Norfolk Annals Volume Ii Part 12

8.-The Rev. A. C. Copeman was elected minister of the parish of St.

Andrew, Norwich. The Revs. T. Rust, J. W. Cobb, and R. Wade withdrew from the contest, and Mr. Copeman defeated the remaining candidate, the Rev. J. W. Evans, by 96 votes to 33.

19.-The D Battery, Field Artillery, commanded by Major Strange, marched from the Cavalry Barracks, Norwich, _en route_ for Aldershot. P Field Battery arrived from Woolwich on the 21st, under the command of Major Hoste.

23.-A sea eagle was shot at Winterton. It measured from its beak to its tail 3 feet, and from tip to tip of its wings 8 feet.

27.-A dinner was held at the Angel Inn, North Walsham, to celebrate the restoration of the Market Cross.

-Died at his residence, Park Crescent, London, in his 70th year, the Hon.

Sir Edward Hall Alderson, Baron of her Majesty's Court of Exchequer. He was the eldest son of Mr. Robert Alderson, barrister-at-law, and Recorder of Norwich, by the daughter of Mr. Samuel Hurry, of Great Yarmouth, where he was born in 1787. He received his early education at the Charter House and at Caius College, Cambridge. Elected a Fellow of his college, he, in 1812, proceeded M.A. On being called to the Bar, he went the Northern Circuit. In conjunction with Mr. Barnewell, he edited five volumes of reports of cases heard in the Court of King's Bench between 1815 and 1820. In 1830, though still wearing the stuff gown, he was promoted an additional puisne judge in the Court of Common Pleas, and received the honour of knighthood. In 1834 he was transferred from that Court to a puisne judges.h.i.+p in the Court of Exchequer, where for many years he was second to Baron Parke. Baron Alderson was a careful, learned, and conscientious judge, though his mind was naturally inclined to take a rather hard and dry view of the question at issue, and to strip it, almost to a fault, of extraneous matter.

28.-A singular action for defamation of character was tried before Mr.

Justice Williams and a special jury in the Court of Common Pleas. Mr.

Stephen English, Chief Constable of Norwich, was the plaintiff, and Capt.

Black, Chief Constable of Norfolk, the defendant. The damages were laid at 3,000. According to the opening statement of Mr. Serjeant Byles, Capt. Black felt himself aggrieved that Mr. English should be styled Chief Constable of Norwich, and wrote to the Watch Committee several letters upon the subject, stating that Mr. English's a.s.sumed t.i.tle, instead of his proper t.i.tle, "superintendent of police," had caused him (Capt. Black) obstruction and official inconvenience in the discharge of his duties. These letters had no effect, and Capt. Black then published handbills reflecting upon the personal character of Mr. English. He stated that the antecedents of Mr. English in relation to other county forces were so disreputable as to cause his expulsion from more than one of them. This was the defamatory statement complained of. Many witnesses were examined on both sides, and on the 29th the jury returned a verdict for the plaintiff, damages 50. On February 13th Sir Henry Stracey, M.P., in Committee on the Chief Constables Bill, moved to insert in clause 4, "And whereas disputes having arisen as to the t.i.tle of Chief Constable, for avoiding the same the t.i.tle of Chief Constable shall be exclusively applicable to and borne by the officer appointed by the justices of any county in General or Quarter Sessions a.s.sembled, and the t.i.tle Head Constable by the officer appointed by the Watch Committees of boroughs and cities."

FEBRUARY.

4.-A servant girl, named Belinda Wilson, aged 18, was charged at the County Police Station, Norwich, with stealing, on January 3rd the sum of 90, in bank notes, the property of her master, Mr. William Claxton, farmer, of Stoke Holy Cross. After taking the money, Wilson attired herself in the clothes of a manservant, and starting from Flordon railway station, proceeded to Edinburgh, where she had some difficulty in obtaining change, as English notes were not in general circulation there.

She obtained a new suit of clothes of sporting cut, and travelled from place to place "like a fast young man." At the end of January she was again in the Eastern Counties, and took up her abode at Yarmouth. During a visit to Wombwell's Menagerie, she was recognised by an old schoolfellow, through whom information was given to the police, who apprehended her at the Waterloo Tavern, St. Peter's Road, where she was posing as "a lively-looking youth, and smoking a cigar." She gave the name of James Smith. The prisoner was committed for trial, and at the Norfolk Quarter Sessions in March pleaded guilty, and was sentenced by Sir Willoughby Jones to two years' imprisonment, with hard labour.

11.-The new Corn Hall at East Dereham, erected on the sites of old shambles and slaughter-houses, was opened. A company of 250 guests a.s.sembled at dinner in the hall, under the presidency of Lord Sondes, who was supported by the Earl of Leicester, Lord Walsingham, Lord Hastings, Lord Suffield, the Hon. and Rev. E. S. Keppel, Mr. W. Bagge, M.P., Mr. G.

P. Bentinck, M.P., Mr. E. Fellowes, M.P., the Mayor and Sheriff of Norwich, &c. The hall was built by a company, with a capital of 3,000.

Its cost was about 1,800; Mr. J. B. Goggs, of Swaffham, was the architect, and Mr. Hubbard, of Dereham, the builder. (_See_ July 29th, 1857.)

14.*-"A few days since Mr. Wolton, grocer, of Norwich, received by the London post a letter enclosing the halves of notes to the amount of 140, with the intimation, written in a disguised hand, that about 14 years ago the writer, being in a place of trust in his establishment, had appropriated to himself this amount in a dishonest manner, and taken the present opportunity of returning it. On Friday morning came the other halves of the notes, with the request that the rest of the money might be acknowledged in the 'Daily News.'"

20.-An amateur dramatic performance was given at Norwich Theatre, "by a number of distinguished amateurs, most of whom had formed port of the _corps dramatique_ during the late campaign in the Crimea." The pieces were "The Black Book," a three-act drama by J. Palgrave Simpson; "The Thumping Legacy," and "The Critic." The performers appeared under fict.i.tious names.

-A singular action was tried at the Yarmouth County Court, before Mr. T.

J. Birch. Mr. John Cobb sued Mr. G. D. Palmer and Mr. W. N. Burroughes for the recovery of certain money paid by the plaintiff at the request of the defendants for expenses incurred in contesting an election of councillors for the Market Ward in that borough on November 1st, 1851.

Mr. Cobb was induced, on the solicitation of the defendants, who were leaders of the Liberal party, to offer himself as a candidate for the Market Ward. He was not anxious to become a councillor, but the defendants promised to "see him through," and on the night before the election distinctly guaranteed him that he should be reimbursed any outlay incurred beyond the sum of 10. Mr. Cobb was defeated at the poll. It was not denied that the guarantee was given, but it was contended that, in order to render it valid to support the action, it should have been in writing, which it was not. The Judge concurred, and nonsuited the plaintiff. It was admitted, in the course of the hearing, that the money was applied "to bribery, vulgarly so-called."

MARCH.

11.-A conference was held at the Guildhall, Norwich, as to certain complaints respecting the management of the Eastern Counties lines of railway. The Mayor presided, and deputations were present representing the Eastern Counties Railway Company, the Norwich Corporation, and the town of East Dereham. The princ.i.p.al complaints, as stated by Mr.

Tillett, had reference to unequal charges for the transit of goods, and the alteration in the price of market tickets. Mr. Love, the chairman of the company, a.s.sured the meeting that any communication made to the company would receive consideration.

16.-The Norwich Free Library was thrown open for the use of the citizens.

There was no formal ceremony, but in the evening the Rev. A. Bath Power delivered an inaugural address on the advantages of the study of literature and science. The building was erected at the total cost of 5,958, and the internal fittings increased the amount to 6,500.

19.-At a meeting of the Conservative party in the Eastern Division of Norfolk, held at Norwich, it was decided that Mr. H. N. Burroughes and Sir Henry Stracey, Bart., should withdraw from contesting the return of General Windham and Sir E. N. Buxton. In West Norfolk, Mr. Bagge, "from private reasons, and from a desire not to disturb the peace of the county," retired from the representation, and a compromise was effected whereby both parties concurred to support Mr. Brampton Gurdon, of Letton, and Mr. G. Bentinck, the sitting member.

21.-The Bishop of Norwich issued an address to the clergy of the diocese, announcing that it was his intention to resign the duties of the episcopate. On April 21st the Corporation of Norwich voted an address to Dr. Samuel Hinds, "late Bishop of the Diocese."

27.-The nomination of Sir Samuel Bignold, Viscount Bury, and Mr. Henry William Schneider, as candidates for the representation of Norwich took place at the Guildhall. A poll was demanded on behalf of Mr. Schneider, and was opened on the 28th. The result was officially declared on the 30th: Viscount Bury, 2,227; Schneider, 2,235; Bignold, 1,631.

-The Hon. F. Baring and the Earl of Euston were returned unopposed for the borough of Thetford.

-The nomination of candidates for the representation of Great Yarmouth took place. Sir Edmund Lacon. Mr. McCullagh, Mr. Watkin, and Col.

Vereker were proposed. The poll was opened on the 28th, and resulted in the return of the Liberal candidates: McCullagh, 609; Watkin, 590; Lacon, 521; Vereker, 451. (_See_ July 24th, 1857.)

-Lord Stanley and Mr. J. H. Gurney were re-elected, unopposed, members for King's Lynn.

29.-Died at Hackford Hall, aged 80, the Ven. John Bedingfeld Collyer, archdeacon of Norwich, and vicar of Wroxham with Salhouse. He was the second son of the Rev. Daniel Collyer, of Wroxham Hall and of Necton, by Catherine, one of the daughters and co-heiress of John Bedingfeld, of Caston Castle and of Beeston. Educated at the Charter House, under Dr.

Matthew Raines, he proceeded to Clare Hall, Cambridge, and after taking holy orders he married, in 1800, Catherine, daughter of William Alexander, eldest brother of the first Earl of Caledon, and granddaughter of Dr. Messenger Monsey, of Chelsea Hospital. In 18067, upon the threatened invasion of this country by Bonaparte, Mr. Collyer received a commission as a major of Volunteers, and acted with great energy and decision. In recognition of his services in his military capacity, he was made a deputy-lieutenant of the county and placed upon the commission of the peace. Throughout his life he was uniformly attached to Whig principles. He was succeeded in the archdeaconry by the Rev. R. E.

Hankinson.

30.-Mr. G. P. Bentinck and Mr. Brampton Gurdon were, at the s.h.i.+rehall, Swaffham, nominated and returned unopposed as members for West Norfolk.

31.-At the Norwich a.s.sizes, before Mr. Justice Erle, the Grand Jury returned a bill of indictment against Jacob, Baron Hastings, for a misdemeanour "in endeavouring to incite Jacob Henry Tillett to fight a duel." On the application of Mr. Power, a bench warrant for his lords.h.i.+p's apprehension was issued. On April 1st Mr. Kent, solicitor, appeared on behalf of Lord Hastings, and applied for bail. His lords.h.i.+p was admitted to bail, himself in 200 and two sureties of 100 each. The Earl of Leicester and Lord Suffield were his sureties. The case was traversed to the next a.s.sizes. Further proceedings were, however, withdrawn, after an interview between Lieut.-Col. Astley and Mr. Tillett.

"His lords.h.i.+p," it was stated "had no intention of sending a threatening or offensive message to Mr. Tillett, and he felt that an article published by Mr. Tillett on November 29th, 1856, was an unjustifiable attack upon him, which led to the warmth exhibited by his lords.h.i.+p in his interview with Mr. Tillett, for which his lords.h.i.+p expresses regret and withdraws his offensive epithets. Mr. Tillett, upon his lords.h.i.+p's disavowal, withdraws any remarks offensive to his lords.h.i.+p is the article above alluded to, and expresses his regret that any unpleasantness should have arisen between Lord Hastings and himself."

APRIL.

6.-General Charles Ash Windham and Sir Edmund North Buxton were, at the s.h.i.+rehall, Norwich, nominated and returned unopposed members for East Norfolk.

9.-At a vestry meeting held at East Dereham, it was resolved that the Bath House, an unsightly building in the churchyard, be removed. "By the removal of this building, the burial-place of St. Withburga, an object of great local interest, will no longer be hidden to view."

14.-Intelligence was received in Norwich of the birth of a Princess (Princess Beatrice).

17.-Mr. David Fisher, of the Princess's Theatre, London, appeared at Norwich Theatre as John Mildmay ("Still Waters Run Deep").

18.-It was announced that the Hon. and Rev. John Thomas Pelham was to succeed Dr. Samuel Hinds as Bishop of Norwich. Mr. Pelham, who was the second son of the second Earl of Chichester, was born in 1811, and graduated at Oxford. In 1845 he married a daughter of Mr. Thomas William Tatten, and was appointed chaplain to the Queen in 1847. Shortly afterwards he was presented to the rectory of Berghapton, by the Earl of Abergavenny. In 1852 he removed to Christ Church, Hampstead, and in 1854 was nominated by the Crown to the rectory of St. Marylebone, on the death of Dr. Spry. On May 9th a special meeting of the Dean and Chapter was held at the Deanery, Norwich, when the _conge d'elire_, declaring the vacancy of the bishopric "and recommending to the Dean and Chapter the Hon. and Rev. John Thomas Pelham, M.A., to be by them elected Bishop of the See of Norwich," was read, and Mr. Pelham was elected accordingly.

The ceremony of confirming the election took place in the College of Advocates in Doctors' Commons, on June 6th, and his lords.h.i.+p was consecrated at the parish church of St. Marylebone on June 11th, by the Archbishop of Canterbury. The installation took place at Norwich Cathedral on June 26th, and addresses were afterwards presented to his lords.h.i.+p by the Corporations of Norwich and Yarmouth.

25.*-"Lord Hastings has had an interesting addition to his collection of foreign animals in two wapiti deer, which are among the largest known of their species in North America. He has also an increase in a young kangaroo and three young nylgaus having been born the week before last at Melton Constable."

-The chancel of East Dereham church was re-opened, after "additional embellishment, through the liberality of the sinecure rector, the Rev. W.

C. Wollaston." The open roof was displayed by the removal of an unsightly ceiling, early English windows were subst.i.tuted for those of more debased style, and a window by Wailes, as a memorial to Mrs.

Wollaston, completed the series of stained gla.s.s windows. The reredos was illuminated by Messrs. King, of Norwich.

27.-At Docking Petty Sessions it was stated, during the hearing of a case of a.s.sault, that the quarrel had its origin in a belief in witchcraft, "unfortunately too prevalent in most of the country villages." The witnesses "displayed a great amount of ignorance and superst.i.tion, showing how the husband of the complainant had been bewitched and unable to move for twelve months, but was cured in two days by a witch doctor in the neighbourhood."

27.-The Yarmouth School of Navigation and Art was established at a house on the South Quay, formerly occupied by Mr. Paget.

MAY.

7.-The adaptation of steam power to ploughing was exhibited in a field belonging to Mr. Craske Roper, of Croxton Park, near Thetford. Two engines, fitted with an "endless railway," were built by Mr. Burrell, of Thetford, and both were shown at work. "The new engine is like a railway locomotive, but with the addition of an apparatus, which answers the purpose of a railway, attached to the wheels. The endless railway consists of a series of flat boards, six in number, plated with iron on both sides of each wheel, equal in length to the radius of the wheel, and from 10 to 16 inches in width, loosely attached to the felloe of the wheel in such a manner that they are carried round with it as it revolves. Each in succession is laid flat on the ground in front of the wheel, and lifted up in its rear as soon as pa.s.sed over. On the surface of the boards next the periphery of the wheel an iron rail is fixed, on which the wheel runs, the boards thus corresponding to the sleepers of an ordinary railway, so that the wheels carry their own rails and sleepers with them, laying down a literally endless railway whenever they are set in motion."

11.-A meeting was held in the old Library Room, St. Andrew's Hall, Norwich, "to take into consideration the expediency of forming a society to prevent persons from taking and destroying fish by illegal practices."