Norfolk Annals
Chapter 143 : 8.-Died, aged 91, Mr. John Bennett, for many years resident in Norwich."The decea

8.-Died, aged 91, Mr. John Bennett, for many years resident in Norwich.

"The deceased wore a pigtail to the day of his death and was the last of the old school in the city."

13.-It was announced that an attempt was being made to form a religious order or brotherhood in Norwich, and that a house on Elm Hill, formerly occupied by Mr. Elisha De Hague, had been purchased for conversion into a monastery. Shortly afterwards a party of five brethren, headed by "the notorious Brother Ignatius," took up their quarters in the newly-acquired premises, and, it was a.s.serted, had the countenance, if not the active support, of advanced High Churchmen in the city, under whose auspices at this date lectures were delivered "in defence of Church principles," one of the lecturers being the Rev. Dr. A. F. Littledale. On February 24th, the "Benedictine chapel," known as the "priory of St. Mary and Dunstan,"

was dedicated by Ignatius. From this date scenes of disorder and riot were of frequent occurrence in the neighbourhood of the monastery, and directly and indirectly the existence of the confraternity gave rise to several remarkable incidents. During Easter week the "monks" made daily visits to St. Lawrence' church, which had already been brought into notoriety by the ritualistic practices of the rector, the Rev. E. A.

Hillyard. There daily Communion was celebrated, and the brethren walking in procession to and from the church were a.s.sailed and insulted by the mob. The protection of the police was demanded by Ignatius, and the magistrates were frequently engaged in the hearing of cases of riot and a.s.sault arising out of the proceedings at Elm Hill and St. Lawrence'. A spirit of unrest manifested itself in other directions. On April 6th a person calling himself the Baron De Camin, who stated that he was an ex-priest of the Romish Church, delivered, at the Victoria Hall, St.

Andrew's, a lecture full of scurrilous and indecent observations. A scene of great tumult ensued; the gas was extinguished, and, under cover of darkness, the "baron" escaped. Another lecturer appeared on the 14th and 15th, in the person of Signor (formerly Father) Allessandro Gavazzi, who delivered orations at St. Andrew's Hall, on "Romish Encroachments at Home" and "Garibaldi and Italy's Impending Future." Whilst the High Church party were taking an aggressive stand in the city, a section of the Low Church party in the county, led by the Rev. W. Haslam, of Buckenham, were seeking, under the name of "Revivalism," to introduce Nonconformist methods into the services of the Church. Meanwhile official notice was taken of Mr. Hillyard's proceedings. At a meeting of the Board of Guardians, on April 28th, it was agreed, "That the Rev. E.

A. Hillyard having identified himself with certain persons calling themselves monks, whom he has allowed to partic.i.p.ate in the services of his church, no longer holds the confidence of the Board, and is called upon to resign his situation as chaplain of the Norwich Workhouse." Mr.

Hillyard declined to vacate the office, and a deputation of the Board waited upon the Bishop, who expressed strong disapproval of the reverend gentleman's action. A meeting of the paris.h.i.+oners of St. Lawrence'

pa.s.sed a resolution on May 6th: "That this vestry views with grief and indignation the manner in which Divine wors.h.i.+p has been performed of late, particularly as regards the dressing of the Communion table, and the minister allowing persons calling themselves monks to take a prominent part in the performance of the services." The resolution was numerously signed by the paris.h.i.+oners and presented to the Bishop. St.

Gregory's church, during the inc.u.mbency of the Rev. W. B. Sharpe, became a centre of ritualism, and on June 9th advantage was taken, on the appointment of the new inc.u.mbent, the Rev. J. Wortley, to pet.i.tion the Archdeacon of Norwich to sanction the removal of "a floral cross and other floral decorations from the chancel and the candlesticks from the Communion table, of monograms and emblems recently painted on the chancel steps, and of the curtains and drapery from the walls of the chancel, and to order the restoration of the Commandments, the Belief, and the Lord's Prayer in their place"; and the minister was requested "to discontinue the weekly offering, as it was strongly objected to by many of the paris.h.i.+oners." On August 23rd Mr. Wortley announced that many of the objectionable ornaments had been removed; and on August 27th it was stated that the English Church Union had resolved to raise a special fund to meet expenses that might be incurred by Mr. Smith, churchwarden, in legally protesting against the action which had led to their removal. On June 27th a meeting of the supporters of the district schools of the a.s.sociated parishes of St. Peter Mancroft, St. John Maddermarket, St.

Gregory, St. Lawrence, and St. Margaret, resolved "That the Rev. E. A.

Hillyard had entirely forfeited the confidence of the committee, by mixing himself up with certain persons calling themselves monks, and Mr.

Henry Browne finding it impossible, under the circ.u.mstances, to collect subscriptions, had therefore refused to continue to act with Mr.

Hillyard, either as treasurer, secretary, or manager." Mr. Hillyard upon this decision severed his connection with the a.s.sociation, but refused to accede to a request, signed by some of the leading clergy in Norwich and Norfolk, on July 2nd, to discontinue his practices at St. Lawrence' or to comply with the wishes of the Bishop. On August 17th the Guardians pa.s.sed a resolution prohibiting his further attendance at the Workhouse; and on October 25th Sir John Walsham, the Poor-Law Inspector for the district, held an inquiry at the Guildhall into his conduct. The Poor-Law Board, on December 14th, intimated to the Guardians that they had dismissed Mr. Hillyard from the chaplaincy. The Elm Hill monastery was closed in May, 1866, and the building work of a proposed new chapel to be erected by Ignatius suspended. (_See_ January 16th, 1869.)

22.-Died at Sidcup, Kent, in his 96th year, Mr. Edward Smyth, formerly agent in Norwich of the Bank of England. His early career was spent in the Army. He served at the fall of Seringapatam, in 1799, with the 25th Light Dragoons, who, at Mullavelly, routed the cavalry of Tippoo Sahib, thereby enabling Lord Harris to bring to a successful termination his siege operations against that important fortress. Mr. Smith afterwards served with the Duke of Wellington in that Indian campaign which ended with the famous battles of a.s.saye and Urgam.

MARCH.

8.-The agitation for the repeal of the Malt Tax was re-opened with increased vigour at a large meeting of West Norfolk farmers, held at the Town Hall, Lynn, under the presidency of the High Sheriff (Mr. H. Lee Warner). A resolution was pa.s.sed affirming that the tax was unjust in principle, utterly opposed to the Free Trade policy adopted on the repeal of the Corn Laws, and most injurious to British farmers as producers of barley. Members of Parliament were urged to support its repeal.

9.-Sir Henry Stracey announced to the electors of Yarmouth his intention of retiring from the representation of the borough.

10.-The Mayor of Yarmouth (Mr. R. Steward), who, for the fourth time, had held that office, was presented with a piece of plate, valued at 200 gs., in appreciation of his public services and his private worth.

APRIL.

5.-The church of St. John Maddermarket, Norwich, was re-opened by the Bishop of Norwich. Extensive repairs and restoration had been carried out, under the direction of Messrs. Elmslie, Franey, and Haddon, of London, at the cost of 1,431.

9.*-"Col. Black, Chief Constable of the county, has accepted the command of the Norwich Battalion of Volunteers, as offered him by the Lord Lieutenant, on the retirement of Lieut.-Col. Brett."

22.-Died at his residence, Prince of Wales Road, Norwich, Mr. David Hodgson, artist. He was the son of Mr. Charles Hodgson. "The names of both father and son are connected with the list of local celebrities in Art, in which may be included the names of Crome, Vincent, Stark, and Joseph Stannard." David Hodgson excelled in architectural subjects, which he painted with great care and truthfulness of detail.

26.-The marriage of Viscount Powerscourt and Lady Julia c.o.ke, eldest daughter of the Earl and Countess of Leicester, was solemnised at St.

George's church, Hanover Square.

27.-The first meeting of the Norwich Geological Society was held under the presidency of the Rev. J. Gunn, F.G.S.

MAY.

5.-The Bill for the projected East Norfolk Railway was considered before a Committee of the House of Commons. It was strongly opposed by the Yarmouth Haven and Pier Commissioners, and by the North Walsham and Dilham Ca.n.a.l Commissioners, as offering unfair compet.i.tion with water communication in that part of the county. (_See_ October 18th, 1865.)

16.-Mr. Edmund Rosenthal's grand English opera and burlesque company commenced an engagement at Norwich Theatre. The _artistes_ included Madame Haigh-Dyer, Miss Ada Taylor, Miss Hodgson, Miss Brooke, Miss Alessandri, Miss Bronti, Miss Mills, Miss Shepherd, Miss Tempest, and Miss Marian Taylor; Mr. W. Parkinson, Mr. J. Manley, Mr. Tempest, Mr.

Warden, Mr. Bentley, Mr. Melville, Mr. R. Arthur, Mr. Smith, Mr. Arnott, Mr. Morgan, and Mr. Edmund Rosenthal. The operas produced were "Maritana," "Lucia di Lammermoor," &c., and the burlesque "Prince Amabel."

19.-The Norfolk Hotel, Norwich, was sold by Messrs. Spelman, at the Auction Mart, London, for the sum of 4,000.

24.-The Queen's birthday was observed at Norwich as a general holiday.

The 18th Hussars, the Norfolk Light Horse, the Artillery and Rifle Volunteers, and the Cadet Corps were reviewed in Chapel Field; the officers were entertained at luncheon at the Guildhall, and the Volunteers at the Corn Hall; and at night the Mayor and Miss Springfield gave a ball at St. Andrew's Hall.

30.-Died at his seat, Raveningham Hall, Sir Edmund Bacon, premier baronet of England. Born in 1779, he was the eldest son of the eighth baronet, by Anne, eldest daughter of Sir William Beauchamp Proctor, Bart., of Langley Park. He was educated at Rugby, and succeeded to the baronetcy in 1820. In 1801 he married his cousin, Mary Anne Elizabeth, daughter of Mr. Dashwood Bacon, of Ottery St. Mary, Devon, who died in 1820, leaving two sons and three daughters. Sir Edmund served the office of High Sheriff of Norfolk in 1826, and was a magistrate and Deputy-Lieutenant for the county. He was succeeded in his t.i.tle and estates by his nephew, a son of Mr. Nicholas Bacon, for many years resident in Norwich.

JUNE.

2.-Died at his residence, Tombland, Norwich, Mr. Roger Kerrison, aged 61.

He had for some time been in ill-health, and five weeks before his death, while superintending the cutting down of some timber, sustained a fall and received a severe shock. Mr. Kerrison was, in many respects, a remarkable personage. He was the son of Mr. Allday Kerrison, and was educated for the law, a profession he continued to practise until his decease, although a large accession of fortune on the death of his uncle, Mr. Matthew Kerrison, of Ranworth, twenty years previously, had placed him in independent circ.u.mstances. Mr. Kerrison held several important public appointments, but he was more widely known by reason of his connection with the Norwich Triennial Musical Festival, of which he was for some years the active honorary secretary. In politics he was Conservative, but by no means a prejudiced partisan, and he never scrupled to act independently when he deemed it right to do so. He was a bachelor, and the bulk of his fortune went to his brother, Mr. Allday Kerrison, a partner in the Crown Bank, Norwich.

3.-Died, in his 78th year, Mr. William Johnson Fox, for many years member of Parliament for Oldham, and popularly known as "the Norwich Weaver Boy."

7.-The 18th Hussars left Norwich for Shorncliffe, prior to their embarkation for India. This was the first regiment which departed from the city by train.

8.-The annual show of the Norfolk Agricultural a.s.sociation was held at Lynn, and was visited by upwards of 14,000 persons. Mr. R. J. H. Harvey was president for the year.

18.-Died, near Christchurch, New Zealand, aged 59, the Ven. Octavius Mathias, Archdeacon of Akaron and formerly vicar of Horsford. He was one of the first to take an interest in the foundation of Canterbury Cathedral, New Zealand, and was elected one of the capitular clergy.

JULY.

5.-A barque, named the Oriental, was launched from Mr. J. W. Rust's s.h.i.+pyard at Yarmouth. The vessel, which was intended for the China trade, was 115 feet long, 24 feet beam, 15 ft. 8 inches in depth, and 320 tons burthen.

9.*-"An agreement has been entered into for the purchase, by the Provincial Banking Corporation, of the business of the East of England Bank, an unlimited joint stock bank established in 1836, with head office at Norwich and branches at Yarmouth, Lynn, North Walsham, Fakenham, East Dereham, Swaffham, Bungay, Halesworth, and Harleston, and agencies at Wymondham, Wells, and Hingham." The city was startled on the 20th by the rumour that the Bank had suspended payment. "On those who had accounts at the Bank going to that establishment, the doors were found to be closed, and a printed notice was exhibited in the windows to the effect that the directors regretted to intimate that they were compelled to suspend business. Up to the hour of closing on the previous day the directors, after having resolved to suspend payment, continued to receive the money of unsuspecting customers." A few days afterwards was issued a statement, from which it appeared that the Bank's liabilities were 576,963 7s. 6d., and a.s.sets 453,256 5s. 3d., leaving a deficit of 123,707 2s. 3d. Meetings of the shareholders were held, at which resolutions were pa.s.sed in favour of registering the company under the Companies Act, 1862, with the view to a voluntary winding up. On August 13th it was announced that the Provincial Banking Company had issued a circular to the late customers of the Bank, stating "that being satisfied there was a probability of the customers being paid in full, they had authorised the branch managers at once to give credit to each customer of the East of England Bank in his pa.s.s-book for the full amount of the balance due to him on his current account with the East of England Bank."

Messrs. Harveys and Hudsons, immediately after the issue of the circular, offered like terms. Dividends were, in due course, paid to the creditors of the Bank. In July, 1866, it was stated that the liquidators had announced "a further dividend of 2s. 6d. in the pound, which will make 20s. in the pound distributed, exclusive of interest, payment of which is postponed."

23.-Died at the Palace Hotel, Buckingham Gate, London, Admiral Bertie Cornelius Cator, younger brother of Mr. John Cator, of Beckenham, Kent, and of Woodbastwick. He entered the Navy in 1800, under his uncle, Captain Albemarle Bertie, and was actively employed early in his professional career in the capture of privateers in the Mediterranean.

In 1810 he a.s.sisted at the taking of the Isle of France; commanded the Actaeon on the coast of America in the attack on the enemy's barracks in Lynn Haven Bay in 1813, and partic.i.p.ated in various other services.

After gaining post rank, he was not employed afloat. He accepted retirement in 1846.

29.-Merton Park was the scene of great rejoicing, on the coming of age of the Hon. Thomas de Grey. Seven hundred cottagers and labourers were entertained at dinner, and Lord and Lady Walsingham received a large number of personal friends in a pavilion erected near the famous Merton oak. At luncheon Lord Ashburton proposed the health of Mr. de Grey, which was drunk with great enthusiasm. The day's festivities concluded with a display of fireworks. On the 30th Lord and Lady Walsingham gave a ball to 150 tenants on the Merton estate, and on the 31st the celebration ended with a servants' ball.

AUGUST.

26.-Two troops of the 16th Lancers arrived at Norwich Barracks.

28.-St. George's Brewery, Norwich, and 40 public-houses were offered for sale by Messrs. Spelman. Messrs. Youngs, Crawshay, and Youngs were the purchasers, at the sum of 15,300.

SEPTEMBER.