Part 31

30.--A detachment of the Honourable Artillery Company, numbering 64 officers and men, arrived at Yarmouth by train, and on the 31st marched for Norwich. At Blofield the detachment was met by the band of the Norwich Artillery Volunteers, and at Brundall the men boarded the Alexandra steamer, by which they performed the remainder of the journey to Norwich. Headquarters were established at the Royal Hotel. On Sunday, June 1st, the Honourable Artillery Company and the Norwich Artillery Volunteers attended service at the Cathedral, and on June 2nd the Norwich corps accompanied the London men on their march to Wymondham. The London corps proceeded to Attleborough, where they took train for London.

JUNE.

9.--Mr. and Mrs. Rousby commenced an engagement at Norwich Theatre, in "Twixt Axe and Crown." On subsequent evenings, "The School for Scandal," "Romeo and Juliet," and "Joan of Arc," were produced.

19.--The annual show of the Norfolk Agricultural Association commenced at Thetford. Mr. Angerstein presided at the members' luncheon.

30.--The Earl of Leicester was invested by the Queen with the Riband and Badge of the Garter. His lordship previously received the honour of knighthood.

JULY.

10.--Mr. J. L. Toole commenced an engagement at Norwich Theatre, during which he appeared in a round of his favourite characters.

19.--The 3rd Norfolk Rifle Volunteers went into camp at Heacham Park, and on the 23rd were inspected by Colonel Knox, C.B., commanding the 31st Depot.

21.--A company, under the management of Captain Disney Roebuck (late Royal Welsh Fusiliers), commenced an engagement at Norwich Theatre. The repertory included "David Garrick," "Society," "The School for Scandal," "East Lynne," and the bouffe burlesque, "The Rows of Castille."

21.--Mr. David Fisher gave a dramatic reading at North Walsham. "Since the closing of the theatrical circuit under the management of the Fisher family, no member had visited it until Mr. David Fisher, now of the London theatres, and known to us first as a boy actor with his father and grandfather, came to read 'The School for Scandal.' Mr. David Fisher in London has carried out the promise of his early life, and in coming upon scenes of his boyhood finds those who tell him tales of former years, and pleasure no doubt arises on the other side from the opening up of old associations. We have spoken of Mr. Fisher's reading--he does not read, he acts two-thirds of the whole play from memory; every character is given with perfect clearness. He visits all the towns where formerly theatres stood under the management of his family." On this tour Mr. Fisher was accompanied by his daughter, Miss Mary Fisher, who displayed her musical abilities.

30.--The valuable collection presented to the Norfolk and Norwich Museum by Mrs. E. P. Clarke, of Wymondham, was opened to the public. This collection was formed by Mr. Edward Lombe, of Great Melton, and set up by the first taxidermist of his day, the elder Leadbeater, of London. Regret was expressed at the absence of any memoranda of dates and localities. The British birds alone numbered 551 specimens, representing 280 distinct species.

--The headquarters and six troops of the 3rd Dragoon Guards marched into Norwich, under the command of Colonel Conyers Tower, C.B.

--A new iron bridge over the River Ouze, constructed in place of the wooden structure known as the Free Bridge, near Lynn, was formally opened by Mr. E. Fellowes, M.P., chairman of the Ouze Outfall Commissioners. It was designed by Messrs. Brunlees and McKerrow.

AUGUST.

14.--An extensive fire occurred at the engineering works of Messrs. Holmes and Sons, Cattle Market, Norwich. The damage was estimated at 10,000. Effective assistance was rendered to the fire brigade by three troops of the 3rd Dragoon Guards, and by members of the Norwich Rifle Volunteers.

18.--Mr. Charles Wyndham's company appeared at Norwich Theatre in the political and satirical burlesque, "The Happy Land." The piece was interdicted by the Lord Chamberlain on its production at the Court Theatre, London, on account of its caricature of three Liberal Ministers--Mr. Gladstone, Mr. Lowe, and Mr. Ayrton. It was played at Norwich, it was announced, with the excised portions restored.

26.--At Norwich Brewster Sessions, the licensed victuallers of the city applied for an alteration of the hours of closing, namely, an extension of the time from 11 to 12 on week-days, and from 10 to 11 o'clock on Sunday. A memorial in favour of the alteration, signed by 7,000 persons, was presented. The Dean of Norwich handed in a memorial containing 7,925 signatures against the alteration. The magistrates declined to alter the hours of closing.

2.--The marriage took place at Holkham of Lady Winifred Coke, fifth daughter of the Earl of Leicester, and Mr. Robert Clements, only son of the Hon. and Rev. Francis Nathaniel Clements, vicar of Norton, Durham, and heir to the Earldom of Leitrim.

11.--The ceremony of laying the foundation-stone of the new Congregational chapel, built on the site of Cowper's house, at East Dereham, was performed by Mr. Henry Wright, of Kensington. The building, which was erected by Mr. Hubbard, of Dereham, from designs by Mr. Edward Boardman, architect, Norwich, at the cost of 3,500, was intended for the accommodation of 500 worshippers. It was opened for public worship on September 24th, 1874.

12.--Mr. Charles Durand's English Opera Company appeared at Norwich Theatre, and on the 19th produced, for the first time in the city, Meyerbeer's opera, "L'Africaine."

19.--Died at Caldecot, near Botley, Hampshire, Dr. Dalrymple, M.P. He was born in 1814, and was the fourth son of Mr. William Dalrymple, an eminent surgeon, of Norwich. He married a daughter of Mr. T. O. Springfield, on whose death he was placed in possession of an ample fortune. Dr. Dalrymple then relinquished his practice in favour of his partner, Mr. Cadge. In 1862 he made a tour through Egypt and Palestine, and on his return published a work on "The Climate of Egypt." On the invitation of the Liberal electors of Bath, he, in 1868, contested the representation of that city, and was returned. His chief Parliamentary labours were most conspicuous in connection with his well-known Habitual Drunkards Bill, a measure which, while not in accordance with the spirit of English legislation, evinced that devotion to philanthropic objects which was the characteristic of Dr. Dalrymple's life. He served the office of Sheriff of Norwich in 1860-61, was a director of the Norwich Union Fire Office, chairman of the Governors of King Edward VI. School, and at various times had taken part in the management of the local charitable and scientific institutions. Dr. Dalrymple was a magistrate and Deputy-lieutenant of the county.

21.--Died at Ipswich, Mr. Henry Bright, the well-known artist. He was born at Saxmundham, in June, 1814, and, after serving his apprenticeship to a chemist and druggist at Woodbridge, removed to Norwich, where he acted as dispenser to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital. An acquaintance with Crome, Cotman, the elder Ladbrooke, Stark, Vincent, and others of the Norwich School of Artists, stimulated him to work with his pencil. Proceeding to London, he devoted himself entirely to art, and, by teaching drawing and painting, realised nearly 2,000 a year from that branch of his profession. For splendid sky effects Bright is second only to Turner, and his crayon drawings are almost unequalled.

OCTOBER.

1.--Miss E. Farren and Mr. Lionel Brough, supported by the London Gaiety Company, commenced an engagement at Norwich Theatre. The productions included, "A Nice Girl," "The Rough Diamond," "Good for Nothing," "Stage Struck," "Betty Martin," "Lischen and Fritzchen," &c. The company made a return visit on November 25th.

1.--The Social Science Congress commenced its proceedings at Norwich, under the presidency of the Right Hon. Lord Houghton, D.C.L., F.R.S. The meetings terminated on the 8th.

13.--The eighty-second birthday of Sir Samuel Bignold, Mayor of Norwich, was celebrated. The Cathedral choristers, under Dr. Buck, assembled in the garden of Sir Samuel's residence in Surrey Street, at eight a.m., and sang "Lift up thine eyes" (Handel), "The Old English Gentleman," and the _Nunc Dimittis_. The bells of St. Peter Mancroft were rung, the boys of the Grammar and Commercial Schools were granted a holiday, the inmates of the Boys' Home and the Girls' Home were entertained at St. Andrew's Hall, and a feast was given to the paupers in the Workhouse.

20.--Died at the Charterhouse, London, Mr. James S. Garthon, aged 74, formerly a surgeon in Norwich. He was the son of a farmer at Costessey, and was himself originally in business as a corn dealer. It was not until he was well advanced in life that he entered the medical profession. In addition to his private practice, he undertook the duties of surgeon to the Norwich police force. Mr. Garthon was a Liberal in politics.

23.--The Sheriff of Norwich (Dr. Bateman) delivered a lecture to the members of the Churchman's Club, on "Darwinism tested by Scientific Researches in Language." The Dean presided.

NOVEMBER.

3.--The Prince of Wales passed through Thetford, on his way to Elveden Hall, to visit the Maharajah Duleep Singh.

10.--Mr. Samuel Gurney Buxton was elected Mayor, and Mr. Alexander Robert Chamberlin appointed Sheriff of Norwich.

--The Prince of Wales arrived at Merton Hall, on a visit to Lord Walsingham, and left on the 15th.

18.--Died at Bournemouth, Mr. Thomas Baring, member of Parliament for Huntingdon. Mr. Baring, who was 73 years of age, was second son of Sir Thomas Baring, second baronet, nephew of the first Lord Ashburton, and brother of the first Lord Northbrooke. At the General Election in 1835 he successfully contested Great Yarmouth in the Conservative interest, but in 1837, 1838, and 1841 he was defeated. Elected for Huntingdon in 1844, without opposition, he held undisputed possession of the seat for nearly thirty years. Mr. Baring was head of the great house of Baring Brothers and Co. He twice refused the Chancellorship of the Exchequer, and twice declined the offer of a peerage.

DECEMBER.

2.--A meeting of the creditors of the Crown Bank was held at the Royal Hotel, Norwich, under the presidency of Sir Samuel Bignold, to receive an account of the receipts and payments of the trustee in bankruptcy to November 15th, and to consider the question of the remuneration of the Committee of Inspection. It was reported that the estate, under judicious management, had produced 11s. 6d. in the pound. The solicitors' law costs amounted to upwards of 10,000, and it was decided that 8,000 be paid as remuneration.

15.--The death took place, at Yarmouth, of Samuel Brock, aged 69, who, on October 6th, 1835, performed the remarkable feat of swimming fourteen miles after the wreck of the Young Company's yawl Increase, of which he was one of the crew (_q.v._ Vol. I., p. 344).

23.--The first annual meeting of the Norwich Hospital Sunday Fund was held at the Guildhall, under the presidency of the Sheriff (Mr. A. R. Chamberlin). It was reported that the Sunday collection amounted to 670 8s. 11d., and the Saturday collection to 188 16s. 3d.

26.--The pantomime of "The Babes in the Wood, or Harlequin Robin Hood and the Fairies of the Forest," written by Mr. F. Robson, was produced at Norwich Theatre by Mr. Richard Younge's company. "Jack the Giant Killer" was the Christmas attraction at Batty's Circus.

1874.

JANUARY.

2.--Died at Neal's Square, St. Benedict's Church Alley, Norwich, Susannah Steavenson, in her 105th year. "A few days ago she repeated no less than thirty verses which she had learnt at school 95 years ago. She attended the Mayor's feast, given to the aged poor last Whit-Monday, and was accompanied by her daughter, aged 79. Mrs. Steavonson was born December 14th, 1769, and, according to a certificate given in 1836 by the Rev. W. F. Blakewell, the then minister at the Octagon chapel, was baptised there on December 24th, 1769. She was the daughter of Joshua Sabberton, chairmaker, in St. George's Colegate."

7.--Died at Saxlingham Hall, Mr. Edward Steward, aged 67. He was the last Tory Alderman elected under the old Corporation, and, owing to his youth, was known as "The Boy Alderman." In 1832 he fought a severe contest with Mr. (afterwards Sir William) Foster, for the office of Freemen's Sheriff, and was defeated by seven votes only. In the following year he was elected without opposition, and served in conjunction with Mr. W. J. Utten Browne. Mr. Steward was president of the Norwich Union Fire Office.

13.--Died at his residence, St. Giles' Street, Norwich, Mr. John Godwin Johnson, in his 77th year. Born November 26th, 1797, he was the youngest son of Mr. John Johnson, for many years Governor of Norwich Castle. He became a pupil of Dr. Rigby, and afterwards joining Mr. Page Scott, commenced a long and successful career as a medical practitioner. Mr. Johnson was a member of both the old and "reformed" Corporations, was elected Mayor in 1855, and for twenty-five years was on the Haven and Pier Commission. He took a prominent part in founding the Jenny Lind Infirmary for Sick Children.

13.--Died at Amelie les Bains, Mr. Charles Mends Gibson, F.R.C.S., aged 65. He was for many years resident medical-officer of the Norwich Bethel, devoted much of his time to scientific pursuits, was a member of the Royal Microscopical and other societies, and a warm supporter of the Norfolk and Norwich Museum and Literary Institution.

--At a meeting of the Norwich Union Fire Insurance Society, Sir Samuel Bignold was presented by the proprietors with his portrait (painted by Sandys), in recognition of his long and successful services as secretary.

16.--The marriage of Lady Anne Coke, second daughter of the Earl of Leicester, with Lieut.-Colonel Edmund Manningham Buller, of the Rifle Brigade, second son of Sir Edward Manningham Buller, of Dilhorn Hall, Staffordshire, was solemnised at Holkham church.

20.--At a special meeting of the Norwich Town Council, the report of Mr. J. W. Bazalgette on the condition of the low-level sewer was adopted, and it was agreed to consult Sir John Hawkshaw and Mr. J. F. Bateman. On July 21st it was decided, on their recommendation, to line the sewer with cast-iron tubing; and on November 17th the Council passed a resolution in favour of applying to the Local Government Board for powers to raise for the purpose a sum not exceeding 25,000, on mortgage of the General District Rates.

23.--The marriage of the Duke of Edinburgh was celebrated in Norwich by the partial decoration of the city. The 3rd Dragoon Guards and the Volunteers paraded in the Market Place and fired a _feu de joie_, and at a special meeting of the Town Council congratulatory addresses were adopted and the loving-cup passed round. At night a display of fireworks took place on the Castle Meadow, and on the 27th the Mayor gave a _soiree_ at St. Andrew's Hall.

31.--The General Election, the first contested under the Ballot Act, commenced in Norfolk, with the unopposed return for the Northern Division of the Hon. Frederick Walpole and Sir Edmund K. Lacon, Bart.

--King's Lynn election took place. The candidates were the Hon. R. Bourke, 1,163 votes; Lord Claud Hamilton, 1,093; Sir William ffolkes, Bart., 999; and Mr. E. R. Wodehouse, 895.

FEBRUARY.

2.--Sir William Bagge, Bart., and Mr. G. W. P. Bentinck were returned unopposed for West Norfolk.

4.--Polling took place at Norwich, "when, owing to the operation of the Ballot Act, there was less excitement than usual." The votes were counted on the 5th, and the poll was declared at five o'clock, as follows: Mr. J. J. Colman, 6,138; Mr. J. W. Huddleston, Q.C., 5,823; Mr. J. H. Tillett, 5,776; and Sir H. J. Stracey, Bart., 5,290. The number of votes polled was 11,786, and the time occupied in counting, eight hours. (_See_ August 16th, 1875.)

10.--The South Norfolk election took place. The votes were counted at the Shirehall, Norwich, on the 11th, and the result was declared as follows: Mr. C. S. Read, 3,146; Sir R. J. Buxton, Bart., 3,010; Mr. R. T. Gurdon, 2,699. Mr. Read, M.P., and Sir R. J. Buxton, M.P., were, on April 9th, entertained at a banquet given at Wymondham by the Conservatives of the district, when Mr. H. W. B. Edwards, chairman of the South Norfolk Conservative Registration Association, presided.

14.--Died at Snetterton, Sarah Edwards, aged 100 years.

15.--Died at St. John Maddermarket, Norwich, the Rev. John Dalton, canon of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Northampton, in his 60th year. Canon Dalton was of Irish parentage, and passed the early years of his life at Coventry. After his ordination, he was employed on missions at Northampton, Lynn, and Norwich. In 1858-59 he resided at St. Alban's College, Valladolid, in Spain. He returned to that country in 1866, to collect subscriptions towards the erection in London of a cathedral in memory of the illustrious Cardinal Wiseman, who was himself born in Spain; his mission was, however, unsuccessful. Canon Dalton was the author of several theological works. "Amiable, genial-hearted, charitable, and good, no sectarian difference was ever suffered to affect that thorough respect and esteem which was extended to him from the representatives of all creeds."

28.--At a meeting of the Norfolk Chamber of Agriculture, held at the Norfolk Hotel, Norwich, a resolution was adopted expressive of satisfaction on the appointment of the President, Mr. C. S. Read, M.P., as Parliamentary Secretary of the Local Government Board.

MARCH.

14.--A meeting of the agriculturists of the county, whose interests were affected by the action of the Labourers' Union, was held at the Norfolk Hotel, Norwich, "to take action with reference to the demands now being pressed upon the occupiers of the soil." It was decided to form a Norfolk Farmers' Labour Defence Association. Another meeting took place on April 25th, for promoting the objects of the association. Many meetings were held throughout the county by the Labourers' Union during this year, and much strong feeling was manifested. At the Norfolk Lent Assizes, on March 28th, before Mr. Justice Blackburn, the Rev. John Spurgin, vicar of Hockham, brought an action against Mr. John Edward Matthew Vincent, of the "Labourers' Union Chronicle," for publishing a false and malicious libel, "whereby he was injured in his credit and reputation as a clergyman." The paper, which was published at Leamington, alleged that the "reverend divine" claimed tithe on charity coals supplied to the poor parishioners, and "had two tons out of the twenty carted to his divine rectory, for his own consumption." The defendant afterwards expressed deep regret for publishing the imputation, and the jury found a verdict for the plaintiff--damages 100.

APRIL.

19.--Died, while on a visit to Norwich, Mr. Robert Seaman, of Tunbridge Wells, aged 63. He served the office of Sheriff in 1856-57, and was a magistrate for the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk.

MAY.

2.--The marriage of Lady Margaret Coke, sixth daughter of the Earl of Leicester, with the Hon. H. Strutt, eldest son of Lord Belper, took place at Holkham church.

5.--Died at his residence, Newmarket Road, Norwich, Mr. John Robison. He was born in Norwich in November, 1809, was for many years a partner in the firm of Grout and Co., and in 1868 served the office of Sheriff.

9.--Died in London, Lieut.-General Sir Archdale Wilson, G.C.B., Colonel commandant Royal Artillery. Born in 1803, he was a son of the Rev. George Wilson, of Kirby Cane (uncle of Lord Berners), by a daughter of the Rev. C. Millard, Chancellor of Norwich. He entered the service of the East India Company, and went through some of the earlier campaigns in India. For his eminent services during the Indian Mutiny he received the thanks of both Houses of Parliament, and was nominated in succession Companion, Knight Commander, and Knight Grand Cross of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath. General Wilson was granted a pension of 1,000 a year by the East India Company, and created a baronet. He was a brother of Mr. Philip Wilson, a Lynn solicitor, with whom he resided for some time after his return from India, and was succeeded in the baronetcy by his nephew, Mr. Rowland Knyvett Wilson, Fellow of King's College, Cambridge.

15.--Died at his residence, Unthank's Road, Norwich, Mr. John Briggs, who for many years was connected with the firm of Messrs. Bullard and Sons. Early in life Mr. Briggs married a sister-in-law of Mr. Richard Bullard, and sailed for America, where he landed with only a few shillings in his pocket. He offered his services as an assistant in a lithographic establishment, and though practically unacquainted with the business beyond a taste for drawing, he not only secured the appointment, but in a short time acquired sufficient knowledge of the art to earn a fair competence for himself. Amongst other work which subsequently came into his hands was the drawing of plans for many of the streets and blocks of buildings in Chicago, of which the chief part were destroyed in the great fire. Mr. Briggs made several remunerative purchases of land in the United States. Ill-health compelled him to return to England, and, settling in Norwich, he joined his brother-in-law in the Anchor Brewery, the success of which was greatly promoted by his active business habits.

19.--At a meeting of the Norwich Town Council, certain members expressed strong disapproval of the action of the City Committee "in ordering the destruction of the chapel of Thomas a Becket, one of the archaeological gems of the city." Several members stated that they had never heard of the place, and the Town Clerk informed the Council that the chapel was "a vault at the back of the Dutch church," and had been converted into a place of storage. The subject was discussed at a meeting of the Norfolk and Norwich Archaeological Society, on the 20th, when Mr. Gunn referred to the members of the Town Council as "a pachydermatous set," and Sir Francis Boileau described them as "ruthless Goths."

25.--The Mayor and Sheriff of Norwich entertained, at St. Andrew's Hall, 1,600 of the aged poor of the city, in celebration of the Queen's birthday.

JUNE.

3.--Died, aged 69, Mr. John Oddin Taylor, of Norwich. He was an Alderman of the city, "and the grand Cattle Market and Prince of Wales Road, for which we are mainly indebted to him, are monuments of his far-seeing judgment and untiring zeal." Descended from a long line of Norfolk yeomen, Mr. Taylor was born at Thuxton, on April 26th, 1805, and in due course was articled to Mr. T. Bignold and Mr. T. Brightwell. In politics he was one of the old school of Whigs, and on the passing of the Municipal Reform Act in 1835 became a member of the Corporation. Mr. Taylor was one of the Liberals who protested against the displacement of the old Corporation officials. He served the office of Mayor in 1861-62; was made a Deputy-Lieutenant of the county in acknowledgment of his political services as Liberal agent, and was a trustee of the Grammar and Commercial Schools, and an active member of the Committee of the Norfolk and Norwich Triennial Musical Festival. Mr. Taylor married the eldest daughter of Mr. Brewer, of Mile End House, Norwich, and of the marriage there were two sons and three daughters.

15.--A fire took place on the premises of Mr. Dixon, silversmith and jeweller, of London Street, Norwich, and did damage to the amount of 2,000.

17.--The annual show of the Norfolk Agricultural Association commenced at Norwich. It was held upon the grounds of the Sheriff (Mr. A. R. Chamberlin), on Ipswich Road, and the luncheon was under the presidency of Mr. J. J. Colman, M.P.