Norfolk Annals
Chapter 173 : 18.-Died at Whitwell Hall, Mr. Robert Leamon, aged 56. Mr. Leamon, who was described a

18.-Died at Whitwell Hall, Mr. Robert Leamon, aged 56. Mr. Leamon, who was described as "a good specimen of the old Norfolk yeoman," broke down the Whig monopoly in East Norfolk, "and became the political G.o.dfather of Mr. C. S. Read, for whom he entertained the warmest personal regard."

Mr. Leamon was born in 1822, and inherited from his father a fine property and extensive business. He married, in 1848, a daughter of Mr.

John Brooke Gill, of Wood Norton.

22.-Died at Runton, aged 76, Favell Lee, widow of the Rev. Thomas Mortimer. She was the auth.o.r.ess of "The Peep of Day," and other works of a similar character.

24.-A fire took place at Messrs. Bagshaw's paper mills, St. Miles', Norwich, and did damage amounting to several thousands of pounds.

30.-Among the most notable of architectural improvements in Norwich was the new building known as Cooper's Restaurant, which was opened on this date. It was designed by Mr. Edward Boardman, architect, and occupies a site on which stood the old business premises of Messrs. Butcher, cheese factors.

SEPTEMBER.

5.-Mr. and Mrs. German Reed, a.s.sisted by Miss f.a.n.n.y Holland, Mr. Dale, Mr. Corney Grain, and Mr. Arthur Law, commenced a three nights'

engagement at St. Giles' Hall, Norwich.

9.-Mr. Henry Walsham opened an operatic season at Norwich Theatre. The company included Madame Rose Hersee, Miss Palmer, Madame Telma, and Mr.

Ludwig.

11.-The Sheriff of Norwich (Mr. Harry Bullard) provided the first of his annual excursions for the _employes_ at the Anchor Brewery. The workpeople in the service of the firm (with their wives), to the number of 600, were conveyed to the Crystal Palace and back by special train.

OCTOBER.

2.-A four-oared race, between a crew of the 21st Hussars (Capt. Lovewell, stroke) and of the Norwich Police, took place between Field's boat-house, Thorpe, and Trowse railway-bridge-distance, a mile and a quarter. After a very close race, the police crew won.

10.-Died, the Rev. Henry Lombe, of Bylaugh Park, aged 86. He was fifty years a parochial clergyman, and for twenty-six years rector of Lyng. At Swanton Morley, in 1831, when the poor-rates were at an appalling figure, and poverty excessive, he set on foot and carried on for years on his own responsibility an extensive cotton weaving business, reduced a turbulent population to order, and saved the whole parish from starvation. In the days of incendiarism he was the main instrument in hunting down into their hiding-places the leaders of that infamous movement, and the means of bringing the notorious Nockolds to justice (_q.v._ Vol. I., p. 304).

Before the days of the rural police, he organized a voluntary system of constabulary in his desperately disturbed parish of Lyng. In company with the farmers, he patrolled the parish during the whole winter, visited every farmstead, and preserved the village from utter ruin.

Clubs, coal charities, and penny banks were under his personal superintendence to the last day of his active life. Mr. Lombe was succeeded in the possession of his extensive landed estates by his son, Mr. Henry Evans Lombe, of Melton Hall, a B.A. of Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, and a magistrate for Norfolk and Suffolk.

14.-Died at his residence, St. Giles', Norwich, Mr. George Warren Watts Firth, F.R.C.S., aged 64. He was senior surgeon to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, a magistrate of the city, and honorary consulting surgeon to the Norfolk County Lunatic Asylum, a distinction conferred upon him after his retirement from the office of surgeon to that inst.i.tution.

15.-The Norfolk and Norwich Triennial Musical Festival commenced at St.

Andrew's Hall, Norwich, with an evening performance of "Acis and Galatea," and of "Spring" (from "The Seasons"). The morning performances were as follow:-16th, "Joseph," and 1st Ma.s.s in C (Mozart); 17th, "Elijah"; 18th, "The Messiah." On the evening of the 16th a grand ballad concert was given, and on the evening of the 17th an operatic concert.

The vocalists were Madame Albani, Miss Catherine Penna, Miss Anna Williams, Madame A. Sterling, Madame Trebelli, Mr. Edward Lloyd, Mr. H.

J. Minns, Mr. W. Shakespeare, Mr. R. Hilton, and Mr. Santley. Sir Julius Benedict conducted. The total receipts amounted to 4,140 4s. 9d., and the expenditure to 3,898 2s. 6d.

17.-The Rev. Sidney Pelham, curate-in-charge of Aylsham, was elected vicar of St. Peter Mancroft, Norwich, in place of the Rev. Charles Turner, who had accepted the living of Bixley with Framingham Earl, after 31 years' ministry at St. Peter's.

-The monument erected at Norwich Cemetery "to the memory of deceased soldiers of regiments stationed in this city or who may die while on service here," was unveiled by Lord Waveney. It was designed by Mr. John Bell, a Norfolk man. The figure forming the finial, called by the designer "The Spirit of the Army," was cast in terra cotta by Messrs.

Doulton, of the Lambeth Pottery. Colonel Wake, of the 21st Hussars, in the name of the British Army and on behalf of his brother officers, thanked the representatives of the county of Norfolk and city of Norwich for erecting the memorial.

20.-Died at Norwich, James Truman, aged 70, for upwards of fifty years a member of the St. Peter Mancroft Company of Ringers. In 1831 he rang with the St. Peter's company an intricate peal of Double Norwich Court Bob Major, at St. Michael at Coslany tower, and in 1844 conducted a long peal of Stedman's Cinques on the twelve bells of St. Peter's. The peal consisted of 7,126 changes, and occupied 5 hours 17 minutes in ringing.

At that time it was the longest peal that had been accomplished in the method.

28.-Mr. J. B. Gough, the American temperance advocate, gave an "oration"

at St. Andrew's Hall, Norwich, at a meeting presided over by Canon Lee Warner.

-Died at Norwich, aged 27, Mr. W. Wilson Turnbull, a member of the literary staff of the "Eastern Daily Press." He was the author of Messrs. Weldon's annual, "Benjamin D---," ill.u.s.trated by a Norwich amateur, and of several able pamphlets on the Permissive Bill. At the time of his death, Mr. Turnbull was engaged in the preparation of another annual for Messrs. Weldon.

29.-A meeting of the clergy and lay representatives of the diocese was held at Noverre's Rooms, Norwich, "for the purpose of deciding upon the question of the inst.i.tution of a diocesan conference or synod." The Lord Bishop presided. The Very Rev. Dean Goulburn moved, "That this meeting do advise the Lord Bishop that, in their judgment, it is inexpedient to const.i.tute a diocesan conference to meet periodically." Lord Walsingham seconded the motion. Mr. C. S. Read, M.P., moved a direct negative-"That it is desirable that a conference of the clergy and laity be established in this diocese." The Ven. Archdeacon Groome seconded. After a long discussion, Mr. Read's proposition was adopted by the votes of 140 laity and 115 clergy, against the votes of 15 laity and 6 clergy.

NOVEMBER.

5.-The marriage of Viscount Anson, eldest son of the Earl of Lichfield, and Lady Mildred c.o.ke, youngest daughter of the Earl of Leicester, was solemnised at Holkham church.

6.-The first general meeting of the shareholders of the Norwich Cafe Company was held at the Guildhall, under the presidency of Mr. John Gurney. The company was incorporated in July, with a nominal capital of 20,000, in 20,000 shares of 1 each. About 8,000 shares had been subscribed for at this date, by about 90 shareholders.

7.-The extension of the franchise to female householders was advocated at a public meeting held at St. Giles' Hall, Norwich, presided over by the Mayor (Mr. J. D. Smith), and addresses were delivered by Miss Helen Taylor and Miss P. H. Downing.

9.-Mr. Harry Bullard, on the expiration of his term of office as Sheriff of Norwich, was elected Mayor. For the office of Sheriff there were two nominees, Mr. William Howlett and Mr. Donald Steward. After a long and acrimonious discussion, Mr. Steward was appointed.

16.-At a meeting of the Board of Management of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, Mr. Samuel Herbert Burton was elected house-surgeon, Mr.

Charles Williams surgeon, and Mr. H. S. Robinson a.s.sistant surgeon.

-The memorable and disastrous flood occurred at Norwich. A heavy fall of snow on the 12th, followed by a rapid thaw and continuous rain, had the effect of greatly swelling the tributaries of the Yare and Wensum.

Simultaneously, a north-west wind occasioned a high tide at Yarmouth, so that the river waters were denied their natural outlet. Instead of ebbing with the tide, the Yare rose steadily on the 15th, and many thousand acres of marshes lying between Norwich and Yarmouth were inundated on the following day. The New Mills at Norwich, were, however, responsible for the greater part of the damage from which the city suffered. The obstruction caused the waters to overflow the banks of the river, and, in a short time, many of the streets in the low-lying localities were flooded, and hundreds of the inhabitants were compelled to leave their houses by means of boats. An enormous amount of distress prevailed. The Mayor (Mr. Harry Bullard) convened a meeting at the Guildhall on the 17th (Sunday), at which it was decided to establish centres for the distribution of provisions; and permission was obtained from the Government authorities to make use of the governor's house at the disused City Gaol for the accommodation of the houseless people, of whom 200 found refuge there. The Sessions Court at the Guildhall was opened during the day as a store-house, in which 2,600 loaves of bread and many hundreds of blankets, received from the County Gaol, Asylum, Workhouse, and Cavalry Barracks, were placed ready for distribution. At 6.30 on the same evening another influential meeting was held at the Guildhall, when the Mayor and the Sheriff (Mr. Donald Steward) were publicly thanked for the active part they had taken in mitigating the distress of the people. On the 18th a third meeting took place, at which a relief fund was inaugurated, when, in a few minutes, 2,271 13s. 6d.

was subscribed, an amount which, by the end of the week, was increased to 4,200. Three or four persons lost their lives in the flood. In various parts of the county rivers overflowed their banks, and much damage was done to property. (_See_ January 4th, 1879.)

18.-An art loan exhibition, largely contributed to by n.o.blemen and others in the Eastern Counties, was opened at St. Andrew's Hall, Norwich, by the Mayor (Mr. Harry Bullard) in aid of a fund for the restoration of the church of St. Peter Mancroft. An inaugural ode, specially written by Mr.

E Oxenford, and composed by Dr. Bunnett, was performed by members of the Norfolk and Norwich Musical Union. The exhibition remained open until December 14th, when a balance of 820 3s. 6d. was handed over to the credit of the fund. (_See_ October 4th, 1881.)

19.-At a meeting of the Norwich Town Council, the Provincial Tramways Company applied for permission to construct tramways in the city. The proposed route was to commence at the Cemetery and to proceed by Dereham Road, St. Giles' Road, Chapel Field Road, Queen's Road, Upper Surrey Street, All Saints' Green, Golden Ball Street, Castle Meadow, Prince of Wales Road, Foundry Bridge, and Thorpe Road to Whitlingham Railway Station. An adjourned meeting was held on December 17th, at which it was agreed not to oppose the Bill, provided the Tramways Company consented to the insertion of such clauses, conditions, and restrictions as, in the opinion of the Parliamentary and Bylaws Committee might be deemed necessary. The Norwich Tramways Bill was considered by a Select Committee of the House of Commons, on May 6th, 1879. It was opposed by the Great Eastern Railway Company and Mr. Foster, a local resident, and thrown out after only the promoters' case had been heard. (_See_ January 16th, 1883.)

21.-The Norfolk and Norwich Fat Cattle Show was opened at Chapel Field, Norwich.

DECEMBER.

12.-The old parish church of St. Bartholomew, Heigham, Norwich, which had undergone complete restoration and enlargement, by the addition of a north aisle, at the cost of 2,500, was opened by the Lord Bishop of Norwich.

17.-A special meeting of the Norwich Town Council adopted a vote of sympathy with the Queen and other members of the Royal Family, on the death of the Grand d.u.c.h.ess of Hesse (Princess Alice of England), and a m.u.f.fled peal was rung upon the bells of St. Peter Mancroft. Similar votes were adopted by the Corporations of Yarmouth and Lynn; and the county magistrates voted an address to her Majesty on January 4th, 1879.

19.-Mr. E. C. Bailey resigned the office of Clerk to the Norwich Board of Guardians, after a service of thirty-four years. He was succeeded in the appointment by Mr. John Cross.

22.-Died at his residence, Surrey Street, Norwich, Mr. William Peter Nichols, F.R.C.S., aged 77. Mr. Nichols was born at Yelverton, and was educated at King Edward VI. School, Norwich, under Valpy. He was subsequently articled to Mr. Dalrymple, and, having studied at St.

Thomas' and Guy's Hospitals, under Sir Astley Cooper, pa.s.sed his examinations, and in 1823 established himself in Norwich, where he speedily made a reputation, although it was not until late in life that he reaped the full honours he deserved. On the death of Mr. J. G.

Crosse, Mr. Nichols was elected surgeon of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, a position he held for twenty-two years, and relinquished the post in 1872, when probably the highest possible testimony was paid to his skill as an operator by Dr. Copeman, who mentioned that in lithotomy his average of successful cases was higher than that of Dr. Donne, Dr.

Martineau, or Mr. Norgate, all giants in their day. On his retirement from office he was unanimously appointed honorary consulting surgeon.

Mr. Nichols was also consulting surgeon to the Bethel Hospital, and, with Mr. J. F. Watson, successfully carried on for many years the private asylum at Heigham Hall. He was elected Mayor of Norwich in 1865, and had the honour to take the lead in the reception of the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Duke of Edinburgh, and the Queen of Denmark, when they visited the city in 1866. In politics he was a Liberal, and occupied at various times a seat in the Town Council. He was also a magistrate of the city.

23.-Died at his town residence, 36, Upper Brooke Street, Lieut.-Colonel James Duff, M.P. He was born at Innis House, Elgin, on July 29th, 1831, and was the son of General Sir James Duff, who married Miss Eliza Charlotte Prescott, eldest daughter of General Sir Beeston Prescott, Bart., of Theobald's Park, Herts. Educated at Rugby, he entered the Army in 1851, as ensign in the 23rd Fusiliers, with which regiment he afterwards went to the Crimea, and obtained his captaincy in 1854. At the battle of Inkerman he was taken prisoner, and on his release acted as _aide-de-camp_ to General Syssons, who commanded the Second Brigade Light Division until the end of the war. Captain Duff then embarked with his regiment for China, but the Indian Mutiny breaking out meanwhile, they were ordered to Calcutta, to a.s.sist in its suppression. Captain Duff was present with Lord Clyde at the capture of Lucknow, and was specially mentioned in dispatches for his services. He received the Crimean medal with two clasps, the Turkish medal, the 5th cla.s.s of the Medjidie, &c.

In 1858 he left the service, and the following year married Mary, only daughter of Mr. Edward Dawkins, of Upper Brooke Street, London, and niece of Mr. John Berney Petre, of Westwick House. On taking up his residence in the county, he was appointed to the command of the 3rd Administrative Battalion of Norfolk Rifle Volunteers, and, on the death of the Hon.

Frederick Walpole, was returned as Conservative member for North Norfolk.