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diff --git a/44568-0.txt b/44568-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..a7f6870 --- /dev/null +++ b/44568-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,24869 @@ +The Project Gutenberg eBook, A Comprehensive History of Norwich, by A. D. +Bayne + + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + + + + +Title: A Comprehensive History of Norwich + + +Author: A. D. Bayne + + + +Release Date: January 2, 2014 [eBook #44568] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A COMPREHENSIVE HISTORY OF +NORWICH*** + + +Transcribed from the 1869 Jarrold and Sons edition by David Price, email +ccx074@pglaf.org + + + + + + A COMPREHENSIVE + HISTORY OF NORWICH + + + INCLUDING + + A SURVEY OF THE CITY: + + AND ITS PUBLIC BUILDINGS; + + CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL HISTORY: + + INCLUDING COMPLETE LISTS OF MAYORS AND SHERIFFS, + AND NOTICES OF EMINENT CITIZENS; + + POLITICAL HISTORY: + + INCLUDING COMPLETE ELECTION RETURNS AND LISTS OF MEMBERS + OF PARLIAMENT; + + RELIGIOUS HISTORY: + + INCLUDING MEMOIRS OF BISHOPS AND DEANS—RISE AND + PROGRESS OF NONCONFORMITY; + + COMMERCIAL HISTORY: + + INCLUDING THE SUBSTANCE OF PRIZE ESSAYS ON THE MANUFACTURES + AND TRADE OF NORWICH. + + * * * * * + + By A. D. BAYNE. + + * * * * * + + JARROLD AND SONS, 12, PATERNOSTER ROW, LONDON; + + AND LONDON AND EXCHANGE STREETS, NORWICH. + MDCCCLXIX. + + + + +PREFACE. + + +SOME account of the sources of information should be given in the preface +to a history, in order to assure the reader of the authenticity of the +narrative. No one can have turned over a bookseller’s catalogue of local +historical publications without observing how few they are in comparison +with the extent and importance of the particular district in view. The +fact is, that most of the productions of the early authors are either +very scarce or are entirely out of print. No city or county can boast of +so many industrious topographers and antiquarians as Norwich and Norfolk. +If we arrange them in alphabetical order, we have:—Ames, Beatniffe, +Blomefield, P. Browne, Brettingham, Sir Thomas Browne, Chambers, Cory, +Cotman, Dixon, Eldridge, Sir Richard Elles, Forby, Sir John Fenn, Sir +Andrew Fountaine, R. Fitch, Gibson, Gillingwater, Hudson Gurney, Green, +Gunn, Gurdon, Harrod, Ives, Kent, J. Kirkpatrick, Le Neve, Lawrence, +Mackerell, Manship (both father and son), Marshall, Tom Martin, Matchett, +Neville, Nashe, Parkin, Prideaux, Quarles, Richards, Sir H. Spelman, Sir +John Spelman, Clement Spelman, Swinden, Dawson Turner, Wilkins, Watts, +Wilkinson, and the Woodwards (father and son). Most of these, however, +were antiquarians, and contributed more to archæology and topography than +to history. + +Mr. J. Kirkpatrick, in the early part of the eighteenth century, was the +first who formed the plan of a regular historical narrative. He spent +the greater part of his life in making researches and collecting +materials for a history of Norwich; and he wrote an immense quantity of +matter in thick folio volumes, the whole of which he left in MS. to the +old corporation. They comprised— + +No. 1. A thick folio volume of the Early History and Jurisdiction of the +City; date 1720. + +No. 2. A similar folio volume, being an account of the Military State of +the City, its walls, towers, ponds, pits, wells, pumps, &c.; date 1722. + +No. 3. A thick quarto. + +No. 4. Several large bundles, foolscap folio; Annals of Norwich. + +No. 5. A fasciculus, foolscap folio; Origin of Charities, and Wills +relating thereto, in each parish. + +No. 6. Memorandum books of Monuments. + +No. 7. Ditto of Merchants’ Marks. + +No. 8. Ditto of Plans of Churches. + +No. 9. Paper containing Drawings of the City Gates, and a plan of +Norwich. + +No. 10. Drawings of all the Churches. + +No. 11. An immense number of pieces of paper containing notes of the +tenure of each house in Norwich. + +No. 12. A MS. quarto volume of 258 pages; the first sixty devoted to +notes upon the Castle at Norwich, the remainder to an account of +Religious Orders and Houses, and the Hospitals of the City. + +After the new corporation was constituted, all Kirkpatrick’s MSS. were +dispersed into different hands. The late Hudson Gurney, Esq., obtained +possession of some of them, and published a very limited number of copies +of those relating to the castle and to religious houses. Mr. Dawson +Turner edited the last-named MS. (No. 12), and it was printed in 1845. +He says that all the other MSS. had disappeared, but that they were safe +in the custody of the old corporation, thirty years before (1815), when +Mr. De Hague held the office of town clerk. + +Fortunately, Mr. Kirkpatrick was the contemporary of the Rev. F. +Blomefield, the historian of Norfolk, who appreciated his researches, and +bore this testimony to his merits:— + + “Mr. Kirkpatrick was a most laborious antiquary and made great + collections for the city of Norwich, of which he published a large + prospectus. In pursuing his studies, he worked with Peter Le Neve, + Norroy; and as they were very intimate, they mutually exchanged their + collections for this place, Mr. Kirkpatrick giving all his draughts + to Mr. Le Neve, and Mr. Le Neve giving his to Mr. Kirkpatrick. To + the labours of both these gentlemen I am exceedingly obliged, and did + I not acknowledge my obligations in this public manner, I should + inwardly condemn myself as guilty of the highest ingratitude.” + +Mr. Blomefield was, indeed, indebted to his deceased friend for the most +valuable parts of his History of Norwich, published in 1742. It is the +only part of his work which can be properly called history, the rest +consisting of topographical descriptions of different hundreds and +parishes in Norfolk. Mr. Blomefield began to print his “History of +Norfolk” at his own press in his own house at Fersfield, in 1739, by +subscription, and intended to publish a list of his subscribers when the +whole was finished. During his life the History came out in monthly +folio numbers; but he died when he had proceeded as far as page 678 of +the third volume. This volume was completed by the Rev. Charles Parkin, +rector of Oxburgh, Suffolk; and after his death was printed in 1769 by +Whittingham, bookseller at Lynn, by whom the “Continuation” was published +in two more volumes in 1777, these two volumes being very inferior to the +previous three. Blomefield’s work is of course the chief source of +information respecting Norwich, and it has been republished in many +abridged forms, the best edition being that printed by J. Crouse for M. +Booth, bookseller, in 1781, in ten vols., the last relating to Norwich. +Many smaller abridgements have also been published, carrying on the +narrative to a later date. + +The most reliable authority for the whole of the eighteenth century is +the “Norfolk Remembrancer,” compiled with great care by Mr. Matchett. R. +Fitch, Esq., published a very full and accurate account of the Old Walls +and Gates from J. Kirkpatrick’s MSS., illustrated with views by the late +John Ninham. B. B. Woodward, Esq., F.S.A., librarian of the royal +library at Windsor Castle, has also been a contributor to the history of +the old city, but as yet we have only brief reports of his lectures “On +Norwich in the Olden Time,” as published in the local journals. He +directed attention to the purely fictitious accounts of the origin of the +city to be found in the early historians, who drew in all good faith on +their fertile imaginations. He gave a much more probable account, and +described the progress of the city at different periods, as quoted in the +following pages. Mr. Harrod, too, has contributed a good deal to more +accurate views of early periods, especially in relation to the +earth-works of the castle, and to the monasteries. + +The chapters on the “Rise and Progress of Nonconformists in Norwich” in +this history, are the first given in any work of the kind, and supply +information which will readily account for the political condition of the +city. From a few hundreds in the seventeenth century, the Nonconformists +have so greatly increased that now they number many thousands, and have +at the same time attained to considerable wealth and influence. + +The chapters on Trade and Commerce supply a new feature in Norwich +history, and are very important to men of business. The information on +this head, including the history of the Manufactures and of the Wholesale +Trade of the city, is for the most part taken from Essays, by the +compiler, to which the prizes were awarded at the Norwich Industrial +Exhibition of 1867. + +The great length of the secular narrative must suffice as an apology for +the brevity of the ecclesiastical details, which occupy the greater +portion of Blomefield’s work. A full history of the churches in Norwich +would fill many volumes; indeed, Kirkpatrick’s account of the Old +Religious Houses occupies as many as 300 pages. But the general reader +would not be interested by such details. + +A full history of Norwich, up to the latest date, has long been wanted, +and the present compiler has availed himself of all sources of +information, but he has been obliged to compress a great deal into a +small compass. He has introduced many notices of eminent citizens of +every period, including bishops and ministers of all denominations, who +exercised much influence in their day and generation. + +Accurate views of local history afford the clearest insight into the +state of society at different periods. Thus the records of Norwich +Castle prove that nearly all the land in the country was either assigned +to bear, or was chargeable with, the castle guard of some castle or other +in ancient times. The castles being fortresses were the centres around +which large towns arose, and where people most congregated for protection +in lawless ages. The whole island was one vast camp during the feudal +period. Monasteries were the only places of refuge for travellers, or +for the destitute poor, and when the religious houses were dissolved, an +entire change took place in the state of society. + +Local history, properly understood, is not a dry register of events, but +leads from particular conclusions to higher generalisations. The +predominance of certain ideas at different times produced all the events +of those periods. Norwich men took an active part in all the great +movements of the day,—in the Reformation, the Civil Wars, the +Commonwealth, and all the agitations of more modern times. Therefore, +the story of the city is interesting and important in every period, and +it is identified with the whole course of events in East Anglia. Indeed, +it is difficult to separate the history of Norwich, the capital of East +Anglia, from that of the whole district. + + [Picture: Decorative mark] + + + + +SUMMARY OF CONTENTS. + + PART I. + PAGES +SURVEY OF NORWICH. Rise and Progress of the City—The 9–115 +Modern City—Public Buildings—Parishes and Parish +Churches—Nonconformist Chapels. + PART II. + + CHAPTER I. +The Ancient City—Old Walls and Gates—Desecrated Churches 116–145 +and Chapels—Monastic Institutions—Monumental Brasses + CHAPTER II. +The Aborigines 146–151 + CHAPTER III. +Norwich in the Roman Period—The Venta Icenorum 152–157 + CHAPTER IV. +Norwich in the Anglo-Saxon Period 151–161 + CHAPTER V. +Norwich under the Danes 162–164 + CHAPTER VI. +Norwich in the Norman Period 165–168 + CHAPTER VII. +Norwich in the Twelfth Century 169–172 + CHAPTER VIII. +Norwich in the Thirteenth Century 173–176 + CHAPTER IX. +Norwich in the Fourteenth Century 177–182 + CHAPTER X. +Norwich in the Fifteenth Century 183–187 + CHAPTER XI. +Norwich in the Sixteenth Century—Bilney’s 188–211 +Martydom—Dissolution of the Monasteries—Kett’s +Rebellion—Queen Mary—Queen Elizabeth—Eminent Citizens of +the Period + CHAPTER XII. +Norwich in the Seventeenth Century—The Civil Wars—Eminent 212–240 +Citizens + CHAPTER XIII. +Nonconformity in Norwich—The Independents—The 241–257 +Baptists—The Methodists + CHAPTER XIV. +Social State of Norwich from Fourteenth to Eighteenth 258–267 +Centuries—Trade Regulations, &c. + CHAPTER XV. +Norwich in the Eighteenth Century—Social 268–356 +State—Nonconformity—Eminent Citizens—Norwich in the +Nineteenth Century + CHAPTER XVI. +History of the Norwich Navigation 357–365 + CHAPTER XVII. +Leading Events of the Nineteenth Century 366–378 + CHAPTER XVIII. +The Reform Era—Commission of Enquiry respecting the Old 379–404 +Corporation—The Election of Stormont and Scarlett + CHAPTER XIX. +The Reign of Queen Victoria—Leading Events 405–415 + CHAPTER XX. +The Murder of Isaac Jermy, Recorder of Norwich 416–428 + CHAPTER XXI. +The Census of 1861—New Poor Law Act—Visit of Prince and 429–454 +Princess of Wales, the Duke of Edinburgh, and the Queen +of Denmark—The New Drainage Scheme + CHAPTER XXII. +History of the Triennial Musical Festivals 455–474 + CHAPTER XXIII. +Eminent Citizens of the Nineteenth Century 475–540 + CHAPTER XXIV. +Norwich Artists in the Nineteenth Century 541–551 + PART III. + + CHAPTER I. +Rise and Progress of the Manufacture of Textile Fabrics, 552–594 +and Present State of the Trade + CHAPTER II. +Trade and Commerce of the City—Banks and 595–633 +Banking—Wholesale Producers and Dealers—Cattle and Corn +Trade—Traffic by Rail and Water, &c. + PART IV. + + CHAPTER I. +Political History—Elections for the City—List of Members 634–683 +of Parliament + CHAPTER II. +Political History continued—Lists of Mayors, Sheriffs, 684–705 +Stewards, and Recorders + CHAPTER III. +Ecclesiastical History—Origin of the See—Lists of 706–721 +Bishops, Deans, and Clergy—Dignitaries of the +Diocese—Nonconformist Ministers + CHAPTER IV. +Religious, Educational, and Benevolent 722–735 + APPENDIX. +City Authorities and Officials, &c. 736–738 + + [Picture: Decorative mark] + + + + +INDEX TO CONTENTS. + + PAGE +Aborigines of the District 146 +Act obtained for Paving and 291, 324 +Lighting +Agricultural Implement Makers 611 +Agricultural Society’s (Royal) 416 +Visit +Agriculture, Chamber of 441 +Alexander Rev. John 490 +Alfred Prince, in Norwich 443 +Alfred the Great, Reign of 159 +Allen Thomas, M.A. 248 +Anchorages or Hermitages 139 +Ancient City, The 117 +Anderson William, Notice of 307 +Andrew’s, St. Hall—see St. +Andrew’s Hall +Angles, Arrival of 11 +Anglo-Saxon Coins 160, 161 +Anglo-Saxon Dynasty, Restoration 12 +of +Anglo-Saxon Period, Norwich in 158 +the +Archæological Society, (British) 433 +Visit of +Artists of Norwich 541 +Art, School of (in Free Library) 61 +Assize Courts, City and County 50 +Assizes removed to Norwich 381 +Asylum, New Lunatic, contemplated 441 +Austin Friars 138 + +Bank, the Crown 76 +Banks and Banking 595 +Baptist Chapels 110, 111, 112 +Baptists in Norwich, History of 253 +the +Barbauld, Anna Letitia 307 +Barlow, Peter 307 +Barracks, Cavalry 76 +Bathurst Bishop 36, 300, 328 +Bathurst Bishop, Memoir of 520 +Bathurst Bishop, Professor 329 +Taylor’s account of +Beechey, Sir William 307 +Benedictine Priory 136 +Bethel Built 270 +Bible Society, Norwich Auxiliary 335 +Established +Bignold, Sir Samuel 378, 381, 432 +Bigod, Hugh 169, 170, 172 +Bigod, Roger 163, 166, 168, 169, 172, 173, + 174, 175 +Bigod, William 169 +Bilney, the Martyr 51, 191 +Bishop Bathurst, monument of 36, 521 +,, ,, mentioned in _Monthly 300 +Magazine_ +,, ,, elected 328 +,, ,, Professor Taylor’s account 329 +of +,, ,, Memoir of 520 +,, Goldwell, tomb of 36 +,, Hall, driven out 222, 227 +,, ,, Memoir of 226 +,, Hall’s palace 100 +,, Herbert de Losinga (first 13 +bishop) +,, ,, Norman statue of 39 +,, Hinds, memoir of 524 +,, Horne, monument of 36 +,, Nykke, tomb of 34 +,, Parkhurst, tomb of 35 +,, Pelham, notice of 714 +,, Stanley, memoir of 524 +,, Wren and the “Book of Sports” 244 +Bishop’s Palace, History and 43 +description of +Bishops of Norwich, list of 708 +Black Friars 138 +Blomefield, the Norfolk Historian 127, 306 +Blind, Hospital for the 327, 733 +Blythe, Hancock 307 +Board of Health 14, 429 +Boleyn, Sir William, tomb of 37 +Bombazines, manufacture of 204 +introduced +Book of Sports 78, 244 +Boot and Shoe Trade, Wholesale 601 +Bourn, Samuel 297 +Bracondale Lodge (Miss Martineau) 106 +Brand, John, B.A. 307 +Brasses, Monumental 140, 563 +Bread Riots 286, 292, 340 +Brethren of the Sac Friars 139 +Brewers’ Mark, &c., Mr. R. Fitch 264 +on +Brewers, Wholesale 616 +Bridge, Carrow, first stone laid 333 +,, Duke’s Palace, erected 347 +,, Foundry, first stone laid 334 +Bridge W., M.A. 245 +British Archæological Society, 433 +Visit of +,, Association for the 444 +Advancement of Science, Visit of +Brooke, Sir James, educated at 45, 726 +Grammar School +Brown, Rev. Robert 243 +Browne, Sir Thomas, memoir of 230 +Brush and Paper Bag Makers 620 +Burial Ground—the Rosary 108 +Bury and Schneider unseated 656 +Buxton, Thomas Fowell 104 + +Caer Gwent or Guntum, Norwich 10, 157 +called so by the Iceni +Caister, a village on the bank of 10, 11 +the Taas +Caister and Norwich, Traditional 10 +Couplet +Caister Camp 105, 157 +Canons Honorary 718 +Canute assigned custody of 152 +Norwich Castle to Earl Turkel +Cardinal Wolsey visited Norwich 189 +Carmelite Friars 137 +Caroline, Queen, Address to 350 +Carriage Manufacturers 620 +Carrow Abbey 84, 139 +Carrow Bridge, first stone laid 333 +Carrow Works (Messrs. J. and J. 84, 605 +Colman’s) +Carrying Trade 625 +Carter, Rev. John, memoir of 239 +Castle built 11, 163 +,, burnt by Danes 12 +,, description and history of 20 +,, fortifications of 21, 22 +,, ,, Mr. Woodward’s opinions 23, 119 +,, ,, Kirkpatrick’s opinions 23 +,, ,, Mr. Harrod’s opinions 24 +,, made the public prison 178 +,, Corporation, the 339 +,, Hill, View from 47 +Cathedral, additions and repairs 29, 30, 31, 276 +by Eborard, John de Oxford, +Walter de Suffield, Ralph de +Walpole, &c. +,, Brasses destroyed during 37 +Commonwealth +,, Chartists attended at 406 +,, Cloisters, description of 41 +,, Close, Upper and Lower 44 +,, Dignitaries of the 717 +,, Dimensions of 32 +,, Edward I. and Eleanor at 29 +,, Exterior, description of 39 +,, Gateways 46 +,, Injuries by fires, wind, and 29, 30, 189, 212, 323 +lightning +,, Injuries by Reformers 31, 219 +,, Interior description of 33 +,, Monument of Bishop Bathurst 36 +,, ,, Bishop Home 36 +Cathedral, Monument of Sir 37 +William Boleyn +,, Original Structure 28 +,, Prideaux, Dr., Inscription in 34 +Memory of +,, Queen Elizabeth dined in 43, 205 +Cloisters +,, Tomb of Bishop Goldwell 36 +,, ,, ,, Herbert de Losinga 37 +,, ,, ,, Nykke 35 +,, ,, ,, Parkhurst 35 +,, ,, Miles Spencer 34 +,, Yarmouth people ask for stones 31 +for a workhouse +Catherine, Queen, visited Norwich 189 +Catholic Apostolic Chapel 115 +Cattle and Corn Trade 623 +Cattle Food and Manure Trades 622 +Cattle Market, cost of 49 +improvements, &c. +Cavalry Barracks 76 +Cemetery, Public (opened 1856) 101, 432 +,, The Rosary 108 +Census of 1861 435 +Chamber of Agriculture 441 +Chantrey’s, Sir Francis last work 37, 521 +Chapel Field 98, 133 +Chapels, Nonconformists’ 720 +,, ,, Ber Street (Wesleyans) 112 +,, ,, Calvert Street (Methodist 112 +Free Church) +,, ,, Catherine’s Plain 113 +(Primitive Methodists) +,, ,, Chapel-in-the-Field 110 +(Independents) +,, ,, Cherry Lane (Baptists) 112 +,, ,, Clement Court (Catholic 115 +Apostolic—Irvingites) +,, ,, Crook’s Place (Methodist 112 +Free Church) +,, ,, Cowgate Street (Primitive 113 +Methodist) +,, ,, Dereham Road (Primitive 113 +Methodist) +,, ,, Dutch Church (Free 114 +Christian Church) +,, ,, Ebenezer (Baptists) 111 +,, ,, French Church 114 +(Swedenborgians) +,, ,, Gildencroft (Baptists) 111 +,, ,, Jireh—Dereham Road 112 +(Baptists) +,, ,, Lady Lane (Wesleyans) 112 +,, ,, Octagon (Unitarians) 113 +,, ,, Old Meeting (Independents) 109 +,, ,, Orford Hill (Baptists) 111 +,, ,, Pottergate Street 112 +(Baptists) +,, ,, Princes Street 109 +(Independents) +,, ,, Priory Yard (Baptists) 112 +,, ,, Queen Street 114 +(Swedenborgians) +,, ,, St. Clement’s (Baptists) 111 +,, ,, St. Faith’s Lane (Jews) 115 +,, ,, St. John’s Maddermarket 113 +(Roman Cath.) +,, ,, St. Mary’s (Baptists) 110 +,, ,, St. Peter’s Hall 112 +(Presbyterians) +,, ,, Tabernacle (Lady 110 +Huntingdon’s) +,, ,, Upper Goat Lane (Friends) 113 +,, ,, Willow Lane (Roman 113 +Catholics) +Chapels, Desecrated 133 +Charing (Sherers’) Cross removed 275 +Charitable Institutions 732 +,, ,, Bethel 270 +,, ,, Blind Hospital 327, 733 +,, ,, Doughty’s Hospital 733 +,, ,, Great Hospital (called also 79, 197, 279, 733 +Old Men’s, St. Giles’, or St. +Helen’s) +,, ,, Jenny Lind Infirmary 430, 733 +,, ,, Lying-in Charity 377 +,, ,, Norfolk and Norwich 280, 733 +Hospital +,, ,, Norwich Magdalen 733 +,, ,, Orphans’ Home 733 +,, ,, Public Dispensary 325, 733 +Charles II. and Queen visited 223, 225 +Norwich +Chartist Movements 406, 408, 653 +Christ Church, New Catton 92, 405 +Church Congress in Norwich 442 +Church of England Young Men’s 732 +Society +Churches, All Saints 96 +,, Christ Church (New Catton) 92, 405 +,, desecrated 127–133 +,, despoiled by Reformers 219 +,, Holy Trinity (Heigham) 102 +,, list of 719 +,, number of, in olden times 62 +,, St. Andrew 70 +,, St. Andrew (Eaton) 104 +,, St. Augustine 87 +,, St. Bartholomew (Heigham) 102 +,, St. Benedict 75 +,, St. Clement 91 +,, St. Edmund 93 +,, St. Etheldred 82 +,, St. George Colegate 87 +,, St. George Tombland 77 +,, St. Giles 67 +,, St. Gregory 68 +,, St. Helen 80 +,, St. James 9 +,, St. John Maddermarket 69 +,, St. John Timberhill 97 +,, St. John Sepulchre 95 +,, St. Julian 81 +,, St. Lawrence 73 +,, St. Margaret 75 +,, St. Martin at Oak 86 +,, St. Martin at Palace 79 +,, St. Mark (Lakenham) 105 +,, St. Mary at Coslany 88 +,, St. Matthew (Thorpe) 106 +,, St. Michael Coslany 85 +,, St. Michael at Plea 77 +,, St. Michael at Thorn 96 +,, St. Paul 93 +,, St. Peter Hungate 78 +,, St. Peter of Mancroft 65 +,, St. Peter per Mountergate 81 +,, St. Peter Southgate 82 +,, St. Philip (Heigham) 102 +,, St. Saviour 92 +,, St. Simon and Jude 79 +,, St. Stephen 94 +,, St. Swithin 73 +,, Trinity, Holy (Heigham) 102 +Cigar and Tobacco Trade 617 +City and County of Norwich 170 +City Jail 99, 355 +City Library 61 +City Officials, list of 736 +City separated from County of 170 +Norfolk +Civic Feasts 52, 197, 204, 378, 402, 403 _et + passim_ +Civil Wars, the 216 +Clabburn Thomas, monument of 87 +Clarke, Dr. Adam, in Norwich 257 +Clarke, Dr. Samuel, memoir of 236 +Clergy, ignorance of, in 242 +fifteenth century +Clergy of City and Hamlets, list 719 +of +Close, Cathedral, Upper and Lower 44 +Clothiers, Wholesale 601 +Clover Joseph, artist 546 +Coaches, Mail, to London 282 +Coal Trade 622 +Coins, Anglo-Saxon 160, 161 +Coins of Iceni 149 +Collinges Dr. 296 +Commercial History 552 +Commercial School 726 +Compounding for Poor-rates 440 +abolished +Cooper Henry 308 +Corn Exchange (old) opened 372 +,, description of 58 +Corn Exchange, portraits in (Earl 59 +Leicester & Jno. Culley, Esq.) +Corn, high price of 286, 293 +Corn Trade 623 +Corporation, Municipal 170 +,, ,, First Mayor of New 402 +,, ,, History of the 316 +,, ,, Last Mayor of Old 401 +,, ,, Members of, for 1869 736 +,, ,, Present state of the 395 +,, ,, Presents to the, by Lord 279 +Howard, 223; Sir Robt. Walpole, +275; Sir Armine Wodehouse +Corporation, Old, _Commission of 381 +Inquiry_ +,, Evidence of Athow, John 395 +,, ,, Bacon, R. M. 395 +,, ,, Barnard, A. 391 +,, ,, Bignold, S. (mayor) 383 +,, ,, Bolingbroke, Alderman 383, 391 +,, ,, Francis, John 391, 394 +,, ,, Gurney, J. J. 383, 388, 392 +,, ,, Newton, Alderman 386 +,, ,, Palmer, George 392 +,, ,, Robberds, J. W. 395 +,, ,, Simpson, W. 383 +,, ,, Stan, John Rising 390 +,, ,, Wilde, William 389 +,, ,, Willett, H. 393 +,, ,, Wright Mr. 394 +Cosin, Dr. John, memoir of 238 +Costume of various periods 553 +Cotman, J. S., artist 550 +Council Chamber 50 +County Jail (the Castle) 27 +Crape Manufacture 581, 592, 593 +Crome, John, artist (“Old Crome”) 89, 542 +Memorial of +Crome, Miss, artist 546 +Crome, J. B., artist 545 +Cromwell and the Commonwealth 222 +Cromwell, John 249 +Crosse, John Greene, memoir of 530 +Crotch, Dr. William 538 +Crown Bank (Harveys and Hudson) 76 +Crucifixion of a boy by Jews, 174 +alleged + +Dalrymple, William, memoir of 526 +Danes, Incursions of 12 +Danes settled in Norwich 162 +Dean and Chapter 718 +Dean and Chapter’s Library 44 +Deans of Norwich, list of 715 +Deave, Reuben 308 +Denmark, Queen of, visit to 443 +Norwich +De Dominâ Friars 138 +De Pica or Pied Friars 138 +De Sacco Friars 139 +Desecrated Chapels 133 +Desecrated Churches 127–133 +Dignitaries of the Diocese 717 +Diocese, Dignitaries of 717 +Disfranchisement of Freemen 374, 402 +Dispensary, Public 325, 733 +Dissolution of the Monasteries 194 +Dixon, W. R., artist 547 +Domesday Book 12, 13, 165, 260 +Dominican Friars 138 +Doughty’s Hospital 733 +Drainage, the New Scheme for 446 +Drapers, Wholesale 616 +Dress at different periods 553 +Drill Hall 98 +Duchess of Norfolk (died 1593), 70 +monument of +Duke of Sussex visited Norwich 345 +Duke of Wellington, Statue of 63 +Duke’s Palace Bridge erected 347 +Dungeon Tower 76 +Dutch and Flemings, arrival of 166, 557 +Dutch Church (Free Christian 114 +Church) + +Earlham Hall 103 +Earlham, Hamlet of 103 +Earthquakes felt in Norwich 278 +Eaton, Hamlet of 104 +Ecclesiastical History 706 +Edinburgh, Duke of, in Norwich 443 +Education in Norwich 726 +Edward I. and Eleanor at 29 +Cathedral +Edward III. and Philippa visit 178 +Norwich +Edward VI. Commercial School 726 +,, Grammar School 45, 726 +Eighteenth Century, Norwich in 268 +the +Eldon Club 641 +Election, First under the Reform 662 +Act of 1867 +Election of Stormont and Scarlett +(see Stormont and Scarlett) +Elections since Reform Act of 650 +1832 +Elizabeth Fry 104, 503, 505 +Elizabeth, Queen, visits of, to 43, 51, 205 +Norwich +Elizabeth Woodville, Queen of 185 +Edward IV., visits Norwich +Eminent Citizens, Notices of— +,, ,, Alexander, Rev. John 490 +,, ,, Anderson, William 307 +,, ,, Barbauld, Anna Letitia 307 +,, ,, Barlow, Peter 307 +,, ,, Bathurst, Bishop 520 +,, ,, Beechey, Sir William 307 +,, ,, Blomefield, Rev. F. 306 +,, ,, Blythe, Hancock 307 +,, ,, Brand, John, B.A. 307 +,, ,, Browne, Sir Thomas 230 +,, ,, Carter, Rev. John 239 +,, ,, Clarke, Dr. Samuel 236 +,, ,, Cooper, Henry 308 +,, ,, Cosin, Dr. John 238 +,, ,, Crosse, John Greene 530 +,, ,, Crotch, Dr. William 538 +,, ,, Dalrymple, William 526 +,, ,, Deave, Reuben 308 +,, ,, Enfield, Dr. 298, 309 +,, ,, Fenn, Sir John 309 +,, ,, Fry, Elizabeth 503, 505 +,, ,, Goslin, John 239 +,, ,, Gurney, John 499 +,, ,, Gurney, Joseph John 503 +,, ,, Hall, Bishop 226 +,, ,, Hall, Thomas 309 +,, ,, Hinds, Bishop 524 +,, ,, Hobart, John 310 +,, ,, Hooke, James 310 +,, ,, Hooker, Dr. 536 +,, ,, Kaye, John 210 +,, ,, Kinnebrook, David 310 +,, ,, Kirkpatrick, John 303 +,, ,, Legge, Dr. 209 +,, ,, Lens, John 310 +,, ,, Lubbock, Dr. 311 +,, ,, Mountain, Right Rev. J. 311 +,, ,, Opie, Mrs. 537 +,, ,, Parker, Archbishop 211 +,, ,, Parr, Dr. Samuel 311 +,, ,, Pearson, Dr. John 238 +,, ,, Rigby, Dr. 311 +,, ,, Robert, Viscount of 237 +Yarmouth +,, ,, Saint, William 312 +,, ,, Sanby, George, D.D. 312 +,, ,, Say, William 312 +,, ,, Sayers, Frank, M.D. 312 +,, ,, Smith, Sir J. E., M.D. 312 +,, ,, Stanley, Bishop 522 +,, ,, Stevenson, William 313 +,, ,, Taylor, John, D.D. 313 +,, ,, Taylor, Professor Edward 475 +,, ,, Taylor, William 313 +,, ,, Thurlow, Edward, Baron 313 +,, ,, Wilkins, William 314 +,, ,, Wilkins, William, sen. 314 +,, ,, Wilks, Rev. Mark 482 +,, ,, Windham, William 314 +,, ,, Wrench, Sir Benjamin 314 +Enfield, Dr. 298, 309 +Erpingham Gate 46 +Erpingham, Sir Thomas 46, 51 +Ethelbert Gate 46 +Exhibitions, Great, (1851 & 1862) 430, 436 +Norwich Contributors to +Exhibition, Norwich Industrial 443 +Extent of Modern City 15 + +Fastolf Sir John, House of 46 +Fenn, Sir John 309 +Fifteenth Century, Norwich in the 183 +Fires, serious injuries by 188, 277, 323 +Fish Market 64 +Fitch, R., Esq., on the Old Walls 121 +and Gates +Flag of France taken by Nelson 58 +Flemings, Arrival or 166, 171, 204, 557, 560, 567 +Flemish Refugees banished 244 +Flint Implements of Iceni 148 +Flint Structure, curious specimen 72 +of +Floods, violent, in Norwich 269, 279, 280 +Flour Mills 621 +Fortifications of the Old City 122 +Foundry Bridge, first stone laid 334 +Fourteenth Century, Norwich in 177 +the +Fourteenth to eighteenth 258 +Centuries, social state +Franciscan Friars 137 +Fransham John 309 +Free Christian Church 114 +Free Library 61 +Freemasons, Dean Prideaux, first 272 +master here +Freemen, disfranchisement of 374, 402 +French Church (Swedenborgian) 114 +French Revolution commemorated 284 +Friaries 136 +Friars, Carmelites or White 137 +Friars de Dominâ 138 +Friars de Pica or Pied Friars 138 +Friars de Sacco 139 +Friars Franciscan or Grey 137 +Friars of St. Mary 138 +Friars, Preachers (Black Friars) 138 +Friends’ Meeting House 113 +Fry, Elizabeth 104, 503, 505 +Fynch, Martin 249 + +Gates and Walls, old 121 +Gateways of Cathedral 46 +Gedge, Mr. G., promoted National 410, 412, 414 +Rate +Goslin John, Memoir of 239 +Grammar School 45, 726 +,, Brooke, Sir James, educated at 45, 726 +,, Lord Nelson 45, 726 +,, Valpy Dr., once head master 45, 726 +Grantham Thomas 253 +Great Exhibitions (1851 and 430, 436 +1862), Norwich Contributions to +Great Hospital (see Charitable +Institutions) +Grey Friars 137 +Grocers, wholesale 617 +Guardians, Corporation of 375, 438 +Guild Feasts 52 +Guild Hall, description of 50 +,, memorials of Nelson in 51 +,, Bilney the martyr confined 51 +there +Guilds and Pageants 180, 208, 239, 274, 282, 403 +Guild, the Tanners’ 74 +Gurney Family 103, 498 +,, Hudson, on Venta Icenorum 153 +,, John 502 +,, Joseph John 368, 509 +,, ,, buried in Gildencroft 111, 518 + +Hall, Bishop, memoir of 226 +Hall’s Bishop, Palace 100 +Hall, Guild (see Guildhall) +Hall, St. Andrew’s (see St. +Andrew’s Hall) +Hall, Thomas 309 +Hallett, Rev. J., on History of 251 +Old Meeting House +Hamlets—Earlham 103 +,, Eaton 104 +,, Heigham 98 +,, Hellesdon 103 +,, Lakenham 104 +,, Pockthorpe 108 +,, Thorpe 106 +,, Trowse, Carrow, and Bracondale 106 +Harrod on Fortifications of 24 +Castle +Hart, Rev. R., on Old Costumes 564 +Harvey, Charles 353 +Harvey, John 354 +Harvey, Robert 339 +Harvey, Sir R. J. H., Bart., 107, 597 +Heigham, Hamlet of 98 +Hellesdon, Hamlet of 103 +Henry I. visited Norwich 169 +Henry VI. visited Norwich 184 +Henry VII. visited Norwich 186 +Herbert de Losinga (first bishop) 13 +,, tomb of 37 +Hermitages or Anchorages 139 +Hinds, Bishop, memoir of 524 +Hobart, John 310 +Hodgson, Charles, artist 547 +Hodgson, David, artist 548 +Holy Trinity, Church of the 102 +Hooke, James 310 +Hooker, Dr., notice of 536 +Horticultural Implement Makers 611 +Hospitals (see Charitable +Institutions) +Huntingdon’s, Lady, Connexion 110 + +Iceni, the 11, 147 +,, Coins of 149 +,, Flint Implements of 148 +,, Woodward on 117 +,, Sepulchral Urns 148 +Independent Chapels 109, 110 +Independents, History of the 247 +Indigent Blind Hospital 327, 733 +Indulgences to those buried in 137 +“Pardon Cloister” +Industrial Exhibition 443 +Innes, Rev. J. B. 251 +Iron Trade 609 +Irvingites’ Chapel 115 + +Jail, the City 99, 355 +Jail, the County 27 +Jenny Lind Infirmary 430, 733 +Jermy, Isaac, Recorder, Murder of 416 +Jews accused of crucifying a boy 174 +Jews, first settled in Norwich 165 +Jews, large influx of 169 +‘Jews’ Synagogue 115 +John’s (King) visit to Norwich 173 +John of Gaunt visited Norwich 179 + +Kaye, John, memoir of 210 +Kett’s Castle 136 +Kett’s Rebellion 198 +King (see Royal Visits) +King Edward VI. Commercial School 726 +King Edward VI. Grammar School 45, 726 +Kinghorn, Rev. J., Tributary 256 +Lines by Mrs. Opie +Kinnebrook, David 310 +Kirkpatrick, John, memoir of 303 +Kirkpatrick—buried in St. Helen’s 80, 305 +Church +,, on fortifications of Castle 23 + +Ladbrooke, Robert 548 +Lady Huntingdon Chapels 110 +Lakenham, Hamlet of 104 +Law of Settlement and Removal 414 +Legge, Dr., memoir of 209 +Lens, John, M.A. 310 +Library, City (at Free Library) 61 +,, Dean and Chapter’s 44 +,, Free Library 61 +,, Literary Institution 60 +,, Norwich Public 59, 298 +Literary Institution, Norfolk and 60 +Norwich +Lollards’ Pit (see also Martyrs) 136, 184, 193, 203 +Lord Abinger 401 +Lord Nelson 45, 51, 56, 288, 289, 330 +Lubbock, Richard, M.D. 311 +Lunatic Asylum, new one 441 +contemplated +Lying-in-Charity, Established 377 + +Magdalen, or Female Home 733 +Mail Coaches, first started to 282 +London +Maltby, Dr. Edward 297 +Manufacture of Bombazines 204 +introduced +Manufacture of Worsted introduced 166 +Manufacturers of the last century 302 +Manufactures mentioned in “Paston 178 +Letters” +Manufactures, Norwich, at Great 430, 436 +Exhibitions +Manufactures, Norwich, presented 437 +to Princess of Wales +Manufactures—Textile 553 +Fabrics—History of +,, ,, in Eighteenth Century 569 +,,, , in Nineteenth Century 578 +Manure Manufacturers 622 +Margaret of Anjou (Queen of Henry 185 +VI.) visited Norwich +Market, Corn 58 +Market Cross, the 188 +Market, Cattle, cost of 49 +improvements, &c +Market, Fish 64 +Market Place, dimensions of 63 +Market Place, formerly the Great 18 +Croft +Martineau Family 106 +Martyr, the Boy William 174 +Martyr, Thomas Bilney 51, 191 +Martyrs (see also Lollards’ Pit) 184, 191, 193, 196, 203, 206, + 242, 243 +Masons, Free, Dean Prideaux first 272 +master here +Mayor and Sheriff, alternate 429 +nominations of +Mayor, the first 72, 170, 684 +Mayors and Sheriffs, complete 684 +list of +Mayor’s Feast, curious speech at 53 +a +Mayors’ Feasts (see also Civic 52, 204, 378, 403 _et passim_ +Feasts) +Mayors’ Gold Chain 271 +Members of Parliament first 176 +elected for Norwich +Members for Norwich, complete 669 +list of +Methodists, Calvinistic 256 +Methodist Free Church Chapels 112 +Methodist, Primitive, Chapels 112 +Methodists, Wesleyan 112, 257 +Miles Spencer, Tomb of 34 +Ministers, Nonconformist 720 +Modern City, situation and extent 15 +of +Monasteries, dissolution of 194 +Monastic Institutions 135 +Monumental Brasses 140 +Moore William (last Mayor of Old 401 +Corporation) +Mountain, Right Rev. Jacob 311 +Municipal Reform Act 170, 400 +Murder of Isaac Jermy, Recorder 416 +Museum, Norfolk and Norwich 60, 401 +Musical Festivals 324, 333, 356, 403 +,, History of 455 +Mustard and Starch Manufactory 84, 605 +(Messrs. J. and J. Colman’s) + +National Rate advocated by Mr. G. 410, 412, 414 +Gedge and others +Navigation, Norwich, history of 357 +the +Nelson, Lord, educated at Grammar 45, 726 +School +,, memorials of, in Guildhall 51, 288 +,, portrait of, in St. Andrew’s 56, 289 +Hall +,, statue of, in Cathedral Close 45 +,, victory of, celebrated in 330 +Norwich +New Catton (Christ Church) 92, 405 +New Mills 74 +Newspaper, first in Norwich 269 +Nineteenth Century, Norwich in 315 +the +Nonconformist Ministers, list of 720 +Nonconformists (see Chapels) 109, 720 +,, Baptists 110, 111, 112 +,, Catholic Apostolic 115 +,, Friends 113 +,, Free Christian Church 114 +,, Independents 109, 110 +,, Irvingites 115 +,, Jews 115 +,, Lady Huntingdon’s Connexion 110 +,, Methodist Free Church 112 +,, ,, Primitive 112 +,, ,, Wesleyan 112 +,, Presbyterian 112 +,, Roman Catholics 113, 114 +,, Swedenborgians 114 +,, Unitarians 113 +Nonconformity in Norwich, history 241, 294 +of +Norman Conquest 165 +Norman Architecture, specimens of 62 +Northwic, Norwich named so by the 11 +Angles +Norwich—Aborigines 146 +,, and Caister, traditional 10 +couplet +,, “a Port” 357 +,, Antiquities 116 +,, Assizes removed to 381 +,, became a Danish City 12 +,, Bishops, list of 708 +,, Clergy of City and Hamlets 719 +,, Corporation of (see +Corporation) +,, Crape Manufacture 581, 592, 593 +,, custody of, assigned by Canute 162 +to Earl Turkel +,, Deans, list of 715 +,, during Civil Wars 216 +,, during Commonwealth 222 +,, extract from Domesday Book 166 +,, first represented in 176 +Parliament +,, from fourteenth to eighteenth 258 +centuries +,, in the Roman Period 10, 152 +,, in the Anglo-Saxon Period 158 +,, in the Norman Period 165 +,, in the Twelfth Century 169 +,, in the Thirteenth Century 173 +,, in the Fourteenth Century 177 +,, in the Fifteenth Century 183 +,, in the Sixteenth Century 188 +,, in the Seventeenth Century 212 +,, in the Seventeenth Century, 224 +Sir Thos. Browne and Lord +Macaulay on +,, in the Eighteenth Century 268 +,, in the Nineteenth Century 315 +,, Jews first settled in 165 +,, made a Staple Town 178 +,, Mayors and Sheriffs, complete 684 +list of +,, Members of Parliament for, 669 +complete list of +,, Navigation, history of the 357 +,, Nonconformity, history of 241, 294 +,, Recorder of, Isaac Jermy, 416 +murdered +,, Recorders, list of 704 +,, seriously injured by Fire 188, 277 +,, Shawl Manufacture 587 +,, Site of, formerly under the 9, 10 +sea +,, Stewards, list of 705 +,, supplies against Spanish 205 +Armada +,, under the Angles n 11 +,, under the Danes 162 +,, under the Reform Era 379 +,, Union (New Act) 438 +,, Venta Icenorum of the Romans 11, 117, 153 + +Octagon Chapel (Unitarian) 113, 138, 295 +Old Bridewell, a curious flint 71 +structure (built about 1370) +Old Corporation (see Corporation) +“Old Crome,” artist 89, 542 +Old Meeting House 109 +,, Rev. J. Hallett on the History 251 +of +Old Men’s Hospital 79, 197, 279, 733 +Old Norwich 117 +,, fortifications of 122 +Old Walls and Gates—Mr. R. Fitch 121–127 +on +Opie, Mrs., buried in Gildencroft 111 +,, Notice of 537 +Orphan’s Home 733 + +Paper Bag Makers 620 +Paper Manufacturers 621 +“Pardon Cloister” Indulgences 137 +Parker, Archbishop, memoir of 211 +Parishes and Parish Churches 62 +Parliament—Norwich first 176 +represented in +Parliamentary Reform, Movements 284, 341, 380, 643, 648 +in favour of +Parr, Dr. Samuel 311 +Parry, Capt. W. E., Freedom of 351 +City presented to +“Paston Letters” on Norwich 178 +Manufactures +Paving and Lighting, Act obtained 291, 324 +for +Paving of Norwich, worst in 14, 291 +England +Pearson, Dr. John, Memoir of 238 +Pelham, Dr., present Bishop, 714 +notice of +Perpendicular Architecture, 62 +Specimens of +Peter, the Wild Youth 277 +Physical Condition of Norwich at 9 +an early period +Plagues and Pestilences 203, 206, 213, 214, 259, 377 +Pockthorpe, Hamlet of 108 +Police Introduced 403 +Political History 635 +Poor Law, New Act for Norwich 438 +Poor Law Reform 410 +Poor Law Removal Act 412 +Population, &c., by Domesday Book 12, 13, 260 +,, at various periods 13, 315, 375, 408, 430, 435 +Portrait of J. H. Gurney, Esq., 60 +in Museum +Portrait of Nelson by Beechey 56 +Portraits and Pictures in St. 57 +Andrew’s Hall +Portraits in Corn Exchange (Earl 59 +of Leicester & J. Culley, Esq.) +Portraits in Shirehall (Lord 50 +Wodehouse, Earl of Leicester, and +H. Dover, Esq.) +Post Office 62 +Precedence, Questions of 213 +Presbyterian (Scotch) Chapel 112 +Presbyterians (Unitarians) 295 +History of +Prideaux, Dr., Inscription in 34 +memory of +Primitive Methodist Chapels 112 +Prince Alfred in Norwich 443 +Prince and Princess of Wales in 443 +Norwich +Prince’s Street Chapel 109 +Priories—Benedictine and St. 136 +Leonard’s +Priory Yard Chapel 112, 253 +Protestant Association 407 +Established +Provisions, high price of 286, 293 +Public Dispensary Established 325 +Public Library 59 +Publishers, Manufacturing 615 +Pull’s Ferry 44 +Puritans, their doings and 219, 243, 244 +sufferings + +Queen (see Royal Visits) +Queen Caroline, Address to 350 + +Railway Communications 15, 16, 409 +Rajah of Sarawak, Educated at 45, 726 +Grammar School +Read, Sir Peter, tomb of 65 +Rebellion, Kett’s 198 +Rebellion, Wat Tyler’s 178 +Recorder of Norwich (Isaac Jenny) 416 +murdered +Recorders of Norwich, list of 704 +Reed, Rev. Andrew 251 +Reed, Rev. Andrew, on the Rise of 247 +Nonconformity in Norwich +Reformation, the 184, 206 +Reform in Parliament, movements 284, 341, 380, 643, 648 +in favour of +Reformed Parliament—first 650 +election (1832) +Religious History of Norwich 722 +Rifle Volunteers 433 +Rigby, Edward, M.D. 311 +Rise and Progress of the City 9, 11 +River Wensum, rise and course of 16 +River Yare 15 +Robert, Viscount of Yarmouth, 237 +memoir of +Roger Bigod 163, 166, 168, 169, 172, 173, + 174, 175 +Roman Catholic Chapels 113, 114 +Roman Invasion 152 +,, opinion of Rev. Scott Surtees 152 +Roman Roads 117, 118, 119, 153 +Rosary Burial Ground 108 +Royal Agricultural Society’s 416 +Visit +Royal Visits—Catherine 189 +,, Charles II. and Queen 223, 225 +,, Duke of Edinburgh (Prince 443 +Alfred) +,, Duke of Sussex 345 +,, Edward I. and Eleanor 29 +,, Edward III. and Philippa 178 +,, Elizabeth 43, 51, 205 +,, Elizabeth Woodville (Queen of 185 +Edward IV.) +,, Henry I. 169 +,, Henry VI. 184 +,, Henry VII. 186 +,, John 173 +,, Margaret of Anjou (Queen of 185 +Henry VI.) +,, Prince and Princess of Wales 443 +,, Prince Alfred (Duke of 443 +Edinburgh) +,, Queen of Denmark 443 +Rush, James Blomfield, murderer 416 +of Isaac Jermy, Recorder + +Saint William 312 +Saints, All, parish of 96 +Sampson and Hercules’ Court 46 +Sandby, George, D.D. 312 +Sandringham Gates, the 437, 612 +Savings Bank opened 339 +Say, William 312 +Sayers, Frank, M.D. 312 +Scarlett, Sir James, made Lord 401 +Abinger +School, Commercial 726 +,, Grammar 45, 726 +,, of Art 61 +Schools, Endowed and Charity 628 +See, Bishop’s, origin of 706 +,, removed to Norwich 13, 706 +Separation of Norwich and Norfolk 170 +Sepulchral Urns of Iceni 148 +Settlement and Removal, Law of 414 +Seventeenth Century, Norwich in 212 +the +,, ,, Sir T. Browne & Lord 224 +Macaulay on +Shawls made in Norwich 587 +Sheriffs of Norwich, complete 688 +list of +Shirehall, portraits in (Earl of 49, 50 +Leicester, Lord Wodehouse, and H. +Dover, Esq.) +Shoe Trade, Wholesale 601 +Shops, Warehouses, Banks, &c 18 +Sixteenth Century, Norwich in the 188 +Slavery, Abolition of 368, 371, 374 +Smith, Sir James Edward 312 +Soap Manufacture 621 +Soc, Sac, and Custom 166 +Spanish Armada, supplies against 205 +Springfield, T. O. 373, 588 +,, first Mayor of New Corporation 403 +St. Andrew, Parish of 70 +,, Andrew, Parish of (Eaton) 104 +,, Andrew’s Hall, description and 51 +history of +,, ,, dimensions of 54 +,, ,, Flag of France taken by 58 +Nelson +,, ,, Mayor’s Feasts in 52 _et passim_ +,, ,, Musical Festivals 53, 324, 333, 356, 403, 455 +,, ,, Portraits and Pictures in 57 +,, ,, Portrait of Nelson, by 56 +Beechey +,, ,, restored 281 +,, ,, used as Corn Hall and 54, 272 +Exchange +,, Augustine, parish of 87 +,, Bartholomew, Heigham 102 +,, Benedict, parish of 74 +,, Clement, parish of 91 +,, Edmund, parish of 93 +,, Etheldred, parish of 82 +,, George Colegate, parish of 89 +,, George Tombland, parish of 77 +,, Giles, parish of 67 +,, Giles’ Hospital (see +Charitable Institutions) +,, Gregory, parish of 68 +,, Helen, parish of 79 +,, Helen’s Hospital (see +Charitable Institutions) +,, James, parish of 93, 108 +,, John Maddermarket, parish of 69 +,, John Sepulchre, parish of 95 +,, John Timberhill, parish of 97 +,, Julian, parish of 81 +,, Lawrence, parish of 73 +,, Leonard’s Priory 136 +,, Margaret, parish of 74 +,, Mark (Lakenham) 105 +,, Martin at Oak, parish of 86 +,, Martin at Palace, parish of 79 +,, Mary, Friars of 138 +,, Mary Coslany, parish of 88 +,, Matthew (Thorpe) 106 +,, Michael at Coslany, parish of 85 +,, Michael at Plea, parish of 77 +,, Michael at Thorn, parish of 96 +,, Paul, parish of 93, 108 +,, Peter Hungate, parish of 78 +,, Peter Mancroft, parish of 64 +,, Peter per Mountergate, parish 81 +of +,, Peter Southgate, parish of 82 +,, Philip (Heigham) 102 +,, Saviour, parish of 92 +,, Simon and Jude, parish of 79 +,, Stephen, parish of 94 +,, Swithin, parish of 73 +Stanfield Hall, Murders at 416 +Stanley, Bishop, Memoir of 522 +Stannard, Alfred, artist 549 +Stannard, Joseph, artist 548 +Stannard, Mrs., artist 549 +Staple Town, Norwich made a 178 +Starch and Mustard manufactory 84, 605 +(Messrs. J. and J. Colman’s) +Stark, James, artist 550 +Stevenson, William, F.S.A. 313 +Stewards of Norwich, list of 705 +Stormont and Scarlett’s +Election—Commission of Enquiry +,, ,, Evidence of Bush, Henry 397 +,, ,, ,, Cooper, William 397 +,, ,, ,, Cozens, Mr. 397 +,, ,, ,, Francis, J. 397 +,, ,, ,, Hayes, John 397 +,, ,, ,, Rust, Thomas 396 +,, ,, ,, Turner, Alderman 397 +,, ,, ,, Wortley, Mr. 397 +Stracey, Sir H. J., Bart., M.P., 668 +unseated +Street Improvements (London and 19 +Opie Streets) +Streets named from Trades 121 +Streets, names of, first put up 280 +Surtees, Rev. Scott F., on Roman 152 +Invasion +Survey of the City 9 +Sutton, Dr. Charles Manners 328 +Swedenborgians (French Church) 114 +Sweyn, landing of 118 + +Tabernacle Chapel 110, 256 +Tanners’ Guild 74 +Taylor, Dr. John 295, 313 +Taylor, Professor Edward 295, 344, 350, 458, 643 +,, ,, Memoir of 475 +Taylor, William 313 +Telegraphic Communications 16 +Textile Manufactures, History of 553 +,, in Eighteenth Century 569 +,, in Nineteenth Century 578 +Theatre Royal 61, 322, 367 +Thelwall, the Republican Orator 287 +Thirteenth Century, Norwich in 173 +the +Thorpe, Hamlet of 106 +Thurlow, Edward Baron 313 +Tillett, J. H., petitioned 668 +against Sir H. J. Stracey, Bart., +M.P. +Tobacco and Cigar Trade 617 +Tombland, St. George’s 77 +Towers of the Old City 124 +Trade Regulations in Seventeenth 265 +Century +Trade Stations and Rows in Olden 19, 121 +Times +Trinity, Holy, Church of 102 +(Heigham) +Trowse Millgate 106 +Turnpike Roads opened 280 +Twelfth Century, Norwich in the 169 +Tyler’s Wat, Rebellion 178 + +Unitarian Chapel (Octagon) 113 +Unitarians, History of the 295 +Upholsterers, Manufacturing 619 +Urns, Sepulchral, of Iceni 148 + +Valpy, Dr., Head Master of 45, 334 +Grammar School +Venta Icenorum 11 +,, Gurney, Hudson, on the 153 +,, Woodward, B. B., on the 117 +Volunteer Infantry 325, 326 +Volunteer Rifle Corps 433, 738 + +Wales, Prince and Princess of, in 443 +Norwich +Walloons settled here 204 +Walls and Gates, old 121 +Ward Elections, cost of contests 319, 320 +Water Gate to Cathedral Precincts 44 +Water Works 99 +Wat Tyler’s Rebellion 178 +Weavers’ Co-operative Society 441 +Weavers, disturbances by 373, 406, 583 +Weavers, number of (in 1839–1840) 584 +Wellington, Statue of 63 +Wensum River, rise and course of 16 +Wesley, Revs. John and Charles in 112, 257 +Norwich +White Friars 137 +Whitlingham (Sir R. J. H. 107 +Harvey’s) +Wilkins, William 314 +Wilks, Rev. Mark 482, 637 +William, “The Boy Martyr” 174 +Windham, Major General, “Hero of 433 +the Redan” +Windham, William 314 +Wine, Spirits, and Beer Trade 615 +Woodward, B. B., on 23 +Fortifications of Castle +,, on Venta Icenorum 117 +Wool Weaving Introduced 171 +Workhouse, first act for erecting 269 +a +Workhouse, New (built in 1859) 101 +Workhouse, Old 327 +Worship, Places of (see +“Churches” and “Chapels”) +Worsted Manufacture introduced 166 +Wren, Bishop, and the “Book of 244 +Sports” +Wrench, Sir Benjamin 314 + +Yarn Company, first stone of 403 +factory laid +Young Men’s Christian Association 732 + + [Picture: Decorative graphic] + + + + +A SURVEY OF NORWICH. + + +Rise and Progress of the City. + + +IN tracing the rise and progress of the city, it is necessary to inquire +respecting the physical condition of the district around it at an early +period. Before the dawn of authentic history, it is in vain to expect +full information on this point; but the natural changes that have taken +place may be traced with tolerable clearness. Geologists inform us that +the whole area of Norfolk, including Norwich, was in remote ages under +the sea; that by the slow accumulation of alluvial matter islands were +formed in this estuary; and that the waters were divided into several +channels. + +We may speculate as to the causes of these changes of the level of land +and water, but we cannot doubt the fact of such changes having taken +place. When or why the great body of waters retired to its great +reservoir in the bed of the ocean is unknown; but whatever the causes, it +is certain that between the first and the eleventh century the waters did +gradually recede till the river assumed a narrower appearance. The +higher part of the city from Ber Street up to Lakenham was probably, 2000 +years ago, like an island surrounded by water flowing up the valley of +the Taas on that side, and over the valley of the Wensum on the other +side. + +The existence of Norwich as a city during the Roman period from B.C. 50 +till A.D. 400 or 500 is very doubtful. Camden says that its name occurs +nowhere till the Danish wars. If it did exist, it was only a fishing +station, for then a broad arm of the sea flowed up the valley of the +Yare, and covered a great part of the north side of the present city. +Indeed, for centuries after the Christian era this arm of the sea may +have flowed over the greater part of the ground on which the north side +of the city now stands. In the course of time, however, the arm of the +sea gradually silted up and left only the present narrow river Wensum +flowing into the Yare. + +Tradition has handed down this couplet: + + “Caister was a city when Norwich was none, + And Norwich was built of Caister stone.” + +There is, however, no evidence that Caister was ever more than a village +on the banks of the Taas, where the Romans built a camp to overawe the +neighbourhood; while all the old Roman roads have always radiated from +Norwich, proving that it was a place of importance in the Roman period. +The _Iceni_ called it _Caer Gwent_, altered by the Romans into _Venta_, +so that it was the _Venta Icenorum_ of the Romans, who probably threw up +the mound on which a castle was afterwards built, in the Anglo-Saxon +period. + +Norwich very likely took its rise after the departure of the Romans, +about A.D. 418, on account of the distracted state of the empire. Then, +the camp or station at Caister being almost deserted, the few remaining +Romans joined with the natives, and they became one people; and the +situation of Norwich being thought preferable to that of Caister, many +retired hither for the facility of fishing and the easier communication +with the country. Caister, however, though almost deserted, kept up some +reputation, till the river becoming so shallow, cut off all intercourse +with it by water and reduced it to a place of no importance. + +After the departure of the Romans, the Angles from the opposite coast +made themselves masters of this part of the island, and to them is +chiefly owing the further progress of the city and its present name. +“Northwic” signifies a northern station on a winding river, and may have +been so called because of its being situated north of the ancient station +at Caister. + +Norwich Castle was probably built in the reign of Uffa, the first king of +the East Angles, soon after the year 575. About 642 it became a royal +castle, and one of the seats of Anna, king of the East Angles, whose +daughter Ethelfred, on her marriage with Tombert, a nobleman or prince of +the Girvii (a people inhabiting the fenny parts of Norfolk), had this +Castle, with the lands belonging to it, given her by her father. About +677, this Tombert and his wife granted to the monastery of Ely, which +they had founded, certain lands held of Norwich Castle, by Castle guard, +to which service they must have been liable before the grant, for, by the +laws of the Angles, lands granted to the church were not liable to +secular service, unless they were at first subject thereto whilst in +secular hands, which proves that this was a Royal Castle in the time of +King Anna. + +The Danes soon came over in such large numbers and so frequently, that +they at last got possession of the whole of East Anglia, and became the +parent-stock of the inhabitants of parts of Norfolk and Suffolk. In +1003, Sweyn or Swaine, King of Denmark, came over with his forces and, in +revenge for the massacre of the Danes in the previous year, burnt Norwich +and its Castle, as well as many other places. They afterwards rebuilt +the city and castle, and came hither in such large numbers, that Norwich +became a Danish city, with a Danish Castle, about 1011. After the +restoration of the Anglo-Saxon dynasty, the city entered on a new career +of prosperity, and according to the Domesday Book of Edward the +Confessor, it contained 25 churches, and 1320 burgesses, besides the +serfs or labourers. It was still the capital of East Anglia, with a few +hundred houses, but the greater part of the area round the Castle +presented only marshes and green fields. Two broad arms of the sea still +flowed up the valleys on each side of the city. The whole district all +around consisted of marsh, and moor, and woods, and yet uncultivated +land. + +In 1094, Herbert de Losinga, then Bishop of Thetford, removed the See +hither, and began to build the Cathedral, from which time the city +increased yearly in wealth and trade. Domesday Book (1086) contains an +account of all the lands and estates in England, and also of all the +towns. Norwich was then next in size to York, and contained 738 +families. Thetford had at the same time 720 burgesses, and 224 houses +empty. Thetford, therefore, was decaying and Norwich was rising. In +1377, a census was taken of several great towns in England, and Norwich +was found to contain 5300 people, for a migration hither of Flemings and +Walloons, who introduced the manufacture of woollen and worstead fabrics, +had increased the population. In 1575, the muster roll of men delivered +to the government capable of bearing arms contained 2120 names, which +would be the proportion for 15,000 people. The population in 1693 +amounted to 28,881 inhabitants. In 1752 it had increased to 36,241, and +in 1786 to 40,051. In 1801 it had decreased to 36,832. In 1811 the +number was 37,256, and during the next ten years so large was the +increase that in 1821 the number was 50,288. In 1831, when the census +was taken, Norwich contained 61,116; in 1841, 61,796; in 1851, 68,713; in +1861, 74,414. + +Notwithstanding the continued succession of wars from the revolution in +1688 to the conclusion of the peace in 1763, the city continued to +prosper, and its trade had become very great, extending all over Europe, +and Norwich manufactures were in demand in every town on the continent. +Indeed, the period of war, from 1743 to 1763, was the most prosperous era +in Norwich history. The prosperity continued till the disputes arose +between the government and the North American colonies, which commenced +in 1765 and became serious in 1774, and were not terminated till 1783, +when the independence of the United States was acknowledged. During this +period, in fact, the trade of the place was so good, that great numbers +of people came from the surrounding villages and obtained employment in +the factories. After the passing of the paving act in 1806, the new +paving of the city commenced, and proceeded very slowly. This necessary +work was interrupted at intervals from the want of money, and the +Commissioners got deep in debt. In forty years they spent £300,000, and +left Norwich the worst paved town in England. The drainage was very +defective, and the hamlets were not drained at all. The supply of water +was altogether insufficient, and in the hamlets was obtained from wells. +The Board of Health was established in 1851, under the powers of the +Public Health Acts, and since then its provisions have been carried out. +The sanitary condition of Norwich has subsequently greatly improved and +the rate of mortality decreased, owing to the wise and judicious measures +which have been adopted of late years. A fuller description of “the +Ancient City” will be found under the head of “Norwich Antiquities.” + + + +The Modern City. + + +THE modern city, with all its improvements and extensions, presents a +very different aspect to what it did in former times, when it was +enclosed by high walls and gates. It stands for the most part on the +summit and sloping sides of a rising ground, running parallel with the +river Wensum on the southern side, above its confluence with the Yare. +Its greatest extent from St. Clement’s Hill (north) to Hartford Bridges +(south) is four and a quarter miles; and following the zigzag line of +boundary it is about seventeen miles in circumference, comprising 6630 +acres of land. Within its jurisdiction, as a city and a county of +itself, it includes the picturesque hamlets of Lakenham and Bracondale on +the south, of Catton on the north, of Thorpe on the east, and of Heigham +on the west, in which direction Norwich is rapidly extending. + +The city is situated in the eastern division of Norfolk, of which county +it is the capital. It is 20 miles distant from the sea at Yarmouth, 108 +miles distant from London, 42 from Lynn, 22 from Cromer, 43 from Ipswich, +72 from Cambridge, and 99 from Lincoln; being in latitude 52° 42′ N., and +in longitude 1° 20′ E of Greenwich. The Great Eastern Railway system +places it in communication with all the towns before named, and all the +large towns of England. There is a railway station at Thorpe for the +Norfolk line from Yarmouth to Ely, and another station at St. Stephen’s +Gates for the Suffolk line from Norwich to Ipswich. Telegraphic lines +are established along both railways, and there is also another line from +London, viâ Norwich, to Cromer, on the northern coast of the county. +Navigation is carried on by river from Norwich to Yarmouth. The Wensum, +which rises at Rudham, enters the city on the N.W., and leaves it on the +S.E. It pursues a boldly serpentine course through the town, first +traces for a short space the western limits, then describes a semi-circle +round the left bank, then winds through a thinly-built part of the city, +and next traverses a compact eastern side. An eminence, that may be +called a hill, compared with the flatness of the surrounding country, +extends along the right bank of the river and terminates near its last +bend; and this eminence bears on its summit and its slopes all the more +ancient parts of the city, with a large portion of its present streets +and buildings. The outline of the area within the old walls somewhat +resembles the form of a cornucopia, with the narrow end twisted round +from the S. to the S.E., and has been aptly compared to the figure of a +haunch of venison. A strong flint embattled wall, flanked with forty +towers, pierced by twelve beautiful gates, and fortified by a broad +ditch, formerly surrounded the city, except at two places, where the +Wensum formed a natural defence; but having fallen into decay, and being +considered a hindrance to the growth and improvement of the town, it was +stripped of all its gates, its ditch was filled in, and the only portions +of walls which were permitted to remain are a few strips, here and there, +of crazy ruin. The city inside the walls is divided into thirty-five +parishes, and has five more and parts of two others within the county of +the city. Altogether it contains forty parish churches, exclusive of the +Cathedral, the French and Dutch Churches, and Christ’s Church, New +Catton; and upwards of twenty Nonconformist chapels. It formerly +included about twenty other parishes, but they have been consolidated +with some of the present parishes, and the churches either desecrated or +taken down. Among the chapels which have altogether disappeared may be +mentioned the Chapel of St. Mary in the Field, St. Catherine’s Chapel, +Hildebrand’s Chapel, Magdalen Chapel, St. Michael’s Chapel, (Tombland), +St. Nicholas’s Chapel, St. Olave’s Chapel, (near King Street gates), and +others. + +The older portion of the city in most of its street arrangements is very +irregular; and its thoroughfares are narrow and winding, following in +some instances the line of the ancient walls. Some of its houses, +however, are handsome structures, and are often admired by strangers as +beautiful specimens of squared flint facings. The old street +architecture, however, is rapidly vanishing before the hand of +improvement. Many of the half-timber, lath and plaster houses, +remarkable for their grotesque gables and picturesque appearance, have +given place to plainer, but more comfortable and convenient dwellings; +some of which have handsome fronts, more especially round the Market +Place, and in the principal streets. We may, especially, notice the +warehouses and shops of Messrs. Chamberlin, Mr. G. L. Coleman, and others +in the Market Place; of Mr. Caley, Mr. Fiske, Mr. Livock, Mr. Dixon, Mr. +Sawyer, and Mr. Allen in London Street; the offices of the National +Provincial Bank in London Street; and of the Crown Bank on the Castle +Meadow. + + + +THE MARKET PLACE. + + +The Market Place, which occupies the centre of the city, is one of the +most spacious in England; and being overhung by the singularly massive +square tower of St. Peter’s, and presenting several specimens of antique +houses of the gable-front construction, is very picturesque in its +appearance. It was formerly the great Croft, belonging to the Castle, on +the outer ditch of which it is supposed to have abutted. The first parts +built upon were the east and west sides and the north end. The other +portions were built by virtue of royal licenses. As already indicated, +it has been within the last few years greatly improved, by the erection +of new houses and fronts; and upon the whole it may be said to be well +paved—though as regards the paving of the city generally, there is still +room for improvement. The approaches to the Market Place, it should here +be mentioned, were formerly very narrow and difficult, and they are not +even now all that could be wished; but many improvements have +nevertheless been made at very great expense. Thus, London Street has +within the last few years been widened, at a cost of £20,000; and Opie +Street has been opened from London Street to the Castle Hill. Of course, +the principal places of business are mostly clustered together, either in +the Market Place or in the nearest streets; but in former times, every +business in Norwich had its particular row or station. Thus, in ancient +deeds, we read of the Glover’s Row, Mercers Row, Spicer’s Row, Needler’s +Row, Tawer’s Row, Ironmonger’s Row; also of the Apothecary’s Market, the +Herb Market, the Poultry Market, the Bread Market, the Flesh Market, the +Wool and Sheep Market, the Fish Market, the Hay Market, the Wood Market, +the Cheese Market, the Leather Market, the Cloth-cutter’s Market, the +White-ware Market; all of which we find mentioned before the reign of +Richard II.; for about the latter end of the reign of Edward III., trades +began to be mingled in such a manner, that many of these names were lost. + + + +NORWICH CASTLE. + + + [Picture: Norwich castle] + +HIGH over the centre of the old city, over all its churches, and towers, +and streets, rises the Norman Castle, frowning in feudal grandeur over +the whole district. It stands on the summit of a mound or hill, steep on +all sides, which appears to be chiefly the work of nature, with additions +by human labour. The embattled quadrangular keep, in its restored state, +retaining all the details of architectural decoration peculiar to the +Norman style, presents a faithful image, though without the grey +antiquity, of its original exterior, and is a noble striking object from +whatsoever point it is seen. The common history is, that a fortress +existed here during the Saxon period, and that Uffa, the first King of +the East Angles, formed one of earth, according to the rude method of the +times. In 642, Anna, another of the East Anglian kings, is said to have +resided here; and during the Danish wars, this fortress was often taken +and retaken. Alfred is believed to have repaired it, and to have erected +the first stone structure, which was destroyed by the Danes in 1004. +Canute probably erected another castle here about 1018, and after the +conquest it was much injured during a siege, and was rebuilt by Roger +Bigod. The plan of the fortifications has been a subject of some +controversy. According to the account commonly given of the fortress, it +consisted of a barbican or outwork to defend the entrance; three nearly +concentric lines of defence, each consisting of a wall and ditch, and +enclosing a ballium or court; and a great central keep, as the last +resort in the event of a siege. The area comprised a space of +twenty-three acres, and each ditch had a bridge over it similar to the +one now remaining. The barbican, or outwork of the fortification, was +situated beyond the outer ditch, if it ever existed. The wall commenced +at the opening called Orford Street, and gradually extended to the end of +Golden Ball Lane, the other extremity terminating in Buff Coat Lane. The +widest part is stated to have been forty yards broad, and gradually +decreasing at the extremities, the length being about 220 yards. Part of +the original form of the wall was supposed to be traceable from the +position of the buildings erected on its site in Buff Coat Lane. The +road to the castle from Ber Street was supposed to pass through the +barbican, exactly where Golden Ball Lane recently stood. The circuits of +the outer vallum and the middle vallum are minutely described by most of +the local historians; but unfortunately there is no sufficient evidence +in support of this old theory of three ditches round the castle—nothing +but a vague traditional story, filled up by imagination. The editors of +the history published by Crouse in 1768, say: + + “This castle was defended by a wall surrounding it, built on the brow + of the hill on which it stands, and by three ditches; the outermost + of which reached on the west to the edge of the present Market Place, + on the north to London Lane, which it took in; on the east nearly to + Conisford Street, and on the south to the Golden Ball Lane. The + postern or back entrance into the works was on the north-east, by + which a communication was had with the earl’s palace, then occupying + the whole space between the outer ditch and Tombland. The grand + entrance is on the south, from which you passed three bridges in + going to the Castle. The first hath been immemorially destroyed; the + ruins of the second remained till the ditches were filled up and + levelled thirty years since; and the third still continues and + consists of one whole arch, exceeded by very few in England.” + +Mr. John Kirkpatrick, who wrote an account of the Castle in the last +century, gives quite a different description of the earth works. He +notices the present ditch, and a second entrenchment lying between the +present ditch and the Shire house, which then stood near the old weighing +house on the hill. He also refers to the Shire house ditch as a distinct +entrenchment. He describes a bridge house on the inner side of the great +southern ditch in the middle of the present Cattle Market, and the line +of the houses forming the southern limit of the Cattle Market seems to +show the limit of the outwork. + +Mr. B. B. Woodward, F.S.A., in his lectures delivered here on “Norwich in +the Olden Time,” adopted this view of the earth works, which he believed +did not consist of three concentric lines of defence. He described the +Saxon fortress as probably no more than a strong palisade carried along +the inner edge of two great trenches and the top of the steep bank of the +small stream called the “Cockey;” the buildings consisting of a great +timber hall with offices and stabling. He believed that the Normans +strengthened the outworks, cast up the great mound, dug the vast inner +ditch, and reared the noble donjon, which, before the “restoration” of +its exterior, was a fine feudal monument. After the Norman period the +earth works, Mr. Woodward thought, underwent great changes. The +horse-shoe trench on the east side disappeared and was built upon. This +horse-shoe trench enclosed the Castle Meadow. Another smaller outwork +was formed on the south side of the original great southern trench, both +of the last named being crossed by bridges. In support of this view, Mr. +Woodward referred to the account given by Kirkpatrick, who, as we have +said, described the second ditch as lying between the great circular +ditch and the Shire house, which then stood near the old weighing house. +The old way from King Street had been disused because the growth of the +city had so greatly altered the defensive character of the fortress. In +addition to this, there were the names of two churches, one of which was +St. Martin’s, (originally called “on the Hill,”) but afterwards “at +Bailey” or “at the Castle gate;” and the other, St. John, now Timberhill, +but then “at the Castle gate.” Unless a way existed through the outworks +to the castle hill, these churches could not have been properly called +“at the Castle gate;” and as the “Bailey,” was the space enclosed within +the intrenchments of the Castle, the other name of St. Martin would be +quite inappropriate. The Buckes, in their view of the Castle, +represented a ruined building, like a bridge house, on the inner side of +the great southern ditch. Before the end of the last century, the level +of the south side of the hill was raised to form a Cattle Market. + +Mr. Harrod, some years since, at a meeting of the Archæological Society +held in the Museum, exploded the theory of three circular ditches by +showing from the city records that houses had always stood on the sites +of the supposed outer and middle ditches; the inner vallum was the only +one, and extended round the base of the hill on which the keep is +erected, and is plainly traceable at the present time. It is planted +with trees and shrubs, having a gravelled walk in the centre, and is +enclosed with an iron palisade. The area of the upper ballium is level +and comparatively high, and forms an irregular circle on the summit of +the hill, surrounded by an iron railing. The great Keep situated within +this area is a massive quadrangular pile, 110 feet in length from east to +west, 92 feet 10 inches in breadth from north to south, and 69½ feet high +to the top of the merlons of the battlements, and the walls are from 10 +to 13 feet in thickness. From the basement to the top are three stories, +each strengthened by small projecting buttresses, between which the walls +are ornamented with semi-circular arches resting on small three-quarter +columns. In the upper story the backs of some of these arcades are +decorated with a kind of reticulated work, formed by the stones being +laid diagonally, so that the joints resemble the meshes of a net. To +give it greater richness of effect, each stone had two deeply chased +lines, crossing each other parallel with the joints, so as to present the +appearance of Mosaic. On the exterior of the west side are two arches +which appear to have been originally intended as a deception to the +enemy, giving an idea of weakness externally, where in fact was the +greatest strength; for the wall is not only 13 feet in thickness in this +place, but, within, it was additionally barricaded by two oblique walls +which were, long ago, taken down. On the east side of the keep there is +a projecting tower called Bigod’s tower, which was most probably built by +Hugh Bigod, third Earl of Norfolk, who succeeded his brother as High +Constable of the Castle, early in the 12th century. This tower, which +was an open portal to the grand entrance of the Castle, is of a richer +kind of architecture, and in the genuine Norman style, and since 1824, +has been entirely restored, so as now to exhibit its pristine aspect, +which is certainly different from the rest of the keep. The interior of +the keep has been so greatly altered in order to adapt it to prison +purposes, that the original arrangement of apartments cannot be traced. + +The style of architecture has been a matter of dispute, as to whether it +is Saxon, Danish, or Norman. Mr. Boid, in his history and analysis of +the principal styles of architecture, ventures to challenge any one to +prove the existence of any monument in this country of real Saxon skill; +nor has any specimen been discovered. Mr. Wilkins, of Norwich, who has +described both the ancient and modern states of the fortress in Vol. xii. +of the Archæologia, believed, however, that the part which yet remains +might have been constructed chiefly in the reign of Canute, but that it +is notwithstanding in the style of architecture practised by the Saxons, +long before England became subject to the Danes, and is the best exterior +specimen of the kind. Other and later writers, with much better +evidence, believe the whole keep to be Norman, of the time of William +Rufus; for it is similar in style to Castle Rising, built in the reign of +that king, by Albini. The earth works and stone works are very similar. +The whole of the exterior of the keep has been refaced, the original +style being preserved. It is to be regretted that the work was not +wholly refaced with small square stones, in the Norman manner, instead of +commencing with the large massive freestone, which is coloured to +represent smaller stones. This defect, however, on being discovered was +remedied, for a great part of the exterior was finished after the Norman +fashion. The county jail stands on the east side of the keep, and was +built on the site of a previous prison in 1824–28 at a cost of £15,000. +It comprises a governor’s house and three radiating wings, and has room +for 224 male prisoners. Three bridges are, as we have said, thought by +some authorities to have crossed three ditches, but for more than a +century the present bridge has been the only one. This bridge consists +of one large semicircular arch. Mr. Wilkins supposed that it was the +original bridge built by the Saxons, but this is only conjectural like +the rest of his theory about the earth works. At the termination of this +bridge, upon the upper ballium, are the remains of two circular towers, +14 feet in diameter, which are supposed to have flanked the portal of the +ballium wall. The history of the castle will be given at some length in +subsequent pages. We shall now proceed to + + + +THE CATHEDRAL. + + +THIS grand Norman pile is the great ornament to the city, but its +situation is so low that its goodly proportions can be seen only from one +point of view, namely from Mousehold Heath. From that elevation it +presents the dignity of a great work of architecture, and the spire may +be seen on a clear day, on the north, at a distance of twenty miles. The +noble tower, with its gracefully tapering spire, second in height only to +that of Salisbury, the flying buttresses, and the circular chapels at the +east end, are objects of interest to the attentive antiquarian observer. + +The cloisters on the south side, and the bishop’s palace and grounds on +the north, and other premises, shut out from public view most of the +exterior, except the west front. A fine view of the splendid effect, +produced by a series of unbroken lines, may be obtained opposite the +south transept, where the whole pile, comprising the transept, tower, and +spire, blend themselves into one harmonious whole. The interior from the +west front entrance presents a most imposing appearance, and when +surveying the vast length of the nave, we feel that our forefathers + + “Builded better than they knew, + Unconscious stones to beauty grew.” + +We shall first give, in as complete a manner as our limited space will +permit, a sketch of the foundation and progress of the edifice, the +erection of which occupied a century, and then we shall describe its +different parts, exterior and interior, including the nave, the screen, +the choir, the transepts, and the cloisters. + +The original structure was begun in 1096 by Herbert de Losinga, the first +bishop of the diocese. The portions he built comprise the choir, with +the aisles surrounding it, the chapels of Jesus and St. Luke, and the +central tower with the episcopal palace on the north side of the church, +and a monastery on the south. Bishop Eborard, the successor of Herbert, +added the nave and its two aisles, from the ante-choir or rood loft, to +the west end. The building, as left by Eborard, remained till 1171, when +it sustained some damage by fire, but was repaired by Bishop John de +Oxford, about 1197, who also added some alms houses to the monastery. +The Lady chapel at the east end, which has long since been destroyed, was +the next addition to the building, and was erected by Walter de Suffield, +the tenth bishop, who filled the See from 1244 to 1257. + +In the year 1271, the tower was greatly injured by lightning during +divine service, and in 1272 the whole church was damaged considerably, in +the violent warfare which was at that time carried on between the monks +and the citizens; but in 1278, having been repaired, the church was again +consecrated by William de Middleton on the day he was enthroned Bishop of +Norwich, in the presence of King Edward I. and Eleanor his queen, the +Bishops of London, Hereford, and Waterford, and many lords and knights. +We can now form no idea of the grandeur of such a ceremony in that age. + +The tower having been much injured and weakened by fire, a new one, +according to Blomefield, was begun and finished by Bishop Ralph de +Walpole; but this, says Britton, more properly applies to the spire, the +style of which, rather than of the tower, corresponds with that period. +Bishop Walpole ruled the diocese from 1289 to 1299. Before his +translation to Ely, which took place in the latter year, he commenced the +cloister at the north-east angle, and built the chapter house. He only +completed a small portion of the east aisles. The chapter house has +since been destroyed. The rest of the cloister was built by Richarde de +Uppenhall, Bishop Salmon, Henry de Will, John de Hancock, Bishop +Wakering, Jeffery, Symonds, and others, and was completed A.D. 1430, in +the 133rd year from the first commencement of the work. + +In January, 1362, the spire was blown down, and the choir thereby much +injured; but under the auspices of Bishop Percy, the present spire was +erected and the choir repaired. In 1629, the upper part of the spire was +again blown down, and in 1633, at a general chapter, it was ordered to be +repaired. In 1843, seven feet were added to its elevation, with the +present finial which formed a consistent termination to the crockets. + +In 1463, the church was much injured by fire, the wood work in the +interior of the tower having been ignited by lightning. Under Bishop +Lyhart, however, it was again repaired and ornamented. The splendid +stone roof of the nave was added, the cathedral was paved, and a tomb was +erected over the founder, which was afterwards demolished during the +great rebellion. About the year 1488, Bishop Goldwell built the roof of +the choir of similar but inferior work to that of the nave, adding the +upper windows and flying buttresses. He also fitted up the choir and the +chapels around it, and covered the arched stone work with lead. In 1509 +the transepts having been much injured by fire, Bishop Nykke repaired +them, adding stone roofs to them in the same manner as the rest of the +church. + +At the dissolution of the monasteries, the cathedral suffered greatly +from the zeal of the Reformers, much curious work being destroyed; and +several obnoxious crucifixes, images, niches, tabernacles, and paintings, +were removed. In 1643, the fanatics took possession of the church and +the adjoining palace, and plundered them of all that was valuable. The +Yarmouth people being in want of a workhouse, sent a petition to the Lord +Protector, praying that “that great useless pile, the cathedral, might be +pulled down, and the stones given them to build a workhouse.” Of course +the petition was not granted. Soon after the restoration, the church was +fitted up again. In 1740, the nave and aisles were newly paved, the +tower was repaired, and the church cleaned. In 1763, the floor of the +choir was again repaved, the stalls repaired and painted, and other +improvements made, not always in harmony with the original structure. + +The edifice was extended, embellished, altered, and repaired by many +bishops and by wealthy families till it was completed about 1500. +Alternate dilapidations and restorations followed. The dilapidations +were sometimes sudden, sometimes gradual, and the restorations have +continued at frequent intervals almost to the present day. The entire +pile was repaired and beautified on an extensive scale in 1806–7. The +decayed ornaments of the west front were restored, and many improvements +in other parts were effected in 1818 and following years. The south +front was renovated, and several houses which had stood against the walls +were removed in 1831. The entire fabric was again restored, on the plan +of Edward Blore, about 1840–3; and some portions were repaired, some +embellishments were added, and some interesting ancient features were +brought into view between the years 1843 and 1868. + +The pile as it now stands, comprises a nave of fourteen bays with aisles, +a transept of three bays in each wing, a central tower, a steeple, an +apsidal sacristy on the north-east side, a choir of four bays with +aisles, an apsidal end, and a procession path; also three chapels, in the +south side, the north-east side, and south-east side; and a cloister with +each alley of eleven panes to the south of the nave. The dimensions of +the Cathedral as taken from actual measurement are as follows:— + + _Feet_. _Inches_. +Length of church 407 0 +,, nave to choir screen 204 0 +,, choir from screen 183 0 +,, roof of nave 251 0 +,, transept 178 0 +Breadth of nave and aisles 72 0 +,, choir from back of stalls 27 1 +,, aisles of choir 15 0 +Height of spire from ground 315 0 +,, tower 140 5 +,, spire from tower 174 7 +,, roof of nave from pavement 69 6 +,, roof of choir from pavement 83 6 + +_The Interior_. + + +We shall now proceed with our description of the interior, which contains +the finest specimens of Norman architecture in existence, and admired by +all men of taste. Nothing can exceed the grandeur of the lofty nave, +massive columns, and wide circular arches. The whole pile is chiefly of +the early Norman style, wherein the semi-circular arches and massive +short columns are the leading features. These are considerably varied in +size, moulding, and ornament, in different parts of the edifice. + +The Nave comprises fourteen semicircular arches, ornamented with billet +and zigzag mouldings, and supported by massive piers. The arches of the +triforium are of similar style to those below. The magnificent roof, the +work of Bishop Lyhart, the rebus of whose name is of frequent occurrence +upon the vault and corbels, is ornamented with 328 historical figures, +curiously carved, in a kind of relievo peculiar to itself, being chiefly +composed of little figures, most exactly put together, said to be the +only work of the kind in existence, being a complete chain of sacred +history, beginning at the tower with the Creation of the World; the +different days of the creation being disposed of in the several figures +in the intersections of the arched work of the roof. The Fall of Man, +Noah’s Ark, and incidents in the lives of the patriarchs, are represented +in the first seven arches; the rest to the west end represent events +narrated in the New Testament. The interior of the nave looks much too +long in proportion to the rest of the pile, and the triforium is out of +keeping in consequence of its heavy circular arches being too high as +compared with those of the tier below, but the piers of the nave, with +the grand arches which they support, are splendid specimens of Norman +work and decoration. + +The south transept is Norman work modified by a few innovations, and is +flanked by square turrets, arcaded at the top and terminating in +pinnacles. The north transept is of similar character. The side aisles +are low, and the roof of plain vaulting. The west window is of unusually +large size, and is of the same design, as regards the tracery, with that +in Westminster Hall. This window has been filled in with gorgeously +coloured glass, being designed as a memorial of Bishop Stanley, who was +buried in the middle of the nave. + +In the seventh arch of the north side are the remains of a doorway, with +a stone bench, formerly leading into the monks’ preaching yard, now part +of the bishop’s garden. Even after the Reformation, and up to the time +of the great rebellion, sermons were preached here before the Civic +Authorities and the Members of the Cathedral. Between the sixth and +seventh pillars is an unpretending inscription to the memory of the +learned Dr. Prideaux, formerly Dean of Norwich, author of the “Connection +of the Old and New Testaments,” who died November 1st, 1724. The tomb +between the corresponding pillars on the opposite side is that of Miles +Spencer, Chancellor of the Diocese in 1537. Between the seventh and +eighth pillars is the low tomb of Bishop Nykke, who died in 1535. At the +eighth pillar a pulpit formerly stood. Bishop Parkhurst’s tomb stands in +the next space, between the eighth and ninth pillars. + +The Screen was originally the division between the rood-loft and the +chapel of our Lady of Pity. Bishop Lyhart erected the rood-loft, and +upon it the principal rood or cross was placed with the representation of +the Holy Trinity, to whom this church was dedicated; together with the +images of the Blessed Virgin and St. John, and such other saints as were +esteemed here. The rood or crucifix, of full proportions, was made of +wood, and in most churches was placed in a loft constructed for the +purpose over the entrance from the church into the chancel. The nave +represented the Church Militant, and the chancel the Church Triumphant. +Those, therefore, who would pass out of the former into the latter, must +go under the loft; that is, must go under the cross and suffer +affliction. But no rood was complete without the images of the Virgin +and St. John on either side of the cross, in allusion to St. John xix. +26,—“Jesus saw His mother and the disciple standing by, whom He loved.” + +The Choir contains sixty-two stalls according to the number of the old +foundations, namely, a prior, sub-prior, and sixty monks. They are +adorned with rich and quaint carvings and canopies, as far as the west +pillars of the tower. The “misereres” (projecting brackets on the under +side of the seats of stalls in churches), are richly carved and present a +great variety of design. Among the stalls the Rev. R. Hart discovered +upwards of sixty _misereres_, and he described them very minutely. In +every example that he had seen the space under the ledge is carved in a +bold relief, with an ornamented boss on each side to balance, as it were, +the centre, whatever it might have been. As may be supposed scriptural +or legendary designs are not often found in such a position. There are, +however, a few examples. + +The interior of the tower, which is raised on four massive arches, +presents three arcades, the upper and lower forming galleries, and the +former containing the lower windows of the lantern, which are filled with +painted glass. The clerestory and roof of the chancel are the work of +Bishop Goldwell. Here is an admirable specimen of engrafting a later +style upon the Norman architecture, with as little violence to the eye as +possible. + +The tomb of Bishop Goldwell stands within the chapel, formerly dedicated +to St. James, and with its canopy forms a rich specimen of ornamental +sculpture and architecture. On the east side of the fifteenth north +pillar is the monument to the memory of the learned Bishop Home, author +of an excellent “Introduction to the Study of the Bible.” In the space +between the seventeenth and eighteenth pillars was the chapel dedicated +to St. Anne, and in the next space was the seat occupied by Queen +Elizabeth, when she attended divine service during her visit to this +city. The monument to the late Bishop Bathurst now occupies the spot, a +sitting statue sculptured in white marble. Not only for its intrinsic +merits is this statue of great value, but also because it is the last +finished work of Sir Francis Chantrey, who visited Norwich for the +purpose of fixing it only a few days before his death. Opposite to this +monument is the altar tomb of Sir William Boleyn, now despoiled of its +brasses. Sir Thomas Browne tells us in his “Repertorium,” that, during +the Commonwealth, “more that a hundred” brasses were reeved in the +Cathedral alone,—a greater number than the whole county of Norfolk could +now supply. Hence our readers may easily understand what an immense +number of these interesting memorials must have been lost, independently +of the number that have been partially despoiled by the removal of their +canopies. + +At the foot of the altar steps, in the middle of the chancel, is the tomb +of Bishop Herbert de Losinga, erected by the Dean and Chapter, in 1682, +in the place of one destroyed during the civil wars. It has been +levelled with the pavement and presents a long Latin inscription from the +pen of Dean Prideaux. The east windows of the clerestory were the gift +of the Bishop, the Misses Morse, and the Dean and Chapter of the +Cathedral, and were erected between 1840 and 1847. The lower one in the +triforium is an obituary window to the memory of the late Canon Thurlow, +placed there by his friends. This space had before been occupied by a +window with a pointed arch, representing the Transfiguration. The window +was removed to the south transept, and the arches of both windows have +been restored. + +The bishop’s throne, ascended by three steps, was originally placed at +the east end of the church, behind the altar, and raised so high that +before the partition was made between the altar and the entrance to Our +Lady’s chapel, the bishop had an uninterrupted view from his throne +directly in a line through the whole church. The custos, or master of +the high altar, annually accounted for the offerings made there, which +produced a large sum; and at the annual processions of the city and +country clergy, on the feasts of the Holy Trinity and St. Paul, something +considerable was realized. + +The stone roof of the south transept, as well as that of the north, was +raised by Bishop Nykke, about 1501. At the same time, probably, the old +Norman arch leading into the chancel aisle was filled with the rich and +numerous mullions and tracery, which characterise the last period of +pointed architecture. The adjoining aisle leads to the chapel of our +Lady the Less, otherwise called Bawchyn’s Chapel, having been dedicated +to the Virgin and all the Saints, by William de Bawchyn, about the middle +of the fourteenth century. The founder is buried in an arched vault +under the chapel. This chapel is now used as the Consistory Court. +Adjoining is St. Luke’s Chapel, sometimes used as the parish church of +St. Mary in the Marsh, that church having been demolished. Strictly +speaking, the circular part only is the chapel dedicated to St. Luke, but +the adjoining aisle, as far as the most eastward point, is now enclosed +and fitted up for the use of the parish. It is part of Bishop Herbert’s +original foundation. The font was brought from the parish church; it is +richly carved with designs of the seven sacraments, &c. Passing round at +the back of the altar we come to the Jesus Chapel. + +The north transept is similar to the south. From the east wall of it +there was a doorway leading to a chapel, said to be the ancient Vestiary. +The arch has been filled up, and the entrance is from a small door on the +outside. Over the exterior of the door leading to the Bishop’s palace is +a niche, containing a figure, said to represent Bishop Herbert, one of +the few specimens extant of a Norman statue. + + +_The Exterior_. + + +THE exterior of the Cathedral is not very imposing. The west front was +the work of Bishop Alnwick, in the reign of Henry VI. It is divided into +three compartments, forming the termination of the nave and the aisles. +The central division presents the grand entrance doorway, and a large +central window filled with coloured glass, which we have already +described. It rises into a gable, formerly pierced with a small light, +now a niche, flanked by two turrets with spirelets and round-headed +single panels, and surmounted by a cross. The doorway is formed by a +bold deep-pointed arch, and is much enriched in the spandrels and side +fasciæ with mouldings, niches, pedestals, statues, and other decorations. +The central window is divided, both horizontally and vertically, into +three leading compartments, and subdivided by small mullions; and has +good decorations of perpendicular character. Each of the two lateral +divisions of the west front exhibits pure Norman work, and is of three +stories; the first pierced with the doorway; the second pierced with four +windows separated only by small columns; the third displaying three blank +arches, and flanked with a small staircase turret. At each side of the +great window, and at the extremities of the side divisions, are Norman +turrets, lately restored and substituted for very debased cupolas. +Engravings are extant representing this front with high and slender +pinnacles where the Norman turrets now stand. + +The north and south elevations of the nave show a three-storied aisle; +and a clerestory and triforium, with an embattled parapet in each, +exhibit a great height, and tiers of blank arches or arcades with some +later perpendicular windows. On the exterior of the nave will be +observed many traces of alterations in times long subsequent to the +original building. The lowest tiers of windows are of comparatively +modern insertion, and intersect the string course of a billet moulding, +all round the exterior of the edifice. Next above is the arcade of blank +arches, with semicircular mouldings, having regular bases and capitals, +and continuing round the whole structure. Above these was the tier of +original windows now closed up, but surmounted by windows of the +sixteenth century. The exterior of the side aisles is here terminated by +a plain embattled parapet of the same date as the windows before +mentioned. The windows of the clerestory are, however, Norman, and have +blank arches on each side, and continue the same all round the upper part +of the nave and transept. They are surmounted by a parapet similar to +that of the side aisles. The exterior of the south transept has been +lately restored, and various old houses that blocked up the entrance have +been cleared away. + +The tower is grandly Norman in four stages, each adorned with arcades, +columns, and tracery mouldings. It has, at the corners, square turrets +with their angles cut off, and is surmounted by decorated battlements and +crocketted pinnacles. The spire is decorated English octangular, +elegantly proportioned, enriched with bands, and boldly crocketted in +ribs running up its angles. It terminates in a handsome finial, and is +the loftiest in England except that of Salisbury. The base of the spire +is supported by projecting buttresses at each angle, terminating in a +small pinnacle. + + +THE CLOISTERS. + + +The Cloisters, which are entered by a tasteful modern door on the south +side of the nave, form one of the most beautiful quadrangles in England. +They comprise a square of about 174 feet, and are 12 feet wide. They +were commenced by Bishop Walpole about 1297, but were not completed by +succeeding prelates till 1430. The style of architecture is the +decorated, with traces of the perpendicular. The eastern part is the +most ancient, and a progressive change may be observed in the tracery of +the windows, commencing at the north-east corner, continuing through the +south and the west, and terminating with the north sides. The roof is +much admired for its exquisitely beautiful groining, and its bold yet +elegant bosses, with their sculptured subjects and tasteful foliage. The +doorway leading from the eastern aisle of the cloisters to the nave is +deserving especial notice, being a pointed arch with four columns on each +side, having archwolt mouldings, in front of which are seven canopied +niches, with richly-sculptured crockets containing figures. Above the +door, at the south-west corner, are carved figures of “The Temptation of +our First Parents.” In the first two arches on the west side of the door +are two lavatories, where the monks used to wash their hands before going +into the refectory or common eating hall. Over each of these are three +niches, where images formerly stood. The cloisters are surpassed by none +in beauty of architecture and solemnity of effect. They branch off from +the south transept, and enclose a square court or area. There are eleven +noble windows or arched openings on the western side, twelve on the east, +eleven on the north, and eleven on the south. All these windows are +divided into three lights by two columns, and are decorated with a +variety of beautiful tracery. They are of decorated architecture, except +eight on the north side, which have perpendicular tracery in decorated +arches. The upper portion of the tracery of all the windows appears to +have been once filled with stained glass. + +The pavement of the north side of the cloisters was torn up in the great +rebellion, and relaid by William Burleigh, Esq. In this alley Queen +Elizabeth dined in public when she visited Norwich in 1578. In memory +thereof, her Majesty’s arms and those of the nobility who attended her +were painted on the wall of the church, and properly blazoned with +supporters, etc., but they were entirely effaced a century ago. + +The dormitory of the monks adjoined the cloisters on the south. At a +short distance from the cloisters are the only remains of the Priory +founded by Bishop Herbert, consisting of three massive clustered columns, +the capitals of which are curiously carved. + + +THE BISHOP’S PALACE. + + +The Bishop’s Palace stands on the north side of the Cathedral Church, to +which there was in former times a passage from the door of the north +transept, arched over with stone similar to the cloisters. The original +palace was founded by Bishop Herbert, but has undergone so many repairs +and alterations, that but little of the first building remains, and that +part adjoins a new structure, in a similar style of architecture. In the +garden there is a fine ruin, said to be remains of the grand entrance +into the great hall, which reached to the site of the present episcopal +chapel, and was 110 feet long, and 60 broad. This chapel was restored in +1662, and in it are monuments of Bishops Reynolds and Sparrow. The +entrance to the episcopal residence is from St. Martin’s Plain, by the +palace gate, built by Bishop Alnwyck about 1430. It has a large pointed +arch of several mouldings, and the spandrels are filled with tracery; but +it has suffered materially from injudicious repairs. Over the arch is a +series of pannelled compartments with the letter M crowned. On the west +side is a small door, on which, amongst other ornaments, are a heart and +mitre, the supposed rebus of Bishop Lyhart. + + +THE CATHEDRAL PRECINCTS. + + +The Cathedral Precincts include the Upper and Lower Close, and a large +portion of garden ground, with good houses on the south side. The Upper +Close was formerly used as a play ground to the Grammar School; it is now +enclosed with palisades. At the south-east corner is the Audit Room, +which contains the library of the Dean and Chapter. The Lower Close was +enclosed by Dean Lloyd, in 1782, and converted into a garden. At the +extremity of the Lower Close, near the edge of the river, still stands a +double arch of black flint, which is considered the roughest bit of +picturesque in Norwich, and has been frequently sketched. It was +formerly the Water-gate to the precincts, and is now known as “Pull’s +Ferry.” + + + +THE FREE GRAMMAR SCHOOL. + + + [Picture: The Free Grammar School] + +The Free Grammar School, near the west end of the Cathedral, was founded +by Bishop Salmon, in 1325, and annexed to a small Collegiate Chantry. At +the dissolution of this college, the Corporation, by their Hospital +Charter, were required to find a master and usher, and to remunerate them +out of the ample revenues assigned to them by that charter. This trust +was transferred, in 1836, from the Corporation to the Charity Trustees. +There are generally a little more than a hundred pupils at the school. +The celebrated Dr. Valpy was once the head-master; and in addition to +many eminent scholars, the celebrated “Norfolk hero,” Lord Nelson; Sir +James Brooke, the Rajah of Sarawak; and other noted characters, were +educated here. Opposite the school is a colossal marble statue of +Nelson. It was executed by Mr. Milne, of London, and has been highly +commended as a work of art. Of this school, and also of the Commercial +School, which is under the same trust, we shall have more to say in +subsequent pages. + +The Gateways to the Cathedral on the west side are deserving of notice. + + + +THE ERPINGHAM GATE + + +is situated directly before the west front of the Cathedral, and is in an +excellent state of preservation. It was built in 1428 by Sir Thomas +Erpingham, (who lies buried in the choir of the Cathedral) as a penance +for having espoused the cause of Wickliffe. It consists of a lofty +pointed arch, in the mouldings of which are a series of thirty-eight +statues in canopied niches. The spandrels are highly decorated with +tracery mouldings and shields, the whole being enclosed in a kind of +square frame with semi-circular buttresses, each of which is divided into +four compartments with statues, niches, pedestals, and shields. As a +matter of some interest, it may here be mentioned that over against the +front of this gate is a large block of buildings, enclosing what is +commonly called Sampson and Hercules’ Court. The grotesque wood figures, +designed to represent these personages, formerly supported the portico, +but are now placed in the paved court. The one holds a club, and the +other the jawbone of an ass. The house itself was formerly owned by Sir +John Fastolf, and afterwards by the Countess of Lincoln; and in the time +of Henry VII. by Elizabeth Duchess of Suffolk, who used it as a city +house for herself and family. It is now in the occupation of Messrs. +Pratt and Hancock, wholesale grocers and cheese factors, who have covered +in the whole court. + + + +THE ETHELBERT GATEWAY + + +leads to the south end of the Upper Close. It was built by the citizens +as an atonement for the injuries done in a quarrel which they had with +the monks in 1272. The chamber over the arch was formerly used as a +chapel dedicated to St. Ethelbert, the church of that name having been +destroyed during the riots. The west front has a modern pediment of +stone tracery, inlaid with flint. Beneath is a series of blank niches +with a statue in the centre. In the spandrels of the arch are figures, +in basso relievo, of a man with a sword and round shield attacking a +dragon. The east front consists of stone tracery and flint with painted +windows. + + + +THE VIEW FROM THE CASTLE HILL. + + +We shall now return to the Castle-hill Walk, which is favourable for a +view of the whole city, with all its churches and towers. If we take our +position on the eastern side we shall see the broad vale of the Yare, +where the Romans came up in their galleys and landed on that side of the +river, then very wide. We shall see also where the first street (King +Street,) extends southward the whole length of the city, with tall +chimnies of great breweries sending forth volumes of smoke. Northward +the same street extends to an open space called Tombland; beyond which, +Wensum Street and Magdalen Street lead in a straight line to Catton and +the village of Sprowston. The circle of vision includes the Cathedral, +the Grammar School, St. Helen’s Church, Mousehold Heath, Kett’s Castle, +Lollards’ Pit, the hamlet of Thorpe, the churches of St. Peter per +Mountergate, St. Julian, and St. Peter Southgate, in King Street. +Walking round to the west side, we have before us the spacious Market +Place, and the noble church of St. Peter Mancroft, with a mass of +buildings. From the Market Place we see several lines of streets running +in a direction from east to west; Bethel Street, leading to St. Giles’ +Church, and St. Giles’ Street, in a straight line to Heigham. Here in +the foreground, the Guildhall is a conspicuous object. More on the right +we have London Street, Prince’s Street, St. Andrew’s Street, Pottergate +Street, and St. Benedict’s Street, running in lines from east to west. +Here, the chief objects are the churches of St. John’s Maddermarket and +St. Gregory; and in the distance, St. Lawrence, St. Margaret’s, and St. +Michael’s at Coslany. From the north side of the Castle walk we see +Exchange Street, Post Office Street leading into St. Andrew’s, and St. +George’s Street, Pitt Street, and St. Augustine’s, and St. Martin’s at +Oak, all the lower parts of the town, full of close narrow streets, +yards, and courts. The principal objects in view are St. Andrew’s Hall, +the churches of St. Martin at Oak, St. Mary, St. Augustine, St. George’s +Colegate, St. Saviour, St. Clement, St. Peter Hungate, St. Michael at +Plea, St. Paul, St. Simon and Jude, St. Edmund, and St. George Tombland. + + + +THE CATTLE MARKET. + + +The Cattle Market, on the south side of the hill, has been greatly +extended, and presents the most extensive area for the purpose in +England. On the east side whole blocks of old houses have been cleared +away, and great additions made to the space for the display of horses, +cattle, sheep, and pigs. The improvements cost the city over £50,000. +Every Saturday the hill presents a busy and highly interesting scene, and +a vast amount of business is transacted here in the space of a few hours. +The area has recently been further enlarged by the demolition of some old +houses at the corner of Golden Ball Street. A line of new houses has +been built on the east side, ending with the handsome show rooms of +Messrs. Holmes and Sons, the well-known Agricultural Machine Makers, who +have won many prizes for their implements. + + + +THE SHIREHALL. + + +The Shirehall, on the Castle Meadow, was erected from a plan by William +Wilkins, Esq. It was commenced on September 9th, 1822, and opened +September 27th, 1823, and is a poor imitation of the Tudor style of +architecture. It stands on the north-east side of the Castle, and is a +substantial brick edifice, possessing all the usual accommodations. It +comprises Crown Court, Nisi Prius Court, and rooms for witnesses and +others. The county assizes and sessions are held in these courts. Near +the crown court there is a small room communicating, by a shaft, with the +prison above, whence prisoners are brought down for trial. The grand +Jury room is a large apartment, and the walls are adorned with fine +portraits of the late Lord Wodehouse and the late Earl of Leicester, +painted by Sir T. Lawrence. There is also a portrait of the late Henry +Dover, Esq., for many years Chairman at Quarter Sessions. + + + +THE GUILDHALL. + + +The Guildhall is a large antique building, chiefly of flint, at the north +end of the Market Place. It was completed in 1413, when the windows of +the Council Chamber were glazed chiefly with stained glass; but all these +ornaments have disappeared, except in three east windows. The furniture +of this room is of the time of Henry VIII., and the wood work is +ornamented with the linen pattern. The room has been much improved of +late years. The principal court is on the ground floor, where the city +assizes and sessions are held. The Police Court is in a room above, +opposite the Council Chamber. The Town Clerk and City Treasurer have +offices in the building. The Police Station is on the ground floor of +the east side. + +The interior of the hall is decorated with portraits, some interesting +trophies of the battle of St. Vincent, presented by Nelson, the city +regalia, and the buskins of a famous dancer, who danced from London to +Norwich in the reign of Queen Elizabeth. When that Queen visited the +city in 1578, there was a magnificent banquet given in the Council +Chamber, and a pageant devised for her amusement was exhibited. In one +of the cells at the bottom of the building, the martyr Thomas Bilney was +confined, and there tested his powers of endurance by holding his finger +in the lighted flame of a candle, to prove his willingness to suffer his +approaching doom. In 1660, the lower court at the west end, now used as +an assize court, was set apart as a cloth hall, and the room above as a +place for the sale of yarn. During the present century the hall has been +much improved on the south side. New windows should be inserted on the +north side. + + + +ST. ANDREW’S HALL. + + +St. Andrew’s Hall stands in the centre of the city, in the parish of St. +Andrew. It was originally the Church of the Convent of the Blackfriars, +the building of which was begun about the year 1415, by Sir Thomas +Erpingham, who died in 1428, before it was finished. It was completed by +his son, Sir Robert Erpingham, who was rector of Bracon Ash, in Norfolk, +a friar of the order of St. Dominic, and a member of this convent. This +convent extended from St. Andrew’s Street to the river from south to +north, and as far as Elm Hill on the east. The cloister was on the north +side of the church, with a burial place in the middle. The convent +kitchen was at the north-west corner. Between the nave and choir of the +church there was a neat sexangular steeple, which had three large bells +in it and a clock. It was built about 1462, and fell down on November +6th, 1712. A turret was afterwards erected in its place, in which a +clock bell hung. At the dissolution of the monasteries in 1538, the +citizens applied to Henry VIII., through the interest of the Duke of +Norfolk, for a grant of the convent for the use of the city, and +requested that he would allow them to make the church into “a large hall, +for the mayor and his brethren, with all the citizens to repair unto at +common assemblies,” to make a chapel of the choir, and to appropriate the +rest of the building to other purposes. This was complied with, and the +petition is dated June 25th, 1540. After this, the guilds of the several +companies in the city, twenty in number, used to hear mass in the choir, +and make their offerings in that place; and most of them held their +feasts in the hall. + +In 1544, Henry Fuller, Esq., being then mayor, kept the first mayor’s +feast in grand style in the new hall. In 1561, the Earls of +Northumberland and Huntingdon, the Lord Thomas Howard, and Lord +Willoughby, with many other lords and knights, came to Norwich to visit +the Duke of Norfolk, and they lodged at the Duke’s palace. At that very +time the mayor’s feast was held; and William Mingay, then mayor, invited +the noble lords and their ladies to the banquet. They accepted the +invitation, and were entertained in princely style; and they expressed +great satisfaction with their reception. After dinner, Mr. John Martin, +a wealthy citizen, delivered the following characteristic speech:— + + “Maister Mayor of Norwich, and it please your Worship, you have + feasted us like a King. God bless the Queen’s Grace. We have fed + plentifully; and now, whilom I can speak plain English, I heartily + thank you Maister Mayor; and so do we all. Answer, Boys, Answer. + Your Beer is pleasant & potent, and will soon catch us by the + _caput_, and stop our manners: And so Huzza for the Queen’s Majesty’s + Grace, and all her bonny-brow’d Dames of Honour. Huzza for Maister + Mayor and our good Dame Mayoress. His noble grace, there he is, {53} + God bless him, and all this jolly company. To all our friends round + county, who have a penny in their purse, and an English heart in + their bodies, to keep out Spanish Dons, and Papists with their + faggots to burn our whiskers. Shove it about, twirl your cap cases, + handle your jugs, and Huzza for Maister Mayor, and his brethren, + their Worships.” + +On many subsequent occasions, the hall was the scene of grand civic +festivities, to which we shall have to allude hereafter. + +The Triennial Musical Festivals are held here. And, formerly, the +assizes for the city; the nomination of candidates to represent the city +in Parliament; and the mayor’s feasts, which were generally given on the +day when he was sworn into office, were also all held in this spacious +building; and on some festive occasions, nearly 1000 ladies and gentlemen +have dined here, including most of the principal families of the city. +Several times between 1650 and 1700 the hall was proclaimed “a public +exchange for the despatch of business between merchants and tradesmen.” +The last time was in 1725, when it was used only one year. It was opened +in October, 1796, as a corn exchange and continued to be used as such +every Saturday till 1828. Under the superintendance of Mr. Barry, the +City Surveyor, a complete restoration of the hall was effected in 1863. + +The exterior of the hall, as seen from the plain, presents an imposing +appearance, chiefly owing to the fine effect of its long range of +clerestory windows, of which there are fourteen on each side. The five +westernmost windows on the south side are each of three lights, of +decorated character, being of earlier date than any of the other windows. +The sixth or easternmost window is of four lights, perpendicular in +style. On the north side are six beautiful perpendicular windows of four +lights, probably the most elegant in style in the eastern counties. The +principal entrance is through the new porch on the south-west, which is +similar in style to the original building. A large entrance door is +provided in the centre of the west front, and above this there is a large +and beautiful five-light window, producing a fine effect in the interior +of the hall. The interior consists of a nave, 124 feet by 32 feet; and +north and south aisles, 124 feet by 16 feet, each being divided from the +nave by six lofty and handsomely-moulded stone columns, supporting seven +elegant stone arches. Above these arches are the clerestory windows, +fourteen on each side, perpendicular in style, and somewhat later in +character than the other windows. The roof, which is of chestnut, is of +hammer-beam construction, with moulded spandrel brackets and circular +shafts. From the hammer-beams spring moulded arch ribs. The rafters, +which were originally visible, are plastered on the underside, giving the +effect of panelling; the ground-work being intense blue with gilded +stars. The hollows in the whole of the timber are coloured vermillion, +and gilded pateræ are inserted within these hollows at stated distances. +The circular ribs are finished with a bead on the underside, which is +decorated by spiral bands, alternately drab and oak colours. The +intersection of the main timbers at the apex of the roof is distinguished +by carved bosses, richly gilt. The aisle roofs are similarly decorated, +but without the gilded pateræ. At the east end the orchestra is placed +within a recess, under a fine deeply-moulded stone arch, of large size. + +The nave and aisles are lighted at night by nine polished brass coronæ, +of characteristic design, pendant from the centres of the arched ribs of +the roof. When lighted up at night, during the Choral Society and +Festival Concerts, the interior presents a very brilliant appearance. +Amongst the principal attractions of the hall are the portraits of city +worthies and some historical paintings. A fine work of art, Queen +Eleonora sucking the poison from her husband’s wound; and another, the +Death of Lady Jane Grey, by Martin, a native of this city; may be seen at +the west end. Large sums have been offered for them. The two oldest +portraits in the hall are Queen Anne and Prince George of Denmark. A +fine portrait of Admiral Lord Nelson, painted by Sir William Beechey, was +the last for which the illustrious “Norfolk Hero” sat after his return to +England in 1801. It is allowed to be an admirable likeness. He is +standing on the quarter deck of a man of war; the tri-coloured flag of +France is lying at his feet; and the flag of Spain lies on a cannon; +leaning against which is the sword of the Spanish Admiral, Don Xavier +Winthysen, surrendered to him on February 14th, 1797. On the hero’s hat +is the magnificent diamond Aigrette, or Plume of Triumph, and under it +the rich pelisse of sable fur, both of which were presented to him by the +Grand Seigneur. He is decorated with the red riband as Knight of the +Bath, and with the blue riband and medal suspended therefrom, which are +the Insignia of the Order of St. Ferdinand. On his breast are stars of +the most honourable Order of the Bath, of the Grand Cross, of the Order +of St. Ferdinand, and of the Imperial Order of the Crescent Suspended +from his neck by a riband, hang two gold chains, and another is affixed +to his button hole on the right side, all of which had been presented to +him, at various times, for his unparalleled naval victories. + + “Such honours England to her hero paid, + And peaceful sleeps the mighty Nelson’s shade.” + +This superb painting may be seen at the west end of the hall on the north +side. Gainsborough painted the portrait of Sir Harbord Harbord, +afterwards Lord Suffield, considered one of the best in the hall. +Amongst the other portraits in the building are some painted by +Gainsborough, Beechey, Heins, Smith, Bardwell, Stoppelaer, Adolphe, Opie, +Clover, Hoppner, Lawrence, and Thompson. The following is a list in +chronological order, with names of the painters. + +_Name_. _Artist_. _Date of + Picture_. +Queen Anne 1705 +Prince George 1705 +Benjamin Nuthall Mayor Heins 1721 +Robert Marsh Mayor Heins 1731 +Francis Arnam Mayor Heins 1732 +Timothy Balderstone Mayor Heins 1736 +Thomas Vere, M.P. Mayor Heins 1736 +Thomas Harwood Mayor Heins 1737 +Robert Harvey Mayor Smith 1738 +William Clarke Mayor Heins 1740 +Hon. Horace Heins 1741 +Walpole, M. P. +William Wiggett Mayor Heins 1743 +Robert Earl of Heins 1743 +Orford +John Lord Hobart Heins 1743 +Simeon Waller Mayor Heins 1746 +William Crowe Mayor Bardwell 1746 +Thomas Harvey Mayor Heins 1749 +Thomas Hurnard Mayor Heins 1752 +John Press Mayor Bardwell 1753 +John Gay Mayor Bardwell 1755 +Peter Columbine Mayor Stoppelaer 1755 +Jeremiah Ives, Sen. Mayor Stoppelaer 1756 +Nockold Thompson Mayor Heins 1756 +John Goodman Mayor Bardwell 1757 +Robert Rogers Mayor Bardwell 1758 +John Spurrell Mayor Smith 1758 +Sir Thomas Mayor Bardwell 1761 +Churchman, Knt. +Jeremiah Harcourt Mayor Bardwell 1762 +Benjamin Hancock Mayor Adolphe 1764 +John Dersley Mayor Bardwell 1764 +James Poole Mayor Bardwell 1765 +Thomas Starling Mayor Williams 1767 +Jeremiah Ives, Jun. Mayor Catton 1781 +Sir Harbord Gainsborough 1783 +Harbord, Bt., M.P. +Robert Partridge Mayor Beechey 1784 +Edward and Eleonora Martin 1787 +Lady Jane Grey Martin 1787 +John Patteson Mayor Beechey 1797 +John Harvey Mayor Opie 1797 +John Herring Mayor Opie 1799 +Horatio Lord Nelson Beechey 1801 +Rt. Hon. Henry Opie 1802 +Hobart, M.P. +Rt. Hon. W. Hoppner 1803 +Windham, M.P. +Charles Harvey, Recorder Lawrence 1804 +M.P. +Thomas Back Mayor Glover 1809 +Barnabas Leman Mayor Glover 1813 +William Smith, M.P. Thompson 1814 +Sir J. P. Yallop Mayor Clint 1815 +William Hankes Mayor Clint 1816 +Crisp Brown Mayor Glover 1817 +Robert Hawkes Mayor Haydon 1822 +J. S. Patteson, Mayor Beechey 1823 +Jun. +Henry Francis Mayor Lane 1824 +William Simpson Town Clerk Phillips 1826 +Charles Turner Mayor Briggs 1835 +T. O. Springfield Mayor Westcott 1852 +Sir Samuel Bignold, Mayor J. P. Knight 1853 +Knt. +Rt. Hon. Lord J. P. Knight 1868 +Stafford + +And over the west window is festooned the Flag of France taken by Lord +Nelson from the ship _Genereux_ in 1800. + + + +THE CORN EXCHANGE. + + +The Corn Exchange is situated in Exchange Street, which commences at the +north end of the Market Place. The original building, which was erected +in 1828, at a cost of £6000, being found too small, was taken down in +1861, and the present spacious edifice was built by a company at a cost +of £16,000, including the site. The exterior is massive in its effect. +The key stone of the large window has a carved head of Ceres. The +interior is well lighted from the roof, the superficial area of the glass +being equal to the area of the hall. The inside measurement is 125 feet +by 81 feet. The height from the floor is 66 feet. At the east end are +portraits of John Culley, Esq., the originator of the Exchange, and of +the late Earl of Leicester, who was justly regarded as the greatest +farmer in Norfolk. A large amount of business is transacted here every +Saturday afternoon. + + + +THE NORWICH PUBLIC LIBRARY. + + +The Norwich Public Library is located in a spacious room built for the +purpose at the end of an avenue opposite the Guildhall. The first +meeting of subscribers was held there on September 7th, 1837. The +library contains about 30,000 volumes, including many old books of +divinity and archæology. The yearly subscription is one guinea paid by +shareholders, and 26s. paid by others; and subscribers are entitled to +borrow two sets of books at a time. The library is open from 10 a.m. +till 9 p.m. Besides the large room which contains the books, there are +smaller rooms for the convenience of readers. Mr. Langton is the +librarian. + + + +THE NORFOLK AND NORWICH MUSEUM + + +is a fine building, erected in 1839, in Broad Street, St. Andrew’s. It +contains very valuable collections in geology, ethnology, and entomology, +but chiefly in ornithology. The specimens in ornithology comprise nearly +all the varieties of the raptores or birds of prey, mostly supplied by J. +H. Gurney, Esq. A large new room in the adjoining building is filled +with specimens of British birds, also contributed by J. H. Gurney, Esq., +whose portrait adorns the room. The fossil remains of mammalia, for the +most part discovered in Norfolk, are extremely interesting. Two other +spacious rooms have just been added to the Museum, one of which is filled +with Elephantine Remains, contributed by the Rev. Jno. Gunn; and the +botanical department has been enriched by the late J. D. Salmon’s +well-arranged specimens, bequeathed by him to this institution, which is +open free on Mondays and Saturdays. + + + +THE NORFOLK AND NORWICH LITERARY INSTITUTION + + +occupies the upper part of the same building as the Museum, and a large +room in the adjoining one. It was established in 1822, and contains more +than 20,000 well-selected volumes in the various departments of +literature. It is supported by several hundred subscribers who pay two +guineas yearly, and the shareholders pay a guinea and a half yearly. +Every member has the privilege of borrowing two books, and a pamphlet and +review at the same time. A greater number is allowed to country members, +as well as a longer time for reading. The rooms are open from 10 a.m. +till 9 p.m. Mr. F. Quinton is the librarian. + + + +THE FREE LIBRARY. + + +This is a large building at the corner of St. Andrew’s Broad Street; +erected in 1856, and opened in 1857, under the Free Libraries and Museum +Act, by the Corporation, at a cost of £10,000. It includes large rooms +for the Museum and the Free Library, the Literary Institution, and the +School of Art. The Free Library, in the lower room, contains about 4,000 +volumes, and the Old Collection called the City Library. The middle room +above is fitted up as a lecture hall. The School of Art is located at +the top of the building, where rooms are furnished for about 200 pupils, +who receive instruction in drawing, designing, and decorative art. There +is a committee of management for the Free Library, another for the +Museum, and another for the School of Art. Mr. Harper is the librarian. + + + +THE THEATRE ROYAL + + +is situate at a short distance from the Market Place, in Theatre Street. +It is a very plain building, erected in 1826, but the interior is quite +commodious enough for the limited number of patrons which Norwich +furnishes to the drama. + + + +THE POST OFFICE + + +is a large, but by no means handsome building; situate in Post Office +Street, near the Market Place. There are two deliveries from London +daily, and mails daily to all parts of the kingdom. + + + +THE PARISHES AND PARISH CHURCHES. + + +Norwich appears to have taken the lead in the erection of religious +edifices. At a very early period, before the reign of Edward the +Confessor, the city contained 25 churches, and in the eleventh century, +55 existed in or near the town. After the conquest, 43 chapels were in +the patronage of the burgesses, most of which were afterwards made +parochial. In the reign of Edward III., 58 parish churches and chapels +were within the walls, besides 19 monastic institutions and cells, +anchorages, &c. Norwich still contains a greater number of churches and +parishes than any other city in England except London. Many of the +present churches are excellent specimens of ancient architecture. +Several of them are built of squared flints. Besides the cathedral there +are three undoubted specimens of the Norman style, and there are also +many examples of the decorated or florid which succeeded the lancet +style, of the transition style, and of the perpendicular. This later +perpendicular style, which prevailed during the 15th and 16th centuries, +is the chief characteristic of the city churches. The best examples of +this style are the churches of St. Peter Mancroft, St. Andrew, St. +Stephen, St. Giles, and St. John Maddermarket; also St. Andrew’s Hall. +Of all these churches complete restorations have been lately effected. +The original designs have been faithfully adhered to by the architects +and contractors, which is the highest praise that can be awarded them. +In this age we can only restore or rebuild; we cannot invent new orders +of architecture. All our restorations take us back to the middle ages, +and the spirit of those ages seems to be again revived in our parish +churches. + +We shall now proceed to describe the parishes and parish churches, in +four districts, west, east, north, and south. + + +WESTERN DISTRICT. + + +The western district is the most prominent, comprising the Market Place, +the parishes of St. Peter at Mancroft, St. Giles, St. Gregory, St. John’s +Maddermarket, St. Andrew, St. Margaret, St. Benedict, St. Swithin, and +St. Lawrence. Nearly all the public buildings are situated in this part +of the town—the Guildhall, the Corn Hall, the Post Office, the Museum, +the Free Library and School of Art, the Public Library, and the Literary +Institution. The Market Place is about 200 yards in length, and 110 in +breadth, but part of that area is occupied by the Guildhall, and St. +Peter’s church. A handsome bronze statue of the Duke of Wellington, 8 ft +6 in. high, was erected, at a cost of £1000, in the middle of the Market +Place in 1854. This statue is placed on a granite pedestal, surrounded +by a low railing with lamps at the corners. The new Fish Market is on +the western side of the Market Place. It consists of two rows of shops +with an open space between, and was built, a few years ago, at a cost of +£6000. On Saturdays the Market Place presents a highly animated scene, +and is well supplied with provisions of every kind. It is generally +crowded from morning till night by the citizens, and by the vendors of +the produce of the field, the garden, or the dairy. It is surrounded by +handsome shops, warehouses, hotels, and taverns. + + +_St. Peter of Mancroft_. + + +This parish was, at the beginning of the Confessor’s reign, an open +field, that part of it which is now the Market Place, being the great +croft of the Castle or Magna Crofta. Towards the end of the Confessor’s +reign it began to be built over and inhabited; and at the survey of 1086, +the whole field was owned and held by Ralf de Guader, Earl of Norfolk, in +right of his castle, who granted it to the King in Common to make a new +burgh between them, which burgh contained the entire parishes of St. +Peter of Mancroft and St. Giles. The Earl Ralf founded the church of St. +Peter and St. Paul at Mancroft, and gave it to his chaplains. On his +forfeiture, Robert Blund, the Sheriff, received an ounce of gold, yearly, +from the chaplains; and on Godric’s becoming sheriff, the Conqueror gave +it to Wala his chaplain, at which time it was worth £3 per annum. + +Sir Peter Read, though not certainly known to be a native of this city, +yet deserves to be mentioned here, because he was buried in St. Peter’s +Church, having this inscription on his monument:— + + “Hereunder lieth the corps of Peter Read, Esq., who hath worthily + served not only his prince and country, but also the Emperor Charles + the Fifth, both at his Conquest of Barbary, and his siege of Tunis, + as also in other places, who had given him, by the said Emperor, the + Order of Barbary, who died on the 29th December, in the year of our + Lord God 1566.” + +If it be demanded why the title of “knight” was not put on his tomb, but +only “esquire,” it may be answered that he was knighted by the Emperor +Charles V., and Queen Elizabeth would suffer no foreign honour to be worn +by her subjects in her dominions, saying, “Her sheep should be known by +her mark only.” The knight lies buried in the east corner of the north +aisle of this church. His effigy in complete armour is on a brass plate +on the stone. He gave £4 4_s._ yearly from the rental of houses in St. +Giles’, that the great bell of St. Peter’s Mancroft Church should ring at +four o’clock every morning and eight in the evening for the benefit of +travellers. + +The following epitaph in this church is a specimen of good versification +for the time in which it was written, 1616:— + + “Here Richard Anguishe sleepes for whom alyve + Norwich and Cambridge lately seemed to strive; + Both called him son as seemed well they might; + Both challenged in his life an equal right: + Norwich gave birth and taught him well to speake + The mother English, Latin phrase, and Greeke; + Cambridge with arts adorned his ripening age + Degress and judgment in the sacred page; + Yet Norwich gains the vantage of the strife, + Whiles there he ended where began his life. + + September XXIII. Ao Dni. 1616.” + +The church is a large handsome cruciform structure of freestone mixed +with flint, begun in 1430 and finished in 1455. It is a good example of +the perpendicular style, and is the finest parish church in the city. It +is 212 feet in length, and 70 feet in breadth, with a noble tower 98 feet +high, covered with paneling, and containing an excellent peal of 12 +bells, a clock, and chimes. The bells weigh 183 cwt. 2 qrs. 14 lbs., and +were exchanged for an old peal of ten in 1775, at a cost of £800 raised +by public subscription. + +The clustered pillars supporting the roof, with the arches surmounting +them, are lofty and slender, and the windows are large and numerous, so +that the whole interior has a light and airy appearance. The roof of the +nave is of fine open timber work, with a sort of wooden vault over each +window, like a stone roof. The Clerestory has seventeen fine windows on +each side, with short transoms in the heads, and good tracery. The +vaulting shafts are brought down to the bottom of the clerestory windows, +and have niches under them. There is a chancel or small transept on each +side of the nave. The font stands under a perpendicular canopy, +supported by pillars, and forming a baptistry on a raised platform, with +room to walk round the font. The east window is filled with beautiful +stained glass, mostly ancient. There are some fine paintings in the +vestry. The church was restored, the old pews were replaced by open oak +benches, and a new pulpit, reading desk, and altar rail, handsomely +carved, were purchased in 1851. During the alterations, a vault four or +five feet deep was discovered under the stalls of the choir. The outer +wall of this vault supported the screen dividing the choir from the nave +and aisles, and contained a range of about a dozen earthen jars, placed +on their sides with their mouths open to the vault. The use of these +jars has never been ascertained. The benefice is a perpetual curacy +certified at £10, and now valued at £87. It was augmented in 1746 with +£200 given by the Rev. J. Francis, with £100 of royal bounty from 1742 to +1810, and with £400 subscribed by the minister and parishioners in 1818. +The Rev. C. Turner, M.A., is incumbent. + + +_St. Giles_. + + +St. Giles’ Street, west of the Market Place, is one of the best built in +the city, and leads to the small parish of St. Giles. The church, near +the top of the street, was founded in the reign of William I. by Elwyn +the priest, who gave it to the monks of Norwich. Consequently it is now +in the patronage of the Dean and Chapter. It is frequently called “St. +Giles on the Hill” in ancient records. It is a fine structure in the +perpendicular style, and is one of the handsomest old churches in the +city. It was wholly rebuilt in the reign of Richard I., but after 1581 +the old chancel was demolished. A new chancel has been recently built, +and the church completely restored. The nave is of five bays, and has a +good open timber roof, supported by angels bearing shields, emblazoned +with the arms of England, France, and Castile. The clerestory windows +have been modernised. The south porch has a fine groined vault with fan +tracery, and is surmounted by a parvise, and a rich parapet and cornice. +The nave and aisles are 81 feet long, divided by slender pillars, and are +lighted by large and elegant windows. The tower is 120 feet high, and +contains a clock and eight bells. The church estate consists of small +tenements given by Thomas Parker in 1534. The perpetual curacy, valued +at £70, was augmented from 1744 to 1791 with £1000 of Queen Anne’s +bounty. The Rev. W. Nottidge Ripley, M.A., is the incumbent. + +Passing from the Market Place to Pottergate Street we come to the parish +of + + +_St. Gregory_. + + +The church is a fine structure of great antiquity, in the perpendicular +style. The chancel was rebuilt in 1325, and the whole pile has received +many modern repairs. The nave and aisles, with the two chapels at the +east end, were new leaded in 1537. In 1597, a timber spire covered with +lead was erected on the tower, and was the only spire in Norwich, except +that of the Cathedral, but being unsafe, it was taken down. The tower +contains a clock and six bells, the latter given by the parishioners in +1818. The tower arch is very lofty, and across it is the original stone +gallery for the singers, with groined vaults above and beneath, the lower +part forming a western porch opening into the north and south porches, +which are also groined. There are four well moulded arches on each side +of the nave, with clustered shafts having embattled caps. The rood stair +turret remains on the north side of the edifice. The clerestory windows +have decorated tracery, and the windows of the aisles are of a mixed +character under arches recessed in the walls. In 1861, Mr. Wm. Smith, +and the incumbent collected £800 for the purpose of restoring the church +and reseating it in oak. The perpetual curacy was certified at £3, and +is now valued at £120. It was augmented from 1747 to 1812 with £1400 of +royal bounty. The Dean and Chapter are patrons. The present incumbent +is the Rev. J. Wortley. + + +_St. John’s Maddermarket_. + + +is a very populous parish near the Market Place, between Pottergate +Street and Charing Cross. The church is a large handsome edifice in the +perpendicular style, consisting of a nave, two aisles, two porches, and a +fine tower, under which is an arched rood, and on the top are four +figures at the angles. The fine decorated east window is of five lights +with flowing tracery. The north porch has a richly-groined vault, and +its outer doorway is deeply recessed. The roofs of the chapel of All +Saints at the east end of the north aisle, and of St. Mary the Virgin in +the south aisle, are boarded under and painted with angels holding books +and scrolls, with sentences from the Te Deum, the Angelical Salutation, +&c. The church has been completely restored recently at a cost of £1200. +Lady Margaret, Duchess of Norfolk, (second wife of the Duke, who was +beheaded in Elizabeth’s reign,) died at the Duke’s Palace, in this +parish, in 1563, and was interred with great pomp on the north side of +the choir, where a mural monument was erected to her memory in 1791 by +Lord John Howard of Waldon. The benefice is a discharged rectory, valued +in K. B. at £7 10s. 2d., and now at £110. It was augmented from 1714 to +1814 with £1800 of royal bounty. It is in the patronage of New College, +Oxford, to which it was granted by Henry VI. The Rev. G. F. Price is the +present incumbent. + + +_St. Andrew_. + + +The parish of St. Andrew is extensive, and populous, and improvements +have been made in some of the streets, where large premises have been +built. The church in Broad Street, to which it gives its name, is a fine +large perpendicular structure, consisting of nave, chancel, aisles, +clerestory, and tower. The latter, which has seven bells and a clock, +was rebuilt in 1478, and the nave and chancel were rebuilt in 1606. The +window at the east end is filled with stained glass. There are sedilia +for three priests in the chancel, and several old stalls with +“misereres.” The interior contains many ancient as well as modern +monuments and inscriptions. The whole of the interior has been recently +restored and renovated, and furnished with open benches instead of the +old pews. The gallery, which obscured the noble tower arch, was removed +in 1863, and the fine screen work, so long hidden, brought to light. +There is no chancel arch, but the rood stair turret still remains on the +south side; and under the east window, externally, are some good niches +and panels. A beautiful carved stone reredos was erected in 1850 by +subscription in memory of the late Rev. James Brown, B.D., who was the +esteemed incumbent of this parish from 1807 to 1856. The benefice is a +perpetual curacy valued in 1831 at £90, and augmented from 1756 to 1786 +with £800 of Queen Anne’s bounty, and with a grant of £600 in 1815. The +church estate is let in long leases, for £22 16s. yearly. The +parishioners are the patrons. The Rev. A. C. Copeman, M.A., incumbent. +In this parish, on St. Andrew’s Hill, stood one of the oldest churches in +this city, dedicated to St. Christopher. It was destroyed by fire in the +reign of Henry VIII. Remains of old vaults may be traced in a line of +vaults and crypts under the City Arms Tavern, and on the premises of Mr. +Harman, Wine and Spirit Merchant, higher up the street on the east side. + +The Old Bridewell, in this parish, was built by Bartholomew Appleyard +about the year 1370. The north wall is 79 feet in length and 27 feet in +height, and is considered one of the greatest curiosities of the kind in +England. The flints are squared to such a nicety, that the edge of a +knife can scarcely be put between them. Most of them are about three +inches square. The surface is very smooth, and no brickwork can appear +more regular. The building was nearly destroyed by fire on October 22nd, +1751, and again much damaged by fire on July 28th, 1753, but this curious +wall sustained little injury. Mr. Talman says, “That the Jews introduced +the art of squaring flints;” and Dr. Cromwell Mortimer, Secretary to the +Royal Society, states that the gate of the Austin Friars at Canterbury, +that of St. John’s Abbey at Colchester, and the gate near the Whitehall, +Westminster, are in the same taste, but the platform on the top of the +Royal Observatory at Paris, built in 1667, which is paved with flint in +this manner, is an instance in proof that the French had recovered this +art exemplified in the Old Bridewell here. William Appleyard, son of the +builder, the first mayor of Norwich, occupied this house in 1403. After +passing through many hands, it became the property of the late Mr. +Newbegin, who converted it into a tobacco factory. His son, Mr. J. +Newbegin, now holds the property, and has lately built a handsome +wholesale tobacco warehouse on the premises next to the alley. + +In Broad Street, St. Andrews, stood the ancient church of St. Crucis. It +was dedicated to the honour of the Holy Cross, and was erected before the +year 1272. It was desecrated in 1551, and the parish united to St. +John’s Maddermarket. + + +St. Lawrence. + + +St. Lawrence Church stands upon the very spot to which the arm of the sea +rose in former times, when Norwich was merely a fishing town, and this +spot was the quay or landing place for all herrings brought into the +city. After the water had receded, the church was founded on the same +site in the reign of Edward the Confessor, in the 10th century. In 1460, +the original building was taken down, and the present one was erected +twelve years afterwards. It consists of a nave, chancel, aisles, north +and south porches, clerestory, and a tower 112 feet high, with six bells. +The roof of the church is supported by clustered columns, the inside is +light and regular, and the windows are large and well filled with +tracery. They were formerly decorated with stained glass, all of which +was demolished by the Puritans in 1643. There is here an ancient +octangular font, ornamented with shields, angels, &c. In the spandrels +of an arched door, in the western side of the church, are two ancient +carvings, one representing the martyrdom of St. Lawrence broiling on a +gridiron, and the other a number of Danish soldiers shooting arrows into +the body of King Edmund, whose head is seen lying in a thicket, as +described in the old legend. The Rev. E. A. Hillyard is the present +incumbent. + + +_St. Swithin_. + + +St. Swithin’s Church, situated between upper and lower Westwick Street, +is a neat building, containing a nave, two aisles, and tower. One side +of the nave is supported by pointed arches on columns, and the other by +round arches and square piers. The Chapel of St. Mary, at the east end +of the north aisle, had an altar, and the guild of the Holy Virgin, +called the tanner’s guild, was kept there. The rectory was anciently in +the donation of the See of Norwich, and in the year 1200 was annexed to +the deanery of Norwich, as were the churches of St. Simon and Jude, and +Corstweyt, and the deanery of Taverham, and so held till 1329, when the +deaneries were separated from the churches which were then perpetually +united. But notwithstanding this union, in 1546 Bishop Rugge separated +the advowson from the bishopric, and granted it to William Farrar and +others. In 1608, John Ward was patron, who suffering a lapse, was by the +bishop collated to it; and entry being made that the bishop had collated +him in full right, it has ever since been supposed to be in the bishop’s +patronage, and held by sequestration or license at the bishop’s +nomination. During the cleaning of this Church in 1834, an ancient +portrait of Edward the Confessor, painted on a panel, was found beneath +one of the seats, where it is supposed to have been placed during the +civil wars. The altar piece contains portraits of Moses and Aaron, and +the church has an ancient font. The rectory, valued in K. B. at £6 3s. +4d., has been augmented, and is still in the patronage of the bishop. + + * * * * * + +The New Mills, as to a principal part of them, are in this parish. +Formerly all the city bakers were obliged to grind here, and the miller, +as a public servant, had a livery and badge given him every year. The +mills are still the property of the city, and in 1706 were let, with the +baker’s grant thereto belonging, for the term of 87 years, at the yearly +rent of £200, but reduced in 1708 to £180. The Mills are now let to Mr. +Wells, and produce a large quantity of flour weekly. Steam mills are now +also at work in this locality, in the occupation of Messrs. Barber and +Sons, who are also proprietors of Hellesdon Mills. + + +_St. Margaret_. + + +St. Margaret’s Church, in Westwick Street, has a square tower with a +spacious nave, chancel, and south aisle. It is a plain building of the +perpendicular period. The rood stair turret remains on the north side of +the church, and on the south side of the altar is a small pedestal on +which the bell that was rung at mass stood in former times. The rectory +is valued at £80. The bishop is the patron, and the Rev. J. W. Cobb is +the rector. The church which has been for some time disused, being in a +very ruinous condition, has just been restored. + + +_St. Benedict_. + + +St. Benedict’s Church, at the end of the street to which it gives its +name, is a small building with nave, chancel, north aisle, and round +tower. The tower contains three bells, and in the chancel is a piscina. +The church was repaired and re-roofed a few years since, at a cost of +£150. The living is a perpetual curacy valued at £95, and was augmented +by royal bounty. The Rev. J. Dombrain is the incumbent. + + +THE EASTERN DISTRICT. + + +This side of the city has been greatly improved by the formation of a new +road called Prince of Wales’ Road, from Foundry Bridge to the Castle +Hill. Handsome houses have been built on each side, and broad pavements +laid down. Rose Lane has been widened and improved. The Castle Meadow +has been adorned by the erection of a new bank called the Crown Bank, a +very handsome building in the Corinthian style of architecture. This is +the finest building of the kind in the eastern counties. + +The Cavalry Barracks are situated in Barrack Street on the east side of +the city, on the site of an old manor house. They were built by the +government in 1791 at a cost of £20,000. The buildings are of brick, and +form three sides of a square, the centre being for the accommodation of +the officers. The wings accommodate the soldiers to the extent of 320 +men, and 266 horses. The high wall which surrounds the entire barracks, +including the parade ground, encloses an area of ten acres. + +The Dungeon Tower is opposite the barracks, on land called “The Hospital +Meadow.” It is a large round tower of brick, originally surrounded by a +battlement. It was built as a prison for the cathedral precincts. The +Norfolk Railway Station stands in the hamlet of Thorpe near the Foundry +Bridge. + + +_St. Michael at Plea_. + + +The Church of St. Michael at Plea is at the top of Queen Street. This +church was so named from the Archdeacon holding his pleas or courts +there. It is a cruciform church with a low flint tower, and a modern +bell turret. Its transepts were formerly chapels dedicated to St. John +the Baptist and the Virgin Mary. It contains several old paintings of +the crucifixion, resurrection, &c., in the panels. About two years ago +the tower was restored at a cost of £250. The rectory, valued in K. B. +at £6 10s., and in 1831 at £85, was augmented with £600 of Queen Anne’s +bounty from 1774 to 1791, and with a parliamentary grant of £1000 in +1816. The lords of the manors of Sprowston and Horsford are patrons +alternately. The Rev. C. Morse, LL.B., is the incumbent. + + +_St. George Tombland_. + + +The Church of St. George Tombland stands at the end of Prince’s Street, +and is so named from the open space near it having formerly been used as +a burying place. It has a handsome square tower which contains five +bells, and was erected by the parishioners in 1445. The nave, aisles, +and chancel are covered with lead, and have some spacious galleries and +ornamental inscriptions of ancient and modern times. The building is +chiefly of the perpendicular period, but some portions are of an older +date. Three new memorial windows were recently inserted on the north +side. Messrs. J. and J. King, Prince’s Street, put in the stained glass. +The Rev. W. Bridge was ejected from the incumbency of this parish for +refusing to read the Book of Sports. He afterwards became pastor of the +Old Meeting House. The churchyard has been planted with shrubs, and if a +neat iron railing were substituted for the present wall, it would greatly +improve the appearance of Tombland. The Rev. K. Trimmer is the +incumbent. + + +_St. Peter Hungate_. + + +St. Peter Hungate Church is in the same street at the top of Elm Hill. +The original church was demolished in 1458, when the present one was +built. It was built by John Paston and Margaret his wife. It is of +black flint in the form of a cross, having a nave, chancel, transepts, +and square tower with two bells. The roof of the nave is ornamented with +figures of angels. In 1861 the interior was much improved. The rectory +of St. Peter Hungate, valued in K.B. at £3 1s. 5½d., and now at £63, was +augmented from 1743 to 1810 with £600 of royal bounty. The Lord +Chancellor is patron, and the Rev. S. Titlow, M.A., has been rector since +1839. + + +_St. Simon and Jude_. + + +St. Simon and Jude’s Church in Wensum Street has a nave, a chancel, and a +low flint and stone tower, with five bells. It is in the perpendicular +style, and is of great antiquity. It contains a few old brasses, and +several monuments of the Pettus family, in one of which lies, in complete +armour, the figure of Sir J. Pettus, the first of the family who was +knighted. The Rev. J. F. Osborne is the incumbent. + + +_St. Martin at Palace_. + + +St. Martin at Palace Church stands opposite the entrance to the Bishop’s +Palace. It has a nave with aisles, chancel with aisles, clerestory, and +a tower with five bells. It is of the plain perpendicular style, and +contains a good panelled octagon font. The east window of the chancel is +filled with stained glass, representing the adoration of the magi, the +annunciation, the crucifixion, the resurrection of our Saviour, &c. The +living is a perpetual curacy valued at £70, and augmented from 1743 to +1813 with £1800 of royal bounty. The Dean and Chapter are patrons. The +Rev. R. W. Barker is incumbent. + + +_St. Helen_. + + +The parish of St. Helen is situated on the east side of the cathedral, +and nearly the whole of the parish belongs to the Great Hospital, which +is an extensive range of buildings, comprising the antique remains of the +dissolved hospital of St. Giles, and several modern additions erected at +various periods, for the accommodation of the alms people who have been +increased in number progressively with the augmentation of the income. +In 1850, ninety-two men, and eighty-two women were lodged, fed, and +clothed at the expense of the charity, which also supports a master and +ten nurses. The alms people must be of the age of 65 years or upwards +before their admission. They are clothed in dark blue, and allowed +sixpence per week each for pocket money. + +St. Helen’s Church in Bishopgate Street belonged to the monks, who +demolished it and consolidated the cure with the church of St. Giles’ +Hospital, now called the Great Hospital, on the opposite side of the +street, soon after the foundation of the latter by Bishop Suffield in +1250. The whole of this hospital church, which serves as the parish +church of St. Helen, is still standing. It has a square perpendicular +tower at the south-west corner, containing one bell. The greater part of +the pile has been converted into lodgings for the alms people. The +church is fitted up with gothic carved work and open seats. Kirkpatrick, +the antiquary, is buried here. The perpetual curacy received by lot £200 +of Queen Anne’s bounty in 1816, and was valued in 1831 at £16 exclusive +of the glebe house, but is now worth £200 per annum. The City Charity +Trustees are patrons. The Rev. W. F. Patteson, incumbent. + + * * * * * + +In King Street are the churches of St. Peter per Mountergate, St. Julian, +St. Etheldred, and St. Peter Southgate, all ancient edifices. + + +_St. Peter per Mountergate_. + + +St. Peter per Mountergate derives the latter part of its name from a gate +formerly placed near the churchyard, at the foot of the Castle mount. +The old church is in the perpendicular style, and has a nave, chancel, +south porch with parvise, and a square embattled tower, with five bells +and a clock. The building has been recently restored and fitted up with +open benches, those in the nave being stained deal, and in the chancel +oak. The famous Thomas Codd, who was Mayor of Norwich during Kett’s +Rebellion, and who was a great benefactor to the city, was interred in +the nave. The benefice is now a perpetual curacy, valued at £78, and +augmented with £200 of Queen Anne’s bounty in 1766, and with a +parliamentary grant of £800 in 1812. The Dean and Chapter are patrons. +The Rev. John Durst, incumbent. + + +_St. Julian_. + + +St. Julian’s Church, in King Street, is a very small ancient structure, +founded before the conquest, and comprises nave, chancel, north porch, +and tower. It is principally of the Norman period, and most of the +windows are decorated and perpendicular insertions. The tower, which is +ruined, has a deeply recessed Norman arch, slightly pointed, and having +shafts with caps and bases. It has also a small Norman loop window in +the thickness of the wall splayed both inside and outside. The south +doorway is a very fine specimen of Norman architecture, and was restored +in 1845, when the chancel was rebuilt and the church thoroughly restored +at a cost of £500. The east window was at the same time filled with +stained glass, representing our Saviour seated and surrounded by the +evangelists. The font is perpendicular in style, cup-shaped and +panelled. There was a hermitage for a female recluse in the churchyard, +but it was demolished at the dissolution. The rectory, certified at £19 +3s. 1d., has been long consolidated with All Saints. The Rev. C. F. +Sculthorpe, M.A., is patron. + + +_St. Etheldred_. + + +St. Etheldred’s Church, in King Street, is supposed to be one of the +oldest structures in the city, and had in its burial ground a very +ancient anchorage, which continued till after the Reformation. It is a +small building with a nave, chancel, and tower. The benefice is a +perpetual curacy, certified at £2 14s., and valued at £77. It was +augmented from 1745 to 1802 with £800 of Queen Anne’s bounty. The +Trustees of the Great Hospital are patrons. The Rev. W. Bishop is the +present incumbent. + +The parish of St. Etheldred seems to have been one of the parishes of the +Anglo Saxon period, and in it formerly were the houses of many families +of distinction, including the residences of Sir Thomas de Helgheton, of +Henry de Norwich, of the Abbot of Wymondham, of Sir James Hobart, and of +Sir Robert de Sulle, who was killed by the rebels in the reign of Edward +III. No remains of these houses now exist. All along the east side of +King Street, next the river, there is a line of vaults, which seem to +have formed the foundations of old churches now demolished. The Old +Music House still stands in King Street, in the parish of St. Etheldred, +and on its site formerly stood the house of one of the rich Jews, who +settled here in the reign of William Rufus. It afterwards became the +property of his grandson Isaac, at whose death it was escheated to the +crown. Henry III. gave it to Sir William de Valeres, Knt., and in 1290 +it was the residence of Alan de Frestons, Archdeacon of Norfolk, who had +a public chapel there. In 1626, it belonged to John Paston, Esq., and in +1633 it was the city house of Chief Justice Coke. The present house is +not older than the 17th century. Under it there are very extensive +vaults of a more ancient date, now occupied by Messrs. Youngs, Crawshay, +and Youngs, as ale stores. + + +_St. Peter Southgate_. + + +St. Peter Southgate, near the south end of King Street, is an ancient +church, with a nave, chancel, north chapel, south porch, and a square +flint tower, in which are three bells. The windows are chiefly square +headed, and the architecture is of the late perpendicular period. There +is a good cross on the east gable. Part of an old screen remains in +front of the north chapel. The Rev. W. Bishop is the incumbent. + + * * * * * + +Carrow Works, at the top of King Street, are the most extensive in +England for the production of flour, starch, mustard, and blue. The +works cover an area of five acres. They are conveniently situated on the +banks of the Yare, and are permeated by trams from the Great Eastern +Railway. Here are large flour mills, starch mills, and mustard mills, in +which 1200 hands are employed. Steam engines to the enormous amount of +400 horse power are used to drive the machinery. About 100 tons of goods +are produced here weekly, and sent away by rail to all parts of England, +Europe, and America. A large number of hands are engaged in making the +tins and wooden boxes in which most of the mustard is packed. We visited +Carrow Works chiefly to see the mustard, starch, and blue factories; but +we were tempted to take a peep at the great flour mill which has been +erected by Messrs. J. and J. Colman, and which for magnitude and +completeness has few equals. The machinery in this mill is driven by a +magnificent pair of engines of 80 horse power. The Mayor for the present +year, 1868, J. J. Colman, Esq., is the principal proprietor of these +great works, and he has built many houses all around for his work-people, +and also schools for their children at a cost of £2000. + +A Nunnery formerly stood outside of King Street Gates, and was called +Carrow Abbey, from “carr” a watering place, and “hoe” a hill. This abbey +was dedicated to St. Michael and St. John. It was founded in the year +1146 by two ladies named Leftelina and Seyna. It was richly endowed by +King Stephen, and consisted of a prioress and nine benedictine black +nuns, afterwards increased to twelve. The site within the walls +contained about ten acres of land, and the revenues and possessions were +extensive. At the dissolution the abbey and lands became private +property. J. H. Tillett, Esq., is the present occupier. + + +THE NORTHERN DISTRICT. + + +This district includes all the parishes from the north-west to the +north-east side of the river Wensum; and comprises the parishes of St. +Michael at Coslany, St. Martin at Oak, St. Augustine, St. Mary, St. +George’s Colegate, St. Clement, St. Saviour, St. Paul, St. James, and St. +Edmund. On the north side we enter the oldest part of the city, which +seems to have been always chosen by the poorest portion of the +population, near the great factories, which stand high above all the +surrounding poverty-stricken dwellings. + + +_St. Michael at Coslany_. + + +St. Michael at Coslany, commonly called St. Miles’, is a spacious church, +with a lofty square tower and eight musical bells. The nave was rebuilt +by John and Stephen Stallon, who were sheriffs in 1511 and 1512. The +south aisle was begun by Gregory Clark, and was finished by his son, who +was Mayor in 1514. The interior is handsomely decorated. At the east +end of the south aisle there is a chapel, founded by Robert Thorp in the +reign of Henry VII., encrusted externally with black flints, like inlaid +work. The altar piece, by Heins, represents the Resurrection and the +Four Evangelists, and the floor is paved with black and white marble, +brought from the domestic chapel at Oxnead. There are a few ancient +brasses and modern mural monuments. The rectory, valued in K.B. at £13 +6s. 8d. and now at £117, was augmented in 1738 with £200 bequeathed by +the Rev. E. Brooke; in 1818, with £200 given by the late rector; and from +1738 to 1818 with £1000 of royal bounty. Gonville and Caius College, +Cambridge, had the patronage of the living, which was usually given to +the oldest bachelor of that college. It has recently been purchased by +the Rev. E. Hollond, Benhall Lodge, Suffolk. The Rev. R. H. Kidd is the +incumbent. + + +_St. Martin at Oak_. + + +The parish of St. Martin at Oak, in Coslany Street, and the whole +neighbourhood, is a very old part of the city, full of very poor people. +The church derived its name from a large oak which formerly stood in the +churchyard. This was much visited during the reign of superstition, and +many legacies were given towards painting, repairing, and dressing the +image of St. Mary in the Oak. Another oak was planted on the same spot +in 1656, but that now growing was planted eight years ago. The church is +built of flint and stone in the perpendicular style, and contains some +good piers. In 1852, the chancel was rebuilt and a new organ was placed +in the church; and in 1862, plain open benches were substituted for the +old pews in the chancel. There are a few monuments and brasses in the +church, and in one of the former are effigies of Jeremiah Ravens and his +wife in alabaster. She died in 1711, and he in 1727. The south porch is +now used as a vestry, and the outer doorway is built up. The benefice is +a perpetual curacy, certified at 20s., and now valued at £102. It was +augmented with £200 given by William Nockells in 1722, and £1000 of royal +bounty obtained from 1723 to 1824. The Dean and Chapter are patrons. +Rev. C. Caldwell, B.A., the esteemed incumbent, is much respected for his +kindness to the poor. + + +_St. Augustine_. + + +From St. Martin at Oak we pass onward into St. Augustine’s, where we find +various factories and a very populous neighbourhood. The church, on the +east side of the Gildencroft, is in the perpendicular style, and consists +of a nave with aisles, chancel with aisles, south porch and tower. The +tower contains a clock and three bells. The roof of the north aisle of +the chancel is finely carved, and the clerestory is built of flint. In +the south aisle of the nave is a marble monument in memory of Thomas +Clabburn, manufacturer, who died in 1858. It was erected by the +subscriptions of more than 600 weavers of Norwich as a tribute to his +many virtues. The rectory, valued in K.B. at £6 7s. 8½d. and now at +£150, was augmented in 1781 with £200 of Queen Anne’s bounty, and in +1810, 1811, and 1821, with £1400 in parliamentary grants. The Dean and +Chapter are the patrons. The Rev. Matthew John Rackham is the incumbent. + + +_St. Mary Coslany_. + + +From St. Augustine’s we pass down Pitt Street to the parish of St. Mary, +inhabited chiefly by poor people. The church is a cruciform structure +with a tall round tower of flint, containing six bells. There are no +aisles. The south porch has a good groined vault and a richly moulded +doorway, with a parvise or chamber above. The chancel has a panelled +ceiling with rich perforated work. The pulpit is ancient and has tracery +in the upper part of the panels, with the linen pattern below, and a +perforated iron projection for the book rest. The font is octagonal, and +has painted shields of arms in its upper panels. The rood-stair turret +is at the intersection of the north transept and chancel. At the west +end of the nave there is an old parish chest, and in the south transept +there is a square-headed foliated piscina. Several ancient stalls are +remaining, and in the north wall of the chancel there is a tombstone of +the Elizabethan era, dated 1578, and having incised figures of Martin +Vankermbeck, M.D., and his wife. The perpetual curacy was augmented, +from 1733 to 1824, with £2200 of royal bounty, and is valued at £124. +The Marquis of Townshend is patron. Rev. C. Morse, LL.B., is incumbent. + + +_St. George Colegate_. + + +We pass on eastward to the parish of St. George’s Colegate, wherein are +some of the best built streets on this side of the city. The church is a +large structure rebuilt at different periods, viz., the tower and nave +about 1459; the chancel in 1498; the north aisle with the chapel of St. +Mary in 1504; and the south aisle with the chapel of St. Peter in 1513. +The tower is lofty and has a clock and three bells. The rood-stair +turret still remains on the south side. The east window is of three +lights, and is filled with painted glass by Mr. Swan, with figures +representing Faith, Hope, and Charity. The living is a perpetual curacy, +valued at £98, and augmented from 1737 to 1792 with £1000 of Queen Anne’s +bounty. The Dean and Chapter are patrons. The Rev. A. W. Durdin, +incumbent. The memorial to John Crome, familiarly known to Norwich +citizens, and to artists and connoisseurs in paintings as “Old Crome,” +one of the most esteemed of our Norwich “worthies,” has just been placed +in the church of St. George Colegate, in which parish he passed the +latter years of his life, and in which he died soon after being chosen +churchwarden, in the year 1821. The idea of erecting a monument to the +memory of Crome originated in 1841, amongst some of his fellow-citizens +who were lovers of the fine arts, but the subscriptions received up to +1844 appear only to have amounted to about twenty-six pounds. At the +death of Mr. Lound, who had been receiving the subscriptions, in 1861, +Mr. J. B. Morgan, determining to carry out the object of the subscribers, +recommended the work of canvassing for subscriptions, which ultimately +reached the sum of about £100. Funds having been raised, a committee of +amateur artists was formed, who consulted Mr. Bell, an eminent sculptor, +of London, and a native of this city, by whom a handsome mural tablet has +been placed at the east end of the south aisle of St. George’s Church to +the memory of Crome. This tablet, which is of white marble, is divided +into three panels, the centre panel containing a bas-relief profile bust +of John Crome. Judging from the portrait of Crome recently hung in the +Council Chamber, this is an admirable likeness of the Norwich landscape +painter. Beneath are the name “John Crome” in gold letters, and a +palette and pencils; and above an elegantly carved laurel wreath. On one +panel is the following: “Near this spot lie the remains of one of +England’s greatest landscape painters, born in this city, December 21st, +1769, and died in this parish April 22nd, 1821;” and on the right-hand +panel, “This memorial is erected forty-seven years after his death by +admirers of his art, principally connected with Norfolk, his native +county.” + +St. Clement’s parish includes St. Clement Within and St. Clement Without. +The population increased from 853 inhabitants in 1801 to nearly 4000 in +1861. This large increase occurred chiefly in the northern suburb of the +city, called New Catton, which, in 1842, was constituted an +ecclesiastical district, and assigned to Christ Church, a new edifice +built there. Some centuries ago, several old churches, called St. Anne’s +Chapel, All Saints, St. Botolph, and St. Margaret, existed in this +parish, but no vestiges now remain. + +St. Clement’s Church, in Colegate Street, is one of the oldest in the +city, and belonged to the manor of Tokethorpe. It has a square tower +with three bells, a nave without aisles, and a chancel, all in the +perpendicular styles. The chancel contains four dedication crosses, and +is separated from the nave by a fine arch. The tower arch is blocked by +the organ and gallery. The communion plate weighs 88 ozs., including a +silver gilt cup given by S. Sofyld in 1569. Three parish houses are let +for £26 10s. yearly, which is applied with the church rates, except a +reserved yearly rent of 3s. 4d. payable to the Great Hospital, pursuant +to a lease granted in 1569 for 500 years. The rectory valued in K.B. at +£7 9s. 2d., and now at £96, was augmented in 1738 with £200 of Queen +Anne’s bounty, and £200 bequeathed by the Rev. Edward Brooke. It is in +the patronage of Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, and incumbency of +the Rev. R. Rigg. + + +_Christ Church_. + + +Christ Church in New Catton was consecrated by Bishop Stanley amid a +disturbance caused by the chartists. It is a chapel of ease in the +improving parish of St. Clement. It is a neat structure of flint and +brick in the early English style, comprising nave, chancel, transepts, +and a bell turret at the west end. It was finished in 1841 at a cost of +about £2500, and has sittings for 600 people. It was built by +subscription, and by the same means £800 have been invested for its +endowment, and £200 for its reparation. The rector of St. Clement’s is +patron of the perpetual curacy, valued at £150, and it is now in the +incumbency of the Rev. Robert Wade, B.A. + + +_St. Saviour_. + + +St. Saviour’s Church, in Magdalen Street, is a small structure, and has a +square tower with two bells. It has some modern monuments. The south +porch is now used as a baptistry. The font has an octagonal panelled +basin, and is supported by four shafts resting on lions’ heads, and +carried through ogee canopies with pinnacles between. The perpetual +curacy was certified at £3, and is now valued at £103. It was augmented +from 1729 to 1813 with £1800 of royal bounty. The Dean and Chapter are +patrons. The Rev. W. Harris Cooke, M.A., incumbent. + + +_St. Edmund_. + + +St. Edmund’s Church, in Fishgate Street, was founded in the reign of +William I. It comprises a nave, chancel, south aisle, and tower with one +bell. The arches of the nave are nearly flat, and the sub-arches are +carried on shafts with moulded caps. The rectory, valued in K.B. at £4 +6s. 3d., and now at £165, was augmented in 1726 with £200 given by Rev. +W. Stanley and Rev. R. Corey, and from 1726 to 1819 with £1000 of royal +bounty. The Rev. T. Taylor is the incumbent. + + +_St. James_. + + +St. James’ Church, in Cowgate, includes Pockthorpe in its parish, and was +a well endowed rectory till 1201, when it was appropriated to the +Cathedral Priory. It is now a peculiar of the Dean and Chapter. The +Rev. A. D. Pringle, incumbent. + + +_St. Paul_. + + +St. Paul’s Church, in the square called St. Paul’s Plain, is an old +dilapidated building with a small round tower, the upper part of which +was octagonal, but was rebuilt about 1819 of white brick with stone +coping. It has some decorated windows, but is chiefly in the +perpendicular style. There is a north aisle, and at the east end a +parclose, the two screens of different patterns, but both in the same +perpendicular style. The perpetual curacy was certified at only £2, but +was augmented from 1745 to 1749 with £200 of Queen Anne’s bounty, and is +now worth £150. The Dean and Chapter are patrons, and the Rev. Bell +Cooke is incumbent. + + +THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT. + +_St. Stephen_. + + +The parish of St. Stephen’s, on the south side of the city, is extensive +and populous. The streets present some good shops and places of +business. The principal streets are Rampant Horse Street, St. Stephen’s +Street, and Surrey Street. The Norfolk and Norwich Hospital is at the +top of St. Stephen’s Street, and the far-famed Norwich Union Fire and +Life Office is in Surrey Street. + +The church, at the west end of Rampant Horse Street, is a handsome +edifice of the late perpendicular style, of the 16th century, with a nave +and clerestory, two aisles, a chancel, two small chapels, and a square +tower. The nave is divided from the aisles by fluted columns with +pointed arches. The windows are large and numerous, and that at the east +end is filled with stained glass representing the life of the Virgin +Mary, and dated 1610. This church was founded before the Norman +Conquest, but has been all rebuilt at different periods, the chancel +about 1520, and the nave in 1550. The roof is a fine specimen of open +timber-work, and is richly carved. The tower stands on the north side of +the church, and beneath it is the porch. In 1859, the interior was +thoroughly restored at a cost of £1500, and a new carved pulpit and a +reading desk were put up at the same time. Under the superintendence of +Mr. Phipson, the county architect, ten new windows have been lately +inserted in this church, five on each side. They are in the +perpendicular style corresponding to the style of the building. They are +glazed with cathedral glass and a ruby border. There is also a new +window over the south door of the chancel. It is glazed with painted +glass of a geometrical pattern, put in by the London firm that produced +the work in the large western window, representing the death of St. +Stephen. That window cost £300. The benefice is a discharged vicarage, +valued in K.B. at £9, and now at £212. It was augmented from 1715 to +1812 with £1000 of royal bounty. The Dean and Chapter are patrons. The +Rev. C. Baldwin, vicar. + + +_St. John Sepulchre_. + + +St. John Sepulchre is a large church at the top of Ber Street, dedicated +to St. John the Baptist and the Holy Sepulchre, and founded in the reign +of Edward the Confessor. It consists of a nave, chancel, a sort of +transept chapel on each side, and a lofty tower with five bells and a +clock. The font is octagonal and is ornamented with angels, lions, &c. +The east window is of three lights filled with stained glass, the centre +light presenting a figure of St. John the Baptist. The window is in +memory of the Rev. Samuel Stone, M.A., incumbent of this parish, who was +a great friend of the poor, and died in 1848. Here is a fine mural +monument of the Watts family. The rood-stair turret still remains, and +in the south side of the chancel is a fine consecration cross. The +living is a perpetual curacy, certified at £9 1s., and now valued at +£144. It was augmented from 1737 to 1812 with £1600 of royal bounty. +The Dean and Chapter are patrons. The Rev. W. T. Moore, incumbent. + + +_St. Michael at Thorn_. + + +This part of the city includes the parish of St. Michael at Thorn, so +called from the “thorns” formerly growing in the neighbourhood, of which +there is one now in the churchyard. The Rev. A. Davies is incumbent of +the parish. The church is remarkable for its antiquity. + + +_All Saints_. + + +At the bottom of Ber Street we may turn to the left into the parish of +All Saints, where the church stands in an open space called All Saints’ +Green. The church is a small structure, having a nave, chancel, porch, +and tower containing three bells. The chancel contains some decorated +windows, but the other portions of the church are perpendicular. The +east window is modern and filled with poor stained glass, but there are +some fragments of ancient stained glass, containing heads of bishops, +&c., in the windows of the aisles. The font is octagonal and in the +perpendicular style. There are three monuments with merchant’s marks +upon them. The rectory, valued in K.B. at £3 14s. 7d., is consolidated +with St. Julian, valued in K.B. at £5. The joint benefices are now worth +£300 per annum. They were augmented with £300 of Queen Anne’s bounty in +1769 and 1810, and with £200 given by John Drinkwater, Esq., and £500 +given by S. Thornton, Esq., in 1800. The Rev. C. F. Sculthorpe, M.A., is +patron, and the Rev. G. S. Outram is incumbent. + + +_St. John Timberhill_. + + +St. John’s Timberhill, at the north end of Ber Street, was founded soon +after the priory of Norwich, to which it was appropriated, and it was +dedicated to St. John the Baptist. It has a nave, chancel, south porch +with parvise, and two aisles with chapels at their east ends. That on +the north, a part of which is now used for the vestry, was called our +Lady’s Chapel. There is a hagroscope or squint on the south side of the +chancel, and near it is a small decorated piscina. The font is circular +and Norman. The whole building needs restoration. The square tower fell +down on August 20th, 1784, and damaged the west end of the church. Its +foundations still remain, but the bells were sold to pay for the repairs. +The perpetual curacy was augmented from 1738 to 1813 with £1000 of royal +bounty, and valued in 1835 at £31. The Dean and Chapter are patrons. +The Rev. S. Titlow, M.A., has been the incumbent since 1831. + + +_Chapel Field_. + + +There is yet left unnoticed a small district lying south of St. Giles’, +and which is generally known as Chapel Field. Near this field once stood +a college called St. Mary in the Fields, founded about the beginning of +the 13th century by John Le Brun. Soon after its establishment its +benefactors were so numerous that in a short time it became a very noble +college, having a dean, chancellor, precentor, treasurer, seven +prebendaries, and six chaplains. Miles Spencer, the last dean, persuaded +the college to resign its revenues for small pensions, after he had +obtained a grant of the whole for himself from Henry VIII. at the +dissolution. The property afterwards passed through several hands, and +the field is now the property of the corporation. It has recently been +enclosed by a massive palisade, and much improved as a place of +recreation; and a large Drill Hall has been built at the north-west +corner for the use of the Volunteers. The Drill Hall was opened by the +Prince of Wales in 1866. + + +THE HAMLETS. + +_Heigham_. + + +The hamlets have, of late years, been greatly increased in extent and +population, and are likely to leave the old city in the shade. Heigham, +on the west side of the city, has become a town, with two churches, and +another about to be built, three chapels, and several large schools. +Since 1801, the population has increased from 544 to 15,000 souls. Many +new streets have been laid out between the Dereham and Earlham Roads; +long rows of new houses have been built, and are nearly all occupied. +The National School-house, on Dereham road, was built in 1840 at a cost +of £1000, and is attended by about 270 children. + + * * * * * + +The CITY JAIL, an ugly building, stands in this hamlet at the corner of +St. Giles’ Road. It was built in 1827 from a design by Mr. Philip +Barnes, of Norwich, at a cost of £30,000. The front elevation is massive +and is supported by Tuscan columns. The whole building encloses an area +of 1 acre 2 roods 34 poles, and contains 114 cells. The house of the +governor stands in the centre and commands a view of the entire prison, +which is well ventilated and supplied with water pumped by the +tread-wheel. + + * * * * * + +The NEW WATER WORKS are in this hamlet, and supply the city with water +from the river Wensum. After filtration the water is forced up by steam +power to the distributing reservoir at Lakenham, at a height of 134 feet +above the level of the river at Carrow Bridge, whence it flows by +gravitation to all parts of the city and the suburbs. The present +company has a capital of £60,000 in £10 shares, and was incorporated +under an act of parliament passed in 1850, the powers of which have been +enlarged by subsequent acts, so that wholesome and pure water is now +constantly supplied at very low terms. Excellent provision has also been +made for a plentiful supply for extinguishing fires, by fixing hydrants +at every 100 yards. + + +_Bishop Hall’s Palace_. + + + [Picture: Bishop Hall’s Palace] + +The OLD PALACE, where the celebrated Bishop Hall resided, (now known as +the Dolphin Inn,) is in this hamlet. Here he retired after his expulsion +from the bishop’s palace by the republican party in 1644. The house, +which is fast going to decay, displays the peculiarities of the domestic +architecture of the time of James I. The front presents two projecting +bays, one on each side of the door, which afford a light to the lower and +upper rooms. The doorway deserves a passing notice, and some curiously +carved heads will be found in the interior, as well as the remains of an +ancient piscina in the wall at the entrance. There is a large parlour on +the right hand, wainscotted all round from the floor to the ceiling. + + * * * * * + +The NEW WORKHOUSE was erected in 1859 at an expense of £33,000 exclusive +of £680 paid for about nine acres of land. It is an extensive range of +brick buildings in the Tudor style of architecture, having room for about +1000 inmates, but it has never had so many as yet, though the number is +increasing every year. The debt on the building was £22,000, and will be +gradually paid off by instalments. + + * * * * * + +The NEW CEMETERY. The greatest improvement effected in Norwich during +the present century was the closing of all the churchyards for burials, +and the opening of a new cemetery for the dead. It was opened in 1856 +and is pleasantly situated on high ground next the Earlham Road; the +whole area being divided into two parts, one side being consecrated and +the other unconsecrated. The whole comprises 35 acres of land prettily +laid out and planted. It was formed at a cost of £7000 by the Burial +Board. There are entrances from the Earlham and Dereham Roads. The two +principal chapels are of early English architecture with porches and +apsidal terminations. There is also a small chapel for the use of the +Jews. + + * * * * * + +The long contemplated division of this extensive hamlet into three +parishes, has at length been carried into effect. The old church of St. +Bartholomew is to be the parish church of the new parish of that name on +the north side next the river. The estimated population is 5,600. The +Rev. J. G. Dixon is rector. The central part of the hamlet, lying +between the Dereham and Earlham Roads, with a population of 4,400, is to +form the new parish of St. Philip; but a church has not been yet built. +The third parish, the incumbency of which is retained by the Rev. C. T. +Rust, includes all that part of Heigham which lies between Earlham Road +and the boundary of St. Stephen’s. The population is about 6,400. The +church, dedicated to the Holy Trinity, in Essex Street, is the parish +church. The church of St. Bartholomew stands on an eminence above the +Wensum, and is a small structure in the perpendicular style, with a nave, +south aisle, north porch, chancel, and a square tower, in which are three +bells. It has a mural monument to the pious Bishop Hall, who was buried +here in 1656. The living is a rectory valued in K.B. at £6 13s. 4d., and +now at a little over £200. Trinity Church, near Unthank’s Road, was +built by subscription, and consecrated in August 1861, to supply the +great want of church accommodation which had long been felt in this part +of the hamlet. It is a large building in the decorated style, and +consists of nave, transepts, and apsidal chancel, with a tower containing +one bell, and surmounted by a slated spire 120 feet high. The total cost +was £7000. + +In 1861, an ancient lead coffin, containing the remains of a female +skeleton, was discovered about four feet below the surface on a chalk pit +at Stone Hills, Heigham. It was perfectly plain, and appeared to have +been formerly enclosed in an outer case of wood, and was probably of the +Roman period. Near it were found two bronze torque rings of a twisted +pattern, encrusted with a fine green patina, and evidently of the +Anglo-Saxon period. + + +_Hellesdon_. + + +Hellesdon, adjoining Heigham, is a small and pretty village on an +eminence two miles north-west of the city, but the parish is partly in +Taverham hundred. It adjoins the river, which is here crossed by a +cast-iron bridge, built by the corporation of Norwich in 1819. The +common was enclosed in 1811. The Bishop is lord of the manor and owner +of a great part of the soil. + + +_Earlham_. + + +Earlham is a very pleasant village, situated at the end of the Earlham +Road. The ivy-mantled church is a very ancient building of small size. +The hall, situated in a park, is associated with the honoured name of +Gurney, and will long be an object of deep interest. Amongst other +members of that distinguished family who resided here was the deservedly +esteemed Joseph John Gurney, who often entertained many of the +celebrities of his day. It was here that Wilberforce, Chalmers, and a +host of worthies, well known to fame, visited one of the happiest of the +homes of England, where the sterling character of Thomas Fowell Buxton +was formed and matured, and where he met with the partner of his future +life. It was the birthplace of Elizabeth Fry the philanthropist, of whom +there is yet no monument in this city. + + +_Eaton_. + + +The hamlet of Eaton, two miles south-west of Norwich, is in the vale of +the Taas. The manor is about 1300 acres, and belongs to the Dean and +Chapter, but the soil is let to a number of lessees, many of whom have +handsome houses in the Newmarket Road, one of the finest approaches to +the city. Indeed, this road may be called the “west end” of Norwich. +Eaton church is dedicated to St. Andrew, and is a long ancient building +covered with thatch, and having an embattled tower with three bells. It +was originally a Norman structure, but it appears to have been rebuilt in +the early English period, and to have been considerably altered in the +15th century. About two years ago the church was thoroughly restored at +a cost of about £400, when a number of beautiful mural paintings were +discovered, some of them well preserved. The living is a vicarage not in +charge, valued at £87, and augmented in 1732 with £200 given by the Earl +of Thanet, and £200 of Queen Anne’s bounty. + + +_Lakenham_. + + +Lakenham is the next hamlet on the south side of the city, and the roads +to it are favourite walks of the citizens. Caister is an adjoining +village, where may be seen extensive remains of a Roman camp, built +before Norwich existed. The configuration of the camp may still be +traced as a parallelogram, enclosing an area of 32 acres, sufficient for +a force of 6000 men. On the western side, which was washed by the Taas, +formerly stood the water gate, with a round tower, where vessels used to +unload. A very large number of Roman coins have been dug up here. +Returning to the hamlet of Lakenham, we ascend a hill called Long John’s +Hill. Lakenham church stands on high ground above the river Taas, and is +a small structure dedicated to St. John the Baptist and All Saints. It +has a tower with three bells. The benefice is a vicarage united to +Trowse Newton, and with it valued at £261, in the patronage of the Dean +and Chapter, and incumbency of the Rev. Alfred Pownall, M.A. + +St. Mark’s Church, in Lakenham, was consecrated September 24th, 1844, and +is a neat structure in the perpendicular style, comprising a nave without +aisles, and an embattled tower with turrets, pinnacles, and three bells. +It was built by subscription at a cost of £4000, and contains 900 +sittings, most of which are free. The interior has commodious galleries, +and is neatly fitted up. Ladies presented the communion table, plate, +books for divine service, font, &c. The population in this hamlet has +increased from 428 in 1801 to 4866 in 1861. The perpetual curacy, valued +at £150, is in the patronage of the Dean and Chapter. The Rev. N. T. +Garry, M.A., is incumbent. + + +_Trowse-Millgate_, _Carrow_, _and Bracondale_. + + +Trowse-Millgate, Carrow, and Bracondale, extend southward from King +Street to the river Yare, opposite Trowse Newton. They form one hamlet, +though each division had formerly a parochial chapel. Miss Martineau +owns the greater part of the soil, and lives at Bracondale Lodge, a +handsome mansion with delightful pleasure grounds. The late P. M. +Martineau collected here many remnants of Gothic architecture in 1804, +and used them in the erection of a lofty arch and an edifice, +representing a small priory with windows filled by stained glass. + + +_Thorpe_. + + +The hamlet of Thorpe, one of the most delightful suburbs of the city, +lies on the south-east side, opposite Foundry Bridge, and extends to +Mousehold Heath. It contains many handsome villas, which are mostly +surrounded by gardens. Many of the city gentry reside in this pleasant +hamlet, which now contains about 3000 inhabitants. The church, dedicated +to St. Matthew, was built in 1852 at a cost of £2300, for an +ecclesiastical district, comprising that part of Thorpe parish within the +city liberties, containing about 2500 inhabitants. It is a neat +structure in the Norman style of architecture, from a design by Mr. Kerr, +formerly architect of this city. It consists of a nave, transepts, and +apsidal chancel, and is a unique structure. The five windows of the +chancel are filled with stained glass. The rector of Thorpe is patron of +the perpetual curacy, valued at £130, which is now held by the Rev. +George Harris Cooke, M.A., who has a handsome parsonage house, erected in +1863 at a cost of £1400, in the Tudor style. + +The road from the Foundry Bridge to Thorpe village is a favourite walk of +the citizens. Thorpe lodge (the entrance to which is guarded by couchant +lions, and is a conspicuous object on the left,) was the residence of the +late John Harvey, Esq., “a fine old English gentleman,” who was a great +promoter of manufactures, and of aquatic sports. Its present proprietor +and occupant is Donald Dalrymple, Esq. The old hall, the name by which +the manor house is now known, stands at the entrance to the village. It +was formerly the country seat of the bishops. Adjoining are the remains +of a chapel, now used as a coach house and stable. On the south side of +the river, which was once reached by the ferry boat, stands the village +of Whitlingham, where the citizens formerly resorted by thousands in the +summer months. The grounds in this locality present a pleasing variety +of hill and dale, wood and water, and the view from the White House +includes the windings of the “bonny Yare,” the opposite village of +Thorpe, the spire of the Cathedral rising above the distant hills, and +the frowning aspect of the old Norman Castle. The whole of the land here +now belongs to R. J. H. Harvey, Esq., M.P., who has greatly improved an +estate of 2000 acres next the river. He has often thrown the grounds +open to the citizens. + +The Rosary Burial Ground, in Thorpe hamlet, was established in 1819 by +the late Rev. Thomas Drummond, for the use of Dissenters. Being aware +that many of the burial grounds attached to their chapels are held on +leases under the corporation, he urged the necessity of a general +cemetery on freehold land, so securely vested in trust that it could not +be converted to other uses at any future time. The Rosary occupies eight +acres of land in a good situation. It is divided into sections separated +by plantings of trees or shrubs, and contains a small chapel. It is not +consecrated, and ministers of any denomination may officiate at funerals. +In this beautiful resting-place for the dead are deposited the remains of +many of the worthiest of the Norwich citizens. + + +_Pockthorpe_. + + +Pockthorpe was originally part of Thorpe, but when severed in the time of +the Conqueror, with the parishes of St. James and St. Paul, took the name +of Paucus Thorpe or Little Thorpe, corrupted into Pockthorpe. The place +is apparently wedded to poverty, with no Divorce Court to grant it +relief. It is chiefly inhabited by poor weavers or spinners, who still +adhere to an old pastime, the rearing of pigeons, as appears from many +coops at the broken windows. The brewery here is an old well-established +concern, and sends out about 100,000 barrels of beer yearly. + + + +NONCONFORMISTS’ CHAPELS. + + +The OLD MEETING HOUSE, Colegate Street, was erected in 1693 by the +Independents, a congregation of which body had existed in Norwich since +the Commonwealth. They had originally assembled in a brewery in St. +Edmund’s, and afterwards in the “west granary” of St. Andrew’s Hall. Mr. +Bridge, the first pastor, who was incumbent of St. George’s, Tombland, +seceded from the church in the reign of James II., and sat in the +Westminster Assembly of Divines. The building is a large structure of +red brick, fronted with four Corinthian pilasters. It contains sittings +for 700 persons, and has spacious schoolrooms adjacent. The Rev. John +Hallett is the present minister. + + * * * * * + +PRINCE’S STREET CHAPEL (Independent) was erected in 1819. It is a +handsome building of white brick, and has been enlarged and almost +rebuilt at a cost of £2000, under the superintendence of Mr. Boardman, +architect, of this city. It will now accommodate 1000 persons. The new +front presents an elevation in the modern Italian or composite style, +with seven windows of ornamental design. The roof has been raised and +new windows inserted, eight on each side. New galleries have been +erected with cast-iron columns, and ornamental iron front. A new apse +has been added, and a vestry or retiring room at the back. The whole +interior has been reseated with plain open benches. The entrances, +staircase, hall, and avenues, are laid with tessellated tiles. At a +short distance from the chapel there is a spacious schoolroom, with class +rooms on each side. The Rev. G. S. Barrett is the present minister. + + * * * * * + +THE CHAPEL IN THE FIELD, (Independent) opened in 1858, is a handsome +edifice with two imposing spiral turrets. Its arched interior has a fine +effect, increased by the introduction of four painted windows in the +apse. The building affords sittings for 900 persons. Adjoining are +spacious schoolrooms in a similar style of architecture. The Rev. Philip +Colborne is the present minister. + + * * * * * + +THE TABERNACLE (Lady Huntingdon’s Connexion) is situate near St. Martin’s +at Palace. It was built by the Calvinistic Methodists, under Mr. +Wheatley, in 1772, at a cost of £1752. In 1775, the Tabernacle was sold +to the Countess of Huntingdon, who visited Norwich in the following year, +and vested the building in trust with four clergymen and three laymen of +the same connexion to appoint ministers whose preaching and sentiments +are according to the articles and homilies of the church of England. It +contains 1000 sittings. The Rev. Burford Hooke is the present minister. +There is also another chapel of the same connexion on the Dereham Road, +of which the Rev. John Joseph James Kempster is the minister. + + * * * * * + +ST. MARY’S CHAPEL (Baptist) was originally erected in 1714, but was +rebuilt in its present style in 1811 and enlarged in 1838. Rev. Joseph +Kinghorn was pastor from May 20th, 1791, till his death, on September +1st, 1832. Rev. William Brock was pastor from 1833 to 1848, when he +resigned his charge and went to London, where he preaches at Bloomsbury +chapel. Since 1849, the Rev. G. Gould has been the pastor. Spacious +schoolrooms adjoining the chapel are now in course of erection. + + * * * * * + +ST. CLEMENT’S (Baptist) was erected in 1814 and contains 900 sittings, +and there is a spacious schoolroom adjacent. The celebrated Mark Wilks +was once the pastor. The present minister is the Rev. T. Foston. + + * * * * * + +EBENEZER CHAPEL (Baptist), on Surrey Road, was built in 1854, the +minister being the Rev. R. Govett, who some years since seceded from the +established church. + + * * * * * + +THE GILDENCROFT (Baptist), in St. Augustine’s, formerly occupied by the +Society of Friends, was erected in 1680. There is a spacious burial +ground attached, in which lie the remains of Joseph John Gurney, Mrs. +Opie, and other eminent Friends. The Rev. C. H. Hosken is the minister. + + * * * * * + +ORFORD HILL CHAPEL (Baptist) was opened as a chapel in 1832. The Rev. J. +Brunt is the present minister. + +There are also Baptist Chapels in Cherry Lane, (Rev. W. Hawkins); this +was formerly a Wesleyan Chapel in which the Rev. John Wesley preached; +Priory Yard, (Rev. R. B. Clare); Pottergate Street, (Rev. H. Trevor); and +Jireh Chapel, Dereham Road, (no regular pastor). + + * * * * * + +THE PRESBYTERIANS recently purchased St. Peter’s Hall, in Theatre Street, +as a place of worship. The hall contains about 700 sittings, which are +generally all occupied. The Rev. W. A. Mc Allan was ordained minister in +1867, and he preaches with great success to large congregations. + + * * * * * + +WESLEYANS. The Revs. John and Charles Wesley paid their first visit to +this city in 1754, but their followers had no settled place of worship +here till 1769, when they built a small chapel in Cherry Lane, where the +late Dr. Adam Clarke was stationed in 1783, and began to display that +vast genius which afterwards astonished the religious world. The +Wesleyan Methodists have two chapels, one a very spacious edifice in Lady +Lane, and the other, just finished, in Ber Street. + + * * * * * + +The UNITED METHODIST FREE CHURCH has two chapels. That in Calvert Street +was erected by the Wesleyan Methodists in 1810, and is a large brick +edifice with about 1200 sittings, and two houses for the ministers. The +other is in Crook’s Place, Heigham, and was opened in 1839, and contains +800 sittings. + + * * * * * + +THE PRIMITIVE METHODISTS have chapels on St. Catherine’s Plain, Cowgate +Street, and Dereham Road. The first named, called Lakenham Chapel, was +built in 1835, and contains 600 sittings. The second, in Cowgate Street, +was built about 20 years since, and contains 300 sittings. The third, on +Dereham Road, was built in 1864, on the site of a smaller one, at a cost +of £1316, raised by subscription. Sunday schools are connected with all +these chapels. + + * * * * * + +THE UNITARIANS occupy the OCTAGON CHAPEL, St. George’s, a handsome +building, of the shape implied by its name. It is surmounted by a dome, +supported by eight Corinthian pillars. It was erected in 1756, on the +site of the old Presbyterian Meeting-house. Dr. John Taylor, and Dr. +Enfield (compiler of the Speaker) preached in this chapel. Rev. D. H. +Smyth is the minister. + + * * * * * + +THE SOCIETY OF FRIENDS have a meeting-house in Upper Goat Lane, a fine +white-brick structure, with Doric portico, and lighted by a dome lantern. + + * * * * * + +The ROMAN CATHOLICS have two chapels. In the last century there was a +chapel connected with the palace of the Duke of Norfolk on the site of +the present Museum, but it was lost when that property was sold by him. +The Roman Catholics raised a subscription and built their present chapel +in St. John’s Maddermarket in 1794. It is merely a plain building, but +the altar is very handsome. It contains sittings for about 600 people. +The services here are carried out with great solemnity, and with a strict +adherence to the ritual of the Church of Rome. There is generally a +large congregation at divine service. The Rev. Canon Dalton is the +officiating priest. He resides near the chapel in a very ancient +building that was occupied by the City Sheriff in the reign of Queen +Elizabeth. The chapel in Willow Lane, called the Chapel of the Apostles, +is a handsome building, erected in 1828. The windows are of stained +glass, and the interior decorations are very striking. This chapel is +served by Fathers of the Society of Jesus, commonly called Jesuits. It +is the custom of that order to change the officiating clergy every few +years. The Rev. Mr. Lane of the order was a contemporary of the Rev. Mr. +Beaumont, the first priest of St. John’s chapel, during the greater part, +if not all, of that gentleman’s lengthened ministry of 62 years, and died +about the same time. The congregation is generally larger than at St. +John’s Chapel. + + * * * * * + +FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCH. The Dutch Church, in St. Andrew’s Hall, +originally the Conventual Church of the Black Friars, was granted to the +Walloon congregation; but they now have service only once a year, when a +sermon is preached in Dutch and afterwards in English. During the rest +of the year the place is used by the Free Christian Church—Rev. J. +Crompton, minister. + + * * * * * + +THE FRENCH CHURCH, Queen Street—originally the parochial church of St. +Mary Parva, and afterwards a cloth exchange—was granted, in 1637, to the +French Protestant refugees. It is now occupied by the receivers of the +doctrines enunciated by Emanuel Swedenborg. Mr. E. D. Rogers, leader. + + * * * * * + +THE JEWS—who were formerly very numerous in this city—have a handsome +synagogue in St. Faith’s Lane, erected in 1849, at a cost of £1600. Rev. +S. Caro, minister. + + * * * * * + +The CATHOLIC APOSTOLIC CHURCH (Irvingites) occupy a building in Clement +Court, Redwell Street. The present minister is the Rev. Arthur Inglis, +B.A. + +Since the 17th century Nonconformists have increased from a few hundreds +to 10,000 in this city. + + + + +PART II. + + +CHAPTER I. + + +Norwich Antiquities. + + +THE Castle, Cathedral, and churches already described are the chief +antiquities of the city, but other remains are worthy of notice, and have +been described by Blomefield, Kirkpatrick, Taylor, Harrod, S. Woodward, +B. B. Woodward, the Rev. R. Hart of Catton, R. Fitch, Esq., and other +antiquaries, who have explored every part of the old city. They nearly +all agree in their accounts of the rise and progress of Norwich, and of +its condition at different periods. + + +THE ANCIENT CITY. + + +B. B. Woodward, Esq., F.S.A., delivered two lectures on “Norwich in the +Olden Time,” to the members of the Church of England Young Men’s Society, +at the Assembly Rooms, some years since. He showed a thorough knowledge +of all the previous authorities, with whom he sometimes differed. He +exhibited four large maps, presenting views of the Old City at different +periods, from A.D. 400 to A.D. 1400. He stated that he had derived the +greater part of his materials for them from the series of maps of ancient +Norwich made by his father, the late Mr. S. Woodward, but he had +corrected and completed them from the publications of various +Archæological Societies since they had been constructed, and he hoped +that they would serve to illustrate the growth and progress of the +ancient city with general fidelity to facts. Directing attention to the +first map, which represented the condition of the _Venta Icenorum_, A.D. +400, Mr. Woodward pointed out the purely fictitious character of the +earliest accounts of Norwich to be found in the older historians, who +drew, in all good faith, on their fertile imaginations, and both +persuaded themselves that they were writing history, and that they were +believed to be doing so by others. + +The old-established tradition, that the sea came up to Norwich, he +stated, was undoubtedly to be accepted, but not as having occurred within +the historic period. From various facts, and particularly from the +occurrence of a Roman road at Wangford, near Bungay, near the edge of the +present stream, he concluded that in the times of the Romans, the valleys +of the Eastern Counties did not present a very different aspect from +their present one, though of course where there was now meadow, marsh +existed formerly, and many small streams have disappeared. Mr. Woodward, +on this point, differed entirely from all the local historians and +antiquarians, and his opinion is not supported by any evidence. The +existence of a Roman road at Wangford, near Bungay, if such there be, has +nothing to do with the river Yare. Mr. Woodward offered no proof that it +is a Roman road. All the local historians state that a broad arm of the +sea flowed up to Norwich till the 11th century, when Sweyn came up with a +great fleet and landed an army here. Parochial records prove that the +river came up to St. Lawrence Steps at a later period. We may therefore +dismiss this singular opinion as untenable. + +Mr. Woodward regarded Norwich as the _Venta Icenorum_ of the Romans for +several reasons, and particularly because it was plain from the +occurrence of these Ventas in Britain, and none in any other part of the +Roman world, that this was the name of a British town, which its being +called the Venta of the Iceni strongly confirmed—even, in fact, a British +stronghold, constructed according to the custom of that people in parts +of the country without hills. In hilly countries the strongholds were +entrenchments round the summits of the hills, but then there were small +tracts of land surrounded by marshes. Such were the British strongholds +on Bungay Common, and that at Horning, and such he believed was the +_Venta Icenorum_. They were not intended for permanent occupation, but +as places of safety for their wives and children, and for their cattle, +in case of the attack of another tribe; and they could rarely be held +against the enemy for any length of time. In this instance, the trench +was drawn in a horse-shoe form, from the eastern slope of the ground on +which the Castle now stands to the western side, the steep bank of the +little stream, called the Cockey, being rendered more steep by art, +whilst the Wensum and marshes protected the other sides. The position of +the Roman camp, as the map showed, was determined by its being the +fittest for keeping in check the _Iceni_ of _Venta_, and preventing them +from marching against the southern part of the island; and it might +probably have been placed there after the disastrous experiment of what +the _Iceni_ could do under such a leader as their famous Queen Boadicea. +In the latter part of the Roman period it would seem that the conquerors +had less occasion for mere military force here, for the remains of a +Roman villa had been found in the northern side of the camp at Caister. + +Mr. Woodward said the Map of Norfolk still showed traces of Roman roads +radiating from Norwich. The principal roads were—one entering the +stronghold in the western side, now St. Stephen’s Street; another +entering it on the east, now known as King Street. This last crossed the +river by a ford at Fyebridge, and was the origin of Magdalen Street and +St. Augustine’s Street; another road left the fortress on the western +side, near the river, and was called St. Benedict’s Street; and the last +crossed the river at Bishopbridge by another ford, and sent off branches +to the north-east and east of Norfolk. He believed that nearly all the +main lines of road originated with the Romans, but this is at least +doubtful. Norwich must then have been a very large town to have required +so many main lines of roads; but its very existence as a town is +uncertain during the Roman period. + +Mr. Woodward’s second map exhibited the entrenchments round the fortress +as already described, at the time of the Conquest. Map the third +exhibited the condition of the city in the time of the Domesday Survey, +or about A.D. 1100, when 54 churches and chapels existed. Map the fourth +showed the state of the city A.D. 1400, when Norwich was described as at +the acme of its splendour and importance, and second only to Bristol, +after London. This arose from its being the capital of East Anglia, and +the residence of so many of the clergy and gentry. Mr. Woodward pointed +out the sites of some of the old monasteries in this period. The +Bishop’s palace was then within the precincts of the close. Besides the +monastery there, and that of St. Leonard’s, there were then several +others in Norwich. In King Street, to the south of St. Faith’s Lane, +were the Austin Friars, and to the north of Rose Lane the Grey Friars. +Both these monastic communities were said to have encroached on the +adjacent streets, churchyards, &c., by extending their precincts; which +accounted for the changes around them. The Carmelites occupied the whole +angle of the city between the river, the walls, and Bargate Street. But +few traces of these establishments now remain. The case of the Black +Friars was very different. Their magnificent church is still almost +entire; much of the convent is still standing in St. Andrew’s Hall, and +the Dutch or Walloon Church, and the oldest parts of the former +Workhouse. In addition to these, there had been several smaller monastic +orders which were merged in the others before the 15th century. In this +period, most of the streets on the north side of the town were in +existence, and some on the south side. + +Formerly, as already intimated, some of our streets were named from the +trades of those who occupied them. Thus there were Saddlers’ Gate, now +White Lion Street; Wastelgate, now Red Lion Street; Cordwainers’ Row, now +part of the Walk; Goldsmiths’ Row, north side of the Market; Hosiers’ +Row, in part of London Street; Cutlers’ Row, in part of London Street; +Hatters’ Row, now St. Giles’ Street; Dyers’ Row, in St. Lawrence Street; +and Pottergate Street, still so called. The Cloth Hall stood in the +Haymarket; and on the west side were the Butchery, the Fishmarket, and +various other rows, where articles of food were sold. + + +OLD WALLS AND GATES. + + +R. FITCH, ESQ., is the very best authority respecting the old walls and +gates, of which he made a study for many years; and in 1861 he published +a very handsome illustrated volume entitled, “Views of the Gates of +Norwich made in the years 1792–3, by the late John Ninham; with an +Historical Introduction, Extracts from the Corporation Records, and +Papers by the late John Kirkpatrick, contributed to the Transactions of +the Norfolk and Norwich Archæological Society, by Robert Fitch, F.S.A., +F.G.S.” The author says:— + + “The history of the walls of Norwich is a history of the gate houses, + and in speaking of the origin of the first we include that of the + second. In 1294, being the 23rd Edward I., the first mural tax was + granted, and continued three years. A second tax succeeded this, and + in 1304 a third tax was imposed, to continue in operation for five + years. In the 11th of Edward II., a fourth tax of the like nature + was allowed; and in two years after, namely in 1319, the walls of + Norwich were completed.” + + “When the thickness and extent of the fortifications of this city are + considered, it cannot be thought surprising that a period of 25 years + elapsed before these mural defences were finished, so far as to + render no additional tax necessary. It must not, however, be + considered that no other pecuniary assistance was required towards + the work. The citizens themselves manifested the greatest interest + in the subject; and the ancient books of account contain not only + entries of money expended on the walls and gates, but also register + the private contributions of persons towards the same object and for + necessary reparation.” + + “It has been previously observed, that in 1319 the walls of the city + were said to have been completed; but something more was required to + render them adequate to the purpose for which they were designed. + Neither towers nor gates could be of use unless properly furnished + with munitions of war and the implements then in use for their + projection. This does not appear to have taken place until 23 years + after completion, namely in 1342, in 16th Edward III., when a + patriotic citizen, Richard Spynk, for the honour of the monarch and + the safety of his fellow citizens, gave thirty espringolds to cast + stones with, to be kept at divers gates and towers; 100 gogions, or + balls of stone, locked up in a box; a box with ropes and + accoutrements; four great arblasters, or crossbows, and 100 gogions + for each arblaster; two pairs of grapples, to bring the bows to the + requisite tension for discharge; also other gogions, and some + armour.” + +After stating other acts of this citizen, Mr. Fitch proceeds:— + + “From this long recital of gifts, it must be concluded that Richard + Spynk was virtually the fortifier of the city; for it is clear that + until his munificence made the gates and walls complete, they were + imperfect. Nor did he suffer his work to fall into decay; but by the + adoption of rules and regulations, he preserved to the city the full + benefit of what he had done.” + + “Before proceeding further with an outline of the history of the + Walls and Gates, it should be stated that Norwich had been previously + surrounded by a ditch and bank for protection.” * * * * * + + “One benefit produces another, and to Richard Spynk was the City not + only indebted for its safety from aggression, but also for an + extension of its liberties. + + “It is recorded that Queen Isabella induced the king, her son, in + consideration of the costs and charges for the Walls which had been + raised without call on the Government, to grant a charter to the + Citizens, that they, and their heirs and successors, dwelling in the + said City, should for ever be free from jurisdiction of the Clerk of + the Market and of the household of the King, and his heirs, so that + the said Clerk or his officers should not enter the City, or fee or + make assay of any measures or weights, or to exercise or do anything + belonging to the said office of the Clerk of the Market. + + “In this King’s reign, according to the Customs’ Book, there is an + account of the battlements on the various gates, towers, and walls. + These were numbered, in order that each parish might be made + acquainted with its responsibilities of repairs in this respect. + Beginning from the river to Coslany Gate, there were 112 battlements, + and 10 on the gate itself. From that point to St. Augustine’s Gate, + were 69 battlements, and on the gate, 12. Thence to Fibrigge Gate—on + the walls and towers were 153 battlements, and on the gate, 13; + thence to Pockthorpe Gate—on the walls and towers were 178, and on + the gate, 10; and from this gate to the river were about 40. From + this point to the tower of Conisford Gate, the river chiefly protects + the city, but the tower bore 12 battlements; and from the tower on + the city side of the water to Conisford Gate, were 26 battlements + with 14 on the gate. Thence to Ber Street Gate, were 150; on the + gate and its wicket were 27; and from thence to St. Stephen’s Gate + were 307 (here were some strong towers); and on this gate and wicket + were 28. + + “From St. Stephen’s to St. Giles’ Gate were 229 (here again were + several strong towers), and on the gate and wicket were 15; and from + St. Giles’ to St. Benedict’s Gate were 100, and on the gate itself + and wicket were 16; thence to Heigham Gate 79, and on the gate 4—and + from this gate to the tower and wall on the river were 16 + battlements; in all, 1630. At this period (1345, according to the + Domesday Book of the City) there was a tax called ‘Fossage,’ to + defray the great charges of the walls and ditches.” * * + + “In 1385 a general survey was made, and all the walls and gates were + placed in good repair, with a sufficient number of men appointed to + guard them. It was also agreed that churchwards should be chosen + annually, whose duty it should be to prevent any decay or permanent + injury to the fortifications by timely repair or by reconstruction. + In 1386, the expectancy of invasion caused general fear throughout + the realm, and particularly in the eastern counties. The king sent + nearly a thousand men to Yarmouth for the defence of the coast; and + so imminent was the peril, that the king commanded the authorities of + Norwich to place the walls, towers, and gates in full and able + condition to repel all who might appear in opposition to the king’s + authority, or crush a design to injure the city. The towers were + therefore filled with engines of defence, the walls rendered perfect, + and the ditches made as wide and as deep as the necessities of the + case demanded.” * * * * + +The author proceeds to show the anxious attention which was paid to the +preservation of the walls and gates, by copious extracts from a roll, +dated 1386. He then gives a full history of the fortifications, from +which we shall make some extracts in our narrative of events at different +periods. He thus concludes his historical sketch:— + + “Not a fragment of the gates now exists, but the certain indications + of where, in some instances, they once stood, are yet accidentally + preserved.” + +With a short notice of these, the account is concluded:— + + “CONISFORD GATE. A fragment of the wall of the east side of this + gate still exists, attached to the west of the ‘Cinder Ovens’ public + house at the south end of King Street, and also on the opposite side + of the street. + + “BER STREET GATE. No portion of this gate remains; but where the + structure stood is sufficiently evident by the high wall on the west + side of the upper end of Ber Street. + + “BRAZEN DOORS. Not a fragment remains. + + “ST. STEPHEN’S GATE. No portion left. + + “ST. GILES’ GATE. The house against which the south side of this + gate abutted still stands, and part of the lower walls of the + building can be seen. {126} + + “ST. BENEDICT’S GATE. Here a corresponding house or abuttal of this + gate stands perfect, with one of the strong iron staples, on which + hung one of the doors, projecting from the wall. + + “HEIGHAM GATE. Very slight remains left. + + “ST. MARTIN’S GATE. A portion of the north side of this gate is left + erect and firm, with small tenements abutting against it + + “ST. AUGUSTINE’S GATE. No fragment is left. A large portion of the + ditch between this gate and St. Martin’s is clearly seen, very few + buildings having been erected on its site. + + “MAGDALEN GATE. No portion left, but the form and interior of the + city wall is well seen at this point. + + “BARRE or POCKTHORPE GATE. Indications are left of where the gate + stood, with fragments of the wall on the right and left + + “BISHOP’S GATE. Nothing of the gate exists, but the exact site may + be seen by the necessary increased width of the bridge. + + “The precise spot where each gate stood may be found by tracing a + line of the city wall, where it crossed a street; the gates being of + course integral portions of the wall perforated for traffic and + fortified with extra work for adequate defence.” + + + +DESECRATED CHURCHES. + + +The Rev. Francis Blomefield, of Fersfield, who flourished in the first +half of the last century, was the chief of Norfolk historians and +antiquarians. He was great in genealogy and heraldry, and very elaborate +on monuments and epitaphs, while he altogether passed over more important +matters. We might almost wish that he had known less of heraldry and +more of history; but his great work must ever be the foundation of local +history in Norwich and Norfolk. A perfect copy of his work, being very +scarce, is now worth at least £20. It contains most of the documentary +antiquities of the city, such as charters, acts of parliaments, +proceedings of public bodies, and other official sources of information, +of which he has made a good use. He has given full details from the +records of every parish, and of the old corporation. He states the great +changes which took place in the city and county at the time of the +Reformation, and the dissolution of the monasteries, when nineteen of +those institutions existed in Norwich. + +Blomefield notices several large conventual churches, which were +desecrated at the Reformation, and many parish churches which have been +demolished, their parishes being incorporated with those now existing. + + * * * * * + +ALL SAINTS’, situated in Fyebridge Street, was at the north corner of the +street called Cowgate, at its entrance into Magdalen Street, and was +built before the Conquest. At the foundation of the cathedral it was +appropriated to the convent, and at the Reformation to the dean and +chapter. It was said to have had a very fine font, erected in 1477. In +1550 the church was taken down, and the parish, with that of St. +Margaret, was annexed to St. Paul’s. + + * * * * * + +ST. BARTHOLOMEW’S, in Ber Street, was in the patronage of the prior of +Wymondham, and at the Dissolution was consolidated with St. John’s +Sepulchre, and the church taken down. + + * * * * * + +ST. BITTULPH’S stood in Magdalen Street, a little north of Stump Cross. +It was founded before 1300 and was taken down in 1548, and the parish +united to St. Saviour’s. + + * * * * * + +ST. CHRISTOPHER’S stood on the east side of St. Andrew’s Hill, and was +one of the oldest churches in the city. It was burnt down in the reign +of Henry III. The greater portion of the parish was united to St. +Andrew’s and a smaller part to St. Michael’s at Plea. + + * * * * * + +ST. CRUCIS, or St. Crowches, stood in Broad Street, St. Andrew’s. It was +dedicated to the honour of the holy cross, and was erected before the +year 1272. In 1551 it was desecrated, and the parish united to St. +John’s Maddermarket. + + * * * * * + +ST. CLEMENT’S, in Conisford, situated in King Street, was a very ancient +church, founded long before the Conquest. It was united with St. +Julian’s in 1482. + + * * * * * + +ST. CUTHBERT’S was situated at the north end of King Street, near +Tombland. About 1492 it was united to the church of St. Mary the Less at +the monastery gates, and was demolished in 1530. + + * * * * * + +ST. EDWARD’S stood on the west side of King Street, near St. Etheldred’s +church. About the end of the 13th century it was united to St. Julian’s. +All along King Street there are many vaults and crypts, which seem to +have formed the foundations of old churches and monasteries. + + * * * * * + +ST. FAITH’S or ST. VEDAST’S was situated near the place where Cooke’s +hospital now stands, in Rose Lane. It was founded before the Conquest +and was taken down in 1540, the parish being united with that of St. +Peter per Mountergate. The latter is a corruption of the old name +“Parmenter Gate,” which should be restored by authority. It was the old +Tailor Street. + + * * * * * + +ST. FRANCIS’ belonged to the Grey Friars, whose convent stood near the +site of Cooke’s hospital. It was a noble church, 300 feet in length and +80 feet in breadth, with cloisters and a large chapter house. At the +Dissolution it was, with the convent, granted to the Duke of Norfolk. + + * * * * * + +ST. JAMES’, CARROW, belonged to the nunnery there, and with it became +private property at the Dissolution, the parish being united to Lakenham. + + * * * * * + +ST. JOHN’S IN SOUTHGATE stood at the north corner of Rose Lane, and about +1300 was annexed to St. Peter Parmenter Gate. The Grey Friars pulled it +down and annexed the site of it to their convent. + + * * * * * + +ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST’S stood on the site of the present Octagon chapel. +It was originally a parish church; but when the Dominicans, or Friars’ +Preachers, settled here in 1226, it was given to them, and the parish was +united to St. George’s at Colegate. They immediately built a convent in +this place and the church was used by them as a chapel, till they removed +to their new convent in St. Andrew’s, where they dedicated their church +also to St. John the Baptist. The church is now St. Andrew’s Hall, and +the chancel (formerly the Dutch church) is now the place of worship of +the FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCH. + + * * * * * + +ST. MARGARET’S, IN FYEBRIDGE, was a church of ancient foundation, +situated on the west side of Magdalen Street, near the gate. There is no +account how long it has been dissolved. The parish is now united with +St. Paul’s. + + * * * * * + +ST. MARGARET’S AT NEWBRIDGE, anciently called St. Margaret’s at Colegate, +was situated near Blackfriars’ bridge, on the west side of the street. +The parish was depopulated by the great pestilence, in 1349, when the +church ceased to be parochial, and the parish was annexed to that of St. +George’s Colegate. The church occupied the site of Weston’s brewery, now +demolished. + + * * * * * + +ST. MARTIN’S in BALLIVA was situated near the spot where, until lately, +the Golden Ball tavern stood, on the south side of the Castle Hill. The +church was on the right hand of the entrance into Golden Ball Lane. In +1562, this church was demolished and the parish united to St. Michael’s +at Thorn. Formerly all persons dying in the castle, and all criminals +executed, were buried in this churchyard, but this right, after the +desecration of the church, was conferred upon St. Michael’s at Thorn. + + * * * * * + +ST. MARY THE VIRGIN’S was situated in Conisford, and belonged to the +Augustine Friars, being also dedicated to St. Augustine. It was a noble +structure, 450 feet long and 90 feet wide, with cloisters on the north +and south sides. After the Dissolution it became private property in +1547, when the church and conventual buildings were demolished. + + * * * * * + +ST. MARY UNBRENT stood on the west side of Magdalen Street, near Golden +Dog Lane. The church was demolished at the dissolution, and the parish +united to St. Saviour’s. “Unbrent” means unburnt. The church was called +St. Mary _in combusto loco_, or in that part of the city burnt in the +great fire in the time of William I. Blomefield thinks that the church +was then consumed, and afterwards rebuilt; and that it was erroneously +written in ancient documents _uncombusto_, instead of _in combusto_. + + * * * * * + +ST. MATTHEW’S, near the palace, was a small church. The parish has, +since the great pestilence of 1349, been united with that of St. Martin’s +at Palace. + + * * * * * + +ST. MICHAEL’S in Coslany was sold to the Austin Friars in 1360, and +shortly afterwards the parish was united to that of St. Peter Parmenter +Gate, when the church was demolished and a cloister erected on its site. + + * * * * * + +ST. OLAVE’S, or St. TOOLEY’S, stood on the east side of Tooley Street, +next to the corner of Cherry Lane. It was demolished in 1546, and the +parish consolidated with St. George’s Colegate. + + * * * * * + +ST. CATHERINE’S in NEWGATE was situated on St. Catherine’s Hill. In 1349 +the whole parish was almost depopulated by the pestilence, after which +the church was deserted and converted into a chapel, the parish being +united with that of All Saints. At the Dissolution the chapel was +granted to Sir John Milton, and in 1567 conveyed to the city for the use +of St. Giles’ hospital. Thus a large amount of Church property was +applied to secular purposes. + + +DESECRATED CHAPELS. + + +Blomefield gives an account of different chapels dedicated to various +purposes, most of which were destroyed at the Dissolution. + + * * * * * + +ST. CATHERINE’S CHAPEL stood upon Mousehold, about a mile north-east of +the barracks, was founded about the time of the Conquest, and was deemed +a parochial chapel while it was standing. At the Dissolution this chapel +was demolished and the parish united with that of St. James. + + * * * * * + +THE CHAPEL OF ST. THOMAS A BECKET, which was not parochial, stood near +the same place. No traces of the building can now be discovered. + + * * * * * + +THE COLLEGE OF ST. MARY IN THE FIELDS, originally called the Chapel in +the Fields (whence the present name of Chapel Field was derived), was a +chapel dedicated to Mary the Virgin. It was founded about the year 1250, +by JOHN LE BRUN, as an hospital, but its benefactors were so numerous and +munificent that in a very short time it became a noble college, +consisting of a dean, chancellor, precentor, treasurer, and seven other +prebendaries. Six chaplains or chantry priests were afterwards added. +The dean was collated by the bishop in right of the see, or by the king +during a vacancy. The premises were very extensive, and were granted at +the dissolution to Miles Spencer, LL.D., the last dean. After passing +through many hands the property came into possession of shareholders, who +built Assembly Rooms on the site of the college. Bond Cabbell, Esq. +subsequently bought the whole building for a Freemasons’ Hall. + + * * * * * + +GUILDHALL CHAPEL adjoined the south side of the hall, and was dedicated +to St. Barbara. It served as a chapel for the prisoners as well as for +the Court to attend divine service when they assembled on public +business. It was pulled down long since, and the present porch was +erected on its site. + + * * * * * + +ST. MICHAEL’S CHAPEL, TOMBLAND, stood on the site of the obelisk, and was +one of the most ancient religious buildings in Norwich. It was founded +by the Earl of the East Angles long before the Conquest and prior to the +building of the Cathedral; served as a chapel for the use of their +palace, which stood facing the south side of the chapel-yard; and +occupied the south end of Tombland, from the monastery gate to the chapel +ditch. Bishop Herbert demolished it, and the whole site was laid open +for the improvement of the monastery, and a stone cross was erected on +the spot. Instead of this, the Bishop built another chapel on the summit +of the hill outside of Bishopgate, and dedicated it to St. Michael. + + * * * * * + +ST. NICHOLAS’ CHAPEL, Bracondale, was situated at the corner of the road +now leading to Carrow Bridge. It was much frequented by fishermen and +watermen, who were then numerous, and who made offerings there to St. +Nicholas, their patron saint. It was founded before the Conquest and was +parochial; but in the time of Edward II. the parish was returned as +belonging to Lakenham, with which it is now united. + + * * * * * + +ST. OLAVE’S CHAPEL, near King Street Gates, was a parochial chapel long +before the Conquest, and in the reign of Edward III. the parish was +united to that of St. Peter Southgate. The chapel was demolished before +1345. + + +MONASTIC INSTITUTIONS. + + +Mr. Taylor’s _Index Monasticus_ contains the fullest account of the old +monasteries which, at one period, were very numerous in the city. Many +of them possessed large churches, great wealth, and considerable power. +They comprised Priories, Friaries, and Nunneries, which were situated in +or near King Street, or St. Faith’s Lane, or the Cowgate. Formerly all +the west side of the river was called the Cow-holm, where cows fed on the +meadows, and Cowgate consisted of open fields. + + +PRIORIES. + + +The Benedictine Priory at the cathedral was founded by Bishop Herbert as +already noticed. The Priory of St. Leonard’s was founded by Bishop +Herbert before he built the cathedral, and here he placed the monks while +the priory was being built. It was situated on Mousehold Heath, opposite +Bishop’s Bridge, and served as a cell to the cathedral priory till the +Dissolution. At the Dissolution it was granted by Henry VIII. to Thomas, +Duke of Norfolk, whose son Henry, Earl of Surrey, erected on its site a +splendid house, called Surrey house, which has long since fallen into +decay. St. Michael’s Chapel, built by Bishop Herbert, was near the +priory, and served by monks. It was demolished by the rebel Kett, who, +with his followers, encamped near it, so that it has since been called +Kett’s Castle. Near the remains of this chapel, in the valley beneath, +was Lollard’s Pit, the spot where many of the early Reformers were +burned. + + +FRIARIES. + + +This class of monastic institutions consisted of houses erected for the +Friars, of orders grey, or white, or black. The monasteries were seldom +endowed, because the Friars were, by profession, beggars, and lived on +what they could get. They obtained a great deal of money in the ages of +superstition. Many of their buildings were large and stately, and +connected with noble churches in which great personages were frequently +interred. Most of the monasteries were houses of refuge for the +destitute poor in the middle ages. + + * * * * * + +THE GREY OR FRANCISCAN FRIARS seem to have been the first who settled +here near the site of Cooke’s Hospital about 1226. This convent was a +place of great resort, and the church, as already stated in our notice of +the Desecrated Churches, was a large building 300 feet in length, and 80 +feet in breadth, with spacious cloisters and conventual buildings; not a +stone of which now remains. One of the cloisters of this convent was +called “Pardon Cloister,” on account of the pope granting indulgences to +all who were buried there, a source of revenue to the monks. At the +Dissolution the possessions were granted to the Duke of Norfolk. + + * * * * * + +THE WHITE FRIARS or CARMELITES had a flourishing convent near White +Friars’ Bridge, which was founded by Philip de Cowgate in 1256. He +assumed the name from his estates, being the principal person in those +parts of the city. The monks were called White Friars from their dress, +and Carmelites from the monastery of Mount Carmel in Palestine, the place +of their first residence, from which they were driven by the Saracens +about the year 1238, after which they settled in different parts of +Europe. The monastery has been long demolished, and the site built upon. + + * * * * * + +THE BLACK FRIARS, sometimes called the Dominican Friars or Friars’ +Preachers, settled here about 1226, in the church of St. John the +Baptist, which formerly stood in Colegate Street, on the site of the +Octagon Chapel. They afterwards removed into the parish of St. Andrew, +where they built a large monastery. The name of the church is now St. +Andrew’s Hall. + + * * * * * + +AUSTIN FRIARY. The possessions of this convent were bounded on the north +by St. Faith’s Lane, and extended as far as the river. At the +Dissolution they were granted to Sir Thomas Heneage. + + * * * * * + +THE FRIARS DE DOMINA arose in 1288, and in 1290 were introduced here. +They had a house on the south side of St. Julian’s Churchyard, where they +continued till the reign of Edward III., when, all the brethren dying of +the great pestilence of 1348, their convent became private property. + + * * * * * + +THE FRIARS OF ST. MARY occupied a house situated in the yard of the +desecrated church of St. Martin in Balliva, where the Golden Ball Tavern +stood. They joined the order of White Friars. + + * * * * * + +THE FRIARS DE PICA or PIED FRIARS, so called from their black and white +garments, lived in a college at the corner of the churchyard of St. Peter +Parmentergate. They joined one of the other orders. + + * * * * * + +THE FRIARS DE SACCO, or BRETHREN of the SAC, settled here about 1250 in a +house opposite to the church of St. Peter’s Hungate. The whole premises, +bounded by Bridge Street on the west, by the river on the north, and by +the street leading to Hungate on the south, were settled on them, where +they built a church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, on the site of which +St. Andrew’s Hall now stands. The Black Friars were united with them in +1307, when the convent was greatly enlarged, extending to the river on +the north side, and to Elm Hill on the east side. + + * * * * * + +A NUNNERY formerly existed at Carrow Abbey, dedicated to St. Mary and St. +John. It was founded in the year 1146 by two ladies named Leftelina and +Seyna. It was richly endowed by King Stephen, and consisted of a +Prioress and nine Benedictine Nuns, which number was afterwards increased +to twelve. The site within the walls contained about ten acres of land, +and the revenues and possessions were great. At the Dissolution the +abbey and lands became private property. + + * * * * * + +ANCHORAGES or HERMITAGES were connected with several of the monastic +institutions in the city, and even inhabited by recluses. Anchorets were +a sort of monks, so called from their shutting themselves up in +anchorages or cells. Of these there were male and female, the eremite or +hermit, who pretended to follow the example of John the Baptist, and the +anchoress, who professed to imitate the conduct of Judith. All these +anchorages were abolished at the Dissolution or at the Reformation. + + +THE MONUMENTAL BRASSES OF NORWICH AND NEIGHBOURHOOD. + + +To Archæologists, and particularly to those directing their attention to +Monumental Brasses, the following list of Brasses in Norwich and the +principal villages in the neighbourhood, may be considered useful. They +are classified under their distinctive characters, namely—1st, +Ecclesiastics; 2nd, knights; 3rd, civilians and ladies; 4th, +miscellaneous. The list specifies those consisting of effigies generally +perfect, with their inscriptions, unless otherwise mentioned. + +An alphabetical list of the churches, with the various brasses in each, +is also appended. + +ECCLESIASTICS. + 1389. Richardus Thaseburgh, rector of _Hellesdon_. + Hellesdon. + 1437. Galfridus Langley, installed Prior _St. Lawrence_. + of Saint Faith the Virgin, at + Horsham, 1401. + 1450. John Alnwik, in academic costume. _Surlingham_. + 1487. Roger Clarke, priest. _St. Peter at + Southgate_. + 1497. Walter Goos, priest. _St. Swithin_. + 1499. John Smyth, priest—chalice. _St. Giles_. + Henry Alikok—chalice. _Colney_. + Thome Coke, rector of _St. Michael at + Bodham—chalice lost, inscription Coslany_. + only remaining. + An individual unknown—chalice. _Poringland Magna_. + Randulphus Pulvertoft—inscription _The Cathedral_ + only. (_Jesus’ Chapel_). + 1531. William Richies, vicar of _Bawburgh_. + Bawburgh. + 1545. Thome Capp, vicar. _St. Stephen_. +KNIGHTS. + c1460. John Toddenham. A small figure, _St. John in + with scroll from the mouth. Maddermarket_, + _Norwich_. + 1499. Thome Heveningham, and Anne, his _Ketteringham_. + wife. This is a beautifully + executed brass, and is placed + under a canopy upon an altar tomb. + He died 1499. The blank intended + for the date of the death of his + wife still remains. + 1559. John Corbet, and Jane, his wife. _Sprowston_. + He died 1470. The blank left for + the date of her death still + remains. + 1565. Sir Edward Warner. _Plumstead Parva_. + 1568. Sir Peter Rede. Discovered to be _St. Peter Mancroft_, + a Palimpsest, in 1851. _Norwich_. +CIVILIANS AND LADIES. + _c_1380. Richard de Heylesdone, and _Hellesdon_. + Beatrice, his wife. + 1384. John de Heylesdone, and Johanna, _Hellesdon_. + his wife. An inscription only. + 1412. Walter Moneslee, and Isabella, his _St. John in + wife. Maddermarket_. + 1432. Robert Baxter, and Christiana, his _St. Giles_. + wife. + 1435. Robert Brasyer, and Christiana, _St. Stephen_. + his wife. A celebrated + bell-founder. + Roberti Brasyer (mutilated). _St. Stephen_. + 1436. Richard Purdaunce, and Margaret, _St. Giles_. + his wife. + 1436. John Asgar, the younger. _St. Lawrence_. + _c_1445. Alice Thorndon. _Frettenham_. + 1460. Thomas Bokenham, and wife. _St. Stephen_. + _c_1460. A Lady (unknown). _Frettenham_. + 1470. Jane Corbet, in Brass, of John _Sprowston_. + Corbet, and Jane, his wife—see + “Knights.” + 1475. William Pepyr, and Joan, his wife. _St. John in + Inscription and four shields lost Maddermarket_. + 1475. William Norwiche, and Alicia, his _St. George at + wife. A Bracket Brass. Canopy Colegate_. + mutilated. + 1495. John Horslee, and Agnes, his wife. _St. Swithin_. + 1499. Anne Heveningham, in Brass, of _Ketteringham_. + Thome Heveningham, and Anne, his + wife—see “Knights.” + A Lady (unknown). There are two _Ketteringham_. + Inscriptions, with a figure of a + Child, inserted with this Brass, + in the wall of the church, which + do not relate to it. + 1591. Richard Ferrers, Mayor of Norwich, _St. Michael at + in the years 1473, 1478, 1483, Coslany_. + 1493, 1498. Merchant’s mark and + inscription only remaining. + 1502. Thomas Cook. _St. Gregory_. + 1503. Edward Ward. _Bixley_. + 1505. William Dussing, and Katherine, _Kirby Bedon_. + his wife. In winding sheets. + 1505. Thome Tyard. In winding sheets. _Bawburgh_. + _c_1510. Juliane Anyell. _Witton_. + 1514. Margaret Pettwode. _St. Clement_. + 1515. Henrici Scolows, and Alicia, his _St. Michael at + wife. In winding sheets, with Coslany_. + four evangelical emblems. + 1524. John Terri, and Lettys, his wife. _St. John in + An elaborate Brass, with twenty Maddermarket_. + lines of English verse. +_c_1527. John Gilbert. Fragments of canopy _St. Andrew_. + and inscription only remaining. +1528. Edwardus Whyte, and Elizabeth, his _Shottisham St. + wife. Mary_. +_c_1538. William Layer, and wife. _St. Andrew_. + Inscription lost. +1540. Nicholas Suttherton. An _St. John in + inscription and shield. A Maddermarket_. + palimpsest, now in the church + chest, formerly at east end of + nave. +1546. Bel Buttry. _St. Stephen_. +1558. Robarte Rugge, Mayor of Norwich, _St. John in + and Elizabeth, his wife. Maddermarket_. +1560. Helen Caus, wife of Thomas Caus, _St. John in + Mayor of Norwich. This is one of Maddermarket_. + three effigies which represented + Thomas Caus, Mayor in 1495 and + 1503, and Johanna and Helen, his + wives, and is a late example of + the pedimental head dress. The + other effigies are lost. + A Mayor of Norwich, and his Wife. _St. John in + Name and date unknown. Maddermarket_. + Inscription lost. + 1577. Anne Rede, wife of Sir Peter Rede _St. Margaret_. + (whose Brass lies in St. Peter of + Mancroft Church). + 1600. Mary Bussie. Lost since 1850; _St. Peter of + formerly in the church of Mancroft_. + 1605. Mis Anē Claxton; an inscription _St. Mary at + and shield. Coslany_. + 1649. Clere Talbot, and his Wives. _Dunston_. + 1818. Mary Elizabeth, wife of Edward _The Cathedral_ + South Thurlow. A cross, brass, (_north side of + with a border inscription; laid Choir_). + down within the last few years. +MISCELLANEOUS. + 1452. Thomas Childes. A skeleton _St. Lawrence, + figure, inscription lost. Norwich_. + An individual unknown. A heart _Kirby Bedon_. + with three scrolls. + A small figure in winding sheet; _Bawburgh_. + comparatively modern. + +LIST OF THE CHURCHES WITH BRASSES. + +_St. Andrew_, _Norwich_. + John Gilbert 1527 + William Layer, and wife 1538 +_The Cathedral_, _Jesus’ Chapel_, _Norwich_. + Randulphus Pulvertoft 1499 + Mary Elizabeth, wife of Edward South Thurlow 1818 +_St. Clement_, _Norwich_. + Margaret Pettwode 1514 +_St. George at Colegate_, _Norwich_. + William Norwiche 1475 +_St. Giles_, _Norwich_. + Robert Baxter, and Christiana, his wife 1432 + Richard Purdaunce, and Margaret, his wife 1436 + John Smyth, priest 1499 +_St. Gregory_, _Norwich_. + Thomas Cok 1502 +_St. John in Maddermarket_. + Walter Moneslee, and Isabella, his wife 1412 + John Toddenham _c_1460 + William Pepyr, and Joan, his wife 1476 + A Mayor of Norwich, name unknown + John Terri, and Lettys, his wife 1524 + Nicholas Suttherton 1540 + Robarte Rugge, and Elizabeth, his wife 1558 + Helen Caus 1560 +_St. Lawrence_, _Norwich_. + John Asgar, the younger 1436 + Galfridus Langley 1437 + Thomas Childes 1452 +_St. Margaret_, _Norwich_. + Anne Rede 1577 +_St. Mary at Coslany_, _Norwich_. + Mis Anē Claxton 1605 +_St. Michael at Coslany_, _Norwich_. + Richard Ferrers 1501 + Henrici Scolows, and Alicia, his wife 1515 + Thome Coke +_St. Peter of Mancroft_, _Norwich_. + Sir Peter Rede 1568 + The Brass of Mary Bussie, date 1600, has been lost + since 1850 +_St. Peter at Southgate_, _Norwich_. + Roger Clarke 1487 +_St. Stephen_, _Norwich_. + Robert Brasyer, and Christiana, his wife 1435 + Thomas Bokenham and wife 1460 + Roberti Brasyer + Thome Capp, vicar 1545 + Bel Buttry 1546 +_St. Swithin_, _Norwich_. + John Horslee, and Agnes, his wife 1495 + Walter Goos, priest 1497 +_Bawburgh_. + Thome Tyard 1505 + William Richies—chalice 1531 + A small figure, in winding sheet +_Bixley_. + Edward Ward 1503 +_Colney_. + Henry Alikok +_Dunston_. + Clare Talbot, and his wives 1649 +_Frettenham_. + Alice Thorndon _c_1445 + Lady (unknown) _c_1460 +_Hellesdon_. + Richard de Heylesdone, and Beatrice, his wife 1380 + John de Heylesdone, and Johanna, his wife 1384 + Richardus Thaseburgh 1389 +_Ketteringham_. + Thome Heveningham, and Anne, his wife 1499 + Lady (unknown) +_Kirby Bedon_. + William Dussing, and Katherine, his wife 1505 + An individual unknown. A heart with three scrolls +_Plumstead Parva_. + Sir Edward Warner 1565 +_Poringland Magna_. + An individual unknown—chalice +_Shottisham St. Mary_. + Edwardus Whyte, and Elizabeth, his wife 1528 +_Surlingham_. + John Alnwick 1450 +_Sprowston_. + John Corbet, and Jane, his wife 1470 +_Witton_. + Juliana Anyell _c_1505 + +CHAPTER II. +The Aborigines. + + +NORWICH is very remarkable for its antiquities, its historical +associations, its manufactures, and its trade; and also for the eminent +men who have flourished at various periods in the city. It was the scene +of many important events in the times of the Iceni, the Romans, the +Angles, Saxons, Jutes, Danes, and Normans. It was the royal seat of +Anglo-Saxon princes. It was the Hierapolis Monachopolis of the middle +ages; famous for its churches and convents; and in later times, +celebrated for its Norman castle and cathedral. + +The first foundations of history are very often mere traditions, which +are transmitted from parents to their children, from one generation to +another. Probable only in their origin, they become less probable in +every succeeding age. In process of time fable gains and truth loses +ground. Hence it is almost impossible to ascertain the origin of any +place claiming a high antiquity. The early writers could not divest +their minds of the fascinating fables of Geoffrey of Monmouth. In former +times, when the power of imagination prevailed, the distinction between +legend and history was scarcely recognised. For centuries there are not +even legendary accounts of East Anglia or of its capital. But instead of +legends, there are permanent memorials of the past; great earthworks, +fortifications, camps, strongholds, buildings, churches, ruins of +monasteries and abbeys. The soil has yielded up relics of the +dead—weapons, utensils, coins, ornaments, and sepulchral urns, showing +the presence of the Iceni, the Romans, the Angles, Saxons, Jutes, Danes, +and Normans, at different periods. All these energetic nations were +concerned in events that took place in Norfolk and Norwich. + +The Iceni appear to have been politically independent up to the period of +the Roman invasion, B.C. 55. Their alarm in consequence of that invasion +led them to negociate an alliance, but we have no reason to suppose that +it was ever carried into effect. They took the lead in a rebellion which +the Roman General Ostorius was barely able to quell; and Roman historians +bear testimony to the valour with which they struggled to maintain their +liberty. The superior discipline of the Roman soldiers enabled them, +however, to triumph over a semi-barbarous people, unprotected by body +armour and unused to military tactics; but it was no easy victory. For +about 600 years after the defeat of the Iceni, no reliable information +respecting that people is to be found in any history. Indeed they +disappear from history altogether, and we can only infer what advances +they made in civilization from the scattered remains that have been found +in the eastern counties. These remains prove that the Iceni were not +semi-savages, but that they had made some progress in useful arts, that +they built houses, and wore woven garments. + +There are no remains in the eastern counties of cairns, cromlechs, +Druidical circles, or other memorials of ancient perseverance and +mechanical skill, nature having interposed an absolute veto. But there +are remains of earth works and tumuli, burrows or artificial mounds in +which were deposited the urns or ashes of the dead. There are thousands +of pits in many places, and these are supposed to have been the +foundations of Icenian houses. Remarkable excavations are thickly +clustered all over Weybourne Heath, varying from 8 to 20 feet in +diameter, and from 2 to 6 feet in depth. + +The Norwich Museum contains some remains of articles made by the Iceni, +amongst which may be mentioned sepulchral urns, varying from the most +primitive simplicity, up to forms and patterns worthy of any age. The +_chevron_ ornament, which is by far the most usual style of decoration, +has been traced not merely in India, Egypt, Etruria, and Nineveh, as well +as in Saxon and Norman work, but even among the works of ancient American +settlers in Yucatan! The Museum also contains specimens of Icenic Celts +or javelin heads, made of flints, which appear to have been originally +fitted on a wooden shaft or handle, with a provision for drawing it back +after the infliction of the wound, by means of a cord passing through the +ring, as in the metal specimens. It is probable that these flint +specimens were in use long anterior to the Roman invasion. + +About 1844 or 1845, some discoveries were made in Norfolk of gold torques +and coins of the Iceni. In March 1855, at Weston in Norfolk, 300 coins +of the Iceni were found. The most ordinary type is the rude +representation of a horse on each side; others have two crescents placed +back to back; and on some (in about the proportion of one in twenty,) is +a rude profile of a human head, while in a few instances there is a +figure of a wild boar. Beneath the horse in some cases are the letters E +C E or E C N, (supposed to be a contraction of Iceni,) also C E A, T, A T +D, A T E D, or A N T D, which antiquarians are as yet unable to explain. +Probably all the coins, like a single coin which has been found of +Boadicea, the unfortunate Queen of the Iceni, were subsequent to the +Roman invasion, for Cæsar expressly tells us that the Britons in his time +used metal rings instead of money, the value being determined by their +weight; and Camden, with great probability, supposes that most of the +British coins must have been struck as a sort of poll tax or tribute +money to the Romans. + +Generally speaking, the antiquities of the British period are articles of +the most urgent necessity, and of the rudest possible form; but a long +interval of tranquillity brought even luxuries in its train, and it is a +very remarkable fact that even the lapse of 1800 years has scarcely +effected any change in some articles of general utility. The discoveries +made at Herculaneum and Pompeii have led to a revival of the classical +forms, both in porcelain and in plate, the greatest practical compliment +that could be paid to the taste of the Roman artists. + +Among the objects which have been found at different places may be +mentioned sepulchral vases, varying, of course, in style and taste, but +in some instances most beautifully formed; funeral lamps, lacrymatories, +(or phials supposed to have contained the tears of the sorrowing +relations,) _fibulæ_ (or brooches), gold rings, gold seals, steelyards, +weights, tweezers, a curiously formed brass lamp for three lights, a +patera of Samian ware, and coins of the Roman emperors. All these may be +seen in the Norwich Museum. + +There is no evidence of the existence of Norwich as a city for 400 years +after the Christian era. The whole island was a howling wilderness, and +Norfolk was a vast common, like Roudham Heath. The natives lived by +hunting or fishing, and sheltered themselves in the woods, or in caves, +or huts. Water covered nearly all the area in which the city is now +built, and filled all the valley of the Yare. The aborigines, called the +Iceni, probably lived in huts near the banks of the river, as it afforded +a good supply of fish; but there is no proof that they lived in any place +that could be called a town or even a village. There is in fact, no +reliable account whatever of the natives, how they lived, or where they +lived in this district; for they have not even left any names of places, +and very few traces of any progress in the useful arts, and certainly +none of any buildings. On Mousehold Heath, near the city, and at various +places in the county, there are hollows supposed to have been made by the +Iceni as the foundation of huts, or of houses of wicker work, or some +other perishable material, with a conical thatching at the top. +Externally they must have looked like very low bastions, having doorways, +but apparently neither chimneys nor windows. + + + +CHAPTER III. +Norwich in the Roman Period. + + +WHEN Julius Cæsar invaded the island, B.C. 55, he found seventeen tribes +of the ancient Britons or Celts, and the Iceni, inhabiting this eastern +district. They belonged to a very old family of mankind, of whose +beginning there is no record, and their end is still more remote in the +future. They first planted this island and gave to the seas, rivers, +lakes, and mountains names which are poems, imitating the pure voices of +nature. Julius Cæsar only made an inroad into the country through a part +of Kent, and gained no permanent hold of the island. The Rev. Scott F. +Surtees, in a recent work, maintains (and some persons think +successfully) that Julius Cæsar effected his first landing on the coast +of Norfolk. + +The Romans, under Claudius, landed on the eastern coast; and established +his power in this part of the country. He built strongholds at Gorleston +and camps at Caister, near the present site of Yarmouth, and on the +opposite shore at Burgh Castle, where extensive ruins yet remain. +Advancing up the arm of the sea, the Romans built a camp at Reedham; and +sailing yet higher up they built camps on the southern side of Norwich, +at Caistor and Tasburgh. Historians for a long time believed that +Caistor was the _Venta Icenorum_ of the Romans, and preserved a very +ancient tradition, that Norwich was built of Caistor stone out of the +ruins of the Roman camp. + + +THE VENTA ICENORUM. + + +The late Hudson Gurney, Esq., collected ample materials for a full +history of Norwich, but the only result of his researches seems to have +been a letter to the late Dawson Turner, Esq., on the question of the +_Venta Icenorum_ mentioned by the Roman writers, whether it was Elmham, +as Blomefield supposed, or Caistor, as later historians believed, or +Norwich, as most antiquarians now think. The question is of some +importance as regards the antiquity of the city; for supposing it to have +been the _Venta Icenorum_ of the Romans, with all the Roman roads +radiating from it, the _Venta_ must have been a large place. Main roads +were of course made for traffic and for means of communication, which +imply the existence of many people living in settled habitations. + +Main roads prove a certain advance in civilization; but the question is, +whether the Romans really made all the roads attributed to them, in +Norfolk and Suffolk, during the four hundred years of their occupation. +Main roads might have radiated from Caistor originally, and afterwards +might have been diverted to Norwich. + +Mr. Hudson Gurney adduced some proofs that Norwich and not Caistor was +the Venta Icenorum. He says— + + “The first question to examine, on the view of Norwich, Norwich + Castle, and the Roman Camp at Caistor, may be, whether Norwich or + Caistor be the ‘Venta Icenorum’ of the Romans; Norwich standing on + the Wensum, and Caistor on the Taes, on the opposite side of what was + the great estuary.” + + “To begin, then, with Camden. In his accounts of Norwich and of + Caistor he falls into the most extraordinary errors, confounding the + courses of the three rivers, the Wensum, the Taes, and the Yare. He + places Norwich upon the Yare instead of the Wensum, and gives the + Wensum the course of the Taes as ‘flowing from the south;’ and still + more strangely, as a king-at-arms, he attributes the erection of the + present Castle of Norwich to Hugh Bygod, ‘from the lions salient + carved in stone on it, which were the old arms of the Bygods on their + seals, though one of them bore a cross for his seal.’” + +Mr. Hudson Gurney remarks on this error— + + “Now the lions were two lions passant regardant, very rudely carved, + one on each side of the arch of the great entrance, and the Bygods, + whose original arms were or, a cross gules, never bore the lion till + assumed by Roger Bygod in the reign of Henry III., who took the arms + of his mother, the heiress of William Marshall, Earl of Pembroke, in + whose light he became Earl Marshal of England.” + +Thus Camden is disposed of, and other authorities are quoted in the +letter in favour of Norwich being the Venta Icenorum. + + “Horsley, in his _Britannia Romani_, states that Venta was the + capital of the _Iceni_, situated on the Wentfar, and thence deriving + its name; and misled by and quoting Camden, he places Venta at + Caistor.” + + “King, who, born in Norwich, might have been supposed to have been + better informed, in his _Munimenta Antiqua_ follows Camden, and turns + the Taes into the Wensum; and in his paper in the fourth volume of + the _Archæologia_, he pronounces the existing Castle of Norwich to be + ‘the very tower which was erected about the time of King Canute.’” + +Mr. Hudson Gurney, after setting aside Wilkins as an authority, proceeds— + + “In 1834, I went over the Camp at Caistor and the country adjacent, + with Colonel Leake, who may be considered the greatest living + authority for the sites of ancient cities and fortified camps, and he + at once said that he was convinced that Norwich was the _Venta + Icenorum_, and capital of the Iceni, and Caistor the fortified camp + planted by the Romans over against it, on the other side of the + estuary, to bridle, as was their custom, a hostile population.” + +After quoting a letter to the same effect, Mr. Hudson Gurney continues— + + “In the Roman Itineraries you have three Ventas; Venta Bulgarum, + Winchester; Venta Silurum, Caer Went, in Monmouthshire; and Venta + Icenorum; and of these Ventas, the confusion between Winchester and + the Venta Icenorum seems to have been begun very early, both with the + chroniclers and romancers, probably from the one having retained the + rudiments of the name, and the other becoming known as Northwic.” + + “Sir Francis Palgrave, in the researches which he has made for his + forthcoming history of ‘England under the Normans,’ being led to the + examination of all contemporary authors, in order to clear up points + which he found otherwise inexplicable, has referred me to the two + following passages, which would seem to prove that Norwich was the + Venta Icenorum almost beyond dispute.” + +Here follow Latin quotations from the life of William the Conqueror by +William of Poictiers and from Ordericus Vitalis under the year 1067. + +William of Poictiers says:— + + “Gwenta urbs est nobilis atque valens, cives ac finitimos habet + divites, infidos, et audaces: Danos in auxilium ceteris recipere + potest: a mari quod Anglos a Danis separat millia passuum + quatuor-decim distat. Hujus quoque urbis intra mœnia, munitionem + construxit, ibidem Gulielmum reliquit Osberni filium præcipuum in + exercito suo, et in vice sua interim toti regno Aquilonem versus + præesset.” + +And Ordericus Vitalis states:— + + “Intra mænia Gwentæ, opibus et munimine nobilis urbis, et mari + contiguæ, validem arcem construxit, ibique Gulielmum Osberni filium + in exercitu suo præcipuum reliquit, eumque vice sua toti Regno versus + Aquilonem præesse constituit.” + +And Mr. Gurney proceeds:— + + “Taking, then, Norwich for the Venta Icenorum of the Romans—called + Caer Guntum by the British, and Northwic by the Saxons and Danes—you + find the Capital of the Iceni, founded on the shoulder of the + promontory overlooking the Wensum, towards the great estuary, which + formed a natural stronghold for successive races of inhabitants. + Whilst the Romans, fixing their permanent camp at Caistor, on the + Taes, where that river joined the estuary, into which the Wensum, the + Taes, and the Yare, all discharged themselves, would command the + passage into the interior of the country; and taking Caistor for the + ‘Ad Taum,’ you will find the distances sufficiently to agree with the + Roman Itineraries.” + + “The Camp at Caistor contains an area of about thirty-five acres, and + the Roman station at Taesborough, on another promontory higher up + upon the stream, has an area of about twenty-four acres.” + +Another strong point in favour of Norwich having been the Venta Icenorum +is, that all the roads radiated from the city to all parts of East +Anglia. + +In tracing the rise and progress of the city we must remember that it was +in the centre of a vast common, and that it was the nucleus of an +agricultural community, at first without any trade or any kind of +manufactures. It was merely a collection of huts or a fishing station, +near the banks of a river or arm of the sea. The social state of the +place should be considered with reference to the progress of agriculture +at different periods in the surrounding district. Norwich was for ages +only a small market town, with a very small number of inhabitants. + + + +CHAPTER IV. +Norwich in the Anglo-Saxon Period. + + +THE destruction of all documents relating to East Anglia, during the +irruptions of the Danes, has rendered this period the most obscure of any +period of our history. The Angles, Saxons, and Jutes having subjugated +the fair territory of England, they divided it into seven kingdoms, +called the Heptarchy, in which Norfolk formed a part of East Anglia. The +Anglo-Saxon leader, Uffa, established himself in this part of the island, +in 575; and assumed dominion over that portion of the eastern district +now divided into Norfolk, Suffolk, and Cambridgeshire, giving it the name +of East Anglia, of which Norwich was made the metropolis. Norwich was, +therefore, a royal city, and the residence of the kings. Uffa, the first +king, is supposed to have formed here a strong entrenchment of earth on +the site of the present castle, encircled by broad ramparts and a ditch, +as under the present Saxon arch. Uffa, who died A.D. 578, was succeeded +by his son Titul; on whose demise, in 599, his son Redwald assumed the +reins of government and embraced Christianity, but by the influence of +his wife renounced it again. He was succeeded, A.D. 624, by his son +Erpenwald, who was killed by a relation named Richbert, A.D. 633. His +half brother Sigebert, who succeeded to the crown, established the +bishopric of Dunwich, in Suffolk, and formed the first seminary for +religious instruction, which led to the establishment of the university +in Cambridge. Fatigued with the crown and its cares, he resigned it, +A.D. 644, to his kinsman Egric, and retired into the famous monastery at +Bury St. Edmund’s. + +Norwich then became one of the chief seats of Anna, king of the East +Angles, who gave the castle, with the lands belonging to it, to his +daughter Ethelfrida on her marriage with Tombert, a prince of the +_Gyrvii_ or Fenmen, who inhabited the fens of Lincolnshire and the +adjacent parts of Norfolk. At the same time Tombert granted to +Ethelfrida, as a marriage settlement, the isle of Ely, which for greater +security was to be held by castle guard service to the castle of Norwich. + +From the time of Anna till the reign of Alfred the Great there are few +events on record except the frequent incursions of the piratical Danes, +who at last over-ran East Anglia, and had their head quarters at Thetford +in 870. But the reign of the Great Alfred was distinguished by his +decisive victories over those Northern marauders. One of his chief +objects was to fortify the principal parts of his kingdom against hostile +attacks. Finding the walls or ramparts of Norwich Castle too weak for +repelling the attacks of the Danes, he caused others to be erected with +the most durable materials. That it was a noted military station, and a +royal castle in his time, is evident from a coin struck here in the year +872, having round the head _AElfred Rex_, and on the reverse _Northwic_. +After making peace with the Danes in 878, he assigned to them, for their +residence, the whole of East Anglia, and their leader Guthrum fixed his +seat at Norwich; but, breaking his faith, the city and county were +wrested from him, and reverted again to the Angles under six successive +sovereigns. + +Edward the Elder succeeded his father, the illustrious Alfred, in the +year 901, and kept the Danes at bay. Ericke, one of their chiefs, held +East Anglia under the king, till he rebelled in 913, when he was +overthrown and slain. Athelstan, who succeeded Edward, totally expelled +the Danes, and reduced the whole kingdom under his government. In his +reign Norwich flourished, and it is probable that he was here in 925, for +a coin still extant has on the obverse _Ethalstan_, and on the reverse +“_Barbe Mon Northwic_,” that is “Barbe, mint master of Norwich.” Among +the other East Anglian coins struck here, the following may be mentioned; +one of Edmund, the successor of Athelstan, inscribed round the head +_Edmund Rex_, and on the reverse _Edgar Mon Northwic_; several of Edred, +coined about 946, and inscribed round the head _Eadred Rex_, and on the +reverse _Hanne Mo Northwic_; two of Edward the Martyr, having on the +obverse _Edward Rex. Angl._ and on the reverse _Leofwine Mon Nor._; and +three of Ethelred the Unready, having on the obverse _Edelred Rex_. + +There is no account of the castle after the time of Anna till the Danish +wars; and then it was often won and lost by the contending powers. + +Blomefield, in his History of Norfolk, vol. II. p. 4, notices the coins +of several Anglo-Saxon princes, Alfred, Athelstan, Edmund I., Edred, +Edward the Martyr, and Ethelred II. The circumstance of Alfred coining +money here is remarkable, as at the date of this coinage, (872) the +government of East Anglia could only have just come into his hands, upon +the extinction of the East Anglian dynasty in the person of St. Edmund, +and the country either was or had just been in the military possession of +the Danes. + +During the reign of Athelstan the city appears to have been in a +flourishing state. In the reign of Edward, 941, and his successor Edred, +945, it greatly increased in wealth and extent. The greater part of the +city was then built on the north side of the river Wensum, with a small +population. The city is certainly of Anglo-Saxon origin, but as an +Anglo-Saxon city it was destroyed by the Danes, and no vestiges remain of +its Anglo-Saxon buildings, excepting, perhaps, one or two round towers of +churches. + + + +CHAPTER V. +Norwich under the Danes. + + +THE Danes became settled in the city, and fortified themselves against +all enemies, about 1011; and the next year, Turkil or Turketel, a Danish +earl, took possession of all Norfolk, having expelled the English Earl +Ulfketel, and held it under Sweyn till his death, which happened in 1014. +Then the Danish army chose Canute his son for their king: but upon +Sweyn’s death the English took courage and sent for Ethelred out of +Normandy, who returned and drove Canute out of the country. Turkel, +however, continued governor of the East Angles, and he persuaded Canute +to return; and he became king of England in 1017. That monarch assigned +all Norfolk to Earl Turkel; and according to the old author of an Essay +on the Antiquity of the Castle:— + + “Committed to him the custody of Norwich, which his father Sweyn + burnt and destroyed; and to keep the East Angles secure to him, he + (Canute) was most like to be the builder of the present stone Castle + of Norwich. For when by compact with the English nobles, the law + called _Engleshire_ was made by universal consent, for the safety of + the Danes that were by agreement to remain in England, Canute sent + home to Denmark his mercenary army of Danes, but in great caution + built several strong forts and castles, garrisoning them with such + Danes as had been settled in England before his time, intermixed with + such English as he had confidence in.” + +The author of this ingenious Essay produces sufficient arguments to show +that there was a building in the fortifications in the reign of Canute, +and that there had been one since the time of King Alfred, and that +Canute might have repaired or even rebuilt it. Indeed, there must have +been a castle before the Conquest, as in Domesday Book a number of +tenements are stated to have belonged to the castle. The present +building was probably reared after the Conquest, it being so like Rising +Castle and others. Roger Bigot very likely built it, and Thomas +Brotherton repaired it in the reign of Edward I., as proved by his arms +still in the stone work. Certain it is, from the time of Sweyn’s +settling in the city in 1010, and the Danes swarming hither in large +numbers, it rose almost at once to great importance, as appears from the +Survey in the reign of Edward the Confessor. This is highly probable if +we believe the best authority on the subject, namely the _Saxon +Chronicle_, which states that the city rose from desolation, in 50 years, +to be a place of great magnitude, far exceeding its former size. The +Danes came hither in such numbers that they became the parent stock of +the people of Norwich and Norfolk; and this is proved by the names of +many places in Norfolk. + +Edward the Confessor began his reign in 1041, and the Earldom of Norfolk +was given to Harold, son of Earl Godwin, who was afterwards king of +England, and on his rebellion was seized by the king and given to Algar, +son of Leofric, Earl of Chester, who resigned it again to Harold at his +return; and in 1052, on the death of Earl Godwin, Harold, in recompense +for his generosity, gave Algar his earldom again; but he being banished +in 1055, it came to the king, who pardoned him at Harold’s request, so +that he enjoyed it till his death, when it came again to the king. + + + +CHAPTER VI. +Norwich in the Norman Period. + + +THE Norman Conquest of England caused many changes in Norfolk and +Norwich. One of the immediate results of the invasion, in 1066, was a +vast influx of foreigners into the county and city; and the pressure of +the Norman yoke was felt as much in Norwich as in any part of the +kingdom. It was about the same period that Jews began to settle here for +the first time, enriched by the extortions incident to a conquest, and, +as Fuller says, “buying such oppressed Englishmen’s goods as Christians +did not care to meddle with.” + +William the Conqueror caused a survey to be made of all the lands in the +country, the register of which is called the DOMESDAY BOOK, and was +finished in 1081. It is written in Roman with a mixture of Saxon, and is +still preserved in the chapter-house at Westminster, amongst the national +archives. It was printed in the 40th of George III. for the use of the +members of both houses of parliament, and the public libraries of the +kingdom. It specifies the extent of the land in each district; the state +it was in, whether meadow, pasture, wood, or arable; the name of the +proprietor; the value, &c. Domesday Book, p. 13, states:— + + “In Norwic, in the time of King Edward, were 1320 burgesses, of whom + one was so much the king’s vassal, that he might not depart or do + homage (to any other) without his licence. His name was Edstan; he + possessed 18 acres of land and 12 of meadow, and two churches in the + burgh and a sixth part of a third, and to one of these churches there + belonged one mansion in the burgh and six acres of meadow: these six + acres Roger Bigod holds by the king’s gift. And of 1238 (of the said + burgesses) the king and the earl had soc, sac, and custom; and of 50 + Stigand had the soc, sac, and patronage; and of 32 Harold had the + soc, sac, and patronage,” &c., &c. + +Soc, sac, and custom was the entire jurisdiction, for _soc_ is the power +that any man had to hold courts, wherein all that dwell on his land, or +in his jurisdiction are answerable to do suit and service; _sac_ is the +right of having all the amerciaments and forfeitures of such suitors; and +_custom_ includes all other profits. At this time, also, there were no +fewer than 136 burgesses who were Frenchmen, and only six who were +English in the new burgh, which comprised the parishes of St. Giles’ and +St. Peter’s Mancroft. The Dutch and the Flemings, about this time, came +over the sea and located themselves in the city and county, and +introduced the worsted and other manufactures. + +William I. gave the Earldom of the city of Norwich to Ralph de Guader, +who designed to wed the daughter of one William Fitz-Osbern, sister of +Roger Earl of Hereford, and a relative of the king. This matrimonial +scheme not pleasing the king, it was prohibited, but barons in those days +would sometimes have a will of their own, and the fair affianced was made +a bride within the castle walls, whose doorway in an angle marks the site +of the act of disobedience to the sovereign. After the sumptuous feast, +with its attendant libations, a rebellion was planned by Waltheof, Earl +of Northumberland, Huntingdon, and Northampton, and Roger, Earl of +Hereford. Having carried the forbidden marriage into effect, they became +bold in their language and designs, until a chorus of excited voices +joined them in oaths as conspirators against their lord the king. +Treachery revealed the plot, and the church lent its aid to the crown to +crush the rebels. Lanfranc, then the primate and archbishop, sent out +troops, headed by bishops and justiciaries, the highest dignitaries of +church and law, to oppose and besiege them. The bridegroom fled for +succour to his native Brittany, leaving his bride for three months to +defend the garrison with her retainers, at the end of which time the +brave Emma was forced to capitulate, but upon mild terms, obtaining leave +for herself and her followers to flee to Brittany. Her husband became an +outlaw, her brother was slain, and scarcely one guest present at that +ill-fated marriage feast escaped an untimely end. + +Nor did the city go unscathed. The devastation carried into its midst +was heavy; many houses were burnt, many were deserted by those who had +joined the earl, and it is curious to read in the valuation of land and +property, taken soon after this event, how many houses are recorded as +void, both in the burgh or that part of the city under the jurisdiction +of the king and earl, and in other portions, subject to other lords; for +it would seem that the landlords of the soil on which the city stood were +the king or earl of the castle, the bishop, and the Harold family. +Clusters of huts were then built round the base of the hill, and +constituted the feudal village; its inhabitants consisting of villains, +of which there were two classes, the husbandmen or peasants annexed to +the manor or land, and a lower rank described as villains in gross, or +absolute slaves, transferable by deed from one owner to another, the +lives of these slaves being a continual state of toil, degradation and +suffering. + +After the banishment of Earl Ralph, the king, having obtained possession +of the castle, appointed Roger Bigod constable, with a limited power as +bailiff, he having to collect the rents and revenues belonging to the +crown. He retained these honours during the reign of the succeeding +monarch, William Rufus, though he joined in the fruitless attempt to +place that king’s elder brother, Robert Curthose, on the throne. These +troubles were not ended till 1091, when the king made peace with his +brother Robert, agreeing that the lands of those who had assisted him +should be restored to them. + + + +CHAPTER VII. +Norwich in the Twelfth Century. + + +ABOUT the commencement of this century, a considerable addition was made +to the population of the city by a vast influx of Jews, who originally +came from Normandy, and were allowed to settle in England as chapmen for +the sale of confiscated goods. They afterwards became numerous, and were +so much in favour with William Rufus that he is said to have sworn, by +St. Luke’s face, his usual oath, that “If the Jews should overcome the +Christians, he himself would become of their sect.” In his reign the +present castle is supposed to have been built. + +Henry I., on his accession to the crown, met with great opposition from +many of the nobles who were in the interest of his elder brother, Robert, +Duke of Normandy; but Roger Bigod strongly espousing his cause, became a +great favourite. In the first part of his reign, the king gave him +Framlingham in Suffolk, and continued him Constable of the Castle till +his death. He was succeeded by his son William Bigod, on whose decease +Hugh Bigod, his brother, who inherited his estate, was appointed Governor +of the Castle. In 1122, the king kept his Christmas in Norwich, when, +being pleased with the reception he met with, he severed the government +of the city from that of the castle, the constable of which had been +heretofore the sole governor. Henry I. granted the city a charter +containing the same franchises as the city of London then enjoyed, and +the government of the city was then separated from that of the castle, +the chief officer being styled Propositus or Provost. The liberties of +the city from the time of Henry I. to Edward III., were often suspended +and gradually enlarged. In 1403 the city was separated entirely from the +county of Norfolk, under the name of the county and city of Norwich; and +the first Mayor was then elected by the citizens. The old corporation +generally comprised a dignified body of men, who maintained the +hospitalities of the city. Under the ancient charter the corporation of +Norwich consisted of a mayor, recorder, steward, two sheriffs, +twenty-four aldermen, including the mayor, and sixty common councilmen. +The Municipal Reform Act transferred its government into the hands of a +mayor, a sheriff, and a town council consisting of forty-eight +councillors, and sixteen aldermen elected by the council, who unitedly +elect the mayor and sheriff. To these, and to a recorder, with an +indefinite number of magistrates appointed by the crown, the government +of the city is entrusted. + +King Stephen, on his accession, granted the custody of the castle to his +favourite, Hugh Bigod, who was a principal instrument in advancing him to +the crown, by coming directly from Normandy where Henry I. died, and +averring that he on his deathbed had disinherited his daughter Maud, the +empress, and appointed Stephen, Earl of Bolyne, his heir. The citizens, +therefore, taking this opportunity, used what interest they could with +the king to obtain a new charter, vesting the government of the city in +coroners and bailiffs instead of provosts; but the affair took a +different turn to what they expected, for the king, upon a distrust of +Bigod favouring the cause of the Empress Maud, seized the castle and all +the liberties of the city into his own hands, and soon afterwards granted +to his natural son William, for an appanage or increase of inheritance, +the town and burgh of the city of Norwich, in which were 1238 burgesses +who held of the king in burgage tenure; and also the castle and burgh +thereof, in which were 123 burgesses that held of the king in burgage, +and also the royal revenue of the whole county of Norfolk, excepting what +belonged to the bishopric, &c. The whole rent of the city, including the +fee farm, was then about £700 per annum. The king restored the city +liberties for a fine in 1139. + +During the reign of King Stephen more Flemings came over; and these +successive immigrations were a real blessing to the land. England had +not been a manufacturing country at all till the arrival of the Flemings, +who introduced the preparation and weaving of wool, so that, in process +of time, not only the home market was abundantly supplied with woollen +cloth, but a large surplus was made for exportation. The Flemings were +kinsmen of the Anglo-Saxon race, and were distinguished for that probity +in their commercial dealings which afterwards became the characteristic +of the English merchants at large. + +Henry II., in the first year of his reign, 1155, took the city, castle, +and liberties from William, the natural son of Stephen; but, as a +recompense, restored to him all those lands which his father held in the +reign of Henry I. He also prevailed upon Hugh Bigod to yield up all his +castles, whereby the whole right became vested in the crown; the king +governing the city by the sheriff, who paid the profits arising therefrom +into the exchequer. About the year 1163 Hugh Bigod was restored to the +title of the Earl of Norfolk, and at the same time appointed Constable of +Norwich Castle, by which means he became sole governor of the city. In +1182, the citizens recovered the liberties of the city on paying a fine +of 80 marks to the king. + +Richard I. was crowned September 4th, 1189, and a riot happened on +account of a Jew attempting to enter Westminster Hall contrary to the +king’s express command. Many of the Jews were killed, and their houses +plundered and burnt. A rumour was thereupon spread throughout the nation +that the king did not favour them, on which the people of Bury, Lynn, and +Norwich, took occasion to rise and rob great numbers of them. On +November 27th following, Roger, son of Hugh Bigod, was created Earl of +Norfolk, and steward of the king’s household. By his means the city +regained as ample a charter as London then possessed, for in 1193, the +king granted the city in fee farm to the citizens and their heirs, for a +fee farm rent of £180 yearly. + + + +CHAPTER VIII. +Norwich in the Thirteenth Century. + + +KING JOHN ascended the throne in 1193, and in a few years afterwards the +barons rebelled against him. In 1215, Roger Bigod, Earl of Norfolk, +joined the insurgent barons. The king seized the castle, expelled the +earl, and appointed the Earl of Pembroke and John Fitz-Herbert Constables +of the Castle. Lewis, the Dauphin of France, having obtained a grant of +the kingdom from the pope, brought over a large force, ravaged the +counties of Norfolk and Suffolk, took the castle, and reduced the city. +He made William de Bellomonte his marshal and constable, and placed him +with a garrison within the castle walls. + +King John granted two charters to the citizens, bestowing certain +privileges; and he came to the city in 1256, as is evident from the +Charter of Liberties granted to the port of Yarmouth, it being dated +March 25, 1256, by the king at Norwich. On the same day he likewise +granted his third Charter to the city, bestowing certain commercial +privileges. In 1265 Simon Montfort and his adherents seized all the +king’s castles and committed the custody of them to their own friends, +and having also gotten the king’s person into their power, they obliged +him to send letters to the sheriffs of counties, including Norfolk, +commanding them to oppose all attempts in favour of the king. But the +king having routed the barons at Eversham, removed all the constables +which the confederates had appointed, and amongst the rest Roger Bigod; +in whose stead, John de Vallibus, or Vaux, was made Constable of this +Castle, and Sheriff of Norfolk and Suffolk, and soon afterwards, in +consequence of great disturbances in the city, he was ordered to enter +it, and did so, notwithstanding its liberties. In December, 1266, the +displaced barons, headed by Sir John de Evile, entered the city and +killed many persons, imprisoned more, plundered the town, and carried +away the wealthiest of the inhabitants. + +According to Blomefield, about this time, on a Good Friday, the Jews were +accused of having crucified a boy, twelve years of age, named William; +and the date of his alleged death, March 24th, was marked as a holiday. +No evidence is adduced that the crime was committed, and no motive is +assigned for it. The date of the year is not given, and the boy’s name +besides William is not stated. The Jews denied the charge, but it was +generally believed, and they were terribly persecuted. The people then +seized upon every pretence for robbing and plundering the poor Jews. It +is said that the crime was discovered by Erlward, a burgess, as they were +going to bury the body in Thorpe Wood. On this the Jews applied to the +sheriff, and promised him 100 marks if he would free them from this +charge. The sheriff sending for Erlward obliged him to swear that so +long as he lived he would never accuse the Jews nor discover the fact. +About five years afterwards, Erlward, on his deathbed, made known the +whole affair, and the body, it is said, having been found in the wood, +was taken and buried in the churchyard of the monks. They alleged that +many miracles were there wrought by it which occasioned its being removed +into the church and enshrined in the year 1150. + +Edward I. succeeded to the throne in 1272, and in the next year the king +appointed Roger Bigod, Earl of Norfolk, to be Constable of the Castle. +The interdict, which was removed on Christmas eve, was renewed on the day +after Epiphany, but was taken off till Easter, when it was renewed the +third time. In 1274, the affair between the monks and citizens +continuing unsettled, it was referred to the pope, who left it to the +decision of the king, who adjudged the citizens to pay 500 marks yearly +for six years, and to give the church a cup of the value of £100, and +weighing 10 lbs. in gold. The monks were to repair their gates and to +have access to all parts of the city, and some of the chief citizens were +to go to Rome to beg the pope’s pardon. These conditions being agreed +to, the king restored to the city all its ancient privileges on payment +of a fine of 40s. yearly, besides the old fee farm. The interdict was +also removed on November 1st, 1275. The king kept his Easter in the city +in 1277, and he granted a new charter in 1285. In 1289 the liberties +were seized, but were restored again at the end of the year. Soon +afterwards the king, while on a pilgrimage to Walsingham, granted a new +charter. In 1296, the city first sent representatives to parliament, +originally four in number, who were paid for their services, but on +account of the expense the number was reduced to two members. + + + +CHAPTER IX. +Norwich in the Fourteenth Century. + + +IN this century this city and other towns began to obtain political +privileges. The kings of the middle ages found themselves obliged to +summon burgesses to parliament in order to obtain supplies. The early +parliaments appear to have been convened chiefly for this purpose, and +were constantly dissolved as soon as the business for which they met was +transacted. Formerly the burgesses returned were always citizens, who +really were representatives of the city and its interests, and not merely +supporters of the ministry of the day. There is no record of the early +local elections, but lists will be given of the burgesses returned. + +Edward II. began his reign on July 7th, 1307, and he reigned nineteen +years. Walter de Norwich, son of Jeffry de Norwich, was so much in +favour with the king as to be one of the Barons of the Exchequer in 1311, +and in 1314 was summoned as a parliamentary baron, and afterwards made +the Treasurer of the Exchequer, which office he held several years. He +obtained liberty for free warren in all his demean lands, and a fair to +the manor of Ling in Norfolk, on July 20th, and two days following. He +continued in favour till his death. + +In the reign of Edward III., A.D. 1328, the king, by a statute, made +Norwich a staple town for the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk, by which +the trade of the city was much increased. In the “Paston Letters” we +find the following reference to articles of Norfolk manufacture: + + “I pray that you will send me hither two ells of worsted for + doublets, to happen me this cold winter, and that ye enquire where + William Paston bought his tippet of fine worsted which is almost like + silk, and if that be much finer that ye sh’d buy me, after seven or + eight shillings, then buy me a quarter and the nail thereof for + collars, though it be dearer than the other, for I would make my + doublet all worsted for the honour of Norfolk.” + +In 1340, Norwich Castle was made the public prison for the county of +Norfolk, and the custody thereof was committed to the sheriff. A great +tournament was held in Norwich, at which the king, with his queen +Phillippa, was present; and they kept their court at the bishop’s palace. +In 1342 the king and queen honoured the city with another visit. + +In 1344 a new charter was granted, by which the liberty of the castle was +reduced to the outward limits of the present ditch, and so continues. By +this charter, the citizens became proprietor’s of the ancient fee of the +castle, that is, the castle ditches, and the great croft, now the market +place. + +In the reign of Richard II., A.D. 1381, Wat Tyler’s rebellion broke out +in London. Insurrection became prevalent in many parts of the kingdom, +manufactures declined, and discontent became general. Norwich and +Norfolk shared in the general plunder at the hands of armed bands. Under +John Lyster, Litister, or Linster, a dyer, 50,000 men attacked the city +and committed great depredations. They were, however, pursued to North +Walsham by the king’s troops under the command of Henry Le Spencer, +Bishop of Norwich, and defeated. Their leader and many of his adherents +were taken and executed for high treason. They were hung, drawn, and +quartered, according to the barbarous usage of the times. In 1399, the +bailiffs having put the city into a proper posture of defence, openly +declared for Henry Duke of Lancaster, son and heir of John of Gaunt, the +late deceased duke, their especial friend. On this declaration, Henry +gave them strong assurances that, whenever it was in his power, the +charter which they so earnestly desired for electing a mayor, &c., should +be granted them, and he was afterwards as good as his word. The great +connection there was between John of Gaunt and this city, arose through +William Norwich, a knight, who was a friend of the Duke’s, and who +frequently visited the town, for which he always expressed great regard. +In 1389, the great John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, visited this city, +and was honourably received. + +In the first year of Henry IV., Sir Thomas Erpingham, knight, a Norfolk +man, Warden of the Cinque Ports, and Lord Chamberlain, obtained the +King’s Charter, dated at Westminster, February 6th, 1399, confirming all +the former charters ever granted to the city. In 1409, through the +interest of Sir Thomas, a grant was made to the city for a certain term +of years of the alnage and survey of all manner of worsteds made in +Norwich and Norfolk. + + * * * * * + +ST. GEORGE’S COMPANY took its rise in the second half of the fourteenth +century, and consisted of a society of brethren and sisters associated in +honour of the Martyr St. George, who by voluntary contributions supported +a chaplain to celebrate service every day in the cathedral before the +altar, for the welfare of the brethren and sisters of the Guild, whilst +living, and of their souls when dead. In this state they continued till +the fourth year of Henry V., when that prince granted them a charter +dated at Reading, incorporating them by the name of the Aldermen, +Masters, Brethren, and Sisters of the Fraternity and Guild of St. George +in Norwich; and empowering them to choose yearly, one Alderman and two +Masters, and to make all reasonable orders and constitutions for their +own government; to have a common seal; to sue and be sued; and to +maintain a chaplain to pray daily for the health of the king, the +alderman, masters, and sisters whilst alive, and their souls when dead; +and lastly to purchase £10 per annum in mortmain. The prior, mayor, +sheriffs, and aldermen of the Guild, had power to expel or remove any +member for bad behaviour. In consequence of this charter, ordinances +were made for the well-governing of the society, and for yearly choosing +one alderman, four masters, and twenty-four brethren, for the Assembly or +Common Council. In 1451, by the mediation of Judge Yelverton, the +disputes between the Guild and the city were settled; when it was agreed +that the mayor for the time being should yearly, on the day after the +Guild, be chosen Alderman of the Guild for the year following his +mayoralty, that the Assembly of the Guild should consist of twenty +persons, and that the common council of the city should be eligible for +admission into the company, but be liable to the charge of the feast. +Indeed, the chief object of the Guild was feasting. Every brother took +an oath on admission. The Aldermen and Common Council of the Guild had +power to choose such men and women, inhabitants of the city, to be +brethren and sisters of the Guild, as they might think fit. But no man +living out of the city could be chosen unless he was a knight, esquire, +or gentleman of note. Many other orders were made in regard to their +procession, which was always very grand. This Guild, with the other +ancient crafts or companies of the city, made a very splendid appearance +on all public occasions. The companies were then on the same footing as +those of the city of London now are, and some of the trades long +continued as a fraternity, and chose wardens among themselves. From the +Friday after May day, to the Friday before the Guild day, the members of +St. George’s Company used to meet every evening at the Guildhall in the +Market Place, where they refreshed themselves with as much sack and sugar +rolls as they pleased, besides two penny cakes from the baker’s. Being +thus assembled they sent for the last chosen feast-makers, and asked them +whether they intended to bear the charges of the feast, “which” (said +they) “will cost you more than you think.” By this they so terrified +timorous, wary people, that they were persuaded to buy it off, though, +had they agreed to make the feast, it would not have cost them much more +than £6 or £7, which sum they were glad to save. The Company continued +till February 24th, 1731, when the committee appointed for the purpose +reported to an assembly held that day, that they had treated with St. +George’s Company, who had agreed to deliver up their charters, books, and +records, into the hands of the corporation, provided the latter would pay +their debts, amounting to £236 15s. 1d., which, being agreed to, they +were accordingly delivered up and deposited with the city records in the +Guildhall. Thus terminated this ancient feasting company by the +surrender of all their goods to the corporation. + + + +CHAPTER X. +Norwich in the Fifteenth Century. + + +AT the commencement of this century (in 1402) the grand affair of +obtaining a new charter occupied the greater part of the time of the +citizens, but as nothing could be done without the concurrence of Bishop +Spencer, they at last found means to soften him, and to obtain his +promise that he would not oppose them in this their favourite object. +All obstacles being now removed, they offered to lend Henry 1000 marks, +which so far obliged the king that he was willing to give them as full a +charter as they could desire. This was accordingly done, and the new +charter was granted on January 28th, 1403. By this charter the city +obtained a full power of local self-government. + +Henry V. began his reign on March 20th, 1412, in which year the city was +in great disorder, occasioned by the disputes between the Mayor and the +Commons, respecting the election of mayors, sheriffs, and other officers +of the corporation, and the powers granted by the charter, concerning +which they could not agree. These contentions exhausted the city +treasury, and at length they were settled by the mediation of Sir Robert +Berney, John Lancaster, William Paston, and others. The burgesses who +served in Parliament in this reign were R. Brasier, R. Dunston, W. +Sedman, J. Biskelee, H. Rufman, W. Eton, J. Alderfold, W. Appleyard, R. +Baxter, and Henry Peking. + +In 1422 the doctrines of the Reformation were introduced into the city, +and several persons were executed as Wickliffites or Lollards. A large +chalk pit, in Thorpe Hamlet, on the outskirts of the city, is to this day +called “Lollards’ Pit.” + +Henry VI., when only nine months old, was proclaimed king on August 31st, +1422, and in his reign a general persecution of the Lollards broke out in +this diocese. The Lollards were men who earnestly desired the +reformation of the church, and they were followers of that great and good +man John Wickliffe, but they were called Lollards as a name of infamy. +They were so zealous for the truth that they chose rather to suffer +grievous torments and death than forsake their faith. On this account +about 120 persons were persecuted for their profession of the pure gospel +of Christ. + +On June 6th, 1448, the king paid a royal visit to the city, and among +other preparations the gates were decorated, and the King’s arms, and the +arms of St. George, were painted and raised on six of the gates. In +1449, his Majesty paid another visit, after a sojourn with the Earl of +Suffolk at Costessey. The king entered Norwich by St. Benedict’s Gate, +which was especially ornamented for the occasion. These peaceable +entries, with the picturesque pomp of a royal procession, always pleased +the loyal citizens. + +In 1452, it being rumoured that Edward earl of March, son to the duke of +York, was advancing towards London, the queen, much terrified thereat, +tried to make as many friends as she could, and for that purpose came to +this city, when, in full assembly, the Commons resolved to advance 100 +marks as a loan to the king; and the aldermen at the same time presented +the queen with 60 marks, to which the Commons added 40 more, so that the +king had now 200 marks of the city. The citizens then obtained a new +charter, dated March 17th, and consented to in full parliament. It +contained a restitution of all liberties, a general pardon of all past +offences, and a confirmation of all former charters. + +In 1460, during the contest between the houses of York and Lancaster, the +mayor and aldermen raised forty armed men and the Commons eighty, and +appointed Wm. Rookwood, Esq., their captain, with whom they agreed for +six weeks’ pay, at six-pence a day for each soldier, and sent them to the +assistance of the king, who wrote them a letter of thanks, with a request +that they would maintain the soldiers for one month longer, which was +readily complied with. In 1474, the king visited the city, and was +presented with a sum of money by way of benevolence; but in the following +year the city had to pay £80 6s. 11d. for the forces employed in France. + +In July 1469, Elizabeth Woodville, the queen of Edward IV., visited +Norwich and remained here several days. Her majesty, with a great +retinue, entered the city through “Westwyk Gate,” which was decorated for +the occasion. John Parnell was brought from Ipswich to exercise his +skill in ornamentation; and under his superintendence, a stage covered +with red-and-green worsted was erected, adorned with figures of angels, +escutcheons, and banners of the royal lady and the king, with a profusion +of crowns, roses, fleur-de-lys, &c. Gilbert Spurling exhibited a +fragment of the salutation of Mary and Elizabeth, which required from him +a speech in explanation. + +In 1486, being the 1st Henry VII., on the rebellion of Lambert Simnel, +who assumed the name of Edward Plantagenet, the king, expecting an +invasion of the eastern parts of his kingdom, made a progress through +Norfolk and Suffolk to confirm the inhabitants in their loyalty, and +spent his Christmas at Norwich, when the city made him a handsome +present. Hence he went a pilgrimage to Walsingham, so famous for its +pretended miracles, where he made his vows; and after he returned +victorious, he sent his banner to be offered there as an acknowledgment +of his prayers having been heard. + +The monastic institutions of this city might claim the honour of having +some learned men connected with them in the 15th century. Thomas +Brinton, or Brampton, a monk of Norwich, attained to such an eminence in +the schools of England that his fame was spread abroad, and he was sent +for by the pope to Rome. He often preached before the pope in Latin, and +being first made his penitentiary was afterwards raised to the see of +Rochester. His sermons preached before the pope were published, with +some others. John Stow, who flourished in 1440, was a Benedictine monk +of the monastery of St. Saviour, in Norwich, and doctor of divinity of +Oxford. It appears, by his works, that he was at the council of Basil. +His works were _The Acts of the Council_ at Basil; various _Collections_; +and _Solemn Disputations_, &c. John Mear, a monk of Norwich, and D.D. of +Oxford, was a person of subtle art for explaining difficulties. He was +divinity reader at several monasteries, and the author of several works, +which have all been lost. + + + +CHAPTER XI. +Norwich in the Sixteenth Century. + + +AT the commencement of this century most of the houses in the city were +built of wood with thatched roofs. This accounts for the number of fires +which broke out at different times, and which, in 1507 and 1509, reduced +a large portion of the city to ashes, no fewer than 718 houses being +consumed in the latter year. These conflagrations induced the +corporation, in 1509, to issue an order that no newly-erected buildings +in the city should be covered with thatch, but this injunction not +extending to those previously erected, some few still retain this +dangerous covering. + +In 1501, John Rightwise, then mayor, began building the cross in the +Market Place, and finished it in 1503. It was a commodious and handsome +pile, but falling into decay, it was sold by the Tonnage Committee in +1732 for £125, and soon afterwards it was taken down. About 1506, St. +Andrew’s Church was built, near the site of the old church of St. +Christopher. + +Henry VIII. began his reign on April 22nd, 1509, when the city was in a +state of great distraction, on account of the terrible fires which caused +much destruction of property. In that year a great part of the +cathedral, with its vestry, and all the ornaments and books were +destroyed by a fire, which broke out on St. Thomas’ night. In 1515, the +Lady Mary, sister to the king, and her consort the Duke of Suffolk, +visited the city on their return from France, and were nobly entertained. +Henry VIII., while he continued a papist, burned the reformers; and when +in a fit of anger he disowned the pope and assumed the English tiara, he +was no less zealous against both Papist and Puritan, who would not bind +their consciences to his royal decrees. During the prelacy of Richard +Nykke or Nix, the bigotted bishop of Norwich, several church reformers +were burnt here and at other places. + +In 1517, Cardinal Wolsey visited the city to mediate between the citizens +and the monks, but their disputes were not finally settled till 1524, +when the jurisdiction of the convent was ascertained and separated from +that of the corporation until 1538, when they were converted into a dean +and chapter. + +On March 2nd, 1520, Queen Catherine and Cardinal Wolsey visited the city, +and all the city companies went to meet the queen “in Puke and Dirke +Tawney Liveries,” and the city presented her with 100 marks. + +In 1522, in consequence of the many vexatious suits in the Sheriff’s +Court for words and trifling debts, it was agreed that four aldermen be +named, one out of each of the great wards, to sit in person, or by +deputies, every Wednesday, from eight till nine in the morning, to adjust +all debts under two shillings, and all actions on words, for the ease and +peace of the city. This institution was of great benefit, and in some +measure answered the purpose of the old Court of Conscience. + +In 1524, on September 2nd, through the mediation of Cardinal Wolsey, a +composition and final agreement was sealed between the prior and the city +at the Guildhall, by which the city resigned all jurisdiction within the +walls of the priory, the whole site thereof being hereby acknowledged to +be part of the County of Norfolk and in the Hundred of Blofield; and the +church gave up all right of jurisdiction in every place without their +walls and within the walls of the city; so that now, Tombland, with the +fairs kept thereon, and all things belonging to those fairs—and +Holmstrete, Spytelond, and Ratten Row, with their letes—were adjudged to +belong to the city, and to be part of the county thereof. The prior and +convent and their successors were also exempted from all tolls, customs, +and exactions whatever, by land or water in the whole city, or county of +the city and its liberties, for goods or chattels bought or sold for the +use of the prior and convent, their households, or families. + +In 1525 the king granted the city another charter, confirmed likewise by +parliament, in which the late composition and agreement between the city +and prior was fully recited and established, and new privileges were +granted. + +In 1530 the king was declared supreme head of the church of England; and +was acknowledged so by act of parliament in 1535. In the latter year an +act was passed for recontinuing liberties in the crown, by which all +cities, boroughs, and towns corporate, had their liberties and privileges +fully confirmed. + + +BILNEY’S MARTYRDOM. + + +A short account of the martyrdom of Thomas Bilney, in 1531, may serve to +illustrate the persecuting spirit of the age. He had renounced the +tenets of the Church of Rome, and was condemned on the following passages +extracted from two sermons which he had preached in 1527, at Ipswich. + + “Our Saviour Christ is our Mediator between us and the Father; what + need have we therefore for any remedy from saints? It is a great + injury to the blood of Christ to make such petitions, and blasphemeth + our Saviour.” + + “Man is so imperfect by himself, that he can in no wise merit by his + own deeds.” + + “The coming of Christ was long prophesied before, and desired by the + prophets; but John Baptist, being more than a prophet, did not only + prophesy, but with his finger shewed Him, saying, ‘_Behold the Lamb + of God_, _which taketh away the sins of the world_.’ Then, if this + was the very Lamb which John did demonstrate, that taketh away the + sins of the world, what injury is it to our Saviour Christ, that to + be buried in St. Francis’ cowl should remit four parts of penance? + What is then left to our Saviour Christ, which taketh away the sins + of the world? This I will justify to be a great blasphemy to the + blood of Christ.” + + “It is great folly to go on pilgrimages; and preachers in times past + have been antichrists; and now it hath pleased God somewhat to shew + forth their falsehoods and errors.” + + “The miracles done at Walsingham, Canterbury, and Ipswich, were done + by the devil through the sufferance of God, to blind the poor people; + and the Pope hath not the keys that St. Peter had, except he + followeth Peter in his living.” + + “Christian people should set up no lights before images of saints, + for saints in heaven need no lights, and images have no eyes to see; + and, therefore, as Ezechias destroyed the brazen serpent that Moses + made by the commandment of God, even so should the kings and princes + of these times destroy and burn the images of saints set up in + churches.” + +It was further deposed against Bilney, that he was notoriously suspected +to be a heretic, and that in his sermons he had exhorted the people to +put away their gods of silver and gold, and to desist from offering to +them either candle, wax, money, or any other thing; and that in +rehearsing the litany he said, “pray you only to God and no saints;” and +when he came to that part, Sancta Maria, &c., or, O Saint Mary pray for +us, he called out, “stop there.” + +These and many other articles of the like nature being proved, he was +exhorted to recant and abjure them; and upon his refusing to do so, the +Bishop of London, having pulled off his cap, and made the sign of the +cross on his forehead and breast, pronounced the following sentence:— + + “I, by the counsel and consent of my brethren here present, do + pronounce thee, Thomas Bilney, who has been accused of divers + articles, to be convicted of heresy; and for the rest of the sentence + we will deliberate till to-morrow.” + +The next day Bilney was again asked whether he would recant and return to +the unity of the church; when he desired a day or two for consideration +and to consult his friends. In fear of a dreadful death at the +expiration of the time, he subscribed his abjuration; and being absolved, +he had the following penance enjoined him; to bear a faggot at the +procession at St. Paul’s, bareheaded, and to stand before the preacher +during the sermon there, and to remain in prison till he should be +released by Cardinal Wolsey. When in prison, the reflection on what he +had done drove Bilney almost to despair, and he suffered all the agonies +of remorse for more than twelve months. + +At length he resolved to seal that truth which he had so shamefully +abjured, with his blood. For this purpose he travelled to Norwich, and +on his way to the city he openly preached those doctrines for which he +had been condemned; and being apprehended, was confined in one of the +cells under the Guildhall. On August 19th, he was taken to Lollards’ +pit, outside of Bishopsgate, and burnt there in the presence of a crowd +of horrified spectators. + +This and many other instances may serve to show the persecuting spirit of +a church which had arrogated to itself a dominion over the consciences of +men, and dared to propagate a religion of fear as the religion of Christ. +After the Reformation, which had now begun, the same persecuting spirit +was manifested by the Church of England; and many suffered here for their +nonconformity to the Establishment. Several other martyrs were burnt in +Norwich during the same reign, and in 1539, one William Leyton, a monk of +Eye, in Suffolk, was burnt here, for speaking against a certain idol +which used to be carried about in procession at Eye; and for asserting +that the sacrament ought to be administered in both kinds. + +In the same year peace and amity were settled between the church and the +city on a much more stable foundation than had been previously effected, +by an arrangement as to jurisdictions of the authorities. + + * * * * * + +In 1534 an act was passed for rebuilding those parts of the city which +were laid waste by the late fires; by which it was enacted that if the +owners of such void grounds should, by the space of two years after +proclamation made by the mayor for all persons to rebuild or enclose +their grounds, neglect to rebuild on such ground, or sufficiently enclose +the same with mortar and stone, then it should be lawful for the mayor, +etc., to enter on such vacant grounds, and hold and retain them to their +own use and their successors’ use for ever, discharged of all rents and +outgoings whatsoever, provided that, within two years after such entry +made, they either rebuild or enclose them as aforesaid. + + +DISSOLUTION OF THE MONASTERIES. + + +If, in giving an account of the state of society in the middle ages, we +were to omit from our enumeration of causes the vast influence of the +clergy of the church of Rome, we should present a very imperfect view of +the subject. The priests dominated over the minds of men for many +centuries, and their influence either for good or evil pervaded all +classes of society. This influence caused the erection of monasteries, +nunneries, priories, and friaries, nineteen in number, in Norwich before +the 16th century. Monastic institutions were originally beneficial to +society. In the dark ages, they preserved learning to some extent, and +were houses of refuge for the destitute. No doubt there were many good +self-denying men and women amongst the monks and nuns, who did some +service to the poor who then abounded in the land. But in time the +monasteries sunk for the most part into dissolute confraternities; stupid +and sleepy, where not vicious; and banded together against the liberties +of the nation; and there were constant broils between the monks and the +citizens in Norwich. + +The king having entirely renounced the authority of the church of Rome, +and assumed the title of Head of the Church of England, caused a very +strict inquiry to be instituted into the state of all monastic +institutions. This inquiry resulted in their suppression, more for the +gratification of the monarch’s avarice than from his desire to benefit +his subjects; and most of the monks in Norwich and Norfolk, as well as in +other parts of England, were sent adrift with small pensions. The king, +indeed—in revenge for being excommunicated by the pope—suppressed 1148 +monasteries in England, whose revenues amounted to £183,707 yearly. He +either seized the property for himself or divided it amongst his +favourites, and the Duke of Norfolk obtained a great part of it in +Norwich. The dissolution of those ancient institutions caused a great +deal of poverty; the priests were driven out homeless over the land, and +the poor had no houses of refuge and no means of relief. + +In 1538, Thomas Cromwell, lord privy seal, the king’s vicegerent, sent +injunctions to all bishops and curates, charging them to take care that +an English bible of the largest size be placed open in each parish +church, for every one to have recourse to. The open bible was generally +read in this city and elsewhere, and this, no doubt, promoted the +reformation of religion. In spite of the tyranny of kings, the +domination of priests, and the superstition of the people, the +Reformation still advanced, and the national mind was emancipated by +degrees from ancient thraldom. + + * * * * * + +In 1545, one Rogers, of Norfolk, was condemned and suffered martyrdom, +for opposing the six articles of an act passed for abolishing diversity +of opinions in religion. This act inflicted the penalty of death upon +those—1st, who by word or writing denied transubstantiation; 2nd, who +maintained that communion in both kinds was necessary; 3rd, or asserted +that it was lawful for priests to marry; 4th, or that vows of chastity +might be broken; 5th, or that private masses are profitable; 6th, or that +auricular confession is not necessary to salvation. + +The king died on the 28th January, 1546; and his exequies were celebrated +here with great pomp, as appears from the chamberlain’s account; though +what good he ever did for the city it would be hard to say. He was a +king who spared no man in his anger and no woman in his lust. In his +reign, 72,000 persons were hung for political offences or for the crime +of poverty as a warning to others. The “Merry England” of those days was +in fact a terrible country to live in. Men were beaten, scourged, +branded with hot irons, and killed without mercy or limit. + +Edward VI. was proclaimed king on January 28th, 1546; and on February +25th, his coronation was celebrated with much pomp in Norwich, where +great rejoicings took place. Six large guns were fired on Tombland; the +populace were treated with plenty of beer; and bonfires were lighted in +several of the streets. There was a grand procession with a pageant, in +which the king was represented by an effigy of king Solomon. + +On March 8th, 1546, Edward VI., and the executors of his deceased father, +granted to the mayor, sheriffs, citizens, and commonalty, the hospital of +St. Giles’ in this city, now called the Old Men’s hospital, with all the +revenues belonging thereto for the maintenance of poor people dwelling +therein, all which the late king had promised to give them at the request +of the citizens, a short time before his death. + +Norwich has always been noted for its civic feasts and good cheer; and +Bale, writing at this time (1549), in his “Continuation of Leland’s +Antiquities,” says:— + + “Oh, cytie of England, whose glory standeth more in belly chere than + in the searche of wisdome godlye, how cometh it that neither you nor + yet your ydell masmongers have regarded this most worthy commodytie + of your countrye? I mean the conservacyon of your antiquyties, and + of the worthy labours of your learned men. I thynke the renowne of + such a notable act would have much longer endured than of all your + belly banquettes and table triumphes, either yet of your newly + purchased hawles, to keep St. George’s feast in.” + +And again he says:— + + “I have been also at Norwyche, our second cytie of name, and there + all the library monuments are turned to the use of their grossers, + candelmakers, sope sellers, &c.” + +Small credit is here given to the city for the patronage and promotion of +intellectual pursuits. + + +KETT’S REBELLION. + + +In 1549 the city was the scene of an insurrection resembling that of the +Jacquerie in France, and the War of the Peasants in Germany. The facts +of this local rebellion were simple enough. The poor people objected to +the enclosure of waste lands, in the neighbourhood of Attleborough and +Wymondham, by the nobility and gentry, who had been put in possession of +the abbey lands, which had been previously appropriated for the use of +the poor, who still considered that they had a right of commonage on the +waste lands and open pastures. The rebellion commenced at Eccles, Wilby, +Attleborough, and the neighbouring villages, the inhabitants of which +were enraged at Mr. John Green, lord of the manor of Wilby, who had +enclosed that part of the common belonging to his manor, which had from +time immemorial been open to the adjoining commons of Hargham and +Attleborough, and in which the people had enjoyed all rights of +intercommoning with each other. The people continued quiet till +Wymondham fair, on July 7th, when they collected in large numbers. The +leaders of the movement, accompanied by a large number of others, went to +Morley, about a mile from Wymondham, and laid open the new enclosures; +and on returning to Wymondham, they destroyed all the fences by which the +commons and wastes were enclosed. John Flowerdew, of Hethersett, +incensed at the destruction of his fences, gave forty pence to a number +of the country people to throw down the fences of Robert Kett, alias +Knight, whose pasture lay near Wymondham Fairstead. They carried out his +wishes to the full, and on the following morning returned to Hethersett, +where, at Kett’s instigation, they laid open other enclosures of +Flowerdew’s. After this, the rioters appointed Robert Kett and his +brother William, a butcher, to be their captains, and the movement soon +assumed the form of an organized rebellion. The numbers of the rebels +quickly increased, and marching on Mousehold Heath, they took possession +of the mansion of the Earl of Surrey; and thence proceeded to lay siege +to the city. They held courts of justice under a large tree, called the +“Oak of Reformation:” and having augmented their numbers to 16,000 from +the citizens, and strongly fortified their camp, they summoned the city +to surrender. For months they maintained hostilities, and the country +round was pillaged and laid waste, until at length they gained an +entrance to the city, and took the mayor and several councillors +prisoners to their camp. A strong force was thereupon sent down for the +defence of the city, under the Marquis of Northampton, and a regular +battle was fought at the base of the hill on St. Martin’s Palace Plain. +In this engagement Lord Sheffield was slain; and the rebels, having +forced the Marquis to retreat, plundered the city, and set fire to it in +many parts. In short, all attempts to quell this violent insurrection +were ineffectual, till a large army, which had been raised to proceed +against the Scots, was ordered to march to the relief of Norwich, under +the command of the Earl of Warwick, who arrived under the city walls on +the 23rd of August. On the following day, after making an ineffectual +offer of pardon to the insurgents, on the condition that they should lay +down their arms, the king’s troops commenced their attack; and having +made several breaches in the walls, and forced open some of the gates, +they soon entered the city, and took possession of the Market Place. In +the midst of this scene of blood, the king’s ammunition carriages, having +entered apart from the main body of the army, were captured by the enemy, +but were soon retaken by a detachment from the Market Place. A large +body of the rebels still remaining in the city now made a lodgement on +Tombland, and through their superior local knowledge, greatly annoyed the +soldiers by posting small parties at the angles of the different streets +leading to the Market. The Earl of Warwick, however, brought out his +whole force to scour the city, and the rebels, after setting fire to +their camp, were obliged to quit their post on the hill and retreat to +Dussyn’s Dale, on Mousehold, resolving to finish the business by a +general engagement in the valley. + +On August 27th, being re-enforced by a newly-arrived detachment of +troops, the Earl marched out of the city to attack the rebels, to whom he +again offered pardon, provided they would quietly lay down their arms; +but, confident in their numbers, they refused to capitulate. A bloody +conflict ensued, but the rebels, being unaccustomed to the discharge of +artillery, were soon in confusion. Of this the Light Horse took +advantage, and advancing to the charge, drove the rebels from the field +and pursued them with great slaughter. Over 3000 were killed, and about +300 of the ringleaders were afterwards executed. The gates of the city +suffered much damage during this insurrection. The rebels set Bishop’s +gate on fire, with some of the houses in the street, and those belonging +to the Great Hospital. Pockthorpe, Magdalen, St. Augustine, Coslany, and +Ber Street gates, shared the same fate. When the disturbances ceased, +the repair of the city generally was commenced, and especially of the +gates. Outside Magdalen Gates a gallows was erected, at which place and +at the cross in the Market Place 300 rebels were executed. Two, styled +prophets, were hanged, drawn, and quartered, their heads being placed on +the towers, and their quarters on the gates. + +Robert and William Kett were tried in London for high treason and +rebellion, and convicted. On November 29th, they were delivered to Sir +Edmund Windham, High Sheriff of the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk, to +receive punishment. Robert was conveyed to Norwich, and being brought to +the foot of the castle, was drawn up to a gibbet erected at the top, and +there left hanging alive till he died by famine; and his body, being +entirely wasted, at length fell down. A similar sentence was executed +upon William, who was suspended alive upon the top of Wymondham steeple. +This fearful rebellion having been thus brought to an end, the citizens, +after the departure of the kings troops, began to repair the damages to +the walls and gates. Unhappily, however, their trials were not yet over, +for the late disastrous occurrences were followed by such a scarcity and +dearness of provisions, that the corporation issued an edict, requiring +all the wealthier inhabitants to find corn for their own households +elsewhere, so that their poorer neighbours might have the exclusive +benefit of the city markets. + + +QUEEN MARY. + + +The Princess Mary was proclaimed here on July 18th, 1553, and was the +first English Queen in her own right, and the people of Norwich and +Norfolk rushed to her standard, impelled by the memory of Kett’s +rebellion. The queen was a bigoted Roman Catholic, and in her reign +popery was revived in its worst form, associated with all the atrocities +of the most sanguinary persecution. Protestants were gathered like fuel +for burning; and as for the Puritans, no fate could be too severe for +them. + +In March, 1556, William Carman, of Hingham, was burnt in Lollards’ pit, +outside of Bishop’s Gate. He was charged with being an obstinate +heretic, and actually having in his possession a bible, a testament, and +three psalters in the English tongue. + +On July 13th, of the same year, Simon Miller, merchant of Lynn, and +Elizabeth Cooper, a pewterer’s wife, of the parish of St. Andrew, were +burnt together in Lollards’ pit. On August 5th, Richard Crashfield, of +Wymondham, Thomas Carman, William Seaman, and Thomas Hudson, were burnt +for heresy in the same place. + +On July 10th, 1557, Richard Yolman, a devout old minister, seventy years +of age, was burnt for heresy. He had been curate to that learned and +pious martyr, Mr. Taylor, of Hadleigh. + +As if a judgment had come on the country for such atrocities, the quartan +ague and a new sickness soon afterwards raged so violently, that it was +said that “fire, sword, and pestilence,” had swept away a third part of +the men of England; and it is recorded that ten of the Norwich aldermen +fell victims to the latter scourge. + +During this short reign, the city was afflicted by the presence of those +merciless persecutors, Bishop Hopton and Chancellor Dunnings, at whose +instigation several martyrs to the reformed religion were burnt here in +1557 and 1558. Happily the career of this bigoted, blood-thirsty, +priest-ridden queen, was cut short, and a new and brighter era dawned +upon the nation. + + +THE REIGN OF QUEEN ELIZABETH. + + +This queen ascended the throne on Nov. 7th, 1558, and was proclaimed here +on the 17th of the same month. She was a zealous promoter of the +Reformation. The form of worship used in the churches was similar to +that in the time of Edward VI.; but the protestants were almost as +intolerant in this reign as the Romanists had been before, though they +claimed the right of private judgment; and the principle of toleration +was not recognised for centuries by any church, or sect, or party. + +In 1561, on the Guild day, the Duke of Norfolk, and the Earls of +Northumberland and Huntingdon, with many other nobility and gentry, dined +with the Mayor, William Mingay, Esq., in St. Andrew’s Hall, which could +scarcely contain the company and their retinue. The entertainment is +said to have been very magnificent, and the expense of the feast amounted +to 32s. 9d. + +In 1565, the prosperity of the city, which had begun to decline, was +again revived by the settling here of 330 Flemings and Walloons, who had +fled from the Netherlands, from the rigid persecution under the +sanguinary Duke of Alva. In 1570, by the fostering encouragement of +Queen Elizabeth, the number of these foreign settlers had increased to +3925, and by the introduction of bombazine, and other manufactures, they +contributed much to the wealth and prosperity of Norwich. + +During the long reign of Elizabeth, numerous conspiracies were formed for +the re-establishment of Popery, and in 1570, John Throgmorton, Thomas +Brooke, and G. Redman, were hanged and quartered here for having joined +in these traitorous enterprises. In 1572, the Duke of Norfolk and +several other noblemen were attainted and beheaded for similar offences, +at London, York, and other places. The Duke not only espoused the cause +of Mary, Queen of Scots, but even offered to marry that Roman Catholic +Princess. + +In 1574, a rumour was spread of invasion by the so-called invincible +Armada. Norwich, towards the general defence, exhibited on its muster +roll 2120 able men, of whom 400 were armed; the total number enrolled in +the whole county of Norfolk, being at the same time, 6120 able men, of +whom 3630 were armed. Happily there was no occasion for their services, +the Armada being destroyed by a storm at sea. + +Queen Elizabeth made a progress through Suffolk and Norfolk, from the +16th to the 22nd August, 1578. She came on horseback from Ipswich to +Norwich, though she had several coaches in her train; and she lodged in +the Bishop’s Palace. For several days she was entertained by splendid +pageantries, principally allusive to the trade and manufactures of the +city. Whilst here she dined publicly in the North Alley of the Cathedral +Cloister, and often went a hunting on horseback, and to witness wrestling +and shooting on Mousehold heath. The city records contain full details +of the pageantries on the occasion of the royal visit. In no other city +was the Queen received with greater cordiality and pageantry than in +Norwich. The corporation, the inhabitants, the clergy, with the nobility +and gentry of the county, contributed largely to afford the royal lady as +pleasant and costly a reception as should be pleasing to her as a +spectacle, and demonstrative of exuberant loyalty. This joy was soon +turned into mourning; for, says a record known as the _Norwich Roll_, +“The trains of Her Majesty’s carriage being many of them infected, left +the plague behind them, which afterwards increased and contynued, as it +raged about a year and three quarters.” Nearly 5000 fell victims to this +dreadful malady. + +In 1578, Matthew Hamond, of Hethersett, wheelwright, a heretic and +blasphemer, being convicted of reviling the queen and of denying the +authority of the Scriptures, the Godhead, the atonement of our Lord Jesus +Christ, and the existence of the Holy Ghost, was set in the pillory on +May 13th, and both his ears were nailed. Afterwards, on May 20th, he was +burnt in the castle ditch. In 1587 and 1588 Francis Knight and Peter +Cole, of Ipswich, were burnt in the same place for their deistical +sentiments. + +The Reformation was not only stayed, but thrown backward by this +arbitrary, despotic queen. Though she was well disposed to reformation +in the abstract, yet the fear of popish influence and a jealousy for her +ecclesiastical authority over the church, made her act in the spirit of +the worst excesses of popery. She persecuted all who disputed her +authority in religious matters. In vain did the exiles return, hoping +for peace and “freedom to worship God.” The expulsion of a multitude of +clergy, who refused to conform to many impositions, and the many +hardships suffered by the puritans, especially in Norfolk and Suffolk, +evinced that no concession was to be expected from her. Her great idol +was perfect uniformity. To enforce it, she passed many laws, which made +nonconformity worse than felony, and she treated the Puritan as a rebel +against all authority, both human and divine. A beautiful “Memorial” of +the ministers of Norfolk is still preserved in vindication of their +loyalty, and in advocacy of greater liberty of conscience. The result of +it, however, was that seven or eight of them were suspended in Norwich. +But instead of this being the means of stopping the progress of +Puritanism, the sincere inquirers after truth were incited by such harsh +measures to fresh investigations, and more emboldened to declare their +views. + +In 1582, on a second return made of the strangers settled here, they were +found to be 1128 men; 1358 women; 815 children, strangers born; 1378 +children, English born; in all 4679. The whole population was about +15,000, and the citizens continued to return burgesses to parliament from +time to time, but not so frequently as in former reigns. During this +reign William Kemp, a comic actor of high reputation, and greatly +applauded for his buffoonery, danced a morris dance all the way from +London to Norwich in nine days, and was accompanied by crowds of people +as he passed on from town to town. When he arrived in Norwich he was +very kindly treated by the citizens, who turned out to meet him in large +numbers. + + * * * * * + +NORWICH PAGEANTS were celebrated during the middle ages, and occupy a +large space in the records of the corporation. Books of the several +companies relating to the pageants have been lost except that of St. +George, but some additional information has come to light on the subject. +A series of extracts were made early in the last century from the +Grocers’ book, showing the proceedings and expenditure of that company in +regard to their pageants from 1534 to 1570, and also the versions of the +plays in 1533 and in 1563. All the plays of that period were called +mysteries or miracle plays, and were founded on bible history. The play +was performed in a carriage called a “House of Waynscott, painted and +builded on a cart with fowre whelys.” Painted cloths were hung about it, +and it was drawn by four horses, “having head stalls of brode inkle with +knoppes and tassels.” The vehicle had a square top with a large vane in +the midst, and one for the end, and a large number of smaller ones. The +company was evidently unable to afford the cost of four horses in 1534; +only one was hired, and four men attended on the pageant with “Lewers.” +One of the plays was called “Paradyse,” and was performed by the Grocers +and Raffmen. It begins much in the same manner as the Coventry play, +with God the Father relating the planting of the garden of Eden, the +creation of man and placing him there, and God’s intention to create +woman. The other characters are Lucifer, Adam, and Eve, who exhibit the +incidents related in Genesis. Of the good taste or propriety of these +entertainments any observation is needless. They formed a remarkable +feature in the life of the middle ages, and show the childishness of the +people. The dialogues in all these plays are puerile doggerel. + + +EMINENT CITIZENS OF THE SIXTEENTH CENTURY. + +_Dr. Legge_. + + +Few of the citizens of Norwich could make any pretensions as to birth, +whatever they might say about their birth-place. Among the natives of +this city of obscure parentage may be mentioned Thomas Legge, LL.D., who +was educated in Trinity College, where he was fellow, as also at Jesus +College, till he was chosen by Dr. Kaye as second master of Kaye’s +College. He was Dean of the Arches, one of the Masters of Chancery, +twice Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge, and thirty-four +years Master of Kaye’s College. Justus Lipsius eulogised him as a very +excellent antiquary, and as an oracle of learning. He was a great +benefactor to this college, bequeathing £600 for the building of the east +part thereof, besides several lesser liberalities. Thomas Bacon, the +fifteenth Master of Gonville Hall, had done great damage to it, and left +it in debt; but Dr. Legge and his two successors repaired all losses, +acting not so much like the masters as the stewards of the house. Dr. +Legge was the author of two tragedies, namely, “The Destruction of +Jerusalem,” and “The Life of King Richard III.,” which last was performed +before Queen Elizabeth, with great applause, in St. John’s College Hall. +The doctor died July 12th, 1607, leaving the college his heir, and he was +buried in it, so that he left his native city only the barren honour of +his name. + + +_John Kaye_. + + +John Kaye, or as he is sometimes called, Caius, was born at Norwich in +1510, and studied in Gonville Hall, Cambridge, from which he removed to +travel abroad. He took his degree of M.D. in the University of Padua. +In the reign of Edward VI. he was appointed principal physician at court, +a place which he enjoyed under both the Queens Mary and Elizabeth. The +College of Physicians of London elected him one of their Fellows, and he +presided over that body several years. Being very rich and desirous to +promote learning, he procured a charter from Queen Elizabeth dated 1565, +to turn Gonville Hall into a College; and he endowed it with the greater +part of his estate. He lived as an ornament to his profession till July, +1573, when he died, aged 63, at Cambridge. He wrote the “Antiquities of +Cambridge,” an excellent book; and he presented it to James I. as he +passed through his college. The King said, “Give me rather _Caius de +Canibus_,” a work of his as much admired, but hard to be got. He was +master of his college for some time, but in his old age he resigned that +office to Dr. Legge, a fellow commoner in his college, and a native of +Norwich. + + +_Archbishop Parker_. + + +Archbishop Parker, a native of Norwich, flourished in this reign, and was +a great benefactor to the city. He was born August 6th, 1504, being the +son of William Parker, a wealthy citizen. He was educated at the Grammar +School here, and in 1520 he was sent to Corpus Christi College, where he +took his degrees of B.A., M.A., and D.D., before 1538. The Queen +afterwards appointed him Archbishop of Canterbury, and he was very active +in persecuting the Puritans here. He was the author of many works which +showed much learning. He died on May 17th, 1575, and was buried in +Lambeth Chapel. + + + +CHAPTER XII. +Norwich in the Seventeenth Century. + + +THIS was a very eventful period in the annals of the city. The century +opened with storms and inundations in the physical world, heralding +commotions in the political world. On April 9th, 1601, a sudden storm of +hail and rain passed over the city, whereby the upper part of the +Cathedral spire, which had been lately repaired, was beaten down. It +fell on the roof of the church, which it broke through, doing great +damage to it as well as to the walls of the choir. The spire was split +on the south-east side from top to bottom. + +James I. was proclaimed king on March 24th, 1602; and soon after he was +seated on the throne he granted a general pardon to the mayor, sheriffs, +and commons of this city, for all past offences. The local occurrences +were not very important during this reign of 23 years. There were, +however, great disturbances between the citizens and Dutch strangers +respecting trade rights and privileges. + +In 1602, the plague raged with unusual fury in this country. As many as +30,578 persons died in London, and 3076 in Norwich. This visitation was +attended with so great a scarcity of food, that wheat sold for ten, rye +for six, and barley for five shillings per bushel. In the summer of +1609, the city was again visited by the plague, though but few died of +it. + +At the assizes held August, 1617, a dispute arose between Sir Henry +Montague, Lord Chief Justice of the Court of Queen’s Bench, and John +Mingay, Esq., then Mayor, concerning precedence. This was occasioned by +the indiscretion of Sir Augustine Palgrave, Sheriff of Norfolk, who had +imprudently informed the Chief Justice that it was his right to sit in +the chair at the preaching place in the Green yard, with the Mayor on his +left hand. This the Mayor opposed, resolutely asserting his right to the +chair; and the Chief Justice as resolutely insisted, being misled by the +information of the sheriff. But this matter was afterwards set right, +and the sheriff was obliged to acknowledge his error, after having been +severely reprimanded by the Judge for misleading him. On the next day, a +contest of the same kind happened between the High Sheriff and the +Sheriffs of Norwich; when, to prevent any disputes of the like nature in +future, it was determined that only the High Sheriff should attend the +Judges when they are upon the county business, and only the Sheriffs of +Norwich when they are on the city business. + +Charles I. was proclaimed king, on March 1st, 1625. The mayor of +Norwich, stewards, justices, sheriffs, and aldermen, were present at the +ceremony. + +On March 31st, 1625, Charles I. was proclaimed in Norwich, and on May +13th following, Thomas, Earl of Arundel and Surrey, Earl-Marshal of +England, was appointed Lord-Lieutenant of the county of Norfolk, and of +the city of Norwich, and county of the same. + +On October 19th, 1625, the citizens petitioned the king to be released of +taxes, on account of their poverty and the ravages of the plague; and in +1641, the citizens petitioned Parliament, to be discharged from paying +£2500 assessed upon them, on account of their great poverty and the +impossibility of raising the money. + +In 1626, writs of quo warranto were brought against the mayor, &c., for +refusing to furnish two ships of war demanded of them; and the +corporation, on the trial, which took place in 1629, obtained a verdict +in their favor, having proved that they neither used nor usurped any +privileges but what their charters warranted. During this contest the +city raised a sum of money, and presented to the king by way of loan, as +settled by the lord keeper, lord treasurer, comptroller, and chancellor +of the duchy of Lancaster, who came hither for that purpose. + +In 1627, an order arrived for levying 250 foot soldiers in the city of +Norwich and county of Norfolk, of which number the citizens were ordered +to furnish 25; but they would raise no more than 17, that being their +full proportion. + +During this reign the plague raged with great violence in the city and +county. On July 12th, 1625, the king issued a commission to the mayor, +&c., to scour the city ditches, to remove all nuisances in and about the +city, to repair the walls and turrets, and to tax all residing in the +several wards, according to their ability, toward the work; it being +thought very necessary, in order to stop the plague which had been +brought from Yarmouth, and begun to spread here. The mayor had +previously requested the bailiffs at Yarmouth to order all the wherrymen +to carry no infected persons dwelling in their town to the city. +Constables of every ward gave notice that no person coming from London +should be entertained without notice given to the aldermen of their ward; +and watch was set at every gate, day and night, to hinder all persons +coming from infected places entering the city, and the carriers were +commanded to bring no such persons, nor any wool whatever. +Notwithstanding all this caution, the plague began to spread, so that on +July 23rd, the aldermen of every ward appointed “Searchers” in each ward, +to be keepers of such persons as were suspected of being infected. The +bellman warned all the citizens to take their dogs and swine outside of +the walls, on pain of being killed. On July 30th, the watch of the gates +ceased, it being known that the plague raged within the city. Twenty-six +persons died of it in that week; and before August 11th, it had so much +increased, that it was resolved that every alderman should have power to +send his warrants to the city treasurers to relieve the infected persons; +and the plague abated that very week. Orders were issued that the doors +of all persons who died of the disease should be nailed up and watched. +Every one who begged about the streets was whipped, because all the poor +were then relieved, so that no one had any excuse for begging for food. + +In 1634, under date of March 23rd, a letter signed by the king, was +directed to the mayor, sheriff, and aldermen, requiring their constant +attendance at the sermon preached every Sunday morning, either in the +Cathedral or Green yard, and that they would be there at the beginning of +the service, after the manner observed in the city of London; and that +none be absent without the consent of the bishop. On this point a court +was held, and it was ordered that the mayor and court should constantly +meet at the Free School, and thence proceed to church agreeably to his +majesty’s instructions; the king having great regard for their spiritual +welfare. + + +THE CIVIL WARS. + + +The first parliament of the reign of Charles I., in 1625, has been +severely censured on account of the penurious supply which it doled out +for the exigencies of a war in which its predecessors had involved the +king. Nor is the reproach wholly unfounded. A more liberal proceeding, +if it did not obtain a reciprocal concession from the king, would have +put him more in the wrong. But the Puritans in parliament formed a +majority, and were determined not to vote money without a redress of what +they deemed to be grievances. The king finding he could not obtain the +supplies he required from the House of Commons, determined to rule +without a parliament, and to raise money by some other means. Hence the +contests between the king and the parliaments, which were often called +and soon dissolved. This served only to aggravate the embarrassments of +the crown. Every successive House of Commons inherited the feelings of +its predecessor, otherwise it would not have represented the people. The +same men, for the most part, came again to parliament more irritated and +difficult of reconciliation with the sovereign than before. Even the +politic measure, as it was fancied to be, of excluding some of the most +active members from seats, by nominating them sheriffs for the year, +failed of the expected success because all ranks partook of a common +enthusiasm. + +In 1642, July 12th, the parliament voted and declared the necessity of +recourse to arms, and on the 29th of the same month, Moses Treswell was +apprehended for attempting to enlist men into the king’s service, after +having been forbidden to do so by the corporation. The citizens +supposing that this act would be deemed a declaration against their +sovereign, ordered a double watch to be set in every ward, and a +provision of all military stores to be made. They received a letter from +the parliament thanking them for their great services in sending up +Captain Treswell, and exhorting them to raise the militia, and to prevent +anyone from levying troops within their jurisdiction without consent of +parliament. Soon afterwards, the king issued proclamations requiring the +assistance of his subjects against the rebels, but no regard was paid to +them in Norwich. On the other hand, the magistrates ordered a general +muster of the trained bands and volunteers, and put the city into the +best state of defence, fearing an attack from the gentlemen of Norfolk +and Suffolk who had declared for the king. As a further proof of their +zeal they sent fifty Dragoons for Colonel Cromwell’s regiment, which +composed part of the troops under Lord Grey of Wark, raised for the +preservation of the peace in the associated counties of Norfolk, Suffolk, +Essex, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, and Huntingdonshire. As soon as +these had marched, the magistrates raised a hundred more dragoons, and to +mount them, gave orders for seizing the horses of those citizens who +favoured the cause of the king, and who were called malignants. On March +13th, the city raised fifty more Dragoons, and on March 26th, 1643, a +hundred men were ordered to be raised and sent to Cambridge to re-enforce +the associated army. The weekly contribution levied by parliament on the +county was £1250 in the following proportions: Norfolk £1129, Norwich +£53, Lynn £27, Yarmouth £34 16s. 5d., Thetford £5 11s. 9d. On April 2nd, +being Easter day, Captain Sherwood marched to Lynn with a hundred +volunteers to secure that town from any sudden surprise by the king’s +forces. On August 12th, a meeting of the associated counties was +appointed on account of the danger with which the city was threatened by +the approach of the enemy, and the castle was ordered to be fortified. +Lincolnshire was also admitted amongst the associated counties. Lynn was +garrisoned by the forces of the parliament, and fortified at the expense +of the Association. On November 18th, four of the Court, representing +the Association, were fined £10 each for want of expedition in collecting +the proposition money, and the Earl of Manchester ordered the immediate +assessing and levying of such sums of money as should have been raised by +any edict of parliament. This stringent commission was carried out by +force of arms. + +In 1643, it having been agreed between the English and Scotch +commissioners that £100,000 should be immediately advanced to the Scots, +to enable them to put their army in march for England, an order was sent +down to Norwich for levying £6000, part of the said sum in the following +proportions; in Norwich, £265; in Yarmouth, £174; in Lynn, £132; in +Thetford, £27 18s. 9d., and the remainder in the county of Norfolk. + +By order of the Court, on March 9th, 1644, seven pictures, taken from St. +Swithin’s Church, the Angel and Four Evangelists from St. Peter’s, Moses +and Aaron and the Four Evangelists from the Cathedral, and other +paintings, were publicly burnt in the Market Place. A committee was +appointed to “view the churches for pictures and crucifixes,” in +consequence of which, these over-zealous Reformers committed all kinds of +outrages and excesses by destroying monuments in the churches, and +burning valuable paintings, as stated by Bishop Hall in his “Hard +Measure,” a pamphlet on the proceedings of the Puritans. On Christmas +eve, 1645, the mayor issued orders to all the city clergy commanding them +neither to preach, nor to administer the sacrament, in their respective +churches on the day following, and to the inhabitants, charging them to +open their shops as on other days; so little did the Puritans in that age +understand the principles of toleration. + +In 1648, a petition was presented to the mayor, &c., signed by 150 +persons, praying for a more speedy and effectual reformation, and +complaining that their faithful ministers were discouraged and slighted; +the ejected ministers countenanced and preferred; old ceremonies, and the +service book constantly used, and the directory for worship almost +totally neglected; and further praying, that the ordinances against +superstition and idolatry might be put in strict execution; “so, shall +the crucifix on the cathedral gate be defaced, and another on the roof of +the cathedral neere the west door in the inside, and one upon the free +school, and the image of Christ on the parish house of St. George at +Tombland be taken down, and many parish churches more decently made for +the congregations to meet in.” The mayor, John Utting, paying little +regard to this petition, was sent for to London, and Mr. Alderman Baret +put in his place. After he was gone, the common people, having a great +affection for the mayor, went to the committee house, then on the site of +the present Bethel, where the gunpowder was kept, and set fire to +ninety-five barrels, which killed and wounded about one hundred persons +and greatly damaged the adjacent buildings. For this outrage six of the +perpetrators were hanged in the Market Place. + +On January 30th, 1649, King Charles was beheaded at Whitehall. Soon +after the death of the king the House of Commons published a decree to +forbid the proclaiming of Charles Stuart, eldest son of the late king, or +of any person whatsoever, on pain of high treason; and afterwards enacted +that the kingly office should be abolished as unnecessary, burdensome, +and dangerous; and that the state should be governed by the +representatives of the people without king or lords, and under the form +of a Commonwealth. + +In 1650, on discovery of an intended insurrection in Norfolk in favour of +King Charles, which was to have broken out on October 7th, several of the +conspirators were apprehended and tried at the new hall, in Norwich, +before three judges, commissioned by the parliament for that purpose. +Their sitting continued from December 20th to December 30th, and they +condemned twenty-five persons, who were all executed, some of them at +Norwich and others in different parts of Norfolk. + +On June 24th, 1654, an ordinance was published for the six months’ +assessment for the maintenance of the armies and fleets of the +Commonwealth, at the rate of £120,000 per month for the first three +months, and £90,000 per month for the rest. Towards each monthly payment +of the last sum, Norwich raised £240 and Norfolk £4660. On August 29th, +an ordinance was issued for ejecting scandalous and insufficient +ministers and schoolmasters; whose qualifications were to be tried by +commissioners appointed for that purpose in every county. In consequence +of this ordinance many able divines in the kingdom were ejected from +their livings, and their places filled by such as best suited the views +of the ruling party. During the Commonwealth, the city was put in +defence against the royalists, the castle was fortified for the service +of Cromwell, the goods of the bishops and clergy were sequestrated, the +bishops palace was sacked, the cathedral and churches were plundered and +defaced, and Bishop Hall was turned out and driven into retirement at his +palace in Heigham, which is still in existence, being used as a tavern +called the Dolphin. He died there and was buried in the old church in +Heigham. We shall speak more at length of this distinguished prelate in +our notice of “The Eminent Citizens” of the 17th century. + +On the death of Oliver Cromwell, which happened on September 3rd, 1658, +the mayor of Norwich, like the mayors of other towns, received letters +from the privy council, notifying that event and the election of his son +Richard Cromwell to the dignity of Protector, and commanding him to +proclaim the said Richard protector of the three kingdoms, which was done +accordingly on the seventh of that month. The new protector’s honours +were, however, but of short continuance; for in the month of April, 1659, +the army obliged him to dissolve the parliament which he had convoked, +and soon afterwards deposed him from his high office. During the fatal +contentions respecting the prerogatives of the crown and the privileges +of parliament, the city suffered less than might have been expected, and +Norfolk less than many other counties. + + * * * * * + +The citizens, tired of strife and commotion, were among the first to hail +the return of monarchy in the person of Charles II., who was proclaimed +here on May 10th, 1660, and the sum of £1000 was presented to His +Majesty, on behalf of the city, by the mayor, who received the honour of +knighthood. In 1663 the king granted to the city the charter by which, +with little interruption, it was governed till 1835, when the municipal +act came into force. In 1670, Lord Howard presented the corporation with +a noble mace of silver gilt, and a gown of crimson velvet for the mayor. +In 1671, the king and queen and many nobles visited the city, and were +entertained in grand style at the palaces of the bishop and the Duke of +Norfolk. + +In 1682, a majority of the corporation surrendered to the king the +charter which he had granted them nine years before, and in lieu of it a +new one was substituted not so favourable to the city; the king having +reserved the right of removing magistrates of whom he did not approve. + +In 1687, by the mandate of James II., ten aldermen and nineteen +councillors were displaced; but the arbitrary conduct of that monarch +soon brought about his ruin, and when Henry, Duke of Norfolk, rode into +the Market Place at the head of 300 knights and gentlemen and declared +for a _free_ parliament, the corporation and citizens responded with loud +acclamations. After the glorious revolution of 1688, the first charter +of Charles II. was restored to the city, and the aldermen who had been +removed were reinstated in their offices. + +William and Mary, king and queen of England, began their reign on +February 13th, 1688, and during their reign the city flourished +exceedingly, and the country in general was prosperous. + +In 1697 the coin was regulated afresh, the old money being called in and +recoined, for which purpose, mints were established in various places, +among others one in this city, which coined £259,371. The quantity of +coin and plate brought in here to be coined was 17,709 ounces. + +We may here give the statements of two eminent writers respecting Norwich +and Norfolk in this century. Sir Thomas Browne, jun., in 1662, wrote as +follows about the city and county:— + + “Let any stranger find me out so pleasant a county, such good ways, + large heaths, three such places as Norwich, Yarmouth, and Lynn, in + any county of England, and I’ll be once again a vagabond and visit to + them.” + +And he wrote so with good reason. Few, if any, of the cities of England +then contained more handsome buildings, or presented so good an +appearance as did the old city of Norwich, while only London and Bristol +surpassed her in the extent and importance of their commerce. Lord +Macaulay, in his graphic History of England thus describes the state of +the city in the 17th century:— + + “Norwich was the capital of a large and fruitful province. It was + the residence of a bishop and of a chapter. It was the seat of the + manufacture of the realm. Some even distinguished by learning and + science had recently dwelt there, and no place in the kingdom, except + the capital and the universities, had more attractions to the + curious. The library, the museum, the aviary, and the botanical + gardens of Sir Thomas Browne were thought by the Fellows of the Royal + Society well worthy of a long pilgrimage. Norwich had also a court + in miniature. In the heart of the city stood an old palace of the + Duke of Norfolk, said to be the largest town house in the kingdom out + of London. In this mansion, to which were annexed a tennis court, a + bowling green, and a wilderness extending along the banks of the + Wensum, the noble family of Howard frequently resided. Drink was + served to the guests in goblets of pure gold; the very tongs and + shovels were of silver; pictures of Italian masters adorned the + walls; the cabinets were filled with a fine collection of gems + purchased by the Earl of Arundel, whose marbles are now among the + ornaments of Oxford. Here, in the year 1671, Charles and his court + were sumptuously entertained; here, too, all comers were annually + welcomed from Christmas to Twelfthnight; ale flowed in oceans for the + populace. Three coaches, one of which had been built at a cost of + £500 to contain fourteen persons, were sent every afternoon round the + city to bring ladies to the festivities, and the dances were always + followed by a luxurious banquet. When the Duke of Norfolk came to + Norwich he was greeted like a king returning to his capital; the + bells of St. Peter’s Mancroft were rung, the guns of the castle were + fired, and the mayor and aldermen waited on their illustrious citizen + with complimentary addresses.” + + + +Eminent Citizens of the Seventeenth Century. + +_Bishop Hall_. + + +Dr. Hall, Bishop of Norwich, the first English Satirist, was a noted +character in this century. He was born July 1st, 1574, in Bristow Park, +within the parish of Ashby de la Zouch, in Leicestershire. He was +educated by a private tutor till he was fifteen years of age, when he +removed to Cambridge, and was admitted to Emmanuel College, of which he +was a chosen scholar, and took the degree of Bachelor of Arts. His +satires were published in 1597, 1598, and 1599, and added greatly to his +reputation by their pungency and classical style. They equal the satires +of Juvenal and Persius on similar themes, and in lashing the vices of the +age. + +Dr. Hall, in 1624, refused the bishopric of Gloucester, but in 1627 he +accepted that of Exeter, holding with it _in commendam_ the rectory of +St. Breock in Cornwall. At this time he seems to have been suspected of +a leaning to the Puritans, and it must be allowed that his religious +views were more consonant with theirs than with the lax Arminianism of +Laud. But at the same time, Dr. Hall was a zealous supporter of the +church. + +On November 15th, 1641, he was translated, by the little power left to +the king, to be Bishop of Norwich, but having joined with the Archbishop +of York and eleven other prelates, in a protest against the validity of +such laws as should be made during their compulsory absence from +parliament, he was ordered to be sent to the tower, with his brethren, on +the 30th of January following. Shortly afterwards they were impeached by +the Commons for high treason, and on their appearance in parliament were +treated with the utmost rudeness and contempt. The Commons, however, did +not think fit to prosecute the charge of high treason, having gained +their purpose by driving them from the House of Lords, and Hall and his +brethren were ordered to be dismissed; but upon another pretext they were +again sent to the tower. In June following, Hall was finally released on +giving bail for £5000! He returned to Norwich, and being received with +rather more respect than he hoped for, in the then state of public +opinion, he resumed his duties, frequently preaching to large +congregations, and enjoying the forbearance of the predominant Puritan +party till April, 1643, when the destruction of the church was +contemplated. About this time, the ordinance for sequestrating notorious +delinquents having passed, and our prelate being included by name, all +his rents were stopped, his palace was entered, and all his property was +seized. A friend, however, gave bond for the whole amount of the +valuation, and the bishop was allowed to remain a short time in his +palace. While he remained there, he was continually exposed to the +insolence of the soldiery and mob, who demolished the windows and +monuments of the cathedral. At length he was ordered to leave his +palace, and would have been exposed to the utmost extremity, if a +neighbour had not offered him the shelter of his humble roof. Some time +afterwards, but by what interest we are not told, the sequestration was +taken off a small estate which he rented at Heigham, to which he retired. +The house in which he lived, now called the Dolphin Inn, is still +standing, and should be carefully preserved as a memorial of a great and +good man. + +Bishop Hall, in his tract _Hard Measure_, has given a most touching +account of the treatment he experienced. He says in his tract “The +Shaking of the Olive Tree:”— + + “It is no other than tragical to relate the carnage of that furious + sacrilege whereof our eyes and ears were the sad witnesses, under the + authority and presence of Linsey, Tofts the sheriff, and Greenwood. + Lord, what work was here; what clattering of glasses, what beating + down of walls, what tearing up of monuments, what pulling down of + seates, what wresting out of irons and brass from the windows and + graves, what defacing of armes, what demolishing of curious stone + work which had not any representation in the world, but only of the + cast of the founder, and skill of the mason; what toting and piping + upon the destroyed organ pipes, and what a hideous triumph on the + market day, before all the country, when, in a sacrilegious and + profane procession, all the organ pipes, vestments, both copes and + surplices, together with the leaden crosse which had been newly sawn + down from over the green yard pulpit, and the service book and + singing books that could be had, were carried to a fire in the public + Market-place; a lewd wretch walking before the train in his cope + trailing in the dirt, with a service book in his hand, imitating in + an impious scorne the tune and usurping the words of the litany + formerly used in the church. Neer the publick crosse all these + monuments of idolatry must be sacrificed to the fire, not without + much ostentation of a zealous joy in discharging ordinance to the + cost of some who professed how much they longed to see that day.” + +The good bishop’s sufferings did not damp his courage, for in 1644, we +find him preaching in Norwich whenever he could obtain the use of a +pulpit; and with yet more boldness, in the same year he sent _A modest +offer of some meet considerations in favour of Episcopacy_ addressed to +the Assembly of Divines. During the rest of his life he appears to have +remained at Heigham, unmolested, performing the duties of a faithful +pastor, and exercising such hospitality and charity as his scanty means +permitted. He died, September 8th, 1656, in the 82nd year of his age, +and was buried in the church of St. Bartholomew, in Heigham. In his +will, he says:— + + “I leave my body to be buried without any funeral pomp, at the + discretion of my executors, with the only monition that I do not hold + God’s house a meet repository for the dead bodies of the greatest + saints.” + +He left a family behind, according to Lloyd, of whom Robert, the eldest +son, was afterwards a clergyman, and D.D. His wife died in 1647. His +prose works were published at various periods in folio, quarto, and +duodecimo. They were collected in a handsome edition of 10 vols., +octavo, by the Rev. Josiah Pratt, and are his best memorials. The +“Meditations” have been often reprinted. As a moralist, he has been +called the British Seneca. + + +_Sir Thomas Browne_. + + +Sir Thomas Browne flourished in this century in Norwich, as a Physician. +Dr. Johnson wrote a memoir of him, from which we learn the following +particulars. He was born in London, in the parish of St. Michael, in +Cheapside, on October 19th, 1605. Of his childhood or youth there is +little known, except that he lost his father very early; that he was, +according to the common fate of orphans, defrauded by one of his +guardians; and that he was placed for his education at the School of +Winchester. He was removed in 1623 from Winchester to Oxford, and +entered a gentleman commoner of Broadgate Hall, which was soon afterwards +endowed and took the name of Pembroke College, from the Earl of Pembroke, +the Chancellor of the University. He was admitted to the degree of B.A., +January 31st, 1626–7, being the first man of eminence who graduated from +the new college, to which the zeal or gratitude of those that love it +most can wish little better than that it may long proceed as it began. +Having afterwards taken his degree of M.A., he turned his attention to +physic. He practised it for some time in Oxfordshire, but soon +afterwards, either induced by curiosity or invited by promises, he +quitted his settlement and accompanied his father-in-law, who had some +employment in Ireland in the visitation of the forts and castles, which +the state of Ireland then made necessary. He left Ireland and travelled +on the Continent, and was created an M.D. at Leyden. About the year 1634 +he is supposed to have returned to London; and the next year to have +written his celebrated treatise, called _Religio Medici_, or, “The +Religion of a Physician,” which excited the attention of the public by +the novelty of paradoxes, the dignity of sentiment, the quick succession +of images, the multitude of abstruse allusions, the subtlety of +disquisition, and the strength of language. At the time when this book +was published the author resided at Norwich, where he had settled in +1636, by the persuasion of Dr. Lushington, his tutor, who was then rector +of Burnham Westgate, in West Norfolk. His practice became very +extensive, and in 1637 he was incorporated Doctor of Physic, in Oxford. +He married in 1641, Mrs. Mileham, of a good family in Norfolk. He had +ten children by her, of whom one son and three daughters survived their +parents. In 1646, Sir Thomas Browne published his “Enquiries into Vulgar +and Common Errors,” which passed through many editions. In 1658, the +discovery of some ancient urns in Norfolk, gave him occasion to write +“Hydriotaphia, Urn-burial, or, a Discourse of Sepulchral Urns;” in which +he treats with his usual learning on the funeral rites of ancient +nations, exhibits their various treatment of the dead, and examines the +substances found in the Norfolcian urns. To this treatise on Urn-burial +was added the “Garden of Cyrus; or, the Quincuxial Lozenge, or Network +Plantation of the Ancients, Artificially, Naturally, Mystically +Considered.” He doubted the Copernican hypothesis, on the same ground as +some divines distrust the Cuvierian system of Geology, as opposed to +Genesis. These were all the tracts which he published, but many papers +were found in his closet. Of these, two collections were published in +1722, and all his works were issued in a cheap form by G. H. Bohn, and +are in the Norwich Free Library. To the life of this learned man there +remains little to be added, but that in 1665 he was chosen Honorary +Fellow of the College of Physicians, as a man “_Virtute et literis +ornatissimus_,” eminently embellished with literature and virtue. In +1671, he received at Norwich, the honour of Knighthood from Charles II., +a prince, who, with many frailties and vices, had yet skill to discover +excellence and virtue, to reward it with such honorary distinctions, at +least, as cost him nothing. + +Sir Thomas Browne, in 1680, wrote a _Repertorium_, or Account of the +Tombs and Monuments in the Cathedral Church of Norwich. The basis of the +work was a sketch hastily drawn up twenty years previously on the +information of “an understanding singing man,” ninety-one years old, in +order to preserve the remembrance of some of the monumental antiquities +which barbarous zeal had destroyed. The reckless character of these +ravages has thus been exhibited in a description made on the spot and at +the moment, by one who suffered in his person, property, and health. + +Thus the knight lived in high reputation, till he was seized with a +colic, which, after having tortured him for about a week, put an end to +his life at Norwich, on his birthday, October 19th, 1682, having +completed his 77th year. Some of his last words were expressions of +submission to the will of God, and fearlessness of death. He lies buried +in the Church of St. Peter Mancroft, within the rails at the east end of +the chancel, with this inscription on a mural monument, placed in the +south pillar of the altar:— + + M. S. + HIC SITUS EST + THOMAS BROWNE, M.D. + ET MILES. + Ao 1605. LONDONI NATUS + GENEROSA FAMILIA APUD UPTON IN AGRO CESTRIENSI ORIUNDUS. + SCHOLA PRIMUM WINTONIENSI, POSTEA + IN COLL. PEMBR. + APUN OXONIENSES BONIS LITERIS + HAUD LEVITER IMBUTUS. + IN URBE HAC NORDOVICENSI MEDICINAM + ARTE EGREGIA, ET FŒLICI SUCCESSU PROFESSUS, + SCRIPTIS, QUIBUS TITULI, RELIGIO MEDICI + ET PSEUDODOXIA EPIDEMICA ALIISQUE + PER ORBEM NOTISSIMUS + VIR PIENTISSIMUS, INTEGERRIMUS, DOCTISSIMUS; + OBIIT OCTOBR. 19, 1682. + PIE POSUIT MŒSTISSIMA CONJUX + Da DOROTH. BR. + +Mr. Simon Wilkin, F.L.S., in a supplementary memoir, states that Dr. +Browne steadily adhered to the royal cause in perilous times. He was one +of the 432 principal citizens, who, in 1643, refused to subscribe towards +a fund for regaining the town of Newcastle. Charles II. was not likely +to have been ignorant of this, and he had, no doubt, the good feeling to +express his sense of it by a distinction which was, no doubt, gratifying +to Sir Thomas Browne. Sir Thomas is supposed to have lived in the last +house at the south end of the Gentleman’s Walk, where the Savings’ Bank +now stands. Blomefield asserts that he lived where Dr. Howman then +lived, (1760) and that he succeeded Alderman Anguish in that house; and +Mr. Simon Wilkin says that he ascertained by reference to title deeds, +that the last house at the southern extremity of the Gentleman’s Walk, +Haymarket, belonged, in Blomefield’s time, to Dr. Howman. This house was +for many years a china and glass warehouse, and tradition has always +asserted it to be Dr. Browne’s residence. The last occupier was Mr. +Swan, and the house was pulled down to make room for the Savings’ Bank. +It contained some spacious rooms. In the drawing room there was, over +the mantel-piece and occupying the entire space of the ceiling, a most +elaborate and richly ornamented carving of the royal arms of Charles II., +no doubt placed there by Sir Thomas to express his loyalty, and to +commemorate his knighthood. In Matthew Stevenson’s poems, 12mo, 1673, +there is a long poem on the progress of Charles II. into Norfolk, in +which the honour conferred on Browne is thus noticed:— + + “There the king knighted the so famous Browne, + Whose worth and learning to the world are known.” + +Early in October, 1673, Evelyn went down to the Earl of Arlington’s, at +Euston, in company with Sir Thomas Clifford, to join the royal party. +Lord Henry Howard arrived soon afterward, and prevailed on Mr. Evelyn to +accompany him to Norwich, promising to convey him back after a day or +two. “This,” he says, “as I could not refuse I was not hard to be +persuaded to, having a desire to see that famous scholar and physician, +Dr. T. Browne, author of the _Religio Medici_, and _Vulgar Errors_, &c., +now lately knighted.” After arriving in Norwich, Evelyn says:— + + “Next morning I went to see Sir Thomas Browne, with whom I had some + time corresponded by letter, though I had never seen him before. His + whole house and garden being a paradise and cabinet of rarities, and + that of the best collections, especially medails, books, plants, and + natural things. Amongst other curiosities, Sir Thomas had a + collection of the eggs of all the foule and birds he could procure, + that country (especially the promontory of Norfolk) being frequented, + as he said, by severall kinds, which seldome or never go further into + the land, as cranes, storkes, eagles, and a variety of water foule. + He led me to see all the remarkable places in this ancient city, + being one of the largest, and certainly, after London, one of the + noblest in England for its venerable Cathedralle, number of stately + churches, cleanesse of the streets, and buildings of flints so + exquistely headed and squared, as I was much astonished at; but he + told me they had lost the art of squaring the flints in which they + once so much excelled, and of which the churches, best houses, and + walls are built. The Castle is an antique extent of ground which now + they call Marsfield, and would have been a fitting area to have + placed the ducal palace in. The suburbs are large, the prospects are + sweete, with other amenities, not omitting the flower gardens, in + which all the inhabitants excel.” + +At that time the hamlets of Thorpe, Lakenham, and Heigham, were all +fields or cultivated grounds and gardens, and the city was interspersed +with gardens. + + +_Dr. Samuel Clarke_. + + +Samuel Clarke, D.D., was the son of Edward Clarke, one of the Aldermen of +Norwich, where he was born in 1675, and where he was educated at the +Grammar School, his father being at that time one of the representatives +of the city in parliament. In 1691, he was entered as a student in Caius +College, Cambridge, where his great capacity for learning was soon +developed, and where he became distinguished as a metaphysician, +mathematician, and divine. He was the author of many works, the chief of +which was a “Demonstration of the Being and Attributes of God.” Upon his +entering into holy orders, he became Chaplain to the learned Dr. Moore, +Bishop of Norwich, with whom he lived in great esteem, having the +advantage of the fine library of that prelate. In 1704, he was called to +an office worthy of all his learning, namely, that of lecturer on Mr. +Boyle’s foundation. He preached sermons concerning the Evidences of +Natural and Revealed Religion, which will always be highly esteemed. +Soon afterwards, he was presented to the living of St. Bennet’s, near +Paul’s Wharf, London, and where he constantly preached without notes. In +the same year he translated the _Optics of Sir Isaac Newton_ into elegant +Latin, which was so acceptable to that great philosopher, that he +presented £500 to the divine, being £100 for each of his children. He +was soon after made one of the Chaplains in Ordinary, and in 1709, Queen +Anne presented him to the Rectory of St. James’, Westminster, when he +went to Cambridge and took his degree of Doctor of Divinity. He died on +May 17th, 1729, aged 54 years. + + +_Robert_, _Viscount of Yarmouth_. + + +In 1683 died the Rt. Hon. Robert, Viscount of Yarmouth, Baron of Paston, +Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk and Norwich. He was buried at Oxnead. His +funeral sermon was preached by the Rev. John Hildeyard, LL.D., then +rector of Cawston, and it was afterwards published. At page 27 there is +the following passage, referring to the deceased viscount: + + “Great was his love to the ancient, loyal, and honourable corporation + of Norwich, because the members of that body, generally speaking, + loved the king; they found him their friend and, _maugre_ the blast + of calumny, the _new charter_ shall remain a token of it. He spared + no cost nor pains, as themselves can witness, to make the world + believe that he loved them. Most of the tables of his house were + spread together for their entertainment, and all his friends employed + to bid them welcome; nay, his very sleep was ofttimes broken to find + out ways how best to serve them, and he commended the care of the + city with his last breath, to all his best friends, and the blessing + of God.” + +Happy corporation, that had such a friend; but Blomefield says, + + “Whatever the Dr. (Hildeyard) might think of it, the effects of the + new charter now began to be too visible, for Mr. Nic Helwys was + chosen mayor, and eleven common council in room of those eleven of + the sixty common council appointed by the charter, which were not + qualified; but such choice was of no force till confirmed by the + king, who sent a letter under the privy seal, dated at Windsor, May + 17th, signifying by the Earl of Arundel that he approved of them, and + the names of the two elected sheriffs were signified to the Lord + Lieutenant, and that they were persons of loyalty, and therefore they + desired his lordship to give his gracious Majesty information thereof + in order to his approbation.” + + + +_Dr. John Cosin_. + + +John Cosin, D.D., was born in this city in 1594, and finished his studies +in Caius College, Cambridge, where he took his last degrees. When he +entered into holy orders he was presented to a Prebendary in the +Cathedral Church of Durham, and appointed Archdeacon of the East Riding +of Yorkshire. But the civil wars breaking out, and he being an active +Papist, he was obliged to seek refuge abroad till the Restoration in +1660, when he returned, and was promoted first to the Deanery of +Peterborough, and then to the Bishopric of Durham. He died at Durham, +aged 78, in 1672. + + +_Dr. John Pearson_. + + +John Pearson, D.D., was the son of a Clergyman in Norwich, where he was +born in 1613. He received the first rudiments of learning at Eton, +whence he was removed to King’s College, Cambridge, where he finished his +studies, and took his degrees. His first ecclesiastical preferment was a +Prebendary of Salisbury; and soon afterwards he was chosen Rector of St. +Clements, East Cheap, where he remained till 1660, and where he wrote his +learned explanation of the Creed. At the Restoration, he was appointed +Archdeacon of Surrey, and afterwards he was promoted to the See of +Chester, where he continued till his death, in 1686. + + +_John Goslin_. + + +John Goslin, a native of Norwich, flourished in the 17th century. He was +first Fellow and then Master of Caius College, in Cambridge, Proctor of +that University, and thrice Vice Chancellor thereof, a general scholar, +eloquent Latinist, and a rare physician, in which faculty he was Regius +Professor. He was a great benefactor to Catherine’s Hall, but left his +native city only the honour of his name. He died in 1625. + + +_The Rev. John Carter_. + + +The Rev. John Carter was an eccentric character in the city during this +century. He was born at Bramford, in Suffolk, in 1594, and became upper +minister of St. Peter Mancroft, Norwich, which position he held from 1638 +to 1653. He preached three extraordinary sermons before the corporation, +preparatory to the guild day festival in 1644, 1647, and 1650. The title +of the first is “The Nail Hit on the Head, and Driven into the City and +Cathedral Wall of Norwich;” of the second, “The Wheel Turned by a Voice +from the Throne of Glory;” and the third, “A Rare Sight; or, the Lyon +Sent from a Far Country, and Presented to the City of Norwich in a Sermon +upon the Solemne Guild Day, June 18th, 1650.” The third sermon fills 150 +pages, is the length of several modern sermons, and must have occupied +two hours and a half in the delivery; a terrible long grace to a guild +day dinner. It is ornamented with many wood cuts, among which is the +lion in various attitudes, couchant, guardant, rampant, passant, &c., +giving the preacher opportunities of displaying his knowledge of, at +least, the terms of heraldry, and sarcastically to apply them to the +magistracy. He says:— + + “In one respect, your city arms do very well befit you. It is a lion + with a castle over it. Many of you can be like lions, very + courageous, so long as you have a castle over you for protection and + countenance; but take away the castle, and who will expose himself to + danger? What a sordid thing is this! There is a lion couchant, but + never did I hear of a lion crouchant, or current, a fearful and + dastardly lion. Who among you will strike down a disorderly + ale-house, if the brewer that serves it be an alderman, a rich man, + or a friend?” + +The rest of the discourse is replete with coarse expressions, biting +sarcasms, and party prejudices, not likely to have edified, and much less +to have pleased the congregation. + + + +CHAPTER XIII. +Nonconformity in Norwich. + + +THE Church of Rome reigned supreme over all Europe for a thousand years, +but in the 15th century, reason revolted against her authority. +Lutheranism and Calvinism were the first forms of the revolt on the +Continent, and they assumed the names of Presbyterianism and Puritanism +in England and Scotland. Norwich, in common with Norfolk and Suffolk, +eventually took up the cause of the Reformation with a zeal and vehemence +which make them stand alone in the annals of history. + +Norwich Nonconformists, in times of the fiercest persecution, held many +prohibited meetings, which were sometimes discovered in different parts +of the city. Norfolk, situated as it is in the eastern coast, was the +refuge of many protestants, who fled from the Netherlands to escape from +the severe persecutions of the infamous Duke of Alva. Even before this +time, there were many in the county and city who objected to the new +service book, or English liturgy, published by the authority of Edward +VI. + +The Reformation made much progress here in the reign of this young and +pious king; but even then a disposition lingered to retain and enforce +some of the Romanist rites and ceremonies. The excellent Bishop Hooper, +who after all became a martyr, would probably have lost his life simply +for refusing to wear the priestly vestments, through the rigour of Bishop +Ridley (who himself afterwards suffered martyrdom) had he not at length +consented to wear them at his consecration. The Baptists, the +Unitarians, and all who went beyond the new state model were consigned to +the flames. + +Bishop Hooper was born in the year 1495, and was burnt in the reign of +Queen Mary. The sixty years of his life formed the most important period +of English history. When he was born, the Reformation had just begun; +when he died it had struck such deep roots amongst the people, especially +of Norwich and Norfolk, that neither force, nor persecution, nor argument +could stop its progress. In Bishop Hooper’s time, and in his diocese of +Gloucester, the ignorance of the clergy was amazing. Out of 311 of his +clergy he found 168 unable to repeat the ten commandments; 31 out of the +168 could not tell in what part of the Bible the ten commandments were to +be found; 40 could not tell where the Lord’s prayer was given, and 31 did +not know who was the author of it. In Norfolk and Norwich the clergy +were quite as ignorant of Scripture. They practised all kinds of +impositions on the people who were debased by superstition, immorality, +and vice. There was over all the land a darkness which might be felt. +The people had no bibles nor testaments, and the prayers of the church +were all in Latin, and of course the people could not understand them. +There was scarcely any preaching at all, but instead thereof profane +miracle plays were performed in the cathedral, and were paid for like any +other dramatic performance. + +In 1574, so notorious was the city for the nonconformity of many of the +ministers, that when orders were given to Archbishop Parker “to punish +the Puritan ministers, and put down the prophecyings, and readings, and +commenting on the Scriptures, which had been introduced into the church,” +the queen gave him private orders to begin with Norwich. Accordingly, in +1576, many of the Norwich ministers were suspended and treated so +severely, that even the Norfolk justices presented a petition to Her +Majesty, praying for lenity towards them. + +Robert Brown, a clergyman of Norwich, originated the sect of the +Brownists, afterwards called the Independents. He was at one time a +zealous promoter of that system, but English societies existed before +him, holding similar views. According to Sir Walter Raleigh, 20,000 +persons at least held independent principles of ecclesiastical polity. +Amongst these were many men of great learning and distinction, all of +whom were commanded to quit the realm. Wherever found, they were +imprisoned, with or without law, for life. Elias Thacker and John +Copping suffered death at Bury St. Edmund’s. John Lewis was burnt at +Norwich. Francis Kett, M.A., for holding “detestable opinions,” was also +burnt alive in Norwich. William Dennys was a martyr in the same cause, +at Thetford. Greenwood, Barrow, and Penry fell as martyrs of conscience. +Johnson, Smith, Answorth, Canne, Robinson, and Jacob, only escaped by +flight to Holland, and found liberty there to form several churches, and +to compose an elaborate account of their doctrines and principles, a fact +which testifies to their enlightened piety and superior learning. + +In the reign of James I. no favour was shown to the Puritans, but on the +contrary, severities were continued. The king amply fulfilled his threat +to the Puritans at the Hampton Court conference;—“_If this be all your +party has to say_, _I will make them conform or harrie them out of the +land_, _or else do worse_.” By these proceedings the country was +rendered almost destitute of preachers, and scandalous men undertook the +care of souls in place of the zealous refugees. This King James +published the “Book of Sports,” in vindication of the encouragement of +various games on the sabbath day. Bishop Kennett styles it “A trap to +catch tender consciences,” and a means of promoting the ease, wealth, and +grandeur of the bishops. This book was, in the next reign, (Charles I.) +republished by the bigotted Archbishop Laud; and it was ordered to be +read in every church throughout the kingdom. The bishop of Norwich, then +Bishop Wren, was very peremptory on this and other points. He is said to +have driven upwards of 3000 persons to seek bread in a foreign land. The +woollen trade of Norwich, which had been created by the Flemish refugees, +was mostly in the hands of the Puritans, and the rigorous measures of +this prelate nearly destroyed it by banishing them. + +Mr. W. Bridge, M.A., was the lecturer of St. George Tombland, Norwich, up +to the year 1637. He was a pious and learned man, who held other livings +and performed his duties well. To him, on a certain day, came Bishop +Wren’s order to read the “Book of Sports” on the next Sunday in church. +He sat in dejection, with the odious volume before him, abhorring the +profaneness of its contents and its daring contradiction of Scripture. +He resolved not to read it. He took counsel of his brethren, and several +of them together refused compliance, fled to Yarmouth, and thence with +sad hearts embarked for Holland, where they spent many anxious years, +hoping to be allowed to return. Laud informed King Charles I. that +Bridge had left two livings and a lectureship and had fled to Holland; +and the king wrote against his name this bitter sentence: “_We are well +rid of him_.” It was an expression worthy of a bigoted and worldly mind. +Thus it appears that the reformation was not the work of kings or +bishops, or the great and learned. The history of those times is the +history of persecuting power in opposition to the progress of the +Gospel—an opposition the more dreadful inasmuch as it was carried on +under the pretence of doing service to religion. + +The Reformed Church of England acknowledged the right of private judgment +in theory, but ignored it in practice. The Puritans, on the other hand, +carried it out to its legitimate consequences; and Milton, their great +champion, advocated absolute freedom of thought and speech as the +birthright of every man. No doubt Puritanism ran into some excesses of +bigotry and intolerance, but it was an intolerant age. Puritanism, +however, preserved civil and religious liberty and the right of private +judgment, and perpetuated that right to all sects and classes of the +nation. Puritanism has been charged with the sin of schism, but the +early reformers were forced into it by persecution for conscientious +scruples respecting points of doctrine and discipline. William Bridge, +Asty, Allen, Cromwell, and Fynch, all were thrown out of their livings by +the Act of Uniformity, and became Nonconformist ministers in Norwich. +Without any conference the question put to them was, “_Will you upon oath +conform_?” The answer was, “We cannot.” Immediate expulsion followed. +Where, then, was the sin of schism? Their sin would have been in +conformity. They would have proved to the world that they were mere +hirelings, like the “Vicar of Bray,” who changed his religion to please +the reigning sovereign of the day. Bridge, returning with some others to +his native county, founded the first Independent church at Yarmouth about +1642. A year later the church at Norwich was formed into a distinct +body. They met at first in a brew-house in St. Edmund’s, afterwards in +the refectory over the cloisters in the convent formerly belonging to the +Black Friars. + + +THE INDEPENDENTS. + + +We shall now briefly advert to the rise of the Nonconformist religious +denominations in this city, and quote a passage from a discourse by the +Rev. A. Reed, delivered at the Old Meeting House, Norwich, on February +27th, 1842, on the occasion of the second centenary. He said,— + + “There is no doubt that in or about 1641 many refugees returned to + their homes in Norwich, Yarmouth, and other places. Those who + returned to the two former localities had been united together in + fellowship with the church at Rotterdam. They earnestly desired + that, as they had been companions in suffering, they might not cease + to form one church. The difficulty was where to fix the joint + society. Norwich offered liberty and opportunity. But the proximity + of Yarmouth to the sea was desirable for safety. Early in 1642 they + met, probably in Norwich, to discuss the point; and agreed to send to + Rotterdam for leave to gather in fellowship here. The assent reached + them in the autumn, authorizing them to form a church at Norwich or + other place. On November 23rd, 1642, they met to form a church. + Most of the members’ names, twelve in all, we find afterwards + attached to the Norwich covenant. They did not settle the question + of place at this meeting. The Yarmouth church book records a + resolution to fix the church at Norwich for the present. They met + again for this purpose, and the brethren at Norwich, out of an + earnest desire to finish the work of incorporating a church, yielded + that the church meetings (i.e. ordinances and meetings for admission + of members) should be for the present at Yarmouth. The church was to + settle with all convenient speed where most liberty and opportunity + appeared, and wherever the increase of the church was greatest; but + none of them were required to remove their habitations at present. + Soon after this agreement, however, the Norwich brethren find these + concessions too inconvenient; they beg that the church may be settled + at Norwich, and that the Yarmouth people would remove to the city. + At length they consent reluctantly to part company, and a separate + church is formed at Norwich. But the materials for the society + already existed, and owing to these facts, the early date of 1642 + appears to me to belong as much to us as to our sister society at + Yarmouth.” + +The records of the congregational church at Beccles contain information +of much historic value to all the congregational churches in Norwich, +Norfolk, and Suffolk, and from those records the following particulars +are derived. On June 10th, 1644, the Church at Norwich in the Old +Meeting House was regularly formed. Mr. Oxenbridge, assistant pastor at +Yarmouth, and several of the Yarmouth brethren were present, when the +covenant was adopted and signed afresh. On July 26th, 1647, Mr. Timothy +Armitage was unanimously chosen pastor. The members were 32 in number. + +After the death of Mr. Armitage, in 1655, Mr. Thomas Allen, M.A., gave up +the station he held of “Preacher to the City” in January, 1656, to become +pastor of the Old Meeting. During his long ministry of 17 years, the +cause continued to flourish, the congregation being large. He died +September 21, 1673. + +On October 9th, 1675, Mr. John Cromwell was ordained pastor, and Mr. +Robert Asty an assistant pastor. Mr. Asty was an ejected minister of +Suffolk, an author, and a useful, devout preacher. Still the church +grew, and was the centre of much good to the city and county, for many +congregations were established in Norfolk and Suffolk, at Wymondham, +North Walsham, Guestwick, Tunstead, Stalham, Edgefield, and other places. + +Then followed, about 1685, Mr. Martin Fynch, who was an ejected clergyman +of Totney, in Lincolnshire. An elaborate inscription yet remains on his +tombstone, to record his worth and usefulness. He was carried to his +grave on the shoulders of his deacons, amidst great lamentations of the +whole church and congregation. About two or three years before his +death, a handsome and spacious brick edifice was erected, which is the +present Old Meeting House. In 1688, the Revolution promoted the cause of +religious liberty. Many distinguished residents in the city now joined +the nonconformists, and the resources of the society were increased by +endowments left for the benefit of the poor, and other purposes. + +Mr. John Stackhouse succeeded Mr. Fynch in 1690, and continued pastor for +17 years. Towards the close of his pastorate, the church began to suffer +from its altered circumstances. It had become far too worldly for its +spiritual welfare. The bonds of unity, so long preserved by Christian +charity, grew weak. The members divided in reference to the choice of a +co-pastor, and the dispute ran so high, that the minister and most of the +congregation were actually driven out of their place of worship, and were +obliged to fit up a meeting house in the ruins of the Black Friars’ +convent. Mr. Stackhouse died without witnessing a reconciliation between +the mutually offended parties. + +Mr. Thomas Scott left the pastorate of the church of Hitchin, in Herts, +and settled in Norwich in 1709. The two parties were reconciled under +his ministry, and he returned to the Old Meeting House about 1717, under +very favorable auspices. His son, Mr. Nichol Scott, became his +assistant, and a most unhappy difference on a point of doctrine once more +kindled the flame of discord. The son was dismissed in 1737, and numbers +of his hearers left with him. For a time he lectured in the French +Church, but finding little encouragement, he became a doctor of physic, +and practised in the city. The father’s mind was so shattered by the +dispute, that he became almost unfit for ministerial work. He died in +1746. + +Mr. Scott was, in his latter years, assisted by Mr. Abraham Tozer, who +now succeeded to the charge at Norwich. Dr. Doddridge assisted at his +ordination, and Mr. Samuel Wood was chosen co-pastor with Mr. Tozer. On +the removal of the latter to Exeter, Mr. Wood, afterwards Dr. Wood, held +the pastoral office for twenty years. The church enjoyed, under his +care, a season of prosperity and peace, and the meeting house was densely +crowded. He died, November 2nd, 1767, much lamented. + +Mr. Samuel Newton, who had been assistant preacher, was ordained pastor +February 16th, 1768, and continued in the office fifty-six years. He +gave the second list of the whole number of members, which had increased +to 108. He had five assistants in succession. Mr. Hull was the last +assistant, and on the death of Mr. Newton, June 29th, 1809, succeeded him +in the pastoral office. The number of members increased to 112 in 1811, +and to 156 in 1820. Mr. Hull officiated fourteen years, and then +resigned in consequence of a disagreement with the deacons. He became a +church clergyman and perpetual curate of St. Gregory’s in this city. + +The Rev. Stephen Morell removed from Exeter and was chosen pastor in June +17th, 1824, and he died in October of the same year. The church next +invited the services of the Rev. J. B. Innes, of Weymouth, in 1825, and +being chosen pastor, he continued in the office twelve years. He died in +April, 1837. He was greatly beloved by his personal friends, and his +character and talents were held in general esteem. + +The vacant office was next filled by the Rev. J. H. Godwin, who was +ordained to it on December 6th, 1837. After fulfilling the pastoral +duties for two years, he became resident tutor of Highbury College. The +Rev. A. Reed was then invited to fill the office, and became pastor over +a church of 190 members. He continued till 1855, and then removed to a +wider sphere of labour. The Rev. John Hallett was invited in the +following year, and is now the esteemed minister of the church. Mr. +Hallett, in a recent contribution to the pages of the _Evangelical +Magazine_ on the history of the Old Meeting House, says:— + + “The Rev. A. Reed, B.A., now of St. Leonard’s, was Mr. Godwin’s + successor till 1855. Under his superintendence, bicentenary + services, commemorating the foundation of the church, were held, + which, judging from published and oral reports, must have been of a + stirring and deeply interesting character. Spacious school-rooms + were erected, and large day-schools established. Many still live in + our midst who gratefully attest the faithfulness and success of Mr. + Reed’s pastorate. + + “In April, 1856, the writer was, he believes, divinely led to occupy + the vacant post. For obvious reasons, the history of the last twelve + years must remain untold. It may, however, be stated that the + present pastor, like his predecessor, has had the privilege of + celebrating a bicentenary. For reasons before assigned, it will + probably be conceded that nowhere was it more proper that a + bicentenary commemoration of the ejectment of 1662 should be held + than in this Old Meeting House, and that a more fitting way of + commemorating it could not be devised than that of enfranchising the + building in which some of them laboured, and the ‘yard’ in which they + sleep. This was accordingly done. The premises, which were + leasehold, and the lease of which was nearly expired, were purchased + and repaired at a large outlay, and then put in trust for the + denomination. ‘Thus, for nearly two centuries, has the Lord + preserved to Himself a worshipping people in this place. Thousands + have found this ancient sanctuary the very ‘House of God,’ and, + literally, ‘the gate of Heaven,’ and are now enjoying the full glory + they anticipated here. And,’ adds my predecessor, with a + thankfulness and faith in which I fully share, ‘still the waters flow + strong and deep, and the banks are green with promise, and through + future ages the brook shall not be dried up, but with purer, wider, + stronger, and more fertilizing current, shall form one of those + millennial streams wherewith the whole earth shall be watered as a + fruitful garden of the Lord.’” + + + +THE BAPTISTS. + + +Mr. Martin Hood Wilkin, in his life of Joseph Kinghorn, gives the +following account of the origin of the Baptist denomination. A General +(Arminian) Baptist Church was formed in Norwich in 1686 by the learned +and zealous Thomas Grantham. They purchased a part of the White Friars’ +Priory in St. James’s, on the site of which they built the Meeting House +now known as the Priory Yard Chapel. From this Church several members +separated at a very early period and formed the Particular (Calvinistic) +Baptist Church, over which Mr. Kinghorn afterwards presided. Of its +history he has left a somewhat elaborate sketch in the notes of the last +sermon he preached in the Meeting House, in St. Mary’s, before it was +taken down in 1811. He says, + + “Of the origin of this Church I find no record. The first date in + our old Church book is 1691. In 1693, we find an account of + admonition given to a brother who had, ‘for several years past,’ + withdrawn himself from the Communion of the Church. * * * I find a + statement of the sentiments of the Church in that time, entitled, + ‘The several articles of our faith, in which with one accord we + agree.’ Of the state of the Church I can say but little. A list of + 55 members follows, which appears to have been the number at that + time. Of their minister I can say still less, except that the second + and third articles in the book are drawn up with that precision which + marks the junction of talent and education, especially at a time when + few had any claim to the advantages of a classical education. One of + these is signed ‘Edward Williams, pastor.’ * * * * At this time our + ancestors met for the worship of God in the ‘Granary,’ in St. + Michael’s Coslany. Their baptisms were performed in the river. At + one period, a friend had premises convenient, and in the memory of + some now alive, they were used for that purpose; but such is the + effect of habit, that the prejudice in favour of a mode so primitive + continued some time after better conveniences were obtained. From + this period nothing of importance is to be discovered till 1745. + Then the premises which stood on this spot were purchased and the + Meeting (house) was erected, which was nearly two-thirds the size of + the present building. When it was finished I do not find, but from a + private record I am informed, that Mr. Lindoe, who for many years was + an honourable and valued deacon, was the first person baptised in + this house, and this was on March 15th, 1746. From this period, for + some time, the Church seems to have worn a flourishing appearance on + the whole. They had a minister, Mr. John Stearne, who was evidently + a superior man. He died in July, 1755. Rev. George Simson, M.A., + from Cambridge, accepted a call from Mr. Stearne’s Church, went to + Norwich, in 1758, continued there two or three years, and then + removed to Warwick, where he had formerly been pastor, and where, + weighed down by age and infirmities, he died suddenly in 1763. After + this period there was an evident decline for some years, though to + what extent I am not able to say. Afterwards there was an appearance + of prosperity. In 1766 I find a list of members again, amounting to + 59, the largest number hitherto met with, but alas! after that + period, there was much to be lamented. There was the evil conduct of + some, and a spirit of division in others, which all tended to + mischief. * * * * But we are now approaching a period within the + remembrance of many of you, in which it will be useless to attempt to + trace the history of events which you know. Suffice it then, to say + that causes already mentioned brought the Church and congregation + down to a very low ebb, when Mr. David, whose name I have heard so + many of you repeat with esteem and affection, first came here. On + his ordination, the list of members that appeared in the Church book, + and which included all the members as they stood at that time, was + only 31; and now events took a turn. The short period of his life + was distinguished by its utility. The Meeting House became too small + for the congregation, and in 1783, it was enlarged to its present + size.” + +Such is Mr. Kinghorn’s account (condensed) of the early Baptist Churches. +After a visit to the North, he returned to Norwich in July, 1789, and +then commenced the long career of his ministry at St. Mary’s Chapel, +though the invitation to the pastoral office was not received till some +months afterwards. He rigidly adhered to what is called “strict +communion” in his Church, admitting only those who had been immersed to +the Lord’s supper; and on this point he maintained a long controversy +with Mr. Robert Hall, of Bristol, who advocated “free communion” with all +believers in a Work published in 1815. The Rev. J. Kinghorn was much +esteemed by his numerous friends, including Mrs. Opie, J. J. Gurney, +Esq., Rev. J. Alexander, Bishop Bathurst, Mr. W. Wilkin, Mr. W. Taylor, +and others, of Norwich, and many more men of learning all over the +country. He took rank among the Nonconformists with Mr. R. Hall of +Bristol, Mr. Foster, the author of _Essays on Decision of Character_, Mr. +Innes, and Mr. James A. Haldane, of Edinburgh. + +The following TRIBUTARY LINES are by MRS. OPIE, on hearing it said that +J. Kinghorn “was fit to die.” + + “Hail! words of truth, that Christian comfort give! + But then the ‘fit to die,’ how fit to live! + To live a bright example to mankind, + ‘Feet to the lame and eyesight to the blind!’ + To lift the lamp, the word of God, on high; + To point to Calvary’s mount the sinner’s eye; + To tread the path the first Apostles trod, + And earn that precious name, ‘a man of God.’ + He lived whom Christian hearts deplore, + And hence the grief—he lives for us no more. + But faith exulting joins the general cry, + He, fit to live, was greatly fit to die!” + +Mr. Kinghorn was succeeded by the Rev. W. Brock, who was the esteemed +pastor for many years, and is now the minister of Bloomsbury Chapel, +London. He was followed by the present minister, the Rev. G. Gould. + + * * * * * + +The Calvinistic Methodists in Norwich seem to have been originated by Mr. +James Wheatley, who came to the city about 1750, and preached at first in +the open-air, on Tombland and the Castle Hill. Great excitement was +produced, and a temporary building was soon erected, and called the +Tabernacle. The site has been changed, but the name is still retained. +The present Tabernacle was built in 1784. + +The Wesleyan Methodists first appeared in Norwich in 1754, when the Revs. +John and Charles Wesley visited the city, and the Rev. J. Wesley preached +here for some time, and on leaving, appointed Mr. T. Oliver in his room. +One of his successors was the Rev. R. Robinson, afterwards at Cambridge, +who also preached for some time at the Tabernacle; and another was Dr. +Adam Clarke, the learned Commentator, who was appointed in 1783, but left +in 1785. Their first chapel was built in 1769, in Cherry Lane. + + + +CHAPTER XIV. +Social State of the City from the Fourteenth to the Eighteenth Centuries. + + +BEFORE we proceed to chronicle the leading local events of the 18th +century, it may not be altogether unprofitable to review briefly the +social state of the city during some 300 or 400 years preceding. In +doing this we may now and then have to advert to matters to which we have +alluded already; but at the risk even of an occasional repetition, it +will be worth while—in order to help our readers to appreciate subsequent +improvements at their proper worth—to consider a little more minutely +than we have yet done, the physical circumstances under which the +citizens have lived in former centuries, and the various influences to +which they have been subject. + +A “Chapter of Horrors” might be written, descriptive of the plagues, +pestilences, famines, floods, and fires, which devastated the city and +county for 300 years. It would seem as if the darkness and gloom of the +physical world corresponded at times with the superstitions and vices of +the people. The dark ages were ages of terrible calamities, and England +was then a terrible country to live in. Plagues and pestilences now and +again desolated the whole land, and Norfolk and Norwich did not escape +the ravages of diseases emphatically named the “Black Death.” +Exaggerated accounts must have been given of the desolations caused by +these various scourges, or else both city and county must have more than +once lost the great part of their inhabitants. + +Blomefield is responsible for very dark pictures indeed; but his +statements, right or wrong, have been endorsed by later compilers of +local history. We are told, by one writer, for instance, that:— + + “In 1348, the plague, which had lately ravaged the greatest part of + the known world, broke out in this city; wherein there died, + according to the most credible accounts, within the space of twelve + months, upwards of 57,000 persons, besides religious and beggars; and + this will not appear very surprising, when we consider that in some + places not one-fifth part of the people were left alive, and that + Norwich was more populous at that time than it has ever been since. + It then contained sixty churches, besides conventual ones, within the + walls; and the large parishes of Heigham and Pockthorpe, and the + large chapel of St. Mary Magdalene without them.” + +Such is the astounding statement in a local history printed by John +Crouse, in 1768. Where he got his “credible accounts” he does not say, +and he moreover gives the statement of the Domesday Book, that in 1086, +the city contained only 1565 burgesses; so that the population must have +increased in 250 years to a most fabulous extent, for 57,000 persons to +have died of the plague in 1348. In 1377, a census was taken of some +large towns, and Norwich was then found to contain 5300 people. But in +truth the number, 57,000, very probably applied to the whole diocese, for +the same local history states:— + + “This severe visitation was not confined to the city alone, but + cruelly extended itself all over the diocese; so that in many + monasteries and religious houses, there were scarce two out of twenty + left alive. From the register book it appears that in the course of + the year there were 863 institutions. The clergy dying so fast, that + they were obliged to induct into livings numbers of youths who had + but just received the tonsure.” + +The register in question was, no doubt, one of the whole diocese. + +In 1361 there happened a great dearth, attended by the plague; this was +called the second pestilence. And on January 15th, in the same year, +there arose so furious a storm of wind from the south west, as to throw +down the tower of the cathedral, which falling on the choir demolished a +great part of it. The storm raged violently for six or seven days, and +was succeeded by a prodigious fall of rain, which occasioned incredible +damage by inundations. Where the inundations occurred is not stated in +the local history, but if in the city the damage must have been great +indeed. + +In 1369, the plague broke out afresh and carried off great numbers of +people very suddenly. Yet in 1371, the citizens were commanded to +furnish the king with a good barge, sufficiently equipped for war to +serve against his enemies, the French and Spaniards. This does not +indicate that the city had been almost depopulated only a few years +before. Indeed, during all this time the citizens had been doing their +best by legal contests to hinder Yarmouth being made a staple town, +though they did not succeed. + +About 1390 a great mortality broke out in the city, occasioned by the +people eating unwholesome food; and this not so much from a scarcity of +corn as of money to purchase it. The plague raged greatly in Norfolk and +in many other counties, and was nearly equal in severity to the first +great pestilence. So states the local narrative which we have just +quoted; and yet, according to the census of 1377, as already stated, the +population was only 5300! What reliance then can be placed on such +accounts? The calamities recorded were, no doubt, sufficiently awful +without the aid of exaggeration. + +In 1578, the plague again broke out, and continued to rage nearly two +years; destroying 2335 natives and 2482 strangers. During the infection, +it was ordered that every person coming from an infected house, should +carry in his hand a small wand two feet in length; and that no such +person should appear at any court or public place, or be present at any +sermon; and that the inscription, “Lord have mercy on us,” should be +placed over the door of every infected house, and there remain until the +house had been clear of the infection for one month at least. + +In 1583, the plague broke out once more, and 800 or 900 persons died of +it, chiefly “strangers;” and in 1588, the same disease again raged in the +city, but not very violently. Notwithstanding all these awful +visitations, no proper sanitary measures appear to have been adopted. + +In 1593, there happened so great a drought, that many cattle perished for +want of water; but it is stated that in the year following it scarcely +ceased raining, day or night, from June 21st to the end of July. + +In 1602, the plague again raged with almost unprecedented fury, there +dying thereof 30,578 in London, and 3076 in Norwich. This visitation, +moreover, was attended with so great a scarcity, that wheat sold for ten, +rye for six, and barley for five shillings a bushel—a very high price in +those days; and the poor in the city must then have been in a dreadful +state of destitution. Again, in the summer of 1609, the city was visited +by its former scourge, though but few died of it. The mayor received a +letter from the privy council to keep up the ancient strictness and +severity of lent, as if the poor had not fasted long enough! + +In 1625, we find that something like sanitary measures were begun. On +July 12th of that year, the mayor received a commission authorising the +body corporate to levy a tax on all the inhabitants, to be applied +towards scouring the ditches, and the removal of all nuisances in and +about the city, the better to prevent the spreading of the plague which +had lately broken out in Yarmouth, having been occasioned by the arrival +there of some infected persons. These precautions not having the desired +effect, the Black Tower, then on Butter Hills, was fitted up for the +reception of the afflicted poor. In September, about 40 died in a week, +and the plague raged till May, 1626, when it began to abate. As many as +1431 persons died while the disease continued. + +In 1646, the plague again made its appearance in Norwich, but its effects +were not very fatal. In 1665, however, it broke out once more, and made +dreadful ravages; carrying off 2251 persons. During its continuance, at +the instance of the County Magistrates, the Market was held in the Town +Close, and the City was not quite cleared of the disease till the end of +1667. The Bishop then ordered September 19th to be observed as a day of +general thanksgiving to God for His great mercy in putting a stop to the +pestilence. All quite right and proper, but had there been more +cleansing as well as praying, the city might not have suffered so +severely. The Corporation had utterly and entirely ignored its chief +duty in regard to all sanitary rules and regulations. There was scarcely +an apology for a system of drainage, and never a sufficient supply of +water. The poor people were cooped up in narrow yards, courts, and +streets, and, on account of high prices, could seldom obtain wholesome +food. They had a terrible revenge in these direful plagues, which +destroyed the rich in their fine houses, as well as the poor in their +hovels. + +Some idea of the social state of the city during this period may be +formed from a few gleanings from the City Records, from which it will +appear, that from the 14th till the 18th century, though the authorities +neglected to improve the sanitary condition of the city, they took great +care to protect the people from frauds of brewers, traders, and +manufacturers, who were at least strongly suspected of being addicted to +dishonest practices. Mr. R. Fitch, of this city, has published some +interesting notices of “Brewers’ Marks and Trade Regulations.” These are +of great historical interest, and we therefore make no apology to our +readers for reproducing the following extracts:— + + “Scarcely a trade was exempt from these regulations, some of which + were attended with espionage so peculiar and strict as to lead us to + wonder why public opinion, although in those days admittedly weak, + was not so far aroused as, by its own voice, to free the community + from some of the petty, if not the heavier restrictions. + + “Brewers, we discover, had especial symbols of their own, which they + registered when licensed to follow their occupations, and it was also + found that these marks were borne by successive followers of the same + trade, until the business of succeeding firms became extinguished by + the death or retirement of the last of a long line of brewers, and + then only did the particular symbol fall into disuse. + + “From the year 1606 to 1725, no less than fifty separate marks have + been found in the City of Norwich, some of them being borne as + symbolical of a particular brew-house, by eight or nine persons, who + followed each other in one and the same occupation. These marks were + noted in a variety of documents, belonging to the Corporation, one + preserved in their muniment room. They appeared, for instance, in a + ‘Brewer’s book,’ or the book of the ‘Clarke of the Market,’ and in + books recording the proceeding of city courts and assemblies. The + following extracts taken from the ‘Brewers’ Book’ relate to the + government of all brewers’ houses and tippling houses, fully bearing + out the opinion previously expressed as regards the strictness of the + laws by which such places were regulated. + + “‘The enquirie for Brewers to ye Booke of ye Clarke of ye Market, and + is taken out of his booke:— + + “‘Items, to be enquired of Ale brewers; whether they brewe their ale + of anie maner of fustie, dustie, or wealved maulte, mixed or mingled + with any hoppes, roson, chalke, or any other noisome or unwholesome + corn or liquor. + + “‘And yt they make noe rawe ale or long roping ale, keeping their Ale + fixed, yt is to say, twelve pence highning and twelve pence lowning + in a quarter of maulte. For when ye mace buy a quart of maulte for + two shillings, then ye may sell a gallon of ye best ale for an halfe + penny; three shillings, three farthings; foure shillings, foure + farthings; five shillings, five farthings; six shillings, six + farthings; seven shillings, seven farthings; eight shillings, eight + farthings; nine shillings, nine farthings; and so forth and no + further. + + “‘And to sell a quarte of the best ale for a halfe penny, with + measures true sized, and sealed according to the King’s standard, and + doing the contrarie to be punished. + + “Thus it appears that brewing was a very ancient business in this + city in the 16th century, and the best ale was sold for a half penny + per quart before the iniquitous malt-tax was imposed. + + “The following are extracts from the statutes, &c. + + “‘Statute 23, Henry 8. That no Brewer shall hence forth occupie ye + misterie or craft of coupers, no make any barrells, &c., wherein they + shall put their beer or ale. Penalty 3d. 4d. for every vessell. + + “‘Every vessell to be made of seasonable wood, and marked with ye + coupers’ mark, ye contents of every vessell for Beer, as above said + or more. + + “‘Coupers not to inhance ye prices of vessells, but keepe this rate, + on forfeit of 3d. 4d. for every vessell, defective or enhanced, viz. + Barrell for beer, ixd.; Kynderkyn, vd.; Ferkyn, iijd.; Ale Barrell, + xvjd.; Kynderkyn, ixd.; Ferkyn, vd. Brewers not to put Beer or Ale + to sale but in Barrells, &c., conteyning as above said. And to sell + at such prices as affixed by ye Justices of ye Peace of ye County, or + Maior, Sheriff, or other head officers of City, Borough, and Town + Corporate, under forfeiture as above, under Beere brewers out of + Clarke of Markets book, half to ye king, and half to him who will + sue.’” + + “No doubt other traders, as well as brewers and keepers of tippling + houses, were regulated by corresponding laws. Indeed this appears + from the records and orders in the books of the corporate assembly. + In the 8th year of Edward IV., the mayor issued an order in the name + of the king, that brewers were not to sell yeast, but to give it away + to whoever wanted it, as it had been freely given away time out of + mind. By the 4th and 5th of Philip and Mary, it was enacted that:—” + + “No bere bruer to brewe nor sell to any typpler, or other person, any + bere called doble doble bere, but only two sorts of bere, viz., best + bere and small bere, upon forfeit of ye beer and cask.” + + “According to the Brewers’ Assembly book, 30th July, 1657, the + brewers agreed, by reason of 2/6 excise per barrel, that they would + not sell any strong beer to any ale-house keeper, under 12/- per + barrel of beer, and excise. It was also agreed in August, 1657, that + ale-house keepers might sell one wine quart of strong beer for a + penny. There were three sorts of beer of different prices, viz., + 4/-, 6/-, and 10/- per barrel, beside excise. The brewers of beer + petitioned strongly against the tax of 2/6 per barrel, as a great + hardship and injustice. The names of 40 brewers are recorded in this + city, from 1600 to 1725.” + + “Brewers’ marks are entered as early as 1606, and as late as 1725. + The mark, No. 1, John Boyce, was first borne by Henry Woodes, in + 1606, and after him by five successive brewers, ending with this John + Boyce, in 1725. As yet, the regulations relating to trade marks + generally are very imperfectly known, leaving a wide field of + research to those who desire further information. The same marks + passed from one brewer to his successors, and they were held in all + their integrity, till within a century and a half of our own time. + It would be an important contribution to local history, if all the + rules relating to trade could be collected and elucidated.” + + + +CHAPTER XV. +Norwich in the Eighteenth Century. + + +THE Reformation had now become an established fact in the Churches of +England and Scotland; the glorious Revolution of 1688 had been +accomplished; the civil wars were over, and the country enjoyed a long +period of repose. Local events had, it is true, become of less +importance, because less connected with general history; but the +narrative will not be the less interesting to local readers. Walls and +gates still surrounded the old city, and confined it within narrow +limits. All the principal streets within the walls were now built. The +population had increased to 28,000, the working classes being chiefly +employed in textile manufactures, which were in great demand all over +Europe. The operatives were well employed and well paid during the +greater part of this century. It was, in short, a flourishing period in +the history of Norwich, as regards its manufactures and its trade. + +Queen Anne was proclaimed here on March 12th, 1701, and was crowned on +April 3rd, 1702, with extraordinary exhibitions of joy. In this year, +too, the art of printing, which had been for some time discontinued here, +was revived, and Francis Burgess soon afterwards opened a printing office +near the Red Well. In 1701, the first newspaper, called the Norwich +Gazette, was published by Henry Cosgrove, he being assisted in the +undertaking by the celebrated Edward Cave, the original planner and +founder of the _Gentleman’s Magazine_, which was first published in 1731. +The Gazette was subsequently enlarged, and called the _Norfolk Chronicle +and Norwich Gazette_, published by Messrs. Stevenson and Matchett. The +former gentleman was a learned antiquarian, and published “The +Antiquities of Ely.” + +In 1705, the Weavers’ Hall was broken open, and the books were destroyed, +since which time the custom of sealing stuffs has been disused. What was +the cause of the tumult does not appear. + +In 1706, a great part of the city was laid under water by two violent +floods, both of which happened in the month of November. + +In 1711, the first act was passed for erecting workhouses, &c., in this +city; by which it was provided— + + “That from and after the first day of May, 1712, there shall be a + corporation to continue for ever, within the said city of Norwich and + county of the same, and liberties thereof, consisting of mayor, + recorder, and steward, justices of the peace, sheriffs, and aldermen + of the said city for the time being, and of thirty-two other persons + of the most honest, discreet, and charitable inhabitants of the said + city and county, in the four great wards of the said city, and the + towns, and out parishes in the county of the said city, in such + manner as is hereinafter expressed, and the said thirty-two persons + shall be elected on the third day of May next ensuing, or within + three days after, at an assembly of the said city, for that purpose + to be held, by the votes of the mayor, sheriffs, citizens, and + commonalty, in common council assembled, or of the major part of them + present.” + +Then follow the provisions of the act by which all the parishes in the +city were incorporated for the relief of the poor. The Court of +Guardians was constituted, and empowered to assess to the poor rates all +lands, houses, tenements, tithes, stock, and personal estates. The +assessment of stock and personal estate, as may be easily imagined, +caused great dissatisfaction amongst the rate-payers possessed of +property, and was abolished in 1827, when a new act was obtained which +considerably altered the constitution of the court. This act was further +amended by another passed in 1831, and that was superseded in 1863, by +the act at this time in force. + +In 1712, the steeple of the new Hall, now St. Andrew’s Hall, fell down +and was never rebuilt. + +In 1713, the Duke of Ormond was appointed Lord-Lieutenant of Norfolk and +Norwich, in the room of Lord Townshend. + +George I. was proclaimed here on the 3rd of August, 1714, two days after +Queen Anne died. + +In 1714 a Bethel was built for the reception of poor lunatics by Mrs. +Mary Chapman—one of the first charitable foundations in this country for +those unhappy persons. In 1717 she endowed the same by her will, in +which is the following pious clause:— + + “Whereas it has pleased Almighty God to visit and afflict some of my + nearest relations with lunacy, but has blessed me with the use of my + reason and understanding; as a monument of my thankfulnesss for this + invaluable mercy, I settle Bethel, &c., for this purpose.” + +She was the widow of the Rev. Mr. Chapman, minister of St. Lawrence. + +In 1715, in consequence of the rebellion in the north, an artillery +company of 100 men was first raised in Norwich. William Hall, Esq., was +their captain. + +On January 8th of the same year, Sir Peter Seaman, an Alderman, died and +left provision for binding out two poor city boys yearly. On December +17th of the same year, Thomas Hall, Esq., merchant, died. He founded a +monthly sacramental lecture; bequeathed several legacies to charities, +and left £100 for a gold chain to be worn by the Mayor of Norwich, and +which is the same as is now worn by the deputy mayor. It weighs 23 ozs. +6 dwts. Mr. Hall was interred with great funeral pomp at St. George’s +Colegate. His portrait was presented by John and Edward Taylor, Esqs., +to the corporation, and was placed in the common council chamber, May, +1821. + +An act was passed in 1722 for the better qualifying of the manufacturers +of stuffs and yarns to act as magistrates, and for regulating the +elections of such officers. + +About this time another act was passed for clearing, deepening, +extending, maintaining, and improving the haven and piers of Great +Yarmouth, and for deepening the rivers flowing into the harbour; and also +for preserving ships wintering in the haven from accidents by fire. For +these purposes certain duties were to be paid for 21 years after Lady +day, 1723, on all goods unladen in the haven of Yarmouth, or in the sea +called Yarmouth roads. This act was very important to the navigation +between Yarmouth and Norwich. + +In 1724 the Sheriff’s Office was rebuilt, and the statue of Justice +placed on the Guildhall. Alderman Norman died the same year, and left an +estate in Norwich for charitable purposes. + +About this time the society of “Free and Accepted Masons” appeared +publicly in this city. Mr. Prideaux, son of the Rev. Dr. Prideaux, Dean +of Norwich, author of “The Connection between the Old and New +Testaments,” was the first Master here. Their lodge was at the Maid’s +Head Inn. B. Bond Cabbell, Esq., has within the last few years bought +the old Assembly Rooms in Theatre Street for the Order. + +On September 28th, 1725, a petition was presented to the mayor and +corporation, signed by the principal traders in Norwich, requesting the +use of the New Hall in St. Andrew’s for an Exchange, which was +immediately granted. On October 4th of the same year, the court, +attended by nearly 200 gentlemen and principal tradesmen, came to the New +Hall in St. Andrew’s, which was then opened and solemnly proclaimed to be +an exchange, on which occasion the Recorder (Stephen Gardiner, Esq.) +delivered the following address:— + + “Gentlemen,—This place is now opened with an intent to promote + traffic and commerce. Here, formerly, God was worshipped, though in + a corrupt manner; and may the consideration of the sacred use this + building has been put to so far influence all that shall resort + hither, that nothing in the course of business may be here transacted + but with great justice and honesty. I wish success to this + undertaking, and the prosperity of the city in every respect.” + +The hall continued open as an exchange only one year, and it was open +every day in the week except Saturdays and Sundays, which proves that a +considerable mercantile trade must have been carried on in the city at +that time. Soon afterwards was begun the impolitic system of local +taxation in trade, which has almost ruined Lynn and Yarmouth, and which +greatly retarded the prosperity of Norwich. In 1725 the corporation +obtained an act, which came into operation on May 1st, 1726, for levying +tolls upon all goods or merchandise brought up the river higher than +Thorpe Hall. The dues were to be applied towards rebuilding the walls +and bridges, &c., but this was done to a very small extent. + +On February 24th, 1726, in consequence of the proceedings of the +Pretender, Charles Stuart, who endeavoured to secure the crown of +England, a loyal address of the corporation was presented to King George +I. by the city members. That monarch died at the palace of the Bishop of +Osnaburgh, on his way to Hanover, on June 11th, 1727. + +George II. and his Queen Caroline were crowned on October 11th, 1727, and +there was a grand illumination and bonfire here in honour of the event. + +In 1729 an act was passed for the better regulating the city elections, +and for preserving the peace, good order, and government of the city; and +at an assembly on the Guild eve, the mayor and aldermen of Norwich first +sat in the council chamber, and the common council in their own room; for +by that act a majority of each body was required to a corporate order, +whilst, before it passed, the two bodies sat, debated, and voted +together. In 1730, under this act, three nominees for each of the four +great wards were first elected, who returned the remaining number of +common councilmen, sixty in the whole. + +In 1730, the _Norwich Mercury_ was first issued by William Chase. It was +afterwards published for many years by the late Mr. Richard Mackenzie +Bacon and Mr. Kinnebrook. Mr. R. M. Bacon was the editor, and one of the +most talented men who ever appeared in this city as a political writer +and critic. He was the author of “The Elements of Vocal Science,” and +other works. + +At the quarterly assembly held in 1730, on St. Matthias’ day, 161 freemen +were admitted and sworn, and afterwards it was reported by the committee, +appointed for that purpose, that they had treated with St. George’s +Company, who had agreed to resign their books, charters, and records, +into the hands of the corporation, which was done accordingly, and the +power of the company ceased. In consequence of this, the form of a +procession was arranged for the Guild day instead of that formerly +exhibited, by the St. George’s Company. It was further ordered that, for +the future, every mayor shall be excused making a Guild breakfast, or +holding any mayor’s feasts in May or August, as heretofore, and that, in +lieu thereof, the new mayor shall make a feast, on the day on which he is +sworn, at the New Hall, and there entertain the recorder, steward, +sheriffs, justices, aldermen, and their ladles, and the common +councilmen; and every mayor who makes such a feast shall be entitled to +the sum of £100, to be paid by the chamberlain immediately after the said +feast. + +In 1732, Sherers’ Cross, commonly called Charing Cross, a neat ancient +stone pillar, was taken down. The cross was so called from the sheermen +or cloth cutters, who principally dwelt in this part of the city. The +corner house, in the reign of Edward II., belonged to Christopher +Shere-hill, or at Sherers’ hill. In the same year the old Market Cross +was demolished, being sadly out of repair. + +In 1733, July 11th, the Rt. Hon. Sir Robert Walpole, of Houghton in +Norfolk, was, in person, sworn a freeman of the corporation, and +presented by the mayor with a copy of his freedom in a gold box. + +In 1734, Sir Robert Walpole presented the city with a gilt mace, +beautifully enchased, weighing 168 ounces. On the cup part are the arms +of Sir Robert and of the city. A new damask gown was also bought by the +corporation, to be worn by the Speaker on all public occasions. + +On October 30th, 1739, being the king’s birthday, war was proclaimed here +against Spain. The mayor and aldermen attended on horseback in their +scarlet gowns, with the two sheriffs, who appeared for the first time in +the gold chains given by Thomas Emerson, Esq., of London, a native of +this city, to be worn by the sheriffs of Norwich for the time being. A +portrait of him was placed in St. Andrew’s Hall at the expense of the +corporation, and the honorary freedom of the city was afterwards +presented to him. + +In 1740, the cathedral was cleaned and repaired. It was again repaired +and beautified in 1763, in Bishop Younge’s time; and in 1777 and 1780, +two painted windows, representing the Transfiguration and the twelve +Apostles (finely executed by the Lady of the late Dean Lloyd), were +placed in the east end of the choir. Subsequently, these windows were +removed to another part of the cathedral. + +In 1741, April 4th, it was ordered by the corporation of Norwich, that no +stranger should exercise any trade in the city more than six months +without taking up his freedom. + +In 1744, May 3rd, war was proclaimed here against France, by the mayor +and corporation, on horseback. + +In September, 1745, the magistrates and principal inhabitants associated +in support of the government and in defence of the liberties of the land, +in consequence of the rebellion in Scotland. An artillery company, of +about 100 men, was raised in Norwich, and Lord Hobart appointed +commander. + +In 1746, October 9th, there was a general thanksgiving on the suppression +of the Rebellion in Scotland. A magnificent arch was erected in Norwich +Market Place, which, with the whole city, was illuminated. + +In 1747, an act was passed for holding the county summer assizes and +sessions in the city, till a new Shirehall could be built. + +On February 7th, 1748, peace with France and Spain was proclaimed here, +the mayor and corporation attending on horseback, preceded by a party of +dragoons and the artillery company. + +On October 22nd, 1751, a fire broke out, which destroyed the bridewell +and several adjoining houses. That extraordinary man, “Peter, the Wild +Youth,” was confined there at the time. When a child, he was lost in a +wood in Germany, and was found, at the age of 12, naked and wild. This +bridewell house was built about the year 1370, by Bartholomew Appleyard, +whose son William was, in 1403, the first Mayor of Norwich. There are +some fine arched vaults under the premises, and the wall next St. +Andrew’s church, built with flint, is well worthy the observation of the +curious. + +An act was passed this year (1751) to open the Port of Yarmouth for the +importation of wool and woollen yarn from Ireland, which was very +beneficial to the city. + +The number of houses and inhabitants, in the city precincts and hamlets, +in 1752, was as follows:—7139 houses, 36,169 souls, being an increase of +7288 inhabitants since 1693, when the population was only 28,881. + +In 1755, a table was drawn up settling the habits to be worn by the mayor +and corporation at public meetings. + +A slight shock of an earthquake was felt here on January 10th, 1756. On +May 3rd of the same year, the freedom of the city was voted to the Right +Hon. Wm. Pitt, and Henry B. Legge (the former being late secretary of +state, and the latter, chancellor of the exchequer), for their conduct +during their honourable but short administration. The freedom of the +city, and thanks of the corporation, were also voted to Matthew Goss, +Esq., for his present of the gold chain which has ever since been worn by +the mayors. A public subscription was made for the poor, in consequence +of the high price of wheat, and scarcity of work, and 12,000 persons in +Norwich were supplied with household bread at half-price for some time. + +On July 12th, 1756, the Earl of Orford put the act for the better +regulating the Militia in execution. This act fixed the number of men to +be raised for Norfolk and Norwich at 960, of which the city furnished +151. + +On June 21st, 1759, there was a most violent storm here, some of the +hailstones being two inches long, and weighing three-quarters of an +ounce. On July 4th and 5th, the Norfolk Militia, commanded by Lord +Orford, marched from Norwich to Portsmouth, and passed in review before +His Majesty George II., at Kensington. + +In digging under the rampart of the Castle Hill in 1760, two very curious +bones were discovered, supposed by some to be amulets, which the Druids +wore at their sacrifices. + +In 1760, King George II. died at Kensington, on October 25th, and his +grandson, George III. was proclaimed king, in Norwich, on the 29th, by +the mayor and corporation, preceded by the four Norwich companies of +militia, with flags, banners, and music. On September 22nd, 1761, the +coronation of their Majesties was celebrated with great splendour in +Norfolk, and in Norwich there was a general illumination, and a grand +display of fireworks from a triumphal arch erected in the Market Place. + +On October 27th, 1762, there was a sudden flood in the city, which laid +near 300 houses and 8 parish churches under water. It rose 12 feet +perpendicular in 24 hours, being 15 inches higher than St. Faith’s flood +in 1696. + +In 1763, January 3rd, John Spurrell, Esq., died, leaving £1355 to the +corporation, the interest to be applied for the benefit of the poor in +the Great Hospital, and for other charitable purposes. The Earl of +Buckinghamshire, alderman Thomas Harvey, and Mr. Robert Page, gave £100 +each to Doughty’s Hospital. + +In the same year _Sir Armine Wodehouse_, _Bart._, gave a valuable volume +to the corporation containing some old statutes, in which the +prescriptive right of the corporation to its present legal name is +supported. It had been the property of the Wodehouse family for 200 +years. A vote of thanks was passed to Sir Armine Wodehouse for his +present. He was a member of parliament for Norfolk from 1736 to 1768 (32 +years), and died in 1777. His death was occasioned by a herring-bone +sticking in his throat. + +On January 7th, 1769, the church belonging to the Dutch congregation was +opened for the poor of the workhouses. The poor continued to attend till +the New Workhouse was built in Heigham, after which they attended divine +service in the chapel there. + +On November 19th, 1770, there was a great flood in Norwich, four inches +higher than that of 1762. The sufferers were relieved, by a +subscription, with money, coals, and bread. On December 19th, of the +same year, there was a violent storm of wind and rain, such as had not +been remembered since 1741. Happisburgh, Postwick, and Strumpshaw +windmills were blown down, and much damage was done in the city and +county; many ships with their crews were lost on the Norfolk coast. In +the same year the following turnpike roads were made and opened, from St. +Stephen’s Gates to Trowse, from St. Stephen’s Gates to Watton, from St. +Benedict’s Gates to Swaffham, from Bishop Bridge to Caister near +Yarmouth, and from Norwich to Dereham, Swaffham, and Mattishall. + +On March 1st, 1771, the names of the streets and highways in the city +were ordered to be fixed up for the first time; but this order appears to +have been very imperfectly carried out. In the same year the foundation +stone of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital was laid by Wm. Fellowes, Esq., +who was a great promoter of that benevolent institution. It was erected +by a public subscription in the city and county; and it was opened on +July 11th, 1772, for out-patients; and on November 7th, in that year, for +in-patients. It has been of great benefit to the poor, who have always +been attended by the principal physicians and surgeons in the city. + +In 1774, St. Andrew’s Hall underwent a complete alteration. The old +gateway and wall next Bridge Street were taken down, part of the green +yard was taken in, and the old city library room was rebuilt over the +gateway, thus defacing all that part of the hall. At the last +restoration the old city library room was pulled down, and a new porch +was erected, with many other improvements. + +In 1779, the new year was ushered in with a most terrible storm of wind +and rain, accompanied with thunder and lightning. The lead on St. +Andrew’s Church was rolled up, and great damage was done in several parts +of the city. In October of this year, the navigation from Coltishall to +Aylsham was completed for boats of thirteen tons burthen, at a cost of +£6000. About this time smuggling was carried to a great height, even in +broad day. + +On January 20th, 1780, at a numerous meeting of citizens and county +gentlemen, a petition was agreed to and signed, praying the house of +commons to guard against all unnecessary expenditure, to abolish sinecure +places and pensions, and to resist the increasing influence of the crown. +A strong protest was afterwards signed against the proceedings of this +meeting. Mr. Coke presented the petition. Armed associations were +formed against the government at Yarmouth, Lynn, Holt, and other places. + +On March 24th, 1783, manufactures of textile fabrics in the city being +very prosperous, the pageant of the Golden Fleece, or what is called +Bishop Blaize, was exhibited by the wool combers, in a style far +surpassing all former processions of the kind in Norwich. The procession +began to move at 10 a.m. from St. Martin’s at Oak, and thence passed +through the principal streets of the city. On December 3rd, of the same +year, the Black Friars’ Bridge was opened. + +In January, 1784, the Amicable Society of Attorneys, in Norwich, was +instituted. On May 1st, at an assembly of the corporation, the freedom +of the city was voted to be presented to Mr. S. Harvey, Mr. Windham, and +Mr. Pitt. On December 13th, the Norwich Public Library was first opened +and located in the old library room, formerly over the entrance to St. +Andrew’s Hall. + +On March 25th, 1785, mail coaches, between Norwich and London, were +established, performing a journey of 108 miles in fifteen hours, by which +alteration in the post, letters arrived from London a day sooner. This +was considered a great improvement. Subsequently, half a dozen stage +coaches ran between Norwich and London daily. In July, after various +ascents by several persons, Major (afterwards General) Money, at 4.25 +p.m., ascended with a balloon from Quantrell’s gardens, and at 6 p.m. the +car touched the surface of the sea. During five hours the major remained +in this perilous situation, and at 11.30 p.m. was taken up by the Argus +revenue cutter, eighteen miles off Southwold, bearing west by north, and +he landed at Lowestoft on the following morning. On October 18th, of the +same year, the “Friars’ Society for the Participation of Useful +Knowledge” was instituted. This society first suggested the scheme of +the association for the relief of decayed tradesmen, their widows, and +orphans. With them also originated the Soup Charity in this city, and it +was long supported and conducted by them, but of late years it has been a +separate charity. + +On April 26th, 1786, the Norwich and Norfolk Benevolent Medical Society +was instituted. In May, an exact account of the inhabitants of Norwich +was taken from house to house, and the population was ascertained to be +40,051 souls, exclusive of those living in the precincts of the +Cathedral, being an increase of nearly 4000 since 1752. This entirely +contradicts the statement of Mr. Arthur Young, in his Tour of England, +published in 1770, to the effect that 72,000 persons were then employed +in manufactures in this city. + +On November 5th, 1788, the centenary of the glorious Revolution of 1688 +was celebrated in this city and county by illuminations, bonfires, public +dinners, &c., but more particularly at Holkham, where Mr. Coke, the late +Earl of Leicester, gave a grand fête, ball, and supper, and a display of +fireworks, &c. The citizens appear to have been more sensible then than +they are now of the immense benefits they derived from that great change +in the British constitution and government. + +Next year (1789) a revolution broke out in France and astounded all +Europe. It caused a mighty commotion and a general war, which lasted +many years, and destroyed millions of men. Norwich, like every other +city in England, was affected by it, and lost nearly all its foreign +trade during the terrible conflict. On July 14th, the Revolution was +commemorated by republicans at the Maid’s Head Inn, in this city. Among +the toasts of the day after a dinner were “The Revolutionary Societies in +England,” “The Rights of Man,” and “The Philosophers of France.” The +Revolution, however, had not advanced very far in its atrocities when +most people regarded it in a very different light, and associations were +formed here against “Levellers” and “Revolutionists.” + +On December 5th, 1792, the mayor, sheriffs, and seventeen aldermen of +Norwich, pledged themselves to support the constitution of Kings, Lords, +and Commons, as established in 1688. Meetings of the inhabitants were +also held in this city, and in Yarmouth, Lynn, &c., and declarations of +loyalty and attachment to the constitution were unanimously agreed to and +signed; for men had begun to be alarmed by the “Reign of Terror” in +France. + +In 1793 a petition for parliamentary reform, signed by 3741 inhabitants +of Norwich, was presented to the House of Commons by the Hon. H. Hobart, +but was not received, it having been printed previous to presentation. +This indicated a great advance in liberal opinions towards the end of the +last century, chiefly amongst the Nonconformists, who had greatly +increased in numbers, whilst the church was asleep. The vast expenditure +in the long war against France caused a great increase in taxation. + +On April 12th, 1794, a great county meeting was held at the Shirehall, to +consider the exertions which should be made at that crisis for the +internal defence and security of the kingdom. The High Sheriff, T. R. +Dashwood, Esq., presided. The Honble. C. Townshend moved resolutions, +supported by the Marquis Townshend, Lord Walsingham, Mr. Buxton, Mr. +Windham, and Mr. Joddrell, for forming volunteer corps of cavalry, and +for entering into subscriptions to maintain the same. Mr. Coke condemned +the war _in toto_, and insisted that it might have been avoided, or at +the least brought to a conclusion, by a negociation for peace, and he +moved as an amendment: + + “That it is our duty to refuse any private subscriptions for public + purposes and unconstitutional benevolences.” + +So much altercation and confusion ensued, that when the High Sheriff put +the question, it was impossible to tell which party had the majority; and +a division being deemed impracticable, the chairman proposed that such +gentlemen as chose to subscribe would retire with him to the Grand Jury +Room, which was agreed to. Nearly £6,000 was subscribed, and the amount +was afterwards increased to £11,000! + +On October 21st, 1795, a memorial was transmitted from the court of +mayoralty of Norwich to the representatives of the city on the high +prices of every necessary of life, requesting them to support such +measures as might have a tendency to reduce them, and to facilitate the +restoration of peace. Prices of corn and provisions had risen to an +alarming height; wheat to 100s., barley to 30s., and oats to 30s. per +quarter, and symptoms of rioting had in consequence appeared in Norwich +market. + +At a county meeting held on July 20th, 1796, in the Angel Inn (now the +Royal Hotel) it was resolved to petition parliament for the removal of +the Lent assizes from Thetford to Norwich, and a petition was presented +accordingly. The bill brought for this object into the House of Commons +was strongly opposed, and finally rejected; but afterwards the assizes +were removed to the city, and have been held there ever since. This year +the sum of £24,000 was collected for the maintenance of the poor in +Norwich, while the population was under 40,000, or half the present +number. + +In 1797, February 14th, the Norwich Light Horse Volunteers were +organized, of which John Harvey, Esq., was afterwards appointed captain +and major. On February 22nd, the Norwich Loyal Military Association was +formed, of which John Patteson, Esq., was appointed captain, and +afterwards major; and R. J. Browne, C. Harvey, and A. Sieley, Esqs., were +appointed captains. Military matters then occupied a great deal of the +attention of the citizens. + +On March 4th, intelligence was received here of the defeat of the Spanish +fleet by Admiral Jervis, and served in some measure to dissipate the +general gloom which at this time pervaded the public mind. + +On April 25th, a great county meeting was held in the open air on the +Castle Hill, and a petition was almost unanimously adopted, praying His +Majesty to dismiss his ministers, as the most effectual means of reviving +the national credit and restoring peace. This was moved by Mr. Fellowes, +seconded by Mr. Rolfe, supported by Lord Albemarle, Mr. Coke, Mr. Mingay, +Mr. Plumptre, Mr. Trafford, and others. On April 28th a counter county +meeting was held, and an address to the king was adopted, expressing +confidence in the ministry of the day. + +On May 16th the citizens followed suit. At a numerously attended common +hall a petition to His Majesty, praying him to dismiss his +administration, was carried unanimously, with the exception of one +spirited Tory, who had nearly fallen a victim to popular vengeance on the +spot. A counter address of the citizens was afterwards signed and +presented to the King, who must have been a good deal bothered at the +time by such evidences of the violent agitation of his subjects. + +On May 26th, attempts were made here to seduce the military from their +allegiance; and on the following day the republican orator, Thelwall, +arrived in this city, which caused a great commotion. On the 29th, a +party of the Inniskilling Dragoons proceeded to his lecture room, +opposite Gurney’s bank, drove out the persons assembled, destroyed the +tribune and benches, and then attacked the Shakespear Tavern adjoining, +in which a disturbance had taken place. After destroying the furniture +and partly demolishing the house, and also breaking the windows and +destroying the furniture of the Rose Tavern, in which they supposed the +lecturer had concealed himself, the dragoons, on the appearance of their +officers and the magistrates, retired to their barracks. Thelwall, in +this affray, fortunately for him, escaped and fled to London. Davey, the +landlord of the Shakespear Tavern, on being pursued by the soldiers, +threw himself from the garret into the street, and was much injured. At +the subsequent assizes, Luke Rice, a tailor of this city, was indicted +capitally for aiding and abetting the soldiers in this outrage; but as +the offence charged in the indictment did not come within the meaning of +the statute, he was acquitted. He had, however, a very narrow escape. +On June 1st of the same year, (1797) a mutiny broke out on board the +fleet at Yarmouth, and several sail of the line hoisted the red flag of +defiance. + +In January, 1798, the sword of the Spanish Admiral Don Francisco +Winthuysen, presented by Admiral Nelson to the corporation of Norwich, +was placed in the Council Chamber of the Guildhall, with an appropriate +device and inscription. + +On February 28th, at a general meeting of the inhabitants of this city, +more than £2,200 were immediately subscribed as voluntary contributions +towards the defence of the kingdom. In a few weeks afterwards, the whole +subscription amounted to more than £8000, a proof of the loyalty as well +as liberality of the well-to-do citizens. In May, the following Loyal +Volunteer Corps were formed for the purpose of preserving internal +tranquillity, and supporting the police of this city, viz., the Mancroft +Volunteers, Capt. John Browne; St. Stephen’s Volunteers, Capt. Hardy; St. +Peter per Mountergate, &c., Capt. Herring; St. Saviour’s and St. +Clement’s, Capt. Fiske; St. Andrew’s, Capt. T. A. Murray. + +On June 19th, the Norwich Light Horse Volunteers and Loyal Military +Association attended J. Browne, Esq., to the cathedral, previous to his +being sworn into the office of mayor; afterwards the Association fired a +_feu de joie_ in the Market Place. + +On October 11th, at a meeting of the wealthy inhabitants of the city, a +subscription was entered into for the relief of the orphans of those +brave seamen who fell on August 1st in the ever memorable battle of the +Nile; and on the 24th of the same month, at a special assembly of the +corporation, an address of congratulation was adopted to his Majesty on +the late victory; and it was agreed that a request should be made to Lord +Nelson to sit for his portrait, to be placed in St. Andrew’s Hall. His +Lordship assented and the portrait was painted by Beechey and placed in +the hall, where it may still be seen. + +November 29th was appointed as a day of a public thanksgiving for the +late naval victories, and was celebrated as such in Norwich with the +greatest festivity. In the morning the mayor and corporation, +accompanied by the Light Horse Volunteers and the Parochial Associations, +attended divine service at the cathedral, where an excellent sermon was +preached by the Rev. T. F. Middleton, afterwards Bishop of Calcutta. The +sword, taken by Lord Nelson was borne in the procession. On their return +to the Market Place there was a feast, and in the evening an +illumination. + +In 1799, October 28th, the Guards and several other regiments, to the +number of 25,000 cavalry and infantry, landed at Yarmouth from Holland. +Next night the Grenadier Brigade of Guards, commanded by Col. Wynward, +marched into Norwich by torchlight, and were soon afterwards followed by +upwards of 20,000 more troops. Through the exertions of John Herring, +Esq., mayor, and the attention of the citizens in general, these brave +men received every accommodation that their situation demanded. The +mayor soon afterwards received a letter from the Duke of Portland +expressive of the high appreciation by the government of the mayor’s +loyalty and activity on this occasion, and of the humanity of the +citizens who supplied the wants of the soldiers. The mayor was +afterwards presented to his Majesty at St. James’, and offered the honour +of knighthood, which he declined. The Duke of York, Prince William of +Gloucester, and several other officers employed in this unsuccessful +expedition, also passed through the city on their way to London. The sum +of £18,000 was raised this year for the maintenance of the poor of the +city. + +On January 23rd, 1800, John Herring, Esq., then mayor, summoned a general +meeting of the inhabitants at the Guildhall, to consider the propriety of +applying to parliament for an act for the better paving, lighting, and +watching of the city, for removing and preventing annoyances and +obstructions, and for regulating hackney coaches. At this meeting a +committee was appointed to consider the plan proposed, and to report to a +future general meeting. This committee held several meetings, and at +length made a report, which was laid before a general meeting of the +citizens on March 3rd. The estimated cost of lighting, watching, paving, +&c., was only £2770. The produce of the tolls was estimated at £1715, +and of a rate of 6d. in the pound at £3000; making the total receipts +£4715, and leaving a balance of £1945 for the commencement of the work, +which sum would have been increased by some annual payments. The general +meeting adopted the report, and a petition was signed by most of the +inhabitants of the city in favour of a bill to carry out the +improvements. Unfortunately, however, the petition could not, from some +unforeseen circumstances, be presented that session. The project was, +for a time, postponed; but an act was obtained in 1806 to carry out the +object, and commissioners were appointed for the purpose. This body +consisted of the dean and prebend, the recorder, 28 members of the +corporation, and 24 parochial commissioners, annually elected, in all +136. This heterogeneous body continued for about forty years, and after +spending over £300,000, left Norwich the worst paved town in England, and +also left a debt of £17,000, which still remains as a legacy to the city! + + +Social State of the City in the Eighteenth Century. + + +Before the end of the 18th century, various improvements were made, among +which may be mentioned, the demolition of the old gates, the widening and +opening of several streets, and the erection of a new flour mill, worked +by steam power, near Black Friars Bridge, for better supplying the people +with flour. Still, large numbers of the poor appear to have been for a +long time in a very destitute condition. Famines were of frequent +occurrence, and riots often took place on account of the high prices of +every kind of food. In 1720, on September 20th, a dangerous riot broke +out, and rose to such a height, as to oblige the sheriffs to call in the +aid of the Artillery Company, at whose approach the rioters instantly +dispersed. Again, in 1740, riots occurred in several parts of the +country, and in most of the towns in Norfolk. The magistrates of this +city called the military to their aid, and six or seven lives were lost +before the rioters could be quelled. Again, in 1766, in consequence of +the great scarcity and advanced price of provisions of every sort, some +dangerous riots broke out in several places. In this city the poor +people collected on September 27th, about noon, and in the course of that +day and the next, committed many outrages by attacking the houses of +bakers, pulling down part of the New Mills, destroying large quantities +of flour, and burning to the ground a large malthouse outside of +Conisford gate. Every lenient measure was tried by the city magistrates +to pacify the poor starving people, but to no effect. The magistrates +therefore were compelled to repel force by force. On Sunday afternoon +they, with the principal inhabitants, attacked the rioters with such +vigour, while they were demolishing a house on Tombland, that they were +dispersed. About thirty of the ringleaders were taken and tried, and +eight of them were sentenced to death, but only two were executed. They +suffered the extreme penalty on January 10th, 1767. + +Strange as it may seem, Norwich was, at this time, in a more flourishing +state as regards trade than it has ever since been known. Wages were not +high, but employment was universal. On April 25th, 1796, fine flour +having risen to 70s. a sack, a mob attacked several bakers’ shops in the +city. The magistrates and inhabitants assembled and proceeded to the +places against which the attacks of the populace were directed, but the +mob did not disperse till after the riot act had been read and three +persons apprehended. On May 17th, a dreadful affray took place near +Bishop Bridge, between the soldiers of the Northumberland and +Warwickshire regiments of Militia. Several were terribly bruised and +others wounded with bayonets before their officers could part them. +Education was, at this time, at a very low ebb, and the clergy neglected +the poor. Few schools were yet opened for their children, who grew up in +ignorance and vice. Working-men spent their hard-earned money in +drunkenness, or indulged in the most brutal sports, such as +prize-fighting or cock-fighting. They were also demoralised by bribery +and treating at contested elections. In fact, ward elections were so +frequent that the city was kept in a perpetual state of agitation and +turmoil. We can now form no notion of the misery, poverty, and vice, +which these local elections inflicted on the city. It was often said +that a single ward election did more harm than all the sermons in all the +churches and chapels did good. These local contests at length prevented +capital being employed in manufacturers, and made politics the first +object of all the influential citizens, who, if they were not, strove to +become, members of the old corporation, not from any consideration of +public duty, not to promote the welfare of the citizens, but to serve +their own political or personal interests. There is abundant evidence +that the prosperity of the city, and private friendships, were alike +poisoned by the party spirit, engendered by frequent ward elections; at +the same time the moral character of the whole working population was +greatly deteriorated, and the working classes themselves greatly +depraved. + + +Nonconformity in the 18th Century. + + +During this 18th century the Nonconformists became very numerous and +powerful in the city and county. Methodism imparted a healthful stimulus +to the revival of religion. It aroused the church and all denominations. +Besides the very flourishing bodies of Wesleyans and Baptists, the +Independents made great progress. Within two centuries, in place of one, +several chapels arose; and throughout all England, few towns exhibited a +greater increase of Nonconformists than Norwich. We have already given +an account of their rise and progress in the 17th century, but we have +not yet noticed the Unitarians. A history of the Octagon chapel in +Norwich, by Mr. John Taylor, formerly of this city, and continued by his +son, Mr. Edward Taylor, contains a full account of the rise and progress +of the Unitarians here. They were at first called Presbyterians, but +that name was inappropriate, as they never had the Presbyterian polity +nor doctrine. Mr. John Taylor says, the first Presbyterian chapel was +built in 1687, on a piece of ground, formerly part of the great garden or +orchard, “sometime belonging to the prior and convent of the late friars’ +preachers,” of whose deserted walls the Dissenters took possession. The +building was so constructed that it might be converted into dwelling +houses in case their preachers were compelled to abandon it. + +Blomefield, in his History of the City, says:— + + “In 1687, the Presbyterians built a meeting house from the ground, + over against the Black Boys; and at the same time the Independents + repaired a house in St. Edmund’s formerly a brew house.” + +After the passing of the Toleration Act, in 1689, this meeting house, +which, had not been long finished, was duly licensed. Dr. Collinges, a +learned Presbyterian minister, was the first pastor appointed to preach +by the congregation. He had a considerable hand in the “Annotations to +the Bible,” which were begun and carried on by Mr. Matthew Poole, and +which go under his name. + +Dr. Collinges died in January, 1690, and was probably succeeded soon +after by Mr. Josiah Chorley, who was not a native of Norwich, but came +from Lancashire. He officiated about thirty years, and was succeeded by +the Rev. Peter Finch, a highly esteemed preacher for many years. After +he died his funeral sermon was preached by Mr. Taylor, who said:— + + “Surely the character of Mr. Finch, drawn out so even and clear + without any remarkable spot or flaw, through the long course of + sixty-three years in this city, must be deserving of remembrance and + imitation, since it must be the result of a steady integrity and + solid wisdom.” + +The Rev. Mr. Finch was one of the first pupils who entered into the first +dissenting academy, erected after the Reformation, by the Rev. Mr. +Frankland; and he survived almost all the 300 gentlemen who, in the space +of thirty years, were educated in that academy. He died October 6th, +1754, on his 93rd birthday, and was buried in St. Peter’s Church, in this +city. His descendents were residents here till 1847. His son was many +years clerk of the peace for the county of Norfolk. + +Mr. John Brooke was invited to take his place towards the end of the year +1718. This minister was born in or near Yarmouth, where some of his +descendants have generally resided. He resigned in 1733, and removed to +York, where he died. Dr. John Taylor was elected to the vacant office in +1733, and continued till 1757, when he resigned. He was the author of +many works of a religious character. In 1753 the old chapel was pulled +down, and a subscription was raised of nearly £4000 for a new one. The +first stone of the new building was laid on February 25th, 1754, by Dr. +Taylor; and within three years the present elegant chapel was completed +at a cost of £5174. + +Mr. Samuel Bourn, son of Mr. Bourn of Birmingham, was ordained co-pastor +with Dr. John Taylor, and he published volumes of sermons which +established his reputation in that kind of composition. He resigned in +1775, and retired to a village near Norwich. Several gentlemen, who +afterwards attained considerable eminence in science, were brought up +under Mr. Bourn’s ministry, viz., Sir James Edward Smith, so long +president of the Linnean Society; Mr. Robert Woodhouse, the eminent +mathematician and professor of astronomy at Cambridge; and Dr. Edward +Maltby, afterwards bishop of Durham. Mr. Bourn removed to Norwich not +many months before his death, and died in the 83rd year of his age; he +was interred in the burying ground of the Octagon Chapel. Mr. Bourn was +succeeded by the Rev. John Hoyle, who was minister for seventeen years. +He died in the 51st year of his age, on November 29th, 1775, and was +interred in the Octagon burying ground. + +On December 15th, 1776, Mr. Alderson was chosen minister, and soon +afterwards Mr. George Cadogan Morgan became co-pastor. He had been +educated under the inspection of his uncle, the celebrated Dr. Richard +Price, so that great expectations were formed of his abilities, and the +congregation were not disappointed. He soon, however, resigned and went +to Yarmouth; and in 1755, Dr. William Enfield was invited to become +co-pastor with Mr. Alderson, and he accepted the office. In 1786, Mr. +Alderson resigned; and in 1787 was succeeded by Mr. P. Houghton. + +In 1784, Mr. P. M. Martineau projected the establishment of the Public +Library at Norwich, in which he was cordially seconded by Dr. Enfield, +who was one of the earliest presidents of an institution, which for the +extent and variety of its catalogue surpasses most provincial libraries. +In the early periods of the first French Revolution, a periodical work +was established by the liberal party in Norwich, entitled “The Cabinet;” +to which the principal contributors were Mr. John Pitchford, Mr. Wm. +Youngman, Mr. Norgate, Mr. C. Marsh (afterwards M.P. for Retford), Mrs. +Opie (then Miss Alderson), Mr. John Taylor, and Dr. Enfield. After +publishing many learned works, Dr. Enfield died in the 57th year of his +age, on November 3rd, 1797. After his death, three volumes of his +sermons were published by subscription; and among the subscribers were +persons of almost every sect in Norwich, from the cathedral prebendary to +the independent minister. More than twenty beneficed clergymen’s names +appear in the list, and it is very well known that Dr. Enfield’s sermons +have been heard from many pulpits of the established church. Professor +Taylor, late of Gresham college, thus wrote in a supplementary memoir:— + + “With his dissenting brethren Dr. Enfield was always on the best + terms, especially with Mr. Newton and Mr. Kinghorn, the ministers of + the Independent and Baptist congregations. The Presbyterian + congregation, comprising many individuals of station and influence in + the city, took the lead in every movement of the dissenting body, who + never appeared in a more united and honourable position than when Dr. + Enfield was their acknowledged head. The state of society during his + residence in Norwich, was eminently suited to his habits and tastes. + Parr, Peel, Walker, Howes, and Smyth were his contemporaries. Parr + was the head master of the grammar school, Potter was a prebendary of + the Cathedral, and Porson was occasional resident at the house of his + brother-in-law, Mr. Hawes of Coltishall, a village a few miles from + Norwich. Dr. Enfield was a welcome visitor at the bishop’s palace; + for though Dr. Bagot had no political or religious sympathy with the + minister of the Presbyterian congregation, he knew how to estimate + his talents, his manners, and his admirable conversational powers. + Among the residents in Norwich at this time, with whom Dr. Enfield + associated, were Dr. Sayers, Mr. William Taylor, Mr. Hudson Gurney + (afterwards M.P. for Newport and a vice-president of the Society of + Antiquaries), Dr. Rigby, Dr. Lubbock, Sir James Edward Smith, the + Rev. John Walker (an accomplished scholar and one of the minor canons + of the Cathedral), Mrs. Opie (then Miss Alderson), Mr. Bruckner, the + minister of the Dutch and French protestant congregations at Norwich, + and others, who though unknown to the world as authors, were yet + worthy associates in such a society.” + +Dr. Enfield’s estimate of the character of society at Norwich, is thus +expressed in a letter from Liverpool to Professor Taylor’s father:— + + “You will easily imagine the pleasure I feel in enjoying the society + of my old friends here, especially that of Mr. Roscoe and Dr. Currie; + but with these and a few other exceptions, I find more congenial + associates at Norwich. For a man of literary tastes and pursuits, I + can truly say that I know of no town which offers so eligible a + residence.” + +Mr. Roscoe and Dr. Currie, referred to above, were then in high +reputation in Liverpool. + +The altered state of society in Norwich, about the end of the 18th +century is thus depicted in a paper in the Monthly Magazine for March, +1808, under the title of “Fanaticism—a Vision,” which was generally +attributed to the pen of Sir James Edward Smith:— + + “You know the flourishing and happy state of this ancient city in the + early part of your life, and particularly how peaceably and even + harmoniously its inhabitants lived together on the score of religion. + Christians of various denominations had each their churches, their + chapels, or their meeting houses, and in the common intercourse of + life all conducted themselves as brethren. The interests of humanity + would even frequently bring them together on particular occasions to + pay their devotions in the same temple. The bishop (Bathurst) + treated as his children all who, though they disowned his spiritual + authority, obeyed his Divine Master; while the Presbyterian, the + Independent, the Catholic, and the Quaker, partook of his hospitality + and repaid his benevolence with gratitude and respect. This state of + society, worthy of real Christians, was broken up by those who wore + that character only as a mask. A set of men, interested in promoting + dissensions, by which villany and rapacity might profit, and in + decrying those genuine fruits of religion, that salutary faith and + pure morals, which by comparison shamed their own characters, after + long in vain attempting to exalt blind belief in general, and their + particular dogmas, in preference to a useful and virtuous life, but + too successfully obtained their end. On all the great truths of + revealed religion, honest men could never be long at variance. On + disputable points they had learned a salutary forbearance, which + enabled them, while they thought for themselves, to let others do the + same. The only resources of those who wish to stir up religious + animosity, is to bring forward something that no one can determine. + The less mankind understand a subject, the more warmly do they debate + and strive to enforce the belief of it.” + + + +EMINENT CITIZENS OF THE 18TH CENTURY. + +_Merchants and Manufacturers_. + + +Among the eminent citizens of this century may be first mentioned the +chief merchants and manufacturers, who were very intelligent, wealthy, +and enterprising. They were also benevolent, and the founders of various +charitable institutions. Many of them were Nonconformists, and active +supporters of their chapels, while they carried on a great foreign trade. +The correspondence which they had begun on the continent they extended in +every direction. By sending their sons to be educated in Germany, Italy, +and Spain, they cultivated a more familiar connection with those +countries. Their travellers also were acquainted with various languages, +and went all over Europe, exhibiting their pattern cards in every town on +the continent. Norwich could then boast of rich, energetic, +enterprising, and intelligent men, who made the city what it was in their +day. Lest their very names should be forgotten, we shall place them in +this record. Amongst the manufacturers were + + Messrs. Robert and John Harvey, + + Messrs. Starling Day and Son, + + Messrs. Watson, Firth, and Co., + + Messrs. John Barnard and Angier, + + Messrs. Thomas Paul and Flindt, + + Messrs. J. Tuthill and Sons, + + Messrs. William Barnard and Sons, + + Messrs. Edward Marsh and Son, + + Messrs. Bream and King, + + Messrs. Martin and Williment, + + Messrs. Peter Colombine and Son, + + Messrs. James Buttivant and William White, + + Messrs. W. and W. Taylor, + + Messrs. J. Scott and Sons, + + Messrs. E. Gurney and Ellington, + + Messrs. Patteson and Iselin, + + Messrs. Booth and Theobald, + + Messrs. George Maltby and Son, + + Messrs. William and Robert Herring, + + Messrs. Worth and Carter, + + Messrs. Bacon and Marshall, + + Messrs. Ives and Robberds, + + Messrs. J. and J. Ives, Son, and Baseley, + + Mr. Robert Partridge, + + Mr. Bartholomew Sewell, + + Mr. John Robinson, + + Mr. Robert Wright, + + Mr. John Wright, + + Mr. Robert Tillyard, + + Mr. Daniel Fromantiel, + + Mr. J. C. Hampp, + + Mr. John Herring, + + Mr. Joseph Cliver, Jun., + + Mr. Oxley, + +and others, all of whom have passed away. + + +_Mr. John Kirkpatrick_. + + +Mr. John Kirkpatrick, a linen merchant, who lived in St. Andrew’s, was a +learned antiquarian of this period, to whom the city is greatly indebted +for his researches and documents respecting the antiquities of Norwich, +but only fragments have been published. The late Mr. Hudson Gurney +obtained possession of most of his manuscripts, and published his account +of the “Religious Orders in Norwich,” in 1845. This work was compiled +from a manuscript quarto volume of 258 pages, in the handwriting of the +author. Mr. Dawson Turner, the editor, says, in the preface:— + + “Mr. Kirkpatrick’s father was a native of the village of Closeburn, + in Dumfriesshire, a fact recorded by his son in his will, and further + proved by the arms on his tomb (in St. Helen’s church) which are + those of the baronet’s family of Kirkpatrick, of Closeburn. From + Scotland he removed to Norwich, where he resided in the parish of St. + Stephen. His son John was apprenticed in that of St. Clement, and + subsequently established himself in business as a linen merchant, in + St. Andrew’s, in premises opposite Bridewell Alley. He was there in + partnership with Mr. John Custance, who was mayor in 1726, and was + the founder of the family of that name at Weston. In the year of his + partner’s mayoralty, Mr. Kirkpatrick was appointed treasurer to the + Great Hospital, in St. Helen’s, an office which his premature decease + allowed him to occupy only for two years. He married the youngest + daughter of Mr. John Harvey, great-grandfather of the late + Lieut.-Colonel Harvey, of Thorpe Lodge, where his portrait was + preserved during the lifetime of that gentleman. It has since been + engraved in the very interesting series of portraits of the more + eminent inhabitants of Norfolk, of whom no likenesses have yet + appeared, a work now in course of publication, under the + superintendence of Mr. Ewing. With such, Kirkpatrick is deservedly + associated. He died childless. Of his family, nothing more is known + than that he had a brother of the name of Thomas, who is mentioned by + Blomefield as being chamberlain of Norwich at the time he wrote. The + account books of the corporation contain several entries in reference + to both the one and the other, but not of sufficient interest to + warrant the quoting of them at length. Of the latter, they shew that + he was elected chamberlain with a salary of thirty pounds per annum, + in the room of Matthew King, in 1732; that in the same year, the + freedom of the city was conferred upon him; and that twelve years + subsequently he was removed from his office, by reason of + irregularity of his accounts. To the antiquary, their testimony is + invariably honourable; the most frequent notices being, votes of + money for the service he had rendered in adjusting the different + accounts of the city.” + +Mr. Dawson Turner further states:— + + “Mr. Kirkpatrick was one of the most able, laborious, learned, and + useful antiquaries whom the county has produced. He was especially + an indefatigable searcher into local antiquities, and had his life + been spared to the term allotted by the holy Psalmist to man, it were + impossible to say how much of what is now irretrievably lost to us + might have been rescued from oblivion. He had accumulated copious + materials, but his early death prevented him from digesting and + publishing them. Better far had he contented himself with amassing + less, and turning what he had got to account; a lesson hard to learn, + but most important to be borne in mind and acted upon. As it was, he + was obliged to leave the fulfilment of his task to others; taking all + possible care for the safety of his collections, and not doubting + that those who came after him, seeing what was prepared for their + hands, would cheerfully undertake the office, perhaps with a + praiseworthy zeal for communicating information, perhaps with the not + less natural desire of building their own fame upon the labours of + their predecessors. But in his expectations he was sadly mistaken, + and has but furnished an additional proof how difficult it is for any + one to enter completely into the objects and ideas of another, and + consequently how imperative it is upon all, ourselves to finish the + web we have begun, if we wish to see it come perfect and uniform from + the loom.” + +Blomefield, who was a contemporary, acknowledges his great obligations to +the learned Norwich antiquary, and recorded the death of his friend and +his being buried in St. Helen’s Church, Norwich. The tomb, a black +marble monument, by the steps of the altar, bears the following arms and +inscription:— + + “_Argent_, a saltier and on a chief, + _Azure_, three woolpacks of the field, + _Crest_, a hand holding a dagger proper, + _Motto_—I make sure. + + “Here resteth in hope of a joyful resurrection, the body of John + Kirkpatrick of this city, Merchant, and Treasurer to this Hospital. + He was a man of sound judgment, good understanding and extensive + knowledge; industrious in his business, and indefatigable in that of + the Corporation in which he was constantly employed. He died, very + much lamented by all that knew him, on the 20th day of August, in the + year of our Lord, 1728, aged 42.” + + + +_The Rev. F. Blomefield_. + + +The Rev. Francis Blomefield, rector of Fersfield, lived some time in this +city, compiling his history of Norwich, which he brought down to the year +1742. He was born at Fersfield, July 23rd, 1705. He was installed +rector of that parish in 1729, when he almost immediately commenced +collecting materials for a history of his native county, but his work is +more a topographical survey than a history. He did not live to complete +it, having caught the small-pox when in London, of which he died, in the +46th year of his age, on January 15th, 1751. He began printing his great +work in 1736. In 1769 it was continued (but not completed) in five folio +volumes by the Rev. Charles Parker, M.A., rector of Oxburgh. + + * * * * * + +_William Anderson_, _F.R.S._, came to Norwich as an excise officer, and +his great talents introduced him to the most scientific characters of +this city. He obtained the situation of clerk to the New Mills, in +Heigham, and was a considerable contributor to Mr. Baker’s works on the +Microscope. Many of his papers on Natural History are published in the +transactions of the Royal Society. He died in 1767, and was buried in +Heigham churchyard. + +_Anna Letitia Barbauld_, sister of Dr. Aikin, of Yarmouth, resided at +Norwich. She was the authoress of “Evenings at Home,” and other valuable +works for children, and died in 1825. + +_Peter Barlow_, the celebrated mathematician, and author of many of the +articles in Rees’ Encyclopædia, and the Encyclopædia Metropolitana, was +the son of a warper of this city. He was born October, 1766, in the +parish of St. Simon and Jude. + +_Sir William Beechey_, the eminent painter, resided in this city in the +early part of his life, and executed several of the paintings in St. +Andrew’s Hall, particularly the celebrated portrait of Lord Nelson. He +was knighted by George III., and appointed portrait painter to his +majesty. + +_Hancock Blythe_, schoolmaster, mathematician, and teacher of languages, +resided in Timberhill, and was the author of several small works on +astronomy. He died in 1795, aged 73 years. + +_John Brand_, _B.A._, was a native of this city. His father was a +saddler in London Lane. Young Brand, having a turn for study, went for +some years to the continent, where he acquired the languages and customs +of the people so strongly, that on his return to England he received the +soubriquêt of Abbè Brand. In 1744 he was reader at St. Peter’s Mancroft. +He was the author of several articles in the _British Critic_. He was +rector of St. George’s, Southwark, and of Wickham Skeith, in Suffolk. He +died in February, 1809. + +_Henry Cooper_, barrister at law, was born in the parish of St. Peter’s +Mancroft. He was sent to sea in the early part of his life, but was +afterwards called to the bar, and was made attorney general of the +Bermudas. After a brilliant career, in which he rapidly became one of +the leaders of the Norfolk circuit, he died, after being twelve years at +the bar, in 1825. + +_Mr. Reuben Deave_ was a large manufacturer in this city, who, in +December, 1769, became the fortunate possessor of a prize in a lottery +worth £20,000. The number was 42,903. It came into his possession in +the following singular manner. His foreman, who was in a confidential +position, had bought two tickets in a lottery, and after some time +thought he had speculated too far, and told his employer that he feared +he had done a very foolish thing. Mr. Deave, being informed of the +circumstance, thought so too, but offered to buy one of the tickets. His +foreman took them out of his pocket and gave Mr. Deave his choice. Mr. +Deave, however, said he would make no choice, and bought the one offered +to him. Shortly afterwards the lottery was drawn, and this ticket proved +to be a fortunate number for £20,000, while the other was a blank. Mr. +Deave, who had paid for the ticket, gave his foreman a cheque for £500, +but the poor man was so vexed at losing the prize that he hung himself on +the next day. Mr. Deave was much grieved at this, and often said +afterwards that the prize never did him any good, for he gave a power of +attorney to a man to draw the money in London, and that man bolted with +it, and was never heard of afterwards. + +_William Enfield_, _LL.D._ an eminent literary character, was for many +years the minister at the Octagon Chapel here. He was much beloved by +his congregation, and died November 2nd, 1797, aged 57, and was buried in +the chapel, where there is a monument to his memory. + +_Sir John Fenn_, the editor of the “Paston Letters,” was born here in +1739; on presenting the first two volumes of these letters to George III. +in 1787, he was knighted. He died October 14th, 1796. + +_John Fransham_, the Norwich Polytheist, a very eccentric character, was +born in St. George’s Colegate. He was an excellent mathematician, and +was a great admirer of the ancient writers on this science. He +frequently took rapid solitary walks, with a broad brimmed hat slouched +over his eyes, and a plaid on his shoulders, and was supposed to sleep +often on Mousehold Heath. He died on February 1st, 1810. His biography +was written by his pupil, Mr. Saint. + +_Thomas Hall_, _Esq._, a merchant, lived in the early part of this +period. He founded a monthly sacramental lecture, left several legacies +to the charities, and £100 for a gold chain to be worn by the Mayor of +Norwich, and which is now worn by the Deputy Mayor. He died on December +17th, 1715, and was buried with great funeral pomp at St. George’s +Colegate. A portrait of this pious and liberal benefactor was presented +by John and Edward Taylor, Esqs., to the corporation, and placed in the +council chamber, May, 1821. + +_John Hobart_, Earl of Buckinghamshire, sat as member of parliament for +this city from 1747 to 1756, when he succeeded to the peerage. He was a +liberal benefactor to the city. He was born August 17th, 1723, and died +September 3rd, 1793. + +_James Hooke_, a celebrated musician, author of more than 2400 songs, 140 +complete works or operas, one oratorio, and many odes, anthems, &c., was +born in this city. At the early age of four years he was capable of +playing many pieces, and at six he performed in public. He died in 1813, +leaving two sons by his first wife. One of them was Dr. James Hooke, +Dean of Worcester, who died in 1828. The other was the celebrated author +of “Sayings and Doings.” + +_David Kinnebrook_, an eminent mathematician, was born here. He was +master of one of the charity schools for forty years, and never absented +himself a single day until his last illness. He died March 23rd, 1810, +aged 72. + +_John Lens_, _Esq._, _M.A._, ancient sergeant at law, is believed to have +been born in the parish of St. Andrew’s, and was educated here. In 1781, +he was called to the bar. He first practised in the Courts of King’s +Bench, but being made a sergeant, confined himself chiefly to the common +pleas. He was afterwards made King’s and next King’s Ancient Sergeant. +On more than one occasion he declined the offer of the bench. He died +August 6th, 1825, in his 69th year. + +_Richard Lubbock_, _M.D._, was born here in 1759, and was educated at the +Free Grammar School. He obtained his degree at Edinburgh in 1784. On +his return to Norwich he practised with great success. He died September +1st, 1808, and was buried at Earlham church. + +The _Right Rev. Jacob Mountain_, _D.D._, was the first protestant bishop +in the Canadas. He was born in the parish of St. Andrew. He presided +over the church in the two Canadas for thirty-two years, and died June +16th, 1825, in the seventy-fifth year of his age. + +_Samuel Parr_, _LL.D._, was master of the Free Grammar School from 1778 +to 1792, when he resigned on being presented to the rectory of Buckden, +in Lincolnshire. + +_Edward Rigby_, _M.D._, was born at Chawbent, in Lancashire, December +9th, 1749. He was under the tuition of Dr. Priestley until he was +fourteen, when he was apprenticed to Mr. David Martineau of this city. +In 1805 he was elected mayor, and died Oct. 27th, 1822. In August, 1818, +the corporation voted him and his lady a piece of plate of the value of +twenty-five guineas, as a memento of the memorable birth of their four +children at one time, and the event was recorded in the city books. Two +of the children lived to be nearly twelve weeks old, and the other two +not quite seven weeks. + +_William Saint_, one of the mathematical masters of the Royal Military +Academy, at Woolwich, was a native of St. Mary’s Coslany. He wrote the +“Life of Fransham,” and was a contributor to the “Lady’s Diary.” He died +July 9th, 1819. + +_George Sandby_, _D.D._, chancellor of the diocese of Norwich, personally +presided in the consistorial court of the Lord Bishop of Norwich for +nearly thirty years, during the whole of which time no decree of his was +reversed by a superior court. He died March 17th, 1807, aged ninety-one. + +_William Say_, an eminent mezzotinto engraver, was born at Lakenham in +1768. + +_Frank Sayers_, _M.D._, an eminent physician and literary character, who +for many years resided in this city, was born in London, March 3rd, 1763. +He was the author of “Dramatic Sketches of the Ancient Northern +Mythology,” “Poems,” “Disquisitious, Metaphysical and Literary,” “Nugæ +Poeticæ,” and “Miscellanies, Antiquarian and Historical.” He died August +16th, 1817, and a mural monument is erected to his memory in the +Cathedral, with a Latin inscription by the Rev. F. Howes. His works were +collected and edited by the late William Taylor of this city. + +_Sir James Edward Smith_, _M.D._, _F.R.S._, president of the Linnæan +Society, London, and of the Norwich Museum, and member of several foreign +academies, was born in St. Peter’s Mancroft, December 2nd, 1759. He +received his education here, and graduated as a physician at Leyden, in +1786. He assisted materially in the establishment of the Linnæan +Society, in 1788, of which he was the first president, and he continued +to preside over the society until his death, March 15th, 1828. He was +the author of several admirable botanical works. + +_William Stevenson_, _F.S.A._, who was for many years proprietor of the +“Norfolk Chronicle,” and who edited a new edition of “Bentham’s History +of Ely Cathedral,” was born at East Retford, in 1750, and died at his +house in Surrey Street in this city, May 13th, 1821, aged seventy-one. +He was, in the early part of his life, an artist of no mean pretension; +and was esteemed an antiquarian and numismatist of considerable knowledge +and research. + +_John Taylor_, _D.D._, was a native of Lancaster. He came to Norwich in +1733, and was a minister to the Presbyterian dissenters in 1757. He was +the author of several theological works, and died at Warrington, March +5th, 1761, aged sixty-six. + +_William Taylor_, a celebrated German scholar, and a very eccentric +character, author of an “Historical Survey of German Poetry,” and a +translator of several German works, was born in this city, and resided +for many years in Upper King Street. He died in 1836, aged sixty-nine. + +_Edward Baron Thurlow_ was born at Bracon Ash, in this county. He +received the rudiments of his education at the Free Grammar School here. +He rose successively to be appointed solicitor general, attorney general, +master of the rolls, and lord high chancellor of Great Britain, and was +created Lord Thurlow in 1778. In 1793 he resigned the seals. He died at +Brighton, September 12th, 1806. + +_William Wilkins_, _sen._, architect, was born in the parish of St. +Benedict, about the year 1744 or 1747. He received but a limited +education, but possessed an admirable taste for design, and his plans and +drawings were very beautiful. He was the author of a clever essay in +Vol. xii. of the “Archæologia,” on the Venta Icenorum. + +_William Wilkins_, _M.A._, son of the above, was born in St. Giles’ +parish. He was educated at the Free Grammar School here. He was +employed in the erection of several public buildings in London, and +numerous private mansions. His literary labours were confined to the +subject of architecture, and his “Magna Græcia” is considered to be an +excellent work. + +_William Windham_. This eminent statesman represented the city in +several parliaments. He was born in London in 1750, and first sat for +Norwich in 1780. In 1783 he was appointed secretary to the lord +lieutenant of Ireland, and made his first speech in parliament in 1785. +He died in 1806. + +_Sir Benjamin Wrench_, an eminent physician, who practised here for sixty +years, lived in St. Andrew’s. His house occupied the site of the present +Corn Exchange. He was lord of the manor of Little Melton in Blomefield’s +time. + + +NORWICH IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY. + + +We have now arrived at the present age of political progress, and +material prosperity; the age of inventions, railways, newspapers, and +telegraphs; the age of expansion and general intelligence. George III., +George IV., and William IV., have reigned in this century, and have been +succeeded by our beloved Queen Victoria. Under her benign sway the old +semi-barbarous state of society has passed away like a dream, and we live +in a new social era, the result of the progress of education, of the +march of improvement, and of the spread of true religion. + +As it has been often stated by local historians that Norwich formerly +contained a very large population, and as this statement is very +generally believed, we may here correct the mistake by giving the +returns, which show a very gradual, and very slow increase from the +earliest period to the present time. The parochial returns show that in +1693 the population was only 28,881; in 1752 it had increased to 36,169; +and in 1786 to 40,051. This was the greatest number up to the end of the +last century. In 1801 it was 36,832, not including 6,000 recruits for +the army, navy, and militia; making the total number 42,832. This +indicates a very slow increase of population. The following are the +returns for the present century: 1801, 36,832; 1811, 37,256; 1821, +50,288; 1831, 61,116; 1841, 62,294; 1851, 68,713; 1861, 74,414, being an +increase of about 500 yearly. Norwich in 1752 contained only 7131 +houses, and in 1801 8763, of which 1747 were returned as empty. In 1831 +the number was 14,201, of which 13,132 were inhabited. Now the number is +over 21,000, and the rateable value is £178,882. + +We must now leave the stately march of history for a more broken and +interrupted step. There is some difficulty in detailing the events of +this period, for every reader is more or less acquainted with it, and has +viewed it in relation to his own interests and prejudices. The records +of facts are so voluminous, that every reader may think that there is +something omitted, or misrepresented, or exaggerated. It is impossible, +however, to mention every local occurrence which some one may think +important, every accident, or fire, or crime, or every grand concert or +entertainment. We have to deal with events more connected with general +history; and we shall first state the more remarkable occurrences of a +civil or municipal character, reserving political matters for a +subsequent chapter. But in order to render our narrative of local +events, and especially local elections, more intelligible, it will be +necessary to give a brief account of the old corporation, whose +proceedings occupy so large a part of our records. + + +NORWICH CORPORATION. + + +This body claims a prescriptive origin. Certain privileges were granted +to the city by the charters of different sovereigns, the first being that +of Henry I., which was annulled and again renewed by Stephen. The +particular privileges conceded by it cannot now be ascertained. The next +charter is that of the 5th Henry II., but this is only confirmatory of +former grants, and the original is still preserved in the Guildhall. One +granted by Richard I. contains some estimable clauses. The most +prominent are, that no citizen shall be forced to answer any plea or +action in any but the city courts, except for those concerning +possessions out of the city; that the citizens should have _acquittance_ +of _murder_, which is equivalent to granting them a coroner; that they +should not be forced to _duel_, that is, should be exempt from the +general law which was then in force, of deciding causes by single combat; +that they should be free from toll throughout all England; and that they +should have other liberties, all highly important, and no doubt justly +appreciated by the citizens of that period. King John’s charter is +similar to the preceding, and that of Henry II., with the addition that +all persons living in the city, and participating in the liberties of the +citizens, shall be talliated or taxed, and pay as the aforesaid citizens +of Norwich do, when tollages and aid shall be laid upon them. It is +probable that the principal authority was invested in bailiffs, instead +of a provost, in 1223, as there is no evidence of the existence of such +officers before that time. + +Two deeds of Henry III., and several of succeeding kings, all either +confirmed or enlarged the privileges granted to the city; but our +attention is most attracted by the concessions of Henry IV., which +established the constitution of a mayor, sheriffs, &c. The original +charter is lost, but those of his son and more modern princes have +sufficiently preserved the spirit of it. The charter of Henry V. made +the extensive territory within the corporation limits a county of itself, +excepting only the castle, which belonged to Norfolk. This territory +was, by the boundary act, included for the purposes of representation. +Twenty-five charters, the latest by James II., are known to have been +granted, and probably others existed and have been lost. When the +innovations, made in old establishments during the Commonwealth, were +gradually reformed, the citizens petitioned for a renewal of their +rights. The charter of 15th Charles II. was obtained, and under it the +city was governed till the passing of the Municipal Reform Act. Most of +the old charters were granted in consideration for sums of money given or +lent to kings to enable them to carry on wars. Many of the charters were +more injurious than beneficial to the city, as they created monopolies of +one kind or other, or gave powers to the old corporation which were +frequently abused. Those who wish to study those old documents more +minutely may find them in Blomefield’s history. + +The old corporation was more ornamental than useful to the city for 400 +years. Under it the sanitary state of the city was so bad, the drainage +of the city so defective, and the supply of water so insufficient, that +plagues and pestilences, which carried off thousands of the citizens, +were of frequent occurrence. Ward elections were so often contested, +that bribery, treating, and intimidation, were quite common, and the +corruption of the freemen and lower classes was universal. Physically +and morally the city was for centuries in the worst possible condition. +The ward elections were carried on with a spirit which was surpassed in +no other place. They were considered as trials of strength between +different parties; and if they happened at a period when a general +election was anticipated, an enormous sum of money was spent in treating +and bribery. Indeed, it has been asserted on good authority that no less +a sum than £16,000 was wasted in the contest for a single ward in 1818! +The city was divided into four great wards, each of which was subdivided +into three small wards. The mayor was elected by the freemen on May 1st, +and sworn into his office on the Guild day, which was always the Tuesday +before Midsummer day. He was chosen from the aldermen, and afterwards he +was a magistrate for life. One of the sheriffs was chosen by the court +of aldermen, the other by the freemen on the last Tuesday in August. The +twenty-four aldermen were chosen for the twelve smaller wards, two for +each ward, whose office was to keep the peace in their several divisions. +When anyone of them died, the freemen of that great ward in which the +lesser ward was included, for which he was to serve, elected another in +his place within five days. The common councilmen were elected by the +freemen dwelling in each of the four great wards separately; for +Conisford great ward on the Monday; Mancroft on the Tuesday; Wymer on the +Wednesday; and the Northern ward on the Thursday in Passion week, thence +called “cleansing” week. They chose a speaker yearly, who was called +speaker of the commons. The old freemen therefore formed the whole of +the local constituency for municipal purposes. + +Memoirs are often the best sources of information respecting public +matters, as they let us behind the scenes and show us what the actors +really thought and did. A good memoir of the late Professor Taylor, +which appeared in the _Norfolk News_, of March 28th and April 4th, 1863, +contained the following, “So far back as 1808 we find Mr. Taylor +recording that he was ‘elected a common councilman for the fourth time.’” +He also states that the contest for nominees in the Long ward was “the +severest ever remembered.” Few people now-a-days could realize the +import of those few words. Few understand how much was implied by the +once common phrase “a battle for the Long ward.” The combatants would +have scorned such mealy-mouthed appellations, as “conservative” and +“liberal,” or indeed any name but that of the colors under which they +fought. They were “blue-and-whites,” or “orange-and-purples;” the former +being what would now be called the “liberal,” and the latter the +“conservative,” party. To be a blue-and-white or an orange-and-purple, +was to be an angel or a devil, as the case might be; the angels being of +course those of your own side, to whichever you belonged. Great was the +potency of colors: though not supposed to be worn at municipal elections, +they were a rallying cry, and they were always at hand to be flouted, +like a red rag at a turkey, in the face of the enemy. Even housemaids +and children concealed them about their persons, in readiness to show +them slyly from some window, both to encourage their friends and +exasperate their enemies, whenever a procession passed. Great were the +preparations for the contest. A sort of civic press-gang prowled the +streets by night for the purpose of “cooping chickens,” which, being done +into English, means carrying men off by force, and keeping them drunk and +in confinement, so that if they could not be got to vote “for” it would +be impossible for them to vote “against.” If they could not be safely +secured in the city, they were “cribbed, cabined, and confined” in +wherries on the river, or the broads, or even taken to Yarmouth and +carried out to sea. When the day of battle came, great was the shouting, +the drinking, the betting, the bribing, and the fighting, till the +longest purse contrived to win the day. Of course, the dirty work was +done by dirty men. But leading men on both sides were so used to see +this sort of thing, that they considered it only as a necessary part and +parcel of an election. It was regarded rather as a limb which could not +be safely severed from the body, than as a shabby coat which disgraced +the wearer. Besides, palliating rhetoric was not absent. Better do a +little evil than surrender a cause essential to the welfare of the state! +“What we did,” we honest orange-and-purples, or we pure blue-and-whites, +“was done in mere self-defence.” + + +LEADING EVENTS IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY. + + +1801. January 1st, 1801, being the first day of the nineteenth century, +and the day on which the Union of Great Britain and Ireland took place, +the 13th Regiment of Light Dragoons dismounted, and the Militia fired a +_feu de joie_ in the Market Place. + +January 3rd. The old Theatre (built in 1757) was re-opened after +extensive improvements. The alterations were executed after the designs +of William Wilkins, Esq., the patentee. This theatre was formerly a good +school for young actors, and many promising performers have first +appeared on these boards. Of late, operatic performances appear to be +most in favour with the gentry. + +February 24th. Charles Harvey, Esq., the steward, was unanimously +elected Recorder of Norwich, vice Henry Partridge, Esq., resigned. + +April 4th. Mrs. Lloyd, widow of the Rev. Dean Lloyd, died at Cambridge, +aged 79. This lady painted the Transfiguration, and other figures in the +eastern windows of the Cathedral. + +In April, the ward elections were the causes of great contention. In +consequence of objections being made to the elections of two nominees of +the Wymer ward, and three of the Northern ward, on the ground of their +being ineligible under the corporation act, having omitted to receive the +sacrament within a year previous to the election of the common council, +the mayor did not make the returns till several days after the usual +time. At a court held April 4th, after the objections had been fully +heard by counsel, the recorder (Mr. Harvey) declared that the persons +objected to who had the majority of votes, having omitted to come into +court according to summons, were not duly elected, but as no regular +notice had been given previous to the election, the candidates in the +minority could not be returned. A new election for the above wards +accordingly took place on May 25th and 26th. + +June 16th. Jeremiah Ives, Esq., of Catton, was elected mayor a second +time. There was no guild feast this year at St. Andrew’s Hall. + +June 25th. An awful fire, which lasted two hours, broke out on the roof +of the Cathedral, and in less than an hour, 45 feet of the leaded roof, +towards the western end of the nave, were consumed. Some plumbers had +been at work repairing the roof, and set fire to it either accidentally +or intentionally. The damage was about £500. The Lord Bishop (Dr. +Sutton) was present, and distributed refreshment to the soldiers and +people who assisted in arresting the progress of the conflagration. + + * * * * * + +1802. Peace was proclaimed throughout the city on May the 4th, in due +form; and the mayor and corporation went in procession from the hall +through the principal streets. There was a general illumination at +night. At a quarterly assembly of the council, a congratulatory address +to his majesty on the restoration of peace, was voted unanimously. + +On May 21st, the city address was presented to the king, at the levee at +St. James’ Palace, by Jeremiah Ives, Esq., Junr., the mayor, and Sir +Roger Kerrison. + +On May 29th, a county meeting was held, when a similar address was +adopted. + +October 4th to 7th. A grand musical festival was held in Norwich, under +the direction of Messrs. Beckwith and Sharp of this city, and Mr. Ashley +of London. Mrs. Billington, Mr. Bartleman, and Mr. Braham, were the +principal performers. + +October 21st. There was a severe contest for the election of an alderman +in the great northern ward, in the room of Francis Colombine, Esq., +resigned. The numbers were—for E. Rigby, Esq., 261; Jonathan Davey, +Esq., 259. + + * * * * * + +1803. February 8th. At a full meeting held at the Guildhall, a +committee was appointed to prepare a bill to be laid before a future +meeting, for better paving, lighting, watching, and cleansing the city. +A petition to the house of commons for leave to bring in a bill, was +afterwards presented, but it was strongly opposed as not being then +expedient. An act was, however, ultimately carried. + +March 7th. At a special assembly of the corporation, an address of +congratulation was adopted, to be presented to his majesty, on the +providential discovery of the late traitorous conspiracy against his +royal person and government, entered into by Colonel Despard and six +other persons, who were executed on the top of the New Surrey prison, in +Horsemonger Lane. The high sheriff and grand jury of Norfolk, at +Thetford, also voted an address of congratulation to the king, and a +similar address was adopted at a county meeting held at the Shirehall. + +March 21st. The portrait of Captain John Harvey, of the Norwich Light +Horse volunteers, painted by Mr. Opie, at the request of the troop, was +placed in St. Andrew’s Hall. + +April 27th. A public dispensary was established in Norwich, and has been +a great benefit to the poor people of the city. + +August 16th. France having again threatened to invade this kingdom, a +meeting of the inhabitants of the city was held at the Guildhall, for the +purpose of forming a regiment of volunteer infantry under the regulations +of the Acts for the defence of the realm, when resolutions to that effect +were adopted, and upwards of £6400 subscribed, and 1400 citizens enrolled +themselves under the command of Lieut.-Colonel Harvey. A rifle corps was +also formed, of which R. M. Bacon, Esq., then editor of the Mercury, was +appointed Captain. Both parties manifested the greatest enthusiasm, but +fortunately the services of the local warriors were not required. On +September 29th, a new telegraph was erected on the top of Norwich Castle, +to communicate with Strumpshaw Mill, Filby Church, and Yarmouth, so as to +give notice of any danger. In October, the Norfolk and Norwich volunteer +regiments agreed to perform permanent duty at Yarmouth in case of +invasion, and many of them were stationed in the port during the +succeeding two months. The victory of the Norfolk hero, Lord Nelson, at +Trafalgar in 1805, discouraged Napoleon I., and he relinquished his +intention to invade this land of freedom. In July 1806, the local +militia act was passed, and many of the volunteers transferred their +services to that body. The volunteer corps of Norwich and Norfolk were +disbanded on March 24th, 1813. The West Norfolk militia returned to +Norwich from Ireland, on May 11th, 1816, and were disembodied on June +17th in that year. A long peace of 40 years ensued, but the old trade of +Norwich destroyed by the war, never revived. In January, 1817, upwards +of £3000 were contributed to relieve the poor, many of whom were employed +in making a new road to Carrow, and in other public works, the trade of +the city being in a state of stagnation. + + * * * * * + +1804. January 18th. The city of Norwich Regiment of Volunteer Infantry, +600 strong, commanded by Lieut. Col. Harvey, received their colours. The +banners, given by the mayor and corporation, were first consecrated in +the Market Place, by the Rev. E. S. Thurlow, prebendary of Norwich, with +a suitable address and prayer, and were afterwards presented by the +mayor, John Morse, Esq., to the colonel in due form. The king’s and +regimental standards were then delivered to the ensigns. The Artillery, +under Capt. Fyers, stationed on the Castle Hill, fired salutes; the +Regiment fired three vollies; and St. Peter’s bells rang merry peals. + +June 1st. The city of Norwich (or 7th) Regiment of Norfolk Volunteer +Infantry, commanded by Lieut. Colonel Harvey, entered on one month’s +permanent duty in Norwich. The Regiment mustered 500 strong, exclusive +of officers. + +June 4th. The anniversary of His Majesty’s birthday was celebrated in +Norwich by the grandest military spectacle ever witnessed here. Upwards +of 1700 men of the Royal Artillery, 24th Regiment of Foot, and the +Norwich Volunteer Corps, assembled on the Castle Hill and fired a _feu de +joie_ with fine effect. During this year the citizens were often +entertained with military displays. June 18th, Major General Money was +appointed to the staff of the eastern district; in which a force of +32,000 men was now fully completed for the reception of any invading +enemy. + +June 18th. The corporation granted the site of the Blackfriars, in St. +Andrew’s, to the court of guardians, for 200 years at their old rent for +the purpose of improving the same, and repairing the Old Workhouse for +the poor, the plan of erecting a New Workhouse having been abandoned. +Subsequently, large sums of money were wasted in repairing the old house, +sufficient to build a new one, and ultimately it was found to be +absolutely necessary to build a new house, which was done at a cost of +£30,000. + + * * * * * + +1805. January 17th. At a public meeting held at the Guildhall, it was +resolved to establish an hospital and school for the indigent blind, in +Norwich and Norfolk. Towards the foundation of this admirable +institution, Thomas Tawell, Esq., contributed a house and three +and-a-half acres of land in Magdalen Street, valued at £1050. Mr. +Tawell, who was unfortunately blind, introduced his humane proposal in an +able speech, appealing for subscriptions. A large sum was at once +subscribed. The hospital was opened on the 14th October following. + +February 2nd. Dr. Charles Manners Sutton, bishop of Norwich, was +nominated by the king, and chosen, February 12th, archbishop of +Canterbury. On the 13th, His Grace arrived at the palace, Norwich, from +London. On the 15th, the mayor and court of aldermen proceeded in state +from the Guildhall to the Bishop’s Palace, where the recorder, Mr. +Harvey, delivered an address of congratulation to the archbishop on his +translation, to which His Grace returned a dignified answer. Next day, +the clergy of Norwich waited on His Grace, when the Rev. Dr. Pretyman, +prebendary, addressed the archbishop in an appropriate speech, to which +His Grace made an impressive reply. On the 17th His Grace preached his +farewell sermon in the Cathedral. + +February 24th. The clergy of Norwich having intimated an intention of +applying to Parliament for an increase of their incomes, then very small, +by assessment, the council, at a quarterly assembly, resolved to oppose +the application; the citizens, in vestry meetings, being unanimous +against the measure, which was never carried out. + +March 18th. Dr. Henry Bathurst (one of the prebendaries of Durham) was +elected bishop of Norwich by the dean and chapter. He soon made himself +universally beloved by the clergy and the citizens. Professor Taylor +gave the following account of the late and also of the newly appointed +bishop:— + + “In 1805, Dr. Bathurst succeeded Dr. Sutton as bishop of Norwich. + The latter, who had been translated to the See of Canterbury, was a + man of polished manners, extravagant habits, and courtier-like + address. He was too polite to quarrel with anybody and too prudent + to provoke controversy. He neither felt nor affected to feel any + horror of Unitarians. He invited them to his table, and at the + request of the mayor, he preached a charity sermon at St. George’s + Colegate, knowing that my father had been asked and had consented to + write the hymns.” + + “Dr. Bathurst removed from Durham to Norwich, and as he was a + stranger in his new residence, never having taken any prominent part + as a public man, little expectation was excited as to his future + conduct. He was known to owe his elevation to his relation, Lord + Bathurst; and it was generally taken for granted that his views on + public affairs were similar to those of the administration of which + that noble lord was a member. Curiosity led me to the Cathedral to + hear the new bishop’s primary charge, and I soon found the spirit it + breathed to resemble the benevolence that beamed from his + countenance.” + + “What the bishop preached he also practised. He never shrunk from + appearing to be what he really was, nor while he received a dissenter + in his study with politeness would he pass him unnoticed in the + street. He was to be seen walking arm-in-arm with persons, of all + persuasions, whom he respected, in the streets of Norwich. He was + not afraid of shaking ‘brother Madge,’ as he called him, by the hand, + nor of welcoming Unitarians to his table. What he was as a member of + the house of peers, on all occasions in which the great principles of + religious liberty were concerned, is well known. I have only here to + speak of his conduct as a resident in Norwich.” + +Sept 3rd. The committee of the court of guardians appointed to examine +the poor rates of the city and hamlets, for the purpose of obtaining a +more equal assessment, made their report, in which they stated that an +increase of £16,000 stock and £1800 rent, calculating on the half rental +only, might be made, and recommended a general survey and new valuation +to be taken, in consequence of the great alteration which had taken place +in property since 1786, when the previous survey was taken. + +December 17th. There was a grand entertainment at the Assembly Rooms, in +honour of Lord Nelson’s glorious victory off Cape Trafalgar; more than +450 ladies and gentlemen of the city and county were present. The rooms +were decorated with transparencies and brilliantly illuminated for a +grand ball and supper. The victory so celebrated, and which had been won +on October 21st, was dearly purchased by the death of Viscount Nelson. +The last order given before the action began, was by the newly-invented +telegraph:—“England expects every man to do his duty.” + + * * * * * + +1806. January 9th. This day the great bells of the several churches in +the city were tolled from twelve till two o’clock, it being the day on +which the remains of the immortal Lord Nelson were interred under the +dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral. The body, after lying in state in the hall +of Greenwich Hospital, was brought thence on January 8th by water to +Whitehall stairs, and carried on a bier to the Admiralty Office, and +deposited in the Captain’s room for the night. Next day the corpse was +removed on a funeral car, drawn by six horses, to St. Paul’s. The Duke +of York headed the procession, the grandest ever witnessed; 500 persons +of distinction attended at the funeral. + +February 24th. At a quarterly assembly of the corporation, a loyal +address was unanimously adopted, to be presented to His Majesty, +“expressive of their gratitude for the paternal affection which he has +shown to his subjects, by waiving every consideration, but the public +good, in the appointment of men of the first abilities in the country to +the high offices of state!” + + * * * * * + +1807. March 4th. A committee of the House of Commons declared Mr. +Windham and Mr. Coke not duly elected, and another election took place +for two members for the county. Sir J. H. Astley, Bart., and Edward +Coke, Esq., (of Derby) were returned without opposition. Mr. Windham +afterwards took his seat for New Romney, and Mr. Coke was returned for +Derby _vice_ his brother, who had previously accepted the Chiltern +Hundreds. + +May 14th. The anniversary of the birthday of that illustrious statesman, +the Right Hon. Wm. Windham, was celebrated at the Angel Inn (now Royal +Hotel) by a large party of his numerous friends. William Smith, Esq., +M.P., presided. + +June 16th. Robert Herring, Esq., was sworn into the office of mayor of +Norwich; and he afterwards gave a dinner to 150 gentlemen at Chapel-field +house. + +October 6th. The first meeting was held of the revived Norfolk Club at +the Angel Inn, Norwich. Sir John Lombe, Bart., was in the chair. The +Hon. Colonel Fitzroy, Mr. W. Smith, and Mr. Windham were also present. + + * * * * * + +1808. January. By the telegraph, orders from the Admiralty Office were +received at Yarmouth, in 17 minutes. The chain of communication was by +Strumpshaw, Thorpe Hills, Honingham, Carlton, and Harling, and from +thence proceeded between Thetford and Bury, over Newmarket Heath to +London. + +Captain Manby’s invention for rescuing persons stranded on a lee shore, +was approved by the Lords of the Admiralty. Parliament rewarded Captain +Manby at different times with grants amounting to £6000, and adopted his +apparatus at many parts of the coast. + +July 29th. At a special assembly of the corporation of Norwich, an +address to his majesty was agreed to unanimously, on the subject of the +noble struggle of the patriots of Spain and Portugal against the Ruler of +France, and of the generous aid given to their endeavours by the +government. + + * * * * * + +1809. January. In consequence of Colonel Robert Harvey not being joined +by a sufficient number of the Volunteers under his command to become a +local Militia Battalion, he resigned the command of the Norwich Volunteer +Regiment, and was succeeded by Colonel De Hague. + +May 9th. The six Regiments of Norfolk Local Militia first assembled to +perform 28 days’ exercise. They were stationed at Norwich, Yarmouth, +Swaffham, and Lynn. + +October 15th. The Norwich corn merchants demanded of the farmers a +month’s credit, instead of paying ready money for their corn as +heretofore, but it was resisted by the growers, and ultimately abandoned +by the merchants. + +November 2nd. After an interval of seven years, there was a grand +musical festival here, combining oratorios at St. Peter’s Church, and +concerts at the Theatre, under the direction of Mr. Beckwith, eldest son +of the late Dr. Beckwith. Professor Hague, of Cambridge, led the band. + + * * * * * + +1810. January 20th. The disputes between the corn growers and buyers in +the city and county, having been amicably adjusted, a reconciliation +dinner took place at the Maid’s Head Inn. Amongst the toasts was, “Fair +Play—ready money on both sides, or ready money on neither.” + +February 4th. Died at Gunton, in his 77th year, the Rt. Hon. Harbord +Lord Suffield. He represented Norwich from 1756 to 1786. He was much +respected by his constituents. + +April 26th. The first stone of the new bridge at Carrow was laid by the +mayor, T. Back, Esq., in due form. + +August 6th. The first stone of the Norwich Foundry Bridge was laid by +Alderman Jonathan Davey, the projector of the undertaking. + +September 27th. A contest took place for the office of alderman of the +great Northern ward, in the room of John Herring, Esq., who died on the +23rd, aged 61. The poll closed as follows—for William Hankes, Esq., 258; +N. Bolingbroke, Esq., 229. The former was declared duly elected. + +December 8th. The Rev. Edward Valpy, B.D., was elected by the aldermen, +master of the Free Grammar School, Norwich, in the room of the Rev. Dr. +S. Forster, resigned. Under Mr. Valpy, the school attained great +celebrity, and here Rajah Brooke and other eminent men were educated. + + * * * * * + +1811. January 15th. Mr. Thomas Roope was convicted at the sessions of +having sent a challenge to Mr. Robert Alderson, Steward of the +Corporation, to provoke him to fight a duel; and was sentenced to pay a +fine of 40/- to the king, and to be imprisoned for one month. + +June 29th. Mr. Thomas Roope was sentenced in the Court of King’s Bench, +to be committed to the custody of the marshal for three months, and to +find sureties afterwards, for a libel on Thomas Back, Esq., late mayor of +Norwich. + +August 6th. A portrait of Thomas Back, Esq., was placed in St. Andrew’s +Hall. It was painted by Mr. Clover, a native of the city. + +September 11th. A numerous meeting was held in St. Andrew’s Hall, with +the mayor, J. H. Cole, Esq., in the chair, when the Norfolk and Norwich +Auxiliary Bible Society was instituted. The Bishop of Norwich (who was +present) was appointed president, and the three secretaries of the +British and Foreign Bible Society also attended. Annual meetings have +been held ever since. + + * * * * * + +1812. June 16th. Starling Day, Esq., was sworn in Mayor of Norwich for +the second time; but in consequence of his advanced age and infirmities, +there was no dinner in St. Andrew’s Hall, on the guild-day. Mr. Alderman +Davey (who was one of the unsuccessful candidates for the office of mayor +on May 1st and 2nd) gave a dinner under the trees adjoining his house at +Eaton, to about 500 freemen of the liberal interest. Strange as it may +seem now, contests often took place for the office of mayor, during the +old corporation. + +July 17th. At a meeting of noblemen, gentry, and clergy, held at the +Shirehall, (Lord Viscount Primrose in the chair,) the Norfolk and Norwich +Society for the education of the poor in the principles of the Church of +England, was established. Upwards of £3000 was subscribed for the +object. The Lord Bishop of Norwich was elected patron, and Lord +Suffield, president. + + * * * * * + +1813. May 1st. A contested election for the office of Mayor of Norwich +came on, and was not finished till next morning, when Alderman Davey and +J. Harvey were returned as the two highest; but on May 3rd, an objection +was made to Alderman J. Harvey, as being ineligible, from his not being a +resident inhabitant of the city, as required by charter. Counsel’s +opinion was obtained in favour of that objection, and another election +took place on June 7th, when another contest ensued, and after a spirited +poll the numbers were—for Alderman Leman, 797; Alderman Davey, 801. The +Court of Aldermen elected the former gentleman. + +July 4th. Great rejoicings took place here on the arrival of the news of +the great victory obtained by the British army commanded by the Marquis +of Wellington, over the French army, under Joseph Buonaparte, at Vittoria +in Spain, on June 21st, when the enemy lost 151 pieces of cannon, 415 +waggons, all his baggage, and many prisoners. The Marquis of Wellington +was promoted to be a Field-Marshal. A form of prayer and thanksgiving +for this victory was used in all the churches on August 1st. + + * * * * * + +1814. May 1st. An election took place for the office of Mayor of +Norwich, and the contest lasted two days. Aldermen Back and Robberds +being the highest on the poll, a scrutiny was demanded on behalf of +Alderman Davey. The scrutiny commenced on the 12th, and continued till +the 19th, when Alderman Davey declined proceeding further. Aldermen +Robberds and Back were then returned to the Court of Aldermen, who +elected J. W. Robberds, Esq., to serve the office of Mayor. + +June 3rd. The Expedition coach being the first to arrive in Norwich with +the news of the definitive treaty of peace, (signed at Paris on the 30th +ult.,) was drawn by the people four times round the Market Place, and +through the principal streets. + +June 8th. The Newmarket mail arrived in Norwich with news of the Corn +Importation Bill having been thrown out of the House of Commons by a +majority of 10, and was dragged by the excited people for hours through +the streets. At night a great bonfire was made. + +June 27th. Peace with France was proclaimed. The mayor and corporation +went in a procession of carriages from the Guildhall through the +principal streets, preceded by trumpets, and accompanied by thousands of +people. + +July 7th. The thanksgiving day for the happy restoration of peace. The +mayor and corporation attended divine service at the Cathedral. About +700 children from the church schools went in procession to St. Andrew’s +Hall, where a plentiful dinner of roast beef and plum pudding was +provided for them by the treasurers of the charity schools. The poor in +their several parishes participated in the general joy, and were regaled +with plentiful dinners, paid for by subscriptions. + + * * * * * + +1815. March 4th. The late Professor Taylor stood a contest, for the +third time, for nominee of St. Peter’s Mancroft ward. Of course he was +beaten, this being an orange-and-purple ward, but he polled 107 votes. +However, he was soon afterwards elected a common councilman, without +difficulty, in the Northern ward, where the blue-and-whites had always a +large majority. This was on March 16th, and on May 3rd he was elected a +member of the court of guardians. He took a very active part in local +politics, and was the first man who ever reported and published the +proceedings of the common council. + +June 23rd. The glorious news was received in Norwich, with triumphant +rejoicings, of the ever memorable victory obtained by the Duke of +Wellington over the French army, commanded by Buonaparte in person, at +Waterloo, near Brussels, on the 18th. Buonaparte fled to Paris, leaving +upwards of 200 pieces of cannon in the hands of the allied armies. + +June 27th. Rejoicings were renewed here on the news being received of +the second abdication of Buonaparte, the immediate consequence of the +grand victory of La Belle Alliance. + + * * * * * + +1816. January 18th. This day was appointed a thanksgiving day for the +restoration of peace, and it was solemnly observed. The mayor and +corporation of Norwich attended divine service at the Cathedral. Sermons +were preached at the different places of worship, and collections were +made for the poor. + +January 25th. At the 51st anniversary of the Castle corporation, Thomas +Back, Esq., alderman, presented two medals to be worn by the recorder and +steward of the society. Each medal bore a good likeness of Mr. Pitt, on +a beautiful cameo; the motto round which was _Non Sibi sed Patriæ Vixit_. +On the reverse were the words, “Presented by Thomas Back, Junior, Esq., +to the Castle Corporation, Norwich, in commemoration of the great victory +of Waterloo, obtained on the 18th June, 1815, by the Allied Armies under +the command of Field Marshal the Duke of Wellington;” and around this was +the motto, “In memory of the Right Hon. William Pitt; died the 23rd +January, 1806, aged 47.” + +January 29th. Died, aged 86, Robert Harvey, Esq., called the Father of +the City of Norwich, for his great benevolence and liberality and +promotion of trade. + +February 20th. A numerous meeting was held at the Guildhall, Norwich, +with the mayor, J. H. Yallop, Esq., in the chair, when resolutions +against the property tax, and a petition founded thereon, were passed +unanimously. Similar petitions were sent from Lynn, Yarmouth, and other +towns. County meetings were also held to petition against the tax. + +March 29th. At a public meeting held at the Guildhall, Norwich, with the +mayor in the chair, it was resolved to establish a bank for savings, +where servants and others might deposit a portion of their earnings. It +was opened on April 29th, and has continued to be very prosperous. + +April 3rd. A meeting of merchants, manufacturers, and others, was held +at the Guildhall, Norwich, John Harvey, Esq., presiding, when resolutions +were passed to instruct the city members to watch and oppose the intended +measure for allowing the exportation of wool free of all restrictions. +This measure was for the time relinquished. + +April 4th. At a public meeting held under the presidency of the mayor, a +petition to parliament was adopted for the repeal of the Insolvent +Debtors’ act as being injurious to trade and commerce. It was not +repealed for a long time. + +May 11th. The West Norfolk militia returned to Norwich from Ireland, and +were disembodied on the 17th of June. + +May 16th. A number of riotous persons, chiefly youths, broke into the +New Mills, in Norwich, threw some of the flour into the mill pool, and +committed several outrages on persons and dwellings before they +dispersed. The pretext for the disturbance was the want of employment. +They assembled again on the next evening, but were dispersed by the +magistrates and military, and several of the rioters were taken into +custody. Similar proceedings took place at Downham and other places in +Norfolk. + +June 17th. At a quarterly assembly of the corporation, an address of +congratulation to the Prince Regent was voted, to be presented to his +Royal Highness, on the occasion of the marriage of the Princess Charlotte +of Wales, and Prince Leopold of Saxe Coburg. The address was presented +by the city members. The marriage took place on May 2nd. + +June 18th. This day being the anniversary of the glorious victory of +Waterloo, the non-commissioned officers and privates of the First Royal +Dragoons, and other soldiers quartered in Norwich, were treated with a +handsome dinner in the cavalry riding school, several gentlemen having +entered into a subscription for that purpose, the corporation adding the +sum of £10. Robert Hawkes, Esq., first suggested the entertainment. + +July 10th. An address of congratulation was voted by the court of +mayoralty of Norwich, to be presented to the Princess Charlotte and +Prince Leopold on their marriage. + +October 14th. A public meeting was held in St. Andrew’s Hall (Mr. +Sheriff Bolingbroke in the chair), when certain resolutions, and a +petition to parliament founded thereon, were agreed to. The petition was +for the greatest possible retrenchment of the public expenditure, and for +a Reform of the House of Commons. Thus early began the Reform movement, +and it continued to extend all over the country. It became stronger and +stronger, till at last it overcame all opposition. + + * * * * * + +1817. January 1st. At a public meeting in the Guildhall, with the +mayor, William Hankes, Esq., presiding, a subscription was commenced to +relieve the labouring poor, which amounted to £3050. The poor people +were employed on works of public improvement, and were supplied with +soup, &c. Upwards of £1000 was also raised at Yarmouth for the same +laudable purpose, and 460 men were employed in forming roads to the Bath +House, Jetty, &c. The committee in Norwich granted £270 to be expended +for labour on cutting a road through Butter Hills to Carrow Bridge, which +was effected in the course of the summer. + +March 26th. The severest contest took place ever known for nominees of +Wymer, or the Long ward, very few votes remaining unpolled. Some of the +freemen came in post-chaises from Thetford to poll. The numbers were, +Messrs. S. Mitchell, 306; J. Reynolds, 305; A. Thwaites, 292; Messrs. W. +Foster, 297; R. Purland, 288; C. Higgen, 283. Mr. Foster was successful, +having five votes above Mr. Thwaites, one of the old nominees. + +April 4th. On Good Friday morning, Wright’s Norwich and Yarmouth steam +packet had just started from the Foundry Bridge, when the boiler of the +engine burst with a tremendous explosion, by which the vessel was blown +to atoms, and of 22 persons on board, five men three women, and one child +were instantly killed. Six women with fractured arms and legs were +conveyed to the hospital, where one died. The remaining seven escaped +without much injury. A subscription amounting to £350 was raised for the +sufferers. Soon afterwards, a packet was introduced on the river, worked +by four horses, as in a thrashing machine; the animals walking in a path +18 feet in diameter. The vessel was propelled from six to seven miles an +hour, as wind and tide favoured. This packet did not long run, and steam +packets were again introduced, which went from Norwich to Yarmouth daily. + +September 26th. A meeting was held in St. Andrew’s Hall, when an +auxiliary association to the London Society for Promoting Christianity +amongst the Jews was established. The Lord Bishop of Norwich was +appointed president. Annual meetings have been held ever since to +promote the objects of the society. + +December 3rd. At a special meeting of the corporation, two addresses of +condolence, one to the Prince Regent, and the other to Prince Leopold, of +Saxe Coburg, were voted, expressive of the grief of the citizens on the +death of the Princess Charlotte. + + * * * * * + +1818. January 5th. The court of guardians having determined to proceed +in the valuation of the property in the city and hamlets, Messrs. Rook, +Athow, and Stannard were appointed to make such valuation. They were to +be paid £850 for their trouble. + +A repository was established in Norwich for the sale of articles of +ingenuity, to increase the funds of the society for relieving the sick +poor in Norwich. The first exhibition took place on Tombland fair day, +at Mr. Noverre’s room. + +March 11th. This year, the several wards in Norwich (except the Northern +ward) were strongly contested, particularly the Wymer ward. After a +spirited poll for nominees of the common council, the numbers were for +Mr. Foster, 361; Mr. Higgen, 357; Mr. Purland, 355; Mr. Mitchell, 345; +Mr. Culley, 340; Mr. Beckwith, 322. The liberal party at last obtained +the ascendancy, but had to pay for it. The expenditure at this local +contest was estimated at some thousands. From £15 to £40 were given for +votes, and the freemen were brought in carriages from the country. + +May 16th. This being Guild-day, Barnabas Leman, Esq., was sworn in mayor +of Norwich for the second time. The corporation went in procession to +the Cathedral, preceded by the Blue and White Clubs, the freemen wearing +those colours in their hats, which was considered improper and ill-timed. +Mr. William Smith, before the procession started, after recommending his +friends to abstain from this display of party feeling on such a day, +pulled his colours from his hat and put them in his pocket. It being +quite a matter of taste, his example was not followed. + + * * * * * + +1819. This year some important meetings were held, and a good deal of +political excitement prevailed in the city. Mr. E. Taylor was elected +sheriff after a contest with Mr. T. S. Day. The former was evidently the +popular candidate, the numbers being for Taylor 807, for Day 530. In +acknowledging the honour which had been conferred upon him he said,— + + “There are times, gentlemen, when the post of honour is the post of + duty—times when it is the duty of every man to stand forward to + maintain and uphold the laws of his country, and prevent them from + being outraged. Such, gentlemen, are the present. Scenes have + recently been exhibited in a distant part of this country which I + blush to mention. The laws have there been outraged and trodden + under foot, not by the people, but by the magistrates, whose duty it + was to protect them. At Manchester we have seen a merciless + soldiery, or rather, I should say, persons wearing red coats, and + pretending to be soldiers, let loose to butcher men, women, and + children in cold blood who were peaceably and legally met to + discharge a duty which they owed to their country. The right of + petitioning is a right which, till lately, we have enjoyed + uninterruptedly, none daring to make us afraid; and where is the man + who will tell me that these people did not legally and + constitutionally meet? But, gentlemen, they have been treated in a + manner so brutal and inhuman, that our history furnishes no + parallel.” + +He alluded to the “Peterloo Massacre” as it was then called, and which +excited universal indignation throughout the country. + +January 25th. The birthday of Mr. Fox was commemorated, by nearly 250 +gentlemen, at the Assembly rooms. The earl of Albemarle presided, +supported by Mr. Coke and Viscount Bury. The high sheriff was at the +head of the right hand table, and Mr. Wm. Smith of the left. After +dinner, speeches were delivered, setting forth the views of the Liberal +party. + +April 15th. A public meeting was held in St. Andrew’s Hall, when a +petition to the House of Commons against the duty on coals (6s. 6d. per +chaldron) was adopted by acclamation. R. H. Gurney, Esq., M.P., assured +the meeting that he should support the prayer of the petition, and do +everything in his power towards alleviating the burdens of his +fellow-citizens. The tax was ultimately abolished. + +April 22nd. The duke of Sussex arrived in Norwich and lodged at the +house of William Foster, Esq., in Queen Street, where his royal highness +was waited upon by the mayor and corporation. Mr. Steward Alderson, in +an address of congratulation on his arrival, informed his royal highness +that the whole body corporate had voted to him the freedom of the city, +which the royal duke was pleased to accept, at the same time returning a +dignified answer. On the next day a grand meeting of the Masonic +brethren, 320 in number, was held in Chapel-field house. The large +Assembly room was decorated in the most splendid style. At 10.30 a.m., +the duke of Sussex (as grand master of England) installed Thomas Wm. +Coke, Esq., M.P., as provincial grand master, with the accustomed Masonic +ceremonies. His royal highness delivered an impressive charge, on +investing Mr. Coke with the jewel, apron, and gloves. After this +ceremony a procession was formed, every officer and member of the +assembled lodges wearing his full masonic costume and jewels, and the +banners were carried in the procession to the Cathedral. In the evening, +there was a sumptuous banquet in St. Andrew’s Hall, at which the royal +duke presided, supported by Mr. Coke and I. Ives, Esq., the deputy +provincial grand master. About 254 persons dined, and many ladies were +present to witness the festive scene. Toasts were proposed in right +royal style, and duly responded to. Next day His Royal Highness was +admitted to the honorary freedom of the city at the Guildhall, where he +took the customary oaths. After visiting the exhibition of the Artists’ +Society, the royal duke left Norwich about noon and proceeded to Holkham, +paying a visit to Sir George Jerningham, at Cossey Hall, on his way +thither. + +May 28th. The anniversary of the birthday of the Rt. Hon. Wm. Pitt was +commemorated at the Assembly rooms, Norwich, by a very numerous company +of noblemen, gentlemen, and citizens. + +June 4th. The anniversary of the birthday of the long afflicted +sovereign, George III., who had entered on the eighty-second year of his +age, was celebrated for the last time in Norwich, Yarmouth, Lynn, and +other towns, with the accustomed demonstration of loyalty and attachment. + +July 15th. Meetings were held in Norwich, and resolutions were passed, +and petitions to parliament adopted, against the proposed additional +duties on malt and on foreign wool. Petitions were also presented to +parliament praying for an alteration in the corn laws, in consequence of +the depressed state of agriculture. + +September 16th. A public meeting was held in St. Andrew’s Hall, in order +to take into consideration the late disastrous transactions at +Manchester, on August 16th. The mayor, R. Bolingbroke, Esq., presided, +when resolutions were adopted asserting the right of the subject to +petition the king, and the legality of the late meeting at Manchester, +censuring the conduct of the magistrates and yeomanry, and recommending a +subscription for the relief of the sufferers. An address to the prince +regent was agreed to for the removal of ministers from his presence and +councils for ever. The address was afterwards presented by the city +members. + +October 18th. A public meeting was held by adjournment at the Guildhall +to take into consideration the propriety of erecting a bridge over the +river, near the Duke’s Palace, to connect Pitt Street with the Market +Place. A proposition to that effect was negatived, but a bill for +erecting the bridge was introduced into parliament and ultimately passed. +Nearly £9,000 were proposed to be raised, by shares of £25 each, to +complete the same. The bridge was built in course of time, and toll had +to be paid for many years. By the exertions and influence of the late T. +O. Springfield, Esq., the bridge was made a free thoroughfare, greatly to +the convenience of the citizens. + + * * * * * + +1820. January 5th. At a special meeting of the Diocesan Committee of +the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, held in Norwich, (the Lord +Bishop presiding) resolutions were adopted to counteract the evil effects +of infidel and blasphemous publications, by issuing tracts of the Parent +Society at very reduced prices, and a subscription was entered into for +that purpose. + +January 24th. The anniversary of the birthday of the Right Hon. C. J. +Fox was commemorated by a grand public dinner in St. Andrew’s Hall by 460 +noblemen and gentlemen, amongst whom were the Duke of Sussex, the Duke of +Norfolk, the Earl of Albemarle (who presided), Viscount Bury, Lord +Molyneux, and many other leading gentlemen of the liberal party. The +hall was handsomely decorated, and the names of FOX and ALBEMARLE +appeared in variegated lamps, and in a semi-circular transparency was +that of SUSSEX, in letters of gold upon a ground of purple silk. + +January 30th. A messenger from London brought to Lord and Lady +Castlereagh (who were at Gunton Hall) the melancholy tidings of the death +of King George III., which became known in Norwich on the following +morning, when nearly all the shops were closed, and the bells of the +churches were tolled for three hours. The king died on January 29th, in +the 82nd year of his age, and the 60th of his troubled reign, during +which long wars desolated Europe, doubled our national debt, and +impoverished the country. His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales, (who +was appointed regent on February 6th, 1811,) immediately ascended the +throne. King George IV. was soon afterwards seriously indisposed with +inflammation in the lungs, but happily recovered from the attack in the +course of a week. + +February 1st. King George IV. was proclaimed on the Castle Hill by the +High Sheriff, Sir William Windham Dalling, Bart., amid the cheers of +those assembled. On the same day His Majesty was proclaimed in the city +in full form and with great rejoicings. + +March 6th. A spirited contest took place for the gown, vacant by the +death of Starling Day, Esq., alderman of Wymer ward. At the close of the +poll the numbers were for Henry Francis, Esq., 413; John Lovick, Esq., +372; majority for Mr. Francis 41, who was declared duly elected. In this +month Messrs. Mitchell, Beckwith, and Culley were elected nominees for +the long ward without opposition. The other three wards were contested. +After the elections for Wymer and the Northern wards, processions took +place at night to celebrate the triumph of the two contending parties. + +August 2nd. A common hall was held for the purpose of getting up an +address to be presented to Queen Caroline. Mr. Alderman Leman presided, +and Mr. Sheriff Taylor introduced the subject, declaring that their duty +was not merely to vote an address to Her Majesty on her accession, but to +protest against the proceedings adopted by His Majesty’s ministers, +against her “whom we ought to honour as our Queen, and esteem as a +woman.” He denied the imputation that this meeting was held for factious +and seditious purposes. He reviewed the various charges which had been +brought against Her Majesty, and mentioned several instances of noble +conduct on her part. He regarded the erasure of her name from the +liturgy as a gross insult, and spoke of the firmness, and sagacity, and +judgment which characterised her determination to return to England. He +reminded his hearers of the enthusiasm which attended her entry into +London. But no sooner was she arrived than a large green bag was laid on +the table. Now he had an instinctive horror of a green bag, as he had +once the honour of occupying a small corner of one. He then challenged +the ministers, through Mr. Coke, to prove any one of the charges brought +against him in the green bag; and he received an answer that it was all a +mistake, and that Norwich should not have been inserted. The resolutions +were carried by acclamation, and he afterwards presented an address to +the Queen at Brandenburgh house. + +There was but one opinion here as to the character of George IV., and +with respect to the Queen, all the world agreed that she was much to be +pitied. Men’s passions were so strongly excited, that whichever side +they took, whether for her or against her, her conduct was viewed through +a false medium. Nothing showed this more strongly than the behaviour of +the two parties upon her death. The blue-and-whites, many of whom had +never put on black for a royal personage before, were to be seen dressed +in black and white, while on the other hand the orange-and-purples, not +content with appearing in their ordinary attire, flaunted about in the +gayest colours. + +December 12th. In consequence of the numerous robberies committed in the +city and county, public meetings were held, and resolutions passed to +grant high rewards to watchmen who might apprehend offenders. More +burglaries had been committed in that year than in the preceding twenty +years. Increased poverty had produced crime, and the “Old Charlies” were +of little use. + + * * * * * + +1821. March 7th. E. T. Booth, Esq., (sheriff) was elected an alderman +of Great Wymer ward in the room of the late William Foster, Esq., who had +died on March 3rd. There was an opposition; at the close of the poll the +numbers were, for Mr. Booth 444, Mr. R. Shaw 433. + +March 31st. The freedom of the city having been voted at the quarterly +assembly of the corporation on the 24th ult., to be presented to Captain +William Edward Parry of the Royal Navy; that gallant officer attended in +full uniform, and was sworn in at a full court of mayoralty. The +parchment containing the freedom of the city was presented to him in a +box formed of a piece of oak, part of the ship Hecla, with an appropriate +inscription. + +April 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th. Cleansing Week ward elections took place. +Conisford ward no opposition, Messrs. J. Kitton, J. Angel, and J. P. +Cocksedge (nominees); Mancroft ward no opposition, Messrs. P. Chamberlin, +J. Bennett, and J. Goodwin, (nominees); Wymer ward, Mr. A. A. H. Beckwith +432, Mr. J. Culley, 432, Mr. J. Reynolds 423 (nominees), Mr. J. Parkinson +254, Mr. Newin 249, Mr. R. Purland 236, Mr. S. Mitchell 45; Northern +ward, Mr. T. Barnard 418, Mr. T. O. Springfield 416, Mr. S. S. Beare 416, +(nominees), Mr. G. Morse 231, Mr. Troughton 230, Mr. T. Grimmer 231. + +May 1st. The election for mayor came on. At the close of the poll the +numbers were for Alderman Rackham 986, Alderman Hawkes 950, Alderman +Marsh 630, Alderman Yallop 631. The former two were returned to the +court of aldermen, who elected William Rackham, Esq., to serve the office +of chief magistrate. + +June 18th. This being Guild day, William Rackham, Esq., was sworn in +mayor, on which occasion he gave a sumptuous dinner to about 650 ladies +and gentlemen in St. Andrews Hall, the hall having previously undergone +various alterations and improvements. + +July 27th. The coronation of George IV. was celebrated here in a very +splendid manner, and gave occasion for a display of the exuberant loyalty +of the citizens. This king, called “the finest gentleman in Europe,” had +governed the realm for nearly ten years, and visited the city in 1812. +His reign was peaceful and prosperous, and he was a great promoter of the +arts and sciences. The most important event of his reign was the passing +of the act for Roman Catholic emancipation, by which Roman Catholics +became entitled to all the rights and privileges enjoyed by the rest of +the community, a measure strongly supported here by the liberal party. +During this reign the citizens of Norwich took a very active part in all +the great movements of the age—the Roman Catholic Emancipation movement, +the Anti-Slavery movement, and the Reform agitation. Strong contests at +elections took place on all these questions. Bribery, corruption, +treating, cooping, and intimidation, were resorted to by both parties on +every occasion, as will appear in a subsequent chapter, on our political +history. Party spirit never ran higher in any town than in Norwich. + + * * * * * + +1822. January 24th. The anniversary of the birthday of the Rt. Hon. C. +J. Fox was commemorated by a public dinner of the liberal party at the +Assembly Rooms. + +February 24th. At a quarterly meeting of the corporation it was +unanimously resolved, that a piece of plate, of the value of 150 guineas, +be presented to Charles Harvey, Esq., the recorder of Norwich, as a +testimony of the high appreciation entertained by that assembly of his +upright and impartial conduct in the performance of the duties of his +office, and of his zeal on all occasions for the interests of the city. + +March. When the elections came on in Cleansing Week, there was no +opposition for the Conisford and Mancroft wards, and the +orange-and-purple party maintained their ascendancy. Wymer ward, Mr. J. +Reynolds 401, Mr. A. A. H. Beckwith 401, Mr. J. Culley 401, (nominees); +P. Greenwood 56, W. Simmons 56, R. Widdows 54. Northern ward, Mr. A. +Shaw 379, Mr. S. S. Beare 368, Mr. E. Taylor 200, (nominees); W. G. +Edwards 189, A. Beloe 193, T. Grimmer 190, St. Quintin 190. + +May 1st. The election of mayor came on. At the close of the poll the +numbers were for Alderman Hawkes 957, Alderman J. S. Patteson 908, +Alderman Thurtell 364, Alderman Yallop 318; the former two were returned +to the court of aldermen, who elected Robert Hawkes, Esq., to serve the +office of chief magistrate. + +June 18th. This being Guild day, Robert Hawkes, Esq., was sworn in as +mayor, and he gave a grand dinner to the citizens in St. Andrew’s Hall. + +September 27th. The weavers, 2,361 in number, subscribed for, and +presented a piece of plate to John Harvey, Esq., as a testimony of the +high esteem in which they held him; and he deserved it, for he was a +great promoter of the manufactures of the city, and a friend of the +operatives. They were then in a prosperous state, and well employed by +many large firms who executed orders for the East India Company to the +extent of 20,000 pieces of camlets yearly. This trade continued till +1832. + + * * * * * + +1823. January 23rd. At a meeting held in the Old Library Room, St. +Andrew’s Hall, a society was formed for supplying the poor with blankets +at a reduced price; and upwards of 1100 were distributed during the +winter. + +February 24th. At a quarterly assembly of the corporation a lease was +granted to the magistrates of the city, for 500 years, of the piece of +land outside of St. Giles’ Gates, on which it had been decided to build +the new jail, at the annual rent of £50. + +March 4th. At a meeting held at the Guildhall, petitions to parliament +were adopted against the Insolvent Debtors Act. + +March. Cleansing Week for the ward elections passed off without any +opposition; the orange-and-purple party kept the Conisford, Mancroft, and +Wymer wards, and the blue-and-white the Northern ward. + +April 14th. At a special assembly of the corporation, a petition to His +Majesty was adopted, praying for two jail deliveries in the course of the +year. + +April 25th. At a meeting held at the Guildhall, to take into +consideration the state of the West India Colonies, with a view to +promote the abolition of slavery, resolutions in favour of the object +were carried. + +May 1st. The election of mayor took place, and at the close of the poll +the numbers were, Alderman J. S. Patteson 835, Alderman Francis 774, +Alderman Leman 101, Alderman Yallop 94. The two former were returned to +the court of aldermen, who elected J. S. Patteson, Esq., to serve the +office of chief magistrate. + +May 3rd. At a quarterly assembly of the corporation, the freedom of the +city was voted to the Hon. John Wodehouse, lieutenant of the city and +county. + +June 17th. This being Guild day, J. S. Patteson, Esq., was sworn in +mayor; and he gave a splendid dinner to a large party in St. Andrew’s +Hall. + + * * * * * + +1824. In September of this year the first Norfolk and Norwich Musical +Festival was held in St. Andrew’s Hall, and the concerts given were well +attended by the nobility and gentry of the county. This Festival was +very much promoted by Mr. Edward Taylor, Mr. R. M. Bacon, then editor of +the _Mercury_, and other amateurs in the city, and proved eminently +successful, the hospital receiving the sum of £2,399 out of the profits. +In 1825, King George IV. presented the hospital with a copy of Arnold’s +edition of Handel’s Works. It was determined that a triennial festival +should be held in aid of the funds of the institution, and that the +Norwich Choral Society should be maintained in an efficient state for +that purpose. + + + +CHAPTER XVI. +Norwich Navigation. + + +ABOUT this time a very important movement took place in the city, with +the view to make “Norwich a port,” and many meetings were held to promote +that object. Here, therefore, will be a proper place to review the +proceedings in reference to our navigation to Yarmouth and Lowestoft. +The history will show the grasping selfishness of the old corporation at +Yarmouth, which always tried to tax the trade of the city, and opposed +every improvement, even when it was for the benefit of both towns. + +Norwich, no doubt, derived its mercantile and carrying trade from its +original situation as a sea-port. In ancient times the _Gariensis +Ostium_, or mouth of the Yare, extended in breadth from Burgh Castle to +Caister, the two Roman camps being opposite each other. The spot on +which Yarmouth now stands was then covered by water, and a broad arm of +the sea extended all over the present marshes to the city, which was then +a sea-port, before Yarmouth had any existence. This appears from the +legal contests that took place in later times between the burgesses of +Yarmouth and the citizens of Norwich. + +Norwich had long been a mercantile and trading town, and one of the royal +cities of England, and ships came up by an arm of the sea to an open +market, which was held every day in the week. Public marts or fairs were +held twice a year, with all manner of merchandise for sale to citizens, +strangers, or foreigners. The traders for centuries used this right of +buying and selling, loading and unloading all their goods and +merchandise, free of all tolls and dues. Foreign merchants paid at +Norwich 4d. on every ship of bulk, 2d. for every boat, and all other +customs for their merchandise. + +At the commencement of the 14th century Yarmouth began to be a rival port +to Norwich, and some legal contests took place between the two towns +respecting their rights and privileges. In 1327, a suit was commenced, +and in 1331 it was renewed, between the citizens of Norwich and the +burgesses of Yarmouth, relating to certain tolls which the latter imposed +on goods, claiming the right to do so under the charter of Edward I., +which made Yarmouth a port. Indeed, they appear to have been so incensed +at the city becoming a staple that they proceeded so far as to stop all +vessels coming through from their port to Norwich. A very remarkable +contest consequently arose, and terminated in favour of the city. The +result of the suit was, that the bailiffs of Yarmouth were commanded to +make proclamation in their town, “That if any hindered or in any way +molested the merchant vessels of what kind soever from passing and +re-passing through the port of Yarmouth, to and from the city of Norwich, +they should forfeit all their goods and chattels, forfeitable, for so +doing.” Yarmouth was, therefore, prevented for a time from levying +duties, but subsequently regained the power of doing so to a great +extent. + +If Norwich in former ages was an important seaport, the question +naturally arises how it ceased to be so. There is sufficient evidence +that after the year 500, the arm of the sea became narrower, though at +that period the water came up close to the Castle Hill. After 1050, the +river was much reduced in breadth, and a new town arose round the +fortress. Centuries elapsed and the river became still narrower, and +streets were extended on each side. At length the stream became so +shallow that it was no longer navigable for sea-borne vessels, and the +ancient trade of the city began to decline. The citizens, occupied by +political contests, did not keep up the navigation for sea-borne vessels, +as they might easily have done. Attempts were made in this (19th) +century to retrieve the long neglect of former ages by some schemes of +improvement, but these attempts almost entirely failed. Still the city +owed many trading advantages to its river, which is navigable for +wherries and packets to the sea. + +The navigation between Norwich and Yarmouth has not been, for centuries, +suited for sea-borne vessels, owing, chiefly, to the shallowness of the +channel over Breydon. The embouchure of the river into the sea has been +frequently blocked up by shifting sands, and vessels have been detained +fourteen days before they could get into the river. Indeed, at the +present time there is great danger of the mouth of the harbour being +blocked up at Yarmouth altogether. + +Prior to the year 1762, the quantity of coals brought from Yarmouth to +Norwich, annually, was 26,000 chaldrons. Of these, nearly 5000 chaldrons +were carried out of Norwich into the surrounding district, so that 21,000 +chaldrons were consumed in the city. At that time, the king’s dues and +the Yarmouth dues amounted to 8s. 1d. per chaldron, which was felt by the +consumers to be a grievous tax. A cheap and plentiful supply of coal has +always been of the utmost importance to the citizens, not only for +domestic purposes, but also as fuel for manufacturers, dyers, hot +pressers, lime burners, brewers, and maltsters. Yet, at the period +referred to, this necessary commodity was heavily taxed, to the extent of +£1200 yearly, more than was paid on an equal consumption in London. This +tax was rendered more grievous by the illegal measurement at Yarmouth. +The legal chaldron consisted of thirty-six bushels; but, at Yarmouth the +chaldron was estimated not by bushels, but by a measure called a mett, +sixteen of which were computed to contain a chaldron, but did not. As +may be supposed, the injustice naturally caused considerable +dissatisfaction among the Norwich coal merchants and other citizens, and +frequent complaints were made of the grievance which was ultimately +abolished. This was important, for formerly, from the north of England, +immense quantities of coal and heavy goods were brought by sea, _viâ_ +Yarmouth to Norwich, for distribution over the eastern side of Norfolk +and Suffolk. The importation of coal, by this route, has, however, been +greatly diminished; not only by the opening of railways in every +direction, but also by the working of the central coal fields of England. + +By the act of the 12th George I., c. 15, commonly called the Tonnage Act, +the corporation obtained the power to levy tolls on all goods brought +into the city by any boat, keel wherry, lighter, buoy, or other vessel as +follows:—4d. for every chaldron of coals, for every last of wheat, rye, +barley, malt, or other grain, for every weight of salt, for every +hogshead of sugar, tobacco, molasses, or hogshead packed with other +goods, for every three puncheons of liquor, for every two pipes of wine, +spirits, &c., for every eight barrels of soap, raisins, oil, pitch, tar, +&c. For five years prior to May, 1836, the average amount of revenue +derived from the tonnage dues was £970, showing that a very large +quantity of goods was brought by river to the city. After June 24th, +1836, the tolls were let by auction for £1375; in 1838, for £1210; in +1840, for £1220; in 1847, for £1000; in 1850, for £1050 yearly. This +shows that after the opening of railways the dues were reduced, but not +so much as might have been expected; the wherries continued to bring in a +large proportion of the heavy goods. + +The project of opening a communication between Norwich and the sea, for +sea-borne vessels, originated with Alderman Crisp Brown, who in 1814, +submitted to the corporation a plan for making Norwich a port by way of +Yarmouth. After this, surveys were made, and a report was published in +1818, by Mr. Cubitt, who recommended avoiding Breydon by a new cut on the +south side. In the same year he made another survey, to ascertain the +practicability of opening a communication with the sea at Lowestoft, and +in 1821 this report was laid before the public. As the Yarmouth +corporation had signified their determination to oppose either of these +plans, it was at length determined to carry out the communication to +Lowestoft, although the expense was double that of the Yarmouth plan. +This turned out to be a very unfortunate undertaking. Subscriptions were +raised and fresh surveys were made; and in 1826, a company having been +formed, an application was made to Parliament for an Act; but being +opposed by the Yarmouth corporation and timid owners of the marsh lands, +who were fearful of an inundation, it was lost by a majority of five. +This act, however, was finally passed in 1827, after £8000 had been spent +by the corporation of Yarmouth in opposing it. Of course, the object of +that body was to retain the monopoly of the Norwich trade, which was then +very great. + +On May 23rd, 1827, the bill for making Norwich a port having been passed +through both houses of Parliament, the navigation committee, with the +mayor (their chairman), were met at Hartford Hill, on their return from +London, by thousands of their fellow-citizens who were assembled to +welcome them; and a grand procession having been formed, they marched +through the city, while guns were fired in all directions. The +celebration concluded with a bonfire at night. + +In effecting the great undertaking of a communication with Lowestoft, the +river Yare was deepened near Norwich and the navigation was continued by +that river as far as Reedham, whence it was carried across the marshes by +a new cut, two miles and a-half long, to the river Waveney, along which +it passed to Oulton Dyke, which was widened and deepened to Oulton Broad, +whence by a short cut the canal entered Lake Lothing, through which it +passed to the shore at Lowestoft, where, by cutting through the bank, the +tides were freely admitted into the lake. Here a large harbour was +formed, covering 160 acres, nearly three miles in length, and averaging +from fifteen to seventeen feet in depth at high water. In this work the +company spent their whole capital of £150,000. + +On September 30th, 1833, the Norwich and Lowestoft navigation was opened, +when two vessels came from the latter place and arrived at the wharfs +without once touching ground. This caused great rejoicing, and the +advantages of the undertaking were soon apparent. But the company wanted +money, and were obliged to borrow it from the Exchequer Loan +Commissioners, into whose hands the port fell in 1842. Norwich traders +might afterwards have recovered possession of the port for a small sum by +a combined effort, but they lost the opportunity. The commissioners +disposed of the port and navigation to a new company at Lowestoft, and +that company, after expending large sums in repairs, sold the harbour and +navigation to Mr. Peto for almost a nominal price. He, with other +gentlemen, organised another company, raised a capital of £200,000 +(afterwards doubled), and obtained an act of parliament for the formation +of a new harbour, and a railway to Reedham in connection with the line to +Norwich. The new harbour was made, and the railway was opened in 1847, +from which year the carrying trade of the port gradually increased. +Before 1850 the importation of coal and the harbour dues increased +five-fold, and the importations of corn increased 10,000 quarters yearly. +The number of vessels was doubled, and of course employment increased in +proportion. The harbour and railway contributed a large traffic to the +Eastern Counties lines. Norwich traders made great use of the port, and +through it brought quantities of coal and heavy goods to the city. There +is every mechanical facility afforded for the loading and unloading of +vessels; and port dues are lower than at Yarmouth. In 1851, the number +of vessels that entered the harbour was 1,636, or 131,767 tons, showing +an increase of 23,000 tons. In the same year there was an increase of +6,997 tons in the coal imported. Of course, as the shipping trade of the +port increased, the railway traffic increased also. One of the chief +sources from which the additional revenue was derived was from the fish +traffic; for in 1851 the packages were 78,000 in number, and produced a +freight of £3,739. The traffic also in coal and goods has greatly +improved. + +Between 1840 and 1850 the corporation of Norwich, aided by the city +merchants, made a most determined effort to improve the navigation to +Yarmouth. A large subscription was raised for this purpose, and Mr. +Cockburn Curtiss, the engineer, was engaged to make a survey of the river +Yare, and to prepare plans. He did so, and his plans were approved by +the citizens generally; but the corporation of Yarmouth gave notice of a +strong opposition. Application was made to parliament for a bill giving +the corporation here jurisdiction over the river down to the mouth of the +Haven. The bill was opposed and lost, and the Norwich corporation were +defeated after an expenditure of some thousands of pounds. + + + +CHAPTER XVII. +Leading Events (_continued_). + + +WE resume our chronological list of the leading events of the century:— + + * * * * * + +1825. January 5th. At a public meeting held at the Guildhall, a +Mechanics’ Institution was established, and it was continued for some +years in the rooms above the Bazaar, St. Andrew’s. + +March. Cleansing week passed off without opposition for the second time. + +April 7th. The clergy of the archdeaconry of Norwich agreed to petition +in favour of the claims of the Catholics to have the same political +rights and privileges as other people. + +April 18th. At a public meeting, held in St. Andrew’s Hall, a petition +for a revision of the Corn Laws was adopted unanimously. The petition +afterwards received 14,385 signatures, and was forwarded on the 26th to +be presented to parliament. As yet it was not proposed to _repeal_ the +Corn Laws, which were then a monstrous injustice. + +May 1st. The election for mayor took place, and the numbers were for +Alderman Day, 679; Alderman Booth, 597; Alderman Leman, 152; Alderman +Burt, 150. Thomas Starling Day, Esq., was elected. + +May 3rd. The corporation adopted a petition against the Catholic claims, +the members going quite out of their way to perpetuate a great wrong. + +May 31st. The anniversary of the birthday of the Rt. Hon. William Pitt +was celebrated by the members of the castle corporation. + +June 11th. The first stone of the new theatre was laid, and it was +erected on the present site. The building is only a piece of patch-work, +and has no pretensions to architectural design. It is no credit to the +city in any respect. It was opened on March 27th, in the following year. + +June 21st. The mayor (T. S. Day, Esq.,) was sworn into office; he +afterwards gave a dinner to upwards of 460 gentlemen in St. Andrew’s +Hall. + +August 30th. A contest took place for freemen’s sheriff; at the close of +the poll the numbers were for Mr. Brookes, 865; Alderman Springfield, +501. The former was returned. + +September 1st. The corporation presented a piece of plate, of the value +of 100 guineas, to William Simpson, Esq., chamberlain, in testimony of +their high esteem for the ability and integrity displayed in the +discharge of his official duties; and of their unanimous approbation of +his long and faithful services. + +November 2nd. Sir Thomas P. Hankin, Lieut. Colonel of His Majesty +regiment of Royal North British Dragoons, was interred in the Cathedral +with military honours. + +November 21st. At a public meeting, held in St. Andrews Hall, a Society +was formed for promoting the Abolition of Colonial Slavery. The late J. +J. Gurney and all his family were great advocates of negro emancipation, +but the diabolical injustice of slavery continued for many years to be +the disgrace of England. At many meetings held in this city, the late J. +J. Gurney denounced the atrocities of the slave trade, and advocated its +abolition. This object was at last accomplished after a violent +agitation throughout the country, at a cost of twenty millions sterling! + + * * * * * + +1826. January. This year, in consequence of the iniquitous corn laws, +bread was dear, work was scarce, and the poor were destitute. Nearly +£5000 was subscribed for their relief. + +March. Cleansing Week ward elections passed off without opposition, +except in the Wymer ward, where it was merely nominal. + +May 1st. The election of mayor took place. Messrs. Booth and Patteson +were returned to the court of aldermen without opposition, and Mr. E. T. +Booth was elected. + +May 30th. The anniversary of Mr. William Pitt’s birthday was again +celebrated by the members of the castle corporation. The dinners of this +and other clubs served to keep alive party spirit. + +June 20th. This being Guild day, E. T. Booth, Esq., was sworn into the +office of chief magistrate; after which, the Rt. Hon. Robert Peel, +secretary of state for the Home department, and Jonathan Peel, Esq., the +new member of parliament for the city, were admitted to the freedom of +the city. + +August 29th. A contest took place for the office of freemen’s sheriff. +At the close of the poll the numbers were for Mr. James Bennett, 1164; +Mr. Alderman Springfield, 1079. The former was returned. + +November. Parish meetings were held in many parts of the city, and votes +of thanks were passed to Crisp Brown, Esq., for his strenuous exertions +in preventing impositions in paying public money for the new jail, then +considered a job. + +November 21st. William Simpson, Esq., was elected town clerk and clerk +of the peace for this city, in the room of the late Elisha De Hague, +Esq., who died on the 11th inst., at the age of 72. + +December 6th. Robert Alderson, Esq., was unanimously elected recorder of +the city, on the resignation of Charles Savill Onley, Esq., and on the +12th, Isaac Preston, Esq., was elected steward of the corporation, vacant +by the resignation of Mr. Alderson. + + * * * * * + +1827. January 7th. On the intelligence being received here of the death +of his late Royal Highness, Duke of York and Albany, the bells of the +different churches were tolled for some time, and the shops were +partially closed on the following days. + +January 20th. This being the day appointed for the funeral of his late +Royal Highness the Duke of York, the melancholy occasion was observed by +a general suspension of business; the corporation attended divine service +at the Cathedral, and the bells of the parish churches were tolled. + +January 26th. At a meeting of the clergy, a petition was adopted in +favour of the Catholic claims. + +April. Cleansing Week ward elections came on with several severe +contests. Conisford ward, J. Marshall, 213; T. Edwards, 212; J. Kitton, +205 (nominees); J. Angell, 204; A. B. Beevor, 203; J. P. Cocksedge, 202. +Mancroft ward, no opposition, J. Goodwin, T. Eaton, C. Hardy (nominees). +Wymer ward, W. Foster, 435; J. S. Parkinson, 434; G. Kitton, 429 +(nominees). Northern ward, S. S. Beare, 424; R. Shaw, 415; H. Martineau, +420 (nominees); G. Coleby, 237; T. Grimmer, 244. + +May 1st. The election of mayor took place; at the close of the poll the +numbers were, Alderman Finch, 918; Alderman Yallop, 867; Alderman +Patteson, 566; Alderman Browne, 565. Peter Finch, Esq., was elected. He +lived for many years in a large house built of flint in St. Mary’s. + +June 19th. This being Guild day, Peter Finch, Esq., was sworn into the +office of chief magistrate. + +August 28th. The election for freemen’s sheriff came on; at the close of +the poll the numbers were for Mr. Alderman Springfield, 1210; Mr. F. +White, 474. The former was returned. + +September 12th. There was a severe contest for the office of alderman of +Conisford ward in the room of the late William Herring, Esq., who died on +the 8th, aged 74. At the close of the poll the numbers were for J. +Angell, 218; J. Marshall, 196; and the former was returned. A scrutiny +was demanded by Mr. Marshall’s friends, but was afterwards abandoned. + +This month Mr. Myher Levi, a Jew, and his wife Hannah Levi, a Jewess, +having been converted, were baptised in the parish church of St. +Stephen’s, and received the name of Herbert. + + * * * * * + +1828. January 10th. The members of the castle corporation celebrated +their sixty-third anniversary. + +March. Cleansing Week elections. Conisford ward, J. Marshall, 240; T. +Edwards, 240; A. B. Beevor, 239, (nominees); J. Skipper, 225; S. W. +Mealing, 226; R. Merry, 225. No opposition in the other wards, but for +Mancroft ward, J. Bennett, A. Beloe, and C. Hardy (nominees); and for the +Northern ward, S. S. Beare, R. Shaw, and H. Martineau (nominees). + +May 1st. A contest for mayor, which lasted two days; at the close of the +poll the numbers were for Alderman Yallop, 1212; Alderman Thurtell, 1210; +Alderman Angell, 1097; Alderman Patteson, 1020. The two former were +returned to the court of aldermen, who elected T. Thurtell, Esq. + +May 5th. At a public meeting held at the Guildhall, resolutions were +passed and a petition to parliament was adopted for the immediate +alleviation and ultimate extinction of slavery in the West India +colonies. The petition afterwards received the signatures of 10,125 +persons, and was 150 feet in length. + +June 12th. The anniversary of the birthday of the late Rt. Hon. William +Pitt was commemorated by a dinner of the Tories at the Assembly Rooms. +About 160 gentlemen were present. + +In August, the new Exchange Street was opened, and on October 11th, a new +Corn Hall was opened to the public. + + * * * * * + +1829. January and February. Petitions were adopted against the claims +of the Roman Catholics by the Brunswick Constitutional Club, and other +inhabitants of this city; but counter declarations from the clergy of the +diocese of Norwich, and from a “Society of the friends of civil and +religious liberty,” were agreed to. The agitation on this vexed question +had now reached its height in the country. + +February 17th. Even the common council now agreed to present an address +to the king for the removal of Roman Catholic disabilities. + +March. Cleansing Week ward elections came on. Conisford ward, J. +Marshall, 258; T. Edwards, 259; J. Youngs, 253, (nominees); J. Skipper, +83; S. W. Mealing, 84; R. Merry, 82. Mancroft ward, no opposition, J. +Bennett, A. Beloe, and C. Hardy (nominees). Wymer ward, W. Foster, 466; +G. Kitton, 464; A. Barnard, 464 (nominees); J. Culley, 397; J. Brookes, +396; E. Newton, 394. Northern ward, S. S. Beare, 342; R. Shaw, 343; H. +Martineau, 341 (nominees); T. Grimmer, 63; E. Hinde, 64; W. Fromow, 64. + +May 1st. T. O. Springfield, Esq., and John Angell, Esq., were returned +to the court of aldermen for the office of mayor without opposition, and +the former was chosen mayor. + +June 16th. This being Guild day, T. O. Springfield, Esq., was sworn into +the office of chief magistrate; after which he gave a grand dinner to +upwards of 800 ladies and gentlemen in St. Andrew’s Hall. + +July 15th. A public dinner was given to Thomas Thurtell, Esq., at the +Norfolk Hotel, attended by 80 gentlemen, in testimony of their approval +of his honourable, impartial, and upright conduct in the performance of +his duties as mayor during the previous year. + + * * * * * + +1830. January. Great disturbances took place in the city in consequence +of differences between the manufacturers and weavers concerning wages. +On the 12th, between 3000 and 4000 weavers collected in the avenues to +the workhouse, where they greatly interrupted the business of the court +of guardians, but they were dispersed by the magistrates and patroles. +Munificent donations of £200 from Hudson Gurney, Esq., and £400 from +London were distributed amongst the distressed weavers in bread and coal, +under the direction of a committee. A general subscription was +afterwards raised in the city, amounting to £2300, for the relief of the +poor. + +March. Cleansing Week ward elections. Conisford ward, T. Edwards, 251; +J. Youngs, 251; W. G. Edwards, 249 (nominees); J. Skipper, 233; S. W. +Mealing, 232; R. Merry, 228. Mancroft ward, J. Bennett, 195; H. Newton, +196; B. Boardman, 196 (nominees); W. Burt, jun., 50; W. J. Robberds, 50; +P. Nicholls, 50. Wymer ward, J. Culley, 521; J. Winter, 520; J. +Bexfield, 516 (nominees); W. Foster, 376; G. Kitton, 374; A. Barnard, +374. Northern ward, T. Grimmer, 292; E. Browne, 290; W. Fromow, 289 +(nominees); H. Martineau, 278; R. Shaw, 276; W. Newson, 276. + +March 29th. On the evening of the Conisford ward election, the gates +leading to the workhouse were pulled down and destroyed, and considerable +injury was done to the offices adjoining, by a great concourse of persons +riotously assembled, and who were returning from a procession formed by +the defeated party. + +May 1st. John Angell, Esq., was elected to serve the office of mayor. + +May 3rd. The common council adopted a petition to the lord chancellor +for two general jail deliveries in the year. This was subsequently +granted. + +December 23rd. At a special meeting of the council, Isaac Preston, Esq., +(afterwards Jermy) was elected recorder of the city in place of R. +Alderson, Esq., who had resigned. + + * * * * * + +1831. January 12th. At a meeting held in the Old Library Room, St. +Andrews Hall, a petition to parliament was adopted, praying for the +entire abolition of slavery in the British colonies. + +February 1st. At a special assembly of the corporation, Fitzroy Kelly, +Esq., was unanimously elected steward of that body, and he held that +office till the passing of the Municipal Reform Act. + +March 22nd. A petition was sent from the city against the +disfranchisement of the freemen by the proposed Reform Bill. The +signatures were limited to freemen, denizens, and apprentices. + +March. Cleansing Week ward elections. Conisford ward, J. Skipper, 270; +R. Merry, 265; B. Bunting, 237, (nominees); T. Edwards, 169; J. Youngs, +167; W. G. Edwards, 167. Mancroft ward, no opposition, J. Bennett, H. +Newton, and B. Boardman (nominees). Wymer ward, no opposition, J. +Culley, J. Winter, W. J. U. Browne (nominees). Northern ward, S. S. +Beare, 344; R. Shaw, 337; W. Enfield, 347 (nominees); T. Grimmer, 222; E. +Browne, 220; W. Fromow, 220. + +This year the Lent assizes were held in Norwich by adjournment from +Thetford. + +May 1st. J. H. Yallop, Esq., was elected mayor for the second time, and +he gave a grand dinner in St. Andrew’s Hall. + +In this month a census of the population was taken, showing 27,910 males, +33,437 females; total 61,347. Inhabited houses, 13,283; uninhabited +houses, 1,082; total 14,365. + +June 20th. Samuel Bignold, Esq., was elected an alderman without +opposition in the room of John Patteson, Esq., who had resigned. + +August 22nd. The new act of the court of guardians received the royal +assent, and came into operation. This act has since been superseded by +another. + +September 12th. The election of guardians took place under the new act. + + * * * * * + +1832. January 11th. At a court of mayoralty it was resolved to present +a memorial to the Home Secretary and the Lord Chancellor, praying that +Norwich might be included in the ensuing circuit of the judges. A +committee was appointed to prepare the memorial. A special court was +convened on the 14th to receive the report, and a memorial was adopted +which was presented by the members for the city. The petition was +granted, and the council passed a vote of thanks to the Lord Chancellor. + +April. Cleansing Week for ward elections. Conisford ward, J. Skipper, +266; R. Merry, 264; B. Bunting, 266 (nominees); T. Edwards, 157; J. +Youngs, 159; R. Mills, 157. Mancroft ward, no opposition, J. Bennett, B. +Boardman, and H. Newton (nominees). Wymer ward, J. Culley, 489; J. +Winter, 484; W. J. U. Browne, 485 (nominees); W. Foster, 388; A. Barnard, +383; T. Edwards, 382. Northern ward, S. S. Beare, 380; R. Shaw, 371; W. +Enfield, 381 (nominees); T. Grimmer, 101; E. Browne, 109; H. Steel, 107. + +May 1st. The election of mayor took place without opposition. Mr. +Alderman Stevenson, and Mr. Alderman Bignold were nominated, and they +were duly returned; the aldermen chose S. W. Stevenson, Esq., then +proprietor and editor of the _Norfolk Chronicle_. After being sworn in +on the Guild day he gave a grand dinner to about 900 ladies and gentlemen +in St. Andrew’s Hall. + +August 28th. The election for freemen’s sheriff was severely contested. +At the close of the poll the numbers were for William Foster, Esq., 1282; +Mr. Alderman Steward, 1275; and after a scrutiny the former was declared +duly elected. This was a triumph for the blue-and-white party. + +September 3rd. An election took place for an alderman of Mancroft ward +in the place of J. S. Patteson, Esq., deceased. Charles Turner, Esq., +was elected; F. Morse, Esq., being the other candidate. + +November 11th. This day, at all the churches in the city, thanksgiving +services were performed for the cessation of the cholera, and for the +mild manner in which the inhabitants had been afflicted as compared with +other places. The Norwich Lying-in Charity for delivering poor married +women at their own homes was established, and it has been of great +benefit to the poor. + + * * * * * + +1833. January. The town clerk of this city received a circular from the +secretary of state, requesting to be informed of the mode of electing +members of the corporation. The town clerk forwarded his answer on the +21st. + +March. Cleansing Week for ward elections. Conisford ward, no contest, +J. Skipper, R. Merry, and B. Bunting (nominees). Mancroft ward, no +opposition, J. Bennett, B. Boardman, H. Newton (nominees). Wymer ward, +J. Culley, 486; J. Winter, 484; W. J. U. Browne, 486 (nominees); G. +Kitton, 122; R. Miller, 122; C. W. Unthank, 121. Northern ward, S. S. +Beare, 300; R. Shaw, 298; W. Enfield, 300 (nominees); T. Grimmer, 206; H. +Steel, 204; J. Sinclair, 203. + +May 1st. At the election for mayor, Aldermen Bignold and Turner were +returned to the court without opposition, and S. Bignold, Esq., was +chosen to serve the office. On the Guild day he was sworn in, and on +this occasion he gave a magnificent banquet to about 1100 ladies and +gentlemen in St. Andrew’s Hall. The same place was the scene of great +festivity on June 20th and 21st, when dinners were given to the electors +in the orange-and-purple interest, those in the Conisford and Northern +wards to the number of 750 on the first day, and those of the Wymer and +Mancroft wards 912 on the following day. Great was the rejoicing, but it +was of short duration. The days of the old corporation were numbered. + + + +CHAPTER XVIII. +The Reform Era. + + +WILLIAM IV. ascended the throne in 1830, in a period of great political +excitement. During his short reign of seven years, there was the +greatest political agitation ever known in this country about a Reform of +Parliament, a measure which the people had long and earnestly desired. +Many meetings were held in this city, and petitions were adopted in +favour of reform, long called for and long deferred. In fact, the king, +during the early part of his reign, had other and more pressing causes of +anxiety. His accession to the throne brought him an inheritance of the +jealousy, to which the country had been gradually roused, on the subject +of the extravagance and corruption of the old systems of government. In +the effort to reduce a vast expenditure, the House of Commons was in no +mood to be so liberal to the new sovereign as he thought he had a right +to expect. The ministry were withheld, by the very forcible opposition +of one of its members, from asking the house to grant the expenses of the +queen’s outfit, and the king himself had to submit to the mortification +of finding the pensions charged on the public by former monarchs sharply +criticised, and even his own household expenses commented on with +severity. + +On September 8th, 1831, the grand ceremony of the coronation of the king +took place in Westminster Abbey. The auspicious event was celebrated in +Norwich in a most loyal and joyous manner. The festivities of the day +commenced with the merry chime of St. Peter’s bells, and the waving of +banners from all the public buildings. The mayor and members of the +corporation went in procession from the Guildhall to the Cathedral. +After their return to the hall, the regiment of the First Royals marched +into the Market Place and fired three vollies. The electors who had +supported Gurney and Grant received £1 each, and a dinner was given to +600 of the freemen, who voted for Wetherell and Sadler, at Laccohee’s +gardens. The citizens, in fact, have never lost an opportunity of +displaying their loyalty, but they always expected something in return. +Several petitions were sent from Norwich in favour of the Reform Bill; +and the passing of the bill was celebrated here with great rejoicings, +festivities, and a public procession on July 5th, 1832. This brief reign +was remarkable, moreover, for the abolition of the slave trade after a +violent agitation which convulsed the whole country, and ended in the +passing of an act of emancipation of the slaves in the West Indies, at a +cost of twenty millions; and it is also noted for the suppression of the +rebellion in Canada, and the restoration of tranquillity to that colony. + +An Act of Parliament received the royal assent on June 23rd, 1832, +removing the assizes from Thetford to Norwich; and the corporation passed +a vote of thanks to John Stracey, Esq., for his exertions in obtaining +that measure, and also a vote of thanks to the lord chancellor for having +granted two jail deliveries in the year. Since then the city assizes +have been held at the Guildhall, and the Norfolk assizes at the +Shirehall. The city sessions are held every quarter at the Guildhall, +and the petty sessions daily at the same place. + +The reformed House of Commons having presented an address to His Majesty, +praying for the appointment of a commission to inquire as to the existing +state of municipal corporations in England and Wales; the king, on July +18th, 1833, complied with the address, by issuing a commission; and +notice was subsequently given to the mayor of this city, S. Bignold, Esq. +(now Sir Samuel Bignold), of the intention of the commissioners appointed +to investigate the affairs of the Norwich corporation, in compliance with +a request from a meeting of 300 citizens, held on the 13th of May +preceding. A special meeting of the corporation was at once convened to +consider the course to be pursued, and the assembly determined on a +reluctant submission to the inquiry, so far as regarded the production, +by the corporate officers, of all “charters, books, deeds, accounts, +papers, and muniments of title,” but at the same time protested against +the commission as illegal and unconstitutional, and against the right of +the commissioners to make any inquiry whatsoever. As may be supposed, +the dominant party in the city did not like it, and the sheriffs +especially protested against it. They declined to attend at the proposed +enquiry, or to recognize the authority of the commissioners by any act, +and addressed a letter to that effect to the commissioners, signing their +names, W. J. UTTEN BROWNE, and EDWARD STEWARD, sheriffs of Norwich. Of +course the commissioners were not very pleased at this ostentatious +opposition to their authority, and in the course of their enquiry showed +an evident hostility to the predominant party. Witnesses were allowed to +make statements reflecting on the characters of the living and the dead, +and every facility was afforded for the gratification of political, +perhaps of _private_, revenge. This will appear in the following summary +of the evidence, taken from the Digest, published soon afterwards. + + +THE INQUIRY RESPECTING THE OLD CORPORATION. + + +This inquiry was conducted by George Long and John Buckle, Esqs., and +commenced on November 25th, 1833, at the Guildhall. Nearly all the +officials of the corporation were examined, and many influential +gentlemen. Some strange statements were made as to the effects of party +spirit, and the enemies of the old corporation alleged, amongst their +favourite charges, that the magistrates were biassed by party spirit, and +that the funds of the corporation had been devoted to electioneering +purposes. Evidence, however, was given to the contrary. + +J. J. GURNEY, ESQ., said, “I believe that there are many most laborious +and useful magistrates in the city, and no persons would be so fit as +many of those who have already been accustomed to the business. I do not +find the slightest fault with the application of the magisterial power. +It is my most decided opinion that the magisterial authority has been +impartially exercised.” + +W. SIMPSON, ESQ., said, “Whatever money may have been spent, it certainly +has not been the money of the corporation.” + +ALDERMAN BOLINGBROKE said, “I have been an alderman near twenty years; I +do not know of any corrupt application of the corporate funds to +elections or any other purposes. I do not think any misapplication of +the corporate funds could have taken place without my knowing it.” + +As the inquiry proceeded, however, evidence was given of the influence of +party spirit in the distribution of patronage, appointments, and +employments, and also in admissions to freedom. It was proved that the +police were very inefficient, and often refused to act in cases of riot, +and when the mob were pulling down polling booths. As to the expenditure +of money at local elections, + +The Mayor, S. BIGNOLD, Esq., said, “I am quite sure that if respectable +persons were to offer themselves at local elections, it would repress the +excesses which sometimes take place. The local elections are attended +with considerable expense. I am not aware that the aldermen interfere in +these elections. I am not aware of anything which would prevent the +aldermen interfering in the promotion of sheriffs. They consider the +oath as debarring in the one case and not in the other. Committees are +formed on the occasion of elections in the different wards. I cannot say +whether the aldermen are frequently members of those committees. I have +not had any opportunity of witnessing unfair exertions. I cannot say +whether any subscriptions are made on those occasions. I have never +subscribed a shilling. I cannot say whether notes are given by the +aldermen or others. I never saw such a note as the one produced before. +I have heard of notes purporting to get certain persons into the +hospitals, being given by aldermen on the occasions of municipal +elections. I have never seen any such notes. My knowledge of them has +arisen in this way. I have been asked myself and told that A and B have +given them, but never fulfilled their promise.” + +“Question. Do you think that the mode in which the local elections are +carried on tends to keep out respectable and intelligent persons from +filling the various offices? + +Answer. I am sorry to say that those respectable and intelligent persons +have contributed to the system. + +Q. Has that been the case generally? + +A. I should say, generally, with the leading persons in this city on +both sides, connected and unconnected with the corporation. + +Q. Have the members of the court of aldermen contributed to your +knowledge? + +A. Not to my knowledge. + +Q. Is it your belief that they have or have not? + +A. I think they would not in the election of an alderman, but they might +for sheriff or common councilmen. + +Q. On what ground is that distinction made? + +A. The aldermen consider that they are not to interfere in the election +of their brethren, in consequence of the oath they have taken. + +Q. The oath makes no distinction? + +A. There is an impression to the contrary. + +Q. If there had been an extraordinary excitement at elections, can you +say that in no case that excitement was enlarged by the aldermen? + +A. I should say in no case. + +Q. What do you consider the intention of the aldermen in subscribing to +the funds? + +A. I can only answer that question in general terms, that the excitement +has never been increased by any act of the aldermen. + +Q. Are you acquainted with the case of Hornigolds with reference to the +elections? + +A. In no other way than by your drawing my attention to it. I know of +no other note to that effect. No improper persons have been admitted +into the hospitals on account of their votes. + +Q. Have they in all cases been fit and proper persons? + +A. Certainly they have. + +Q. Do you think the same persons would have been introduced if they had +not been political supporters? + +A. Not identically the same persons. + +Q. Are there instances where persons have been put in by the aldermen, +who have not been political supporters? + +A. Yes. I have put an individual in myself who was not a political +supporter in any way. + +Q. Are such instances rare or frequent? + +A. I am only able to answer from information I have derived from my +seniors; I should say they are frequent. + +Q. Are the great majority of persons admitted freemen? + +A. Yes. I think they are. + +Q. Are the exceptions few? + +A. I do not know. + +Q. You said all the freemen introduced to the hospitals were fit and +proper persons: have they been introduced as the political friends of the +aldermen? + +A. Yes. I should certainly introduce my political friends in +preference. + +Q. Do you consider the power of the aldermen to have been exercised +_bonâ fide_, or for influence at the elections? + +A. Certainly, _bonâ fide_. + +Q. Do you think this privilege is frequently exercised in favor of +political opponents? + +A. No. There are twenty-four aldermen, and the patronage is about +15–24ths on the Tory side to 9–24ths on the Whig side. + +Q. Is it your opinion that more urgent cases have been passed by, and +others taken on account of political services? + +A. I think not; I think very pressing cases have had the preference over +political supporters. + +Q. Is it, in your opinion, a justification if a person is put into the +hospital under such a promise, or a more pressing case; and would the +alderman exercising the power, do it under an impression that he was not +guilty of any breach of duty, or of violating his moral feelings? + +A. I think where an alderman had made such a promise, he would be +perfectly justified in performing it, provided the person was a fit and +proper object. + +Q. The alderman, so promising, in the event of a more pressing case, +would he change his turn? + +A. It is done frequently for the express purpose in pressing cases; and +those changes are made with political opponents.” + +ALDERMAN NEWTON examined, said, “I have no doubt there have been large +sums of money expended at local elections. It has been a common thing to +make subscriptions for local elections. Sometimes the subscriptions have +far exceeded the necessary expenses. In some cases, but not generally, +the subscriptions have been under the management of a committee. An +individual mostly takes the management. He has the whole of the funds +under his care, and is not accountable to anyone. The committee never +interfere. It is left to one individual to manage the funds. The mode +of distributing the money is known to members of the committees, who are +generally members of the corporation. I do not know of aldermen being +members of the committees. Aldermen have subscribed, but very rarely, at +contested elections. A good deal of money has been expended on those +occasions. The general supporters of the parties have been subscribers, +including the common council, but not the aldermen. The scenes at +elections have been very disgraceful sometimes. I recollect the election +of Alderman Marshall. I have heard that the scene on that occasion was +very disgraceful. I have heard that much money was spent, but I think +£1000 would be the outside. I recollect the election of Alderman +Steward. Money was spent on that occasion, but nothing like £1000. I +remember the election of Mr. Steward for sheriff. I have heard that +money was then spent. I heard that the Whig party gave a large sum for +the last six votes that they polled, and I believe it to a certain +extent. No doubt there was money spent by the Tory party to a large +extent. I have heard that from £10 to £15 were given for a vote. There +was a large subscription by members of the council, but not by the +aldermen. I think Mr. Steward subscribed, but I do not know to what +amount. On other occasions subscriptions have been made for the same +office. Money was given to the freemen, but the far greater amount was +spent in giving them beer and tobacco on either side. It has been +carried to a greater extent by the Gurneys than by any other persons. I +have no doubt that the money was given for bribery.” + +J. J. GURNEY, Esq.; stated that the assertion as to bribery by the +Gurneys was utterly false as to him; that he had never given a farthing +for the purpose of bribery; nor had the firm done so; nor had they any +loans; nor had their clerks been employed for such a purpose; had the +deepest impression of the sin, guilt, and misery, involved in our local +elections; and he would rather have his arm cut off than promote them +directly, or in any way whatsoever. Not only had there been bribery, but +a system of demoralization to a fearful extent; but treating was the root +of the mischief here. He believed the root of the evil was the election +of the magistrates and corporate officers by popular means. + +The commissioners asked, What mode of election do you consider would be +preferable? and Mr. J. J. Gurney replied:— + + “I think that the magistrates, being the representatives of the king, + ought to be appointed by the executive government; I mean those + officers connected with the government of the town. The parties here + are evenly balanced, and it therefore becomes a close contest. + Nothing gives us rest but the predominance of one party. We are at + rest now solely owing to the predominance of the Tory party.” + +A good deal of evidence was given of the great extent to which the system +of cooping was carried on at elections. Voters had been frequently taken +away by force a dozen miles, locked up in public houses and half-starved +in them, and otherwise ill-treated. This system was carried on by both +parties. The worst proceedings of this sort seem to have occurred at the +elections of Alderman Angell and Alderman Springfield, when there was a +vast amount of bribery, treating, and cooping. + +Mr. WILLIAM WILDE, afterwards coroner, gave evidence as to the election +of Alderman Springfield, in November, 1821. He was one of the committee +for conducting that election. Mr. Ives, a retired clergyman of the +Church of England, was the other candidate. The Northern ward was then +two to one in favour of Springfield. About 440 to 240 would have been a +fair poll if no money had been given. When the vacancy occurred, Mr. +Springfield was not in Norwich. Mr. Wilde continued, “I sent for him +express, and when he returned we heard from good authority that great +sums had been offered by Ives’s party first. We generally sent out +freemen to see how markets were going. Springfield was returned, though +it was generally reported that Ives’s party meant to buy the ward. But +Springfield said he would not be bought out. We went then into a regular +system of buying, they buying all the men of ours they could, and we +buying all of theirs we could. About £10 was a regular price. We spent +£600 or £700 in buying votes. On the morning of the election, Mr. Ives’s +party commenced by giving two sovereigns each at the polling place. Mr. +Springfield paid his men the same. In consequence more than 300 out of +430 who voted for Springfield took two sovereigns at the booths. Persons +draw a distinction between money paid at the booths, and a bribe at any +other place. Many who take money at the booths will not accept bribes in +any other shape. Springfield’s election cost £1530. The money at the +booths is openly given, and it is not considered a crime to take it. I +think about 60 or 70 persons sold their votes at £10 apiece. Small +shopkeepers are not a bit better than freemen. I have stood openly in +the market to buy votes with money in my hand. This system is generally +acted upon at all contested elections where the money can be found. +Nothing but poverty of purse makes purity of election in Norwich. At +Alderman Angell’s election the same system was followed. It is the same +at ward elections. I have given £30 for a vote at an election for common +council only for a year, but there are few instances of such a high +price. I once gave the father of a nominee £20 for his vote. That sum +is frequently given. I have known promissory notes given for votes. I +do not recollect an instance of notes given by aldermen, but 1 have no +doubt of the fact. The usual plan is for a person to say ‘My family wall +not vote unless you give a turn at the hospital,’ and application is then +made to an alderman. I think the effects of what I have been stating are +most debasing and demoralising. I have known poor men who have for years +withstood the temptations offered them at elections; and when once they +have fallen into the snare, I have observed their conduct to alter, and +they have been much changed. I am perfectly satisfied of the evil +tendency of the course pursued hitherto, and in very few instances has +the money given been any benefit to the freemen, but quite the contrary. +The effect has been the same with both the giver and receiver of bribes. +I should be sorry to bring up any of my children in the course which I +have pursued.” + +Commissioner Buckle then thanked Mr. Wilde for the very open and candid +manner in which he had given his evidence. + +Mr. JOHN RISING STAFF said that on Alderman Angell’s election, for two +days and two nights previous the town was in a state of great disorder, +occasioned by large parties of men employed by each party going about the +streets molesting any persons whom they met of the opposite party, +attacking freemen personally, and by improper intrusions into their +dwelling houses or other places where they were supposed to be concealed. +In some instances where they were in search for a voter, and could not +find him at his own residence, they went into the residence of other +persons, not in the ward where the election was to take place, to search +for individuals. Witness gave several instances of cooping. + +ALDERMAN BOLINGBROKE also stated instances of cooping that came under his +notice as a magistrate. + +MR. JOHN FRANCIS said, “I have been a manufacturer in Norwich many years, +and I consider the acts of the corporation to have engendered every +species of bribery and strife. Its patronage is invariably exercised in +favour of political adherents. During the last ten years our commercial +interests have materially suffered from it. It creates disunion between +those gentlemen where friendship would otherwise exist. The local +elections are pregnant with evil; they take men from their work, those +who are not free as well as those who are free; and in case of a contest +it is impossible to get any work done for six weeks after; and this in +the spring time of the year when work is brisk and calls for close +attendance. The consequence is that the masters suffer materially. I +never engaged in bribery at elections, except at the late election for +sheriff, when I bought a bunch of four in the market for £8; I also +offered another man £5, but he wanted £10, which I thought too much. The +numbers, however, were running close, and I went to buy him at that +price, but I found that he had been settled for and voted. Therefore I +saved £10.” + +Mr. A. BARNARD said, “At the election of Mr. Foster as sheriff, I bought +about forty votes at from 30s. to £4 apiece. I know personally of no +instances of bribery by an alderman. I have known instances of an +alderman saying, ‘You may make use of my turn in the hospital to get a +vote.’ I have known this five or six times. These promises were given +by three aldermen. I decline to give their names. I have no objection +to say they were Whigs. I have acted frequently as paymaster at +elections. Aldermen have often subscribed for ward elections. Both +parties are pretty much alike.” + +GEORGE PALMER was examined very closely, and he stated that he had always +voted in the Whig interest, and that he had received a note from Alderman +Springfield for four shillings weekly till his brother’s child could be +got into the hospital. The note was written and signed by a Mr. Batson +in Mr. Springfield’s presence, and by his order. It was given to witness +for his vote in favour of Mr. Foster at the election of sheriff in 1832. +Witness had never been offered the hospital by any alderman on the other +side. + +A great deal more evidence was adduced as to notes of admission to the +hospital given by both parties. The last part of the inquiry was the +most important, relating as it did to the effect of local elections on +the trade of the city. + +J. J. GURNEY, ESQ., said, “I can assure the commissioners that they have +no notion of the sin, guilt, wickedness, and poverty, which our local +elections inflict upon this city. I wish to add an expression of my +conviction, that if the election of magistrates and other officers was +altered, the whole city would be benefitted, and no persons more so than +the poor freemen. I was lately informed by a principal manufacturer, who +has large dealings with the poor, that it was his firm conviction that +one single ward election does more harm than all the preaching in all the +churches and all the meeting houses in all the year does good; and I +believe it to be true. I would observe that I make no distinction of +parties; both, to my knowledge, are equally guilty; and whenever the +managers find a purse, they fly to it as an eagle does to a carcase.” + +MR. H. WILLETT was of opinion that the local elections were an injury to +the lower orders, notwithstanding the money they received. There was +less work done on account of these elections. Party had a very injurious +effect on the trade of the city. He thought Norwich suffered from +carrying on trade in a different manner to that pursued in other towns. +The trade had not paid in previous years, and capital was not employed +because it did not pay. The trade was carried on upon such a system that +there was no inducement to employ capital. An open rate of wages would +cause capital to be more beneficially employed. A great deal of capital +had been lost to the city. At that time there was less capital employed +in this city than in any manufacturing town of its size in the kingdom. +He thought the city had been brought into this state by a fixed rate of +wages, and the trade had been gradually leaving the city for years. The +fixed rate operated against the workmen, because it prevented their being +employed regularly. In consequence of this small capitals were employed. +The men thought they would be injured by a fluctuating scale, but he +believed the contrary. While the country generally was never more +flourishing, the city was never in a worse state. Manufacturers feared +so much annoyance, that they would not risk altering the present system. +Many influential men were of his opinion as to the fixed rate of wages, +but dared not avow it, lest they should lose their political influence. +He dared not adopt the varied rate. He did not choose to subject himself +to the consequences. The weavers were the only operatives who had a +fixed rate. He believed that a fixed rate was kept up by municipal +elections, because the leading men were afraid of losing their influence. +Most of the influential men were unconnected with manufactures. He +believed politics to be the first consideration with all of them. He +believed that the apprehension of violence deterred all the manufacturers +from attempting to alter the fixed rate of wages; but wages were reduced, +or else the whole trade would have left the city. This caused such a +disturbance that he dared not go home. The civil power was not +sufficiently strong at the time, and the Dragoons were called out to +enable him to go home. His warehouse was attacked, and his windows were +broken. The magistrates rendered all the assistance in their power, and +measures were adopted to prevent any further injury. His premises were +guarded by special constables for two or three weeks. + +MR. WRIGHT, one of the largest manufacturers of the city, said he was +attacked in consequence of his reducing wages. Vitriol was thrown on his +face, by which he lost the sight of one of his eyes. A majority of the +manufacturers considered a reduction of wages to be necessary, but some +of them became alarmed and did not acknowledge it. The reduction +prevented a further decrease of a declining trade. But for the reduction +there would have been a greater decline of the trade. Formerly the trade +was very flourishing when there was a fixed rate of wages, but that was +when there was a great demand for Norwich crapes, then very much worn for +mourning. + +MR. JOHN FRANCIS, a manufacturer, said he did not quite agree with Mr. +Willett. He did not think a fixed scale of wages advisable; but they +were not in a condition to alter it. He thought the alteration would +create more strife between masters and men. He considered a fixed scale +to be a disadvantage to the men, but it was not too high. He believed +that the local elections prevented capital being employed, and disunited +the people. But for these local elections there would have been more +trade. Both parties had united in promoting one establishment, but six +such mills would not supply all the yarns wanted for Norwich +manufactures. + +MR. JOHN ATHOW regarded the local elections as the cause of the ruin of +the city, as far as such ruin had taken place; as ruinous both to +property and morals. The mode in which the elections were then conducted +had contributed to the poverty and depravity of the city. He believed +that the streets were in a more disgraceful state than in any other town, +from what he had seen, and from what he had heard from commercial men +visiting Norwich. + +MR. R. M. BACON, then editor of the _Norwich Mercury_, believed that the +prosperity of the city and private intercourse were all poisoned by the +party spirit engendered by frequent municipal elections. + +MR. J. W. ROBBERDS, a manufacturer, connected with the corporation from +1807 till 1827, said that during that period he had seen the working of +the municipal system, and witnessed the strife of parties. He believed +that by the contests in the different wards the character of the whole +population of the city had been greatly deteriorated; that a great +depravity among the lower classes had been produced; and that the +character of the whole corporation had been affected. He knew that +individuals had entered the corporation, not from any consideration of +public duty, but to serve their own private interests. + + +THE ELECTION OF STORMONT AND SCARLETT. + + +During the inquiry of the commissioners, evidence was taken as to the +general election of the previous year. + +THOMAS RUST stated, “Mr. Grimmer, in order to induce me to vote for +Stormont and Scarlett, offered to pay me £50 down, and to procure me £50 +of the city money after Christmas. He promised distinctly to procure the +city money. I have taken an active part at general elections. I believe +there was great bribery at the last election for members of parliament. +I do not think there was any bribery previous to the last election. I do +not know any instance of it. I saw some bribery at the last general +election. I was up two nights working for the party. I never had money +offered to me at local elections, but I was offered £100 at the last +general election to go out and buy votes. The proposition was made by +two leading partizans of Stormont and Scarlett. One of the parties +produced a large quantity of promissory notes. I told him that he was +playing a dangerous game. The partizan said ‘Can’t I lend money to whom +I like?’ I replied, ‘I think not; it depends on the conditions.’ The +gentleman who made the proposition said, “This is the way we do +business.” The proposers were not members of the corporation. They went +away and called again. One of them pulled out a large bag of sovereigns, +and said he would not only lend me £100, but give it to me to join the +party, and to do what I could in the Northern ward. They declared more +than once that they were determined to buy it. They were guardians of +the poor. There was no distinction as to the voters to be bought; +freemen as well as others.” + +HENRY BUSH said, “Alderman Turner authorized me to give £6 to a voter, to +vote for Lord Stormont and Sir James Scarlett, and said that was the most +money they were then giving. I would not take the money as I said it was +not enough.” + +MR. ALDERMAN TURNER declared on oath that the statement was false. + +MR. JOHN HAYES said, “On the second day of the last general election, Mr. +George Liddell gave me three sovereigns for my vote, but never told me in +which interest I was to vote. Mr. Wortley, one of the common council, +also gave me three sovereigns to vote in the interest of Stormont and +Scarlett. I took the sovereigns but voted in the Whig interest, and +carried the money to the committee and gave it to Mr. Beare and Mr. +Springfield. It was returned to me in four months afterwards.” + +MR. WORTLEY denied the statement, but several persons were named who were +present when Mr. Wortley paid the money. + +MR. COZENS was examined as to the evidence which had been given before +the House of Commons’ committee by Mr. W. J. U. Browne, then sheriff, who +when asked whether there was any committee for conducting the election of +Lord Stormont and Sir James Scarlett, replied, “Certainly not;” and the +manuscript was produced of a letter which appeared in the _Mercury_, in +answer to one sent out by Mr. Robberds, in which Mr. Browne spoke of “the +committee for conducting the election,” and signed himself as chairman. + +MR. J. FRANCIS mentioned circumstances to prove that there was a +committee, and produced a note. + +MR. WILLIAM COOPER, deposed, “There was no formal committee. If anybody +had asked him for a committee man, he could not have stated one. He +should say the whole party formed the committee. He was active during +the election, but he was not aware that he belonged to any committee.” + +COMMISSIONER BUCKLE:—“We have a letter in Mr. Browne’s own handwriting, +in which he states that the committee was not dissolved, and he signs +himself chairman.” + +MR. COOPER observed, “Mr. Browne has given his own explanation of that. +I am not prepared to give any other interpretation to the circumstance. +I have given my opinion and my belief as to the existence of the +committee.” + +COMMISSIONER LONG said, “I have no doubt, Mr. Cooper, you have spoken +perfectly correct. At some elections there are committees, and at others +it is thought better to avoid them.” + + * * * * * + +After the prolonged inquiry, a special meeting of the corporate body was +held on January 9th, 1834, to determine what should be done in +consequence of the course pursued by the commissioners. A great deal of +virtuous indignation was expressed, and it was resolved— + + “That it is the confirmed opinion of this assembly, that this + corporation would have been perfectly justified in refusing their + sanction to the attendance of their members and officers, and in + declining to allow the production of their charters and muniments + before the commissioners, considering themselves well advised in + regarding the commission as an assumption of power contrary to law, + and as an exercise of prerogative, totally at variance with those + constitutional principles which, in defining the limits of regal + authority, guarantee alike the public rights and the private of the + subject.” + + “That on these grounds, and influenced solely by a strong sense of + duty, the assembly of the 15th November last, recorded their protest + against a commission so dangerous in precedent, so menacing to the + privileges of chartered institutions, and so hostile to the cause of + civil liberty. Yet, at the same time, animated with reverential + attachment to the king, unwilling to be deficient in proper respect + towards functionaries acting in the sovereign’s name, and above all + being unconscious of having, either in a corporate or magisterial + capacity, done any act calculated to prejudice the interests of the + city, or to bring discredit on themselves as a body, the assembly of + the 15th November last, ordered that the town clerk and other + officers should give the fullest documentary information for which + the commissioners might think fit to call.” + + “That this corporation not only by such order, but also by + subsequently permitting oral evidence to be given by their members + and officers, now feel themselves the more imperatively called upon + to express their mingled sentiments of regret and disapproval at the + course of examination pursued, an examination governed by no rules of + evidence recognised in any English courts of law, but carried on in a + manner irregular, vague, and arbitrary, precluding the slightest hope + of arrival at such a conclusion as can possibly conduce to the ends + of truth and justice, still less such as can prove congenial to the + good feelings of any well-regulated, candid, and impartial mind.” + + “That this assembly, considering that the great mass of information + received by the commissioners, emanated from the most decided and + unscrupulous partizans; that many of them were intimately connected + with, and implicated in the transactions to which allusions were + made; that those allusions involved charges against highly respected + and honourable individuals, since deceased, whose representatives had + no means of refuting the aspersions cast upon their memories; that + many also of those who came forward as the most material witnesses to + impugn the conduct and character of the corporate body, stand + self-convicted as the active unblushing agents of gross corruption, + and by their own admissions have proved themselves unworthy of + credit—considering all these things, and looking moreover to the + incontrovertible fact, that not one farthing of the corporate funds + has been either appropriated to electioneering purposes or diverted + from its originally destined and legitimate, object”— + + “Do PROTEST against any report being made by the municipal + commissioners respecting the corporation of Norwich, based on + statements so utterly unfit to justify parliament in legislating on + so important a subject, and do most respectfully towards the crown, + but with firmness and fidelity to the obligation of their oaths as + corporators, deem it their duty to resist every attempt to exact from + them a surrender of the charters of the city and, therewith, of the + rights and privileges of the freemen of Norwich.” + + “That this assembly invite the various corporations throughout the + kingdom to make common cause with them in endeavouring by every + lawful and constitutional means of resistance to defeat any design + that may be in contemplation for wresting from them their ancient + charters, franchises, and liberties.” + +A committee was appointed for this purpose, and to devise means for +protecting the charters, rights, and privileges of the corporation. But +all this opposition proved to be of no avail, and the Municipal Reform +Act came into operation in 1835. + + * * * * * + +1835. In January, 1835, the number of registered voters was 4018. At +the election in this month, the bribery oath was administered to every +voter. Sir James Scarlett, who had represented the city in parliament +from 1832 to 1834, on being made Chief Baron of the Court of Exchequer, +was raised to the peerage by the title of Baron Abinger of Abinger, in +the county of Surrey, and of the city of Norwich. He took for his motto, +“_Stat viribis suis_,” and on application to the corporation, was +permitted to use the two angels, supporters to the city arms, as +supporters to his own. + +On January 28th, the first _conversazione_ of the Norfolk and Norwich +Museum was held, and was well attended. On the 27th and 28th, a dinner +was given to the electors who voted for the defeated candidates, Messrs. +Harbord and Martin, at the late election. About 1000 dined on the first +day. + +March 23rd. A meeting of the hand-loom weavers was held in the Cellar +House, at St. Martin’s at Oak, to petition the legislature to establish +local boards of trade. + +In April an alteration was made in the conveyance of letters to and from +London, being transmitted by the Ipswich instead of the Newmarket Mail, +by which means the citizens got their letters earlier. On the third of +this month the mayor and corporation waited on Lord Abinger, at the +lodgings of the judges, with an address of congratulation on his first +visit to the city in his judicial capacity. + +June 16th. William Moore, Esq., was sworn into office as mayor of the +city. This was the last Guild day under the old corporation. It was +celebrated with all the customary civic splendour. The Latin speech was +delivered at the porch of the Free School by Master Chambers, son of John +Chambers, Esq., of the Close, and he was presented with books to the +value of £5 5s., as was also Master Norgate, the orator of the preceding +year. At the dinner in St. Andrew’s Hall about 800 ladies and gentlemen +sat down to a sumptuous repast. + +July 14th. A meeting of the freemen was held in St. Andrew’s Hall to +petition parliament to preserve to them and their children the privileges +they had so long enjoyed, but they soon lost their exclusive privilege of +voting for members of the corporation. The Municipal Reform Bill passed +on September 8th, and received the royal assent on the following day. On +Sunday, September 27th, the mayor and corporation attended divine service +in the Cathedral for the last time under the old charters. The Hon. and +Very Rev. the Dean (Dr. Pellew) preached the funeral sermon of the old +corporation. + +Michaelmas day this year passed over without the customary ceremony, +owing to the new Municipal Act coming into force. From 1403 it had been +customary to swear the sheriffs into office on that day, and for many +years they had given inauguration dinners. Mr. Winter, the last speaker +of the old corporation, was presented with a handsome piece of plate by +that body on October 21st; and at a special assembly held on December +17th, a vote of thanks was passed to the mayor, William Moore, Esq. This +was the very last meeting of the old corporation under the ancient +charters of the city. + +On December 26th, the day fixed by the Municipal Act, the first election +of councillors took place under the new law. + + * * * * * + +1836. January 1st. T. O. Springfield, Esq., was chosen the first mayor +of the new corporation. He had been a very active partizan in the +Liberal interest. He was a member of the council nearly all his long +life; his influence was very great in promoting the return of candidates +of his own party. On the occasion of his going out of office, a dinner +was given to him in St. Andrew’s Hall. About 600 sat down to a sumptuous +banquet. + +March 1st. The new police, eighteen in number, made their first +appearance under Chief Constable Yarington. + +On September 20th, 21st, and 22nd, the Norfolk and Norwich Musical +Festival was held in St. Andrew’s Hall, when the concerts were well +attended, and realised a large sum for the charities. + +December 1st. S. Bignold, Esq., was the chief promoter of the Norwich +Yarn Company, which had a large capital, the whole of which was lost to +the shareholders. On the occasion of laying the first stone of the yarn +factory, the pageant in honour of “Bishop Blaize” was revived, on +December 1st, 1836. The whole affair was cleverly got up, and admirably +conducted. The procession having completed a tour of the city, returned +to St. Edmund’s, whence they proceeded to the site of the new building, +where S. Bignold, Esq., laid the first stone. This being done, the +procession set out to St. Andrew’s Hall, where 900 persons, men, women, +and children, sat down to an excellent dinner. + + + +CHAPTER XIX. +Reign of Queen Victoria. + + +QUEEN VICTORIA was proclaimed here in the usual manner, on June 23rd, +1837, amid great rejoicing. On Thursday, August 17th, Dr. Stanley was +enthroned in the Cathedral; he was the sixty-sixth bishop of the diocese, +and the thirty-third since the reformation. After the installation about +a hundred of the gentry, clergy, and laity dined at the Norfolk Hotel. +This bishop was a great promoter of the education of the poor. An +episcopal chapel was opened in Heigham on August 10th, and afterwards +consecrated by the bishop under the name of “Trinity Chapel.” His +lordship also consecrated the new church at Catton. + + * * * * * + +1838. January 3rd. A meeting was held in St. Andrew’s Hall to petition +parliament to abolish the apprenticeship of negroes in the colonies. On +the 5th the new district schools were opened in St. Augustine’s. + +On July 11th, a very numerous meeting of the camlet weavers was held, for +the purpose of resisting the proposed reduction of wages. About this +time some differences existed between the men and their employers +respecting wages. Col. Harvey was requested to mediate between them, and +he did so, but without any good result. The city was much disturbed in +consequence of these disagreements. + + * * * * * + +1839. On May 18th, a meeting was held at the Norfolk Hotel to consider a +bill about to be presented to parliament for the improvement of the city, +and to give the citizens an opportunity of objecting to any of its +clauses. On June 19th this bill passed, but very little was done under +it in the way of improvement. A great part of the city remained +undrained, and the pavements continued in a bad state. + +On August 16th, the Norfolk and Norwich Art Union opened their exhibition +of pictures at the Bazaar in St. Andrew’s. About 400 pictures were +exhibited, some of them of great merit. + +About this time much excitement prevailed in the city respecting the +designs of the Chartists, who, although they were not numerous, were +considered dangerous, as they were known to possess arms, many guns and +pikes having been taken from them by the police. On Sunday, August 18th, +the Chartists attended divine service at the Cathedral, when the bishop +made a spirited appeal to them. Many meetings of the Chartists were +held, and exciting harangues were delivered, advocating the five points +of the charter, including universal suffrage, and vote by ballot, which, +some of their opponents said, meant “Universal suffering, and vote by +bullet.” + + * * * * * + +1840. On February 10th, Queen Victoria’s wedding day was kept as a +holiday, and addresses were adopted, to be presented to Her Majesty and +Prince Albert. The poor of the various parishes were substantially +regaled, and the citizens were admitted free to the pit and gallery of +the theatre. On many subsequent occasions, on the birth of a prince or +princess, the citizens have shown their loyalty by presenting addresses +of congratulation. + +On February 25th, a meeting was held in St. Andrew’s Hall to consider the +necessity of a bill then before parliament, for “repealing and altering +the existing paving acts,” and to oppose the same, if necessary: when a +petition was adopted to be presented to the House of Commons, praying +that the bill might not pass. The Marquis of Douro presented the +petition. + +On June 15th, at a meeting in the Guildhall, addresses of congratulation +were agreed on, to be presented to the Queen and Prince Albert, on their +happy escape from an attempt at assassination. + +The first annual meeting of the Norfolk and Norwich Protestant +Association was held on October 15th in St. Andrew’s Hall, when 2000 +persons were present. Addresses were delivered advocating the Protestant +cause. Subsequently many similar meetings were held in this city. The +speakers always raised the cry of “no popery,” explaining that they +meant, “No withholding of the bible from the people; no worshipping of +God in a dead language; no bowing down before images as helps to +devotion; no divine homage offered to a human being, though the mother of +our Lord; no prayers to saints; no priests pretending to offer the +sacrifice of Christ continually in the mass; no polluting confessional; +no persecuting inquisition; no Jesuits with their hidden works of +darkness; no licenses for doing evil that good may come; no absolution +for the worst of crimes; no power of a priesthood over courts of law; no +canon law to overrule the statutes of the realm; no cursing with bell, +book, and candle; no enforced celibacy; no nunneries where women are +buried alive; no convents for lazy, vicious monks; no masses for the +dead; no fictitious purgatory; no power of priests to forgive sins,” &c., +&c + + * * * * * + +1841. In June this year the census of the united kingdom was taken, and +the result, as regarded this city, showed but a small increase of the +population, the total number being 62,294, while in 1831 the number was +61,304. The number of hand-loom weavers had been greatly diminished by +the competition of steam power. Many of them left the city, and others +went into the boot and shoe trade, which had now become of some +importance. + +This year many political meetings were held in the city, of Tories, +Whigs, Radicals, and Chartists. The prospect of a general election kept +the city in a state of great excitement. The leaders of the two former +parties tried to prevent a repetition of such scenes as had taken place, +by a compromise, which was a most hateful thing to the freemen, and +working men generally. When the election came on in June, Mr. Dover, a +Chartist, nominated Mr. Eagle, a Chartist, of Suffolk, and afterwards, it +was said, received a bribe of £50 to withdraw the nomination. In +consequence of this, a riotous mob assembled in the Market Place, and +Dover had to be protected by the police from their violence, for if they +had got hold of him, they seemed as though they would have torn him in +pieces. On the following day the mob having learned that Dover was at a +public house in St. George’s Colegate, went there and dragged him thence, +threatening to throw him into the river. He was much injured, and would +probably have lost his life but for the timely arrival of the police. + + * * * * * + +1843. On August 9th, a dreadful storm of hail, rain, wind, and thunder, +passed over the city and county, and did immense damage to property, +especially to the growing crops. Parochial subscriptions were raised to +the amount of £5,622, and private subscriptions £4,391, towards +compensating the sufferers for their losses. An immense number of +windows were broken by the hail in the city, and many places were +flooded. + + * * * * * + +1844. This year the railway was opened between Yarmouth and Norwich, and +in the next year the line was opened from Norwich to Brandon, +simultaneously with the Eastern Counties line from London to Ely. This +caused an entire change in the mode of travelling, and in the carrying +trade of the district. All the old stage coaches were of course +discontinued. + + +POOR LAW REFORM. + + +1846. About the year 1846, the high rates in Norwich became the subject +of complaint and discussion. A good deal of alarm was excited in the +city in consequence of a proposal of Sir Robert Peel, then prime +minister, to alter the law of settlement, so that all persons who had +resided five years in any place should have a permanent settlement there. +As many families belonging to the county parishes were then resident in +Norwich, it was feared that they would become chargeable to the city and +be a permanent burden on the rate-payers. This apprehension proved to be +well founded, for after the passing of the Poor Removal Act, hundreds of +county families did become chargeable to the city, and have been so ever +since. + +Mr. G. Gedge, of Catton, instituted inquiries on the subject; and being a +member of the court of guardians, often called attention to it. He was, +in fact, the first in this city to advocate a general or national rate as +the most effectual remedy for the evils of the then existing system of +rating. He spared neither time, trouble, nor expense in promoting his +views, which were generally approved by the more influential citizens. +He employed Mr. Hutchinson, an eminent statist in London, on the +recommendation of Mr. Wakley, to collect information respecting the gross +inequalities of the system of rating all over England, and this +information was published and circulated in a valuable work, from which +nearly all the statistics on the subject have been derived and quoted by +members of Parliament. + +Mr. Gedge introduced the question of a national rate at many meetings of +the court of guardians in 1846. He showed that the poor rates then +collected annually amounted to about five millions. Nearly the same sum +was raised by the property and income tax; and it followed that if only +those were rated who paid the latter tax, the charge throughout England +and Wales for the support of the poor would not amount to more than +sevenpence in the pound. But including all the parties not then +chargeable to the property and income tax, and who would be fairly liable +to the poor rates, the annual rate would not amount to more than half +that sum. This would be a most important difference to the great mass of +the rate-payers, whose payments to the relief of the poor would be +greatly diminished, whilst they would have the pleasure of knowing that +the poor would be better cared for, and that those comforts which they +had a right to expect, as producers of wealth, would be placed more +immediately within their reach. + +Mr. Gedge explained that, as all the parishes in the city were +incorporated in regard to the relief of the poor, a general rate being +raised from all those parishes for that purpose, his proposition was that +this general mode of rating should be extended over the whole country, +and that a general rate should be raised to be applied for the relief of +the poor wherever they were located. He showed that if each parish in +this city supported its own poor, the rating would be very unequal, and +some of the richest parishes would pay least, while the poorest and more +populous would pay most. To prevent this inequality, all the parishes +had been incorporated. This had been found to be a great improvement, +and it should be further extended. Many persons, fund-holders and +others, living in lodgings, were exempted from poor rates. Many large +establishments in Cheapside and the middle of London paid no poor rates, +because the poor did not live in those localities. Many persons living +in fashionable towns also escaped poor rates, for the same reason, while +the industrious and the middle classes had to bear the burden. He +therefore maintained that there should be a national rate. + +Most of the members of the court of guardians concurred with these views, +and ultimately a petition to Parliament was adopted in favour of a +national rate. The petition was duly presented in the House of Commons. + +On Wednesday, June 10th, 1846, an important meeting of the rate-payers of +the city was held in the sessions court, at the Guildhall, to petition +Parliament against the Poor Law Removal Act, which had been lately +introduced into the House of Commons. The mayor, J. Betts, Esq., +presided and opened the proceedings. Mr. S. Bignold, Mr. T. Brightwell, +Mr. J. G. Johnson, Mr. E. Willett, Mr. A. A. H. Beckwith, Mr. Banks, Mr. +Newbegin, Mr. Hardy, & Mr. G. Gedge, addressed the meeting in support of +resolutions, and a petition was adopted against the proposed alteration +in the Law of Settlement and the Poor Law Removal Bill. Mr. G. Gedge +moved a resolution,— + + “That this meeting is decidedly of opinion that the only effectual + alteration of the law of settlement, by which free scope would be + given to the labour of the people, would be to abolish the present + law of settlement and rating, and to substitute a general national + tax on real and personal property, and that a petition founded on + this resolution be presented to the House of Commons.” + +He showed the very injurious operation of the law then existing, and +expressed his belief that a national rate, if obtained, would prove a +great benefit to the city. Mr. Sheriff Colman seconded the resolution, +which was carried unanimously. + +After this meeting, two petitions were presented to Parliament, from this +city, in favour of a national rate; one from the court of guardians, and +one from the citizens at large. These petitions, however, had no effect, +and the Poor Law Removal Bill was passed into a law. The consequence +was, that about 1500 families belonging to county parishes, who had lived +five years in the city, obtained a settlement in it, and most of them +soon applied for relief. This greatly increased the expenditure for the +relief of the poor. + +At the monthly meeting of the court of guardians, held on December 1st, +1846, Mr. G. Gedge moved a resolution of which he had given notice at the +previous court, in respect to a national rate, and he urged the usual +arguments in favour of that measure. He wished the support of the court +to a petition to be presented to Parliament during the following session, +for the total repeal of the mode of rating to the relief of the poor, +then in operation, and the substitution of a national rate. He believed +that public opinion was now fixed on this question, and that a national +rate must come. A petition was adopted, _nem con._ + + * * * * * + +1847. A meeting of the city operatives was held on Wednesday, March +23rd, in St. Andrew’s Hall, for the purpose of petitioning Parliament to +abolish the law of settlement then in operation, and to establish a +national poor rate. The meeting was numerously attended by working men, +who manifested a great interest in the question. Several of them +delivered speeches against the law of settlement and in favour of a +national rate, and a petition to Parliament was adopted. Mr. Gedge spoke +at some length in favour of the measure, which he believed would be +carried. + +A public meeting of the citizens was held on December the 2nd, 1847, to +consider the evils arising from the alteration of the law of settlement. +The mayor (G. L. Coleman, Esq.) presided, and many influential gentlemen +addressed the meeting in support of resolutions deprecating the +alteration in the law, and in favour of a more equitable system than that +in operation. Sir S. M. Peto, M.P. for the city expressed his +concurrence, and the resolution was carried unanimously. Subsequently, +several meetings were held in Norwich in favour of a national rate. +During the same year, also, an association was formed in London, having +the same object in view; and, eventually, the movement resulted in the +passing of an Act of Parliament, by which a union poor rate was +established in every county in England. This has proved to be a vast +improvement of the old system, and a great advance in the direction of a +national rate, but still the poor rate is levied on real property only. +The most equitable system would be for every man to pay according to his +ability, whether he be a landowner, a shipowner, a houseowner, a +fund-holder, or an artisan. + +Before the Removal Act passed, the Norwich guardians were quite aware of +the effect it would have on the city. In order to prove that their +apprehensions were well founded, they caused a census to be taken in the +city and county of those paying a yearly rental of £6 and under, and an +inquiry to be instituted as to the settlement of the tenants of those +houses. They found, after a full investigation, that more than a third +of the houses were occupied by persons not having a settlement in +Norwich, but in other districts. The operation of the act was to throw +the expense of the maintenance of such persons on the city, at an +estimated cost of £5000 yearly. This was represented to the government, +who paid no attention to it, and the Act passed nevertheless. + + + +CHAPTER XX. +Leading Events (_continued_). + + +IN the autumn of 1848, the Royal Agricultural Society of England held a +meeting in this city. The exhibition of stock and implements took place +in a large field near the Newmarket Road, and attracted thousands of +visitors. The trials of implements took place on land near the city. +Lectures were delivered by the Rev. E. Sidney and others at the +Shirehall. The members of the Society and their friends dined together +on two occasions, in St. Andrew’s Hall. Addresses were delivered by +Professor Sedgwick and other eminent men on various subjects. S. +Bignold, Esq., was mayor during this year. + + +MURDER OF THE NORWICH RECORDER. + + +Late on the night of November 28th, 1848, the city was startled by the +intelligence of the murder of Isaac Jermy, Esq., the Recorder of Norwich, +and his son. His son’s wife (Mrs. Jermy Jermy), and her servant, Eliza +Chastney, were also fired at and wounded by the same murderous hand. The +first news of these murders and attempted murders excited universal +horror. They appeared to be so inhuman and atrocious, that public +feeling was wrought up to the highest pitch; and all the reports +published in the local and metropolitan journals were read with the +greatest avidity. James Blomfield Rush, a farmer, well known in Norfolk, +and a tenant under Mr. Jermy, was at once suspected and apprehended. He +was examined before the magistrates, committed, tried, found guilty, and +executed. We give a short account of this terrible tragedy. + +Mr. Jermy, with his wife and family, lived at a mansion called Stanfield +Hall, about two miles distant from Wymondham, and Rush lived at a +neighbouring farm house, known as Potash Farm. The Preston family, of +which the recorder was a descendant, originally came from the village of +Preston, in the hundred of Babergh, Suffolk, and settled at Beeston St. +Lawrence, in the hundred of Tunstead, in Norfolk. In 1837, the Rev. G. +Preston died, leaving his son, the recorder, heir to Stanfield and his +other entailed property. The recorder, previous to his father’s death, +was called Mr. Preston; but soon after that event, he took the necessary +steps for complying with the stipulation in the will of Mr. Wm. Jermy, +from whom the property had descended, that the possessor of the estate +should assume his name and arms, and accordingly he took the name and +arms of Jermy by license from the crown. He was a county magistrate and +one of the chairmen at quarter sessions, recorder for Norwich, and a +director of the Norwich Union Insurance Office. Indeed, he had been all +his life closely connected with the city. + +There had been some disputes relative to the Stanfield property. It was +said that one of the male relatives of William Jermy had disposed of his +reversionary interest in these estates for the trifling consideration of +£20. This occurred in the year 1754. In June 1838, when the Rev. George +Pearson’s furniture and library at Stanfield Hall were advertised for +sale, a person named Thomas Jermy, a grandson of John Jermy, with a +cousin of his, named John Larner, put in a claim to the estate, and +served notices both upon Mr. Jermy and the auctioneer to stop the sale. +Larner then attempted to obtain possession of the hall, but was shortly +afterwards ejected by Rush, (who was then acting as bailiff for Mr. +Jermy,) with a party of labourers. Larner then cut down some timber and +carted it away; and he and his party were apprehended for the offence, +but he himself was acquitted, though his accomplices were convicted in +penalties. Shortly afterwards placards were posted in the neighbourhood, +stating their intention to obtain forcible possession. This they +attempted to do, but they were apprehended and committed to the assizes. +They pleaded _guilty_, and were sentenced to various periods of +imprisonment. + +Rush, being aware of all these circumstances, may have thought that he +could perpetrate the murder in disguise, and that suspicion would rest on +those who claimed the estate. It was stated and believed that he was a +near relation to the recorder, who, when he came into possession of his +estates, employed Rush as his steward, but rescinded his leases, having +found that they were illegal. This created the first ill feeling between +the parties. The recorder granted new leases to Rush, but, as the latter +alleged, at higher rent. Rush soon afterwards took the Potash Farm in +Hethel, under Mr. Calver; this farm adjoining the Stanfield estate, and +being very convenient for his occupation. It being for sale, Mr. Jermy +wished to become the purchaser, and he authorised Rush, who fixed the +value at £3,500, to buy it for him. Rush attended the sale, and having +bid £3,500 for Mr. Jermy, bade £3,750 for himself. The recorder, though +much annoyed by this transaction at first, was induced to lend Rush the +money, on mortgage, to complete the purchase. The equity of redemption, +or the ownership, therefore belonged to him. A number of mortgage deeds +were executed, the last of which was dated September 28th, 1844, and it +recited several prior mortgages. + +The effect of it was, that a sum of £5000 in all was charged upon the +estate, by way of mortgage, in favour of the recorder, and it contained a +provision that the money was to remain on the security of that estate +_until the_ 30_th_ _November_, 1848. The interest on the £5000 was 4 per +cent. or £200 per annum, and Rush became tenant so as to enable the +recorder to distrain for rent. Rush now held three farms, and in +October, 1847, he was in arrear of rent for the Stanfield farm, and the +recorder put in some distresses. Rush being ejected went to live at +Potash farm house. Mr. Jermy also brought an action against Rush for +breach of covenants. This action was tried at the March assizes, 1848, +and it, as well as the previous distresses, seemed to have occasioned +rancourous feelings in Rush’s mind towards Mr. Jermy. He published a +pamphlet which professed to be a report of the trial, calling Mr. Jermy a +villain, and stating that he had no right to Stanfield Hall. This showed +that Rush cherished malignant feelings towards his victim. + +Rush appears to have for some time premeditated the murder of Mr. Jermy +and his whole family; and he ultimately resolved to carry out a deep-laid +scheme, both of murder and robbery. He got a young woman named Emily +Sandford into his service as governess, and seduced her. He then +employed her to draw up some quasi legal documents, as she could write +like a lawyer’s clerk. According to one of these documents, signed +“Isaac Jermy,” that gentleman gave up all claim on Rush, if the latter +gave up all papers and documents relating to the Stanfield estate. The +signature was of course forged. After the murder these documents were +found concealed under the floor of a bed-room in Rush’s house, ready to +be produced had he escaped suspicion. + +Rush’s conduct before the murders had been observed. He had taken every +precaution to throw off suspicion. During the latter part of November, +he had been in the habit of going out at night, pretending to be on the +look-out for poachers. He ordered a quantity of straw to be littered +down from his homestead to the fields towards Stanfield Hall. A portion +of the path which had never before been littered with straw, was then +littered by his direction, and the straw ceased where the green sward +began, so that he could walk from his house towards the recorder’s +mansion, without any danger of his footsteps being traced. Before +November 28th, he had caused everybody to leave his house except Emily +Sandford and a lad named Savory. On that day he returned home about 5 +p.m., and asked when the dinner would be ready. Emily Sandford said it +would be ready soon, upon which he remarked, “There is just time for me +to go into the garden and fire off my gun;” and he went into the garden +and discharged his gun accordingly. This was intended to account for his +gun having been recently used. He had bought a double-barrelled gun in +London the last time he was there. After tea he appeared to be extremely +agitated. He went up-stairs to his bedroom and put on a disguise; one +part of which was for the whole person, being in fact a widow’s dress, +which was quite new. Another part was a black crape bonnet with a double +frill hanging by it; and the frill rendered it difficult for any one to +discern the wearer’s features. He enveloped himself with a large cloak, +armed himself with his double-barrelled gun, and went out to do his work +of murder between seven and eight o’clock. Nobody saw him leave the +house. The night was dark and windy and well suited for the deeds of an +assassin. + +Soon after eight o’clock, the recorder’s dinner being over, he was +sitting alone in the dining-room, little dreaming of the doom that +awaited him and his son. His son and his son’s wife, who had retired to +the drawing-room, were about to partake of tea and to amuse themselves +with a game of picquet, the cards being on the table. Mr. Jermy was in +the habit of going outside the hall after dinner, and on this evening he +left the dining-room and walked to a porch in front of the mansion. +Rush, who knew the recorder’s habits and expected him to come out, was +standing near the porch in disguise holding his loaded gun in his hand. +As soon as Mr. Jermy reached the porch, Rush presented his gun, fired, +and shot him through the heart. He fell backwards, groaned, and +instantly expired. Rush immediately ran to the side door, entered, and +proceeded along the passages leading to the staircase hall. He passed +close to the butler, who, affrighted at the appearance of an armed man in +disguise, retired to his pantry. Rush passed on to the door opening into +the staircase hall. Mr. Jermy, jun., who had heard the report of a gun, +opened the door at that very moment. They met; Rush drew back, presented +the gun, and fired; and young Mr. Jermy fell dead in the hall. The +assassin then passed on into the dining-room, no doubt with the intention +of exterminating the whole family. Mrs. Jermy, still in the +drawing-room, on hearing the second report, immediately went into the +hall, and passed over the dead body of her husband. Eliza Chastney, one +of the female servants, on hearing her mistress screaming for help, ran +up to her, and holding her by the waist cried out, “My dear mistress, +what is the matter?” At this moment, Rush came out of the dining-room, +and seeing the two women opposite to him, levelled his weapon and fired +twice, wounding Mrs. Jermy in the arm and her servant in the leg. The +murderer then made his escape by the side door, leaving death, misery, +and woe behind him. He did not escape, however, before some of the +servants had made their observations of him. Eliza Chastney had marked +the man, and she afterwards identified him at the trial. Strange to say, +several persons were standing at the gate close to the bridge, heard the +reports of a gun, and heard the alarm bell ringing, but did not imagine +that anything serious had happened. Some people are so stolid that an +earthquake would scarcely arouse them. A man who had been employed in +the stables, hearing the reports, thought that the hall was attacked by a +band of ruffians, went to the back, swam over the moat which surrounds +the hall, and ran to the house of a neighbouring farmer (Mr. Colman), and +having obtained a horse rode to Wymondham, spreading the alarm as he +went. + +In the meantime, the scene at Stanfield Hall was one of utter dismay. +The cook had fled to the coach house with little Miss Jermy, the daughter +of Mr. Jermy, jun. The cowardly butler, who might have seized the +assassin in the passage, rushed to Mr. Gower’s, another farmer, for +assistance. The maid servants conveyed their wounded mistress upstairs +to bed. Eliza Chastney was lying wounded on the ground; Mr. Jermy, sen., +was lying dead in the porch, everybody being then uncertain as to his +fate; and Mr. Jermy, jun., was lying dead in the hall. Mr. Colman, Mr. +Gower, and Mr. Gower’s two sons, having received some vague information, +had hurried to the hall, and were the first who discovered what had +happened. The servants were all panic-stricken. + +What was the conduct of the assassin after the murders? Emily Sandford, +whom he had seduced, though at first she told a false story, revealed it +all in the course of the inquest and the examinations before the +magistrates. Between nine and ten o’clock on that same night, Rush’s +knock was heard at his own door. Emily Sandford went to the door to open +it, but without a light, and she did not see him come in. He went +upstairs to his own room, put off his disguise which was found there by +the police, and in a short time came down again without his boots and +coat. He told Emily Sandford to make haste and put out her fire and go +to bed; and before he left her he said, “If any inquiry is made about me, +say I was not out more than ten minutes.” She followed, after she had +put out the fire, and asked him where she should sleep. He told her that +she was to sleep in her own room; that being the first night she had done +so for a long time. She went to bed, and between two and three o’clock +in the morning Rush, who had heard voices outside, rapped at the door of +her room and desired her to let him in; and she did so. He came +trembling to her bedside and said, “Now you be firm, and remember that I +was out only ten minutes.” She was extremely agitated and inquired what +was the matter; but he would only tell her that she might hear of +something in the morning. Taking hold of his hand she observed that he +trembled violently. Next morning the police, who had watched the house +all night, apprehended him, and on the same day he was examined before +the magistrates. Emily Sandford also underwent a lengthened examination, +and persisted in stating that Rush was out only a quarter of an hour on +the previous night; but at the inquest subsequently held by Mr. Press at +Wymondham, she confessed that her first statement was false, admitting +that Rush did not return home till after nine o’clock, and that he told +her to say he had been out only ten minutes. She also gave evidence as +to all that passed between her and Rush that night, as already related. + +On the morning after the murder the police searched Potash farm house, +and found two double-barrelled guns in the closet in Rush’s bed-room, but +these were not the weapons he used. The gun he had used was afterwards +found under a manure heap. In the house the police found a black dress, +a grey and black frontlet, female wig, and a long black veil, as for a +female head-dress. These were hidden in a closet in Rush’s bed-room. +Concealed under the floor of a closet a number of documents were also +found, which turned out to be the forged deeds before alluded to. These +formed an extraordinary link in the case, and after repeated examinations +the prisoner was committed to the assizes for trial. The bodies of his +victims were consigned to their last resting place at Wymondham on +December 5th, in the presence of a vast concourse of spectators. + +The trial of Rush excited universal interest all over England, Scotland, +and Ireland. It commenced at the Shirehall, Norwich, on Thursday, March +29th, 1849, before Baron Rolfe. It continued six days, and each day the +court was crowded to excess. He was not defended by counsel. Mr. +Sergeant Byles stated the case for the prosecution, and then called a +number of witnesses who clearly proved the facts. Having in the +preceding part of this narrative stated all the particulars, it is +unnecessary to give the evidence. The documents which were found in a +secret place under the floor of the bed-room closet in the prisoner’s +house were produced, and several of them were proved to be forgeries, +which, if carried into effect after the recorder’s death, would have +placed the prisoner in a very good position with respect to the farms +which he occupied, and would have rid him of all his liabilities. A +powerful motive for the commission of the murders was therefore apparent. +The servants at the hall, who had seen the disguised armed man there, all +deposed that they believed the prisoner to be the man, as they had known +him before, and as they had recognised him by his height, form, walk, and +gait. Eliza Chastney, who had been severely wounded by the assassin, was +brought into court on a couch, attended by medical men. When asked if +she saw the assassin in court, she pointed to Rush and said, “That is the +man.” She had seen him several times at the hall. When he fired at her, +she saw the whole form of his head and shoulders, and she knew no one +else having a similar appearance. Emily Sandford entered the box +apparently in a weak state. She was examined at great length, and she +stated with much clearness all that had passed between her and Rush and +other parties in reference to the documents produced. She also gave a +full account of the prisoner’s conduct on the night of the 28th, as +already narrated. + +When the prisoner commenced his cross-examination of this witness there +was a profound silence in the court, all present being anxious to know +how he would treat the unfortunate female whom he had seduced, and who +had given evidence against him. He appeared to be under the influence of +strong emotion, so much so as at times, as to stifle his utterance; and +he was frequently on the verge of bursting into tears, yet he mastered +his feelings, and put his questions mildly in an assumed endearing +manner, trying to rouse any affection that she might have left for him. +She gave her answers in a low tone, and sometimes weeping, which excited +the pity of the spectators. Nearly all the questions put by the prisoner +were irrelevant to her evidence in chief, but not all the blandishments +and frequent adjurations of the questioner could elicit answers to suit +his purpose. At length he put questions which roused her indignation, +and she reproached him for his perfidy in not marrying her as he +promised. If he had done so, she could not have given evidence against +him. Four days were occupied with the case for the prosecution. On the +fifth day the prisoner commenced his defence, and he spoke on that and +the following day fourteen hours without making any impression whatever +in his favour. He began by admitting a guilty knowledge that something +was about to take place in the hall on that night. He said parties had +consulted him as to the expediency of taking forcible possession of the +hall, as had been done some years before. He advised them not to do so, +but still he apprehended that something serious would happen. He left +his house at eight or half-past eight o’clock on the night of the +murders, and he went to the boundary of his own land. When he got to the +fence leading to the hall, he waited a few minutes and thought he would +go back as he felt ill, but at that moment he heard the report of a gun +or pistol in a direct line from the hall. He then heard two more, and +was struck with amazement, as the parties to whom he alluded had always +said, if they took firearms it would only be to intimidate, not to use +them. He then heard the bell rung violently, and he hastened back to his +house as quickly as he could, and he went through the garden into the +house. Having given this account of himself on that night, he proceeded +to comment on the evidence with a view to show contradictions. + +Mr. Sergeant Byles replied, showing that the prisoner had only +strengthened the case against him. + +The learned judge summed up in a lucid manner, the jury soon returned a +verdict of guilty of wilful murder, the prisoner was sentenced to be +hung, and the dread sentence was executed on the bridge in front of +Norwich Castle on the morning of Saturday, April 21st, in the presence of +many thousands of spectators. The unhappy man remained impenitent to the +last. + + + +CHAPTER XXI. +Leading Events (_continued_). + + +ABOUT this time the two parties in the council became nearly equal in +numbers, and the Liberals found a difficulty in selecting a mayor and +sheriff every year from their own party. They accordingly proposed that +each party should nominate a mayor and sheriff alternately. In 1848 S. +Bignold, Esq., was nominated a second time, and elected unanimously to +serve the office of mayor. From that time to the present the chief +magistrate and the sheriff have been selected from each party +alternately. This has also led to the members of the various committees +being selected so as to represent all parties fairly, and the former +exclusive system has been discontinued. + + * * * * * + +1850. In 1850, in consequence of a memorial to the General Board of +Health, established under the (1848) Public Health Act, Mr. Lee, a civil +engineer and government inspector, came to Norwich and commenced an +inquiry respecting the sanitary state of the city. The inquiry lasted a +fortnight, and Mr. Lee heard evidence given by all the officials and +other parties. He afterwards prepared a very elaborate report, showing +that the supply of water was insufficient, that the drainage was +defective, and that many causes of preventible disease existed. He +advised the application of the Public Health Act, which was ultimately +done. A company had been previously formed with a large capital, and had +constructed works for the supply of water from the river Wensum to all +parts of the city. The abundant supply of pure water proved very +beneficial to the health of the inhabitants, and entirely relieved the +Local Board of Health from all trouble on that point, and they had only +to contract for the supply of water to water the roads and streets during +the summer months. + +In January of this year Jenny Lind gave two concerts in St. Andrew’s +Hall, which was quite filled, at high prices, by fashionable audiences, +more than 2000 being present at each concert. The proceeds, amounting to +£1253, were generously given by the celebrated songstress for the +foundation of the Jenny Lind Infirmary for Children in Pottergate Street. +It was established in 1853, and visited by the Queen of Song in 1856, +when she was so much pleased with the management that she added £50 to +her former gifts. + + * * * * * + +1851. The Great Exhibition of 1851, which was opened in May, attracted +thousands of the citizens to London, where many of them spent weeks in +viewing the wonders at the Crystal Palace. Norwich manufacturers sent +many specimens of their shawls and textile fabrics. Amongst the +exhibitors were Messrs C. and F. Bolingbroke and Jones; Messrs. Middleton +and Answorth; Messrs. Towler, Rowling, and Allen; Messrs. Willett and +Nephew; Messrs. Clabburn, Sons, and Crisp; and Messrs. Grout and Co.; all +of whose productions were much admired and commended. A very large +number of our operatives were conveyed by special train free to London to +see the Exhibition, where they had an opportunity of inspecting the best +productions of art of the whole world. This wonderful exhibition was +supposed to be the harbinger of universal peace, but it was soon followed +by the Russian war, which greatly depressed the trade of the city and of +the whole country. It cost about a hundred millions of money, destroyed +thousands of brave soldiers, and spread a general gloom over the minds of +men. It ended in the fall of Sebastopol, and the triumph of the allied +armies. Russian aggression was stopped for a time; but was the rotten +Turkish empire worth the waste of men and money? + +The census, which was taken in this year, showed that the population of +Norwich had increased to 68,713 persons who were in a comparatively +prosperous condition, for trade was good and provisions were cheap. + + * * * * * + +1853. On November 1st, S. Bignold, Esq., was elected mayor of Norwich +for the third time, and he filled the office with great approbation +throughout the year. He lent the money required in the first instance +for the new building erected for the Free Library and the School of Art, +and which afforded additional accommodation for the Museum and Literary +Institution. + + * * * * * + +1854. At a meeting of the corporation held on May 4th, the mayor, S. +Bignold, Esq., in the chair, he announced that Her Majesty had been +graciously pleased on the previous day to confer the honour of knighthood +upon him, on the occasion of his presenting the addresses, voted by the +council on the 20th of April last, pledging their loyalty to the Queen +when Her Majesty declared war against Russia. It was thereupon resolved +unanimously, on the motion of A. A. H. Beckwith, Esq. + + “That this council beg to offer their hearty congratulations to Sir + S. Bignold, the mayor of Norwich, on his accession to the dignity + which Her Majesty has graciously bestowed upon him, and wish him many + years to enjoy the honour so worthily conferred.” + + * * * * * + +1856. The New Cemetery was opened by the Board of Health, and the east +side of it was consecrated by the bishop. The other side was assigned to +the Nonconformists. Since then about 20,000 bodies have been interred in +the spacious area of thirty-five acres next the Earlham Road. The +grounds have been well laid out and planted with trees and shrubs. + + * * * * * + +1857. The Yare Preservation and Anglers’ Society was founded, for the +improvement of the angling in the rivers Wensum and Yare. This society +has done good service for the lovers of angling on the two rivers, which +formerly abounded with fish near Norwich. But on account of the +pollution of the stream, anglers are obliged to go down as far as Coldham +Hall or Cantley to fish with any prospect of success. + +The Russian war having been brought to a close, peace was celebrated here +with great rejoicings and illuminations. Major General Windham, “the +hero of the Redan,” visited the city, and a grand banquet was given to +him in St. Andrew’s Hall, where he delivered an eloquent address on the +events of the war and its successful termination. + +In August the annual congress of the British Archæological Association +met in Norwich. Meetings were held in the Guildhall, St. Andrew’s Hall, +the Public Library, and other buildings. Addresses were delivered by +Professor Willis, Mr. Britton, and many other gentlemen. The members and +friends visited the Cathedral, where Professor Willis gave a description +of the edifice. They also made excursions to Ely, Dereham, Binham, +Walsingham, and other places of interest. On their return to Norwich +they dined together at the Swan Inn. + + * * * * * + +1858. The Local Government Act came into operation, and gave the +corporation full power to carry out all necessary improvements. + + * * * * * + +1859. On November 19th, the Norwich Battalion of Volunteers was formally +enrolled, 300 strong, in three companies, under the command of Colonel +Brett, a highly-esteemed officer. The other officers were, Capt. +Middleton of the first company, Capt. H. S. Patteson of the second +company, and Captain Hay Gurney of the third company. The force +gradually increased in number till the battalion became 530 strong, in +six companies. Colonel Brett resigned on account of ill health, and +Colonel Black was appointed to the chief command; next to him Major +Patteson; Capt. Henry Morgan first company, Capt. John Steward second, +Capt. Peter Hansell third, Capt. Charles Foster fourth, Capt. J. B. +Morgan fifth, Capt. E. Field sixth; Lieut. H. Pulley, Quarter Master; +John Friar Clarke, Quarter Master Sergeant; T. W. Crosse, Surgeon; Rev. +F. Meyrick, Chaplain. The corporation subsequently granted a piece of +land at the north-west corner of Chapel Field, and a company of +shareholders built the Drill Hall for the use of the members of the +corps, which has the reputation of being very efficient. + + * * * * * + +1861. A meeting was held on January 10th to consider the best means of +relieving the distress which had for some time prevailed, owing to the +depression of trade; and within a month, more than £4,000 were raised for +the relief of the poor. Since then the weavers have gradually found +employment in some other branches of industry, especially the boot and +shoe manufacture, which has greatly increased. Hundreds of operatives +are also employed in iron manufactures, and in making machines for +agricultural and horticultural purposes. + +This year a census of the population was taken, showing a great increase, +the total number being 74,891 persons, viz., males, 33,863; females, +41,028. Inhabited houses, 17,112; uninhabited houses, 739; building, +103. + +The parishes within the city, together with their respective population +in 1861 and their real property in 1860, were as follows:— + +All Saints 667 £2,280 +St. Andrew 978 7,828 +St. Augustine 1,890 4,281 +St. Benedict 1,381 1,869 +St. Clement 3,961 7,554 +Earlham 195 1,845 +Eaton St. Andrew 930 8,759 +St. Edmund 753 1,706 +St. Etheldred 614 1,559 +St. George Colegate 1,607 4,983 +St. George Tombland 687 4,865 +St. Giles 1,586 6,391 +St. Gregory 934 4,936 +Heigham 13,894 36,799 +St. Helen 507 901 +St. James 3,408 5,384 +St. John’s Maddermarket 537 4,959 +St. John Sepulchre 2,219 4,452 +St. John Timberhill 1,302 2,496 +St. Julian 1,361 3,142 +Lakenham 4,866 15,745 +St. Lawrence 877 2,421 +St. Margaret 664 1,608 +St. Martin at Oak 2,546 3,789 +St. Martin at Palace 1,085 3,267 +St. Mary Coslany 1,498 3,081 +St. Mary in the Marsh 451 4,289 +St. Michael Coslany 1,365 3,052 +St. Michael at Plea 379 3,504 +St. Michael at Thorn 2,121 4,617 +St. Paul 2,907 4,391 +St. Peter Hungate 399 1,105 +St. Peter Mancroft 2,575 22,615 +St. Peter Mountergate 2,868 7,567 +St. Peter Southgate 457 3,337 +St. Saviour 1,532 3,805 +St. Simon and St. Jude 283 1,221 +St. Stephen 4,191 15,321 +St. Swithin 699 2,174 + +There are also within the city jurisdiction the hamlet of Hellesdon, +population 393, belonging to Hellesdon parish; Thorpe hamlet, population +2,388, belonging to the parish of Thorpe St. Andrew; Trowse Millgate, +Carrow, and Bracondale, population 687, belonging to Trowse parish; +population 249, extra parochial. The population in 1861 and the real +property in 1860 of all Hellesdon were 496, £3,376; of all Thorpe St. +Andrew 3,841, £9,003; of all Trowse, 1,404, £3,534. + + * * * * * + +1862. In 1862 the Great Exhibition in London afforded some of our city +manufacturers another opportunity of exhibiting their productions, and +making known the skill of our artisans. Messrs. Clabburn, Son, and Crisp +won the gold medal for their superfine fillover shawls, which are made by +a patented process, so as to display a perfect design on each side. +Messrs. C. and F. Bolingbroke and Jones gained a medal for their poplins +and poplinettes. The shawls of Messrs. Towler, Rowling, and Allen +obtained honourable mention. So much for what are usually regarded as +the staple products of Norwich. But Norwich won for itself the +admiration of the world in some other matters. Messrs. Barnard and +Bishop, for instance, were spoken of far and wide for their splendid park +gates in ornamental wrought iron, which were subsequently purchased and +presented to the Prince of Wales, and now adorn one of the entrances to +His Royal Highness’s park at Sandringham. Of course also Messrs. Colman +took high prizes for their world-renowned mustard and starch—the medal +given them for mustard being the only medal granted in the United Kingdom +for this article of commerce. As publishers, Messrs. Jarrold and Sons +received honourable mention for their educational works, and publications +of high moral excellence. + + * * * * * + +1863. H. S. Patteson, Esq., was mayor in 1863, when on March 10th the +citizens again displayed their enthusiastic loyalty by processions, +illuminations, balls, &c., on the occasion of the marriage of the Prince +and Princess of Wales. Their Royal Highnesses have made themselves very +popular in this county, by living part of the year at Sandringham, and +participating in all the festivities and amusements of the gentry and +inhabitants. On the occasion of the marriage of their Royal Highnesses, +seven of the principal manufacturing firms presented, through the +corporation to the Princess Alexandra, specimens of the elegant fabrics +for which Norwich has so long been famous. + + +NORWICH UNION. + + +In this year the Court of Guardians of this city obtained a new act of +parliament for an improved management of the poor, and repealing all +former acts. Under the new act the present Board of Guardians is +constituted with a reduced number of guardians, and the whole management +is more in accordance with the New Poor Law system. Norwich is now a +union of parishes, divided into districts, each having medical +attendants. By this new act all former acts, including the Norwich Small +Tenements Act of 1847, were repealed, and the city was brought under the +operation of the General Poor Law, and all other statute and laws from +time to time in force with respect to the poor in England. The union is +now divided into sixteen districts, viz.:— + +1. St. Peter Mountergate, St. George of Tombland. + +2. St. Mary in the Marsh, St. Martin at Palace, St. Helen, St. Michael +at Plea. + +3. St. Peter Hungate, St. Simon and Jude, St. Andrew. + +4. St. John Maddermarket, St. Gregory, St. Lawrence. + +5. St. Margaret, St. Swithin, St. Benedict, St. Giles. + +6. South Heigham. 7. North Heigham. + +8. St. Peter Mancroft. + +9. St. Stephen and the Town Close. + +10. Eaton, Earlham, and Hellesdon. + +11. St. John Sepulchre, St. Michael at Thorn, St. John Timberhill, and +All Saints. + +12. Trowse, Carrow, Bracondale, St. Peter Southgate, St. Julian, and St. +Etheldred. + +13. Lakenham. + +14. Thorpe, Pockthorpe, St. Paul, and St. James. + +15. St. Saviour, St. Clement, St. Edmund, St. George. + +16. St. Michael at Coslany, St. Mary at Coslany, St. Martin at Oak, St. +Augustine. + +The board consists of forty-two guardians, elected for the sixteen +districts as follows:— + +For each of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, eleventh, and +twelfth districts, two guardians; for each of the sixth, seventh, ninth, +thirteenth, fourteenth, and sixteenth districts, three guardians; for the +eighth district five guardians. For the purpose of this act with respect +to the limits of the palace of the bishop of Norwich, the same are deemed +to be locally situated within the parish of St. Mary in the Marsh. + +The following are the qualifications for voting in the election of +guardians:— + +A. Occupiers of rateable property who respectively are rated in respect +thereof on a gross assessment of ten pounds and upwards. + +B. Owners of rateable property, who respectively are rated in respect +thereof on a net assessment of ten pounds or upwards. Provided, that +where two or more persons are jointly rated, one only of them shall be +entitled to vote, and in every case the rating shall have been in the +last two rates, each made at least two months before the day of election, +and in respect of property in the district in which the person votes, and +the rates shall have been paid at least fourteen days before the day of +election. + +At every election of guardians the rate-payers voting have votes in +accordance with the following scale:— + +A. If rated at £10 and under £25, one vote. + +B. If rated at £25 and under £50, two votes. + +C. If rated at £50 and under £75, three votes. + +D. If rated at £75 and under £100, four votes. + +E. If rated at £100 and under £150, five votes. + +F. If rated at £150 or upwards, six votes. + +And no rate-payer at any election of guardians for any one and the same +district have more than six votes. + +All the compounding provisions of the act were abolished by the Reform +Act of 1867. + +The old court of guardians had the management of lunatic paupers, who +were maintained in an asylum in St. Augustine’s. Great care appears to +have been taken of them, and many of them were cured, more in proportion +than in any other town. Nevertheless, the lunacy commissioners who +visited the asylum reported that the place was unhealthy and unfit for +lunatics, and recommended, or rather demanded that a new asylum should be +built in a more healthy situation. This the old court of guardians +considered to be quite unnecessary, and the whole matter was transferred +to the council under the Lunatic Asylums Act of 1853, that body having +the option of taking the matter in hand. The council, already +over-loaded with municipal business, Board of Health business, drainage, +paving, lighting, watering the roads, &c., actually undertook the +management of the lunatic paupers, in 1863. After many discussions a +majority of the members decided that a new asylum was unnecessary, and +refused to build one. The Lunacy Commissioners, however, made a strong +report to the Secretary of State on the subject, who sent down an order +to the council to build an asylum. Since then land has been purchased +for its site, which is likely to cost from £30,000 to £40,000! + + * * * * * + +1864. In 1864 the operatives made a very laudable effort to improve +their depressed condition by establishing an “Industrial Weavers’ +Co-operative Society,” and held many meetings to promote that object. +The Rev. C. Caldwell, and other gentlemen, advocated their cause. The +society was supported by donations, and J. H. Gurney, Esq., advanced a +sum which had been left by his father for the benefit of the weavers, the +principal with interest amounting to £1100. + + * * * * * + +1865. The Norfolk Chamber of Agriculture was instituted, and frequent +meetings of the members have been held at the Norfolk Hotel, Norwich. +The objects of the chamber are to watch over all measures affecting +agriculture both in and out of parliament, to co-operate with the General +Chamber thereon, and to take such action as may be for the benefit of +agriculturists. At the meetings of the members interesting questions +have been discussed, and C. S. Read, Esq., M.P. for East Norfolk, has +generally presided, and given much valuable information. + +The most important event in this diocese of late years was the holding of +a Church Congress in Norwich. A preliminary meeting to consider the +proposal was held in the Clerical Rooms on Saturday, December 10th, 1864. +When this was announced there was no little apprehension in Low Church +circles, but the proposal was approved by most of the clergy, and they +requested the Lord Bishop to preside over the Congress, which was held in +October, 1865. After some delay his lordship reluctantly consented, and +never before was there such a gathering of clergy in the city. St. +Andrew’s Hall was filled every day for a week in October, 1865. High +churchmen throughout the country made it a point of duty to attend the +congress; and the proceedings at the daily meetings were of a very +interesting character to churchmen generally. Addresses were delivered +every day on very important subjects; and the bible history was ably +vindicated against the objections of geologists and freethinkers. The +church as an establishment was well defended by her champions. Three +local newspapers were published daily, containing full reports of the +proceedings. Dr. Pusey read a discourse of great interest in defence of +the Old Testament narratives. + + * * * * * + + +1866. +THE ROYAL VISIT TO NORWICH. + + +In November the Prince and Princess of Wales travelled from their seat at +Sandringham to Cossey on a visit to Lord and Lady Stafford, who +entertained their Royal Highnesses in a princely style. Their Royal +Highnesses, during their sojourn at Cossey, visited this city, entering +by way of the Dereham Road and St. Giles’ Road, and passing under +triumphal arches amid the acclamations of thousands of the citizens, it +being a general holiday. They stopped at the Guildhall and received an +address from the corporation. Then they proceeded to St. Andrew’s Hall +and attended a morning concert of the musical festival. Their Royal +Highnesses, on leaving the hall, rode along the principal streets, +through the Market Place, and up St. Stephen’s to the Chapel Field, where +they were joyously received by the Manchester Unity of Odd Fellows, and +where they planted two trees in memory of their visit. Their Royal +Highnesses thence proceeded to the new Drill Hall, which the Prince of +Wales formally opened. After this ceremony their Royal Highnesses +returned to Cossey Hall. They were accompanied by the Queen of Denmark +(mother of the Princess of Wales), and by Prince Alfred (the Duke of +Edinburgh). In the evening the city was brilliantly illuminated. + + * * * * * + +1867. The Norwich Industrial Exhibition was held for six weeks, from +August 15th till October 20th, 1867, in St. Andrew’s Hall. About 1000 +exhibitors sent specimens of works of art and useful articles, which +quite filled the hall. Hundreds of splendid paintings were lent for the +occasion, and the show attracted many thousands of visitors. The +industrial part of the exhibition was most creditable to the working men +of Norwich, many of whom gained medals and money prizes for the best +specimens of useful and ornamental articles. The mayor, F. E. Watson, +Esq., distributed the prizes on November 5th. + + * * * * * + +1868. The great event of the year 1868 was the meeting of the British +Association for the Advancement of Science in the city. It commenced on +August 19th and continued till the 26th. The old city was filled with +distinguished visitors from all parts of Europe; and the hotels, inns, +and lodging houses were crowded with strangers. Norwich gave a +hospitable welcome to the Society. Dr. Hooker, who by association and +descent is a Norfolk man, delivered the inaugural address. The various +scientific sections held daily meetings at different public places. The +proceedings were reported in daily issues of the _Norfolk News_ and the +_Norfolk Chronicle_, and also in the regular issues of the _Norwich +Mercury_. + +On November the 9th, J. J. Colman, Esq., retired from the office of +mayor, and E. K. Harvey, Esq., was elected as his successor; John +Robison, Esq., was at the same time chosen as sheriff, as successor to +Robert Fitch, Esq. As this is the last act of the council which we shall +have to chronicle, we take the opportunity of adding a few words on the +present state of the corporation. By the Municipal Reform Act all +previous charters remain in force, except so far as they are rendered +inconsistent with the provisions of that act, and the city is now divided +into eight wards, and incorporated under the style or title of the +“Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses of the city and borough of Norwich.” The +corporate body consists of sixteen aldermen and forty-eight councillors. +The mayor is chosen annually on the 9th of November from the members of +the council, who also on the same day choose the sheriff from the same +body, or from persons qualified to vote for councillors, and who are +eligible to the office of councillor. The members of the council are +chosen annually on November 1st by the inhabitant householders of three +years’ successive occupation, the freemen having been disfranchised for +municipal purposes. The aldermen are elected by the council, and go out +of office every three years. Committees of the council are appointed for +conducting the business of the corporate body. The corporation is +possessed of various estates, tolls, and dues, the profits and proceeds +of which are placed to the Borough Fund, under the act, and are applied +towards the reduction of the rates levied on the citizens. Several large +estates which were in the hands of the corporation for charitable +purposes are now vested in charity trustees. The corporation still pay +fee farm rents to the crown, over £100 yearly. There is in trust of the +corporation an estate of 112 acres, situated outside of St. Stephen’s +Gate, called the “Town Close,” on which the burgesses had the right of +commonage formerly, but in lieu of which right the freemen receive a few +shillings yearly. The meetings of the corporation are held in the +Council Chamber in the Guildhall almost every fortnight for the despatch +of business, and meetings of the committees are held almost daily. The +body corporate, as a Council and Board of Health, levies rates as we have +already said to the amount of £45,000 yearly. The Board of Guardians +sits in the same room, and raises by poor rates about £30,000 yearly, +making the local taxation amount to £75,000 per annum. The City Police +and Fire Brigade, under direction of Mr. R. Hitchman, the chief +constable, occupy the basement of the Guildhall. The force, comprising +nearly a hundred men, is considered to be very efficient. + +This year an extensive scheme was begun for an effective drainage of the +city. We subjoin a brief history of the proceedings which led to this +movement, and take the opportunity at the same time of giving some +details as to the general operations of the Local Board of Health. + + +THE NEW DRAINAGE SCHEME. + + +So long ago as 1862, complaints were made of the impurity of the river in +consequence of all the sewage of the city and of all the water closets +being poured into the stream. In 1863, many inhabitants of Thorpe became +urgent in their demands that some immediate steps should be taken to +divert the sewage from the river, but this was more easily asked than +done. The Board of Health, however, requested their then surveyor (Mr. +Barry) to report on the subject; and subsequently Mr. Bazalgette visited +Norwich and surveyed the stream. + +In the autumn of 1865 Mr. Bazalgette’s report was received. It +recommended a plan of conveying the sewage through main drains to Crown +Point to irrigate the land there. The board discussed the report and +appointed a sewerage committee, who entered into negotiations with R. J. +H. Harvey, Esq., M.P., for irrigating part of his estate at Crown Point. +Mr. Harvey was to pay the cost of preparing the land for irrigation, and +the annual cost of pumping; but after a preliminary notice had been given +of the intention of the board to apply for an act of parliament, the +board determined not to proceed at that time with the application for the +act. + +The board subsequently entered into contract with Mr. Hope, of London, to +sell him the sewage for thirty years; and the necessary works were +ordered to be commenced on March 20th, 1866. The board, however, being +pressed by a strong opposition to the scheme, in a few days afterwards +rescinded the contract. In consequence of this, proceedings in chancery +were commenced, and an injunction was ultimately obtained. + +On May 31st, 1866, the board resolved, “That it is absolutely needful at +once to take measures to divert the sewage from the river.” Negotiations +were entered into for the hire of part of the Crown Point estate, the +agreement for which was confirmed by the board on July 10th, 1866. By +this agreement the board took on lease 1290 acres of land at Crown Point, +at £3 5s. per acre, for thirty years—the whole sewage of the city to be +conveyed to Trowse and pumped over the land. Many objections were made +to this measure, that the rent was too high, and that the experiment +would prove a failure. Pursuant, however, to a resolution of the board, +passed on October 9th, in the same year, the committee took the necessary +steps to obtain an act of parliament, and did obtain it in June, 1867. + +After the act was obtained, Mr. Morant, the city engineer, by direction +of the committee, proceeded with the preparation of the necessary +drawings and specifications for the drainage works, and by order of the +board the following contracts were entered into, namely:— + + £ +1. For the steam engines (with Mr. John Clayton of 6435 + Preston) +2. For iron pipes (the Staveley Coal and Iron 3500 + Company) +3. For laying such pipes (Mr. John Downing of 549 + Norwich) +4. For the erection of engine houses (Mr. Daniel 6988 + Balls of Norwich) +5. For the construction of the main intercepting 28,830 + sewers (Mr. Thomas Wainwright of London) +6. The ground for the pumping works was purchased for 2000 + £48,302 + +Other sums are required for constructing drains, sewers, penstock +chamber, and other subsidiary works, and the entire scheme is proposed to +be carried out under the sanction of the act of Parliament, at the +estimated cost of £60,000. + +A very powerful opposition was raised against the scheme. A memorial, +very numerously signed, was presented to the board of health against it. +Public meetings were held at which the whole thing was condemned as +unnecessary, expensive, and likely to be a failure. Eventually, after +much discussion, with a large minority against it, and in opposition to +the opinions of the citizens expressed in common hall, the board resolved +to carry out the scheme, and the works are now in progress. The general +plan is to construct two main drains, one on each side of the river +Wensum, to intercept the sewage and to carry it to Trowse, where a +pumping station has been erected, and engines will be set to work to pump +all the sewage over the land hired at Crown Point estate. + +The drainage expenditure, though so enormous, has been only a part of the +expenditure of the board, upon which the duty falls of repairing all the +streets and roads, lighting, watering, &c. In the first half year of +1867, the estimated expenditure was as follows:— + + £ _s._ _d._ +Repairs to streets and roads 2008 7 0 +Lighting the same 1776 11 9 +Salaries 442 1 5 +Sundries 475 5 6 +Interest on loans 1336 16 0 +Interest on bonds 372 0 0 + £6411 1 8 + +Twice that sum would be £12,822 3s. 4d. for the year, quite irrespective +of the drainage works. + +The annual abstract of the accounts of the board issued in 1867, shows +the receipts and payments from September 1st, 1866, to September 1st, +1867. The receipts amounted to £15,873 3s. 6d., the payments to £15,323 +18s. 2d., which sum included £1204 16s. 7d. sewage expenses, (chiefly law +charges). Of course the receipts were derived almost entirely from the +half-yearly rates. The expenditure included £3314 9s. 8d. for interest, +the rest being for repairs to streets and roads, paving, lighting, +sewerage works, salaries, &c. + +Mr. Morant, the present able engineer to the Board of Health, made his +first annual report in May, 1867, and showed the expenditure in his +department for the year preceding April 5th, 1867, to be as follows:— + + £ _s._ _d._ +Repairs to roads 2192 4 11 +Paving 870 0 0 +Sewers 576 2 2 +Urinals 86 13 0 + £3725 0 1 + +The engineer’s next report was for the year ending April 5th, 1868, and +was divided into three heads. Repairs to roads; repairs to paving; and +repairs to sewers. First with respect to roads. The cost of the +macadamised roads had been £2329 12s. 7d., being an increase of £137 7s. +8d. Some new roads had been taken by the board, and were repaired and +cleansed, and all the roads were stated to be in good order. Second, +with respect to paving. The expenditure had been £1088 8s. 10d., being +an increase of £218 13s., but a part of the Market Place had been newly +paved with granite at a cost of £216. Third, with respect to the sewers. +The cost of repairs, &c., had been £546 5s. 5d., being a decrease of £29 +16s. 9d. + +Since 1850 the annals of the city consist chiefly of proceedings of the +corporation as a council or Board of Health. Meetings have been held +almost every fortnight for the transaction of public business, which has +been largely increased. The proceedings of one single year, even if +summarised, would fill a volume. The corporation has levied rates to the +amount of £45,000 yearly! and the expenditure has been of equal amount. +This has been caused by many public improvements, by widening old streets +and opening new ones, and by the extension of the area of the Cattle +Market. + +Mr. Morant gives the following account of the drainage works: + + “The drainage of the city of Norwich flows into the river at numerous + places, as is commonly the case; it is the object of the new works + now in progress to intercept all the old sewers, to prevent the + sewage flowing into the river, and to convey it to one point. For + this purpose several deep sewers are being constructed, varying in + size from 18 inches in diameter to 6 feet high by 4 feet wide, of + oval shape. + + “The point selected for the pumping station is between the railway at + Trowse Station and the river Yare; and a large piece of garden ground + has been purchased, and engine and boilerhouses, workshops, &c., have + been erected. Adjoining the engine-well are the grating tank and + penstock chamber, and with these the principal main sewer + communicates. This sewer, which is 6 ft by 4 ft., is intended to be + carried under the bottom of Bracondale, Carrow Hill, and along King + Street to near Messrs. Morgan’s brewery, where it will receive the + high-level sewer. This sewer will be from 30 ft. to 80 ft. below the + surface of the ground. From this point it will be 5 ft. 3 in. by 3 + ft. 6 in., and will be continued along King Street to the top of Rose + Lane; here one branch will turn off to the right under Rose Lane, + beneath the bottom of the river near Foundry Bridge, under the towing + path, to beyond Bishopgate Bridge, where it will unite with the + present outfall sewer, and receive the whole of the drainage of the + northern portion of the city. From Rose Lane the main will continue + to Tombland, where a branch will extend to Bishopgate Bridge, with + subsidiary branches to Quay Side, &c.; it will then turn to the left + under Prince’s Street, St. Andrews Broad Street, Charing Cross, and + Lower Westwick Street, and will unite with the present sewer emptying + itself at the New Mills. + + “From the end of the principal main near Messrs. Morgan’s in King + Street the high-level sewer will commence with a flight of granite + steps, about 30 feet in height, and continue 4 ft. 6 in. by 3 ft., + gradually reducing, and carried under King Street to Rose Lane, + across the Bull Ring, where it will be about 44 feet below the + surface, under Opie Street, Bedford Street, Pottergate Street, West + Pottergate Street, Mill Hill, Rose Valley, Mount Pleasant, Town Close + Road to Ipswich Road, and will provide for the sewage of a very large + district hitherto entirely undrained. + + “Self-acting Storm Overflows are provided at several convenient + points, and also numerous shafts for access to, and ventilation of, + the sewers. At the pumping station at Trowse the sewage, after + passing through gratings to prevent sticks and other substances from + choking the pump valves, will pass into the engine-well, from whence + it will be pumped through cast-iron pipes 20 inches in diameter, laid + under the Kirby Road to near the cross road leading to the Bungay + Road, and then be led in a main conduit across the centre of the land + hired by the Board, and by means of small feeders to every part of + the farm. + + “The steam engines will be three in number, and of the kind known as + condensing rotative beam engines, with steam cylinders of 35 in. + diameter and 6 ft. stroke. Each engine will be provided with a high + lift pump connected with the pumping main, and also with a low lift + pump; the object of the low lift pumps is to enable the rain water to + be pumped into the overflow sewer in time of heavy storms, when the + sewage is so greatly diluted as to be little more than soiled water; + the first scouring of the sewers will be pumped by the high lift + pumps on to the land. + + “Four boilers, each 27 ft. 6 in. long and 7 ft. diameter, with two + flues, are provided to produce the steam necessary for working the + engines, and the chimney shaft to remove the smoke is 140 feet in + height. + + “The foundation of the engine had to be carried down 29 feet below + the surface, and much difficulty was found in getting in the walls on + account of the force of the springs, the bottom being 22 feet below + the water level in the adjoining river, and from the same cause + considerable difficulty is met with in driving the tunnels for the + sewers. In Trowse for example, the soil proved to be running sand + and mud, which was very troublesome to overcome; the same soil exists + under Rose Lane, Foundry Bridge, and Bishopgate Street, but nearly + everywhere else the tunnels will be in the chalk. + + “Irrigation by sewage is no doubt quite in its infancy, but from the + very satisfactory results arrived at at Barking, Croydon, Norwood, + Edinburgh, Banbury, Rugby, and other places, there is good reason to + hope that eventually the Board’s Sewage Farm at Crown Point will + prove a success.” + + + +CHAPTER XXII. +Norwich Musical Festivals. + + +SINCE the year 1824, musical festivals have been held in this city +triennially, for the benefit, originally, of the hospitals, and lately of +various other charities also, and for the promotion of musical science. +These celebrations have been so successful on the whole that the total +surplus receipts over the expenditure have amounted to more than £10,000. +Works of the greatest composers have been well performed by the most +eminent instrumentalists and vocalists of the day, and thereby a taste +for music has been diffused throughout the city and county. + +The patrons of the festivals have included the Queen, the late Prince +Consort, the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Duchess of Kent, the +Duchess of Cambridge, the Duke of Cambridge, the Princess Mary of +Cambridge, the Duke of Wellington, the Marquis of Lothian, the Earl of +Roseberry, the Earl of Gosford, the Earl of Orford, Lord W. Powlett, Lord +Stanley, Lord Walsingham, Lord Wodehouse, and many others of the +nobility. The committee of management have included the Lord Lieutenant +of the county, the Earl of Albemarle, Lord Ranelagh, Lord Sondes, Lord +Hastings, Lord Stafford, Lord Suffield, Lord Bayning, Hon. W. C. W. Coke, +Hon. H. Walpole, Hon. W. Jerningham, Sir J. P. Boileau, Bart., Sir W. +Foster, Bart., Sir S. Bignold, and others. + +The first musical performance for charitable purposes is said to have +been on the anniversary of the Sons of the Clergy, in 1709; some fifteen +years after which period, the meeting of the three choirs of Gloucester, +Hereford, and Worcester, was instituted, those cathedral cities sending +their choristers to each place in alternate years. These early music +meetings, however, were held in the evening, and seem to have been +limited to the performance of Anthems and the Te Deum. The first +occasion of an Oratorio having been performed in the morning appears to +have been at Hereford in 1759, when the Messiah was given. + +The Birmingham Triennial Festival was instituted about the year 1778, and +that of Norwich, as now held in St. Andrew’s Hall, in 1824, previously to +which the Norwich festival consisted of the yearly performance of an +Oratorio in the cathedral for the benefit of the Norfolk and Norwich +Hospital. The performances of later years have been on a much grander +scale. The festivals at Birmingham and Norwich now stand pre-eminent +among provincial musical meetings, both for the excellence of the +performances, and for the special interest given to the programmes by the +first production of new or little-known works. Among other claims to +honourable distinction in this respect, it is the chief and will be the +lasting honour to Norwich that Dr. Spohr’s sacred Oratorios were first +performed here, his earliest production being conducted by himself in +person before a large audience. + +The selection of works and music to be performed has always occupied a +great deal of the time and attention of the committees, who have made it +an object to bring out some new work at every festival. Most of Handel’s +best Oratorios have also been performed, including, of course, the +“Messiah,” which is never omitted from the programme. Haydn’s “Creation” +and “Seasons” have also been frequently given, while Dr. Spohr’s +“Calvary,” “Fall of Babylon,” and “The Last Judgment.” Dr. Bexfield’s +“Israel Restored,” Pierson’s “Jerusalem,” and Molique’s “Abraham” were +first performed in this city. The programmes have also included +Sterndale Bennett’s “May Queen,” which won all hearts; Benedict’s +brilliant “Undine,” and many other approved compositions. + +The committees, acting on the principle of securing the highest talent, +have generally engaged the best vocal performers whose services were +available. In proof of this we need only mention the names of the +following female vocalists:—Madame Viardot Garcia, Madame Caradori Allan, +Madame Clara Novello, Madame Sainton-Dolby, Madame Alboni, Madame +Malibran, Madlle. Tietjens, Madame Patti, Madame Lemmens-Sherrington, +Madame Rudersdorf, Miss Louisa Pyne, Madame Grisi; and among the male +vocal performers may be mentioned Signor Lablache, Herr Formes, Mr. +Weiss, Signor Rubini, Signor Belletti, Signor Morini, Mr. Santley, Mr. +Sims Reeves, Mr. Cummings, Signor Gassier, Signor Giuglini, Signor Mario, +Mr. Phillips, Mr. Lockey, &c. &c. + +The Norwich Choral Society, comprising 300 members having good voices, +altos, tenors, and basses, has contributed greatly to the success of the +festivals by the excellence of the choral performances, especially in +grand Oratorios. The Choral Society was established in 1824, and had its +origin in the establishment of the musical festivals, Professor Taylor +being its chief promoter. In 1825 the Professor removed to London, and +the direction of the society was confided to the Rev. R. F. Elwin. The +management of affairs was entrusted to a committee of twelve, who were +annually elected by ballot at a general meeting. The practice was held +in the Old Library Room or in St. Andrew’s Hall. The society has +undergone many changes, but has always maintained its high reputation for +choral performances. A memoir of the late Professor Taylor, which +appeared in the _Norfolk News_, contained some information as to the part +he took in promoting the festivals. We give the following extracts:— + + “We learn from the _Quarterly Musical Review_, which was edited by + the late Mr. R. M. Bacon, that at the Festival of 1824, ‘Mr. Bacon, + Mr. Taylor (late Professor Taylor), and Mr. Athow, were nominated as + a committee for the entire conduct of the musical department.’ Vol. + VI. p. 434. The same authority says a little further on, ‘Mr. Taylor + undertook the formation of a Choral Society, which he accomplished + with a degree of knowledge, skill, and perseverance, that cannot be + too highly praised.’ Again ‘The musical committee then decided on + the following vocalists and instrumentalists, &c.’ From all which it + seems that the triumvirate managed the musical department. + + “Mr. Fitch once wrote to Mr. E. Taylor requesting him to state what + share he had in the management of the first festival. The following + was Mr. Taylor’s reply, dated March 25th, 1847. ‘When the Norwich + Festival was resolved on in 1823, I made the entire selection + (morning and evening). I engaged every performer; I selected the + entire band, and I formed and trained the Choral Society. I have + done the same for every subsequent festival (until the last, 1845,) + with the exception of having nothing to do with the Choral Society, + or any of the country performers. Every Oratorio brought out (and a + new one was always brought out) was translated and prepared for + performance by me.’ These were the following performed for the first + time here. ‘The Last Judgment,’ Spohr; ‘The Crucifixion,’ Spohr; + ‘The Fall of Babylon,’ Spohr; ‘The Deluge,’ Schneider; ‘Redemption,’ + Mozart; ‘The Death of Christ,’ Graun; ‘The Christian’s Prayer,’ + Spohr. + + “It will be seen by the above how little Mr. E. Taylor left for + anybody else to do. Mr. Taylor’s two associates, like the wings on a + stage sylph, were more for ornament than use. His statement is + confirmed by the _Musical Review_, which says, ‘The Hospital Board + presented to Mr. Taylor a piece of plate, of fifty guineas value, for + his services in raising and instructing the Choral Society, and for + his general assistance.’” + +The memoir before mentioned further states:— + + “At the Norwich Festival of 1830, Mr. Taylor introduced Spohr’s + Oratorio of ‘The Last Judgment’ for the first time into this country, + the words being translated and adapted to the music by Mr. Taylor + himself. This was followed at subsequent festivals by other + oratorios of the same composer, which for originality, richness, and + beauty, are unrivalled in their way. After the performance of ‘The + Last Judgment,’ Mr. Taylor became personally acquainted with Spohr, + and one day, getting an invitation from Mendelssohn to visit him and + his family at Dusseldorf on the Rhine, where Spohr then was, the + invitation was accepted, and thus Mr. Taylor first became known to + the illustrious composer, with whom he formed a friendship which + lasted as long as they both lived. + + “At the Norwich Festival of 1836, the expenses exceeded the receipts + by £231 5s. 10d. We give an extract from a letter, written in the + following year by Mr. Taylor to Mr. Henry Browne, which will be read + with pain, because it shows that Mr. Taylor received far other + treatment than he deserved at the hands of the committee of + management. Mr. Taylor said, ‘I hear of the discord engendered by + the winding up of the Festival with much concern, and which seems to + threaten the existence of future ones. How it happened that the last + terminated so unprofitably has always been a mystery to me. I think + it ought not.’” + +And Mr. Taylor goes on to state the amount of work which he himself did +for nothing. + +All the festivals had been hitherto successful. The first, in 1824, +produced a surplus of £2399 to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital. The +second, in 1827, afforded that institution £1672; the third, in 1830, +yielded £535 to the hospital; the fourth, in 1833, was also successful; +but in 1836 the expenses of the Festival, as has been shown, exceeded the +receipts by £231, and a general board of the hospital resolved that no +part of the funds belonging to the institution should be used for any +purpose connected with the Festival. + +At the Sixth Musical Festival, held on the 17th, 18th, 19th, and 20th +September, 1839, Dr. Spohr conducted his own new Oratorio of “Calvary,” +before a very large audience, in St. Andrew’s Hall. The performance was +very grand, and produced a thrilling effect on the audience. The +selection of such a subject as the Crucifixion for an Oratorio drew forth +a good deal of criticism, but there could be no doubt of the musical +merits of the composition. + +After the performance of “The Crucifixion,” Spohr and Mr. Taylor were +travelling outside the coach to London, when the former expressed a wish +to write another oratorio for Norwich, but said that he was at a loss for +a subject. Mr. Taylor then suggested The Fall of Babylon. This led to a +chat about the effects which might be introduced in the way of contrast, +&c., and ultimately Spohr promised to write the oratorio if Taylor on his +part would write the words. The bargain was struck, and the result was a +work which will live to the end of time. + +The Festival of 1842 was by far the most brilliant that had been held. +Of course Dr. Spohr’s “Fall of Babylon” was the chief attraction. It was +performed in the presence of the largest and most fashionable audience +ever seen in St. Andrew’s Hall. Numbers of the gentry could not obtain +admission. People stood under the long galleries, and along the +passages, and in every corner of the building. The performance was a +splendid success, and greatly added to the fame of the composer. +Professor Taylor translated the Libretto, and was the conductor of the +Oratorio. On the following day he conducted the performance of Handel’s +Oratorio of “Samson,” to which he added selections from Handel’s works. +This caused a good deal of adverse criticism, but it was not without +precedent. On Friday morning the Professor conducted a performance of +Handel’s “Messiah.” + +The Festival of 1845 commenced on Tuesday evening, September 16th, and +continued on the 17th, 18th, and 19th. The programme included +miscellaneous concerts on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings; a +selection of sacred music, and Haydn’s Oratorio “The Seasons,” on +Wednesday morning; another selection of sacred music, and Spohr’s +Oratorio “Calvary,” on Thursday morning; and Handel’s sacred Oratorio +“Messiah,” with additional accompaniments by Mozart, on Friday morning. +All the concerts were well attended. The principal vocalists were Madame +Grisi, Miss Dolby, Madame Caradori Allan, Miss Poole, Signor Mario, +Signor F. Lablache, Mr. Hobbs, Mr. Machin, Mr. Hawkins, Mr. Bradbury, and +Herr Staudigl. Mr. Benedict was conductor; Mr. J. Hill, chorus master; +Mr. F. Cooke, leader of the band; Mr. Turle, organist. The chorus +comprised the usual number of voices. The band included the best +instrumentalists in England, and the festival was very successful. + +The Festival of 1848 commenced on Tuesday, September 12th, with a +miscellaneous concert, followed by similar concerts on Wednesday and +Thursday evenings. On Wednesday morning the programme comprised a sacred +Cantata, by L. Spohr, “The Christian’s Prayer,” and Haydn’s Oratorio +“Creation.” On Thursday morning Mendelssohn’s Oratorio of “Elijah” was +performed. On Friday morning “David Penitent,” a sacred Cantata by +Mozart, was given, followed by Handel’s “Israel in Egypt,” one of the +best of his numerous productions. The principal vocalists were Madame +Castellan, Madame Alboni, Madame Viardot Garcia, Miss A. Williams, Miss +M. Williams; Signor Lablache, basso; Mr. Sims Reeves, tenor; Mr. H. +Phillips, basso; Mr. Whitworth, tenor; Mr. Lockey, tenor. Mr. Benedict +was conductor; Mr. H. Blagrove, leader of the band; Mr. Harcourt, +organist. Professor Taylor translated “The Christian’s Prayer” for this +occasion. Mr. J. F. Hill was chorus master. + +In September, 1852, the Festival again comprised grand miscellaneous +concerts on the Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings, which concerts +were well attended. On the first evening, Mrs. Fanny Kemble read the +“Midsummer’s Night’s Dream,” but the reading was a failure, as she could +only be heard a short distance from the orchestra. On the Wednesday +morning a new Oratorio, “Israel Restored,” by Dr. Bexfield, was performed +for the first time at a festival. On Thursday morning Mr. H. H. +Pierson’s Oratorio, “Jerusalem,” was performed for the first time, and +occupied nearly four hours. On Friday morning the “Messiah” was +performed as usual. The principal vocalists were Miss Louisa Pyne, Miss +Alleyne, Miss Dolby, Madame Viardot Garcia, Madame Fiorentini, Signor +Gardoni, Signor Belletti, Mr. Weiss, Mr. Lockey, Herr Formes, Mr. Sims +Reeves. Mr. Benedict was conductor; Mr. H. Blagrove, leader of the band +in the morning performances, and Mons. Sainton in the evening +performances; Mr. J. F. Hill, chorus master. At the close of the +performance on the Wednesday morning (September 22nd), a short selection +from Handel’s Oratorio of “Samson” was given as a tribute of respect to +the memory of the late Duke of Wellington. Madame V. Garcia sung the +solo— + + “Ye sons of Israel, now lament, + Your spear is broke, your bow unbent, + Your glory’s fled. + Among the dead, + Our hero lies, + For ever closed his eyes.” + +The “Dead March” was played and the chorus sung— + + “Glorious hero, may thy grave + Peace and honour ever have; + After all thy pains and woes, + Rest eternal, sweet repose.” + +The Festival in September, 1854, again comprised miscellaneous concerts +in the evenings, and Oratorios in the mornings. On Tuesday morning, +September 12th, the programme included Rossini’s “Stabat Mater,” +Meyerbeer’s “91st Psalm,” and a selection of sacred music. On Wednesday +morning Beethoven’s Service in C, and Haydn’s “Creation” were brilliantly +performed. On Thursday morning Mendelssohn’s “Elijah” attracted a very +large audience. On Friday morning the “Messiah” was given, with the +additional accompaniments by Mozart. The principal vocalists were Madame +Clara Novello, Madame Angelina Bosio, Madame Castellan, Madame Weiss, +Miss Dolby, Mr. Sims Reeves, Signor Gardoni, Herr Reichardt, Signor +Lablache, Signor Belletti, and Mr. Weiss. Mr. Benedict was conductor; +Mons. Sainton and Mr. H. Blagrove, instrumental solo performers; Herr +Hausman, violoncello; Mr. J. F. Hill, chorus master. On Tuesday evening +the concert included a descriptive and characteristic Cantata, called +“Tam o’ Shanter,” the words by Burns and the music by Macfarren. It +consisted of a solo and chorus, which were sung with great applause. +Indeed, nothing so comic and lively had ever been heard before at any +festival. + +Notwithstanding all the attractions of this festival it proved a failure +in a financial point of view, and it was feared that these triennial +musical meetings would no longer answer, but their promoters determined +not to give them up. A committee was appointed; efforts were made to +secure by all proper means success in future; and several of the county +nobility joined as members of the committee. That this determination was +made on good grounds, was fully proved by the success of the three +subsequent festivals of 1857, 1860, and 1863, the surplus from which was, +in round numbers, severally, £425, £916, and £1221. From these sums no +less than £2000 were distributed amongst the charities. + +The Festival of 1857 commenced on Tuesday evening, September 15th, with a +miscellaneous concert, and similar concerts were given on Wednesday and +Thursday evenings. On Wednesday morning the programme comprised a sacred +Cantata by Louis Spohr, “God Thou art Great,” a Hymn of Praise +(Lobgesang) by Mendelssohn, and the “Requiem” of Mozart, his latest work. +On Thursday morning Beethoven’s Sacred Cantata, “The Mount of Olives,” +and Haydn’s Oratorio, “The Seasons” were performed. The “Messiah” was +given on Friday morning, and concluded the festival. The principal +vocalists were Madame Clara Novello, Madlle. Leonhardi, Madame Weiss, +Mrs. Lockey, Madlle. Piccolomini, Signor Gardoni, Signor Giuglini, Signor +Belletti, Mr. Lockey, Mr. Miranda, and Mr. Weiss. Mr. Benedict was +conductor; Mons. Sainton, H. Blagrove, and Herr Hausman, were +instrumental solo performers; Mr. J. F. Hill was chorus master. + +The Festival of 1860 was under very distinguished patronage and eminently +successful. The programme included Haydn’s “Creation,” Handel’s +“Messiah,” Dr. Spohr’s “Last Judgment,” Herr Molique’s “Abraham,” and +Handel’s “Dettingen Te Deum,” all sacred music of the highest class, +assigned to the morning performances. The evening concerts comprised +Glück’s “Armida,” Professor Sterndale Bennett’s Pastoral, “The May +Queen,” Benedict’s Cantata, “Undine,” besides selections from the most +popular operas, part songs, madrigals, symphonies, and overtures, all of +which were admirably rendered and highly applauded. + +The choice of so large a work as Hadyn’s “Creation,” one of the finest of +his productions, on the first evening, was considered desirable, as it +gave full employment at once for the principal vocalists, the chorus, and +the band. As many persons could not attend in the morning, an oratorio +in the evening gave them an opportunity of hearing a great work well +performed, and the lovers of sacred music readily seized the opportunity +presented to them of attending the performance, which was never more +perfect. No band could have possibly played it more exquisitely, no +chorus could have sung it more honestly or earnestly, and the solos were +beyond all praise. + +Wednesday morning was assigned to performances of a sacred and very +solemn character; Handel’s “Dettingen Te Deum,” and Spohr’s “Last +Judgment.” Handel composed five Te Deums, but the finest is that written +in 1743, in celebration of the victory at Dettingen, then thought a great +event. The victory was rather unexpected, and as George II. commanded in +person, the rejoicings in England were very general. Horace Walpole +wrote, “We are all mad; drums, trumpets, bumpers, bonfires! The mob are +wild, and cry ‘Long live King George and the Duke of Cumberland!’” After +the “Te Deum,” there was a short interval preceding the performance of +Dr. Spohr’s great work “Die Letzten Dinge” (The Last Things), the +earliest of the composer’s three oratorios. In 1825 it was brought over +from Germany by Professor Taylor, and it was first performed before an +English audience at the Norwich Festival on September 24th, 1830, under +the title of “The Last Judgment,” which does not convey a very correct +idea of the work. It was received with the greatest possible favour, +like all other works of the same master, in this city. The grand theme +is set forth in a series of paraphrases of scripture texts referring to +the final consummation of all things. + +The novelties at this festival were Professor Sterndale Bennett’s +Pastoral “The May Queen,” and Benedict’s brilliant Cantata, “Undine,” +both of which were performed with great success. The Pastoral was +produced with complete success at the Leeds Musical Festival, in +September, 1858. Mr. Chorley composed the poem, and he deserves some +credit for the verses, as well as for the dramatic character of the +piece. The overture is a beautiful composition, and the whole work +displays a marvellous combination of simplicity and ingenuity. Herr +Molique’s new Oratorio, “Abraham,” was performed here for the first time, +and conducted by the composer, who at the close was greatly applauded. +The words are taken from the Old Testament, and the characters personated +are Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, Isaac, Angel, and Messenger, who in turn +depict the different scenes in the life of the patriarch. He is +exhibited as a saint, as a warrior, and as a great sufferer. Full scope +is given for the display of human passion in almost every phase, from +triumphant joy to a sorrow that borders on despair. The incidents are +picturesque, striking, and varied, calling all the powers of the +orchestra into play. The principal vocalists were Madame Clara Novello, +(her last appearance in Norwich,) Madame Weiss, Miss Palmer, Madame +Borghi Mamo, Madlle. Tietjens, Signor Giuglini, Signor Belletti, Mr. Sims +Reeves, Mr. Wilbye Cooper, Mr. Santley, Mr. Weiss. Instrumental solo +performers, Miss Arabella Goddard, piano; Mr. Sainton, Mr. H. Blagrove, +Signor Piatti, violoncello; Mr. Benedict, conductor; Mr. J. F. Hill, +chorus master. + +The Festival of 1863 commenced on Monday evening, September 14th, with a +performance of Handel’s grand Oratorio, “Judas Maccabæus,” which was +eminently successful. The large audience seemed to be carried away by +the martial music. On the Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings, +miscellaneous concerts were given. On Wednesday morning Mr. Silas +conducted a performance of his own sacred drama, “Joash,” with success. +This was followed by a “Scene at the Gates of Nain,” from the Oratorio +“Immanuel,” by Henry Leslie; also selections from the Stabat Maters of +Haydn, Pergolesi, and Rossini, and a selection of sacred music. “Elijah” +was performed on Thursday morning, and the “Messiah” on Friday morning. +Another novelty at this festival was a Cantata, entitled “Richard Cœur De +Leon,” composed expressly for the occasion, and performed on Thursday +evening with immense applause. This Cantata embodied the romantic story +of the warrior king in captivity, being discovered by the minstrel +Blondel, who at last caused the liberation of the monarch. The principal +vocalists were Madlle. Tietjens, Madame Lemmens Sherrington, Madame +Weiss, Miss Wilkinson, Miss Palmer, Madlle. Trebelli, (her first +appearance in Norwich,) Mr. Sims Reeves, Mr. Montem Smith, Mr. Santley, +Mr. Weiss, Signor Bettini, (his first appearance here,) Signor Bossi, +(his first appearance here). Mr. Benedict was conductor. Instrumental +soloists, M. Paque, violoncello; Mr. H. Blagrove and Mr. Sainton, +violins. Mr. J. F. Hill, chorus master. + +The Festival of 1866 was deferred till November, very unwisely, in +anticipation of a visit of the Prince and Princess of Wales on the +occasion. This caused a larger attendance on the day their Royal +Highnesses were expected, and a smaller on all the other days. The +arrangements for the visit were also injudicious, to say the least. +Their Royal Highnesses should at once have proceeded to the Wednesday +morning’s performance, but they were detained at the Guildhall to hear an +address from the corporation, and then they were allowed to go to St. +Andrew’s Hall in the middle of a performance, which was greatly +interrupted. Their Royal Highnesses, therefore, could not possibly have +appreciated Costa’s Oratorio from hearing only half of it. The festivals +have been always patronized by royalty, and by the nobility, gentry, and +clergy, and have never failed to attract the county families; but this +year (1866) was the first in which members of the royal family were +actually present. + +The general programme for 1866 when issued, presented some points of +peculiar attraction, including “Israel in Egypt,” by Handel, on Monday +evening; an Anthem by Dr. Spohr, and the Oratorio of “Naaman,” by Costa, +on Wednesday morning; “St. Cecilia,” a new Cantata by Benedict, +selections from the Passion Music of Handel, and first and second parts +of the “Creation,” by Haydn, on Thursday morning; and the “Messiah” on +Friday morning. Most lovers of sacred music would have preferred Haydn’s +entire Oratorio to the sombre Passion Music. The committee, acting on +the principle of securing the highest talent, made engagements with +Madlle. Tietjens, Madame Rudersdorff, Miss Edith Wynne, Madame De Meric +Lablache, Madlle. Anna Drasdil, three of them appearing for the first +time in this city; also with Mr. Sims Reeves, Mr. Cummings, Signor +Morini, Mr. Santley, Mr. Weiss, and Signor Gassier, all well-known +vocalists. The instrumentalists were all first-class performers. The +choral body was much improved and strengthened, and included 62 of the +best trebles ever selected, 24 contraltos, 35 altos, 59 tenors, and 67 +basses. + +Handel’s Oratorio, “Israel in Egypt,” was splendidly performed on the +Monday evening; the solos were in the hands of first-class vocalists, but +the absence of Mr. Sims Reeves was a disappointment. Mr. George +Macfarren had improved the instrumentation by the addition of parts to +the original score. He had no occasion to apologize for doing for +“Israel,” what many musicians have done for other productions. It is not +presumptuous to have recourse to the resources of more modern +instrumentation, so long as the character of the work is not altered. + +On Wednesday morning, as we have said, the Prince and Princess of Wales +were present. The performances commenced with Dr. Spohr’s Anthem “O +blessed, for ever blessed, are they,” the first time of performance, and +it was admirably rendered. Mr. Costa then conducted a splendid +performance of his own Oratorio of “Naaman,” founded on a part of Old +Testament history, relating to the restoration from death of the son of +the Shunamite by the prophet Elisha; a subject not very well adapted for +musical purposes. All Oratorios are cast more or less in the Handelian +mould, but Mr. Costa has introduced more of the secular clement than +usual. + +On Thursday morning the hall was well filled by a large audience desirous +of hearing a performance of Handel’s Passion Music, and Mr. Benedict’s +new work, “St. Cecilia.” As to the former, we may state that there are +two works of Handel entitled “Passion Music,” one produced, it is +believed, in 1704, the other in 1716. Dr. Chrysander caused the +publication of both these works by the Leipzig Handel Society in 1860 and +1863. It is strange that these two productions should have slumbered so +long unheard and unknown till the selection was performed in Norwich. +Interesting as the Passion Music might be, the all-important event of +this morning’s concert was, the production of Mr. Benedict’s new Cantata. +“St. Cecilia” has long been a favourite subject with both poets and +composers. Among the former, Fletcher, Dryden, Pope, Addison, Congreve, +and a host of versifiers, have contributed Odes in honour of the +patroness of music. Many of these Odes are still in existence, with +their accompanying music, of various degrees of merit; the principal +being those by Purcell and Handel. These are great names, but the +construction of the older works is entirely different from the Cantata +now performed for the first time with great applause. After a short +interval the concert was continued with the “Creation,” which could not +have been better performed or with a stronger cast. + +Friday morning has been always assigned to the performance of the +“Messiah,” and to hear it every seat in the hall was this time occupied, +and numbers could not obtain admission. We have heard this sublime +Oratorio scores of times, in London and in many large towns, and here at +every festival since 1840, but we never heard it rendered with greater +effect than the last time (in 1866). + +Norwich has in many ways obtained credit and advantage from the Musical +Festivals. Their high character has placed the city in a very eminent +position in the musical world, and many of the citizens cherish a just +pride in endeavouring to qualify themselves for the maintenance of that +degree of excellence which the festivals enable them to exhibit in the +choral performances, which the best judges have pronounced second to none +in the kingdom. On the whole the festivals have contributed largely to +the funds of important charities, and will no doubt continue to do so if +conducted with judgment and economy. They have always attracted large +numbers of visitors to the old city, for the same facilities which make +it easy for _us_ to go elsewhere to hear good music, enable others to +come hither for the same purpose. Many persons will always come from +distant places to hear a well-trained Norwich chorus. And besides all +this, not the least of the benefits derived from these triennial +meetings, is that they encourage an interchange of good feeling and +hospitality between the city and county, and afford to those who enjoy +music such an amount of pleasure as must contribute, at least for a time, +to cheerfulness and happiness in their social intercourse with their +fellow creatures. + + + +CHAPTER XXIII. +Eminent Citizens of the Nineteenth Century. + + +_Professor Taylor_. + + +PROFESSOR TAYLOR claims the first place in our notices of the eminent +citizens of this period, as a politician, a musician, and a public man. +After his death a memoir of him appeared in the _Norfolk News_ of March +28th, and April 4th, 1863, and from it we derive the following details:— + + “Mr. Edward Taylor was the great grandson of the celebrated Dr. John + Taylor, a man not less beloved for the kindliness of his disposition, + than he was venerated for his vast learning. Dr. Taylor was born at + Lancaster in the year 1694, and came to Norwich (according to Mr. + Edward Taylor’s account) in 1733. Here he remained till 1757, and + here it was that he produced many of his works, amongst others his + famous Hebrew Concordance, which was published in two large volumes, + folio, and was the labour of fourteen years. Many copies of the + frontispiece (a fine portrait engraved by Houbraken) are still extant + in this city. Dr. Taylor must have been fond of music, and must also + have made it a personal study. This we infer, less from his having + published ‘A Collection of Tunes in Various Airs’ for the use of his + Norwich congregation, than from his having been able to Prefix + thereto ‘Instructions in the Art of Psalmody.’ The airs themselves + have no other accompaniment added than an unfigured bass, but the + collection contains many of the finest melodies which are now in use. + The instructions were intended to enable a student to sing at sight. + + “When Dr. Taylor quitted Norwich, his only surviving son, Richard, + remained, and carried on the business of a manufacturer in St. George + Colegate. Mr. John Taylor, father of the subject of this memoir, was + born the 30th July, 1750. In 1773, he entered into the business of a + yarn maker, in partnership with his brother, in the parish where + their father had lived. If not a musical composer, John had the + reputation of being at least a tolerable poet, and he was peculiarly + happy in writing words for music. + + “In April, 1777, Mr. John Taylor married Susannah, the youngest + daughter of Mr. John Cook of Norwich. Mr. Edward Taylor was born on + the 22nd of January, 1784, in the parish of St. George Colegate. + + “In his boyish days, Edward Taylor was made to imbibe the usual + quantity of Greek and Latin, and the cask ever after retained the + flavour of the wine. But music even then was his chief delight. + When arrived at manhood he was tall and well formed; he had a fair, + though by no means a pallid complexion, a penetrating eye, and a + majestic voice, which sounded in conversation like the roll of a bass + drum. In whatever part of the world he had been met, it would have + been said at a glance, ‘That’s an Englishman.’ He had that + unmistakeable stamp of bluntness and sturdy independence which seems + to be an Englishman’s birthright. He was proud, not altogether + without reason, of his ancestors, whose religious and political + opinions he inherited. Hence, he was a Dissenter of the Unitarian + School, and what was then called a Radical Reformer. Deeming himself + to be in the right, he of course considered all those who differed + from him to be in the wrong. But being himself consistent, he knew + how to respect consistency in others. His hostility was confined to + men’s doctrines and measures; it was never extended to their persons. + In a word, he was generous, manly, and sincere, and he therefore + enjoyed the friendship of good and true men, whatever might be their + party or creed. Mr. Taylor married, in 1808, Deborah, daughter of + Mr. William Newson, of Stump Cross, in this city, a man of upright + and honourable character, and a successful tradesman.” + +The memoir contains a sketch of Mr. Taylor’s political doings, which we +shall give in another part of this work, and it then proceeds:— + + “On the 19th January, 1824, he had the honour of dining with the Duke + of Sussex, at Kensington Palace. The next year, 1825, terminated Mr. + Taylor’s residence in his native city, though to the end of his life + he continued to take a warm interest in whatever concerned its + welfare. On the 21st of May, having already made arrangements for + giving up his business in Norwich, he went up to London to prepare + for making it his future abode. On the 5th of August, he served on + the Norwich grand jury for the last time, and the next day took his + final departure. On the 15th, he joined his brother Philip and his + cousin John Martineau in their business, as civil engineers, having + hired a house for that purpose in York Place, City Road. + + “On the 3rd of January, 1826, the year after Mr. Taylor finally left + the city for London, he came down to a dinner which was given at the + Rampant Horse Hotel in his honour. The original intention had been + to place his portrait in St. Andrew’s Hall, and Sir James Smith had + actually written some lines to be placed under it, beginning— + + ‘Avaunt, ye base, approach ye wise and good, + Thus in this hall once Edward Taylor stood.’ + + But that idea was abandoned, and a presentation of a service of plate + was determined upon by his fellow-citizens. The proposition + originated with the strongest of his political antagonists in the + Corporation. The plate was given at this dinner at the Rampant + Horse, the chairman being Henry Francis, Esq., against whom Mr. + Taylor had entered the lists in the severest contest ever known in + the Mancroft Ward. This rendered the compliment greater. + + “Mr. Edward Taylor’s first music master was the Rev. Charles Smyth, a + man who was equally remarkable for his eccentricity and musical + learning. Mr. Taylor always spoke with great respect of Mr. Smyth’s + musical knowledge. How long the lessons continued we have no means + of ascertaining, but we afterwards find Taylor gaining instruction + with the Cathedral boys under Dr. Beckwith at the music room in the + Cathedral. He also had lessons in the vestry room of the Octagon + Chapel; and he acquired some skill upon the flute and oboe from Mr. + Fish. But we believe that his musical education was throughout + gratuitously bestowed, out of respect to himself and his family. + Doubtless he was greatly indebted for his extensive knowledge of the + art, as well as of the German and Italian languages, to his own + perseverance in solitary study.” + +The author of the memoir, after giving a sketch of the “Hall Concert”, +notices Mr. Taylor’s labours on behalf of the Musical Festivals in this +city, as already related in our brief account of those celebrations. Mr. +Taylor was one of their chief promoters, and he worked hard to make them +successful. In reference to Mr. Taylor’s career in London, the author of +the memoir says,— + + “It has been before stated that on the 15th August, 1825, Mr. Taylor + entered upon a new course of life, in London, in connection with his + brother Philip and Mr. John Martineau, who were civil engineers. Had + the business proved lucrative, there is no reason to suppose that Mr. + Taylor would have left it. It is certain that when he went to live + in London, nothing was further from his thoughts than that he would + ever embrace music as a profession. + + “Mr. Taylor began anew the battle of life by taking private pupils. + From the first moment of his entering the musical profession, his + classical attainments, his skill as a translator, his superior mental + powers, and his extensive musical research, were honestly and fully + recognized. On the 29th March, 1827, Mr. Taylor made his first + appearance before a London audience as a public singer. His debût + was at Covent Garden, at the Oratorios under the management of Sir H. + R. Bishop. The song he chose was ‘The Battle of Hohenlinden,’ + composed by C. Smith, and the reception he received from a very + crowded audience was exceedingly favourable.” + +After quoting some very eulogistic notices of Mr. Taylor’s subsequent +performances, the writer of the memoir continues:— + + “In this year (1828) was published ‘Airs of the Rhine,’ + accompaniments by William Horsley, Mus. Bac., Oxon, the poetry + translated by Edward Taylor. Of Mr. Taylor’s brief sketch of German + music prefixed to this collection, the _Quarterly Musical Review_ + (conducted by Mr. R. M. Bacon) says, ‘It is so agreeably written, and + contains so many authentic and interesting particulars, that we must + do him the justice to give it a place at length. It will speak more + for the publication than anything we can say to interest the reader.’ + + “In 1837, Mr. Taylor was elected Gresham Professor of Music. The + place had been for 200 years a mere sinecure, generally held by + persons totally ignorant of music, but he did much to render it + useful to the art. In 1838 he published his ‘Three Inaugural + Lectures,’ which he dedicated to the Trustees of Gresham College. He + was not content with reading his lectures, however good. He + illustrated them by having some compositions of the master who might + be under discussion, well sung in parts by a competent choir. + Amateurs of distinction and professional men lent their aid, and this + attracted large audiences to the theatre. + + “In 1843, Professor Taylor, who had been musical critic for the + _Spectator_ for fourteen years, retired from that department, and he + received a very complimentary letter from Mr. Rintoul the editor, who + said, ‘I can bear my willing testimony to the high aims, the great + ability, the persevering zeal, and undeviating punctuality with which + you have upheld the cause of good music in my journal for the long + period of fourteen years. I believe that a selection from your + writings in the _Spectator_ would comprise a body of the soundest and + best musical criticism in the language; and when you retire, I know + not that any second man in England is qualified to sustain the + elevated standard that you have raised, &c.’ High praise indeed, but + well deserved. + + “In the year 1845, Professor Taylor published, in the _British and + Foreign Review_, an article headed ‘The English Cathedral Service; + its Glory, its Decline, and its Designed Extinction.’ This was + subsequently published by permission of the proprietor in the form of + a thin octavo volume. It was a masterly defence of the musical + services of our Cathedrals, and of the choirs, against the spoliation + of the deans and chapters, which had been silently and surely going + on ever since the time of Queen Elizabeth. It made a strong + sensation at the time, and even now, whoever would strike a blow for + the cause of Cathedral music, (which in Professor Taylor’s opinion is + the salt which can alone save the musical taste of the people from + corruption) will find the best weapons ready to his hand contained in + this little volume. + + “Professor Taylor, who had been long a widower, died (March 12th, + 1863,) with the utmost tranquillity, at his house at Brentwood. He + had three children, all of whom survive him; a son, Mr. John Edward + Taylor, who was with him in his last moments, and two daughters, one + of whom is married and lives in Germany, her sister living with her. + + “We believe that Mr. Taylor left injunctions that his manuscripts + should not be published, which is surely to be regretted. If his + rare and valuable musical library, the acquisition of which was the + labour of a life, should be sold, we trust that it will not go + piecemeal to the hoards of individual collectors, but be bought for + the use of Gresham College and its future musical professors.” + +The compiler of this history had some long interviews with Professor +Taylor when he last visited Norwich in 1857, and he then stated that he +had large collections of music, and a large number of lectures on the +music of every period. He delivered a very splendid lecture on the music +of the Elizabethan age, in aid of the funds of the Free Library, before a +large audience, in the Lecture Hall, St. Andrew’s. + + +_The Rev. Mark Wilks_. + + +The Rev. Mark Wilks, who lived in the last, and in the early part of the +present century, was a very remarkable character as a politician and a +preacher. From his biography, written by his daughter and published in +1821, we derive the following particulars. He was the son of a +subordinate officer in the army, and was born at Gibraltar on February +5th, 1748. When his father and family returned to England they lived at +Birmingham, where young Mark was brought up to a trade, and where he +became an itinerant Baptist preacher, without any chapel. The Countess +of Huntingdon heard of his exertions, and invited him to her college at +Trevecca, to which he removed in 1775, and studied there for a year. In +1776 the Countess appointed him to be minister of the Tabernacle in +Norwich, which became the scene of his most continued and concentrated +exertions. The first sermon he preached here was on a Sunday evening to +a crowded congregation, and he made a great impression. He preached in +the same pulpit that Whitfield once occupied, and the simplicity of the +new minister’s appearance, and the negligence of his exterior, surpassed +that of the apostle of Calvinism. His long hair fell carelessly over his +shoulders; his meagre person and ruddy countenance gave him at mature age +the aspect of youth. The whole of his demeanour was illuminated by the +fire of affectionate zeal, and by an earnestness of manner, evincing that +he was honest in the sacred cause of truth. From this time he continued +his ministry till 1778, when in the spring of that year he married +Susannah Jackson of Norwich. This was an event which he ever justly +estimated as the happiest of his life, but it severed his connexion with +the patroness of the Tabernacle. Her rule was to dismiss the students of +her college on their marriage. The Countess of Huntingdon regretted the +separation and recommended him to several destitute congregations, none +of which, however, were then suited to his views. + +After travelling about for some time in Wiltshire, where he preached in +several chapels, he returned to Norwich, and on January 1st, 1780, his +new meeting place was opened, and he became a pastor under the +denomination of Calvinistic Methodist, without the customary form of +ordination. During the interval which elapsed between his return to +Norwich and his establishment as a Baptist minister, his congregation +rapidly increased, and continued to increase from 1780 till 1788. He +lived in retirement, and performed with satisfaction and marked +punctuality the duties of his ministry. His congregation was formed into +a regular Baptist church in May, 1788, and it remained so all his life. +On this change many of his former supporters left him, so that his income +was reduced. He therefore took a farm in the neighbourhood of Norwich, +and commenced farming on an extensive scale. Employment or poverty was +his only alternative, and he followed the example of the apostle Paul by +supporting himself. + +We now approach a period in his life in which he distinguished himself +not only as a pastor, but also as a citizen and patriot; for in the year +1790 commenced those great events in France which laid the foundation of +the long war between this country and that unfortunate empire, a war +disastrous to both. On July 14th, 1791, Mr. Wilks preached two eloquent +discourses to commemorate the leading features of the first French +Revolution, before crowded congregations, composed of the most +influential persons in the city and its neighbourhood. The propriety of +such discourses from the pulpit may be doubted, but they caused great +excitement, as the preacher defended the revolution, which was then +viewed with terror by many people. We shall notice this, however, more +at length in the political part of our narrative, in which we shall have +to speak of the very active part which Mr. Wilks took in political +affairs both in the city and county. That Mr. Wilks was a rather violent +partisan, and more of a Radical than a Whig, will appear by an extract +from his biography, respecting a county election. + + “When the Honourable William Wyndham first offered himself as a + candidate for the county of Norfolk, he came in the character of a + Whig, and a professed friend of civil and religious liberty. Mr. + Wilks then warmly supported him, and to his exertions Mr. Wyndham + attributed his success. But the revolution in France effected a + strange change in the principles of Mr. Wyndham; and on his second + appearance as candidate for Norfolk, he presented himself in the + character of a ‘war minister,’ and the enthusiastic abettor of the + most disgraceful and perilous measures ever pursued by weak and + wicked men. Instead, therefore, of receiving support, he met with + the most determined opposition from those who had been before his + active friends. As Mr. Wilks on his former election had supported + him by the most vigorous exertions, he now appeared foremost in the + ranks of his opponents; and Mr. Wyndham regarded him with fear and + jealousy. The following anecdote will show with what gratitude he + returned the former services of him whom he had called his friend. + One morning, as a very intimate friend of Mr. Wilks was passing by + the house of a poor man, he was unexpectedly invited in, and was + informed by the man that his wife had just found an open letter, the + contents of which were of the greatest importance to Mr. Wilks. It + indeed proved so. It was a letter from Mr. Wyndham to one of his + friends at Norwich, desiring him to be most vigilant in watching the + movements and expressions of Mr. Wilks; and if at any time he uttered + anything which might be made to appear treasonable, to make him + acquainted with it, assuring him that he would take the most prompt + and severe means for his conviction. No sooner had Mr. Wilks read + this letter than he hastened with it to the printer’s, and in a few + hours the perfidy of Mr. Wyndham was publicly known in every part of + the city, and the original letter returned to its proprietor, to his + inexpressible dismay and confusion. The family and friends of Mr. + Wilks regarded this circumstance as an interposition of a watchful + Providence. But for this circumstance a few days might have seen him + the inmate of a dungeon, and his life devoted, through the + incautiousness of a sentence, to the treachery of an enemy. This + supposition may appear less improbable when it is known, that at that + time some who had been less active and less violent than himself, had + been snatched from their families during the stillness of the + midnight hour, and had been conveyed to prison without any form or + reason assigned to them. This attempt upon the liberty, and perhaps + the life, of Mr. Wilks had the beneficial effect of making him more + vigilant over his words, and more cautious, although not less bold + and decisive in all his proceedings. Yet his wife and friends + entertained so great an anxiety for his safety, that they strongly + importuned him to seek an asylum under the calmer skies of America, + but he resisted their importunities. + + “It must be mentioned, as an instance of the generosity of Mr. Wilks’ + disposition, as well as a proof that his political conduct originated + in genuine principles of patriotism, that when Mr. Wyndham again + returned as a candidate for Norfolk as conjoint supporter of the Whig + interest in union with Mr. Coke, Mr. Wilks never suffered the + recollection of his private wrongs to interfere with the principles + that Mr. Wyndham had come forward to maintain, but supported him with + the same firmness and ardour as he had ever done. + + “But it is necessary to return to those incidents of his life, the + order of which has been neglected in pursuing the chain of his + political character, and which he considered of far greater + importance than any other. In the year 1792, the Baptist Missionary + Society was established by Carey, Fuller, Pearce, and Ryland. Those + incomparable men, in a small room at Kettering, planted the germ of + that tree which has since spread its branches into the remotest + corners of the earth. The Indian Banyan is famed for its fertility; + it is planted, it grows, and its branches descending, strike root, + and reproduce another tree; its branches again descend, and produce + another tree; trees succeed in endless multiplication, till a far and + wide-spreading beauteous forest is formed from the vast trunk of what + was once a single plant. In India flourishes a moral Banyan; it has + been planted by the hand of a Carey, a Fuller, a Pearce, a Ryland, + and a Wilks; watered and cultivated by their labours and their + prayers, its roots have taken a deeper and deeper root, and the day + is approaching when the sultry clime of India shall be covered by its + shadows, cheered by its verdant foliage, and refreshed by its + heavenly fruits. + + “It is well known that Mr. Wilks’ devotion to the missionary cause + was early and invincible. Whether he was present at its + establishment is rather doubtful; but from its commencement he + regarded it as the dawn of happiness to the world, and put into + action all his powers and his influence in promoting so benevolent an + end. But it was not in the mission alone that he evinced his + benevolence and his disinterestedness. Nine years had elapsed since + he first commenced farming, and during that time and the succeeding + year he preached regularly, and fulfilled all the duties incumbent on + his station, without receiving for his services the smallest + remuneration. Whether in this instance he acted in all respects with + prudence has frequently been doubted by himself as well as his + friends. His conduct originated in feelings of the purest + benevolence, although perhaps it lost its excellence in losing its + justice.” + +In the year 1797 Mr. Wilks was obliged to quit his farm, the lease of +which had expired. He immediately engaged another at Aldborough, a +village near Harleston in Suffolk, and went there to reside with his +family in March, 1797. The distance of that place was seventeen miles +from Norwich; yet although he was necessarily obliged to omit the +week-day preaching, he never once neglected the regular performance of +his pastoral duties on Sunday. In every kind of weather he constantly +travelled thirty-four miles every Sunday to preach to a congregation from +whom he received no remuneration. This course of exertion, however, +could not be long continued. With the engagements of his farm, which +were at this time very considerable, and the care attendant on a large +family of twelve children, he found it was necessary either to give up +his church or to leave his farm. Though his farm was a very profitable +one, he did not hesitate which course to pursue; and he took another farm +at Cossey, near Norwich, where he continued for some time, and where he +often preached to the people in the village. + +In March, 1802, he purchased a farm at the village of Sprowston, only two +miles from Norwich. Here he enjoyed the society of his friends in the +city, and in every respect his own comfort and that of his family were +improved by this removal. His congregation increased, and the chapel in +which he preached became too small for all who wished to attend his +ministry. His friends were therefore desirous of erecting a more +commodious one, and purchased a piece of ground for its erection. In +September, 1812, he laid the first stone, and Mr. Andrew Fuller preached +on the occasion. + +In 1814, he went on a begging tour for his meeting house, and travelled +through the counties of Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, and Cambridgeshire, and +thence to London. In six weeks he collected about £400, but his +exertions brought on a serious illness. After his return his family +scarcely hoped for his recovery. On May 4th, 1814, the new meeting +house, in St. Clement’s, Norwich, was opened by Mr. M. Wilks of London, +and Mr. A. Fuller. The pastor was present, but in a very feeble state of +health. He recovered slowly in a few weeks, and when his health was +sufficiently restored, he made another effort to diminish the debt on the +new chapel. Though he frequently considered himself to be in a dying +state, yet at every interval of ease he pursued his work with unremitting +ardour. It is unnecessary to relate all the details of the few latter +years of his life; the long journeys he took in the years 1815 and 1816, +were a proof of the generosity of his heart. His last two years he spent +in retirement, yet in the performance of his ministerial duties; and ever +ready to advance the interests of his church, of his family, and of +mankind. + +He was ill only four days previous to his death, which took place on +February 5th, 1819. When it was publicly known in the city that he was +no more, hundreds of people went to his house to take a last look of him +whom living they had so much loved and respected. And the bitter tears +of his surviving relatives, the deep affliction of his friends, and the +sorrow of mourning multitudes, bore a sad testimony to his worth as a +husband, a father, a friend, a minister, a neighbour, and a christian. + +He died on his birthday, when he had attained the age of seventy-one. +His much valued friend, the Rev. W. Hull of Norwich, spoke at his +interment to a large assembly of sincere mourners, and to a great +concourse of spectators. The Rev. Mark Wilks of London, his nephew, +preached a funeral sermon on Sunday, February 14th, before a large +congregation. The deceased was buried under the pulpit where he had +preached the gospel for forty years. Of his family of twelve children, +including his four sons, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, none of them and +none of their descendants now live in Norwich. + + +_The Rev. John Alexander_. + + +The Rev. John Alexander was the pastor of the Independent Congregation in +Prince’s Street for a period of fifty years. He was much beloved by all +who knew him for his kindly disposition and genuine piety. Bishop +Stanley often spoke of him in terms of the highest commendation as a +christian minister. He took an active interest in all the philanthropic +and educational movements of the district, and was for some time the +Chairman of the Board of Management of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital. +After his death, on July 31st, 1868, a short memoir of him appeared in +the _Norfolk News_; and this memoir contained nearly the whole history of +Prince’s Street Chapel in this city. We give the following extracts:— + + “Mr. Alexander was born at Lancaster in 1792. Of his father, the + Rev. William Alexander, our deceased friend published an interesting + _Memoir_; and, as showing his own appreciation of the excellencies of + his parents, he placed on the title page these lines of Cowper’s:— + + ‘My boast is, not that I deduce my birth + From loins enthroned, and rulers of the earth; + But higher far my proud pretensions rise, + The son of parents passed into the skies.’ + + In the same volume we find him thus writing in reference to his early + days:—‘The reader will, I trust, perceive that our domestic + discipline, union, and affection, together with the sweet influences + of religion, rendered us a happy family. The recollections and the + love of home, too, and our reverence for holy parents, became a + shield of protection to us, and “a way of escape” in the day of + evil.’ With an atmosphere like this surrounding his childhood, we + wonder not that he became in early life the subject of deep religious + convictions. In 1807 he entered a large commercial establishment + connected with a household in which ‘the most beautiful domestic + order was combined with everything that was pure and lovely in + religion.’ This privilege was greatly prized by him, and he ever + cherished a grateful sense of the goodness of God in placing him + there. During this period he attended the ministry of the Rev. P. S. + Charrier of Liverpool, and joined the church under his care. For + some time he had cherished a desire, and entertained a hope, in + reference to the christian ministry, which was now soon to be + realised. + + “The celebrated Dr. Edward Williams, one of the tutors at Rotherham + College, happened just then to visit Liverpool, and unexpectedly + spoke to him on the subject, offering him the advantages of the + institution over which he presided. This incident naturally made a + deep impression on his mind, and led him very seriously and + prayerfully to consider the matter. Of course, he lost no time in + communicating his thoughts to his father, who urged on him the + greatest caution, saying, ‘God forbid you should take it up, except + in compliance with the will of God.’ Nothing daunted, however, by + the somewhat discouraging aspect of the ministry set before him in + his father’s letters, he intimated to him, in reply to his inquiries, + that he retained an unalterable ‘determination to give himself to the + work, believing he had been called of God to it;’ and in 1814 he was + admitted as a student into Hoxton College. Here the amiable + qualities which distinguished him all through life soon endeared him + to every fellow-student, and one still surviving speaks of hours + spent with him as ‘the happiest, holiest, and most profitable spent + under the college roof.’ + + “In his _Thirty Years’ History of the Church and Congregation in + Prince’s Street Chapel_, he gives us an account of his first visit to + and subsequent residence in this city. From that source we learn + that early in the year 1817 he received an invitation to preach for a + few Sabbaths in the Tabernacle, and that on Friday, April 4th, 1817, + (the day on which a fatal steam-packet catastrophe occurred by which + many lives were lost), he entered Norwich. On the following Sunday + evening he preached from the text, ‘Therefore be ye also ready; for + in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of Man cometh.’ The place + was crowded; and, says he, ‘The Lord stood by me and strengthened + me.’ At the expiration of three Sabbaths he returned to London, + promising to visit Norwich again and preach during the whole of the + Midsummer vacation. He resumed his labours with very great + encouragement at the Tabernacle on July 6th; and some legal + difficulty occurring as to the power of appointing the minister, he + consented, with the approbation of his tutors, to continue them till + the disputed point was settled, which was not till the following + December. The legal decision was such as necessitated him to give + notice the very day it arrived, that in the evening he should preach + his last sermon in the Tabernacle. On that occasion he chose as his + text, words which the people believed to have been divinely suggested + to his mind, ‘Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the + morning.’ That text, it was often afterwards remarked, built the new + chapel. The prospect, however, of the toil connected with the + establishment of a new church and congregation, and the building of a + chapel, was such that he shrank from it, and took his place in the + coach to return to London on his way to Kidderminster, where he had + been requested to supply, with a view to settlement. + + “But so deep was the impression his services had produced, and so + warm the interest and affection created, that the people would not + part from him. On the day of his departure, a deputation waited on + him and pressed on him an invitation to become their minister with + such affectionate earnestness, that, says he ‘I felt the appeal to be + irresistible, and I promised to lay the whole matter before my tutor + and friends, and to make it the subject of serious and prayerful + re-consideration.’ The result was that he returned, and for some + time preached in the Lancasterian School-room. At length the site on + which Prince’s Street Chapel now stands was purchased, and the + foundation stone laid on the 16th of March, 1819. It was opened on + December 1st in the same year, and thenceforward, for the space of + about five and forty years, it continued to be the scene of the + living and life-quickening ministry of one whose ‘praise is in all + the churches.’ Of the characteristics of Mr. Alexander’s preaching + this is not the place to speak beyond saying it was truly evangelical + and eminently successful. But he was not the preacher only. He was + the faithful pastor, the unswerving friend, and the cheerful + companion as well. Hence in times of sorrow or of joy he was a + welcome guest, either in the family meeting or at more social + gatherings. He carried summer and sunshine with him into every + circle, and never left any without leaving a longing in every heart, + young and old, for the next visit. When he crossed the threshold, + the young loved to caress and to be caressed by him, whilst to the + others the cares of life seemed lessened, and the burden lightened, + as he spoke to them a few words of loving sympathy or wise counsel, + and left them with his soft tones of benediction treasured in their + hearts and vibrating on their ears. + + “Time rolled on, ever finding him at his work, till thirty years had + gone, when his friends gathered round him in St. Andrew’s Hall to + testify their high appreciation of his excellencies, and their deep + and strong affection for him as their pastor and their friend. On + that occasion it was the desire of the people to present a purse to + him as a substantial token of their esteem, but there being at that + time a debt of £400 remaining on the chapel, he, with that + characteristic unselfishness which ever marked him, urgently + requested that they would abandon the purse, but remove the debt. + But it must not be supposed that Mr. Alexander’s energies were + confined to the cause of Christ at Prince’s Street Chapel, or that + the members of his church and congregation were allowed to claim him + as exclusively belonging to them. This was seen when ten years more + of active service had passed, and troops of admirers, from far and + near, flocked again to St. Andrew’s Hall to do him honour. On that + occasion the Mayor (J. G. Johnson, Esq.,) represented the city, and + the Rev. S. Titlow the Church of England, in most eulogistic + speeches. The Baptist Churches of the county presented him with an + address, whilst brethren of his own denomination, and others, lay and + ministerial, seemed to vie with one another in magnifying ‘the grace + of God’ in him. The desire entertained ten years before was now + carried into effect, and a purse, with an elegant skeleton timepiece, + and a memorial engrossed on vellum and framed, were presented to him, + and a gold watch and chain to Mrs. Alexander. The timepiece bore the + following inscription:— + + Presented to the Rev. John Alexander, together with a purse of 500 + sovereigns, on his commencing the fortieth year of his ministry in + Norwich, by the members of his congregation and numerous other + friends, as a memorial of Christian esteem and love.—Norwich, June + 3rd, 1856. + + From that time the infirmities of age, and the claims of a large + congregation, led him to desire help, which was secured for him in + the person of an assistant minister. With that help he happily and + zealously worked on in his Master’s service through another decade of + years, when once more the old Gothic hall resounded with his praises + and witnessed another outburst of affectionate congratulation. + Having lived to see the jubilee of his ministry, he now resigned the + pastoral office, and was presented with an annuity of £200 and a + magnificent epergne, on which a suitable inscription was engraved. + With trembling emotion the venerable man read his reply and + acknowledgment, in which, after recording the goodness of God and the + kindness of his friends through the long period of fifty years, he + stated that during his pastorate more than a thousand members had + been added to the church, two chapels had been added to the one in + Prince’s Street, four Sunday Schools had been raised and supplied + with a hundred teachers and with nearly a thousand children, and + eight members of the church had become ministers of the Gospel. + + “Seldom is it the lot of the most favoured ministers thus to be + blessed and made a blessing. We shall not attempt to describe what + Mr. Alexander was in the pulpit, on the platform, in the committee + room, or from the press, nor how he discharged his duties as chairman + of ‘The Congregational Union of England and Wales,’ and secretary of + ‘The Association for the Spread of the Gospel in the County.’ Much + less shall we venture a word on his private or domestic life. We + hope another and abler pen will pourtray his character more fully, + and hence we content ourselves by adding words written by a friend, + ‘His life is his eulogy.’ It was a holy life, a useful life, an + honourable life, a happy life. + + “The last sermon Mr. Alexander preached was delivered in Prince’s + Street Chapel on April 22nd, 1866, from 2 _Cor._ ii. 14–17. The last + time that he spoke in St. Andrew’s Hall was a few months before his + death, on the occasion of the mayor’s invitation to the Sunday school + teachers, and the last public religious service he attended was in + the Old Meeting House on Sunday evening, July 19th, 1868, where his + presence was ever as welcome as in his own chapel. + + “Of his history since his retirement into private life, little only + can be said. At first the ease and seeming uselessness imposed on + him by the infirmities of age had a depressing influence on his mind, + but latterly this gave place to his wonted calm confidence in God, + and his usual joyousness of heart. Occasionally, to the grief of his + friends, the decline of his mental powers was painfully visible, but + this was often relieved by his still sparkling and felicitous + utterances, and his fervent devotional exercises. + + “Some lines written in our album so recently as last November will, + perhaps, best indicate the state of his mind, and the theme on which + it delighted to dwell:— + + Amidst the fragrance richly shed, + And beauty blooming in the bowers, + The willow bends its mournful head, + And seems to weep among the flowers. + + And so in human life we find, + How bright soever it appears, + That grief is rooted in the mind, + And smiles are mingled with its tears. + + But there’s a garden in the sky + Where mourning willows cannot grow, + Where tears are wiped from every eye, + And streams of joy unmingled flow. + + “And now the time drew nigh that he must die. For only a few days he + was withdrawn from the outer world. During that time it was very + evident that constant intercourse was being carried on with heaven. + On asking him, two days prior to his death, if the Saviour he had so + long and faithfully preached to others was now near and precious to + himself, he replied, ‘Oh, what should I do without Him!’ The day + before his departure he was much in prayer. His family were all + remembered before God, as were also the servants of the household. + And very touching were the words in which he sought a blessing on the + ministers of the city, and on their work, with whom he had lived in + closest and loving fellowship. And so he passed away, spending his + last hours, as he had spent his life, in blessing others. + + “On Tuesday, the 4th of August, he was carried to his grave amid the + lamentations of a vast concourse of his fellow-citizens, and friends + from the country, who had known him and esteemed him very highly in + love for his works’ sake. The funeral service at the grave was + conducted by the Revs. G. Gould, J. Hallett, P. Colborne, and G. S. + Barrett, B.A.; but gathered there were clergymen and ministers of + every denomination, as well as laymen of all classes, from the mayor + to the humblest artisan. + + “And so has passed away from our midst, full of days and honours, + one, whom it was a privilege to have known, and an impossibility not + to have loved. His Christian catholicity, his large-hearted charity, + his generous liberality, his untarnished reputation, and his fidelity + to Christian truth, together with other virtues that adorned his long + life, constrain us to thank God for having given him to Norwich, and, + now that He has taken him to Himself, constrain us to say ‘Let me die + the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his!’” + +The funeral sermon was preached by the Rev. John Stoughton, of London, +before a large congregation in St. Andrew’s Hall. + + +_The Gurney Family_. + + +The members of the Gurney family, from an early period, have been +distinguished by their station, wealth, and intelligence, both in Norfolk +and Norwich. Memoirs of Joseph John Gurney, with selections from his +journal and correspondence, were edited by Joseph Bevan Braithwaite, and +published by Mr. Fletcher of this city. From these memoirs we derive the +following interesting details respecting the family, and the Society of +Friends in Norwich. + + “The family of Gurney or Gournay is said to have sprung from a house + of Norman barons, who followed William the Conqueror into England and + obtained a large estate in this country, chiefly in the county of + Norfolk. From them descended a long line of country gentlemen, who + maintained themselves at Harpley, and West Barsham, in this county, + for many generations, and from a very early period had one of their + residences in this city. The last of these dying without male issue, + about the commencement of the reign of Charles II., the old family + estates at that period became dispersed amongst females. The name of + Gurney was, however, honourably continued through a descendant of one + of the younger sons of an earlier generation, John Gurney, the + ancestor of the present family. He was born in the year 1655, and + notwithstanding his family connections, commenced life in Norwich in + somewhat straitened circumstances. Devoting himself in his youth to + the cause of religion, we find him in the year 1678, at the age of + twenty-three, already connected with the oppressed, persecuted + Quakers. + + “The family of John Gurney appear previously to have had some + connexion with the Puritans. Henry Gurney, indeed, of West Barsham, + the representative of the family in the early part of the 17th + century, had a distaste for Puritanism, if, at least, we are to judge + from the insertion in his will (proved in 1623) of a special charge + to his younger son, ‘That none hould any fantisticall or erroneous + opinions, so adjudged by our bishop or civill lawes.’ But Edmund + Gurney, rector of Harpley, one of these younger sons, who was a + person of influence, became known as a zealous Puritan; he declined + wearing the surplice, and was probably among those who took the + covenant in 1643. After him John Gurney successively named two of + his children. Others of his connexions were also inclined to + Puritanism, and some of them, like himself, joined the Society of + Friends. In the case of the early Friends generally, their ultimate + settlement in those gospel principles by which they became + distinguished from others, was preceded by a state of much religious + awakening and earnest seeking after God, in which they ‘searched the + scriptures daily, whether those things were so.’ + + “Through what course of experience John Gurney arrived at his + conviction, the scanty materials of his history do not inform us. + Let it suffice us to know that what he became convinced of, was + precious to him as the truth, and that for it he was prepared to + suffer. On the 29th of the ninth month (O. S.), 1682, (so the + records of the Friends in Norwich inform us,) ‘Friends being kept out + of their meeting house, met together in the street to wait upon the + Lord,’ and, being there, John Gurney and another Friend, were + violently pulled out from among the rest, as if they had been + malefactors, and carried before a justice of the peace, by whom, as + they declined giving, on such an account, the required bail, they + were committed until the next quarter sessions. In the following + year, 1683, he was again imprisoned, for refusing to take an oath, + and continued in prison, under successive recommitments, nearly three + years. He died in the year 1721, having greatly prospered in his + temporal concerns; and, what is far more important, having, according + to the testimony of those who knew him, taken particular care in the + religious education of all his children, and continued faithful to + the end. + + “His two elder sons, John and Joseph, were both men of marked + character. John was gifted with much natural eloquence, and obtained + considerable reputation by the spirit and ability with which he + successfully defended the Norwich trade, before a committee of the + House of Lords, against some apprehended encroachments. He + subsequently received from Sir Robert Walpole the offer of a seat in + parliament, which, however, he declined as inconsistent with his + religious principles in the then state of the law. Religion had + early taken possession of his heart, and about the 22nd year of his + age, in obedience to the call of apprehended duty, he had yielded + himself to the work of the public ministry of the gospel, in which + service he laboured diligently for many years; neither the temptation + of prosperity nor the kindness and esteem of great men of this world, + being, in the simple and forcible language of the memorial respecting + him, ‘permitted to separate him from that truth which the Lord had + eminently convinced him of.’ + + “Besides numerous other descendants, he was the grandfather of Martha + Birkbeck, whose daughter Jane became the first wife of Joseph John + Gurney. Joseph Gurney, his younger brother, who, towards the close + of his life, fixed his residence at Keswick, near Norwich, also + became a valued minister of the gospel among Friends. His christian + profession was eminently adorned by a life of humility, benevolence, + and moderation. He died in the year 1750, after a suffering illness + which he bore with exemplary resignation, giving a final evidence of + the truth of what he then expressed that it had been ‘the business of + his whole life to be prepared for such a time!’ + + “His eldest son, John Gurney, was a man of great activity and energy, + and notwithstanding his extensive engagements in business, devoted + much of his time to the interests of his own religious society, to + the principles of which he was warmly attached. In the midst of a + course of remarkable temporal prosperity, it is instructive to + observe the fears which he expresses in one of his private memoranda, + lest his increasing opulence should lead away his children from those + religious habits and associations in which they had been educated. + He left three sons, all of whom married and settled near Norwich. + Richard Gurney the eldest, on his father’s decease, in 1770, became + the occupant of the family residence at Keswick. John Gurney, the + father of J. J. Gurney, had previously to the birth of the latter + settled at Earlham. Joseph Gurney, the youngest, resided at Lakenham + Grove. The three families were naturally much associated, and + exercised an important influence upon each other. At a later period + especially, the consistency with which Joseph Gurney, of The Grove, + was enabled to maintain his position as a Friend, and as a christian + minister, rendered his influence peculiarly valuable.” + +John Gurney, of Earlham, is eulogised highly by the editor of these +memoirs as generous, ardent, and warm-hearted, abounding in kindness to +all, uniting very remarkable activity, both in public and private +business, with an acute intellect and extensive information. His wife +was Catherine Bell, a daughter of Daniel Bell of Stamford Hill, near +London, her mother being a granddaughter of Robert Barclay, the +well-known author of the “Apology.” She is described as a woman of very +superior mind as well as personal charms, and as a serious christian and +decided Friend. She died in the autumn of 1792, leaving her sorrowing +husband the widowed parent of eleven children. The following list of the +names may be found useful:— + +Catherine died unmarried, 1850. + +Rachel died unmarried, 1827. + +Elizabeth, married in 1800 to Joseph Fry, of London, became the +celebrated Mrs. Fry, who died in 1845. + +John died in 1814. + +Richenda married in 1816 to Francis Cunningham, who died in 1855. + +Hannah married in 1807 to Thomas Fowell Buxton. + +Louisa, married in 1806 to Samuel Hoare, died in 1836. + +Priscilla died unmarried, 1821. + +Samuel, who died in 1856. + +Joseph John, who died in 1847. + +Daniel, still living. + + +_Joseph John Gurney_, _Esq._ + + +Among the eminent citizens of this century, none will take a higher place +than the late J. J. Gurney, Esq., the well-known philanthropist. He was +born at Earlham Hall on August 8th, 1788. That hall was one of the +happiest homes in England. It was also the birth-place of Mrs. Elizabeth +Fry, sister of J. J. Gurney, and almost as celebrated as her brother. +Here they were both trained with religious care, and passed their days of +childhood and youth in happiness and peace. In after life they were +associated together in works of benevolence, and the brother often aided +his sister in many of her schemes for improving prison discipline. + +In 1803, soon after he had completed his 15th year, Joseph John was sent +to Oxford with his cousin Gurney Barclay to pursue his studies under the +care of John Rogers, a private tutor. Young J. J. Gurney continued at +Oxford two years, with the exception of the vacations, which he spent +mostly at home. His tutor, though resident at Oxford, was not in that +character connected with the university or with any of the colleges. The +student became an excellent classical and oriental scholar, and +ultimately the author of several valuable religious works, such as +“Essays on Christianity,” “Thoughts on Habit and Discipline.” He was +scarcely seventeen when, in August, 1805, he was removed from the care of +John Rogers. He had become attached to his tutor and to his studies, and +he quitted the place with regret, but there was brightness in the thought +of settling at home. The bank in which his father was a partner had been +established in Norwich in the year 1770. After that time the concern was +considerably extended with branch banks at Lynn, Fakenham, Yarmouth, and +other places. His elder brother, John, had been placed in the +establishment at Lynn, and his brother Samuel had been sent up to London, +where he had become the head of a district concern; so that circumstances +had prepared the way for that which J. J. Gurney himself had desired—a +place in the bank at Norwich. Here in the enjoyment of daily +communication with his father, and a home at Earlham with his sisters, +the ensuing three years of his life passed in peace and joy. In the year +1806, he accompanied his father and a large family party in a tour to the +English lakes and through Scotland. On their return, J. J. Gurney was +regular in his attendance at the bank, but he found time for study at +home, and he carefully read ancient historians in the original languages. +Gradually, however, his attention became unceasingly directed to biblical +literature, which continued for some years to absorb much of his leisure. +His habits of study were eminently methodical, exemplifying his favourite +maxim, which he was afterwards accustomed strongly to inculcate upon his +young friends, “Be a whole man to one thing at a time.” His position and +tastes introduced him to the highly-cultivated society, for which Norwich +was at the time remarkable, at the house of his cousin Hudson Gurney, +where he was accustomed to meet many persons who were eminent for their +parts and learning. He had early become a favourite with Dr. Bathurst, +then Bishop of Norwich, and their intercourse gradually ripened into a +warm friendship, which was maintained unbroken till that prelate’s +decease, in 1837, at the very advanced age of ninety-three. Young J. J. +Gurney was but just twenty-one when, as one of his father’s executors and +representative at Earlham, and as a partner in the bank, very grave +responsibilities devolved upon him. However, he continued to pursue his +studies with ardour, and he made his first essay as an author in an +article published in the _Classical Journal_ on September 9th, 1810, +under the title of “A Critical Notice of Sir William Drummond’s +Dissertations on the Herculanesia.” After this effort his mind became +increasingly drawn towards the principles of the Society of Friends, and +many of his allusions to his feelings, in his autobiography, are +peculiarly interesting and instructive, indicating the spiritual phase of +his mind. The example of his sister, Elizabeth Fry, as well as of his +sister Priscilla, who like her, had become a decided Friend and a +preacher of the gospel, strengthened his convictions; but the influence +of other members of the family who resided at Earlham, as well as of many +other estimable persons, tended in an opposite direction. The editor of +the Memoirs, already referred to, says:— + + “Whilst Joseph John Gurney’s religious convictions were thus + gradually drawing him into a narrower path in connection with the + Society of Friends, his heart was becoming increasingly enlarged in + Christian concern for the welfare of others. He had already warmly + interested himself in the formation of a Lancasterian School in + Norwich, an institution which long continued to have his effective + support. The establishment of an auxiliary Bible Society in this + city, was an object into which he now entered with youthful ardour. + The general meeting for its formation was held on the 11th of the 9th + month, 1811.” + +The philanthropist was married to Jane Birkbeck on October 10th, 1817, in +his 29th year, and it appears to have been a very happy marriage. The +event took place at Wells Meeting, and, after a short sojourn at +Hunstanton, the newly-married couple travelled to their home at Earlham, +where they received the visits of many friends, who were most hospitably +entertained. After his marriage, J. J. Gurney continued at Earlham; and +the hall, where his father had resided, and in which he himself lived +from his birth, was his settled residence. + + “To this place (with its lovely lawn nested among large trees) he was + strongly attached all his life. And they who knew him there can + still picture him in his study among his books, or in his + drawing-room among his friends, his countenance beaming with love and + intelligence, the life of the whole circle; or in his garden amongst + his flowers, with his Greek Testament in his hand, still drawing from + the books ‘of nature and of grace’ that lay open before him, new + motives to raise the heart to the Author of all his blessings. + + “Placed by circumstances, though not the elder brother, in the + position which his father had occupied in Norfolk as Master of + Earlham, and a partner in the bank, it was his delight, as far as + possible, to continue Earlham as the family house. Even after his + marriage, his sisters, Catherine, Rachel, and Priscilla, continued to + live with him, occupying their own apartments, and it was the custom + of the other members of the family frequently to meet there as under + a common roof. * * * Up to the period of his brother John’s decease, + and for some time afterwards, it was the habit of his brothers and + himself, with their brothers-in-law, Thomas Fowell Buxton and Samuel + Hoare, to improve these occasions by a mutual impartial examination + of their conduct, in which each with brotherly openness stated what + he conceived to be the brother’s faults. Happy indeed was such an + intercourse between such minds. * * * Besides this, to him, + delightful band of brothers and sisters, his house was, as must have + been already apparent to the reader, freely opened to a large circle. + + “Whilst every year strengthened his conviction of the soundness and + importance of the christian principles which he professed, he + rejoiced in that liberty wherewith Christ had made him free to + embrace as brethren all those in whom he thought he could discern + traces of his heavenly image. + + “Towards the close of the year (1817) in company with his wife, his + brother Samuel Gurney, his brother and sister Buxton, and Francis and + Richenda Cunningham, he took a short tour upon the continent of + Europe, their principal objects being to establish a branch Bible + Society in Paris, and to procure information as to the systems of + prison discipline adopted in the jails of Antwerp and Ghent. Having + accomplished their objects, they returned home after an absence of + about a month.” + +Soon afterwards J. J. Gurney began to preach at meetings of the Friends +in Norwich and elsewhere. + + “Early in the year 1818, private business called him to London. His + sister, Elizabeth Fry, had previously entered upon her important + labours for the benefit of the prisoners in Newgate, and for the + improvement of prison discipline generally. Joseph John Gurney + warmly entered into his sister’s views, and accompanied her to the + committee of the House of Commons on the occasion of giving her + evidence, and afterwards to Lord Sidmouth, then Secretary of State + for the Home Department. + + “His visit to London and the pamphlet on _Prison Discipline_, soon + afterward published by his brother-in-law, Thomas Fowell Buxton, + tended to deepen in his own mind a sense of the importance of that + subject, and an opportunity soon occurred for endeavouring to + influence the authorities at Norwich to some exertion respecting it. + The mayor and corporation, attended by the sheriffs and other + citizens, whilst perambulating the boundaries of the county of the + city, were by his desire invited to partake of refreshment in passing + by the hall at Earlham. Besides those immediately connected with the + magistracy many others assembled, the whole company consisting of + about 800 persons. On this occasion, Joseph John Gurney, in an + address to the mayor and corporation, urged the erection of a new + jail, and its establishment on better principles, with a view to the + employment of the prisoners, and the improvement of their morals; + enforcing his appeal by a reference to the extraordinary change that + had then recently taken place in Newgate, through the exertions of a + committee of ladies, and concluding by offering a donation of £100 + towards the object. The effort was not without fruit, though the + result was not immediately apparent.” + +The editor of his Memoirs proceeds:— + + “In the 8th and 9th month of this year (1818), in company with his + wife, his sister Elizabeth Fry, and one of her daughters, he took a + journey into Scotland, visiting many of the prisons both there and in + the north of England, besides attending many of the meetings of + Friends. On this occasion, in conformity with the christian order + established in the Society of Friends, he was furnished with a minute + or testimonial expressing the concurrence of his Friends of his own + ‘Monthly Meeting’ in his prospects of religious service.” + +We have now to view the philanthropist not only in the varied relations +of private life, but also in the very important character of a christian +minister. He gradually became the most distinguished member of the +Society of Friends in all England, and he often delivered exceedingly +impressive discourses in Norwich and other large towns, preaching the +gospel with a peculiar grace of manner which fascinated every audience. +We have often heard him preach before large congregations of educated +people in the Meeting House at Liverpool, and always with great effect. +His journal is full of details of his labours in all parts of England, +Scotland, and Ireland. He became a Home Missionary, working hard at his +own expense; but we must confine this brief sketch to his doings here in +Norwich. The death of his beloved wife at Earlham on October 6th, 1822, +put his religious principle to the severest test, and in his letters he +expresses deep sorrow, but he was of too active a disposition to be long +subdued by grief. During the few months succeeding his loss, he +continued mostly at home in the enjoyment of the society of his sisters, +Catherine and Rachel; his children becoming increasingly the objects of +his tender solicitude. In the mean time, besides attending to the +necessary claims of business, and to the various public objects that had +long shared his interest, he devoted his leisure to study, finding +relief, as he intimates, “Not in the indulgence of sorrow, but in a +diligent attention to the calls of duty.” + +After giving many extracts from his journal, Mr. Braithwaite continues in +reference to the anti-slavery agitation:— + + “Retiring for a few days to Cromer Hall, he found a large and + interesting circle. Amongst others, the late William Wilberforce and + Zachary Macaulay were there, deliberating with his brother-in-law + Thomas Fowell Buxton on the position and prospects of the + Anti-Slavery question. It was the occasion on which the latter + appears to have arrived at his final decision, to accept the + responsible post of advocate of the cause as successor to + Wilberforce. In this important undertaking, and throughout the + succeeding struggle, Joseph John Gurney gave him his warm and + efficient encouragement and support.” + +Mr. J. J. Gurney, Mr. Clarkson, Mr. T. F. Buxton, Mr. Wilberforce, and +others, were earnest advocates for the total abolition of the slave trade +and of slavery; and they attended many public meetings at which they +denounced and exposed the horrid traffic. Ultimately, as we all know, +their efforts were rewarded, by rousing public indignation to such a +pitch as to result in the passing of an act of parliament emancipating +the slaves in the West Indies, at a cost of twenty millions. + +The panic in the monetary and commercial world, and the sudden run upon +the banks in London and the country, have rendered the winter of +1825–1826 memorable. As a banker, J. J. Gurney did not escape his share +of anxiety, as appears from his journal, but his firm weathered the +storm. Another circumstance was at this time deeply interesting to his +feelings, namely, his attachment to Mary Fowler, daughter of Rachel +Fowler, a cousin of his late wife. After some correspondence he made +Mary Fowler an offer of marriage, which she accepted. On July 18th, +1827, they were married at Elm Grove. On this interesting occasion, he +remarks in his journal,— + + “Bright, hopeful, and happy was our wedding day. We dined on the + lawn, a large united company, and rejoiced together, I trust in the + Lord. Mary and I left the party at Elm Grove, in the afternoon, for + North Devon.” + +They arrived at Linton, and thence proceeded to Ilfracombe. There they +spent the honeymoon, and then the happy husband brought his second wife +home to Earlham, where they were received with joy. After this he was +visited by many eminent characters at Earlham, including Dr. Chalmers, +who stayed with him several days. + + “None can have attentively perused the foregoing pages” (says the + editor of the memoirs) “without perceiving that one leading feature + of Joseph John Gurneys character was an unweared active benevolence. + Like his sister, Elizabeth Fry, he seemed continually to live under a + deep sense of his responsibility towards others. A cheerful and + bountiful giver, it was not merely by large pecuniary assistance that + he proved his interest in objects connected with the welfare of his + fellow-men: to these objects he was exemplary in devoting no common + share of his time and personal attention. The steady devotion to the + Anti-slavery and Bible Societies is already before the reader. In + addition to these great and often absorbing interests, his exertions + for the distressed labouring population of Norwich were unremitting. + Year after year, during the winter, or on any occasion when their + distress was aggravated by want of employment, he was at his post, + stirring up his fellow-citizens to the necessary measures for the + alleviation of their wants. The District Visiting Society, which was + mainly instrumental in originating the Soup Society and the Coal + Society, found in him a steady and effective supporter. Often would + he say that the painful consciousness of the poverty and suffering of + many thousands around him, almost prevented his enjoyment of the + abundant blessings with which he was himself so richly favoured. On + one occasion he expended a considerable sum in providing the capital + for an attempt to supply the poor weavers and mechanics with + employment during a scarcity of work. But, though like many similar + attempts, it failed to answer the expectation of the promoter, and + was abandoned, it served at least to furnish another proof of the + sincerity and earnestness with which he laboured for their welfare. + + “The depressions in trade occasioned by the panic of 1825 will be + long remembered. Norwich did not escape its influence. As a banker, + Joseph John Gurney was more than usually absorbed in his own + immediate cares, but his heart at once turned towards his suffering + fellow-citizens. ‘The dreadful distress,’ he writes to a friend, + ‘which prevails in the great mass of our once labouring, now, alas! + idle population, has been such as to call forth my strenuous efforts + on their behalf. In this, success has been mercifully vouchsafed. + We have raised £3300 in five days.’ + + “One more illustration deserves notice. In the winter of 1829–30, + the manufactures of Norwich were again greatly depressed. The + weavers became unsettled, holding riotous meetings, and using + threatening language against their employers. The state of things + was alarming. J. J. Gurney felt it to be his duty to use his + influence in checking the spirit of discontent that was rapidly + spreading. He attended one of the very large and tumultuous meetings + of the operatives, and endeavoured to persuade them to desist from + their disorderly proceedings, and quietly to resume their work. With + a view of still further winning them by kindness, he invited a + deputation from those assembled to breakfast at Earlham on the + following morning. Between forty and fifty of them came, with Dover, + a notorious Chartist leader, at their head. After the usual family + reading of the Scriptures, they sat down to a plentiful repast which + had been provided for them in the large dining room, of which they + partook heartily; and their host afterwards addressed them in a kind, + conciliatory manner upon the subject of wages, and their duty to + their employers. The men conducted themselves in an orderly manner + and appeared grateful for the attention shown them. The scene was + not soon to be forgotten.” + +The editor gives some illustrations of the philanthropist’s benevolent +character, by narrating instances of his visits to prisoners in the Jail, +and to afflicted inmates of the Bethel and the Norfolk and Norwich +Hospital. A volume might be filled by an account of his acts of private +benevolence, but we must pass on to more public matters. He seldom took +an active part in contested elections, but at the election in 1833, after +the passing of the Reform Act, the Whig candidates, one of whom was his +near relative, were defeated, chiefly, as was generally believed, through +the influence of bribery. On this subject J. J. Gurney wrote,— + + “As usual, I took little or no interest in the election, but when a + petition was presented to Parliament against the returned members on + the score of bribery, I imagined it to be my place to subscribe to + the object, and wrote a letter in the Norwich newspapers stating the + grounds of my so doing. Those grounds were in no degree personal, + but simply moral and Christian. But the appearance of evil was not + avoided. The measure was construed into an act of political + partizanship; and I entirely lost ground by it in my own true + calling, that of promoting simple Christianity among all classes.” + +He had thought of becoming a candidate for the representation of this +city, or some other place, in Parliament. After some long conferences +with his friends he abandoned the idea and devoted himself to his higher +calling. Mr. J. J. Gurney was a well-known Liberal in politics, but he +did not often speak at political meetings in this city. His speeches +were always short and generally pertinent; and showed good sense +accompanied with the seriousness of conviction. On whatever side of any +question he spoke he was listened to very attentively, and all parties +believed that he delivered the unbiassed opinion of an honest man. His +conduct on every occasion gained him the esteem of all friends of civil +and religious liberty. + +In 1835, he was once more plunged into deep affliction by the long +illness and death of his wife. Her health had of late years been much +improved, and she had been unremitting in her attentions to his daughter +during her illness from typhus fever, without apparently suffering in +consequence. The disease was, however, lurking in her constitution, and +after some time made its appearance. The fever gradually gained ground, +and she sank under it on Nov. 9th of that year. She died happily, amid +her mourning friends; and her husband knelt down at her bedside and +returned thanks for her deliverance from every trouble! + +His journal contains many details of his visits to Manchester and +Liverpool, of his journeys in Derbyshire and North Wales, of his journeys +in Scotland and the north of England, of his voyage to America, of his +journey to Ohio, Indiana, and North Carolina, of his journey from +Richmond to Washington, of interviews with eminent statesmen, of labours +at New York, of a voyage to the West Indies and proceedings there, of a +tour on the continent, and of his return home. But we cannot follow him +in all his wanderings in many lands, where he went about doing good, +promoting benevolent objects and preaching the gospel, his heart being +too large to be confined to his native country, much less to his native +city. On his return from the continent in 1841, he attended a meeting of +the Bible Society, and delivered his last great speech, which occupied +two hours, on the state of religion in Europe. A shorthand writer took +notes of that address, which was so full of information that it was +afterwards published in the Journal of the Bible Society. + +Soon after his return home he married Eliza P. Kirkbridge. The event +took place at Darlington, on October 10th, 1841, as noted in his journal. +After the marriage he delivered an address on the “Victory which is of +faith.” The dinner party was cheerful, and concluded with a short +religious service. He and his bride parted from their friends, made a +short tour, and returned to Earlham, which they “reached in health and +great peace, the place comfortable and homeish, and the reception from +his dearest children glowing.” + +J. J. Gurney signed the total-abstinence pledge at the house of his +friend, Richard Dykes Alexander, at Ipswich, on April 8th, 1843. He and +his wife attended a great “Teetotal Meeting” held at Norwich, on the +arrival of Father Mathew, on September 9th, that year. The lord bishop, +Dr. Stanley, was present and requested J. J. Gurney to preside. He did +so, and declared himself to be a pledged teetotaller. He spoke fully and +carefully on the subject, and the lord bishop afterwards expressed his +admiration of the apostle of temperance as the instrument of effecting so +much moral good. + +As a man of business, Mr. J. J. Gurney was ready, punctual, and +attentive. He was very modest, but of a candid and social disposition. +Though in large or mixed companies he seldom appeared forward, yet in the +society of his friends he was exceedingly agreeable. In private life no +man was more estimable as a husband, a father, a neighbour, and a friend. +In Norwich and in the surrounding district he was universally honoured +and beloved. He was a great reader of the bible, and he was regular and +exact in family worship, but he was a stranger to bigotry, no stickler +for forms, and no friend to mysticism in matters of religion. + +The autumn of 1846 was spent by the philanthropist quietly at home, with +the exception of engagements connected with the attendance of meetings of +Friends, and with what proved to be a farewell visit to his beloved +daughter at Darlington, and to his friends in several places on his way +home. He attended a committee of the Norwich District Visiting Society +on December 28th in that year, and on his return to Earlham he complained +of great exhaustion, feverishness, &c. A few simple remedies were +administered, but the uncomfortable symptoms remaining his medical man +was summoned on the following morning. He pronounced it a slight bilious +attack, and seemed to have no anxiety about the recovery. The +philanthropist, however, gradually sank, apparently from exhaustion, and +he died on January 4th, 1847, in the 59th year of his age. The news of +his death spread a gloom over the city, and the universal lamentations of +the citizens proved that they regarded him as a father and a friend, as +indeed he had been to thousands of them. The sensation in Norwich and +its neighbourhood cannot easily be described, and is probably without +precedent in the case of a mere private individual. During the entire +interval of seven days between his decease and the funeral, the +half-closed shops and the darkened windows of the houses gave ample proof +of the feelings of the inhabitants. It furnished the principal topic of +conversation in every family, in every private circle, in every group by +the wayside. People of all ranks vied with each other in their eulogies +of their departed friend. Everyone had his own story to tell of some +public benefit, or of some private kindness which had been shown to +others or to himself. + +The funeral, as might have been expected from this unusual public +emotion, was an extraordinary scene. All the shops were closed and all +business was suspended in the city. A number of gentlemen, including the +mayor, the ex-mayor, and the sheriff, went out in carriages as far as +Earlham Hall. The citizens generally formed the funeral procession, and +followed the hearse and plain carriages from the hall to the burial place +at the Gildencroft. There was no pomp or parade, no mockery of woe. A +simplicity in harmony with the character of the departed marked all the +arrangements. As the procession moved on towards the city it was joined +by an increasing number of the inhabitants, who issued forth in a +continuous stream to pay their last tribute to the memory of departed +worth. Silently and sadly many stood while the hearse passed slowly by, +and many a tearful countenance among the crowd bore testimony to their +love for the dead. The procession gradually increased in numbers all the +way to the Gildencroft, and after the thousands of people had gathered +round the grave a profound silence ensued, which was at length broken by +a Friend repeating the verses, “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, +where is thy victory?” &c. Another pause then took place, followed by +another address, and then the body was lowered into its last resting +place. The circle of mourning relatives, including J. H. Gurney and his +wife, the surrounding crowd of spectators—persons of all ranks, of all +ages, of all communions—magistrates and artizans, clergymen and +Nonconformists—representatives, in short, of the whole people of Norwich, +now took their last farewell of Joseph John Gurney, and slowly turned +towards the meeting house, where a meeting for worship was to be held. +The service was deeply impressive, and formed an appropriate conclusion +to the solemn occasion. At the Cathedral, on the following Sunday, the +good Bishop Stanley preached a funeral sermon before a large +congregation. His text was “Watchman, what of the night?” and after +enlarging on it, he alluded in a most pathetic and impressive manner to +the virtues of the deceased, and we never before saw so many people so +deeply moved. The death of the beloved citizen was also publicly +adverted to in most of the places of worship in Norwich. + +Mr. J. J. Gurney was the author of various works, the most popular being +one on the _Evidences of Christianity_. It is a production more +calculated to confirm the faith of a believer than to convert a free +thinker who may not admit the possibility of anything supernatural. He +also published a work on “The Vows and Practices of Friends;” “Essays on +Christianity;” “Essays on the Moral Character of Christ,” and “Love to +God;” “The Papal and Hierarchical System compared with the Religion of +the New Testament, &c.” His last and best work is entitled, “Thoughts on +Habit and Discipline,” an excellent moral treatise. + + +_Bishop Bathurst_. + + +Henry Bathurst, LL.D., canon of Christchurch, rector of Cirencester, and +prebend of Durham, was installed bishop of Norwich in 1805. He was a +prelate much esteemed and respected. His christian deportment, +conciliatory manners, and general benevolence, endeared him to this city +and diocese. He was eminently distinguished for his liberal sentiments, +and for his attachment to the great principles of civil and religious +liberty. He was often seen walking arm in arm with Dissenters in our +streets. He voted in the House of Peers for the Repeal of the Catholic +Disabilities Bill, and also in favour of the Reform Bill. This +disinterested and noble advocacy of liberal principles is thought to have +stood in the way of his promotion to an archbishopric. He died April +7th, 1837, in the 93rd year of his age, and much lamented. A statue to +his memory was placed in the choir of the Cathedral. This beautiful work +of art was the last work of Sir Francis Chantrey, and is executed in his +masterly style from a block of the purest Carrara marble. It is placed +on a plain pedestal of white marble, and fixed in the recess at the foot +of the altar steps, on the north side of the choir, commonly called Queen +Elizabeth’s seat, because she sat there when she visited Norwich. The +bishop is represented in a sitting posture, clothed in full +ecclesiastical costume, and the artist has admirably succeeded in giving +to his face that expression of benevolence for which he was so well +known. + +The following is a translation of the Latin inscription on the pedestal:— + + To the Memory of + The Right Reverend Father in Christ, + HENRY BATHURST, Doctor in Civil Law, + Who, + While for more than 30 years he presided over + This Diocese, + By his frankness and purity of heart, + Gentleness of manners, and pleasantness of conversation, attached to + himself the good will of all: + His friends, + In testimony of their regret for one so much beloved, + Have caused this effigy to be erected. + He died 5 Ap. A.D. 1837, in the 93rd year + Of his age. + + + +_Bishop Stanley_. + + +Dr. Stanley was born January 1st, 1779, and became rector of Alderley, in +Cheshire. After twice declining the office, he was installed bishop of +Norwich, August 17th, 1837. He ruled the diocese for twelve years, and +was highly esteemed by all sects for his unceasing efforts to promote the +spiritual interests of every class of society, and his readiness on every +occasion to co-operate with Dissenters in every good work. He often +attended their meetings to promote religious and benevolent objects. In +one of his sermons he quoted the injunction “The servant of the Lord must +not strive, but be gentle unto all men; in meekness instructing those +that oppose themselves;” &c. His subsequent conduct furnished ample +evidence of the sincerity with which he obeyed this injunction; and +although some of his clergy were somewhat estranged from him by his +frequent expressions of unbounded charity, yet all were obliged to esteem +him for his noble zeal and consistency of character. He was +distinguished for his extensive liberality to the poor and his interest +in their education. He was often seen going about from school to school, +and the kindliness of his heart was so well known to the children that +they sometimes pulled his coat behind to obtain his benignant smile, +which to them was like sunshine after rain. On all occasions he was +earnest in his advocacy of civil and religious liberty, and active in his +exertions on behalf of all benevolent associations, both of the Church +and of Dissenters. He was also a promoter of all literary institutions +in the city and elsewhere, and often attended their anniversaries at +which he delivered animated addresses. He did not lay claim to the +character of a man of science; but astronomy, geology, botany, and +natural history were his favourite studies. He was the author of two +interesting volumes on “The History of Birds,” which were published by +the Society for the Promotion of Christian Knowledge. He was elected +president of the Linnæan Society, and he accepted an appointment as one +of the commissioners chosen to inquire into the state of the British +Museum. + +Bishop Stanley was so little of a bigot that he appeared once on the same +platform with Father Mathew, a Roman Catholic, at a temperance meeting in +St. Andrew’s Hall. He then and there eulogised the apostle of +temperance, and advocated the cause with great eloquence. On another +occasion he invited Jenny Lind, now Madame Goldscmidt, to the palace, +when she visited this city. At the palace one evening, she sang before a +large company. When it became known that the lord bishop of the diocese +had actually entertained an operatic singer, great was the indignation of +some of the clergy. This however did not at all distress the good +bishop, who held on the even tenor of his way, doing good whenever he had +an opportunity. By his frequent earnest discourses in many churches in +this diocese, he caused quite a revival of religion among the clergy and +church-going people. He died, much lamented, on September 6th, 1849, in +the 70th year of his age, and he was buried in the middle of the nave of +the Cathedral, in the presence of thousands who had known and loved him. +A short time after his decease, a slab to his memory was laid over his +grave, bearing the following inscription:— + + In the love of Christ + Here rests from his labours + EDWARD STANLEY, + Thirty-two years Rector of Alderley, + Twelve years Bishop of Norwich, + Buried amidst the mourning + Of the Diocese which he had animated, + The City which he had served, + The Poor whom he had visited, + The Schools which he had fostered, + The Family which he had loved, + Of all Christian people + With whom, howsoever divided, he had joined + In whatsoever things were true and honest, + And just, and pure, and lovely, + And of good report. + Born January 1st, 1779. + Installed August 17th, 1837. + Died September 6th, 1849, Aged 70. + Buried September 21st, 1849. + + +_Bishop Hinds_. + + +Samuel Hinds, D.D., succeeded Bishop Stanley. He was the sixty-seventh +bishop of the diocese, and was installed on January 24th, 1850. He was +the son of Abel and Elizabeth Thornhill Hinds, born Dec. 23rd, 1793, in +Barbadoes; and at the age of twelve he was sent to England, to the school +of Mr. Phillips, at Frenchay, near Bristol. He entered at Baliol +College, Oxford, but for want of rooms removed to Queen’s, graduated in +honours 1815 (second in classics), and in the year following he obtained +the Latin essay. He returned to Barbadoes as a missionary and remained +there five years, the three latter as vice-principal of Codrington +College. After he returned to England he became vice-principal of Alban +Hall, Oxford; and he accompanied Archbishop Whately to Ireland, as his +private chaplain. He was subsequently presented with the living of +Yardley, in Herts., by Dr. Coplestone, bishop of Llandaff. Dr. Hinds +again returned to Ireland, having been preferred to the living of +Castlenock by Archbishop Whateley, and was chosen private chaplain to +Lord Clarendon, lord lieutenant of Ireland. Hence he removed to the +deanery of Carlisle, but was scarcely settled there when he was appointed +to the bishopric of Norwich. He had previously refused the bishoprics of +New Zealand and Cork. He laboured in this diocese for seven years, often +preaching in the churches, attending religious meetings, and delivering +addresses of a high character. He generally preached at the +anniversaries of the Church Associations in this city. He resigned the +see of Norwich in April, 1857, and retired into private life. His health +is said to have been impaired by his arduous labours in conducting the +Oxford commissions which the government had entrusted to him, and which, +added to his duties in the diocese and the office of chaplain to the +house of lords, proved too much for his constitution. Dr. Hinds is +perhaps the most learned of modern bishops. His literary talents are +considerable. He is the author of the “Rise and Progress of +Christianity,” first published in the “Enclyclopædia Metropolitana,” and +considered a standard work, highly esteemed for its comprehensive views +of religious truth. The “Three Temples of the One God;” “Catechists’ +Manual;” and “Inspirations of the Scriptures,” are works from his pen, +which testify to his deep learning and great research. He is the author +of many beautiful poems and hymns, some of which are familiar to the +congregation at Norwich Cathedral, from being repeated in the service as +arranged to music. The confirmation hymn is simple and appropriate. + + +_Mr. William Dalrymple_. + + +In a brief history of the _Norfolk and Norwich Hospital_, published by +Dr. Copeman, we find the following memoir of the subject of this notice:— + + “Mr. Dalrymple was a native of Norwich, his father having removed + thither from Scotland. He was born in 1772, and at an early age was + sent to the Grammar School at Aylsham, in Norfolk, from whence he was + removed to the Free School at Norwich, where he became a favourite + pupil of its then head master, the celebrated Dr. Parr. Here he had + for a schoolfellow Dr. Maltby, and with both, Dr. Parr kept up a + friendly intercourse of visits to the latest period of his life. It + affords a strong proof of Mr. Dalrymple’s early talents and his + industry in cultivating them, that, although in accordance with the + then custom of requiring medical apprenticeship to extend to seven + years, he was obliged to leave school at the age of fourteen, he had + yet attained such a proficiency in classical reading, and so correct + an appreciation of its beauties, that, amidst all the urgent and + various occupations and anxieties of his succeeding life, he found + the greatest relief to his toils in a recurrence to his favourite + authors. His taste was scholarlike as well as scientific; his + conversation embued with classical allusion, and his felicity in + quotation remarkable. {527} + + “Mr. Dalrymple was apprenticed in London, and studied at Guy’s and + St. Thomas’ Hospitals under Cline and Sir Astley Cooper. He returned + to Norwich in 1793, and opened a surgery in his father’s house; and + although for several years his progress in establishing a practice + was slow, he at last attained the highest reputation as a surgeon in + his native city, and for many years enjoyed the confidence, + friendship, and patronage of a very large number of patients of every + grade of society and in every district of the county. + + “In 1812 Mr. Dalrymple was elected assistant surgeon to the Norfolk + and Norwich Hospital, and two years afterwards succeeded to the full + surgeoncy, a post which he occupied with great credit to himself and + benefit to his profession until 1839, a period of twenty-five years. + He was then in the 67th year of his age, his powers were less + vigorous, and finding himself no longer equal to his hospital + practice, he resigned his position there, receiving a cordial + acknowledgment from the governors, of ‘the able, humane, and + successful exercise of his official duties,’ and being honoured by a + request to accept the appointment of honorary consulting surgeon. In + 1844 Mr. Dalrymple finally retired from professional life, and died + in London on the 5th of December, 1848, aged 75 years. + + “From the year 1831 to 1835, I had ample opportunities, as house + surgeon of the hospital, of observing, and profiting by, the mode in + which the late Mr. Dalrymple performed his public professional duties + in that institution; and remember with pleasure and satisfaction, + that I was sometimes able to render assistance, and save trouble, to + one so deserving of the gratitude and goodwill of those with whom he + had to do. At the period referred to, Mr. Dalrymple was beginning to + feel the burden of heavy surgical responsibilities more weighty than + his somewhat feeble frame would bear; his naturally acute sensibility + was increased by a measure of debility resulting from overmuch + professional occupation. The sudden call to perform a serious and + difficult operation was accompanied sometimes with a degree of shock + to his nerves, which told upon him injuriously; and the desire he had + to save the life of the sufferer submitted to his charge (always a + predominant feeling in his mind,) would well-nigh overpower him with + emotion. I have often heard him say that he was not able to sleep + the night before he had to perform the operation of lithotomy, + although in such cases his success was great; but he possessed so + much sympathy for his patient, and felt his own responsibility so + strongly, that he failed to secure to his mind that rest which alone + could have enabled him to meet the contingencies of his profession + with composure. This nervous sensibility was due in part to original + constitution, and increased by professional toil. Sometimes it + arises from defective knowledge, or from want of success; but so far + from either being the case with Mr. Dalrymple, his knowledge was + ample, the result of many years’ industrious application of a mind + capable of vast acquirements—sufficient to have given him confidence + in the treatment of any case submitted to his care; his success was + beyond that of many placed in similar circumstances; such, indeed, as + might fairly have been expected from one who had so much sympathy for + suffering humanity, and who devoted the whole energy of his mind to + devise means to relieve it. For a long period no one but himself, + perhaps, was aware of the stress upon his feelings which his + professional duties, so well performed, were wont to occasion; and + when it did become apparent to others, it was delightful to witness + how pleased, how grateful, how kind in expression he was for any + attention, encouragement, or assistance offered him; and how highly + he estimated the friendship of those who watched an opportunity to + perform those little offices of kindness and consideration, which, + although difficult to be defined, can always be appreciated by a + sensitive mind and a feeling heart. + + “The experience of a long and active professional life endued Mr. + Dalrymple with the valuable qualification of forming a right judgment + in cases of a complex and difficult nature, which was fully + appreciated and acknowledged. The firmness and decision of his + opinion upon a difficult case, when once formed, could not fail to + impress the practitioner by whom he was consulted with confidence, + and his patient with the assurance that dependence might be placed + upon the result of his deliberations. + + “No one who had the privilege of Mr. Dalrymple’s acquaintance can + think of him otherwise than as a kind friend, a highly intelligent + and well-informed man, an amusing and instructive companion, and a + profoundly gifted practitioner of the art and science it was the + business and happiness of his life to pursue.” + + + +_Mr. John Greene Crosse_. + + +We make the following extracts from a memoir of Mr. Crosse published in +Dr. Copeman’s _History of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital_. + + “John Greene Crosse was the second son of Mr. William Crosse, of + Finborough, in Suffolk, and was born on the 6th of September, 1790. + In order to make known some particulars of his early life and + education, I cannot do better than quote his own journal, which + contains many remarks upon the subject evidently intended to have + formed part of a history of his life. In April, 1819, he penned the + following observations. + + “‘I never went to boarding school, which contributed, with many other + occurrences of my subsequent life, to fix me in the unsocial habits + that hitherto never did and never will forsake me. In my early + years, no classical learning, not a line of Latin, was taught at the + proximate market town to which I resorted as a daily pupil; and my + first lessons of reading, arithmetic, and writing were received from + a master of whom I entertained the greatest horror, for the ferocity + of his conduct, the severe discipline by which he drove into us the + simplest rudimental knowledge. His stern brow, raucous voice, and + long cane, are now livelily depicted to my mind: how much I owe to + him, I am even now, with a long life in retrospect, unable to tell; + but I was glad when circumstances arose that released me from his + tutorage.’ + + “‘Very small matters, and such as we have no control over, and call + accidental because unable to trace the chain of causes giving rise to + them, influence our mortal destinies. I had attained my 12th (?) + year, under such tremendous instruction as is related, when a Welsh + gentleman making some mistake at college (not implicating his good + character, an _informality_ I should call it) found it well to + rusticate; and taking with him his premature wife, sought a living by + opening a classical school in Stowmarket. I became one of his early + pupils; and but for this good, easy man’s settling in the town, + should never have launched into such studies as Latin and Greek; of + which, it is true, I did not learn much, nor very accurately. But he + was, nevertheless, a plodding, working man; an increasing family made + him exert his abilities to the utmost; and I got out of him all the + instruction I ever received as a school-boy in the learned languages. + When about fifteen years of age, returning from my daily school, in a + feat in jumping, I had the accident, I ought not perhaps to say the + misfortune, to break my leg. The respectable village surgeon + attended me: he was one of the old school; of fine, soft, soothing + manners, clean dressed, with powdered head; rode slowly a very + well-looking horse; in short, he was a gentleman, and commanded the + respect of every one when he entered the house; he was also a skilful + and kind surgeon. What wonder that the idea should be awakened in my + mind to be of the medical profession! to be as great a man as he—the + Village Doctor! to whom every one bowed, and who could relieve pain + and cure injuries so quickly and skilfully. I had conceived an + object of ambition, and the idea never deserted me. I was in a month + upon my crutches, and soon recovered; a surgical case fixed my future + destinies.’ + + “‘I persevered a few years longer at Latin, Greek, French, and + Euclid. My father was successful and able now to place me out well; + wished me to be a lawyer, and I was for a time under the instruction + of a gentleman of that profession—attending bankruptcy meetings, and + feasting at midnight at the expense of the already distracted + creditors. Those were good times for lawyers. A learned chancellor, + whom I met on one such occasion, I well remember complimenting me on + my quickness in counting money; but all would not do, my mind was + prepossessed—I quitted the law to follow my inclination; I made my + own choice; it was a pledge to success. The surgeon who cured my leg + agreed to take me as his first and only pupil, and I was accordingly + articled in due form for five years.’ + + “On the 27th of September, 1811, Mr. Crosse went to London for the + purpose of studying his profession in that Metropolis, and was the + following day introduced to Mr., afterwards Sir Charles Bell, whose + pupil he became, with whom he contracted a close intimacy, and of + whose merits as a teacher and man of science he always spoke in the + highest terms of respect and gratitude. In the following January, he + entered to Abernethy’s Lectures; and in April, 1812, became a student + at St. George’s Hospital, where his industrious habits and + intelligence attracted the particular attention and marked notice of + the medical officers of that noble institution. In the following + month, he entered as a pupil at the Lock Hospital; and in the course + of the year, officiated as House Surgeon during the temporary absence + of the gentleman who occupied that situation. In the following + winter session, commencing October, 1812, he studied under Brodie, + Bell, Brande, Clarke, Home, and others; and remarks in his journal, + ‘very industrious all this winter, sitting up constantly till past + two a.m.’ In March, 1813, he became a dresser to Sir Everard Home at + St. George’s Hospital; attended Midwifery under Dr. Clarke; and on + the 16th of April, passed the College of Surgeons in London. After a + short holiday, he returned to London on the 13th of May, and attended + the Eye Infirmary at Charter-house Square. In June, he resigned his + dressership under Sir E. Home; became acquainted with the late Mr. + Travers, Abernethy, Sir W. Blizard, and Dr. Macartney, whom he agreed + to accompany to Dublin; and much of his spare time during this summer + was devoted to the study of German, a language he ever after + cultivated that he might enjoy the profundity and research of the + professional literature of that country. + + “Mr. Crosse left England for Dublin on the 2nd of October, 1813, + arriving there the following day. In December he became Demonstrator + of Anatomy under Dr. Macartney, and remained there until October, + 1814, when he returned to London, having received a very handsome + testimonial from the numerous students of the school in which he + taught, as to his ability and energy in the capacity of their + instructor in anatomy. + + “On quitting Dublin, Mr. Crosse returned to Suffolk, and was + afterwards introduced to the late Dr. Rigby of Norwich. In December + he went to Paris, where he remained until the end of February, 1815, + during which period he took French Lessons, wrote his Diary in the + French language, and availed himself of every possible opportunity of + increasing his professional knowledge. + + “On the 29th of March, 1815, Mr. Crosse came to Norwich; and after + remaining one year in lodgings, took a house in St. Giles’, in which + he resided for many years. He soon after published his “Sketches of + the Medical Schools of Paris,” and showed, both by his writings and + the industrious pursuit of his professional avocation, that he was + destined to arrive at considerable eminence in the locality he had + chosen for the arena of his future life. On the 19th of July, 1823, + he was the successful candidate for the appointment of Assistant + Surgeon to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital. So great was his desire + to become connected with the Hospital, and so strong the competition + in which he was engaged to obtain this object, that his health gave + way under the exertions he made to succeed; and he was obliged to + absent himself for a time, on which occasion he took a trip to + Holland, visiting Brighton on his return. The result was favourable, + and he returned to Norwich in good health. On the death of Mr. Bond, + in 1826, he was elected full Surgeon to the Hospital, and thus + attained one of the greatest objects of his ambition. + + “The rapid rise and progress of Mr. Crosse’s reputation as a + professional man, and the large extent of his private practice, are + too well known to require further notice; but notwithstanding the + unremitting exertions required to fulfil his private engagements, he + never allowed them to interfere with his public duties; and the + devotedness of his service to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital was + remarkable. It may be truly said that no private patient received + more kindness, skill, and attention at his hands, than did those who + were placed under his care in the wards of the Hospital. + + “As an operating surgeon, Mr. Crosse had but few superiors, and not + many equals. He was possessed of considerable manual tact and + dexterity, which, coupled with a sound judgment as to the necessity + for the performance of an operation, stamped him as a surgeon of + first-rate attainments. In his early professional life he studied + anatomy with great assiduity, and his subsequent occupation as + Demonstrator of Anatomy at Dublin so impressed the subject upon his + memory, that the constitution and form of the human body were always + in his mind’s eye; and thus he was rendered equal, at all times and + upon all occasions, to the serious emergencies of surgery. In short, + he obtained and held for a long period the foremost rank in his + profession in this district; and such was the quality of his mind, + that he would probably have been pre-eminent in whatever locality it + might have fallen to his lot to be placed. + + “In 1819, Mr. Crosse published _A History of the Variolous Epidemic + of Norwich_, which has been, and is even now, quoted as an excellent + standard work. In 1822 he published _Memoirs of the Life of the late + Dr. Rigby_, prefixed to the valuable Essay which the Doctor had + published some years before _On Uterine Hæmorrhage_. + + “In 1835, the Jacksonian Prize was awarded him for his _Essay on the + Formation_, _Constituents_, _and Extraction of the Urinary Calculus_; + and in the same year he received, in consequence of this Essay, the + Diploma of M.D. from the University of Heidelberg. + + “From 1822 to the close of his life, Mr. Crosse contributed many + valuable Papers to different medical periodicals, which are of deep + interest to professional men. + + “In 1836, Mr. Crosse was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society—a + distinction which marked him for eminence throughout the whole + civilized world. In 1845, the College of St. Andrew conferred the + Degree of M.D. upon him, and there is scarcely a medical or surgical + society in Europe of which he was not a member, as well as being an + honorary member of the most eminent societies in Asia and America. + + “During the last year of Mr. Crosse’s life (1850), it became + painfully evident to his friends that he was gradually losing that + vigour of mind and body which had so long characterized him; and at + the urgent solicitation of his medical advisers, he was induced to + leave home for a few weeks, when he took the opportunity of + consulting Sir B. Brodie and Dr. Watson in London, and spent a short + time with the late Dr. Mackness at Hastings, of whose kindness he + afterwards spoke in the highest terms of gratitude. On his return + home, he endeavoured to resume his professional and even his literary + avocations; but although in a degree benefited by his holiday, he + gradually lost power, and it was clear that his race was almost run.” + +He died in his 60th year, having been a resident in Norwich 35 years. + + +_Dr. Hooker_. + + +Norwich and Norfolk have produced an array of distinguished botanists, +such as Smith, Turner, Lindley, and the elder Hooker. The president of +the British Association for the Advancement of Science, Dr. Joseph D. +Hooker, F.R.S., is the son of Sir William J. Hooker, formerly Director of +the Royal Gardens at Kew, and he succeeded his father in that very +important post on November 12th, 1865. The present director of Kew +sprung from a race of botanists. His paternal grandfather, a citizen of +Norwich, devoted his leisure to the cultivation of curious plants. This +circumstance, doubtless, helped to create that taste for botany which, in +the career of his illustrious father, has borne such ripe fruits. On the +maternal side, the grandfather of Dr. Hooker was Mr. Dawson Turner, of +Yarmouth. The eldest daughter of this gentleman became the wife of Sir +William J. Hooker in 1814. Mr. Turner’s is a well-known name in the +annals of British botany; he is the author of various botanical +publications, and it was at his suggestion that a narrative of a visit +made to Iceland in 1809 by his future son-in-law was given to the world, +a work which brought the name of Sir William J. Hooker prominently before +the scientific world. So descended Dr. Joseph D. Hooker was born at +Halesworth, in Suffolk, on June 30th, 1817. Although thus by birth a +native of Suffolk, he is by descent a Norwich man. He has been a great +botanical traveller in many parts of the world, and he has added greatly +to our knowledge of the plants of Asia and India. On August 19th, 1868, +as President of the British Association, when the meeting took place in +Norwich, he delivered the Inaugural Address in the Drill Hall before a +large audience. + + +_Mrs. Opie_. + + +Amelia Opie was the daughter of Dr. Alderson, a physician in Norwich, and +was born here in 1769. The varied circumstances of her early life gave +the bent to her after career. In her girlhood she beguiled the solitude +of her father’s summer house by composing songs and tragedies; on her +visits to London, the superior society into which the graces of her +person and the accomplishments of her mind introduced her, served to +stimulate her aspirations; and after her marriage, in 1798, to the +painter, Mr. John Opie, she was encouraged by her husband to become a +candidate for literary fame. Accordingly, in 1801, she published a +novel, entitled _Father and Daughter_. Although this tale showed no +artistic ability in dealing either with incidents or with characters, yet +it was the production of a lively fancy and a feeling heart, and speedily +brought its author into notice. She was encouraged to publish a volume +of sweet and graceful poems in 1802, and to persist in the kind of novel +writing which she had commenced so successfully. _Adelaide Mowbray_ +followed in 1804, and _Simple Tales_ in 1806. The death of her husband +in 1807, and her return to Norwich, did not slacken her industry. She +published _Temper_ in 1812, _Tales of Real Life_ in 1813, _Valentine’s +Eve_ in 1816, _Tales of the Heart_ in 1818, and _Madeline_ in 1822. At +length, in 1825, her assumption of the tenets and garb of the Society of +Friends checked her literary ardour, and changed her mode of life. +Nothing afterwards proceeded from her pen except a volume entitled +_Detraction Displayed_, and some contributions in prose and verse to +various periodicals. A good deal of her life was spent in travelling and +in the exercise of Christian benevolence. When in this city she was +often seen in the assize court, sitting near the judge. She seemed to +take a great deal of interest in criminal cases. She died here in 1853. +A life of Mrs. Opie, by Miss C. L. Brightwell, was published in 1854. + + +_Dr. William Crotch_. + + +The celebrated musician, William Crotch, was born in the parish of St. +George at Colegate in this city, July 5th, 1775. His genius for music +may be supposed to have commenced with his existence, as his parents did +not remember any period in which he did not shew a great predilection for +an organ, to which instrument he seemed to have a special attachment. +Indeed he had a _penchant_ for every musical instrument at an early age. +As soon as he could walk alone, which was at the beginning of his second +year, he would frequently quit his mother’s breast to hear a tune on the +organ, and when he wanted any particular tune, he would put his finger +upon that key on which the tune began; and as it sometimes happened that +more than one tune began on the same key, he would strike two or three of +the first or leading notes of the tune he chose to have played. Before +he was two years and a quarter old, he played “God save the King” with +both hands. At two years and a half he had played to several ladies and +gentlemen, and was soon afterwards noticed in the public journals. At +two and three quarters he could distinguish any note, and call it by its +proper name, though he did not see it struck. His memory was so +retentive, that a gentleman only playing to him the Minuet in _Rodelinda_ +two or three times in the evening, was astonished to hear him perform it +next morning, as soon as he went to the organ. Before he was three years +old, he played at Beccles, Ipswich, and other places. Afterwards he was +taken to Lynn, Bury, &c., and in October, 1778, to Cambridge. In +November, he was nominated to a degree of Bachelor of Arts, with a small +annuity annexed to it. In December he went to London, and after +performing before the foreign ambassadors, maids of honour, &c., in 1779, +he was introduced to the sovereign, to whom he gave the greatest +satisfaction, as he had done to the nobility and gentry in general, but +more particularly to the greatest musicians. At the early age of 22 he +was appointed professor of music in the University of Oxford, and there, +in 1799, took his degree of doctor in that art. In 1800 and the four +following years, he read lectures on music at Oxford. Next he was +appointed lecturer on music at the Royal Institution; and subsequently, +in 1823, principal of the Royal Academy of Music. He published a number +of vocal and instrumental compositions, of which the best is his oratorio +of “Palestine.” In 1831 appeared an octavo volume, containing the +substance of his lectures on music, delivered at Oxford and in London. +He also published “Elements of Musical Composition and Thorough Bass.” +He arranged for the piano-forte a number of Handel’s oratorios and +operas, besides symphonies and quartetts of Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven. +He performed all his public duties laboriously, zealously, and +honourably, and in private life he was much beloved. He died on December +29th, 1847, in the house of his son, at Taunton. + + + +CHAPTER XXIV. +Norwich Artists in the Nineteenth Century. + + +NORWICH artists must have flourished in the 17th and 18th centuries, as +proved by their portraits of city worthies in the Guildhall and St. +Andrew’s Hall, but we have few notices of early painters or engravers. +About the commencement of the present century, a gentleman named Thomas +Harvey lived at Catton, and was recognised as a very clever amateur +artist. He painted in oil, admirably, and he induced several of the +leading artists of the day to visit Norfolk, such as Opie, Gainsborough, +Sir William Beechey, Collins, and many others, who produced beautiful +works of art. + +About the year 1802, a few professional and amateur artists, drawn +together by a similarity of taste and inclination, for the advancement of +the arts of painting and design in their native city, began to associate +to form a regular academy. Each member in his turn furnished matter of +discussion according with his particular view; and by eliciting the +opinions of his brother artists, mutually communicated and received +information. The first exhibition of this society was in 1805, in +Wrench’s Court, and contained 223 pictures. The following is a list of +the members and exhibitors of the Norwich Society of Artists from the +first catalogue of 1805:—Arthur Browne, J. Blake, E. Bell, (engraver) +Mrs. Coppin, H. M. M. Crotch, M. B. Crotch, J. Crome, R. Dixon, J. +Freeman, W. Freeman, Rev. Wm. Gordon of Saxlingham, C. Hodgson, W. +Harwin, R. Ladbrooke, W. C Leeds, J. Percy, J. Thirtle, F. Stone, +architect. This Society of Artists, after their establishment, within +twenty years exhibited about 4000 pictures, the productions of 323 +painters, very few of which were sold here, but which were readily +purchased in London and other places. In fact, the local artists were +very little patronized in the city; and old Crome, one of the very best +landscape painters in England, was a very poor man all his life, though, +since his death, his pictures have been sold for thousands of pounds in +London. + + * * * * * + +JOHN CROME, sen., was born December 21st, 1769, in the parish of St. +Peter per Mountergate. He was apprenticed to Mr. Francis Whisler, coach, +house, and sign painter, who, in 1783, lived in Bethel Street; but he +felt the true impulse of genius, and his industry surmounted all +obstacles. By almost unaided exertions he cultivated drawing and +painting in oil with such ardour and success, that during the latter +years of his life he had attained an eminence highly creditable, and was +incessantly employed as a master in the one branch by families of +distinction, and by the principal schools of Norfolk and Norwich. He +possessed the rare faculty of communicating the ardour he himself felt to +his pupils, both professional and amateur. His mind was too acute to +exact from them a servile imitation of his own style; on the contrary he +contented himself with instilling the more useful principles of art, and +with giving freedom and spirit to their pencils. He then invited them to +let loose the reins of fancy and taste, and to follow unfettered the +promptings of imagination. The fruits of this wise discrimination were +seen in the reputation of his son, and his companions in excellence, +whose works for some time attracted much attention in the metropolis to +the growing talents and promise of the Norwich school of artists. In the +other department he was seldom without commissions. He principally +cultivated landscape painting, and he was exceedingly happy in seizing +small picturesque local scenes, which he elevated to a degree of interest +which they could hardly bear in their natural state. He was in painting +the counterpart of Burns in poetry, both delighting in homely scenes. +His pictures were beginning to be known and appreciated in London, the +great mart of talent, and those he last exhibited in the British Gallery +gained him a lasting fame. He was a man of heart, of impulse and +feeling, quick, lively, and enthusiastic, and in his conversation +animated to a high degree, especially when speaking on subjects connected +with his art, the fond, the incessant, the earliest and latest object of +his thoughts. A wide field of enterprise and exertion had just opened +upon his view, the last stage of his ardent ambition had unfolded itself, +when he was suddenly seized with an acute disease, which terminated his +life in the short space of seven days, on April 22nd, 1821, aged fifty +years. He was buried in a vault in St. George’s Colegate Church, where +the last sad offices of respect were paid to his memory by a numerous +attendance of artists and other friends. Of late years a subscription +was raised here for a monument to his memory, and after some delay a +suitable memorial was placed in the church. (_See page_ 89.) + +The following list of Mr. Crome’s principal pictures, with their former +possessors, was extracted from the published catalogue of his works:— + +“Lane Scene near Hingham,” 1812; “Lane Scene at Blofield,” 1813; and +“Grove Scene near Marlingford,” 1815—Samuel Paget, Esq., of Yarmouth. + +“View at the back of the New Mills,” 1817—William Hawkes, Esq., Norwich. + +“Wood and Water Scene near Bawburgh,” 1821—Miss Burrows, Burfield Hall. + +“View in Postwick Grove,” 1816—Lord Stafford. + +“Hautbois Common, Norfolk,” 1810—Mr. F. Stone, Norwich. + +“Lane Scene near Whitlingham,” 1820—Mr. Charles Turner. + +“Scene near Hardingham, Norfolk,” 1816—Mr. J. B. Crome. + +“Lane Scene,” 1817—John Bracy, Esq. + +“Carrow Abbey,” 1805—P. M. Martineau, Esq. + +“Cottage and Wood Scene,” 1820—Michael Bland, Esq., London. + +“Landscape—Evening”—Mr. Crome. + +“Grove Scene,” 1820—Mr. F. Geldart, jun. + +“View of the Italian Boulevards at Paris,” 1815; and “Fish Market at +Boulogne,” 1820—R. H. Gurney, Esq. + +A “Wood Scene” was the last picture painted by Old Crome, in April, 1821. +He painted many others, and etched a number of plates of Norfolk scenery, +some of which have been printed. His pictures have been lent for various +exhibitions and always much admired. + + * * * * * + +J. B. CROME, son of the father of the Norwich School of Landscape +Painting, was a landscape painter of moonlights, &c. The editor of the +_Examiner_ for March, 1828, speaking of this artist’s pictures, says:— + + “Mr. Crome’s moonlight is good, and has the grey and brown hues of + Vanderneer, whose moonlight scenes have been considered the best as + to natural effects; but except the parts under the immediate light of + the moon, no specific colour should be seen. The browns and yellows + here mingle well into the black shades of night, and have nothing of + that flat grey blue which justly made coloured moonlights to be + compared to a shilling on a slate.” + +Mr. J. B. Crome’s pictures were “Rouen,” in the possession of Mrs. +Southwell, Wroxham; “Yarmouth Quay”—T. Cobbold, Esq., Catton; “Yarmouth +Beach, Moonlight”—R. J. Turner, Esq., Catton; “View near Amsterdam, +Moonlight”—J. Geldart, Esq., Norwich; “Norwich by Moonlight”—Hon. General +Walpole; “Moonlight”—C. Turner, Esq., Norwich. Several others of this +artist’s pictures were exhibited at the Norwich Industrial Exhibition in +1867, and were much admired. + + * * * * * + +MISS CROME, daughter of Old Crome, was a painter of fruit and flowers +from nature, and painted successfully. + + * * * * * + +JOSEPH CLOVER was a native of this city, but he resided some time in +London. His first efforts in art were directed to engraving, and by the +advice of a gentleman named Stocks, he took an impression of one of his +plates to the late Alderman Boydell, in Cheapside, whose remarks on this +performance discouraged him from following the profession of an engraver, +and he remained for some time undetermined as to his further pursuit in +art, until the following autumn, when being introduced by his uncle to +the late Mr. Opie, whilst painting a portrait of that relation, he was so +astonished at the facility with which the artist painted, and so +delighted with his conversation, that he resolved from that moment to be +a painter. He took Mr. Opie’s advice and followed him to town, from +which period, namely, April, 1807, being nearly four years, he enjoyed +that artist’s friendship. In the year 1806, Mr. Clover was accidentally +introduced to the late Richard Cumberland, the dramatic poet, who +perceiving that the artist’s health was much impaired by a too close +application to study, invited him to his house at Ramsgate, and by his +introduction he painted several portraits, and to the hospitable +residence of this gentleman he repeated his visits during the summer +months for fourteen years. In Norwich, he painted three full-length +portraits for St. Andrew’s Hall, besides a number of others, and a +picture called “Divided Attention,” for his friend Mr. Turner, of +Norwich. This first-rate picture excited much interest in London. Some +of the early pictures of this artist were at Beau Port, the house of the +late Sir James Bland Burgess, and at Battle Abbey in Sussex. +Subsequently Mr. Clover had the honour of being patronised by the Marquis +of Stafford and other noblemen. + + * * * * * + +WILLIAM ROBERT DIXON was a native of this city. His etchings of views in +Norfolk were in the possession of many persons in Norwich. Mr. Charles +Turner had an interesting collection of his drawings. As a scene painter +he was much admired. He had many tempting offers from the London and +other managers of theatres; but being fondly and firmly attached to his +native city and a choice circle of friends, no allurements could induce +him to leave them. He was very popular as a teacher of drawing. He died +October 1st, 1815. + + * * * * * + +CHARLES HODGSON, a native of this city, was a painter of interior +architecture, particularly of the early English style, and of +considerable reputation for his excellent drawing and correct perspective +in water colours, which subjects he was afterwards induced to paint in +oil, in which he excelled. He was a constant exhibitor in the London +exhibitions. His pictures were in the possession of several gentlemen in +the city and county. + + * * * * * + +DAVID HODGSON, son of the above, a native also of this city, was a +painter of exterior architecture, landscape, &c. Some of his pictures of +interiors of churches were in the possession of William Herring, Esq., +Norwich; Pair of Landscapes, W. Roberts, Esq., of Birmingham; Large +Landscape, Rev. J. Hollingworth, Newcastle; Small Landscape, Wm. Gate, +Esq., Carlisle; Market Scenes, T. Bignold, Esq., Norwich; Landscape, Mr. +S. Coleman; Pair of Small Landscapes, Mr. Stone, Norwich; Tombland, Mr. +Stone; Landscape, Mr. G. Cooke, engraver; Pair of Street Scenes, Mr. +Yarington, Norwich; Market Scenes, sold at the Liverpool exhibition. + + * * * * * + +ROBERT LADBROOKE, landscape painter, for many years enjoyed considerable +celebrity as a drawing master, and in 1821 commenced the publication of +“A Series of Views of the Churches in Norfolk,” printed in lithography, +of which ninety numbers were completed. + + * * * * * + +JOSEPH STANNARD was a marine painter, in which walk of art he established +a high reputation. His subjects were generally finely chosen, and +painted with all the truth and transparency of nature. The grouping of +his vessels displayed an admirable taste, and they were embellished with +the most correctly-drawn figures, highly characteristic of the stations +they occupied. + + * * * * * + +MRS. STANNARD, wife of the above, was a painter of fruit, flowers, fish, +still life, &c. Her maiden name was Coppin, and her mother was rewarded +by the Society for the Encouragement of Arts, for several copies of +painting. The daughter’s productions were highly esteemed by the lovers +of art. + + * * * * * + +ALFRED STANNARD. The talents of this artist, at an early period of his +life, gained him the approbation of the critics of the London +Journals—which noticed works of fine arts as exhibited in the National +Gallery. The _Literary Gazette_ of March, 1828, contained this notice,— + + “No. 152, Trowse Hall, Norwich, painted on the spot by A. Stannard. + We think that this work partakes more of the Flemish style of art + than legitimately belongs to a picture painted on the spot; its + elaborate finish must necessarily have required considerable time in + the execution; and the character of our climate is much too variable, + day after day, to paint from the same hue of atmosphere, and the same + effect of Chiaroscuro. Be that as it may, the excellence of the + performance, however it may have been achieved, is an abundantly + sufficient passport to regard of this artist’s picture. No. 431, + Sluice Gate, on the river Wensum, shews the close resemblance of + character and execution between the works of some of our artists and + the best pictures of the Flemish school.” + +The critic might have added that most of the people of Norwich are of +Flemish or Danish extraction, and that the Norwich school of painting +seems to have been derived from the Flemish school. The subjects +painted, and the style of treatment are very similar. + + * * * * * + +JAMES STARK was articled to the senior Crome for three years, from 1810 +or 1811, at the expiration of which time he went to London and drew at +the Royal Academy, which place he was obliged to leave from ill health. +The first picture which he exhibited at the British Gallery, represented +“Boys Bathing,” purchased by the Bishop of Oxford. His other pictures +were “Flounder Fishing,” in the possession of Sir J. Grey Egleton, Bart.; +“Penning the Flock,” the Marquis of Stafford; “Lambeth,” the Countess de +Grey; “Grove Scene,” Thomas Phillips, Esq.; “Grove Scene,” Francis +Chantrey, Sculptor; besides many others in the possession of George +Watson Taylor, Esq., M.P.; Mr. Davenport, M.P.; Charles Savill Onley, +Esq., M.P.; Onley Savill Onley, Esq.; &c., &c. In 1827, this artist +circulated proposals for printing “Scenery of the Rivers Yare and +Waveney,” with engravings from his own paintings, and the work was +beautifully carried out. + + * * * * * + +J. S. COTMAN became one of the most celebrated artists in the Water +Colour Society, and attained a very high position in London, where he was +appointed Drawing Master at King’s College; he published Views in +Normandy, and also a work on the Sepulchral Brasses of this locality. +His pictures have always commanded high prices. His two sons also became +eminent artists. + + * * * * * + +About the year 1830, there was something like a School of Art commenced +in Norwich, where artists and amateurs could study art in a proper +manner, from the best casts of the finest statues. Before then, artists +had to study as they best could, and their education was very imperfect. +They are much indebted to John Barwell, Esq., for promoting their +interests in this respect, and rendering them great assistance by his +knowledge of art. Amongst the members of the new society were the +Barwells, father and son, the Cotmans, the Freemans, T. Geldart, A. +Sandys, S. Miers, and many others who studied art either from the cast or +the life. + +The Norfolk and Norwich Art Union opened their exhibition of pictures on +August 16th, 1839, at the Bazaar, in St. Andrew’s Broad Street. About +400 pictures were exhibited, many of them being of a high order of merit. +At subsequent exhibitions, many pictures of local artists were exhibited, +including some of the Cromes, the Ladbrookes, the Stannards, the Cotmans, +Hodgson, Stark, Vincent, Downes, Sandys, Capt. Roberts, and others much +admired. A Fine Art Association has also been recently established. It +held its first exhibition in August, 1868. A large number of the +pictures were disposed of on the principle of an Art Union. + + + + +PART III. + + +CHAPTER I. +The Commercial History of Norwich. + + +WHAT has been the trade of the city, from the earliest period up to the +present time, is an interesting subject of inquiry to the inhabitants. +The sources of information are very scanty, for local historians of +former days did not trouble themselves much about trade, but were content +with simply recording passing events and the proceedings of public +bodies. From old charters and acts of parliament, and details of local +taxation, we may, however, learn something about the industry and trade +of by gone ages. We may discover how people lived, how they were +employed, and what sort of clothes they wore; and we shall find a +remarkable sameness from age to age. The trade of any country, or +county, or town, arises from productive industry in agriculture or +manufactures, or in mercantile business, or in carrying goods from one +place to another, or in all three combined. All three have existed in +this city and county; and it is important to inquire into the past and +present state of our trade, and the causes which have promoted or +retarded its progress or decline. + + +TEXTILE FABRICS. + + +In tracing the rise and progress of manufactures in this city, it will be +necessary to refer to many sources of information respecting the garments +worn by the people of every period. The Roman writers supply some +information relating to the Iceni and other aborigines of this island; +the Anglo-Saxon illuminations represent the costumes of a later period; +monumental effigies exhibit the clothing of the middle ages; and many +acts of parliament allude to the manufactures of modern times. The arts +of spinning, weaving, dyeing, and dressing wool, linen, and silk, were +known to all ancient civilized nations. The Gauls taught those arts to +the ancient Britons in this island. Of the kinds of cloth made in Gaul, +according to Pliny, one was made of fine wool dyed in several colours. +This wool, being spun into yarn, was woven in stripes or checquers, of +which the Gauls made their summer garments. Here we have the origin of +the Scotch plaid or tartan, which is called the garb of old Gaul to this +day. + +The dress of the ancient British females may be ascertained from the +account by Dion Cassius of the appearance of Boadicea, Queen of the +Iceni, who inhabited this eastern district. Her light hair fell upon her +shoulders. She wore a torque of gold, a tunic of several colours all in +folds, and over it a robe of coarse stuff, fastened by a brooch. The +commonalty and the less civilized tribes, inhabiting the interior of the +island, went about simply clad in skins. The Druids wore white dresses, +and the Bards a robe of sky blue, emblematic of peace. The Ovates, +professing to know medicine, wore green, the symbol of learning. Julius +Agricola being appointed to the command in Britain, A.D. 78, soon +succeeded in establishing the Roman sway, and introducing the Roman +costume, manners, and language; and before the close of the first century +the British habit was regarded as a badge of barbarism. Tacitus says, +“The sons of the British chiefs began to affect our dress.” The southern +and eastern Britons disused the Broccoe, and wore the Roman tunic +reaching to the knee, with the cloak or mantle. The female garb was +similar to that of the Roman women, who wore two tunics. + +The Anglo Saxons, Jutes, and Danes, when located in different parts of +England, spun and wove most of the materials now used for dress. The +woollen, linen, and silk yarns were all home-spun, and the textile +fabrics were home-made. The civil costume consisted of a linen shirt, a +tunic of linen or woollen, worn according to the season, descending to +the knee, and having long loose sleeves. It was made like the shirt, and +open at the neck, and put on in the same manner. It was sometimes open +at the sides and confined by a belt or girdle at the waist. Over this a +short cloak was worn fastened with brooches, sometimes at the breast, +sometimes on both shoulders. + +Mr. Strutt remarks that the silence of the Anglo-Saxon writers on the +subject of Danish dress, while they are profuse in the description of the +dress of their countrymen, proves a similarity of costume. According to +Danish ballads, black was the colour of the ancient Danish dress. Saxon +chronicles allude to the Danes by the name of the “Black Army.” Black +amongst them had no funeral associations. This sombre hue may have been +their national colour, their standard being a raven. After becoming +settled in Norwich and Norfolk, they doffed the black colour, and became +effeminately gay in their dress, and often changed their attire. + +The Normans and Flemings who came over with the Conqueror into England, +and those who followed him in great numbers, were remarkable for their +love of finery, according to our early historians. The dresses of the +common people of course continued to be much the same from age to age, +but the habits of the nobility were more influenced by fashion; and the +reign of William Rufus is stigmatised by many writers of the period for +shameful abuses. The king himself set the example, and the clergy and +laity were alike infected with the love of costly clothing. After the +Norman Conquest, a sort of cloth was introduced which, though not a new +discovery, had not been formerly known in England. This was quite a +different article to what had been previously called cloth, the +preparation being by a combing instead of a carding process. By the +former the wool was drawn out to a very long staple, by the latter to a +very short staple, the fibres of the fleece being extended the whole +length in one instance, and broken and intersected in the other. For +1000 years after the christian era there were no textile manufactures as +we now understand the terms. All the yarns were homespun, and all the +garments were home-made. + +The female costume in Norwich and other towns, from 1087 to 1154, +presents us with but one striking novelty, and that by no means an +improvement. The rage for lengthening every portion of the dress was not +confined to the male sex. The sleeves of the ladies’ tunics, and their +veils or kerchiefs, appear to have been so long in the reigns of William +Rufus and Henry I. as to be tied up in knots, to avoid treading on them, +and the trains or skirts of the garments lay in immense rolls at the +feet. Over the long robe or tunic a shorter garment was occasionally +seen in the illuminations of the period. + +The twelfth century is a period in which Norwich began to be particularly +mentioned for its trade arising from manufactures. It is also a period +when a very valuable source of information is opened by the monumental +effigies of the dead, sculptured in their habits as they lived. The +effigies on brass are numerous in Norwich and Norfolk churches, and +indicate progress in useful arts. Mr. Stothard is a great authority on +the monumental effigies of Great Britain, and he presents the coronation +robes of the kings, and the costumes of the nobles with splendid +decorations. + +The Dutch and the Flemings soon came over the sea, located themselves in +the city and in different parts of the eastern counties, and introduced +various manufactures. William of Malmesbury states that in the reign of +the Conqueror’s youngest son, Henry I., a great inundation in the low +countries drove many more of the Flemings to seek refuge in England; and +Blomefield, in his History of Norfolk, says that several of them settled +at Worstead in Norfolk, and thus early introduced the art of stuff +weaving there; which, as is natural to suppose, soon began to be +extensively adopted in Norwich. Gervase, of Tilbury, writing of the +Flemings says,— + + “The art of weaving seemed to be a peculiar gift bestowed upon them + by nature; yet the new comers were not always well received by the + native population, and had to be protected by laws made in their + favour. Indeed, the natives of Norwich, in every period, have been + hostile to foreigners, or to any sort of interference with their + peculiar branch of industry.” + +In the next reign, that of Henry II., “Guilds” of weavers were +multiplied, and had their charters of privilege in London, York, +Winchester, and Norwich; and a system of protection, originating with +manufacturers, prevailed all over the country. During the next reign, +that of Stephen, more Flemish weavers came over; and these successive +emigrations were a real blessing to the land. England had hitherto not +been a manufacturing country till the arrival of the Flemings, who +introduced the preparation and weaving of wool, so that, in process of +time, not only the home market was abundantly supplied with woollen +cloth, but a large surplus was made for exportation. The Flemings were +kinsmen of the Danes, and all of them were of the Anglo-Saxon race, and +were distinguished for that probity in their dealings which afterwards +became the characteristic of British merchants. + +During the reign of Richard Cœur de Lion, it is supposed that though the +trade of the kingdom did not increase, yet some of the artisan soldiers +who returned from the crusades brought back a knowledge of the eastern +method of weaving. At that time the useful arts flourished in the east. +The improvements introduced here were, however, of little worth, owing to +the troubles of the reign of King John, and the equally disturbed reign +of his son Henry III. Even the wise and resolute king, Edward I., did +not fully succeed in restoring English trade to its former prosperity. +Yet it is clear that this city had been all along prospering, for in the +reign of Edward II., repeated mention is made of its thrift. That +monarch granted a patent to John Peacock for measuring every piece of +worsted made in the city or county; but this, being found to check the +trade, was soon recalled. In the reign of Edward I. the people of +Norwich, and of England generally, began to adopt the whimsical fashions +of their neighbours on the continent. Horned head-dresses of frightful +appearance were worn by the ladies, and tight-laced stays. Gauze, which +is thought to have derived its name from Gaza, where it was first made, +and brunetta or burnetta, with several other fine and delicate stuffs, +are mentioned in this period. Gauzes were afterwards produced in large +quantities in Norwich. Tartan was a fine woollen cloth, which was also +much used for ladies’ robes, and was generally of a scarlet dye. + +In the thirteenth century the materials for dress became more numerous, +and this period is more remarkable for the splendour of costume than for +change of form. Matthew Paris, monk of St. Albany, a contemporary +historian, describes the pageantry of the day, and expresses disgust +rather than pleasure at the excessive foppery of the times. He states +that the nobility who attended at the marriage of the daughter of Henry +III. to Alexander king of Scotland, were attired in vestments of silk, +commonly called comtises, on the day when the ceremony was performed, but +on the following day they were laid aside. + +In the reign of Edward III. other foreign clothiers came to England, and +many of them settled in the eastern parts of Essex. In 1353, this +monarch prohibited his subjects from wearing any cloth but such as was +made in this kingdom; and he also forbade the exportation of wool. Both +in this reign and in that of Richard II., repeated mention occurs in the +oath book and court rolls of wool-combers, card makers, clothiers, +weavers, fullers, &c. During the reign of Elizabeth a new impulse was +given to the trade by the emigration of Protestants and others from the +low countries, and from France, who introduced important branches of +industry. Mr. James, in his History of the Worsted Manufacture in +England, says, that king Edward III. so far extended and improved that +trade, that from his reign may be dated a new era in its history. This +monarch could not, with all his sagacity, and the earnest desire he ever +evinced for the welfare and prosperity of his subjects, remain long +unmindful of the great profit and advantage of working up the English +wool for domestic consumption or export, instead of exporting the +material in a raw state. When, therefore, he espoused Phillippa, the +daughter of the Earl of Hainault, whose subjects were excellent cloth +makers, the close connection which the marriage occasioned between the +two countries, and probably in part some suggestions of the queen, +induced the king, in 1331, to invite hither a large number of his +countrymen, skilful in the art of weaving woollen and worsted. These +Flemish weavers settled, by the directions of the king, and under his +special protection, in various parts of the country, where the wool grown +in the district was suitable for the particular kind of cloth made by +these artizans. The worsted weavers were located in Norfolk and Suffolk, +having Norwich for their chief seat or mart. Blomefield, in his history, +says,— + + “Under the reign of Edward III., Norwich became the most flourishing + city of all England by means of its great trade in worsted, fustian, + friezes, and other woollen manufactures, for now the English wool, + being manufactured by English hands, incredible profit accrued to the + people by its passing through and employing so many, every one having + a fleece, sorters, combers, card spinners, &c.” + +Alluding to the condition of this trade at the same period, old Fuller, +in his Church History, says,— + + “The intercourse being large betwixt the English and the Netherlands, + (which having increased since King Edward married the daughter) + unsuspected emissaries were employed by our king with those + countries, who brought them into familiarity with such Dutchmen as + were absolute masters of their trade, (but not masters themselves) as + either journeymen or apprentices. These bemoaned the slavishness of + their poor servants, whom their masters used rather like heathen than + christians; yea, rather, like horses than men; early up and late to + bed, and all day hard work, and harder fare, (a few herrings and + mouldy cheese,) and all to enrich the churls their masters, without + any profit unto themselves. But, oh, how happy should they be if + they would but come over to England! bringing their mystery with + them, which would provide their welcome in all places. Here they + should feed on fat beef and mutton till nothing but their fulness + should stint their stomach; yea, they should feed on the labour of + their own hands, enjoying a proportionable portion of their gains for + themselves. Persuaded with the promises, many Dutch servants leave + their masters and come over to England.” + +According to Blomefield, the trade continued to increase during the +succeeding reign, that of Richard II., when laws were passed for +regulating the sale of worsted. Our ancestors were then a plain homely +sort of people, and like their forefathers, were content with coarse +woollen cloths for their plain clothes. In this and succeeding reigns +important changes took place in the system of society, especially in the +formation of a middle class, which gradually increased in numbers and +influence, and became the great support of trade. Norman despotism was +relaxed, and political liberty was advanced, and the darkness of the +middle ages was dispelled. + +In A.D. 1403, Henry IV. separated the city of Norwich from the county of +Norfolk, and made it a county of itself, which it has been ever since. +This, of course, has been a great advantage to the city as regards its +self-government. In this reign it was deemed necessary to appoint +officers, whose business it should be to inspect the goods; and in the +reigns of Henry V., Henry VI., Edward IV., and Richard III., complaints +were renewed in acts of parliament and other documents of the great +“crafte and deceite” used in the making of worsteds, says, serges, +fustians, motleys, &c., at Norwich. + +During the short reign of Edward VI., the making of “felt and thrummed +hats, dornecks, and coverlets,” had sprung up in consequence of the +decline of the old stuff manufacture; and in the reign of Mary the +manufacture of “light stuffs” was introduced. These were of the same +fabric as “the fustians of Naples,” and seem to have been so similar to +the bombazines of succeeding years, that they may be considered as the +commencement of the great staple of Norwich. During the subsequent +reigns the city does not seem to have advanced in prosperity. Henry VII. +succeeded in reviving the trade a little, but in the reign of his son, +Henry VIII., it again declined. We find by an act passed in that reign +“that the making of worsteds, says, and stammins, which had greatly +increased in the city of Norwich and county of Norfolk, was now practised +more diligently than in times past at Yarmouth and Lynn.” If so, the +trade soon died out in those towns, as we have no record of any +manufactures there. + +Philip and Mary passed an act to encourage the making “of russels, +satins, satins-reverses, and fustians of Naples.” From this time it +appears that the stuffs made in the city were exported into foreign +countries, most probably into Holland and Flanders, and at length partial +restrictions were laid on the export trades, but still a great amount of +business was done. As yet no one had promulgated the modern doctrines of +free trade. + +From Cotman’s valuable work, “The Sepulchral Brasses of Norfolk,” we may +gather some information respecting the costumes of people in the middle +ages. With reference to the dresses of the ladies, we may be surprised +at the tardy progress of “fashion” in mediæval times, but a little +consideration will enable us to solve the difficulty. In the fifteenth +century money was very scarce, and all the articles of female apparel +were about twelve times more costly than they are at present. Husbands +and fathers were doubtless “intractable” in proportion. Hence our fair +but thrifty ancestresses continued to wear the very same dresses on all +festive occasions for many years. Now, however, the facilities of +foreign travel, the introduction of cheaper materials, the results of +modern ingenuity, and the spirit of the age in which we live, all tend to +rapid, frequent, and capricious changes of costume; but it was not so +then, and a lady was frequently attired as her grandmother had been +before her! Our ancestors were slow coaches. Centuries elapsed before +they achieved the _ruff_, before they discovered the _bonnet_, before +they perpetrated the _wig_! They never dreamt of _crinoline_. Thus, for +example, we observe the very same form of kirtle or gown—close fitting, +low waisted, but wide and pleated at the bottom, during a period of more +than 300 years, there being only a slight variation in the shape of its +sleeves. The fall, the flounce, and cuffs of fur or some other material, +must have been also a very long-lived fashion, being observable on many +brasses from the dates of 1466 to 1537. But the designers of brasses may +have adhered for a long time to merely conventional forms. The Rev. R. +Hart, in his Letters to a local magazine, says:— + + “The wife of Sir Miles Stapleton, in 1365, wears a close-fitting + tunic over the kirtle, (the sleeves of which, with a row of small + buttons extending from the wrist to the elbow, are seen underneath;) + the sleeves of the tunic itself are short, but there are oblong + narrow pendants almost reaching from them to the ground. It is + buttoned at the breast, there are two pockets in the front, and the + lower part is full and gathered into puckers or folds. (Cotman pl. + 4). During the reigns of Henry IV. and V. the ladies wore a sort of + bag sleeve, tight at the wrist (like that of a modern bishop). About + 1481, the sleeve became wide and open like that of a surplice. About + 1528, the sleeves of the kirtle, or under dress, were, in some + instances, cut or pinked, so as to exhibit a rich inner lining. In + 1559, there was a tight sleeve ruffled at the wrist, and with an + epaulet upon the shoulder, pinked; and at the same period we observe + the earliest specimen of the ruff, and the rudiments of the habit + shirt. By far the most remarkable varieties are observed in head + dresses, which frequently supply valuable indications as to the date. + On the cup presented by King John to the borough of Lynn, and in the + small figures upon Branch’s monument, some of the females wear a + close-fitting cap like a child’s nightcap, and others a sort of hood + with a long tail to it, which is sometimes stiff and sometimes loose + like drapery. The wives of Walsoken and Branch (1349 and 1364) + exhibit the wimple, covering the throat, chin, and sides of the face, + and the couverchef (kerchief) thrown over the head and falling upon + the shoulders. The next important variety was the forked or mitre + head dress, which first came into fashion about 1438, and held its + ground for about twenty-six years, though there is one specimen as + late as 1492. This was followed by the pedimental style of head + dress, which began about 1415, and continued till late into the + following century. The butterfly head dress, which was a cylindrical + cap with a light veil over it, stiffened and squared at the top, + prevailed from 1466 to 1483. In 1538 we observe a graceful form of + head dress, like what is termed the Mary Queen of Scots’ cap. The + mantle, which was something like a cope, the jaquette, which may be + compared to the “flanches of heraldry,” and excellent specimens of + ancient embroidery, may all be studied in the brass of Adam de + Walsoken. About the year 1460 we observe the aumoniere (like a + reticule) hanging from a lady’s girdle, and also the rosary, + terminating, not with a cross, but with a tassel.” + +In reference to the dresses of the male sex, the Rev. R. Hart gives the +following details as to municipal costumes. + + “On the Lynn cup, already referred to, we observe the jerkin, or + short coat; also a sort of cape, or short cloak; a larger cloak, and + three or four sorts of head coverings, viz., a low flat-topped cap; + another something like a helmet; a hat sloping upwards from the rim, + and flat at the top; a hood with a tail to it; and another exactly + resembling what is now termed a ‘wide-awake.’ On the monuments of + Walsoken and Branch we notice the jerkin, the mantle, cloaks, long + and short, (in one instance festooned over the right shoulder like + the plaid of a Highlander,) and another long cloak, curiously + buttoned all down the front; also several kinds of head-covering, + some exactly similar to those which have been recently described, + others with a broad rim turned up, the top being round-pointed or + flat; and in one instance we observe a hat and feather. In their + monumental effigies the laity are usually attired in a long gown, + which has sometimes bag sleeves, but resembles an albe in all other + respects. It is usually girdled with a leathern strap with a rosary + of much larger beads than we observe on female brasses, and without + any decads. Generally speaking, these rosaries have a tassel + underneath, but on the brass of Sir William Calthorp, 1495, a signet + ring is attached to the end of the rosary, while a beautiful shaped + aumoniere also hangs from the girdle. About the year 1532 we observe + gowns with hanging sleeves, like those which are still worn by + masters of arts at our universities; and in other instances, of about + the same date, we observe a pudding sleeve reaching a little below + the elbow of the under dress. The brass of Edmund Green, in + Hunstanton church, A.D. 1490, is chiefly remarkable from the + resemblance that his upper garment bears to a pelisse or furred + surtout. The short cloak—trunk hose (something like the + ‘nickerbockers’ of our own time), and also the ruff, are observable + upon Norfolk brasses between 1610 and 1630. During the first half of + the fifteenth century, we observe a frightfully ugly mode of shaving + of the hair all round, to some height above the ears. It looks like + a skull cap, and is an exact inversion of the tonsure. Burgesses of + Lynn appear to have worn, in the fourteenth century, long gowns, the + lower part of which is open in the front about as high as the knees, + and with wide sleeves reaching to the elbow. There is a richly + bordered and hooded cape over the upper part of this gown. It is not + unlike an amess. Aldermen of Norwich wore a mantle open at the right + shoulder, falling straight behind, but gathered into a slope at + front, so as to cover a great part of the left arm, while the other + was exposed. It had a standing collar, and there were buttons upon + the right shoulder. A Judge of the Common Pleas, in 1507, wore his + hair long and flowing, and was habited in a long wide-sleeved gown, + open in the front; apparently it was lined, caped, and bordered with + fur, and there is a purse hanging from the girdle. On his feet he + wore clogs of a very remarkable form. A Judge of the King’s Bench, + in 1545, wore a wide-sleeved long gown, a mantle open at the right + shoulder, as in the municipal examples, his head being covered with a + coif or closely-fitting skull-cap.” + +In the earlier years of the reign of Elizabeth, the Flemings, who fled +from the persecutions of the Duke of Alva, settled at Norwich to the +number of 4000, and much increased the prosperity of the city by +introducing the manufacture of bombazines, which were long in great +demand all over the country. Black bombazines were universally worn by +ladies when in mourning, up to a recent period. These bombazines were +mixed fabrics of silk and worsted, and were dyed in all colours. They +did not wear so long as the more modern paramattas. + +Elizabeth gave every encouragement to manufactures; and when more +Flemings sought refuge in England, the city of Norwich gained an +accession of knowledge in the art of weaving with a warp of silk or +linen, and a weft of worsted, as well as in dyeing and other processes. +And now the articles manufactured began to be classed as “bays, arras, +says, tapestries, mockadoes, stamens, russels, lace, fringes, camlets, +perpetuanas, caffas and kerseys.” Nothing contributed more to advance +the prosperity of the city than the arrival of the industrious Dutch +people, who brought with them arts before unknown in this land. + +For centuries the action of government in reference to trade was simply +in the way of protection, creating monopolies under charters, and +sometimes for subsidies. This was especially the case in Norwich, which +was made one of the royal cities of England, and had a market every day +in the week, as well as annual marts for all sorts of merchandise. The +manufacturers first sought and obtained protection for their trade under +charters. Hence arose a system which answered very well in the infancy +of society, but which became obsolete in the course of national +development, and the extension of commerce. + +Under the miserable rule of Charles I., the persecuting Laud succeeded in +driving back the industrious Dutch weavers to Holland, and causing others +to emigrate to America in order that they might enjoy religious liberty. +Thus the best workers were driven out of England, and a stimulus was +given to the Dutch worsted manufacture. The Commonwealth government +restored prosperity to trade, and established a corporation of fifty-four +persons in Norwich for the regulation of trade, which then flourished +exceedingly. + +In the reign of Charles II., we find that “Weavers’ Hall” is mentioned; +and though the king taxed the manufacturers, the Norwich workers +flourished: for Sir John Child, in 1681, declared that, “Such a trade +there is, and hath been, for the woollen manufactures, as England never +knew in any age.” Soon afterwards, Louis XIV. revoked the Edict of +Nantes, and tens of thousands of French Protestant weavers took refuge in +England, giving birth to the silk manufactures of Spitalfields, and +stimulating the trade of Norwich. These refugees introduced the +manufacture of crapes, which soon came into very general use for +mourning. + + +_The Eighteenth Century_. + + +Most of the manufacturers of this century were very intelligent men, who +had gone through the whole routine of their trade, and could do the work +in every process with their own hands. The worsted goods manufactured at +this time were calimancoes, plain, flowered, and brocaded; camlets and +camletees; satins and satinettes; brocaded satins, rosetts, brilliants, +batavias, Mecklenburghs, hairbines, damasks, duroys, poplins, prunells, +bombazines, serges, florentines, brilliantines, grandines, cameltines, +tabourtines, blondines, callimandres, and other fabrics, all in brilliant +colours. The greatest demand for these goods was from 1743 to 1763, a +period of twenty years. + +In or about 1776 Joseph and John Banfather made a few camlets, which were +woven grey, and after that, dyed of various colours, for a captain of an +East India vessel, who took them out at his own risk. About 1782, broad +bombazines were introduced by Ives, Son, and Baseley. About 1783, Irish +poplins or lustres were made by that firm. About 1785, spotted camletees +were introduced by William Martin. About 1788, single warp callimancoes +were made and continued for six years. + +Mr. James assures us that Norwich attained its highest prosperity during +the middle of the eighteenth century, so great was the energy and +fertility of resource displayed by its merchants. The worsted dyers of +the city were pre-eminent for skill, and their profits were great. The +city merchants sent travellers throughout Europe, and their pattern books +were shown in every principal town as far as Moscow. Norwich goods were +introduced into France, Spain, Portugal, Germany, and Poland, and there +was also a large trade with Russia. The great fairs of Frankfort, +Leipsic, and of Salerno, were thronged with purchasers of Norwich +fabrics. An _English Gazetter_ published before 1726, contains an +article on Norwich, in which the writer says:— + + “The worsted manufacture, for which this city has long been famous, + and in which even children earn their bread, was first brought over + by the Flemings in the reign of Edward III., and afterwards very much + improved by the Dutch who fled from the Duke of Alva’s persecution, + and being settled here by queen Elizabeth, taught the inhabitants to + make says, baize, serges, shalloons, &c., in which they carry on a + vast trade both at home and abroad, and weave camblets, druggets, + crapes, and other stuffs, of which it is said this city vends to the + value of £200,000 a year. + + “The weavers here employ spinsters all the country round, and also + use many thousand packs of yarn spun in other counties, even as far + as Yorkshire and Westmoreland. By a late calculation from the number + of looms at work in this city only, it appeared that there were no + less than one hundred and twenty thousand people employed in these + manufactures of wool, silk, &c., in and about the town, _including + those employed in spinning the yarn_, used for such goods as are made + in the city.” + +The writer of course means to include all the females who spun the yarns +in Yorkshire and Westmoreland, as well as in Norfolk and Norwich. Even +then, 120,000 people is an incredible number, for he states the value of +all the goods sold to be only £200,000 yearly, so that the people would +not earn £2 each per annum. + +So flourishing was the woollen trade in this city during the second half +of the eighteenth century, that on February 2nd, 1759, the wool-combers +testified their joy by exhibiting the pageant of bishop Blaise, who lived +under Dioclesian, A.D. 282, and was a great patron of woollen +manufactures. This prosperity was interrupted by a war; but on March +24th, 1783, the citizens were again entertained by the wool-combers’ +jubilee, on the return of peace, which had a beneficial effect on trade. +The most prosperous period appears to have been from 1750 to 1780. + +Mr. Arthur Young, in 1771, published his “Tour of England” in the form of +Letters, some of which relate to the eastern counties, and Letter XII. to +Norwich. It contains a curious statement, derived from some +manufacturers, respecting their trade. At that time, the population of +the city was about 40,000, mostly employed in manufactures, and the +merchants were rich and numerous. Mr. Arthur Young says:— + + “The staple manufactures are crapes and camlets, besides which they + make in great abundance damasks, satins, alopeens, &c., &c. They + work up the Leicestershire and Lincolnshire wool chiefly, which is + brought here for combing and spinning, whilst the Norfolk wool goes + to Yorkshire for carding and cloths. And what is a remarkable + circumstance, not discovered many years, is, that the Norfolk sheep + yield a wool about their necks equal to the best from Spain; and is + in price to the rest as twenty to seven.” + +Mr. Arthur Young further states that men, women, and boys earned about +five shillings per week, but that they could earn more if industrious, so +that wages were not higher a century ago than at present. In reference +to the exportation of goods, he observes:— + + “They now do not send anything to North America, but much to the West + Indies. Their foreign export is to Rotterdam, Ostend, Middleburgh, + all Flanders, Leghorn, Trieste, Naples, Genoa, Cadiz, Lisbon, + Barcelona, Hamburgh, all the Baltic except Sweden, and the East + Indies. + + “The general amount of Norwich manufactures may be calculated thus— + +A regular export to Rotterdam, by shipping every six £480,000 +weeks, of goods to the amount of yearly +Twenty-six tons of goods sent by broad-wheeled waggons 676,000 +weekly to London at £500 a ton, on an average, 13,000 +tons per annum, value +By occasional ships and waggons to various places 200,000 +calculated at + £1,356,000 + +Therefore the trade had increased in fifty years from £200,000, according +to the “English Gazetteer,” up to £1,356,000! + +Mr. Young further observes in reference to the estimates he had given:— + + “Upon a reconsideration of the table, it was thought that the + £676,000 by waggons was rather too high. Suppose, therefore, only + 10,000 tons, it is then £520,000, and the total £1,200,000! + + “Another method taken to calculate the amount was by adding up the + total sum supposed to be returned annually by every house in Norwich, + and this method made it £1,150,000. This sum coming so near the + other, is a strong confirmation of it. + + “A third method taken was to calculate the number of looms (in county + and city); these were made 12,000; and it is a common idea in Norwich + to suppose such, with all its attendants, works £100 per annum. This + also makes the total £1,200,000, which sum upon the whole appears to + be very near the real truth. + + “Respecting the proportion between the original material and the + labour employed upon it, they have a sure and very easy method of + discovering it. The average value of a piece of stuff is 5s.; so the + material is a tenth of the total manufacture. Deduct the £120,000 + from £1,200,000, leaves £1,080,000 for labour, in which is included + the profit of the manufacturer. + + “The material point remaining is to discover how many people are + employed to earn the public one million per annum, and for this + calculation I have one _datum_ which is to the purpose. They + generally imagine in Norwich that one loom employs six persons on the + whole; and as the number is 12,000 (in city and county), there are + consequently 72,000 people employed in the manufacture. And this is + a fresh confirmation of the preceding accounts; for I was in general + told that more hands worked out of Norwich, for many miles around, + than in it; and £1,200,000 divided by 72,000, gives £16 each for the + earnings of every person.” + +This, Mr. Young confesses, appears to be a large sum for men, women, and +boys to earn. The population of Norwich being then under 40,000, the +number of looms at the time Mr. A. Young wrote could not be 12,000, nor +the persons employed 72,000 in the city and county. Six persons to a +loom never were required at one time. The proportion was more likely +only half, or three persons to a loom. Consequently, the number employed +would be only 36,000 in both city and county. Divide £1,200,000 by +36,000, and it gives £33 for each adult yearly, including the profits of +the manufacturer. Deduct £200,000 for their profits, and it leaves +£1,000,000 for labour; divide that by 36,000 persons, and it leaves only +£28 each, yearly, which is nearer the mark. + +Mr. R. Beatniffe, a bookseller in Norwich, copied the statement of Mr. A. +Young, and published it in his “Tour of Norfolk.” He said some gentlemen +of intelligence had doubted it, as well they might, but he believed it +was true. However, in his last edition of the “Tour,” published in 1807, +he gave a very different account. He said that the merchant was shut out +of the home market by fashion and out of the foreign market by war, so +that the annual value of the goods was estimated at £800,000, and the +cost of labour at £685,000, leaving only £115,000 for the raw material + +Messrs. John Scott and Sons, were manufacturers of woollen and worsted +goods, in St. Saviour’s, from 1766 to 1800, and produced great quantities +of taborets, floretts, clouded camlets, for Italy; perukeens, +self-coloured camlets, for Germany; and other sorts for Spain. Some of +these camlets were eighteen inches wide, and the pieces twenty-seven or +thirty yards in length; some super camlets were twenty-four inches wide, +and thirty yards in length, according to the pattern books yet in +existence. These camlets were charged from 50s. to 100s. per piece, or +an average of 80s., as we have seen in old ledgers of the firm, still +preserved and in the possession of a manufacturer. + +Originally, all the yarns used in Norwich were spun by hand in Norfolk +and Suffolk, thus employing a large number of women, young and old. +About 1720, almost the whole female population of Norfolk and Suffolk was +fully employed at the spinning wheel, and this branch of industry +continued till the end of the century, and though 50,000 tons of wool +were produced, it was found necessary to draw supplies from other +districts. Before the end of the eighteenth century, mills were at work +spinning yarns, and in 1812, yarns from the mills in Lancashire were +brought here and spun in bombazines, which were dyed in various colours. + +The establishment of mills in Yorkshire, where coal, provisions, and +labour were cheaper than in Norfolk, gave a heavy blow to the trade of +the city, which would have been more severely felt, but for the +fluctuations of fashion having created a great demand for bombazines, for +which Norwich was famous. The Yorkshire workmen and the substitution of +machinery for female hands, reduced the manufacture of the old kinds of +goods to a low point, and the trade was chiefly maintained by the orders +of the East India Company for large quantities of camlets for the Chinese +market. + +Messrs. Willett and Nephew have old pattern books full of specimens of +shawl borders of very elegant designs; in fashion at the beginning of +this century. These patterns are an imitation of genuine Indian designs, +the pine-apple being prominent; but great improvements in the designs +were made by different manufacturers. Norwich shawls had formerly a high +reputation, and were in great demand in London and all large towns; but +ultimately French shawls were preferred, owing to the superiority of the +designs. + +At two general meetings of the manufacturers, held at the Guildhall on +December 14th and 21st, 1790, the prices for weaving were fixed and +printed in a list, comprising serges, prunelles, satins, satinettes, +camlets, camletines, florentines, brilliantines, grenadines, blondines, +tabourtines, callandres, &c. At a general meeting of the manufacturers, +held on June 13th, 1793, at the Guildhall, it was resolved unanimously +that they would supply the journeyman weavers they employed with havels +and slaies, free of charge, and without deduction from the prices +established in the table of rates fixed in the year 1790. The list +continued in force for some time, even into the next century. The +camlets made, excepting those for China, were thirty yards in length, and +about twenty-eight inches wide, with warp and wift dyed in the hank. +Millions of pieces of camlets were made for exportation, in which nearly +all the manufacturers were engaged. The orders of the East India Company +amounted to a very large sum yearly. Operatives earned 40s. for each +piece of camlet for the East India Company, or about £1000 weekly on that +single article. Those were the palmy days for the weavers; days that +will never more return. + +Towards the close of the century, the prosperity of Norwich really +declined. The towns of the West Riding of Yorkshire, as already stated, +became her successful rivals in worsted fabrics. The increase of cottons +and their general wear in England left Norwich dependent on the foreign +trade, which was partly ruined by the American war, and entirely so by +the war after the first French Revolution, which spread desolation over +all Europe. + + +_The Nineteenth Century_. + + +At the commencement of the present century, bombazines, camlets, and +mixed fabrics were the chief manufactures of Norwich. Soon afterwards +crapes were produced in large quantities. Paramattas were next +introduced, and in the course of time superseded bombazines for mourning. +“Poplins” then came into fashion, and the manufacture has so much +improved that the demand for this kind of goods has increased every year. +Poplins were followed by a long succession of mixed fabrics, barèges, +balzarines, gauzes, mousseline de laines, cotton de laines, llamas, +thibets, merinoes, lunettas, organdies, stuffs, cloths, velvets, lustres, +silks, satins, &c. The manufacture of shawls was also carried on +extensively, and for a long time Norwich shawls, for excellence of fabric +and elegance of design, were not surpassed by any made in England. A +great trade was done in shawls in Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, and other +large towns. The trade, however, gradually declined when French shawls +came into fashion. French goods of other kinds also grew in favour, and +affected the city trade in many textile fabrics. + +In 1829, on December 29th, a meeting of weavers was held on Mousehold +Heath to adopt means for keeping up the rate of payment, the operatives +asserting their right to combine to increase wages, as well as their +employers to combine to reduce them. The weavers were not paid by time, +but at a certain rate for piece-work of different kinds. The rate was +according to a certain printed scale, to which the operatives wished to +adhere, while it sometimes occurred that the manufacturers desired to +alter it. + +During the early part of the present century Messrs. Ives and Robberds, +of St. Saviour’s, carried on a large trade in worsted goods, chiefly for +exportation to India and China, and to different parts of Europe. The +goods made were all stout worsted fabrics, plain, checked, striped, or +figured, in vivid colours. They were camlets, camletees, satins, +satinettes, ladines, tabaretts, calimancoes, swan skins, broad bays, red +kerseys, diamantines, spotted tobines, batavias, hairbines, toys, +Rochdale bays, checked paolis, lustrins, dentellos, damasks, dorsettines, +poplins, serges, mazarines, and grenadines. The same firm received large +orders from the East India Company for camlets, in pieces 55 yards in +length, 30 inches in width, and weighing 20 lbs. each. Orders were +executed by various houses as follows:— + +_Year_ _Pieces_ +1812 22,000 +1813 22,000 +1814 12,000 +1815 10,400 +1816 16,600 +1817 15,200 +1818 15,200 +1819 15,640 +1820 16,000 +1821 11,000 +1822 14,300 +1824 10,000 +1825 11,012 +1826 13,000 +1827 none +1828 12,000 +1829 10,000 +1830 9,300 +1831 none +1832 5,000 + +In 1832 the East India Company suspended their orders, but Mr. Robberds +continued to export camlets from Norwich and Yorkshire to China in +exchange for tea, as follows:— + +_Year_ _Norwich_ _Yorkshire_ +1841 420 pieces 215 pieces +1842 2,760 ,, 200 ,, +1843 6,610 ,, 5,181 ,, +1844 13,170 ,, 7,928 ,, + +He also continued to make camlets for wholesale merchants in London till +1848, when he failed in consequence of losses, but afterwards joined a +partner in Halifax, and continued to produce large quantities of camlets; +but Norwich lost all the trade. + +Besides the camlets supplied to the East India Company, goods of the same +kind were made for private orders by all the manufacturers. During the +years 1830, 1831, and 1832, according to ledgers yet remaining, one firm +made about 7,000 pieces for private orders, and from 1833 to 1837 +inclusive, nearly 9,000 pieces. In 1833 and 1834, mohair camlets were +made by the same house to the extent of 6,000 pieces, being 22,000 pieces +in four years. Supposing a dozen other houses to have produced a like +quantity, the total would have been 66,000 pieces yearly. Messrs. Booth +and Theobald, in Muspole Street, were large manufacturers of worsted +goods, and at one time employed about 1,000 hands, men, women, and +children, in the production of worsted goods, including camlets, for the +East India Company. Mr. John Francis, of St. George’s, also made a +variety of worsted goods and other fabrics, employing a large number of +hands at one time. Messrs. Worth and Carter, in St. George’s Middle +Street, and Joseph Oxley and Sons, in St. Augustine’s, produced large +quantities of broad bombazines, which were gradually superseded by +paramattas, to which the ladies gave the preference. Both fabrics were +made of worsted and silk; the only difference was that they were +differently dressed, the paramattas being dressed flat by hot pressing, +which gave a greater flexibility to the cloth. Messrs. Wright and Son, +formerly on Elm Hill, at one time employed about 1500 hand-loom weavers +in the manufacture of plain and fancy fabrics, mostly mixed. + +Messrs. Grout and Co. began the manufacture of crapes in a small way in +Patteson’s Yard, in Magdalen Street. John Grout was then the principal +partner, but after the mills were built in Lower Westwick Street, having +realized a fortune, he retired from business. George Grout also retired +before 1840. Messrs. Martin and Company became the proprietors of the +mills, and after Mr. Martin died, the firm comprised Messrs. Brown, +Robison, and Hall, who now carry on a large trade in crapes, areophanes, +and gauzes. The machinery in use is of the most improved construction; +and in these very extensive works may be seen most of the processes +connected with the manufacture of silk goods. The silk is imported +chiefly from China and some from India, but a portion is also obtained +from Italy. The demand for crapes used in mourning has, however, a good +deal diminished. + +The Albion Mills, in King Street, were erected in 1836 and 1837, for the +spinning of worsted yarns, in consequence of the great demand in Norwich +and the difficulty found by manufacturers in obtaining the yarns which +they required for their trade. Mr. George Jay, owner of the mills, +erected new machinery. And after the trade in worsted yarns declined, he +imported mohair from Asia Minor, and commenced the spinning of mohair +yarns. He continued this business for some years, while mohair goods +were in demand. He added a new wing to the factory and put in another +steam engine, both the engines being of seventy-horse power. + +During the present century, large Mills have been built in this city for +the spinning of silk, woollen, and mohair yarns, and also for weaving +those yarns into all kinds of fabrics. In the year 1833, a company was +organised for those manufactures. A large capital of £40,000 was raised, +and ultimately two factories were built, one in St. Edmund’s and one in +St. James’. The former became a factory for spinning yarns, and the +latter for weaving goods. In St. James’ factory two coupled engines of +100-horse power were put up to drive the machinery. There the city +manufacturers hired the large rooms and power, and put in the machinery, +for the production of fabrics. + +The site of the factory comprises 1a. 2r. 18p., with a frontage of 460 +feet to the river. Above the basement are six long floors. There have +been sixty-five frames in the mills for spinning yarns, and 500 looms for +weaving fabrics; but the number of looms has been reduced to 300, and +they are not always at work. After the erection of the mills, weaving +sheds were built adjoining. The floors are now occupied as follows;—No. +1. Messrs. Skelton and Co; No. 2. Messrs. Towler, Rowling, and Allen, who +also hire two of the weaving sheds; No. 3. Messrs. Willett, Nephew, and +Co.; No. 4. Messrs. Skelton and Co.: Nos. 5 and 6. Mr. Park, for spinning +woollen yarns. Women and girls are chiefly employed in this factory. +About 1000 have been at work at a time, when trade has been good; but of +late, not half the number have been engaged. The average earnings have +been about 7s. weekly. + +In 1838, trade was in a very dull declining state, and some differences +arose between masters and men, in consequence of a proposed reduction in +the rate of payment. This was resisted by the men, who appealed to +Colonel Harvey to mediate between them, which he consented to do. A +meeting was held, and the delegates who had been sent on the part of the +weavers to the north to inquire into the state of the camlet trade, +reported that they had seen no camlets at all to compare with those in +Norwich. The north had, however, got the trade. The question remained +unsettled; but on August 27th, that year, several camlet weavers applied +to the magistrates for protection from the violence of those on strike. +Mr. Robberds was willing to give out work, but would not do so unless his +men were protected. The application was granted, and a strong body of +police was sent to the premises of Mr. Robberds, where the weavers +received their work, and they were protected in conveying it to their +homes. On the Tuesday following, the house of a man named Wells was +broken open and his work cut out of the loom. The city was much +disturbed by these differences, which ultimately produced great injury to +its trade. + +According to Mr. Mitchell’s report in 1839, there were in the city and +its vicinity 5,075 looms, of which 1,021 were unemployed; and of the +4,054 looms then at work, there were 3,398 in the houses of the weavers, +and 650 in shops and factories. Indeed, by far the greater part of the +looms belonged to families having only one or two. The operatives at +these looms comprised 2,211 men, and 1,648 women, with 195 children. In +that year two silk mills employed 731 hands; three worsted mills, 385 +hands; two woollen mills, 39 hands; and one cotton mill, 39 hands, making +eight mills, employing 1,285 persons. + +An abstract of a census of the Norwich weavers, furnished by a report of +the commissioners on handloom weavers, published in 1840, will best show +the nature and the relative amount of the fabrics then made by hand. +Bombazines employed 1,205 workers, of whom 803 were men; challis, +Yorkshire stuffs, fringes, &c., 1,247, of whom 510 were men; gauzes, 500, +chiefly women; princettas, 242, nearly all men; silk shawls, 166, of whom +74 were men; bandana, 158, of whom 86 were men; silk, 38, including 16 +men; jacquard, 30; worsted shawls, 26; woollen and couch lace, 22 each; +camletees, 20; horsehair cloth, 17; lustres, 3; sacking, 45. Total of +weavers 4,054, including 2,211 men, 1,648 women, 108 boys, 77 girls, and +10 apprentices. Their gross wages, when fully employed, have ranged from +8s. to 25s. weekly; those engaged on fillovers, challis, and fine +bombazines, earning from 15s. to 25s. weekly; but deducting “play time” +and expenses, the net wages did not amount to 8s. weekly. Mr. Mitchell +reported that the industry and morals of the operatives had suffered much +from party spirit, riots, and strikes. Of late years the workers at +their looms have been very industrious and quiet, while they have endured +great privations. Since 1840 a large number of the operatives have gone +into the boot and shoe trade, which offered better prospect of at least a +decent livelihood. + + +PRESENT STATE OF THE TRADE. + + +Most of the old worsted fabrics formerly made in such large quantities +have become obsolete, and lighter mixed fabrics are now produced in great +variety, in silk, wool, mohair or cotton, or composed of three or four +kinds of yarns. The goods are known under the names of cloths, kerseys, +linseys, winseys, coburgs, crapes, gauzes, nets, paramattas, camlets, +bareges, balzarines, grenadines, challis, llamas, poplins, poplinettes, +tamataves, optimes, crinolines, cloakings, and shawls in great variety. +Wool, mohair, and cotton yarns are chiefly used in most of the fabrics, +except crapes and gauzes. The larger proportion of the woollen yarns are +made here from English wool. Poplins are made of silk and worsted; +poplinettes, of silk and cotton; bareges, of silk and worsted; tamataves, +of worsted and cotton; grenadines, of twisted worsted and silk; coburgs, +of cotton and worsted; paramattas and bombazines, of worsted and silk; +llamas, of an inferior kind of wool with cotton warp; thibet cloths, of +worsted warp and weft; winseys and linseys, of worsted with cotton warp; +balzarines, with cotton warps and worsted shoot; malabars, of cotton warp +and woollen shoot, thirty-two inches wide. All the fabrics, however, may +be included under the three classes of tammies, tamataves, and nets. The +tammies are woven fabrics, in which the warp and the weft simply cross, +but in the nets there is a twist in the warp. The tamataves are partly +the tammy woven and partly the net. In former times the trade was +comparatively steady, because plain fabrics in single colours were more +in demand than any other; but of late years, this branch of business has +been very fluctuating, owing to the changes of fashion and the desire for +novelty, both in the fabric and in the pattern of every article. New +patterns are now, therefore, constantly being produced. All preparations +and processes are only for the coming season, and it is found necessary +to alter the pattern, the colouring, the finishing, and even the names of +the goods, to suit the markets. + +Mr. G. Jay is the largest manufacturer of mohair yarns in this city; and +in the years 1867 and 1868 he could not execute all the orders he +received. This arose from the great care bestowed on the preparation of +the material at the Albion Mills, in King Street, and from the softness +of the water which imparts a glossy, silky appearance to the yarns. +Mohair fabrics came suddenly into use, and for some years prior to 1860, +elegant tissues were produced here. These, however, soon went out of +fashion. All the yarns spun here are now sent to France and Germany, +where they are woven, with silk, into velvets, and then imported into +this country. The velvet jackets which are now in fashion have caused a +great demand for these yarns, and sixty-five frames at the Albion Mills +are constantly at work. We are only surprised that the yarns are not +used in the city in the manufacture of velvets, large quantities of which +are imported every year. + +Norwich was the first place in all England where the manufacture of +fillover shawls was carried on to any great extent. For a long time the +weaving of these shawls was a tedious, slow process. A great improvement +in the mode of weaving was, however, discovered by a straw-hat maker of +Lyons, named Jacquard, in the year 1802, by which means the drawboys were +entirely dispensed with and the tackle simplified. The new invention was +received as a boon in England, and at length was introduced into this +city, where it has been applied to the production of splendid fillover +shawls, by Clabburn, Sons, and Crisp. We regret, however, that these +elegant articles of ladies attire have recently gone almost entirely out +of fashion. + +The Late Mr. T. O. Springfield carried on the wholesale silk business to +a very large extent, having almost a monopoly of the market, and he +supplied with dressed silk almost all the manufacturers in this city. +This silk was very largely used by Grout and Co., in the manufacture of +crape, gauzes, aerophanes, &c., and by others in the working up of mixed +fabrics, especially bareges, grenadines, and various light tissues. The +same wholesale business is now continued by Mr. O. Springfield, in +Norwich and London. It is estimated that the annual value of dressed +silk used in this city is over £100,000. + +Messrs. Middleton, Answorth, and Co., have a large factory in Calvert +Street, another in Bradford, and a wholesale warehouse in London. They +formerly made all kinds of mixed fabrics in this city, and now they +produce large quantities of paramattas, grenadines, opera cloakings, and +fancy cloakings, hair cloth for crinolines, and curled hair for stuffing +sofas. Crinolines have been made in great quantities by this firm, the +warp being cotton and the weft horsehair. The demand for them has, +however, somewhat abated. This firm has largely increased their trade in +hair-cloth, which is used for general stiffening purposes. In the +southern states of America, the gentlemen wear large trousers, which +require to be expanded like ladies’ dresses; and, therefore, the larger +portion of these goods are sent to the southern states of America. The +same firm has also introduced haircloth in many patterns and colours for +covering furniture, in sofas, chairs, &c. There is an enormous +importation of horse-hair into England from Russia, and from the +continent of South America, where horses run wild in the great plains +called “Pampas.” The horses are caught and divested of their tails, +which are brought into this country in a very rough state; the hair is +dressed and woven into a variety of fabrics which are in great demand. +The trade in horse-hair cloth is almost a new trade in the city and might +be greatly extended. Some fabrics are made all horse-hair, and some +mixed with spun silk, in stripes, and colours, and very pleasing +patterns. + +Mr. J. Burrell has built a small mill near the Dereham Road, where he +carries on the manufacture of horse-hair cloth by means of peculiar looms +and machinery. He imports horse hair, and prepares it for stuffing seats +of chairs, sofas, &c. He also weaves horse hair into cloth for various +purposes. Mr. Gunton also carries on the same kind of manufacture in St. +Miles’; but the trade is yet on a small scale in this city. + +Messrs. Clabburn, Sons, and Crisp, in Pitt Street, manufacture shawls in +every variety, and also paramattas, bareges, tamataves, balzarines, +poplins, fancy robes, ophines, grenadines, and mixed fabrics generally. +The fillover long shawls produced by this firm, on a Jacquard loom, +gained the gold medal at the first Paris Exhibition, and also at the +London Exhibition in 1862. No description could convey an adequate idea +of these splendid fillover shawls, which are made by a patented process, +so as to display a self colour and a perfect design on each side. They +were on view at the Paris Exhibition, in 1867, but not for a prize, Mr. +W. Clabburn being selected as one of the judges, so that his firm could +not compete. + +Messrs. Willett and Nephew, of Pottergate Street, are manufacturers on a +large scale. The factory itself is not very extensive, for most of the +weavers work for the firm at their own houses; and there, in humble +dwellings, produce the beautiful fancy fabrics, which are destined to +adorn the daintiest ladies in the land. The extent of the operations of +this firm enables them to introduce a great variety of novelties in every +season, and thus to compete successfully with the manufacturers of +France. They were the first to introduce the manufacture of paramattas, +which superseded the bombazines, at one time in such great demand. They +produce superior poplins, (plain, figured, and watered) bareges, +balzarines, tamataves, coburgs, camlets, challis, crinoline, crêpe de +Lyons, grenadines, shawls, scarfs, robes, and also a great variety of +plain fabrics. They exhibited a large assortment of goods at the London +Exhibition of 1851, and received a certificate of “honourable mention” +for their paramattas, being the only award made for that article. +Messrs. Willett and Co. also received a silver medal at the last +Exhibition in Paris. In 1867, the same firm supplied some rich poplins, +which were selected for the queen and royal family, from the stock of Mr. +Caley, in London Street. Mr. Caley has always on hand a large stock of +Norwich goods, including shawls and fancy fabrics of the newest designs. +Visitors to Norwich should not fail to call at his establishment, if they +wish to carry away any idea of the productions of the old city. + +Messrs. C. and F. Bolingbroke and Jones, manufacturers of all kinds of +textile fabrics, carry on a large business in a building which was +formerly the city residence of the priors of Ixworth. On an old door, +which formerly opened into the prior’s hall, is the following inscription +in black letter on the transoms which divide the panels:— + + Maria plena, mater mic + Remembyr Wyllyá Lowth, Prior 18. + +William Louth was the 18th Prior of Walsingham, from 1505 to 1515. This +door has been noticed by Blomefield and others, but not correctly; Mr. H. +Harrod gave an engraving with description in his “Gleanings Among the +Castles and Convents of Norfolk,” (1857). John Aldrich, a grocer, +resided here prior to 1549. He was elected an alderman in 1544, sheriff +in 1551, mayor in 1558 and 1570, and member of parliament for Norwich in +1555, 1558, and 1572. He was buried inside of St. Clement’s church, on +the north side of the chancel, June 12th, 1582. His wife, Elizabeth +Aldrich, was buried there April 3rd, 1587. Messrs. C. and F. Bolingbroke +and Jones have almost rebuilt the house. They produce large quantities +of textile fabrics, including poplins (plain, figured, and watered) +paramattas, bareges, winseys, linseys, grenadines, and a variety of fancy +goods for dresses, which are in great demand. At the first Great +Exhibition of 1851 a medal was awarded to this firm for poplins, and at +the Great Exhibition of 1862 for poplins and poplinettes. In addition to +the old extensive premises, the firm, some time since, purchased the +steam-power mills in Calvert Street, and they also occupy a steam-power +shed at St. James’ factory. + +Messrs. Towler, Rowling, and Allen, of Elm Hill, occupy large rooms in +the new buildings adjoining St. James’ factory, where they produce large +quantities of plain and fancy goods, which have been in great demand. +They make also large quantities of plain fabrics, for wholesale houses +only. At the London Exhibition of 1862, honourable mention was made of +the shawls of this firm. + +Mr. J. L Barber has a large establishment in St. Martin’s Lane, where he +carries on business, making reels and winding cotton on them. He +supplies great quantities of cotton-thread to wholesale and retail +houses. + +Messrs. Sultzer and Co. carry on the manufacture of crapes to a +considerable extent in premises built for the purpose in St. Augustine’s. + +Messrs. F. Hindes and Sons, who have a warehouse in Botolph Street, +manufacture paramattas, bareges, tamataves, grenadines, poplins, shawls, +and cloakings. They hire a floor also in the steam-power factory. + +Messrs. French and Co. formed a Limited Liability Company, and built a +new factory in the Mill Yard Lane, where they manufacture crapes, which +are in great demand. + +Messrs. Grout and Co., manufacturers of gauzes, crapes, aerophanes, &c., +in addition to their mills in Norwich, have other mills at Yarmouth and +Ditchingham, and at Ponder’s End near London. Theirs is, in fact, the +greatest concern in the world in the production of crapes and other silk +goods. In their several mills they employ about 2000 hands. + +Mr. George Allen erected a large factory in 1857 in St. Stephen’s Back +Street, for the manufacture of elastic cloths for table covers, gloves, +shawls, and other clothing purposes, and for the production also of silk +and lisle webs. The elastic cloths, which are made upon warp frames, are +considered to be a great improvement on “Hooper’s Elastics,” made in the +west of England, and for wear they are believed to be unsurpassed. The +manufacture gives employment to a considerable number of hands. + +About 500 power looms are at work in the city, when trade is good, +weaving a great variety of mixed fabrics, and no doubt each loom does +double the work of the old hand-loom. Supposing each loom to produce one +piece of goods weekly, there would be 500 pieces weekly, or 26,000 pieces +yearly. The prices vary in value from £1 to £10 per piece, and may be +averaged at £5, so that the annual value would be about £130,000. But at +least 500 hand-looms are also at work, and supposing that they produce +half the quantity of goods, the total annual value would be £195,000, or +in round numbers £200,000. We are sorry to state, however, as already +intimated, that the manufacture of textile fabrics in Norwich has for +some time past been declining, and cannot compare with former years. The +depression has arisen from various causes, among which may be mentioned +war, which has deprived the city of its best markets. The introduction +of cotton and silk goods too has nearly superseded the old stuff fabrics +of the city. Machinery in Norwich is also behind that in the north. The +wool grown in Norfolk and Suffolk has, moreover, been sent to Yorkshire +to be spun, and has been repurchased as yarn for Norwich goods; and +lastly, Norwich weavers have not the energy of those in Bradford. +Fashion also has been one of the causes of the loss of trade, for the +fashions are continually changing, and Norwich firms have to compete with +all England, Scotland, and France; and it is not to be expected that a +few houses in this city will produce as many novelties as all the rest of +the world. A School of Art has been established, but it has not yet +produced many practical designers. + + + +CHAPTER II. + + +HAVING given an account of the textile manufactures in this city, we +proceed to furnish some particulars of the more important of other +classes of business, which go to make up the sum total of the trade and +commerce of the city. + + +THE BANKING BUSINESS. + + +Banking, as now understood, was not carried on till the eighteenth +century. Before the American war of Independence very few country banks +were established. Norwich manufactures were in their most prosperous +state in the middle of last century, and then it was that some banks were +established in this city. On January 31st, 1756, a bank was opened in +the Upper Market by Charles Weston, who carried on business till the end +of the century. In 1768, Mr. Thomas Allday’s bank was opened; afterwards +Sir R. Kerrison and Son were proprietors, and in 1808 the bank failed. +The debts amounted to £460,000, and the dividends paid amounted to 16s. +4d. in the pound. This was the first bank failure in Norwich of any +importance, and it shook public confidence in banks. + +Messrs. Gurney’s bank was established in Norwich in 1775 as a bank of +deposit and issue. This was at a period the most flourishing in the +commercial annals of Norwich. The annual value of textile fabrics +produced in the city was over a million sterling, a trade which was of +course a great source of business to the bank. Henry Gurney, and his son +Bartlett Gurney, were the first proprietors. On the death of the father, +the son associated himself with his three brothers, Richard, Joseph, and +John Gurney; so the firm continued till the deaths of the different +parties. About 1825, Mr. H. Birkbeck, of Lynn, and Mr. Simon Martin were +taken in as partners. The firm then comprised R. H. Gurney, J. J. +Gurney, D. Gurney, Simon Martin, and H. Birkbeck. After J. J. Gurney and +S. Martin died, the firm comprised D. Gurney, J. H. Gurney, H. Birkbeck, +F. H. Gurney, and C. H. Gurney; and W. Birkbeck came in after the death +of his father. The bank at Norwich has in its connection branches at +North Walsham, Aylsham, Holt, Dereham, Fakenham, and Attleborough. At +Yarmouth the firm, until lately, comprised D. Gurney, J. H. Gurney, H. +Birkbeck, T. Brightwen, and J. H. Orde. This branch has in its +connection other branches at Lowestoft, Beccles, Bungay, Halesworth, +Saxmundham, Eye, and Stowmarket. At Lynn the firm, until lately, +comprised D. Gurney, J. H. Gurney, H. Gurney, H. Birkbeck, S. Gurney, and +F. G. Cresswell, and this bank extends to Downham and Swaffham. + +The members of the several firms are now as follow: + + NORWICH AND NORFOLK BANK. +Henry Birkbeck. Francis Hay Gurney. +William Birkbeck. Henry Ford Barclay. +Samuel Gurney Buxton. John Gurney. + YARMOUTH AND SUFFOLK BANK. +Henry Birkbeck. Henry F. Barclay. +S. G. Buxton. John Gurney. +Thomas Brightwen. James Henry Orde. + LYNN AND LINCOLNSHIRE BANK. +Daniel Gurney. Henry Birkbeck. +Somerville Arthur Gurney. H. F. Barclay. +S. G. Buxton. Francis Joseph Cresswell. + +The Crown Bank, in King Street, Norwich, was opened on January 2nd, 1792, +as a bank of deposit, discount, and issue. The original proprietors were +Messrs. Hudson and Hatfield, and the first bank was in the Haymarket. +About forty years since the proprietors were Charles Saville Onley, Sir +Robert John Harvey, Anthony Hudson, and Thomas Hudson. They then +employed only seven clerks, and now thirty clerks are employed at the new +bank. On January 13th, 1820, a circular was issued by A. and T. Hudson, +stating that it was with great regret that they announced the death of +their friend and partner, Mr. Robert Harvey. Owing to his death, his +brother, Mr. Charles Harvey, and Sir Robert John Harvey, his nephew, were +added to the firm. Before 1820, Mr. Onley withdrew. Mr. T. Hudson and +Mr. A. Hudson died, and before the end of the Russian war, Sir Robert +John Harvey died. The present proprietors are Sir Robert John Harvey +Harvey, Bart., Crown Point, and Roger Allday Kerrison, Esq., who lives at +Ipswich. They have lately built a very handsome bank in the Corinthian +style of architecture, on the Castle Meadow, and it was opened in +January, 1866. At first the Crown Bank had only three agents in the +eastern counties, but the number has gradually increased to thirty. The +firm purchased the large business of Messrs. Taylor and Dyson at Diss. +This was an important addition, the Diss bank having extensive +connections in Norfolk and Suffolk. + +In 1806, Messrs. Starling Day and Sons were bankers, in Pottergate +Street, afterwards in the Market Place, in the court adjoining the +Chronicle Office; and on December 16th, 1825, the bank stopped. In 1806, +T. Bignold, Son, and Co. were bankers in Briggs’ Street, but did not long +continue in business. The Norfolk and Norwich Joint Stock Bank was +established in 1820, in Surrey Street. This bank consisted of a small +proprietary, and the business, after the loss of the whole share capital, +was disposed of to the East of England Joint Stock Company, in 1836. +That company carried on business in the Haymarket till 1864, when the +bank failed. The sad event was the cause of much misery in the city and +county; and many persons who had been in comfortable circumstances were +entirely ruined and left destitute. The proprietors lost all their +capital, and were called upon to liquidate heavy liabilities besides. +There has not been much over trading in the eastern counties, and the +failure of the East of England Bank should be a warning to other joint +stock banks, which ought to be the safest if well managed. The business +of the East of England Bank and the premises were purchased by the +Provincial Banking Corporation, limited, and that company now carries on +business in the Haymarket. + +About 1838, Mr. Balls opened a bank for deposits, in the Upper Market. +He carried on his business through the house of Sanderson in London. +Sanderson failed for £365,000, but afterwards paid 20s. in the pound, and +had £20,000 to spare. Mr. Balls gave up his bank in Norwich, in 1847. + +The Consolidated Bank arose from a union of the banks of Hankey and Co., +and Hayward, Kennard, and Co., London, and the bank of Manchester. They +were amalgamated in 1863, under the name of the Consolidated Bank, with a +branch in London Street, Norwich. The Company gave up this branch, and +the handsome new premises in London Street were taken by the National +Provincial Bank, which has been established since 1833. + +Country banks are all of them banks of deposit and discount; they act as +agents for the remittance of money to and from London, and for effecting +payments between different parts of the kingdom. Nearly all of them are +also banks of issue, and their notes are, in most cases, made payable to +some bank in London, as well as at the place where they are issued. A +moderate rate of interest, from 2 to 2½ per cent, is allowed by country +bankers on deposits which remain with them for any period beyond six +months. Some make this allowance for shorter periods. Where a depositor +has also a drawing account, the balance is struck every six months, and +the interest due on the average is placed to his credit. On drawing +accounts, a commission, usually an eighth per cent, is charged on all +payments. The country banker on his part pays his London agent for the +trouble which he occasions, either by keeping a certain sum of money in +his hands without interest, or by allowing a commission on the payments +made for his account, or by a fixed annual payment in lieu of the same. +The portion of funds in their hands arising from deposits and issues, +which is not required for discounting bills and making advances in the +country, is invested in government or mercantile securities in London, +which in the event of a contraction of deposits, can be made immediately +available. + +The agriculture of the eastern counties, the most productive in England, +is the foundation of their industrial prosperity, and the chief source of +business to the banks in the market towns. It is well known that since +the commencement of this century, by means of an improved system of +husbandry, the agricultural resources of the district have greatly +increased, as has also the annual value of the produce in cattle, sheep, +horses, pigs, and corn. The various branches of industry and +manufactures carried on in Norwich and the county are also, of course, to +be reckoned amongst the sources of the banking business. + + +WHOLESALE CLOTHIERS. + + +Mr. Dyer, in White Lion Street; Messrs. Riches and Skoyles, Davey Place; +Mr. Womack, Dove Street and Lobster Lane; and Messrs. Steward and Son, +Tombland; occupy extensive premises, where garments are made for men and +boys by the use of machines, and are disposed of wholesale to retail +clothiers all over the district. The introduction of sewing machines has +given a great impulse to this trade, and garments of all kinds and sizes +are produced here as good in quality and as low in price as they can be +obtained in any part of the kingdom. + +A minute’s walk from the Market Place, in Bethel Street, are the steam +clothing works and warehouses of Messrs. F. W. Harmer and Co. Between +200 and 300 persons are employed by this firm in the manufacture of boys’ +and men’s clothing; their goods are sold wholesale only, and are made for +what is technically called the “home trade.” In this establishment the +different processes of cutting, sewing, making button holes, &c., which a +few years since were performed by hand labour, are now principally done +by machinery worked by steam power, to the advantage both of the hands +employed and the consumers of the goods. + + +WHOLESALE BOOT AND SHOE TRADE. + + +This trade dates from the commencement of the present century; and for +some time it was confined to goods for the home market. In 1800, Mr. +James Smith began the trade, which was afterwards enlarged by the late +Mr. Charles Winter, who carried on a great business, both for the home +market and for exportation to the colonies. On the death of that +gentleman the concern passed into the hands of Messrs. Willis and +Southall, under whose able management the reputation of the old house is +fully sustained, and whose goods command a ready sale both at home and +abroad. The quality of the goods is now much improved, and large +quantities are exported to the colonies. + +Formerly, all boots and shoes were made by hand only, and consequently +there was a great difference in the quality of the work. The operatives +used to take their work to their homes. They received so many dozen +uppers from the warehouses and returned them finished, and were paid +according to quality and quantity. The late Mr. C. Winter first made use +of sewing machines, for the uppers of boots and shoes, about 1856. +Afterwards American machines were introduced, to sew the soles to the +uppers. + +About eighteen years since, the manufacturers began to make goods for +exportation to Canada, to the Cape of Good Hope, to India, and Australia. +This export trade was carried on to a large extent, from 1856 till 1866. +Mr. C. Winter sent large quantities of goods to Canada and India, and the +other manufacturers to Australia. A number of emigrants, however, went +into the trade in Australia, and the local parliament imposed a duty of +25 per cent. on English-made goods, which stopped the trade, so that of +late, very few Australian orders have been received in this city. +Notwithstanding this drawback, the boot and shoe trade has become a very +extensive and important branch of industry in Norwich, and about 3000 +hands are employed in the manufacture. Hitherto it has been confined +chiefly to women and children’s goods, but men’s boots have been made to +some extent, and there is no reason why the trade should not be greatly +increased. Machines, as we have said, have been introduced in the +various processes of manufacture, and steam power has been applied to the +machines in two large factories, where vast quantities of goods are +produced. The result has been not to diminish but to extend the number +of hands, and to increase the rate of payment. + +The hand machines now in use are chiefly those of Thomas, Singer, or +Howes. About 400 machines are at work daily in the warehouses, and 200 +in private houses. In two factories, large American machines are used +for attaching the soles to the uppers at the rate of a pair per minute. +By means of these machines, a pair of boots may be cut out, and the +uppers, after fitting, sewn together and finished in an hour; and the +work, moreover, is better done by the use of machines than it usually is +by hand. Three operatives are required for each machine, two fitters and +one machinist. + +When trade is good, about 3000 men, women, and children, are employed in +the manufacture, either in the warehouses or in their own homes. The +operatives may be divided into one-third men, one-third women, and +one-third children. They will produce, with the aid of machines, about +1000 dozen pairs of boots and shoes daily. The quantity will therefore +be 6000 dozen weekly, and taking the average price at 40s. per dozen, the +value would be £12,000 weekly. Supposing the trade to continue brisk for +fifty weeks in the year, the annual value would be £600,000. + +During the year, 1868, trade was very prosperous, and manufacturers +received more orders than they could execute. The quantities before +stated may be doubled for that year; and at least 6000 men, women, and +children, were employed. Their production, with the aid of machines, has +been about 2000 dozen pairs of boots and shoes daily, or 12,000 dozen +pairs weekly, so that the weekly value has been £24,000, or £1,200,000 +yearly. Norwich does not transact a hundredth part of this branch of +trade in England, and, therefore, it may be increased to an indefinite +extent. + +The principal firms in the trade in 1868, were Messrs. Tillyard and +Howlett, on St. George’s Plain; Mr. Kemp, in Pitt Street; Messrs. Willis +and Southall, who occupy very extensive premises in the Upper Market; Mr. +Hotblack, St. Faith’s Lane; Mr. Lulham, Fishgate Street; Mr. Ford, St. +George Colegate; Mr. Homan, Theatre Street; Mr. Bostock, Swan Lane; Mr. +Steadman, Bethel Street; Messrs. Barker and Gostling, Wensum Street; Mr. +Haldenstein, Queen Street; Messrs. Gamble and Davis, Calvert Street; Mr. +Smith, Calvert Street; Mr. D. Soman, Calvert Street; Mr. Base, in +Prince’s Street; Mr. Copeman, St. Stephen’s; Mr. Horne, Charing Cross; +Mr. Worledge, Magdalen Street. + + +MUSTARD, STARCH, AND BLUE WORKS. + + +The Carrow Works have been greatly extended since the brief notice in the +first part of this history was written, and we are now enabled to give a +fuller description. Messrs. J. and J. Colman employ about 1200 men and +boys in the production of mustard, starch, blue, paper, and flour. By +the use of machinery of the most improved construction, and by selecting +seed of the finest quality, the firm produces mustard which cannot be +surpassed in purity and flavour. This mustard obtained the only prize +medals awarded for the article at the Great Exhibition in London, 1862, +and Dublin, 1865, and the only silver medal at Paris, 1868. The firm +also obtained medals for starch at the Great Exhibitions in London, 1851 +and 1862; Dublin, 1865; York, 1866; and Paris, 1868. + +Carrow Works are situated just outside of the King Street Gates of the +city, on the banks of the river Wensum, which is navigable for vessels of +about 120 tons. Lines of railway are laid down in various directions +through the premises connecting all the principal warehouses with the +Great Eastern Railway at Trowse. Thus Messrs. Colman have every facility +for receiving the raw material, and for disposing of the manufactured +goods by land or water conveyance. The machinery used is very extensive, +and sixteen engines are now employed, amounting altogether to 1000-horse +power. + +On entering the works we pass the timekeeper’s office, and observe on the +right hand a large range of brick buildings. Here is the mustard mill, +and amid all the noise within we are shewn the process by which the +well-known condiment, mustard, is produced in such immense quantities, +and in the greatest perfection. The mustard seed, which is grown +extensively in some parts of this country, is crushed between iron +rollers, and is then pounded in large mortars, a long row of which stand +on one side of the mill. The pestles consist of long wooden rods with +heavy balls of iron. They are set in rapid motion by means of steam +power, and the mustard seed is speedily reduced to the condition of flour +and bran. These are readily separated, and the flour is brought to the +requisite quality by means of silk sieves, which vary in fineness +according to the quality of the mustard to be produced. These sieves are +loosely arranged in frames, and set in motion by means of revolving +shafts. Two kinds of seed, the brown and the white, are thus crushed, +pounded, and sifted. The brown is far more pungent than the white; but +in order to produce a flavour relished by consumers, it is necessary to +mix these two kinds, and it is the judicious mixture which gives the fine +aromatic flavour of the mustard for which the firm is celebrated. + +Adjoining the mustard mill is the packing floor, where a great number of +men and boys are employed in putting the mustard into tins of various +shapes and sizes, and adorning them with the handsome labels which are so +generally exhibited in grocers’ windows everywhere, for the demand for +this mustard is universal. + +Leaving the mustard mill we enter the starch works, which seem to be +still more extensive. The process of making starch is carefully +explained to us. After the grain has been moistened with a solution of +caustic soda, it is passed into the mill, where it is mixed with water +and ground in its wet state between mill stones; from each pair of which +continually runs a stream of pure white liquid, resembling thin paste. +This liquid is placed in large iron tanks called “separators,” a +considerable quantity of water is added, and the whole is well stirred +for some time. It is then allowed to settle, and the various particles +of husk, gluten, &c., sink slowly and form a thick deposit at the bottom. +The water with the starch in solution is then drawn off and pumped up +into immense shallow vats, several sets of which, placed over one +another, occupy the whole of the upper part of the building. In the +course of two or three days the liquid in the shallow vats gradually +deposits the starch held in solution, when the water is drawn off, and +the starch is taken out and placed in long narrow boxes filled with holes +and lined with cloth. It remains in these boxes for some time in order +that the moisture may gradually drain out and the starch consolidate. As +soon as it is sufficiently hardened, the starch is taken out and divided +into blocks, each about six inches square, and put into stoves and +exposed to a temperature of about 140 degrees; after which it is cleaned, +papered, and again placed in stoves, where it remains till it is +gradually crystallized, when the process of manufacture is complete, and +the starch is ready for sale. + +We now walk across to the other side of the premises and enter a long row +of workshops, where a great number of men and boys are employed in making +tin-packages for the mustard. Passing by long ranges of coopers and +carpenters’ shops, we soon come to a large square block of buildings +called the “blue factory.” Here the indigo is mixed with the finest +starch, water is added, and the whole is ground in a moist state by large +heavy mill stones, till it resembles a very thick, dark blue paste. It +is transferred by means of a steam hoist to the upper part of the +building, where it is received and quickly manipulated by a number of +girls, who divide it into small cakes and stamp it with wooden stamps of +various devices, from which it is called “Stamp Title,” “Lion,” &c.; or +they work it into balls, on which they leave the impressions of their +finger and thumb, when it is called “Thumb Blue.” We learn from the +workers that the great art of blue making consists in drying it +carefully, so that the lumps or cakes may harden without cracking. We +walk through many rooms, almost in the dark, for the window shutters, +which are closed, are so constructed as to regulate the temperature, and +we have just room to pass between large tiers of racks filled with wooden +trays, on which the lumps and cakes of blue are placed in order that they +may dry gradually. + +We next take a peep at the paper mill, and admire the beautiful machinery +which rapidly transforms any quantity of dirty rags into a thin milk-like +pulp, and then into solid quires and reams of paper, all cut and ready +for use. As we pass we look into the engineers’ shop and wonder at the +variety of the machinery there, capable of operating on the hardest +steel, and of planing, cutting, punching, or drilling it with the +greatest apparent ease; and we learn that most of the machinery is made +and repaired on the premises. + +We are at last taken to the luncheon kitchen, in which a good lunch or +dinner is provided, consisting of as much hot meat and potatoes as any +man can eat, for threepence. Many of the men and boys gladly avail +themselves of this kitchen, and obtain a good meal without leaving the +works. + +On leaving the yard we ascend the hill and observe a handsome +school-house, built in the Gothic style, and we learn that it was built +by Messrs. J. and J. Colman for the children of the working-people in +their service. The school comprises several class-rooms, and is fitted +up with every convenience. + + +THE IRON TRADE. + + +Coal and iron form the basis of our industrial system in this island, but +neither of them are produced in the eastern counties, which are, for the +most part, purely agricultural. Iron manufactures have, however, arisen +since the commencement of the present century, chiefly for agricultural +purposes. Norwich cannot boast of concerns so extensive as Messrs. +Ransome and Sims, of Ipswich; or Messrs. Garrett, of Leiston, in Suffolk; +but several firms here employ large numbers of mechanics in the +construction of engines, machines, and implements of every sort. + +Dr. William Fairbairn, in his “History of Iron,” mentions five distinct +epochs: the first dating from the employment of an artificial blast, to +accelerate combustion; the second marked by the use of coke in the +reduction, about the year 1750; the third dating from the introduction of +the steam engine, on account of the facilities which that invention has +given for raising the ores, pumping the mines, supplying the furnace with +a copious and regular blast, and moving the powerful forge, and rolling +machinery; while the fourth is indicated by the introduction of the +system of puddling and rolling; and the fifth and last—though not the +least important epoch in the history of iron, is marked by the +application of the hot blast, an invention which has increased the +production of iron four-fold, and has enabled the iron-master to smelt +otherwise useless and unreducible ores. It has abolished the processes +of coking and roasting, and has afforded facilities for a large and rapid +production, far beyond the most sanguine anticipations of its inventors. +Some manufacturers, taking advantage of so powerful an agent, have used +improper materials, such as cinder heaps and impure ores, and by unduly +hastening the process, have produced an inferior kind of iron. + +Nearly all the iron manufacturers in Norwich, Norfolk, and Suffolk, are +founders, and make their own castings for engines, girders, and machines +of every kind. The principal firms in this district are Messrs. Ransome +and Sims, before named; Messrs. Garrett, of Leiston; Mr. Turner, Ipswich; +Messrs. Woods, Cocksedge, and Warner, Stowmarket; Mr. C. Burrell, of +Thetford; and Messrs. Barnard, Bishop, & Barnard, Mr. W. S. Boulton, Mr. +Smithdale, and Messrs. Holmes and Sons, of Norwich. These great firms +send their productions all over the civilised world. + +The important works of Messrs. Barnard, Bishop, and Barnard, of Norwich, +are situate in St. Michael’s Coslany, and cover an area of one acre, next +the river Wensum. Entering from Coslany Street, the new counting house +is joined on the right by a suite of offices, and on the left by the +smith’s shop, which is backed by fire-proof workshops, seventy-five feet +in length, and five stories in height. The large foundry is at the east +end of the works. A tramway runs from Coslany Street into the interior, +permeating the premises. About 400 men and boys are employed in the +production of wire-netting, fencing, garden chairs, stands, machines, +lawn mowers, gates, and every kind of horticultural implements. A glance +at the operations of the firm will, doubtless, be interesting to our +readers. One of the most important is the production daily of many miles +of wire-netting, made by curious machinery. The strained wire fencing is +made on the best principle, the bases of both the straining pillars and +standards being entirely of iron; and after a test of more than thirty +years, it has been found very superior, both as regards durability and +appearance. Messrs. Barnard, Bishop, and Barnard are also makers, on a +large scale, of bedsteads, mangles, cooking ranges, kitcheners, &c., &c., +&c. + +This firm, the founder of which was Mr. Charles Barnard, a man of modest +demeanour, but possessed of considerable inventive genius, will live in +history as the manufacturers of the celebrated “Norwich Gates,” exhibited +in 1862. These were designed by Mr. Thomas Jekyll of this city, and by a +county subscription were, in November, 1864, placed at the entrance to +the park at Sandringham, the residence of the Prince of Wales. During +the Exhibition of 1862, these marvellous productions attracted great +attention. The _Times_, of April 7th, after alluding to works of a +similar character, said:— + + “In our judgment, however, the design of these latter is scarcely + equal to that of the beautiful wrought-iron park gates, which are + being erected, as a principal nave trophy, by Messrs. Barnard, + Bishop, and Barnard.” + +These were adjudged to be the best in the Exhibition. The same firm also +produced very elegant gates, which were exhibited at the Paris +Exhibition, in 1867, and greatly admired for the beauty of the design and +perfect workmanship. These gates were only thirteen feet wide, and seven +feet in height, but they occupied forty of the best workmen from morning +till night for three months, at a cost of £750 in wages. These gates +were quite unique in design and workmanship. There was not a touch of +the chisel. The hammer did all the work in the most perfect manner. + +In conclusion, we may state, that after a minute examination of the +productions at these works, we feel convinced that articles can now be +executed in metal, which surpass the doings of past ages; and that the +labour, combined with the intelligence of this 19th century, when +skilfully directed, is quite equal to that of the mediæval period. + +Mr. W. S. Boulton, who occupies extensive premises in Rose Lane, is a +manufacturer of agricultural and horticultural implements; also of +strained wire fencing, iron hurdles, park gates, garden chairs, iron +bedsteads, kitchen ranges, hot-water appuratus, &c. He produces every +kind of railing and palisading in great variety, and he put up the iron +palisading round Chapel Field, which is a great ornament as well as +protection to the ground. He also supplies a great variety of useful +machines, such as mincing and sausage machines, and almost all articles +made of iron. + +Messrs. Riches and Watts are engineers and machine makers, at Duke’s +Palace Iron Works. They are builders of condensing engines, vertical +cylinder engines, and steam thrashing machines; and are also makers of +American grist mills, corn mills, mills for grinding linseed, &c., +cultivators, pumping machinery, iron field rollers, and all kinds of +implements. + +Messrs. Holmes and Sons, engineers, on the Castle Hill, are makers of a +great variety of machines and implements which have gained many prizes at +different Agricultural Exhibitions. The firm have also been very +extensively engaged for thirty-five years in the manufacture of drills. +During this period, every practical improvement has been introduced, +adapting them to every description of soil, simplifying the different +parts, and decreasing the working expenses for the renewal of wearing +parts. These drills stand unequalled for simplicity, durability, and +efficiency, and are of lighter draft than others, owing to the position +of the coulters and levers. More than 4000 of these drills have been +sent out. The premises of this firm are well situated close to the +cattle market, and have been considerably enlarged. The new show rooms +in the Market are nearly opposite to the entrance to the Castle. +Entering the works from the high road, we may first inspect the foundry, +containing an enormous crane and three cupolas. Adjoining the foundry +are the stoves for small castings, and above it the pattern-makers’ shop. +Returning to the yard, we may enter the erecting and fitting shop. The +drill-fitting shop and the thrashing-machine shops are admirably adapted +for their intended purposes. About a hundred hands are employed in the +works. + +Mr. Thomas Smithdale has a very large establishment at St. Ann’s Staithe, +King Street, on the site of an ancient monastery, remains of which still +exist next the river. In the large foundry, castings of iron are made, +up to ten tons; and the workshops contain the heaviest machinery in +Norwich. Mr. Smithdale builds engines from three to a hundred horse +power; and he makes also hydraulic presses, cranes, crabs, mill works, +planing, shaping, and drilling machines, and boilers of all sizes. + +Mr. Reeve, in Pitt Street, is a manufacturer of improved kitchen ranges +of various sizes, which have been in great demand. + + +MANUFACTURING PUBLISHERS. + + +Messrs. Jarrold and Sons have, for the last twenty years, been engaged in +the production of first-class educational books, in science, history, and +penmanship, which are used in schools in Great Britain and her Colonies. +They also produced the well-known Household Tracts and other works, +bearing on social, moral, and sanitary subjects. All are printed and +bound in their recently-erected workshops in Little London Street. They +have also a publishing house at No. 12, Paternoster Row, London. + + +WINE, SPIRITS, AND BEER. + + +Norwich merchants carry on a great wholesale business in wines and +spirits. The principal firms are Messrs. Barwell and Sons, London Street +and St. Stephen’s; Messrs. Norgate and Son, St. Stephen’s; Messrs. +Geldart, in Wensum Street; the Wine Company, in St. Giles’ Street; Mr. P. +Back, Market Place; Mr. R. J. Morley, Post Office Street; and Mr. J. +Chamberlin, Post Office Street; all of whom keep large stocks of wines +and spirits. + +The brewing business is greatly extending in Norwich. Norwich brewers +produce pale ales, which claim to be equal to the Burton, and dispose of +100,000 barrels of London porter yearly. Messrs. Seaman and Grimmer, +though not producers, do an enormous trade, and bring in, through +Yarmouth, about 14,000 barrels of London porter yearly, and send them all +over the city and county. + +Messrs. Patteson and Co. produce 100,000 barrels of ale and beer yearly; +Messrs. Bullard, 60,000 barrels; Messrs. Morgan, 30,000; Messrs. Young +and Co., and other brewers, about 40,000. The annual value of their +productions is at least £500,000. + + +WHOLESALE DRAPERY. + + +This trade is largely carried on by Messrs. Chamberlin & Sons, Mr. G. L. +Coleman, Mr. Rackham, Mr. Henry Snowdon, and a branch house of Messrs. +Copestake and Moore, of London. Their trade is in cotton, linen, +woollen, and silk goods, plain and fancy fabrics, which are supplied to +shopkeepers all over the eastern counties. They bring goods from all the +manufacturing districts, and supply them on terms quite as advantageous +as the London houses. These goods are chiefly of Scotch, Yorkshire, or +Lancashire manufactures, and not produced in Norwich. + +Messrs. Chamberlin and Sons, a few years since, rebuilt their premises in +the Market Place, which are an ornament to the city. This is the largest +establishment for drapery in the eastern counties. On entering the +premises from the Market Place, the retail department presents, in all +its arrangements, a thoroughly complete place of business. The wholesale +and other departments above are very extensive. In the basement of the +premises is the wholesale Manchester room, 180 feet in length, for linen +goods, blankets, and flannels. There is a separate entrance, in Dove +Street, to the extensive woollen cloth department. The carpet room is 44 +feet long and 40 feet wide. + + +WHOLESALE GROCERY. + + +The wholesale grocery trade is carried on to a large extent by Messrs. +Bream and Bennett, Mr. W. Belding, Messrs. Butcher and Nephew, Messrs. +Copeman and Sons, Mr. H. Freeman, Mr. R. Fisher, Messrs. Newson and Co., +and Messrs. Pratt and Hancock. This trade disposes of the bulk of the +heavy goods brought to the city and sent away from it. The following is +the return of the goods, inwards and outwards, for the year ending June, +1867:— + +Goods inwards by river 60,000 tons +,, Thorpe Station 30,000 ,, +,, Victoria ,, 22,661 ,, +,, Trowse ,, 17,616 ,, + 130,277 tons +Goods outwards by river 100,000 tons +,, at Thorpe 53,000 ,, +,, at Trowse 20,434 ,, +,, at Victoria 7,534 ,, + +CIGARS AND TOBACCO. + + +The manufacture of tobacco was introduced into Norwich in 1815 by Mr. +Curr, formerly of St. Andrew’s. Since then the trade has gradually +increased, and the various kinds of shag, twist, and cavendish, are now +produced to the extent of between 100,000 and 200,000 lbs. yearly, by Mr. +Newbegin of Bridewell Alley, and Mr. Kitton on the Dereham Road. + +The only cigar manufacturers are Messrs. Adcock and Denham, of Post +Office Street, and Mr. Stevens, Back of the Inns. Messrs. Adcock and +Denham, are the largest makers in the Eastern Counties, and employ a +considerable number of hands. At their establishment may be seen tobacco +from various countries, and the curious enquirer will learn, no doubt +with surprise, how many distant spots of the earth are laid under +contribution to supply the demand which exists for the fragrant weed in +the form of cigars—the importations being, amongst other places, from +Columbia, Cuba, Havanna (in Cuba), Japan, Latakia, Manilla, Mexico, +Paraguay, Porto Rico, &c. The operations, too, are interesting, though +not easily described. From the case or bale in which the tobacco +arrives, it passes into the hands of the person whose duty it is to +soften it—a process which requires great skill and care; for the leaf is +generally dry and brittle, and has to be shaken and well separated before +the softening can be properly effected. The leaf, having been rendered +sufficiently pliable, is next passed over to the “strippers,” whose work +is to draw out the thick stem which traverses it from end to end. Then +it has to be sorted—the light from the dark, the coarse from the fine—and +laid in proper order for the “makers,” who with almost magical rapidity, +and by the exercise of great nicety of judgment and manipulation, convert +it into cigars of any required size, shape, and weight. + + +UPHOLSTERY. + + +There are several large workshops in this city, for the manufacture of +every kind of furniture and cabinet work; and in these, some hundreds of +skilled artisans are employed. Among the principal establishments may be +mentioned those of Messrs. Trevor & Page, Post Office Street; Mr. C. J. +Freeman, in London Street; Messrs. John Crowe and Sons, in St. Stephen’s +Street; Messrs. Robertson and Sons, Queen Street; and Messrs. Drew and +Corrick, in St. George’s Middle Street. All these establishments supply +the best articles for furnishing a house or mansion. The historian who +might wish to describe the familiar habits and usages of the present +times, could not do better than spend a few hours in our large upholstery +warehouses, where may be seen every kind of furniture, from articles +which contribute to our homeliest comforts, to others which please the +eye by their beauty and good taste. These may be found grouped together +in profusion, making the impression on the mind that this must be a +wealthy district to require the vast stores of goods kept in Norwich +warehouses; but so it is, as every one knows who has visited the +dwellings of many of our rich citizens. Luxuries are enjoyed by the +well-to-do classes of to-day, which could not be found in baronial halls +a few centuries ago. + + +CARRIAGE MANUFACTURES. + + +There are several large builders of carriages, gigs, carts, phaetons, +&c., in this city, including Messrs. Jolly and Son, St. Stephen’s Street; +Mr. Thorn, St. Giles’ Gates; Messrs. Howes, Chapel Field; Mr. Harcourt, +Chapel-Field Road; Messrs. J. and J. Howes, Red Lion Street; Mr. W. H. +Howes, Prince of Wales’ Road; Mr. Rudling, St. Martin’s at Palace. Mr. +Thorn’s “Norwich Car” and “Norfolk Shooting Cart” are well known all over +England. Messrs. Jolly build every sort of useful and fancy vehicle in +the best possible style. We cannot here pretend to tell how much the +construction of carriages has been improved in the present century, as +compared with the old lumbering vehicles formerly in use. Suffice it to +say, that by the application of science, English carriages have become +the best in all the world. + + +BRUSHES AND PAPER BAGS. + + +Messrs. S. D. Page and Sons have built a large warehouse in the +Haymarket, where they employ upwards of 100 hands in the manufacture of +brushes for wholesale trade. They are also extensively engaged in the +paper trade and in the manufacture of paper bags by very interesting and +curious machinery worked by steam power, and by which each bag is pasted, +folded, cut, and completed in the machine with astonishing rapidity. +Three such machines, and several hands, are employed. The bags are made +of various sizes and qualities of paper, adapted for the general use of +grocers, drapers, confectioners, &c. + + +FLOUR MILLS. + + +Besides the steam flour mills at Carrow works, which produce about 1500 +sacks of flour weekly, there are mills in St. Swithin’s and Hellesdon, +which also produce enormous quantities. Messrs. Barber and Sons are the +owners of the water mills at Hellesdon, and the steam flour mills in St. +Swithin’s. The old water mills in St. Swithin’s, the property of the +corporation, are in the occupation of Mr. Wells, and are in active +operation. There are also many wind mills in the neighbourhood, and +water mills abound. + + +PAPER MANUFACTURE. + + +This business is carried on, as before stated, at Carrow works, but the +largest mills are at Taverham, a few miles from Norwich. At these mills, +vast quantities of paper are produced yearly, of various kinds and +qualities, including broad sheets for several influential newspapers. +The trade has been greatly increased since the repeal of the duty on +paper; but the increase here is nothing to what it has been elsewhere, +since the daily newspapers have reached a circulation of hundreds of +thousands per day. + + +THE SOAP TRADE. + + +Another branch of business, arising from productive industry, is that in +soap, of which Mr. Andrews, of Fishgate Street, is a large manufacturer. +Within the Norwich Excise Collection, there are several soap makers, who +produce immense quantities of an article which is used in the silk, +woollen, linen, and cotton manufactures, as well as for domestic +purposes. About 300,000,000 lbs. are produced yearly in the Norwich +Excise district. The repeal of the duty upon this useful article must +have greatly increased the consumption. + + +THE COAL TRADE. + + +About a dozen Norwich merchants carry on a considerable trade in coal. +They receive coal inward by river 70,000 tons, by railway 62,000 tons; in +all, 132,000 tons annually. The conveyance, at 6s. 8d. per ton, will be +£44,000; and the total value, at 20s. per ton, will be £132,000. The +principal merchants are Messrs. J. and H. Girling, Mr. Dawbarn, Mr. +Pointer, Mr. Coller, Mr. Jewson, and others, who now bring coal by +railway from the central coal fields. + + +CATTLE FOOD AND MANURE. + + +A very extensive business in artificial food for cattle has sprung up of +late years, but as yet there are only two or three firms engaged in the +trade in Norwich. Mr. John Ketton has mills near Foundry Bridge, where +he produces about 200 tons of cake weekly, for fattening cattle. The +linseed or other seed is crushed by immense circular stones, turned by +ingenious machinery. The oil, thus squeezed out, is of great value, and +the refuse is made into cake for fattening cattle, and sold at £8 per +ton. The oil is of equal value. Messrs. Gayford, Kitton, and Co., have +mills at St. Ann’s Staithe, King Street, and produce 100 tons of cake +weekly. These two firms, therefore, produce about 300 tons of cake +weekly, or 15,600 tons yearly, the whole value being £124,800. The oil +being of equal value, the total trade amounts to £250,000 a year. Other +city merchants, not producers, send away about 100 tons a-week. + +The late Mr. William Stark, of this city, was an eminent chemist, and the +first who produced bone manures. His son, Mr. M. I. Stark, continues the +same manufacture of manures, made from steamed bones under a process by +which all their gelatinous and fertilizing properties are converted into +the most suitable form for application to the land. He also produces +large quantities of cake, made from linseed and beans. This new article +of artificial food has given great satisfaction. The mills are at Duke’s +Palace Bridge, Norwich, and Rockland St. Mary. Mr. Reynolds and Mr. +Parker also produce other kinds of artificial manure in large quantities. + + +CATTLE AND CORN. + + +These trades properly belong to the county, but the transactions in the +city are on a large scale. The cattle trade is the great trade in the +eastern counties, and more especially of Norfolk. A vast amount of it is +transacted on the Castle Hill, greatly to the benefit of the city, as it +gives employment to a large number of poor people, and brings custom to +many inns, taverns, and business establishments. Norwich Cattle Market +is now one of the largest in England, taking the whole year round, and it +is rapidly increasing. The following returns show the extent of the +trade in the city and county. The traffic at Trowse Station, from June +1866 to June 1867, was as follows:— + +Cattle inwards 57,058 +Sheep ,, 76,154 +Pigs ,, 9,855 Total 143,067 +Cattle outwards 35,083 +Sheep ,, 59,063 +Pigs ,, 12,493 Total 106,639 + +Most of these animals are brought to or sent away from Norwich Market. + +There are twenty acres of layers belonging to the railway company round +Trowse Station, and about one hundred acres of layers close by belonging +to private parties. These layers are generally covered with cattle and +sheep during the season, from August till November. The valleys of the +Yare, the Bure, and the Waveney, afford almost unlimited pastures for any +number of cattle and sheep, and the greater part of the lean stock sold +on Norwich Hill are brought to be fattened on those pastures. In short, +the cattle trade on the Great Eastern lines has been greatly increasing, +and is now the largest on any system of railways in England. + +Norfolk ranks the fourth in extent, as compared with other counties in +England, and eighth as regards population; and it is well known, that +since the commencement of this century, the resources of the county, in +regard to the production of corn, have been greatly increased by an +improved system of husbandry. Over a million acres are under +cultivation, including 200,000 acres of commons and sandy heaths, which +have been inclosed of late years. In 1831, the average yield of wheat +was three quarters per acre; but there has been an increase of thirty per +cent, since that period. + +According to the inspector’s returns of sales of corn in the Norwich +Exchange, the quantities and prices have varied greatly in different +years, since 1845. In the year ending October 11th, 1845, the quantity +of wheat sold was 150,226 qrs., but after the repeal of the corn laws, +the quantity was gradually reduced to the year ending October 3rd, 1868, +when it was 65,903 qrs. Since 1855, the quantity of barley sold yearly +has varied from 120,000 to 177,000 qrs.; and in the year ending October +3rd, 1868, it was 166,796 qrs. Average prices per qr. for 1868. Wheat, +66/9½. Barley, 42/8¼. + + +THE CARRYING TRADE. +(_By water_.) + + +The river Wensum flows for a distance of 30 miles from Rudham to Norwich, +and winding round the city, flows into the Yare at Trowse. The Yare +winds through the eastern division of the county for 36 miles to +Yarmouth. The Waveney flows into the Yare at Reedham, and the Bure at +Yarmouth. The three rivers, Yare, Bure, and Waveney, are 200 miles in +length, and afford means of water conveyance from the city and all parts +of East Norfolk to Yarmouth haven. The inhabitants of that town have +made no fewer than seven havens, one after the other, at a cost of +millions of money,—enough to have formed the piers and quays of solid +granite. + +We have already given an account of the proceedings of the corporation of +Norwich respecting the improvement of the navigation from this city to +Yarmouth and Lowestoft, between 1820 and 1840, and, therefore, will not +go over the same ground again. We need only add that the improvement has +been continued both by the authorities of Yarmouth and Lowestoft, that +the channel over Breydon has been deepened to seven feet at low water, +and that a handsome bridge has been built at Yarmouth, allowing of the +free ebb and flow of the tidal waters. The harbour at Lowestoft has also +been kept open, and the navigation from that port to the city is still +carried on by means of wherries and other vessels. These wherries are +peculiar to the rivers of Norfolk and Suffolk, and those used on the Yare +carry from fifteen to forty tons, drawing from three to four feet of +water. The mast is balanced by means of lead, so that one man can raise +and lower it, and on this the sail is hoisted, being extended by a gaff. +These vessels are well adapted for the windings of the stream, and are +generally navigated by two hands, one of them being often a boy, or the +wife of a waterman. The corporation has jurisdiction on the river from +Hellesdon Bridge to Hardley Cross, a distance of twenty-four miles. +This, however, does not interfere with the rights of landowners on the +banks, all of whom have their respective free fisheries, &c. Ten bridges +cross the river in its passage through the city and its suburbs. + +Norwich and Yarmouth must ever be united in the carrying trade by water, +as the river Yare flows into the sea. From the statements already made, +it will be seen that for centuries past Yarmouth has been the chief port +of the city and county; that from the city, and various towns in East +Norfolk, vast quantities of goods have been annually conveyed along the +Yare, Bure, and Waveney, to that port, to be thence shipped to all parts +of England; and that Norwich merchants have brought in the larger +proportion of their goods _viâ_ Yarmouth. + +In 1866, an act, the 29 and 30 Victoria, c 242, was passed for “the +conservanity and improvement of the port and haven of Great Yarmouth, and +the rivers connected therewith, also for the levying and abolishing of +tolls and duties, and for other purposes.” This was the last Yarmouth +Port and Haven Act, and under it, the tolls have been increased on all +vessels coming to Norwich. By clause 144, it was enacted that, “From and +after the 25th day of March, 1867, all monies received from time to time +by the Norwich corporation in respect of the Norwich tolls, shall be +applied by that corporation as follows:—First, in payment of interest on +the £4000 secured on the Norwich tolls, or so much thereof as from time +to time remains secured thereon; and after and subject to that payment. +Secondly, in payment of a compensation to the Norwich corporation for the +abandonment and cesser of the Norwich tolls, during the term of seven +years, commencing on the 25th day of March, 1867, in sums decreasing £100 +yearly, from £700 to £100. Thirdly, on payment of the principal of the +mortgage debts of £4000, or of so much thereof as from time to time +remains secured on the Norwich tolls.” + +Thus, the Norwich tolls will be extinguished in seven years from March, +1867; in 1874. + + +(_By Road and Rail_.) + + +Roads and railways are as necessary as rivers for the carrying trade, and +even more so. Formerly, roads were the chief means of transit, and the +great roads in the eastern counties were among the best in England. The +Romans made all the great roads from Norwich to Ipswich, Colchester, and +London; also from Norwich to Newmarket and London; and many others. + +After the commencement of the railway system, the merchants of Norwich +and other towns felt that they must be placed on an equality with other +parts of the kingdom. Various lines of railways were therefore +projected; acts of parliament were obtained; and the Eastern Counties +from London to Colchester, the Eastern Union from Colchester to Ipswich +and thence to Norwich; the Norfolk from Yarmouth; Norwich to Brandon and +thence to London; and the East Anglian lines, were made and opened. +Afterwards the East Suffolk line was opened from Yarmouth to Beccles, +Bungay, and Ipswich. The Norfolk line was opened in 1845, and caused an +entire change in the carrying trade of the district. The quantity of +goods sent along the line to London was soon 100,000 tons yearly, and +great quantities were sent by way of Ely and Peterborough to the large +towns in the north of England, from which also goods are brought to +Norwich. It is evident, therefore, that a vast amount of traffic, by sea +or land, was transferred to the railway. Goods which, prior to the +opening of the line were forwarded by road from Norwich into the interior +of the county, were sent by railway as far as Thetford, and thus escaped +the tonnage dues; and when the branch lines were opened from Lowestoft to +Beccles and Reedham, and from Wymondham to Dereham, Fakenham and Wells, +there was a still greater diversion of the traffic. Large quantities of +coal were sent by railway direct to Dereham, which soon became a depôt +for central Norfolk. From all the towns along its course, the new line +took the greater part of the carrying trade. It was soon a prosperous +line, and proved to be of great commercial advantage to the city. + +The opening of all the new lines immediately caused coaches to be +discontinued, and threw a deal of shipping out of employment at Yarmouth, +Lynn, and Wells. By railways large quantities of corn and malt were sent +to various towns that used to be sent by sea. Goods, too, from all parts +of the north of England were brought by railway into Norfolk and Norwich. +For a long time the chief part of the salt of England was produced in +Cheshire and sent down the river Weaver, which flows into the Mersey at +Liverpool, whence it was transhipped to Yarmouth, where the consumption +is immense, not less than 10,000 tons yearly being used for curing fish. +The greater part of the salt then used in the eastern district was sent +from Yarmouth through Norfolk and Suffolk by river conveyance; but since +the opening of the line from Ely to Peterborough, large quantities have +been sent by railway from Stoke Works, in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, to +any station along the lines at the rate of a penny per ton per mile. +Thus large supplies of salt have been brought to the city and county. +What has taken place in regard to the trade in salt is only one example +of what has occurred in reference to the trade in any other kind of heavy +goods. The Norfolk main line was not laid out so much with a view to the +through traffic from any town to London, as to catch the traffic from the +city and county to the Midland and Northern Counties, by way of Ely and +Peterborough; and this object was completely attained, greatly to the +advantage of the city and county. + + * * * * * + +We subjoin a summary of the carrying trade for 1866–7. + +Goods carried by river inward 60,000 tons +Coal ,, ,, 70,000 ,, +Goods ,, Thorpe Station 30,000 ,, +Coal ,, ,, 17,000 ,, +Goods ,, Victoria Station 22,661 ,, +Coal ,, ,, 25,349 ,, +Goods ,, Trowse Station 17,616 ,, +Coal ,, ,, 16,706 ,, + 259,322 ,, + +Goods outward by river 100,000 tons +,, at Thorpe 53,000 ,, +,, at Trowse 20,434 ,, +,, at Victoria 7,534 ,, + 180,968 ,, + +Cattle inward at Trowse 57,058 +Sheep ,, ,, 76,154 +Pigs ,, ,, 9,855 + 143,067 + +Cattle outward at Trowse 35,083 +Sheep ,, ,, 59,063 +Pigs ,, ,, 12,493 + 106,639 + +Tonnage return of goods, coal, and fish, received at and forwarded from +Southtown Station, East Suffolk railway, from July 1866, to July 1867. + + Tons +Goods outwards 8,965 +,, inwards 10,306 +Fish outwards 15,207 +Coal ,, 122 + Total outwards 24,294 + Total inwards 10,306 + 34,600 + +The return for Vauxhall Station at Yarmouth, Norfolk railway, for the +corresponding period, gives the following results. + + Tons +Goods outwards 23,116 +,, inwards 14,817 +Fish outwards 8,014 +,, inwards 148 +Coal outwards 8,423 +,, inwards 910 + 32,328 + +Tonnage return for Lowestoft, for the year ending June 30th, 1867. + + Tons +Goods inwards 11,513 +,, outwards 9,069 + 20,582 +Fish inwards 42 +,, outwards 9,561 + 9,603 +Coal inwards 2,179 +,, outwards 13,979 + 16,158 + Total received 13,736 + Total forwarded 39,036 + Total traffic 52,772 + +Thus, it appears that a large proportion of the carrying trade of Norfolk +and Suffolk is through the ports of Yarmouth and Lowestoft. + +The goods sent away from Norwich by river, roads, and railways, consist +of yarns, which are produced here in large quantities, textile fabrics of +every description, boots and shoes to the extent of 12,000 dozen pairs +weekly, brushes, manufactured goods of every sort, corn, malt, beer, oil +cake, cotton cake, linseed oil, mustard, starch, flour, paper, general +drapery, grocery, and printed books. About 15,000 tons of cake for +fattening cattle are sent away yearly, and distributed over the eastern +counties. The goods brought into Norwich consist of raw materials of +every kind, stone, timber, iron, coal, corn, vast quantities of grocery +and drapery, wines, spirits, ales, porter, fruits, fish, game, &c., &c. + + + + +PART IV. +POLITICAL, ECCLESIASTICAL, RELIGIOUS, & EDUCATIONAL + + +CHAPTER I. +Political History. + + +WE have already recorded the chief political events of the last century, +and we shall now proceed to connect it with the present period by a brief +review of political meetings and elections. An account of all the +contested elections, in full detail, would be highly interesting if it +could be written, but unfortunately the local records are very imperfect +and unreliable. The public journals have been, of course, biassed by +party considerations, and from them it is impossible to derive an +impartial account. + +The English parliament has now attained the patriarchal age of 600 years. +The latest researches confirm the conclusions of the earlier historians, +that the year 1265 is the date of the first regal summons convoking the +great council of the nation, at least in its complete form, on a muster +of lords, spiritual and temporal, knights of the shire, and +representatives of cities and boroughs; and throughout the whole +sexcentenary period which has elapsed, the estates of the realm have been +convened at frequent intervals to advise the sovereign on national +affairs. Parliament gradually effected great advances in the cause of +liberty; for, at the time of granting taxes and aids, they generally +coupled such concessions with important provisions for the good of their +fellow-citizens and the community at large. + +Henry IV. directed a writ to the bailiffs by which four citizens of +Norwich were ordered to be returned to Parliament; but, the attendance of +members being then _paid for by their constituents_, the expense was an +object, and they therefore made interest to get the members reduced to +two only. Under the old charters of the city the freemen were entitled +to vote for members of parliament and members of the corporation; and +householders were not included in the list of voters till the Reform Act +of 1832. The old freemen, therefore, formed the greater part of the +constituency, and in the course of time became a very corrupt body here, +as well as in all other corporate towns. By the act of 1729, it was +provided “that at every election for burgesses in parliament, every one +that votes must swear that he hath been admitted to his freedom twelve +calendar months before that election, and that he hath not been polled at +that election before, or in case of an election of two members, but for +one person.” The Reform Act of 1832, however, extended the franchise to +£10 householders in towns, and gave them a preponderating power in +parliament. + +For many centuries the House of Commons represented only the landed +interest, and nearly all laws were in favour of the land-owners, who, +under pretence of protecting native industry, enacted laws to prevent or +to limit the importation of foreign corn. The great land-owners in the +House of Lords had their nominees, too, in the House of Commons, and +ruled the entire country. + +The first Revolution in France produced a wonderful effect on the +political and religious worlds. In the year 1790 commenced those great +and important events in France, which laid the foundation of the long war +that afterwards raged between that unfortunate empire and this country, +and which almost ruined Norwich. Party spirit here began to rage with +increased violence. The Tories were vehemently against the Revolution, +and the Whigs were equally earnest in its favour. It is well known, +indeed, that the unparalleled convulsions on the continent extended their +influence to England and Scotland, and raised a storm, although not so +disastrous, yet scarcely less permanent. The jealousies of government +had been excited to an unreasonable height, and the suspension of the +Habeas Corpus Act furnished the ministers with an opportunity of +gratifying all their revenge on political opponents. England, in short, +by the base, suspicious, and mean conduct of her rulers, became for a +short time the land of persecution and oppression. Many of the most +respectable men were imprisoned on frivolous charges, while others were +accused of high treason; and though acquitted by juries, yet imprisonment +injured their health, distressed their families, and exhausted their +property. These disgraceful transactions continued for some time, and +roused a strong feeling of indignation against the government of the day. + +Mr. Mark Wilks, a Baptist preacher in this city, of whose history we have +already given some extensive details (see p. 482), made himself very +prominent as an advocate of the Revolution, and of radical principles. +On July 14th, 1791, he preached two political discourses, before crowded +congregations, in defence of the Revolution in France, and these +discourses had a marked effect in the city; and he became a very active +political partizan, both in the city and county. He took a great +interest in Hardy and his associates, who had become involved in debt by +the great expenses of their trial. He instituted a subscription in all +parts of the kingdom to assist the sufferers; and on April 19th, 1795, he +preached two sermons in Norwich, in which he exposed with great severity +the injustice of the measures adopted against them, and vindicated their +characters and conduct. The collections, after the sermons, amounted to +a large sum. In one of his sermons, he said:— + + “In favour of Mr. Windham’s acquitted felons, (Thomas Hardy, John + Horne Tooke, Bonney, Kidd, Joyce, Holcroft, Richton, and Baxter, and + all their supposed associates in guilt), we may adduce their + peaceable and orderly demeanour in all their public and private + transactions. By whatever names men are called, whether loyalists or + republicans, whether Reevites or Jacobins, I will venture to say that + friends of anarchy are foes of society, and ought to be considered as + wolves scattering the shepherd’s flock, and dealt with accordingly. + But have we seen one atom of licentious wantonness, one spark of + civil discord in these friends of reform? No! the peaceable and + orderly deportment of these societies has been sufficient to convince + every unprejudiced mind how much they have acted under the influence + of that wisdom which cometh from above, which is in its nature + peaceable, and productive of good fruits. + + “The Jacobins in this city—and except at Paris there can have been + none greater—have given repeated demonstrations of their love of + peace. At a time when the starving poor felt an iniquitous + disposition to riot; when the friends of freedom were represented as + having formed a design of regulating markets, dividing farms, and + equalising property; and when the imbecile farmer credulously imbibed + the representation, the affiliated societies in this city published + this resolve, ‘_That if any member should break the peace by the + violation of existing laws_, _he should not only be excluded_, _but + delivered up into the hands of justice_.’ No exclusion, however, has + taken place in consequence of this resolution; and the reason has + been obvious—there has been no offence. The traitorous conspirators + (so called) in this city can call upon the Right Hon. W. Windham to + bear testimony to their love of peace. The opposition he experienced + last July, he very well knows arose from no personal disrespect, nor + from any view of incompetency on his part in point of talents, but + from a love of peace and an inveterate hatred of this accursed war. + Mr. Windham very well knows, that when he appeared in the character + of a true patriot, when it was his creed that ‘The influence of the + crown had _increased_, was _increasing_, and ought to be + _diminished_;’ when he avowedly acted as a spy on the executive + government; when he was found to be the vigilant guardian of the + life, liberty, and property of his constituents; when no horrid + imprecation from his all-erring lips had blasted our commercial + interests; when he had not learned to calumniate his constituents and + to impute the blackest crimes to the friends of his country; when he + had not apostatized from the sacred path marked out by a Hampden’s + and a Sydney’s blood; when he had not frowned on freedom and preached + the doctrine of extermination, he was respected—yes, loved; at least + by one, who has offended his best friends, sacrificed his interest, + and endangered his life to procure his present elevation. Mr. + Windham knows that he was never despised by the Whig interest in the + city, till he appeared in the character of a war minister, and the + enthusiastic abettor of the most disgraceful and perilous measures + ever pursued by weak and wicked men. Perhaps Mr. Windham may boast + that his friends in Norwich are not diminished, that he found as many + last July as he was wont to find. True, but where did he find them? + Where public money had paved his way! At the Back of the Inns, among + flannel-waistcoat manufacturers, in the precincts of the Cathedral, + and in many places and connexions where, on former occasions, he + would have been ashamed to have sought them. Here are those who by + the possession of places, contracts, promises, expectations, and + anticipations, are influenced to vote for all the measures of + government, right or wrong; and those who, connected with the above + description, are pleased with their prosperity and rejoice to see + them fatten, though on the public spoil. + + “Those, too, are to be met with here, who under the influence of + superstition and prejudice tremble for the safety of _Church and + King_. Nor are we without those brainless Gallios, by whom men and + measures are never weighed; who, devoid of sense and negligent of the + means which might make them wise, always see with the eyes of others, + and bow obsequious to their lordly wills. To the credit of the + nation, however, at the late election, a fifth class of citizens was + found, a class of freemen who, though called Jacobin levellers, could + not countenance a man of blood. These, averse to coercive measures, + averse to violence, averse to war, averse to the annihilation of + commerce, and alike averse to a nation’s ruin, turned their eyes to a + friend of peace; and in the person of Mr. Mingay found an unsullied + blank, on which 770 freemen wrote their protest against the measures + of the administration, the commencement and continuance of a dreadful + war. Let me ask Mr. Windham, let me ask the world, who are the best + men, the advocates of negociation, who wish to overcome evil with + good, or those who destroy the world by casting about firebrands, + arrows, and death? If the former, I will then assert that the + reputed conspirators are of that description, and deserve the + character of the best of men. + + “When the friends of freedom met to celebrate the deliverance of the + acquitted felons, had the duke of Portland known their character, our + present worthy mayor would have received no orders from his grace’s + office to parade the streets with constables to preserve the peace. + Had no curry-favour sycophant, no worthless candidate for the + receiver generalship, endeavoured to excite the jealousy of his + grace, the mayor would not have been necessitated to do what to him + was unpleasant, or of vindicating in his letter to the duke, which to + his honour he did, the injured character of his fellow-citizens. + + “Thank God! the traitorous conspirators need no militia, no barracks, + no standing army, no royal proclamations, no suspension of the Habeas + Corpus, to keep them quiet. Men of principle detest tumult; and in + their love of order and of peace, they find a restraint more powerful + than any government can impose. From their peaceful habitations the + savage whoop has not been heard; they have not assailed their quiet + neighbours, nor burnt the dwellings of God or man. But can this be + fairly said of their accusers? Have no anarchists, rioters, and + levellers been found among them? (alluding to events at Birmingham). + Ah! had that been happily the case, thy streets, O Birmingham, had + never been lighted by the rioter’s torch! nor Thy temples, blessed + God, reduced to ruins! Bigotry and persecution had not deprived us + of the most splendid talents, nor had philosophy been forced to seek + an asylum under calmer skies! Had the vain, the greedy, the + ambitious candidates for honour and emoluments in the army, the navy, + and the church been under the same influence that has governed the + hearts and directed the conduct of the friends of freedom, the + destroying sword had been lodged in its peaceful scabbard, there to + have slept an eternal sleep.” + +The preacher proceeded in the same eloquent manner to denounce the war +and its advocates, and to defend the friends of freedom and peace, who it +appears were numerous in this city, and who formed various associations +of, what was deemed, a radical character. The Tories also had their +political clubs under various names, and held weekly or monthly meetings +at different hotels or taverns. The Eldon Club, formed and named in +honour of Lord Eldon, is the only one that now remains, and the members +have long held their meeting at the Bell Inn, on the Castle Hill. For +some years the growing feeling here in favor of various pluses of reform, +manifested itself chiefly in contests for the representation of the city; +but gradually, public meetings and petitions to parliament became more +and more frequent, and during the few years which preceded the great +Reform Bill, were very numerous and often very excited. Amongst the +first subjects which called forth the indignant protests of the citizens +was that of the corn-laws. On Jan. 12th, 1815, a county meeting was held +at the Shirehall, when it was unanimously resolved to petition parliament +to take the corn-laws into consideration, on account of the depressed +prices of agricultural produce. The bill, fixing the protecting price of +wheat imported at 80s. per qr. and barley at 20s. per coomb, was this +session enacted. On February 8th, at a numerous meeting held at the +Guildhall, the mayor, (J. W. Robberds,) presiding, it was resolved to +petition the House of Lords against the bill, which had then passed the +House of Commons. The petition was signed by 13,000 citizens, but it +passed the House of Lords, and received the royal assent. Great +excitement prevailed, and on March 17th, Thomas William Coke, Esq. and +Lord Albemarle, both Liberals, were attacked by the populace, at the +cattle show, and pelted with stones, in consequence of the support which +they had given to the corn-laws. Fortunately, they escaped to the Angel +Inn (now the Royal Hotel), and afterwards from the city, but the tumult +raged so highly, that the riot act was read, and the Brunswick Hussars +were called out to quell the disturbance. + +In the following year (1816) the attention of the citizens was turned to +the question of Parliamentary Reform, and on the 14th October, a common +hall was held for the adoption of a petition in its favour. Mr. Edward +Taylor moved the adoption of the petition, and after congratulating the +meeting on having a representative, in the person of Mr. Smith, who was +an able and constant friend of the liberties of the people and of +Parliamentary Reform, he reminded the audience that it was in vain for +members of parliament to attempt to stem the torrent of corruption, +unless the people supported them. The people had been long inactive, but +he hoped to see the spirit of zeal and energy on behalf of this great +cause revived, and extend itself to the verge of the island; and that +petitions on the same principle as that about to be adopted by the +present meeting would be sent to the legislature from every part of the +kingdom. Mr. Firth had objected to the time as inappropriate. This he +(Mr. Taylor) regarded as the old Pitt cant, according to which it always +appeared that there were two seasons when any attempt to reform +parliament was improper; the former of these was a state of war, when it +was said that the ministers had something else to do besides redressing +public grievances; the other was a state of peace, when the objection was +that, all things being quiet, it was best not to disturb them. He (Mr. +Taylor), however, affirmed that it was no less the duty than the right of +the people of this country to call loudly for reform, especially at a +time when their burdens and distresses were so great. Surely they were +justified in asking for retrenchment in the public expenditure, when Lord +Bathurst alone took more of the nation’s money, than was sufficient to +maintain the poor of Norwich for a year. There was a long black list +exhibiting many more such; while, at the same time, our trade was +stagnant, and our poor rates increasing; and, therefore, he asked boldly +whether such persons as these, who were taking the public money, ought +not to be called on to disgorge some of the plunder. The petition was +adopted by acclamation, and then Mr. William Smith, M.P., for Norwich, +addressed the audience, approving of its prayer. + +Mr. E. Taylor attended many meetings elsewhere in favor of Reform in +Parliament. He took a very active part in local politics and was the +life and soul of his party at contested elections, whether for the city +or the council. He never connived at bribery or any improper practices. +On one occasion, during the excitement of a parliamentary election, a man +named Bradfield, a working brazier, was offered £30 to vote “orange and +purple.” Though sadly in want of money, he steadily refused the tempting +offer, which was repeatedly pressed upon him, and he voted +“blue-and-white!” The result was that he lost his employment, and fell +into great distress. Mr. Taylor having heard of the circumstance, +interested himself on behalf of the honest voter, and promoted a +subscription, by means of which he was furnished with tools, and enabled +to begin successfully on his own account. Many years afterwards, Mr. +Taylor, meeting him in the street, offered him the usual greeting of a +friend; but Bradfield, fresh from his work, excused himself on the ground +that his hands were “dirty.” His generous benefactor, however, would not +allow the force of the apology, declaring that the man’s hands could not +be very “dirty,” his conduct had shown that his heart and conscience were +so pure. Mr. Taylor, in short, was so much respected for his rectitude, +both political and religious, that it was no matter of surprise when he +was seen walking arm in arm with a political opponent. Mr. Taylor’s +electioneering labors were chiefly confined to serving on committees, +visiting clubs, canvassing voters, and haranguing the people. He was a +good speaker and always popular. On the platform, his strong good sense +and nervous eloquence rendered his speeches effective, and they derived +great weight from the known integrity of his character. If elections +could have been gained by arguments alone, his addresses would have been +more formidable to his opponents than they were. But there was often a +majority, which could be won to either side by “golden” arguments. + +So matters went on till 1822, when many political meetings were held, at +which Mr. Edward Taylor took an active part. On January 12th, he moved +and carried a resolution for Parliamentary Reform at a county meeting, +convened for the avowed object of considering “agricultural distress.” +On March 5th, he attended a Reform meeting at Bungay. On April 24th, he +attended another “agricultural distress” meeting, and carried a +resolution in favor of Parliamentary Reform. On May 11th, a county +meeting was held with the express object of petitioning for reform, and +resolutions were carried in favor of it. On Nov. 5th, Mr. Taylor +presided at the annual dinner of the Norwich Reform Club. + +The agitation for the repeal of the corn laws was continued in 1825, and +on April 18th a public meeting was held in St. Andrew’s Hall, where a +petition was adopted for a revision of the corn laws, which afterwards +received 14,385 signatures, and was forwarded on the 26th to be presented +to the House of Commons. Meetings were also held in the same year to +promote the abolition of slavery, a question which excited a good deal of +interest in this city; while the years from 1826 to 1829 were devoted +chiefly to agitations for the abolition of slavery and Roman Catholic +emancipation, counter petitions being sent to parliament in regard to the +latter by the Whig and Tory sections of the clergy. + +On June 29th, 1830, King William IV. was proclaimed, on the Castle Hill, +by the High Sheriff, the bells ringing in honour of the event. Next day +the king was proclaimed in the city, amid the cheers of the citizens; and +the mayor presided at a dinner, in celebration of His Majesty’s +accession, at the Norfolk Hotel. This king was believed to be in favour +of Reform and Retrenchment, and the liberal party always made him appear +to be so. But the correspondence of the late Earl Grey with his Majesty, +recently published, proves that the king entertained the question of +Reform with great reluctance, which was shared even by some of the Whig +ministers. Lord Grey himself wrote, January 16th, 1831,— + + “It has often been my wish to find the means of postponing it, but + the result of all my consideration has been that an attempt to do so + would be fatal to the character of the government, and would lead to + its dissolution under circumstances still more disastrous than those + which would follow such a result, if his Majesty were unfortunately + compelled, by a sense of duty, to withhold his assent from the + measure which may be submitted to him by his ministers. And other + members of the government itself interposed difficulties. Even Lord + Brougham objected, after the measure was drawn up, to the abolition + of the close boroughs, urging the argument that there would be no + means for getting seats for persons in the government,” &c. + +And Lord Grey seriously feared that on this point his lord chancellor +might “throw us over with the king!” The king would not hear of the +ballot, and he strongly objected to shortening the duration of parliament +to five years as proposed. At last all obstacles were removed, and on +March 4th, 1831, the bill was introduced by Lord John Russell into the +House of Commons. After a prolonged debate it was read a second time by +only a majority of one. It was defeated in committee on an amendment +against diminishing the number of English representatives. Then the +cabinet, by a minute, called on the king for a distinct answer to the +request for a dissolution. He yielded, avowing that the perils to follow +at home and abroad from a change of ministry were greater than could +arise from a dissolution. But he took occasion to recur to some of his +old objections, and to urge that the bill should be remodelled before +being re-introduced; and he pressed the condition, above all, of +resistance to extreme change. + +In consequence of the dissolution on the defeat of ministers on the +Reform Bill, an election took place in this city on April 29th, 1831. +The polling commenced next morning, Saturday, and was continued on the +following Monday and Tuesday. The numbers were for R. H. Gurney, Esq., +(L.) 2158; the Right Hon. Robert Grant, (L.) 2163; Sir Charles Wetherell, +(C.) 977; and Mr. M. T. Sadler, (C.) 964. The two former gentlemen were +declared duly elected. On the Monday evening the Tory polling booths +were pulled down and afterwards burned. + +On February 29th, 1832, Lord Viscount Sidmouth presented an address to +the king, signed by 2300 of the gentry, clergy, freemen, freeholders, and +other inhabitants of the city, praying his Majesty to “withhold his royal +sanction from any measure which might compromise the independence of +either branch of the legislature, and expressing their fullest confidence +in his paternal regard for his faithful people to preserve the +fundamental principles of the British constitution.” This petition was +in reference to a threatened creation of new peers in the House of Lords. +On May 14th, ministers having been again defeated on the Reform Bill, (by +a majority of thirty-five in the House of Lords,) a requisition was +presented to the mayor, Sir J. H. Yallop, to call a public meeting in +support of the bill. The mayor complied, and the meeting was called. A +procession was formed on the Castle Meadow, and being joined by a very +large body from Wymondham, carrying many banners and accompanied by bands +of music, proceeded to St. Andrew’s Hall, which was quite filled. The +mayor presided, and a petition was adopted praying the House of Commons +to stop all supplies till the bill was passed. The cry was for “the +bill—the whole bill, and nothing but the bill.” On June 5th, the +“Telegraph” coach arrived in the city with the news of the passing of the +Reform Bill, by a majority of eighty-four. A large number of people were +in waiting, and the moment the coach entered the top of St. Stephen’s +Street, the people on hearing the news loudly cheered, and the cheering +was continued along the whole line of the street into the Market Place. +A large party perambulated the city with a band playing lively airs, all +the evening, and on the following night a bonfire was kindled on the +Castle Ditches. During the month several public dinners were held to +celebrate the passing of the Reform Bill; and the 5th of the following +month was devoted to a special demonstration. The morning was ushered in +by the firing of cannon and the ringing of bells, and a procession having +been previously arranged, about 11 a.m. a large body of horsemen took up +their position on the Castle Ditches whence, headed by three mounted +trumpeters, and followed by the Norwich Political Union and electors of +the different wards, and accompanied by an immense concourse of +spectators, they passed through the principal streets of the city. The +electors afterwards proceeded to the Old Cricket Ground, where they were +regaled with roast beef, plum-pudding, and ale, and spent the rest of the +day in rural sports. + + +THE REFORMED PARLIAMENT. + + +The first election for the city, after the passing of the Reform Bill, +took place on December 10th, 11th, and 12th, 1832, with the following +result. + +Lord Viscount Stormont (C.) 2016 +Sir James Scarlett (C.) 1962 +R. H. Gurney, Esq. (L.) 1809 +H. B. Ker, Esq. (L.) 1765 + +The contest was a severe one, and the total number polled was 3807, +including 2283 freemen, 834 freeholders, and 690 occupiers. Gross +bribery prevailed, and a committee of investigation was at once +appointed, meetings were held, and subscriptions were collected from +house to house throughout the several parishes, in support of a petition +to parliament against the return of the sitting members. The petition +was presented by Mr. Grote on the 18th of Feb., 1833, and on the 4th of +April, intelligence reached the city by mail that a committee of the +House had declared the members duly elected, but that they had decided +that the petition was neither frivolous nor vexatious. At page 396 we +have already given some of the evidence afterwards taken in Norwich on +the subject, by the commissioners appointed to enquire into the state of +the municipal corporation. The decision of the parliamentary committee +was received with great surprise. On June 19th of the same year, the +Conservative ladies of Norwich, having previously subscribed for two +banners to be presented to Lord Stormont and Sir James Scarlett, the +presentation took place in the Council Chamber, in the presence of 150 +ladies, with several members of the corporation. Lord Viscount Stormont +attended, and Mr. Robert Scarlett was present on behalf of his father, +Sir James Scarlett. Mrs. Bignold, the mayoress, and Mrs. Preston +presented the banners amid great applause. + +The first Reformed Parliament assembled January 29th, 1833. It lasted +barely two years, for the dismissal of the Whig ministry by the king, and +the placing of Sir Robert Peel at the head of a Conservative government, +caused its dissolution on December 10th, 1834. + + _Election of January_ 6_th_ _and_ 7_th_, 1835. + +Lord Viscount Stormont (C.) 1892 +Hon. Robert C. Scarlett (C.) 1878 +Hon. Edward V. Harbord (L.) 1592 +Frank Offley Martin, Esq. (L.) 1585 + +The second Reformed Parliament assembled, Feb. 19th, 1835, and on the +26th an amendment on the address led to a division with the following +result:—for the amendment 309; against 302; majority against ministers, +7. This led to the resignation of the Peel administration; and Lord +Melbourne was recalled to the head of the government. The death of the +king led to a dissolution, on July 17th, 1837, and then followed the most +severe and costly contest that ever took place for the representation of +Norwich; bribery, intimidation, and treating, being carried on to a most +shameful extent; £40,000 is said to have been spent in the demoralization +of the electors. + + _The Election of July_ 25_th_, 1837. + +Marquis of Douro (C.) 1863 +Honorable R. C. Scarlett (C.) 1865 +Benjamin Smith (L.) 1843 +W. Mountford Nurse (L.) 1831 + +A petition was presented against the return of Lord Douro and Mr. +Scarlett, and the result was, that by arrangement the poll was +reduced—Douro, 1842; Smith, 1841; Scarlett, 1840; Nurse, 1829. +Consequently, Lord Douro and Mr. Smith were declared duly elected. + +The third Reformed Parliament assembled on Nov. 15th, 1837, and continued +till June 23rd, 1841. Another election took place on June 28th, 1841, +when the former members were again candidates. No polling took place at +this election, but it was rendered remarkable in consequence of the +Chartists and other electors being much opposed to the compromise, which +the exhausting contest of 1837 had induced the leaders of the Liberal and +Conservative parties to enter into, and an opposition of some kind was +resolved upon. Accordingly, after Lord Douro and Mr. Smith had been +nominated at the Guildhall, John Dover, a stalwart Chartist freeman, +proposed as a candidate, Mr. William Eagle, a barrister of Lakenheath, in +Suffolk. John Whiting, a £10-occupier, seconded the nomination, and a +show of hands was taken, which the sheriff declared to be in favor of +Lord Douro and Mr. Smith. Then Dover demanded a poll for Mr. Eagle, who +was not present. The under-sheriff thereupon required a guarantee for +the expenses, and some delay occurred. Many persons were applied to in +the emergency, but declined to give the guarantee required. Dover +ultimately withdrew the nomination on receiving £50 from certain parties, +as he alleged, for expenses which had been incurred. This soon became +known to the crowd of Chartists outside of the Guildhall, and a riot +ensued. When Dover came out they surrounded him, took his money from +him, and tore the clothes off his back. He escaped for the time, but on +the following day the mob found him again, and threatened to throw him +into the river, but he was rescued by the police. A petition was +subsequently presented, by Mr. Duncombe, to the House of Commons, signed +by 6000 inhabitants of Norwich, complaining of the return of Lord Douro +and Mr. Smith, but it led to no result, and they sat in the house till +the next election. + +The fourth Reformed Parliament assembled Aug. 19th, 1841, and was +dissolved July 23rd, 1847. Another election took place on July 29th, +1847. A very great effort was made at this election, by a large body of +voters, to break down the compromise which had been entered into in 1841; +and though not successful, it proved the difficulty of maintaining such +an arrangement in a large constituency. Mr. Parry, a Barrister of the +Home Circuit, was nominated by the extreme Liberal party. The result of +the poll was as follows:— + + _The Election of July_ 29_th_, 1847. + +Samuel Morton Peto (L.) 2448 +Marquis of Douro (C.) 1727 +John Humfreys Parry (L.) 1572 + +The fifth Reformed Parliament assembled on Sept. 21st, 1847, and its +dissolution took place in consequence of the accession to office of Lord +Derby’s ministry, on July 1st, 1852. A severe contest took place between +the Liberals and Conservatives, on July 8th, 1852, with the following +result. + + _The Election of July_ 8_th_, 1852. + +Samuel Morton Peto (L.) 2190 +Edward Warner (L.) 2145 +Marquis of Douro (C.) 1592 +Col. Lothian S. Dickson (C.) 1465 + +The sixth Reformed Parliament assembled on Nov. 4th, 1852, and an +election took place here in Dec., 1854. The vacancy in the +representation which caused this election, arose in consequence of Mr. +Peto having, in conjunction with his partners, undertaken to construct a +railway from Balaclava to Sebastopol, to assist the British army in +bringing the siege of that place to a successful conclusion. Though no +contract had been entered into by Mr. Peto with the government, he had to +resign his seat. Sir S. Bignold became a candidate in the Conservative +interest, and Anthony Hamond, Esq., for the Liberals. The contest ended +as follows:— + + _The Election of Dec._, 1854. + +Sir S. Bignold (C.) 1901 +Anthony Hamond (L.) 1635 + +The sixth Reformed Parliament was dissolved on March 21st, 1857, in +consequence of a resolution having been proposed by Mr. Cobden, in +condemnation of the proceedings of the ministry with regard to the +Chinese war. A division took place at an early hour, on March 4th—For +Mr. Cobden’s motion, 263; against, 247; majority against the government, +16. This caused an election here on March 28th, 1857. + + _The Election of March_, 1857. + +Lord Viscount Bury (L.) 2238 +Henry Wm. Schneider (L.) 2247 +Sir S. Bignold (C.) 1636 + +The seventh Reformed Parliament assembled April 30th, 1857. On Feb. +19th, 1858, Lord Palmerston, who commenced the session with a large +majority in his favour, was defeated on the Conspiracy to Murder Bill, by +234 to 215 votes. Lord Palmerston accordingly resigned, and was +succeeded by Lord Derby. An election took place on April 30th, 1859, and +another severe contest ensued between the Liberals and Conservatives, +with the following result:— + + _The Election of April_, 1859. + +Lord Viscount Bury (L.) 2154 +Henry Wm. Schneider (L.) 2138 +Sir S. Bignold (C.) 1966 +C. M. Lushington (C.) 1900 + +The eighth Reformed Parliament assembled May 31st, 1859; and Lord Derby, +being defeated on an amendment to the address, resigned. Lord Palmerston +again came into power, and Lord Bury was appointed Treasurer of the +Household. This occasioned a vacancy in the representation, and the +election took place on June 29th, 1859. + + _The Election of June_, 1859. + +Lord Viscount Bury (L.) 1922 +Sir S. Bignold (C.) 1561 +Colonel Boldero (C.) 39 + +The election of Lord Bury and Mr. Schneider, on April 30th, 1859, having +been declared void on the ground of bribery (which had been shamefully +resorted to on both sides) by a committee of the House of Commons, on +July 30th, 1859, and the subsequent election of Lord Bury, on June 29th, +having been also declared void, writs were ordered, on March 23rd, 1860, +to be issued for the election of two members. This led to a grand trial +of the strength of the two parties here on March 29th, 1860, with the +following result:— + + _The Election of March_, 1860. + +Edward Warner (L.) 2083 +Col. Sir Wm. Russell (L.) 2045 +Wm. David Lewis (C.) 1631 +Wm. Forlonge (C.) 1636 + +The eighth Reformed Parliament, during the existence of which Lord +Palmerston continued premier, was dissolved on Thursday, July 6th, 1865. +The nomination for this city was appointed to take place on Tuesday, July +11th. + + _The Election of July_, 1865. + +Mr. Warner and Sir William Russell offered themselves for re-election. +The Conservatives, however, undismayed by past defeats, determined again +to contest the representation. At a large meeting of the party, held at +the Norfolk Hotel on Saturday evening, July 1st, Sir S. Bignold, who +presided, after opening the proceedings, introduced Robert Edmond Chester +Waters, Esq., of Upton Park, Dorsetshire, to the electors present, who +resolved unanimously to support him as one of the Conservative +candidates. At a meeting subsequently held in the third ward, Augustus +Goldsmid, Esq., was introduced and accepted as the second candidate. The +electors knew very little about the antecedents of either gentlemen, and +never supposed that Mr. Waters had been a candidate in the Liberal +interest, and a member of the Reform Club. He was a young man and a good +speaker, and by his eloquence and address greatly pleased his numerous +supporters. On the Friday following, however, in the two local Liberal +newspapers, the _Norfolk News_ and the _Norwich Mercury_, and at a large +meeting of Liberal electors in St. Andrew’s Hall, certain serious charges +were made affecting the character of Mr. Waters, which charges, it was +alleged, had led to his “retirement” from the Reform Club, of which he +had once been a member; and the Conservatives were challenged to +investigate the truth of the charges. Mr. Waters himself indignantly +denied them, and issued a circular stating that he had ordered legal +proceedings to be instituted against the authors of the slanders. He +also addressed a great meeting in St. Andrew’s Hall in his own defence, +and vehemently denounced his calumniators. The challenge of the Liberals +was accordingly accepted, and Mr. H. S. Patteson and Mr. E. Field were +appointed on behalf of the Conservative committee to accompany Dr. +Dalrymple and Mr. J. H. Tillett to London, to examine the books of the +Reform Club, and make other investigations. In the meantime the +Conservative committee issued an appeal to the electors, expressing +themselves satisfied with the proofs Mr. Waters had submitted to them of +his position in society, and asking them to suspend their judgment until +the return of the deputation from London. On the Monday, the gentlemen +forming the deputation proceeded to London, and in the course of the day, +a telegram, unfavourable to Mr. Waters, was received by the committee in +the city, which resulted in the following notice being issued:— + + “FELLOW CITIZENS; in consequence of a telegram just received, we feel + it our duty to withdraw our support from Mr. Waters, as one of the + candidates for the city. The other gentlemen who signed the previous + paper are absent from Norwich. Signed, Fred. Brown, J. B. Morgan, F. + E. Watson, Henry Ling. Norwich, 10th July, 1865.” + +As may be supposed, this telegram caused great consternation among the +Conservatives, many of whom resolved to support Mr. Waters +notwithstanding. Indignation meetings of a large section of the party +were held at various taverns in the city, and Mr. Waters was received +with greater enthusiasm than ever. At a meeting held in the evening, Mr. +Waters addressed his friends, and the Hon. Major Augustus Jocelyn also +spoke, bearing testimony to the high personal character of Mr. Waters. +This only confirmed the gentlemen of his committee in their previous +decision, whereupon Mr. Waters declared his determination to stand +independently, and he continued his candidature. + +The nomination took place on Tuesday, July 11th, in the Guildhall, which +was crowded by partisans. The sheriff (C. Jecks, Esq.) presided as +returning officer. Sir William Foster, Bart., nominated Edward Warner, +Esq., of Higham Hall, Woodford, Essex, as a fit and proper person to +represent the city of Norwich in parliament. Mr. E. Willett seconded and +Mr. J. J. Colman supported the nomination, amid much applause. Dr. +Dalrymple nominated Sir William Russell, Bart., C.B., of Charlton Park, +Gloucestershire; Mr. J. H. Tillett seconded and Mr. Donald Steward +supported the nomination. Mr. J. G. Johnson nominated Augustus Goldsmid, +Esq., Barrister-at-law; Mr. Patteson seconded and Mr. J. B. Morgan +supported the nomination. Mr. R. P. Wiseman nominated Robert Edmond +Chester Waters, Esq., of Upton Park, Dorsetshire; Mr. J. Allen (surgeon) +seconded and Mr. John Hardy supported the nomination. The sheriff then +called for a show of hands, and declared it to be in favour of Mr. Warner +and Sir William Russell. Mr. J. G. Johnson demanded a poll on behalf of +Mr. Goldsmid, and Mr. Wiseman for Mr. Waters. The polling took place on +Wednesday and was kept up with great spirit; at the close the numbers +were:— + +Sir William Russell (L.) 1845 +Edward Warner (L.) 1838 +Augustus Goldsmid (C.) 1466 +R. E. Chester Waters (C.) 1363 + +The House of Commons, as organised in 1832, performed, during the +thirty-five years of its existence, a work of the first magnitude, the +repealing of the old and bad corn laws. It also swept away the +navigation laws, the paper and newspaper taxes, the window duties, and +every restriction which impeded the progress of industry. But a new +House of Commons was needed, a House that should represent not only the +middle but also the working classes, not only capital but labour. For +this purpose, a new Reform Bill became necessary, to lower and extend the +franchise to all householders, to give at least every rate-payer a vote, +to enable working-men to help in returning members to Parliament. After +Lord Palmerston’s death a new government was formed; and in 1866, Mr. +Gladstone brought in another Reform Bill, which was not accepted, and on +an adverse division, respecting a rating clause, the ministry resigned. +Lord Derby came into office, and Mr. Disraeli introduced a Bill for +Household Suffrage, on terms based on rate-paying by the occupiers. This +Bill, which swept away all “compounding” for rates, was passed in 1867, +and under it the number of voters in Norwich was increased from five to +twelve thousand. In 1868, ministers were defeated by a majority of more +than sixty, on a motion by Mr. Gladstone for the dis-establishment and +dis-endowment of the Irish church, and the government determined to +appeal to the new constituency. + + + +CHAPTER II. +Political History—(_Continued_.) + + +_The Election of Nov._, 1868. + + +IN consequence of the passing of the New Reform Bill in 1867, this +election had been long anticipated, and preparations for it had been for +some months in progress by the re-organisation of the three parties—the +Conservatives, the Whigs, and the Radicals, the last of which was now +numerically the strongest of the three. At the commencement of the year, +a general committee of forty delegates, five from each of the eight +wards, was formed in the Tory interest, in order to be prepared for the +coming struggle. This general committee, consisting of middle-class and +working-men, was intended to supersede a junta of the more influential +men of the party, who were accused of having mis-managed every election +for the last twenty years; and they set to work at once to form a general +Conservative Association, and to some extent, succeeded, while the old +leaders kept aloof from all the proceedings, Mr. G. Johnson, Mr. E. +Field, Mr. F. E. Watson, Mr. J. S. Skipper, Mr. F. Brown, Mr. J. B. +Morgan, Mr. H. Morgan, and others, who had been active partisans, seldom +putting in an appearance at any political meetings. After re-organising +their party, the new committee of forty cast about for a popular +candidate, and fixed upon Sir R. J. H. Harvey, Bart., the late member for +Thetford, which had just been disfranchised, but after a long +consideration of the matter he politely declined, and though again and +again solicited, he still refused to come forward. After various +fruitless negociations with other parties, the new committee however at +last requested Sir Henry Stracey, Bart., of Rackheath, to contest the +representation of the city; and though he hesitated for some time, at +last he consented to do so, and issued a short address. He attended many +ward meetings of his party at different places, and one great meeting in +St. Andrew’s Hall. Sir S. Bignold presided and spoke strongly in favour +of the hon. baronet, who declared himself to be a Protestant churchman; a +friend of church and state, and of all the time-honoured institutions of +the country; a supporter of Disraeli’s ministry; and an opponent of all +radical changes. Sir Henry also, by request, attended a meeting of the +Licensed Victuallers, at the Hop-Pole Gardens, and having promised to +oppose the Permissive Bill and to vote for a redress of their grievances, +the meeting passed a resolution to support him at the coming election. + +During the autumn, the Whigs held several meetings at the Royal Hotel, +and after much discussion resolved to support the old members, Sir +William Russell and Mr. Edward Warner. Those gentlemen accordingly came +to Norwich by the invitation of the Whigs and addressed the electors, but +were not favourably received by the meeting, most of those present being +advanced Liberals. In consequence of this, they retired till the +Liberals should be more united. The working-men, in fact, had also held +many previous meetings, and were resolved to have their own candidate, +and they nominated Jacob Henry Tillett, who had laboured for them for so +many years. To achieve their end, they formed a very extensive +Organization, embracing all the wards in the city; canvassed the +electors, and registered every one in every parish who promised to vote +for their candidate; and in a short time they registered 4000 voters for +Mr. Tillett, and were very confident of success. The consequence was +that when Sir Henry Stracey came forward, the Whigs, in view of a strong +contest, agreed to combine with the advanced section of the Liberals, and +a meeting was held of both sections, who resolved to support Sir William +Russell and Mr. Tillett—Sir William Foster, presiding. Those two +gentlemen accordingly issued a joint address, promising to support the +same Liberal principles and measures. The Conservatives too, in view of +the coming contest, forgot their past differences, and worked together +most energetically. + +The nomination took place on November 16th. As soon as the sheriff (J. +Robison, Esq.) had taken his seat, the Guildhall was filled with a +roaring, shouting, and groaning crowd, who exercised their lungs most +vigorously, to express their approval or disapprobation of the views of +the different prominent members of either party, as they made their +appearance by twos and threes at the magistrates’ entrance to the court. +For aught that could be said to the contrary by those a few feet distant, +the reading of the writ and the administering of the oath to the sheriff +seemed to be but dumb show. + +After the sheriff had opened the proceedings, Mr. H. Birkbeck nominated +Colonel Sir William Russell, Baronet. + +Mr. John Youngs seconded and Mr. S. Daynes supported the nomination. + +Sir S. Bignold said he begged to nominate Sir Henry Josias Stracey, +Baronet, of Rackheath, their opulent neighbour and brother elector. + +Mr. W. J. U. Browne seconded and Mr. J. G. Johnson supported the +nomination. + +Mr. J. J. Colman said he had great pleasure in nominating Jacob Henry +Tillett, Esq., of the city of Norwich. + +Mr. A. M. F. Morgan seconded and Mr. C. J. Bunting supported the +nomination. + +The sheriff, having read aloud the names of the candidates, put them in +the order of their nomination, and after taking the show of hands on +each, declared that it was in favor of Sir William Russell and Jacob +Henry Tillett, Esq. + +Sir S. Bignold then demanded a poll on behalf of Sir H. J. Stracey, and +the proceedings terminated with a vote of thanks to the sheriff for +presiding, moved by Mr. J. G. Johnson, and seconded by Mr. J. J. Colman. + +The departure of the candidates from the Hall was witnessed by some two +thousand persons, who warmly greeted their respective favorites. A very +large crowd followed Mr. J. J. Colman and Mr. Donald Steward to the +Liberal head-quarters—the Royal Hotel—cheering most enthusiastically for +the Liberal candidates. + +The polling took place on the next day, and the following shows the state +of the poll as issued at intervals by the Conservatives, from which it +will be seen that, though Mr. Tillett was at the bottom at four o’clock, +they themselves show him to have had a majority of forty-seven votes, +even so late as half-past three, and that the Tory poll was increased in +the last half-hour by no fewer than 561! + + 9 O’CLOCK. 9.30 O’CLOCK. +Stracey (C.) 804 Stracey 1249 +Russell (L.) 775 Russell 1233 +Tillett (L.) 797 Tillett 1225 + 10 O’CLOCK. 10.30 O’CLOCK. +Stracey 1624 Stracey 1981 +Russell 1686 Russell 2125 +Tillett 1656 Tillett 2071 + 11 O’CLOCK. 11.30 O’CLOCK. +Stracey 2364 Stracey 2601 +Russell 2628 Russell 2892 +Tillett 2569 Tillett 2816 + 12 O’CLOCK. 12.30 O’CLOCK. +Stracey 2787 Stracey 2965 +Russell 3057 Russell 3165 +Tillett 2974 Tillett 3084 + 1 O’CLOCK. 1.30 O’CLOCK. +Stracey 3116 Stracey 3239 +Russell 3326 Russell 3430 +Tillett 3217 Tillett 3327 + 2 O’CLOCK. 2.30 O’CLOCK. +Stracey 3383 Stracey 3578 +Russell 3550 Russell 3744 +Tillett 3443 Tillett 3637 + 3 O’CLOCK. 3.30 O’CLOCK. +Stracey 3760 Stracey 3960 +Russell 3930 Russell 4203 +Tillett 3812 Tillett 4007 + 4 O’CLOCK. +Stracey 4521 +Russell 4509 +Tillett 4364 + +The following are the numbers polled in each ward: + + Russell. Tillett. Stracey. +First Ward 273 260 507 +Second Ward 284 242 281 +Third Ward 1269 1249 1163 +Fourth Ward 140 118 207 +Fifth Ward 314 281 450 +Sixth Ward 855 883 665 +Seventh Ward 886 864 879 +Eighth Ward 488 467 369 + 4509 4364 4521 + +The result of the polling was of course a terrible disappointment to the +Liberal candidates, and especially to Mr. Tillett’s friends, who had +reckoned upon his return as certain. They had not, however, anticipated +the corrupt means which were adopted to secure the return of Sir Henry +Stracey. As soon, however, as the contest was at an end, Mr. Tillett +resolved to petition against the hon. baronet’s return, and the trial +took place in the Shirehall, before Mr. Baron Martin, on Friday, +Saturday, and Monday, the 15th, 16th, and 18th of January, and ended in +Sir Henry Stracey’s election being declared void on the ground of bribery +by his agents. + + * * * * * + +The appeal to the country was made, it will be remembered, on Mr. +Gladstone’s declared policy of dis-establishing the Irish church, and the +result of the general election showed so decided a majority in Mr. +Gladstone’s favor, that before the new House of Commons assembled, Mr. +Disraeli resigned, and Mr. Gladstone assumed the reins of government. +The House met for the swearing in of members on the 10th of December; and +adjourned to February 16th, 1869, for the despatch of business. + + +MEMBERS FOR NORWICH. + + +The following is a list of the burgesses who served in parliament for +this city, according to the earliest accounts. The figures set before +the names denote the year of each king or queen’s reign. + + _Edward I._ 1272. + 26. Adam de Toftes John le Graunt + 27. Robert de Holveston Roger de Tudenham + 28. Robert de Holveston Roger de Tudenham + 30. Roger de Tudenham Robert de Weston + 31. John le Graunt John de Morle + 32. John le Graunt John de Morle + 33. Jeff. de Norwich Ralph de Burewode + 34. William de Wichingham Henry Gare + _Edward II._ 1307. + 1. John de Morle John Sparrowe + 1. Tho. Butt Thomas de Hakeford + 2. John de Morle John Benediscite + 4. John de Morle John Sparowe + 5. John de Morle John Sparowe + 6. John de Corpesty Thomas Butt + 6. William de Wichingham John de Ellingham + 7. William de Wichingham John de Ellingham + 8. Roger de St. Austin John de la Salle + 8. John Sparrowe Roger Fitz Hugh + 12. John de Morle Peter de Scothow + 15. John Flynt Thomas de Byntree + 16. John de Morle, jun. Robert de Hakeford + 19. Wm. de Strumpsawe William de Wichingham + 20. William Bateman William Butt + +In the next reign the members for the city were paid £7 6s. 8d. for their +attendance in parliament. + + _Edward III._ 1327. + 1. John de Morle Thos. Butt + 2. Thos. Butt Reginald de Gurmuncestre + 2. Richard Arundel John de Morle + 4. Thos. Butt John Ymme + 4. Thos. Butt William de Horsford + 5. Thos. Butt John de Snyterton + 6. Thos. Butt Peter de Hakeford + 7. Thos. Butt Peter de Hakeford + 8. John de Morle Peter de Hakeford + 8. Thos. Butt Peter de Hakeford + 9. John de Berney Peter de Hakeford + 9. William Butt Thomas Butt + 11. Thomas de la Rokele John le Grey + 12. Robert Bendish William de Wichingham + 12. Thomas de la Rokele Edmund Cosyn + 14. Robert de Wyleby John Fitz John + 15. Richard de Bytering Robert de Bumpstede + 17. John Ymme Peter de Hakeford + 17. John Ymme John de Morle + 20. Robert de Poleye John de Plumstede + 21. Edmund Cosyn John de Hakeford + 22. Robert de Poleye Peter de Hakeford + 24. Richard de Bytering Robert de Bumpstede + 26. Roger Hardegray + 27. Richard de Bytering Robert de Bumpstede + 28. Robert de Bumpstede Edmund Sturmere + 29. Roger Hardegray Robert de Bumpstede + 31. Roger Hardegray William Sky + 33. John de Morle John le Grant + 34. Roger Hardegray Richard de Bytering + 36. Robert de Bumpstede Walter de Bixton + 42. John de Knateshall William de Blickling + 45. John Latymer + 46. Richard Fishe Jeffery Seawale + 47. John de Stoke William Gerrard + 49. Bartho. de Appelyard William de Blickling + 50. Robert Popingeay Thomas Spynk. + +Many of the foregoing list are evidently Norman names. The members, +returned almost every year and paid for their services, had little to do +except to vote supplies to the reigning sovereign. + + _Richard II._ 1377. + + 1. William de Bixton Peter de Alderford + 2. Walter de Bixton Henry Lomynour + 3. Walter de Bixton Thomas Spynk + 4. John Latymer Robert de Bernham + 5. John de Well Walter de Bixton + 5. John de Well William Gerrard + 6. William Blickling Walter de Bixton + 7. Walter de Bixton William Appleyard, jun. + 7. William Gerrard John Parlet + 8. William Appleyard Thomas Gerrard + 9. Clement Hereward William Appleyard + 10. Walter Niche Walter de Bixton + 10. Walter de Bixton Thomas Spynk + 11. William Appleyard Walter de Bixton + 12. Walter de Bixton John de Multon + 13. Henry Lomynour Walter de Bixton + 14. Walter de Bixton William Everard + 14. William Appleyard Thomas Gerrard + 15. Walter de Bixton Thomas Gerrard + 16. William Everard John de Multon + 17. Henry Lomynour William Everard + 18. William Appleyard Henry Lomynour + 19. William Appleyard Thomas Gerrard + 20. William Appleyard Henry Lomynour + 21. Walter de Bixton Richard White + 22. Henry Lomynour Roger de Blickling + + _Henry IV._ 1399. + + 1. Henry Lomynour William de Blickling + 2. Edmund Warner William de Crakeford + 2. Edmund Warner Walter de Eton + 3. William Appleyard William de Crakeford + 5. William Everard Walter de Eton + 7. Walter de Eton Robert Dunston + 10. Robert Dunston William Ampulford + 13. Thomas Gerrard Bartholomew Appleyard + 14. Bartholomew Appleyard John Alderford + 14. William Sedeman John Biskelee + + _Henry V._ 1413. + + 1. Robert Brasier Robert Dunston + 2. Robert Brasier John Alderford + 2. William Sedeman Richard Spurdance + 3. John Biskelee Robert Dunston + 3. Henry Rafman William Sedeman + 4. John Biskelee William Appleyard {672} + 5. John Brasier Robert Dunston + 7. Walter Eton John Alderford + 7. William Appleyard John Biskelee + 8. Robert Baxter John Dunston + 9. Robert Dunston Henry Pekyng + + _Henry VI._ 1422. + + 1. Robert Dunston Richard Moneslee + 2. John Gerrard Richard Moneslee + 3. Walter Eton John Gerrard + 4. Simon Cocke Richard Diverose + 6. Thomas Ingham John Alderford + 7. + 8. Thomas Wetherby Thomas Ingham + 9. Richard Moneslee Robert Chappeleyn + 10. John Gerrard Richard Moneslee + 11. Richard Moneslee William Ashwell + 12. Richard Moneslee William Ashwell + 13. + 14. John Gerrard William Ashwell + 15. Thomas Wetherby John Toppys + 20. John Gerrard Gregory Draper + 23. Thomas Ingham Robert Toppys + 25. John Gerrard Gregory Draper + 27. Robert Toppys Ralph Segryme + 28. William Ashwell William Hempstede + 29. William Ashwell John Damme + 31. William Barley John Jenny + 33. William Ashwell John Drolle + 38. Richard Browne John Chyttock + 38. Edward Cutler John Burton + + _Edward IV._ 1461. + + 1. Robert Toppys Edward Cutler + 2. Thomas Elys William Skippewith + 7. Henry Spelman Richard Hoste + 12. John Aubrey Thomas Bokenham + 17. John Jenny Henry Wilton + + _Richard III._ 1483. + + 1. Robert Thorp John Marleburgh + + _Henry VII._ 1485. + + 1. John Paston Philip Curzon + 4. Robert Thorp Thomas Caus + 4. Thomas Jenny Robert Thorp + 7. John Pyncheamore Philip Curzon + 11. Stephen Bryan Robert Thorp + 12. James Hobart Thomas Caus + 12. Robert Thorp Robert Burgh + 19. Robert Burgh John Rightwise + + _Henry VIII._ 1509. + + 2. John Clerk Robert Harrydance + 6. John Pyncheamore Philip Curzon + 33. William Rogers Augustine Steward + + _Edward VI._ 1547. + + 6. Thomas Marsham Alexander Mather + 6. Thomas Marsham Alexander Mather + + _Mary_. 1553. + + 1. Thomas Gawdy Richard Catlyn + 1. Henry Ward John Ball + 2. John Corbet Alexander Mather + 3. John Aldrich Thomas Grey + 4. Thomas Gawdy Thomas Sotherton + + _Elizabeth_. 1558. + + 1. Edward Flowerdew John Aldrich + 5. Robert Mitchels Thomas Parker + 13. John Blenerhasset Robert Suckling + 14. John Aldrich Thomas Beaumont + 27. Christopher Layer Simon Bowde + 28. Robert Suckling Thomas Layer + 31. Francis Rugge Thomas Gleane + 35. Robert Houghton Robert Yarrum + 39. Thomas Sotherton Christopher Layer + 43. Alexander Thurston John Pettus + + _James I._ 1603. + + 1. Sir Henry Hobart, Knt. John Pettus + 12. Sir Thomas Hyrne, Knt. Rice Gwynne + 18. Sir Richard Rosse, Knt. William Denny + 21. Sir Thomas Hyrne, Knt. William Denny + + _Charles I._ 1625. + + 1. Sir Thomas Hyrne, Knt. William Denny + 1. John Suckling, Knt. Thomas Hyrne, Knt. + 3. Peter Gleane, Knt. Robert Debney + 15. Richard Harman Richard Catlyn + + _The Commonwealth_. 1649. + + 1. Richard Harman Richard Catlyn + 8. Bernard Church John Hobart + 10. John Hobart William Barnham + + _Charles II._ 1660. + + 1. William Barnham Thomas Rant + 2. Christopher Jay Francis Corey + 18. William Paston Augustine Briggs + 19. William Paston Augustine Briggs + 20. William Paston Augustine Briggs + 22. William Paston Augustine Briggs + + _James II._ 1685. + + 1. Robert Paston Sir Nevil Catlyn, Knt. + 4. Sir Nevil Catlyn, Knt. Robert Davy + +The following is a list of the members of parliament from the Revolution +in 1688 to the passing of the Reform Bill, and the state of the poll at +each contested election in all cases where a record of the figures could +be found. + + _James II._ + + January 7th, 1688. +Sir Nevil Catlyn, Knt. Robert Davy, Esq., Recorder + December 11th, 1688. Convention Parliament +Sir Nevil Catlyn, Knt. Thomas Blofield, Esq., Alder. + + _William and Mary_. + + February, 1689. +Thomas Blofield, Esq. Hugh Bokenham, Esq. + December 3rd, 1694. +John Ward, Esq., in the room of Hugh Bokenham, +deceased. + + _William III._ + + 1695. +T. Blofield, Esq. Francis Gardiner, Esq. + July, 1698. +Robert Davy, Esq., Recorder Thomas Blofield, Esq. + 1700. +Robert Davy, Esq. Thos. Blofield, Esq. + Nov. 19th, 1701. +Edward Clarke, Esq. 1142 Peter Thacker, Esq. 1041 +Robert Davy, Esq. 1042 Thomas Blofield, Esq. 759 + +Mr. Sheriff Nall alone returned Mr. Clarke and Mr. Davy (the other +sheriff dissenting), and after a scrutiny the House of Commons declared +them duly elected, by deciding that the choice of the electors of any +candidate, not being a freeman, renders him a free citizen or burgess to +all intents and purposes. + + _Queen Anne_. + + 1702. +Robert Davy, Esq. 1318 Edward Clarke, Esq. 955 +Thos. Blofield, Esq. 1260 Charles Lord Paston 933 + 1703. +Captain Thomas Palgrave _vice_ Mr. Davy, deceased. + 1704. +Waller Bacon, Esq. 1281 Thomas Blofield, Esq. 1136 +John Chambers, Esq. 1267 Capt. Thos. Palgrave 1074 + May 19th, 1708. +Waller Bacon, Esq. 1521 Thos. Blofield, Esq. 1189 +John Chambers, Esq. 1412 James Brogden, Esq. 289 + Oct. 18th, 1710. +Robt. Bene, Esq., mayor 1315 Waller Bacon, Esq. 1107 +R. Berney, Esq., steward 1298 S. Gardner, Esq., recor. 1078 + + _George I._ + + Aug. or Sept. 1713. +Robert Bene, Esq. 1282 Waller Bacon, Esq. 1141 +Richard Berney, Esq. 1272 Robert Britiffe, Esq. 1170 + Feb. 2nd, 1715. +Walter Bacon, Esq. 1662 Robert Bene, Esq. 1326 +Robert Britiffe, Esq. 1652 Richard Berney, Esq. 1319 + April 3rd, 1722. +Waller Bacon, Esq. Robert Britiffe, Esq. + + _George II._ + + Aug. 30th, 1727. +Robert Britiffe, Esq. 1628 Miles 1265 + Branthwayt, + Esq. +Waller Bacon, Esq. 1542 Richard Berney, 1188 + Esq. + May 19th, 1734. +Horatio Walpole, Esq. 1785 Sir Ewd. Ward, 1621 + Bart. +Waller Bacon, Esq. 1749 Miles 1567 + Branthwayt, + Esq. + February 19th, 1735. +In the room of W. Bacon, 1820 Miles 1486 +deceased, Thomas Vere, Esq. Branthwayt, + Esq. + May 6th, 1741. +Horatio Walpole, Esq. 1771 William Clarke, 829 + Esq. +Thomas Vere, Esq. 1621 + 1747. +Rt. Hon. Horatio Walpole Rt. Hon. John Lord Hobart + April 15th, 1754. +Rt. Hon. Horatio Walpole Rt. Hon. John Lord Hobart + Dec. 29th, 1755. +Lord Hobart having accepted the office of Comptroller of His +Majesty’s Household, was re-elected. + June 25th, 1756. +Edward Bacon, Esq. _vice_ H. Walpole, created Lord Walpole. + Dec. 8th, 1756. +Harbord Harbord, Esq. _vice_ Lord Hobart, who succeeded his father as +Earl of Buckinghamshire, September 22nd. + July 2nd, 1760. +Edward Bacon, Esq., having accepted the office of one of the +Commissioners of Trade, was re-elected. + + _George III._ + + March 27th, 1761. +Harbord Harbord, Esq. 1729 Nockold 718 + Tompson, Esq. +Edward Bacon, Esq. 1507 Robert Harvey, 499 + Esq. + March 18th, 1768. +Harbord Harbord, Esq. 1812 Thomas Beevor, 1136 + Esq. +Edward Bacon, Esq. 1596 + October, 1774. +Sir Harbord Harbord, Edward Bacon, +Bart. Esq. + September 11th, 1780. +Sir Harbord Harbord 1382 William 1069 + Windham, Esq. +Edward Bacon, Esq. 1199 John Thurlow, 1103 + Esq. + April 5th, 1784. +Sir Harbord Harbord 2305 Hon. Henry 1233 + Hobart +William Windham, Esq. 1297 + September 15th and 16th, 1786. +Sir Harbord Harbord, Bart., called up to the House of Peers, being +created Lord Suffield. +Hon. Henry Hobart 1450 Robert John 10 + Buxton, Esq. +Sir Thos. Beevor, Bart. 1383 +A select committee of the House of Commons determined this to be a +void election, March 9th, 1787. + March 15th, 1787. +Hon. Henry Hobart 1393 Sir Thos. 1313 + Beevor Bart. + June 8th, 1790. +Hon. Henry Hobart 1492 Sir Thos. 656 + Beevor, Bart. +William Windham, Esq. 1361 + July 12th, 1794. +Mr. Windham having vacated his seat by accepting the office of +Secretary at War. +Rt. Hon. W. Windham 1236 James Mingay, 770 + Esq. + May 25th, 1796. +Hon. Henry Hobart 1622 Bartlett 1076 + Gurney, Esq. +Rt. Hon. W. Windham 1159 + May 27th, 1799. +In the room of Mr. 1345 Robert 1186 +Hobart deceased, John Fellowes, Esq. +Frere, Esq. + July 5th, 1802. +Robert Fellowes, Esq. 1532 Rt. Hon. W. 1356 + Windham +William Smith, Esq. 1439 John Frere, 1328 + Esq. + November 3rd and 4th, 1806. +John Patteson, Esq. 1733 William Smith, 1333 + Esq. +Robert Fellowes, Esq. 1370 + May 4th, 1807. +John Patteson, Esq. 1474 Robert 546 + Fellowes, Esq. +William Smith, Esq. 1156 + October 7th, 1812. +William Smith, Esq. 1544 John Patteson, 1221 + Esq. +Charles Harvey, Esq. 1349 + June 17th and 18th, 1818. +William Smith, Esq. 2089 Hon. Edward 1475 + Harbord +R. H. Gurney, Esq. 2032 + + _George IV._ + + March 7th, 1820. +William Smith, Esq. R. H. Gurney, Esq. + June 9th, 1826. +William Smith, Esq. Jonathan Peel, Esq. + + _William IV._ + + July 29th and 30th, 1830. +R. H. Gurney, Esq. 2363 Jonathan Peel, Esq. 1912 +Robert Grant, Esq. 2279 Sir Charles Ogle, Bart. 1762 + November 30th, 1830. +The Rt. Hon. Robert Grant having accepted the office of Judge +Advocate General, was re-elected. + April 29th and 30th, May 2nd and 3rd, 1831. +R. H. Gurney, Esq. 2158 Sir Charles Wetherell 977 +Rt. Hon. Robt. Grant 2163 M. T. Sadler, Esq. 964 + +This was the last election under the old law, before the passing of the +Reform Bill. + + +ELECTIONS UNDER THE REFORM ACT OF 1832 + + + Population 1831—61,110; 1861—74,891. + + Electors 1832—4,238; 1864—5,506. + + _Polls_. + + December, 1832. +Viscount Stormont (C.) 2016 R H. Gurney (L.) 1809 +Sir James Scarlett (C.) 1962 C. H. B. Ker (L.) 1765 + January, 1835. +Viscount Stormont (C.) 1892 Hon. E. V. Harbord (L.) 1592 +Hon. R. C. Scarlett (C.) 1878 F. O. Martin (L.) 1585 + August, 1837. +Hon. R. C. Scarlett (C.) 1865 Benjamin Smith (L.) 1843 +Marquis of Douro (C.) 1863 Montford Nurse (L.) 1831 + +Mr. Scarlett, having been petitioned against, retired, and there was +another election. + + 1838. Benjamin Smith (L.) + June, 1841. +Marquis of Douro (C.) Benjamin Smith (L.) + August, 1847. +Saml. Morton Peto (L.) 2448 John H. Parry (L.) 1572 +Marquis of Douro (L.C.) 1727 + July, 1852. +Samuel M. Peto (L.) 2190 Marquis of Douro (C.) 1592 +Edward Warner (L.) 2145 Lieut. Col. Dickson (C.) 1465 + +On Sir M. Peto accepting the Chiltern Hundreds, there was another +election. + + December, 1854. +Sir S. Bignold (C.) 1901 Anthony Hamond (L.) 1635 +Sir S. Bignold continued to sit as member till the next +election. + March, 1857. +H. W. Schneider (L.) 2247 Sir S. Bignold (C.) 1636 +Viscount Bury (L.) 2238 + April, 1859. +Viscount Bury (L.) 2154 Sir S. Bignold (C.) 1966 +H. W. Schneider (L.) 2138 C. M. Lushington (C.) 1900 + +On Lord Bury being appointed Treasurer of the Household, an election took +place. + + June, 1859. +Viscount Bury (L.) 1922 Sir S. Bignold (C.) 1561 + Col. H. G. Boldero (C.) 39 + +On petition, this election and the election of April, 1859, were declared +void, and another took place in + + March, 1860. +Edward Warner (L.) 2083 W. Forlonge (C.) 1636 +Sir Wm. Russell (L.) 2045 W. D. Lewis (C.) 1631 + +In 1865, Sir Wm. Russell and E. Warner were again returned. The poll +closed as follows:— + +Sir Wm. Russell (L.) 1845 Mr. Goldsmid (C.) 1466 +Edward Warner (L.) 1838 Mr. Waters (C.) 1393 + +First election under the New Reform Act Nov., 1868. + +Sir H. J. Stracey (C.) 4521 J. H. Tillett (L.) 4364 +Sir Wm. Russell (L.) 4509 + +On petition, Sir H. J. Stracey was, in January, 1869, unseated for +bribery. + + + +CHAPTER II. +The Mayors and Sheriffs of Norwich. + + +A LARGE parchment book in the Guildhall contains the names of all the +mayors and sheriffs since 1403 when the first mayor was elected. The +subjoined list has been verified by that official document, and is the +most complete record ever published. We give also a few particulars as +to the residences of some of the most distinguished of these civic +dignitaries. + +William Appleyard was the first mayor of Norwich, in 1403. He resided in +an old flint building in Bridewell Alley, St. Andrew’s, which came +afterwards into the hands of Thomas Cambridge, who, in 1454, conveyed it +to John Paston, from whom it passed to the Hobarts, the Cursons, the +Brownes, the Codds, and the Sothertons. It was afterwards used as a +prison, and is now occupied by Mr. James Newbegin. + +John Cambridge was elected to the office of mayor four times, in 1430, +1437, 1438, 1439. He resided in one of the old-fashioned houses on St. +Andrew’s hill. + +Roger Best, grocer, was elected mayor in 1467 and 1472. He occupied a +house in King Street, near St. Ethelred’s church. Afterwards, in the +same house, lived Sir Robert de Salle, who was killed by the rebels in +Kett’s rebellion. + +John Rightwise was elected mayor in 1501, and in 1504 was chosen to +represent the city in parliament. In 1513 he was again elected mayor. +He lived in the house in London Street now occupied by Mr. Boulton, the +ironmonger. During his mayoralty he rebuilt the Market Cross, which +formerly stood in the Market Place. The cross contained an oratory +inside. At the time of the Commonwealth it was assigned to dealers in +leather, but was entirely demolished in 1732. + +William Ramsey was sheriff in 1498, and mayor in 1502, and again in 1508. +He built a portion of St. Michael at Coslany Church, and his tomb is on +the north side with a merchant’s mark, and the initials “W. R.” on it. + +John Clarke, mayor in 1515 and 1520, resided in a house on St. Andrew’s +hill, occupied in 1561 by Mr. Suckling, merchant, and sheriff of Norwich. +The Suckling arms and many curious carvings are still to be seen on the +gateway. + +Robert Jannys, whose portrait is in the Guildhall, was mayor in 1517 and +1524. + +Robert Browne, mayor in 1522, had his coat of arms painted on the window +of the Guildhall. + +Augustine Steward was elected mayor in 1534, and represented the city in +parliament in 1541. He also served as mayor in 1546 and 1556. He lived +in a house on Tombland. His portrait was placed in the Guildhall. + +William Layer, mayor in 1537, occupied one of the large houses on the +north side of St. Andrew’s Street. + +Heny Bacon, grocer, was mayor in 1557 and 1566, and lived in a flint +house at the east end of the church of St. George’s Colegate; his mark +and initials are over the door. Fifty years ago, a large room on the +first floor was lined with fine oak panelling, and the chimney piece was +elaborately carved. These curiosities were removed to the mansion of G. +Kett Tompson, Esq., of Witchingham. The building is now a boot and shoe +warehouse. + +Mr. Codd was mayor of Norwich in the year of Kett’s rebellion. He took +an active part in suppressing the rebellion, and at his death bequeathed +a large sum of money to the hospital in St. Helen’s, where so many old +men have found an asylum. He was buried in the nave of the church of St. +Peter’s per Mountergate, and the heads of his will are read in the church +annually on the Sunday before St. Thomas’ Day. + +William Mingay, mayor in 1561, entertained the Duke and Duchess of +Norfolk, and the Earls of Huntingdon and Northumberland, with many of the +nobility and gentry, at a grand banquet in St. Andrew’s Hall, which, in +subsequent years, was the scene of many mayors’ feasts. + +Alexander Thurston was mayor in 1600, and M.P. for Norwich in 1601. He +lived in a large old-fashioned house in St. Clement’s churchyard, +formerly occupied by the priors of Ixworth. Some carved work in the +house exhibits the initials “A. T.” and the arms of Hester Aldrich, his +wife. In the adjoining house lived John Aldrich, grocer, who took an +active part in suppressing Kett’s rebellion. + +John Pettus, mayor in 1608, was afterwards knighted. The house at the +north-west corner of St. Simon’s churchyard was long the residence of the +Pettus family. The date 1608 is on the door with the arms of Pettus in +one spandrel and his wife’s on the other. His monument is in St. Simon’s +church. + +Thomas Anguish, mayor in 1611, lived in a house at the north end of +Tombland. In a court there, on an old door, is the date 1594 with the +initials of himself and his wife, T. E. A. He founded the Boys’ Hospital +School in St. Edmund’s. He bequeathed a house and estate in Fishgate +Street to the corporation for the use and endowment of a hospital, or a +convenient place for keeping, bringing up, and teaching very poor +children born in the city. + +Mr. John Harvey, manufacturer in 1709, was sheriff in 1720, alderman in +1722, and mayor in 1727. He died on September 28th, 1742, and was buried +in the family vault, which now contains about forty leaden coffins, in +the church of St. Clement’s. The family held an estate in that parish +for more than a century. Some of their portraits adorn the walls of St. +Andrew’s Hall. + +John Patteson, mayor in 1788 and M.P. in 1806–7, resided in a house on +the right-hand side of a court adjoining the Crown and Angel in St. +Stephen’s Street; afterwards he resided in Surrey Street. + + +A LIST OF THE MAYORS, SHERIFFS, ETC. +_From the Year_ 1403 _to_ 1869. + + MAYORS. SHERIFFS. +1403. Wm. Appleyard Robert Brasier, John + Daniel +1404. Wm. Appleyard Sampson Baxter, John + Skye +1405. Wm. Appleyard Jhn. Harleston, Rich. + Spurdaunce +1406. Walter Daniel Edmund Warner, + Richard Drue +1407. John Daniel Tho. Garrard, John + Warlich +1408. Edmund Warner Thomas Parlet, John + Bixley +1409. Walter Daniel Walter Monslee, John + Mannyng +1410. Robert Brasier John Shotesham, + Jeffrey Audley +1411. Wm. Appleyard Richard White, Jhn. + Crownthorpe +1412. Wm. Appleyard John Leverich, John + Wake +1413. Richard Drue Wm. Sedeman, Robert + Suffield +1414. John Bixley Thos. Cock, Henry + Raffman +1415. John Mannyng Richard Moneslee, + Thos. Ocle +1416. Henry Raffman John Asgar, John + Mitchel +1417. John Daniel Wm. Roose, Henry + Jakys +1418. Wm. Appleyard Robert Baxter, John + Cambridge +1419. Walter Daniel Henry Pykynge, John + Shotesham +1420. Rich. Spurdaunce Thos. Ingham, Robert + Asgar +1421. William Sedeman Wm. Nyche, Simon + Cooke +1422. John Mannyng John Gerrard, Tho. + Daniel +1423. Walter Daniel John Wright, John + Hodgekins +1424. Robert Baxter William Grey, Peter + Brasier +1425. Thomas Ingham Tho. Wetherby, Robert + Chapelyn +1426. John Asgar John Copping, John + Gleder +1427. Tho. Wetherby John Welby, Richard + Steynes +1428. Richard Mozeley John Alderford, + Gregory Draper +1429. Robert Baxter William Isleham, John + Sipater +1430. John Cambridge Robert Toppys, John + Penning +1431. Thomas Ingham William Ashwell, Tho. + Grafton +1432. Thos. Wetherby John Dunnyng, + Augustine Bang +1433. Rich. Spurdaunce R. Londesdale, Wm. + Hempstede +1434. John Gerard Roger Booton, Thomas + Ball +1435. Robert Toppys Edmund Bretton, Peter + Roper +1436. Robert Chapelyn Richard Braser, Chr. + Crumpe, to March 1st. + + Walter Eaton, John + Lynford, by the + king’s writ. +1437. John Cambridge Simon Walsoken, + Clement Rayshe + _The Liberties Seized_. +John Welles, Warden, acted single to March the 1st, and then +appointed the mayor to act under him. +1438. J. Welles, Warden J. Cambridge, + Mayor +1439. J. Welles, Warden J. Cambridge, Walter Eaton, John + Mayor Lynford, to July + 17th. + + Simon Walsoken, + Clement Rayshe the + rest of the year. + _The Liberties Restored_. +1440. Robert Toppys John Brosyerd, John + Spicer +1441. Wm. Ashwell John Gosleyn, Henry + Sturmyn +1442. Wm. Hempstede Thos. Alleyn, Ralph + Segryme, to March + 18th. + _The Liberties Seized_. + Sir J. Clifton, Gov. +1443. Sir J. Clifton, Gov. John Intwood, Robert + Alleyn +1444. Sir J. Clifton, Gov. John Intwood, Robert + Alleyn +1445. Sir J. Clifton, Gov. John Intwood, Robert + Alleyn +1446. Sir J. Clifton, Gov. to April 20th. John Intwood, Robert + Alleyn + T. Catworth, War. +1447. T. Catworth, Warden to Dec. 1st. John Intwood, Robert + Alleyn, to December + 1st. + _The Liberties Restored_. +1448. Wm. Hempstede Thos. Alleyn, Ralph + Segryme +1448. Wm. Ashwell Robert Furbusher, + John Wighton +1449. Gregory Draper Richard Brown, John + Drolle +1450. Thomas Alleyn John Chittock, Robert + Machone +1451. Ralph Segryme William Barley, John + Gilbert +1452. Robert Toppys Thomas Ellis, Robert + Syrede +1453. John Drolle Edward Cutler, John + Clarke +1454. Richard Brown Richard Bear, Jeffery + Quinch +1455. Gregory Draper William Norwich, John + Albone +1456. Richard Brasier Thomas Bokenham, John + Butt +1457. John Chittock Jeffery Joye, John + Hunworth +1458. Robert Toppys Thos. Owdolfe, + William Reyner +1459. John Gilbert Walter Godfrey, Edm. + Coleman +1460. Thomas Ellis Roger Best, John + Aubery +1461. William Norwich John Northal, John + Cook +1462. John Butte John Burton, Richard + Hoste +1463. Richard Brasier Henry Spencer, + William Willis +1464. John Gilbert William Swaine, + Robert Portland +1465. Thomas Ellis Walter Thornfield, + Rich. Daniel +1466. John Chittock John Rose, John + Beccles +1467. Roger Best John Laws, Robert + Hickling +1468. Walter Thornfield Richard Ferrour, + Thomas Veyle +1469. John Aubery Thos. Bokenham, Wm. + Pepper +1470. Edward Cutler John Harvey, Henry + Owdolfe +1471. John Butt John Wellys, Robert + Aylmer +1472. Roger Best Edmund Staley, Thomas + Storme +1473. Richard Ferrour John Cocke, William + London +1474. Thomas Ellis James Goldbeater, + John Burghe +1475. William Swaine Thos. Cambridge, + Robt. Lounde +1476. John Wellys Hammond Claxton, + Robt. Cooke +1477. Robert Portland Gregory Clarke, + Phillip Curson +1478. Rich. Ferrour Robert Osborne, Thos. + Bewfield +1479. Thos. Bokenham Robert Wellys, Thos. + Phillips +1480. John Aubery Robert Gardiner, + Thos. Woorts +1481. Robert Aylmer Robert Belton, John + Denton +1482. William London Richard Ballys, Ralph + Est +1483. Rich. Ferrour William Rose, William + Ferrour +1484. John Cook John Ebbs, William + Curtis +1485. Ham. Claxton John Tills, John + Swaine +1486. J. Aubery, died T. Bokenham Thomas Wilkins, John + Jowelle +1487. John Wellys John Pyncheamore, + John Caster +1488. Thomas Bewfield John Rede, Richard + Howard +1489. Richard Ballys Thomas Caus, Nicholas + Davie +1490. Robert Gardiner Nicholas Cowlitch, + Wm. Gogeoa +1491. William London Stephen Bryan, John + Cooke +1492. Robert Aylmer John Warnes, John + Rightwise +1493. Richard Ferrour Robert Long, + Bartholomew King +1494. Stephen Bryan John Horsley, Robert + Burghe +1495. J. Wellys, died T. Caus Richard Brasier, + Robert Best +1496. John Rede John Francis, John + Pethood +1497. Nicholas Cowlitch Gregory Clarke, + Thomas Aldrich +1498. Richard Ferrour William Ramsey, Thos. + Henning +1499. Robt. Gardiner J. Randolph, R. + Pyncheamore +1500. John Warnes Jefferey Steward, + John Crome +1501. John Rightwise Richard Aylmer, + William Drake +1502. William Ramsey Simon Rede, John + Smith +1503. Thomas Caus Thomas Warnes, Thomas + Gaunt +1504. Robert Burghe W. Hart, J. Hendry + d., J. Walters +1505. Gregory Clarke Thomas Large, William + Godfrey +1506. Robt. Gardiner Thomas Clarke, John + Swaine +1507. Thomas Aldrich John Clarke, William + Ferrour +1508. Wm. Ramsey Edward Rede, Robert + Brown +1509. Robert Long Henry Attemere, + Robert Jannys +1510. Richard Brasier John Marsham, Ralph + Wilkins +1511. Richard Aylmer Robert Pell, John + Stalone +1512. William Hart Stephen Stalone, + Rich. Corpesty +1513. John Rightwise John Busting, Thomas + Pickerel +1514. Gregory Clarke Henry Scholehouse, + John Terry +1515. John Clarke R. Barker, died, R. + Ferrour, died, Wm. + Boone, Thos. Wilkins +1516. Thos. Aldrich Thomas Bauberg, + Gregory Caus +1517. Robert Jannys Robert Green, Thomas + Cory +1518. John Marsham Robt. Hemming, Ham. + Linstead +1519. William Hart John Brown, Barth. + Springal +1520. John Clarke Nicholas Sywhat, John + Westgate +1521. Edward Rede Thomas Moore, Robert + Hall +1522. Robert Brown William Russel, John + Watts +1523. John Terry Reg. Littleprow, Wm. + Norfolk +1524. Robert Jannys S. Raynbow, W. Crane, + died., H. Salter +1525. Thomas Pickerel Robert Leech, John + Swaine +1526. Robert Ferrour Augustine Steward, W. + Layer +1527. Ralph Wilkins Thomas Grewe, John + Clarke +1528. William Boone Thomas Crank, Henry + Fuller +1529. Robert Green John Curat, John + Corbet +1530. Thomas Bauburgh Thos. Necton, + Nicholas Sotherton +1531. Edward Rede Richard Catlyn, Wm. + Rogers +1532. Reg. Littleprow John Groote, William + Haste +1533. Thos. Pickerel Adam Lawes, Roger + Cooper +1534. Augustine Steward William Lynn, Thos. + Greenwood +1535. Nicholas Sywhat Robert Brown, Henry + Crook +1536. Robt. Ferrour Edmund Wood, Thos. + Thetford +1537. William Layer Robert Rugge, Robert + Palmer +1538. Thos. Pickerel Nich. Osborn, John + Humberston +1539. Nich. Sotherton J. Marsham, T. + Walter, J. Trace +1540. Thomas Grewe Thomas Codd, John + Spencer +1541. Robert Leech John Quash, Felix + Puttock +1542. William Rogers Thomas Cocke, Richard + Davy +1543. Edward Rede R. Lee, W. Morant, T. + Marsham +1544. Henry Fuller Edmund Warren, Robt. + Marlyng +1545. Robert Rugge Richard Suckling, + Robert Lyng +1546. August Steward Robert Mitchell, + Bernard Utber +1547. Robert Leech Thomas Dowsing, + William Hede +1548. Edm. Wood, died William Rogers Henry Bacon, John + Atkins +1549. Thomas Codde Richard Fletcher, Wm. + Ferrour +1550. Robert Rugge Thomas Morley, John + Walters +1551. Richard Davy John Aldrich, Thomas + Grey +1552. Thomas Cocke Robert Norman, John + Bungay +1553. Henry Crooke Nicholas Norgate, + John Howes +1554. Thomas Marsham Thomas Malbye, Wm. + Mingay +1555. Felix Puttock, died Thomas Codd Thomas Greene, John + Bloome +1556. August. Steward Thos. Sotherton, + Leon. Sotherton +1557. Henry Bacon E. Woolsey, T. Lynn, + J. Benjamin +1558. John Aldrich Thomas Parker, Andrew + Quash +1559. Richard Fletcher Thos. Cully, Thos. + Tesmond +1560. Robert Mychell Thomas Whale, Richard + Hede +1561. William Mingay Robert Wood, Thomas + Pecke +1562. William Farrour Thos. Farrour, Thos. + Beamond +1563 Richard Davy Christopher Some, + Ellis Bate +1564. Nicholas Norgate Robert Suckling, John + Gibbs +1565. Thomas Sotherton John Sotherton, + Thomas Winter +1566. Henry Bacon Thomas Pettus, John + Suckling +1567. Thomas Whall John Worsley, Thomas + Layer +1568. Thomas Parker John Rede, Simon + Bowde +1569. Robert Wood Christopher Layer, + Richard Bate +1570. John Aldrich Thos. Gleane, Robert + Gostling +1571. Thomas Green Henry Greenwood, + Edward Pye +1572. Robert Suckling Nich. Sotherton, + Francis Rugge +1573. Thomas Pecke George Bowgeon, Thos. + Stokes +1574. Christopher Some Nicholas Baker, + Thomas Gooch +1575. William Farrour Richard Baker, + Clement Hyrne +1576. Thomas Layer Cut. Brereton, + Francis Morley +1577. Thomas Cully Rich. Howes, Rich. + Bange +1578. Sir R. Wood, Kt. John Elwin, Thomas + Secker +1579. Simon Bowde Robert Davy, John Pye +1580. Chris. Some Laur. Wood, Nich. + Bradford +1581. Christopher Layer Rich. Ferrour, Thomas + Pye +1582. Robert Suckling Robt. Yarham, John + Wilkinson +1583. Thomas Gleane Henry Pye, Ed. + Johnson +1584. John Suckling Laur. Watts, Titus + Norris +1585. Thomas Layer Roger Weld, John + Tesmond +1586. Thomas Pecke Henry Davy, Joshua + Cully +1587. Francis Rugge Alex. Thurston, Greg. + Houlton +1588. Simon Bowde Robt. Rooke, Wm. + Ramsey +1589. Chris. Layer Randolph Smith, John + Sylver +1590. Thomas Pettus Robert Hall, Wm. + Peters +1591. Robert Yarham Nich. Layer, Thos. + Lane +1592. Thomas Gleane Thos. Sotherton, + Roger Ramsey +1593. Clement Hyrne Robt. Blackburne, + Aug. Whall +1594. Chris. Some Rich. Tolye, Wm. + Johnson +1595. Thomas Layer E. Browne, died, R. + Sadler, R. Gaywood +1596. Richard Farrour Thos. Anguish, Robt. + Gybson +1597. Thomas Pye Thos. Hyrne, Peter + Barker +1598. Francis Rugge J. Pettus, George + Downing +1599. Roger Weld Robt. Garshead, Henry + Galliard +1600 Alex. Thurstone Thos. Pettus, Robt. + Debney +1601. John Tesmond J. Chapman, Spencer + Peterson +1602. T. Gleane, died Francis Rugge John Mingay, William + Drake +1603. Thomas Lane Edward Nutting, John + Symonds +1604. Thomas Hyrne George Birch, George + Cocke +1605. Thomas Sotherton Michael Aldrich, + Fras. Smallpiece +1605. Joshua Culley Thomas Blosse, John + Shovell +1607. George Downing Robert Craske, James + Allen +1608. Sir Jn. Pettus, Knt. Robert Hornsey, Henry + Fawcett +1609. Sir T. Hyrne, Knt. Bassingbourn + Throckmorton, Thomas + Doughty +1610. Roger Ramsey Peter Gleane, Richard + Goldman +1611. Thomas Anguish Richard Rosse, Simon + Davy +1612. Thomas Blosse William Bussey, John + Norris +1613. George Cocke Lionel Claxton, + Michael Parker +1614. Thomas Pettus Thos. Spendlove, + Matt. Peckover +1615. Peter Gleane Christopher Baret, + Francis Cocke +1616. Sir T. Hyrne, Knt. William Brown, Thomas + Cory +1617. John Mingay Alex. Anguish, Edmund + Cocke +1618. Richard Rosse John Anguish, John + Ward +1619. Roger Gaywood Nat. Remington, + Lucian Laws +1620. Richard Tooley Thomas Shipdam, + Thomas Baker +1621. George Birch John Ramsey, John + Lyng +1622. Francis Smallpiece Nicholas Emms, Robert + Sumpter +1623. Robert Craske William Green, Robert + Sedgewick +1624. Robert Debney John Loveland, Robert + Powle +1625. Michael Parker Niclas. Osborn, Step. + Leverington +1626. Bassingbourn Throckmorton Augustine Scottow, + Rich. Harman +1627. Francis Cocke Henry Lane, Thomas + Atkins +1628. Thomas Cory William Symonds, John + Daniel +1629. Alexander Anguish John Thacker, William + Gostlin +1630. William Browne John Tooley, Robert + Palgrave +1631. Thomas Shipdam Robert Tompson, Thos. + Carver +1632. Robert Hornsey Edm. Burman, Adrian + Parmenter +1633. William Bussey Richard Ward, Richard + Keepis +1634. Christopher Baret Samuel Puckle, Matt. + Peckover +1635. John Anguish Thomas Barber, John + Croshold +1636. Thomas Baker John Freeman, John + Utting +1637. Robert Sumpter John Lombe, Matthew + Sotherton +1638. John Tooley Livewell Sherwood, + John Gray +1639. Richard Harman Henry Watts, John + Salter +1640. Henry Lane John Osborne, John + Dethick +1641. Thomas Carver, d. Adrian Parmenter Matthew Lindsey, + Robert Baron +1642. W. Gostlin, _impris._ A. Parmenter, John Greenwood, John + _deputy_ Rayley +1643. John Thacker Thomas Toft, Richard + Bateman +1644. John Tooley Thomas Baret, Bernard + Church +1645. Matthew Peckover John Cory, William + Rye +1646. Henry Watts Richard Wenman, Robt. + Holmes +1647. J. Utting, _impris._ Christ. Baret, Thomas Ashwell, + _deputy_ William Davy +1648 Edmund Burman William Barnham, + Robert Allen +1649. Robert Baron died, John Rayley A. Peckover died, S. + Brewster, John Mann +1650. Matt. Lindsey died, Thomas Baret William Tuck, + Nehemiah Bond +1651. Bernard Church Thomas Johnson, John + Knights +1652. William Barnham Clement Parnell, + Roger Whistler +1653. John Mann Christopher Jay, + Roger Mingay +1654. Thomas Toft John Andrews, Joseph + Paine +1655. John Salter Henry Wood, Richard + Coldham +1656. Samuel Puckle Robert Powle, James + Long +1657. Christopher Jay Robert Gooch, William + Heyward +1658. Roger Mingay Roger Hawes, Matthew + Marcon +1659. William Davy Thomas Wisse, John + Lawrence +1660. Sir Jos. Paine, Knt. E. Browne died, Aug. + Briggs, George + Steward +1661. John Osborne Henry Sidnor, Henry + Herne +1662. Richard Wenman John Manser, George + Mirris +1663. John Croshold Robert Bendish, + Thomas Thacker +1664. William Heyward Hy. Watts, jun., + Thos. Chickering +1665. Matthew Marcon James Denew, F. + Norris died, John + Richer +1666. Henry Wood Henry Crowe, John + Wigget +1667. Thomas Wisse Rich. Wenman, + Jehosaphat Davy +1668. Roger Hawes Isaac Decele, Rowland + Cockey +1669. John Lawrence John Wrench, Mark + Cockey +1670. Augustine Briggs William Crowe, Adrian + Paine +1671. Thomas Thacker Daniel Palmer died, + John Lowe, John Toll + died, Peter Wigget +1672. Robert Bendish John Leverington, R. + Clayton died, R. + Freeman +1673. Henry Herne John Dersley, Hugh + Bokenham +1674. Henry Watts, jun. Robert Cooke, Thomas + Cooke +1675. John Manser William Drake, John + Todd +1676. Thomas Chickering William Helwys, Wm. + Permenter +1677. John Richer Jeremiah Vynne, Nich. + Helwys +1678. Jehosaphat Davy Henry Brady, Simon + Wissiter +1679. Henry Crowe James Brogden, Thomas + Seaman +1680. Robert Freeman Leonard Osborn, Fras. + Gardiner +1681. Hugh Bokenham John Westhorp, + William Salter +1682. John Lowe Philip Stebbing, + Laur. Goodwin +1683. William Helwys John Lowe, Samuel + Warkehouse +1684. Nicholas Helwys Nicholas Morley, Mic. + Beverley +1685. Francis Gardiner Thomas Blofeld, + Augustine Briggs +1686. William Salter William Guybon, Rich. + Brogden +1687. Philip Stebbing Nic. Bickerdyde, + disp., Tim. Wenn, + John Ward +1688. John Wrench Thomas Postle, John + Atkinson +1689. Thomas Cook John Yallop, John + Drake +1690. Jeremiah Vynne John Albrew, Thomas + Turner +1691. Thomas Blofeld John Freeman, Roger + Salter +1692. Michael Beverley Gamaliel Sugden, + Peter Thacker +1693. Robert Cook Edward Clark, John + Hall +1694. John Ward Christopher Stallon, + Robert Bene +1695. Augustine Briggs Samuel Moulton, + Richard Pitcher +1696. Nich. Bickerdyke William Blithe, + Christopher Gibbs +1697. Laurence Goodwin John Cook, Augustine + Metcalfe +1698. Saml. Warkehouse George Gynn, William + Cook +1699. Thomas Turner Peter Seaman, Thomas + Palgrave +1700. Edward Clarke John Covel, Thomas + Dunch +1701. John Hall Matthew Nall, Thomas + Havers +1702. John Atkinson Nicholas Helwys, John + Goose +1703. John Freeman Edward Bayspool, Wm. + Cockman +1704. William Blithe John Riseborough, + Ben. Austin +1705. Peter Thacker William Brereton, + John Norman +1706. William Cooke Peter Attlesey, + Anthy. Parmenter +1707. Peter Seaman Robert Chickering, + James Daniel +1708. Thomas Havers Thomas Monsey, + William Rogers +1709. Matthew Nall George Vertue, Thomas + Bubbin +1710. Robert Bene Henry Shardelow, + George Gobbet +1711. William Cockman Anthony Ransom, Rich. + Manby +1712. John Goose Joseph Wasey, + Jehosaphat Postle +1713. Nicholas Helwys Thomas Vere, Thomas + Harwood +1714. John Norman Joseph Burton, + Richard Lubbock +1715. Peter Attlesey Jacob Robins, Samuel + Freemoult +1716. Augustine Metcalfe Thomas Newton, + Richard Mott +1717. Rich. Lubbock d., Thos Bubbin died, Edmund Hunton, Edw. + Anthony Parmenter Colebourn +1718. Richard Mott Benjamin Nuthall, J. + Osborn died, D. + Meadows +1719. John Hall Daniel Fromanteel, + Robert Marsh +1720. Edward Coleburn John Croshold, John + Harvey +1721. Benjamin Nuthall Thos. Harmer, Tim. + Balderstone +1722. Thomas Newton John Pell, Nathaniel + Paul +1723. Edmund Hunton Francis Arnam, T. + Tawell died, J. + Custance +1724. John Croshold John Black, Philip + Meadows +1725. Daniel Fromanteel William Clarke, John + Langley +1726. John Custance Jeremiah Ives, + Abraham Yestis +1727. John Harvey S. Morgan died, W. + Pearce, Robert Harvey +1728. Thomas Harwood John Press, John + Spurrell +1729. John Black Thomas Maltby, Edward + King +1730. John Pell S. Eakins died, J. + Nuthall, Samuel + Lillington +1731. Robert Marsh Robert Blyford, + Joseph Brittan +1732. Francis Arnam Jn. Brown, Barthmw. + Balderstone +1733. Jeremiah Ives John Fromow, John + Simpson +1734. Philip Meadows Robert Stileman, + James Nasmith +1735. Thomas Vere Richard Humphry, Wm. + Wigget +1736. Tim. Balderstone Thomas Johnson, + Simeon Waller +1737. John Spurrell Charles Maltby, + Nathaniel Roe +1738. Robert Harvey James Barnham, John + Black +1739. William Clarke Abraham Larwood, H. + S. Patteson +1740. John Nuthall Charles Lay died, + Thos. Harvey John + Wood +1741. Edward King John Calver, William + Crowe +1742. William Wiggett William Greenaway, + Thos. Wigg +1743. James Nasmith Thomas Ward, Robert + Rogers +1744. John Black Benjamin Lewis, + Edmund Hooke +1745. Simeon Waller Joseph Hammont, James + Smith +1746. John Wood Jos. Hammont, jun., + John Gay +1747. William Crowe Charles Wace, Philip + Stannard +1748. Thomas Harvey John Dyball, Jeremiah + Ives +1749. Benjamin Nuthall Wm. Woolbright, Thos. + Hurnard +1750. John Custance John Smith, John + Cooper +1751. Tim. Balderstone John Goodman, Peter + Colombine +1752. Thomas Hurnard John Tompson, Samuel + Harvey +1753. John Press Nockold Tompson, J. + Fromow died, P. + Fromow +1754. John Gay Charles Weston, Isaac + Lillington +1755. Peter Colombine Isaac Houghton, John + Simpson +1756. Jeremiah Ives Ralph Smith, John + Scott +1757. John Goodman Wm. Lovick, Thos. + Churchman +1758. Robert Rogers Barth. Harwood, + Daniel Ganning +1759. Nockold Tompson Mark Addey, John + Dersley +1760. Barth. Harwood Chas. Fearman, Jermy + Harcourt +1761. Sir T. Churchman, Kt. John Patteson, Ben. + Hancock +1762. Jermy Harcourt William Cady, John + Day +1763. Ben. Hancock J. Adcock died, J. + Ives, jun., James + Poole +1764. John Dersley Robert Brettingham, + John Aldred +1765. James Poole Robert Barrett, + Thomas Starling +1766. John Patteson Robert Harvey, jun., + John Addey +1767. Thomas Starling Nathaniel Roe, John + Ives +1768. John Day Charles Codd, Knipe + Gobbett +1769. Jeremiah Ives, jun. Hewett Rand, Francis + Colombine +1770. Rob. Harvey, jun. Thomas Ives, James + Fisher +1771. Knipe Gobbett John L. Watts, James + Crowe +1772. Charles Weston Richard Peete, David + Colombine +1773. John Addey R. Matthews died, B. + Day, Timothy Matthews +1774. John L. Watts, d. James Crow John Thurlow, Roger + Kerrison +1775. Richard Peete Andrew Chamber, + Starling Day +1776. Francis Colombine Thos. Troughton, John + Bringloe +1777. Nathaniel Roe Richard Rust, Thomas + Nasmith +1778. Roger Kerrison Thos. Primrose, + Richard Clarke +1779. John Thurlow John Morse, J. Ives + Harvey +1780. Benjamin Day Andrew Sieley, Robert + Partridge +1781. John Morse Elias Norgate, Thomas + Colman +1782. Starling Day Thomas Day, Jeremiah + Ives, jun. +1783. J. Ives Harvey Gilbert Brownsmith, + John Day +1784. Robert Partridge Robt. Harvey, jun., + John Harvey +1785. Elias Norgate T. Emerson, d. C. + Weston, jun., John + Patteson +1786. Jeremiah Ives, jun. William Herring, John + Herring +1787. Robt Harvey, jun. John Buckle, Thomas + Watson +1788. John Patteson John Woodrow, James + Hudson +1789. Chas. Weston, jun. Star. Day, jun., John + G. Baseley +1790. Thomas Watson William Cutting, John + Tuthill +1791. John G. Baseley Robert Herring, W. + Wilcocks +1792. John Harvey John Robinson, James + Chase +1793. John Buckle John Wells, Charles + Reynolds +1794. James Hudson John Browne, John + Ives +1795. Jeremiah Ives Ed. Colman, Peter + Chamberlin +1796. William Herring John Reynolds, Edmund + Reeve +1797. James Crowe Hewett Rand, John + Stoddart +1798. John Browne Thos. Tawell, Thos. + A. Kerrison +1799. John Herring William Stevenson, + John H. Cole +1800. Robert Harvey James Hardy, Jonathan + Davey +1801. Jeremiah Ives, jun. Thos. Back, jun., + Robert Ward +1802. Sir R. Kerrison, Kt. William Black, James + Marsh +1803. John Morse Edward Rigby, Joseph + Clarke +1804. James Marsh John Wright, Barnabas + Leman +1805. Edward Rigby John Oxley, John H. + Yallop +1806. Thos. A. Kerrison William Matthews, + John Ansell +1807. Robert Herring John W. Robberds, + Joseph Scott +1808. Starling Day, jun. John Steward, Joseph + Fitch +1809. Thomas Back, jun. James Wade, Phillip + Jas. Knights +1810. John Steward Francis Morse, Thos. + Troughton +1811. John H. Cole John S. Patteson, + William Hankes +1812. Starling Day John Ownsworth, Mar. + Fountain +1813. Barnabas Leman John Aldis, + Christopher Higgin +1814. John W. Robberds Crisp Brown, William + Burt +1815. John H. Yallop Thomas Thurtell, + William Foster +1816. William Hankes Nath. Bolingbroke, W. + Willement +1817. Crisp Brown William Burrows, John + Lovick +1818. Barnabas Leman William Rackham, + Richard Shaw +1819. Nath. Bolingbroke Robert Hawkes, Edward + Taylor +1820. William Burt Henry Francis, Edward + T. Booth +1821. Wm. Rackham Jerem. Graves, Jos. + Gibson, jun. +1822. Robert Hawkes Thos. Star. Day, + Arthur Beloe +1823. John S. Patteson Hammond Fisk, William + Moore +1824. Henry Francis John Angell, Charles + Turner +1825. Thos. Star. Day Peter Finch, James + Brooks +1826. Edw. Tem. Booth John Herring, James + Bennett +1827. Peter Finch J. P. Cocksedge, T. + O. Springfield +1828. Thomas Thurtell Seth. Wm. Stevenson, + Geo. Grout +1829. T. O. Springfield Wm. Rye, Sam. + Shalders Beare +1830. John Angell Samuel Bignold, Isaac + Wiseman +1831. John H. Yallop William Herring, John + Cozens +1832. S. W. Stevenson John P. Oxley, + William Foster +1833. Samuel Bignold W. J. U. Browne, Edw. + Steward +1834. Charles Turner Wm. Chambers, John + Marshall +1835. William Moore Ditto to December + 31st, 1835 + +Alderman Moore was the last mayor, under the old corporation, by the +charter of which the chief magistrate was chosen out of the twenty-four +aldermen, by the freemen, on the first of May; and sworn into office, on +the Tuesday before the eve of New Midsummer-day. + +There were two sheriffs, one chosen by the court of aldermen—the other by +the freemen, on the last Tuesday in August, and both sworn into office on +New Michaelmas-day. + +Under the Municipal Corporation Reform Act, the mayor and sheriff are +chosen by the sixteen aldermen and forty-eight councillors, the former +from amongst themselves, on the ninth of November, and they enter upon +their office on that day. + +1836. T. O. Springfield (Jan.) Horatio Bolingbroke +1836. Thos. Brightwell (Nov.) John Bateman +1837. Samuel Shalders Beare John Francis +1838. John Marshall Henry Woodcock +1839. Philip J. Money John Barwell +1840. Edward Willett Richard Coaks +1841. John Marshall William Storey +1842. Samuel Mitchell William Freeman +1843. William Freeman George L. Coleman +1844. Sir Wm. Foster, Bart. John Betts +1845. John Betts Jeremiah Colman +1846. Jeremiah Colman Charles Winter +1847. George L. Coleman James Watson +1848. Samuel Bignold Robert Chamberlin +1849. Henry Woodcock James Colman +1850. Henry Woodcock Edward Blakely +1851. Charles Winter Robert Wiffen Blake +1852. Richard Coaks George Womack +1853. Sir Samuel Bignold, Kt. Henry Birkbeck +1854. Robert Chamberlin Robert John Harvey Harvey +1855. John G. Johnson Timothy Steward +1856. Robert Chamberlin Robert Seaman +1857. Edward Field Charles Crawshay +1858. George Middleton Henry Staniforth Patteson +1859. Jacob Henry Tillett J. Underwood +1860. W. J. Utten Browne Donald Dalrymple +1861. John Oddin Taylor Arthur J. Cresswell +1862. Henry Stan. Patteson Jeremiah James Colman +1863. Osborn Springfield Frederick Brown +1864. Charles Edw. Tuck Charles Jecks +1865. Wm. Peter Nichols William J. Cubitt +1866. Frederick E. Watson W. H. Clabburn +1867. Jeremiah Jas. Colman Robert Fitch +1868. Edward K. Harvey John Robison + + RECORDERS OF NORWICH + +1521. William Elys +1522. John Spelman +1563. Thomas Gawdy, sen. +1576. Francis Windham +1582. Edward Coke +1595. Robert Houghton +1603. John Silver (_Deputy_) +1612. Richard Gwynne +1648. Samuel Smith +1649. Erasmus Earl +1663. Francis Cory +1677. Francis Bacon +1680. John Norris +1683. William Earl of Yarmouth +1684. John Warkehouse, (_Deputy_) +1688. Robert Davy +1703. Stephen Gardiner +1727. Richard Berney +1737. Robert Britiffe +1743. William Brooke +1752. Edward Bacon +1783. John Chambers +1788. Henry Partridge +1801. Charles Harvey +1826. Robert Alderson +1831. Isaac Preston Jermy +1848. Michael Prendergast +1859. Peter F. O’Malley + +The Recorder, whose office is held for life, must be a Barrister; he +formerly assisted as Chief Judge in the Mayor’s Court, and was one of the +council for the city. + +By the Corporation Reform Act the Recorder is sole judge at the Quarter +Sessions for the borough and city, and is no longer a member of the +corporate body. + + STEWARDS OF NORWICH. + +1521. Francis Moundford 1691. Arthur Branthwayt +1536. Edmund Grey 1703. Richard Berney +1555. Richard Catlyn 1727. William Brooke +1563. John Bleverhasset 1743. Francis Larwood +1585. Robert Houghton 1750. Edward Bacon +1595. Henry Hobart 1752. Charles Buckle +1618. William Denny 1781. John Chambers +1648. Erasmus Earl 1783. Charles Harvey +1650. Charles Geo. Cocke 1803. William Firth +1663. William Watts 1807. Robert Alderson +1677. John Norris 1826. Isaac Preston +1680. John Mingay 1831. Fitzroy R. Kelly +1688. Robert Ward + +The Steward, who must have been a barrister, was appointed for life; he +assisted as Chief Judge in the Sheriffs’ Court, and was one of the +council for the city. By the Corporation Reform Act the office of +Steward was abolished in 1835. + + + +CHAPTER III. +Ecclesiastical. + + +THE origin of the See of Norwich is attached to Sigebert, king of the +East Angles, who, being in France about the year 630, brought over Felix, +a priest of Burgundy, and constituted him bishop, fixing his seat at +Dunwich, in Suffolk. About forty years afterwards the diocese was +divided, Dunwich and North Elmham having each a bishop, and this +continued till the year 870, when the two sees were again united under +Wybred at Elmham. Owing to the devastations of the piratical Danes the +see remained vacant nearly one hundred years, but was restored by +Theodored, in 995 according to the common account; but there is evidence +which tends to prove that he was bishop in 945, if not before. During +the reign of William I. the see was removed to Thetford, and in the year +1094 it was finally settled in Norwich. This added greatly to the +importance of the city, and made it the capital of East Anglia. + +The diocese, as to its seat, has continued unchanged since 1094, and as +to its extent and government has been but slightly modified. The most +prominent bishops have been Losinga, who established the see at Norwich +and founded the cathedral, and John Grey or Gray, who governed Ireland, +divided it into counties, placed it under English laws, fought in France, +and captured fortresses there,—for bishops were fighting men in those +days; Pandulph, who excommunicated King John Lackland; W. Middleton, who +acted as Guardian of the Kingdom; John Salmon and William de Ermine, who +were Lord Chancellors; and Bateman, who founded Trinity Hall, Cambridge. +Others less noted were Henry le Spencer, who fought as a soldier for the +pope on shore, and as an English admiral at sea; Richard Courtenay, who +died at the siege of Harfleur; John de Wakering, who was Lord Privy Seal; +Nykke, known as the blind bishop, who conducted a traitorous +correspondence with the pope; William Rugge, who deprived the see of its +barony; Parkhurst, who was famous for entertaining Oxford scholars; +Scambler, called “the scandalous;” John Jeggon, called “the wag;” +Montague, called “the excellent;” Corbet, called the “merry wit;” Hall, +“the saintly;” Overall and Sparrow, “the learned;” and Bathurst, “the +good,” who pleaded for Catholic emancipation. Three of the dignitaries, +J. Harpsfield, H. Prideaux, and T. Sherlock, became cardinals; one, John, +became archbishop of Smyrna; and one, Montgomery, became bishop of Meath. + +The cathedral establishment includes the bishop, the dean, three +archdeacons, four canons, twenty-four hon. canons, four minor canons, and +a chancellor. The income of the bishop is £4,500; that of each of the +archdeacons is £200; and that of the other archdeacon is £184. The +diocese comprises all Norfolk except the parishes of Emneth and Brandon, +and all Suffolk except the deaneries of Thedwaster and Thingoe, and parts +of the deaneries of Clare, Fordham, and Sudbury; and it is divided into +the archdeaconries of Norwich, Norfolk, and Suffolk. Population, +743,000; acres, 1,994,535; deaneries, 41; benefices, 908; curates, 253; +church sittings, 294,177. A few more particulars may be stated +respecting some of the earlier prelates. + +_Herbert de Losinga_ _A.D._ 1094. + Founder of the diocese and builder of the + greater part of the Cathedral. +_Eborard or Everard_ _A.D._ 1121. + Divided the archdeaconry of Suffolk into + two, founded the hospital and church of + St. Paul in Norwich. He either resigned + or was deposed. +_William Turbus_ _A.D._ 1146. + A friend and advocate of Thomas à Becket, + who induced him to excommunicate the Earl + of Norfolk and some other nobles, for + which he was forced to take sanctuary till + he had appeased the wrath of the King, + Henry II. +_John of Oxford_ _A.D._ 1175. + Took part with Henry II. against Becket, + and built the church of the Holy Trinity + at Ipswich. +_John de Grey_ _A.D._ 1200. + Built a palace at Gaywood, near Lynn, made + that town a free borough, and lent large + sums to King John, for which he received + in pledge the royal regalia. After him + the see was vacant seven years. +_Pandulphus_ _A.D._ 1222. + Obtained a grant of the whole of the + _first fruits_ of the clergy in his + diocese for himself and his successors, + which was not revoked till the time of + Henry VIII. +_Thomas de Blandevill_ _A.D._ 1226. +_Ralfo_ (died soon after) 1239. +_William de Raleigh_ 1244. + Translated to Winchester. +_Walter de Suthfield_ 1244. + Obtained for the bishopric a charter of + free warren to himself and successors, + erected and endowed the hospital of St. + Giles, and made a valuation of all the + ecclesiastical revenues for Pope Innocent. +_Simon de Walton_ _A.D._ 1258. +_Roger de Skernyng_ 1265. +_William de Middleton_ 1278. +_Ralph de Walpole_ 1288. + Translated to Ely. +_John Salmon_ 1299. + Enlarged the Palace and founded the + Charnel House School (now the Grammar + House School). +_Robert de Baldock_ _A.D._ 1325. + Resigned the same year. +_William de Ayrminne_ 1325. + Enclosed and fortified the Cathedral and + Palace with stone walls. +_Thomas Hemenhale_ _A.D._ 1337. + Translated to Worcester same year. +_Anthony de Beck_ 1337. + Being of a quarrelsome disposition, was + poisoned either by the monks or his own + servants. +_William Bateman_ _A.D._ 1343. + Was a native of Norwich, and founded + Trinity Hall, Cambridge. +_Thomas Percy_ _A.D._ 1355. + Youngest brother of the Earl of + Northumberland; was only twenty-two years + of age when he obtained the prelacy. +_Henry le Spencer_ _A.D._ 1370. + Was consecrated by the pope in person. He + took an active part in the warfare between + the Urbanites and Clementines. He was an + enthusiastic zealot, and a fierce + persecutor of the Lollards. +_Alexander de Tottington_ _A.D._ 1407. +_Richard de Courtenay_, 1413. +_LL.D._ +_John Wareryng_ 1416. +_William Alnwick_, _LL.D._ 1426. + Translated to Lincoln. +_Thomas Browne_, _LL.D._ 1436. + Translated from Rochester; he left money + to pay the city tax, and founded + exhibitions at the Universities for poor + scholars in the diocese. +_John Stanbery_, _D.D._ _A.D._ 1445. + Chosen but never consecrated. +_Walter Lyhart_ 1446 + He repaired the Cathedral, and made many + ornamental additions to the edifice. +_James Goldwell_ _A.D._ 1472. + Granted twelve years and forty days pardon + to all who assisted him in beautifying the + Cathedral. +_Thomas Jan_ _A.D._ 1499. +_Richard Nykke or Nix_ 1500. + Alienated the revenues of his diocese for + the Abbacy of Holme, by agreement with + Henry VIII., and was a cruel persecutor of + the reformers, who, at this period, begun + to be numerous. +_William Rugg D.D._ _A.D._ 1535. + Resigned the See for an annuity of £200 + per annum. +_Thomas Thirlby_ _A.D._ 1550. + Translated from Westminster, of which he + was the first and last bishop; and + afterwards removed to Ely. +_John Hopton_, _D.D._ _A.D._ 1554. + A sanguinary persecutor of the reformers, + and is supposed to have died through fear + of retaliating vengeance on the accession + of Queen Elizabeth. “Thus conscience + cloth make cowards of us all.” + +After the Reformation the following were the bishops of Norwich in the +16th century:— + +_Richard Cox_ _A.D._ 1558. + Translated to Ely. +_John Parkhurst_, 1560. +_D.D._ + A friend of Oxford scholars. +_Edmund Freke_, _D.D._ 1575. + Translated from Rochester and + afterwards removed to Worcester. +_Edmund Scambler_, _A.D._ 1584. +_D.D._ + Translated from Peterborough. +_William Redman_, 1594. +_D.D._ + +The following were bishops of Norwich in the 17th century:— + +_John Jeggon_, _D.D._ _A.D._ 1602. + In his time a fire broke out in the + palace at Ludham and consumed the + whole of the library, and many + valuable documents respecting the + diocese. +_John Overall_, _D.D._ _A.D._ 1618. + Translated from Lichfield and + Coventry. +_Samuel Harsnett_, 1619. +_D.D._ + Translated from Chichester, and + afterwards became archbishop of York. +_Francis White_, _D.D._ _A.D._ 1628. + Translated from Carlisle, afterwards + removed to Ely. +_Richard Corbet_, _D.D._ _A.D._ 1631. +_Matthew Wren_, _D.D._ 1635. + Translated from Hereford and + afterwards removed to Ely. He was + father of the celebrated architect, + Sir Christopher Wren. +_Richard Montague_, _A.D._ 1636. +_D.D._ + A distinguished scholar, translated + from Chichester. +_Joseph Hall_, _D.D._ _A.D._ 1641. + Translated from Exeter. During the + civil wars he was sent to the tower + for asserting his right to vote in + the house of peers; and parliament + deprived him of his temporalities, + and prohibited him from exercising + any spiritual jurisdiction. The See + was vacant four years. +_Edward Reynolds_, _A.D._ 1660. +_D.D._ + Was a liberal benefactor to the city + of Norwich, and paid much attention + to the comforts of the parochial + clergy. +_Anthony Sparrow_, _A.D._ 1676. +_D.D._ + Translated from Exeter. +_William Lloyd_, _D.D._ 1686. + Translated from Peterborough. On the + accession of William III., refusing + to take the oath of abjuration + against James II., he was deprived of + his bishopric. +_John Moore_, _D.D._ _A.D._ 1691. + Translated to Ely. He collected a + large library of rare books, which, + at his death, was purchased by George + I. and presented to the University of + Cambridge. + +The following were the bishops of Norwich in the 18th century:— + +_Charles Trimnell_, _D.D._ _A.D._ 1707. + Translated to Winchester. He was a native + of Norwich, and greatly assisted the + Protestant emigrants who fled to his diocese + from the Palatinate on the Rhine, through + the irruptions and exactions of the French. + Many of these emigrants were artisans, and + greatly increased the general welfare of the + city and county. +_Thomas Green_, _D.D._ _A.D._ 1721. + Translated to Ely. +_John Leng_, _D.D._ 1723. +_William Baker_, _D.D._ 1727. + Translated from Bangor. +_Robert Butts_, _D.D._ 1732. + Translated to Ely. +_Sir Thomas Gooch_, _Bart._, 1738. +_D.D._ + Translated from Bristol and afterwards + removed to Ely. +_Samuel Lisle_, _D.D._ _A.D._ 1748. + Translated from St. Asaph. +_Thomas Hayter_, _D.D._ 1749. + Translated to London. +_Philip Yonge_, _D.D._ 1761. +_Lewis Bagot_, _LL.D._ 1783. + Translated from Bristol and afterwards + removed to St. Asaph. +_George Horne_, _D.D._ _A.D._ 1790. + Author of a “Commentary on the Psalms,” and + other works of considerable merit, more + especially an “Introduction to the Study of + the Bible.” + +During the present century the following eminent divines have been +bishops of Norwich:— + +_Rt. Hon. C. M. Sutton_, _A.D._ 1792. +_D.D._ + Prelate of the Order of the Garter. + Translated to the archbishopric of + Canterbury. +_Henry Bathurst_, _LL.D._ _A.D._ 1805. + He died in the 94th year of his age. +_Edward Stanley_, _D.D._ 1837. + We have already given a sketch of the life + of this estimable bishop, and also of those + of his immediate predecessor and successor, + at pages 520 to 524, in our notices of the + eminent citizens of the 19th century. +_Samuel Hinds_, _D.D._ _A.D._ 1850. + Resigned in 1857, and lives in retirement +_Hon. John Thos. Pelham_, _A.D._ 1857 +_D.D._ + The second son of the late earl of + Chichester, and brother of the present + earl; was born in 1811, and graduated at + Oxford. In 1845, he married a daughter of + Thomas William Tatten, Esq., and was + appointed chaplain to the queen in 1847. + After this he was collated to the rectory + of Bergh Apton, in Norfolk, by the earl of + Abergavenny, which he held till 1852, when + he was appointed to Christ Church, + Hampstead, and in 1854 he was nominated by + the crown to the rectory of St. Marylebone, + Middlesex. He fulfilled the arduous duties + of minister of that populous parish for + three years. He was installed at the + Cathedral church, Norwich, on June 26th, + 1857, and since then he has ruled the + diocese with satisfaction to the great body + of the clergy. + +DEANS OF NORWICH. + + A.D. +William Castleton, the last Prior, was made the first dean 1538. +of the Cathedral +John Salisbury, suffragan bishop of Thetford, was made dean 1539. +on the resignation of William Castleton, and deprived about +1553 +John Christopherson; afterwards bishop of Chichester 1554. +John Boxall. Resigned 1557. +John Harpsfield (Archdeacon of London.) Deprived 1560 1558. +John Salisbury, restored. Buried in the Cathedral 1560. +George Gardiner. Buried in the Cathedral 1573. +Thomas Dove: afterwards bishop of Peterborough 1589. +John Jeggon: afterwards bishop 1601. +George Montgomery (bishop of Meath). Resigned 1603. +Edmund Suckling. Buried in the Cathedral 1614. +John Hassall. Died 1654: buried at North Creake 1628. + _Void till after the Restoration_. +John Crofts. Buried in the Cathedral 1660. +Herbert Astley. Buried in the Cathedral 1670. +John Sharp. Removed to Canterbury 1681. +Henry Fairfax. Buried in the Cathedral 1689. +Humphrey Prideaux. Author of a learned work entitled 1702. +“Connection of the Old and New Testament.” Buried in the +Cathedral +Thomas Cole. Buried in the chancel of East Raynham church 1724. +Robert Butts: afterwards bishop 1731. +John Baron (Archdeacon of Norfolk). Buried at Saxlingham 1733. +Thomas Bullock. Died May, 1760. Buried in the Cathedral, 1739. +at the extreme east end +Edward Townshend 1761. +Philip Lloyd. Buried in the choir of the Cathedral 1765. +Joseph Turner. Buried in the choir of the Cathedral 1790. +The Honourable George Pellew. Buried at Great Chart 1828. +EDWARD MEYRICK GOULBURN, D.D., Chaplain in Ordinary to the 1866. +Queen + +DIGNITARIES, ETC., OF THE DIOCESE. + + + Bishop. + + The Hon. and Rt. Rev. JOHN THOMAS PELHAM, D.D. 1857. + + _Chancellor of the Diocese_. + + Worshipful E. Howes, Esq., M.A., M.P., 1868. + + _Archdeacons_. + +_Norwich_, Ven. A. M. Hopper, M.A. 1868 +_Norfolk_, Ven. W. Arundell Bouverie, 1850 +B.D. +_Suffolk_, Right Rev. Bishop Ryan, D.D. 1868 + + _Examining Chaplains_. + + Rev. J. J. S. Perowne, B.D., and Rev. T. T. Perowne, B.D. + + _Registrars_: Rev. E. S. Bathurst and John Kitson, Esq. + + _Deputy Registrar_: W. T. Bensly, Esq. + + _Secretaries to the Bishop_. + + J. Kitson, Esq., _Norwich_; J. B. Lee, Esq., _Dean’s Yard_, + _Westminster_. + + _Assistant Secretary_; W. T. Bensly, Esq., _Norwich_. + + _Registrars of the Archdeaconries_. + + _Norwich_, Edward Steward, Esq., _Norwich_. + + _Norfolk_, Henry Hansell, Esq., _Norwich_. + + _Suffolk_, C. R Steward, Esq., _Ipswich_. + + _Proctor for the Chapter_, Rev. Canon Heaviside, M.A. + + _Proctor for the Archdeaconries of Norfolk & Norwich_, Rev. H. Howell, + M.A. + + _Proctor for the Archdeaconry of Suffolk_, Rev. W. Potter, M.A. + + The Dean and Chapter. + + DEAN. + + The Very Rev. EDWARD MEYRICK GOULBURN, D.D., 1866. + + _Canons_. + +A. Sedgwick, LL.D. 1834 C. K. Robinson, D.D. 1861 +J. W. L. Heaviside, M.A. 1860 J. M. Nisbet, M.A. 1867 + + _High Steward of the Cathedral_. + + The Right Hon. the Earl of Kimberley 1866. + + _Honorary Canons_. + +Hon. E. S. Keppel, M.A. 1844 Hon. K. H. Digby, M.A. 1858 +Archdn. Bouverie, B.D. 1847 R. H. Groome, M.A. 1858 +Bishop of Columbia, D.D. 1850 Thomas Mills, M.A. 1859 +Edw. J. Moor, B.A. 1850 W. F. Patteson, M.A. 1860 +W. H. Parker, M.A. 1852 H. R. Nevill, M.A. 1861 +Robert Eden, M.A. 1852 W. Howorth, M.A. 1863 +Wm. Potter, M.A. 1853 S. Everard, M.A. 1863 +Wm. Jackman, M.A. 1853 J. Lee-Warner, M.A. 1863 +Archdn. Hopper, M.A. 1854 E. F. E. Hankinson, M.A. 1863 +W. R. Colbeck, B.D. 1856 R. Blakelock, M.A. 1864 +R. Collyer, M.A. 1856 W. Blyth, M.A. 1868 +Hinds Howell, M.A. 1856 G. King, M.A. 1868 + + _Minor Canons_. + +J. C. Matchett, M.A., 1824 E. Bulmer, M.A. 1865 +_Sacrist_ +H. Symonds, M.A., _Precentor_ 1844 J. S. Müller, M.A. 1865 + + _Chapter Clerk_, John Kitson, Esq. + + _Organist_, Dr. Z. Buck. + + +THE CLERGY OF NORWICH. + + +The following is a list of the clergy of Norwich, revised to the time of +our going to press. + + _Rural Dean_—_Rev._ W. F. PATTESON, Vicar of St. Helen. + + Benefice. Pop. Incumbent. Wh. Inst. Curate. Ch. Acc. +All Saints St. 667 Kant W. 1868 150 +Julian, R. +St. Andrew, V. 978 Copeman A. 1857 700 + C. +St. Augustine, R. 1890 Rackham M. 1848 240 + J. +St. Benedict, V. 1381 Dombrain J. 1865 300 +St. Clement, R. 3961 Rigg R. 1842 350 +Christ Church, V. Wade R. 1852 629 +St. Edmund, R. 753 Taylor T. 1864 425 +St. Etheldred, V. 614 Bishop W. 1865 100 +St. George Colegate, 1607 Durdin A. W. 1852 380 +V. +St. George Tombland, 687 Trimmer K. 1842 400 +V. +St. Giles, V. 1586 Ripley W. N. 1859 Brownjohn J. 600 +St. Gregory, V. 934 Wortley J. 1864 500 +St. Helen, V. 507 Patteson W. 1824 289 + F. +St. James, V. 3408 Pringle A. 1865 340 +Pockthorpe and D. +Barracks +St. John Maddermkt, 537 Price G. F. 1863 461 +R. +St. John Sepulchre, 2219 Moore W. T. 1865 300 +V. +St. John Timberhill, 1302 Titlow S. 1831 400 +V. +St. Julian, R. 1361 See All 150 + Saints +St. Lawrence, R. 877 Hillyard E. 1861 600 + A. +St. Margaret, R. 664 Cobb J. W. 1848 500 +St. Martin at 1085 Barker R. W. 1866 360 +Palace, V. +St. Martin at Oak, 2546 Caldwell C. 1858 300 +V. +St. Mary Coslany, V. 1498 Morse C. 1851 250 +St. Mary in the 451 Matchett J. 1824 120 +Marsh, V. (Bishop’s C. +Chapel) +St. Michael Coslany, 1365 Kidd R. H. 1867 600 +R. +St. Michael at Plea, 379 Morse C. 1839 200 +R. +St. Michael at 2121 Davies A. 1865 379 +Thorn. +St. Paul, R. 2907 1826 430 +St. Peter Hungate, 399 Titlow S. 1839 200 +R. +St. Peter Mancroft, 2575 Turner C. 1848 Ram E. 1000 +V. +St. Peter per 2868 Durst J. 1862 Hull B. 400 +Mountergate, V. +St. Peter Southgate, 457 Bishop W. 1865 120 +R. +St. Saviour, V. 1532 Cooke W. H. 1856 400 +St. Simon & St. 283 Osborne J. 450 +Jude, R. F. +St. Stephen, V. 4191 Baldwin C. 1863 700 +St. Swithin, R. 699 Slipper W. 1865 350 + A. + +The following are the clergy of the Hamlets not included in the Deanery +of Norwich. + + Benefice. Pop. Incumbent. Wh. Inst. Curate. Ch. Acc. +Earlham, V. with 195 Payne J. H. 1849 120 +Bowthorpe (no +church) +Eaton, V. 930 Weston F. 1865 200 +Heigham, R. 13894 Dixon J. G. 1868 Rust J. C. 250 + + Sharley G. +,, Holy Trinity, R. Rust C. T. 1865 1100 +,, St. Philip, V. Nash T. A. 1868 +Hellesdon, R. 496 Howell H. 1855 Cornford J. 100 +Lakenham St. Mark, 3808 Garry N. T. 1861 Morse A. S. 840 +V. + Leach J. +Thorpe St. Matthew, 2388 Owen J. S. 1869 518 +V. +Trowse, V. 1404 Pownall A. 1860 300 + with Lakenham, V. 2079 200 + +NONCONFORMISTS. + + _Baptist_. Acc. +Rev. Geo. Gould St. Mary’s Chapel 900 +Rev. Thos. Foston St. Clement’s Chapel 900 +Rev. R. B. Clare Priory Yard Chapel 400 +Rev. C. H. Hosken Gildencroft Chapel 500 +Rev. W. Hawkins Cherry Lane Chapel 250 +Rev. J. Brunt Orford Hill Chapel 500 +Rev. R. Govett Surrey Road Chapel 1100 +Rev. H. Trevor Pottergate Street 100 + Chapel + _Independent_. +Rev. J. Hallett Old Meeting Chapel 700 +Rev. Philip Colborne Chapel in the Field 900 +Rev. G. S. Barrett Prince’s Street 1000 + Chapel + _Countess of Huntingdon’s Connexion_. +Rev. Burford Hooke The Tabernacle Chapel 1000 +Rev. J. J. J. Kempster Dereham Road Chapel 100 + _Wesleyan Methodist_. +Rev. Hugh Jones Lady’s Lane Chapel 1000 + +Rev. Wesley Butters + +Rev. George Boggis + _Methodist Free Church_. +Rev. J. Schofield Calvert Street and 1200 + New City Chapel +Rev. R. Abercrombie, M.A. 900 + _Primitive Methodist_. +Rev. J. Scott St. Catherine’s Plain 600 + Chapel +Rev. R. Betts Cowgate Street Chapel 300 +Rev. B. Bell Dereham Road Chapel 700 + _Free Church_. +Rev. J. Crompton Dutch Church 600 + _Unitarian_. +Rev. J. D. H. Smyth Octagon Chapel 750 + _Presbyterian_. +Rev. W. A. Mc Allan St. Peter’s Hall 800 + _Catholic Apostolic Church_. +Rev. A. Inglis, B.A. Clement Court, 200 + Redwell Street + _Roman Catholics_. +Rev. P. Costello / Rev. R. Sumner Willow Lane Chapel 400 +Rev. Canon Dalton St. John’s Chapel 600 + _Jews_. +Rev. S. Caro The Synagogue, St. 150 + Faith’s Lane + +CHAPTER IV. +Religious, Educational, & Benevolent. + + +NEARLY all of the Religious Institutions in Norwich have arisen during +the present century, and annual meetings are held on their behalf. But +the Bible Society, the most important of them all, has been supported by +both Churchmen and Dissenters. It was founded in 1811, since which year +it has distributed 323,000 bibles in the city and county, and remitted to +the Parent Society more than £120,000. The late J. J. Gurney was an +ardent supporter of this society, and delivered his last great speech on +its behalf at an annual meeting in St. Andrew’s Hall. + +Of the other societies the Church Missionary Society has taken the lead, +and the Lord Bishop of the diocese has generally presided. This society +was instituted here in 1813, and it has raised more than £70,000. The +Rev. Edward Bickersteth, one of its founders and its first secretary, was +partner with Thomas Bignold, Esq., solicitor of this city (brother to Sir +Samuel Bignold), whose sister he married. At the first meeting in St. +Andrew’s Hall, upwards of £700 was collected. Mr. Bickersteth was +ordained in 1815 by Bishop Bathurst, and after visiting Africa on behalf +of the mission, became secretary of the Parent Society. + +The Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts is, +however, the oldest missionary society of the Church of England, and +annual meetings on its behalf have been held here all through the present +century. It has two objects in view—first, by carrying the gospel to our +colonists to prevent christians from becoming heathens in faith and +practice; second, to make heathens christians. The work of the society +has been chiefly in our colonies. In following the direction of its +original charter, the society has been vindicated by the practice of +other more recent missionary societies of the Church of England. + +The Church Pastoral Aid Society was instituted in the year 1835, for the +purpose of supplying assistance to the incumbents of large and populous +parishes, to enable them to obtain the help of additional curates and lay +agents. Aid is now afforded to 548 incumbents, and the grants of the +society, when all occupied, are for 502 curates and 181 lay assistants. +Meetings are held here every year in support of the parent institution. +The total receipts for the year ending March 31st, 1868, were £57,019 +16s. 7d., and the expenditure £64,065 16s. 3d. + +The Norwich Diocesan Church Association was established in 1862. Its +object was to combine, as far as possible, Churchmen of every shade of +political and religious opinion in the support of the established church, +particularly as regards all questions affecting its welfare, likely to +become the subject of legislation, and generally in the promotion of +measures calculated to increase its stability and usefulness; but points +of doctrine are never brought under discussion. Annual meetings are held +every year on the second Thursday after Easter, when reports are read, +and the officers and committee elected. This society comprises 800 +members, one half of whom are laymen. + +The Norwich Diocesan Church Building Association was established on +October 20th, 1836. It is in union with the Incorporated Society for +promoting the enlargement, building, and repairing of churches and +chapels in England and Wales. The patron is the Earl of Leicester, and +the president the Lord Bishop of the diocese. Grants have been made to +many parishes in this county. + +The Norfolk Book Hawking Association was established in December, 1855, +for the sale, throughout the county of Norfolk, by the agency of licensed +hawkers, of bibles, prayer books, tracts, and prints of a religious and +instructive character. In the year ending August 31st, 1868, the number +of bibles, testaments, prayer books, church services, tracts, and prints +sold, amounted to 11,449, the receipts being £523 1s. 11½d. The receipts +for the year (including a balance of £56 2s. 5d.,) were £759 18s. 4d., +and the expenditure amounted to £722 9s. 1½d., leaving a balance in hand +of £37 9s. 2½d. President, the Lord Bishop of the diocese. + +The Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge was founded in the year +1698. The Norwich Auxiliary is of later date. During the year 1868 the +committee forwarded to the Parent Society contributions amounting to +£154, in addition to donations of £30 from the local fund; and the sale +of books at the depository realised £350, viz., for bibles and +testaments, 1,489; prayer books, 3,731; other books, 16,993; total, +22,213. By the rules of this society all its members must be of the +established church. Its principal object is the distribution of the Holy +Scriptures at home and abroad, and other religious books which are +calculated to diffuse christian knowledge. + +The Norwich Churchman’s Club was instituted in the early part of the year +1868, mainly through the exertions of the Rev. F. Meyrick, for the moral +and mental improvement of young men in the city. For these purposes a +reading room has been established, supplied with books, periodicals, and +newspapers. Lectures are delivered and classes have been formed for +secular and religious instruction. About 100 honorary, and 200 +reading-room members have been enrolled. + +Annual meetings have also been held here on behalf of the London +Missionary Society, which is chiefly supported by Independents; on behalf +of the Baptist Missions, the Wesleyan Missions, and other missions to the +heathen; the Society for Promoting Christianity amongst the Jews; and +also on behalf of the Norwich City Mission, a society which has been of +great benefit in improving the spiritual condition of the poor. A full +account of the operations of this mission would exhibit the social state +of the city far better than any elaborate description. + +Turning our attention now to the question of Education, it will not be +too much to say that Norwich has always been the head quarters of +education in the eastern counties, on account both of the number and the +character of the schools, some of which have produced very eminent men. +The Grammar School is a far-famed ancient institution. It was originally +founded and endowed by the bishops of the See who collated the masters, +and the archdeacon of Norwich inducted them. The Singing and Grammar +Schools belonging to the Convent were kept in the Almonry, the masters of +which were frequently collated by the bishop on the Convent’s nomination, +and as soon as inducted they generally published the bishop’s inhibition, +prohibiting all other persons from teaching grammar or singing in the +city. At the Reformation they were dissolved; and the present Free +Grammar School was appointed, and took the name of Edward VI. It is +divided into the upper and lower schools, has considerable endowments, +and an interest in fifteen scholarships at Cambridge. It has afforded +instruction to many distinguished scholars, including Archbishop Parker, +Bishops Cousin, T. Green, Maltby, and Monk, Dr. Caius, the founder of +Caius College at Cambridge, Wild, the learned tailor, Admiral Lord +Nelson, Coke, Rajah Brooke, and many others. The Commercial School, in +Bridge Street, shares the same endowments, and affords instruction to +more than 200 boys. + +The report of the Schools Inquiry Commission, which was issued in March, +1868, and is the most comprehensive on the subject of the education of +the upper and middle classes that has yet appeared, is very favourable as +regards the Norwich Grammar and Commercial Schools, but quite the reverse +respecting the schools in the county. Norwich Grammar School is stated +to have been established in 1547. The gross income of the charity is +£1558. The endowment of the school is £662. The course of instruction +is classical, under a head master and competent teachers. This is no +doubt the best school for the classics, but the Commercial School is the +most useful to the citizens. + +Mr. Hammond, the assistant commissioner, in the report upon endowed +schools says, that no education, preparatory to the University, is +supplied in Norfolk, except at the Grammar Schools of Norwich, Holt, and +King’s Lynn, in none of which does it, except in Norwich, “engross very +much of the teacher’s time and attention, nor is it anywhere carried out +to the same perfection as at such schools as Marlborough College and the +City of London School. In Norfolk, Latin, so far as it went, was in the +endowed schools generally satisfactory. But hardly any boy could have +been set to write five consecutive lines of Latin, not taken from the +exercise book. It is fair to add that Norwich sacrifices nothing to it. +In mathematics, modern languages, and general literature, the school has +few equals; and certainly none superior in the county. French is in +Norfolk a recognised study in classical schools, as well as in most of +the semi-classical schools; is very good, and in all but one +satisfactory. In the non-classical schools, French, when attempted, is +worthless. Arithmetic is in the great majority of Norfolk schools +practically, and perhaps educationally, the most important subject +taught, and a large portion of time and attention is assigned to it.” + +Only at a few schools is any useful knowledge of Algebra given, and only +at Norwich Grammar School does it extend beyond the solution of quadratic +equations. Euclid is not learnt in a very satisfactory manner; it is +taught too exclusively by papers in Norfolk. Of natural science no real +or substantial knowledge is imparted. Of English subjects, history is +the least taught and the worst learnt. English literature is hardly +taught at all, yet it is the noblest literature in the world. + +Mr. Hammond says that in Norfolk it is simply impossible to establish a +classical day school without boarders. At Norwich, Yarmouth, and +possibly Kings Lynn, semi-classical day schools might, under very +favourable circumstances, remunerate an able certificated teacher, but no +private day school in these towns is any better than a national school; +_a fortiori_, this is true of smaller towns and villages. + +The Boys’ and Girls’ Hospital Schools were founded, in 1618, by Thomas +Anguish; admit on the foundation sixty-nine boys and fifty girls; allow +to each boy £10 yearly for board with parents or friends; the girls are +boarded and lodged at the new School Rooms in Lakenham. The schools have +an endowed income of £2,097 in the boys’ department, and £1,012 in the +girls’ department. Baron’s School has an endowed income of £536. +Scott’s School has £137; Balderstone’s School has also £137; Norman’s +School has £650, and maintains thirty boys; and several other schools +have endowments. The Lancasterian School, in College Court, has room for +300 children, and is supported by Nonconformists. The School for the +Blind, in Magdalen Street, was founded in 1805 at a cost of £1,000, and +has an income of £1,300 yearly, and is open to the blind from every part +of the kingdom. + +The Norwich Diocesan National School Society, established in 1812, has +contributed £250 per annum towards the support of schools in the city and +county, and has supported an institution for training mistresses for the +charge of schools. These trained teachers have been in great demand all +over the diocese. The Norwich charity schools are church schools, nine +in number, and they have afforded instruction to a large number of boys +and girls. But the education of the poor in this city has not been left +entirely to the church, as there are many British schools supported by +all classes of Nonconformists. + +In early times the monks or the clergy were the schoolmasters. Their +schools, when not carried on within the walls of a monastery, were, and +have been called, Grammar Schools, up to the present time. Other similar +schools have also been established from time to time in various parts of +the district, some for educating the sons of the poor, and others for the +middle classes. The population of the country, however, increased so +rapidly, and the people were so ignorant, that no comparison can be made +with the present state of society. Dr. Bell introduced the monitorial +system, in 1796, and warmly advocated its adoption as the most effectual +means of rapidly extending popular instruction. It was as warmly +received, and he was chiefly instrumental in establishing the National +Society for Promoting the Education of the Poor in the principles of the +Established Church. This society was started in 1811, and has been very +successful. The British and Foreign Society was established shortly +before upon the principles advocated by Lancaster, of allowing the bible +to be read in the schools without note or comment. + +A great change has taken place as regards the intelligence and morals of +the people, and this may be attributed to the vast increase in the number +of day and Sunday schools. Popular education is almost the creation of +the present century, although the day-school epoch may be dated from the +year 1796, when the youthful quaker, Joseph Lancaster, began to teach +children in his father’s house at Southwark. Lancaster was an enthusiast +in his calling, and acted as much in the character of a guardian to his +scholars as a master, and whilst often charging nothing for his +instruction, he fed his pupils as well. No wonder that he had at one +time 1000 scholars. + +According to the census of 1851, the city contained then 45 public day +schools, with 5,207 scholars; 10 private day schools, with 2,553 +scholars; and 55 Sunday schools, with 6,859 scholars, which number has +since been very greatly increased. About twenty-nine of the Sunday +schools, with 2,650 scholars, belonged to the Church of England; and +twenty-six Sunday schools with more scholars belonged to the Dissenters. +Five schools with 534 scholars were endowed schools; thirteen with 1,915 +scholars were church schools; ten with 712 scholars were national +schools; five with 546 scholars were dissenting British schools. All the +rest belonged to the Non-conformists. + +According to the census of 1861, the Norwich Parochial Charity Schools +afforded instruction, on the national system, to more than 700 boys and +400 girls. The Model School for boys numbered 400, and that for girls +300 scholars. New schoolrooms had been built in Heigham, Lakenham, +Thorpe, and various parts of the city; and the bishops, the clergy, and +ministers of all denominations zealously promoted the educational +movement. A great change has, as might consequently have been expected, +taken place for the better as regards the morals and intelligence of the +mass of the citizens, and this may be attributed in a great measure to +the number of day and Sunday schools. Crimes are not now of so frequent +occurrence as formerly. The magistrates and police have less to do; and +churches and chapels are more numerous, and better filled and supported. + +While the population has been increasing and schools becoming more +numerous in this city, some means of continuing the education of young +men seemed to be required, and this want has been in a measure supplied +by the establishment of popular literary institutions. Of these there +have been several at various periods, including the Mechanics’ +Institution, the Athenæum, the People’s College, and the Young Men’s +Institute, all of which are now defunct, and in their places we have a +Young Men’s Christian Association, and a Church of England Young Men’s +Association; the former having about 400 and the latter 200 members. Of +both of these the object is to promote the religious, moral, social, and +intellectual well-being of young men, and we are happy to be able to say +that their work is most energetically and efficiently accomplished. +There are also a School of Art and a Free Library, both of which we have +already noticed at pages 431 and 432. + +As might also be expected, the growth of education and the spread of +religion have led to that which always, sooner or later, comes out of the +improved intellectual and moral condition of society—the establishment of +a large number of benevolent institutions with various noble purposes. +Perhaps it would be quite within the bounds of the strictest truth to say +that there is hardly a city or town in the kingdom, of the same +population and extent as Norwich, in which a greater amount of genuine +charity exists, and where institutions for the relief and comfort of the +sick and the poor are more abundant. In fact these are so numerous in +Norwich that we cannot even mention them. We may say, however, that +amongst them are the Norwich District Visiting Society for relieving the +sick poor at their own houses, established at a public meeting held on +January 16th, 1815; the Norwich Public Dispensary, instituted in the year +1804, for the purpose of giving advice, medicine, and attendance free of +expense to indigent persons unable to pay for the same; the Jenny Lind +Infirmary for sick children, established on May 30th, 1853, by the +proceeds of a concert, when the Swedish Nightingale was the principal +vocalist; the Benevolent Association for the relief of decayed tradesmen, +their widows and orphans, established here on November 16th, 1790; the +Norwich Magdalen or Female Home, established in 1826, for the reclamation +of females who have deviated from the paths of virtue; the Orphans’ Home, +established in 1849, for training orphan girls for domestic service; the +Soup Charity, established in 1840, for supplying the poor with a +nutritious soup at a low price in winter; the Bethel Hospital, erected in +1713, for the support and treatment of poor lunatics at a very moderate +charge; the Blind Hospital, founded in 1805 by Thomas Tawell, a blind +gentleman, for teaching the blind to read and work; the Old Man’s or St. +Giles’ Hospital in Bishopgate Street, founded by Edward VI. as an +almshouse; Doughty’s Hospital in Calvert Street, founded by William +Doughty, gentleman, in 1687, for twenty-four poor men and eight poor +women; and, most valuable of all, the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital for +the relief of sick and lame poor. This last, in fact, is an institution +of such importance, and is accomplishing so important a use, that we deem +it deserving of a more extended notice. This noble institution is an +extensive brick building situated on St. Stephens Road. It was erected +in 1771 at a cost of more than £21,000, including about £8,000 expended +on subsequent additions and improvements. It has been considerably +enlarged at different times, and it is fitted up with all the latest +improvements. It was commenced by the voluntary contributions of the +benevolent, and has received many donations and legacies. It has been +well supported by a long list of annual subscribers. In 1867 the annual +subscriptions amounted to £2038 14s. 0d.; benefactions, £422 3s. 4d.; +collections, £313 1s. 7d.; legacies, £124 4s. 10d.; dividends and +interest, £745 15s. 1d.; sundries, £62 0s. 4d.; total, £3785 19s. 2d. +The expenditure in that year amounted to £4935 9s. 3d. The stock +purchased since 1770 amounts to £23,976 12s. 7d. The stock sold since +1770, £4890 4s. 4d. Present stock, £22,091 9s. 5d.—3 per cents. Bank +stock, £166 13s. 4d. From 1824 to 1864 the institution received £6018 +1s. 9d. from the profits of the Triennial Festivals in St. Andrew’s Hall. +From the opening of the hospital in 1772 to January 1st, 1868, in-door +patients 56,828, out-door 52,387. Daily average number of in-patients, +133; average number of days of each, 43. The physicians and surgeons +attend in turn to take in-patients every Saturday at 11 a.m., and every +Wednesday at the same hour to prescribe for the out-patients, +gratuitously. + +The affairs of the institution are superintended by a board of +management, selected annually from the governors, who consist of persons +who have contributed thirty guineas or upwards at one time; and that the +institution is managed well is sufficiently attested by the vast amount +of good which, through a long series of years, it has successfully +effected, and the cordial support which it has uniformly received from +the nobility, gentry, and trading community of both city and county. +Doubtless it is a noble exemplification of true Christian Charity, and it +is earnestly to be hoped that as years pass on its means of usefulness +will be more and more extended by the increasing sympathy and support of +an appreciative public. + + +CITY AUTHORITIES, OFFICIALS, _&c._ + + + JUSTICES. + +Nath. Palmer (Barrister-at-Law) Edward Copeman, M.D. +Horatio Bolingbroke, Esq. Sir Robert. J. H. Harvey +Edward Willett, Esq. C. E. Bignold, Esq. +Sir Samuel Bignold William J. Utten Browne, Esq. +John Godwin Johnson, Esq. Frederick Brown, Esq. +Osborn Springfield, Esq. W. H. Clabburn, Esq. +Abel Towler, Esq. Colonel Cockburn +John Betts Esq. E. K. Harvey, Esq. +Robert W. Blake, Esq. J. M. Venning, Esq. +John Sultzer, Esq. Robert Fitch, Esq. +Robert Chamberlin, Esq. Henry Willett, Esq. +Henry Woodcock, Esq. + +The following Gentlemen hold the Commission but do not act— + +H. Browne, Esq. J. H. Gurney, Esq. + +The following Gentlemen hold the Commission bat do not reside within the +city— + +William Freeman, Esq. Robert Seaman, Esq. G. Middleton, Esq. + +CORPORATION OF NORWICH, 1869. + + +Elected under the Municipal Act of 5th and 6th of William IV., cap. 76, +passed September 9th, 1835, and the Acts amending the same. + + _Mayor_—E. K. HARVEY, ESQ. + + _Deputy Mayor_—JEREMIAH JAMES COLMAN, ESQ. + + _Sheriff_—JOHN ROBISON, ESQ. + + _Recorder_—PETER FREDERICK O’MALLEY, ESQ., Q.C. + + +ALDERMEN. + +William Boswell John Ferra Watson John M. Croker +Robert Fitch J. G. J. Bateman John Pymar +Henry S. Patteson Philip Back Charles Edw. Tuck +John Oddin Taylor E. Copeman, M.D. Francis G. Foster +Jacob Henry Tillett James Dawbarn +John Underwood William Hall + +COUNCILLORS. + + +FIRST WARD—The parishes of Sts. Helen, Martin at Palace, Simon and Jude, +Michael at Plea, Peter at Hungate, George of Tombland, and Peter per +Mountergate, and the Precincts of the Cathedral, and the Liberty of the +Bishop’s Palace. + +John B. Morgan John Hotblack Joseph H. Allen +E. K. Harvey (May.) Robt. P. Wiseman James Steward + +SECOND WARD—The parishes of Sts. Andrew, John of Maddermarket, Gregory, +Lawrence, Margaret, and Swithin. + +Simms Reeve John Boyce John Copeman +Robert Thorns Harry Bullard A. M. F. Morgan + +THIRD WARD—The parishes of Sts. Benedict and Giles, and the hamlets of +Heigham and Earlham. + +George Gedge Samuel Grimmer Joseph Stanley +Charles S. Gilman Charles Thorn Robert Daws + +FOURTH WARD—The parish of Sts. Peter Mancroft. + +Isaac Bugg Coaks Sir Wm. Foster, Bt. John Youngs +Carlos Cooper J. J. Colman (Deputy Mayor) Edward Wild + +FIFTH WARD—The parishes of Sts. Stephen, John’s Timberhill, and All +Saints, the Town Close, and the hamlet of Eaton. + +G. C. Stevens Edward Field Sir S. Bignold, Kt. +Thomas Priest Fred. E. Watson Henry Thompson + +SIXTH WARD—The parishes of Sts. Julian, Etheldred, Michael at Thorn, +Peter Southgate, and John Sepulchre, and the hamlets of Lakenham, Trowse, +Carrow, and Bracondale, and the Precincts of the Castle and Storehouse. + +Henry Hindes Thomas W. Crosse John G. Johnson +Henry Lovett James S. Skipper John Ballard Pitt + +SEVENTH WARD—The parishes of Sts. Clement, Edmund, Saviour, Paul, and +James, and the hamlets of Pockthorpe, Thorpe, and that part of Sprowston +which is within the boundary of the City of Norwich and County of the +same. + +A. F. C. Bolingbroke Thomas Hancock Charlie Bullard +W. P. Nichols William Sadd, jun. Charles Havers + +EIGHTH WARD—The parishes of Sts. Michael at Coslany, Mary, Martin at Oak, +George of Colegate, and Augustine, and the hamlet of Hellesdon. + +George Chaplin George Claxton William Hunter +John Hewitt William Wilde Edward Bugden + +_Town Clerk_—Mr. W. L. Mendham; _Clerk to Board of Health_—Mr. H. B. +Miller; _Under Sheriff_—Mr. F. G. Foster; _Clerk of the Peace_—Mr. E. C. +Bailey; _City Surveyor_—Mr. Morant; _Coroner_—Mr. E. S. Bignold. + + +1ST NORFOLK RIFLE VOLUNTEERS. +(City of Norwich) + + + _Lieut. Colonel_—GEORGE WILSON BOILEAU. + (Late Bengal Staff Corps.) + + _Major_—HENRY STANIFORTH PATTESON. + + _Captains_. +CHARLES FOSTER. JOHN B. MORGAN. +EDWARD FIELD. DONALD STEWARD. +HENRY MORGAN. PETER EDWARD HANSELL. + _Lieutenants_. +JOHN BARWELL. CLEMENT P. HART. +HENRY PULLEY. FREDERICK S. BROWN. +SAMUEL ASKER. PHILIP BACK. +A. F. C. BOLINGBROKE. + _Ensigns_. +BEAUMONT W. JOLLY. EDWARD A. FIELD. +JOHN B. BRIDGMAN. ALFRED MOTTRAM. +ROBERT BLAKE. HAYNES S. ROBINSON. + + _Adjutant_—GEORGE N. MICKLETHWAIT, _Captain_. + + _Hon. Assistant Quarter Master_—WILLIAM NORGATE. + + _Surgeon_—THOMAS W. CROSSE. + + _Assist. Surgeon_—EDWARD R. GIBSON. + + _Hon. Chaplain_—REV. FREDERICK MEYRICK. + + * * * * * + + Finis. + + * * * * * + + + + +ADVERTISEMENTS. + + +NORWICH SHAWL WAREHOUSE. + + + [Picture: Picture of crown] + + I. W. CALEY, + + _By Special Appointment_ + + Silk Mercer and Shawlman + + TO HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN, H.R.H. THE PRINCESS OF + WALES, AND H.R.H. THE PRINCESS CHRISTIAN, + + NORWICH, + +Desires most respectfully to invite attention to the beautiful +Manufactures of this ancient City, well-known as the earliest, and long +the most important, seat of Textile industries in this country. + +Especial excellence of Design, Colouring, and Quality have been attained +in the production of + + SHAWLS, POPLINS, CAMLETS, + + AND FANCY MATERIALS FOR WALKING AND EVENING DRESSES, + + In the Manufacture of which Fabrics, Norwich continues to sustain + its long-established pre-eminence. + + THE CHOICEST DESIGNS IN + + NORWICH SHAWLS + +Are always on view, including those Specially Designed and Manufactured +for this Establishment, and those supplied by command to Her Majesty the +Queen. + + NORWICH PARAMATTAS + +And other Materials for Deep Mourning are confidently recommended as +being better in quality and dye than are produced in any other place. + + PATTERNS FREE BY POST. + + _On receipt of an Order_, _with reference_, _a selection of Shawls or + other Goods_ + _will be forwarded for choice_, _carriage free_. + + * * * * * + + + +THE ORWELL WORKS, IPSWICH. + + + * * * * * + +THE Orwell Works, Ipswich, where from 1000 to 1100 men and boys are +constantly employed, are situated on the edge of the Wet Dock, to which +they have a frontage of 935 feet, the largest dock frontage in the +possession of any private trading company in the United Kingdom. The +Great Eastern Railway runs into the yards, and goods may be packed in the +Orwell Works yard and delivered at any place having railway communication +with London without unloading. + +The works occupy twelve acres of ground, of which about two-thirds is +roofed over, and the demand for covered space continually increases. +From 5,000 to 6,000 tons of complete machinery, chiefly for agricultural +uses, annually leave the works. These, if placed side by side and close +together, would cover at least ten acres. These machines go to all parts +of the world. Orders have been executed for almost every country in +Europe, for North and South America, for Persia, India, the Spice +Islands, Australia, Africa, and other countries. The catalogues and +price currents of the firm have been printed in many languages of the Old +and the New World. + +The factory is divided into two parts by a road leading direct into the +Quay. On the southern side are situated the Foundry, Smith Shops, Plough +Shops, and Stores. Whilst on the northern side are the Engine-Erecting +Shop, Thrashing Machine Shop, and other shops for the construction of +Mills and smaller agricultural machines, such as Screens, Grinding Mills, +Chaff-Cutters, Turnip-Cutters, &c. + +The foundry is large and well furnished with cranes and the other +appliances of the moulders’ art—especially with patent machinery for +moulding, by which an extraordinary rate of production and of accuracy is +secured. The smithy contains 73 forges, and nearly in the centre there +is fixed one of Nasmyth’s large steam hammers. + +Ploughs, for which this firm have so long been famous, are fitted up in a +large shop, after the forgings and castings have been prepared in the +smithy and foundry. Every plough turned out, and which are numbered by +thousands in the course of one year, come under the eye of the foreman or +inspector, and are thoroughly examined, to see that every part is +correct. Here also are made Horse Rakes, Haymakers, and other field +implements. + +In the northern block are fixed the valuable engineers’ tools, lathes, +stoking machines, &c., necessary for the turning, shaping, and fashioning +all the component parts of a steam-engine or other complex machine. Here +also the patterns are made, and here the produced machine receives its +final perfection. At the extreme northern end of the factory are the +shops where are made the steam thrashing and other agricultural machines, +of which wood is a principal component, the wood-work being conveniently +introduced into this shop from a detached timber yard, where is fixed all +the wood-working machinery by which the frameworks of the steam thrashers +and other machines are completely fashioned. + +In between the northern and southern parts of the Works the Offices are +situated, and it will give _some_ idea of the magnitude of the business +when we say that last year upwards of 34,000 letters were received and +answered. The Commercial Office is 100 feet long, and the manufacturing +office 40 feet long. + +Our remaining space must be devoted to the productions of the firm. + +Everyone knows that the name of Ransome has been associated with the +plough from the earliest period of its improvement until its present +highly perfected condition, and that in many a well-contested struggle in +England and abroad, before all kinds of tribunals, the Ransome plough has +been eminently successful, and is manufactured in annually increasing +numbers. + +The first great improvement in the plough, viz., the Patent Chilled +Plough Share was the invention of Robert Ransome, the founder of the +firm, and was patented in 1803. _Now_ these patent shares are in +universal use. Indeed to the improvement of the plough and the unwearied +energy of the founder and his two sons, James and Robert Ransome, the +firm may be said to owe its origin and subsequent success. + +Messrs. Ransomes were also one of the earliest makers of the portable +steam engine, and are at the present time amongst the largest producers +of this very important machine in the kingdom. Within the last ten +years, engines of this class, to the aggregate power of 10,000 horses +nominal, have left the Orwell Works. + +The steam thrashing machines made by the firm, which possess peculiar +advantages of construction, are also produced in very large numbers, and +have carried off a large number of prizes. + +To the merits of these and other inventions developed and manufactured by +the firm, the long line of prize diplomas in the commercial office, the +large box of medals, gold, silver, and bronze, the decorations bestowed +on partners of the firm by the Sultan of Turkey and the King of Portugal, +and, recently, the gold medal of the Paris Exhibition, bear abundant +testimony and need no confirmation of ours. + +We may just add that the manufacture of railway material, which has +formed part of the business hitherto conducted at the Orwell Works, will +shortly be transferred to a branch of the old firm, who are building a +new factory on the banks of the Orwell. This will give Messrs. Ransomes, +Sims, and Head, increased space, and facilities for the manufacture of +agricultural machinery, to which they will henceforth give their +exclusive attention. + + * * * * * + + + +_PRINTING OFFICES_, + + + LONDON STREET, NORWICH. + + * * * * * + + JARROLD & SONS + + _Have recently added to the Printing Department of their business_ + + Lithographic Steam Power Machinery + + _of the newest and most approved construction_, + _adapted to the rapid completion of the usual business_ + _requirements_, _as_ + + BILLS, INVOICE, NOTE & MEMORANDUM HEADINGS, + CARDS, CIRCULARS, ETC., ETC., + + _and also to the production of First-Class and_ + _Elaborate Designs in Prospectuses and Ornamental_ + _Show-Cards_. + + * * * * * + + + +HOUSEHOLD TRACTS FOR THE PEOPLE. + + +THREE MILLIONS of these Popular Tracts are now in circulation in Great +Britain and the Colonies, and the demand is increasing. They are adapted +for gifts or loan; are eagerly listened to at Public Readings at Lecture +Halls and School-Rooms; and are worthy the attention of all who seek to +promote the moral, sanitary, and religious improvement of the people. +_Price Twopence each_. + + _By Mrs. Sewell_. FOR GIRLS. +Mother’s Last Words. The Happy Life. +Our Father’s Care. Daughters from Home. +The Lost Child. The Dangerous Way. +Children at Home. FOR BOYS. +Children at School. The Starting in Life. +Happy Schoolfellows. How to “Get On” in Life. +Sister’s Love. A Mother’s Legacy. + FOR MOTHERS. Beware! or the Effects of + Gambling. +Cottage Homes. FOR CHILDREN. +The Mother’s Trials and Triumphs. Household Rhymes. +Sick Child’s Cry: Household Work and Play: Household Verses. +Verses. +The Good Mother. Dear Children. + FOR PARENTS. FOR SERVANTS. +How to Manage the Young Ones. My First Place. +How to Make the Most of Things. Kind Words for the Kitchen. +Peace in the Household. FOR EVERYBODY. +Household Management. Straightforwardness. +Whose Fault is it? Scandal, Gossip, Tittle-Tattle, + &c. +Never Despair: Household Verses. Temptation. +Something Homely. The Gain of a Well-trained Mind. +Household Troubles. A Tale of the Irish Famine. +Household Happiness. A Picture from the World’s + History. + FOR WORKING MEN. Perils in the Mine. +When to Say “No.” A Tale of a Dark Alley. +Working-Men’s Hindrances. Sunday Excursions. +The Day of Rest. What shall I do with my Money? +“Paddle your own Canoe!” Kind Turns. +A True Briton. Margery, the Martyr. + FOR SAILORS. Home! Sweet Home! +A Short Yarn. Lost Days. + FOR YOUNG MEN. Two Ways of Going to Market. +Sons from Home. What can be done with Ten + Shillings. +How to Take Care of Number One. “God Always Hears.” +How to Rise in the World. ON HEALTH. +Life’s Battles. The Worth of Fresh Air. +Men who have Fallen. The Use of Pure Water. +Company. The Value of Good Food. +The Odds Against Betting. The Influence of Wholesome Drink. + FOR YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN. The Advantage of Warm Clothing. +Are You Thinking of Getting How do People Hasten Death? +Married? +Going a-Courting, Sweethearting, The Secret of a Healthy Home. +Love, and Such Like. +Marriage Bells. How to Nurse the Sick. + The Black Ditch. + + LONDON: JARROLD & SONS, 12, PATERNOSTER ROW. + + * * * * * + + + +JARROLD & SONS’ SELECT LIST. + + + FAMILY STATIONERY. + +Note Papers. + + Five-Quire Packet Cream Laid Note, 6d. + + Five-Quire Packet Useful Thick ditto, 9d. + + Five-Quire Packet Extra Satin ditto, 1s. + + Extra Superfine Highly-finished Note Paper, 1s. 6d., 1s. 9d., 2s. the + 5-quire Packet. + +Envelopes. + + Common Cream Laid for Circulars, &c., 4d. per 100. + + Useful Thick Cream Laid, 6d. per 100. + + Extra Thick, 7d. and 9d. per 100. + + Extra Satin Double Thick, 1s. per 100. + +Jarrolds’ Celebrated Steel Pens, + + For every Class of Writers, Professional, Students, and Ladies, 1s. 6d. + per gross, or in neat Sixpenny Boxes. + +Jarrolds’ Jet Black Registration Ink, + + In Bottles, 6d., 1s., and 1s. 6d. Smaller Bottles, 1d., 2d. & 4d. + + MERCANTILE STATIONERY. + +Papers. + + Large Commercial Note Paper, Blue Wove or Laid, or Cream Laid, in + 5-quire Packets, 1s. + + Extra Quality ditto, 1s. 6d. per Packet; a Reduction made for + Quantities. + + Straw Foolscap, 4d. per quire, 5s. 6d. per ream. + + Ruled Foolscap Bill Paper, 3 widths, from 6d. per quire. + + Blotting Paper, Red, White, Blue, or Buff. + +Account Books. + + Jarrold and Sons’ Finest Make, Unmatched for Durability, reasonable in + price. + + A Good Variety always in Stock, and every size made to order with + despatch and punctuality. + + A Second Quality is kept where Cheapness is desired, which will be + found Useful for Ordinary Purposes. + +Ledgers. + + Jarrold and Sons’ Patent, in Foril, Grained Basil, Rough Calf, Vellum, + Vellum-Laced Russia Bands, Single or Double Ruled. A Good Variety of + Seasoned Books constantly kept in Stock, or Ruled and Bound to any + Pattern with accuracy and despatch. + + JARROLD & SONS, NORWICH. + + * * * * * + + + +ELEGANT AND USEFUL ARTICLES +_SUITABLE FOR_ +WEDDING PRESENTS. + + + The best variety of the newest and choicest patterns and at the lowest + possible prices at + + S. NEWMAN’S + + GENERAL JEWELLERY ESTABLISHMENT, + + _Near the Norfolk Hotel_, + + ST. GILES’ STREET, NORWICH. + + GOLD and SILVER WATCHES from the best makers. GOLD ALBERTS + and LONG CHAINS, LOCKETS, RINGS, BROOCHES, and + + JEWELLERY OF EVERY DESCRIPTION. + + VASES, TOILET BOTTLES, and CENTRE ORNAMENTS, in the richest + Bohemian and other glass. CLOCKS and DRAWING-ROOM TIMEPIECES. + SILVER, ELECTRO-PLATED FORKS, SPOONS, &c., from the best makers. + + FINEST GOLD WEDDING RINGS. JEWELLERY REPAIRED. + + * * * * * + + [Picture: Drawing of Eagle, Estab. 1769] + + ETHERIDGE & ELLIS, + GOLDSMITHS, JEWELLERS, AND WATCHMAKERS, + ELECTRO PLATERS & GILDERS, &c., + + Have the LARGEST STOCK of WATCHES, PLATE, JEWELLERY, &c., in + the Eastern Counties, and sell at Prices of the London Houses. + + _Repairs in every Branch by Skilful Workmen on the Premises_. + + A LIBERAL PRICE ALLOWED FOR OLD ARTICLES IN EXCHANGE. + + 10, MARKET PLACE, NORWICH. + + * * * * * + + + +THE +National Provident Institution +FOR MUTUAL LIFE ASSURANCE, &c. + + + _Head Office_—48, _Gracechurch Street_, _London_, _E.C._ + + * * * * * + +THE NATIONAL PROVIDENT INSTITUTION was established in 1835, on the +principle of Mutual Assurance, to enable its members to assure their +lives _at the lowest rate of charge consistent with the security of the +Society_. + + The Number of Members + +of the Institution on the 20th of November, 1867, was 15,338, and the +number of Policies then existing 18,965, assuring the sum of £9,223,907, +and producing a Gross Annual Income from Premiums of £301,238 0s. 10d. + + The Accumulated Fund + +of the Institution amounted then to £2,789,648, invested in mortgage of +real property, in Government and other first-class securities, the annual +interest on which is £114,807 7s. 9d. + +The Total Gross Annual Income £416,035 8s. 7d. + + The Entire Profits + +of the Institution are divided amongst the members, who are expressly +exempted from personal liability. + + The Profits are Divided every Five Years, + +and are appropriated, at the option of the members, either in the shape +of a reduction of the future premiums paid, or of a Bonus added to the +sum assured. + + The Success of the Society + +during the whole period of its existence may be best exhibited by +recapitulating the declared Surpluses at the Six Investigations made up +to this time: + +For the 7 years ending 1842 the surplus £32,074 11 5 +was +5 years ,, 1847 ,, 86,122 8 3 +5 years ,, 1852 ,, 232,081 18 4 +5 years ,, 1857 ,, 345,034 3 11 +5 years ,, 1862 ,, 531,965 3 4 +5 years ,, 1867 ,, 559,229 17 9 +Total profits realised, divided amongst £1,786,488 3 0 +members + + AGENT FOR NORWICH— + + MR. HENRY LUDLOW, + + _The National Provincial Bank of England_. + + * * * * * + + + +J. W. JEWSON, +COAL MERCHANT, +IMPORTER OF DEALS AND TIMBER, +_NORWICH AND YARMOUTH_. + + COALS. WOOD GOODS. + + NORWICH DEPOT: TIMBER YARDS; + + _Staveley Coal Wharf_, _Thorpe Station_. ST. CLEMENT’S, + NORWICH; + HEAD OFFICE: + _Colegate Street_, _St. Clement’s_. SOUTHTOWN, YARMOUTH. + + A well-assorted Stock + from St. Petersburgh, + Wyburgh, Riga, Memel + Gothenburg, & other + Swedish ports, + consisting of Timber + Culters—4 by 11, 4 by + 9, 3 by 11, 3 by 9, 3 + by 8, 3 by 7, 2½ by + 7, 2½ by 6¼, 1½ by 7, + 1¼ by 7, 1 by 7. + Prepared Floor + Boards, Scantling, + Lath, &c., &c. Also + a stock of + dry-seasoned cut + Deals, from ½ by 11 + to 1½ by 11. + + 5000 BUNDLES OF GOOD + LATH, AT ONE SHILLING + PER BUNDLE. + + * * * * * + + _Prices_, _which will + be found very low_, + _and every + information may be + obtained on + application at the + Yards_. +BEST WALLSEND—A choice description 22/- +of Coal from Durham coal fields; +quality cannot be surpassed. +WALLSEND—A very excellent 21/- +Housekeepers’ Coal, of the usual +seaborne quality, but larger and +freer from dust. +COALS FROM DERBYSHIRE AND SOUTH 20/- +YORKSHIRE—The finest quality of +inland Coals, remarkable for +cheerful burning; these Coals are +generally approved. +GOOD HOUSE COAL 17/- +NUTS 15/- + + _Coal delivered Free to any part of the City for Cash_. _One_ + _Shilling per Ton extra for Booking_. + + SPECIAL PRICES FOR CONTRACTS ON APPLICATION. + + Coals, suitable for Bakers, Smiths, Engineers, and Manufacturers, from + 12s. 6d. per Ton at wharves, or 11s. in truck loads. + + _Every description of Coal supplied to any Station by the truck at + wholesale prices_ + + * * * * * + + TIMBER TRADE. + +A large and increasing business is done in Timber and Deals, imported to +Norwich _via_ Yarmouth and Lowestoft. + + PRINCIPAL IMPORTERS. + +JNO. ORFEUR, ESQ., St. Edmund’s; MESSRS. JECKS AND RANSON, St. Faith’s +Lane; WM. BLYTH, St. Faith’s Lane; and J. W. JEWSON, St. Clement’s. + + * * * * * + + + +T. C. R. KING, +_PRINCE OF WALES’ ROAD_, _NORWICH_, + + +Plumber, Glazier, General and Decorative Painter. Wholesale and Retail +Glass, Lead (in sheets and pipe); Zinc, Oil, Color, and Varnish +Warehouse. English and Belgian Glass; Rough, Sheet, and Cast Glass +(Plain and Ornamental), in cases, boxes, and crates, or cut to size. +Pumps, Water-Closets, Brass-work, &c., kept in Stock. + + HOUSES COMPLETELY DECORATED. ESTIMATES GIVEN. + + Note the Address! PRINCE OF WALES’ ROAD. + + * * * * * + + + +MR. C. J. ROBINSON, +ACCOUNTANT, +ARBITRATOR, ASSURANCE AND FINANCIAL AGENT. + + + _Accounts Kept and Adjusted_. _Loans_, _Mortgages_, _and other General_ + _Financial Business Negotiated_. _Rents and Debts Collected_. + + AGENT TO THE GENERAL ACCIDENT & GUARANTEE COMPANY, LIMITED. + + OFFICES:—1, DOVE STREET, NORWICH. + + * * * * * + + + +TO AGRICULTURISTS. +WILLIAM PRATT, Fish Manure Manufacturer, +1, _FISH MARKET_, _NORWICH_, + + +In returning thanks to his Friends, the Agriculturists of Norfolk and +Suffolk, for their patronage since the introduction of his AMMONIACAL AND +PHOSPHATE MANURE, begs to inform them that he has a large quantity of +Manure of a superior quality, adapted for Mangold and Turnips. + +GENTLEMEN,—I take this opportunity of thanking you for the increased +patronage bestowed upon me for past years by the extended use of my +Ammoniacal and Phosphate Fish Manure. In soliciting your orders I do so +with confidence, being assured, from the success which has attended its +use, that it is a good Manure, as testified by numerous Testimonials, +which are a satisfactory proof of its usefulness. + + PRICE PER TON, £5—_Delivered Free to the Nearest Railway Station_. + + * * * * * + + + +ESTABLISHED 1818. +113 & 114, POTTERGATE STREET, +ST. JOHN’S MADDERMARKET, NORWICH. +THOMAS SELF, +Gas Fitter, Bell Hanger, Brass Founder & Worker, +_LOCK AND GENERAL SMITH_. + + + Has on hand a Large Stock of Chandeliers, Pendants, Pillars, + Brackets, Gas Globes, &c., &c. + + RE-BRONZING AND LACKERING. REPAIRS NEATLY EXECUTED. + + * * * * * + + + +Important Sale of First-Class Cabinet and Upholstery Furniture. +37, LONDON STREET, NORWICH. + + +In consequence of the early termination of the lease of the above +premises, + + C. J. FREEMAN, JUNR. + +has determined to discontinue the trade, and has commenced to sell off +the whole of his valuable and extensive stock of + + CABINET FURNITURE, + +Chimney Glasses, Brussels and other Carpets, Druggetts, Hearthrugs, +Mattings, Damasks, Table Covers, Velvets, Wool and other Mats, Bedding, +Chintzes, Floor Cloths, Paper Hangings, Pictures, Wood Stuff, Brass Work +Materials, Trimmings of every kind, etc., which are offered at a very +large Reduction in order to ensure an immediate Sale. + + _The Prices are marked in plain figures for Cash_. + + * * * * * + + + +NORWICH EQUITABLE +FIRE ASSURANCE COMPANY. + + + Established 1829. CAPITAL, £250,000, in 50,000 Shares of £5 each. + +_Incorporated under Deed of Settlement and by special Statute_, 17 _Vic._ + _c._ 7. + + CHIEF OFFICES:—15, LONDON STREET, NORWICH. + BRANCH OFFICES IN LONDON, LIVERPOOL, AND GLASGOW. + + Trustees. + +THE RIGHT HON. LORD SONDES. HENRY NEGUS BURROUGHES, ESQ. +Sir HANSON BERNEY, BART. JOHN GARNHAM, ESQ., R.N. + + Directors. + +PETER DAY, ESQ. JOHN BETTS, ESQ. +JOSEPH DAVEY, ESQ. R. CHAMBERLIN, ESQ. +CUBITT STANNARD, ESQ. A. M. F. MORGAN, ESQ. +ROBERT FITCH, ESQ., F.S.A, F.G.S. Rev. JOSEPH CROMPTON. + + Registrar and Secretary.—WILLIAM SKIPPER, ESQ. + + Manager.—JAMES S. SKIPPER, ESQ. + +This Society has been 39 years in active business—a fact in itself +affording some claim to public confidence, and some assurance that the +practice of the Company has been Liberal in Terms as regards the Insurer, +and Prompt in Settlement as regards the sufferer from Fire. + + _The Company is in alliance with the Tariff System_. _Damage from_ + _Gas or Lightning covered_. + + * * * * * + + + +PROVINCIAL INSURANCE COMPANY. + + + AGENT: + MR. BENJAMIN BATEMAN, + _HEIGHAM GROVE TERRACE_, + NORWICH. + + * * * * * + + + +COLMAN’S +PRIZE MEDAL + + + [Picture: Five medals] + + STARCH. + + * * * * * + + _Medals awarded at the following Exhibitions_:— + + LONDON, 1851. + ,, 1862. + DUBLIN, 1865. + PARIS, 1867. + + * * * * * + + JURORS’ REPORTS. + +1867. SILVER MEDAL FOR RICE STARCH. +1865. “Finest Starch was exhibited by J. & J. Colman.” +1862. “Superior quality, with large production.” +1851. “The samples exhibited by Messrs. Colman are excellent.” + + J. & J. COLMAN, LONDON. + + * * * * * + + + +BURGESS & GRIMWOOD, +PHOTOGRAPHERS, +Queen Street, Norwich. + + + * * * * * + + First-Class Photography in all branches. + + * * * * * + +Specialité—Burgess’ Eburneum Process, of which the _Photographic News_ +says, “The most charmingly delicate pictures we have ever seen produced;” +and the _Norfolk News_, “In point of artistic beauty, they are +incomparably superior to any hitherto produced.” + + * * * * * + + + +F. LLOYD, +ST. GEORGE’S COLEGATE, +NORWICH, + + +Begs respectfully to inform the Nobility and Gentry, that having made an +arrangement with a first-class London House, he is prepared to execute +all orders entrusted to his care in the best manner possible. + + Moire-Antique Re-dyed and Watered as New. + +Silk, Satin, Cashmere, China Crape, and Lace of every description Dyed, +Cleaned, and Dressed. + +Brocatelle, Tapestry, Merino, and Silk Damask Curtains Cleaned and +Dressed. + +French Patent Metallic Printing, by which process a Plain Silk or Moire +may have the appearance of a costly and richly embroidered Robe, removing +all the objections to Dyed Silks. + + _British and Foreign Shawls of every description Cleaned_. + + * * * * * + + + +W. HOWLETT AND SONS, + + + Patronized by their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess of Wales. + + EXTENSIVE ALTERATION IN PREMISES. + + An inspection is invited of more than 200 first-class + + PIANOFORTES AND HARMONIUMS + + _FOR SALE OR HIRE_, + +For the purchase of which special arrangements can be made by Quarterly +Instalments, on the Two or Three Years Purchase System, the most Economic +and Judicious mode of purchasing a Pianoforte. Terms and Prices on +application. + + Full Compass Pianofortes Let from One Guinea per Quarter. + + All the Newest Publications Half-price. Instruments of all kinds Tuned + and Repaired by skilful Mechanics. Music Copied. + + HOWLETTS’ ROYAL QUADRILLE BAND, FOR BALLS & ASSEMBLIES. + + SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR CONCERTS, ETC. + + _AGENTS FOR THE NEW MUSICAL GAME_. + +Drums, Harps, Triangles, Violins, Accordions, Bugles, Metronomes, +Saxhorns, Musical Boxes, Tambourines, Violoncellos, Flageolets, +Harmoniums by Alexandre, Banjoes, Guitars, Trumpets, Concertinas, +First-Class Finger and Barrel Organs, Church Organs, Harps, Trombones, +Violin Strings, Tuning Forks. + + MUSIC HALL, 2, MARKET PLACE, NORWICH. + + * * * * * + + + +WM. RALFS, + + + Gold and Silversmith, Watchmaker, Electroplater, and Optician, &c., + invites attention to his superior + + GOLD AND SILVER WARRANTED WATCHES, + + And offered at very moderate prices, + +W. R. also wishes to refer to a new and most tasteful variety of articles +adapted for presents in JEWELLERY of all kinds, SILVER and ELECTRO SILVER +articles perfect in design and quality. Clocks of all kinds, best +movements, warranted. Experienced workmen in all departments. + + CLOCKS REGULATED AND WOUND BY THE YEAR. + + 9, LONDON STREET, NORWICH. + + * * * * * + + + +E. SAMUEL, + + + DEALER IN PLATE, OLD CHINA, ANTIQUE FURNITURE, + + ARTICLES OF VERTU & BIJOUTERIE, + + _PICTURES_, _ETC._, + + 2, TIMBERHILL, NORWICH; + + AND + + 73, TOP OF EAST HILL, COLCHESTER. + + * * * * * + + + +THOMAS ULPH, +MERCER & LEATHER SELLER, +110, POTTERGATE STREET, + + + ST. JOHN’S MADDERMARKET, NORWICH. + + * * * * * + + Agent for Sewing Machines. + + * * * * * + + + +LONDON +FOREIGN WINE +AND +SPIRIT +_ESTABLISHMENT_, + + + WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, + + POST OFFICE STREET, NORWICH. + + JAMES CHAMBERLIN, + + PROPRIETOR. + + * * * * * + + + +ICES. + + +CREAM AND FRUIT ICES in every variety packed for the Country, with +Printed Directions for turning them out of the Moulds, and keeping them +in a frozen state. + +CRYSTALLINE BLOCK ICE of the utmost purity for cooling Wine and general +culinary purposes. + + WEDDING CAKES WITH ALMOND ICEING. + +A large supply of Wedding Cakes of all sizes always on hand, and +ornamented to order in the most elegant designs of the same superior +quality which has obtained for them such an extended and well deserved +celebrity. + + _Wedding Breakfasts_, _Pic-nic Supper_, _and ether Parties supplied with + every_ + _requisite in Ornamental Confectionery_. + + GEO. WILSON, QUEEN STREET, NORWICH. + + * * * * * + + + +NORWICH UNION FIRE INSURANCE SOCIETY. +INSTITUTED 1821. + + + * * * * * + + DIRECTORS. + + SIR R. J. H. HARVEY, BART., _President_. + EDWARD STEWARD, ESQ., _Vice-President_. + +GEORGE DURRANT, ESQ. D. DALRYMPLE, ESQ., M.P. +H. S. PATTESON, ESQ. W. R. CLARKE, ESQ. +HENRY BROWNE, ESQ. GEORGE E. SIMPSON, ESQ. +W. C. HOTSON, ESQ. COL. JAMES COCKBURN. +CHARLES E. TUCK, ESQ. THOMAS BEEVOR, ESQ. + + _Secretary_, SIR SAMUEL BIGNOLD. + + * * * * * + +The Rates of this Society are the same as other offices, whilst +Periodical Returns have been made to the parties insured amounting to +£392,430. + +This Office is distinguished by its liberality and promptness in the +settlement of claims, £2,379,334 having been paid to Insurers for losses +by Fire. + +In proof of the public confidence in the principles and conduct of this +Establishment, it will suffice to state that the total business now +exceeds £80,000,000. No charge is made for Policies. + +A Bonus of nearly 50 per cent. on Current Premiums will be paid to +Insurers (whether losses have been incurred on their Policies or not) at +Michaelmas and Christmas, 1868, and Lady-day and Midsummer, 1869. + + * * * * * + + + +NORWICH UNION +Life Insurance Society. + + + A MUTUAL INSTITUTION, INSTITUTED 1808. + + With which has been Amalgamated the AMICABLE SOCIETY, Established + by Royal Charter in the reign of Queen Anne. + + The Aggregate Capital amounts to upwards of £2,300,000. + + DIRECTORS. + + THOMAS BEEVOR, ESQ., _President_. + + C. M. GIBSON, Esq., F.R.C.S. Hon. F. WALPOLE, M.P., _Vice President_. + +W. R. CLARKE, ESQ. W. H. CLABBURN, ESQ. +ROBT. FITCH, ESQ., F.S.A., F.G.S. GEORGE FORRESTER, ESQ. +ARTHUR PRESTON, ESQ. I. B. COAKS, ESQ. + + _Secretary_—SIR SAMUEL BIGNOLD. + + * * * * * + + THE ENTIRE PROFITS ARE DIVISIBLE AMONG THE ASSURED. + Amount of Assurances Accepted, and Bonuses Declared Thereon, Exceed + £18,110,000. + + Amount Paid to the Representatives of 8,719 Deceased Members, + £7,313,000. + + AMOUNT ASSIGNED BY WAY OF BONUS, £1,620,000. + _NUMBER OF POLICIES ASSUED_, 37,400. + + * * * * * + + + +TEA. +LADYMAN & CO., +TEA DEALERS, +6, _The Walk_, _Norwich_, + + +Have a large and well-selected Stock of the Finest Teas imported, and +respectfully solicit the patronage of the Nobility, Gentry, and Clergy, +and all large consumers, feeling assured that in price and quality they +offer every advantage which can be obtained at the best London Houses. + +Teas packed in 4, 6, and 12-lb. Canisters, convenient for sending any +distance. Chests of about 80 lbs., and Half-chests of 50 lbs., at a +Reduction in Price. Carriage paid on all Teas sold to the amount of £2 +and upwards. + + An Allowance made to Clergymen purchasing for Charitable Purposes. + + LADYMAN & Co., + 6, THE WALK, NORWICH. + + * * * * * + + + +ROBERTSON & SONS, +UPHOLSTERERS, +Cabinet & Chair Manufacturers, + + + QUEEN STREET, NORWICH. + + * * * * * + +R. and S. call special attention to their Bedroom Furniture in light +woods, for which they are unequalled both as regards price and quality. + + + +G. SMITH, +ST. STEPHEN’S ROAD, NORWICH, + + + _Established_ 20 _years_, + +Respectfully informs his Friends and the Clergy and Gentry in general, +that he continues to manufacture Carriages of every description, and of +the lightest and best construction, on the lowest terms. + + * * * * * + + + +STOCK FEEDING IMPLEMENTS + + + _A NECESSITY THIS SEASON_. + +The GOLD MEDAL HORSE GEAR is the Strongest, Lightest, and Cheapest, with +smallest amount of Friction. Awarded Gold Medal this year at Toulouse, +and Silver Medal by the Royal Agricultural Society last season, and +upwards of Fifty First Prizes and Silver Medals. Sold, complete, with +intermediate motion, £11 11s. Made solely by + + WOODS, COCKSEDGE, & WARNER, + + _STOWMARKET_. + +New Improved STEAM ENGINES for small Factories and Farms, One-horse, £40; +Two-horse, &c., complete with Boiler. First Prize GRINDING MILLS and +CRUSHING MILLS, by Royal Agricultural Society, 1867. The “New Prix de +Perfection” ROOT PULPER. £3 5s., £4 10s. A lad will cut into fine mince +4 to 7 cwt. per hour. Awarded Six Silver Medals and First Prizes this +year on the Continent, and the New High Prize at Brussels. The “Prix de +Perfection.” + + Agent for Norwich—G. C. STEVENS, ORFORD HILL. + + * * * * * + + + +G. NOBLE, +CARRIAGE BUILDER, +DUKE’S PALACE, + + + (ADJOINING THE FREE LIBRARY), + _NORWICH_. + + * * * * * + + + +TIME AND MONEY SAVED! + + + * * * * * + + Great difficulty is often experienced by the Public in obtaining + + GENERAL & USEFUL ARTICLES, + + Which may be obviated by reading the undermentioned + Lists and purchasing + + AT Z. W. WARMAN’S, + + BEDFORD STREET, ST. ANDREW’S, + + NEAR THE NEW CORN HALL. + +Crinolines Machine Needles Braces +Ditto Steel Sack ditto Belts +Hair Nets Packing ditto Men’s Collars +Stay Clasps Glover’s ditto Ladies’ ditto +Combs, various London Straws Whalebone +Hair Brushes Ground downs Falls +Tooth ditto Betweens, &c. Goloshes & Cork Soles +Nail ditto Purse Twists Antimacassars +Dress Holders Tailors’ ditto D’Oyleys +Dress and Bonnet Shoemakers’ ditto, Side and Back Pads +Preservers every shade +Quilled Braid Ruches Russian Braids in Fancy Wool Work + Silks and Mohair +Plain and Stamped Dress Braids Coventry Frillings +Velvets +Stocking Laces Rifle ditto Head Dresses +Stay and Boot ditto Silk ditto Cloth Slippers for + Braiding +Elastics Ditto Cords Stamped and Traced + Embroidery +Berlin Wools Ditto Tassels of Buttons + every kind +Scotch Wools Toilet Fringes Wave Braids +Norwich Yarns Ditto Cloths Book Markers +Fleecys Brooches Pins +Wheel Spun Bracelets Tape +Carpet ditto Eardrops Cottons +Netting Threads Scented Lockets Angolas +Bleach ditto Belt Clasps Scissors +Carpet ditto Scent Bottles Worked Collars +Machine ditto Fans Steel Chains +Ditto Cottons Purses Hooks and Eyes +Ditto Silks Beads +Machine Twists + + And 1,000 other Useful Articles in Stock. + + * * * * * + + + +J. C. BEACH, +FELLMONGER, +Globe and Gaiter Manufacturer, +AND +LEATHER DRESSER, + + + _Near the Silk Mills_, + + HEIGHAM STREET, NORWICH, + +Respectfully informs the trade that he continues to supply goods in his +line of business to wholesale houses. + + * * * * * + + + +R. MARRISON, +BREECH-LOADING, +AIR, & RIFLE GUN MANUFACTURER, +_GREAT ORFORD STREET_, _NORWICH_. + + + * * * * * + +For fifty years and upwards the most experienced shots have patronized +Marrison’s Guns. The shooting powers, building up, and finish of these +guns, are well known to be first class. + +Forgers, barrel-borers, machinists, stockers, engravers, and finishers +being constantly employed on the premises. The best workmanship can be +guaranteed. + + Accessories of Breech-loader supplied. + + * * * * * + + + +LA MODE. +LADIES’ PIQUE DRESSES, JACKETS, +SEASIDE AND COUNTRY COSTUMES, + + + Braided in a Superior Style from Original Designs. + +A large assortment of Children’s Dresses, Jackets, Capes, Babies’ Robes, +Ladies’ Skirts, Drawlets, Garibaldi, Camisoles, Toilet Sets, Bed Bags, +Antimacassars, &c., for Braiding or Working, to select from; any Article +required to Special Design or Size can be Manufactured to Order at a few +hours’ notice. + + J. GANLY, + + Designer and Manufacturer of Embroidery and Braiding Patterns, + + WHOLESALE AND RETAIL DEALER IN + + TOYS, BERLIN WOOLS, HABERDASHERY, FANCY GOODS, ETC., + 29, LONDON STREET, NORWICH. + +J. G. has just received a large stock of FANCY GOODS and other articles +connected with his trade, and respectfully informs his Friends, Visitors +to the City, and the Public, that, for variety, quality, and economical +charges, they will find no establishment competent to offer them the same +advantages. + + * * * * * + + + +THOMAS COTT, +_POTTERGATE STREET_, + + + ST. GREGORY’S, NORWICH, + + PAWNBROKER. + + * * * * * + + MONEY LENT ON PLATE. + + * * * * * + + _Advances made of_ £10 _and upwards upon_ PLATE + _and_ VALUABLE GOODS _on reasonable terms_. + + * * * * * + + + +JAS. BLAZEBY, +Animal Portrait Painter, + + + 16, BETHEL STREET, + + NORWICH, + +Respectfully informs the Nobility, Clergy, and Gentry of the Eastern +Counties, and Citizens of Norwich, that he continues to execute any +orders entrusted to his care with promptitude and accuracy, and he has +been patronized by the following Ladies and Gentlemen:— + +_Dowager Lady Suffield_ _G. E. Beauchamp_, + _Esq._ +_Lady Affleck_ _G. S. Kett_, _Esq._ +_Lady Banbury_ _Rev. J. Holmes_ +_Lady Henriette Harvey_ _J. T. Mott_, _Esq._ +_The Hon. Mr. Burroughes_ _E. Beare_, _Esq._ +_The Hon. Mr. A. Wodehouse_ _C. Crawshay_, _Esq._ +_H. N. Burroughes_, _Esq._ _J. Cann_, _Esq._ +_Hay Gurney_, _Esq._ _G. Durrant_, _Esq._ + AND + _THE MEMBERS OF THE SMITHFIELD CLUB_. + + * * * * * + + + +W. S. BOULTON, + + + PATENTEE OF + + LAWN MOWING MACHINES, + + And Manufacturer of all kinds of + WIRE NETTING FOR GAME, SHEEP, AVIARIES, &C. + STRAINED WIRE FENCING, + IRON HURDLES, ENTRANCE GATES, + AGRICULTURAL & HORTICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS, + CONSERVATORIES AND GREENHOUSES + IN WOOD OR IRON, + GARDEN CHAIRS, WATER BARROWS, WATER AND + LIQUID MANURE CARTS, GARDEN ENGINES, + KITCHEN RANGES, HOT WATER APPARATUS, &c., &c. + + * * * * * + + ROSE LANE IRON & WIRE WORKS, + + NORWICH. + + * * * * * + + _To be Published in Four Quarterly Parts_. _Royal Folio_. + + PART I. NOW READY, PRICE 6/-. SEPARATE SHEETS 1/6 EACH. + POST FREE, TWO STAMPS EXTRA. + + * * * * * + + WINTER’S + FOLIO OF DROLLERY, + + _Containing Comical_, _Curious_, _and Quaint Subjects_. + _Drawn and Lithographed in a superior Style_, _from Designs by_ + _C. J. W. WINTER_, _and the early humorous artists_. + +To be had wholesale and retail of the Artist and Publisher, 22, Bethel +Street, Norwich. + +As there will be but a limited number of Copies printed, an early +application is respectfully solicited from the trade, &c. + + COLOURED COPIES TO ORDER ONLY. + +Portraits painted from Life; also faithfully copied and enlarged to any +size, and in any style, from _small_ or faded Photographs. + +Portraits of Animals correctly painted in a style not to be equalled by +any Artist in the County. + +Artistic and Antiquarian Subjects of every kind for book and other +Illustrations accurately drawn and lithographed, in the best way only. + +Old Paintings cleaned and altogether restored. + +_March_, 1669. + + OBSERVE: 22, BETHEL STREET, NORWICH. + + * * * * * + + [Picture: Chamberlin and Sons] + + * * * * * + + + +CHAMBERLIN, SONS, & CO., + + + SILK MERCERS, + LINEN AND WOOLLEN DRAPERS, + HABERDASHERS, CARPET FACTORS, + + AND + Wholesale Manchester Warehousemen, + + IMPORTERS OF + + FRENCH AND OTHER CONTINENTAL MANUFACTURES. + + FAMILY MOURNING. + + NORWICH. + + * * * * * + + + +J. DYER, + + + [Picture: J. Dyer’s establishment in Norwich] + + (LATE WOMACK) + + 10, 11, & 12, WHITE LION STREET, NORWICH, + + MERCHANT TAILOR, + Wholesale & Retail Clothier, Hatter, & General Outfitter + + TO ALL PARTS OF THE WORLD. + + * * * * * + + THE ORDER DEPARTMENT, + +The largest and most attractive out of London, is presided over by a +careful foreman of extensive experience and first-class talent, assisted +by four eminent practical cutters; a perfect and graceful fit can be +fully relied upon. + + THE READY-MADE DEPARTMENT. + +Spacious Show and Fitting Rooms are here provided, comprising stock of +upwards of 30,000 Garments to select from, suited for every class of +society. + + Ladies’ Riding Habits, Gipsy Cloaks, Jackets, &c. + + _Clerical and Professional Attire_. _Clergymen’s Surplices and Gowns to + order_. + SERVANTS’ LIVERIES. + + * * * * * + + + +BARNARD, BISHOP, & BARNARDS’ +PATENT NOISELESS LAWN MOWER + + +The advantages possessed by this Machine over all others are,—perfect +silence when in use, great ease in working, extreme durability, certainly +of action, simplicity of construction, cheapness. + + _Width of _Prices_. + Cutter_. +8-inch Machine £2 10 0 Easily worked by a Child +10 ,, ditto 3 5 0 Easily worked by a Lady +12 ,, ditto 4 10 0 +14 ,, ditto 5 0 0 Easily worked by a Man +16 ,, ditto 6 0 0 +18 ,, ditto 6 10 0 Easily worked by Man & Boy +20 ,, ditto 7 0 0 +22 ,, ditto 7 10 0 Easily worked by Two Men + + _FOR DONKEY OR PONY_. + +To cut 22 inches £8 0 0 To cut 27 £10 10 0 + inches +,, 24 ,, 9 0 0 ,, 30 ,, 12 0 0 + + Improved Extra Strong Lawn Mower, with Gear Wheels for a Horse. + + To cut 30 inches £16 | To cut 36 inches £19 | To cut 42 inches £22 + + _Packed and Delivered Carriage Free to the principal Railway Stations in + England_. + + Guaranteed to give satisfaction, and if not approved can be returned. + + * * * * * + + MANUFACTURERS OF + MACHINE-MADE GALVANIZED WIRE NETTING, + FOR GAME, AVIARIES, PHEASANTRIES, SHEEP, &c. + + _Of Every Description_, _from_ ½-_inch to_ 6-_inch Mesh_. + + ALL NETTINGS GALVANIZED AFTER MADE. + +Strained Wire Fencing, Iron Hurdles and Gates, Iron Chairs, for Garden or +Camp, Patent and Cottage Mangles, Garden Rollers, with Single and Double +Cylinders, Universal Kitchen Ranges, Stable Fittings, &c. + + ILLUSTRATED LISTS FORWARDED ON APPLICATION. + + * * * * * + + BARNARD, BISHOP, AND BARNARDS, + + Wire Drawers, Galvanisers, and Malleable Iron Founders, + + NORFOLK IRON WORKS, NORWICH. + + RETAIL ESTABLISHMENT—MARKET PLACE. + + * * * * * + + + +J. and J. King + + + [Picture: Graphic advert for J. and J. King, painters, glaziers, and + decorators and glass stainers, No. 1 Princess St. Norwich] + + * * * * * + + + +GLAZED SANITARY TUBE DEPÔT. + + +Glazed Drain Pipes of every description, Fire Bricks, Chimney Pots, +Metallic Tiles all colours, Adamatine Clinkers, Cement, and every article +connected with the building trade at + + GEORGE LING’S, + + ALL SAINTS’ GREEN, NORWICH. + + _N.B._—_The Largest Stock in the Eastern Counties_. + + * * * * * + + + +THE GOLDEN PLOUGHSHARE. + + + G. C. STEVENS, + + Wholesale and Retail Ironmonger, + + _ORFORD HILL_, _NORWICH_. + + Howard’s Prize Ploughs & Harrows. Long’s Sheep Dressing Compositions. + Agent for Ransomes and Sims’ Agricultural Implements. + + GOODS UPON SALE OR HIRE. + + * * * * * + + + +_The Cheapest House in the Eastern Counties for MARBLE CHIMNEY_ +_PIECES_, _&c._, _is_ +J. R. CHILDS’ +MARBLE, STONE, & CEMETERY WORKS. + + + Manufacturer of TABLETS, FONTS, MONUMENTAL TOMBS, + SLABS FOR CABINET WORK, &c., + + ST. GILES’ GATES, NORWICH. + + _Every description of Marble and Stone Work Executed at the_ + _Lowest possible Prices_. + + * * * * * + + + +ROBERT MORLEY, + + + (Late Wiseman & Co.) + + Importer & Dealer in Wines & Spirits, + + _POST OFFICE STREET_, + NORWICH. + + * * * * * + + + +E. CUNNINGHAM. +PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTIST, + + + ST. BENEDICT’S GATES, NORWICH. + + CARTE DE VISITE, 1s., + + _EXTRA COPIES SIXPENCE EACH_, _OR FIVE SHILLINGS PER DOZEN_. + + COPYING AND ENGRAVING. + + * * * * * + + + +THOMAS WORLEDGE, + + + WHOLESALE + + Boot, Shoe, Upper Manufacturer, + + MAGDALEN STREET, ST. SAVIOUR’S, + + NORWICH. + + * * * * * + + + +BAKER’S +REGISTER OFFICE FOR SERVANTS, +THE BATH HOUSE, BANK STREET, NORWICH. + + + _Servants of Good Character constantly in demand_. + + * * * * * + + THE BATHS IN BANK STREET + + Are Open Daily (Sundays excepted) from 7 a.m. till 10 p.m. + + First Class, 1s. 6d. Second Class, 1s. Third Class, 6d. Male or + Female. + + * * * * * + + + +HOWES & SONS, + + + Carriage & Harness Manufacturers, + + _CHAPEL FIELD_, _NORWICH_. + + [Picture: Howes & Sons’ Light Boat-Shaped Barouche] + + Howes & Sons’ Light Boat-Shaped Barouche. + + [Picture: Howes & Sons’ Circular Fronted Miniature Brougham] + + Howes & Sons’ Circular Fronted Miniature Brougham. + + * * * * * + + + +THE LARGEST STOCK OF CARRIAGES IN THE EASTERN COUNTIES. +CARRIAGE, HARNESS, AND SADDLERY WORKS, +NORWICH. + + + _Established_ 1750. + + * * * * * + + JOLLY AND SON + +Solicit inspection of their Varied Assortment of NEW and SECOND-HAND +CARRIAGES, particularly their Sefton Barouche Landaus and Barouches, +Waggonettes, Extra Light American Carriages, Park Phaetons, Alexandra +Cars, Gem Miniature Broughams—the lightest ever constructed, +Fulcrum-Shaft Dog Carts, Game Carts, Norwich Cars, &c., &c. + +MINIATURE LANDULET BROUGHAMS, with circular fronts, just invented and +perfected (_after much trouble and expence_) by JOLLY & SON. The most +unique Open and Close Carriages for a Cob—light, low, easy of access—the +metallic parts of steel, and hickory wheels; the weight reduced to the +minimum. The roof and glasses fall quite flat, as the Sefton Landaus. +From 6½ Cwt. + +Carriages and Harness Jobbed, with option of purchase, or furnished for +stated periods, on annual payments, afterwards becoming the property of +the Hirer. + + “_Improved Patent Conical Axles_” _and Hickory Wheels_, _fitted to any_ + _description of Vehicle_. + + IMPROVED BICYCLE VELOCIPEDES, OWN MAKE, £10. + + * * * * * + + + +_THE GREATEST NOVELTY OF THE DAY IS_ +THE PICTURE MUSIC BOOK. +BY T. H. BROWN, A.C.P. + + +This work consists of a Book containing the Rudiments of Music, together +with more than 20 Coloured Engravings, 47 Tinted Cards, Ivory Pegs, and a +handsome Music Board,—with which can be played several AMUSING GAMES +which will ensure a thorough knowledge of the Rudiments of Music. +Eminent Musicians have pronounced it to be a Great Boon to Children. +PRICE FIVE SHILLINGS. + + W. Howlett & Sons, 2, Market Place, Norwich. + + _Registered under the Copyright Act_. + + * * * * * + + + +T. W. STEVENS, +THE WELL-KNOWN CITY TAILOR. + + + _Near CASTLE HOTEL_, + CASTLE MEADOW, NORWICH. + + * * * * * + + + +ROYAL HOTEL, + + + MARKET PLACE, NORWICH. + + FAMILY AND COMMERCIAL HOTEL, + + _MISS DENNIS_, _MANAGER_. + + * * * * * + + + +WEBB’S PRACTICAL FARMER’S ACCOUNT BOOK. + + + Foolscap folio, half-bound, 6s.; Post folio, for Large Farms, 7s. 6d. + 29th Edition. + + “THE VERY BEST FARM BOOK WE HAVE EVER SEEN.”—_Mark Lane Express_. + + LONDON: JARROLD AND SONS, 12, PATERNOSTER ROW. + + * * * * * + + + +R. A. MARGETSON, +Cemetery, Ecclesiastical and General +STONE WORKS, +BANK STREET, AND BISHOP BRIDGE, +NORWICH. + + + * * * * * + + + +ESTABLISHED 1811. + + + * * * * * + + BIRD & CO., + + BREWERS, + + WINE & SPIRIT MERCHANTS, + _ST. MILES’ COSLANY_, _NORWICH_. + + * * * * * + + + +W. NORTH, +BRICKLAYER & PLASTERER, +ARTIFICIAL STONE WORKS, + + + RISING SUN ROAD, NORWICH. + + * * * * * + + + +WILLIAM WATTS’ + + + (_LATE J. LINCOLN’S_) + + Pipe, Match, Blacking and Ink Works, + + SYNAGOGUE STREET, KING STREET, NORWICH. + + * * * * * + + + +BOOKS FOR THE HOUSEHOLD +AND FOR PRESENTS. + + + _Attractive Volumes_, _handsomely bound in cloth_, _with_ + _Frontispiece_, _in Colours by Dickes_. + + AT ONE SHILLING & SIXPENCE EACH. + +MOTHER’S TRIALS AND TRIUMPHS, and other Tales. For Fathers and Mothers. + +HOME HAPPINESS, and other Tales. + +WHEN TO SAY “NO!” and other Tales. For Working Men. + +THE HAPPY LIFE, and other Tales. For Young Women. + +HOW TO RISE IN THE WORLD, and other Tales. For Young Men. + +POPULAR READINGS. + +STARTING IN LIFE, and other Tales. For Boys and Girls. + +THE POETRY OF HOME AND SCHOOL LIFE. + +THE PATHWAY OF HEALTH. + +MARRIAGE BELLS, and other Tales. For Young Men and Women. + +HOME! SWEET HOME! and other Tales. + +TALES IN RHYME. + +The whole in Box with Glass Front, including Lending Library Catalogue, +for One Guinea. Should be in every Family. An admirable present to a +Clergyman or District Visitor. Any volume may be had separately, post +free, for the amount in Stamps. + + * * * * * + + JARROLD & SONS, 12, PATERNOSTER ROW, LONDON; + AND LONDON STREET, NORWICH. + + * * * * * + + + +EDWARD S. BIGNOLD, ESQ., + + + SOLICITOR, SURREY STREET, + + _AGENT AT NORWICH FOR THE_ + + ROYAL-EXCHANGE ASSURANCE + + _Incorporated A.D._ 1720, _by Royal Charter_. + + CHIEF OFFICE, IN THE ROYAL EXCHANGE, + LONDON. + + Branch Office, 29, Pall Mall. + + * * * * * + + OCTAVIUS WIGRAM, ESQ., _Governor_. + + JAMES STEWART HODGSON, ESQ., _Sub-Governor_. + + CHARLES JOHN MANNING, ESQ., _Deputy-Governor_. + + DIRECTORS. + +Henry Bainbridge, Esq. William Tetlow Hibbert, Esq. +Robert Barclay, Esq. Wilmot Holland, Esq. +John Garratt Cattley, Esq. Nevile Lubbock, Esq. +Mark Currie Close, Esq. G. Forbes Malcolmson, Esq. +Edward Jas. Daniell, Esq. Henry Nelson, Esq. +William Davidson, Esq. Lord Josceline Wm. Percy. +Thomas Dent, Esq. Charles Robinson, Esq. +Alexander Druce, Esq. Samuel Leo Schuster, Esq. +Frederick J. Edlmann, Esq. Eric Carrington Smith, Esq. +C. Hermann Göschen, Esq. Joseph Somes, Esq. +Riversdale W. Grenfell, Esq. William Wallace, Esq. +Robt. Amadeus Heath, Esq. Charles Baring Young, Esq. + + _Secretary_, ROBERT P. STEELE, ESQ. + _Manager of Marine Insurances_, JOHN LEATHERDALE, ESQ. + + _Actuary_, THOS. B. WINSER, ESQ. + + _Superintendent of Fire Department_, CHARLES P. BALL, ESQ. + + _Cashier and Accountant_, JOHN HOOPER, ESQ. + + _Consulting Surgeon_, SAMUEL SOLLY, ESQ., F.R.S., 6, _Savile Row_, _W._ + + * * * * * + +This office was founded by the leading Merchants of London in the year +1717, and was incorporated by Charters of His Majesty George the First, +dated the 22nd June, 1720, and the 29th April, 1721, respectively, for +granting SEA, FIRE, AND LIFE ASSURANCES. The powers conferred by these +Charters have been confirmed by SPECIAL ACTS OF PARLIAMENT. + +Persons assured with this Corporation incur NO MUTUAL LIABILITY as +Partners, nor do they depend upon an uncertain Fund; the large invested +Capital-Stock of the Corporation affords unquestionable Security for the +fulfilment of its engagements. + + * * * * * + + + +PATENT FOUNTAIN PUMP WORKS, +NORWICH. + + + _The best Pumps that are_: _Dispute it who dare_!! + + Forty years’ PRACTICAL and UNPARALLELED experience has PROVED that + + SHALDERS’ PUMPS + +are the most effective, durable, and economical in the world, for all the +requirements of civilized life. They yield 98 per cent. of the power +applied; no other Pump or Machine returns 50, and seldom more than 30 per +cent. + + _UNDER THE PATRONAGE OF THE PRINCE OF WALES_. + + * * * * * + + + +A. AUSTRIN’S +Baby Linen and +LADIES’ OUTFITTING ESTABLISHMENT, +5, ORFORD HILL, +_NORWICH_. + + + ESTABLISHED 1830. + + * * * * * + + + +C. LAMB, +Tailor, Vestment Maker, Church Furnisher, &c. + + + 2, _WENSUM STREET_, _TOMBLAND_, + (FROM ELM HILL) + NORWICH. + +Chasubles, Dalmatics, Copes, Albs, Surplices, Stoles, Hoods, Cassocks, +Literate’s Tippets, Birettas, Stocks, Collars, Altar and Pulpit +Antependia, Altar Linen, Vases, Candlesticks, Crosses, Altars, Pulpits, +Prayer Desks, Altar Rails, and every description of Church Work executed +at the shortest notice and at the lowest possible prices. + + * * * * * + + + +IMPORTANT TO AGRICULTURISTS. + + + * * * * * + + THOMAS PARKER, + _Artificial Manure Manufacturer and Bone Crusher_, + SAINT STEPHEN’S STREET, NORWICH. + +Parker’s Mangold Manure £7 0 0 per Ton +Parker’s Turnip ditto 6 10 0 ,, +Mineral Superphosphate 5 0 0 ,, + + WORKS.—THORPE, NEAR NORWICH. + +Orders received at his Stands at the Corn Halls, Norwich, Bury, Ipswich, +Eye, Lynn, Diss, Fakenham, Dereham, Halesworth, Bungay, Beccles, +Harleston, or of his Agents. + + * * * * * + + + +ESTABLISHED UPWARDS OF TWO CENTURIES. + + + * * * * * + + JAMES HARDY, + + FAMILY GROCER, TEA DEALER, + + FRUITERER, ETC. + + * * * * * + + FRENCH & ITALIAN WAREHOUSE. + + * * * * * + + Oilman, Wax and Tallow Chandler, + + Nos. 2 & 3, RAMPANT HORSE STREET, + + _NORWICH_. + + * * * * * + + BRITISH AND FOREIGN WINES. + + _Families waited upon for Orders_, _or Samples sent if requested_. + + A DAILY DELIVERY OF GOODS IN THE SUBURBS. + + _Carriage Paid on general Orders_. + + * * * * * + + + +_Ladies and the Public are respectfully_ +_invited to inspect_ + + + R. E. GARLAND’S + + NEW, USEFUL, AND CHEAP + + SILKS, MANTLES, DRESSES, BONNETS, + + _ETC._, _ETC._ + + 17 & 18, LONDON STREET, + + NORWICH. + + * * * * * + + + +ROBERT S. MASON, + + + (_Successor to Mr. J. W. Crisp_,) + + WOOLLEN DRAPER, TAILOR, + + ETC., + + _Castle Meadow_, _Norwich_, + + NEAR THE CASTLE HOTEL. + + * * * * * + + + +Frederick Taf, + + + Lithography Artist + Ornamental and General + Engraver, Designer, Draughtsman, & Printer, + 3, Lower Goat Lane, Norwich. + + * * * * * + + + +PROSPECT PLACE WORKS, NORWICH, ENGLAND. + + + * * * * * + + HOLMES & SONS, + ENGINEERS, MILLWRIGHTS, + GENERAL MACHINE AND DRILL MANUFACTURERS, + + Have received at the + + ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY’S SHOW at Bury St. Edmund’s, + + The FIRST PRIZE of £20 + + For the Best Finishing Thrashing Machine; + + The PRIZE of £5 + + (All the amount offered) for Barley Hummeller; + + SILVER MEDAL for Traction Engine; and + + The FARMERS’ CUP, value £10 10s., at Fakenham; + + They have also been awarded by the ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY, + + at Worcester; The PRIZE + + For their Eight-Horse Power Portable Engine; and + + SILVER MEDAL + + For Patent Combined Thrashing Machine, to Complete for Market, + and Cleanse and Bag the Chaff. + + At the GREAT INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION, 1862, they had the honour + of receiving The PRIZE MEDAL + + For Thrashing Machines and Sowing Machines, the highest award that was + given; and at the GREAT EXHIBITION, 1851, + + The FIRST PRIZE MEDAL + + For Thrashing Machine; and by the ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY, + at Leeds and Salisbury, the highest + + PRIZE of £10, + + For the best Seed and Manure Drill, Flat or Ridge; + + The FIRST PRIZE for Corn and Seed Drill; + + PRIZES for their Improved Manure Distributor, making + + NINE PRIZES PRIZE + + to this Machine; also To their Small Seed Drill. + + * * * * * + +H. & SONS have had thirty-seven years’ practical experience in the +Manufacture of Drills, and in Steam Engines and Thrashing Machinery they +have neither spared trouble nor expense in working out on correct +principles the best and most economical arrangement. The success +obtained over all others at the recent severe trials at Bury St. +Edmund’s, satisfactorily proves it to have been no idle boast that HOLMES +& SONS’ Steam Thrashing Machinery is the best before the public. Careful +selection of Materials, and strict attention to Mechanical principles, +have enabled them in so short a time to attain to that very eminent +position they now occupy, having now received upwards of + + ONE HUNDRED AWARDS + +For Superiority in their Portable Steam Engines, Combined Portable +Thrashing Machines, Seed Shellers, with Dressing Apparatus, Corn & Seed +Drills, Seed and Manure Drills, Manure Distributors and Saw Tables. + + * * * * * + + + +BOOKS FOR PRESENTS, +AND FOR LIBRARIES. + + +ONE SHILLING BOOKS. + + +HAPPY HALF-HOURS WITH THE BIBLE; or, Mary Jane and Bertie. By Aunt +Emily. Frontispiece, 18mo, cloth. + +MY TEACHER’S GIFT. For Girls. On Toned Paper, with Frontispiece, 18mo, +cloth. Also in Paper Covers, 6d. + +MY TEACHER’S GIFT. For Boys. On Toned Paper, with Frontispiece, 18mo, +cloth. Also in Paper Covers, 6d. + +CHILDREN OF SUMMERBROOK: Scenes of Village Life in Simple Verse. By Mrs. +Sewell, Author of “Mother’s Last Words.” Frontispiece, 12mo, cloth. + +HOMELY BALLADS FOR THE WORKING MAN’S FIRESIDE. By Mrs. Sewell. 16mo, +cloth. + +STORIES IN VERSE FOR THE STREET AND LANE. By Mrs. Sewell. 16mo, cloth. + +ROSE BRYANT: Passages in her Maiden and Married Life. By Emma Marshall. +Frontispiece, 12mo, cloth. + +THE NEW HOME: or, Wedded Life; its Duties, Cares, and Pleasures. +Frontispiece, 12mo, cloth. + +THE PEACE MAKER AND THE MISCHIEF MAKER. Frontispiece, Foolscap 8vo, +cloth. + +TALES OF THE WORKROOM:—THE SISTERS. By Mrs. Curtis. Frontispiece, 18mo, +cloth. + +CONSIDERATION; or, How we can Help one Another. By Emma Marshall. +Frontispiece, 18mo, cloth. + +LESSONS ABOUT GOD: for very Little Children. By Sophia Sinnett. 18mo, +cloth. + +KATIE’S WORK. By Emma Marshall. Frontispiece, 18mo, cloth. + +THINGS OF EVERY-DAY USE: What they Are, Where they Come From, and How +they are Made. 12mo, cloth. + +LYRICS FOR LITTLE ONES. 18mo, cloth. + +KIRTON’S TEMPERANCE TALES, including “Buy Your Own Cherries.” 12mo. + + +ONE SHILLING AND SIXPENNY BOOKS. + + +ROGER’S APPRENTICESHIP; or, Five Years of a Boy’s Life. By Emma +Marshall. Foolscap 8vo, embossed cloth. + +FRED WILLIAMS. A Tale for Boys. Frontispiece, embossed cloth. + +HINTS ON SELF-HELP FOR YOUNG WOMEN. By Jessie Boucherett. 12mo, +embossed cloth. + + * * * * * + + + +_JARROLD AND SONS’ PUBLICATIONS_. + + +ONE SHILLING AND SIXPENNY BOOKS. + + +DO IT WITH THY MIGHT; or, Our Work in the World. Addressed to those who +ask, “What shall we Do?” Cloth elegant. + +SAYINGS ABOUT FRIENDSHIP. By the Author of “Do it with thy Might.” +Cloth elegant. + +RURAL SCENES; a Peep into the Country. New Edition, profusely +illustrated, demy 18mo, embossed cloth. + +PICTURE STORY BOOK OF LONDON; or, City Scenes. New Edition, profusely +illustrated, royal 18mo, embossed cloth. + +THE EARTH AND ITS GARMENT OF WATER AND AIR. 12mo, cloth. + +THE ATOMS AND ELECTRIC FORCES OF THE EARTH. 12mo, cloth. + +HEALTH FOR THE HOUSEHOLD. Frontispiece, 12mo, cloth. + +HERE A LITTLE AND THERE A LITTLE; or Daily Manna for the Lambs of +Christ’s Fold. By a Mother. Frontispiece, 18mo, cloth. + +THE LIFE OF A PLANT; “Science for the Household.” 12mo, cloth. + +HOUSEHOLD TRUTHS FOR YOUNG MEN. Frontispiece. 12mo, cloth. + +HOUSEHOLD TRUTHS FOR WORKING MEN. Frontispiece. 12mo, cloth. + +HOUSEHOLD TRUTHS FOR MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS. Frontispiece, 12mo, cloth. + + +TWO SHILLING BOOKS. + + +MRS. SEWELL’S BALLADS FOR CHILDREN: Including “Mother’s Last Words,” “Our +Father’s Care,” and “Children of Summerbrook.” Coloured Frontispiece +and Illustrations on Wood. Foolscap 8vo, cloth, bevelled boards. + +ELLEN FRENCH: Passages from the Life of a Worker. By Aunt Evergreen. +Cloth. + +PATIENCE HART’S FIRST EXPERIENCE IN SERVICE. By Mrs. Sewell, Author of +“Mother’s Last Words.” Seventh Edition. Twentieth Thousand. Handsome +cloth boards. + +THE MOTHER’S MANUAL: How to Train our Children. By Mrs. Reed; with a +Preface by her Sons, the Authors of “The Life of Dr. Andrew Reed.” With +Frontispiece. + +OUR WORLD; ITS ROCKS AND FOSSILS. By the Author of “The Observing Eye,” +&c. Numerous Illustrations. + +CATERPILLARS, BUTTERFLIES, AND MOTHS: their Manners, Habits, and +Transformations. By Mary and Elisabeth Kirby. Illustrations, 18mo, +embossed cloth. + + * * * * * + + + +_JARROLD AND SONS’ PUBLICATIONS_. + + +TWO SHILLING BOOKS. + + +THE ILLUSTRATED GEOLOGY. By F. C. Bakewell. Many Illustrations, +embossed cloth. + +WHAT MEAN YE BY THIS SERVICE? or, Old Testament Sacrifices Explained; +shewing their Typical Meaning and Fulfilment in Our Lord Jesus Christ. +Illustrations, 12mo, cloth. + + +HALF-CROWN BOOKS. + + +THE HEIR OF HAZLEWOOD; Or All Things Work together for Good to them that +Love God. Coloured frontispiece, cloth, bevelled boards. + +THE LITTLE GARDENERS. An Allegory of Christian Life for Young Persons. +With Frontispiece. Foolscap 8vo, handsomely bound in cloth. + +JULIO: A TALE OF THE VAUDOIS. For Young Persons. By Mrs. J. B. Webb, +Author of “Naomi.” With Full-Page Illustrations, foolscap 8vo, cloth, +bevelled boards. + +THE DAWN OF LIFE: or, Mildred’s Story told by Herself. By Emma Marshall. +12mo, cloth, elegant. + +AUNT ANNIE’S TALES.—The Water Lily—The Druid’s Retreat—Santa +Claus—Mistletoe Bough. Cloth, elegant. + +STORIES OF THE REFORMATION IN ENGLAND AND GERMANY. By the Rev. B. C. +Johns. Frontispiece, 12mo, cloth, elegant. + +ERNEST AND KATE; or, Love a Reality, not Romance. By Mrs. Thomas +Geldart. 12mo, cloth. + +HISTORICAL TALES OF ILLUSTRIOUS BRITISH CHILDREN. By Agnes Strickland. +Tinted Illustrations. + +STORIES OF ENGLAND and Her Forty Counties. By Mrs. Thomas Geldart. +Frontispiece in colours, and woodcuts, 12mo, cloth. + +STORIES OF IRELAND and its Four Provinces. By Mrs. Thomas Geldart. +Frontispiece in colours, and woodcuts, 12mo, cloth. + +STORIES OF SCOTLAND and its Adjacent Islands. By Mrs. Thomas Geldart. +Frontispiece in colours, and woodcuts, 12mo, cloth. + +SUNDAY THOUGHTS; or Great Truths in Plain Words. An Interesting Sunday +Book for Young People. By Mrs. Geldart. + +PLANTS OF THE LAND AND WATER; Short and Entertaining Chapters on the +Vegetable World. By Mary and Elizabeth Kirby. Fine Coloured +Frontispiece and Woodcuts. + +THE OBSERVING EYE; Letters to Children on the Three Lower Divisions of +Animal Life—Radiated, Articulated, and Molluscous. Frontispiece in +colours, and woodcuts, thick 18mo, cloth. + +WHAT IS A BIRD? the Forms of Birds, their Instincts, and Use in Creation +Considered. By the Author of “The Observing Eye.” Woodcuts, thick 18mo, +cloth. + +STORIES AND PICTURES FROM GRECIAN HISTORY. By Maria Hack. With Thirty +Illustrations by J. Gilbert. + + * * * * * + + + +_JARROLD AND SONS’ PUBLICATIONS_. + + +HALF-CROWN BOOKS. + + +STORIES FROM THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS. By Miss Lawrence. With Twenty +whole-page Illustrations. + +THE LITTLE FORESTER AND HIS FRIEND. A Ballad of the Olden Time. By Mrs. +Sewell. + + +THREE SHILLINGS AND SIXPENCE EACH. + + +MOTHER’S LAST WORDS. By Mrs. Sewell. With Fourteen beautiful +Illustrations, on wood, by some of the first artists of the day. +Handsomely bound in cloth, with gilt edges. + +ISHMAEL: a Tale of Syrian Life. By Mrs. J. B. Webb. Author of “Naomi,” +&c. With Eight full-page Illustrations. Cloth, elegant. + +THY POOR BROTHER: Letters to a Friend on Helping the Poor. By Mrs. +Sewell. Ninth Thousand. Embossed cloth. + +PATRICK MURPHY ON POPERY IN IRELAND: a Narrative of Facts. Edited by the +Rev. W. Adams. Crown 8vo, cloth. + +CONVERSATIONS ON THE BIBLE AND SCIENCE: Shewing that the Language of +Scripture is in unison with the Settled Discoveries of Modern Science. +By the Rev. Edwin Sidney, M.A. Foolscap 8vo, cloth, bevelled boards. + +SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE OF THINGS FAMILIAR. By Dr. Brewer. Interesting and +Instructive for the Family Fireside. + +GUIDE TO ASTRONOMICAL SCIENCE. By Dr. Mann. + +VEGETABLE AND ANIMAL LIFE: a Handbook of Physiological Science. By Dr. +Mann. Third Edition, embossed cloth. + +RELIGION IN SCIENCE. By Dr. Brewer. Illustrations. + + +FIVE SHILLINGS EACH. + + +THE MOTHER OF THE WESLEYS: an Interesting Biography. By the Rev. John +Kirk. Fourth Edition. + +DR. BREWER’S HISTORY OF FRANCE: an Interesting Vade Mecum of French +History, brought down to the Present Time. A most useful Book for every +Family. + + +TWELVE SHILLINGS AND SIXPENCE. + + +A CYCLOPÆDIA OF ILLUSTRATIONS OF MORAL AND RELIGIOUS TRUTHS: + +Consisting of Definitions, Metaphors, Similes, Emblems, Contrasts, +Analogies, Statistics, Synonymes, Anecdotes, &c. &c. By JOHN BATE. +Third Edition, Revised and Enlarged, 8vo. cloth, bevelled boards. + + _The best thoughts of the best minds_—_ancient and modern_. + + “_It is no hyperbole to say that such a production has never before + been given to the public as the unaided effort of a single brain_. + _It is the very hand-book for clergymen_, _editors_, _tutors_, + _Academicians_, _and private students_.”—Church Standard. + + * * * * * + + +_Price_ TWOPENCE _each_, _or in Packets containing Six_, +ONE SHILLING _each_. + + + * * * * * + + STORIES IN VERSE, + + WITH ILLUSTRATIONS. + + BY MRS. SEWELL, + + _Author of_ “_Mother’s Last Words_,” “_Our Father’s Care_,” _etc._ + + IN NEAT COLOURED WRAPPERS, + + SUITABLE FOR REWARDS & PRESENTS. + +FAITH, HOPE, and CHARITY. + +ISABEL GRAY; or, “MISTRESS DIDN’T KNOW.” + +ABEL HOWARD and HIS FAMILY—The YOUNG NURSE GIRL. + +The THIEVES’ LADDER—The GUILTY CONSCIENCE. + +The LADY’S DILEMMA. + +MIRIAM. + +MRS. GODLIMAN—The GREEN HILL SIDE—The POOR LITTLE BOY. + +The PRIMROSE GATHERERS—The LITTLE SCHISMATICS—THE FUNERAL BELL. + +WIDOW HAYE—A GHOST STORY. + +A SAD STORY—CRAZED. + +The TWO NOBLEMEN—The YOUNG ENGLISH GENTLEMAN. + +The DRUNKARD’S WIFE, &c. + +The WORKING WOMAN’S APPEAL—SIXTY YEARS AGO. + +The LONDON ATTIC—MARRIAGE AS IT MAY BE—THE BAD MANAGER. + +BOY GOING TO SERVICE—A RELIGIOUS WOMAN. + +The MILLER’S WIFE. + +The BAD SERVANT—The CHAFFINCH’S NEST. + +The BOY and the ROOKS—The COMMON—The TRAVELLER and the FARMER. + + Mrs. Sewell’s Six Popular Ballads. + +MOTHER’S LAST WORDS. 514th Thousand, + +OUR FATHER’S CARE. 407th Thousand. + +CHILDREN AT HOME. + +CHILDREN AT SCHOOL. + +THE HAPPY SCHOOLFELLOWS. + +THE LOST CHILD. + +_The Twenty-four Books are done up in_ Four Packets, _in beautiful_ +Illuminated Envelopes, _at_ One Shilling _each Packet_. + + * * * * * + + LONDON: JARROLD & SONS, 12, PATERNOSTER ROW. + + * * * * * + + +VALUABLE BOOKS RELATING TO THE COUNTY +OF NORFOLK & THE CITY OF NORWICH. + + + * * * * * + +ACCOUNT of a Manuscript Genealogy of the Paston Family, in the Possession +of His Grace the Duke of Newcastle: communicated to the Norfolk and +Norwich Archæological Society by Francis Worship, Esq. Frontispiece, +_large paper_, 4to, sewed, 1s. + +ACCOUNT of the Company of St. George in Norwich (A.D. 1324–1732), from +Mackerell’s History of Norwich, MSS. 1737, 8vo, sewed, 1s. + +AN OUTLINE of the Geology of Norfolk. By Samuel Woodward. Coloured +Geological Map. 8vo, cloth, 3s. + +CASTLEACRE. Notes, Historical and Antiquarian, of the Castle and Priory +at Castleacre, in the County of Norfolk. By the Rev. J. H. Bloom, B.A. +With twenty-three illustrations, _on India paper_, by Sly, Vizetelly, and +Ninham, from original drawings by Mr. Charles Wright. Royal 8vo, cloth, +6s. + +COOKE’S Topographical and Statistical Description of the County of +Norfolk Map and steel frontispiece. Thick 18mo, sewed, 9d. (published at +2s.) + +DAWSON Turner’s Guide to the Historian, the Biographer, the Antiquary, +the Man of Literary Curiosity, and the Collector of Autographs towards +the Verification of Manuscripts, by reference to Engraved Facsimiles of +Handwriting. Royal 8vo, cloth, 2s. (published at 6s. 6d.) + +HISTORY and Antiquities of Norwich Castle. By the Late Samuel Woodward. +Edited by his son, B. B. Woodward, Esq., Librarian to Her Majesty. +Numerous maps and illustrations on stone, 4to, sewed, 6s. + +KETT’S Rebellion; Jack and the Tanner of Wymondham. A Tale of Kett’s +Rebellion. By the Author of “Mary Powell,” &c. 12mo, stiff cover, 9d. +(published at 2s. 6d.) + +NORFOLK in the Eighteenth Century; Twenty-four Views of the most +considerable Mansions and Seats of the Nobility in the County. Taken +about the year 1780, imperial 4to, stiff cover, 12s. 6d. + +RAMBLES in an Old City; comprising Antiquarian, Historical, Biographical, +and Political Associations of Norwich. By S. S. Madders. Frontispiece, +post 8vo, cloth, 3s. 6d. (published at 10s. 6d.) + +THE ECCLESIOLOGIST’S Guide to the Deaneries of Sparham and Taverham, in +the County of Norfolk; with the Deanery of Ingworth. 12mo, cloth, 2s. +6d. (published at 4s. 6d.) + +THE NORFOLK Topographer’s Manual: being a Catalogue of the Books and +Engravings hitherto Published in Relation to the County. By the late +Samuel Woodward; revised and augmented by W. C. Ewing, Esq.; to which are +appended, a Catalogue of the Drawings, Prints, and Deeds, collected by +Dawson Turner, Esq.; and a List of the Norfolk Chartularies, and of the +MSS. and Drawings relating to Norfolk, in the British Museum. Royal 8vo, +cloth, 6s. + + * * * * * + +EIGHT ORIGINAL ETCHINGS by the late JOHN SELL COTMAN, also TEN ETCHINGS +by M. E. COTMAN. Large paper, imperial folio, in wrapper, Fifteen +Shillings. + + * * * * * + + _JARROLD & SONS_, _London Street_, _Norwich_. + + * * * * * + + + +HISTORY OF NORWICH. +BY A. D. BAYNE. + + + * * * * * + + EDITION ON LARGER PAPER, + + WITH + + TWENTY-ONE PHOTOGRAPHIC VIEWS + + BY + + _BURGESS AND GRIMWOOD_. + + PRICE ONE GUINEA. + + * * * * * + + _A very limited number only have been printed_. + + * * * * * + + + + +FOOTNOTES. + + +{53} Duke of Norfolk. + +{126} Since the above was written, the house at St. Giles’ Gates has +been demolished. + +{527} Gentleman’s Magazine. + +{672} First Mayor of Norwich. + + + + +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A COMPREHENSIVE HISTORY OF NORWICH*** + + +******* This file should be named 44568-0.txt or 44568-0.zip ******* + + +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: +http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/4/4/5/6/44568 + + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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