Chronological Retrospect of the History of Yarmouth and Neighbourhood

South Denes laid out as a race-course by John Holdrich and other innkeepers of Yarmouth; but annual races not held till 1810.

Easter Fair held on Good Friday until this date, when the Corporation ordered it to take place on the Friday following.

Geo. England, Esq., and the Hon. Horatio Townshend returned to Parliament.

1718

It was agreed that the two last and every succeeding Mayor should receive £100 each, in lieu of the fishing thousand.

The Vicar’s house built by the Corporation.

1721

An Act passed enforcing half the amount of ordinary duties on the Haven to be expended in improving the Haven, Piers, and Jetties; one-fourth part to be expended in deepening and cleansing the three rivers, and repairing the bridge and public quays at Yarmouth; and the remaining fourth part in cleansing and deepening Breydon.

1722

Oct. 2nd. William Spooner, Bailiff, and afterwards Mayor, died, aged 67 years.

Hon. Charles Townshend and Hon. Horatio Walpole returned to Parliament. The latter created a Baronet in 1756.

1723

Guildhall, near St. Nicholas’ Church, pulled down and replaced by an unsightly building, where Corporate assemblies were held till 1835.

1724

The Charity School for 50 boys and 30 girls was built by subscription. (See, 1713).

Jan. 28th. James Artis, Esq., Bailiff, Mayor, and Captain of Fusiliers, died, aged 68 years.

1724

Corbridge published his “West Prospect of Yarmouth.” Buck published one in 1741; and Laing’s Map came out in 1867.

1726

July 14th. Mrs. Bridget Bendish, granddaughter of Oliver Cromwell, died at Southtown.

1727

Hon. W. Townshend and Hon. Horatio Walpole returned to Parliament.

The Norwich Mercury of this date says: – “The persons appointed for choosing a Mayor for the town of Great Yarmouth (according to custom) were locked up in a room on Tuesday last at 12 o’clock, and did not determine the election till 9 o’clock on Thursday morning, when Samuel Artis, Esq., a gentleman of known loyalty and integrity, was declared Mayor-Elect for the year ensuing, to the great disappointment of the Tories.”

1729

The Pillory removed.

£50 raised by the town for the relief of the English prisoners at Mequinez.

1730

July. A remarkable storm and tempest; hailstones of prodigious magnitude fell.

1732

Sir Robert Walpole, Earl of Orford, K.G., High Steward of the Borough.

1733

Dec. 20th. Organ now at the Parish Church first opened. The Rev. Thos. Macro, D.D., minister of Yarmouth, preached the sermon on “The Melody of the Heart.” —Eph. 5, 19 verse. (See Jan. 25th, 1869.)

1734

A poor fisherman named Danby obtained a verdict, with £15 damages, against William Brown, Esq. (the Mayor), Justice Artis, and Masters (the Bridewell man), for whipping and false imprisoning the plaintiff.

The Mayor’s gold chain and medal appendant having the arms of the Corporation on one side, and a ship under sail on the reverse, to be worn by every Mayor for ever. (See 1746.) It was subscribed for. The cost of the chain alone was £141 18s. 3d.

Organ at St. George’s Chapel built by Jordan.

Hon. Edward Walpole and the Hon. William Townshend returned to Parliament, but the latter dying in 1737, was succeeded by his brother, the Hon. Roger Townshend.

Sarah Johnson, a widow, was whipped upon a cart round the Market Place, for stealing three gold rings and a silver spoon. In 1763 two sailors were served in like manner, receiving four lashes under each public-house sign for stealing merchandise.

1736

Elizabeth Thompson hanged for the murder of a Dutchman in the Gaol-row.

1737

Jan. 14th. George II. landed a few miles south of Yarmouth.

1739

Sir R. Walpole sent 50 guineas to be expended in coal for the poor.

Robert Ferrier appointed Town Clerk, and eleven years afterwards he filled the civic chair.

1740

Chris. Bernard, Esq., elected Mayor, but died before completing his term of office.

Expenses of Yarmouth Haven were £3,299 15s. 9d.

Amelia Sophia de Walmoden, presumed to have been the mistress of George II., was created Baroness and Countess of Yarmouth for life. She died in 1750.

1741

Hon. Roger Townshend and E. Walpole, Esq., returned to Parliament. Votes – T., 400, W., 391; Howling Luston, 104; Richard Fuller, 97.

1742

John Thacker hanged for killing John Auger with a pistol ball in a shop near the “Wheel of Fortune.”

1744

The inquest, chosen for electing a Mayor, locked up in the Guildhall for ten days; in 1765, six days; in 1767, three days and three nights; and in 1814, fifty-four hours.

Samuel Killett, Esq., Alderman, gave the Corporation of Yarmouth a silver oar, double gilt, the insignia of the Admiralty Court.

1745

Ancient Order of Foresters first formed.

Robert Walpole, Earl of Orford, High Steward of the Borough.

1746

Nov. 25th. Mayor’s medal appendant sold; its value applied for adding links to the chain, the two being valued at £166. (See 1734.)

1747

Hon. E. Walpole and the Hon. Chas. Townshend elected to Parliament.

The Cage or Stock-house removed.

1748

Nov. 30th. John Dobson Tongue hanged for robbing Mr. Halsden on the Southtown-road.

1749

Oct. 13th. John Sullivan hanged for robbing Mrs. Meed on the Denes.

1750

John Barcham, mariner, executed for the murder of Robert Bullen.

An Act passed appointing a committee of twelve inhabitants of Yarmouth to inspect the Haven works, and to summon the Commissioners in cases of need.

Mrs. Cromwell, lineally descended from Oliver Cromwell, died at Yarmouth, at an advanced age.

A live infant named Sarah Pycraft found in a basket in St. Nicholas’ Churchyard, and was taken to the Workhouse, where she died 96 years afterwards.

1751

George Walpole, Earl of Orford, High Steward of the Borough.

Dr. John Butler, minister at St. Nicholas’ Church, and afterwards Bishop of Oxford and Hereford. He died in 1802.

An Act passed to open the port of Yarmouth for the importation of wool and woollen yarn from Ireland.

1752

Chris. Taylor, Esq., Mayor, died before completing his term of office, and was succeeded by Giles Wakeman.

The Gallows-house on the North Denes removed.

1753

Expenses of Yarmouth Haven amounted to £3,360 3s. 9d.

1754

April 18th. Right Hon. C. Townshend and his former colleague, then Sir E. Walpole, K.B., and Chief Secretary for Ireland, elected to Parliament. Votes – T., 541; W., 518; R. Fuller, 397; and William Browne, 342.

Mr. Thos. Olivers made an unsuccessful attempt to introduce Methodism into the town. He and a friend were assailed on the Sunday with dirt, stones, and missiles of every description without mercy, and driven out of the town. Mr. Howell Harris made an attempt in 1760, which was more successful, though at great risk of his life.

1756

July 23rd. William Burton, M.D., died, aged 53.

Sept. 1st. Naval engagement off Lowestoft between H.M.S. “Hazard” and a French privateer, “La Subtille,” carrying 12 guns and 86 men. After six hours the Frenchman struck off Winterton, and the next day (Sunday) the prisoners were landed and lodged in gaol. By undermining the prison wall, fourteen broke out, and only four were retaken.

C. Townshend, Esq., of Honingham, a cousin to the Hon. Charles, was elected to Parliament by a majority of 32 votes, on the latter accepting the office of Treasurer of his Majesty’s Chamber. Mr. C. Townshend was elected eight times in thirty-three years.

1756

An Act for the better recovery of small debts within the liberties of the Borough obtained.

1758

Oct. 7th. Joseph Ames, F.R.S., died. He was born at Yarmouth on Jan. 23rd, 1688, and was the author of “Typographical Antiquities”; being an historical account of printing in England, with memoirs of our ancient printers, and a register of the books printed by them, from the year 1471 to 1600, with an appendix concerning printing in Scotland and Ireland to the same time. It was dedicated to Philip, Earl of Hardwick, Lord High Chancellor of England. He was originally a piano maker, and afterwards a ship chandler at Wapping, which trade he carried on till his death. He was a great lover of history. In 1741 was appointed secretary of the Society of Antiquaries. Mr. Ames printed a “Catalogue of English Printers from 1471 to 1700,” “An Index to Lord Pembroke’s Coins,” also “A Catalogue of English Heads, or an account of about 2,000 prints,” describing what is peculiar on each; he drew up the “Parentalia, or Memoirs of the Family of Wren.” His collection of coins, curiosities, books, &c., were sold in 1760. Among the latter was a copy of Tindall’s New Testament, supposed to be the only one which escaped the flames, when the Bishop of London (Tonstall) ordered them to be burnt. Vide “Timperley’s Encyclopedia of Literary and Typ. Anecdote,” 1842, p. 703.

1759

Yarmouth Sea-baths built. Cost £2,000. A handsome public room added in 1785.

Terrible affray with the 2nd Dragoons (Scotch Greys) and 6th Irish Dragoons (Enniskilling), who were quartered in the town. They attacked each other with swords.

1761

John Willis, Esq., elected Mayor, but died before completing his term of office.

Hon. Sir Edward Walpole, K.B., and C. Townshend, Esq., returned to Parliament.

1762

The number of boys and girls at the Hospital School reduced from 49 to 41.

1763

Gorleston Parish, with the Hamlet of Southtown, in Mutford and Lothingland Hundreds (Suffolk) incorporated for the maintenance of the poor of its 24 parishes. Also by an amended Act in 1833.

1765

Dec. 10th. Rev. Christopher Spendlove, sen., lecturer, of Yarmouth, died, aged 69 years.

1766

Jan. 8th. Much distress caused through the high price of food, and a subscription was opened and liberally supported by the inhabitants – 60,138 quartern loaves, weighing 4 lbs. 14 ozs., at 3d. each, distributed for three months, among the poor till April 25th.

1767

100 ft. of the Jetty carried away by high tide.

1768

C. Townshend, Esq., returned to Parliament, with the Hon. Richard Walpole. (Also in 1770, 1774, and 1780.)

1769

Sept. 16th. Elizabeth Martin executed for the murder of her illegitimate child.

1770

April 18th. The day of John Wilkes’s releasement from the Tower celebrated at Yarmouth with great rejoicings. He was an eminent English politician.

Nov. 8th. Rev. John Manclarke, minister of the parish, died, aged 38 years.

During a gale, thirty vessels and two hundred men lost.

Four of the Town Gates pulled down.

One guinea bounty offered to every able seaman at Yarmouth who would join the fleet to suppress the war with Spain.

1771

“Clappermen” appointed to watch the vessels in the Harbour, and prevent any fire or light being used on board.

1772

Jan. 11th. Henry Swinden, a diligent antiquary, who for twenty years collected and digested a large mass of information respecting his native town, author of “History of Great Yarmouth,” died, the same year his work was published, and while the last sheet was in the press, aged 55 years. (See 1776.)

1774

Charles Townshend, Esq., and the Hon. Richard Walpole returned to Parliament. Votes – T., 310; W., 310; W. Beckford, 218; Sir Charles Saunders, K.B., 216. In 1777, Charles Townshend, Esq., vacated his seat, but was returned with W. Beckford, Esq. Votes – T., 502; B., 199.

The overseers’ account for the past year, ending at Easter, was – Money received, £2,694 16s.; money paid (including everything, and a new building at £201 10s.) left a balance in hand of £61 15s. 7d.

1775

The “Nine houses” at Southtown built by John Eggoty, on the site of public tea-gardens and cream house.

1776

“The History and Antiquities of Yarmouth,” by the Rev. Charles Parkin, M.A., Rector of Oxburgh, published.

John Ives, F.R.S., F.S.A., died. He was born at Yarmouth in 1730, and became eminent for his skill in antiquarian science. He published “Manship’s History,” wrote the preface, and erected a marble monument in St. Nicholas’ Church to Manship’s memory.

1778

Dec. 4th. Theatre erected, and opened with the comedy of the English Merchant. Building cost £1,500. Renovated in 1828.

1779

Jan. 1st. A tremendous storm and flood, and much damage done to shipping.

First Map of Yarmouth published by Mr. M. J. Armstrong. It was prepared by Swinden in 1722.

1780

March 6th. A Monthly Book Club established by the Rev. R. Turner, B.D.

Armed Associations formed at Yarmouth.

1781

William Penn, a pirate, hanged in London, and afterwards put on a gibbet on the North Denes.

Two batteries on the North Denes erected.

1782

A fort erected on Gorleston heights, armed with six 24-pounders and a battery of nine 18-pounders, for the defence of St. Nicholas’ Gat. An invasion expected.

The Fisheries protected by an armed force.

Parliamentary Reform agitated; and the town was filled with troops, much to the annoyance of the inhabitants.

An Act passed for the better securing the duties payable on the importation of coal and cinders.

The Norfolk Rangers first established.

1783

The celebrated John Wesley preached in Yarmouth, and on Oct. the 22nd opened a chapel. He paid the town several visits, the last in 1790, not five months before his death in 1791. Aged 87.

Right Hon. C. Townshend re-elected to Parliament.

1784

First Census taken. Population 12,608.

Two vessels fitted out for the Greenland whale fishery.

Mr. S. Bream, of Yarmouth, advocated the extension of the North Pier for the removal of the Bar. Mr. J. Nichalls, an engineer, suggested in a report that the river should be straightened, and a weir placed across the river near its junction with Breydon.

1784

June 22nd. A great part of the outward wall of the east end of the Parish Church fell down, and destroyed the tombs and gravestones to some distance.

Mr. Barrett died, aged 100 years.

Oct. The Prince of Wales (afterwards Geo. IV.) invited by the Corporation to dine at the Town Hall. Not accepted.

Sir John Jervis, K.B., returned to Parliament with H. Beaufoy, Esq.

1785

Another town gate pulled down.

The Dutch sent over 87 boats for the herring fishery off our coast.

Wooden drawbridge across the stream near the Town Hall built, and existed till 1843.

1786

Second drawbridge connecting Yarmouth with Southtown over the Yare re-built and opened to the public.

Josiah Curtis appointed town crier, an office which he held for 32 years.

1788

Martha Stanninot, a peculiar woman known as “Queen Martha,” who fancied she should be Queen of England, lived and died in Row 28.

1789

Nov. 1st. Forty vessels driven ashore between Yarmouth and Southwold; 80 fishing boats wrecked, and 120 bodies washed ashore between Yarmouth and Cromer.

An appointed day of thanksgiving for the King’s recovery, and the town illuminated.

Seven hundred lasts of herrings taken by 180 boats.

1790

June 18th. Right Hon. Charles Townshend and Henry Beaufoy, Esq., returned to Parliament. Votes – T., 632; B., 455; J. T. Sandys, 182.

A pottery established at Yarmouth.

1791

George Townshend, Marquis Townshend, High Steward of the Borough.

Feb. 3rd. Part of the Jetty carried away by a destructive high tide, and the Denes under water. On the Southtown-road the water was deep enough for boats to ply.

Oct. 27th. Riot on account of the dearness of provisions, but suppressed by the magistrates.

1792

Feb. 7th. House of Commons petitioned by Yarmouth for the abolition of slave trade.

May 29th. The “Church and King Club” established, and first meeting held at the “Wrestler’s Inn.”

Dec. Meeting held in Yarmouth, pledging themselves to support the Constitution of King, Lords, and Commons, as established in 1688.

1793

Feb. 11th. Embargo laid on all vessels at Yarmouth.

Feb. 28th. H.M.S. “Savage” brought in the French privateer, “Custine,” she being the first prize taken in the war.

Matthew Champion died at the age of 111 years.

The title of Earl of Yarmouth was revived as the secondary title of the Marquis of Hertford.

1794

July. Subscription entered into and a benefit play performed at Yarmouth, for the relief of the widows and orphans of those killed on board the fleet in Lord Howe’s victory on June 1st.

1795

May 29th. On the death of H. Beaufoy, Esq., Colonel S. Howe was elected to Parliament with George Anson, Esq. Votes – H., 483; A., 347.

Sir Edmund Lacon, Knt., Mayor. This hon. gentleman was knighted for quelling the riot which began in the Market Place, occasioned by the high price of provisions.

The Distillery, on the site of the Silk Factory purchased by Government, and Barracks made of wood, erected there for 1,600 men.

Jan. 19th. The illustrious fugitive, the Princess of Orange, with her daughter-in-law, little granddaughter, and the child’s nurse, accompanied by two gentlemen, embarked on board a fishing boat. They took up their quarters in the hold of the vessel, and were covered with the sails as a defence against the inclement weather. After being safely landed at Yarmouth, the military were drawn up, and their Royal Highnesses driven twice round the Market Place, and then entertained by the Mayor. The Prince unexpectedly came also and took his wife away. The next day the Duke of York visited Yarmouth for the purpose of welcoming them, and, though disappointed, was enthusiastically received by the inhabitants.

Another unfortunate Princess near landing on our shore. Princess Caroline of Brunswick, accompanied by the English envoy, Lord Malmesbury, embarked at Cuxhaven on board the “Jupiter,” 50 guns, and through stress of weather came within six leagues of the Beach.

A line of packets to Cuxhaven was started from our Port, and the Dover and Harwich packets removed.

Congratulatory address from the Corporation and inhabitants of Yarmouth presented to George III. on his escape from the attack made on his person while proceeding to Parliament House.

1796

June. Lord C. P. T. Townshend and Colonel S. Howe returned to Parliament. Lord Charles on the day following his election was found dead in his carriage, shot in the mouth by a pistol ball. The same year (Oct. 26th), Major-General W. Loftus and H. Jodrell, Esq., were elected to Parliament. Votes – L., 599; J., 561; Sir J. Jervis, K.B., 418.

June 25th. First time that a squadron of men-of-war ships entered Yarmouth Roads. There were 13 British and 3 Russian, under the command of Admiral Macbride.

Freedom of the Borough presented to Captain Trollope, for defeating 8 French ships of war off the coast of Holland.

Aug. 19th. Whilst Thelwall, a political lecturer, was declaiming in a room at Yarmouth, a party of armed sailors from the ships in the Roads broke in, and in their attempt to seize the orator, knocked down every person who opposed them. Upwards of 40 persons were wounded in the scuffle; the orator escaped unhurt.

1797

June 1st. Mutiny on board the North Sea Fleet at Yarmouth, and several sail of the line hoisted the red flag of defiance.

Sept. 18th. Admiral Duncan assumed the command of the North Sea Fleet in the Roadstead, vice Admiral Macbride.

Oct. 3rd. Admiral Duncan put into Yarmouth Roads, and six days afterwards went in search of the Dutch fleet, which was totally defeated (Oct. 11th) off Camperdown. The British fleet returned in triumph to Yarmouth Roads, bringing seven sail of the line as prizes. The wounded men were landed and conveyed to the Barracks and to Norwich – there being no Naval Hospital. Yarmouth for several days was thronged with visitors to see the victorious British fleet and their prizes. A subscription was raised on behalf of the wounded.

A high tide nearly demolished the Bath House.

Somerset Militia quartered in the town.

Captain Rysoort, of the “Hercules” (one of Admiral Duncan’s prizes), died in Yarmouth, and was buried with military honours.

A boat on the river Breydon upset, and six out of seven youths drowned.

Freedom of the town presented to Lord Duncan and Sir Richard Onslow for their victories over the Dutch fleet; also to Earl St. Vincent for the victory over the Spanish fleet on the 14th of February.

Mutiny broke out at the Nore, and extended itself to the vessels in Yarmouth Roads, but was quickly suppressed.

1798

Mar. 2nd. Through financial pressure at the Bank of England, Yarmouth banks paid in their own notes, and fractional parts were paid in specie.

Two Volunteer Companies of Yeomanry Cavalry formed at Yarmouth under Samuel Barker and H. Worship, Esqs.

Oct. 1st. Intelligence of Admiral Viscount Nelson’s ever memorable victory off the mouth of the Nile received at Yarmouth with great rejoicing.

Oct. 1st. The Times says: At half-past twelve the following men-of-war in Yarmouth Roads got under weigh to cruise off the Texel: – “Monarch,” 74 guns, Admiral Sir Richard Onslow, Captain Sutton; “Monmouth,” 64, Deane; “Belligneux,” 64, England; “Ardent,” 64, Bertie; “Agamemnon,” 64, Fancourt. Remaining in the Roads: – “Kent,” 74, Lord Duncan; “Ganges,” 74, Captain M’Dowall; “America,” 64, Smith; “Veteran,” 64, Mosse; “Glatton,” 54, Cobb; with the “Europa” and “Mististoff” men-of-war.

1799

Sept. 28th. The Duke of York’s army returned from an unsuccessful campaign, and the Guards and 24 other regiments, comprising 25,000 troops (infantry and cavalry), were landed at Yarmouth on their return from Holland.

An embargo laid on all shipping at Yarmouth.

Hospital for sick and wounded soldiers erected on the site of Grout’s Silk Factory. The wounded from Copenhagen were taken here.

1800

Sept. 25th. Freedom of the Borough voted to Sir A. Dickson and Mr. Pitt.

Nov. 6th. Admiral Lord Nelson landed here after the battle of Aboukir, having been absent 2½ years from his native county, and was presented with an enthusiastic welcome and the freedom of the town. He stayed at the “Wrestler’s” Inn, Church Plain, and in a speech he made there, said, “I am myself a Norfolk man, and I glory in being so.” When he subsequently visited the Parish Church, the organ played, “See the Conquering Hero comes.” He was accompanied by Lady and Sir William Hamilton.

Nov. 20th. The herring fishery off Yarmouth was unusually productive this year, the catch being so great that one of Mr. Batley’s boats, after taking on board 14 lasts, was obliged to throw two lasts overboard.

1801

Jan. 1st. This day being the first of the 19th century, and the day on which the union of Great Britain and Ireland took place, the Durham Militia fired a feu de joie at Yarmouth; and the ships in the Roadstead gave a royal salute and hoisted their new colours in honour of the union.

Mar. 7th. The St. “George,” carrying 98 guns, and bearing the flag of Lord Nelson, arrived in the Roadstead.

Mar. 12th. The grand fleet of 47 ships of war, with 3,000 mariners, under the command of Admiral Sir Hyde Parker in the “London,” 98 guns, with Lord Nelson as his Vice-Admiral, sailed from Yarmouth, and proceeded, after they had been joined by seven sail of the line in Leith Roads, to Copenhagen to destroy the Danish navy.

Mar. 16th. The “Invincible,” 74 guns (built in 1766), Rear-Admiral Totty, on her way to join the grand fleet, got on the ridge near Hasbro’ Sand, and remained till daybreak next morning, but had no sooner floated into deep water than she went down with her captain (J. Lawford), several officers, and about 300 men. By the exertions of Daniel Grigson, master of the cod-smack, “Nancy,” the Admiral, 7 officers, and about 190 of the crew, were saved.

April 14th. Intelligence received at Yarmouth of the destruction of the Danish navy in Copenhagen by the British fleet, on April 2nd, after four hours’ fighting. Great rejoicing in this town and country generally.

July 1st. Owing to Lord Nelson’s ill-health he again landed at the Jetty from the gun-brig, “Kite.”

Nov. 2nd. The Prince of Orange arrived at Yarmouth from London, and on the 6th sailed in the packet “Diana,” for Cuxhaven.

Census taken. Population of Yarmouth, 14,854; with Gorleston and Southtown, 16,573.

The batteries erected on the verge of the beach, and mounted with 32-pounders. The harbour was also defended on each side by two bastions of a mural construction. They were dismounted after the general peace, and guns returned to Woolwich.

1802

Jan. 6th. The Public Library first instituted by a certain number of subscribers. In 1808 the Corporation granted the lease of the present building. The Dutch clock (removed in 1861) was erected on the exterior in 1600, when the building was used as a Dutch Chapel by the Hollanders; was afterwards used as an English Chapel, and previous to the Theatre being built the back premises were converted into a room for dramatic entertainments. New Reading Room opened Feb. 19th, 1859.