Norfolk Newspapers -

Norfolk Chronicle

Extracts from August 1780

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Copyright © Pat Newby
March 2005

Norfolk Chronicle Extracts from August 1780

Transcription and notes copyright © Janelle Penney.

These transcriptions have been made from microfilm supplied by the British Library Newspaper Library, which holds the copyright of the images. If you cite from, or download any part of, these transcriptions you must include this paragraph to acknowledge the British Library Newspaper Library as the source of the material.

Note: the Norfolk Chronicle was published in Norwich. When no place is referred to exactly, or the term "this city" is used, Norwich is the place referred to. Similarly, mentions of "the Castle", the City Gaol" etc refer to institutions in Norwich.

5 August 1780

5 August 1780. Page 2, column 2

Last week an old man, named SHELDRAKE, a porter, was found dead in his house in St Andrew's parish, Cambridge. He had always lived in a penurious manner, and on searching his house, several hoards of money were found, amongst which were 25 30-shilling pieces, 2 moidores, 21 guineas, several half guineas, 50 quarter guineas, about a quarter of a peck of silver coin, nearly half a bushel of halfpence, some securities for money, and other valuable effects, all which devolve to his daughter, the widow of one BUSH, late a private in the Cambridgeshire militia.

Monday last was committed to the Castle by John BLOFIELD, Esq., Elizabeth HOWES, who stands charged on the oath of Thomas SYMONDS, of Catfield, and others, on a violent suspicion of her having feloniously taken, and carried away from out of the dwelling-house of the said Thomas SYMONDS, divers goods, his property.

On Tuesday Philip WICKHAM, a lad of about nine years of age, fell into the river at Conisford, and was not discovered till half an hour after; every method that has been recommended was used by two surgeons of the Humane Society, for the space of two hours, but proved ineffectual for his recovery.

On Sunday morning last, between one and two o'clock, the two wind mills on the light-house hill, at Lowestoft, in the county of Suffolk, were entirely consumed by fire, but whether it was an accident, or a villainous affair, by some person or persons unknown, is not yet discovered. A gentleman who purchased them about four months since, fortunately had lately insured them.

On Saturday last an inquisition was taken before Thomas MARKS, Gent. on view of the body of Richard ARMS, a lad of about sixteen years of age, who was unfortunately drowned as he was bathing in the river near Fuller's Hole, in this city. --- And on Tuesday last an inquisition was taken before the same Gentleman, on view of the body of William WICKHAM [sic - mentioned previously as Philip], a lad about nine years of age, who was accidentally drowned near Bussey's staithe, in Conisford.

5 August 1780. Page 2, column 3

On Tuesday was married at the Meeting-house in the Goat Lane, in this city, Ephraim CANDLER, merchant, at Barfield in the county of Essex, to Miss Mary BURR, of this city, (niece of Mrs OXLEY, an eminent preacher among the people called Quakers,) an accomplished young lady, with every requisite qualification to adorn the married state.

On Wednesday last was married at the Quaker's Meeting house at Lammas in this county, Mr John BIRKBECK of Settle, in Yorkshire, to Miss Martha GURNEY. --- Also Mr James SHEPPARD of London, to Miss Sarah GURNEY, daughters of the late Mr Henry GURNEY, banker in this city.

On Saturday last died in the 89th year of his age, Meux RANT, Esq., of Old Buckenham, who acted many years in the Commission of the Peace for this county, with great reputation, and who was justly valued by his friends and acquaintance for his great skill in the profession of the law, and his integrity in the practice of it.

On Wednesday died aged 72, Mrs TUCK, widow of Mr William TUCK, formerly a baker in Conisford, and one of the Common Council for that ward.

On Sunday last died, aged 27 years, Mr John PAYNE, Printer, brother to Mr William PAYNE, Printer of Yarmouth, who died the 22d ult. aged 25 years.

5 August 1780. Page 3, column 2

Society for the Discharge and Relief of Persons Imprisoned for Small Debts in the Gaols of Norfolk and Norwich. JOHNSON's Coffee-house, July 31, 1780. The Acting Committee of this Society think it their Duty to lay before the Public the General State of their Proceedings, and their Accounts, and with great Pleasure inform the Contributors to this excellent Charity, that their Donations have released from Confinement, and restored to their Relations, and to the Public, Three Hundred and Forty-Two Prisoners.

However necessary it may be that the Person of a Debtor should be liable to Imprisonment, when his Effects are not sufficient to discharge his Debts; it is Injustice and Cruelty to render his Confinement perpetual; and yet without some benevolent Interposition this must frequently happen. The Design of this Society is to remedy, as far as may be, this Evil, and to make equitable Distinctions between the profligate Debtor, whom a vicious Extravagance has justly deprived of that Liberty which he abused, and the unfortunate and oppressed, from whom the Necessities of Sickness, or the Wants of a numerous Family, or perhaps an indiscrete Confidence, have with his Freedom taken away even the Means of his Support. To this Purpose the former Subscriptions have uniformly been applied, and so happily, that, out of the whole Number released, one Person only has found it necessary to request a Second Time, that Assistance from the Society, which however, it is an invariable Rule with them never to grant. The subscriptions, as appears by the Accounts, are exhausted; it is necessary therefore again to solicit fresh Contributions form those who wish to support a Charity which confers so valuable a Blessing on the Object of it, is of such extensive Utility to the Public, so pleasing an Office of Humanity, and so important a Duty of Religion.

Subscriptions and Benefactions are received at any of the Bankers, at the Bar of JOHNSON's Coffee-house, or by the Treasurer, Mr Thomas KETT; also by the Secretary Robert CUBITT, at the Hall in the Market-place, where the Books and Proceedings of this Charity may be inspected by Person disposed to promote it.

12 August 1780

12 August 1780. Page 2, column 3

Early on Thursday morning, the 3d inst., a party of a press-gang, attended by 20 dragoons, entered Cromer, when dragoons on horseback were posted at each avenue of the town, to intercept all passengers, while the press gang searched the houses for seamen, and after taking many, detained only three, the rest being unfit for their purpose. --- This fact deserves the serious consideration of every well wisher to the liberty of this once free and happy country; the necessity of the state has too frequently of late obliged the civil power to connive at, though not to authorise, the common illegal mode of impressing men for the sea service, but to have a press gang, assisted by a troop of horse, invest a peaceable town before break of day, with intent to commit an act in itself illegal and unconstitutional, is so disgraceful to the liberty of Englishmen, and so great a stretch of arbitrary military usurption, that it calls for immediate redress, and it is hoped that so dangerous an innovation will rouse the inhabitants of this county to such a public remonstrance and censure, as will do honour to their yet unsubdued spirit, and check the daring encroachment of a growing military authority.

Assize news

Thursday ended the business of the crown bar for the county, when the four following prisoners received sentence of death, viz: Henry GELDON, for stealing a red polled cow, the property of Matthew LOVE, of Hildolvestone, alehouse-keeper; Peter PETCH, alias CAPPS alias YORKSHIRE, for being concerned with William POTTER, late of Poringland, in stealing two horses, one the property of John COBY, of Poringland, the other of William FAIRCLOTH, of Wilbeach; Jonathan NORMAN, for stealing out of the barn belonging to Clement POSTLE, of East Ruston, four combs and bushels of oats in the sacks, the property of the said Clement POSTLE, and also for stealing a horse from Henham, in Suffolk, the property of Robert TAYLOR, of Raydon, in the said County; and Jeremiah HARVEY, removed by habeas corpus from Ipswich Gaol, for stealing a horse from Mr John ALEXANDER, of Ashwell-Thorpe, in this county. Philip SNELL, for stealing a silver watch, the property of Joseph MACK of Holt, sentenced to be privately whipped, and remain six months in prison.

The three following were acquitted, viz. David TUCK, charged with stealing two ewe sheep from Topcroft, the property of Benjamin HUNT; Robert CHURCH, charged with buying and receiving, knowing them to be stolen, two pair of cart chain traces, the property of William MASON and Clement POSTLE farmers; and John PRINTER, charged with stealing two pigs, the property of Robert WATTS of Crostwick. Thomas GALLOWAY, convicted at Thetford in March assizes 1779, of stealing a gelding, and ordered to hard labour on the Thames, but could not since be removed without danger of his life, being in a deep consumption, was ordered to remain in custody; and Thomas REEVE and Elizabeth HOWE were discharged by proclamation.

Same day ended the assizes at the crown bar for the city, when the two following prisoners received sentence of death, viz. Samuel RUMNEY, alias Thomas SHEPHERD, alias Timothy TWAITE, for stealing a mare out of a pasture at Wigstoft, in the county of Lincoln, the property of George FERNE; and Thomas MADDLE, alias Thomas HOWES, for stealing a brown mare from the door of the Maid's Head alehouse, in the parish of Heigham, in the county of the city of Norwich, the property of Richard SMITH.

Alice CROWN, widow, for stealing a remnant of cloth out of the shop of Messrs. George and Leyson LEWIS, in St Peter of Mancroft, was sentenced to be privately whipped, and kept six months at hard labour in Bridewell. Joseph SPENCER for stealing six pair of leather gloves from Benjamin HUGMAN was sentenced to be privately whipped, and discharged. And Mary WILSEA, charged with stealing a canvas purse, containing four guineas, the property of Sarah BURDON, was acquitted. --- The Judges, before they left the city, were pleased to reprieve RUMNEY and MADDLE.

12 August 1780. Page 2, columns 3 & 4

At the assizes which ended at Chelmsford on Friday, Lord MANSFIELD passed sentence of death on the nine following criminals, viz. William FULLER and George WILLIAMSON, for horse stealing; Edward MORTON, John DAWSON, John BROOKES, and James BROWN, for highway robberies; William FENN, John FENN, and John HORN, for burglaries. His Lordship, however, was pleased to respite seven of them before he went out of town, leaving only MORTON and HORN for execution. MORTON is since respited during his Majesty's pleasure; and HORN remains under sentence.

19 August 1780

19 August 1780. Page 2, columns 3 & 4

Saturday last was committed to the Castle by J. SMYTH and J. FENN, Esqrs. Robert ANDREWS, a lad about 14 years of age, charged on oath with stealing thirty-two guineas on Tuesday the 8th instant, from out of a chest which was locked and standing in a lodging-room in the dwelling-house of Thomas SUTTON, of Shipdham, butcher, his master. He had bought two watches and other things, to the amount of about twelve guineas.

On Tuesday last was married at Swaffham, in Norfolk, John WHITE Esq. of Wherstead, in Suffolk, Major in the East Suffolk militia, to Miss NELTHORPE, sister to James NELTHORPE, Esq. of Linford.

On Saturday last was married at St Peter's Mancroft, by the Rev. Mr PEELE, the Rev. Mr BELOE, B.A., Sub-master of the Grammar-School in this city, to Miss RIX, daughter of W. RIX, Esq., Town Clerk of the city of London.

Monday last died, in the 49th year of her age, Mrs Elizabeth NEWMAN, wife of Mr Thomas C. NEWMAN, of St Augustine's Parish.

Last week died in London, in the 86th year of his age, Mr Thomas HURRY, of Yarmouth.

Tuesday last died, Mrs NORRIS, wife of James NORRIS, Esq. in St Andrew's.

On Tuesday last died at Linton, Essex, aged 68, John HUMPHREYS, Esq.

On Saturday last died Mrs PROCTER, wife of Mr John PROCTER, late linen draper, in London-lane.

19 August 1780. Page 2, column 4

Cambridge, August 12.

On Sunday evening between six and seven o'clock, a fire broke out in the roof of a barn belonging to John STONEBRIDGE, farmer, at Trumpington, occasioned by a boy shooting at a pigeon. Everything being very dry, the fire raged with the utmost fury, and in a few minutes the whole farm-yard, and also two barns on the opposite side of the road, occupied by Mr HUMPHREYS, were in flames.

On the first alarm the engines were sent from Cambridge, and though the supply of water was scanty, yet by the well-directed endeavours of the people assembled on the occasion, the flames were prevented from reaching the mansion house belonging to Mr ANSTY, or STONEBRIDGE's farm-house, and happily got under by midnight. Four large barns, a granary, several outhouses, with two stacks of hay, some rye, and other grain, were burnt, and a sow with four pigs perished in the flames; the whole damage is supposed to be from 900 to 1,000 Pounds.

The inhabitants of Trumpington return their most sincere thanks to the gentlemen and others of the university and town of Cambridge, and the adjacent villages, for the ready and timely assistance afforded them in the above dreadful fire.

August 19, 1780

John MARCH, King's Street, near the Chapel, Yarmouth, Most respectfully begs Leave to inform the Public, that he has taken the Printing Office of the late Mr W. PAYNE, and humbly solicits their Favours; as he assures them, it shall be his constant Endeavour to merit their Countenance and Support, by strictly observing the Business instructed to his Care, and executing it with Neatness and Dispatch.

19 August 1780. Page 3, column 1

Mr SAUNDERS, Surgeon, Apothecary, and Man-Midwife, from St Thomas's and Guy's Hospital, London, begs Leave to offer his Services to the Friends of the late Mr MOORE, of Aylsham, whose Shop he has taken, assuring them, and the Public in general, that he will endeavour to merit Encouragement by treating all who are pleased to put themselves under his Care with the utmost Tenderness and Attentions.

August 12, 1780, Thorpe, next Norwich.

Whereas Daniel ROBERTSON hath absented himself from the said Parish, and his Wife is thereby become chargeable to the same, Any Person giving Information of him to the Overseers, so as he may be secured, shall be handsomely rewarded, or if he will return and take Care of his Wife within ten Days, he will be accepted. N.B. He is a tall man, and wears his own Hair, is upwards of sixty Years of Age, and by Trade a Tanner.

26 August 1780

26 August 1780. Page 2, column 3

On Saturday evening last, about eight o'clock, as Messrs Benjamin BELL, John FULLER, and Turner THURROLD, of Castle Acre, were drinking on horseback at the Swan in Swaffham, in their way to Castle Acre, they were soon joined by two strangers on horseback, well mounted, who said they were also going the Castle Acre Road, and very soon after they all set out together; they had not got a mile from Swaffham before the two strangers attacked them, and demanded their money, but Mr BELL quitting his horse, and getting into an adjoining close, and FULLER and THURROLD galloping on, they all three escaped being robbed. The Highwaymen pursuing FULLER and THURROLD met Mr John RICE, a glazier of Swaffham, whom they robbed of his silver watch, and 4 shillings and 6 pence. Whilst they were robbing RICE, Mr GALLOWAY, a farrier of Castle Acre, passed them; the highwaymen then pursued him, knocked off his horse, robbed him of his shoes, and 1 pound 3 shillings in money, and used him very cruelly. They then returned towards Swaffham, passed RICE again, and about 200 yards from the town met Mr JERMYN, a considerable farmer of Weasenham, tore his breeches, used him exceeding ill, robbed him of his hat, boots, spurs, silver watch, about 35 pounds in cash, and a banker's bill for five guineas. During the time of robbing Mr JERMYN one of the highwaymen's horses got away, and RICE being again come up, the highwayman dismounted him, and got up on his horse, and both rode into the town of Swaffham in pursuit of the said horse. An alarm being immediately given by Mr JERMYN, several persons instantly mounted their horses in pursuit of them. Mr Thomas MARCON, of Swaffham, overtook one of them at the end of the town, and lifting his stick to knock him off his horse, the fellow threw himself off, and escaped into the fields, but in half an hour later was discovered in a ditch, and properly secured, as were the two horses. The other highwayman got off on RICE's horse, owing to the darkness of the night, but Mr BOWKER, of Swaffham, in company with the aforesaid Mr THURROLD, and Mr GALLOWAY, making a fresh pursuit in the morning, they overtook him in the middle of the town of Wisbeach, (thirty miles from Swaffham) pulled him off his horse, and secured him likewise. The first man taken calls himself Michael MOORE, butcher of Bourne, in Lincolnshire, and had when taken Mr JERMYN's hat on his head, Mr RICE's watch, and Mr GALLOWAY's money and pocket-book in his pocket. The other man had Mr JERMYN's watch, and two other silver watches in his pocket, besides about 30 pounds in cash, with a purse, and gold gauge and key, that belongs to Mr JERMYN. This highwayman says his name is William SMITH, and is a chimney-sweep by trade, and likewise a Lincolnshire man. They both appear not more than twenty years of age, and were by James NELTHORPE, Esq. committed to Norwich Castle. The horses they rode were stolen, and are since owned by two gentlemen, who live, the one in Leicestershire, and the other at Stamford, in Lincolnshire. Too much cannot be said in praise of the inhabitants of Swaffham, for their uncommon spirit and alacrity in pursuing and taking two such dangerous fellows, who have committed many robberies in other parts of the kingdom. One of the watches taken from SMITH belongs to a very industrious tradesman in Leicestershire, whom they robbed some time ago on the highway, and took from him near 30 pounds besides.

Last week died of consumption, which she bore with the greatest fortitude and resignation, Miss Elizabeth FAIRBROTHER.

Yesterday died, in the 83rd year of his age, Mr Josiah LEWIS, formerly a considerable Dyer in St Michael Coslany, but had retired from business some years.

Saturday last died, aged 16 years, Miss Charlotte LILLINGTON, daughter of the late Isaac LILLINGTON, Esq., who served the office of Sheriff for this city.

Cambridge, Aug. 19. On Monday last Ann JEFFREY and Mary WELLS, two poor women belonging to this town, who had been in the fields to glean, were found by the road side in a kind of stupor, by a gentleman returning home. On enquiry, it appeared they had been ignorantly eating the berries of the deadly night-shade. The gentleman very humanely brought the poor women to Mr HOFFMAN, chemist, on the Pease-hill, who immediately applied proper remedies, and, we have the pleasure to add, with success, both women being perfectly recovered.

26 August 1780. Page 3, column 3

To be Sold at Auction, Some Time in the Month of September next, if not before disposed of by private Contract, the following estates in Suffolk and Norfolk.

Suffolk

The Scite [sic] of the Manor of Stradbrooke, and a Farm called Stradbrooke Hall, consisting of a commodious Farm-house, Barns, Stable, Neat-house, and other convenient Buildings, and about 160 Acres of good Land, lying together in Stradbrooke, and lett [sic] to Mr John BROOKE, on Lease, at the yearly Rent of 155 pounds and 10 shillings.

Also, the Parsonage, Rectory, and great and small Tithes of the Parish of Wingfield, being an extensive Parish, and Lands good and fertile, and clears, after all Deductions, 200 pounds per Annum.

Also, a Farm in Wingfield aforesaid, called Bleech Green, consisting of a Messuage, Barn, Stable, Neat-house, and other necessary Buildings, and about 40 Acres of good Land, late in the Occupation of Mr Charles ROOPE, deceased, and now of Thomas CLARE, and worth, to lett [sic], 381 pounds per Annum. N.B. This farm is in the Middle of the Parish, and very convenient for the gathering the Tithes.

Norfolk

A Farm in Pulham St Mary the Virgin, consisting of a Farm-house, Cottage, Barns, Stables, and other convenient Out-houses, and about 104 Acres of Land, lying together, lett to Mr Thomas FRYER, on Lease, at the yearly Rent of 85 pounds.

Also, a Farm at Denton, and Alburgh, consisting of a good Farm-house, Barn, Stables, and other proper Outhouses, and about 56 Acres of good Land, lett [sic] to Mr Richard MATTHEWS, on Lease, at the yearly Rental of 50 pounds.

Another Farm in Needham, consisting of a Farm house, Barn Stable, Neat-house, and other necessary Buildings and about 48 Acres of very good Land, with a Cottage and Hempland adjoining; the Whole let to Mr John KING, on Lease, at the yearly Rent of 50 pounds.

Also, a Grove in Needham aforesaid, called Beazant's Grove, contiguous to the last mentioned Farm, and contains about six Acres, with a considerable Quantity of Timber and Underwood.

The above Leases contain fair and reasonable Covenants between Landlord and Tenant.

Also, a Messuage, Stable, and other Buildings, and two Pieces of Land in Needham, aforesaid, containing five Acres and two Roods, in the Occupation of the Widow WITHAM, at the yearly Rent of 10 Pounds.

Also, a Cottage, and Yard, in the Occupation of Mark BLACKBURN, at the yearly rent of 3 pounds.

Another Cottage, and Yard, in the Occupation of Joseph BAXTER, at the yearly rent of 2 pounds.

Also a Shop, late a Blacksmith's Shop, and now used as a Hickler's Shop, in the Occupation of Robert SPARROW, at the yearly rent of 1 pound.

Also, another Cottage, with a Yard and Pightle of Land containing one Acre, lett [sic] to Robert HARMAR, at the yearly Rent of 4 pounds 4 shillings.

The above Cottages and Shop are situate in Needham aforesaid.

And, a Messuage, or Tenement, in Pulham Market, in the occupation of Jonathan WATSON, and --- HARRISON, at the yearly Rent of 5 pounds 2 shillings and 6 pence.

N.B. The Buildings on the above Estates are in good Repair, and the Whole moderately assessed to the Land Tax, and the same will be shewn [sic] by the respective Tenants. Further Particulars may be had of Charles WESTON, of the City of Norwich, Esq., Mr Thomas HOOD, No. 14, Grays-Inn, London, and of Messrs. MEADOWS and BROWNE, at Diss, in Norfolk.

To be Sold by Auction,

On Thursday the 7th day of September next, at the Sign of the Crown in Pulham Market, in the County of Norfolk, the following Estates in Pulham Market aforesaid:

Further Particulars may be had of Mr Charles PUNCHARD, of Roydon, the Auctioneer, or of Messrs. MEADOWS and BROWNE, at Diss, in the said County.

Transcription and notes copyright © Janelle Penney.

These transcriptions have been made from microfilm supplied by the British Library Newspaper Library, which holds the copyright of the images. If you cite from, or download any part of, these transcriptions you must include this paragraph to acknowledge the British Library Newspaper Library as the source of the material.