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History of Norfolk/Volume 3/Chapter 31

CHAPTER XXXI
OF THE CITY IN THE TIME OF KING CHARLES THE SECOND, AFTER HIS RESTORATION.

On the 5th of May, 1660, the State's arms, which hung in the council chamber, were taken down, and ordered to be altered by the court; and on Thursday the 10th day of the same month, King Charles the Second was solemnly proclaimed here, which occasioned such joy, that there were continual bonfires, feastings, and such like, till Saturday night following.

Thursday, May 24th, was a general thanksgiving throughout the city, for the restoration of his Majesty and royal family, and of the ancient government both in church and state.

Horatio Townesend was made lord lieutenant of Norfolk and Norwich.

On the 25th of June, it was resolved in court, to seal an instrument of resignation of the fee farm of the city, which they had purchased of the State in 1650, it being 132l. 18s. 3d. a year; and to make a Voluntary gift to his Majesty of a thousand pounds in gold, as a testimony of their loyalty; and the mayor, the sheriffs, Mr. Jay, Man, Bendish, Norris, Howard, and the town-clerk, went up with the instrument, the free-gift, and a congratulatory address, all which they presented to his Majesty July 24, who gave them a gracious reception, and conferred the honour of knighthood on Joseph Paine, Esq. then mayor, and ''Tho. Rant'', Esq. one of their representatives in parliament; and giving his hand to the whole company, he promised the city his constant favour and protection.

Mr. George Steward, one of the sheriffs, refusing to attend the mayor to the cathedral, was sent for by a messenger to answer the same at the council table: and in Lent, by express order of the Council, some aldermen not duly elected were displaced, ''viz. Will. Davy, Esq. Will. Rye, John Andrews, Rob. Allen, and Tho. Ashwell, and at the same time were restored and chosen, John Croshold, Mathew Sotherton, Augustine Briggs, Tho. Wiss, Rob. Bendish, and Ric. Coldham''.

Aug. 7, John Crofts, D. D. was installed dean, and the pulpit being placed on the north side of the upper end of the quire, where it now [1742] stands, he preached thereon the 19th.

Aug. 29, the city having sent a letter to the Right Honourable ''Hen. Howard, son to the late Earl of Arundel, acknowledging the many favours of his ancestors, and his own particular favour conferred upon them, in introducing them to his Majesty, and attending there as one of them, this day received an answer, assuring them that on all occasions he should take satisfaction in doing the city, or any particular member thereof, all the service he could, being ready at all times to stand up in their behalf for the city's'' good.

Sept. 20, the soldiers at Norwich were all disbanded, to the great satisfaction of the city and country.

Oct. 13, came two letters from the Council, commanding them to act by their charters as heretofore, upon which, on the death of alderman ''Tho. Johnson, John Osborn, who was formerly alderman of St. Giles's ward, was restored; and on the death of alderman Rob. Mingay, Mathew Sotherton, who was ejected for loyalty'', was restored.

Jan. 9, Alderman Barnham informed the court, that the Earl of Arundel was restored to be Duke of Norfolk, upon which orders were issued to every parish to ring the bells, "to testifye this cities rejoycing for the same, out of their respect to that noble family."

Jan. 6, a great insurrection was made in London, by the Quakers, Anabaptists, and Fifth Monarchy-men, who intended the subversion of the King and government, but were happily suppressed, for which, publick thanks were given on Sunday, Jan. 13, in all churches in this city.

Jan. 16, the Mayor, Sheriff Briggs, and others, treated with the dean and chapter, in order to settle all affairs between them amicably.

In 1661, Apr. 23, the King was crowned at Westminster;

" St. George's day for ever be renowned, On which our royal Sovereign was crown'd."

May 21, the city petitioned for a new charter, and was answered it should be granted.

Aug. 17, Dr. ''Edw. Reynolds, Lord Bishop of Norwich, came first to this city, and preached in his cathedral the 25th, from Hebrews'' 3, v. 21.

Aug. 28, was a dispute between the city and sheriffs, about the fee farm.

Jan. 7, all acts of assembly made since 1640 were openly examined, and all that were declared void, had the word "renounced" wrote over them. An act was also now made concerning Norwich stuffs.

In 1662, the Right Honourable ''Hen. Howard, at his coming to town, gave the city 70l''. The plagne was now here, but did not come to any height.

The King, by commission, impowered the principal gentlemen of the county to execute the powers expressed in the act, for the regulating and well governing of corporations, deeming it expedient for the publick safety; and accordingly, on the 24th of ''July, Edm. Burman, Tho. Toft, Will. Barnham, and Adrian Parmenter were removed from the office of aldermen, by an instrument of that date, signed by Tounsend, Tho. Richardson, John Knevet, Charles Mordaunt, Francis Corie, James de Grey, William Gawdy, Roger Spelman, Philip Woodhouse, Ra. Hare, Rob. Kempe, Will. Doyly, Tho. Rant, E. Walpole, Tho. Tounshend, and Butts Bacon, the King's commissioners for that purpose, and James Long, Mat. Marcon, Henry Woods, and Henry Watts'', were sworn in their places.

In 1663, Henry Duke of Norfolk, and the Honourable Henry Howard, dined in publick with the mayor on the gild-day, the last of which, presented the city with a bason and ewer worth 60l.

This year, the city charter, for a fine of 10l. was renewed; which, though it was voided by another charter of this King's, dated at Westminster 22d March in the 35th year of his reign, and by another of King James the Second's, nevertheless by proclamation in 1688, Oct. 20, all corporations were restored to the same constitution they were in, in 1679, and all such aldermen and common council-men, as were dead were to be supplied by new ones chosen according to their old charter, which was performed at Norwich Oct. 30, from which time the city always hath been, and still is, governed by this charter, the substance of which here follows,

" Whereas the city of Norwich is an ancient populous city and county by it's self, formerly incorporated by the name of the mayor, sheriffs, citizens, and commonalty of the city of Norwich, And as such, enjoyed many privileges and immunities granted them by former Kings, all which they now enjoy for the better support of the said city and augmentation of trades and manufactures, for the publick advantage and benefit of the kingdom of England; and the said mayor, sheriffs, citizens, and commonalty, having beseeched us to ratify and confirm to their corporation or body corporate all their ancient privileges, and immunities whatsoever, by them used, or to them granted heretofore, for the public good, and better government of the city aforesaid, and the more easy punishment of offenders and offences, we have thought fit to acquiesce in, and grant such their reasonable requests.

"And do therefore hereby grant to the said mayor, sheriffs, citizens, and commonalty, that they and their successours, shall freely have, use, and enjoy, all manner of "liberties, free customs, franchises, immunities, exemptions, quiet claims, and jurisdictions, belonging to the city, and also all and singular lands, tenements, marts, markets, fairs, customs, for cattle, liberties, privileges, and hereditaments whatever," which they ever had granted to them as a body corporate, by any of our predecessors Kings of England, by charters or letters patent, or which they ever used or enjoyed lawfully; "whither by grant, custom, or prescription, or any other way whatever, in as ample a manner as heretofore."

"And for the better and more certain use and exercise of such liberties, we do constitute John Croshold, Esq. mayor of the said city, Joseph Paine, Knt. Henry Watts, John Rayley, Barnard Church, John Man, John Salter, Christ. Jay, John Osborne, Rich. Wenman, Esqrs. Will. Tooke, Will. Heyward, Augustine Briggs, Thomas Wisse, Rob. Bendish, Rich. Coldham, John Laurence, Francis Norris, Henry Herne, James Long, Mat. Markham, Henry Wood, Hen. Watts, jun. and John Manser, aldermen, Francis Cory, Esq. recorder, Will. Watts, Esq. steward, and Thomas Balteston, common or (town) clerk; to exercise their several offices, as in time past.

"Further granting, that the mayor, recorder, and steward, for the time being, and all such aldermen as have born the office of mayor of the said city, shall be afterwards, so long as they continue aldermen, justices of the peace in the city and its county, with the same power as all other justices of the peace have, in other counties of this realm, with full power to enquire, hear, and determine by the oaths of law-. ful men of the said city and county, of all felonies, transgressions, regratings, and extortions, whatever, committed within thier jurisdictions; at which sessions, the mayor, recorder, or steward, or two of them shall be personally present, who shall also make enquiry, &c. of all conventicles or meetings of people, contrary to the King's peace, riots, &c. and to proceed thereupon according to the laws of the land.

"And every alderman that hath not been mayor, shall be justice of peace in that ward only, for which he was chosen alderman, and shall be sworn accordingly at his admission, before the mayor and aldermen, or at least two of them.

"And all the officers appointed by the charter shall take the oaths of obedience and supremacy, to be administered according to the laws and statutes of the realm.

"And all officers and their deputies, justices, &c. (except the justices for the several wards only) shall take all oaths heretofore usually taken, before such persons, as formerly accustomed to be done.

"And if any person or persons in any ward, elected on the common-council, or livery of the city, after 10 days notice of such his election, given him by the mayor, shall refuse to take the oaths belonging to his office before the mayor or his deputy, and refuse at the next assembly to show good and sufficient reason for so doing, to be allowed by the mayor, sheriff's, aldermen, and common council of the city, or the majority of them, they shall be compelled to pay such reasonable fines for their contempt, as the mayor, sheriffs, citizens, and commonalty, or the major part of them, shall set upon them, to be expended in maintaining the city walls, or any other publick uses, not exceeding 20l.

"And if any person elected, be discharged from the office he was elected to, by the majority of the assembly, then another shall be elected by the word in his room, at the Gild-hall, in like manner as his election was made.

"And the sheriffs of the city shall be elected in the following manner, viz. the mayor, sheriffs, and aldermen, for the time being, or the majority of them, from time to time yearly, at any time between the 24th day of June and the 1st of Sept. following, when and as often as they shall please to meet, shall choose and fix upon a fit and sufficient person for one of the succeeding sheriffs, and the mayor  shall summon the citizens, inhabiting in the city and county of the same, to appear at the Gild-hall every last Tuesday in August yearly, when they, or the majority of them, shall freely choose and fix upon, another fit and sufficient person for the other sheriff, for the succeeding year, which two persons so elected, on the 29th day of Sept. following, shall take the usual and ancient oath for the due execution of their office in the city and its county, for one whole year following, before the mayor of the city, or his deputy, and two or more justices of the peace, in the Gild-hall, unless sickness or other bodily infirmity hinder their coming thither; and in such a case, they shall take it before the mayor or his deputy and two other justices in any convenient place in the city, who shall exercise their office in all things as their predecessors did.

"And the aldermen for the said city shall be elected in the following manner, viz.

"When any of the 24 aldermen die, or for any reasonable cause are removed from the place of aldermen, then the mayor or his deputy, in a convenient time after such death or removal, shall summon all the citizens inhabiting  (or inhabitants of) the great ward or wards for which such alderman or aldermen are to be chosen, and the majority of them so assembled shall choose and may elect one or more "of the most reputable and ablest citizens, being freemen of the said city,"  to be alderman or aldermen in the place or places of them that are dead or removed. And any person so chosen, shall be sworn to the due execution of his office, before the mayor and aldermen, or such of them as shall be present at a court of majoralty, which shall be held in the council chamber of the city, in some convenient time after such choice; and after the oath taken, they shall be aldermen for life, (unless they be removed for a reasonable cause,  ) and if any refuse to serve, when elected, or if any alderman after he is sworn shall leave the city, and dwell elsewhere, and neglects his office as alderman, or shall not return within six months after notice given him in writing, under the hand and seal of the mayor for the time being, and resume his office, the mayor, sheriffs, aldermen, and commoncouncil, or the majority of them, in some publick assembly, shall fine him (any sum not exceeding 200l.) who shall so refuse to take upon him the execution of the office; and him who shall not return to exercise his office after the oath taken, any sum not exceeding 100l. which fines shall be laid out about repairing the walls, bridges, and other publick expenses of the city.

"And for the better government of the city, and of the several companies and trades therein, and for the better preventing and hindering of frauds and deceits in the manufactures of the city, and for the publick good of the realm, the mayor, sheriffs, citizens, and commonalty, and the major part of them, with the consent of the majority of the common council, at any publick assembly, may make laws, orders, and constitutions, for the better regulating moderating, and governing the citizens and separate companies of trades and occupations in the said city, which shall be binding under such penalties as shall be fixed, so that they be agreeable to truth and reason, and the common profit of the city of Norwich, and of the people resorting thither, with power to alter them, as occasion serves, and to levy the penalties upon the goods and chattels of such as offend against them, by distress, so that all such laws, orders, and constitutions, be not contrary to the statutes and laws of the realm.

"Furthermore it was granted, that the mayor and justices, or any three or more of them, (so that the mayor always be one,) shall have and hold, as they immemorially did, a court of equity, by bill or plaint, exhibited before them, by any citizens or inhabitants of the city, against any persons whatever, (so that any cause for relief in equity be made appear, and no remedy to be bad by common law, ) for and concerning any action, cause, suit, or matter of difference, arising within the city, and to remove all such pleas before them, out of the court of pleas usually held for the said city, before the city sheriffs: the mayor, and justices, having full power to examine witnesses, take depositions, and make decrees in all such cases, according to law, equity, and good conscience, for the speedy dispatch of justice.

"The mayor and town-clerk, for the time being, may take recognizances in Norwich, of the statute staple, in any sum or sums according to the statute, in as ample a form as the mayors of London, York, or Bristol.

"And according to the ancient custom of the city, and the oaths taken by the freemen, no freeman for the time to come, shall be partner or factor with any person that is not free of the city, either in buying, selling, bargaining for. or uttering any stuffs, stockings, or other commodities or merchandise, made, or wrought, in the city or its suburbs.

"The sheriffs of the city and its county for the time being, may hold their court of pleas in the Gild-hall for ever hereafter, and may there prosecute and try in the name of the mayor, sheriffs, citizens and commonalty of the said city, any plea, in any personal or mixed action, and any cause or matter, arising or happening, in the said city or county; and upon every recovery or judgment given in the sheriffs' court, they may by their mandate issued to any of their serjeants at mace, or other sworn officer of theirs, levy damage given, and costs of suit, by distress on the goods and chattels of such persons against whom judgment is passed; or if they have no goods or chattels in the city or county thereof then on those of their pledges or sureties, or may attach their bodies, or their pledges or sureties, by execution or mandate, to be served upon them by a serjeant or sworn sheriff's officer.

"Further, the King granted to the mayor, all goods and chattells of all such as were found to be felo de se,(or self murderers,) and all deodands, with paying any thing therefore, or rendering any account thereof.

"Confirming to the city, all their former charters and grants whatever, on payment of all their ancient yearly fee-farms, and sums of money which were heretofore usually yearly paid, in as ample a manner as they ever enjoyed them.

"Granting also, that the chancellor of England, treasurer, judges, commissioners, and all officers whatever for the time to come, shall on sight of these letters patent, (or charter,) or any constat or exemplification of the same, under the great seal of England, allow, and cause to be allowed to the mayor, sheriffs, citizens, and commonalty of the city of Norwich, for the time being, and their successours, all and singular the jurisdictions, liberties, privileges, franchises, powers, authorities, immunities, exemptions, emoluments, and other grants, without any writ of allowance, or any other confirmation, warrant, dispensation or toleration whatever, to be had or obtained for that purpose.

"Witness our self at Westm. 26 June, in the 15th year of our reign."

The 11th of July following, the King directed a letter to the mayor, &c. telling them that on their complaint of the damage done to the city by the frequency of lotteries, puppet-plays, and other shews, resorting thither to the decay of trade, the meaner sort being diverted from, their labours, thereby tempted to a vain expense of time and money, to their great impoverishment, he had thought fit for the time to come, to authorise and impower the mayors, sheriffs, aldermen, &c. and their successours, " to limit and determine the stay and abode of all such lotteries, puppet plays, and shews, in that our city, as they shall judge fit and reasonable, that they may not, nor shall not remain any longer in that our city, than you shall permit and allow of, any licence or permission from us or the master of our revells, or any other power, liberty, matter, or thing to the contrary in any wise, notwithstanding, which we mean shall not extend or be construed to take away, or derogate from the power hereby given you"

The 5th Oct. on an inquisition taken, it was found, that Edward Nuttinge, Gent. some time since deceased, gave to the city library 5l. and ordered Prudence his wife to assure an annuity of 10l. a year, issuing out of lands and tenements of a reasonable value, to be yearly paid in the Gild-hall porch at Norwich, to the mayor, Sec. for the following use, viz. to every preacher of Norfolk and Suffolk that shall come to preach in the cathedral 2s. 6d.; to the poor people of St. Saviour's 40s. a year; to the minister of the parish, being a licensed preacher, 40s. yearly; to a preacher to preach a sermon there yearly on the Sunday next following his burial day, 6s. 8d.; and the like sum to be distributed yearly after the sermon to the poor of the parish that attend there. He gave the city 50l. to be lent freely for ever to young beer brewers in Norwich, by 10l. a man, for three years, giving security; and the said Prudence, by the name of Prudence Bloyse, widow, did bequeath to ''Nic. Emmes and his heirs, a messuage, lands and tenements, in Hautbois-Parva in Norfolk, chargeable with the said annuity, which after came to Edward Osborne'', who paid it yearly till 1651, and then ceased, for which reason he was prosecuted for all arrears, and for a conveyance to be made by him, to confirm the said settlement.

In 1664, there passed a decree by the commissioners of charitable uses, against Henry King of Norwich, Gent. to pay 470l. and the interest thereof for some years backward, it having been proved that for 26 years past he had received the said sum of Sir Thomas Hogan, Rich Catlyn, Esq. and other knights and gentlemen of the county and city, given by way of contribution to be laid out for buying impropriations within the city of Norwich, or near there, for the use and benefit of the several ministers and their successours, of the several parish churches in the city, for the increasing of their maintenance, all which the said Henry withheld, and still continued so to do.

In Sept. Lord Townsend, Lord Cornbury, and many more, came to town to compose the differences between the city, and the dean and chapter, and were grandly treated in publick by the mayor and court, and the city agreed to present the dean and chapter with 100l. towards repairing the damage done the church in the late troubles.

War was proclaimed here against the Dutch March 11, and many Dutch prisoners were confined here during the war, and 50 soldiers quartered to guard them.

Feb. 17, 1665, war was proclaimed against the French.

And now the corporation act and the act for unions in cities were passed, both which may be seen among the statutes.

This year also, notwithstanding all imaginable precaution taken by the magistrates, the plague raged here exceedingly, as also at Yarmouth, (from whence it was brought hither,) and in many other places; there died in this city from Oct. 3, 1665, to Oct. 3, 1666, 3012, whereof of the plague 2251. From 22d Aug. to the 29th, being only one week, there died 203.

July 26, orders were sent by the court to all the parish clerks in this city "that they do not presume to ring any bell for any person, "other than such as shall die in the parish where they inhabited." It is to be wished that this order had been still obeyed, it being now customary for any friend or acquaintance to set out the bell of their own parish for their deceased friend, by which means oftentimes all the bells in the city ring at one time for the same person, and if not all, a great number, sufficient to make any stranger imagine the city to be in a very bad state of health, when perhaps it is a very good one; besides which, it is attended with an expense, not only quite unnecessary, but sometimes improper, it being usual to send gloves to all such persons as set out the several bells.

The plague continued in 1666, in which year there died 699, and the city having been at above 200l. a week charge for their poor, and making it appear that they had disbursed above 8000l. the county justices met at Wimondham, and agreed upon a letter to be copied and sent to every minister in the country, requesting them to publish it in their several churches, and the next day to collect in their parishes what they could gather for the city poor, and to return it to such person as the city deputed under their common seal to receive it; by which means, the poor was supported during the remaining time of the continuance of the distemper The market was removed to the north end of the Town Close by order of court, on the request of the country justices.

June 2, the inhabitants of Swanton Morley exhibited their accounts according to the will of William Small, Gent. and paid 4l. for 4 years at 20s. a year, to the mayor and recorder for the city poor.

John Vaughan, late of Saxthorp, clerk, by will dated Sept. 16, 1666, gave his houses and land in Aylesham to ''Ric. Curteis, on condition he paid to the city 300l''. to be put out by the court to such poor young tradesmen, being free of the city, as the court should approve of, by 30l. a man, for eight years, free, on good security, no part of the money to be kept in hand by the court above one month, and none to be lent to any person that hath traded for himself for three years before. But all such persons, whose selves or parents were, within one month next before they were bound apprentices, inhabitants of the town of Saxthorp; and also all such persons who shall be sent by his executors and his heirs, and the vicar, churchwardens, and overseers of that town, to the BOYS-HOSPITAL in Norwich, and from thence bound out apprentices, shall be preferred before all others in borrowing and having the said sum or sums of 30l, apiece.

He gave 260l. to the said HOSPITAL, to be laid out by the court within a year and half after his decease, in a purchase to be employed in maintaining as many boys in the said hospital, as the clear produce will maintain, and then such boys shall be bound apprentices (according to the custom of the hospital) to such freemen as the court choose, to learn some trade of manufacture. The first boy to be put in by the court, the second by John Page of Saxthorp, Esq. and his heirs, the vicar, church-wardens and overseers of Saxthorp, or any three of them, by a nomination and presentation under their hands to the court, and this alternate course of nomination to remain for ever.
 * 1667, Sir Peter Gleane of Hardwick, Knt. was made colonel of the city regiment.
 * Thursday the 19th Sept. was by the bishop's order kept as a publick day of thanksgiving in this city, for the great mercy of the plague's being ceased here; a sermon being ordered to be preached in every church.

In 1668, Aug. 15, died Sir Joseph Paine, Knt. aged 68, who gave 70l. to the court, 60l. thereof to bind out 12 poor boys for 7 years, 5l. to a person to teach them to read, write, and cast up accompts, 15s. to a minister appointed by the mayor and court to preach a sermon on the 19th day of Aug. after his decease, in the afternoon, in St. Gregory's church, from 1 Tim. 6 ch. 1 ver.; 3s. to the clerk of St. Gregory's for his attendance; 3s. more to the townclerk; 2s. to the chamberlain; 2s. to the swordbearer; 3s. more to two marshals and the bridewell man, to see the 12 boys carry themselves soberly at church; 30s. for 12 psalters for them; 12s. for making their indentures; 6s. for the refreshment of the masters and their 12 apprentices after church; and 24s. for the refreshment of the mayor, court, and minister that preached, after the sermon. He left 200l. to be settled on the city to find the like sum of 70l. to be disposed as aforesaid every seventh year, on the 19th day of Aug. accounting from the first disposition after his death. The mayor and court to appoint the 12 boys on Lady day before every such seventh day of binding out, and nominate a person to teach them. And an assurance of land for this use was sealed 18 Nov. 1674, and it was agreed that there should be a boy taken out of every ward to be bound.

In 1669, the small pox raged exceedingly; it was reckoned that upwards of 300 families fell down in less than a fortnight.

''Nic. Salter of Norwich'', Gent. by will dated April 17, gave 50l. to St. Giles's hospital, to his cousin William, son of John Salter, Esq.; and his heirs, for ever, after his wife's decease, all his houses, lands, and tenements, in Stonham Aspall in Suffolk, conditionally to pay on every first day of January in every seventh year, next following (Jan. 1, 1671) the sum of 36l. to the mayor and court of Norwich, &c.; or if the said ''Will. Salter had a desire to free the lands of the gift, then he should pay down 130l''. to the city, which was done in 1694, and on the 8th of August the city took the money to their own use, and settled an estate for the payment of the 36l. every seventh year as follows, viz. 30l. to bind out six poor boys, to be nominated by the mayor, sheriffs, &c. to some trade in the city for seven years, 5l. to be paid to a person nominated by the court to take care of the youths for 12 months before they are bound, "that they may be instructed in the principles of the Protestant religion, and in the fear of the Lord, and also to read and to write, and to cast up accounts, that, so they may be blessed in their souls, as well as in their bodyes, and may be a blessing to their masters, and may for ever have cause to bless God for the fatherly care of the said mayor, &c. in their behalf;" 10s. to the minister that preaches a sermon at their binding out; 6s. for their indentures; 1s. for ringing for the sermon; and the other 3s. to the beadles for attending the mayor and court to the sermon, and keeping the boys in good order there, the boys to be always bound, and the sermon kept at St. Michael's at plea on the 1st of August.

An act of parliament was passed for repairing the haven and piers of Great Yarmouth, by laying a rate or duty upon all goods imported there, for a certain time, there being 8 commissioners appointed to see the money raised, properly employed, two of which to be named by the bailiffs, &c. of Yarmouth, two by the mayor, aldermen, and commons of Norwich, two by the justices of Norfolk, and two by the justices of Suffolk.

June 30, was an assembly held, to consider of the letter sent from the lord mayor of London. to John Man, Esq. to acquaint him of his being elected sheriff of London. He was high sheriff of Norfolk from 1671, to 1672.

Oct. 4, "Mr. Noel du Faye had license to show a monstrous woman 7 foot and an half in stature."

Nov. 8, the King granted a pardon to the city for all transgressions in general, and in particular for their coining halfpence and farthings, by which they had forfeited their charters, all coinage being determined to belong to the King's prerogative, upon which all of them were called in.

In 1670, the Right Honourable the Lord Henry Howard Baron of Castle-rising, and the Honourable Hen. and ''Tho. Howard'', Esqrs. his sons, were admitted to their freedom, and were discharged of all offices, and of part of the usual oath, this only being administered to them, "You shall swear that from this day forward you shall be good and true to our sovereign lord the King and his heirs, the Franchises and liberties of this City of Norwich, you shall maintain and sustain with your body and goods, so help you God."

This year the great contest between the mayor and court of aldermen, and the sheriffs of the city, concerning the yearly payment of the fee farm rent, to the King, after many hearings, was fully determined by the Barons of the Exchequer, that the city ought to pay that rent, and not the sheriffs; but upon this, the court finding themselves worsted by law, applied by petition to the King and council, and by great friends procured an order that the sheriffs should pay the fee farm rent, having the allowance formerly granted other sheriffs.

On the 5th of Jan. the Lord ''Hen. Howard presented the city with a noble mace of silver, gilt, as a testimony of his great love and regard to it; and had a letter of thanks under the common seal: he also presented them with a crimson velvet gown'' for the mayor to wear at the King's coming, and upon grand occasions.

In 1671, the King, Queen, Dukes of York, Monmouth, and Buckingham, with many other nobles, entered the city on Thursday Sept. 28, being met at Trowse Bridge, the utmost limits of the city that way, by the mayor, with all the regalia, sheriffs, aldermen, and common council, livery, and militia, new clothed in red, and by them conducted to the Duke's palace, where they lodged, and were magnificently entertained by the Lord ''Hen. Howard'', who was afterwards, in 1672, created Earl of Norwich, and Duke of Norfolk. The next day the King went to the cathedral, and was sung into the church with an anthem, and when he had ended his devotion at the east end of the church, where he kneeled on the hard stone, he went to the Bishop's palace, and was there nobly entertained; and returning through the church, took coach at the west door, and came up to the Gild-hall in the market place, and there shewed himself to the people from the balcony, and viewed the trained bands drawn up in the market, whence coming down he rode to the New-hall, and was there feasted by the city, after which they went for Blickling; it cost the city above 900l.

At Blickling his Majesty knighted Mr. Henry Hobart, the eldest son of Sir John Hobart, Bart. who was then about 13 years old.

At even they rode to Oxnead, and supped and lodged at Sir Robert Paston's there.

The next morning the King went to Lord Townesend's at Rainham, where he lodged that night,

But the Queen returned to Norwich to the Lord Howard's, and staid till Sunday about 10 in the morning,

And then rode to the Lord Arlington's at Ewston in Suffolk.

When his Majesty was at the New-hall, he was earnest to have knighted the mayor, who as earnestly begged to be excused; but at the same time conferred the honour on that deserving physician

Dr. Thomas Browne, eldest son of John Browne of London, Gent. descended from a good family of that name in Cheshire; he was born Oct. 19, 1605, was educated at Pembroke college in Oxford, where he practised for some time; he accompanied his father-in-law, Sir ''Tho. Dutton, into Ireland, and after travelled to Montpelier and Padua, was made doctor of physick at Leyden, incorporated at Oxford 1637: by the persuasion of Mr. Tho. Lushington, his former tutor, he came to Norwich, and practised with great success; in 1642, he published that admirable treatise, intituled, Religio Medici; afterwards, about 1646, his Vulgar Errors, a book so well known that it needs no commendation; in 1658, his Hydriotaphia, or, a Discourse of Urn-burial'', &c. he was made honorary fellow of the college of physicians in London in 1665, and was knighted as before; this great man died at his house in Norwich (in which Dr. Howman now lives) on the 19th of Oct. anno 1682, in the 77th year of his age. and was buried in St. Peter's Mancroft, to which church I refer you for an account of his monument; he married Dorothy Mileham. His only surviving son

Edward Browne, M. D. president of the college of physicians, was also a person of eminent reputation in London, having seen the best part of Europe, France, Italy, High and Low Germany, Croatia, and Greece as far as Larissa; and visited the courts of the Emperor, France, Pope, and Grand Signior.

In 1672, Mr. Nathaniel (brother of Mr. Edm. Cocke) of London, merchant, gave the city chamberlain 100l. to be freely lent to five honest poor weavers, housekeepers and freemen, without interest, they giving security for the repayment at three years end. He gave also 20l. to buy books for the library.

John Man, Esq, one of the aldermen of the city, being now highsheriff of the county, it was thought proper, in respect that the court bears to one of their brethren, that all the aldermen and sheriffs in their proper habits, should attend him to meet the judges at the assizes.

The Lord ''Hen. Howard being created Earl of Norwich, the court in regard to that noble family, who came to their palace here in November'', agreed that the mayor, &c. should meet him out of St. Stephen's-gates in form, that all the bells should ring, the guns be fired, and the whole court wait upon him in order, in one hour after he was got to his palace.

In the act for raising his Majesty 1,238,750l. the county paid 3370l. 12s. and the city 180l.

In 1673, an extraordinary deep snow fell Febr. 24, and laid till Easter following, being seven weeks; and when it thawed, such a flood followed, that Hellesden, Trowse, and many other bridges received great damage.

In 1674, Mr. Elisha Philippo, soap-boiler, a Frenchman, was chosen high-sheriff of Norfolk, and carried out his office with much reputation.

In 1675, according to custom, the sheriffs, justices, and aldermen, where summoned to attend the corpse of Mrs. Mayoress to her interment, on Sept. 8, in the afternoon.

This year a ship came up the river to Conisford towers.

In 1677, on the gild-day, towards evening, justice ''Ric. Wenman'', being bed-rid, and left alone with a candle to light him a pipe, fired his bed, and was burnt to death.

Christopher Jay being now dead, William Paston, Esq. eldest son to Robert Lord Paston, then Viscount, and afterwards Earl, of Yarmouth was proposed to succeed him, whom the different sectaries unanimously opposed, and set up Capt. Augustine Briggs in opposition to him, notwithstanding the captain utterly refused to stand; upon which, the said right honourable Col. ''Will. Paston, and the honourable Rob. Paston, his brother, were sworn freemen in the same manner as the Lord Howards; this angered the opposite party so, that to carry on their design, they gave some hundreds (who were free born) their freedom, to vote with them; for on the 9th of Jan''. only, 330 were sworn freemen; and so both sides carried on their interest with great vigour: and though the Captain would not appear against the Colonel, but protested against it, yet they affirmed, not only to a great number of people, who out of love promised the captain they would be for him if he appeared himself, but told others, that he had granted to appear himself: moreover, before the election day, they had gained over the mayor, and most of the aldermen, to declare for the Captain. Now on the 18th of Feb. which was appointed for the election, both parties met in the market, the mayor leading up the Captain's company from the Newhall, but the Captain not appearing, Alderman Mark Cocket took upon him to ride for him; but upon the Captain's declaring against it, and the Colonel's appearing himself, he was elected by a majority of 1491 votes; after this, it was discovered that the greatest part of the aldermen's places were void in law, for want of such subscription as the law had prescribed; whereupon the freemen, according to custom when they met in assembly the week before Palm Sunday to choose common council men, took occasion to elect 11 new aldermen, voting off the rest, and re-electing the others; but the mayor would take no notice of it, and would not swear the new ones, though he had afterwards a mandate from the King so to do; upon receiving of which, he posted directly to London, to have the matter decided by his Majesty's council, where it was concluded that there must be a new choice, by reason, though the places were void, yet the election was not legal, because the freemen chose without any summons, and so on the 29th and 30th of April there was a new election, and all were re-elected but 7; those left out were, Mr. ''Rob. Hawes, and Tho. Thacker, who had been mayors, and Mr. Pain, Mr. Todd, Mr. Wrench, Mr. Wenman, and Mr. Wigget, who had been sheriffs; the next day, being May-day, Mr. Hugh Bokenham, one of the new aldermen withdrew, and so was not sworn then; and on the death of the recorder, Capt. Briggs, was, without any opposition, elected burgess in parliament for the city''.

June 23, 1677, the will of Mrs. ''Eliz. Pendleton of Norwich, widow, was now first read in court, in which she gave all her houses in St. Stephen's, worth 27l''. a year, and all her houses it St. Saviour's, worth 15l. to be employed by the magistrates of the city as follows, one half of the clear profits of those in St. Stephen's, to clad the poor and needy with winter garments, and the other half to bind out poor lads; the clear yearly profits of those in St. Saviour's to be lent out to young tradesmen, by 5l. a man for 7 years, free, and upon their single bond, which said money being repaid at 7 years end, each 5l. shall never be lent out again, but shall be freely given away by the mayor and court to such as they shall esteem objects of charity, as to ministers widows and children, and to decayed gentlemen of the city; she gave many sums to the poor, and the overplus of her personals to the girl's hospital.

In 1680, on the 3d of May, the common council voted off Francis Bacon, Esq. their recorder, and then elected Jo. Norris, Esq. their steward, recorder, and chose John Mingay, Esq. steward.

The well in the fishmarket was now made, and a pump put down.

A blazing star appeared in the west after sunset in December, the tail reached several degrees eastward, and it continued till the latter end of January.

The counterpart of the settlement of Mr. Roger Flynt, clerk, was sealed by the city, by which 10 acres and an half of land in Antingham were settled for the benefit of the poor of this city. In 1681, 4l. 10s. was received for the rent, and divided according to the settlement between the poor of St. Stephen's and St. Laurence's parishes.

This year the Town-clerk was ordered to get a transcript of the part of Bishop Cosin's will, whereby the city may be benefited, by nominating to any scholarship in the University; and it appears from the book of benefactors, and other evidences that I have seen, that John Cosin Bishop of Durham, born in St. Andrew's parish in Norwich, was brought up at the free-school here, sent thence to Gonvile and Caius College, where he was fellow, being educated under the famous Dr. John Overal, afterwards Bishop of Norwich, to whom he was secretary, and domestick chaplain to Archbishop Neyle; A. 1624, he was prebendary of the 10th stall in Durham, after that archdeacon of the East-Riding of Yorkshire, then rector of Branspeth in the bishoprick of Durham, after that, master of Peter-house in Cambridge, vice-chancellor of the university, dean of Peterburgh, chaplain in ordinary to Charles I. and II. and lastly, after the sequestration and plunder of all he had, and 17 years exile for his loyalty, was consecrated Bishop of Durham, Dec. 2, 1660. He died at his lodgings in Pall-Mall, (after he had bestowed much wealth on pious and publick uses,) Jan. 15, 1671, aged 77, and was buried at Bishop's Ankland in his diocese, April 29, 1672, having settled a rent charge of 28l. per annum by his letters patent sealed as well with his palatinate as episcopal seal, issuing out of his lands and tenements in Great Chilton, in the county palatine of Durham, out of which he founded three scholarships of 20 nobles apiece for three boys born in Norwich, and taught in the publick gram mar school there, and these to be chosen as often as any place shall be void, by the master, with the consent of the fellows, or at least of the deans of the college; and upon every vacancy, the master of Norwich  school shall have notice of it, unless there be any admitted in the college before, and such as the master of the college shall think fit to be placed or chosen into those vacancies; and if there be none in the college that were born in Norwich, then those vacancies shall be supplied out of Norfolk, as Dr. Caius ordained in his fifth statute

In 1681, the small pox carried off abundance of people.

March 10, his royal Highness James Duke of York came to the city, being invited thither; when he landed at Yarmouth as he came from Scotland, he was met by the magistrates in their formalities about 9 at night, at Bishop-gate, where the steward made a speech to him, which was taken well; from thence he was conducted to the New-hall, and feasted there; in the mean time, the great guns fired, the bells rang, bonfires were made, &c. he lodged that night at the Bishop's palace, and the next morning went for New-Market.

This year, "after the declaration had been published and read in churches by the King's order, addresses flowed in from all parts, approving the dissolution of the parliament, and in general, the King's whole conduct. Not content with thanking the King, these addresses were even filled with invectives against the house of commons, one of the addresses (that from Norwich, which ran the highest for the prerogative) being presented at the King's Bench as a publick libel by the grand jury of Middlesex, the court took no notice of it. The King received them all very graciously, and distinguished the bringers with particular marks of favour." But this was not all, for out of an excessive torrent of loyalty

In 1682, at a quarterly assembly held Sept. 21, the mayor was requested to let it be put to vote whether the Charter should be surrendered to the King, which he condescended to, and 22 voted for keeping it, and 40 voted to surrender it; but it was so disagreeable a thing to the generality of the freemen, that they produced a petition, signed by above 900 citizens, desiring the magistrates and common council to keep their Liberties that they had intrusted them with, and not deliver them up; but notwithstanding all the freemen could do, the court being time servers, on the 11th of Nov. they surrendered their Charter, and with it all those liberties the freemen had trusted them with, in order to have another with greater liberties, (as was pretended,) but proved nothing but a pretence; for the new charter,  which was brought down April 10, 1683, and received, with great acclamations, ringing, bonfires, &c. had nothing more in it than their old one, but much less, for thereby the city was subjected to a very extraordinary limitation, the King reserving power to remove all such magistrates as he did not approve of, by his privy seal only: by which, it is evident, that the King became absolute in the city, "and by thus restoring its charters, effectually deprived it of its chiefest privileges," to use the words of Rapin on the same occasion as to the charter of London.

This affair was brought about by Robert Paston Earl of Yarmouth, who was waited on at Osnead about it, the Lord Pasten being made recorder by this charter.

March 31, Mr. Mayor received a letter from the Earl of Yarmouth, that the new charter would be brought down April 10, about one in the afternoon, by his brothers, and it was resolved that the mayor and court, and waits shonld meet them at the foot of Eaton Bridge, the utmost extent of their county, and every church having five bells, had orders to cause them to be rung; a bonfire was made in the market, and a grand collation, &c. And soon after, the city sent up an address to his Majesty, which was delivered by Henry Earl of Arundel, who assured them of his Majesty's favour and protection.

On May 19, 1682, a company of French Protestants came from Ipswich to Onias Phillippo, who had hired a great house out of Pockthorp-gates, and employed them there; this occasioned a matiny, which came to that height, that the mob brake open one of their houses, and misused a woman so, that she died in two or three days after; the pretence was, that these people would underwork them; however the French that dwelt there were foreed to quit the street that night.

A comet appeared in August, and on the 3d of Feb. about 3 in the morning was a violent clap of thunder here and at Yarmouth, where the lightning fired the top of the spire, which was with difficulty quenched.

Dr. Thomas Browne died this year, of whom under St. Peter's Mancroft, where he is buried.

A boy about 16 years old, named Hipkin, condemned for felony, was reprieved by the judge; however, Allen the goaler, finding a great resort of people to see him, caused a gallows to be erected, set three several days for his execution; but diappointing them, they pulled down the gallows, and burnt them, brake his windows, and beat him; and if they had not been quelled by reading the proclamation, they had pulled down his house to the ground.

The poor being still discontented at the French which were left in the city, took occasion to assemble at the execution of ''Eliz. Brooks on the Castle-hill, and coming in a large body into the market place, declared that the French came to underwork them, and that they would then quit the city of them, and accordingly going to Mr. Barnham's in St. Andrew's'' parish, they pulled them and their goods out of theft houses, abused their persons, &c. till the trained bands were raised to appease them, when the principals were taken, and made to pay dear for their folly.

In 1683. died the right honourable Robert Earl and Viscount of Yarmouth, Baron of Paston, Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk and Norwich, and was buried at Oxnead; his funeral sermon was preached by John Hildeyard. L.L.D. commissary to the archdeacon of Norfolk, and rector of Cowston, it was published in q $o$. at London, and dedicated to Rebecca Countess Dowager of Yarmouth, whose chaplain he was, in which, at p. 27, we find this, "great was his love to the antient, loyall, and honourable corporation of Norwich, because the members of that body (generally speaking) loved the King, they found him their friend, and mauger the blasts of calumny, the new charter shall remain a token of it, he spared no cost nor pains, as themselves can witness, to make the world believe that he loved them, most of the tables in his house have been often spread together for their entertainment, and all his friends employed to bid them welcome, nay his very sleep was often broke to find out ways, how best to serve them, and he commended the care of the city, with his last breath, to all his best friends, and the blessing of God." Whatever the Doctor might think of it, the effects of the new charter now began to be too visible, Mr. ''Nic. Helwys was chosen mayor, and 11 common council, in room of those 11 of the 60 common council appointed by the charter, which were not qualified: but such choice was of no force till confirmed by the King, who sent a letter under the privy seal, dated at Windsor, May 17, signifying by the Earl of Arundel, that he approved of them, and the names of the two elected sheriffs were signified to the lord lieutenant, and that they were persons of loyalty, and therefore they desired his lordship to give his gracious Majesty'' information thereof, "in order to his approbation."

July 19, his Majesty's letters patent under the great seal of England, were read in open assembly, by which the right honourable William Earl of Yarmouth was impowered to appoint a deputy recorder for the city, who thereupon nominated under his hand and seal, John Warkehouse, Esq. to be his deputy, but the assembly declared this to be an infringement of the ancient liberties of the city, and even contrary to the new charter, and that the oath of recorder ministered to the Earl, was not the ancient oath taken by the former recorders of the city, but was drawn up by Dr. Hildeyard, against which the whole assembly protested, and appointed a committee to attend the Earl, to use their best endeavours to prevail with his Lordship to resign his recordership, that the city might proceed to elect a person into that office, Whereby the great concerns of the city might be transacted, justice duly administered, by holding sessions of the peace, &c. as heretofore; but the Earl insisting on his power to name a deputy by the royal consent, the city petitioned his Majesty for redress, but did not succeed, so that on April 1,
 * 1684, John Warkehouse, Esq. was sworn deputy recorder, and an address was made to his lordship, excusing these proceedings, sealed with the common seal.

And on the 20th of the same month, by another instrument under the said seal, they acknowledged all favours he had conferred upon them, as the serving for one of their burgesses in frequent parliaments, the assisting them in the surrender of their old, and interceding with his Majesty for the new charter, his composing their differences as mediator, &c. beseeching him, in order to clear all scruples concerning the judicial power of his deputy, to obtain of his Majesty a full explanation of such power, as he pleases to confer on him. So entirely dependent did the new charter make the whole corporation.

For the benefactions of Augustine Briggs, Esq. whose will bears date Aug. 19, in this year, I refer you to the account under St. Peter's Mancroft.

On the 16th of February, 1684, died Charles the Second, and on the day following

James Duke of York was proclaimed King, by the title of James the Second.

Burgesses in Parliament

 * 1660, Parl, at Westm. Will. Barnham, Esq. Tho. Rant, Esq. of Surrey House in this city, afterwards knighted by King Charles II.
 * 1661, Ditto. Christopher Jay, alderman, Francis Corey, Esq. recorder, both died.
 * 1677, Ditto. In Jay's place was chosen the honourable Will. Paston, Esq. eldest son of Robert Lord Paston, Viscount, and afterwards Earl of Yarmouth.
 * Ditto. In Corey's place, Augustine Briggs, alderman.
 * 1678, Ditto. The two last were rechosen.
 * 1679, Ditto. Rechosen again. Will. Paston being now Lord Paston.
 * 1681, Parl. at Oxford. Rechosen again.

title: History of Norfolk/Volume 3/Chapter 31


text:
History of Norfolk/Volume 3/Chapter 32

CHAPTER XXXII
OF THE CITY IN THE TIME OF KING JAMES THE SECOND.

James the Second was crowned King, April 23, 1685.

This year the well in the middle of the market, which was built of freestone, was pulled down, and a pump erected at the east end of the Gild-hall.

Barnard Church, Esq. by will dated Feb. 16, 1685, gave the mayor, sheriffs, &c. of Norwich, 400l. the city giving good security to his executors, that the said sum may be safe, and for ever go to no other but the following uses, viz. to be put out by 5l. per cent. to able men, till they can find a purchase proper to lay it out upon, and the yearly interest or rent to be disposed of

To find a sermon yearly on the 17th day of May, being his birthday, "to excite unto charitable and good works," for which the minister to have 13s. 4d. and the clerk of the parish where the sermon is, 3s. 4d. to be preached in St. John Sepulchre's church in Berstreet, (in which parish he lived,) the first year, by the minister of that parish for the time being, if he be a licensed preaching minister, and if not, by such a minister as the mayor shall appoint; and the second year in the parish church of Whinburgh in Norfolk, (where he was born,) by the minister of the parish, if a licensed preacher, if not, by one procured by the church-wardens; the third year in St. John's church aforesaid, and the fourth year in the church of Garveston, alias Gaston, near Whinburgh, by the minister of the parish, if a licensed preacher, if not, one is to be procured by the church-wardens there, and so successively from four years to four years for ever. And when the sermon is at St. John's, the two church-wardens and the two overseers, shall have 6d. each, the mayor 1s. to six of the ancientest justices, two sheriffs, and the two aldermen of the ward, 6d. each, if they be present to the town-clerk, chamberlain, sword-bearer, and three other officers attending the mayor 6d. each; to four officers attending the sheriffs, to the master of the house of correction, and two other beadlemen, which shall be present, 4d. each: and when at Garceston or Whinburgh, besides the 13s. 4d. for the minister, and 3s. 4d. for the clerk, the two church-wardens and two overseers shall have each 1s. and 9s. 4d. to be divided equally among the poor of the parish present at the sermon; and on the 15th of January the following sums shall be yearly paid by the city, viz.

20s. to the poor of Whinburgh; 20s. to the poor of Garveston; 10s. to the poor of St. Laurence's parish in Norwich (where he served his apprenticeship); and 10s. to the poor of St. Edmund's (where be lived some time); 20s. to the poor of St. George of Colegate (where he also lived): 20s. to the poor of St Austin's; and 20s. to the poor of St. John Sepulcre; 10s. to the poor prisoners in the city goal, to be equally divided among them; 10s. to the poor prisoners in the castle, to be equally divided; 50s. to the master of the Old Folks hospital; to be spent over and above the ordinary allowance in a dinner among the poor old people there, in such provision as four of the ancientest old poor men and four or the ancientest old poor women shall best like of. And also the master of the Boys hospital to have other 50s. towards the better maintenance of the boys there. Other 50s, to be paid to the master or mistress of the Girls hospital, for the better maintenance of the girls there; 20s. to be spent in a friendly meeting of the mayor, justices, sheriffs, and aldermen, yearly en their court day, next before the 15th of January, when they are to take "especial care concerning the gifts and payments aforementioned," all overplus to go to the hamper box in the council chamber for the relief of the necessitous poor in their necessities, according to the discretion of the mayor for the time being: he gave also 50l. to be freely lent by the mayor and aldermen, for five years to five poor tradesmen, worsted weavers, "of honest lives and good conversations, such as the headmen, wardens, and other chief officers of the company of worsted weavers shall nominate and approve of," to each 10l. on security given for the repayment, and so to continue to five fresh ones every five years for ever.

He gave also 9l. to nine ministers in the city and country, and to the poor of divers parishes about, 20l.

In 1668, the city settled an estate for these uses.

In 1686, on May-day, the freemen assembled to choose a new-elect, and presented Mr. John Wrench, the youngest alderman, and Robert Bendish, (that had been mayor and was now unqualified,) to the mayor and court, who because they could not take their choice, neither of them being eligible, they went home, and so none was chosen; whereupon by order from the King, the freemen were summoned the last of May, and Mr. ''Will. Salter'' was chosen. ''Will. Doughty'', Gent. by will dated April 25, 1687, founded an hospital here, of which see under Doughty's, hospital.

In 1687, the King suspended all penal laws that respected religion, and gave free liberty to all Papists and sectaries, to exercise their own way of worship without control; upon which the Papists had the granary granted them at the New-hall, over the sealing-hall, for their publick chapel, which they made very handsome; it was opened on Sunday Dec. 11, publick mass and a sermon being performed there by Mr. Acton.

The Presbiterians built a meeting-house from the ground over against the Black-boys.

And the Independents repaired a house in St. Edmund's that had been formerly a brew-house.

By the King's mandate 19 of the common-council were turned out, and 10 aldermen, one of which was sheriff, viz.

Aldermen turned out.

Augustine Briggs.

Laurence Goodwin.

Rob. Bendish.

Will. Helwys.

Nic. Helwys.

Francis Gardiner.

Francis Osborn.

Rich. Brockden or Brogden.

Nic. Bickerdyke, sheriff.

Aldermen placed in their rooms.

John Wrench.

Tho. Seaman.

John Wigget.

Rob. Cook.

Tho. Cook.

John Leverington.

John Dersley.

John Rarnham, Will. Barnham.

Timothy Wenn, sheriff.

Common-Council ejected.

John Hall, John Thompson.

Tho. Hunting, Gamaliel Sugden.

Will. Brereton, John Ransom.

George Bennet, Aug. Corteis.

John Seaman, Laurence Bond.

Will. Hare, Aquila Crusoe.

John Norgate, Peter Scot.

Rich. Sterling, Tho. Furman.

John Freeman, Henry Prattin.

Elias Norgate.

New Common-Council.

John Wall, Roger Salter.

John Wigget, jun. Rob. Scoulden.

Isaac Paine, Isaac Decelè.

Walter Rayner, Tho. Wasey.

Will. Nockold. Will. Newman.

Anthony Thacker, Peter Castle.

John Man, jun. Tho. Parsley.

Rob. Emperor, Stephen Buttolph.

John Browne, Walter Long.

Tho. Andrews.

But in 1688, Oct. 20, came down a proclamation to restore corportions to the same constitution they were in, in 1679; which, on Oct 30, was performed at Norwich, when all that were cast off by their new charter took their places again, and the old charter brought down by the Duke of Norfolk, was restored, and is now in use.

On July 25, came an order from the King to admit 30 Quakers freemen, without taking the oaths; but they were refused by a great majority, 39 voting against their admission, and only 8 for it.

Seven of the bishops were sent to the Tower June 8 for denying to authorise their parochial clergy to publish his Majesty's declaration for liberty of conscience, or a general toleration, in their several parish churches, they were brought to be tried at the King's Bench bar June 15, their trial was put off to the 29th, and they were then acquitted to the great joy of the kingdom in general, "at Norwich particularly the joy was excessive."

Dec. 1, Henry Duke of Norfolk rode into the market place at the head of 300 knights and gentlemen, and declared for a free parliament, where the mayor and aldermen met him, from the Gild-hall, and consented with him.

Dec. 7 and 8, the rabble assembled in a riotous manner, pulled down and burned all the furniture of the Popish chapel lately opened at the New-hall, pillaged several houses of the Papists in the city, but were dispersed by the trained bands; but getting together again on the Friday and Saturday following, they grew so insolent as to threaten to plunder the Bishop's palace, and some of the chief citizens houses, but several being taken up on Monday and whipped, and others imprisoned, and after punished, they ceased from such actions.

Nov. 5, William Prince of Orange, arrived at Torbay, and on Dec. 16 came to St. James's.

Dec. 23, James II. went into France.

Feb. 13, King William and Queen Mary were proclaimed at London, and on the 18th at this city.

Burgesses in Parliament

 * 1685, Parl. at Westm. Honourable Robert Paston, Esq. brother to the Earl of Yarmouth. Sir Nevile Catlyn, Knt. of Kirby-Cane in Norfolk.
 * 1688, Parl. at Westm. Sir Nevile Catlyn, Knt. Rob. Davy, Esq. these two were elected Jan. 7, by the King's writ, and on Jan. 11, were elected.
 * Ditto. Thomas Blofield, alderman, Sir Nevile Catlyn, Knt. by the circular letter, for the convention.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: History of Norfolk/Volume 3/Chapter 32


text:
History of Norfolk/Volume 3/Chapter 33

CHAPTER XXXIII
Of The City In The Time Of Queen Of Mary The Second And King William The Third.

William and Mary, King and Queen of England, began their reign Feb. 13, 1688, and were solemnly crowned April 11, 1689, by the Archbishop of York.

In 1691, four boys of the name of Crowe were bound apprentices, by the gift of Mr. Roger Crowe, and another boy

In 1692; in which year a soldier was shot to death for desertion, in Chapel Field.

Mr. John Larwood, an independent, was nominated sheriff, by the court, but would neither fine nor serve; upon which he appeared at the board of privy council, and declared that he had never received the sacrament according to the church of England, and would not, and therefore insisted that he was not qualified by law, so that they were ordered to sue out a mandamus to choose another sheriff, and Gamaliel Sugden was chosen thereupon.

Sept. 8, at two in the afternoon, an earthquake was sensibly felt all over London and many miles round, it was perceived at Norwich and in that neighbourhood, but not much.

In 1693, coals were sold in Norwich at 3l. a chaldron.

The court chose Mr. Wasey, and the commons Mr. Pinder, (both dissenters,) for sheriffs, who refused to serve as Mr. Larwood did, so that there were no sheriffs till Nov. 9, when by a ''mandamus, Christ. Stalham and Rob. Bene were chosen, but after Christmas, Mr. Wasey and Bene were willing to fine, and paid 60l''. apiece, and Mr. Larwood was fined by the judges 5 marks, and left to be fined again by the court at Norwich, if he refused serving, on being chosen again.

Oct. 25, a conveyance was made by Mr. Stevenson, heir to alderman Tooley, of all his interest in the two closes without (St. Giles'sgates) of the gift of Sir John Pettus, to the 12 youngest aldermen, which closes were then leased at 20l. per annum.

In 1694, Queen Mary died of the small-pox at Kensington, Dec. 28; her funeral was on March 5, when by command the great bell of every parish throughout all England was tolled three several hours, viz. from 9 in the morning to 10, from 2 to 3, and from 5 to 6 in the evening.

On the 24th of August, the court acquainted the executors of Mr. ''Rich. Ireland, clerk, that they had resolved to sue him for the money given to the city and hospitals'' by his will.

Burgesses In Parliament

 * 1688, Convention at Westm. Thomas Blofield, Esq. Sir Nevile Catlyn, Knt. dissolved Feb. 6.
 * 1689, Parliament at Westm. Thomas Blofield, Esq. Hugh Bokenham, alderman, sat on March 20.
 * Dec. 1694, John Ward, Esq. mayor, chosen to serve in parliament in the room of Hugh Bokenham, Esq. deceased.

title: History of Norfolk/Volume 3/Chapter 33


text:
History of Norfolk/Volume 3/Chapter 34

CHAPTER XXXIV
Of The City In The Time Of King William The Third.

In 1695, a discharge was sealed for 200l. given by Prebend Loveland, of which the treasurers of the Boys hospital received 100l.

In 1697, the coin was new regulated, the old money being taken in, and new coined; for which there were mints erected in divers places, among others, one at this city, which began to work in September, and in this and the next year, coined 259,371l. the quantity of coin and plate brought in here to be coined, was 17,709 ounces.

It began to rain Oct. 4, at night, and continued without intermission (except a few hours on the 6th day) till the 10th at noon, which caused such a rage of waters as overflowed the lower part of the city, and did much damage, it broke down Trowse, Harford, and Bungey bridges.

The clavers had orders to receive 100l. given by John Man, Esq. deceased, to be lent out to four weavers for five years, interest free.

Peace was proclaimed here Oct. 25, between England, Holland, and France, with great pomp and splendour.

The water-works at the New-mills were begun, and brought to perfection in 1699.

In 1698, wheat was sold in the city at 44s. a comb; the winter was long and tedious; there was much snow on the 3d of May.

In 1699, the Duke of Norfolk altered the trained bands from six to seven companies.

In 1700, the exchange was begun, the mayor, aldermen, &c. went in form with musick before them from the market to the Newhall, and there proclaimed a publick exchange, to be held every day from eleven to one of the clock holidays, and such other times as the hall should be used for publick business, being excepted.

''Tho. Seaman, Esq. died Aug''. 18, and gave 20l. a year for ever for the binding out two boys, and 5l. a year for ever to bind out two girls, out of the parishes of St. Bennet's, St. Swithin's, St. Margaret's or Heigham.

Jan. 7, ''Rob. Watts, weaver, cut his wife's throat, for which he was deservedly executed before his own door in St. Austin's parish, Aug''. 30.
 * 1701, in which year the art of printing, which had been discontinued many years, was again introduced by Francis Burges, who opened an office for that purpose near the Red Well.

Mr. ''Tho. Lombe was appointed undertaker to set up lamps to enlighten the city, according to a late act of parliament,  for enlightening the streets of the said city: and in the 10th of Queen Anne it was confirmed and enacted, that every householder, charged with 2d''. a week to the poor, whose dwelling-houses adjoin to any market places, streets, publick lanes, or passages within the said city, shall yearly every night from Michaelmas to Lady day, as it shall grow dark, set or hang out on the outside of their respective houses, towards such streets, &c. candle, or visible and convenient lights, and continue the same until 11 o'clock at night, for enlightening the streets, &c. for the conveniency of passengers, under 2s. penalty for every neglect, to be levied by distress on the offenders goods, by warrant under the hands and seals of the mayor and two justices of the peace, to be disposed of by the mayor and court of aldermen, as they shall think proper, in support for the lights aforesaid, provided that all such persons as by the approbation of the mayor and court of aldermen, shall agree to contribute to maintain, and continue lamps instead of candles, to be placed near the houses of such contributors, and at such distances as shall from time to time be appointed by the order of the mayor and court of aldermen, so long as such lamps shall be continued in use, shall be discharged from such forfeiture, upon paying his respective share and contribution money according to that agreement. By virtue of which act the streets are enlightened with lamps, which being of the old fashion, and not globular, and standing at a great distance from one another, do not well perform their design; there is a committee nominated by the court of majoralty, to manage this affair, who depute a collector of the money to defray the charge, which is raised by a rate settled by the committee.

In 1701, a writ of oyer and terminer was brought down, and the expense was allowed by the assembly, but it was not afterwards put in execution.

There was also an act passed for erecting a court of conscience in this city, which sets forth the advantages the city of London received by such a court, by preventing many charges of arrests, and other proceedings in law. And that the city and county of the city of Norwich being very populous, &c. divers vexatious suits for several debts were daily commenced, more expensive to the parties than the debts, &c. for which they sue, to the ruin of their families, and filling the prisons with miserable debtors, and creating great charges to the several parishes wherein they were inhabitants, for their support and maintenance. It enacted therefore, that there should be a court of request or conscience, for the relief of the poorer sort of people in small debts, erected and established: and that the persons for that purpose hereafter named, should be commissioners for hearing and determining all such matters and causes as by that act are appointed to be heard and determined in the said court of conscience, (that is to say,) the mayor, aldermen, and comnon council of the said city for the time being, or any three or more of them, whereof the mayor or one of the aldermen for the time being, to be one of the said three, who are hereby authorised and empowered to execute the powers and authorities of the act, in such manner as is therein expressed. And before any one of the commissioners shall execute any of the authorities of the act, be shall take the oath following before the mayor or steward, as follows,

I A. B. ''do promise and swear, that all such matters and causes as I shall order and determine by virtue of the act, I will order and determine with justice and equity, according to the best of my knowledge and understanding. So help me God''.

And it was enacted, that to prevent defrauding or oppressing the poor, either plaintiff or defendant, that the costs of suit, and number of officers to the said courts, and the fees to the said officers for dispatching the business of the said courts be such, and no other, than what are hereafter mentioned, (that is to say,) for every plaint 2d.; for every order 4d.; for every precept, or warrant to commit to prison, 6d.; for every search 2d.; for every satisfaction acknowledged on the order 4d.; for every warrant for levying the debt by sale of goods 6d.; to the beadle attending the court for warning every person 4d.; for serving every precept or warrant 4d. And Thomas Steward, gentleman, was appointed register and clerk of the said court of conscience, to continue as long as he well and truly demeaned himself in the execution of his office; and in case of misdemeanor, the said commissioners are authorised to remove and displace him, the said register or clerk, for such misdemeanor, and appoint such other person or persons, to execute and supply the said offices and places of him that shall so misdemean himself: and for the execution of the matters in the act contained, the said Thomas Steward is register and clerk of the court of conscience, who is to nominate his deputies and beadles for the said court, to be approved by the commissioners, and in case of removal upon lawful conviction of any misdemeanor, or decease, of the said register or clerk, the said respective commissioners, upon such removals or death, are to nominate and appoint other persons as they shall think fit, for the supply of such vacancies as shall happen.

And it was further enacted, that the said commissioners, or any three or more of them so appointed as aforesaid, are authorised and required to meet and assemble themselves together on Monday in every week, and oftener, if they shall think fit, in such place as shall be appointed by the said commissioners for the time being, or the greater number of them then present, to hear and determine alt such matters of debt or actions on the case, upon any assumpsit for the recovery of any debt not amounting to 40s. brought before them according to the true intent and meaning of the act. And every person inhabiting, or that shall inhabit within the said city and county of the said city of Norwich, and the parishes and liberties thereof, being a tradesman, victualler, labouring man, or other person, which hath, or shall have any debt or debts owing unto him, her, or them, by any person or persons whatsoever, being a tradesman, victualler, or labouring man, or other persons inhabiting, or that shall inhabit within the said city or county of the city of Norwich, and the parishes, places, and liberties thereof, being under the value of 40s. shall and may cause such debtor or debtors, to be warned by the beadle of the court of conscience, or his agent or agents, by writing, left at the house or place of abode of such debtor or debtors, to appear before the said commissioners; and the said commissioners, or any three or more of them, have power and authority, by virtue of the act from time to time, to set down such order, and orders, to be made between such party and parties complainants, and his, her, or their debtor or debtors, defendants, touching such debts, not amounting to the value of 40s. before the said commissioners as they shall find to stand with equity and good conscience in a summary way, with or without adjournment, not tying themselves to the exact forms and methods of the common law, or other courts of justice; which said order or orders shall be final and conclusive, to all persons therein concerned, their executors and administrators; nor shall any writ of errour, certiorari, or process of law or equity lie, for the removal, stay, or reversal of the same, all such their orders are to be registered in a book or books fairly written, to be kept in the said court, and as well the plaintiff as defendant shall observe and keep the same in all points; and for the due proceeding therein, is lawful for the said commissioners of the said court, or any three or more of them, to minister an oath to the plaintiff or defendant, and also to such witnesses as shall be produced on each party if the said commissioners or any three or more of them shall so think meet.

And it was further enacted, that if any such creditor or debtor, after warning given, to him, her, or them, as aforesaid, by any officer of the said court of conscience, shall without some just and reasonable cause or excuse to be allowed of by the said court, refuse to appear in the said court, that then it shall and may be lawful for the officer or officers of the court, by order of the commissioners, or any three or more of them, to cany and convey such party or parties to some prison in the said city and county of the city of Norwich, there to remain without bail or mainprize until he, or they, perform and fulfil the order of the court; and in case any creditor or debtor, plaintiff or defendant, do not, or shall not, obey and peform such orders or decrees, as the said court shall make, set down, or direct, in, for, and concerning such debt or debts, or the payment or allowance of any costs or damages for, or in respect of the same, that then it shall and may be lawful to, and for the said officer and officers of the said court, by the order or warrant of the commissioners, or any three or more of them, to levy such debt or debts, damages or money, by the commissioners awarded, out of the goods and chattles of such creditor or debtor plaintiff or defendant, by sale of the same, returning the overplus, if any be, to such party or parties, and if sufficient goods and chattles of such party or parties cannot be found within the jurisdicton of the court, whereby or whereout such debt or debts, costs or damages so awarded, shall And may be levied, raised, and satisfied, that then it shall be lawful for such officer or officers of the court, by the order or orders of the commissioners, or any three or more of them, to carry such party and parties to some prison within the said city and county of the city of Norwich, there to remain without bail or mainprize until he, she, or they, do and shall perform and obey such order, orders, or decrees of the said court; and if any person or persons being qualified as aforesaid, and inhabiting in the said city, shall at any time next after the 1st day of August in the year of our Lord 1701, commence and prosecute any action in any of his Majesty's courts at Westminster, against any person inhabiting or residing within the said city and county of the city of Norwich, and places before mentioned, for any debt or sum due upon contract, promise, specialty, or otherwise, which upon the trial shall be found not to amount to the full sum or value of 40 shillings over and above costs, no judgment shall be entered upon record, upon any such verdict, and if any judgment shall be entered thereon, then such judgment shall be, and is declared null and void; and also the defendant in every such action shall have his costs in the said suit, to be taxed by the said court or their proper officer, where such action shall be tried, and paid him by such plaintiff in the said cause, any law or custom to the contrary in any wise notwithstanding.

And it was further enacted, that if any person or persons shall at any time be sued or prosecuted for any thing by him or them done or executed by the authority in pursuance of the act, he and they shall and may plead the general issue, and give the said act, or any other special matter or thing in evidence, for his or their defence, and if the plaintiff or plaintiffs be non-suited in any such action, or forbear further prosecution, or suffer discontinuance, or upon trial a verdict shall pass against him or them, then such defendant or defendants, shall have treble costs to him or them awarded against such plaintiff or plaintiffs, and such execution and means to recover the same as in other cases where costs by law are given to the defendants. And it was provided, that this act should not extend to any debt for rent, upon lease for lands or tenements, or any other real contracts, nor to any other debt that shall arise by reason of any cause concerning a testament or matrimony, or any thing concerning, or properly belonging to the ecclesiastical court, albeit the same be under 40 shillings.

And it was further enacted, that if any person or persons, should at any time be prosecuted for any thing by him or them done, or executed by the authority, or in pursuance of the said act, he and they shall and may plead the general issue, and give the said act or any special matter or thing, in evidence for his or their defence, and if the plaintiff or plaintiffs shall be non-suit in any such action, or forbear further prosecution, or suffer discontinuance, or upon trial a verdict shall pass against him or them, then such defendant or defendants shall have treble costs to him or them awarded, against such plaintiff or plaintiffs; and such execution and means to recover the same as in other cases where costs by law are given to defendants provided that nothing in the act should extend to the limits of the palace of the Bishop of Norwich, or the precincts of the cathedral church of Norwich, or to any other person or persons which shall be at any time residing within the said limits or precincts, or either of them, as long as they shall continue there to reside.

Sept. 15, died King James II. at St. Germain's in France.

March 8, died King William III. at Kensington.

Burgesses in Parliament

 * 1695, Parl. at Westm. Francis Gardiner, alderman, Tho. Blofield, alderman.
 * 1698, Ditto. Robert Davy, Esq. recorder, Thomas Blofield, Esq.
 * 1700, Ditto. They were rechosen.
 * 1701, Ditto. Edw. Clark, alderman, Rob. Davy.

title: History of Norfolk/Volume 3/Chapter 34


text:
History of Norfolk/Volume 3/Chapter 35

CHAPTER XXXV
OF THE CITY IN THE TIME OF QUEEN ANNE.

Anne Queen of England, &c. was proclaimed at London, March 8, 1701, being Sunday, about 3 o'clock in the afternoon; King William dying that day about 8 in the morning; and on the 12th following, at this city: and was crowned April 23, 1702, which day was celebrated here with extraordinary expressions of joy.

May 23, war was proclaimed here against the French and Spaniards.

At an assembly held on St. Matthias's day, the exchange was voted down, and was shut up the 15th of March following.

In 1703, Hardley cross, the utmost limits of the jurisdiction of the city upon the river, was new repaired by the city.

Nov. 25, in the night, was a great tempest; and on the 26th a most prodigious hurricane of wind, which did abundance of damage both in town and country, by blowing down houses, chimneys, &c.

In 1704, there were great disputes about electing an alderman in the room of Augustine Briggs, Esq. deceased, for the great ward of Conisford and Berstreet, the court swore Benjamin Austin, who displaced in 1706, by Thomas Dunch, who had the majority at the election, and obtained a mandamus to be sworn in Austin's place.

''Waller Bacon, John Chambers, Tho. Blofieid, and Tho. Palgrace'', Esqrs. were candidates for members of parliament; the two first had an evident majority, but not being freemen, the sheriffs made a double return, but after a full hearing, the two first were declared duly elected, it being alleged that whether cives meant freemen only, or no, it mattered not, because the citizens electing them made them such.

About this time, ''Will. Blithe, Esq. mayor, was committed by the parliament to the custody of a serjeant'' at arms, for irregular proceedings in the late election.

In 1705, the Weaver's Hall was broke open, and the books burnt, since which time, there hath been no scaling of stuff, &c. used in this city.

In 1706, in November, were two great floods.

In 1708, Oct. 28, died Prince Geore of Denmark, royal consort to the Queen, aged 55.

The Shire-house on the Castle-hill was altered, and made in the present form.

In 1709, the market cross was repaired, and the new mills built. Wheat was sold at 40s. a comb.

Peter Seaman, Esq. who had been mayor, and was now colonel of the city company, was made high-sheriff of Norfolk.

In 1710, the small-pox raged, and carried off great numbers.

On the 5th of Dec. at noon, was a great tempest of thunder and lightning, with a storm of hail; the lightning entered a pantry joining to a house just out of the walls by St. Austin's-gates, melted part of a pewter bason, and parts of four or five plates, but did no other harm.

In 1711, on the 18th of April, from 9 to 11 in the morning, was a violent tempest of thunder, lightning, and hail.

An address was presented to her Majesty, by Justice Blithe and Justice Peter Seaman, the last of which had the honour of knighthood conferred upon him.

Oct. 3, 20 persons were drowned on Braydon, in a wherry coming from Yarmouth.

This year was an act passed, to erect work-houses, and a court of guardians to take care of the poor: by this act, the whole county of the city of Norwich was made one parish as to the poor, which are maintained and provided for in the work-houses in the city, one of which is at the New-hall, another in the remains of the Duke's palace, and the third, commonly called the Infirmary, is on the right hand of the road out of St. Austin's-gates.

The act took place on the first of May, 1712, by which the mayor, recorder, steward, justices of the peace, sheriffs, and aldermen of the city for the time being, and 32 other persons, chosen out of the most honest, discreet, and charitable inhabitants of the said city and county, and liberties thereof, in the four great wards of the said city, viz. eight out of each of the great wards, to be elected every 3d of May, or three days after, at an assembly of the said city for that purpose to be held,  by the votes of the mayor, sheriffs, citizens, and commonalty, or the major part of them then present, and such other charitable persons as shall give 50l. or more towards the work-houses, all which may be elected guardians, over and above the 32 persons aforesaid, at any court where 33 members are present, so that the majority of them approve thereof, are constituted a corporation and body politick for ever to endure, by the name of the governour, deputy governour, assistants, and guardians of the poor in the city and county of Norwich, and liberties of the same. By which name they may sue and be sued, and without license in mortmain, may purchase, take, or receive, any lands, tenements, or hereditaments, and any goods and chattels whatever, for the use and benefit of the said corporation

The guardians, or the majority of them, are to appoint a clerk to attend their courts at the cost of the corporation, and to provide books for such clerk to enter all their choices in.

And that all persons qualified for guardians may in their turns have opportunity to be chosen, the first four persons, for each great ward entered in the books, shall yearly be declared off, and four others chosen in their rooms; the first four persons so declared off being capable of being rechosen the next year, if the majority of the assembly shall do so, and they will accept it, and not otherwise. On the 7th of May, or any other convenient time, this corporation must meet in the Gild-hall, and elect out of and from among themselves, one governour, one deputy governour, one treasurer, and 20 assistants, to continue in their offices one year, and no longer; and in case of death or removal, to meet and constitùte others in the vacant rooms for the rest of the year: the majority of the corporation having power at all times to remove any officers, and put others in their rooms; any person chosen governour, and refusing to serve, is to be fined any sum not exceeding 20l. nor less than 10l.; every deputy governour's fine is not to exceed 15l. nor be less than 7l.; every treasurer 20l. not less than 10l.; and every assistant and guardian, not exceeding 10l. nor less than 5l.; such fines to be set by the majority then present, and to be applied to the use of the corporation.

The governour, deputy governour, or, in their default, four assistants, are enjoined to hold a court the first Tuesday in every kalendar month, of 21 of the said guardians at least; the governour to hold it between two and three in the afternoon; and in his default, the deputy governour or four assistants, after three; to which court the members must be warned at least two days before, and in case of any emergency, 20 of the guardians signifying it to the governour under their hands, that they desire a special court, the governour shall be obliged to hold it at such a time as the 20 guardians shall so desire, and if he refuses, the deputy governour, and if he refuses, any four assistants shall and may hold it: at which special court, every member of the corporation must appear, and not depart without license of the court, or the major part of them, under penalty of being fined any sum not exceeding 10s. a man.

They have power to summon any of the inhabitants of the said city and county, to answer to all matters relating to the corporation, upon oath to be administered by any justice of the peace, or alderman of the city, and to fine every person so summoned, any sum for nonappearance, not exceeding 10s.

They have power to have a common seal or seals, and to ordain by-laws, rules, and ordinances, for the better government of the corporation, and the poor, or any trade or business that shall be set on foot by the corporation for employing the poor, with power to purchase, buy, or erect, any hospital or hospitals, work-house or workhouses, house or houses of correction, in the said city or county; and to provide all convenient necessaries to set on work, and employ the poor of what age or sex soever they be, with full power and authority to compel idle or lazy poor people, begging or seeking relief; or any other poor who receive collection money of their respective parishes, to dwell, inhabit, or to work in such work-houses; and to set all persons sent to such houses of correction, at work, and to detain and keep at work in the service of the corporation till they be 16 years of age, all poor children of the said city and county, begging relief, or which ought to be provied for by any parish, with power to bind them out at 16 or before, by indenture under their common seal, for any term not exceeding seven years; with power to punish and correct all such poor persons in the work-houses, &c. that shall not conform to the established rules and ordinances of those houses, or shall misbehave themselves in the same.

They had power to raise 5000l. the first year, and to set mulcts on every parish for the perpetual maintenance of the poor, to the payment of which all persons are to be rated in every parish for all lands, houses, tenements, tithes impropriate or appropriate, stocks and personal estates, in the city and county, or liberties of the same, or having money out at interest, in equal proportion as near as may be, according to their several and respective values and estates.

With power to distrain for non-payment of such moneys so assessed, and it there be no distress, to commit their persons to prison, which assessments are to be made by the church-wardens and overseers of the poor of each parish, or such other person or persons, as the said guardians shall appoint in every respective parish, by warrant under their hands and seals, and if any be unequally taxed, they may appeal to the justices of the peace at the general quarter sessions, or any adjournment thereof, who have power to redress any errour, and do what to them shall seem reasonable, and if the officers refuse to gather, they forfeit 40s. for every such offence;

With power to hinder all persons not legally settled, from residing in the city, and to take up all rogues, vagrants, sturdy beggars, idle, lazy, or disorderly persons, and commit them to any work-house or house of correction, and there make them work any time not exceeding three years; and any constable refusing to serve any warrant to take up any such, forfeits 10s. for each offence.

This act does not extend to give this corporation any power over any alms-house or hospital, or any other charitable gift or usage in the said city or county, already given, used, settled or erected. The treasurer and all other officers, are to account at all times on reasonable warning given them by the governour or deputy governovr, or corporation, and if they refuse so to do they may be committed to goal by the mayor, or any two of the said aldermen, being justices of the peace, there to remain without bail, till they pass a true account, and pay all that remain overplus in their hands, or give such security for it, as the majority of this corporation approves of.

No poor child who doth not legally belong to the city or county, shall be taken apprentice by any journey-man weaver inhabiting in the said city or county, without the consent of the governour or deputy governour, and two assistants, and all indentures to the contrary are void, and the mayor or justices of peace may by order remove all such persons to the last place of their legal settlement, notwithstanding such indentures.

No person is to be chosen guardian, unless he be rated at 12d. a week at least, to the relief of the poor, or dwell in a tenement of the yearly rent of 10l. or give 50l. to the benefit of the corporation. If the mayor or his deputy do not at any time call a court in 14 days time after it be demanded by the major part of the guardians, in order to elect any guardians or officers, in case of death or removal, then the major part of the guardians may hold such court, and do all things as well as the mayor or his deputy.

The mayor, sheriffs, citizens, and commonalty of Norwich, in council assembled, may convey and assure, for so long lime as they shall think fit, all the Town-close, or any part thereof, as a security for any sums of money that they shall borrow at any time, for, and towards the charge of setting the poor at work.

Nothing in the act is to extend to the limits of the palace of the Bishop of Norwich, or any of the precincts of the cathedral church, and it is to be taken as a publick act, and all judges and justices are to take notice of it without pleading the same.

The act is not to extend to, or charge any of the present members of the Walloon, French, and Dutch congregations in the said city or county, or such alians as shall hereafter become members thereof, with any charge other than, and except to the poor of the respective parishes, where they respectively dwell, and that for the houses and grounds they occupy only, provided the said congregations for ever hereafter, do with their stocks, estates, and values, provide for their own poor as formerly.
 * 1713, May 11, peace was proclaimed with much pomp and great joy, between Great Britain and France.

The Duke of Ormond was made Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk and Norwich, and the Lord Viscount Townshend displaced.

Feb. 15, a violent wind (though it lasted not long) did great damage by sea and land, as did such another storm on the 23d.

March 8, peace was proclaimed here between Great Britain and Spain.

In 1714, Aug. 1, about seven in the morning died the gracious and pious Queen Anne, in the 50th year of her age, and 13th of her reign, to the great sorrow of all her good subjects.

To save her country, twice she try'd, First she fought and then she dy'd.

Burgesses in Parliament

 * 1702, Parl. at Westm. Rob. Davy, Esq. recorder. Tho. Blofield, Esq. alderman.
 * 1703, Ditto. At Davy's death Tho. Palgrave, Esq. elected.
 * 1704, Ditto. Waller Bacon of Earlham, Esq.

John Chambers of Norwich, Esq.

Tho. Blofield, Esq.

Tho. Palgrave, Esq. Double return. The two first served.
 * 1707, Ditto. The two last members rechosen.
 * 1710, Ditto. Robert Bene, mayor, Richard Berney, Esq. steward.
 * 1713, Ditto. Rechosen.

title: History of Norfolk/Volume 3/Chapter 35