Norfolk Newspapers -

Norfolk Chronicle

Extracts from October 1781

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Copyright © Pat Newby
April 2005

Norfolk Chronicle Extracts from October 1781

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.

6 October 1781

NOTE: The issue of 6 October is missing from the microfilm.

13 October 1781

13 October 1781. Page 2, column 3

The Argus cutter, Capt. HAGEIS, brought an Officer with dispatches from the Hon. Kieth [sic] STEWART, for Government, which he landed at Yarmouth, on Friday last, and on Sunday put into Harwich harbour, and brought to the post-office a great number of letters from the Commodore's fleet. A few ships of the squadron sustained some small damage in their rigging, in the late hard gales, which was soon repaired; and the Argus left the whole fleet, consisting of fifteen sail, besides cutters, etc, in good condition, and their officers and men in perfect health and good spirits, cruizing [sic] off the Texel, and waiting an opportunity to shew [sic] their British valour, should the Dutch fleet attempt to quit the Texel.

Extract of a letter from an Officer in the West Norfolk regiment, now quartered in the town and Garrison of Kingston upon Hull, dated Sept. 12, 1781. "We have been here since the 10th of November last, during which time the inhabitants and corps have been upon the most friendly terms. The sailors indeed entertain a spirit of jealousy not very favourable to their wives and sweethearts. The Norfolks, however, are not be routed from the field of Venus, nor do they dread the bite of a Yorkshire cuckold.

The town is populous and rich, chiefly owing to the encrease [sic] of trade and public spirit. A dock, or bason [sic] to receive shipping, 500 yards long, and 100 in breadth, has been lately formed, at the expence [sic] of 60,000 pounds and three years labour, which brings in a considerable revenue to the dock company, who undertook it under the authority of an Act of Parliament.

The Lord Amherst armed ship, a tender, and the Resolution, and Advice, cutters, are here; and two guard-ships, or floating batteries, are stationed at the mouth of the Humber.

The Fort or Garrison, is well situated for the defence of the port, and the invalids and troops quartered in the town are equal to its force. French prisoners were lately removed from hence by a cartel, but we have still many Dutch tars. GRAINGER, the notorious Anglo-Gallic, is detained here.

Although the town contains upwards of 30,000 inhabitants, it hath but two churches, and is only half a mile in extent either way. The streets are regular,well paved and named, but the houses are close, and much infested by bugs. Provisions of all kinds are plentiful and cheap." [Two further paragraphs describing local cultural features of Hull, I have not transcribed.]

"The country hereabout is flat, and rather unhealthful to strangers, yet we have not more than forty of our men ill. Good living and cheerful company, you know, will baffle climate or medicine. Matrimony is the greatest evil we have to dread among the soldiers. Not a week passes but some unhappy fellow inlists [sic] with the Awkward Squad, and how the Dumplings and Puddings will adhere when a route arrives, I am loth [sic] to say." [I believe this last sentence may be interpreted to mean that the writer wonders whether the new wives from the local area will remain with their soldier husbands when the regiment moves - I think 'route' may be a reference to 'route march'. If anyone has a different interpretation, please feel free to share it with the List, as this is only my own 'best guess.' I wonder how many of these wives from Hull eventually settled in Norfolk with their husbands, to puzzle their genealogist descendants about their parish of origin and place of marriage ?]

13 October 1781. Page 2, column 4

Tuesday was committed to the city gaol, by John MORSE, Esq., Mayor, for further examination, Wm. ALDEN and Francis BECKETT, charged with feloniously carrying away seventeen cheeses, the property of Thomas BACK. And on Wednesday was committed to the said gaol, Ann, the wife of Robert RANSOME, charged with having together with John CALVER, received of William ALDEN, and Francis BECKETT, ten cheeses, the property of the said Thomas BACK.

The same day was committed to the city gaol, Isaac HILL, charged with being concerned in the above robbery.

Last Wednesday morning James CULVER, of King-street, and John ADCOCK, of St James's, in this city, were both carried to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, the former with his leg broken, so that the bones came through the skin, by a piece of timber falling upon it, and the latter having received several stabs from a soldier's bayonet.

Tuesday morning last Joseph TRUNDEL, late of this city, was found dead near the North Battery, on the Denes, Yarmouth.

Married.

On Thursday last, in the precincts of the Cathedral, the Rev. Mr BEEVOR of this city, to Miss Elizabeth BULLOCK, the youngest daughter of the late Thomas BULLOCK, Esq., of this county.

13 October 1781. Page 3, column 1

Philip HUBBARD,
Perukemaker, and Hair-dresser,

Having taken the Shop of the late Mr BEALES, near Messrs CARTER and COPPING's, Grocers, takes the Opportunity of soliciting the Favours of the Friends of Mr BEALES. He also returns Thanks for the Favours he received at his old Shop, and assures his Friends, and the Public, in general, that it will be his constant study to merit a Continuance of them.

John TOLL, jun.
Hatters and Hosiers.,

Being removed from the Corner of Brigg's Lane in the Shop formerly in the Occupation COLDHAM and BAYLEY, near the Angel in the Market-Place, Norwich, informs his Friends and the Public, that he has laid in a good and fresh Assortment of every Article in the above Branches; also black Modes and Sattins [sic], coloured Sarsnets and Persians, Women's Silk Hats, Cloaks and [indecipherable word], Gauzes, etc which he is determined to sell Wholesale and Retale [sic] on the lowest Terms; he respectfully acknowledges the repeated Favours of his Friends, and earnestly solicits a Continuance thereof, which he hopes to merit by a constant Attention to supply them with the best Articles. N.B. The Wine and Liquor Trade will be carried on a the Old Shop for the present, where all Orders will be gratefully received, and carefully executed by BLECKLY, TOLL and Co.
Note. The House and Shop in Brigg's-Lane to be Lett.

13 October 1781. Page 3, column 3

To be Lett, and entered upon immediately, at Heacham, in Norfolk, about fourteen Miles from Lynn, and ten from Brancaster and Burnham, Heacham Manor Farm, late in the Occupation of Mr John CHAPMAN, deceased; consisting of the Manor House, Barns, Stables, Outhouses, and upwards of 940 Acres of Arable Land, Meadow, Pasture, and Salt Marsh, free from all Rectorial Tythes [sic].

Enquire of Mr Robert SCARFE, of Snettisham, who will shew [sic] the Premisses [sic].

13 October 1781. Page 4, column 1

To be Sold by Auction, (And for Ready Money only)

On Wednesday the 17th of Oct. 1781, and the following Days at Mount Amelia, in Ingoldesthorpe, Norfolk, late the Dwelling House of Richard GARDINER, Esq., deceased.

All the Genuine Furniture in the said House, and other Effects on the Premisses [sic], consisting of several very modern and elegant Four-post Mahogany Bedsteads, with extraordinary good Beddings and Hangings, one of which in particular being of a rich Crimson Silk Damask, very handsome and fresh, valuable Pictures and Prints, Window Curtains, Pier and other Glasses, Chairs, Tables, etc. Servants Beds and Kitchen Furniture of all Sorts, in exceeding good Condition.

N.B. A most superb and curious India Cabinet, a remarkable fine reflecting Telescope, and a spring Clock, as good as new.

The Sale will begin each Morning at Ten o'Clock, and continue till the whole be sold.

20 October 1781

20 October 1781. Page 2, column 4

In the nights of Saturday and Sunday last some villains entered the garden ground belonging to Mr John ANDREWS, in St Michael's at Thorn Lane, and stole thereout all the rope-making utensils belonging to Mr Henry MATCHETT, in Stephen's, and did other considerable damage. The above ground has been several times entered, and considerable damage done thereon.

Married.

Mr Richard GARRETT, grocer, in St Clement's, to Miss ROOKS, of St George's.

Died.

Friday last, Mrs DARE, wife of Mr DARE, grocer, at St Martin's at Palace. -- Sunday last, at Horstead, Peter BARET, Esq., aged 76. -- Yesterday morning, suddenly, Mrs WHITING, aged 93. -- Friday last, at Yarmouth, Mr Robert BARBER, merchant, a man much respected. -- Wednesday last, at Easton, near this city, Miss Mary MEEK, sister of Mr John MEEK , of Great Yarmouth.

October 1, 1781.

Lost, a Box, directed for Elizabeth GARNER, at Mr HAGGARD's, St John Maddermarket, Norwich, containing the following Articles, viz. one fine white Ground Chintz Cotton Gown; one ditto blue Ground with small Sprigs; one ditto red Ground, strip'd and flower'd; one ditto black Ground, flower'd white; one old white Ground with Pink Sprigs; one new Manchester Petticoat; one corded Dimity Under Coat; five Shifts; one fine Muslin Apron, work'd Border and Sprigs; one other Sprig'd Muslin Apron; two Irish Cloth Aprons, one coloured ditto; two Pair Cotton Stockings; one Pair white Worstead; one Pair laced Ruffles; one Pink Callimaneo Coat; an old black ditto; one Pair Stuff Shoes; one Pair Pockets; one Pair Stays; five Pair Shift Sleeves; one white Pocket Handkerchief; eight Tuckers; four lac'd Borders for Caps; one Pair Buckles; one Prayer-book; Gloves, Ribbons, etc.

Whoever has found the Same, and will bring it to John THOMPSON, the Swaffham Carrier, shall receive Half a Guinea Reward. N.B. If any of the above Articles be offered to Pawn or Sale, the Parties are requested to be stopped, and to give Notice as above.

20 October 1781. Page 3, column 1

Mary TITTER, Distiller, Grocer, and Tallowchandler, Returns her most sincere Thanks to her Friends and Customers for the many Favours conferred upon her since the Decease of her late Husband, and begs a Continuance of the Same, as she has now by her some very fine Jamaica Rum, French Brandy, and Holland Geneva; likewise British Brandy and Gin, very fine Raspberry Brandy, etc etc.

Whereas many Advertisements have appeared in this Paper, requesting all Persons who stood indebted to the late Timothy TITTER, Distiller, of this City, deceased, to pay their respective Debts to Mary TITTER, his Wife, or Mr William UTTEN, Attorney, in the Lower Close, or Mr Thomas RIX, Shoe, Patten and Heel Maker, in St Andrew's Middle Street, facing the Cockey Lane, of which many Persons concerned have not taken due Notice, this is therefore to inform them, that unless they pay the same immediately, as above they will be sued without further Notice.

Turnpike Road from Norwich to Scole.

Notice is hereby given, that the Trustees of the said Turnpike Road, acting under an Act of Parliament made and passed in the 12th Year of the Reign of his present Majesty King George the Third, intitled "An Act for enlarging the Term and Powers of an Act for repairing and widening the Road leading from the City of Norwich to Scole Bridge, in the County of Norfolk," will meet at the White Swan, at Stratton St Mary, in the said County, on Wednesday the 7th Day of November next, at Eleven o'Clock in the Forenoon, in order to consult about erecting a Side Gate on the said Turnpike Road, at the Lane leading to Flordon, at the back of Rainthorpe Hall.

By order of the Trustees,
Henry BROWNE, Clerk.
Oct. 16, 1781.

20 October 1781. Page 3, column 2

Town of Dunton, in the Hundred of Gallow, in Norfolk, October 17, 1781.

Lost, supposed to be Stolen, in the Night of Sunday, the 14th Instant, from the said Town of Dunton, a Sorrel Gelding, of the Cart Kind, six Years old off, about 14 Hands high, bald Face, two white feet behind, and one white foot before, the Property of Mr MALLETT, of Dunton. Whoever shall apprehend the Person or Persons, who stole, or was or were concerned in stealing the said Gelding, so as he or they be lawfully convicted, shall be entitled to and paid a Reward of Ten Guineas, in ten Days after Conviction, out of the Treasury of the Association and Subscription entered into by several Gentlemen residing in and about the Neighbourhood of Fakenham, in the said County, in pursuance of Articles entered into for that Purpose, by applying to HAWYS and STOKES, Treasurers, at Fakenham.

27 October 1781

27 October 1781. Page 2, column 2

We have an undoubted authority to assure our readers, that the West Norfolk regiment, commanded by the Right Hon. the Earl of ORFORD, has orders to remain at Hull, in Yorkshire, during the winter cantonment.

Thursday being the Anniversary of his Majesty's Accession to the Throne, the same was observed at Yarmouth in the usual manner: the guns at the fort, and on board the men of war, were fired. One of the men belonging to the train of artillery was unfortunately killed by the gun going off while he was ramming down the charge, and a seaman on board the Alderney had his hand so shattered, that it is feared it must be amputated.

27 October 1781. Page 2, columns 2 & 3

Extract of a letter from London, Oct 18, 1781.

"Having been informed the unfortunate youth, John SHEPPARD, who was to suffer this morning at Tyburn for forgery, was a Gentleman I had formerly seen in Norfolk, I attended the melancholy proceedings in order to satisfy myself of the identity. As he was indulged with a place in the Ordinary's coach, I could not see him till he had joined the other 12 malefactors under the fatal tree, between ten and eleven o'clock. He seemed truly penitent, and took an affecting leave of a young man, who, some said, was his younger brother, and others a particular friend. Whilst these unhappy mortals were offering up their last prayers to Heaven, a messenger made his way through the crowd, and delivered to the Sheriff a respite for Mr SHEPPARD, who was accordingly taken from the Cart into the Ordinary's coach, where he sat whilst three women, and nine men, were launch'd into eternity!

The respite was sent from Judge ASHURST at the Old Bailey to the Sheriffs, while at Tyburn, to stay the execution of SHEPPARD, convicted of forgery. This unusual order induced the Sheriffs to send to the Secretary of State's Office, where they received an answer, that he was not included in their warrant. On a further investigation it appeared, that the unfortunate young man, who was within a minute of being launched into eternity, the cap being drawn over his eyes, stood in arrest of judgement, upon a supposed error in indictment, which remained for the decision of the Judges, and consequently ought not to have been reported. He was brought back to Newgate about one o'clock, and his deportment bespoke a strong sensibility of that fate he had so narrowly escaped.

The respite would have been too late, had not an accident of the most shocking kind intervened. A scaffold on which were a prodigious concourse of people, suddenly gave way and fell down, burying many of the unhappy people in the ruins; this occasioned the execution to be delayed a considerable time, and in the interim the convict's life was saved.

Another cause of delay was that one of the women had not a handkerchief large enough to cover her face, till one was procured by a humane spectator.

It is said he was much shocked at seeing an acquaintance in one of the galleries, of whom he had taken an affectionate leave in the Press-yard.

It is somewhat remarkable, that neither the Court or Jury had any intimation at his trial that the opinion of the twelve Judges was to be taken, and I hope his Majesty will extend his royal mercy to a reprieve, should the Judges determination prove unfavourable. -- So flagrant an instance of neglect Somewhere was perhaps never known. I hope for the sake of justice, that the Blame will rest where it ought to do - the life of a man, however culpable, is too precious to be sacrificed to remissness of office!"

27 October 1781. Page 2, column 3

Last week was married at Denton, Mr John PAUL, of Mettingham Castle, to Miss COLE, of Denton, an agreeable Lady with a handsome fortune, and every other requisite to render the marriage state happy.

On Sunday last was married at the parish church of St Mary, Whitechapel, London, Mr William LOVEGROVE, son of Mr LOVEGROVE, an eminent salesman in Leadenhall Market, to Miss TOOKE, daughter of the late Mr John TOOKE, of Holt, in this county.

On Monday died at Diss, in an advanced age, after a quiet and peaceful life, Robert SPURDENS, sen., one of the people called Quakers.

Last Monday night died (at Mr John WATSON's, peruke-maker, St Michael at Plea) Mr Christopher Michael DREXELL, foreign clerk to Mr George MALTBY, of this city, aged 36 years.

Thursday died at Fritton, much respected, Mr William DENNY, a considerable farmer of that place.

To the Inhabitants of St Peter's Mancroft, Norwich.

The clandestine Attempts of your late Under-minister to obtrude upon you whom he pleased for his Successor, calls loudly for your Discountenance and Opposition; for should it be suffered to succeed, it will be an Example and Encouragement to your Ministers, for the Future, by a like Contrivance, to palm upon you Persons of their own Appointment to succeed them; and, In All Cases of Resignations, your Ministers, and not you, will be deemed to have the Power of Election; and your Right will dwindle into a mere Conge d'Election, (License to elect) subject to their Nomination, or Appointment.

I congratulate you on the Opportunity now afforded you by electing a Gentleman of Learning and Character to supply the present Vacancy; and of conferring a Favour upon a Man who not only merits it, but, on account of his numerous Family, wants it, more than either of the other Candidates.

[signed] A. Parishioner.
Oct. 26, 1781.

27 October 1781. Page 2, column 4

Norwich, October 28, 1781.

Messrs F. and J. RIVETT, Silk Dyers, from London, beg leave to inform their Friends, and in the Public in general, that they have taken a House near the Hall in the Market, where they intend carrying on the above Business in all its various Branches. Those Ladies and Gentlemen who please to favour them with their Commands, may depend on their being executed in a neat and expeditious Manner, and their Favours most gratefully acknowledged,
by their most obedient and humble Servants,
F. and J. RIVETT.
N.B. Linen Furniture, Negligees, or Gowns, cleaned and glazed Whole, and Gentlemen's Cloaths [sic] cleaned wet or dry; also Bedding of all Kinds, upon the most reasonable terms.

To be Sold, a large Quantity of oak, Ash, some Beech, Sycamore, and Lombardy Poplar Plants, all of which are five and six Years Growth, very good healthy Plants, and will be sold on such exceeding cheap Terms as to make them an Object well worth the Attention of any Person inclined to plant this Autumn.
Wanted, Some Acorns, Ashenkeys, Beach Masts, and Spanish Chestnut Seeds: - Enquire of Mr COBB, at Felbrigg, near Cromer, Norfolk.

27 October 1781. Page 3, column 1

Blakeney, Oct 23, 1781.

Judith BOND (Relict of Thomas BOND), late of the parish of Blakeney, in the County of Norfolk, Coal merchant, deceased) takes this Opportunity of informing the Public, that she and her Son intend to carry on the Coal Trade as usual. -- She returns her sincere and hearty Thanks to all their former Customers, and humbly requests the Continuance of their Favours; and all other Gentlemen or Tradesmen, who please to favour her with their Commands, may depend on being served with good Coals, on the lowest Terms.

Ran Away,

And left his Wife and Family chargeable to the Parish of Stibbard, near Fakenham, in Norfolk, Robert EMPSON, by a Trade a Thatcher, but follows Razor-grinding and Chimney-sweeping, and took with him a Boy of the latter Profession; had on when he went away a light coloured Coat and Scarlet Waistcoat, is about five Feet nine or ten Inches high, wears his own dark lank Hair, has grey Eyes, and chews Tobacco.

Whoever will give Information where the said Robert EMPSON is, so that he may be apprehended, to the Overseers of the said Parish of Stibbard, shall be paid One Guinea as a Reward for their Trouble, by G. C. GRAVER, Samuel BURTON, Richard SHARR, Overseers of Stibbard.

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.