and gave
to the master of the Charnell House, (now the _Free_ School,) certain
lands in Gaywood, to the value, of 8_l._ per annum, for teaching
Grammar and Songs, and also for singing durges, (dirges,) dayly in
the said chapple: which land became forfeited to the crowne, and
invented in the Corporation by Charter of Edward VI.”
Thus is the origin of our grammar-school at last sufficiently cleared up,
which seems to have been founded in the reign of Edward IV, or that of
Henry VII, when Thorsby flourished and was thrice mayor of this town.—see
more of him at p. 528.
* * * * *
TABLE OF EVENTS.
A TABLE _of memorable_, _or somewhat remarkable events_, _relating to
this town_, _from the Conquest to the present time_; _including what is
most worthy of preservation in Mackerell_, _and divers private MSS.
belonging to certain of our most curious townsmen_: _the whole
chronologically arranged and brought down to the present year_—1812.