text:
History of Norfolk/Volume 3/Chapter 36

CHAPTER XXXVI
OF THE CITY IN THE TIME OF KING GEORGE THE FIRST.

George the First was proclaimed King of Great Britain, &c. Aug. 1, 1714, the same day the Queen died; and in this city on the 3d of August, being solemnly crowned on the 20th of Oct. when there were great rejoicings here.

Febr. 1, a great storm of wind from the west did much damage.

In 1715, Dec. 17, Mr. Tho. Hall, late of London, merchant, son of John Hall of Norwich, Esq. lieutenant colonel of the militia regiment, justice of peace, and late mayor, was interred at St. George's of Colgate.

Before the corpse went 34 boys clothed at the expense of his executors, being the number of the years of his age; they were followed by most of the city clergy; the pall was supported by six bachelors, the artillery company, near 100 in number, all in black cloaks, laced hats, swords, white gloves, and silk knots, (given at the funeral,) closed the procession. The Rev. Mr. John Clark preached his funeral sermon from Revelations xiv. v. 13.

He gave for erecting a monthly lecture, (now called by his name, ) in the city of Norwich, 200l.

Towards the maintenance of Bethel hospital (or Bedlam) 200l.

To the charity schools in the city of Norwich 100l.; 50l. to those of the church of England, and 50l. to the Protestant dissenters.

An 100l. to be laid out in a gold chain, to be worn by the mayors successively, with which the present [1742] gold chain, to be worn by the mayors was purchased, which weighs 23 ounces and 6 penny weights; Mr. Aug. Metcalf was the first that put it on, on the Gildday when he was sworn.

Sir Peter Seaman, Knt. died in January this year, and was buried in a vault made for him in St. Gregory's by the north chancel door; he left provision by will, to bind out two poor lads yearly for ever; the first year, out of St. Gregory's parish, and then year by year out of all the parishes in East-Wimer ward, (of which he was alderman,) in their several turns, and then to revert again to St. Gregory's, &c.

On the 6th of March, about 7 at night, appeared a very strange and unusual sight in the north, a little above the horizon, which surprised many; several of the same nature (though not so fierce in appearance) having been since seen, make these auroræ boreales common, and consequently not taken much notice of.

In 1717, two mayors died in less than four months time.

In 1720, on the 20th day of Sept. a great riot happened, under pretence of destroying callicoes, as pernicious to the trade of Norwich stuffs; the rabble cutting several gowns in pieces on women's backs, entering shops to seize all callicoes found there, &c. beating the constables that endeavoured to apprehend them, opposing the sheriffs power to such a degree, that the artillery company was forced to be raised, upon the approach of which, they instantly dispersed.

In 1722, an act passed for the better qualifying the manufacturers of stuffs and yarn, in the city and liberties thereof, to bear offices of magistracy, and for regulating the elections of such officers. It took place on Midsummer day,
 * 1723, and sets forth, that whereas anciently the chief manufactures of the city were russels, sattens, sattens reverses, and fustians, the makers of which, by an act of 1st and 2d of P. and M. were obliged to become freemen, by means of which the city had a constant supply of  able magistrates, but those manufactures being disused, and others introduced in their stead, the good designs of the said act were wholly lost; to remedy which, this act obliged all manufacturers or makers of any sort of stuffs made of wool, or wherein there is any mixture of wool; and all makers of wool into yarn, who are not journeymen or servants for hire, master-weavers, and master woolcombers, and persons dealing or trading as such, or employing servants or journeymen in any such manufactures, or having any interest, stock, share, or partnership, in any such manufactures, inhabiting or living within the said city of Norwich and county of the same, to be made free of the said city, and admitted freemen thereof. All persons then in trade were obliged to take up their freedom, paying a guinea each, before June 24, 1723, and all future manufacturers being foreigners, upon their request at any publick assembly, were to be admitted and made free of the city, paying any sum not exceeding 5l. and taking the usual oaths.

Every person exercising any of the said manufactures, and refusing so to take up their freedom, upon a prosecution commenced within six months after such fact committed, shall forfeit 10l. every kalendar month so long as he shall use the said manufactures contrary to this ACT.

And for the better qualifying persons for to bear office of magistracy, and to prevent false polling, it was enacted, that if any person elected sheriff, at any court of mayoralty between the 24th of June and 10th of August following, shall within 14 days after notice in writing given him of his being elected, make oath, or if a quaker, solemnly affirm, that he is not at that time worth 2000l. in the world, his debts being paid, every such person shall for that turn be excused serving the office, gratis; and any person that shall in like manner swear himself not worth 3000l. shall be excused serving the office, if he pays a fine of 50l.; and if under 4000l. he shall be excused serving the office for 80l.; but no person worth above 2000l. shall be excused from serving for above one year, without the consent of the mayor, sheriffs, citizens and commonalty, in common council assembled.

After the first of May, 1723, at every election of mayor, sheriff, alderman, or common-council-man, the mayor, or presiding officer, in case a poll be demanded by any of the candidates, or any three or more of the electors, shall appoint a convenient number of clerks to take the polls, which clerks shall be sworn indifferently to take the poll, and set down the name of each voter, with his addition and place of abode, and for whom be shall poll, but shall not admit any one to poll, unless he first swears (or being a quaker affirms) that he is a freeman of the city of Norwich, (and in case of an election for an alderman, or common-council-man,) that he is an inhabitant in the ward for which such election is made, and hath not been polled at that election. And at every election, on closing the polls, the number of voters in each poll shall be publickly proclaimed; and if a scrutiny be demanded by or in behalf of any candidate, or by any three or more of the electors voting at such election, within 24 hours after closing the polls, or proclamation made of the numbers as aforesaid, such scrutiny shall be proceeded in by the mayor or presiding officer, who within seven days after demand, shall deliver to the person or persons requiring such scrutiny, or some of them, under 500l. penalty, a true copy of the polls, paying only reasonably for writing the same, not exceeding the rate of 6d. for the names and additions of 20 voters, and such scrutiny shall begin within 12 days, and not less than 10 days after closing the poll, and shall be publickly proceeded in at the place of election, without any unnecessary delay.

And whereas it hath sometimes happened, that at the death of an alderman, the election of another hath been long deferred, it is enacted, that after the 25th of March 1723, upon the death or removal of any alderman, the mayor or his deputy appointed by him, shall within the space of five days at the longest, and not sooner than two days after such death or removal, and the said mayor or deputy have notice thereof, proceed to elect a new alderman, giving twenty-four hours notice of such election, to the freemen of the ward.

It is to be taken as a publick act, and all judges, justices, &c. are to take notice of it as such, without specially pleading the same.

And it is in no wise to extend to the palace of the Bishop, or the precinct of the cathedral.

About this time was passed an act also, for clearing, depthning, extending, maintaining, and improving the haven and piers of Great Yarmouth, and for depthning and making more navigable the several rivers, emptying themselves in the said town: and also for preserving ships wintering in the said haven, from accidents by fire;

By which the channels of that part of the river Yare, leading from Great Yarmouth to Norwich, called Braydon, and that part lying between the new mills in Norwich, and Hardly-cross in Hardly, and also the rivers Waveny, and Bure, commonly called the North River, are to be depthned and made more navigable for boats and keels, for which the following duties shall be paid for 21 years to come, and to the end of the then next session of parliament, computing from Lady day 1723, for all goods unladen in Yarmouth haven, or in the sea called Yarmouth Road, extending from the south part of Scrathy town in Norfolk, to the north part of Corton town in Suffolk, viz. every chalder of coals, Winchester measure, last of wheat, rye, barley malt, or other grain, weigh of salt, every tun of other goods or merchandise whatever, (fish only excepted,) such sum or sums of money (not exceeding the sum o 12d.) as the mayor, burgesses, and commonalty of Great Yarmouth in common council assembled shall from time to time order and appoint, the produce of the said duties to be applied to the said uses in the following proportions, such part not exceeding the sum of 6d. for the town of Yarmouth, for their haven, &c. and three-pence, other part of the said duties, shall be paid by the chamberlains of Yarmouth, every Midsummer day, viz. one penny halfpenny to the chamberlain of Norwich, to be applied in cleansing and depthning the river from the New mills to Hardly cross, and for such other purposes as the mayor, sheriffs, citizens, and commonalty, in common council assembled, shall appoint; and one halfpenny of each 3d. shall be paid to such person or persons as shall be yearly appointed by the justices of peace at the quarter sessions held at Norwich castle, to be applied towards depthning and clearing the river Bure, or North River, or such other purposes as the justices shall appoint, one other halfpenny to such persons as the Suffolk justices shall appoint at Beccles sessions for the river Waveney, or such other purposes as they shall appoint; and the other halfpenny to such persons as the corporation of Yarmouth shall appoint towards repairing the bridge and publick keys there, or for such other purposes as the said corporation shall appoint, and the other three-pence in the shilling, or so much thereof as shall be thought by the 12 commissioners, or any seven of them, necessary to be raised by this act, to be applied in the effectual clearing and depthning the channel in Braydon, in such manner as shall be ordered by the majority of the commissioners, at their meeting at Yarmouth; and the overplus, if any be, to be applied by the majority, to such other uses as they think convenient.

The last three-pence is not to be raised, but upon notice, signed by seven of the commissioners, at their meeting at Yarmouth, acquainting the mayor there, that it is necessary to raise it, and for what purposes.

The justices of Norfolk may allot part of the money belonging to the river Bure, for depthning that branch of the said river leading from St. Bennet's abbey, to Dilham in Norfolk.

Yarmouth corporation is to nominate collectors and receivers, who are to pay the money into the chamberlain's hands.

There are 12 commissioners to have the inspection and take account of the money, &c. (except the three-pence paid to Norwich, Norfolk, Suffolk, and Yarmouth, as aforesaid.)

Three of which to be nominated every year, by the mayors, burgesses, and commonalty of Yarmouth, in common council assembled.

Three others by the city of Norwich, in common council assembled.

Three by the justices of peace for Norfolk, at their Christmas quarter sessions.

And three other in like manner by the justices of Suffolk; which commissioners, or any number of them, five being of Norfolk, Suffolk, and Norwich, may act, &c.

The mayor of Yarmouth, or his deputy, is to swear the collectors and receivers, who are to be allowed any sum not exceeding 6d. in the pound, and to remove them, &c.

The commissioners are to meet at Yarmouth every year, on or before the 20th of May, after their nomination any two of the commissioners of Norwich or the counties, giving the mayor of Yarmouth, or his deputy, fourteen days notice of such their meeting; and if five commissioners of the city and counties do not meet, the mayor, burgesses, and commonalty of Yarmouth, in common council assembled, may execute the powers given by the act.

All goods that are exported out of Yarmouth haven, upon oath made before a receiver, are to have the custom paid by this act allowed them again.

Watchers are to be appointed by the mayor, on the key, to take care of fire in ships, &c. from Nov. 1, to March 1, and each ship lying one month in the harbour, between those days, are to pay a halfpenny a ton towards finding them, and to forfeit 10s. for each fire or candle seen in their ships laid up to winter in the haven, and the watchers are to enter and extinguish them, such ships as have custom-house officers on board, only excepted.

The city of Norwich may assign over their part of this tonnage, by indenture under their common seal, as security for money borrowed by them for the said uses, and so may the justices of Norfolk, or the major part of them, at any quarter sessions.

This is to be deemed as a publick act, and taken as such without special pleading the same.

In 1724, the statue of Justice was placed on the hall in the market place, and the sheriff's office rebuilt.

In 1725, on Monday, Oct. 4, the court, attended with near 200 gentlemen and principal tradesmen, passed through the market to the New-hall, which was then opened, and solemnly proclaimed an exchange, to be kept from 11 to one of the clock every day, (except Saturdays and Sundays,) for the dispatch of business between merchants and tradesmen.

This year a petition of the mayor, sheriffs, citizens, and commonalty, of the city of Norwich in common council assembled, was presented to the house and read, setting forth, that the greatest part of the city of Norwich is encompassed with thick stone walls, wherein are 12 large gates, and there are also six large bridges over the river, running through the same city, also divers publick wastes, stathes, and wharfs, which are become very ruinous and out of repair, and that the revenues of the corporation of Norwich are so exhausted, that they are not able any longer to support the charge of the same: and likewise the roads leading from St. Stephen's-gate in the said city, towards Eaton, to the end of the Town Close, and from the said gate towards Hartford bridges, to the end of the said Town Close, being the great roads to London, are in a very ruinous and dangerous condition, and it is not known what towns or parishes ought to repair the same, and that it will require a large sum of money to defray the charges of the said several reparations; and therefore praying that leave may be given to bring in a bill to relieve the petitioners in such manner as the house shall think meet and convenient. Which was accordingly granted, and an act thereupon passed, which commenced May 1, 1726, by which there were laid divers tolls or duties upon all goods or merchandises brought up the river, higher than Thorp-hall, in Thorp, viz. every chaldron of coals Winchester measure, to pay 4d. every last of corn, malt, or grain, 4d.; every 3 hogsheads of sugar, tobacco, melasses, or hogsheads packed with dry goods, 4d.; every 3 puncheons of liquor, 4d.; every 8 barrels of soap, raisins, oil, pitch, tar, or packed with dry goods, 4d.; every whole butt or two half butts of currants, 4d.; every two pipes of Smyrna raisins, 4d.; every 24 bags of nails, 4d.; every 60 bars of iron, 4d.; every 50 pieces of iron called shortboards, 4d.; every 8 pigs or a fodder of lead, 4d.; every Peak milstone, or pair of Cologn milstones, 4d.; every 40 firkins of butter or archel, 4d.; every 22 hundred weight of cheese, 4d.; every 20 square feet of stone, 4d.; every thousand pantiles, 4d.; every 80 single deals and 40 double deals, 4d.; every 50 square feet of fir or other timber, 4d.; every two bags of hops, 4d.; every 8 horse packs of any sort of goods, 4d.; every ton of all other sorts of goods, 4d.; to be computed according to the custom of ship or water tonnage, and so in proportion for every greater or lesser quantity, which shall be water born or brought up the river higher than Thorp-hall, to be paid to the mayor, sheriffs, &c. or the collectors by them appointed; and when received; to be by them applied towards rebuilding or repairing the walls and bridges aforesaid, and towards amending, repairing, and maintaining the gates, wastes, stathes, wharfs, and highways or roads aforesaid, and other publick works within the said city, and to no other purpose whatsoever.

Every one giving a false account more than of three tons of the number of tons of his lading, to forfeit 20s.

An office to be erected somewhere between Thorp-hall, and St. Anne's stath in Norwich, where a collector or receiver shall constantly reside for receiving such duties, from five in the morning to eight at night, from the 10th of March yearly, to the 10th of Sept. and from seven in the morning to five in the afternoon, daring the rest of the year.

And if the city erects a boom, they shall place near it an office as aforesaid, and an officer shall attend day and night and let pass all boars, wherries, keels, &c. on their giving an account of their lading, and paying the duty, and let all pass at all times down to Yarmouth without interruption; and if any be voluntarily stopped above half an hour, the officer so offending shall for every half hour forfeit to the person so aggrieved, 2s. 6d. to be levied by any justice of pence in the city, on the oath of the party aggrieved.

The city under their common seal, may borrow money, and assign over the produce of the customs, or part thereof, to repay it with legal interest.

The act is not to lessen or take away any duties, which before the making of it were due and payable to the mayor, sheriffs, &c. at their common stathe, or any other stathes, in the city, but they are to continue in like manner as they were before the act.

And whereas the inhabitants of Norfolk must necessarily bear some share of the duty arising from this act, and to put an end to all disputes between the county and city, relating to the repairing, amending, or rebuilding the bridges called Trowse bridges, Harford bridges, Cringleford and Earlham bridges, the city agreed to pay yearly for bridgemoney, to the treasurer of the county of Norfolk, 30l. towards the charges of the said bridges, every 25th day of March, for which all the said bridges are to belong to the county of Norfolk, in the same manner as other publick county bridges do.

The act is to be deemed and allowed as a publick act in all courts, without specially pleading the same.

In 1726, Berstreet gates and Brazen door were rebuilt.

In 1727, the fish-market was new paved, and the stalls built.

The extreme heat in July and August occasioned many to be carried off with fevers and agues; and the contagion was general.

On Sunday the 11th of June, about three in the morning, died King George I. at the palace of the Bishop of Osnaburgh, in Germany.

Burgesses in Parliament

 * 1714, Waller Bacon of Earlham, Esq. † Rob. Britiffe of Norwich, Esq.
 * 1722, They were re-elected.
 * 1727, They were chosen the third time.

title: History of Norfolk/Volume 3/Chapter 36


text:
History of Norfolk/Volume 3/Chapter 37

CHAPTER XXXVII
OF THE CITY IN THE TIME OF KING GEORGE THE SECOND.

George the Second, King of Great Britain, &c. was magnificently crowned, with his royal consort, Queen Caroline, on the 11th of October, 1727.

In 1728, was renewed and published the Table to show what Habits the right worshipful Mr. Mayor, Justices, Sheriffs, and Aldermen of the city of Norwich, and such as have been Sheriffs, are to wear upon all festival days, and at other meetings.

On Christmas day, the mayor justices, and aldermen,in scarlet; the sheriffs in violet: and in the afternoon, the mayor and justices in cloaks of justice.

The same on Twelfth day; (when Mr. Anguish's commemoration sermon is at St. Edmund's in the afternoon;) Palm-Sunday, Easterday, Wednesday in Easter week, (when the court is at St. Helen's church in the afternoon:) Ascension-day, (at Archbishop Parker's commemoration;) Whit-Sunday, Trinity-fair-day, (to go at 10 o'clock through the fair in procession;) Trinity Sunday, and Sunday in assize week, (to wait on the judges.)

The mayor in scarlet, the justices, sheriffs, and aldermen in black, on St. Stephen's, St. John's, and Innocent's days, St. Matthias and Midsummer days, if Sundays.

The mayor in scarlet, the justices, sheriffs, and aldermen in violet, on New-year's day, Easter Monday, Whitsun Monday, St. George's even and Holy-mass day, if Sunday.

Mr. mayor, justices, sheriffs, and aldermen in black, on the 30th of January, Good-Friday, Rogation Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

Mr. mayor in violet, the justices, sheriffs, and aldermen in black, on Candlemas day, Easter Tuesday, and Whitsun Tuesday.

The mayor, and justices in scarlet, the sheriff's and aldermen in violet, on May day, and Michaelmas day.

The mayor and aldermen in scarlet, and the justices to have their scarlet cloaks brought to the New-hall before morning, at St. George's feast, or the gild-day.

The mayor in velvet, the justices and aldermen in scarlet, the sheriffs in violet, on the 29th of May, the coronation day, and the 5th of November.

The mayor in scarlet, justices and sheriffs in violet, and aldermen in black, on the last Tuesday in Aug.

At sessions, the mayor, the three first days in scarlet, the justices and sheriffs in violet.

On court days the mayor and sheriffs in their gowns.

Commemoration sermons, at which the court attend, besides those mentioned, are, Sir John Pettus's at St. Simon and Jude's church, in the afternoon, on the first Sunday in August.

Sir Joseph Payne's at St. Gregory's, August 19, once in seven years; preached in 1738.

Mr. Maultby's at St. Mary's, October 28, in the afternoon.

Lady Suckling's at St. Andrew's on Friday after St. Simon and Jude.

Sir John Suckling's there the Sunday after.

Mr. Codd's at St. Peter's per Montergate, on Sunday before St. Thomas.

The mayor and justices to wear English gowns faced with furs, from Holy-mass to May day.

When the mayor and aldermen wear scarlet, such as have been sheriffs wear violet; but when the aldermen wear violet, such as have been sheriffs wear black.

At assemblies, the mayor and aldermen are to wear their gowns, and such as have been sheriffs are to be in English gowns and silk tippits, and all the commoners in their gowns and hoods.

And whenever the mayor, justices, and aldermen wear scarlet, the sword, cap of maintenance, and maces are to be born.

In 1729, was an act passed for the better regulating of elections in the city of Norwich, and for preserving the peace, good order, and government of the said city, which took place April 25, 1730, by which it which it was enacted, that at every election for burgesses in parliament, every one that votes must swear, that he hath been admitted to his freedom 12 kalendar months before that election, and that he hath not been polled at that election before, or (in case of an election for two members) but for one person.

And in all elections for mayor or sheriffs, instead of the oath required in the act made in the 9th of George I. each shall swear, that he hath not only been a freeman as aforesaid, but that for six kalendar months last past, he hath been an inhabitant within the liberties thereof.

And in elections for aldermen or common-council-men, each man shall swear, that for six kalendar months last past (he) hath been an inhabitant within the ward for which the election is.

And all persons in work-houses, hospitals, or prisons, are to poll in that ward in which they inhabited the last six kalendar months before their entering such places, the truth of which they must also swear.

And if any refuse to take such oaths, which are to be administered by the mayor, his deputy, or such sworn clerks as shall be by himself or deputy appointed, such person's votes are to be rejected and disallowed.

In all elections a check, and one of the sworn clerks, shall be admitted to the common gaol, to take the votes of those confined there, and the sheriffs, gaoler, or prison keepers, are to admit them for that purpose, under 50l. penalty for refusal.

At all elections, every person, if required by any one of the clerks at any poll, must first take the oaths appointed by the act of 1 George I. or else their vote to be disallowed, and the presiding officer or the sworn clerks refusing to administer such oaths, forfeit 50l. besides costs of suit.

And if any person takes the oaths appointed by this present act, wilfully, falsely, and corruptly, if they be convicted by information or indictment, they shall incur all such penalties as persons convicted of wilful corrupt perjury are liable to by common law.

There are to be no more than three common-council-men for each great ward yearly elected by the freemen, upon the days appointed by the charters, and the three so elected for each great ward, or the major part of them, shall within 48 hours after their elections, or within six days after such scrutiny as shall be demanded on their polls are finished, upon notice thereof from the mayor or his deputy, elect and fill up the remaining number of common council-men, directed to be elected by the charters of the said city, for each great ward, under 50l. penalty, and all such named by the three are to be as effectually common council-men, as if elected by all freemen; and if any person elected by the common council as aforesaid, shall refuse to serve, or happen to die, the three common council-men entered in the assembly book for that ward where such vacancy is, who shall be then living, shall in 48 hours after notice from the mayor, &c. fill up such vacancy by electing others to serve in their stead the rest of the year.

The mayor, or his deputy, appointed under his hand and seal, or in case of the mayor's death, the surviving justice of the peace, who last served the office of mayor, shall be the presiding officer at every election of mayor, sheriffs, aldermen, and common council-men, and of such scrutinies as shall be demanded thereupon.

And no person shall be subject to be elected into the office of sheriff of the city of Norwich, who is not an inhabitant thereof, at the time of such election.

No act, order, or ordinance whatsoever, at any time from and after the 25th day of April, 1730, shall be made or passed in the common council or assembly of the representative body of the said city, without the assent of the mayor, sheriffs, and aldermen present at such common council or assemby, or the major part of them, nor without the assent of the commons present at such common council or assembly, or the major part of them.

The Mayor elect, and the mayor for the time being, to nominate and appoint, for the time of his mayoralty, a sword-bearer, two ward officers, and such other inferior officers, as have been customary for them to nominate and elect.

The mayor shall summon the sheriffs, aldermen, and common council-men, to meet at the quarterly assemblies according to custom, and if one of the sheriffs, and the major part of the aldermen or common council-men, shall neglect to meet at the Gild-hall at the time appointed for holding an assembly upon notice left in writing at their several houses 24 hours before the time fixed, each so absenting shall forfeit 5s. over and above such prosecutions as they may be subject to by law, and one of them that shall depart from any assembly without consent of the mayor, shall forfeit 10s. to be paid to the chamberlain for the city, over and above such prosecutions as they may be subject to by law.

All penalties (except the 5s. and 10s.) shall be recovered by action of debt in any of his Majesty's court of record at Westminster, in the name of the chamberlain of the city, and when recovered, shall be for the benefit of the city, and the 5s. and 10s. shall be levied by distress and sale of the offender's goods, by warrant of two justices of peace of the said city, and paid to the chamberlain, returning the overplus, if any be, to the offenders.

The act is to be taken and deemed a publick act, and be judicially taken notice of as such by all judges, justices, and courts whatsoever, without specially pleading the same.

In 1730, the right honourable the Lord Lynn, lord lieutenant for the county of Norfolk, and county and city of Norwich, sent down new commissions for Capt. Balderstone, and the rest of the officers of the artillery company.

In 1731, the market place began to be new paved.

October 30, a large sturgeon taken in a poor fisherman's nets at Sheringham, was brought hither, being 12 feet long; the liver weighed five stone and an half.

At the quarterly assembly, on St. Matthias's day, were 161 persons admitted and sworn freemen, and a committee appointed for that purpose, reported that they had treated with St. George's company, who agreed to resign their books, charters, and records, into the hands of the city, which was done, and that company's power suspended, and the following procession agreed upon for the gild day, instead of the said company's viz.

At nine in the morning, the sheriffs, justices, and aldermen, shall attend the new-elect mayor at his house, and with him wait on the old mayor, and go thence to the Gild-hall, where the common council are to be ready in their black gowns, whence they are all to proceed to the cathedral as follows.

Two trumpeters, a standard-bearer, two blue-coat officers with staves, the common council-men as elected for the great wards two abreast, the speaker of the commons alone, a standard, the city musick, the city officers,the mayor and mayor-elect, the recorder and steward, the justices, the sheriff's, and aldermen, all in their usual habits, the whole being closed by four sheriff's officers.

After divine service, they are to proceed from the cathedral in like manner (the orator and speech boys following the court) to the Gild-hall, and after the mayor is there sworn, they are to go in manner aforesaid to the New-hall, where before dinner (if there be time) the orator and speech boys are each to make their speech, and after the feast, the justices, sheriffs, aldermen, and common council-men (following then the aldermen) are first to attend the new mayor home, and then the old mayor.

And the company of the feast of the mayor, sheriffs, citizens, and common-council, commonly called St. George's Company, being laid aside, together with the procession on the day of swearing the mayor, it was ordered, that for the future, every mayor should be excused making a gild breakfast, and holding any mayor's feasts in May or August, and that in lieu thereof, the new-elect-mayor shall make a feast on the day he is sworn at the New-hall, and there entertain the recorder, steward, sheriffs, justices, aldermen, and their ladies, and common council-men; and every mayor that makes such a feast, he, his executors, or administrators, shall be entituled to an allowance or grant of one hundred pounds, to be paid by the chamberlain of the city, immediately after making the said feast, and the further sum of 50l. shall be paid by the chamberlain to such person as shall be mayor of the city on Christmas day next ensuing such feast.

This year, 487l. 5s. 4d. was collected in the city, for the sufferers by fire in Blandford, Tiverton, and Ramsey.

In 1732, there was great damage done by mad dogs, many beasts perishing thereby; Mr. Reeve of St. Peter's of Hungate died by a bite of his favourite dog, as was said. The year was very sickly.

Sherer's Cross, commonly called Charing Cross, which was a  neat ancient stone pillar, was taken down this year, and the market cross also.

A new silk damask gown was bought by the corporation, to be worn by the speaker of the common council, on all publick occasions, and was first worn on the gild-day, by Mr. ''Tho. Johnson, then common speaker''.

In 1733, July 11, at an assembly then held, the right honourable Sir Robert Walpole was complimented with his freedom, and sworn in person in the Gild-hall, and was then presented by the mayor with the copy of his freedom in a gold-box, after which he made a short speech, thanked them for the honour they had done him, and assured them of his endeavours at all times to promote the city's welfare.

Tombland was paved, and the front of St. Stephen's gates beautified.

In 1734, a new silver mace, weighing 168 ounces, gilt and finely exchased, was presented to the city by the right honourable Sir ''Rob. Walpole; on the cup part of it are Sir Robert's arms, and the arms of the city; it was first carried before the mayor on the 29th of May''.

On the 31st of Dec. was the greatest flood known since 1696; all Heighan was under water, and several streets in the lower part of the city, so that boats rowed in them.

In 1735, the artillery company presented a picture of their Capt. Timothy Balderstone, Esq, to be hung in the New-hall.

In 1736, a picture of ''Tho. Harwood, Esq. treasurer of the charity schools, was hung up in the New-hall'', being presented by a subscription of the trustees of the said schools,

And another of ''Tho. Vere'', Esq.

Hoghill was paved this year, and the city was much visited with the small pox.

In 1737, Oct. 4, was a very great flood.

A picture of ''Benj. Nuthall, Esq. was hung up in the New-hall''.

The gild was kept this year according to the ancient custom, with hangings, pictures, &c.

Nov. 20, died her most sacred majesty Caroline Queen of Great Britain, &c. and was interred Saturday, Dec. 17, when at six in the evening, the great bell of every church in this city began to toll, and continued tolling till 11 at night. The mayor and court appeared in deep mouring at church on Sunday. Of whom the following deserved encomium was then made:

When as Heaven's gift, the crown she wore, None e're deserved it, none adorn'd it more, Belov'd and honour'd thro' each various scene, As friend, as wife, as mother, and as Queen: Her life, of all the learned the esteem, The maid's example, and the matron's theme: Her death, the wish and comfort of the wise, Religion's honour, and great vertue's prize.

Mrs. Anne Havet of this city being indisposed and let blood, had a living worm about three inches long come out of the orifice of her vein, while she was bleeding; she did not live long after.

In 1738, the ditches on the southern part of the Castle-hill were levelled, and now the market for cattle is kept there.

In 1739, Oct. 30, being the King's birthday, war was proclaimed against Spain, by the court, on horseback, in six different places of the city; the two sheriffs appeared then first with their gold-chains on, which were given by ''Tho. Emerson of London, a native of this city, to be worn by the sheriffs'' for the time being; they cost 100 guineas each.

The gild was kept as anciently, with hangings, garlands, pictures, &c.

This winter was extremely cold and sharp, a deep snow fell about Christmas day, and laid till March, and when it brake up, was a prodigious flood; it exceeded the coldest days in the sharp winters in 1708, and 1715, and continued so long, that had not the poor in this city, and other places, been generously relieved by the wealthy, many must have perished.

In 1740, wheat was above 20s. a comb, and other corn very dear. The season held so cold, that on the 5th of May in the morning, it snowed so much, that at 10 o'clock, the snow hung on the cathedral spire, from its top to the second windows.

Nov. 8, was a violent hurricane of wind, but not altogether so high as in 1703.

This year, on pretence of the scarcity and dearness of grain, there was much rioting throughout the kingdom, and at most of the principal places in Norfolk, as Yarmouth, Lyn, &c. at Wisbitch assizes fourteen were found guilty, but were not all executed; in Norfolk two were convicted and executed accordingly. There were none executed for the riot in this city, which came to such a height, that the magistrates were obliged to seek for assistance from the soldiers quartered here, whose commanding officer, fired upon the populace in order to quell them, by which means several unconcerned persons were accidentally killed, and only one of the rioters, who was said to be the chief ringleader: a lad, who was shot in the knee, died of the wound, and was said in the publick papers to be the 7th person that lost his life by this riot.

In 1741, at an assembly held May 3, it was ordered, that no person for the future, being a foreigner, should be permitted to exercise any trade in the city longer than six months, without taking up the freedom of the city.

Burgesses In Parliament

 * 1727, † Robert Britiffe, Esq. Waller Bacon, Esq.
 * 1734, † Horatio Walpole, Waller Bacon died, and † Tho. Vere, Esq. was chosen in his room.
 * 1741, Horatio Walpole, Esq. and Tho. Vere, Esq. are the present members.

And thus I have brought down the history of this city from its rise to the present year 1742, September 29, when the whole corporation, consisting of the mayor, sheriffs, recorder, steward, justices, aldermen, common council-men, and other officers, are as follow,

The right worshipful William Wigget, Esq. Mayor, who was chosen alderman of Coslany ward, July 11, 1733.

William Greenaway, Esq. sheriffs.

Thomas Wigg, Esq.

Robert Britiffe, Esq. recorder, chosen May 3, 1737, on the resignation of Richard Berney, Esq.

William Brooke, Esq. steward, chosen June 14, 1727, on the resignation of Richard Berney, Esq.

The Aldermen past the chair, and consequently justices of peace, in the whole city and county thereof, are,

The Aldermen below the chair, who are justices in their own wards only, are,

The city is divided into four great wards, out of which 60 of the chief commoners are yearly elected common council-men, to be of the assembly to join with the mayor, sheriffs, &c. to consult, advise, determine, and enaot, any thing concerning the state of the city, viz.

The great ward of Mancroft, which elects 16 common council. of Wimer, which elects 20. of Conisford, which elects 12.

And that beyond the water, or Northern ward, which elects 12.

And these four, are subdivided each into three small or petty wards, viz.

Mancroft contains Mancroft, St. Stephen's, and St. Giles's.

Wimer contains East-Wimer, Middle-Wimer, and West-Wimer wards.

Conisford contains South-Conisford, North-Conisford, and Berstreet wards.

The Northern ward contains Fybridge,Colgate, and Coslany wards.

And each of the petty wards have two aldermen to serve for it, elected by the freemen of the great ward that it lies in.

Common-council-men
For Mancroft great ward.

1. Dan. Ganning.

2. James Elmy.

3. John Aldridge.

4. Hen. Crosgrove.

5. Timothy Ganning.

6. Mark Addy.

7. Timothy Money.

8. Robert Francis.

9. Fran. Procter.

10. Thomas Colton.

11. Isaac Schuldham.

12. Edmund Clarke.

13. Tho. Craske.

14. Edward Appleby.

15. John Nickalls.

16. Jeremiah Berry.

For Wimer great ward.

1. John Simpson, plamber.

2. James Barnham.

3. Edmond Hooke.

4. William Chase.

5. John Hoyle.

6. William Woods.

7. Robert Rushbrooke.

8. John Webb.

9. † Robert Wingfield.

10. John Turner.

11. John Simpson, glover.

12. John Shilling.

13. Jolland Leach.

14. James Holland.

15. Elisha D'Hague.

16. John Gay, junior.

17. Samuel Mottram.

18. Joseph Chamberlain.

19. William White.

20. William Clarke.

The Conisford great ward.

1. George Hainsworth.

2. Will Sherringham.

3. William Lincolne.

4. William Tuck.

5. James Merry.

6. Richard Phillips.

7. Townsend Sheringham.

8. George Sharpen.

9. Benjamin Pendleton.

10. Will. Pearson.

11. Samuel Tooke.

12. Tho. Simpson.

The Northern great ward.

1. Richard Humfrey.

2. Ambrose Gedge.

3. Robert Mott.

4. Abraham Larwood.

5. Thomas Hurnard.

6. Peter Colombine.

7. Samuel Harvey.

8. John Wigget.

9. John Day, junior.

10. Joseph Hardingham.

11. Charles Buckle.

12. Ralph Smith.

Mr. Nehemiah Lodge, town-clerk, elected June 20, 1730.

Mr. John Ewan, foreign-receiver, and deputy-clerk.

Officers annually elected at the assembly held May 3, are,

Coroners, Alderman John Wood. Mr. Ambrose Gedge.

Chamberlain, Mr. Thomas Kirkpatrick.

Sub-chamberlain, Thomas Burrage.

Twenty-four constables, for the twelve wards, two for each.

Thirty and two guardians, according to the workhouse act.

Officers attending the Mayor are,

Mr. John Hilyard, sword-bearer and water-bailiff.

Henry Harper and Mathew Baltis, officers at mace.

Thomas Kemplin and Thomas Hovell, marshal-men.

William Smith, bellman.

John Tuck, charcoal-man.

John Weston, John Tyler, Will. Reeve, Sam. Cooke, and Isaac Lawes, wayts.

The other officers are,

Under-sheriff, Mr. Dan. Negus.

Gaoler, Aaron Fromow.

Serjeants at mace to the Sheriffs are,

1. Henry Stone.

2. Daniel Peachman.

3. Henry Wharton.

4. Tho. Rawlins.

5. John Simpson.

6. Richard Harvey.

7. Will. Ducket.

8. John Allam.

And Tho. Jackson and Joseph Nevill were sworn at large.

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title: History of Norfolk/Volume 3/Chapter 37