Afterwards the players dined at the Crown and Anchor Hotel.
July 16th.—Owing to his altercation with the Town Clerk, the Mayor declined to attend the meetings of the Council.
July 20th.—One of the petitions against the M.Ps’ return had been withdrawn.
The Rifle Companies numbered over 200. Mr. Orde’s Company mustered 80 at their first drill in the Barrack Square.
There were then on the Parish Books 272 indoor and 1,247 outdoor paupers, as against 1,134 in the preceding year.
July 27th.—Lieutenant-Colonel Mason had retired from the command of the East Norfolk Militia.
The Foresters had held a “gala” at the Vauxhall Gardens.
Aug. 3rd.—A very large number of Speaker’s Warrants had been issued in connection with the Election Petition.
Aug. 13th.—Eliza, second daughter of S. C. Marsh, Esq., had been married to Captain Burke, of the Louth Rifles, at the Roman Catholic and St. Nicholas’ Churches. The bridesmaids were Miss Marsh, the Misses Victoria, Louisa and Emily Marsh and Miss Waters; the bridegroom’s men were Major Taafe and the officers of the Louth Rifles, and the carriages of Mr. and Mrs. S. C. Marsh, Mr. and Mrs. Palmer Kemp, Mr. and Mrs. W. Danby-Palmer, Mr. and Mrs. W. Walpole, Mr. and Mrs. Dashwood and others were present on the occasion.
The Donegal Regiment was to succeed the Louth Rifles at Yarmouth.
Aug. 17th.—The transport “Himalaya” had brought the former, and taken away the latter regiment; the Louth Rifles had given a ball on board that ship.
Aug. 20th.—The porch of the Parish Church was being restored.
There had been a great deal of rain, but the town was very full of visitors.
Aug. 24th.—It was reported that the shock of an earthquake had been felt at Hopton.
One hundred and fifty Horse Artillery had been encamped on the North Denes.
Mr. Marsh’s Company of Volunteers were to be equipped as Artillery.
Mr. Orde’s Company had drilled on the South Denes in public for the first time.
The expenses of the Borough Election had been returned by the auditor as follows:—Conservatives, £809 15s.; Liberals, £603 17s. 4d.
Visitors were flocking to the town, and it was supposed that the standard population had thus been doubled; beds were fetching the “highest prices.”
The “Prophet Jack” was preaching on the Beach.
Sept. 3rd.—Among the company present at the Races were Count Batthyany, Lord W. Powlett, the Hon. Harbord Harbord, Colonel Wilson, Sir E. H. K. Lacon, M.P., and Sir H. J. Stracey, M.P.
Sept. 7th.—Colonel Henderson had attended at Yarmouth to report on the proposed Artillery Corps, and had informed the Mayor and Mr. Marsh that it “would have every encouragement from the Government.”
William Ingram, a labourer, had been scalded to death in Mr. Frosdick’s Tanning Copper.
Sept. 10th.—The Magistrates had had another “warm” discussion on Licensing Day, as to the granting of new licenses.
There were 400 cases of appeal against the Poor’s Rate from the St. George’s Ward. The Overseers proposed to compound up to a rental of £6 10s. per annum.
The Rev. W. Griffiths had been “ordained” at the King Street Chapel.
Two or three “Dutch schuyts” had visited the port.
The officers of Mr. Orde’s Company had received their commissions.
The Donegal Militia had marched out for their first drill on the Denes under the command of Major Todd.
Sept. 17th.—The 6th annual meeting of the Elocution Society had been held, Mr. W. Gill in the chair, when Mr. Lovewell Blake, the Secretary, brought up a favourable report of the proceedings of the Society.
There were a great number of Rate appeals from the North Ward.
The Mayor having determined to commit a prisoner named Angel, (in which course the other Justices did not concur) left the Bench, and had intimated by letter “That he should not sit again as a Magistrate.” Next day His Worship again informed the Bench that he had been misled by Mr. Holt, and that he should not sit.
Sept. 21st.—Three “gents” having hired a house in Brandon Terrace, had been victimising the tradesmen.
Sept. 24th.—Two of these persons, who gave the names of Thomas T. George, and William Arnall, had been before the Bench and ordered to find two sureties for the peace in £50 each, themselves being bound for £100 each; subsequently George was bailed out by his stepfather, a London gentleman, who stated that the prisoner was an articled clerk in receipt of £200 a year from his mother.
The North Sea herring voyage was “fairly alive,” as much as £30 a last having been realised for some of the fish.
Sept. 28th.—The following were the tenders for the Ballast dues:—James Pumfrey. £405; D. S. Bayfield, £375; and Jacob Preston, £600. The late lessee, Mr. J. H. Harrison, did not send in a tender.
Mr. Preston, however, subsequently threw up his tender, and the dues were offered to Mr. Smith (an ex-lessee) for £550 per annum.
There had been a “fine illustration of the Northern Lights.”
Oct. 1st.—A special meeting of the Council had been held as to the Ballast question, when Mr. C. C. Aldred stated “they had been called together through Mr. Preston’s tomfoolery.”
Captain Marsh and Lieutenant Foreman had received their commissions, and thereupon taken the oaths before the Magistrates.
Oct. 5th.—The Revision of the Voters’ Lists had been proceeded with before Mr. Couch, Mr. W. C. Reynolds representing the Tories and Mr. Costerton the Liberals. The latter claimed a gain of four votes as the result of the proceedings.
Fifty members of the 1st Norfolk Artillery Volunteers had been sworn in by B. Fenn, Esq., and were subsequently entertained by their officers at the Crown and Anchor Hotel.
A Poor’s Rate of 1s. 4d. in the £ (to raise £3,365 3s.) had been signed.
One Corporal and three Privates of the Donegal Militia had been heavily fined by the Justices for assaulting Mr. Nall (printer) and several policemen.
Oct. 22nd.—Lord Claude Hamilton and officers of the Donegal Militia had entertained the officers of the French steamer “Galilee.”
Oct. 26th.—The appointment of officers and non-commissioned officers in the Volunteer Companies had been made, as follows:—
Artillery Company: Captain: S. C. Marsh; Lieutenant: Foreman; Sergeant-Major: Franklin; Sergeants: Dumbleton, Moody, and Stolworthy; Corporals: Suffling, Clarke, and Clements; Armoury-Sergeant: Offord; Orderly Clerk: Sergeant Crowe.
Rifle Company: Captain: J. H. Orde; Lieutenant: Youell; Ensign: J. Tomlinson, junr.; Sergeants: Harmer, Bunn, Preston, and James; Corporals: Dick, Willis, Fellows, and Pearson.
Oct. 29th.—Sixty feet of the Britannia Pier had been carried away by a vessel during a gale which prevailed on the coast.
Mr. Chapman had retired from the representation of the Regent Ward.
Nov. 2nd.—The “Shipping Interest” was in a distressed state.
The Herring Fishing was going on satisfactorily, £15 per last being given for fish.
Nov. 5th.—Five wards had been contested. In theRegent WardMr. S. B. Cory beating Mr. F. Palmer by one vote. The following were the Councillors elected:—North: W. N. Burroughs and H. Boulter.Market: C. C. Aldred and F. Worship.Regent: S. C. Marsh and S. B. Cory.St. George: J. G. Plummer and J. C. Smith.Nelson: G. D. Palmer and C. E. Bartram.Gorleston: E. H. L. Preston and H. Teasdel.
Among the company present at a Ball held at the Town Hall, were—The Mayor and Miss Steward, Lieut.-Colonel Lord Hamilton, M.P., and Lady Hamilton, the Hon. Harbord Harbord, Sir H. Stracey, Bart., M.P., and Lady Stracey, Lady Plumridge, Mr. and Mrs. I. Preston and the Misses Preston, Mr. and Mrs. C. J. Palmer, Mr. and Mrs. E. H. L. Preston, Mr. and Mrs. A. Steward, and the Misses Steward, Captain and Mrs. Marsh, Captain J. H. Orde, Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds, Mr. F. Danby-Palmer, Dr. Smith, Mr. Tilson, &c.
Herring was making from £18 to £20 per last.
Bribery had been practised (it was stated) in the Regent Ward, “to a disgraceful extent.”
A drinking fountain was being erected at the north end of the Town Hall.
On Tuesday, the gale which had commenced on the previous Tuesday abated, and the weather since that day, had continued to improve.
The Regatta Committee Accounts showed a balance in hand of about £60.
Nov. 12th.—At the Council Meeting, Mr. R. Ferrier proposed, and Mr. Nightingale seconded, Mr. William Worship as Mayor, and he was unanimously elected to that office.
The retiring Aldermen were Messrs. T. Bunn, G. S. Shingles, W. C. Reynolds, J. G. Rivett, I. Shuckford, and E. P. Youell, the following Aldermen were elected:—Sir E. H. K. Lacon, Bart., M.P., T. Bunn, G. S. Shingles, I. Shuckford, E. P. Youell, and R. Purdy.
Nov. 16th.—Owing to the damage sustained by the structure, it had been determined to shorten the Britannia Pier by about 100 feet.
“ON ALDERMANIC SIXES.”“At Norwich, Tories loud complain,’Cause Liberals are elected;At Yarmouth, he’s allegedinsaneWho growls that they’re rejected.”
“ON ALDERMANIC SIXES.”
“At Norwich, Tories loud complain,’Cause Liberals are elected;At Yarmouth, he’s allegedinsaneWho growls that they’re rejected.”
Nov. 23rd.—The Municipal Elections on November 21st had been held as follows:—
Regent Ward.
Mr. W. C. Reynolds
110
Mr. Frederick Palmer
77
St. Andrew’s Ward.
Mr. Richmond elected without opposition.
Nov. 26th.—A dinner had been held at the Town Hall in honour of R. Steward, Esq., the ex-Mayor. Sir E. H. K. Lacon presided, and C. J. Palmer and J. B. Hylton occupied the vice-chairs.
It was proposed to raise, by shares, £8,000 for the purpose of building Assembly-rooms on the Marine Drive.
Nov. 30th.—The Rifle Company had met “in full dress at the Victoria-gardens,” mustering between 80 and 90 strong on this occasion.
Dec. 3rd.—The foundation-stone of the “Wherryman’s Church” had been laid by W. Worship, Esq., the Mayor.
The Mayor had presented rich window hangings and carpets to the Town Hall.
Dec. 7th.—It was proposed to form a second Company of Artillery Volunteers.
The Rifle Corps had dined at the Corn Hall, when Captain Orde presided, and the Mayor, Lord C. Hamilton, Captain Marsh, Lieutenant Foreman, and Dr. Stephenson (1st N.A.V.), had been present.
Dec. 17th.—At the Mayor’s Inaugural Dinner, 150 gentlemen had attended, the Volunteer Officers appearing in full uniform. The following took part in the after-dinner proceedings:—The Mayor, Lord C. Hamilton, Rev. H. Nevill, Lord Sondes, Mr. E. Howes, M.P., Sir E. H. K. Lacon, Bart., M.P., Stracey, Bart., M.P., the Recorder, (Mr. N. Palmer), Captain Orde, Captain Marsh, Mr. F. Worship, the Town Clerk, Mr. R. Ferrier, and Captain Donelly.
Mr. E. R. Palmer had offered a prize of £3 3s., to be shot for by the 1st N.A.V.
The Mayor had presented £50 to the District Visiting Society.
About 100 Rate Summonses had been issued.
Dec. 21st.—The Rifle Volunteers had attended St. Nicholas’ Church on Sunday in uniform.
The Magistrates were discussing the question as to who was entitled, in the absence of the Mayor, to the chair at the Petty Sessions.
Dec. 24th.—The Rev. F. W. Johnson, Minister of St. John’s, had died in London somewhat suddenly.
Jan. 4th.—The Artillery Company had secured the services of a band, and armed the trumpeters “with swords.”
Several herring boats had again proceeded to sea.
Jan. 7th.—Mr. Hulley and Sergeant Cattermole were playing in the N.A.V. Band.
Jan. 11th.—The “canard” that one of the M.Ps. intended to retire was denied.
Petitions were being largely signed in favour of marriage with a deceased wife’s sister.
About 30 gentlemen had attended the dinner of the Amicable Shipping Club, including Mr. Gourlay (who presided), the Mayor, Mr. R. Hammond, Mr. Burroughs, Mr. Martin, &c.
Jan. 14th.—It was stated that Mr. French (whose smacks had been sold under a deed of assignment) had lost his wife’s stays, in which a sum of £400 was sewn up, and that the reward offered was £50 or £100.
Jan. 18th.—The daughter of Mr. R. Guthrie (aged 6 years) had been run over by a cart.
Mr. Bowgin’s house at Southtown had been broken into and several articles stolen therefrom.
Court “Bear of the Forest,” 3187, had celebrated its first anniversary at the Bear Inn, Southtown. Fifty members sat down to dinner, Bros. Mitchell and Palmer occupying the chair and vice-chair respectively.
Several houses had been broken into by thieves.
Jan. 25th.—The Rev. H. Nevill had “politely requested” well dressed persons not to frequent the Beachman’s Church.
“Ghosts” were said to haunt Southtown, and had specially amazed one Macdonald, an engine cleaner at the Southtown Station.
Jan. 28th.—The following further appointments had been made in the N.A.V.:—Corporal: W. Marsh. Bombardiers: Rees, J. Fish, J. Taylor, and J. Myhill. Acting ditto.: J. Bartram, R. Dumbleton, T. W. Larke, and W. Hunt.
Feb. 4th.—At a meeting of the N.A.V., held at the Victoria Gardens, Lieut. Foreman and Gunner Morant were recommended to the Lord Lieutenant as Captain and Lieutenant of the second Battery which it was proposed to raise.
The Donegal Militia had given an entertainment at the Town Hall from 2.30 to 6.30 o’clock; the Band attended, and the company enjoyed a dance.
A second Company of Volunteers was being raised.
Bro. W. Wright had been installed W.M. of Lodge “Friendship.”
Feb. 8th.—It was supposed that the Prince of Orange was likely to become the husband of the Princess Alice.
Wild rifle practice was being indulged in at Cobholm Island and other parts of the town, to the danger of the inhabitants.
Feb. 11th.—W. Rising, Esq. had presided at the annual Market Dinner at the White Horse, when Mr. Mortlock Lacon had repudiated the suggestion that Sir Edmund intended to retire from the representation of the town.
The Medical Staff of the Military Hospital had given a ball to 120 guests at the Town Hall.
Mr. C. Melly had erected a drinking fountain in front of the Port Dues Office.
“Tom Sayers” was reported to be about to spend three weeks in the town previous to his “set to” with Heenan, the American.
Feb. 15th.—W. Worship, Esq., (Mayor and Chairman of the Board of Guardians) had given a treat to 293 inmates of the Workhouse.
Feb. 18th.—An amateur performance had been given at the Theatre in aid of the Hospital. In the first pieceUsed Up, Captain Hayes, Mr.Robert Harmer, Dr. Kingdom, Sergeant-Major Greaves, Captain Darcus, J. McCormick, Esq., Ensign Lecky and two professional ladies appeared. Sergeant Bonner then danced an Irish jig, after which theIrish Attorneywas given, in which the parts of the Attorney and Hawk were taken by Mr. Courtenay and Mr. Burton Steward, and the performance terminated withDone on both sides. About £25 was thus realised for the charity.
There had been a “great fire” on the Middle Market Road.
Many persons who had promised to subscribe to the “Petition Fund” were “backing out.”
E. P. Youell, Esq., was to be Captain of the 2nd Company of Rifle Volunteers.
On Valentine’s Day the ladies took great advantage of the fact of its being “Leap Year” in sending these missives to the gentlemen.
Feb. 22nd.—The Donegal Militia had given a second afternoon dance at the Town Hall.
Mr. T. M. Read had been elected second Lieutenant in the N.A.V.
“Monday was Cock (antique) or Orange Fair, when the Market Place was thronged by the usual ‘fair’ attractions.”
March 3rd.—“A most violent and destructive hurricane” had visited the town and country.
The petition had been heard, and the members retained their seats, which news had caused great rejoicing amongst the Tories, while “the money” question was likely to cause some trouble to the petitioners.
Captain Foreman and Lieutenant Morant had been gazetted to the first N.A.V.
The following had been elected officers of the second Company of Rifles:—Captain, Mr. Youell; Lieutenant, Mr. Harmer; Ensign, Mr. E. Preston.
An untanned leather bag, containing 70 coins of the reign of Henry VIII. had been found on the Beach after a great thickness of sand had been blown away by the late westerly gale.
March 10th.—Lieutenant Read and 70 members of the N.A.V. had escorted Captain Marsh, Captain Foreman, Lieutenant Morant, and Dr. Stephenson to the Railway Station on their proceeding to the Leveè; the other officers then present were Captain Orde, Lieutenant Youell, Ensign Tomlinson, and Surgeon Frederick Palmer, of the Rifles.
March 24th.—The “Donegals” had celebrated St. Patrick’s Day, beginning at five o’clock in the morning. In the afternoon the Officersgave another dance at the Town Hall and entertained a numerous party of friends at their mess at the Southtown Barracks.
April 7th.—Mr. J. Lee-Barber had been elected a Second Lieutenant in the N.A.V.
In the Rifle Corps, Corporals Dick and Pearson and Privates Barber and Cobb had been elected Sergeants.
April 11th.—On Good Friday both Volunteer Corps had “fraternised” and drilled together on the Denes; it was estimated that on this occasion, which was the first “turn out” of the kind, from 8,000 to 10,000 spectators, including Sir E. Lacon, M.P., Captain Holmes, Major Todd, and many ladies and gentlemen, were present.
April 14th.—There had been a grand Conservative banquet at the Theatre, at which 350 persons were present. Mr. R. Dumbleton occupied the chair, and was supported by Sir E. Lacon, Bart., M.P., Sir H. Stracey, Bart., M.P., the Mayor (W. Worship, Esq.), F. Worship, C. Cory, and C. J. Palmer, Esqs., Captain Marsh, Captain Mansfield, and Officers of the Donegal Militia and others; Mr. W. Wright and Mr. R. Breeze occupied the vice-chairs; Mr. Franklin catered for the party.
Messrs. Steward and Aldred had been re-elected Churchwardens by the Vestry.
April 25th.—The following Volunteer officers had been entertained at the Donegal Mess:—Captain Marsh, Lieutenants Burton Steward, A. W. Morant, John Lee Barber, and T. M. Read, and Dr. Stephenson (1st N.A.V.), and Captain Youell, Lieutenants Tomlinson, and Harmer, Ensigns Preston and Brown, and Surgeon Frederick Palmer (4th N.R.V.).
April 28th.—Great complaint was made as to the mode of levying the Poor’s Rate.
In the Divorce Court, James Cherry, Esq., had obtained a decree for the restitution of conjugal rites against his wife, who was entitled to the income derived from a sum of £8,000.
May 5th.—The Mayor had given a grand Ball at the Town Hall, when dancing was kept up until four o’clock in the morning.
The E.N.M. had been inspected on the Denes by Major-General Douglas. The Rifle Volunteers were also on the ground.
Bro. Hanworth, Secretary of the “Good Samaritan” Lodge, M.U.O.F., had been presented with an ornamental silver inkstand.
May 9th.—A Ball “of a very elegant character” had taken place at the Town Hall.
The E.N.M. had been disembodied, when “many of the men celebrated the event by getting drunk.”
The 1st N.A.V. had received 19,000 cartridges and 23,000 percussion caps.
A fine porpoise had been gambolling in the river, near the Haven Bridge.
May 16th.—The first lot of mackerel (300 fish) had been landed, and realised £4 per hundred.
May 23rd.—On the Queen’s Birthday, the 1st N.A.V. had fired a salute from the South Star Battery.
There was a scarcity of labour in the town.
May 26th.—The “launching foy” of the “Caroline” had been held in the Town Hall (this vessel had been launched from Powell’s yard, after being repaired at the expense of £5,000.)
May 30th.—From 40 to 50 lives had been lost off Yarmouth in a “fearful hurricane,” during which one of the pinnacles had been blown off St. Peter’s Church and damage done to the fabric to the extent of some £200.
June 2nd.—Sixty recruits were drilling for the Rifle Corps.
Mr. Watkin had addressed a “Reform” meeting at the Corn Hall.
The Roman Catholic Bishop of Northampton had confirmed 50 children and adults at St. Mary’s Church, Regent Road.
June 7th.—It was now stated that eleven fishing luggers had been lost with all hands.
Twelve fishermen out of the village of Horsey alone had been drowned.
The 1st. N.A.V. were forming a 3rd Company, of which Lieutenant Lee-Barber was to be Captain, Mr. Trafford 1st Lieutenant, and Mr. Green 2nd Lieutenant.
June 13th.—Fayerman (one of the witnesses at the hearing of the Election Petition) had been charged by Sir E. Lacon with perjury, while arising out of this charge actions for slander were being brought against that gentleman by some aggrieved “Blues.”
June 16th.—A meeting had been held at the Town Hall to raise a fund for the relief of the widows and children of the fishermen lost in the recent gales. About £500 was raised in the room.
June 20th.—The Mackerel voyage was only a “moderate success.” This fish was making 36s., and herring 12s. 6d., per hundred.
June 23rd.—Henry Fayerman had been committed for trial on a charge of perjury.
The Rifle Volunteers had shown themselves “remarkably well instructed in the theory and practice of the rifle.”
£2,240 had been raised for the families of the drowned fishermen.
“The actions against Sir E. Lacon for libelling the Liberal Committee had been postponed to next term.”
July 4th contains the following account of the
VISIT OF THE CHANNEL FLEET.The Channel Fleet has at length visited our Roads, much to the gratification of thousands of the Queen’s lieges, as well as to the galling disappointment of thousands of the same excellent body. The squadron came in in the open day, clear to the gaze of multitudes, but disappeared like a majestic phantom in the night. A little more than a week ago we were informed that the Channel Fleet had, after an anchorage of sixteen days in St. Margaret’s Hope, Frith of Forth, left its moorings under canvas, with auxiliary steam power, and proceeded down the Frith and out to sea, destined for the Yarmouth Roads. As we stated in our last impression, the consequence of that information being diffused was to put all the speculators and quidnuncs of the town and neighbourhood on the alert. Leaving St. Margaret’s Hope on the Saturday, the fleet would certainly, it was argued, be here on the Tuesday, on which day the Marine Parade and the Beach were literally swarmed with expectant people, whose glasses were searching the waters in every direction; but, owing either to the perversity of Admiral Neptune, the weather office, or the Vice-Admiral in command (who is admitted by everyone to be a pleasant and courteous gentleman), the fleet did not arrive. Much disappointment and innumerable prophecies followed, and while some knowing individuals averred positively, and “on undoubted authority” that the fleet had passed and would not come in here, others were equally confident, on the strength of telegrams and “unquestionable information,” that the great ships would be seen, on the “next flood.” As, however, they put in no appearance up to Friday evening, the conviction that they had omitted us began to be pretty general, especially when “undoubted authority” satisfied us that the squadron had been seen some distance to the south of this port, namely, in the Wold. A few persons held out, notwithstanding their belief that the ships would visit us, and were stirring early on Saturday morning to catch the latest intelligence, when lo! the rumour spread that the fleet was in sight. People began hurrying to the Beach, which, between 8 and 10 o’clock a.m. presented, as to throng and bustle, an appearance equal to that ofTuesday, with the single exception that the fair sex had not had time to put on the gay attire in which they looked so well on that day. As the Royal Albert, three decker, flag ship of Vice-Admiral Freemantle, came in sight, the cry was, “There they are!” and as the magnificent vessel steamed up into the gat there appeared something so triumphant and majestic in her appearance as to make every one who saw her feel proud of the “wooden walls,” which have so long defied all the enemies of Old England. Britannia from the top of the lofty pedestal in front of the gatway might look down with pride upon the splendid ship which marched in stately grandeur “o’er the mountain waves.” The Royal Albert was seen to be followed by a long dark line of smoke, and every few minutes other great ships came in sight moving apparently with ease and controllable but irresistible force. As the flagship came through the gat of St. Nicholas, the dense masses of people who lined the shore expressed in a variety of forms their admiration of the dimensions and commanding aspect of this great three decker. The seafaring people looked at the matter with a professional eye, and amongst them might frequently be heard such expressions as “Old Rounce (the Gorleston pilot) is bringing her in stunnin!” On came the great ship,—as gracefully and as gently as a swan would move upon the surface of an untroubled lake,—until she was surprisingly near the shore for a ship of her size. She then glided round in a most beautiful manner, as if looking for the best place to drop her anchor, a point which was soon decided, when it was found that she was in about an exact line with the Victoria Hotel. The sight in the gatway had now become grand in the extreme, as all the line of battle ships were in sight, moving majestically forward by the aid of power unseen, while the flagship was actively engaged in signalling to the various ships as they came up as to the respective positions they were to take. The ships seemed to be managed with perfect ease, and could be turned or moved in any direction with surprising celerity. The scene while they were taking up their positions and dropping their anchors was beautiful and will not soon be forgotten by those who saw it.The Locust, steam tender, had arrived in the Roads previously, and the ships that arrived with the Royal Albert, which has 121 guns, and carries 1,100 men, were the Edgar, 91, flagship of the Rear-Admiral Erskine, the Mersey frigate, 40; the Donegal, 101; the Trafalgar, 91; the Conqueror, the Centurion, the Mars, the Diadem, the Algiers, the Aboukir, and the Greyhound corvette, 17, acting as tender to the RoyalAlbert. The fleet anchored in two lines, and presented a most gratifying spectacle to the inhabitants, who felt what a security it must be in a time of war, while at the same time they could not refrain from reflecting on the terrible havoc that must be committed were those quiet-looking ships to unbosom their thunders, and vent their indignation upon the town for a space of about five minutes. Soon after the Vice-Admiral’s flag ship had anchored, the Volunteer Artillery fired a salute of 15 guns, but owing to the regulations of the service, the ship was precluded from returning the compliment. The band of the Artillery subsequently played on the Drive, and gave a festive character to the morning. Reports rapidly got afloat as to how long the fleet would stay, some contending that it would not go till Wednesday, as the Admiral and officers had accepted an invitation to a ball which the Mayor purposed giving at the Town Hall on Tuesday evening; while, on the other hand, it was asserted that the fleet would depart in the course of the night, as during the day they received five or six despatches from the Admiralty, and thus disappoint the thousands who it was expected would come into the town by rail on Sunday. Neither of the predictions turned out to be true. Had the ships not been detained at sea by the contrary winds, which caused them to keep steam up even to the last, they would have been here for four or five days. Before coming in they had for two or three days been within 60 miles of us, trying to reach here with their sails alone. They had not been long at anchor before sundry mariners and bare-footed frolicsome and reckless tars, were seen ashore, lugging away immense baskets of fresh bread, butter, &c., and diversifying this duty by fraternising with as many of the girlhood of the place as they happened to come in contact with. The Blue Jackets are decided favourites ashore, and few people seem disposed to prevent them doing as they please. It would give great satisfaction to the inhabitants of this town, if, in their annual cruises, the Channel Squadron would occasionally drop in here, for we are sure that their present visit, besides being advantageous to the town, will obtain many seamen; for who would wander about in a rotten and miserable old collier when he might lead a worthy and a jolly life amongst excellent fellows, on board a floating tower and mansion equal to the most convenient and best regulated establishments ashore? It is a long time since a fleet was seen in our Roads, although there is probably no point upon the coast where so much shipping passes as this. The last fleet that was in the Roads was in 1810, under the command of Admiral Somers, whose flagship was the Victory(Nelson’s old ship), and that fleet passed here on its way to the Baltic, the ports of which it was going to blockade. There were then in the fleet besides the Admiral’s ship of 98 guns, the Formidable, 98; the St. George, 98; the Dreadnought, 98, now a hospital ship, and a number of 74’s, making together fourteen sail, some of which were with Admiral Sir John Ross, at the blockade of Dantzic, in 1812 (and frozen up there in 1813). In 1801, Nelson was in here on his way to Copenhagen, and in 1807, Admiral Gambier’s fleet was bound for the same place, and sailing hence fetched in the ships and stores of the Danes. In the time of those fleets, the North Sea and Baltic Pilots of this port were of great service—a class of men of whom, we believe, only one remains. His name is Richard Webb. He was frozen up in the Baltic in 1812, while acting as pilot (wintered there during the burning of Moscow), and was altogether engaged for 15 years in piloting government vessels in the wars of that time, important services for which the old boy alleges he has received nothing but unfulfilled promises from the “great guns” aloft. One would think that an old sailor who had served in the “battle and the breeze” for so long a period, and in such momentous times, ought to have received some substantial recognition of his services.The fleet and the officers and men from it who came ashore during the day have been closely scrutinized and gazed at, parties having been on board the flagship, it became a question of interest as to what they would do at night. At sunset a gun was fired from the Admiral’s ship, at the sound of which, as if by magic, the flags dropped from the stern of every vessel at the same instant, though the topyards did not go down as was expected. That was about half-past eight o’clock, and at nine bang went another gun from the Admiral’s ship followed by the rattle of musketry on board the others, and seamen said, ‘There’s the old Admiral a-fallen down the main hatchway,’ that being the correct nautical form of indicating that the hands were ordered to ‘turn in.’ At about the same time lights were shown in front and at the sterns of the ships, producing a brilliant and lively spectacle, taken in conjunction with the hundreds of lights on small craft lying at anchor, and as shown by the screw colliers which were ever and anon passing through the fleet and flowing out dark volumes of smoke. With Saturday Mr. Swann’s contract to supply beef at 4½d. per lb., luckily for him, expired, and he agreed, we believe, to execute the orders of the fleet at 6½d.Sunday morning, as had been anticipated by the Yarmouth innkeepers and others, brought an immense number of people into the town, thetrains from Norwich being very lengthy. The weather was fine, and as the fleet still remained in the Roads, there was every prospect of enjoyment. As the excursionists came into the town they proceeded, after refreshing the inner man at the earliest opportunity, either to the beach or on board the three steamers of Fill and Co. (Chesapeake, Volunteer and Florence Nightingale), which were ready, as soon as filled, to start for a journey round the fleet. The Chesapeake was the first to start, and as she steamed down the harbour the excursionists had a good view of the quays and shipping, and also of the hamlet of Gorleston. As soon as the bar was crossed, the great ships were all plainly visible, their sides bristling with guns, and alive with seamen, who, on the visitors approaching, exchanged a few friendly shouts with them. From the middle of the two lines in which they were moored, the ships had a noble and awe-inspiring effect upon those who had not before seen such wonders of the sea—they were, in fact, so many towers of strength filled with dauntless warriors. The Mersey, the smartest, the swiftest, and most powerful frigate of the fleet, was greatly admired, as was also the Royal Albert, and many thought—“How proud must be our AdmiralOf such a bonny barque.”Officers and men were at nearly all parts of the ship, and cordially invited the excursionists to go on board, an offer which the steamer declined, out of regard to the safety of the passengers. Small pleasure boats from the beach, however, were running to the fleet in large numbers, cutting and plunging through the sea that might have made some persons timid. The steamers disembarked their freight at the Britannia Pier (which found Sunday the most prosperous day of its existence) and continued throughout the day to run to and from that Pier without intermission. Indeed, in the afternoon the Britannia Pier, which was crowded almost from end to end, presented a remarkable spectacle. The beef, potatoes, and greens for the fleet were brought to the pier-head in carts, and were stacked for conveyance to the ships in the ships’ boats. The sailors, amongst whom was the usual per centage of black fellows, tossed the beef and cabbages into the boats in a manner not at all ceremonious, and one quarter to a certainty, though some say three or four, was pitched into Davey Jones’s locker. This scene of conveying away the carcases of about 60 bullocks (so the number was stated, though we think over the mark), of a few sheep, and goodness only knows how many cabbages and loaves, was very interesting to the public, and kept the piercrowded with spectators till six or seven o’clock. There was in the afternoon and evening the largest assemblage of people on the parade and beach that the oldest inhabitant remembers to have seen in the town, and it was not till a late hour that the last disappeared. The effect of so many strangers being in the town was to effect an entire demolition of most of the eatable stores in the hands of the innkeepers; and it is sufficient to say that a great thirst prevailed. The Jacks and officers who were ashore in some force in the afternoon preferred wandering into the town and outskirts; and the former, who as a rule were shoeless, seemed to pick up a good deal of fun. Besides the usual mode of conveyance of pouring in visitors, we observed several original vehicles from the country arrive in the afternoon, laden to excess and to the evident inconvenience of the passengers. The day passed off so well that the majority of the inhabitants retired, hoping, we have no doubt, that the Channel Fleet might remain a week. Sinister rumours, however, were at work, and some fears were secretly entertained. Great bags of letters had been taken from and sent to the Post Office, and report was that despatches had been received ordering the fleet off to Spithead at once.When the general bulk of the population awoke on Monday morning, alas! the fleet—with the exception of the Mars, which had lost an anchor and was waiting to endeavour to regain it—were off! They left us between five and six o’clock; and many have a firm opinion that the Mars was detained by some Providential influence, so that the thousands of excursionists who came in on Monday, in the hope of seeing the Channel Fleet, might not be utterly disappointed. May a British Fleet honour us again with its presence, at the earliest opportunity.
VISIT OF THE CHANNEL FLEET.
The Channel Fleet has at length visited our Roads, much to the gratification of thousands of the Queen’s lieges, as well as to the galling disappointment of thousands of the same excellent body. The squadron came in in the open day, clear to the gaze of multitudes, but disappeared like a majestic phantom in the night. A little more than a week ago we were informed that the Channel Fleet had, after an anchorage of sixteen days in St. Margaret’s Hope, Frith of Forth, left its moorings under canvas, with auxiliary steam power, and proceeded down the Frith and out to sea, destined for the Yarmouth Roads. As we stated in our last impression, the consequence of that information being diffused was to put all the speculators and quidnuncs of the town and neighbourhood on the alert. Leaving St. Margaret’s Hope on the Saturday, the fleet would certainly, it was argued, be here on the Tuesday, on which day the Marine Parade and the Beach were literally swarmed with expectant people, whose glasses were searching the waters in every direction; but, owing either to the perversity of Admiral Neptune, the weather office, or the Vice-Admiral in command (who is admitted by everyone to be a pleasant and courteous gentleman), the fleet did not arrive. Much disappointment and innumerable prophecies followed, and while some knowing individuals averred positively, and “on undoubted authority” that the fleet had passed and would not come in here, others were equally confident, on the strength of telegrams and “unquestionable information,” that the great ships would be seen, on the “next flood.” As, however, they put in no appearance up to Friday evening, the conviction that they had omitted us began to be pretty general, especially when “undoubted authority” satisfied us that the squadron had been seen some distance to the south of this port, namely, in the Wold. A few persons held out, notwithstanding their belief that the ships would visit us, and were stirring early on Saturday morning to catch the latest intelligence, when lo! the rumour spread that the fleet was in sight. People began hurrying to the Beach, which, between 8 and 10 o’clock a.m. presented, as to throng and bustle, an appearance equal to that ofTuesday, with the single exception that the fair sex had not had time to put on the gay attire in which they looked so well on that day. As the Royal Albert, three decker, flag ship of Vice-Admiral Freemantle, came in sight, the cry was, “There they are!” and as the magnificent vessel steamed up into the gat there appeared something so triumphant and majestic in her appearance as to make every one who saw her feel proud of the “wooden walls,” which have so long defied all the enemies of Old England. Britannia from the top of the lofty pedestal in front of the gatway might look down with pride upon the splendid ship which marched in stately grandeur “o’er the mountain waves.” The Royal Albert was seen to be followed by a long dark line of smoke, and every few minutes other great ships came in sight moving apparently with ease and controllable but irresistible force. As the flagship came through the gat of St. Nicholas, the dense masses of people who lined the shore expressed in a variety of forms their admiration of the dimensions and commanding aspect of this great three decker. The seafaring people looked at the matter with a professional eye, and amongst them might frequently be heard such expressions as “Old Rounce (the Gorleston pilot) is bringing her in stunnin!” On came the great ship,—as gracefully and as gently as a swan would move upon the surface of an untroubled lake,—until she was surprisingly near the shore for a ship of her size. She then glided round in a most beautiful manner, as if looking for the best place to drop her anchor, a point which was soon decided, when it was found that she was in about an exact line with the Victoria Hotel. The sight in the gatway had now become grand in the extreme, as all the line of battle ships were in sight, moving majestically forward by the aid of power unseen, while the flagship was actively engaged in signalling to the various ships as they came up as to the respective positions they were to take. The ships seemed to be managed with perfect ease, and could be turned or moved in any direction with surprising celerity. The scene while they were taking up their positions and dropping their anchors was beautiful and will not soon be forgotten by those who saw it.
The Locust, steam tender, had arrived in the Roads previously, and the ships that arrived with the Royal Albert, which has 121 guns, and carries 1,100 men, were the Edgar, 91, flagship of the Rear-Admiral Erskine, the Mersey frigate, 40; the Donegal, 101; the Trafalgar, 91; the Conqueror, the Centurion, the Mars, the Diadem, the Algiers, the Aboukir, and the Greyhound corvette, 17, acting as tender to the RoyalAlbert. The fleet anchored in two lines, and presented a most gratifying spectacle to the inhabitants, who felt what a security it must be in a time of war, while at the same time they could not refrain from reflecting on the terrible havoc that must be committed were those quiet-looking ships to unbosom their thunders, and vent their indignation upon the town for a space of about five minutes. Soon after the Vice-Admiral’s flag ship had anchored, the Volunteer Artillery fired a salute of 15 guns, but owing to the regulations of the service, the ship was precluded from returning the compliment. The band of the Artillery subsequently played on the Drive, and gave a festive character to the morning. Reports rapidly got afloat as to how long the fleet would stay, some contending that it would not go till Wednesday, as the Admiral and officers had accepted an invitation to a ball which the Mayor purposed giving at the Town Hall on Tuesday evening; while, on the other hand, it was asserted that the fleet would depart in the course of the night, as during the day they received five or six despatches from the Admiralty, and thus disappoint the thousands who it was expected would come into the town by rail on Sunday. Neither of the predictions turned out to be true. Had the ships not been detained at sea by the contrary winds, which caused them to keep steam up even to the last, they would have been here for four or five days. Before coming in they had for two or three days been within 60 miles of us, trying to reach here with their sails alone. They had not been long at anchor before sundry mariners and bare-footed frolicsome and reckless tars, were seen ashore, lugging away immense baskets of fresh bread, butter, &c., and diversifying this duty by fraternising with as many of the girlhood of the place as they happened to come in contact with. The Blue Jackets are decided favourites ashore, and few people seem disposed to prevent them doing as they please. It would give great satisfaction to the inhabitants of this town, if, in their annual cruises, the Channel Squadron would occasionally drop in here, for we are sure that their present visit, besides being advantageous to the town, will obtain many seamen; for who would wander about in a rotten and miserable old collier when he might lead a worthy and a jolly life amongst excellent fellows, on board a floating tower and mansion equal to the most convenient and best regulated establishments ashore? It is a long time since a fleet was seen in our Roads, although there is probably no point upon the coast where so much shipping passes as this. The last fleet that was in the Roads was in 1810, under the command of Admiral Somers, whose flagship was the Victory(Nelson’s old ship), and that fleet passed here on its way to the Baltic, the ports of which it was going to blockade. There were then in the fleet besides the Admiral’s ship of 98 guns, the Formidable, 98; the St. George, 98; the Dreadnought, 98, now a hospital ship, and a number of 74’s, making together fourteen sail, some of which were with Admiral Sir John Ross, at the blockade of Dantzic, in 1812 (and frozen up there in 1813). In 1801, Nelson was in here on his way to Copenhagen, and in 1807, Admiral Gambier’s fleet was bound for the same place, and sailing hence fetched in the ships and stores of the Danes. In the time of those fleets, the North Sea and Baltic Pilots of this port were of great service—a class of men of whom, we believe, only one remains. His name is Richard Webb. He was frozen up in the Baltic in 1812, while acting as pilot (wintered there during the burning of Moscow), and was altogether engaged for 15 years in piloting government vessels in the wars of that time, important services for which the old boy alleges he has received nothing but unfulfilled promises from the “great guns” aloft. One would think that an old sailor who had served in the “battle and the breeze” for so long a period, and in such momentous times, ought to have received some substantial recognition of his services.
The fleet and the officers and men from it who came ashore during the day have been closely scrutinized and gazed at, parties having been on board the flagship, it became a question of interest as to what they would do at night. At sunset a gun was fired from the Admiral’s ship, at the sound of which, as if by magic, the flags dropped from the stern of every vessel at the same instant, though the topyards did not go down as was expected. That was about half-past eight o’clock, and at nine bang went another gun from the Admiral’s ship followed by the rattle of musketry on board the others, and seamen said, ‘There’s the old Admiral a-fallen down the main hatchway,’ that being the correct nautical form of indicating that the hands were ordered to ‘turn in.’ At about the same time lights were shown in front and at the sterns of the ships, producing a brilliant and lively spectacle, taken in conjunction with the hundreds of lights on small craft lying at anchor, and as shown by the screw colliers which were ever and anon passing through the fleet and flowing out dark volumes of smoke. With Saturday Mr. Swann’s contract to supply beef at 4½d. per lb., luckily for him, expired, and he agreed, we believe, to execute the orders of the fleet at 6½d.
Sunday morning, as had been anticipated by the Yarmouth innkeepers and others, brought an immense number of people into the town, thetrains from Norwich being very lengthy. The weather was fine, and as the fleet still remained in the Roads, there was every prospect of enjoyment. As the excursionists came into the town they proceeded, after refreshing the inner man at the earliest opportunity, either to the beach or on board the three steamers of Fill and Co. (Chesapeake, Volunteer and Florence Nightingale), which were ready, as soon as filled, to start for a journey round the fleet. The Chesapeake was the first to start, and as she steamed down the harbour the excursionists had a good view of the quays and shipping, and also of the hamlet of Gorleston. As soon as the bar was crossed, the great ships were all plainly visible, their sides bristling with guns, and alive with seamen, who, on the visitors approaching, exchanged a few friendly shouts with them. From the middle of the two lines in which they were moored, the ships had a noble and awe-inspiring effect upon those who had not before seen such wonders of the sea—they were, in fact, so many towers of strength filled with dauntless warriors. The Mersey, the smartest, the swiftest, and most powerful frigate of the fleet, was greatly admired, as was also the Royal Albert, and many thought—
“How proud must be our AdmiralOf such a bonny barque.”
Officers and men were at nearly all parts of the ship, and cordially invited the excursionists to go on board, an offer which the steamer declined, out of regard to the safety of the passengers. Small pleasure boats from the beach, however, were running to the fleet in large numbers, cutting and plunging through the sea that might have made some persons timid. The steamers disembarked their freight at the Britannia Pier (which found Sunday the most prosperous day of its existence) and continued throughout the day to run to and from that Pier without intermission. Indeed, in the afternoon the Britannia Pier, which was crowded almost from end to end, presented a remarkable spectacle. The beef, potatoes, and greens for the fleet were brought to the pier-head in carts, and were stacked for conveyance to the ships in the ships’ boats. The sailors, amongst whom was the usual per centage of black fellows, tossed the beef and cabbages into the boats in a manner not at all ceremonious, and one quarter to a certainty, though some say three or four, was pitched into Davey Jones’s locker. This scene of conveying away the carcases of about 60 bullocks (so the number was stated, though we think over the mark), of a few sheep, and goodness only knows how many cabbages and loaves, was very interesting to the public, and kept the piercrowded with spectators till six or seven o’clock. There was in the afternoon and evening the largest assemblage of people on the parade and beach that the oldest inhabitant remembers to have seen in the town, and it was not till a late hour that the last disappeared. The effect of so many strangers being in the town was to effect an entire demolition of most of the eatable stores in the hands of the innkeepers; and it is sufficient to say that a great thirst prevailed. The Jacks and officers who were ashore in some force in the afternoon preferred wandering into the town and outskirts; and the former, who as a rule were shoeless, seemed to pick up a good deal of fun. Besides the usual mode of conveyance of pouring in visitors, we observed several original vehicles from the country arrive in the afternoon, laden to excess and to the evident inconvenience of the passengers. The day passed off so well that the majority of the inhabitants retired, hoping, we have no doubt, that the Channel Fleet might remain a week. Sinister rumours, however, were at work, and some fears were secretly entertained. Great bags of letters had been taken from and sent to the Post Office, and report was that despatches had been received ordering the fleet off to Spithead at once.
When the general bulk of the population awoke on Monday morning, alas! the fleet—with the exception of the Mars, which had lost an anchor and was waiting to endeavour to regain it—were off! They left us between five and six o’clock; and many have a firm opinion that the Mars was detained by some Providential influence, so that the thousands of excursionists who came in on Monday, in the hope of seeing the Channel Fleet, might not be utterly disappointed. May a British Fleet honour us again with its presence, at the earliest opportunity.
The following Commissions had been issued:—“Great Yarmouth Rifle Volunteer Corps—Frederick Palmer, Esq., to be Surgeon; Henry Ralph Nevill to be Hon. Chaplain.”
The trident had been struck by lightning from the hand of Britannia on the Nelson Column.
July 7th.—The “Good Samaritan” Lodge, M.U.O.F., had voted £5 5s. to the Fishermen’s Fund.
Mr. Job Smith had presided at a Working Man’s Reform Meeting, held in Crowe’s Assembly Rooms.
July 21st.—The Fisherman’s Widows and Orphans’ Fund exceeded £7,300.
The new building for the Sailors’ Home was progressing rapidly.
“The hot weather had brought large numbers of excursionists to the sea-side.”
July 25th.—The Donegal Militia had left the town for Ireland, where they were to be disembodied.
Aug. 1st.—“Benjamin Hollis, a fine young man belonging to the Artillery Volunteers,” had been buried with Military honours.
Aug. 4th.—The 3rd and 4th Companies of the Rifle Volunteers had appeared for the first time in uniform.
A “young lady about twenty years of age had disappeared” at the same time as the Militia left the town.
Aug. 8th.—At the Water Frolic the “Iris” won the cutter match, and the “Enchantress” the latteen match.
“A reward of £100 had been offered for the apprehension of John D. Chapman, late of this town.”
At the Regatta the following had been the result of the matches:—
FIRST GLASS YAWLS.A Purse of £30, to be sailed for by yawls from all parts; of not less than 45 feet in length, manned by the beachmen engaged in saving life from shipwreck. First prize, £15; second, £10; third, £5. No entrance fee. The first yawl to pay £1, the second 15s., and the third 7s. 6d. to the Regatta Fund.
FIRST GLASS YAWLS.
A Purse of £30, to be sailed for by yawls from all parts; of not less than 45 feet in length, manned by the beachmen engaged in saving life from shipwreck. First prize, £15; second, £10; third, £5. No entrance fee. The first yawl to pay £1, the second 15s., and the third 7s. 6d. to the Regatta Fund.
Queen Victoria, Yarmouth
1
Eclipse, Lowestoft
2
Gipsy Queen, Winterton
3
A Purse of £50, to be sailed for by Yachts belonging to any Royal Yacht Club in Great Britain, above 20 tons and not exceeding 50 tons register. No restrictions as to sails or men. The winner to pay five guineas to the second yacht.
Belvidere, (T. M. Read,) Yarmouth
1
Kestrel, (W. Butcher), Norwich
2
SECOND CLASS YAWLS.
SECOND CLASS YAWLS.
A purse of £20, to be sailed for by yawls from all parts, of not more than 45 feet in length, manned by beachmen. First prize, £12; second prize, £5; third prize, £3. First yawl to pay £1, second yawl 10s., third yawl 5s. to the Regatta Fund.
Good Tidings, California
1
Volunteer, Yarmouth
2
Flying Fish, ditto
3
A Rowing Match for £15, by six-oared gigs, single banked, from any part. To be contended for in heats. Four to start or no race. No entrance fee. First boat to receive £8; second boat, £5; third boat, £2; manned by those who usually work as beachmen.
Shooting Star, Winterton
1
Champion, Yarmouth
2
Quebec, Pakefield
3
Some more rowing by ships’ boats, sculling, and a duck hunt brought the programme to a close.
The following were among the persons present at the Regatta Ball:—The Mayor, Sir E. H. K. Lacon, Bart., M.P., Lady Plumridge, Miss Plumridge, Lieut.-Colonel Astley, Major and Mrs. Rushbrooke, Major Penrice, Miss Penrice, Captain the Hon. R. Harbord, Count Melchoir de Weazle, Captain Longe, Mr. Stracey, Mr. Bedingfield, Mr. and Mrs. A. Steward and the Misses Steward, Mrs. F. Steward, Mr. and Mrs. Postle, Mr. and Mrs. Palmer, Mr. Waters and the Misses Waters, Captain and Mrs. Wynyard, Major Wodehouse, the Rev. G. Hawes and the Misses Hawes, Mrs. Patridge, Mr. Molyneux Steel, Mr. D’Eye, Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Reynolds, Mrs. Mends, Miss Pearson, Miss Hubbard, Mrs. Foster, Miss Foster, Miss Gwynn, the Misses Cubitt, Mr. E. Frere, Mr. and Mrs. Orde, Captain and Mrs. Ives, Miss Lennard, Captain Jervoise, &c.
Aug. 22nd.—The E.N.M. (which had been embodied since the 5th April, 1857) had been disembodied.
Gipsies “infested the Beach” to the annoyance of the public.
Aug. 25th.—The N.A.M. had been disembodied at Yarmouth.
Sept. 1st.—Only 58 persons had attended the Race Ball, among whom were the Mayor, the Hon. H. Harbord, Captain Bedingfield, Captain Holmes, Mr. Orde, Mr. Marsh, Mr. Palmer, &c.
Colonel Sir Thomas Troubridge had inspected the Rifle Volunteers.
Sept. 5th.—The Rifle Corps was holding its first prize shooting matches on the North Denes, the E.N.M. Band being on the ground and playing during the firing. Mr. Fenner had won the Borough Members’ Prize, having at the 500 yards scored 8 against Lieutenant Brown’s 6 points.
A hare had been hunted from the South Denes by “men, dogs, and boys” to Adam and Eve Gardens, and had been “transferred to a bake office before 12 o’clock.”
A roulette table had been an attraction in the town, and several gentlemen had “dropped” their money at that game.
Sept. 18th.—The following had been the result of the Prize Shooting:—
1.—Borough Members’ Prize of £10, shot for at ranges of 300, 400, and 500 yards. Winner, Fenner.
2.—Officers’ Cup, value £5, shot for at ranges of 200 and 300 yards. Winner, Davis.
3.—A “Turner” Rifle, presented by Major Orde, shot for at ranges of 500 and 600 yards, for which Pearson and Leman tied, upon shooting off Leman was the winner.
4.—Ladies’ Challenge Cup, value £35, shot for at ranges of 650, 700, 800, and 900 yards, the firing for which was not concluded, but Boreham and Boulton had the highest scores in this contest.
Sept. 12th.—The Prize Shooting had been completed by Mr. Bly, (ironmonger) making 12 points out of 20 shots, 5 at each of the distances of 650, 700, 800, and 900 yards, in the Challenge Cup competition, and he was declared to be the winner, and the champion shot of the corps.
The pugilist Mace was training at Yarmouth previous to his fighting Bob Brettle.
Sept. 19th.—The prizes had been presented to the several winners in the recent Rifle Corps Competition by the Mayor at the Town Hall, when amongst those present were Sir E. H. K. Lacon, Lady and Miss Lacon, Major and Mrs. Orde, Captain Holmes, the Officers of the Rifle Corps, Major Todd, E. R. Palmer, Esq., Captain Jervoise, C. C. Aldred, Esq., Rev. M. Waters, C. J. Palmer, Esq., &c., &c.
After this, the Mayor invited those present to dance, himself leading off with Lady Lacon.
Mr. E. R. Aldred had supplied the cups, and champion’s medal.
The Volunteer Artillery had appeared in “busbies” for the first time.
Sept. 22nd.—The Yarmouth Volunteers had attended the Review of the County Corps held on Mousehold Heath, Norwich, by the Lord Lieutenant, who was accompanied by Major-General Wood, Lord Suffield, Colonel Astley, and the Hon. Harbord Harbord as aides-de-camp, and a brilliant staff. The Yarmouth Rifles numbered 1 Field Officer, 4 Captains, 4 Lieutenants, and 4 Ensigns, 1 Staff Officer, 11 Sergeants, 4 Drummers, and 172 Privates, total 201. The totalnumber of Volunteers on the field being between 1,100 and 1,200. The spectators are stated to have said as the Volunteers marched past—“These with the Hussar hats on are the Yarmouth Artillery,” and “These are the Yarmouth Rifles—well done Yarmouth.”
Sept. 26th.—The number of the Volunteer Artillery present at the Review was stated to have been 156.
Herring was selling at from £23 to £30 per last.
Sept. 29th.—“Several hundreds of vessels had passed through the Roads for the North in full sail, and one close fleet.”
Oct. 3rd.—James Denny Chapman had absconded and been declared bankrupt, with debts estimated at £30,000.
Oct. 6th.—At the Revision Court Mr. Costerton had appeared for the Liberals and Mr. Reynolds for the Tories; the former claimed a gain of 88 votes.
Oct. 20th.—St. Andrew’s Church had been consecrated by the Bishop of Norwich.
Nov. 3rd.—At the Municipal Election there was a contest in theRegent Ward, resulting as follows:—
Reynolds (C.)
106
Wright (C.)
101
Livingston (L)
61
For the other wards the following gentlemen were returned without opposition:—
North—William H. Bessey and Samuel Nightingale (C’s.)
Market—John Fenn and John E. Barnby (C’s).
St. George’s—William J. Foreman and Charles Palmer (C’s).
Nelson—John Clarke (C.) and John Clowes (L).
Gorleston—Samuel C. Richmond and Thomas W. Gooda (C’s).
It was “darkly hinted” that Mr. S. Nightingale would be the next Mayor.
Nov. 10th.—The Mayor, the Rev. Mr. Peade, Messrs. C. S. Marsh, R. S. Watling, S. Nightingale, T. Brightwen, B. Dowson, and Mr. W. C. Reynolds had been nominated by a Public Meeting as a Committee for the purpose of founding a “Public Hall and Assembly Room.” Mr. Palmer and Mr. Falcke had each offered to take 20 shares of £10 in the undertaking.
Nov. 14th.—At the Council Meeting on the 9th, Mr. Charles J. Palmer proposed, and Mr. F. Worship seconded, the election of Mr.Samuel Nightingale as Mayor of the Borough, and, there being no opposition, he was elected to that office accordingly.
The “Eleanor,” brig of 300 tons register, had been launched “in full rig” from Messrs. Beechings’s yard. She was to proceed to the Mediterranean with herring.
Nov. 17th.—“A nocturnal exploit of some Volunteer youths had been much talked of for several days past,” and a “dashing junior officer” had nearly fallen into the hands of the police.
Nov. 24th.—“Practical jokes” prevailed, one “joker” finding next morning that he had been over night “cracking his own panes.”
The “political actions at law” against Sir E. Lacon were “in course of settlement.”
Dec. 8th.—An explosion had taken place on board the “Tonning” steamer at sea, and inquests on several bodies of the men killed held at Yarmouth.
Dec. 22nd.—The Volunteer Artillery had given a concert at the Corn Hall, when Messrs. John Franklin, W. Offord, Clements, J. Bartram, J. Cocks, W. C. Mack and the Masters Nutman took part in the performance.
The following was the form of apology upon which the actions against Sir E. Lacon had been settled, upon his payment of plaintiff’s costs:—
“Great Yarmouth,“Nov. 29th, 1860.“Dear Sir,—Upon full enquiry, I find that the statements made by me in a speech at the dinner at the Theatre in April last, and complained of by you as reflecting on yourself as a member of the committee therein referred to, were made under an erroneous impression of the facts of the case, as far as yourself and the committee are concerned.“Under these circumstances, I have no hesitation in withdrawing the imputations you and the committee complain of, and the plea of justification, and in expressing my regret that legal proceedings were deemed necessary, which, being now ended, no difference will, I trust, henceforth be made in the friendly feeling that has previously existed between us.“Yours truly,“Edm. H. K. Lacon.”W. T. Clarke, Esq.”
“Great Yarmouth,“Nov. 29th, 1860.
“Dear Sir,—Upon full enquiry, I find that the statements made by me in a speech at the dinner at the Theatre in April last, and complained of by you as reflecting on yourself as a member of the committee therein referred to, were made under an erroneous impression of the facts of the case, as far as yourself and the committee are concerned.
“Under these circumstances, I have no hesitation in withdrawing the imputations you and the committee complain of, and the plea of justification, and in expressing my regret that legal proceedings were deemed necessary, which, being now ended, no difference will, I trust, henceforth be made in the friendly feeling that has previously existed between us.
“Yours truly,“Edm. H. K. Lacon.”
W. T. Clarke, Esq.”
At the Police Court, Mr. Owles again called attention to the“practical” joking question, when Sergeant Barnes stated that the jokers “were attired in cloaks, and one wore a uniform cap.”
Dec. 29th.—The Rifle Corps, 180 strong, had marched to Hopton, where Major Orde “regaled them on bread and cheese, hot sausage rolls, and plenty of old ale.”
“When found, make a note of”—Capt. Cuttle.
“When found, make a note of”—
Capt. Cuttle.
Jan. 2nd.—The poor rate assessment had been raised some £14,000, and a 1s. 2d. rate thereon made.
Mr. F. Ferrier (Deputy Coroner) had held an inquest on the body of Thomas Algar, the clown who had expired at the Theatre immediately after the performance on the previous Friday. The deceased was 34 years of age, and left a widow and one child. The verdict was that deceased died from “natural causes”; Mr. C. C. Aldred (the Surgeon) and the Jury gave their fees to the family.
Jan. 5th.—The Revenue cutter, in attempting to run for the harbour, had fouled the pier and was sunk.
Jan. 12th.—“The strong frost had literally stopped the river traffic.”
It had been decided to give £124 worth of coal to the poor.
Jan. 19th.—A public meeting had been held to raise funds for that purpose. The Mayor presided, and the following gentlemen took part in the proceedings:—Mr. W. Worship, the Rev. B. Vaux, Mr. R. Steward, Mr. C. C. Aldred, Mr. R. Hammond, Mr. T. Brightwen, Mr. C. Cory, Mr. L. Blake, and Mr. E. H. L. Preston. Sir E. Lacon sent a cheque for £50, and £350 was subscribed in the room.
Jan. 26th.—Dr. Stephenson had been appointed Surgeon for the South District.
The “Racehorse” (belonging to George Danby-Palmer, Esq.), had been abandoned near Cape Horn. There had been a mutiny on board her, and a naval Court was inquiring into the affair at Calloa.
Jan. 30th.—The Guardians were calling attention to the “Compulsory Vaccination Act.”
Feb. 2nd.—The annual Sailors’ Home meeting had been held in the new building on the Drive.
Mr. Henry R. Harmer had been appointed a Chancery Commissioner.
Feb. 6th.—At a Vestry meeting it had been determined to take a poll of the parish as to whether the Vestry Act (13 and 14 Vic. cap. 57) should be applied to the parish.
Feb. 9th.—Two hundred and eighty-eight appeals had been lodged against the Poor’s Rate.
Feb. 16th—“Costertonv.Lacon” had been tried. In this action the plaintiff, a solicitor at Yarmouth, complained of having been slandered by the defendant, who was M.P. for the town, and who ultimately consented to a verdict against him for 40s. and costs.
Feb. 20th.—The poll of the parish had closed as under:—
For applying the Vestry Act
737
Against
414
Majority
323
Mr. Clowes then proposed, and Mr. Livingston seconded, a resolution to the effect that a Vestry Clerk be appointed at a salary of £100 per annum, and ultimately this was carried, and a vote of thanks to the Vicar and his assessor (C. J. Palmer, Esq.), terminated the proceedings.
Feb. 23rd.—The Conservatives had adopted Mr. C. H. Chamberlin (a Liberal) as their candidate for the office of Vestry Clerk, the other candidate being Mr. S. B. Cory.
Feb. 27th.—The case of Morant v. Chamberlin (which involved the right of user of part of the Quay by George Danby-Palmer, Esq.), had been decided as follows: “Verdict for plaintiff, issue on the 4th plea for defendant.”
March 2nd.—The Prince of Wales had visited the town “incog.”
March 6th.—One Cox, “a magician of Friars’ Lane,” had been before the Justices.
March 9th.—The Hon. Harbord Harbord had been hunting the district with his pack of harriers during the week.
Part of a house had been blown down on the Regent Road.
March 13th.—The Artillery Corps had adopted white (in lieu of blue) facings to their uniform.
March 16th.—The Fitzroy storm signals had been hoisted in the town.
March 23rd.—“Iconoclast” proposed to deliver lectures at the Theatre. This had been stopped by the Mayor, and an action was threatened against the proprietor of that building. The following is a copy of the Bill issued:—“Theatre Royal, Great Yarmouth. Iconoclast the well-known advocate of Secularism, and co-editor with Mr. Joseph Barker, &c., will deliver three lectures in the above place, on the 25th, 26th, and 27th of March, 1861. Subjects—Monday, “Were Adam and Eve our first parents?” Tuesday, “The History of the Crucifixion, self-contradictory and incredible.” Wednesday, “The Atonement and its relation to sin and pardon.” Admission—Lower boxes, 6d.; upper ditto, 4d.; pit, 3d., gallery, 2d. Iconoclast respectfully invites the clergy and ministers of Yarmouth to discuss his lectures; especially those who claim to have refuted him during his absence.”
Major Orde, Mr. Chamberlin, and Captain Holmes had given readings from Dickens’ works in the saloon of the Victoria gardens before the members of the Rifle Corps and their friends; Captain Holmes was expected to be appointed adjutant of this corps.
March 30th.—“CufaudevCory” had been heard at the Assizes. In this action damages were claimed by the plaintiff, Clerk to the Guardians against the defendant, Mr. S. B. Cory, for an alleged libel, he having stated in a handbill that Mr. Cufaude “cooked” the parish accounts. Mr. O’Malley, Q.C., Mr. Power, Q.C., Mr. Keene and Mr. Cherry were for the plaintiff, and Mr. Palmer and Mr. Hotson for the defendant. The Jury found for the plaintiff with £500 damages.
April 3rd.—“The nocturnal jokes” were again the subject of inquiry; Mr. E. O. Johnson (a Volunteer Sergeant) had been discovered by a policeman taking away Dr. Smyth’s bell, but as that gentleman would not prosecute, the charge dropped.
Mr. J. H. Harrison then made a complaint to the Court of damages to his property by these “jokers.”
At the Vestry Meeting, Mr. R. Hammond proposed, and Mr. W. Worship seconded, the re-election of Mr. S. C. D. Steward as one of the Churchwardens, and Mr. Fenn proposed, and Mr. Laws seconded, the re-election of Mr. E. R. Aldred as the other warden, “and the Minister accepted the second nomination as his warden.”
N.B.—This was the first attempt by a Vicar to take action of this sort, (the right of election of both Churchwardens being vested in the Vestry of the parish.)
The following gentlemen had been elected Guardians:—
North Ward—S. Nightingale, E. H. L. Preston, and J. B. Hylton.
Market Ward—C. C. Aldred, W. Laws, and J. Fenn.
Regent Ward—W. Worship, R. D. Barber, and D. A. Gourlay.
St. George’s Ward—J. G. Plummer, C. E. Bartram, and C. Miller.
Nelson Ward—T. Brightwen, C. Woolverton, W. C. Reynolds, and J. Clarke.
It was stated that only 7s. 6d. had been subscribed by the lodging-house keepers to the Race Fund.
April 10th.—It was understood that the Chairman and a majority of the Board of Guardians were favourable to the admission of Reporters to the Board meetings.
“Great reductions” had been made upon the Poor’s Rate appeals.
April 13th.—Captain Holmes had been appointed Adjutant to the Rifle Volunteers.
Sir J. Walsham had held an inquiry as to the allegations with regard to the parish accounts, which had been alluded to in the recent action of “Cufaudev.Cory.” Mr. Hotson attended it on behalf of Mr. Cory.
April 17th.—Two batteries of Royal Artillery had arrived in the town.
April 20th.—A gunboat, with the men of the Revenue cutter on board, had run into the pier-head.
An illuminated clock had been placed at the Sailors’ Home.
A rule “nisi” had been granted in the action of “Cufaudev.Cory” on the ground of excessive damages.
April 27th.—The “Harmony,” missionary ship, had been launched from Messrs. Fellows’ yard.
There had been “numerous” arrivals of invalids from India at the R.N. Hospital.
May 1st.—Solomon Levy, a converted Jew, had been baptised at St. Peter’s Church, F. Worship, Esq., standing “as witness to the Baptism.” Afterwards the Rev. Bowyer Vaux preached from Titus iii, 5.
May 4th.—The Rifle Volunteers had held a “Mess” at the Star Hotel, when Host Diver catered for them.
May 8th.—The following “Census” returns had been made for the parish:—
Males.
Females.
Total.
Excess of Females.
North Ward
3620
4330
7950
710
Market Ward
2211
2706
4917
485
Regent Ward
1553
2382
3935
829
St. George’s Ward
1777
2419
4196
632
Nelson Ward
3873
4885
8758
1002
Total
13,034
16,722
29,756
3658
Workhouse
173
159
332
13,207
16,881
30,088
Estimate Gorleston & Southtown & afloat
6,000
36,088
The Rifle Volunteers, 200 strong, had attended St. Nicholas’ Church. The leading fish-merchants proposed to purchase two fast steamers as carriers to the London markets.
May 11th.—Mr. Evans was sitting at the Town Hall to take evidence on the claims of the Ormesby and Scratby people to exemption from payment of Market Tolls at Yarmouth.
May 18th.—So few mackerel had been brought in, that they were selling at 1s. each.
May 22nd.—A very old house (formerly part of the Convent) had fallen down in Friars’ lane.
There had been two military rows between the Royal Artillery and the E.N. Militiamen.
May 25th.—The Mayor and Magistrates had met Major Martin (E.N.M.) and Colonel Bruce (R.A.) on this subject, and steps had been taken to prevent the men meeting again.
May 29th.—“Mace,” the local pugilist, (being known in the neighbourhood) was being heavily “backed” for the fight for the championship.
June 1st.—Sergeant Seeley (E.N.M.) had died from the effects of choking himself by swallowing a piece of meat.
A “handsome new schooner” had been launched by Mr. Brandford.
A “considerable number” of new fishing and pleasure boats were being built at the port.
Shops were being opened in Regent Street, under the Board of Health Act, which had overruled the old local act under which the houses there, were not to be so used.
June 8th.—The mackerel voyage had been very unsuccessful.
A “Turkish” bath was to be opened in a few week’s time.
June 15th—Mr. Frederick Danby-Palmer had passed the legal examination (in honors.)
A case of alleged “Witchcraft” at Gorleston had occupied the Bench.
June 19th.—At a meeting of the Ratepayers Mr. J. Clowes proposed, and Mr. Burroughs seconded, Mr. S. B. Cory as a proper person to fill the office of Vestry Clerk. Mr. Livingstone, Mr. Neave and Mr. Royal also took part in these proceedings.
June 22nd.—At the Vestry meeting, held for the election of that officer, Mr. George Danby-Palmer proposed and Mr. Livingstone seconded Mr. S. B. Cory, and Mr. Charles Cory proposed, and Mr. G. A. Clarke seconded, Mr. C. H. Chamberlin. The proceedings were of a most disorderly character, terminating “in a talk of many tongues, which accused each other of being ‘liars’ and so on.”
June 24th.—At 12 o’clock the poll stood—
Cory
270
Chamberlin
194
And closed—
Cory
366
Chamberlin
269
June 25th.—it closed—
Cory
701
Chamberlin
512
June 26th.—It finally closed—
Cory
848
Chamberlin
620
Majority for Cory
228
Mr. Cory and Mr. George Danby-Palmer then addressed the electors, and votes of thanks to the Vicar (Rev. H. Nevill) and his assessor (Mr. C. J. Palmer) terminated the proceedings.
June 29th.—The election for, and meeting of, the “Eastern Counties Asylum of Idiots” had taken place at the Town Hall. The Mayor presided, and there were also present, Sir Thomas Beevor, Bart., Rev.T. Bailey, Rev. R. M. Bingley, Rev. Thos. Quintin, Rev. E. Postle, and Messrs. W. Worship, T. Brightwen, F. Palmer, John Crisp (Mayor of Beccles), J. H. Bly, &c.
July 3rd.—M. Desfongerais had been appointed Consul for the French Government at Yarmouth, and had appeared for a French vessel in an adjudication case, held before F. Worship and F. Palmer, Esqs.
July 10th.—Mr. S. B. Cory had commenced his duties of Vestry Clerk.
The mackerel fishing was a failure, and the Summer fishing “very slow.”
July 17th.—At the Water Frolic, the “Red Rover” won the cutter, and the “Vampire” the lateen, prize.
The Rev. H. Squire had, after a pastorate of 30 years, resigned the Unitarian Chapel Ministry.
July 20th.—Messrs. C. J. Palmer, C. C. Aldred. W. Johnson, C. Cory, and J. Brightwen had been appointed a Committee to carry on the proposal to found a Grammar School in the town.
A “furious tempest, including thunder, whirlwind, and lightning” had burst over the town.
July 31st.—Mr. Lane had claimed £300 damages for libel against the Free Press Newspaper Company, but under the advice of the Chief Justice, a Juror was withdrawn, each party paying their own costs.
Aug. 7th.—The Vestry Clerk and the Overseers could not “gee” together.