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 ffl-uiiioiuajrt. 
 
 KING JOHN’S CHARTER TO GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 <%'ijc of SDi'iginaf, SUiic'ljeg lip lOiitcljcs. 
 
 Phulograpliecl Uy Mr. .lunies Howes, Norwicli. 
 
THE 
 
 DESIGNED AS A 
 
 Cuntimiiitiait uf 3Hnn0lii|j’3 Jnsturij 
 
 2Df rijat ®oton. 
 
 BY 
 
 CHAELES JOHN PALMEE, E.S.A. 
 
 It E X E T X O S T 11 A 1 U 11 A . 
 
 ®teat iJannouH): 
 
 PUIHHSHEI), BY LOUIS ALFRED MEALL, THE QUAY: 
 
 AN I) 
 
 J. KT’SSKLL SMITH, SOHO SCiUAKE, LONIJOX. 
 
 mOccrluj. 
 
Jlmjjtiiitca iip Houisi SIfrcn rtje JlHuag, JJariitout^i, 
 
 mDcccIuj. 
 

 rrvEFACE. 
 
 It is a subject of some regret to the Author, that the materials 
 for the present volume, were not in his hands at the time he became 
 the Editor of Mansuip’s History. The matter which he collected for 
 the explanatory Notes and Appendix to that volume, greatly exceeded 
 the limits necessarily assigned to it: and many subjects of considerable 
 interest having been altogether left out, the publication of the present 
 Supplemental Volume was announced. In this continuation of the 
 History, however, the Author has still been compelled to omit many 
 original documents and papers of interest, and a Chronology of oc¬ 
 currences, which would, of themselves, form an interesting volume. 
 
 The defects which may be observed in the arrangement of the 
 two volumes now before the Public, if considered as forming an entire 
 work, will, it is hoped, be in some degree remedied by the copious 
 Index which has been added. 
 
 The Author has to record his thanks for the continued assistance 
 of those kind Friends to whom he expressed his acknowledgment in 
 his I’ormer preface. 
 
A1 
 
 riiEl'ACE. 
 
 To Mr. L. a. Me all he is indebted not only for the careful manner 
 in which he has performed his task as publisher, but also for the many 
 valuable suggestions which he has made, from time to time, during the 
 progress of the Work through the Press. 
 
 His thanks are especially due to the Norfolk and Norwich 
 Arcileological Society, for their liberality in allowing the use of 
 their engravings of the Shields of Arms on the ceiling of Yarmouth 
 Church; and for permitting their plates of Merchants’ Marks to be 
 re-produced for the present Work. 
 
 He is also under obligations to Mr. J. J. Offord, for supplying 
 the drawing for the Illustration of the mural painting in St. Nicholas’ 
 Church. Likewise to James Cobb, Esq., (Solicitor,) and other gentle¬ 
 men, for the loan of papers, documents, &c.; and for aid kindly 
 proffered. 
 
 It only remains for him to offer his thanks to the Public for the 
 favourable manner in which his previous labours were received, and to 
 express a hope that the excuse then made for any inaccuracies which 
 may be discovered, will further be extended to the present Work. 
 
 Great Yarmouth, 
 
 Maxj 2Wi, 1856. 
 
 C. J. P. 
 
CniitBnts, 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Section I.-CHARTERS GRANTED TO THE BOROUGH . . 1 to 42 
 
 „ II.—ANCIENT CUSTOMS & USAGES OF THE BOROUGH 43 — 65 
 
 „ III.—FISHERIES, TRADE, & COMMERCE OF THE TOWN 66 —108 
 „ IV.—THE CHURCH OF ST. NICHOLAS . . . . 109 —146 
 
 „ V.—ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY OF THE PARISH FROM 
 
 THE TIME OF THE REFORMATION . . 147—188 
 
 „ VL—REPRESENTATION OF THE BOROUGH IN PAR¬ 
 LIAMENT . 189 —242 
 
 „ VH.—LOCAL HISTORY OF THE TOWN FROM THE TIME 
 
 OF THE RESTORATION. 243 — 291 
 
 „ YHL—BAILIFFS AND MAYORS OF THE BOROUGH, 
 
 FROM A.D. 1268 TO A.D. 1856 .... 292 —319 
 
 „ IX.—LIST OF CORPOR.YTE OFFICERS, &c. . . 320 —370 
 
 High Stew.ards.320 
 
 Stewards.336 
 
 Recorders.341 
 
 Sub-Stewards.350 
 
 Coroners.353 
 
 Town Clerks.354 
 
 Counsel.358 
 
 Admiralty Officers.360 
 
 Water Bailiffs.362 
 
 Benedictine Priors.364 
 
 Carmelite Priors.364 
 
 Carmelite Sub-Priors.365 
 
 Ministers and Preachers.365 
 
 Ministers of St. George’s Chapel.366 
 
 Masters of Grammar School.368 
 
 NOTE.371 
 
 INDEX.373 
 
iL'ist uf Slkotnitinns. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Charter of King John (Jacumih) . Fronlisjmce 
 
 Merchants’ Marks. 95 
 
 Tokens. 98 
 
 Mural Painting in St. Nicholas’ Church . . . .119 
 
 Shields in St. Nicholas’ Church {Platel.) .120 
 
 Shields in St. Nichol.as’ Church {riatell.) .... 121 
 
 Shields in St. Nicholas’ Church {Plate III.) . . . .123 
 
 Bosses in St. Nicholas’ Church {Plate I.) .... 140 
 
 Busses in St. Nicholas’ Church {Plate II.) . ... 141 
 
©irat 
 
 SECTION I. 
 
 THE CHARTERS. 
 
 ^VEN untille the tyme of King John,” says the author of 
 the “ jFountJacion ana antiquitpc,” the town of A'armouth 
 “ contynuecl under the rule and governance of a provost 
 “ (appointed by the King), who exequeted justice in the 
 “ King’s Maiestye’s name ; ” but that Monarch, who greatly 
 encouraged trade,*' and relied upon the support of the 
 Commons, and especially upon the Out-Ports, both for men and money, in his 
 contentions with the Nobles and Ecclesiastics, “ consideringe the place and 
 
 * “ His acts for the weale-publike, were beyond most: he being either the first or 
 “ tlie chiefest, who appointed those noble formes of civill government in London, 
 “ and most cities and incorporate towns of England, endowing them also with their 
 “ greatest franchises ; the first who caused sterling money to be here coined ; the first 
 “ who ordained the honorable ceremonies in creating of Earls ; the first who settled the 
 “ rates and measures for wine, bread, cloth, and such like necessaries of commerce ; the 
 “ first who planted English laws and officers in Ireland, and both annexed that king- 
 “ dome and fastned M'aleS, to the Crowne of England, thereby making amends for his 
 “ losses in France; and thence, amongst all the English Monarchs, he was the first who 
 “ enlarged the Royal style with Lord of Ireland : a matter of greater import for Eng- 
 “ land’s peace, than all the French titles have ever yet proved.” Speed, edit. 1G50. 
 
2 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 “ scituatlon to be verye meete to be buylded, and resorted unto by manye other 
 “ nations as well as by the people of this lande, and intendinge to provide for 
 “ the good governmente and rule of the same, did determine to ereate that 
 “place and scituacion into a Free Burghe ; and in the nyneth yere of his 
 “ reigne. whiche was A° D"' 1209, for diverse good causes and consideracions 
 “ dyd make and create the said seate and place, by the name of the Burghe 
 “ of Jernemuthe, and called the men thereof by the name of his Burgesses; 
 “ to whom the said Kinge granted the same Burghe, withe diverse and sondrye 
 “ liberties and priviledges, to hold of the said Kinge in fee-farm for ever, yeld- 
 “ ing for the same to the said Kinge and to his heires and successors, into the 
 “ Exchequer, fyftye and five pounds of monye yerly, at the Feast of Sainte 
 “ Michaell, for ever, as by the charter thereof made and granted by the said 
 “ Kinge John, more at large appearethe.” (Videlicet,) 
 
 “31SD!1?J!3, lip tlje (Brace of ©oo, Iktng of ©nglattB, JLorti of Jlrelano, Duke of 
 “ T5onnaniip aiiD aqiuitain, auD (JEarl of anjoti ; to tlje StrcljtiiffjopEi, TBifijops, 
 “ abbots, IPriors, ©arls, TBarons, Jlulltces, ©Ijertffs, probofts, ann to all TBatliffs, 
 “ anb others Ijis faithful subjects, ©reeting, IkJIilDiLiR that Wt* Ijabe granteO, 
 “ auD bp our prescut ©barter coufirmeD, to our TBujgelfeS at thattljep 
 
 “ babe thcTBujgh of ^apuouth in ifee^jrarm for eber Enb that tlje TBujgh be a Free 
 “ IBujgh for eber 3 ann babe soc anb sac, toll aub theam, anb infangenthief anb out= 
 “ fangenthief. anb tljat the same TBujgeffes through our JLanb, anb through all the 
 “ %ea Pojts, be quit of toll, lailage, palfage, paage, pontage, ffallage, anb of lebe, 
 “ anb of benegelb, anb eberp other culloiu, sabing the libejtp of the ©itp of JLonbon t 
 
 anb that thep bo no suit of Counties or l^unbjebs, for tenures Inithin the TBujgh of 
 “ ^ajmouth. 
 
 “ Ca© babe also granteb to the same 'Bujgeffes, anb bp this our ©barter babe con- 
 “ firmeb, that none of them pleab out of the TSujgh of $ajmouth, in anp plea, etcept 
 “ the pleas of outtoarb tenures. 
 
 “ ©a© babe also granteb to them acquittance of murber toithin the TBujgh of ^ar= 
 “ mouth 3 anb that none of them fijall fight the combat, anb that thep map trp tlje 
 “ pleas of the ©robin among themselbes, accorbing to tlje labi anb cuilont at Dtforb, 
 “ anb that biithin the TBujgh aforesaib, none fijall take Duarters bp force, or bp 
 “ alfignment of the iparfijals. anb tljat in that TBujgh, there fijall be no plea of 
 “ miskenning 3 anb that l^uftings be holben but once in a hieek. 
 
 “ 03© babe also granteb them a iperchants ©uilb 3 anb that thep fijall julllp babe 
 “ their lanbs anb tenures, tljeir securities anb ail tljeir bebts, Inljich anp one fijall otoe 
 “ them, anb concerning their lanbs anb tenures, biljich are toithin the TBurgh afore= 
 “ saib, tlje 03rit of Eight fijall be trieb bp them, accorbing to the lain anb cuftom of 
 
 * King Jolm is said to be the first English King, who adopted the plural number 
 in his charters and proclamations. 
 
 + See Manship, pp. 356, 357. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 3 
 
 “ 'Burgl 5 of ©icforli 3 atiO concernino; afl tfjeir Oeitg ffjall I)e contratten at 
 
 “ ^armoiitf), ano concerning gecnritieiS tljcrc mane, tljc picas fl)a(l lie Ijclli at ^ar» 
 “ inoutl). ano if anp one in ail SEnglano, lljall talcc tolls or cuftoins from tlje 'Burgefl'es 
 “ of ^armotttl), etcept, as al)oPc, tlje saio Citp of JLonnon, ano afttrlnaros tljat person 
 “ lijaii oelist from ^isrigljt, tlje ProPost of ^armontlj lljall talte out Jl^aam at JJarmoutlj. 
 
 “ ip!3D3asE®2iaEK, for tlje amcnoinent of tlje saio Burglj of 3Jarmoutl), toe Ijape 
 “ granteo, tljat toljatePer ^ercljants lljall come to tlje Burglj of ^armoutlj toitlj tljeir 
 “ toares, of toljateser place tljep lljall lie, toljetljer foreigners or otfjers, tol)o are at 
 “ peace toitlj us, or lip our permiffion lljall come into our lano, tljep map come, flap, ano 
 “ Oepart in our safe peace, paping tlje rigljt culloms of tljat Burglj. 
 
 “ JIKJE also proljiliit tljat no one injure, or oamage, or molell tlje aforesaio 'Burgelles 
 “ upon forfeiture of ®en pounos. 
 
 “ toe toill, ano ftrittlp commanO, tljat tlje aforesaio TBurgeffes of 
 
 “^armoutlj, ano tljeir Ijeirs, IjaPe ano ^olo for ePer, all tlje francljises aforesaio, 
 “ Ijereoitarilp, trulp ano peaceaPlp, freelp, quictlp, ano toljollp, fullp ano ^onouralilp 
 “ paping tljereout annuallp, jfiftp ano JFiPePounos lip toll, Ijp tljeljano of tlje ProPotl 
 “ of ^armoutlj, into our CFttljequer, at tlje term of ^t. ^icljael. ano tl&e TBurgeffes 
 “ of ^armouti lljall pearlp cljoose suclj ProPolls out of tljcmsclPeS, as lljall lie agree* 
 “ atle to us ano tljem.” 
 
 The witnesses enumerated are,— 
 
 The Lord Peter of Winchester. Sir Peter de Russebut, Knt., Bishop 
 of Winchester and Lord Chief Justice of England. He is specially named in 
 Magna Charta, as one of the advisers of that measure. He died in 1238. 
 
 The Lord John of Norwich. John de Grey, Bishop of Norwich. He 
 was the son of Anchitel de Grey, who was the common ancestor of the several 
 noble families of Grey. He was Chief Justice of England, and Archbishop of 
 Canterbury. He died in 1214. 
 
 The Lord of Salisbury. Herbert (called, by Goodwin, Robert) Poore, 
 Bishop of Salisbury. 
 
 Geoffrey Fitz Peter (or Fitz Piers.) He married Beatrix, daughter of 
 William de Say, one of the coheirs of William de Magnaville, Earl of Essex ; 
 and was himself created Earl of Essex in 1199. He was Chief Justice of 
 England: and died in 1214, leaving a son Geoffrey de Magnaville, who was 
 one of the twenty-five barons appointed to enforce the observance of Magna 
 Charta. 
 
 William Marshall, Earl of Pembroke. He was Marshal of England 
 jure nxoris, having married Isabel, only daughter and heiress of Richard 
 Strongbow, Earl of Pembroke. He was created an Earl by this title, at King 
 
 See Foundation and Aniiguitge, j). 54. 
 
 jj 2 
 
4 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 John's coronation in 1199 ; and died in 1219. He is specially named as one 
 of the advisers of Magna Charta. 
 
 "Wii.i.iAX, Earl of Salisbury, styled in the charter, “ W.fratre nostro 
 coniife Sarnni.” He ivas the natural son of Henry H., by Rosamond, daughter 
 of Walter Cliftord, and acquired the surname of Longespee. He became Earl 
 of Salisbury in right of his wife Adela, daughter and heiress of William D’ 
 Evereux, Earl of Salisbury. He was Warden of Dover Castle. He is also 
 specially named in Magna Charta. 
 
 William, Earl de Ferrars. He was also Earl of Derby. He married 
 Agnes, daughter of Hugh de Kevilioc, Earl of Chester ; and died in 124 7. 
 
 Peter Fitz Herbert. He is specially named in Magna Charta, as one 
 of the advisers of that measure. 
 
 William de Brieiver. He was a Baron by tenure, and one of the 
 Barons of the Exchequer. He died in 1226. 
 
 Hugh de Nevill. He was Treasurer to King John. 
 
 Adam de Port. He was one of the King’s Justices, in 1208. There 
 was an Adam de Port, who was a Baron by tenure, temp. Richard I , and was 
 ancestor of the Barons St. John of Basing. 
 
 Garin Fitz Gerald, ivas a Baron by tenure, and died in 1217. 
 
 William de Cantilupe. William de Cantilupe was a Justice Itinerant, 
 temp. Flenry HI. 
 
 John de Bassing. 
 
 Jeffery Lutterell. 
 
 Thomas Fitz Adam. 
 
 “ 3DateD hj tlje Ijatin of Oe IKIdlg, ardjliEncon of SUdlg, at $^arld)iirgt), tljc 
 
 “ eijjOtcentl) Dag of t^ardj, in tlje ninth gtar of onr reign.” 
 
 Some explanations of the terms used in this Charter may not be unaccept¬ 
 able to the general reader. 
 
 Fee-Farm. A perpetual farm or rent,—ferm signifying rent; and land put 
 to ferm, was said to be affirmed-or arrented. It was a tenure of lands without 
 homage, fealty, or other service ; but reserving a rent in money or provisions, 
 ivhich, if unpaid for two years, the lands might be recovered.The several 
 
 * See Manship, p. 356. At Brill, in Buckinghamshire, the rent reserved, was “ one 
 hundred capons for the King’s table.” 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 5 
 
 ' fee-farm rents reserved to the Kings of England, from their ancient demesnes, 
 remained unalienated until the reign of Charles II., when an act of parliament 
 was passed, enabling that Monarch to grant the same to trustees, for sale : many 
 were then disposed of. In 1455, the rent of £55, reserved by this charter, was 
 released “cj? dono Regis'’ to the burgesses portus Jerneni’ princi¬ 
 
 pally, it apirears, through the exertions of John Molet, “ Doctor in Degrees,” 
 who had been Prior of Yarmouth in 1441. After this time, it was released by 
 successive Monarchs, until 1637, when Charles I. granted a remission for forty 
 years : at the expiration of which period, the payment was enforced, and it 
 continues to be paid to this day.'^' 
 
 * The following are copies of the payment of this roll,— 
 
 “ Homines Jernem[utha;] r c de Lv I de firma vilhe sua*, sieut continetur in Rotulo iiii 
 “ & in Rotulo secundo Regis H ; In thesauro xxv I per Johannem Perebrown Edmund- 
 “ um de Gerberge & socios suos ballivos—. ^ Mug. Rot. 18 Edw. 2. tit. Nortf. Sutf.;//. I. a.” 
 
 “ Homines Jernemuth[tc] r c de Lv I de firma villa; suae, sicut continetur in Rotulo iiii 
 “ Regis E patris—. Mag. Rot. II Edw. 3. tit. Norff. Sutf. I. a.” 
 
 “ Homines de Jernemnth debent Lv ^ de firma villae suae, sicut continetur in Rotulo 
 “ primo Regis E. tercii & in Rotulo iiii'’ Regis E filii Regis E, & in Rotulo ii” Regis H, 
 “ Reddendo annuatim ad terminum S Michaelis imperpetuum per Cartam Regis H irrotu- 
 “ latam in ^lemorandis de anno vii° inter Recorda de termino S Ilillarii. De quibus 
 “ iidem Homines respondent in Item Norfolcia. Mag. Rot. 2 Ric. 2. Nortf. Sutf. tn. I. a.” 
 
 “ Homines de Jernemuth debent Lv I de firma villic suae. Rurgenses & probi Homines 
 “ villae Magnae Jernemuthae & eorum haeredes & successores debent Cs per annum pro 
 “ quodam loco in alto mari propre introitum villae praedictae voc[ato] Kirkelerode —. 
 “ De quibus Homines de Jernemutha respondent in Item Norfolcia. 3Iag. Rot. 12 
 “ lien. 4. fit. Norff. Sufi', m. i a.” 
 
 “ Homines de Jernemuth debent Lv / de firma villae suae, sicut continetur in Rotulo 
 “ ])rimo Regis E tertii —, Reddendo annuatim ad terminum S Michaelis imperpetuum, 
 “ per Cartam Regis Johannis, irrotulatam in ^lemorandis de anno viP inter Recorda de 
 “ termino S Ilillarii; Et Lv / de anno praUerito ; Summa, Cx/. Mag. Rot. 13 Ediv. 4. 
 “ in Norff. Suff. ni. I. a.” 
 
 “ Rurgenses & probi Homines villae Magnae Jernemuth[ae] & eorum hauedes & succcs- 
 “ sores sui debent Cs ])er annum, pro quodam loco in Alto mari prope Introitum villae 
 “ ])rai‘dictae vocat[o] Kirkelerode, Habend[o] a xxviii die Noveinbris anno x" Regis 
 “ Ricardi secundi imperpetuum, Reddendo ad terminos S Michaelis & Paschae per 
 “ aequales portiones, sicut continetur in Rotulo viii'’ Regis Ricardi secundi, Et C s de 
 “ anno practerito; Summa, x/. De quibus Homines de Jernemuth[a] respondent in 
 “ Item Norf[olcia]. 31ag. Rot. 13 Edw. 4. tit. Norf. Suff. ?n. I. a.” 
 
 “ Homines de Yermouth dabent Lv / de firma Villae suae, sicut continetur in Rotulo 
 
 primo Regis E tercii —. Rurgenses & probi Homines Magnae A'ermuth A: eorum 
 “ lucredcs tV successores.sui debent C s per annum, pro quodam loco in Alto mari prope 
 “ introitum Villae praedictae vocato Kirkelerode —. De quibus Homines Villae de Jer- 
 “ nemuth respondent In Residuum Norfolcise. 3Iug. Rot. il Hen. 8. tit. Norfolcia 
 
 Suffolcia, m i. a." 
 
6 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 Soc AND Sac. {Soca, a siiit or privilege. Saca, a contention.) The 
 liberty or of judging and determining causes within the borough; and more par- 
 tlculaidy of exercising jurisdiction over the socmen or soccage tenants. Socage 
 was a tenure of lands, by which a man held freely or in fee-simple, that is, 
 without being subject to any military service, relief, ward, or marriage : thus all 
 the lands in Y'armouth became freehold. Sac may be taken in a similar sense 
 to causa ; whence the expression, “ for whose sake,'^ or, for whose cause, and 
 means here, the power of holding pleas and imposing fines and amercements. 
 
 Toll. In the Saxon charters, thol was the liberty of buying and selling, 
 or keeping a market. In later times, it signified the customary dues or rent 
 paid for the profits of a fail’ or market, called the Toling-pence : hence. Toll- 
 booth and Toll-house, the places where such tolls or customs were paid. By 
 virtue of this charter, the burgesses of Yarmouth not only claimed the right of 
 exacting tolls, but also the privilege of being “ quit,” or free, of toll at other 
 places. King John had, however, granted similar charters to other towns and 
 communities ; and the consequence necessarily was, that many disputes ensued. 
 Thus, in 1320, the bailiffs of Yarmouth levied a distress on some men of Lynn 
 (or Bishop’s Ljnin, as it was then called), for tolls which they had neglected to 
 pay: whereupon, proceedings were instituted in the King’s court, against the 
 bailiffs, who were wise enough to consent to a reference; and “ friends inter¬ 
 vening,” a meeting was held at Norwich, “ on Sunday, in the octaves of Easter,” 
 when, “ after hearing the reasonsyjro and co7i, upon the premises,” it was found 
 that King John had granted a previous charter of the like effect, to the town 
 of L)’nn: and, therefore, the amount of the distress had to be restored. To 
 prevent such mistakes, it was usual for the burgesses of other towns, and the 
 friars or monks of any religious community, enjoying similar privileges, when 
 they came to Y'armouth to purchase fish or other merchandise,as they frequently 
 did, to produce their charters, which were then entered on the court rolls, as evi¬ 
 dence for aU future time."^' 
 
 * Among the charters thus recorded on the Yarmouth rolls, are those of the towns 
 of Grimsby in Lincolnshire, Stanley and Marlborough in Wiltshire, and Exminster in 
 Devonshire ; the abbeys of Vaudey (or the Valley of God) in Northamptonshire, Ciren¬ 
 cester in Gloucestershire, Sibton in Suffolk, Croyland and Thorney in Cambridgeshire; 
 the priories of Shrimplingham and St. John of the Valley of Croxton in Lincolnshire; the 
 Monks of Tuttemey, the Prior and Monks of Spalding, and the Canons of Leychester. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 7 
 
 Theam. The power of holding, restraining, and judging villains, or bonds¬ 
 men, with their children, goods, and chattels, wherever they should be found. 
 Theam, theme, or team, signified a race of bondsmen : and the word is still ap¬ 
 plied to any number of horses or oxen drawing at once the same carriage. 
 
 Lastage. (Saxon laest, to load) A custom paid by every ship, for the 
 privilege of taking in ballast. It appears that the lastage of Yarmouth was 
 not in the King’s hands, when this charter was granted ; for, in 1217, Ralph 
 de Jernemue conveyed by fine, all his right in the lastage of Norfolk, Suffolk, 
 and Lincoln, to Henry de Hauvill,^" lord of the manor of Dunton, in Norfolk; 
 and in 1235, Thomas de Hauvill impleaded many persons, because they had 
 withdrawn from him “the custom called lastage,” which was receivable by him, 
 on account of his serjeanty for keeping the King’s Gerfalcons. Thomas, his son, 
 also held the lastage of Y’armouth, as belonging to the manor of Dunton, by 
 the before-mentioned service. In 1228, Oliver, son of William Gerberge, had 
 a moiety of the lastage of Yarmouth, of which he granted a lease to Oliver 
 Wyth ; and, in 1229, Oliver Wyth and Henry de lledham, claimed to hold the 
 lastage of Yarmouth of the heirs of Henry de Hauvill. In 1288, John de 
 Gunton and Letitia his wife, confirmed to Oliver Wyth the fourth part of a 
 moiety of this lastage, to which she was entitled as heiress of Robert Breem- 
 man, her father. In 1331, Sir Jeffery Wyth, Knt., son of Oliver Wyth, 
 bequeathed his “ lastage, called coket, ” to Isabel his wife, and Thomas 
 Uayes. By the “ Inquisitiones ad quod damnum'' in 1318, Thomas de Hauvill 
 was found to hold the lastage of Yarmouth with Dunton and Runham, by the 
 same tenure as his ancestors; and yet in the burgh rolls it is stated that, in 
 1303, Sir William Gei'berge and Jeffery AVyth, held it in common; but by the 
 conveyance of a moiety of the lastage, in 1351, from Sir William Gerberge, 
 
 * He was the grandson of Sir Ralph de Hauvill, to whom Henry II. is said to have 
 given Dunton, to be held by 'petit serjeanty, the keeping of the King’s hawks, or falcons; 
 or, as it is stated in another Record, by keeping two ger-falcons for the King. In 1201, 
 King John gave Sir Ralph de Hauvill, his son, £10 per annum towards keeping his 
 hawks. And in 1207, the King ordered the bailiffs of several ports, “ to secure all the 
 hawks and ger-falcons which be brought from beyond sea,” until Henry and Hugh de 
 Hauvill should choose what they thought fit for the King’s use; and no one was allowed 
 to j)urchase any till this was done. This family bore—a fesse dancy between three 
 falcons, in allusion to their office. 
 
8 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 Edmund Gcrberge, and Katliai'Ine his wife, to Thomas de Drayton, “ his heirs 
 and assigns, of the capital lords of that fee, by fees as thence due and accus¬ 
 tomed.” it would apj)ear that the parties who were dealing with the lastage, 
 claimed to hold the same of the De Hauvill family, by an inferior title. In 
 137S. John Blundel and Amice his wife, conveyed their moiety to Cicely, “who 
 was the wife of liichard Spynk, late citizen of Norwich,” Thomas Spynk, 
 llobert Way to, and John Clerk, and executed a bond of indemnity against any 
 claims by the heirs of Sir Jeffery Wyth. The corporation soon afterwards be¬ 
 came possessed of this privilege, and have exercised it ever since. They have 
 been accustomed to lease it, under certain regulations, for the proper ballasting 
 of vessels. 
 
 Passage, f Passagium.J A tribute or toll, paid by travellers or passengers, 
 for the repair and maintenance of some road or passage. It also meant, the 
 right of passing to and from the town ; and conferred on the burgesses the right 
 of keeping such passage at their pleasure. By the common law, it signified the 
 hire which a man paid for being carried over-sea, or trans-ported : and the 
 bailiffs could prevent any person leaving the port without their permission. 
 A Writ of Passage ran in the King’s name, and was directed to the bailiffs, as 
 keepers of the port, requiring them to permit a person, who had the King’s 
 licence, to pass over seas,—hence the well-known and troublesome document, 
 called a pass-port. In 1294, Sir John Botetout, admiral of the North Sea fleet, 
 granted, before the bailiffs of Yarmouth, “ the passage of the said town, in the 
 name of the Lord the King,” to Thomas Fastolfe. 'When the corporation first 
 erected a bridge over the haven, in 1417, they, by virtue of this charter, levied 
 a toll, or passage-money, which then produced £12 13s. 4(f. Previous to this. 
 
 * In 1462, John Wykes, Usher of the King’s Chamber, writing to John Paston, 
 says, “ a tenant of mine, of Lavenham, called John Fermor, is seized and arrested rvithin 
 “ the town of Yarmouth, because he dwelled with the Earl of Oxford’s son, and proposed 
 “ to have passed the sea without licence, and staudeth out of the concert of much people; 
 “ I would desire you, that ye would write to the bailiffs of Yarmouth, to deliver the said 
 “ John Fermor to my servant, John Brenerigg, the bringer of this, with an officer of 
 “ the said town, to be carried unto the King’s castle of Rising, at my cost; there to be 
 “ examined of certain articles, which I may not disclose till I have spoken to his High- 
 “ ness. Praying you to write to the said bailiffs, that I shall be their sufficient discharge 
 “ against the King: desiring you to give credence to the bringer hereof, as my very 
 “ trust is in you.” The Earl of Oxford and his son, Aubrey de Vere, had been, just 
 previously, beheaded. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 9 
 
 they had been accustomed to let “ the passage ” over the river : thus, in 1309, 
 
 “ TBaH’i Jlcrn’ aimisierunt 3Iol)’t 'Biffjap palfagium pro polioes per Jinn.” 
 
 A right of ferriage over the river, was appurtenant to the manor of Gorleston, 
 and was enjoyed, with the Somerleyton estates, by Lord Sydney Godoliihin 
 Osborne, until their sale in 1844, when it was severed and conveyed to William 
 Walpole, Esq., of Great Yarmouth, the present possessor. In addition to the 
 ancient ferries,the Rev. George Anguish, when lord of the manor, established 
 another ferry, for the convenience of the public, at the south part of the Quay, 
 —which is confirmed by the Haven Acts. The passage-money across the haven 
 is, by prescription, one halfpenny. 
 
 Paage. Pannage or Pawnage. The right of running hogs in forests and 
 woods; so that the lands within the borough were free thereof, and lands without, 
 but belonging to the borough, were discharged therefrom. 
 
 Pontage, (from Pons, a bridge). The toll levied for the use of a bridge ; 
 or the rate made for the repair of the same. By Magna Charta it is enacted, 
 that “ no ville, nor any man, shall be destrained to make bridges over rivers, 
 but where they anciently have made, or of right ought, to make them.” 
 
 Stallage. (Stallagium.) A customary rent paid in fairs and markets, 
 for the liberty of a stall or standing, by the stallingers or traders, who exposed 
 their goods to sale on stalls. Sometimes the King granted the privilege of ex¬ 
 emption from this tax. The ancient custom paid for breaking up ground and 
 fixing booths and stalls, was also called ox gtlccage. 
 
 Leve (from the French lever, and the Latin lerare, —to levy, or raise). A 
 custom of two pence per ton levied on all goods landed at Yarmouth, or raised 
 from one vessel into another. 
 
 Danegeld. a tax or tribute originally levied on the Saxons by the Danes; 
 and afterwards paid to them that they might abstain from rapine, burning, and 
 slaughter. It continued to be enacted, after this tribute had ceased to be paid, 
 under the pretence of defending the kingdom and clearing the sea of pirates. 
 
 Geld was any tax or imposition. (From the Saxon geld, German gelt ,— 
 whence Saxon geldaH,—io pay taxes.) Hence, by liquefaction, to yield or pay. 
 
 See Manshij), p. 240. 
 
 c 
 
10 
 
 HISTORV OF 
 
 To gelt, was to extort a man’s money from him : and Quietmn esse a geidis, was 
 a special privilege. 
 
 No Suit of Counties. By this charter, the burgesses were relieved of 
 all suits and services to he performed in counties or hundreds, for possessions 
 within the borough. 
 
 None to Peead out of the Burgh. The important privilege of not 
 being compelled to plead without the borough, in respect of any real or personal 
 estate, held within the borough ; but only in respect of “ out tenures,” situated 
 beyond the jurisdiction of the town.^-' 
 
 Acquittance of Murder. By the laws of Edward the Confessor, if a 
 murderer could not be immediately found, the inhabitants of the place where 
 the murder was committed, had a respite of a month and a day; after which 
 time, if he were not delivered up, a fine was imposed upon them, of forty-six 
 marks ; of which, by the laws of Henry I., forty were to be paid to the King, 
 and six to the nearest relations of the person murdered. So that Quietmn esse 
 a murdredo, was an exemption from this fine, and a special privilege. By im¬ 
 plication, this clause in the charter conferred on the town the privilege of 
 appointing Coroners; who had power, upon enquiry, to acquit persons of self- 
 murder ; or, if found guilty, to seize all forfeitures on that account, for the 
 town. 
 
 Infangthef. (In-taken-tliief.) The privilege of judging all thieves or 
 felons, taken within the borough. 
 
 * It also implied that no inhabitant should sue another, except in the local courts. 
 Thus, in 1580, “ John Wellesley was disfranchised, for suing out a civil process in Lon- 
 “ don, to attach Thomas Smith and William Crowe, of this town, contrary to the liberties 
 “ of the town, as he ought to have sued it out of the burgh court.” The bailiffs were 
 always extremely jealous of any interference with their privilege of serving all writs 
 within their jurisdiction. In 1557, Edward Musgrave was sent to Norwich, “ to certify 
 of a certain writ” served on John Massey, one of the parish clerks, at the suit of Thomas 
 Annot, of Lowestoft, by Roger Browning, one of the high sheriff’s officers, without the 
 knowledge of the bailiffs ; and which, moreover, was“ served in the church, contrary to 
 the custom of the town: ” whereupon, the said Roger Browning was committed to prison. 
 Mr. Bailiff was, a few days afterwards, requested “ to ride to the high sheriff’, to take 
 order for the serving of the writ on Massey; ” and to enable him to do so, he was em¬ 
 powered “ to cause a horse to be taken up upon the common, or elsewhere within the 
 town, to ride to Mr. Sheriff.” 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 11 
 
 OuTFAXGTiiEF. (Out-talicn-tMef.) The privilege of claiming any man 
 belonging to the borough, and apprehended for felony in any other place, to be 
 given up for the purpose of his being tried within the borough. 
 
 Ficjhting the Combat, was a trial by battle, between plaintiff and de¬ 
 fendant. The order and manner of conducting these combats, are minutely 
 described by some of our old law writers; and it is remarkable, that this absurd 
 mode of determining a suit, although disused, has only lately been abolished by 
 law. In criminal cases, the culprit, after he had pleaded, was asked by the 
 clerk of the court, how he would be tried; the usual ansrver being, “ By God 
 and my country : ” it having been at his option, to rest his deliverance on God 
 only, by challenging the complainant to combat ffacere duellum;) in which, 
 if the defendant had the advantage, or could defend himself till after sunset, he 
 could demand judgment in his favor, it being sujjposed that Providence would 
 never suffer the guilty to triumph in his wickedness. Another mode of deter¬ 
 mining the guilt or innocence of a party (and which this clause in the charter 
 abolished) was, the trial by Ordeal (Saxon or, great, and judgment.) 
 
 This was judicium, in opposition to helium, which was the '■‘■duellum^'' 
 
 duel or combat. Servants or other deputies might undergo this trial, in the 
 cause and name of their masters, especially of those lords who were ecclesiastics. 
 These trials were of three kinds. 
 
 1. —The ordeal of hot iron: in rvhich the accused had to take up and carry, 
 for a certain distance, a mass of hot iron, of a pound weight. The Emi^ress 
 Kumgund, is said to have submitted to an ordeal of this kind. Another method 
 was, to compel the accused to walk, -with the eyes bandaged, among red hot 
 plough-shares,—as did Queen Emma, the mother of Edward the Confessor. 
 
 2. —The ordeal of hot ivater: in which the accused had to take out of a 
 pitcher of boiling water, a stone hanging by a string, at a depth equal to the 
 length of his own hand. In some cases, he had to undergo the triple ordeal: 
 in which the iron was increased to three pounds weight, or the stone was sunk 
 in the water to the depth of his elbow. 
 
 * Among the corporation papers still remaining, is to be found “ A Becord of the 
 “ Tryall of a Felon, brought from the King’s bench to Yarmouth, by our Charters,” 
 dated the Hth of May, 1527. 
 
 c 2 
 
12 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 3.—The Corsncad, or ordeal of the accursed morsel. This consisted in 
 making the accused person swallow a piece of bread, accompanied with a prayer 
 that it might choke him if he were guilty. Godwin, the powerful Earl of Kent, 
 and father of Harold, is said to have died in the act of swallowing the corsnaed. 
 
 Another method, called the cold icater ordeal, was reserved for bondsmen 
 and rustics, who were thrown into the water, with a cord round the body; and 
 if the accused floated, he was esteemed guilty, as being rejected by the water. 
 
 Quarters by Force. This is understood to comprise the right of pur¬ 
 veyance ; winch was a right, enjoyed by the King, of having his court supplied 
 with necessaries from the ancient demesnes of the crown: and in respect thereof, 
 the tenants had many privileges. Afterwards, the King was wont to appoint 
 certain officers to buy provisions for his household, who were called Purveyors, 
 and who exercised the right of pre-emption. Many laws were passed to restrain 
 their extortions, until by the 12 Charles II., c. 24, purveyance was entirely 
 abolished. Until the year 1603, it was customary for the toAvn to provide such 
 jrroHsions as were required by the Crown; but in that year, the corporation 
 began to oppose the royal privilege, for they resolved, “ that the town should 
 “ not take up provision for the King, as they did for the late Queen; but that 
 “ the King’s purveyor should take it himself.” But in the following year, they 
 agreed, “ to provide provision of fish for the King, as they did for the late 
 Queen.” The right of quartering soldiers upon householders, without their 
 consent, was also claimed as a prerogative of the Crown; and only finally de¬ 
 clared to be unlawful by the 31 Charles II., c. 1. It still, however, exists in a 
 modified form, under the authority of parliament, by means of “ billets.” 
 
 Plea of Miskenning. This term is comjrounded of the mis, at this time 
 used in composition, to signify opposition to, or the reverse of the word to which 
 it is joined ; and the Saxon cenninga, signifying a notice given by the buyer to 
 the seller, that the thing bought was claimed by another, and calling upon him 
 to justify the sale. Hence, mislienning imported a fraudulent summoning of the 
 seller to court, in order to frighten him into the pajmient of accommodation- 
 money. It also means that there should be no change of plea in court. 
 
 Hustings, {Hus, a house, and wing, a cause or trial.) A court for the 
 hearing of causes. It is probable that such a court had been held from the first 
 origin of the borough. It was afterwards called Le Burgh Court. The most 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 13 
 
 ancient court, where there was a fair or market, was the Pie-roivder Court, where 
 cases might be determined, before the dust of the feet —pied poudre —was sha¬ 
 ken of. This interpretation must, however, give place to a truer etymology, 
 which shows that the Pie-Powder Court, was the court to determine disputes 
 between pedlar and pedlar,— piedpuldreux. 
 
 Mekchants’ Guild. Dr. Brady was of opinion, that the grant of a 
 merchants’ guild was the substantial creation of a borough, and formed its es¬ 
 sential character : but subsequent researches have shewn, that some boroughs 
 have no merchants’ guild, and that such a guild has existed at places which 
 were never boroughs and that membership of the guild was distinct from 
 burgess-ship. In Yarmouth, however, they appear to have been identical. 
 
 Naam. (From the Saxon niman, to take hold.) A term applied to the 
 taking or distraining a man’s goods. 
 
 Foreigners. This clause seems to have anticipated a provision by Magna 
 Cliarta, which enacts, that “ all merchants may, with safety and security, go 
 “ out of England, and come into England, and stay, and pass through England 
 “ by land and water, to buy and sell, without any evil tolls, paying the ancient 
 “ and rightful duties, except in time of war.” The term is also used in contra¬ 
 distinction to “ inhabitant.” 
 
 Provosts. The power of choosing their oivn chief magistrate, ivas conse¬ 
 quent upon the grant of the borough at a fee farm rent,—the profits thenceforth 
 accruing to the town, and not to the King. This magistrate was called a 
 Bailiff : a ivord which, in its original meaning, was equivalent to lessee. 
 And this title continued to be used till it gave place to Mayor, —which origin¬ 
 ally denoted the chief or senior alderman. 
 
 Henry III. granted three charters. The first, in 1256, was petitioned for 
 in consequence of the disputes which had arisen between Yarmouth and Gorles- 
 ton. The burgesses were dissatisfied with the decision of the King, which allowed 
 “ lesser wares and victuals,” to be unladen on the Lothingland side of the haven, 
 
 !Merewether and Stephens. 
 
14 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 especially as this would include the trade in fish, from which their greatest profits 
 arose. By this charter, the King allowed his “beloved burgesses ” to hare the 
 return of all the King’s writs, toucliing the town of Yarmouth ; and the bailiffs 
 might answer “ by their own proper hand,” to the King’s exchequer, “ of all 
 the debts and summonses of the same excliequer, touching the aforesaid town 
 of Y’ai mouth.” All merchandises and wares, as well of fish as other goods, 
 coming to Yarmouth, were to be freely and openly bought and sold, “by the 
 hands of the merchants bringing such wares,”— sine alicujus impedimento ven- 
 danfiir, el emontur. And thenceforth, such buyings and sellings were not to be 
 impeded by brokers fahrocatoresj, “ to the detriment of the said town.” 
 
 The witnesses to this charter, were Walter (de Suffield), Bishop of Nor¬ 
 wich; William (Bitton), Bishop of Bath; Grey de Lezignon and William de 
 Valeus, half-brothers to the King, (being the children of the widow of King 
 John, by her second husband, Hugh Brun, Earl of March); Roger, Earl of 
 Norfolk, (Earl Marshal of England) ; Roger de Thurkylby, Master Simon de 
 Wanton, William de Grey, Peter Everard, Bartholomew le Bygot, William 
 Germin, and others.^' It was tested at Norwich, where the King then was. 
 
 At the same time and place, Henry HI. granted a charter, “ Non arresten- 
 tur nisi," or charter of debtor and creditor, whereby the burgesses of Yarmouth, 
 as also their goods, could not be arrested by land or sea, in any part of the King’s 
 dominions, for any debt of which they were either principal debtors, or sureties 
 or bondsmen, unless it should happen that the “ very debtors ” were of their 
 commonalty and government, whereby they might satisfy their debts wholly or 
 in part: and there should be reasonable evidence that the burgesses had made 
 default injustice to the creditors. 
 
 This charter is attested by the same witnesses as the former one. 
 
 The third charter of Henry HI., was granted on the 28th of September, 
 1261. By it, he gave the burgesses liberty to enclose the town with a wall and 
 moat (fossuto), so that the same might always remain enclosed, “so long as they 
 well and faithfully behaved themselves.” Also, that in the same town, there 
 should be a certain gaol, “ to imprison and keep in the same, our prisoners and 
 
 * A large number of witnesses was a Roman practiee. In England they were 
 usually Privy Councillors or Officers of the Royal Household. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 15 
 
 malefactors, according to the law and custom of our kingdom.” “ In witness 
 whereof,” says this document, (which is tested at St. Paul’s, London,) “we have 
 caused these our letters to be made patent.” 
 
 In 1272, Henry III. also granted letters patent, confirming certain articles, 
 drawn up by the burgesses, for the better government of the town. This docu¬ 
 ment is a singular specimen of old Norman-French; and is remarkable as being 
 the earliest royal Instrument extant, in which the town is styled “ Great,” a 
 prefix which many have erroneously supposed was not conferred until the suc¬ 
 ceeding reign. Swinden states'^-' that the original was lost when he wrote : but 
 it still exists in a private collection. It runs thus,— 
 
 “ Dei ©racia angforum, Donunttg f^ibenue, et Diiv aquitatnc, 
 
 “ omntbtig pregentes (tteraS Digurig pci auoittirig, galiitem. JlHoPcritig nog ingpcrilfe 
 “ rcccptlfe ct peneg nog rctinutffc qiiogaam arttculog a nolitig liurgcntibiig ne ®ci‘nc= 
 “ mttta commiint gigitlo coninscnt gignatog, ac fonnam gubgcriptain continenteg in 
 “ Ijec terba. 3 tu? ceiig kt celt eglunt ortiint ti Pcprunt. ILcg TBurgcpg et tnte la 
 “ coinmunaute ac la bile ae graunt ©erneiitute, ^alutg. 31 bonnr ae Deu, et a la peg 
 “ nogtre ©eiigneur lerep, mepnteiiir entte tute geng, et a gaubactonn ael abantaitc bile, 
 “ abom noug pourbott et otaene leg cbogeg aeguj egcriteg,” etc. 
 
 “ Hn cujug rci teftimonium gigilliim noltrum pjegentibug fecitmig apponi, tirelle me 
 “ ipgo apiia CKeffmonafterium, biceftmo gejcto aie UDctobrig, anno regni noffra 2Duin= 
 “ quagefimo gejto.” 
 
 Edwaed I. granted four charters, and two diies. The latter had the force of 
 charters, but were specially directed to a settlement of the dis^rutes between the 
 town and the Cinque ports. 
 
 The first dde was made in 1277, “ for the good of peace, and for love be- 
 “ tween our barons of the ports and our people of Y’armouth, to be nourished 
 “ and maintained; ” and by it, the King declared that they of the Cinque ports 
 .should have den and strand, “ without appropriation,” during the free fair, and 
 Avithout paying custom; and that they of Yarmouth were to “ void den and 
 strand ” of old ships and timber, but not of ships building. That they of Y"ar- 
 mouth should not build above five windmills, upon the denes, more than were 
 then built; and those should be of the least damage and nuisance of the dene, 
 and of those who should dry their nets thereon. That the barons of the Cinque 
 ports, should enjoy peaceably, such rents of which they were seized in Y^armouth; 
 
 History of Yarmouth, p. 131. 
 
16 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 and if “ deforced,” the bailiffs should aid them in le^'J'ing the same : and they 
 might recover “ by the law and custom used in the town.” That the barons of 
 the Cinque ports, should have the keeping of the King’s peace, in the time of 
 the fair, during forty days, doing royal justice with the bailiffs of Y'armouth, 
 having with them four serjeants, whereof one was to bear the King’s banner, 
 another to blow the horn before proclamations, and the others to bear rods to 
 keep the King’s peace : all being on horseback, if they pleased. That the 
 said barons and bailiffs should jointly determine all plaints, “ according to the 
 law-merchant;”—the amercements of the people of the ports being Avith the 
 barons, but of all others, to be leA’ied by the bailiffs, to the King’s use. That 
 they should have the joint keeping of the prison: and if, during the fair, any 
 should be committed for so grievous a trespass, as could not be tried by the 
 law-merchant, or the prisoners delivered, they Avere to remain until the coming 
 of the King’s Justices in Eyre. That the barons shordd receive tAvo pence from 
 CA-ery ship “ customable,” for sustaining fires at the usual places, so long as they 
 maintained the same ; but if they neglected to do so, the bailiffs Avere to receive 
 the pence and maintain the fires ; and instead of their claim of fourpence upon 
 eA'cry A'essel “ customable,” they Avere to receive at their departure, from the 
 baihffs, the fi.xed sum of £6. And the barons Avere to make no distresses by 
 sea or land, Avithout the concurrence of the bailiffs; the merchants Avere to sell 
 their goods freely, hy their OAVn hands, Avithout restraint by the bailiffs, they 
 paying the customs ; they Avere to take nothing from minstrels and Avomen of 
 pleasure, frequenting the fair; and the harons Avere to take nothing “ in right 
 of fenestrage and stallage.” 
 
 These regulations Avere not, however, observed: and in the year 1290, 
 the bailiffs of Y'armouth presented a petition to parliament, against the ports- 
 men. Sir Robert Tiptot and Sir S. Peverel Avere assigned as “ auditors,” to 
 Avhom the burgesses of Y'armouth submitted “ their plaints and grievances ” in 
 AATiting ; but the barons of the Cinque ports refused to make any plaint, except 
 in their court of ShepAvay : and the burgesses required a record to be made by 
 the auditors and assistants. At last, the Earl of Gloucester, the Earl of WarAvick, 
 and the Earl Marshal, together Avith the auditors and assistants, undertook to 
 settle the matter: and it Avas agreed, that the barons of the Cinque ports should 
 choose six “ good and laAvful ” men of the town of Yarmouth, and that the 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 17 
 
 burgesses of Y’armouth should choose six good and lawful men of the Cinque 
 jrorts, who should treat of peace : and if they could not agree, they should sub¬ 
 mit by the King’s arbitrement. This jury met at the Grey Fiiars, in London ; 
 and having drawn up an agreement, it was read over in the Iloyal presence, 
 and confirmed by the King, “who swore that if any further discords arose, he 
 wouldso chastise the offenders, that their punishment should be a terror to many.” 
 
 Agreements and threats were, however, alike ineffectual: and in 1305, two 
 of the King’s justices, (Roger Savage and Richard Walsingham,) had a special 
 commission to inquire into the matter, who found that the town of Yarmouth 
 had sustained damages by the portsmen, to the almost incredible amount (con¬ 
 sidering the value of money in those days) of £20,138. 
 
 A second dite or ordinance was, in consequence, passed in 1305, whereby, 
 after reciting these “ discords, riots, and contests,” the King desired that all 
 outrages, injuries, and damages, whether of persons or goods, should be par¬ 
 doned on either side, in order that “ good love and good peace, firm and stable, 
 should perpetually ensue ; ” promising to send persons to view and remove any 
 “ purpresture ” upon the strand and dene, to the nuisance of the barons of the 
 ports. It then declares, that if plaint should thereafter come to the King, that 
 speedy justice had not been done in all cases of trespass, the plaintiffs should 
 have writs in chancery, to compel the appearance of the bailiffs, who, if attainted, 
 should lose the franchise of justice. And as to the franchise of the “fire-pence,” 
 it was delared, that if any damage should arise, by default of the barons receiving 
 such pence and not sustaining the fires, they should make good the same ; or 
 the bailiffs should take the pence and support the fires, until such losses were 
 “ endamaged.” And for better keeping the peace, it was provided that the 
 master and two of the crew of every vessel should, before leaving the haven, 
 take their corporal oath to cause the King’s peace to be kept, and to arrest all 
 trespassers and evil-doers, and deliver them np on their next arrival in port: 
 but if they concealed such offenders, they were to have the same justice as 
 appertained to such manner of doers ; and the owners of vessels to which such 
 masters belonged, not arresting them, or making their offences known, were 
 subject to the forfeiture of their chattels : and the authorities were, four times 
 in the year, to make inquests in the best way they could, of all felonies and 
 trespasses,—one in the time of vintage, another in the time of reke, the third 
 
 I) 
 
18 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 in the time of salt season, and the fourth in the time of herring season,—and 
 those indicted, should be attached and judged according to law and usage. 
 
 This dlte was sealed in duplicate with the King’s seal: one part being 
 given to the barons of the ports, and the other to the people of Yarmouth. 
 
 The first charter of Edward I., is dated the 12th of June, 1285, and is 
 merely an “ Inspeximus,” or exemplification of all the preceding charters, 
 (copied verbatim, according to the 31st Edwd. I., c. 6,) which the King is 
 stated to have inspected, and then confirmed. The witnesses to this charter 
 are very numerous. Among them are, R. (Robert Burnell) Bishop of Bath and 
 Wells, William (de Middleton) Bishop of Norwich, Anthony de Bek, Bishop 
 of Durham ; Edmund Crouchback, Earl of Lancaster, (the King’s brother) ; 
 William of Valence; Edmund, Earl of Cornwall; Gilbert de Clare, Earl of 
 Gloucester and Hereford; Roger de Bigod, Earl of Norfolk and Marshal of 
 England ; John de Warren, Earl of Sm'rey ; Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln; 
 Robert de Vere, Earl of Oxford; William de Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick ; 
 Reginald de Grey, Robert de Tateshal, Robert Fitz Walter, Robei’t Fitz Roger, 
 AVilliam Bardolph, Robert Fitz John, Thomas de Weyland, John de Lovetot, 
 and Richard Boyland. 
 
 The second charter is dated the 1st of July, in the year 1285 ; and was 
 gi’anted for the purpose of explaining the legal signification of the word “jo/a- 
 cifet,” in the charter of King John: the judges having doubted whether the 
 same should be interpreted actively or passively. The King, “ willing to show 
 favour to the burgesses,” declared in favour of “ the larger declaration of the 
 word aforesaid,” and granted that none should thereafter “plead or be impleaded 
 “ out of their burgh aforesaid, in any plea, except in pleas touching their out- 
 “ tenures.” This charter assumes the shape of “ letters patent.” 
 
 The third charter of Edward L, which is also by letters patent, is dated at 
 St. Alban’s, the 28 th of April, 1298; and is granted, the King says, “for the 
 good and laudable service ” which his “beloved and faithful burgesses,” and the 
 “good men of Great Yarmouth,” to him “ and his progenitors, formerly Kings 
 of England,” had done, and, “ in time to come, might do.” It declares, that 
 thenceforth they should be “quit of all tollages and aids,” payable to the Crown, 
 “ for the bodies of their own proper ships and the tackling thereof; ” that in 
 regard to lawful (not prohibited) goods and merchandize, which they might 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 19 
 
 buy In Ireland, “ no man should be their partner of those goods and merchan¬ 
 dizes, nor with them in any manner partake thereof,” against their will. And 
 that all who should thereafter be born within the town, although they should 
 hold lands without the borough, “ by such service, whereby the marriages of 
 the same, by reason of their nonage,” ought to belong to the King, by the law 
 and cxistom of the kingdom, might nevertheless “ marry themselves without 
 occasion or impediment.” 
 
 The fourth charter, (also called “ letters patent,”) is tested at Beverley, 
 the 22nd of July, 1306. The circumstances which led to its grant, were these. 
 Whilst Lothingland, with Little Yarmouth and Gorleston, and the fee-farm of 
 Great Yarmouth, were in the hands of John de Baliol, King of the Scots, he 
 persisted in taking tolls and customs, in the port or haven of Yarmouth, contrary 
 to the charters granted to the town : and the burgesses were unable to contest 
 the matter with so powerful an adversary ; but when this King renounced his 
 homage to the English Crown, all his private estates in England, were forfeited. 
 The burgesses, considering this to be a favorable opportunity, applied to King 
 Edward, for an explanation of the charter of Henry III., so as to render their 
 title to all customs in the port, no longer doubtful or capable of dispute. The 
 King, therefore, in the same year in which he gave Baliol’s forfeited estates to 
 his nephew, John de Brittany, Earl of Richmond, granted to the burgesses a 
 charter, which recites the charter of Henry HI., and then declares that all mer¬ 
 chandizes and wares, whether of fish or other goods, brought into the port of 
 Great Yarmouth, in ships or boats, or in any other manner, should be unladen 
 at the town of Great Yarmouth, and nowhere else within the port; and should 
 be “ exposed to sale by the hand of the persons bringing or carrying the same, 
 “ and willing there to sell them, or by the hands of their servants ; and then, 
 “ to whom they pleased, they should be freely bought and sold, without any 
 “ forestalment or brokerage, or other impediment whatsoever.” And, that “no 
 forestaller, broker, or other howsoever,” shall meet the merchants coming to¬ 
 wards the town, with fish and other merchandizes and goods, to be sold, “ to 
 “ buy, or make forestalment or brokerage thereof, in or without the aforesaid 
 “ town,” upon pain of forfeiture: the object being, to prevent any buying or 
 selling whatsoever, except within the town itself. 
 
 D 2 
 
20 
 
 HISTORY OP 
 
 Notwithstanding this charter, it appears that the men of Gorleston and 
 Idttlc Y’armouth, persisted in landing goods on their side of the haven, and in 
 taking tolls, or customs, contrary to the liberties of the borough : and a length¬ 
 ened lawsuit u'as carried on between the burgesses and the Earl of ilichmond; 
 which, terminated in favor of the former.^' 
 
 Edward II. granted one charter : whereby, being “ willing to shew more 
 ample grace to the burgesses of Great Yarmouth,” he gave them the right of 
 Tronage,'\ with all the profits arising therefrom, towards payment of their fee- 
 farm rent. He also declared, that they should for ever thereafter, be quit of 
 toll, anchorage, pannage, passage, picage, murage, kayage, carriage and rivage 
 throughout the whole kingdom. And that they should not be “ imt in any 
 assizes, juries, or inquests,” in regard to any tenements without the borough, 
 or of any matter arising without the borough ; and that all assizes, juries, and 
 inqnests, touching matters arising within the borough, should be composed of 
 the burgesses of the same town only, “ and not by foreighners,” unless such mat¬ 
 ters concerned the King himself. And that all prisoners and malefactors taken 
 within the liberty of the town, should be detained and kept in the gaol by the 
 bailiffs, until they were delivered according to the law and custom of the kingdom. 
 
 This charter is dated at Westminster, the 28th of March, 1314 ; and is 
 witnessed by Walter Reynolds, Archbishop of Canterbury ; Walter de Langton, 
 Bishop of Lichfield and Coventry; Gilbert de Clare, Earl of Gloucester and 
 Hertford; Humphrey de Bohnn, Earl of Hereford and Essex; Hugh le Spencer, 
 senior; Pagan Tibetot; John de Cromwell; Edward de Evilake (Steward of 
 the King’s Household) ; and others. 
 
 Edward HI. granted three charters. 
 
 The first was merely an “ Inspeximus,” or charter of confirmation, and is 
 dated at Nottingham, the 8th of May, 1327, being the first year of his reign. 
 It is witnessed by John Hotham, Bishop of Ely, then Lord Chancellor ; Roger 
 de Northburgh, Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield ; Henry, Earl of Lancaster 
 and Leicester; Roger de Mortimer, of Wigmore ; John de Cromwell, Gilbert 
 Talbot, John de Ros, then Steward of the King’s Household, and others. 
 
 * See Manship, pp. 162, 325. 
 
 t Tromir/e was an ancient custom taken for weighing wool, and was probably used 
 here to signify a duty on weighing goods in general. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 21 
 
 All previous letters and charters, arc stated to have been confirmed by the 
 King, “ at the request the Commons of our kingdom of England, made to us in 
 this present j)arliament: ” being the first occasion upon which any reference 
 had been made to this branch of the legislature. In order “ to shew more 
 abundant grace ” to the burgesses, they were confirmed in the enjoyment of all 
 previous “ liberties and freedoms,” although the same might hot have been 
 “ fully used.” 
 
 The second charter (by letters patent), was granted at Woodstock, on the 
 10th of July, 1333. It recites the charters of Edward I. and Edward II. ; and 
 that “ a plea had been exhibited in diverse courts, as well parliaments as 
 “ others, between John de Brittany, Earl of Richmond, and the men and his 
 “ tenants of the towns of Little Yarmouth and Gorleston, and the commonalty 
 “ of the town of Great Yarmouth on the other,” by reason of certain impedi¬ 
 ments which the burgesses of the latter place had, under pretence of the first 
 recited charter, made to the taking of jirofits, and the lading and unlading of 
 ships willing to come to Little Yarmouth and Gorleston ; and about selling and 
 buying commodities set to sale there : and that it had been decided, by an 
 ordinance of some of the King’s Council, deputed to determine the business, 
 that the Earl, his men and tenants, might lade and unlade their own ships, and 
 freely buy and sell their own goods and merchandize, including herring or any 
 other fishes, paying the King’s customs, except “ their ships, with wools, hides, 
 and wool felts (or woolskins), of which great customs ought to he given ; 
 which were to be unladen at the same port as the place where the King’s trone 
 and seal (which was called the coket) were, and no where else. It is then de¬ 
 clared to he the King’s will, and the intention of the council and of the previous 
 charter, that the burgesses should not be restricted, but might be enforced 
 against all, “ both natives and aliens,” except the earl, his men and tenants, and 
 saving the right of the citizens of London and Norwich, and the barons of the 
 Cinque Ports, and all who had any charter of a previous date to the one granted 
 to Great A^armouth by Henry III. Also, that the earl, his men and tenants, 
 were “ inhibited ” from attracting in what manner soever, other ships to Little 
 A’armouth and Gorleston, under pain of forfeiture ; “ nor exercise any merchan¬ 
 dizes in the water of the port aforesaid,” with any persons restrained by the 
 aforesaid charter, nor cause any impediment to the burgesses in their enjoyment 
 
' 2'2 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 of the same. The King, therefore, “ lest the premises which, for the tranquility 
 and peace of the parties, and maintaining justice,” had been confided to him 
 and his council, should, in times to come, he called in doubt, he had thought 
 proper to testify them “ by the tenour of these presents.” 
 
 The third charter granted by Edward III., gave occasion to the lengthened 
 disputes which afterwards arose between the burgesses of Yarmouth and the 
 town of Lowestoft, of which a full account is given in llans/up, pp. 170, 334. 
 
 By this charter, the King, “ willing for the aid and relief of the tovm of 
 “ Great Yarmouth, to shew more abundant grace to the burgesses and goodmen 
 “ of the same town,” and in consideration of 100s. to be paid “ at the terms of 
 St. Michael, and Easter, by equal portions,” (“ for an increment or augmentation 
 of £55,”) gave them “ a certain place in the high sea, near the entrance to the 
 haven of the town aforesaid, called Kirkley Koad,” and annexed that place to 
 the town for ever ; granting them there, the same “ liberties and quittances,” 
 with power to receive of all ships and boats, coming to Kirkley road, and there 
 partly or wholly unladen, the same customs as if they had arrived at the town. 
 And it was declared, that no ship or boat should be laden or unladen, at any 
 town or place on the sea coast, within seven leuks distant from the town of Great 
 Yarmouth, of any herrings or other merchandises, by any person whomsoever, 
 unless the same wmre that person’s proper goods. And that, “ in the time of 
 the fishing and fair of herrings,” there should be “ no fair holden, nor any re¬ 
 ceiving or bu)-ing, on account of merchandizing,” at anyplace within the seven 
 leuks, except at the town of Great Yarmouth. Any person presuming to act 
 contrary to these regirlations, was to forfeit ships and goods ; and of such for¬ 
 feiture, the bailiffs of Great Yarmouth were to “ enquire,” and cause the same 
 to be taken into their custody, and kept for the King’s use. And all “ letters 
 granted to the town of Lowestoft, or to the men of the same,” contrary to the 
 present charter, were revoked. 
 
 This charter is dated at Westminster, the 22nd of August, 1372."^' 
 
 * In the Harleian Library of MSS. (No. 6217), there is a chronicle, entitled “An 
 Historical Relation of certain passages about the end of King Edward III,, and of his 
 death,” (printed in the Archceologia, vol. xxii., p. 223). By which it appears, that after 
 the death of the Black Prince, “ commandment w^as given to the Knyghtes, that yf they 
 “ dyd know any thing to be corrected, they sholde speake yt before the Duke (of Lan- 
 “ caster) after thehe accustomed maner ; ” whereupon, “ considerynge the exceedynge 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 23 
 
 In 1376, this grant was revoked in the following words :— 
 
 “ tip tlje ©rare of ©on, gf. tljat JUe, tTjc (ttiertieis 
 
 “ ann pritiiten:e0 to tfje 'Bii^geflcs ann gooDinen of tlje 'Soton of ©?cat ^ajinoiitlj, tatelp 
 “ lip Its gtoen ana grantcB, at t1)e suit ana aoluntarp clamour of certain people, aiteatj* 
 “ ing tijat tl;o6c iilierties ana priaileges are contrarp to tlje ptofit of tlje repulitic, ana 
 “ to ns ana onr Ijeirs prcjnaiciai ana Ijnrtful, ftaae, in our Parliament tjolacn at CIIetl= 
 “ minftcr, on tTje CJSorroto of ^aint ©eorge, in tlje fiftictlj pear of our reign, Initl) tl)e 
 ‘'affcnt of tl;e Prelates, ©arts, "Barons, Jl3otiles, ana otljcr great men, in tlje same 
 “Parliament being, rcaobea ana totallp maae boia. CSIitnefs mpself (meipaoj at 
 “ Cacllminfter,” etc. 
 
 Richard II., in 1379, thus regranted these privileges,— 
 
 “ bp tljc ©race of ©oa, j. ikJlUlDCII U©, that CUe, at tlje bu'tible 
 
 “ petition of tbe Burgefles ana gooa men of our tEoton of ©reat ^armoutb, ana of tbe 
 “ ©ommonaltp of our ikingaom of ©nglana in our Parliament, bolaen at ©louceffer, 
 “ in tbe secona pear of our reign, luitb tlje alfent ana aapice of our Prelates, JlHobles, 
 “ ana great men, babe giben ana grantea, for us ana our btirs, ana bp our ©barter 
 “ confirmca to tbe same Burgeffes ana ©ommonaltp of tbe saia ©obon of ©reat ^ar= 
 “ moutb, ana to tbeir bcirs ana suceeffors, Burgeffes of tbe same ©oton, tbe liberties 
 “ ana pribilcges to tbem bp our ©ranafatljcr forinerlp so giben ana grantea, ana 
 “ aftertoaras bp bint our ©ranafatljer repealea ann mane boin. Cilitnefs mpself at 
 “ ©louceftter,” etc. 
 
 In 1382, however, the King was induced to revoke the above charter, “ at 
 the humble request of the Commons of the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk, 
 and of all other counties,” who alleged that the same had been “ grievous and 
 detrimental to the wdiole commonalty.” 
 
 In 1384, Richard II. granted another charter, ordinance, or letters patent, 
 in which he refers to the charters of Edward III., and the confirmation and re¬ 
 vocation of the same by himself; and after stating that “ a great part of the 
 people of the said town of Great Y’armouth,” had “ withdrawn themselves out 
 
 “ faultes of the Citezens of Gerven (Gernemutha), and the dyscomodityes they had 
 “ broughte to the realme, they exhibited a byll agaynste them, that to the common 
 “ detriment of the whole people, they had obtained a charter of the Kynge, that no 
 “ straunger shold sell hearings in there towne ; but yf any, after the accustomed manner, 
 “ brought hearings thyther, the sellynge and pryce of them he sholde commytt to the 
 “ townsmen, and the towne dwellers themselves .sholde maike the pryce accordynge to 
 “ there own will: whereby it came to pass, that many marchaunt straungers withdrew 
 “ themselves from thys lande, and went to sell there marchaundize in other countryes; 
 “ and the Gerneinans themselves can witnesse, that they caused such a darthe the last 
 “ Lente, that tow herryngs were sold for a penye. Wherefore, it was requested by the 
 “ knyghtes, in behalf of the commonaltye, that suche charter myghte be tacken away, 
 “ that was hurtful to them present. The Duke denyinge to graunte there request; yett 
 “ at the laste overcome with reason and shame, leaste he sholde be thoughte to have 
 “ done no justice, he caused that absurde charter to be taiken away.” 
 
24 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 of the said town,” bccanse such liberties and privileges regarding Kirkley road 
 had been taken away from them, so that the town was, as it were, desolate, 
 and not of sufficient force to keep and defend the same against the King’s 
 enemies, he regrants all such liberties and privileges as had been revoked, so 
 that the same might be enjoyed until the next Parliament. 
 
 In the following year, Kichard 11. granted another charter, in which, after 
 reciting the grants, repeals, and regrants; and also “a solemn inquisition,” 
 taken before certain of the King’s faithful subjects, at his command, and in the 
 court of chancery returned, it had been found that “ such liberties and privileges 
 “ were prejudicial and hurtful to the commonalty of the said counties of Nor- 
 “ folk and Suffolk, and all other counties, for more certain causes in the same 
 “ inquisition specified ; ” and “ considering that such liberties and privileges 
 “ had been given and granted, contrary to the statutes of the realm theretofore 
 “ published, ‘ that every liege subject of the kingdom, might buy and sell with- 
 “ out disturbance, in cities, burghs, seaports, and elsewhere,’ ” the same liberties 
 and privileges were again repealed. And that, as the last grant had been made 
 to continue in force only until the meeting of parliament, the same was to be 
 considered as in the same parliament ended. 
 
 Notwithstanding all this, another charter was obtained from this King, 
 which is dated the 28th of November, 138G : in which all the preceding char¬ 
 ters, confirmations, repeals, and regrants, from the time of King John, are 
 recited verbatim. The King then says, that the commonalty of England, by 
 their petition exhibited in the then present parliament, had represented that the 
 tomr of Great Y'arinouth levied and supported greater charges “in the fortifica- 
 “ tions and support of the same town against ennemies, then any other city or 
 “burgh, within six counties in circuit next adjoining;” and had become so 
 “ reduced, impoverished, and wasted,” and the people had so greatly withdrawn 
 themselves, that the burgesses and commons who remained, could not further 
 conveniently support such charges, unless a remedy were speedily supplied. 
 And that being “ willing graciously to grant and restore to those burgesses and 
 good men, the liberties and privileges aforesaid,” and having had “fuller de- 
 “ liberation concerning the premises, with the Prelates, Earls, Barons, and other 
 “ nobles and great men,” in the then present parliament, and by the assent of 
 the same, and “ at the petition of the said commonalty as is aforesaid,” he con- 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 25 
 
 firmed to the burgesses the aforesaid place of Kirklej' road, and again annexed 
 the same to the town and port of Great Y^armouth for ever, reiterating in extcnso 
 all the former enactments touching the lading and unlading of ships, and the 
 buying and selling of herrings and other goods and merchandises. This charter 
 is witnessed by William Courtenay, Archbishop of Canterbury; Robert de 
 Braybrooke, Bishop of London ; William de Wykeham, Bishop of Winchester ; 
 Thomas de Arundel, Bishop of Ely, (then Chancellor); Thomas Brentingham, 
 Bishop of Exeter; Ralph Ergham, Bishop of Salisbury; John Gilbert, Bishop 
 of Hereford, (then Treasurer); Thomas Rushbrooke, Bisho 2 i of Cirencester; 
 Edmund, Duke of Y’ork ; Thomas, Duke of Gloucester, (Constable of England,) 
 “ our most dear uncles ; ” Richard, Earl of Arundel; William de Montecute, 
 Earl of Salisbury; Edward de Courtenay, Earl of Devonshire; Thomas Mow¬ 
 bray, Earl of Nottingham (Marshal of England); Henry Percy, Earl of North¬ 
 umberland; Nicholas, Abbot of Waltham; Roger de Clifford; Reginal de 
 Grey, ofRuthj-n; Raljjh Basset de Drayton; John de Cobham, of Kent; John 
 Lovell; Richard Lestrope ; John Devereux ; John de Waltham (Keejrer of the 
 Privy Seal); John de Montecute (Steward of the Household); and others. 
 
 Henry IV. granted one charter, in the first year of his reign, (24th of 
 November, 1399). It recites all the previous chai’ters in regular order, and 
 then accepted, approved, and confirmed the same ; declaring that the burgesses 
 might fully and for ever enjoy all such liberties and privileges, although not 
 theretofore fully used. The witnesses to this charter were, Thomas Fitz Alan, 
 Archbishoji of Canterbury; Richard Scrope, Archbishop of Y’ork; John Ford- 
 ham, Bishop! of Ely; Edmund Stafford, Bishojr of Exeter; Thomas, Earl of 
 Warwick; Ralph, Earl of Westmoreland ; John de Scarle (Chancellor); Johnde 
 Northbury (Treasurer); William Rooz, of Hamlake ; William do Willoughby ; 
 Thomas de Erpingham (Chamberlain); Thomas de Romston (Steward of the 
 Household); Richard de Clifford (Keeper of the Privy Seal); and others. 
 
 Henry V. also granted one charter (by letters patent). It is dated the 
 20th of May, 1414 ; and it recites all the jjrevious charters seriatim, and con¬ 
 firms the same, and all “liberties, irrivileges, and freedoms,” which had been 
 “ reasonably enjoyed ” under the same. 
 
 Henry VI. also granted one charter, (by letters patent), which likewise 
 recited, and in a similar manner confirmed, all the ^^receding charters. 
 
 E 
 
26 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 Hexey VII. granted a most important charter. It declared that the 
 bailift's should have the return of all the King’s writs, precepts, and mandates, 
 as well of assizes of nove disseisin and of mart ancestor, certifications of darrein 
 presentment and attaints, as of other writs and precepts ; and that the same might 
 be prosecuted at the suit of any person within the borough : so that no sheriff, 
 coroner, or other officer of the King could enter the borough, to execute any writ 
 or mandate; but the same were to be executed by the bailiffs, coroners, or other 
 ministers of the borough for the time being. Also, that the bailiffs and bur¬ 
 gesses might elect to themselves, every year, at the feast of St. Michael, two 
 persons, learned in the law, and four burgesses ; who, with the bailiffs, should 
 be keepers (or justices) of the peace, and also of the statutes and ordinances there¬ 
 in particularlj' enumerated: enjoining them to correct and punish all who should 
 be found offending, and to safely keep all those who should threaten any of the 
 people “ touchmg their bodies, or w’ith burning of their houses ; ” and to take 
 sufficient security for the good behaviour of all who w'ere brought before them. 
 That they should enquire “ by the oath of good and lawful men,” of all felonies, 
 trespasses, forestallings, regratings, and extortions w'ithin the borough, “as well 
 upon the haven and Avaters as upon the land: ” and hear and determine the 
 same, and all other misdeeds whatsoever, as fully and perfectly as any keeper of 
 the peace or justice in any county in England,—all keepers of the peace or 
 justices for Norfolk, being prohibited from “ intermeddling.” That the bailiffs 
 and burgesses should thereafter have all fines, issues, and redemptions, amerce¬ 
 ments, losses, and forfeitures, within the borough : and that the bailiffs should 
 ha^■e pow'er to choose two coroners from among the burgesses, who should 
 be entitled to exercise the powders of their office wdthin the borough. All 
 liberties, franchises, privileges, customs, rights, things, profits, and emoluments 
 theretofore granted or enjoyed, were confirmed, although the burgesses or their 
 predecessors, had “ been wont to abuse,” or had not “ used ” the same, or any 
 of them. 
 
 This charter is Avitnessed by “ the reverend fathers in Christ,” John 
 (Morton), Cardinal Archbishop of Canterbury, (Chancellor,) and Richard Fox, 
 Bishop of Bath and Wells, (Keeper of the Privy Seal); “ our most dear beloved 
 first-born Arthur, Prince of Wales ;” “ our most dear belor^ed uncle Jaspar,” 
 Duke of Bedford, and George, Duke of Buckingham; “ our a ery dear cousins,” 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 27 
 
 John, Earl of Oxford (High Chamberlain and Admiral of England) and Thomas, 
 Earl of Derby (Constable of England); “ also our beloved and faithful ” Sir 
 John Dynham, of Dynham, (Treasurer of England,) and Sir Robert Willoughby 
 de Broke (Steward of the Household), and others.* 
 
 * By this charter the borough obtained a capital jurisdiction, which had not pre¬ 
 viously been enjoyed. Up to this period, the King’s justices came to Y’armouth to try 
 murders and felonies, or a special commission was obtained. 
 
 This power of life and death was possessed by few cities and boroughs in the 
 kingdom. Norwich was desirous of obtaining it in 1082 ; for in that year, Mr. Tliomas 
 Corie, tlien town clerk of that city, wrote a letter, directed to his “ worthy friend, Mr. 
 “Thomas Godfrie, town clerk of Great Yarmouth, to be delivered with care and speed 
 “ to his own hand,” in which he asks whether the Yarmouth sessions of Oyer and Ter¬ 
 miner were held by charter or prescription; requesting to have an answer “ by the first 
 opportunity, either by wherry or by coach.” In his reply, Mr. Godfrey cites the charter 
 of Henry VII., and that they accordingly held their sessions and gaol delivery without 
 special commission. Secundum aniiquas libertates ville predicte virtute literarum 
 patenthmi. 
 
 The power of inflicting capital punishment, has been frequently exercised at Great 
 Y'armouth. 
 
 In 1G32, “ on the xxvj*'' daye of June, aboute xi of the clocke att night, foure 
 “ Frenchmen did very barbarously, and in a bloody manner, murder one Nicholas 
 “ Harpley,” for which they were tried and executed. Subsequently, another French¬ 
 man, named Evan le Roye, charged with having “ joined with the others in that murder,” 
 Avas tried and condemned; but it afterwards appearing that he wns “ on shipboard when 
 the fact was done,” the bailiffs and justices of the peace, petitioned the King for a par¬ 
 don, which Avas granted. 
 
 Early in the 18th century, Elizabeth Thompson was executed, as an accessory to 
 the murder of a Dutchman, at her house, called the Tunns inn, in the gaol row. She 
 resolutely refused to reveal the perpetrator, who afterwards confessed his crime on lus 
 death bed. 
 
 Emms and Noy Avere executed in 1715. The charges Avere,— 
 
 £ s. d. 
 
 Ellis, the hangman, -lO^. each ... ... 4 0 0 
 
 Richardson, of Gorleston, for Cart ... ... 0 12 6 
 
 A Rope ... ... ... ... 0 5 6 
 
 Four Serjeants at Mace, 10$. each *.• ... 2 0 0 
 
 £6 18 0 
 
 In 1750, John Barcham, a mariner, was executed for the murder of Robert Bullen. 
 In 1769, Elizabeth Martin Avas executed for the murder of her illegitimate child. 
 The last public execution occurred in 1813, Avhen John Hannah, a miserable old 
 man, upAvards of 70 years of age, was hanged for the murder of his wife. The house 
 Avhich he occupied, in Row 90, remained untenanted for many years. 
 
 This capital jurisdiction Avas, very properly, abolished by the Sluniciqml Corporation 
 Act, in 1835. 
 
28 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 Hexry VIII. in tlie tenth )-eav of his reign (8th of October, 1518), con¬ 
 firmed the charter of Henry VII., which it sets forth at full length. 
 
 Queen Maky also, in the first year of her reign, (15th February, 1553,) 
 recited and confirmed all the preceding charters, from Henry V. downwards. 
 This is the last charter which merely confirms preceding charters, without any 
 additional grant. 
 
 Queen Elizabeth, in the first year of her reign, (26th of May, 1559,) 
 granted a charter of gi-eat importance. It recites, that Great Yarmouth was one 
 of the most ancient towns in the kingdom : and that being situate on the sea 
 coast, the inhabitants were not only, “ by the machinations and malice of 
 “ enemies, to their no small detriment and impoverishment, or rather, manifest 
 “ ruin, grievously molested;” but also, “ for the better security, protection, and 
 “ defence of that town against insults, treacheries, dangers, and attempts of the 
 “ enemy,” daily charged and burthened, “ as well for provisions and instruments 
 “ of war, and munition of powder of ordnance, called gun-powder, pikes and 
 “ other armour of defence,” as also “ in the maintenance and support of the 
 “ stone walls and bulwarks, and the haven and bridge of the town aforesaid:” 
 wherefore, the Queen, “ desiring the reformation and relief thereof, and con- 
 “ sidering the good, laudable, and grateful services which the bailiffs, burgesses, 
 “ and commonalty of the town aforesaid ” to her and her progenitors, “ of 
 famous remembrance and memory, late Kings and Queens of England,” had 
 in diverse manner done,—of her “ special grace, certain knowledge, and mere 
 motion, and of her royal bounty,” granted to the bailiffs, burgesses, and com¬ 
 monalty of Great Yarmouth, that the said borough and town, and the haven of 
 the same, the road called Yarmouth road, and all places ivithin the precinct, 
 circuit, and liberty, of the borough and road, as well by land as by water, should 
 thenceforth be for ever exempted, severed, deprived, absolved, and wholly dis¬ 
 tinguished, from every power, authority, control, jurisdiction, and office of the 
 admiral and admiralty of England: and thenceforth the bailiffs, burgesses, and 
 commonalty were empowered to hold a court of admiralty of record, every Mon¬ 
 day in every week throughout the year, before the bailiffs; having cognizance, 
 jurisdiction, faculty, and authority, to hear and determine all pleas, suits, actions, 
 and demands whatsoever, of all contracts, debts, covenants, and trespasses, 
 deceipts and other causes, controversies, contests, offences, demands, and 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 29 
 
 maritime affairs whatsoever, as w'ell by land as by water, within the limits 
 aforesaid, arising or happening, touching or concerning the office of admiralty. 
 Also, of all things regrated, engrossed, bought beforehand or forestalled, by any 
 person whomsoever, in any place within the circuit of seven leuks round about 
 the borough, as well by sea as land, during the time of herring fishery, and the 
 fair of the mart then annually holden. All such plaints and business maritime, 
 being commenced, entered, adjudged, and determined before the bailiffs, by the 
 like processes and manner, according to the form and custom of the court of 
 admiralty of England, agreeable to law, and in as ample a manner, as in any 
 court of admiralty, or in any city, baron, or town corporate in England ; all 
 processes being executed by the serjeants at mace of the borough. Also, to 
 have cognizance of and jurisdiction over all causes and offences whatsoever, 
 (piracy excepted,) upon the high sea, in foreign or transmarine parts perpetrated 
 or happening, where one party was an inhabitant of the borough, or the liberty 
 thereof. And also to have the same cognizance and jurisdiction, during the 
 time of the herring fishery and mart aforesaid, without interruption. And to 
 have all profits arising in their court of admiralty, “ to their proper use and 
 “ behoof, for the better support of the town and burgh, and for the defence of 
 “ the town against the violence of the flux and reflux of the sea, there often hap- 
 “ pening, and for the better maintaining of the stone walls and bridge of the same 
 “ town, without giving any account of the same to the crown.” And it was declared 
 that no admiral of England, or his lieutenant, officer, or deputy, nor any other 
 lieutenant officer of the navy, should enter the precincts of the borough, by land 
 or by sea, to execute any thing which to the office of admiral should belong’ 
 and should not in any wise intermeddle, except for piracy ; and that no person 
 residing within the aforesaid precincts, should be cited or attached, or in any 
 other manner disquieted, for any cause touching or concerning the office of 
 admiral, by or before any person but the bailiffs, except in the case of piracy; 
 and all other persons they might lawfully, and with impunity, utterly resist and 
 disobey. All commissions issued and things detrimental to this grant, to be 
 “ utterly void, invalid, and in all things had, holden, and reputed, null.”* 
 
 Hence the expression, “ Null and void.’ 
 
30 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 This charter then grants to the town all goods and chattels of felons and 
 fugitives outlawed and waived, of persons condemned and adjudged, attainted or 
 convicted, of fugitives and persons put in exigent for felony, murder, or other 
 matter or cause whatsoever, piracy or any other cause or fault whatever. Also all 
 goods and chattels, waifs, estrays, wreck of the sea, flotson, jetson, lagon, shares, 
 treasure found, deodands, goods of enemies, and derelicts, had or by chance 
 found ; all goods, merchandize, and chattels lost, in the sea found, or out of the 
 sea cast; and all other casualties as well in, upon, or by the sea, or shore, or 
 parts maritime, as upon or by the fresh waters or havens, rivers, or places over¬ 
 flowed M'ith the flux or reflux of the sea or water, at the full tide or upon the 
 shores of an)' of the same. And all manner of fishes royal, to wit, sturgeons,'^‘ 
 baliens, whales,f porpoises,j; dolphins, rigals, and grampuses, or thick fish, and 
 all other fishes having in them a great or large thickness of fatness, from ancient 
 time, by right or custom, belonging to the Crown, in the high office of the 
 admiralty of England belonging; together with all fines and penalties for tres¬ 
 passes and other offences, imposed by the bailiffs in their court of admiralty; 
 and all other privileges, prerogatives, and preliminaries, (piracy excepted,) be¬ 
 longing to the office of admiralty, within their jurisdiction, with power “ to put 
 themselves in seizin ” of the goods and chattels aforesaid, although the same 
 might have been previously seized by the officers of the Crown. And that the 
 bailiffs should for ever thereafter, be clerks of the market, and do all which to 
 that office did “ belong to be done ; ” so that the clerk of the market to the 
 Queen’s household, should not, within their jurisdiction, presume to intermeddle 
 touching the assize of bread, wine, and ale broken, or weights and measures, 
 (save in the Queen’s presence); and all amercements and fines were to go to 
 the bailiffs, burgesses, and commonalty, “ to the sole and proper use and behoof 
 of the same town,” without rendering any account of the same. 
 
 * In 1818, a sturgeon was caught. 
 
 t In 1582, “ The sea,” says an old Chronicler, “ brought a special gift. At Caister, 
 “ near Yarmouth, was taken a large fish, seventeen yards long from the neck to the tail; 
 “ the jaw, only, was tlnee yards and a quarter long. It had two great holes about its 
 “ eyes, through which it spouted up water ; its teeth were three quarters of a yard in 
 “ compass ; and the tail was forteen feet broad. It was four yards and an half thick, 
 “ from the back to the belly.” 
 
 % In 1823, a porpoise was found on the beach, which measured seven feet, and 
 weighed four cwt. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 31 
 
 It tlien recites the charter of Henry VII., granting the power to appoint 
 Ivcepers of the peace, any two of whom f quorum Icgispcritus, ^c.J, one being a 
 person learned in the law, might execute all things which to justices of the 
 peace did belong ; but that as they could only be chosen on the feast of St. 
 Michael, and the said two persons learned in the law, who were justices ad 
 quorum, sometimes fell sick and sometimes died within the year, “ to the great 
 lett and decay of the administration of justice within the burgh,” and “ for the 
 better reformation thereof,” and that “ acts of justice may be kept and done 
 without the further refuge of delay,” declares that when a justice of the peace, 
 shordd die, the bailiffs, burgesses, and commonalty might, “ immediately after 
 such casualty of death,” nominate another person to be a justice, in the place 
 of the person so dying, who should continue in office till the next feast of St. 
 klichael, with the same powers as were given by the charter of Henry VH., and 
 which are here repeated. And all liberties and franchises at any time granted 
 to the bailiffs, burgesses, and commonalty of Great Y'armouth, are confirmed. 
 
 This charter is stated at foot to be “ By Writ of Privy Seal,” and “ By 
 Authority of Parliament.” 
 
 The charter of James I., is dated the 22nd of July, 1608. 
 
 It recites that the borough of Great Yarmouth, situate upon the sea coast, 
 in the east part of the kingdom, was an ancient borough, and of great force and 
 strength, both to resist enemies and defend the country adjoining ; and was also 
 a borough occupying and exercising merchandise and much traffic on the seas, 
 on account of the herring fishery and otherwise, by reason of which, many ships 
 were there constantly employed, and a great number of mariners and others, in 
 the art of navigation instructed, were there constantly employed, nourished, and 
 maintained, who were daily made able for all work and service, both naval and 
 maritime, and otherwise, for the defence of the kingdom. And that the bailiffs, 
 burgesses, and commonalty, and their predecessors, had performed diverse ac¬ 
 ceptable and laudable services, to diverse Kings and Queens of England, to 
 their perpetual honor; and had, in times past, been heavily burthened with 
 expenses in fortifications and defence of the borough, in maintenance and sup¬ 
 port of the stone walls, rampires, and mounts, flez rampers et mountes); and in 
 the continual maintenance, repair, and support of the haven, which they had 
 then lately, for the greater part at their own proper costs, erected and built. 
 
32 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 And that they had “ most humbly implored ” the King, for the better support 
 and maintenance of such great charges, as for the better rule, government, and 
 improvement of the borough, “ gracious to exhibit and extend ” his royal grace 
 and munificence in that behalf. It then proceeds to state, that the King, “-will- 
 “ ing that thenceforth for ever, there might be had one certain and undoubted 
 “ manner in the same burgh, of and for the keeping of the peace, and the 
 “ good rule and government of the same, and of the people there dwelling, and 
 “ others thither resorting ; and that the said burgh, in perpetual future times, 
 “ might be and remam a burgh of peace and quiet, to the dread and terror of 
 “ the bad, and for a reward of the good ; and that the King’s peace and other 
 “ acts of justice and good will might be there better kept and done ; and hoping 
 “ that if the said bailiffs, burgesses, and commonalty, should enjoy more ample 
 “ liberties and privileges from his Majesty’s grant, they might think themselves 
 “ more especialty and strongly bound to bestow and exhibit to the King, his 
 “ heii's and successors, what service they should be able,”—he had willed and 
 determined, and did thereby grant and declare, that the borough of Great Yar¬ 
 mouth should be and remain thereafter for ever, “ a free burgh of itself; ” and 
 the bailiffs, burgesses, and commonalty of the said borough should thenceforth 
 for ever, be “ one body corporate and politic,” by the name of the “ bailiffs, 
 “ aldermen, and burgesses of the burgh of Great Yarmouth in the county of 
 “ Norfolk,”—by which name they might have perpetual succession, and be 
 capable in law to purchase and hold real as well as personal property, plead 
 and be impleaded ; and that they might have for ever, “ their ancient common 
 “ seal,'^-’ to serve for transacting the causes and businesses of them and their 
 “ successors for ever,” with power from time to time, “ to break, change, and 
 make new the same ; ”—and that the election of all officers and ministers within 
 the borough, should at all times thereafter, be made “ in the same manner and 
 form, and by such like means and persons, and at such feasts, days, and times,” 
 as in the borough before that time had been used and accustomed. And that 
 
 * The common seal (vide Ilanship’s llistory, p. 366), for centuries used by the 
 corporation of Great Yarmouth, and called St. Nicholas’ seal, is engraved in Le Moyen 
 Aye et la Renaissance, a splendid work, published in Paris in 1819. It is there attri¬ 
 buted to the 13th siicle. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 33 
 
 thenceforth for ever, there should be in the borough aforesaid, twenty-four 
 “ good and discreet men,” who should be called aldermen, and should be of the 
 common-council of the borough,—the then “ four and twenty,” (who are named 
 in the charter,) remaining in office during their lives, unless “for any reasonable 
 cause ” removed ;—’and that upon the death or removal of all aldermen, the 
 bailiffs and remaining aldermen should, “ in convenient time,” elect another 
 to his place ; who, before he was admitted to execute his office, should “ make 
 and take a corporal oath,” rightly, well, and faithfully, to execute the same. 
 That thenceforth the name and office of steward of the borough, should cease ; 
 and that “ one discrete man, learned in the law of England,” who should be 
 called the recorder of the borough, should, in his place and stead, do and exe¬ 
 cute “ what to the office of recorder and steward” did belong ; and should be, 
 from time to time, elected, nominated, and sworn in, as had been the previous 
 custom with the steward, and should be removable in the same way. It recites 
 the charters and letters patent of Edward III., Richard II., and Queen Eliza¬ 
 beth, regarding Kirkley road; and the “doubts, questions, and ambiguities,” 
 which had been “ moved by certain persons, concerning the same; ” and his 
 Majesty’s willingness, that “ all suits and discords ” should thenceforth be “ en¬ 
 tirely taken away; ” and it then confirms all previous grants and liberties “ within 
 “ the place in the sea, commonly called or known by the name of Kirkley road, 
 “ situated, lying, and being hy or near the toion of Kirkley, in the county of 
 “ Suffolk, and thence leading towards the north,” with “ all and singular, such, 
 “ the same, such like, and the very like anchorages, usages, customs, profits, 
 “ and demands,” as had previously been held and enjoyed in the road called 
 Yarmouth road. It then proceeds to confer an admiralty jurisdiction, “extend- 
 “ ing in length from a certain place called Winterton nesse, otherwise Winterton 
 “ naze, to and as far as a certain other place called Eston nesse, otherwise 
 “ Eston naze,” being fourteen leuks, or thereabouts ; “ and in breadth into the 
 “ sea, by the space of seven leuks eastward of all and singular the shores of the 
 “ sea whatsoever, being ” between the aforesaid places ; within which limits, all 
 the privileges and “preheminences,” conferred by the charter of Queen Elizabeth, 
 were to be enjoyed ; the aforesaid space, and all places within the same, being 
 separated and exempted from the jurisdiction of the admiralty of England. The 
 bailiffs to hold an admiralty court every week, (either on Monday or Tuesday,) and 
 
 F 
 
34 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 therein to take cognizance of all manner of pleas maritime, within the aforesaid 
 limits, and of all things regrated or forestalled during the free fair, or at any 
 other time ; process to be made according to the forms and usages of the high 
 court of admiralty—service to be made by the serjeant at mace—all fines and 
 amercements to go to the corporation, who were empowered to elect and nomi¬ 
 nate, from time to time, “ one discrete man, learned in the civil law,” to aid 
 and assist the badiffs in all things concerning any admiralty causes within their 
 jurisdiction, who should be sworn before admittance to his office, and should 
 continue during pleasure. Pleas to be held in all suits arising within the said 
 admiralty jmdsdiction, in cases where one party was an inhabitant, as well as in 
 cases Avhere neither party was. The corporation to take and retain all profits 
 arising within the aforesaid limits, “ for the better support of the burgh aforc- 
 “ said, and for the defence of the burgh against the forces of the flux and reflux, 
 “ and inruptions of the sea, there often happening, and for the better support 
 “ of the stone Avails and bridge of the same burgh,” without yielding any ac¬ 
 count to the CroAvn ; and to do all other things which to the office of admiralty 
 belonged. No lord admiral, or any one under him, to do any thing within the 
 limits ; and the inhabitants of the borough Avere not to be cited, summoned, 
 distrained, attached, or taken in their persons or goods, nor draAvn out of the 
 boroughupon any admiralty process,formatters arising within the limits aforesaid. 
 The bailiffs Avere not to permit any admiral, or other minister of the admiralty, 
 to exercise his office Avithin the limits aforesaid, but might laAvfully resist him ; 
 and all things done to the contrary, Avere to be null and void. And the lord 
 high admiral and his officers, were not to molest the bailiffs, upon shoAving this 
 charter, or an exemplification of the same : but it Avas provided, that the bailiffs 
 should, at all times thereafter, “ be subject to obey as Avell the admiral of 
 “ England for the time, as the vice-admiral and other officers and ministers 
 “ Avhomsoever,” haA'ing his authority or the King’s commission, “ for levying, 
 “ impressing, and taking of seamen or mariners ” for the King’s service, Avithin 
 the limits aforesaid. 
 
 It also granted to the borough, the goods and chattels of felons, pirates, 
 and fugitives, outlaAved and Avaived ; AAueck of the sea, fishes royal, and other 
 matters and things, in the same manner as in the preceding charter of Queen 
 Elizabeth : and it empoAvered the corporation to make laws for regulating sea- 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 35 
 
 men’s wages, and to Impose fines for disobedience. Also, that “whensoever any 
 felons, robbers, or pirates,” should at any time thereafter be “ contiguously 
 sailing, trading, dwelling, or to be found ” within the limits aforesaid, it should 
 be lawful for the bailiffs, and they were thereby empowered, “ by all the best 
 “ ways, means, methods, and provisions which they could use, with a ship or 
 “ ships, armed in a warlike manner or otherwise, to pursue, attack, arrest, take, 
 “ or apprehend ” the same, and commit them to and keep them in gaol, until 
 delivered “ in due form of law.” And the said bailiffs, aldermen, burgesses, 
 and commonalty, with the recorder of the borough, and also the mayor, recorder, 
 and steward of Norwich, and any four or more justices of the peace of the 
 borough, (of whom one of the bailiffs and the recorder of the borough or the 
 steward of Norwich, were to be two,) were empowered to try such felons, rob¬ 
 bers, and jiirates, according to the statute 8 Henry VIII.; and all penalties 
 and forfeiture of recognizances, were given to the bailiffs. It then recites the 
 “grievous complaint” of the corporation, “that two or three houses, and no 
 “ more, were seated beyond the bridge of the burgh, in the county of Suffolk, 
 “ within four furlongs, and that diverse persons, not burgesses or freemen of the 
 “ burgh, by the assent and consent of the owners of the said two or three 
 “ houses, called inns and farm-houses, had then lately altered and converted a 
 “ great part of the edifices of the said houses, to and into diverse shops and 
 “ warehouses, to use misteries and arts, and to put to sale and make utterances 
 “ of goods, merchandizes, W'ares, and commodities, in the said place, which was 
 “ no part of the burgh, nor within the jurisdiction of the same; by reason 
 “ whereof, the aforesaid persons lived disorderedly, and without good rule and 
 “ government, and were not chargeable with the payment of any rates or ex- 
 “ penses for the repair of the haven, to the great danger, detriment, impairing, 
 “ and disadvantage of the said burgh, and the inhabitants of the same ; which 
 “ evil, then growing and beginning, lest it should spread further, and break 
 “ forth to the destruction of the burgh and port,” the corporation had most 
 humbly besought the King, to “ utterly prohibit the buying and selling of wares 
 “ and merchandizes there, and the misteries and arts tliere to be exercised, lest 
 “ there should be more edifices made, which might fall out to the impoverishing 
 “ and desolation of the burgh aforesaid, and lest it should become a refuge for 
 “ malefactors and for other evil-disposed persons.” The charter then prohibits 
 
 r 2 
 
36 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 the buying and selling of any wares or merchandizes, in any house, shop, or 
 
 w'arehouse, within four furlongs of the bridge, under a penalty of ten shillings 
 •f ^ 
 
 ^jr every oflence, and “ such further pains and imprisonments” as were by laAV 
 proAuded for such “ delinquents ” as disobeyed the royal mandate. 
 
 Power is then given to the corporation to purchase the site of the late 
 monastery of Grey Friars, of the then feoffees of the same, although such site 
 Avas holden of the Crown by knight’s service in capita, and notAvithstanding the 
 statute of Mortmain. 
 
 The toAvn’s ancient liberties are then fully conffrmed, including (words not 
 introduced into any previous charter) “ court’s leet, vieAV of Frank pledge, 
 “ measurage, groundage, seacage, anchorage, pierage, keyage, pilotage, driage, 
 “ ballastage,” See., Avhether enjoyed by charters and letters patent, or by usage 
 and prescription. 
 
 The charter Avas issued per hreve de privato sigillo, Sec. The fine paid in 
 the hanaper, was £5. 
 
 Charles II. granted three charters. 
 
 The first is dated 8th of January, 1664. After reciting to the same effect 
 as in the charter of James I., it constitutes the borough a free borough, of itself 
 incorporated in the same manner, with poAver to purchase and hold freehold 
 estates—to plead and be impleaded'—to have a common seal—four and tAventy 
 “ good and discrete men ” to be aldermen, (the first aldermen being specially 
 named,) to continue in office for life, but removable, for reasonable causes, by 
 the bailiffs and majority of the aldermen and common-councilmen jointly—forty 
 eight common-councilmen (Avho are named) to continue in office “ for and during 
 such time and in such manner and form, to all intents and purposes,” as in 
 times past had been used. It then confirms the Earl of Clarendon in the office 
 of high steward, for life ; Robert Baldock in the office of recorder, for life; 
 Robert Pell in the office of common clerk and clerk of the court of the borough, 
 “ to continue in the same offices respectively quamdiu se hene gesserit ”—and 
 John Moore in the office of “ attorney or solicitor of the burgh aforesaid,” to 
 remain during good behaviour. It then recites the several charters and letters 
 patent of EdAvard III. and Richard II., uniting Kirkley road to Yarmouth, and 
 also the letters patent of Queen Elizabeth, giving the toAvn an admiralty juris¬ 
 diction over the same, and that certain “ doubts, questions, and ambiguities ” 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 37 
 
 had been “moved” coneerning the aforesaid place. It then confirms the grant 
 of the “ place in the sea” commonly called Kirkley road, “ situated, lying, and 
 being next or near the town of Kirkley,” and thence tending towards the north, 
 with an admiralty jurisdiction over the same, and the enjoyment there of “ all 
 “ and singular such, the same, such like, and the very like anchorages, usages, 
 “ customs, profits, and demands,” as were then enjoyed in Yarmouth roads by 
 charter, letters patent, prescription, usage, or custom. It also grants and con¬ 
 firms the admiralty jurisdiction from. Winterton ness to Eston ness, with power 
 to hold an admiralty court before the bailiffs, on the Monday and Tuesday in 
 every week throughout the year, and to elect “ one discrete man, learned in the 
 civil law,” to aid and assist the bailiffs in all admiralty causes; and to receive 
 and enjoy all the profits of the admiralty, without rendering any account of the 
 same ; and repeating all the powers and exemptions granted by the charter of 
 James I., with the like exceptions as to impressing seamen. It also grants and 
 confirms to the town, the goods and chattels of felons, wreck of the sea, fishes 
 royal, fines, issues forfeited, recognizances, &c.; gives power to make laws 
 regulating seamen’s wages,—to apprehend and imprison felons, robbers, and 
 pirates, and to try and deliver the same in the manner prescribed by the prece¬ 
 ding charter. It commands that no wares or merchandize be sold in any house, 
 shop, or warehouse in Southtown, within four furlongs of the bridge ; and all 
 the town’s liberties and privileges, whether by charter, usage, or prescription, 
 are fully confirmed. 
 
 The charter ends, not with juer hreve de privato sigillo, &c., as the previous 
 one, but with yjer ipsum Regem. 
 
 The second charter is dated the 10th of February, 1668. 
 
 After reciting that Great Yarmouth was “an ancient and populous burgh,” 
 and had, “ for very many ages,” been a corporation, and had possessed divers 
 privileges and immunities, by charters and letters patent, and with diverse laud¬ 
 able and ancient customs and prescriptions was imbued ; and also an act passed 
 in a session of the then parliament, for settling the differences between Yarmouth 
 and Southtown, and that in pursuance of the same, the corporation of Great 
 Yarmouth had consented to an incorporation with Little Yarmouth;—it declares, 
 that the King, “ the union and prosperous condition of the men and inhabitants 
 as well of Great Yarmouth as Little Yarmouth, graciously and truly affecting,” 
 
38 
 
 HISTORV OF 
 
 did thereby grant and ordain, that the men and inhabitants of Little Yarmouth, 
 and the hailiifs, aldermen, and burgesses of Great Yarmouth, should be firmly 
 united, and thenceforth should be one body corporate and politic, in matter, 
 fact, and name; the officers already appointed, being confirmed as the officers 
 of the new incorporation—the Yarmouth justices to he justices “ as well in that 
 burgh as in the town of Little Yarmouth”—and the men and inhabitants of 
 Little Yarmouth to be under “ the rule, government, jurisdiction, scrutiny, tax¬ 
 ation, correction, punishment, precept, and arrest ” of the corporation. And all 
 previous liberties and privileges were confirmed.^' 
 
 This charter is jjer hreve de ])rivafo sigillo. 
 
 The third charter of this King is dated the 22nd of July, 1684. 
 
 It recites that his Majesty, “ the bettering of the burgh of Great Yarmouth, 
 and of the town or burgh of Little Yarmouth, graciously affecting,” and “ will- 
 “ ing that there might thenceforth for ever, be had one certain and undoubted 
 “ manner in those burghs,” for keeping the King’s peace, and the “ good rule 
 and government ” of the same, and of the jreople “ there inhabiting, and others 
 thither resorting; ” and that those boroughs might be, in all future times, “burghs 
 “ of peace and quietude, to the fear and terror of the evil, and reward of the 
 “ good ; ” and that the King’s peace, and “ other acts of justice and good gov- 
 “ ernment might be there the better kept and executed ; ” and “ hoping that if 
 “ the inhabitants of the burgh aforesaid, should,” by his Majesty’s grant, 
 “ enjoy larger liberties and privileges,” they Avould “ think themselves more 
 “ especially and strongly obliged to perform and exhibit what ser\fices they 
 “ could” to the King,—did thereby ordain, constitute, grant, and declare, that 
 the borough of Great Yarmouth, and the town and borough of Little Yarmouth, 
 should be and remain a free borough of itself; and that the inhabitants should 
 thenceforth be one body corporate and politic, by the name of the mayor, aider- 
 men, burgesses, and commonalty of the borough of Great Yarmouth in the 
 county of Norfolk, with perpetual succession—with power to purchase and hold 
 
 • In 1830, Mr. Patrick Stead, who then resided at Southtown, contended that 
 under this charter, he was entitled to vote at elections, “ as a burgess at large;” but the 
 assessor decided that it had been customary for free burgesses only, to vote: and the 
 claim was disallowed. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 39 
 
 real estate—and to have a common seal. It then constitutes “ our hclovcd ” 
 George Ward, Esq., to be and remain the “ first and modeim mayor of the horougli 
 aforesaid,” to continue in office till the feast of St. Michael next ensuing, and 
 till his successor was appointed ; and the mayor for the time being, to have the 
 same authority in all things, as had been enjoyed by the bailiffs. It then de¬ 
 clares, that there shall be eighteen aldermen, who shall continue in office for 
 life, unless removed for reasonable cause, and the names of those then appointed, 
 are given ; that there shall be thirty-six common-councilmen, “ of the better 
 and more discrete men of the burgh,” and the names of those then nominated, 
 are given; also, “one excellent man” to be high steward, and “our well beloved 
 and right faithful cousin, William, Earl of Y’armouth,” is nominated to that 
 office for life; also “ one good and discrete man, learned in the laws of Eng¬ 
 land,” being a barrister of seven years standing, to be recorder, and “ our well 
 beloved and faithful subject. Sir Robert Baldock, Knt., our serjeant at law,” is 
 appointed to that office for life ; also one “ good and discrete man, skilled in 
 the laws of England,” being a barrister of five years standing, to be under¬ 
 steward, and “ our beloved subject, Henry Bedingfield, Esq., serjeant at law,” 
 is appointed to that office for life ; also two “ good men,” to be coroners of the 
 borough, and Michael Mew and Jeffery Ward were appointed till the following 
 Michaelmas ; and two “ honest men ” to be chamberlains, Robert Huntingdon 
 and Gabriel Ward, being nominated ; and one “ good man,” to be common 
 clerk and clerk of the courts of the borough, Thomas Godfrey being appointed, 
 and to continue in office quamdiu ia ojfic' iV se bene gesserit: all of whom were 
 to take “ a corporal oath,” well and faithfully to execute their offices ; and death 
 vacancies to be supplied as had before been the custom. In the event of the 
 mayor, or of any alderman or common-councilman dying, provision was made 
 for supplying the vacancy. The mayor, aldermen, or common-councilmen, or 
 the greater part of them, (of whom the mayor or deputy-mayor for the time 
 being, should be one,) assembled in the Guild hall. Tollhouse hall, or other 
 convenient place within the borough, to be the common-council, and to have all 
 powers and authorities previously enjoyed. It was also provided, that the mayor 
 for the lime being, and. thenceforth for life, also the high steward, recorder, 
 under-steward, and the three senior aldermen should be the justices of the peace 
 for the borough, with power to keep the statutes and ordinances, and to punish 
 
40 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 all persons offending ; also “ to enquire, by the oaths of good and lawful men 
 “ of the burgh aforesaid, of all and every felonies, inchantments, witchcraft, art 
 “ magic, trespasses, forestallings, regratings, ingrossings, and extortions what- 
 “ soever,” and all other misdeeds and offences; and also of all those who, 
 “ with armed force in assemblies,” should ride against the King’s peace, to the 
 disturbance of the people; and all those who should lay in wait to maim or 
 kill the King’s subjects ; also all hostlers and all other persons offending “ in 
 the abuse of weights and measures, or in the sale of victuals;” also of all 
 constables, keejrers of gaols, and other officers, who should unduly behave 
 themselves, or who should happen to be “ cool, remiss, or negligent.” The 
 justices of the peace for the borough, to have equal power with any justices for 
 any county ; with authority to deliver the gaol of the borough of all prisoners, 
 according to the laws, customs, and statutes of the kingdom : the borough clerk 
 having the return of all juries, inquisitions, attachments, &c., he being “ attend¬ 
 ant to the said justices, in all things touching the gaol delivery.” All writs, 
 warrants, &c., to be executed by the serjeants at mace, without precept from 
 the sheriffs or coroners for Norfolk or Suffolk, and no county justices to 
 intermeddle. The mayor and justices empowered to administer oaths. The 
 corporation to have power to purchase lands and to sell the same. It then 
 contains a proviso, empowering the King, at his will and pleasure, by an order 
 under the seal of the privy council, to remove the mayor, high steward, re¬ 
 corder, under-steward, common clerk, coroners, chamberlains, or any of the 
 aldermen or common-council; to which places other fit persons were to be 
 chosen, in the manner before prescribed. It also grants to the corporation the 
 liberty of holding yearly, within the borough, “ two fairs, or marts, for buying 
 and selling of all goods, cattle, and chattels, namely,—one of the said fairs in 
 and upon every third Thursday in the month of April, and upon Friday then 
 “ next following ; ” and the other, “ in and upon every third Thursday in the 
 “ month of August, and upon Friday then next following : ” together with “ a 
 “ court of piepoiodcr there in the time of such fairs, with the liberties and free 
 “ customs to such court belonging, together with tolls, stallages, pickages, fines, 
 “ amercements, and all other profits, commodities, and emoluments whatsoever, 
 “ to such fairs, or marts, or court of piepowder respectively pertaining, belonging, 
 “ arising, chancing, or happening,” so that the same were not to the hurt of 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 41 
 
 neighbouring fairs or marts. It irrovicles that no person should thereafter 
 be admitted to the liberties of the borough, unless he were conformable to the 
 Church of England, and had received the Holy Eucharist, according to the rites 
 of the same church, within six months previously; and had taken, before 
 the mayor, the oath of allegiance and supremacy. It declares that the mayor, 
 aldermen, burgesses, and commonalty, in council assembled, or the greater 
 part of them, shall have full power and authority, upon the King’s wit, “ to 
 elect and nominate two discrete men of the burgh aforesaid,” to be burgesses in 
 parliament for the borough. It also provides, that there shall be in the borough, 
 a sword-bearer, nominated and sworn by the mayor, to be attendant upon him, 
 who should carry a sword in the scabbard before the mayor, “ every where 
 wdthin the burgh aforesaid, and the liberties and precincts thereof.” It then, 
 in a multitude of words, confirms every privilege which had thereto been enjoyed 
 by charters, letters patent, prescription, or usage, saving the rights of the Earl 
 of Yarmouth in respect of Southtown. Lastly, it declares that the word lexica^ 
 mentioned in diverse previous charters, should mean an English mile, and no 
 more, as it had been so interpreted in the House of Lords. 
 
 By writ of privy seal. Fine in the hanaper, £6 13s. Ad. 
 
 The last charter granted to the borough of Great Y'armouth, was that by 
 Queen Anne, in the second year of her reign. 
 
 After reciting the two first charters granted by Charles IL, and not the 
 third, which had been abrogated, it provides that Great Yarmouth and South- 
 town should for ever thereafter, be one body corporate and politic, “ by the 
 “ name of the mayor, aldermen, and burgesses of the borough of Great Yar- 
 “ mouth in the county of Norfolk,” with power to purchase and hold lands ; 
 to have a common seal; “ that one of the best and most discrete aldermen,” be 
 annually elected mayor ; that the number of twenty-four aldermen be reduced to 
 eighteen ; and the eight-and-forty common-councilmen reduced to thirty-six; 
 that “ one good and discrete man, learned in the laws of England,” being a barris¬ 
 ter of five years standing, be sub-steward; and it provides for an election in case 
 of the death or removal of the mayor, or of vacancies happening in the offices 
 of high-steward, recorder, or under-steward ; and the election of all officers to 
 be in the corporation, as theretofore. After reciting the letters patent of 
 
 See Manshij), page 339. 
 
 G 
 
42 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 Henry YTI. and Queen Elizabeth, touching the appointment of Justices of the 
 peace, it provides, that “ for the better government of the inhabitants of the 
 burgh,” and that the Queen’s peace and other acts of justice might he better 
 done, every mayor for the time being, (and so long as he should continue an 
 alderman,) and also the high steward, recorder, and sub-steward, (during their 
 continuance in office,) and the seven Aldermen, therein named, (so long as they 
 should continue aldermen,) should be justices of the peace for the borough, with 
 all such powers as had been exercised by justices of the peace: any three of 
 whom,—the mayor, recorder, sub-steward, and deputy mayor being two, (of 
 which two, the mayor or deputy mayor shoiild be one,)—should have power to 
 call, hold, and adjourn the sessions of the peace. That all writs be executed 
 without precept from the sheriff; no county justice to intermeddle ; the mayor, 
 or, in his absence or sickness, the deputy mayor, to have power to call assem¬ 
 blies of the corporation, which should have all authority incident to a body 
 corporate. That the mayor take the oaths of office; that he make one of the 
 justices his deputy,—who should take an oath to execute the office faithfully ; 
 that justices, and all other officers, take the required oaths; that the mayor and 
 justices have power to administer the same,—and that they have a sword and 
 sword-bearer. It then grants and confirms, by their several denominations, all 
 the former privileges of the borough, whether by charter, letters patent, pre¬ 
 scription, or usage. 
 
 This charter is dated at Westminster, March 11th, 1703. 
 
 The cost of it was £412 9s. lOfZ. 
 
 The town of Yarmouth was put in charge by divers denominations, viz.— 
 
 ] 1 Henry VIII. Homines de Yermouth, 
 Burgenses et prohi Homines Magnce 
 Yermouth, and Homines villce de Jer- 
 nenmth 
 
 1 Mary, Bailiffs, Burgesses, and Com¬ 
 monalty of Great Yarmouth 
 
 6 James I., Bailiffs, Burgesses, and Com¬ 
 monalty of the Burgh of Great 
 Yarmouth 
 
 15 Charles II. The same 
 20 Charles II. Mayor, Aldermen, Burges¬ 
 ses, and Commonalty 
 
 2 Anne, The same 
 
 The Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses of the 
 
 7 John, Villaia de Gernemue 
 
 10 John, Burgees de Gernemue 
 
 2 Henry III. Homines de Gernemuth 
 66 Henry III., Burgenses de Gernemue 
 18 Edward II. Homines Gernemuthm 
 
 11 Edv.lard HI. Homines Jernemulhce 
 2 ltlCH.\RD II. Homines de Jernemuth 
 
 12 Henry IV. Homines de Jernemuth 
 
 and Buigcnses et prohi Homines 
 villce Magnce Jernemuthce 
 
 13 Edward IV. Homines de Jernemuth, 
 
 and Burgenses et prohi Homines 
 villce Magnce Jernemuth 
 Ml'niciral Corporation Act, 1835. 
 
 Borough of Great Yarmouth, in the County of Norfolk 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 43 
 
 SECTION 11. 
 
 THE ANCIENT CUSTOMS AND USAGES OF THE BOROUGIL 
 
 What were the most ancient customs and usages of the borough, may be 
 gathered from certain articles, which were “purveyed and ordained” by the 
 “ burgesses and commonalty,” in 1272, “ for the worship of God, and peace of 
 “ our Sovereign Lord the King, for to maintain betwixt all people, and for the 
 “ salvation of the said town : ” which articles were confirmed by the King’s 
 letters patent. 
 
 1. If any man be against gage and pledge, and will not be attached, then 
 his body shall be taken and led into prison, there to abide until he will do that 
 which belongeth to right. 
 
 2. Any man going about armed, in time of peace, against the commandment 
 of the King, to bo taken to prison, “ dispoiled of his harness,” and to find surety. 
 
 3. Any one going “ customably vagrant ” by night, to be jmt in prison until 
 he found sufficient surety. 
 
 4. Any one hurting another, “ with weapon ground,” or other thing, and 
 drawing blood, to be brought to prison, and there to find surety “ to do that 
 which belongeth to right, for that manner of tresjiass.” 
 
 5. Any man hurting or beating another, so that “ he be in despair of his 
 life,” to be put in prison, until it were known whether the other lived or died ; 
 and if he should die, “ the felon ” to abide in prison until the coming of tlie 
 justices, that he might have his judginent. 
 
 6. All merchants to pay for their merchandizes according to their bargain, 
 if the same be found “ good and true but if otherwise, then to bo “ rul’d and 
 waided ” by four wise men of the town, chosen by the twenty-four “jurats,” 
 
 G 2 
 
44 
 
 PIISTORY OF 
 
 who formed the corporation, “ that can skill of the merchandize ; ” and if the 
 buyer would not comply within three days, then his goods to he sold “ by sight 
 of the wise men, to content the party,” and if insufficient, then his “lands, rents, 
 and housing ” to be delivered into the hands of the merchants, until “ the rem¬ 
 nant of the debt ” was paid. 
 
 7. If any burgess “ in foreign place,” were distressed or arrested, “ to make 
 any pajunent because of his neighbours,” then he might distrain the goods of 
 such j^arty to satisfy his damages ; and if they were not sufficient, then such 
 party might be “ put out of the commonalty of the town,” until he made satis¬ 
 faction ; and if afterwards found “ merchandizing ” there, to be cast into prison, 
 “ there to abide imtil he made agreement.” 
 
 8. To “enforce and strengthen” the bailiffs, to “sustain and perform” these 
 articles, “ twenty-four wise men of the town,”--’ were to be chosen and sworn, 
 who should not “ surcease ” the summons of the bailiffs, under pain of half a 
 mark, “ to be levied on the next morrow following, without any delay, or with¬ 
 out any manner of pardon.” The bailiffs neglecting, to pay £4 sterling, to the 
 “ common profit of the town ; ” and if the twenty-four did not maintain strictly 
 the King’s peace, and perform the articles, and thereof were attainted, they 
 should give unto the King fifty marks. And if any “ evil-doer ” would not be 
 “justified by the said jurats,” and thereof was attainted, he should give to the 
 King forty marks,—which, if he had not, he should lie in prison a year and a 
 day. 
 
 9. If any person of the town, wrongfully, in foreign place, complained upon 
 the twenty-four, or upon any other of the town, whereby they had any loss or 
 harm, or thereof became attaint, he should be punished in the same pain, to the 
 King’s use. 
 
 In 1386, a further ordinance was made, whereby the burgesses and com¬ 
 monalty declared they would “ holde ferine and stabil,” all that the twenty-four 
 might do, to the “ profyght and amendment of the commonalte and salvacon of 
 the franchise; ” emjrowering them to supply any vacancies in their body, and 
 
 * These twenty-four “ wise men,” or jurats, became the more important members 
 of the corporation, under the old system, and were afterwards called aldermen. The 
 word jurat is from juro ,—because they took an oath to assist the bailiffs in adminis¬ 
 tering justice. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 45 
 
 also to choose “ twenty-four other wyse men, to have syght of marchaundizes.” 
 These seem to have originated the second body of the corporation, ultimately 
 styled common-councilmen. 
 
 And insomuch as that “ the mende of man passeth lytely, for the whiche it 
 “ ys nedeful to have remembrans, whereby the peple may be ruled, and less 
 “ offende,” a code of the laws and customs of Y'armouth, was composed in 
 French ; and in 1491, this “ olde boke” was translated into English, by Thos. 
 Banyard, then steward of the court.'^ 
 
 The contents are briefly as follows. It first details the intricate proceed¬ 
 ings which were to bo taken in the execution of a writ of right, writ of dower, 
 and other writs of a like nature;- also the “manor, usages, and proces in 
 playntes,” whether they were “ more real,”—as the plaint of fresh force,f as 
 “ whanne a man was freshly put oute of hys possession, which he had by the 
 “ way of succession of heritage, or by way of purchase; ” or for “ wrongfull 
 takyng and withholdyng of chatel,—which be playntes of hustynges ; ” and 
 herein of distresses, replevins, pleas of withernam, “rentys seek” (or dry rents), 
 and the like; or whether they were “ not reall,”—as the plaints of “ dettys, of 
 convenaunts, of accomptes, detunis of catill, and of trespas.” The usages in 
 cities and boroughs, not in accordance with the common law, were protected by 
 9 Henry III. 
 
 The plaint of debt was either between “ privies and privatees,”—in which 
 the defendant was required to find pledges, and sequestration only followed after 
 repeated defaults,—or, “ after the law-merchant,” where the case was between 
 a denizen and a foreigner, or between two foreigners, where the debt was to be 
 “ brought into court by distresse for to answere ; ” such distress to be of suffi¬ 
 cient value to pay the plaintiff’s demand, his damage, and the amercement of 
 the court. Another plaint of debt was “ after the lawe maryne,” between 
 “ densyns and foreyn people, and fishers, which men call hostys; ” in which 
 
 • There was a very old MS. in the possession of the corporation, containing the 
 “ Ordinances for Buying and Selling of Merchandize; ” at the bottom of which was 
 WTitten, “Extracted out of the Old Golden Book, in the Hutch, 1570.” The following 
 books were also in the hutch, but cannot now be found,— Domesday Book; Little Bed 
 Book ; Great Black Book: all abounding in valuable information, touching the early 
 customs and privileges of the borough. 
 
 t Fresca fortid. The complainant had to bring his action within forty days, after 
 being forcibly dispossessed. 
 
46 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 foreign debts were to be brought into court by distress, and no “ essoign ” was 
 allowed “ for hasty delyverauns of the fishermen and their godes.” Such plaints 
 were most frequent “ betwex the Festes of the Nativite of Our Lady and Sent 
 Martyn.” In the other plaints enumerated, the defendants were to come into 
 court, “ to answer after the dyversyte of the cas : ” and in the pleas of account 
 and trespass, after distress awarded, if there was nothing to distrain, their bodies 
 might be attached, whether denizen or foreign; and the same was to be under¬ 
 stood “ of receytes and trespas done within the fraunchise and ovyr the see, 
 “ after the lawe maryne and merchaunt, for the great duresse and myschef 
 “ Avhiche ellys therafter myght falle.” And the statute 13 Edward I., c. 11, is 
 then recited, touching the masters’ remedy against their servants and other ac¬ 
 countants ; and the cases in which they might be “ imprisoned in iron,” until 
 they satisfied their masters fully of “ arrearages.” 
 
 Six kinds of “ defence of chatell,” are then enumerated. 
 
 Wreck of the Sea. 1. Flotsam (goods floating). Concerning which it is 
 said, that w^here “ a man, a dog, or a cat,” shall escape “ quick ” out of the ship, 
 the same shall not be adjudged wreck; but the goods should be kept by the 
 King’s baUifF, or other officer, so that if any proved the same to be his, within 
 a year and a day, the same should be restored ; M not, such goods remained to 
 the King, or his grantee. 2. Jetsam (French jetter, to throw out). Goods 
 thro-svn out of a ship in danger of meek, “ ther ys recoverer, yf the godes be 
 chanced to the land, and fresh sute after be thereof made.” 3. Lagan (Saxon 
 liggan, to lie do'wn),—goods sunk in the sea. None should recover : “ and to 
 hjnn it ys to have and cleyme, that fyndyth it, withoute withseyeng of any.” 
 4. Waifs (Saxon wafeen), —stolen goods, waved or left by the felon, for fear 
 of being apprehended. “ Ther ys no recoverer by the law maryn, nor by other 
 “ law ; for as moche as the thyng weyved, ys estraunged from the possession of 
 “ him to whom the seid thyng was first: and for as moche as they forsake that 
 “ thjmg, it ys lost by their wille, and the proprete to them naturally that put 
 “ theym in jobardy of lyfe and lemb, to Wynne and save it.” 
 
 As to Rohhery, there is a recoverer, “ but the sute is grevous.” “ As to 
 wjmnjTig of enemyes, there ys no recoverer.” 
 
 As to Inquests upon Foreign Deed, it was to be “ understood,” that between 
 foreigners and foreigners, the inquest should be taken all of foreigners ; and if 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 47 
 
 between denizens and foreigners, half the jury shoidd be of the town, and half 
 of the foreign towns “ most neer where the dede was made.” 
 
 As to Rent Charges reserved on the sale of real estate, the same might be 
 recovered by distress ; “ and the seid rent may well descend by succession of 
 heritage, and be stable on that poynt.” 
 
 Recognizances defined, and execution thereon, and reciting the 13 Edwd. I., 
 c. 14. Recognizances or fines were said to be fresh, if levied within the year; 
 after that period, the debtor was to have notice,—hence the writ. Scire facias. 
 
 Things gone aioay ,— as bullocks, com'S, and other beasts ; things aloyned, 
 or taken and sold in fairs and markets ; and things tveyved, by reason of “ paun- 
 chese of manor,”—are then treated of. 
 
 Next comes. How Sureties shall he charged to the King, providing that the 
 pledges of the debtor shall not be destrained, “ as long as the ])rincipal debtor 
 has sufficient for the payment of the debt.” (9 Henry III., c. 8.) 
 
 None shall be distrained for a Debt he oiveth not: in contradiction to the 
 usage, that one of the same town might be made to pay the debt of a defaulting 
 neighbour. (3 Edward I., c. 23.) 
 
 Then The penalty for arresting loiihm a liberty, those that hold not thereof: 
 whereby bailiffs, and other King’s officers, were restrained from attaching those 
 “ passing through their jurisdiction with their goods, compelling them to an¬ 
 swer afore them, upon contracts, &c., done out of their power.” 
 
 And for the “ maynteynyng of the pees, and mysdoers to be reformed,” the 
 bailiffs were to make inquest as to the observance of the state. 6 Edward I., 
 namely,— 
 
 Cap. 1. Fresh suit to be made after felons and robbers, from to^\^l to to^vn. 
 
 Cap. 2. Inquiry to be made of felons and robbers ; and the country to answer 
 if they be not taken. 
 
 Cap. 3 provided, that to prevent the people being “ suddenly impoverished,” 
 by reason of the penalties, the act was respited until Easter. 
 
 Cap. 4 provided that the town gates should be shut from sun setting to sun 
 rising, and well guarded, and the town watched continually all night; and none 
 to lodge in the suburbs, or in any place out of the town, without his host will 
 answer for him. 
 
 As to u'hat priso7iers were mainpernable and ivhat not, and the penalty for 
 unlauful baihticnt. Mainpernors (7nanu captorcs) were those persons to whom 
 
48 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 a man was delivered out of custody or prison, on their becoming bound for bis 
 appearance. (3 Edward I., c. 15.) It defines what prisoners were “ in no wise 
 replevisable by the common writ, or without writ.” Those guilty of some of¬ 
 fence, “ for which one ought not to lose life or member,” might “ be let out by 
 sufficient surety; ” and any bailiff or officer, “withholding prisoners replevis¬ 
 able,” was to pay “ a grievous amercement to the King : ” and if he “ let go 
 at large,” any not replevisable, he was liable “ to lose his fee and office for 
 ever ; ” and if an under-officer, then to imprisonment for three years, and to be 
 fined at the King’s pleasure. 
 
 The book then concludes with an “ avisement ” of what pleas the bailiffs 
 might hold,—being pleas of land, debt, detinue, trespass, trespass on the 
 case, and all other actions whatsoever, between party and party, according to 
 the order and proceedings of the common law of the realm. 
 
 There is another collection of “ Old and antient customs of the said 
 burgh, time out of memory used, kept, and holden; ” which were “ inviolably 
 “ to be observed, maintained, and kept by the bailiffs, burgesses, and common- 
 “ alty of the said burgh, for ever, as firmly and effectually as the articles and 
 “ points of the charters of the town, in every respect, without any manner of 
 “ partiality to any person whomsoever.” They were briefly these,— 
 
 1. Every conveyance of houses, land, or tenements within the burgh, ac¬ 
 knowledged before the bailiffs, and recorded in the court rolls, was to be as 
 effectual as if acknowledged or enrolled in any of the King’s courts at West¬ 
 minster : and if the deed were destroyed or lost, the record was to be taken as 
 a good and perfect assurance. 
 
 2. The acknowledgment of deeds by married women, was to be taken before 
 one of the bailiffs, and enrolled.'^ 
 
 3. A release acknowledged and enrolled, debarred the releasor for ever. 
 
 4. A married woman or widow, releasing her dower, or right to dower, 
 before the bailiffs, was for ever debarred, if such release were enrolled. 
 
 * This acknowledgment exempted the inhabitants from the necessity of adopting 
 the cumbrous and expensive process, of levying a fine to pass the estate of a married 
 woman ; which continued to be the practice until 1833, when 3 & 4 William IV., c. 74, 
 was passed, by which such fines were abolished, and “ more simple ” modes of assurance 
 substituted. An acknowledgment, “ according to the custom of the burgh,” continued, 
 however, to be the cheapest procedure; and is still in some cases adopted. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 49 
 
 5. A settlement previous to marriage, not to debar a widow of her “thirds,” 
 unless previously released. 
 
 6. Wills recorded on the borough rolls, within a year and a day, to be good 
 titles to all claiming under them; but the widow to have her dower, unless 
 released. 
 
 7. The eldest son to be heir; if no son, the daughters to be co-heirs. 
 
 8. A widow to sue for her dower in the borough court, by writ of dower. 
 
 9. The borough court to be kept once a week ; to be adjourned at the will 
 of the bailiffs : and the pleas holden therein, enumerated. 
 
 10. The bailiffs, in open court, to take recognizances of debt, to be recorded 
 on the rolls; and in default of payment, and no good matter pleaded, a sci.fa., 
 or a ca. sa., to issue. 
 
 11. Judgments to be given for debts secured, but not for penalties ; and 
 twelve-pence in the pound, on the sum recovered, to be paid to the town, “ by 
 those that should be overthrown ” in any action. 
 
 12. A “foreign court ” to be held before the bailiffs, “ for speedy expedition 
 “ and dispatch of merchants, and other strangers, coming into the said burgh 
 the bailiffs, “ having respect to the equity and truth of the case,” to hold such 
 court, upon demand and good cause shewn, cle die in diem, until determined : 
 and no writ of error allowed. 
 
 13. Attachment to be made upon goods within the borough, according to 
 precise forms, minutely described. 
 
 14. If any inhabitant of the borough, delivered any stores or provisions 
 to any vessel belonging to any stranger dwelling in France, Zealand, Holland, 
 or other place beyond the sea, “ making a bill of debt between them, or 
 “ taking the hand or mark of the said owner or master to his book, or 
 “ else making tallies between them, for the acknowledging the receipt of 
 “ such things,” and should not be paid as was promised, the bailiffs, on 
 his complaint on oath, were to write their letter under the town seal, to 
 the magistrates or head officer of the place where the defaulter resided, re¬ 
 quiring payment of the debt ; and if reasonable answer were not made in three 
 months, then the bailiffs were to write a second letter, requiring justice to be 
 done upon the body or goods of the defaulter, so that if his goods were not 
 sufficient, his body might be committed to prison: and if no heed were taken 
 of these missives, then the bailiffs were to award an attachment “against the 
 
50 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 *• next sliip and goods of any inhabitant of the city, town, ov place, to ndiich 
 “ such letters had been directed, which should come next within the liberties 
 “ of this burgh, for satisfaction to be made of the said debt;” and were to con¬ 
 demn and sell such ship or goods for that purpose.* 
 
 15. The bailiffs, burgesses, and commonalty in their common-councils and 
 assemblies, from time to time to make ordinances, laws, and constitutions, for 
 ‘•the common weal” of the corporation; the same to be obeyed and kept, 
 not only by the freemen, but by all the inhabitants : and the “ breakers 
 and disobeyers of the said laws, ordinances, and constitutions,” to be committed 
 to gaol by the bailiffs, there “to remain and abide” until they paid the penalties 
 and forfeitures incurred. No ordinance to be revoked, except at an assembly 
 composed of a majority of both aldermen and common-councilmen; and all 
 ordinances agreed upon, to be recorded by the assembly clerk.f 
 
 * This stringent custom strongly marks the insecurity of the commercial transac¬ 
 tions of the times. It was not peculiar to Yarmouth; and we find that the inhabitants 
 petitioned for, and obtained a charter from, King Henry HI., to protect them against 
 this gross injustice, when practised against them. It was enforced by the Yarmouth 
 bailiffs in the reigns of Edward I., II., and HI.; copies of their letters, sometimes at 
 large and sometimes abbreviated, are of frequent occurrence on the court rolls of the 
 borough. There is one in 1298, entitled, Rotuhs tie diversis Uteris directis, i^c., vtissis 
 sub sii/illo lalliovorum, which shows an extensive trading with other places, both in Eng¬ 
 land and abroad. In 12 Edward I., J’' Gerberge, of Yarmouth, caused the men of Ostend 
 to be arrested, “ for a default of justice in those parts; ” and an engagement was entered 
 into by other parties, to pay the amount claimed. An instance of the extent to which 
 this custom was attempted to be carried, occurred in 1299. When Edward 1. was in 
 Flanders, four Zealanders, with others unknown, carried off a ship belonging to Nicholas 
 klontpeliers, a servant of the King ; whereupon, the King directed his writ to the bailiffs 
 of Yarmouth, requiring satisfaction for the robbery. They accordingly arrested twelve 
 Zealanders, then at Yarmouth fair, and committed them to prison, though none of them 
 were concerned in the robbery. Ui)on their trial, the Zealanders pleaded that they were 
 not ])eers or commoners of Westchapel, in which liberty the robbery was committed; 
 and that by the custom of Yarmouth, and the law between the two places, these letters 
 ought to have been sent from the bailiffs of Yarmouth to the Count of Zealand, or to 
 the bailiffs and schabins of Westchapel: and such pleas being admitted, the innocent 
 Zealanders were acquitted. 
 
 t In the course of years, many disputes arose as to the mode of voting at assemblies, 
 and as to the election of members. At last, in 1725, it was agreed that all questions 
 should be decided by ballot: and that at the election of a common-councilman, six 
 names should be put on a ballot box, having six holes, and the two names for which 
 the most balls were given, were to be sent to the aldermen, assembled in a separate 
 chamber, who were to select one; and the election of aldermen was to be by the aider- 
 men themselves, from among the common-councilmen : and all other questions were to 
 be discussed and voted upon before the whole house, the mayor having the casting vote. 
 Tills mode continued until the passing of the Municipal Corporation Act. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 51 
 
 In 1491, the ordinances were revised by twelve “ well disposed men, bur¬ 
 gesses of the same towne,” with the “ good and discrete advice ” of Sir James 
 Hobart, the attorney-general, “ thanne being here present.”^' Their names 
 were, John Peers, John Tanne, John Russe, William Adbon, William Aldrych, 
 Robert Barett, Christopher Moy, Nicholas Moor, Stephen Watson, John Borcel, 
 William Patenson, and Richard Osteler. The substance of these ordinances 
 was as follows,— 
 
 1. An assembly to be held on St. John’s day, for the election of officers. 
 
 2. To choose two bailiffs, two chamberlains, two churchwardens, two 
 muragers, two collectors of half-doles, eight wardens of herrings, and four 
 auditors ; and to regulate the mode of election. 
 
 3. Parties refusing, or not obeying, to be fined. 
 
 4. Fines to be levied by the bailiffs and two chamberlains : bailiffs not to 
 receive town duties, lines, or amercements, and to be discharged of the fee farm. 
 
 5. Two chamberlains to be chosen on St. John’s day, by the inquest, and two 
 afterwards, by the corporation; who were to collect and receive “ all maner of 
 “ rentys, fermyn, fynes, mercymentys, customes by watyr and by land, and all 
 “ murages, wrekkes, strayes, peynes, forfetours, and all odyr dutes to the seyd 
 “ towne due, or of ryghte belongyng, with the help and comforte of the balyffs,” 
 and the same “ fastly to keep in the box ; ” two of them at least to attend every 
 court, to pay all charges, and to audit their accounts yearly. 
 
 6. To gather “ all the custome called murage,” f and deliver the same to 
 the muragers, who were to account on oath for its expenditure. 
 
 7. Each chamberlain to be allowed twenty shillings for his trouble. 
 
 8. The bailiffs to have two pounds each, “ in the name of a reward for their 
 gownys; ” and the surplus revenue to be “ leyd in the common chest, to the 
 common profyte of the towne: ” but if the revenue should be insufficient, and 
 could not “ stretche to here ” the charges, then the bailiffs w'ere to pay £10 ; 
 and if that should be insufficient, then an assessment was to be made. 
 
 9. The chamberlains were to “ purvey them an hows,” wdiere they were to 
 give daily attendance, to receive customs of “ denysyns and murchauntys 
 strawmgerys.” 
 
 t page 275. 
 
 H 2 
 
 See 3Iunship, page 357. 
 
52 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 10. “ Shlppes and botts ” to be attached, if the master or orvner refused to 
 be “ brou'the by the water baly before the seyd chamberlains.” 
 
 11. Any burgess colouring goods, “ thentent to exclude the towne of theire 
 seyd customs,” to be fined, and forfeit his burgesship. 
 
 12. A water bailiff to be chosen by the chamberlains, who was not to “ cus- 
 tome any manere of marchandyze,” but to bring the owners and masters of 
 vessels before the chamberlains. 
 
 13. A gaoler and other serjeants to be chosen by the advice of the bailiffs. 
 
 14. “All that received for the town, ’ ’—namely, chamberlains, churchwardens, 
 muragers, haven reeves, collectors of half doles, keepers of the hospital, keepers 
 of Our Lady’s light, and keepers of the sick men’s houses—to account yearly 
 with the auditors. 
 
 15. The fine, on the admission of a neAV burgess, to be twenty shillings. 
 
 16. Burgesses’ children, born in the town, to be sworn when twenty years 
 of age. 
 
 17. No inhabitant to prosecute any action out of the town, on pain of fine 
 and loss of burgesship. 
 
 18. If any burgess sued a writ of error, and judgment were not reversed, he 
 forfeited two pounds. 
 
 19. Defaulters upon any “quest,” to be fined. 
 
 20. No alien, dwelling in the town, to “ kepe no man to host, to boord, nor 
 to bed, but only hys owne servands and chyldryne.” 
 
 21. Any member not attending an assembly, to be fined. 
 
 22. Regulates the buying and selling of herrings, by means of “ hosts.” 
 
 23. And as to the purchase of herrings at sea. 
 
 24. Wardens of herrings, to award what should be due to the town. 
 
 25. No inhabitant to let his fish-house to a stranger. 
 
 26. On the death or removal of any one of “the twenty-four,” some other 
 “ most able and wise man ” to be chosen instead. 
 
 27. The bailiffs for the time being, once at least, “ to make due serche upon 
 “ the waters and stremes, withinne and oofer, as the jurisdyccyon and lyberties 
 “ of thys towne extend, for all manere unlawful seynes, tramaills, flues, bowe 
 “ nettes or other nettes, or hoordys made, sett, or used, contrary to the lawes, 
 “ statutes, or ordennances for the comownwelle.” 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 53 
 
 28. Regulates the buying and selling of merchandize. 
 
 29. Regulates the buying and selling of coals and salt. 
 
 30. The chamberlains to provide and maintain rveights and measures. 
 
 31. An inquest to be chosen, to enforce the performance of these ordinances. 
 
 32. Any bailiff not executing his office truly, to forfeit £5. 
 
 33. These ordinances to be openly read twice in the year. 
 
 In 1551, a committee of twenty was appointed by the corporation, “with 
 “ full power and authority to correct such ordinances as might be requisite ; 
 “ which persons should resort to the common hall every Wednesday and Friday, 
 “ at nine before noon ; and whosoever made default, should forfeit 20f/.” 
 
 All assemblies were held with closed doors ; and what passed was to be 
 kept secret, on pain of fine and dismissal. Thus, in 1551, “upon the gentyl 
 “ submission of William Foster, in open assembly, he was pardoned for dis- 
 “ covering the secrets of the assembly-house, but fined 3s. Ad.” 
 
 Sometimes a dismissed member was restored. Thus, in 1553, “John Crow, 
 “ who was discommoned for misbehaviour in the commotion time, was restored, 
 “ on making submission and paying 20s.” 
 
 Occasionally the duties of aldermen were onerous. Thus, during the per¬ 
 plexity in which the town was placed, by the contention between the Princess 
 Mary and the Lady Jane Grey, for the crown, each alderman was required “ to 
 watch personally nyghtly, with the constable of his ward.” 
 
 Members of the corporation were dismissed for non-i’esidence, (as Gilbert 
 Crane, in 1605); for immorality or if they “ fell into decay, both in body and 
 wealth,” (as did Matthew Bunne, in 1604): but it does not appear that physical 
 deficiences were any bar to municipal honors, for, in 1574, it is recorded, that 
 “ John Smythe with the wooden legge,” was elected a common-councilman. He 
 can scarcely be the “ John Smith ” who, in 1597, was expelled “ for his lewd 
 behaviour.” 
 
 All corporators were to be at the common-hall, on grand assembly days, 
 by ten o’clock, that they might hear the ordinances read: but, says an entry 
 in 1581, “ as the ordinances have encreased, and do daily encrcase, and there¬ 
 fore caimot be openly read, whereby men are ignorant, and abuses arise,” it was 
 
 See Swinden, page 941, 
 
54 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 agreed, that evciy corporator should appear “ by eight in the forenoon and three 
 in the afternoon.” Shortly afterwards, a committee was appointed, “ to reform 
 and renew all the old ordinances, or to make new ones if requisite; ” and in 
 1616, another committee was appointed, for a similar purpose. It was also or¬ 
 dered, that the ordinances should he publicly read on two other appointed days 
 of the year, that all who liked to attend, might hear them. 
 
 There were two Grand Assemblies in the official year, which the mayor 
 was compelled to hold, and at which the corporation came without summons, 
 namely, on St. John’s day, for the election of a mayor, and on the Friday next 
 before Palm Sunday, for “reading off” the accounts of the corporation after 
 they had passed the audit. The mayor could only be compelled to call other 
 assemblies, for the transaction of business, by mnndamus.'^^ All members of 
 the corporation, were hound to attend every assembly called by the mayor : and 
 in ancient times they were fined for non-attendance. Thus, in 1550, “ the cham¬ 
 berlains received 4s. for defaulters at the last assembly: ” and in 1551, it was 
 ordered, that if any member “ shall presume to sit down before he pays his 
 “ forfeitures, that then he so offending, shall pay double the forfeiture that is 
 “ ordained by the ordinance.” 
 
 At an assembly held on the 5th of November, 1602, it was ordered, “ that 
 “ every one that is admitted to the freedom of this town, shall, upon his oath 
 “ taken, have a copy thereof on parchment, from the clerk of the assembly, 
 “ paying therefore a groat.” This copy was written in Latin, until towards the 
 close of the eighteenth century, when English was substituted. 
 
 * In 1688, a mandamus was issued to elect an alderman, in the room of George 
 Ward, Esq., deceased. 
 
 In 1753, to attend general business. 
 
 In 1754, to elect a common-councilman in the room of Benjamin Lane, deceased. 
 
 In 1755, to elect a common-councilman in the room of Richard Spurgeon, deceased. 
 
 In 1790, to admit Samuel Tolver to his freedom. 
 
 In 1794, to compel the attendance of members, after the election of Jacob Preston, 
 Esq., as mayor. 
 
 In 1805, on the petition of F. R. Reynolds, Esq. for general business. 
 
 In 1831 and 1832, there were two, to compel the election of a recorder. 
 
 By the present law, four quarterly assemblies must be held in the year, for the 
 transaction of general business; and special assemblies must be called by the mayor, on 
 the requisition of five councillors. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 55 
 
 Tlie following form of a “ burgess letter,” is still used ; but the right 
 of voting for members of parliament having been taken away, few persons, 
 although entitled, think it worth their while to “ take up their freedom.” 
 
 “ tSTo all IPcople to toljom ttjig present Hlvttinn; fliall come, Samuel Tolvvr, Enquire, 
 “ ©apor of tl)e TlSorougl) of ®reat 31armouf(; in tt)e Cottntp of Jlilorfollt, genD grectino;. 
 “ JkJ!3i3D52I that 31, the gain ^apor, toith the CEongent of the Common Council, 
 “ helo for the gain 'Borough, on t{)t fifteenth nap of September tail, hate rccciPen John 
 “ Danin/ Vatmcr, son of Wiilimn Datihy Palmer, deceased, one of the Jfrcemen of the 
 “ gain Borough, to the JLihcrtieg of the gain Borough, ann him hanc mane ann atlotocn 
 “ a free Burgefg thereof. G3hcrcforc 31 ncgire pou, that tohcngoePcr the gain John 
 “ Danhy Palmer, or hi0 gerPantg toith hiS goong ann mcrchannijcg, fljalt hanc occafion 
 “ to pafg hp pou, him ann them pe permit ann guffer tiuictlp ann peaceaiilp to go ann 
 “ pafg, free of all Cultom ann Coll, ag a free Burgefg ought to pafg. 3ln Ceffimonp 
 “ tohereof, 31, the gain f^apor, hane hereto put tlje Common *feeal,* in tljig hehaif 
 “ ugen, the lllh nap of November, 1789. 
 
 Sjmryeon.” 
 
 L.S. 
 
 The following is the form of the oath to be taken by the burgess, and en¬ 
 dorsed on the letter. 
 
 “ Ctjug hear pe, ^apor, ann all goon men, that 31, John Danhy Palmer, Itjalf hear 
 “ JFaith ann Cruth to the Iking'g ^aieitp, hig 5?cirg ann 'Siuccefforg, toith mp Bonp 
 “ ann Coons. 'Che Counterfeiting hiS f^ajeftp’g %cal, 31 ftali not gee nor hnoto j 
 “ hig Coin 31 fliall not counterfeit nor impair. Che JFranrhigeg of Creat jjarmouth, 
 “ the goon ann launahte Cuftomg, dlgagcg, ann flDminanceg of the game Borough, 31 
 “ fl)all to mp Potoer maintain, ohep, ann keep j 31 fljall he at the Commann of the 
 “ ^apor of the sain Borough for the Cimeheing, tohen 31 Ihalt he gummonen to enquire 
 “ upon anp 31nqueft, either for the iking, or hcttocen Parties, or othertoige j 31 HjaH 
 “ not conceal, colour, or cloak anp Stranger’s Coons, in Prejunicc of their JFranchise. 
 “ 31f 31 knoto anp Craptor, ®pp, 'Chief, or other notable S^alefactor, 31 ll)all gine JHotirc 
 “ or JJkarning thereof to the £0apor of this Borough for the Cime being, or to IRs 
 “ QBinifterg. ail tohich 31 Hjall trulp holn ann no for mp Part, 
 
 “ So help me Con.” 
 
 A singular custom prevailed, of choosing the chief magistrate by an “ in¬ 
 quest.” The proceedings were conducted in the following manner : 
 
 The mayor, preceded by the insignia of office, and accompanied by the 
 corporation, all in their official robes, attended divine service at St. Nicholas’ 
 church, on St. John’s day ; after rvhich, he presided at an assembly held in the 
 guild hall, which was then at the church gate. The cryer of the court thus 
 summoned the members,— 
 
 “ Ye good (rentlemen, thdt ought to appear at this Grand Assembly, answer to 
 “ your names, as ye shall he called." 
 
 See Swinden, page 36G. 
 
56 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 The assembly clerk then read over the names of the aldermen and common- 
 councilmen as they stood in the breve ; and those who did not answer, were 
 specially called by the serjeant-at-mace, by name, to Come to this Grand Assembly. 
 Four hats were then placed before the mayor; the assembly clerk read the names 
 of such of the common-councdmen as were present and eligible, (those who had 
 served on the previous occasion being disqualified,) wrote their names on slips of 
 paper, which he then carefully folded up, marked numerically, and put six into 
 each hat; and if more than twenty-four eligible persons were present, the 
 remaining names Avere placed in the fourth hat. If a sufficient number of 
 common-councilmen were not present, a selection was made from the freemen 
 present, (it being an open assembly,) by the mayor and aldermen according to 
 seniority. An “ innocent,” or “ person unlettered,” usually a boy from the 
 croAvd, AA^as then placed upon the table, Avho di’eAv from each hat three of the 
 folded slips of paper, Avhich he handed to the mayor, Avho opened them and read 
 the names. An inquest of tAvelve persons being thus formed, the folloAving 
 oath was administered to them ,—* * * § 
 
 “ You shall well and indifferently, and according to your duty, and according to 
 “ the Charter of this Corporation, and the Usages and Ordinances thereof, make 
 “ choice of one of the best and most discreet men, being one of the Aldermen of this 
 “ Corporation, to exercise and occupy the Office of Mayor of and ivithin this 
 
 Borough, and the limits and precincts of the same, for one year, from Michacl- 
 “ 7nas next coming. And you shall choose and make like true and indifferent 
 “ election of all other officers (to wit) a Vestry, to consist of four Aldermen and 
 
 three Common-Councilmen, of ichom the Churchwardens are to be two and 
 “ also one Chamberlain,\ tioo Churchwardens,^ two Muragers, tioo Collectors of 
 
 * In the time of the CommonAvealth, the oath commenced thus,— You shall be true 
 and faithful to the Commonwealth of England, as it is now established, without a King or 
 House of Lords ; you shall also, according to the Ordinances of this Town, make due 
 election of two Bailiffs, &:c. 
 
 t This was in pursuance of an ordinance made in 1703. 
 
 t In 1657, an attempt Avas made to appoint one pei-manent chamberlain, Avho should 
 “ give his Avhole time to the office; ” and Mr. Bright AA'as chosen, Avith a salary of £30 
 per annum. 
 
 § In 1746, the opinion of Seijeant Prime Avas taken, as to Avhether this custom of 
 electing the churchAA'ardens Avas legal, Avithout the approbation or the minister or 
 parishioners ; and he considered that it Avas “ maintainable at laAV, and that churcliAvar- 
 dens so chosen, Avere duly elected.” 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 59 
 
 “ the Fishing Doles, four Auditors, and sixteen Tellers of Herrings ; and you 
 “ shall not fail thus to do, not leaving for fear, fraud, collusion, or favour of 
 “ any person ; you shall not reveal nor disclose any speeches hetiveen any of you of 
 “ this Inquest, touching the said Elections, which are to he concealed. 
 
 “ So HELP YOU God.” 
 
 The clerk then read the names of the aldermen eligible to serve the office 
 of mayor : and the following oath was administered to the officers appointed by 
 the mayor, to take charge of the inquest,— 
 
 “ You shall keep this Inquest together, until they are agreed of their Verdict, 
 “ without meat, drink, fire, and candle. You shall not suffer them, nor any of 
 “ them, to speak to any person, nor any one to speak to them, unless it be your- 
 “ selves, and that only to ask them whether they he agreed of their Verdict or not." 
 
 The inquest were then locked up in the hall, to consider their verdict; a 
 breve of eligible persons, and a blank form, with pens and ink, being left with 
 them.^' If the inquest “ laid” more than one night, other serjeants were ap¬ 
 pointed and sworn. On receiving notice that the inquest had agreed, (for which 
 purpose nine out of the twelve was sufficient,) the mayor sent to request the 
 attendance of the other members of the corporation, and then repaired to the 
 guild hall, when, the inquest having been called over, the verdict was received 
 and proclaimed. The persons present then “ took Mr. New-Elect by the hand,” 
 and his acceptance was recorded ; but if not there, an intimation of his election 
 was sent to him, and another time appointed. After 1684, certain rules and 
 regulations then made for the guidance of the mayor, were then read over to 
 him, and the ceremony terminated. 
 
 The following PanOactuIa of business, to be transacted annually by the 
 mayor, was compiled in 1785 ; and a copy was delivered to each mayor on his 
 accession to office, with a list also of “ scarlet days,” and a schedule of fees to 
 which he was entitled virtute officii. 
 
 At Michaelmas day, the mayor-elect attended at the guild hall, where he 
 took the oaths of office in open court. Immediately afterwards, he, with the 
 
 * By an ordinance made in 1574, the inquest could elect none of themselves into any 
 office, under pain of £5. In 1591, Robert Love was disfranchised and fined £10, “ for- 
 speaking disrespectfully of Mr. Bailiff Harrys, and the inquest that choose him.” 
 
 I 
 
60 
 
 HISTORr OF 
 
 aldermen, ■^^•itlldre^v into the council chamber, where the late mayor delivered 
 to him the chain of office, and the aldermen made their “ recognitions.” The 
 mayor then elected a deputy mayor, two coroners (one an alderman and the 
 other a common-councilman), and swore them into office. Accompanied by 
 the deputj" mayor and aldermen, and wearing his chain and official robes, he 
 then returned to the hall, where the common-councilmen made their recogni¬ 
 tions. The keys of the gaol and the maces, were then delivered to him by the 
 late mayor ; and the gaol, with the prisoners, “set over” to him.* * * § The mayor 
 then appointed a water bailiff, a gaoler, a marshal of the admiralty, and five 
 Serjeants at mace,f taking security from them, swearing them into office, and 
 delivering to them their respective maces or insignia. Eight chief consta¬ 
 bles and then: under constables,J the constables at large, and two constables 
 for Southtoum, were then appointed and sworn, and furnished with their war¬ 
 rants and articles. The assembly clerk then publicly read over the names of 
 all persons in office for the year ensuing. The mayor and corporation then 
 attended divine seinice at the parish church ; after which they walked in 
 procession, preceded by a band and colours, § to the town hall, where the mayor 
 usually entertained upwards of two hundred guests. A ball (latterly at the 
 bath rooms) concluded the festivities.|| 
 
 * By a written instrument: and this practice prevailed for some years after the passing 
 of the Municipal Corporation Act, but is now discontinued. In 1678, the bailiffs paid 
 two-pence per day to every prisoner in the gaol. (See 3Iamhip, page 254.) 
 
 t In 1656, they received £5 annually ; and the bailiffs had the privilege of admitting 
 one or two serjeants at large, who had each a salary of 20s. They were also process 
 servers in the borough court. 
 
 J By an order made in 1610, the constables chosen according to the custom of the 
 town, were chief or high constables, who (with the approbation of the bailiffs) nomi¬ 
 nated two householders in their respective w’ards, to be under constables: and the 
 high constables were “ placed in the foremost seats at church, next the old pulpit.” 
 
 § For many years, an aged couple, named John and Betty Joblett, were accustomed 
 to precede the mayor from church, strewing flowers in his path. After their deaths, 
 two stuffed figures, supposed to represent them, were annually exhibited in front of the 
 gaol, seated with a table between them, and holding bouquets of flowers. This custom 
 was discontinued in 1835. 
 
 II The “ rising generation ” among the populace, amused themselves by “ drumming 
 and firing muskets,” and in letting off “ whiscods and fireworks ; ” but in 1624, in conse¬ 
 quence of a horse running away and killing a child, these amusements W'ere prohibited. 
 The “ whiscods and fireworks ” could not, however, be put down; and continued until 
 the extinction of the glories of Michaelmas day in 1835. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 61 
 
 On tlie following Saturday, the mayor attended at justice hall, where 
 he swore in the searchers and sealers of leather, and delivered to them their 
 seal; and at the market cross, at twelve o’clock, he swore in the market inquest, 
 examined their inventory, and gave them their articles. On the first Sunday 
 after his election, the mayor went to church in state, and afterwards gave a 
 “ whet.” At the first borough court, all the meters attended at the tollhouse 
 hall, to be sworn. The mayor also appointed an inquest of six, to enquire and 
 give their verdict upon all complaints of billet under assize. 
 
 At the first assembly, the mayor, with the assent of the assembly, nomina¬ 
 ted an alderman for each ward the several committees, namely,—mayor’s 
 assistantsf ; hutch ; children’s hospital; admiralty assistants ; Avater bailiff’s 
 office ; fisherman’s hospital; liberties ; meters’ places ; town revenue ; new 
 works and repairs, &c. He also nominated the “ Thrigby burgesses,” who had 
 the management of the Thrigby estate,^ and the distribution of the “ widow’s 
 money.” 
 
 About the middle of October, it Avas customary for the mayor to apply to the 
 admiralty, “for convoy of our Streight ships.” He then appointed a day for 
 licensing alehouses ; being reminded “ not to grant a licence to any person at 
 the sea-side, only in the mackerel and herring seasons.” Application was then 
 
 * In 1582, it was first ordered that an alderman should be appointed by the bailiffs, 
 for each Avard, “ for reforming abuses herein, and for the better government of the town.” 
 To strengthen the alderman’s authority, the constable of each Avard, Avith his vintner, 
 was to attend him as occasion required. There are still “ aldermen of wards,” AA’ho 
 are elected, in the council, by the councillors of their respective wards. Their duties 
 are principally confined to presiding at municipal elections. In 1598, each alderman of 
 a ward was required to appoint a scaA'enger to cleanse the gutters and drains Aveekly, 
 and to assess the inhabitants to pay the expense ; and if any refused, the constable was 
 to seize their goods and sell them. He Avas also to appoint a carter to carry aAvay the 
 refuse; and if any carter refused, he Avas to be imprisoned. Every alderman of a 
 ward, Avas also captain of the ward, and bound to attend to the “ training the people 
 in Avarlike affairs.” They also collected the benevolences Avithin their wards; they were 
 required tAvice a week to visit every tavern and alehouse (see p. 350), and 
 
 present such as had no licence ; also, to present those Avho came to reside in the toAvn, 
 and Avere likely to become a charge on the same. 
 
 t “ Tlie mayor’s assistants ” AA'as a large committee, AA'hich his Avorship could call 
 together upon any emergency ; and Avhose decision upon any question, Avas considered 
 as equivalent to an order of the corporation. 
 
 I The mayor and burgesses dined annually at the Thrigby farm-house, at Avhat was 
 called “ The Bean Feast.” (See Mansliip, page 285.) 
 
 I 2 
 
62 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 to lie made for tlie “fishery and excise money.” He was to put justices in 
 mind “ to sit upon remittances;” and to request the auditors to commence the 
 audit. On the 10th of December, he took of the chamberlains 30s., which he 
 distributed at justice hall, to poor widowers and widows, in accordance with the 
 Avill of Susanna Parker. He also received of the minister of Caister, £8, being 
 Sir William Paston’s gift, which he distributed among the poor. And he kept 
 “ quarter sessions, according to the statute, and pursuant to the order of as¬ 
 sembly.” In January, he elected surveyors of highways, according to the 
 statute; and ordered the gaoler to deliver to the poor, Mr. Hall’s gift of coals, 
 and also Mr. Dover Colby’s gift. 
 
 On the Friday next before Palm Sunday, (usually called Black Friday,) the 
 mayor held a grand assembly at the guild hall, at which the accounts of the 
 auditors were “ read off.” It was usual to give a dinner on this day, at one of 
 the inns, to ail the members of the corporation and their officers, and to many of 
 the inhabitants. The mayor was reminded to write in due time “ for convoy 
 for the Iceland and mackerel fisheries.” In March, it was customary “ to put 
 out the town children; ” and to remind the minister and churchwardens to re¬ 
 ceive 40s. of the chamberlains, “ to be laid out in twelve penny white loaves 
 “ and given on Easter eve to poor persons not taking collection, at the guild 
 “ hall, pursuant to the will of Robert Abbon.” In Easter week, the overseers 
 of the poor were elected, and the old overseers called upon to account. In As¬ 
 cension week, the mayor, with the minister and churchwardens, were to go 
 the perambulations to the Dole-stone at Gorleston and to the Rails at Caister.'^ 
 On Thursday after St. Barnabas’ day, he was to keep the leet for the four north 
 
 * Queen Elizabeth issued a special injunction, that the people should, once a year, 
 at the time accustomed (i.e. Rogation week), with the curate or minister, and some 
 substantial men of the parish, walk the bounds, as had been accustomed; and at their 
 return to church, they were to make their common prayers: and that the curate on such 
 common perambulations, as theretofore in the days of Rogation, should, at certain con¬ 
 venient places, admonish the people to give thanks to God, in the beholding of God’s 
 benefits, for the increase and abundance of his fruits upon earth, with the saying of the 
 104th Psalm, Benedice, anima mea; at which time also, the same minister should in¬ 
 culcate this and such like sentences, Cursed be he ivhich translateth the hounds and doles 
 of his neighbour, &c. In 1741, it was ordered that the churchwardens, with the curate 
 and lecturer do, at the proper time, annually go the perambulations; and that the upper 
 churchwarden be allowed £3, and the other 40*'., for the expenses thereof, to be paid 
 by the parish. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 63 
 
 wards and for the four south wards, to swear the inquest, and give them their 
 articles. Before the first of July, under pain of forfeiting £100, he was to swear 
 six packers of herrings. In the same month he kept the “ narrow ■waters,”'*-' 
 and caused proclamation to be made against unlawful nets. He was reminded 
 to write for the “ herring fishery convoy,” and for protection to secure 
 the fishermen from impressment.f On the 29th of August, being St. John’s 
 
 * This was “ The Water-Feast,” of which Manship has given a description (p. IH). 
 Having become very expensive, and fatal accidents sometimes occurring, it was discon¬ 
 tinued in 1748,—the “ inquest of the liberties” going up the river, attended by a few 
 friends only. It appears that a previous “ finance committee ” had calculated upon 
 saving £(10 per annum, by “ droping the waters.” After the lapse of a few years, this 
 festival was revived, and continued until 1793 ; when, in the mayoralty of Sir Edmund 
 Lacon, a fatal accident occurred to one of the guests on board of the mayor’s barge, 
 by the falling of the gaff,—and it was again discontinued. In the year 1799, William 
 Fisher, Esq., (“ whose memory will always be venerated for his great hospitality and 
 convivial talents,”) invited, with many other gentlemen, the officers of the East Essex 
 regiment, then encamped on Hopton heath, under the command of Capt. Bullock, to a 
 revival of this festival. Dr. Glover, who was of the party, wrote a poetical description, 
 which is printed in the GenCleman's Magazine for 1818. It was again revived in 1816, 
 by the then mayor, Robert Cory, Esq , Jun.: and the “ water frolic,” by which name this 
 annual festival is locally known, has continued to the present time. IMuch of the ancient 
 pageantry has passed away, and the party on board the mayor’s barge, is no longer en¬ 
 tertained at his worship’s expense, as was the case when the chief magistrate had an 
 allowance out of the public purse; but still the scene on a fine day, presents an aquatic 
 spectacle rarely surpassed. All the “ pleasure boats ” kept on these rivers, assemble on 
 this occasion, “ their streamers flying and their canvas spread; ” whilst barges, wherries, 
 and boats of every description, ply during the day between Yarmouth and Breydon, 
 where the sailing matches take place. These are usually viewed from the north side 
 of Breydon, where the mayor’s barge is stationed for that purpose: but after the matches, 
 it is customary for all the boats to drop across to the opposite side ,and moor under the 
 walls of Garianonmn. The important operation of dining then commences, and “ loy¬ 
 alty and liberty shout with rival glee,” until the approach of evening warns a departure. 
 Once more every boat is got under weigh, and, closely mingled and pursuing the same 
 course, they dr-op down to Yarmouth bridge, where the sports are concluded by rowing 
 matches,—the quays being lined with spectators, and the voice of revelry resounding on 
 every side. 
 
 t It was customary for the town to have some armed vessels to guard the coast and 
 keej) order during the time of fishing, and this acquired the name of waftage. In the 
 middle ages, the expense was entirely borne by the town. In 1575, Mr. Woolhouse 
 was requested “ to ride to London, to petition the lord admiral for a small bark or 
 “ two to watch the herring fishery men ; and if they cannot obtain it, to offer a poi-tion 
 “ of tbe doles therefore.” But in 1577, it was agreed that Mr. Grice should certify to 
 the lord admiral, that “ the town will in no wise agree to have any wafter at their 
 charge.” In 1586, “ a wafting ship” was ordered to be fitted out for the mackerel fare, 
 and the charges to be paid by a rate on tbe mackerel boats ; and Mr. Damet to apply 
 for a commission therefore from the admiralty. Several ships were taken up for this 
 purpose, and armed by the town. In the following herrhig fishery, £100 was given to 
 
64 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 day, lie attended the grand assembly, at the guild hall, for the election of officers 
 for the ensuing year. On the Monday after the 8th of September, he sat at the 
 guild hall until the justices, “ to look after and put out Mrs. Catherine Rogers’ 
 £100, Mr. Henry Davey’s £30, and Mr. Southwell’s £30.” In September, he 
 was to hold an assembly to regulate prices of salt, and to receive of the water 
 bailiff, “ ingrain,”—being 2s. upon every ship not belonging to the port, and 
 delivering coals. At this assembly, Mr. New-Elect Mayor usually “ considered” 
 of two coroners, eight aldermen of wards, eight chief constables, constables 
 at large, a water bailiff, gaoler, and five seijeants-at-mace. 
 
 The mayor was expected to sit daily at the hall parlour, to hear all 
 police cases and complaints; except on Saturdays, when he sat at justice hall, 
 in the market place.He presided every Tuesday in the borough and ad- 
 mhalty com-ts; in which he was sole judge, except in sessions, uffien he was 
 assisted by the recorder. All affidavits in these courts were made before him, 
 and bail put in, &c. 
 
 At the half yearly sessions of oyer and terminer, and general gaol delivery, 
 it was customary for the mayor to entertain the recorder and justices at break¬ 
 fast ; then to proceed to church to hear divine service ; and afterwards to sit 
 in the court with the recorder and justices, who, on those occasions, had a con¬ 
 current authority. It was also customary for the mayor to give two “ sessions 
 dinners,” to large parties ; and, for that reason, usually at an inn.f 
 
 the lord admiral, “ for wafting the fishing boats,” and collected firom the “ half doles of 
 the hosts ; ” every one refusing to pay, being discommoned. At a later period, vessels 
 of war were sent by government without any charge to the town, not only to protect 
 the fisheries, but to act as convoys. 
 
 * This was a room in the house which stood upon part of the present vacant site in 
 front of the children’s hospital,—then used as a residence for the master. Bridewell 
 was close at hand, and the stocks in the market place in front. 
 
 t In 1552, it was agreed to allow the bailiffs £21 per annum, “for their keeping 
 “ their sessions, i.e., £4 for every sessions, over and besides counsel’s fees and their 
 “horsemeat;” which payment was, in 1572, increased to twenty nobles. In 1626, it 
 was ordered that the Irailiffs, at the four quarter sessions, give entertainment to the 
 recorder, the justices, aldermen, and great inquest, and to as many common-councilmen as 
 make twenty-five. And subsequently it was ordered, that Mr. Mayor for the time being 
 do always hold the court of the sessions and trials on the same day; and make on the same 
 day an entertainment of ten dishes in the first course, and two dishes in the second 
 course, with proper intermesses; and invite to the said entertainment, all the justices, 
 the coroners, the chamberlains, the town clerk, the attorneys, two ministers, and the 
 grand jury ; but no other person of the town, nor other persons, except such counsel or 
 strangers as come to the town on account of the sessions. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 65 
 
 The mayor was expected to attend divine service every Sunday, always 
 accompanied by the insignia of ofhce,* and on “ scarlet,”f or red letter days, 
 he wore his scarlet robes ; and on his return from church, gave a “ whet,” or 
 luncheon, at his own house or at the town hall. 
 
 The fees of office were at this time considerable ; and the mayor also re¬ 
 ceived an allowance from the corporate funds, of £250. The fees no longer 
 exist; and he has now no allowance whatever. 
 
 * In 1682, it was ordered that the bailiffs, and all justices, aldermen, and common- 
 councilmen, meet every Sunday, at nine before noon and at two after noon, at the guild 
 hall, and go thence in good order to church. After the erection of St. George’s chapel, 
 it was customary for the mayor to attend there at afternoon service. 
 
 I The following days were observed “ when George the Third was King,”— 
 
 The Queen’s Birthday, (19th of May) The King’s Coronation, (22nd of Sept.) 
 
 Easter Day IMichaelmas Day 
 
 The 29th of May (the Restoration) The Sunday following 
 
 The King’s Birthday, (4th of June) The King’s Accession (25th October) 
 
 Whit Sunday The 5th of November, (Gunjmwder Plot) 
 
 Trinity Sunday Christmas Day 
 
 The Prince of Wales’ Birthday, (12th Aug.) 
 
 Palm Sunday was discontinued as a scarlet day in 1664. On the accession of James I., 
 St. Andrew’s day was added; and after the accession of the House of Hanover, erased. 
 
66 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 SECTION III. 
 
 FISHERIES, TRADE, AND COMMERCE. 
 
 During tHe middle ages, tlie position of Yarmouth was highly favorable 
 to her prosperity as a trading place; and her chartered privileges not only 
 secured her from wrongs and oppressions, hut conferred on her, to some extent, 
 a monopoly. The flourishing state of her fisheries during the 13th and 14th 
 centm'ies—when other trades were in their infancy, the New World undiscovered, 
 and infinite sources of commerce undeveloped,—enabled her to rank among the 
 most considerable sea ports of the kingdom.^' 
 
 The Five Ports, from their proximity to the coast of France, were, how¬ 
 ever, at a stiU earlier period, deemed the most important of any in England. 
 They had the reputation of sending out the most expert mariners : and for the 
 assistance rendered by them to the Cro^vn, they obtained many important 
 privileges and immunities, especially from King John, including an exclusive 
 admiralty jurisdiction. William the Conqueror appointed a lord-wardenf to 
 preside over them: an office probably created in imitation of the Littoris 
 
 * The method of curing herrings by the use of salt, was known to the English many 
 years previous to the period assigned by the annalists of the Dutch, for its successful 
 use among them. This valuable discovery was apparently made by one Peter Chivalier, 
 soon after the time when King John’s charter was given to Yarmouth ; and a patent 
 was not only granted to him, but subsequently, for a sum of twenty marks paid to the 
 Exchequer, to Peter de Perars, pro licentia salliendipisces sicut Petrus Chivalier saltire 
 solehat .— M*^ CuLLAGH quoting Madox. 
 
 t The lord-wardenship of the Cinque Ports (with Walmer Castle as a residence) is 
 still an office of distinction, usually conferred on one of the most considerable subjects 
 of the Crown. The late Duke of Wellington took a peculiar pleasure in discharging 
 such of the duties as remained attached to the office. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 67 
 
 Saxonici comes, or Tractus Maritimi comes —the Coimt of the Saxon shore, or 
 sea coast, which had formerly existed.* When, therefore, in the reign of the 
 Conqueror and his immediate successors, Yaemouth became the resort of a 
 “ greate store of sea faringe men, as also of greate nombers of the fishermen of 
 “ Fraunce, Flaunders, and of Holland, Zealande, and all the lowe countryes 
 “ yerelie, from the feaste of Sainfe Michaell th’ Archangell, untylle the feaste of 
 “ Sainte Martine, about the takinge, sellinge, and buyenge of herringes,”—the 
 barons of the Cinque ports, as the rulers of the coast, were accustomed to send 
 their bailiffs to Yarmouth, to see that order was preserved. Manship has given 
 some account of the mode of their election, and the manner of their coming— 
 the fatal contentions and strife which they occasioned—the adjustment of their 
 disputes—and the nature of the entertainment given to the Cinque ports bailiffs 
 in his time.f 
 
 It was customary for these bailiffs, on their return home, after their annual 
 visit, to draw up a “relation” of what had taken place, that the barons of the 
 Cinque ports, by whom they were deputed, might know that their rights and 
 dignity had been properly supported. These relations, (many of which have 
 been carefully preserved,) disclose some curious incidents, and afford us a pic¬ 
 ture of the manners and customs of the period, whilst at the same time, they 
 record a system of concurrent jurisdiction, entirely dissimilar to any other then 
 or now existing ; and it may be observed, that as Yarmouth possessed at that 
 time a capital jurisdiction, these bailiffs possessed here more extensive authority 
 for the time, than in their own towns. 
 
 The following is the Relation, by John Conye of Hastings, and John 
 Tooke of Dover, of their visit to Great Yarmouth, during the free fair there, 
 in 1603,-— 
 
 “ Upon thursdaie, at night, being the xxvij*'' dale of September, in the 
 “ year aforesaid, wee lodged at Laystoff, and there dyned ; on the next dale, 
 “ being frydaie, at about three of the Clock in the afternoone, wee came to the 
 “ towne of Great Yarmouth ; and at o' comjmge to the Bridge, many people 
 
 * See Manship, pp. 17, 211. 
 
 t See Manship, pp. 179, 347. The award made in 1634, by the Earl of Arundel and 
 Surrey (as Earl Marshal), is still to be seen among the corporation records. It is a 
 ■very handsome document, with tlie Earl’s seal attached, in perfect preservation. 
 
 K 
 
68 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 “ beinge there assembled, did bid us very kindly Wellcome. And after we had 
 “ been at o'' lodginge, at the hotise of M" John Ladd and Thomas Ladd, about 
 “ half an houre, was sent unto us one of the officers of M'' Jeffrey Ponyett, elder 
 “ Baylifl’ elect of Yarmouth, to entreat us to dyne with the said M'' Ponyett the 
 “ next daie ; whose kindnes wee thanckfully accepted. And imediately after, 
 “ was sent unto us one of the officers of M'' William Grey, Bayliff also elect; 
 “ and in the name of the said M' Grey, entreated us to djuie with him the next 
 “ daie,—on which wee Avere fonnerly invited to the said M' Baylif Ponyet his 
 “ house, and had pmised. The said Officer Avas again sent us from the said 
 “ IM"' Bayliff Grey, to invite us to Suppr the said next daie at night: av"*' Avee 
 “ accepted in like thankful manner. And after Avee had rested oselves at o- 
 “ said lodginge about the space of an hoAver, the said M' Bailif Ponyet and M' 
 “■Bayliff Grey came A'nto us themselves, and bid us very kindly Avellcome, and 
 “ stayed Avith vs about the space of half an houre. Uppon Saterday the xxix‘>' 
 “ of September, being Michelmas day, Avee Avent toAvards the Church, attended 
 “ by o' servauntes : and not farre from o' lodginge, M' Henry Stanton and John 
 “ Gyles, the old bayliffes, Avalked togeather A'ppon the Stronde; and, espyinge 
 “ us goinge toAvards the Church, they came unto us, byddinge vs verry hartely 
 “ Avellcome, and desjued o' company av**' them to the Church; and because it 
 “ Avas then some Avhat early, they pswaded us to Avalk the vpper Avay toAvards 
 “ the Dens ; and after o'' comynge Avith them, they and Avee came thither before 
 “ the accustomed houre, they walked av'^*' vs a quarter of an hour, or thereaboAit, 
 “ in the Church ; and then they went up into their seat, requestinge vs to have 
 “ gone Avith them, but Avee thankfully refused soe to doe, alledginge that phapps 
 “ some of their brethren Avould not take it Avell, but Avee Avould take our places 
 “ in the Chauncell vntill they did send for us. And imediately after the begin- 
 “ inge of service, the said Bayliffs of Yarmouth sent one of their officers vnto 
 “ A's, Avith request that Avee should take our places Avith them in their seat. And 
 “ as Avee passed by them of the xxiiij’"'® there present, av'*' Avas in nomber xv, or 
 “ thereabout, Avee Avere kindly saluted by them, and took o' places next unto the 
 “ said Bayliffes. The sermon ended, Avee came Avith them out of the Church, 
 “ and took our leave of them, vntill they might finish their OAvne business at the 
 “ Tolehouse, and came to o'' lodginge, Avhere havinge stayed half an houre, or 
 “ thereabout, the said M' Bayley Ponyett and M' Bayley Grey sent one of their 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 69 
 
 “ serveants vnto us, desyringe our Company at the said Tolehouse, to w*' place 
 “ wee imediately went; and Bayley Cony then delywed certen speeches unto 
 “ tlie said BaylifFes of Yarmouth, in effect as followeth,— 
 
 “ Right Worshipp“ M" Bayliffes of Yharmouth, and the rest of yo' Brethren. 
 “ It is not vnknowne vnto you, that the bayliffes of the barons of the ffyve ports 
 “ have aucthoritie to have the Administracon of Royall Justice joyntly w*'' you, 
 “ and the keepinge of his maU peace, and the ponishinge of the offenders therein, 
 “ & of other misdemeno”, duringe the tyme of the free fare here ; w'*' said barons 
 “ have elected and chosen myself and my partner here psent for their Bayliffes, 
 “ this psent tyme, as by o^ Comissions may appeare. Our desyre is, to pcrforme 
 “ o’’ duties therein (as much as in o'" powers) for his mat’ service, to the ponishm* 
 “ of offendo''’ and benefitt of good people; hoping that in kind and friendly 
 “ manner, you will joyne w‘'‘ us in the execution of such business as shall 
 “ appteyne. 
 
 “ To whom kU Bayley Grey then replied,—that they wold most willingly 
 “ pforme the same. And after o"^ comissions read,* Wee psently took o’' places 
 “ on the right hand of the said Baylyfes of Yarmouth : there the said M’ Bayliff 
 “ Grey required a note of the names of o’ officers; whose names were psently 
 
 * The reading of the commission seems to have been accomplished on this occasion 
 without difficulty: but it was frequently the signal for the commencement of those 
 petty hostilities, which were so long waged between the parties. In 1657, at a “bro¬ 
 therhood ” at Romney, it was ordered that the bailiffs sent to Y’armouth that year, should 
 keep their hats on during the reading of their commission, until they came to their own 
 names, when they were to uncover. This was resented by the Yarmouth bailiffs, who 
 “ sat covered ” whilst the Cinque ports commission was read; after delivering which, 
 the Cinque ports bailiffs put their hats on, which was objected to by the bailiffs of Y'ar- 
 mouth: whereupon the former left the 'follhouse in high dudgeon, and after remaining 
 two or three days in the tow'n, returned home;—in consequence of which, they tvere 
 fined £10 by the bi’otherhood, who, ho-wever, at the same time agreed that “ their bailiffs 
 did right in maintaining the authority of the Cinque ports.” At a subsequent assembly 
 of the Yarmouth corporation, it was recorded, that “ words had passed between the 
 bailiffs of the Cinque ports and Mr. Bailiff England, on Michaelmas day, when the bailiff 
 of the Cinque irorts had presented his commission ; ” and a Committee was appointed 
 to enquire into the matter, and to draw up a statement in writing “ of the behaviour and 
 gesture used by the bailiffs of the Cinque ports, and how' they went away without cause 
 given.” And at another assembly, it was agreed to indemnify the bailiffs from all damage 
 and loss w'hich might happen to them on account of this dispute, “ it being considered 
 that what tvas done, was in defence of the just liberties of the town.” 
 
 K 2 
 
70 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 “ returned in UTiting, by Francis Raworth, to^vne dark of Dover, now attendant 
 “ on vs by course and turne, Viz. 
 
 “ Henky Woodden, Sergeant at Banner 
 “ John Ckushfield, to winde the Brazen home of saylence 
 “ Samuel Woods \ 
 
 “ Richakd Haenes j 
 
 Sergeants at Rodde 
 
 “ Then wee demaunded the vewe of the prysoners in the Gaole, and to 
 “examine the cause of their comittm‘: and the said Ba 3 diffes of Yarmout}^ 
 “ caused John Younges, keeper of the said Gaole, to bringe before vs the pry- 
 “ soners, whose names followe, Viz.— 
 
 “ Ales Farlowe, convicted for felony, and repryved in pryson 
 “ John Howes, suspected for a Rape 
 “ Ales Moore, suspected of Witchcraft 
 
 “ Wee demaunded vewe of other prisoners, detayned for debt: but the said 
 “ Bailiffs of Yarmouth denyed vs to have the sight of them, notw*^ standinge 
 “ wee avowched precedents in the like, and o'' composition, pro'vdng that wee 
 “ ought to have the view of all; but yet they contynewed their resolute denyall 
 “ that wee should view them ; but told us that wee might hange a lock to the 
 “ pryson doore, if wee wold ; to w"'' wee aunswered, that if any prysoners were 
 “ comitted duringe the tyme of the free fayre, wee wold; but in the mean tyme, 
 “ we required the Gaoler to take especiall care for the saffe keeping of the 
 “ prysoners, w"'’ he pmised. And the Bayliffes of Yarmouth then saj^ed that 
 “ they had taken good suritie of him, for the safe Custody of all the Prysoners. 
 “ The busines at the Tolehouse now finished, wee went directly from thence to 
 “ M' Bayley Ponyett his house, to dynner, where wee were feasted and kindly 
 “ entertajmed ; and that night wee supped w*’’ M’’ Bayley Grej^e, where wee had 
 “ Ilk kinde entertajmem*. Uppon the next day, being sondaie, wee went to the 
 “ Church about the accustomed houre, and did take our places next unto the 
 “ bayliffes of the said towne of Yarmouth,—^havinge before appointed our offi- 
 “ cers to be in redines neare the Church, at the usuall place, on horsebauch; 
 “ and after the sermon ended, wee, beinge accompanyed with the said Bayliffes 
 “ of Yarmouth, and diverse of the xxiiij*',—the brazen home beinge three tymes 
 “ sounded, and sjdence comaunded, the proclamacon was there openly reade by 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 71 
 
 “ the said Francis Raworth, w*** alteracon of one Article thereof, touching 
 “ vagarants, w'*' before gave them a tolleracon of ponishnU, soe as they depted 
 “ imediately after the said pclamation,—w'='' was contrary to the Statut; but it 
 “ was altered to this effect, viz., that all Officers and Inhabitants w*'’ in the 
 “ towne of Yarmouth, should doe their endevor to apprehend Rouges, Idle and 
 “ vagarant psons, and to ponish them according to the Statut in that case lately 
 “ made, vppon payne and pill therein conteyned ;—the alteracon of w°'’ article 
 “ was before agreed on by the same bayliffes of Yarmouth. From thence, our 
 “ said Officers imediately did ride (beinge accompayned with the under Steward 
 “ his man, who was sent of purpose to see that the proclamacion should not 
 “ otherwise be made then accordinge to the vsuall form) vnto the M"kett Cross, 
 “ from thence vnto the haven’s mouth, then at the Crane, and lastly at the 
 “ bridge fote : at w'"*’ sewall places, the like pclamacion was made. This after- 
 “ noone, the said Francis Raworth, o’' Clerk, had some conference w‘>’ M"" Bayley 
 “ Grey, about the holdinge of the Court and the Chardge of the Jury, thinkinge 
 “ to have pceeded therein in such a course as was fitt for such a Court; but 
 “ M’' Grey by any means wold not agree that any circumstance or preamble 
 “ should be vsed to the Jury, but the Articles accustomed to be reade vnto the 
 “ Jury and delvwed unto them ; the w”’’, w^** much in treaty, he pcured a copie 
 “ of them this night late, vnto w’’*' he added some necessary Articles, w''’ he 
 “ thought fitt there to be inquired.” 
 
 At the first court, a jury was impanelled, consisting of six Yarmouth men 
 and six Cinque ports men. 
 
 “ The said Court being called by one of the Sergeants of Yarmouth, ac- 
 “ cording to directions geven him by our said Clerk, and the othe~ by our said 
 “ Clerk to the said Jury delywed,—and after they were impannelled, and the 
 “ sewall Articles of the Chardge by him also reade unto the Jury, and havinge 
 “ added some other to them, and would have chardged the same Jury therewith, 
 “ M’' Bayley Grey would not suffer them to be geven in Charge, for that they 
 “ were not used ; to whome o' Clerk then replied, and asked him whether that 
 “ he would take notice of the lawes lastely made for the ponishing of offenders, 
 “ and to execute the samq as to those officers w'*’ suffered vagarants and rogues 
 “ to escape w*'* out ponishm*, the late statut made against victuallers for sellinge 
 “ of a quart of here and ale for a penny, and also other Statuts lately made 
 
12 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 “ against Shomakers, butchers, and others: but in the end, o'' clerk required 
 “ the Jury to enquire and lU'esent all other offences whatsoever, then ponishable, 
 “ whereof the Bayliffes of the Barons of the Cinq' Ports, and the Bayliffes of 
 “ Yarmouth, duringe the time of the free faire, might inquire of,—to which 
 “ kl"' Bayley Grey did consent. Then was pclamacbn made, that if any pson or 
 “ psons now eold or hereafter, duringe the tyme of the free fair, would informe 
 “ his map Bayliffs and Justices ther present, or the Jury sworne, of any manner 
 “ of misdemeno’^" to be comitted in the tyme of the free faire of Yarmouth, that 
 “ they should from t)-me to tjune appeare and attende, and they should be heard. 
 “ At this Court we also demaunded the viewe of the prisoners deteyned for debt, 
 “ but yt was denied unto us, notwithstanding wee now showed forth diwse from 
 “ precedents in writings, Books, and also the composicion in the Article, 
 “ wherein it is contejmed, that at o' first comynge wee should view the pryson- 
 “ ers ; but M' Bayley Grey aunswered, that it was never ment that wee should 
 “ have any thinge to doe with prysoners for debt, but such as were deteyned 
 “ vpon plea of the Crowue, and that a composition against lawe was not avayle- 
 “ able ; to w^'’^ wee then replied, that in one point o’" pclamacion was against 
 “ lawe, in sellinge cxx*'® of hearinges to the hundreth, beside the tale pearings, 
 “ whereas the Statut jlscribeth only cxx^'®, the which, if it had not bene alredy 
 “ pclaymed, wee would have been adwised thereof; but he then alledged Cus- 
 “ tome would prevayle against vs in that case. So after much speech spent in 
 “ this busines, wee demaunded their resolute determyacon, whether wee should 
 “ have vewe of them or not; they then aunswered, if we would become bound 
 “ in V'* bonde, to kepe the prysoners saffe, and to save them harmles, wee should 
 “ have viewe and costodie of them ; to w‘='' wee aunswered, if they could shew 
 “ a precedent that any of the Bayliffes of the Barrens of the Cinq ports haue 
 “ bene bound to any such Condicon, wee wold ; but there was noe pswation that 
 “ cold mak vs prevayle, and wee cold not obtain it by compulsion.”’^ 
 
 * '^A'hilst, therefore, the bailiffs of the Cinque ports had a “ courteous reception,” the 
 bailiffs of Yarmouth were careful to limit their authority as much as possible. In 1579, 
 the Cinque ports bailiffs on their return, complained that “ the men of Yarmouth denyed 
 them to use sight of the prisoners at their first coming,” and had “made question of 
 their authoritie for heringe of plaints and contracts, arysing before the Fayer.” Their 
 relation was allowed, and they were discharged; and “ a friendlj- Fre ” was sent to the 
 bailiffs of Yarmouth, “ to put them in remembrance of their late composition,” In 1612, 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 73 
 
 At the next court, “ M*" Bayliefes of Yarmouth desyred o'" Company at the 
 “ Tolehouse, at w''*' tjane was brought before us and them, one Robert Tovey, 
 “ of Aheley, in the County of Norff: husbandman, for making an assault vppon 
 “ one Thomas Varrent, of Y^armouth, laborer, and breakinge his head with a 
 “ Cudgell; wdioe, beinge before examyned, did confesse the same, and hath 
 “ made recompence to the ptie greeved; and hath laid downe into the hands of 
 “ the said Bayliffcs of Yarmouth, for the said Bloodsheade, iij® iiij'',—but in 
 “ respect of po^tie, the said fine was remitted by the said Bayliffes, with our 
 “ consents, to xvj'^. 
 
 “ Upjron tweisdaie, in the mornyinge, beinge the second of October, after 
 “ the Lector, rvee were intreated by the Bayliffes of Y’armouth, to meet them at 
 “ the Tolehouse, about ix™ of the Clock that aforenoone, to take the examyna- 
 “ cions of two lewde psons, w'’*' were apprehended yesternight by one of the 
 “ Constables of the said towne, and comitted to the Gaole. At w''*' tyme was 
 “ brought before vs by the Gaoler, one John Camplen, of the said towne, laborer, 
 “ and Robert Howard of the same towne, laborer; the said John Camplen beinge 
 “ most greevously wounded in the head, and much beaten and scratched about 
 “ his face, by means whereof he had lost much bloode : and, uppon the examy- 
 “ nacon, it appeared that the same offence was done by the said Robert Howard, 
 “ And it further appeared vnto us, that the said Howard had much abused the 
 “ Constable in rvords, when he apprehended him; for w^^*' his offence and con- 
 “ tempt, he is agayne comitted to pryson, there to remayne : and the said John 
 “ Camplen is enlardged. Uppon Wensday, in the morninge, complaint rvas 
 “ made vnto vs by one William Jeffrey, of Brithemson, Fysherman, against 
 “ John Anderson, of Y'armouth, Fysherman, for certen wronges done vnto him 
 “ at Sea; wherevppon wee sent one of our sergeants at Rod to M'' Bayliffes of 
 “ Yarmouth, to intreate them to meete vs at the Tolehouse, about two of the 
 “ Clock in the afternoone : to w*^’’ they accorded. At wf’h tyme the said William 
 “ Jeffrey enformed vs and them, that upon munday last, the said John Anderson 
 “ did shoote fowle of his netts at Sea, and did hale part of his netts and fishe, 
 
 there was a dispute as to their seats in eourt, (see 3Innship, page 257); and when the 
 bailiffs of the Cinque ports would have “ viewed ” the prisoners, this ceremony was de¬ 
 ferred to the following day, “ in respect it was past noon, and fully dinner time.” 
 
74 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 “ and likewise did then break his mast; w'^'' the said John Anderson did not 
 “ deny, alledginge the cause to be in default of the said William Jeffrey, for 
 “ want of lights; which being heard at large, both the said |5ties referred the 
 “ cause to be arbytrated by vs and the Bayliffs of Y’armouth. And after much 
 “ conference therein, wee ordered that the said John Anderson should pay vnto 
 “ the said William Jeffrey, liij* iiij'* for his mast and hearings, and to haue his 
 “ netts againe, and the said John Anderson to have the broken mast. At the 
 “ same t}Tne, Complaint was made rmto vs by Robert Poultis of Hastings, and 
 “ John Wilwood of Brighthemson, Fishermen, against one Nayn Jacobson, a 
 “ Dutchman, for certen hurt done to them by him, at their Comynge into the 
 “ haven ; and the said Nayn likewise complajmed against them, for certen hurts 
 “ done to him by them; whereuppon it was agreede by vs and the Bayliffes of 
 “ Yarmouth, after wee had heard all the said pties, that the said psons should 
 “ indifferent^ and equally contribute to each others harme ; and wee then ap- 
 “ pointed William Goose and Thomas Hart, two of the Enquest, to Hewe and 
 “ examj-ne the harmes done of eny part, and to certifie vs the value thereof. 
 “ The same Daye wee agreede rvith the Bayliffes of Yarmouth, that in the after- 
 “ noone, about two of the Clock, wee would examyne and waigh the Bakers’ 
 “ bread of the said torvne; and enquired of the said Baylifes what assize the 
 “ bakers had, rvho told us, after the rate of xxij^ the quarter of wheat, with 
 “ allowance of vj® for baking ewy such quarter. And such bread as wanted 
 “ weight, was geven to the piysoners; and the bakers, for this time, by reason 
 “ all their ij^ wheaten bread and half-penny white bread was full weight, their 
 “ fines are remitted,—and are specially warned hereafter to observe the assize. 
 
 “ Uppon Thursdaie, in the forenoon, the Bayliffes of Y'armouth sent one of 
 “ their sergeants to entreate our company at the Tolehouse, about present busi- 
 “ nes to be done. At which time was brought before us and them, one Richard 
 “ Brandon, of Brighthempston, fisherman, and one Richard Smyth, of Black- 
 “ hingall, in the County of Norff., yoman, that this present daye the said pties 
 “ were at variance in an Alehouse in the said towne, and the said Richard Smith, 
 “ with his Dagger, did break the said Richard Brandon his head, whereby bloode 
 “ was sheade. And, albeit it appeared that it was done in his own defence, yet 
 “ he paid for the said bloodsheade, to the Chamberlaines of the said towne of 
 “ Yarmouth, the some of iij’* iiij'k This daie, M'' Bayley Ponyet sent unto vs 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 75 
 
 “ the head of a porposse, wee thanckfully receyved at his hands. Uppon 
 “ Saterdaie, the aforenamed Robert Howard, whoe was formerly comitted to 
 “ pryson for sundry abuses and wrongs in breach of his mat® peace, vppon John 
 “ Camplen aforenamed, was discharged out of pryson, and paid the fine of 
 “ Bloodsheade. This daie also, wee, with the Bayliffs of Yarmouth, went into 
 “ the M'kett, to examyne the prices of victualls and to enquire if any misde- 
 “ menors were there comitted. Upon this daie, also, in the afternoone, 
 
 “ Bayley Ponyet and M'’ Bayley Grey came to our Lodgings, and after friendly 
 “ conference had w*’' vs, the said M'' Bayley Grey invited us to dynner, on 
 “ munday followinge ; and the said Bayliffes did then bestowe a fatt Swane 
 “ on vs, and willed vs to send one of our scents for the same: wch kindnesses 
 “ wee thanckfully accepted, and sent for the said Swan accordingly.^ Uppon 
 “ Sunday, being the viB'i daie of October, imediately after the end of the Sermon, 
 “ wee were present togeather w*'' the Bayliffes of Yarmouth, and diverse of the 
 “ xxiiij“® of the same towne, at the pclamacon of the free fair, near the Church 
 “ of Yarmouth, at the usuall place, our officers there on horseback, and the under 
 “ steward his man likewise w*** them ; w'^’’ pclamacon there ended, our said offi- 
 “ cers, and the said under steward his man, did ride unto the other iiij vsuall 
 “ jdaces, viz.—to the ihkett crosse, to the haven’s mouth, to the crane, and to 
 “ the bridge fote, and there made the same pclamacon accordinglye.f 
 
 * In 158.1, Mr. Loveday was ordered to obtain a swan-mark from Her Majesty’s 
 swanner. In 163.3, a swan-mark was granted to William Corbett, marshal, to mark 
 cygnets for the use of the town; and, in 1638, he was paid his charges for marking 
 cygnets with the town’s swan-mark. In 1641, the swanard was directed to bring, yearly, 
 a note of all swans marked I'or the town, and to receive 10s. therefore. The sign of the 
 Swan with two Necks, (which, as in many places, is found in A’armouth,) is supposed to 
 have arisen from the swan with two nicks,—a peculiar swan-mark belonging to the city 
 of London. 
 
 t The bailiffs of Yarmouth were not always so complaisant; for in 1612, the Cinque 
 ports bailiffs, in the relation of their visit, say, “ Uppon Sunday, beyng the iiii“' of 
 “ October, in the morninge, about the usual hour, w'ee went to Church, in the company 
 “ of Mr. John Giles, and tooke o'' ])laces next unto the Baylifs of Yarmouth; and after 
 “ the Sermon, the said Baylifs of Yarmouth, after their accustomed manner, pressed out 
 “ of the Church before us. And we being attended by o'' twoe Sergents carrying their 
 “ white rods before us, came to the usual place vppon the green, w‘'' out of the Church 
 “ gate, wher o' first p'clamacion is comonly made. And at our comyng thether, wee 
 “ found our said Clerk on horseback, togeather w*'' o'' Sergents at banner and brazen home; 
 “ and wee pressed neare them, intending to take y® place that of right belongcth vnto 
 “ us, viz., to stand on the right hand of the said Bayliffs of Yarmouth: and although 
 
 L 
 
76 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 “ Uppon tAveisdaie, the of October, wee spent the greater part of the 
 “ forcnoone in walkinge on the key, to foresee and prevent disorders ; for that 
 “ by reason of the foulnes of the weather, the whole fiectte of fishermen were in 
 “ the harbour. Uppon the same daye, the comon Crier of the Towne cried 
 “ Oysters to be sold, without our Consent, for which we reprehended him, and 
 “ sent to the ptie that made sale thereof, that he might not lawfully doe yt, 
 “ with out Consent; who, therevppon, sent vnto vs a pech of the said Oysters 
 “ for a fast, and prayed o’' allowance to sell the residue : to the which Avee as- 
 “ sented.* Uppon Wensdaie the x*^'' of October, came vnto us one William Mace, 
 “ of Corby in the Howton, in the Countie of Essex, and enformed vs that he 
 “ had Oysters to sell at the Key, neare the bridge, and desyred our allowance ; 
 
 to the w'*! wee assented,—but required him to send vnto us, before he made 
 “ sale thereof, some part thereof for a fast, as of right belonging unto us ; w'** 
 “ he performed accordingly. This present daie, M' Bayley Ponyet was enformed 
 “ by a man of Yarmouth, in our hearing, that certen of the men of Warre of 
 “ Holland, did lye at or near the haven’s mouth, Avith musketts and other mu- 
 “ nition, in a small boate, and likcAvise on the head of the said peere on land, to 
 “ the intent to take a certen man of Dunkyrke, av'^ did lye in the haven, at his 
 “ comynge out. And because the manner of the lying of the said hollanders 
 “ AA^ere contrary to his mat® peace, and to the pill of others his mat® subiects, 
 “ and especially the fishermen, Ave offered to ioyne w*’' the Bayliffes of Yarmouth, 
 
 “ the Aldermen of the said towne, stood decently togeather vppon the Causeway leading 
 “ from the saidChurch, yet the said 2 Bayliffs of Yarmouth traversed that ground in very 
 “ unsemely manner, to put vs on the left hand of them. We told them yt was o' chardge 
 “ to see the p'clamacion, and they Avere not bound of necessity to be there except they 
 “ Avoid. Then Mr. Bayliffe Greenewood w*'' a great loke, like himself, sayd ‘make yo' 
 “ p'clam, eles wee will tak another cours Avith you.’ Wee told him agayn, in as p'emptrey 
 “ manner, ‘ that Ave feared not his threats.’ But, after much removing by theym, at last 
 “ o' said Clerk and other officers, so bestirred them on horseback, that we got the vpper 
 “ hand of them, viz., Avee were opposite agaynst them, w^** our faces towards the Towne 
 “ and they directly with their faces towards the Church, and our officers on horseback 
 “ next unto us; and during the tyme of the p'clam the said Mr. Bayley Greenewood for 
 “ most p* laid his hand vppon the hinder p' of the back of o' said Clerk his gelding.” 
 "When the Bailiffs of the Cinque Ports on this occasion left Yarmouth, Greenwood took 
 his leave of them “ after his accustom’d prowde manner, and desired vs to know him 
 “ hereafter, Avhen wee should see him, and he Avoid do the like to a's.” 
 
 * In 1560, lialph Wolhouse was fined for selling oysters, contrary to the command¬ 
 ment of the bailiffs,—it being the second week in Lent. 
 
GREAT YARJIOtTTH. 
 
 77 
 
 *' to cxamyne the same offence, and to ponish the offenders ; hut because none 
 “ comi)layned, they seemed vnwillinge to doe anythinge therein. Uppon thurs- 
 “ daie, there was not anythinge done fitt to put in writinge, savinge, that whereas 
 “ the inhabitants of A'armouth haue of late made a Key by the water side, neare 
 “ w‘>' out the South gate of the same towne, there to take ballast, and have de- 
 “ creed that none shall there chardge or dischardge any hearinges or netts, or 
 “ take in their netts there; and this present daie, as wee walked towards the 
 “ denes, a certain fisherman of the North Countrey, called a Coble, was there 
 “ taking in of his netts ; whoe, being there espied by an Officer of the said 
 “ towne, was threatned that he should pay a fine ; w'^’* beinge by vs beared, wee 
 “ sent one of our Officers to the said fisherman, advisinge and requiring that he 
 “ should not paie any fine to that Officer, but if any were required of him, that 
 “ he should come vnto vs: but it seemed that he was not further therein troubled, 
 “ because afterwards wee beared not of him. Uppon Saterday, wee walked in 
 “ the ihkett w“' the Bayliffes of Yarmouth, and there found noe abuses or mis- 
 “ demenors comitted, neither the prices of victualls excessive. Uppon Sunday, 
 “ being the xiiij‘'‘ daie of October, after Sermon ended, we were present neare 
 “ the Church, at the accustomed place, togeather with the Baylieffs and dyverse 
 “ others of the xxiiij*'" of the towne of great A^armouth, and the pclamation there 
 “ made, our officers on horsebeck, togeather w**" the under steward his man, did 
 “ride to the sevrall accustomed places, viz., to the ihkett crosse, to the haven’s 
 “ mouth, to the crane, and bridge foote, and there made like pclamation. At 
 “ this Court wee againe demaunded of the Baylyffes of A'armouth viewe of all 
 “ the prysoners remayning in the Gaole, for debt or otherwise, accordinge to o' 
 “ composition; and wee told them that if they would not lett us have a viewe 
 “ of prysoners accordinge to the composicion and longe custom vsed, we would 
 “ doe the best wee cold, to have the old wordes of hearinge taken out of the 
 “ pclamacion, because it is contrary to lawe; and after much speech therein, and 
 “ frendly pswations used by us to them, to give us noe cause to complayne of 
 “ vnkind or uniust dealinge w*"’' vs (consideringe wee had noe cause but to report 
 “ of their kinde vsage of us, this cause only excepted), they resolutely denyed 
 “ that wee should tak any notice or view of any other prysoners, then such as 
 “ were there comitted vppon plea of the Crowne, whome wee had alredy seen and 
 “ examyned. This daie wee also dyned in the comiiyny of diuers of the xxiiij"* 
 
 X. 2 
 
78 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 “ and their wieves, at Mr. Bayley Ponyet his house, being yesterday invited: 
 “ where we found kind entertainment. 
 
 “ Vppon tweisday, the xvj*'' daie of this present month of October, was 
 “ brought before us, and the Bayliffes of Yarmouth, at the Tolehouse, one 
 “ Christofer Marshall, and Jane his wief, late of Cleethorpe, in the County of 
 “ Lyncolne, laborer, being taken here as vagarants, having a young childe, and 
 “ suspected for sundry misdemeno'®; who were comitted to pryson, and the 
 “ further examynacon of them referred vntill the morrowe,—for that it was very 
 “ suspicious that they never were lawfully married. This daie dyned with us 
 “ the said Baylitfes of Y'armouth, togeather with the Bayliffes of the last year, 
 “ and the greatest part of the xxiiij’^‘® of the said towne, and their vieves, w‘'' 
 “ diwerse others, of the nombers of fifty persons or thereabout, whome, in the 
 “ best manner wee could, were by vs entertayned, who accepted the same thank- 
 “ fully at o'" hands. 
 
 “ Uppon wensday, the xvij*’’ of this present moneth of October, in the after- 
 “ noone, the Bayliefes of Yarmouth did meete us at the Tolehouse, accordinge 
 “ to former appointnfi, where was brought before us the aforenamed Xptofer 
 “ Marshall and Jane his wief, whoe were seuerally examyned before us ; and 
 “ it was then apparent, that the said Xptofer had stollen certen lincks, to the 
 “ value of vj“, w*^** he confessed ; and yt was approued that at the tyme he was 
 “ apprehended, he did assult the officer; forw'^’' his offences, he was openly before 
 “ us well whipped : and being vi-ged to confess trulie whether the said Jane was 
 “ his lawfull wief or not, he would not by any means confesse the contrary. 
 “ And the said Jane being also brought to the barre, redy to be whipped, would 
 “ not otherwise confesse, but that she was lawfully marryed to him ; and in re- 
 “ spect of her weaknes, and havinge a young child suckinge, her punishm* was 
 “ remitted. And it was then ordered by vs, that the said Xptofer Marshall and 
 “ Jane his wief, and their said child, should be sent by passport from officer 
 “ to officer, the direct way to Cleethorpe, in the said County of Lincolne, where 
 “ they last dwelled; and the said Xptofer and his said wief then said that they 
 “ had acquaintance w'^^ some of the fishermen of the North Countrey, called 
 “ Cobles, and desired they might pass by sea in one of their boates,—w‘^*' was 
 “ graunted to them, soe as they would forthw^'' go out of the said towne. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 79 
 
 At the same tyme were brought before vs, one Walter Edwards, sometime 
 “ of Ipswich, saylor, of the age of xx'’® yeares, or thereabout, beinge before hap- 
 “ prehended and comitted to pryson, for stealinge a certain old cassock, from 
 “ William Johnson of Y^armouth, mariner, of the value of vi^, w'^'‘ the said Wal- 
 “ ter did now weare on his back; w'"*', vppon his examynacon, he confessed ; 
 “ and for soe stealinge the same, was here, before us, well whipped, and sent 
 “ to Ipswich aforesaid by passport. 
 
 “ At the same tyme was brought before vs, one Thomas Spencer, late of 
 “ Staple vppon Tan, in the County of Essex, laborer, and late servant to Sir 
 “ Thomas Edmonds, being now suspected for stealing certen Ropes from the saide 
 “ YVilliam Johnson; and because the said William Johnson cold make no triall 
 “ thereof, neither would the said Thomas confesse the same, but altogcather 
 “ denyed it, therefore he is set att libertie to imploy himself to labor w‘>' his late 
 “ M% dwellinge in the said towne of Yarmouth. Vppon the same daie, in the 
 “ Morninge, Mr. Manfield, Mr. Croweland, Mr. Mortymer, and Mr. Goose, being 
 “ iiij" of the xxiiij“® of the said towne of Yarmouth, togeather w*'' diu'se of the 
 “ Inhabitants, being of the xlviij‘‘®, of the said towne, w*'’ one of the Chamberlaines 
 “ and the water bayley, and other officers of the said towne, who before this daie, 
 “ by the Baylitfes and Comynalty of the said Towne, were named and appointed 
 “ to goe by water into the Kyrkley Rode (w'’' they clayme to be w^'^ in their 
 “ libertie) to receive anchorage and other duties of fishermen and others there 
 “ beinge at Anchor; by reason whereof, heretofore much troble and suits have 
 “ bene comenced betwene the Inhabitants of Laystoff and the Comynaltie of 
 “ Yarmouth; w®'’ said psons (amongst others) found there one Thomas Gibson 
 “ of Folkstone, Fisherman, at anch'', of whom they demaunded one penny, for 
 “ acknowledgmt that he was an Inhabitant of the Cinq Ports, w'’' he then refused 
 “ to paie, alledginge that he had formerly paid the said penny at his comynge 
 “ into the haven of Yarmouth ; but the Water bayley would not be satisfied w"’ 
 “ that answer, but did take from the said Thomas Gibson one swepe, as a dis- 
 “ tress. The said Thomas Gibson, in the afternoone of the same daie, complayned 
 “ vnto vs of that wrong; and wee, being much disconted therew^*, wee sent vnto 
 “ the Bailiffes of YTarmouth to meet us at the Tollhouse imediaily—w''’ they 
 “ pformed; and at o® comyng thither, we enformed them of the wronge of one of 
 “ o" inhabitants alledging that wee are soe free, that we ought not to paie that 
 
80 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 “ penny, but by a custoine It had soe longe contynewed. And the said BaylifFes 
 “ of Yarmouth seemed sory that the said distresse was soe taken, and pmised 
 “ it should be forthw^*' deliwred ; and chardged their officer to doe it, and here- 
 “ after to take notice of the Inhabitants of the Fyve ports. After this Court 
 “ ended, the Water baly of the said towne beinge in the Tolehouse, was called 
 “ toshowe causewhie he had distreynedThomas Gibson of Folkstone, inKyrkeley 
 “ Boade, for Anchorage; who then aunswered, that one penny was due as well 
 “ for his Anchorage there, as also the like he ought to paie at his comynge into 
 “ the haven at Yarmouth; rato w'*" wee replied, that he had done wronge, and 
 “ if Mr. Baylieffes of Yarmouth had not confessed so much yesterdaie, and 
 “ pmised that the distresse should be deliuered quietly againe, that the takinge 
 “ of that distresse would have pcured him both troble and charges: and the 
 “ Bayliffes of Y^armouth beinge there psent, entreated vs to be contented, and 
 “ required the said Waterbayley to delyver the said distresse—w'’' he pformed 
 “ accordingely. This afternoone, wee acquainted the bailieffes of Yarmouth, that 
 “ on the next dale wee did meane to take our Journey homewards, and did put 
 “ them in mynde to see the pclamation made of the free faire, vppon ewy soun- 
 “ day vntill the feast of S* Martjm—w"' they pmised to pforme; and sayed they 
 “ would see vs in the mornyinge, and take their leave of us; and desyred vs to 
 “ send one of o'' srvants vnto M' Scarff, one of the Chamberlaines of the said 
 “ towne, for our vsuall fee of iij'‘ x% due vnto us at our depture from the said 
 “ towne, accordinge to the Composition thereof made; the w'*’ said some of iij’‘ 
 “ x" was paid vnto vs: the receipt whereof we made an acquitance, and delywed 
 “ the same to the said M' Scarff, to the vse of the said Bayliffes of Yarmouth. 
 “ Uppon frydaie, in the forenone, being the xix® daie of this present moneth, 
 “ wee jrrvyded such cheere as conveniently wee cold, for breakfast, fitt for the 
 “ daie ; and about viij of the clock, the bailiffes of Yarmouth sent vnto vs some 
 “ wine, and afterwards came vnto vs, and did break their fast w‘''vs; and there 
 “ was also then w*’’ vs, certen of the xxiiij*'" of the same towne, and others; and 
 “ after breakfast ended, the said Bayliffes and others, did very kindly take their 
 “ leave of vs : and wee took our leave at or neare our said lodginge. And that 
 “ night we came to Snapebridge, where wee lodged; and from thence, w*** the 
 “ said Francis Ravorth, towne’s clerk of Dover aforesaid, and our vsuall 
 “ seruants, we came homewards w**' that convenient speed wee might.” 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 81 
 
 Such were the ceremonies, the judicial forms, and the hospitalities observed 
 in the discharge of these duties, by the magistrates of Yarmouth and their co¬ 
 adjutors, during the free fair. 
 
 The prosperity of Yarmouth was doubtless occasioned by the freedom which 
 all enjoyed, whether denizen or foreign, of bringing on shore the fish which 
 they had caught, and selling the produce of their labour, to the best advantage, 
 without let or hindrance. The tendency of all the early legislation on the 
 subject, was to secure a free and cheap market; to discountenance brokers, or 
 middle men; and to prevent forestalling, regrating, and cngi'ossing.'*^ 
 
 A practice seemed to have grown up, at an early period, for the fishermen 
 to leave the sale of their fish to the “ hosts” or parties, with whom they lodged 
 in the town ; who thus acted as brokers, paying all dues and demands, and 
 being accountable for the price. If we may judge by the numerous ordinances 
 made for their regulation, we must suppose that they attempted to monopolize 
 the trade, and to take an undue advantage of their position, by appropriating to 
 themselves too large a share of the profits. 
 
 In 1357, the Statute of Herrings was passed, which recited that complaints 
 had been made, “ because the people of Yarmouth did encounter the fishers 
 “ bringing herring to the said town, in the time of the fair, and did buy and 
 “ forestall the herring before they came to the town ; ” and, that the “ hostelers 
 of the same town, who lodge the fishers coming thither,” would not suffer the 
 fishers to sell their herrings, nor meddle with the sale thereof, but sold them 
 “ at their own will,” as dear as they could, and gave the fishermen “ what they 
 pleased ; ” for which reason, the fishermen had withdrawn themselves from 
 coming to the town, and herrings were sold at a much greater price than ever 
 they had been, “ to the great damage of our Lord the King, of the Lords, and 
 of all the people.” It then enacts, that no herrings should be sold at sea; that 
 the fishers themselves were free to sell their fish “ without any disturbance of 
 
 * The horror long entertained by the legislature against these supposed crimes, may 
 be seen by the 5 and 6 Edward VI., c. 14, which enacts, that whosoever bought any 
 corn or grain, with intent to sell it again, should be reported an unlawful engrosser; and 
 should, for the first fault, ^lulfer two months imprisonment, and forfeit the value ol tlie 
 corn; for the second, six months imprisonment, and forfeit double the value; and for 
 the third, be set in the pillory, suffer imprisonment during the King’s pleasure, and for¬ 
 feit all his goods. 
 
82 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 their hostelers or others,” each man taking his part; and all sales to be made 
 between sun-rising and sun-setting. The fishers were to have liberty to buy 
 their victuals, and what they wanted, where they pleased ; and “ no hostelers 
 or others,” were to “ buy any for to hang in their houses, by covin nor in other 
 “ manner, at a higher price the last than 40s., but less inasmuch as he may 
 “ agree with the seller.” Hostelers were to be sworn before the wardens of 
 the fail-, and enjoined to receive their guests “ well and conveniently,” and “ to 
 aid and ease them reasonably,” taking for every last of fish sold to other mer¬ 
 chants, 40f?., but nothing for the fish purchased by themselves; for which 
 advantage of AOd., the hostelers were to be answerable for the payment of the 
 fish sold to other merchants, with their assent. It was declared that the hun¬ 
 dred of herrings should be counted at six score, and the last at ten thousand ; 
 that the people of Yarmouth should sell a last of red herrings, bought fresh at 
 40s., for “ half a mark gain,” and no more ; and that the people of London 
 should bring the same to London, for one mark gain, and no more ; that “two 
 lasts of shotten-herring fish” should be sold at the price of a last of full 
 herrings, &c. In the same year, a royal commission was issued, making further 
 regulations for the purchase and sale of herrings, —which are princij^ally directed 
 against forestallers and regraters.. The hostelers are accused of not “ revering 
 the statute ; ” but, on the contrary, Avith “voluntarily and maliciously exceeding 
 “ the ends and form thereof, in buying and selling such herring in the fair and 
 “ town aforesaid, so that they might acquire extraordinary gain; ” and that 
 they had “ forestalled the herring there by day and night; ” and had “ mani¬ 
 festly hindered the foreign merchants ” from buying herrings in the time of the 
 fair, and had “ manifestly threatened the same foreign merchants Avith life and 
 limb,” so that they had not dared to come or stay there as they ought; and 
 so by the “ covins, prolocutions, and undue disturbances of those hostelers, the 
 dearness (or scarcity) of herrings ” had become too great, and detrimental to 
 the realm ; and also, with having often attempted “ sundry other injuries, 
 grieA’ances, disturbances, and excesses,” contrary to the statute, “ to the inova¬ 
 tion of the same,” and in contempt of the royal authority. Wherefore, the 
 commissioners, William de Shatesheall and William de Catesby, Avere directed 
 to hold an inquisition upon all the matters aforesaid. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 83 
 
 In 1359, Edward III. issued an order, which stated that the price of 
 herrings was “ greatly indearthed,” to the damage of the common people of the 
 realm ; and therefore directed, that fishers coming Avith their herring into the 
 haven, in the time of the fair, should sell none before they came to the land 
 and had fastened their moorings, and then should “ sell upon the land openly, 
 to whom it pleased them and that merchants resorting thither, were as free to 
 buy of the fishers, as the hosts Avere, “ Avithout disturbance or impeachment of 
 any.” None Avere to go to the fishers, by sea or land, to buy herrings by Avay of 
 foretailing; and the fishers and their hosts, Averenot to absent themselves, but to 
 be at the tide, Avhen their ships came to the land, ready to sell to strangers as 
 Avell as to others: vessels called “ pycards,” Averc to buy no herring at sea, or in 
 any other place upon the coast; and upon complaint made, all “her papers ” 
 were to be attached by the Avardens of the fair, to ansAver the plaintiff in court, 
 after the laAv-merchant,—one half of the quest to be neighbours, and the other 
 half foreigners, if the plea touched neighbour and foreigner. The Avardens Avere 
 to be attendant at every tide, to see their regulations enforced. None Avere to 
 go in boats, to induce the fishers to sell their herring; but if the fishers Avere 
 Avilling to sell, after they had anchored, it Avas laAvful for the merchants of 
 Lowestoft and Winterton to buy herrings, “ to re\’e the carts and horses that 
 come thither from divers countries,” so that they sold not against the tide; and 
 if any fisher had but one last and a half of herring, or less, and “ list not to 
 come into the haven for so little a thing,” it Avas laAvful for him “ to set out his 
 sign ” in the roads, and to sell to the merchants Avho came to him. 
 
 Another ordinance of herring Avas made in 1360 ; and in 1361, an act Avas 
 passed, declaring it to be laAvful for eA^ery man, of AAdiateA’er condition, “ be he 
 merchant or other,” to buy herrings openly, and not priA'ately, at such price as 
 might be agreed upon betAveen buyer and seller ; and no one should interfere 
 until they had made an end of their bargain, nor increase upon the other during 
 their bargaining. The 11th chapter of 6 Richard II., Avhich relates to the sale 
 of fish by hosts, in cities and toAvns, provides, that all hosts, as Avell of the city 
 of London and the toAvns of Great Yarmouth, Scarborough, Winchester, and 
 Rye, as also in all other toAvns and places upon the coast of the sea, and else- 
 Avhcre, as Avell within liberties as Avithout, shall abstain from forestalling. In 
 1551, a bill Avas brought into parliament, “ For buying of herrings upon the sea, 
 
 31 
 
84 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 on the coasts of Norfolk and Suflolk ; ” and in the following year, “A bill 
 touching the sale of herrings in Y'arinouth haven ; ” also, “ A bill for buying 
 fresh herrings upon the sea,” and, “ A bill for carrying herrings from the haven 
 of Y'armouth, to any parts of this realm.” 
 
 The importance of the fisheries, as a nursery for seamen, ■was also early 
 acknowledged. In 1563, an act was passed, “ Touching politick constitutions 
 for the maintenance of the navy ; ” which declared it to be unlawful to make 
 any restraint upon, or to take any toll in respect of, the sale of any fish taken 
 by any of the Queen’s subjects, and brought into the realm ; and by an act 
 passed in 1397, “For encouraging mariners, and for the maintenance of navi¬ 
 gation,” all ordinances made by corporations, restraining the purchase and sale 
 of fish, w'ere declared void.'^ 
 
 In 1568, the Protestants being persecuted in France, and the Duke of Alva 
 having established the Inquisition in the Netherlands, numbers of industrious 
 and skilful artizans came over to England, and greatly improved the woollen 
 manufactures of the kingdom, especially at Norwich. Those who settled in 
 YTarmouth, were mostly fishermen; and in 1570, Queen Elizabeth granted them 
 a licence to reside in the town, and pursue their trade without molestation.f 
 In the course of a few years, their numbers increased so much, as to occasion 
 alarm to the authorities, who thought proper to publish a number of orders for 
 their guidance and restriction.‘I 
 
 From a very early period, the town appears to have derived a revenue on 
 the sale of herrings, by what was called the “ heyning money : ” which seems 
 
 * The exportation of fish “ in foreign bottoms,” was prohibited; but frequent 
 “ licences” were obtained from the Crown to do so. James I. established a company of 
 merchants to trade with France : and the bailiffs of Yarmouth received a letter from 
 Lord Salisbury, then lord high treasurer, desiring that no exportation should take place 
 except through the company. Nevertheless, upon petition, the inhabitants had permis¬ 
 sion to employ foreign vessels, until 1616, when the supporters of the navigation laws 
 succeeded in putting a stop to the practice; and, in consequence, fifty fishing vessels 
 left the town. The ill effects of this proceeding became so apparent, that the inhabitants 
 afterwards, very frequently obtained permission to export their fish as they pleased,—■ 
 but they had often to pay heavily to the Crown for the licence. 
 
 t This licence, admirably written, and in excellent preservation, is now in a private 
 collection. Queen Elizabeth, in this, followed the example of Edward III., who granted 
 letters of protection to the Dutch, to settle in his dominions. 
 
 J They are published by Swinden, page 916, and also the licence, in exienso. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 85 
 
 to have been the difference in price between the sum fixed by the host, and that 
 which was realized on a sale at the herring chamber, where, in strictness, all 
 herrings were to be sold ; but if not sold there, the parties brought a bill, and 
 paid whatever could be claimed for heyning money. This impediment to free 
 trade, was felt to be a grievance, and many attempts were made to get rid of it. 
 In 1551, Henry Martyn confessed in open assembly, that he had oflered to give 
 Mr. Betts £20, “ upon condycon that the s'* Mr. Betts wolde g)we hjTn £40 
 “ whan the heyning money should be over throwed,” adding, that “he dyd knowe 
 “ them that shulde over throwe it; and thereupon he wolde lay his money ; 
 “ addyng moreover, that there was dyvers comoners of this town, that wolde 
 “ gyve sume twenty nobles, and sume more money, to overthrowe the seid 
 “ heyning monay.” In 1552, it was agreed that every burgess might “ buy his 
 “ host aflote in the rode, being at anchor, and immediately the host shall come 
 “ on shore, and certify the price which shall be received or rejected by them 
 “ there present, so that they may there lieyn for the herrings ; provided they 
 “ shall begin by the thousand: and whosor deceive the town, for the herrings 
 “ so bought, or conceal the price, shall forfeit £5 : it being meant that the host 
 “ shall come to the host house, there to make his jn’ice.” In 1554, it was 
 ordered, “ that instead of the host taking half a last of herrings, before the 
 “ town had any part, the host should only take a thousand, and the town a 
 “ thousand; and for every thousand after, the host half a thousand, and the 
 “ town half a thousand,—under a penalty of 12f/. a thousand.” 
 
 The chamberlains were the parties who attended on behalf of the corpo¬ 
 ration, and received the heyning money: and in 1646, Nathaniel Cox was 
 appointed their assistant, “ to knock the beetle at the hejming chamber the next 
 fishing, with the allowance of £5.” 
 
 A fatal blow to the freedom which had characterized the Y'armouth fisheries, 
 was struck by Charles I., when he issued an order in council, prohibiting the 
 Dutch to fish off Yarmouth, as they had been accustomed to do, time immemo¬ 
 rial, without obtaining preHously, a royal licence. The States, on receiving this 
 intelligence, despatched an Embassy to remonstrate; but the King refused to 
 give them any satisfaction : and one or two of their herring boats being soon 
 afterwards captured, the Dutch sent a squadron to protect the rest. .lames I. 
 had attempted to do the same in 1610, when he imposed duties on Dutch goods ; 
 but being remonstrated with by the States, was induced to restore this privilege. 
 
 M 2 
 
86 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 When the Cinque ports bailiffs ceased to visit the town, and the local 
 authorities were entirely uncontrolled, they seem to have lost sight of all the' 
 great principles of free trade, and to have been actuated by the desire of 
 engrossing the sale of herrings, for the sole benefit of the freemen and of the 
 corporate revenue ; and to confine the catch, as much as possible, to boats 
 belonging to the town. Proceeding on these false principles of commerce, they 
 procured an act of parliament to be passed in the reign of Charles II., which 
 prohibited the sale of herrings by the Dutch and French; who were conse¬ 
 quently driven from the coast; and the town lost the benefit of their trading. 
 Still further to monopolize the trade, they ordered that all boats, not belonging 
 to the town, should sell their fish to none but freemen, (who, as buyers of 
 fish, were few in number); and then, only at “ tide price,”—that is, the price 
 at which the first boat’s herrings were sold,—which price was to rule all 
 sales for the next twelve hours : and the produce of each boat could only be 
 sold to one merchant, who was called his host. The corporation also claimed 
 and exercised a privilege of pre-emption, at tide's price, of one half the quantity 
 of all herrings caught and brought in ; and of re-selling the same at the market 
 price: the profits being carried to the credit of the corporate revenue. The 
 freemen (who were buyers of fish) and the corporation, were alike interested 
 in keeping down the “ tide price,” and of re-selling their herrings to the best 
 advantage,—the difference in price being called the “ heyning money ; ” and 
 this difference was usually paid by the merchants to the corporation, upon a 
 moiety of the fish purchased by them of other parties, according to returns 
 which they made.^' 
 
 The power which the corporation thus had, of regulating the price, was 
 considered a great imposition on the seller,—especially as the first boat might 
 bring in old or bad fish ; and the price could be fixed without reference to 
 demand and supply. The purchaser, in fact, fixed his own price on the goods 
 which he took from the seller. 
 
 * In 1676, the corporation agreed, that a sixth part of the heyning money upon coast 
 and coble bills should be kept for the redemption of captives, inhabitants of Yarmouth; 
 and Mr. Benjamin England and Mr; Samuel Fuller, jun., were appointed treasurers of 
 such stock ; and in the following year, £17 11s. was paid to them on this account. And 
 in 1680, an account was ordered to be taken “ of the names of what Yarmouth men are 
 now in slavery.” 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 87 
 
 When the war broke out in 1688, only a small number of boats came to 
 fish; and they were compelled to deliver their catch to not more than fifteen 
 merchants ; who, being “ greedy of gain,” made the “ tide price ” very con¬ 
 siderably below the actual value of the fish : and the profit to the corporation, 
 between the tide price and the selling price became very great,—the “ hej’ning 
 money ” amounting in one year to £2,000. It operated, in fact, as a tax of 
 about £2 per last upon all herrings brought into Yarmouth ; and had the effect 
 of driving the boats from the coast; many going to Ramsgate, Dover, and 
 other places. Many attempts were made to repeal these ordinances, but with¬ 
 out success : the members of the corporation being interested in their preserva¬ 
 tion. Thus matters continued until 1709; when it hajipened that a “tide 
 price ” was made, by one who had the first boat that came, at more than 40s. 
 per last under what the fish were fairly worth, (a small quantity of herrings 
 only having been taken), and against the opinion of the other merchants ; eight 
 of whom, considering the injustice done to the fishermen, by taking their her¬ 
 rings at that price, gave them 1 Os. per last more. This was resented by the 
 corporation ; who, to deter others from adopting a similar course, and to uphold 
 the practice of fixing an arbitrary price, fined these merchants, and disfranchised 
 them until the fines were paid. All submitted, save one,—John Andrews, an 
 alderman of the borough,—who not only refused to pay the fine, but also de¬ 
 clined to attend any assembly of the corporation, until the obnoxious bye-law 
 was repealed: he was, in consequence, dismissed from the corporation, and 
 another elected in his stead.* Mr. Andrews contended that great frauds were 
 committed by the buyers of herrings, so that honest men, who traded fairly, 
 paid much more to the corporation for the herrings which they bought, than 
 others,—it being left to every man’s conscience to pay what he thought his oath 
 obliged him to do, “which,” says Mr. Andrews, “to some men is little enough.” 
 The herrings bought by Mr. Andrews on this occasion, were two lasts and one 
 thousand; and he offered to deliver to the corporation, half the herrings which 
 he had purchased, at the price he paid for the same; but that being above the 
 
 * The corporation were afterwards advised by counsel (Sir Edward Noidhey), that 
 “ the disfranchising Mr. Andrews, for the private profit of the people of Yarmouth, was 
 not justifiable: ” but the order was never rescinded. 
 
88 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 “ tide price,” they refused ; and claimed of him £3 7s. 10c?., and a fine of £1. 
 To compel the payment of these sums, the corporation filed a bill in the Court 
 of Exchequer, against iMr. Andrews ; who, in his answer, cited the several acts 
 of parliament, before alluded to, and especially an act passed in 1697, confirm¬ 
 ing the 5th of Elizabeth,—declaring it to be unlawful to set the price, or to 
 make any restraint or demand, or to take any toll upon any sea fish, brought 
 into the realm by any British subjects ; and he contended, that the ordinances 
 of the corporation were illegal. The court held them to be so : and an end 
 was put to the purchase and sale of herrings at “ tide price ; ” and this branch 
 of corporate revenue ceased but the corporation continued to receive the 
 town’s half dole, till a much later period. 
 
 The practice of dividing the produce of a boat into doles,—which are then 
 shared between the owners and the crew, according to an agreed scale,—is of 
 very ancient origin, and is still practised. The expenses of the voyage, agreed 
 upon at a fixed sum, according to the size of the boat, are deducted from the 
 value of the catch,—which is calculated at the medium price per last,—and the 
 balance is divided into doles, the number of which also depends upon the size of 
 the boat. Of these doles, one was set aside for the chmxh and the town : the 
 one half, which was called “ Christ’s half dole,” was paid in lieu of the tithe of 
 fish, to which the minister was entitled; and the other half was called “ The 
 toum’s half dole,” and was applied towards the support of the haven and pier, 
 by a bye-law, made in 1484, and confirmed in 1593.j- 
 
 When Yarmouth was the great mart for herrings, and was frequented by 
 the fishermen of other nations, the produce of these half doles was very con¬ 
 siderable. In the reign of Edward III., the minister’s half dole is said to have 
 
 • kir. Andrews asserted, that he once purchased herrings of the corporation, at £6 
 10s. per last above the “ tide price,” at which they had been obtained by that body. 
 In 1725, during the lengthened disputes between the corporation and Mr. Andrews, (who 
 was accused by the former of invading their rights—being a constant encroacher—and of 
 going “ to lengths that no other man would venture at,”) they, to punish him, resolved 
 not to grant him the liberty of making steps into his new house on the quay, (now the 
 custom-house,) till he refunded all the charges he had put the town to; “ but that he 
 goes into his house by a moveable ladder, as they do at the Quaker’s meeting-house.” 
 
 t On the 12th June, 1593, it was ordered, that henceforth all boats that pay a half 
 dole to St. Nicholas’ church, shall pay a half dole to the use of the haven,—to be taken 
 by the collectors of the haven doles. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 89 
 
 produced 700 marks, or £466 135. Ad. per annum, (a very large sum, when the 
 then value of money is considered); hut in the time of Ileniy YII., it had 
 decreased to 60 marks, or £40 per annum. 
 
 During the reign of Charles I., the Iceland and North Sea fisheries for cod, 
 lyng, &c., which had long been prosecuted with success, attained their greatest 
 prosperity. About 150 vessels were then employed in the North Sea fishery, off 
 the coast of Norway; and about 20 vessels annually went to Iceland.* The 
 half doles, from these fisheries alone, from 1645 to 1649, amounted to an average 
 of nearly £300 per annum ; but shortly afterwards they fell off,—the fisheries 
 became unsuccessful,—and, in 1740, one vessel only went to Iceland, and doled 
 £47 to the town. In 1662, a suit was ordered to he brought in the Court of 
 Chancery, against all persons who were in arrears for rent of the half doles ; 
 and in 1705, a committee was appointed, to assist the mayor to examine and 
 enquire into the duties and monies, payable to the church and town, for the half 
 doles of fish.f In 1607, the town’s half dole is stated to have produced, on an 
 average, only £135 per annum ; and the “ hajming money,” £348 per annum. 
 
 In 1721, the method of doling was regulated in the following manner: the 
 value of the fish caught by each boat having been ascertained, at a medium 
 price, the following expenses were first deducted, namely,— 
 
 For a great boat 
 
 For a middle or small boat 
 
 For a coble 
 
 £6.5 
 
 60 
 
 40 
 
 • Robert Bacon, a mariner of Cromer, is said to have discovered Iceland, and like¬ 
 wise to have taken prisoner, James, Prince of Scotland, when sailing to France for his 
 education, in the reign of Henry IV. IMany controversies took place as to the right of 
 the fi.shermen of Yarmouth to fish on the coasts of Denmark; and, in 1601, Mr Damet 
 was ordered to certify to the Commissioners, appointed to settle the controversies with 
 the King of Denmark, what money had been paid to the King by our fishers, for fishing 
 at Iceland. In 1688, Charles II. granted to the town a sum of £160 per annum, pay¬ 
 able out of the excise on beer, as an encouragement for prosecuting the North Sea 
 fishery; and in 1702, the corporation erected alms-houses, for the reception of aged and 
 “decayed” fishermen, now known as The Fishermen’s Hospital. They obtained a 
 Treasury warrant, authorizing them to apply the above grant to the support of this 
 institution ; and the money continued to be received by the town, and so applied, until 
 the abolition of the beer act. 
 
 t In the reign of Queen Elizabeth, a bill was filed in Chancery, against James Osborne, 
 the lessee of the Dean and Chapter of Norwich, “ to establish the custom of payment of 
 dole of tithe-fish, called Christ’s dole,”—in which bill the custom is fully set forth. 
 
90 HISTORY OF 
 
 remained, was then divided into the following doles,— 
 
 A gi-oat boat ,. ., .. .. .. 80 doles 
 
 A middle boat ., ,. .. .. 75 doles 
 
 A small boat .. .. .. ,, .. 65 doles 
 
 A coble .. .. .. .. ,. 40 doles 
 
 which, with the exception of the dole paid to the corporation, for the town and 
 the minister, were distributed between the owners and the crew. 
 
 The town’s half dole ceased to be collected in 1824. 
 
 In 1751, it is said, that the number of foreign busses employed that season 
 in the herring fishery, of Yarmouth, and of the lasts caught, was as follows :— 
 250 Dutch busses, of 80 tons and 14 men each, caught, at an average of 
 20 lasts each, in all 5,000; which, valued at £20 per last, made £100,000. 
 120 Scheveling boats, of 30 tons each, and from 6 to 8 men, in like proportion, 
 caught 900 lasts,—which was £18,000. And 120 French busses,'^' of above 
 100 tons each, and from 14 to 25 men, in like proportion, caught 3,000 lasts,— 
 which was £60,000. In all, 8,900 lasts, amounting to £178,000. 
 
 On the 15th of September, 1787, sixty sail of Dutch schuyts entered the 
 harbour, and remained until the 20th ; also thirty sail of Yorkshire cobles. The 
 fishing this year was unsuccessful,—averaging no more than 15 lasts per boat.f 
 On the 20th of September, 1790, the fishing made “ a glorious beginning,”— 
 60 lasts of fish having been brought in by ten boats ; but at the conclusion, the 
 average was not more than 14 lasts per boat. In the following year, the aver¬ 
 age Avas 18 lasts ; and in 1793, reached 20 lasts. In 1800, the average rose to 
 25 lasts, and the price reached the extraordinary sum of £30 per last,—the 
 previous average price having been about half that amount. The herring 
 fishery in 1808, Avas very productive : one boat brought in 62 lasts, and the 
 price Avas from £20 to £30 per last. The following year was still better : 101 
 boats brought in 3,500 lasts; and 49,000 barrels of herrings Avere cured at 
 Yarmouth that year. From this time, the fishery Avas continued with varying 
 
 * A Norwich paper, printed in 1752, says, that in September in that year, “ the back 
 “ of Yarmouth sands was lined with above 300 French busses, who took the best of tlie 
 “ ground ; and to prevent our fishers coming to it, cast anchor there. These French 
 “ busses are of 100 tons and upwards, and carry 30 or 35 hands each,—so that they have 
 “ 9,000 sailors at this time upon our coast.” 
 
 t The late Mr. George Errington kept a journal of the fisheries, Avhich gives much 
 valuable statistical information. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 91 
 
 ■success, but generally with an increasing average per boat; until 1853, when 
 there was, perhaps, the most abundant fishing ever known. One boat (the 
 Perseverance, belonging to Mr. T. Lettis) in the course of the season, brought 
 in the enormous number of 126 lasts ; whilst several boats caught upwards of 
 100 lasts each, and many 70 lasts each. The entire quantity of herrings caught 
 by Yarmouth boats, during the fishing, and cured in the town, was estimated at 
 10,000 lasts. About 12,000 tons weight of herrings were sent into the country 
 by railway ; of which quantity, more than half were carried to London : many 
 thousand barrels were sent coastwise, by steamboats ; and more than 15,000 
 barrels, containing from 750 to 800 fish each, were shipped in thirteen vessels, 
 for different parts of the Mediterranean.* The price of the fish, when brought 
 on shore, varied from £26 to £4 10s. per last. 
 
 What is termed the “ Deep Sea fishing,” was first tried in 1789. About 
 100 sail of boats compose the fleet, which, in the month of August, proceeds 
 to the north part of England to fish: the herrings caught there are sent to 
 Yarmouth, and most of them cured. The boats employed in these fisheries, 
 are called “luggers,” from having three irregular square or “lug” sails, and 
 are remarkable for their swiftness. 
 
 The vessels employed in fishing for turbots, soles, &c., are termed “ trawling 
 smacks.” In the year 1853, they were sixty-five in number ; and for the three 
 months, ending on the 18th of December, they landed 14,077 baskets of fish, 
 weighing 527 tons ; the whole of which were sent off by railway, principally 
 to London. 
 
 The Mackerel Fishery, in 1806 and 1807, was very successful. In the 
 former year, Lettis’s two boats raised £860 ; and the average for the town was 
 about £340. In the latter year, one boat raised £464; and the average was £310. 
 There were then, no adequate means of disposing of such prodigious quantities ; 
 and the price fell to 5s. per hundred. In 1817, the mackerel fishing declined, in 
 consequence of the fish keeping at a distance of 30 or 40 miles from the shore, 
 so that they could not be brought in fresh ; the same thing occurred in the 
 
 * In 1823, the Fisherman's Charitable Society was established, for the purpose of 
 providing relief to the widows and orphans of fishermen, and of affording a weekly sum. 
 in cases of accidents. It has been ably conducted by Benjamin Fenn, Esq., who has 
 given much time and attention to all subjects connected with the fisheries. 
 
92 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 year 1820 and, in 1821, mackerel were so abundant as to sell at 2s. Qd. per 
 hundred. Scarf’s boat raised £380 ; and the average was £250 per boat. In 
 1845, eighty-two boats raised £34,253 ; the highest being the Perseverance, 
 which raised £670. In 1855, the sum of £27,994 was realized by eighty-five, 
 boats; of which three, belonging to Messrs. Swann and Co., averaged £467 
 each. 
 
 The importance of railway communication, in developing the trade in fish, 
 maj" be estimated by the fact, that in the year, ending the 31st of December, 
 1854, no less than 533,425 packages of fish, weighing 20,003 tons 5 cwt., were 
 convej'ed by that means, from Y'armouth to various parts of the country.f 
 
 Although originally frequented for her fisheries alone, yet, being situated 
 at the mouth of three considerable rivers, (then the only means of internal 
 communication,) and being the only port on a long line of seaboard,—Yarmouth 
 became the natural gate of commerce to a large and flourishing district. “ By 
 “these rivers,” say the Proposals (published in 1672), “to the landward, all 
 “ the country growths and manufactures are, Avith little charge, brought to 
 “Y'armouth; and up these rivers, these countries are furnished Avith forrein 
 “ and domestick commodities, at reasonable rates. It lies in the same latitude 
 “ as Amsterdam : and by conveyance, more convenient than any other toAvn on 
 “ the eastern coast of England, for the trade of the United Netherlands, and 
 “ Flanders ; and almost equal Avith Hull and NcAVcastle for the trade of Ham- 
 “ burgh, the Hanse ToAvns, the Baltick, and Noi’Avay.” 
 
 One of the earliest employments for Yarmouth vessels Avas, no doubt, in 
 the conveyance of coals from NeAvcastle. In the 13th century, such coals as 
 
 * It is remarkable, that in this year the species of shrimp, which had usually been 
 caught on this coast, Avas almost entirely displaced by another species, Avhich had pre¬ 
 viously only been found at Lynn. 
 
 t A further account of the fisheries at Yarmouth, Avill be found in a note to Mansliip’s 
 History, page 306. Some of the terms locally used, and not there inserted, are as 
 folloAv :— Foy (French toi). A supper gh'en by the owners of fishing ve.ssels to the 
 crew, at the commencement of the season; sometimes called a bendiny foy,~fYovci first 
 bending the sails. A White Herring is a fresh herring; in the North, a pickled 
 herring is so called The quantity contained in a Cade, is thus determined in the ac¬ 
 counts of the Celaress of the Abbey of Barking: “ IMemorandum.—That a barrel of 
 “ herryn shold contene a thousand herryngs, and a cade of herryn six hundreth,—six 
 score to the hundreth,” 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 93 
 
 ^ve^e carried to London, were mostly used by brewers, dyers, and others re¬ 
 quiring large fires ; insomuch that, in 1306, the nobility and gentry complained 
 to the King, that the air was infected with a noisome smell, and a thick cloud 
 to the great endangering of the health of the inhabitants ; whereupon a pro¬ 
 clamation was issued, strictly prohibiting the use of coals. This prejudice 
 gradually died away : and before the close of the 14th century, an active coal 
 trade was carried on. In 1317, the dues received at Y'armouth on coals (carbon) 
 imiJorted, amounted to £1 8s. 2c/.; and in the following year, to 20s. only. 
 
 In 1378, it appears, by entries in the burgh rolls, that the price of coals at 
 Y'armouth, including freight, was 5s. 6c/. per chaldron. 
 
 In 1386, there were measured in Y’armouth, 267 chaldrons ; but in 1402, 
 the quantity fell to 88 chaldron. From this time the coal trade rapidly in¬ 
 creased. In the reign of James I. and Charles I., the Crown endeavoured to 
 obtain a revenue by the grant of monopolies ; the profits of which were, of 
 course, in proportion to the extensive use of the article monopolized. The sa// 
 monopoly was a grievance which was strenuously complained of;* and in 1637, 
 the Y^armouth merchants refused to send their ships to Newcastle, in conse¬ 
 quence of some contract which the King had entered into, regarding the sale of 
 coals. In this extremity, the Lord Chancellor Cottington addressed a letter to 
 the bailiffs and coal merchants of Y^armouth, wherein, after stating that “his 
 Iloyal Majestie gave noe great credit ” to the information which he had received, 
 yet considering the inconvenience which would result, if such a resolution were 
 adhered to, he lets them know, that his Majesty expected that, as in former 
 years, they would “ goe presently to sea, to fetch coles from Newcastle ; ” 
 desiring them, if any just cause of complaint remained, to “send up a few prin¬ 
 cipal! men ” to attend the King ifi council; to whom his Majesty was “resolved 
 to give a gracious hearing ” of all their grievances. 
 
 In 1668, the quantity of coals imported was 22,760 chaldrons. During the 
 last ten years, the importations have been as under :— 
 
 1845 . 
 
 . 207,100 tons 
 
 1848 . 
 
 192,880 tons 
 
 1851 . 
 
 . 148,967 tons 
 
 1846 
 
 174,598 „ 
 
 1849 
 
 169,044 „ 
 
 1852 
 
 153,038 „ 
 
 1847 . 
 
 . 190,677 „ < 
 
 1850 . 
 
 . 170,112 „ 
 
 1843 . 
 
 . 163,272 „ 
 
 1854 . . . 165,466 tons 
 
 N 2 
 
 See Manship, page 379. 
 
94 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 The principal export during the middle ages, was wool,'^'—the chief article 
 of the staple. The history of English commerce is, in a great part, the record 
 of a series of attempts to control the free course of trade. Among other regu¬ 
 lations, was that of the Staple.- Goods liable to the payment of duty, were 
 lodged in warehouses, secured by the King’s staple—equivalent to a padlock. 
 These warehouses were called staple warehouses ; at last, the goods themselves 
 were called staple commodities. Yarmouth was made a staple town in 1369.f 
 The persons who were permitted to trade with such goods, were called “ mer¬ 
 chants of the staple,” and were sworn to observe and maintain the staple-laws. 
 
 About the commencement of the 14th century, the merchants of England 
 began to adopt the practice of using distinctive Marks, to be placed on their 
 goods. These depended entirely upon fancy : but at length came to be used 
 by all the branches of the same family, with a slight difference to prevent mis¬ 
 takes. Thus they, in some measure, supplied the place of armorial bearings 
 and in the olden time, when merchants gave money towards the building or 
 restoration of churches or public halls, their marks were placed in the windows, 
 and carved in the spandrils of doorways, in honor of their liberality. Where 
 the merchant bore coat armour, it was not unfrequent for him to introduce his 
 mark into the shield.^ It must also be confessed that the merchants frequently 
 “ made their mark ” to official documents, instead of writing their names : but 
 this did not always imply that they could not do so. Although, undoubtedly, the 
 principal merchants of Yarmouth had each his mark, but few are now extant. 
 Some specimens are given in the annexed plate, which includes the following :§ 
 
 * The most ancient record which presents a general view of the foreign trade of 
 England, is an account, preserved in the Exchequer, of the exports and imports, to¬ 
 gether with the amount of the customs paid upon them, in 1354. The total value of 
 the exports for that year, was £212,338 os.; paying customs to the amount of £81,846 
 12s. Id. By this account, wool appears to have constituted about 13-14ths of the whole 
 exports of the kingdom. In 1751, an act of parliament was passed, “ For opening, 
 the port of Yarmouth for the importation of wool and woollen yarn from Ireland.” 
 
 t See Manship, page 247. 
 
 \ This was done by Robert Crowmer, as appears by his shield on his tomb in 
 Yarmouth church; and by Bartholomew Ellys, as shewn on his seal ^Reserved at Stow 
 Bardolph. See also instances in Cotman’s Sepulchral Brasses. 
 
 § Some account of these marks, by Mr. Harrod, is published in the Norfolk Archee- 
 ology, vol. iv., page 247 ; and it is by permission that the figures have been re-produced 
 for this work. Mr. Ewing has also published “ Notices of the Norwich Merchant 
 Marks.” See Norfolk Archeology, vol. iii., page 177. 
 
'i 
 
 1 
 
 N 
 
 
 5 
 
 /A 
 
 
 nil 
 
 ‘i 
 
 y) 
 
 
 'i 
 
 12 
 
 m 
 
 1 
 
 
 15 
 
 □ 
 
 
 17 
 
 *1 
 
 
 20 
 
 t 
 
 
 ”1 
 
 
 ■'ti 
 
 
 ”1 
 
 “1 
 
 MERCHANTS MARKS, CT YARMOUTH. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 95 
 
 1 
 
 John Wakeman, bailiff in 1577 
 
 11 
 
 William Denne, bailiff in 1553 
 
 2 
 
 Richard Bennett, a councillor 
 
 12 
 
 Richard Bunne, councillor in 1553 
 
 3 
 
 John Harding 
 
 13 
 
 Nicholas Fen, bailiff in 1549 
 
 4 
 
 John Bartilmew, bailifl’ in 1582 and 
 
 14 
 
 William Blyth 
 
 
 1595 
 
 15 
 
 Gregory Goose, bailiff in 1591 
 
 5 
 
 William Stepney, a councillor 
 
 16 
 
 Robert Ladde 
 
 6 
 
 Thomas Harris, bailiff in^581 
 
 17 
 
 William Tanfield 
 
 7 
 
 William Barnes, a councillor 
 
 18 
 
 Edward Musgrove 
 
 8 
 
 Walter Barrett, a councillor 
 
 19 
 
 John Purfrew, bailiff in 1561 
 
 9 
 
 Thomas Skarlett 
 
 20 
 
 Bartholemew Ellis, bailiff in 1391 
 
 10 
 
 Christopher Haylett, bailiff in 1552 
 
 21 
 
 John Lucas, bailiff in 1636 
 
 22, 23, 24 John Cone, John Smith, and Peter Bartilmew,—three herring packers, 
 as entered in the assembly hooks of the 15th century 
 25 From tlie spandril of the arch of a hay window, being the only existing por¬ 
 tion of an old hall in Middlcgate Street. (See Majiship, page 420 ) 
 
 26, 27. The marks of Peter de la Pence, a merchant of Brabant, and James, his 
 brother; from the book of entries, circa 1582 
 28 This mark is still to be seen, forming part of the tapestry irons on the front 
 of the Ballast Keel public-house, South quay. 
 
 The issue of Tokens to serve as small change, had its rise in the want of 
 some such medium, by private traders and the lower classes, in the purchase of 
 the minor necessaries of life. The exact period of their first appearance, is 
 unknown ; but they seem to have been chiefly of lead,* tin, or latten, and 
 mention is even made of stamped leather, bearing some rude letters and device, 
 —probably the initials and sign of the issuer. We know, from a passage in 
 the Aclagia of Erasmus, that they were prevalent in the time of Henry VIII., 
 and frequent complaints were made of the great loss caused by them, as they 
 could only he exchanged at the shop from which they were first issued.f 
 
 In the reign of Queen Elizabeth, proposals were entertained for a coinage 
 of royal tokens, to remedy this abuse, and some few' 2 )attern pieces were struck 
 off; hut the actual issue of them never took place. A copper farthing, current 
 in Bristol and for ten miles round that city, was, however, allowed by the royal 
 authority. 
 
 * In 1463, John Pedle, of Yarmouth, for coining and uttering eighteen groats, made 
 of copper and lead, as good coin of the realm, was tried, condemned, and hanged. 
 
 t Considerable numbers of these leaden dumps, or tokens, have been discovered in 
 excavations, in London : specimens ol which are extant in oiu County Museum. 
 
96 
 
 HISTORY OR 
 
 Until tlie ITtli century there was no authorised currency hut that of silver, 
 with a small proportion of gold. As the state failed to prordde the trading 
 community and the poorer classes, with coins of a less valuable metal, necessity 
 at last compelled them to find a substitute in the money of other countries, 
 which was first introduced from Genoa and other parts of Italy, by the Italian 
 merchants. * 
 
 Janies I. granted a patent for coining farthings, to Lord Harrington, of 
 Es-ton ; and in this and the succeeding reign, his lordship, and other patentees, 
 issued great numbers of royal tokens, bearing a cromi on one side, and a harp 
 on the other, with the King’s name and titles: but eventually, the numerous 
 counterfeits of them, and the refusal of the patentees to rechange them, put an 
 entire stop to their currency. 
 
 About the time of the great rebellion, tokens began again to be struck without 
 restriction, by every toivn and borough, and by private tradesmen, in vast num¬ 
 bers. Shortly after the Restoration, the want of a copper coinage being much 
 felt at Yarmouth, especiallj' among the poorer classes, the overseers of the poor, 
 with the sanction of the corporation, procmed a die, and caused a number of 
 farthings in brass, to be struck and issued.* A fm'ther issue took place two 
 years afterwards. fVide Yarmouth Tokens, Nos. 1 and 2.J This was an as¬ 
 sumption of royal authority which was not to be overlooked : and a government 
 prosecution ensued. In 1670, Mr. Deering, a solicitor in Norudeh, was em¬ 
 powered to act on behalf of the corporation, for obtaining the King’s pardon : 
 and Mr. Huntingdon and Mr. "Ward, were requested “ to journey to the Lord 
 Townshend’s about it.” Through his lordship’s influence, a royal pardon was 
 passed, at an expense of £80 ; to which the corporation added £10, to be paid 
 to Mr. Deering “ for his pains; ” and the farthings were “ cried down ” by the 
 bellman. 
 
 * Some of these tokens are still occasionally found: and many of the coins of the 
 Low Countries. Xuremberg counters, or jettons, sometimes called aVbey-money, (from 
 their bemg frequently discovered amidst the ruins of religious houses, where they were 
 used for casting up accounts,) are also frequently turned up. Silver coins of Queen 
 Elizabeth’s time, are occasionally di'edged from the river, and found in various pai'ts of 
 tJie town. In 1782, a lai'ge number of tradesmen's tokens, of the reigns of Charles 1. 
 and James 1., which appeared to have been buried many year's, were found between the 
 town and the Xorih Star battery. Gold coins of James I., in good preservation, are 
 sometimes found cast on the beach, at Hemsby,—probably fi'om some vessel wrecked 
 near that part of the coast. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 97 
 
 In 1G72, a proclamation was issued, forbidding tbe circulation of tokens, 
 under the severest penalties : and the present type of half-pence and farthings 
 was issued from the royal mint. 
 
 The value of a collection of these tokens, topographically, genealogically, 
 and heraldically considered, though long despised, is beginning to be apprecia¬ 
 ted by county historians,* “ as they present a remarkable episode in the annals 
 “ of coinage ; and it is doubtful whether any country beside our own, can pro- 
 “ duce so singular a series. They are not only highly amusing, but occasionally 
 “ afford glimpses of the manners, customs, and modes of thought, during an 
 “ interesting period of English history.No perfect series ever was, or per¬ 
 haps now can be, formed. Eveljm says, that “ every tavern and tippling-house 
 presumed to utter them : ” and though they were first circulated by those 
 classes, a much greater number was issued by other traders. It is supposed 
 that upwards of 40,000 are knovm : and independently of the vast number that, 
 from their small size, have necessarily been lost, many more exist, probably, in 
 the stores of unknowm collectors, or of those who will not permit them to be 
 examined, or made available for any \iseful purpose. The late Matthew Y'oung, 
 the celebrated coin dealer, purchased a cabinet containing more than 20,000 
 varieties; Mr. Akerman has published a selection from those of London alone, 
 amounting to 2,461; and many collections have been made for various counties. 
 
 Of Norfolk and Suffolk tokens, the most complete series was formed by 
 the late Rev. S. C. E. Neville Rolfe, vicar of Heacham,—a few are in the 
 County Museum ; and some others are in private collections. To that of our 
 Norfolk antiquary, Goddard Johnson, Esq., the following list is largely indebted 
 for its completeness. It probably contains all that are known belonging to 
 Great Yarmouth ; among which are several of interest, as bearing the merchant 
 mark of the issuer,—which will add a few to those useful identifications already 
 given, /'an^e page 95,J —while others bear the names of eminent Y'armouth 
 worthies, occurring in other pages of this historj'. 
 
 • As an example of their utility, we may refer to one of Soho, published in the 
 Gentleman's Magazine, March, 1850, struck eighteen years previous to the battle of 
 Seclgemoor,—correcting the error so widely circulated by Pennant, that the name (So 
 ho !) originated in the pass-word used by the Duke of Monmouth on that occasion. 
 
 t See some interesting papers by Messrs. Boyne and Nightingale, in Willis’ Price 
 Current of Literature for 1852. 
 
98 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 The following is a list of the tokens of the 17th century, struck in Great 
 Yarmouth. 
 
 ®oton pieceff. 
 
 1. 
 
 GREAT . YARMOVTU . 1667 . 
 
 1 Arms of the Borough on both sides, and 
 
 Itev. 
 
 FOR . THE . VSE . OF . THE . POOR 
 
 ) a mint-inark—a mullet of six points 
 
 2. 
 
 Mev. 
 
 GREAT . YARMOVTH . 1669 . 
 
 FOR . THE . VSE . OF . THE . POOR 
 
 1 Arms and mint-mark as preceding. 
 
 
 PriSate 
 
 3. 
 
 JOHN . AMES . 
 
 A Tallow Chandler dipping candles. 
 
 *Rev. 
 
 IN YARMOVTH 1652 * 
 
 A 
 
 I * I 
 
 4. 
 
 lOHN . ARNOLD . IN . 
 
 A bunch of grapes. 
 
 Rev. 
 
 NORTH . YARMOVTH * 
 
 A 
 
 I * M 
 
 5. 
 
 BENIAMIN . BARKER . 
 
 B . B . M Cinqfoil above and beneath. 
 
 Rev. 
 
 OF YARMOVTH * 
 
 1662 A Cinqfoil above and beneath. 
 
 6. 
 
 WILLIAM . BATCH . 
 
 A Wheat-sheaf. 
 
 Rev, 
 
 IN YARMOVTH 
 
 W . B . 
 
 7. 
 
 WHLLIAM BATCH . 1656 . 
 
 With his merchant-mark. 
 
 (A drawing among Mr. D.iwson Tuhneb’s Illustrations to Blomefield's History of Norfolk.) 
 
 8. 
 
 WILLIAM . BATEMAN . 
 
 Merchant-mark. 
 
 Rev. 
 
 IN YARMOVTH . 1656 . 
 
 A mark, apparently a bugle, with WB 
 in monogram beneath, within a circle 
 of dots. 
 
 9. 
 
 WILLIAM . BATEMAN . 
 
 Merchant-mark. 
 
 Rev. 
 
 IN YARMOVTH . 1667 . 
 
 Merchant-mark—a bugle—and W. B. 
 
 (possibly same as preceding.) [G.Jf] 
 
 * Initial letters arranged in this form, are those of the surname above, and the Christian name 
 of the individual and his wife below. 
 
 t G, J.—These are derived from a MS. list furnished by Goddard Johnson, Esq. 
 
i/> 
 
 Z 
 
 u 
 
 o 
 
 I- 
 
 I 
 
 h 
 
 o 
 
 s 
 
 (£. 
 
 < 
 
 > 
 
 h 
 
 o 
 
 ^ Treurado^ 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH, 
 
 99 
 
 10. 
 
 EDMVND . BEDDINGFILD . 
 
 (A bundle of laths ?) 
 
 Rev. 
 
 IN YARMOVTH 
 
 B 
 
 E * M . 
 
 11. 
 
 BENJN BLAKE , 1667 
 
 (Dawson Turner’s Illustrations.) 
 
 12. 
 
 THOMAS.BRADFORD. 
 
 Seven spur-rowels of six points. 
 
 Rev. 
 
 OF YARMOVTH . 1655 * , 
 
 T . B . between, a mullet of five points 
 
 13. 
 
 THOMAS . BRADFORD . . IN 
 
 Seven stars or spur-roicels. 
 
 Rev, 
 
 GREAT . YARMOUTH . 
 
 T . B . [G.J.] 
 
 14. 
 
 WILLIAM . BRATIN . IN . 
 
 A wheat-sheaf 
 
 Rev. 
 
 YARMOUTH . BAKER . 
 
 B 
 
 W * R 
 
 15. 
 
 WILLIAM BRETTON 
 
 (Dawson Turner’s Illustrations.) 
 
 16, 
 
 lOHN . CONDLEY . IN . . 
 
 Merchant-mark. 
 
 Rev. 
 
 YARMOVTH . MARCHANT 
 
 ■ c • 
 
 I • M 
 
 17. 
 
 lOSEPH . COOPER , OF . 
 
 c 
 
 . within a dotted circle. 
 
 I • F 
 
 Rev. 
 
 YARMOVTH . MARCHANT . 
 
 1656 . A cinq foil above and beneath 
 
 18. 
 
 CHRISTO COZENS . IN . GRET 
 
 Grocer’s Arms within a dotted circle. 
 
 Rev. 
 
 YARMOVTH . GROCER 
 
 * * within a dotted circle. 
 
 C * A 
 
 (Grocer’s Anns:— Argent, a chevron gules, between six cloves in chief and three in base sable.) 
 
 19. 
 
 RICHARD CRAFFORD 
 
 A garden (?) 
 
 Rev. 
 
 IN YEARMOUTH . 59 » 
 
 c between three lozenges within a 
 R . D dotted circle. 
 
 20. 
 
 THOMAS CRANE . 1665 . 
 
 A crane. 
 
 Rev. 
 
 IN NORTH YARMOUTH , 
 
 I 
 
 T c 
 
 21. 
 
 lOIIN . CURTIS . OF . 
 
 Two grotesque figures shaking hands, 
 within a dotted circle. 
 
 Rev. 
 
 YARMOTH . BAKER . O 
 
 I . c. beneath 1662, ivithin a dot. cir. 
 
 0 
 
100 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 22. THOMAS . DAWSON . 
 
 Rev. IN . YASMOVTH . 1667 . 
 
 A hand holding co7npasses. 
 D 
 
 T . M between tlwee stars 
 
 23. lOHN . EMPEROR . IN * . 
 
 Rev. GREAT . YARMOVTH . 
 
 I . E between 5 dots, a star above and 
 beneath. 
 
 ] 664 . above and beneath a star. 
 
 24. RICHARD . FLAXMAN . OF 
 
 Rev. NORTH YARMOVTH . 57 . 
 
 Cordwainer’s arms (?) 
 F 
 
 R • M . 
 
 (Cordwainer’s Ai-ms:—A cRevron between three goat’s heads erased.) [G. J.] 
 
 A g^'iffin winged passa^it. 
 
 T . G . between a cinq foil. 
 
 Merchant-mark. 
 
 H 
 
 W • E between two lozenges. 
 
 Merchant-mark. 
 
 T.H, a cinqfoil between. 
 
 H 
 
 W • B 
 
 A ship. [G.J.] 
 
 (The name is given hid, in Dawson Turner’s Illustrations; but it is probably the same piece.) 
 
 29. lOHN . HOOKE . 
 
 Rev. IN YARMOVTH . 
 
 30. WILLIAM . LINCOLNE . 
 
 Rev. IN . YARMVTH . 1652 * 
 
 31. THOMAS MOVLTON . 
 
 M 
 
 Rev. IN . YARMOVTH * .j, . jj 
 
 32. JONAS . NEAVE 
 Rev. IN . YARMOVTH . 1659 , 
 
 Seven candles. 
 
 H 
 
 I • I 
 
 Grocer's arms in a dotted circle. 
 
 L between three lozenges and within 
 W . I. a dotted circle. 
 
 1667 within a dotted circle. 
 
 An anchor. 
 N 
 
 J • E . 
 
 25. THOMAS . GODFRAY . IN . 
 Rev. GREAT . YARMOVTH . 
 
 26. WILLIAM . HARVEY . 
 
 Rev. IN . SOVTH . TOWNE * 
 
 27. THOMAS . HERING IN . 
 Rev, NORTH YARMOVTH . 
 
 28. WILL . HIDE . HIS . HALFPENY . 
 Rev. IN SOVTH . YARMOVTH . 1667 . 
 
 [G.J.] 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 101 
 
 33. 
 
 lONAS . NEAVE A dolphin (?) 
 
 Rev. 
 
 IN YAEMOVTH . 1661 . I ^ E [G J ] 
 
 34. 
 
 EDWARD . OWNER . Groccr’s antis within a dotted circle. 
 
 Rev. 
 
 OF YAEMOVTH * GROCER E . 0 . between, a cinqfoil. 
 
 35. 
 
 THOMAS . PARKINSON . Head of Charles II. 
 
 Rev, 
 
 IN YARM. GOD . SAVE . THE . KING [G.J.] 
 
 36. 
 
 EDWARD . PETERSON . The sun raijonnant 
 
 Rev. 
 
 OF GREAT YAEMOVTH . E » M ^<^lv>cen three cinqfoils. 
 
 37. 
 
 HENRY POTTER IN . A griffin 
 
 Rev. 
 
 NORTH YAEMOVTH . 67 . IPS. [G.J.] 
 
 38. 
 
 THOMAS EICHMVND . . 
 
 Rev. 
 
 IN YARMOVTII . . . [G.J.] 
 
 39. 
 
 GEORGE . SPILMAN * A grotesque figure in trunk hose. 
 
 Rev. 
 
 IN NORTH YAEMOVTH . * ^ ^ „ within a dotted circle. 
 
 Q * Rj 
 
 40. 
 
 MICHAL . TITLES . 1666 . Groccrs arms. 
 
 Rev. 
 
 IN NORTH YAEMOVTH . ^ . 
 
 M ♦ A 
 
 41. 
 
 ROBERT TOTHAKER. [G.J.] 
 
 42. 
 
 STEPHEN , TRACEY . * A lion rampant. 
 
 Rev. 
 
 OF YAEMOVTH « „ . ivithin a dotted circle 
 
 S • .V 
 
 43. 
 
 CTLEMENT . TROTTER . * A ship in full sail 
 
 Rev. 
 
 IN . YAEMOVTH . 1653 * ^ c within a dotted circle. 
 
 c * s 
 
 44. 
 
 BENIAMIN . WALLER . 16 . 58 Within a dotted circle. 
 
 Rev. 
 
 IN YEARMOUTii. * . within a dotted circle. 
 
 B • A 
 
102 
 
 . HISTORY 
 
 OF 
 
 45. 
 
 BENIAMIN . WALLTON . 
 
 An anchor. 
 
 JRev. 
 
 IN . YARMOVTH. 1651. 
 
 „ . within a dotted circle 
 
 B . A . 
 
 46. 
 
 BENIAMIN . WAI.TON . 
 
 An anchor. 
 
 Mev. 
 
 IN . YAE.MOVTU . 1666 
 
 w 
 
 B . A . [Ewing.] 
 
 47. 
 
 ROGER . WATERS . 
 
 Arms. [Wavy] 
 
 Mev. 
 
 IN YARMOVTH . 
 
 R. w. 
 
 48. 
 
 THOMAS . WATERS . 
 
 A leg. 
 
 Mev. 
 
 OF Y-&RMOVTH . 
 
 w 
 
 T • E 
 
 49, 
 
 GABRIELE WOODRIFE . 
 
 Grocers arms in dotted circle, MM. a 
 cinqfoil. 
 
 Mev. 
 
 OF NORTH . YARMOVTH . 
 
 G.W. in a dotted circle. 
 
 50, 
 
 GABRIELE WOODROOFFE . 
 
 Grocer's arms as preceding, MM. a star 
 
 Mev. 
 
 OF NORTH YARMOVTH . 
 
 Device as preceding. 
 
 51. 
 
 WILLIAM . WOORTS . IN . # 
 
 Dove displayed, with olive hraneh in 
 mouth. 
 
 Mev. 
 
 YARMOVTH . HOSYER. # 
 
 W 
 
 W • D in a dotted circle. 
 
 No. 2. Many specimens of this second coinage have also a Jleur de Us for 
 mint-mark. 
 
 No. 11. This piece is enumerated among a list of original drawings in the 
 sjdendidly-illustrated copy of Blomefield’s History of Norfolk, in the library 
 of Dawson Turner, Esq., appended to the Norfolk Topographer's Manual. 
 
 Towards the close of the 18th century, another general issue of tokens by 
 tradesmen and others, was allowed by government, owing to the great scarcity 
 of small money. The tokens of this period are of an entirely different size and 
 character to those of the preceding century. Most of them are described by 
 CoNDEB, Arrangement of Provincial Coins, Ipswich, 1799. To Great Yarmouth 
 belong,— 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 103 
 
 52. — YARMOUTH HALFPENNY A ship in full Sail. Ex 1792. 
 
 liev. LET YARMOUTH FLOURISH Arms uf Yarmouth between sprigs of oak. 
 
 Edge. PAYABLE AT THE GLASS WAREHOUSE OF W. ABSOLON.* 
 
 53. — Halfpenny. A female figure representing History, sitting leaning on a look upon a 
 
 Pedestal, with a pen in one hand, and a scroll on the other, on which is inscribed, 
 boulter’s EXHIBITION OF NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL CURIOSITIES; 
 various curiosities lying on the ground. Ex. YARMOUTH. 
 
 Rev. Three figures—representing Asia, Africa, and .America—presenting various 
 
 curiosities to Britannia, who is recording them in a book. Ex. 1796. 
 Edge. PUBLISHED BY JOS. DAN AND JNO. BOULTER.f 
 
 54. —Ditto. As preceding. 
 
 Rev As preceding ; but on the book may be seen VNDIQYAQVE COLLIGITVR 
 
 55. —Penny.— Obv. and Rev. as No. 3; but on the 
 
 Edge ,— I PROMISE TO PAY ON DEMAND THE BEARER ONE PENNY. 
 
 The two preceding pieces are given on the authority of Concler; the pre¬ 
 sent representatives, however, of the Boulter family, know nothing of them. 
 
 56. —Farthing.—Yarmouth half halfpenny A ship in full sail. Ex. 1752. 
 
 Rev. LET YARMOUTH FLOURISH Arms of Yarmouth between sprigs of oak 
 
 Edge. Engrailed. 
 
 During the war, the precious metals became extremely scarce, and the 
 silver in circulation was quite inadequate to the requirements of the country. 
 The consequence was, that silver tokens were issued in many places. In 1811, 
 Francis Riddell Reynolds, Esq., issued silver tokens, to be circulated for 
 shillings. The first issued, had on it 
 
 57. — Obv.—The arms of Yarmouth. 
 
 PAYABLE BY F. R. REYNOLDS, YARMOUTH. 
 
 Rev. Arms of the Duke of Norfolk, Behind, a St. Andrew's cross, below, 1811. 
 NORFOLK TOKEN FOR XII PENCE. 
 
 The principal part of these tokens were stolen from the coach, on their way to 
 Yarmouth ; the further issue was consequently supiiressed, and a different die 
 adopted, viz.,— 
 
 * lie was a timber merchant, and his wife kept a china and glass shop in King street, at the 
 corner house of Row Xo. 63, now occupied by Mr. Bond, druggist. She obtained the sobriquet 
 of “ The dumb woman,” on the principle of a non lucendo. 
 
 t He was a member of the society of Friends. lie made a collection of curiosities, books, 
 coins, &c., and established a museum at his house in the Market i)lace, which was open to public 
 inspection. After his death, his collections were sold and dispersed. 
 
104 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 58. — Ohi\—TJie same as 'preceding. 
 
 Mev. A castle, as in the arms of the city of Norwich, surmounted with the 
 
 crest of Reynolds,—a hand grasping a baton. Ex, 1811. 
 
 NORFOLK TOKEN FOR XII PENCE. 
 
 In the same year, Joseph Hunton,* a linen draper, residing in the Market 
 place, also issued silver shilling tokens. 
 
 59. — Obv,—A shield bearing the arms of Yarmouth, surrounded by a wreath of oah. 
 
 '■ Inscription, —Norfolk and Suffolk token, one shilling. 
 
 Rev. A shield loith the ar?ns of Bury St. Edmunds, having a branch of palm 
 
 on one side and a branch of laurel on the other. Inscription .— 
 PAYABLE AT J. HUNTON'S, YARMOUTH, & AT BLYTH’S & CO., BURY. 
 
 Ex. 1811. 
 
 The last-mentioned token had the widest circulation; but both speculations 
 were, it is believed, unsuccessful. 
 
 Mr. Reynolds also issued five-shilling promissory notes. 
 
 The following tokens have had a recent circulation: — 
 
 60. victoria QUEEN OF GREAT BRITAIN. Queen’s head 
 
 Rev. F. MAYSTON, grocer & tea dealer, 9, market PLACE, YARMOUTH. 
 
 No date. 
 
 61. No inscription. Arms of Yarmouth. 
 
 Rev. S. LESSEY, GROCER AND TEA DEALER, YARMOUTH. 
 
 No date. 
 
 62. ARTHUR DUKE OF WELLINGTON. Read of the Duke of Wellington 
 
 Rev. ROBERT BUMPSTEAD, GROCER, &c., No. 8, MARKET PLACE, GT. YARMOUTH. 
 
 No date. 
 
 At an early period, a considerable trade was carried on with the Free 
 States of Italy, which, during the middle ages, were far advanced above the 
 
 * He was a member of tbe society of Friends, but of veiY active birsiness habits. Having, as 
 it is believed, acquii-ed some property by his industry in Yarmouth, besought a wider field of 
 action, and removed to London, where he opened a large shoiJ m Bishopgate street, and entered 
 largely into the dry-salter’s trade,—living himself, with his family, at Low Layton. Deceived, 
 as it is said, by his jiax-tners, and losing a large sum of money by speculations in Spanish Bonds, 
 J\e sustained his credit for some time by means of fictitious bills of exchange, accepted or indorsed 
 by him in the names of imaginary firms ; but at length he was apprehended, and prosecuted,— 
 ending his life on the scaffold at Newgate, in 1831, and being one of the last who suftered 
 capitally for the offence of forgeiy, which, in his case, wore a novel aspect. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 105 
 
 rest of Euroiie, In wealth and civilization.^ There was also, when peace per¬ 
 mitted, a considerable intercourse with the ports of France. The exportation 
 of cured fish to Roman Catholic countries, was always a considerable branch 
 of commerce : and it still survives with some of the Italian States.f 
 
 At the beginning of the 14th century, the merchant adventurers of England 
 formed themselves into a company. When they were incorporated, in 1505, 
 they attempted to engross the entire foreign trade of the kingdom, though 
 their proper business was, the export of woollen cloths to the Netherlands. 
 John Carter, and other Y'armouth merchants, were members of this company.| 
 Queen Elizabeth incorporated a company of “ Spanish Mercliants of which, 
 also, several of the Y'armouth merchants were members, as the arms of the 
 company still remain carved in two of the most ancient houses in the town.§ 
 
 * The merchants of Italy, especially of Lombardy, early assumed the character of 
 bankers and money-lenders; and the origin of their dealings in every country of Europe, 
 can be traced to their connection with the court of Rome,—for which they also acted 
 as agents. In this country they had, before the close of the reign of Henry HI., super¬ 
 seded the Jews,—who were the earliest and only money-lenders,—and they became the 
 Xing’s agents in all pecuniary transactions. Specie was then scarce, paper currency 
 unknown, and the practice of bills of exchange used only by the Italians. Edward I. 
 availed himself of their services, by borrowing of them large sums of money; for the 
 repayment of which, the revenues of his kindom w'ere jilcdged: and these debts were 
 partially discharged by orders given upon the collectors of customs at Yarmouth (Mbn. 
 Eastolfe, 4\’illiam de la Mawe, and Walter Brown), to jiay over the duties on wools to 
 the great Italian houses of Frescobaldi and of Bardi, at ]<'lorcnce. They appear to have 
 received from Yarmouth, £1,479 Is. 4d. (See “Extracts from the Liberate Rolls, re¬ 
 lative to Loans supplied by Italian Merchants,” in the Archceologia, vol. xxviii., p. 207). 
 
 t Before the imposition of almost prohibitory duties, wines were imported here from 
 France and Italy. By a suit in the Burgh court, 13 Edward HI., we find that the 
 freight of wine from Bordeaux, was 27s. (id per ton (doUa). In 1307, the price of a 
 pipe of “ red wine,” was 20s.; and, in 1569, a last of red herrings and a ton of wine 
 were of the same price. 
 
 I See a copy of his admission to the “ Freedom of the fellowship ” of this company, 
 in the Foundacion and Antiquitye, page 138. 
 
 § In the Star hotel (without the supporters), and in No. 4, South quay (without 
 cre.st or supporters). See Manship, pp. 262, 391. The Coat is azure, in base a sea with 
 a dolphin’s head appearing in the water, all proper; on the sea a ship with three masts, 
 in full sail or, the sail and rigging argent; on each sail a cross gules ; in the dexter chief 
 point the sun in splendour, and in the sini.ster chief point an etoile, or: on a chief ar¬ 
 gent a cross gutes, charged with a lion of England. Chest : on a wreath, two arms 
 embowed, issuing out of clouds, all bolding in the hands a globe or. SuriH)UTEKS: 
 
 two sea horses argent, linned or. These arms arc engraved in Stowe’s Surverj of 
 London, cd. 1720, in which the ship is sailing towards the sinister. There is also^an 
 engraving of them in Vincent’s Collections. 
 
106 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 The carrying trade In corn and grain, was always considerable in Yar¬ 
 mouth,—a matter of no surprise, when it is remembered that Norfolk exports 
 as much corn as all the other counties of England together.The average 
 export of corn and flour from this port, in 1791, 1792, and 1793, was 267,378 
 quarters, valued at £446,796. In 1845, there were exported from this place 
 167.142 sacks of flour: and the export of grain (including wheat, barley, and 
 malt) in that and succeeding years, is subjoined. 
 
 1845 . 327,435 quarters 1849 
 
 1846 . 310,637 „ ! 1350 
 
 1847 .268,476 „ '1851 
 
 1848 . 290,243 „ 1852 
 
 214,080 quarters 
 173,177 
 179,505 ,, 
 
 194,327 
 
 1853 
 
 1854 
 
 1855 
 
 172,165 quarters 
 151,650 
 258,121 „ 
 
 The foreign trade of the port is principally with the Baltic and the Medi¬ 
 terranean. Its importance is shewn by the annexed table of British and Foreign 
 ships entered inwards and cleared outwards, from 1841 to 1854 inclusive :—f 
 
 
 BRITISH SHIPS. 
 
 FOREIGN SHIPS. 
 
 
 Year. 
 
 Ixv 
 
 'ARDS. 
 
 Outwards. 
 
 Inwards. 
 
 Outwards. 
 
 Year. 
 
 
 Ships. 
 
 Tons. 
 
 Ships. 
 
 To71S. 
 
 Shi23s. 
 
 Tons. 
 
 Shijis-. 
 
 Tons. 
 
 
 1841 
 
 91 
 
 11,681 
 
 18 
 
 2,701 
 
 75 
 
 5,305 
 
 19 
 
 1,146 
 
 1841 
 
 1842 
 
 90 
 
 9,950 
 
 27 
 
 3,320 
 
 42 
 
 3,413 
 
 65 
 
 4,145 
 
 1842 
 
 1843 
 
 85 
 
 10,940 
 
 47 
 
 4,233 
 
 44 
 
 3,461 
 
 44 
 
 2,490 
 
 1843 
 
 1844 
 
 92 
 
 12,547 
 
 4o 
 
 4,248 
 
 61 
 
 5,287 
 
 52 
 
 2,561 
 
 1844 
 
 1845 
 
 85 
 
 11,231 
 
 43 
 
 3,.597 
 
 76 
 
 6,432 
 
 37 
 
 1,913 
 
 1845 
 
 1846 
 
 140 
 
 21,994 
 
 30 
 
 2,865 
 
 88 
 
 9,170 
 
 12 
 
 638 
 
 1846 
 
 1847 
 
 157 
 
 23,369 
 
 51 
 
 5,116 
 
 141 
 
 11,986 
 
 1 
 
 43 
 
 1847 
 
 1848 
 
 131 
 
 21,465 
 
 33 
 
 6,170 
 
 127 
 
 9,486 
 
 6 
 
 290 
 
 1848 
 
 1849 
 
 127 
 
 15,660 
 
 30 
 
 3,098 
 
 124 
 
 8,625 
 
 3 
 
 169 
 
 1849 
 
 1850 
 
 89 
 
 14,193 
 
 22 
 
 2,743 
 
 86 
 
 7,521 
 
 5 
 
 311 
 
 1850 
 
 1851 
 
 130 
 
 30,804 
 
 25 
 
 5,377 
 
 106 
 
 10,129 
 
 22 
 
 1,833 
 
 1851 
 
 1852 
 
 58 
 
 9,562 
 
 25 
 
 3,691 
 
 93 
 
 8,328 
 
 2 
 
 112 
 
 1852 
 
 1853 
 
 80 
 
 10,510 
 
 22 
 
 2,922 
 
 129 
 
 13,076 
 
 2 
 
 38 
 
 1853 
 
 1854 
 
 87 
 
 9,709 
 
 37 
 
 4,161 
 
 130 
 
 13,121 
 
 9 
 
 574 
 
 1854 
 
 * In 1206, the town was amerced in £69 15s. 8f7., for exporting corn into Flanders, 
 contrary to the laws enacted at that period, for its prevention. See Jilanship, p. 343. 
 
 t Fm-nished most obligingly by John Richardson, Esq., collector of customs at this 
 port. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 107 
 
 In 1845, 3,172 vessels, representing a tonnage of 205,209, entered the 
 port; and the following is the return for the last ten years : — 
 
 Year. 
 
 No. of Ships. 
 
 Tonna;?e. 
 
 Y'ear. 
 
 No. of Ships. 
 
 Tonnage. 
 
 1846 .. 
 
 . 2,929 . 
 
 .. 249,401 
 
 1851 .. 
 
 . 2,212 . 
 
 ... 192,881 
 
 1847 .. 
 
 .3,016. 
 
 .. 257,889 
 
 1852 .. 
 
 . 2,292 . 
 
 ... 201,570 
 
 1848 .. 
 
 .2,8o6. 
 
 .. 242,0.37 
 
 1853 .. 
 
 . 2,294 . 
 
 ... 208,395 
 
 1849 .. 
 
 . 2,602 . 
 
 .. 219,080 
 
 18.54 .. 
 
 . 2,374 . 
 
 ...211,410 
 
 18.30 .. 
 
 . 2,385 . 
 
 .. 205,890 
 
 18.55 .. 
 
 .2,2.50. 
 
 ... 197,624 
 
 During the last half century, the number of vessels belonging to this port 
 has, on an average, been nearly 600. The present number is 605, with an 
 aggregate tonnage of 40,245 tons. 
 
 In the reign of Edward III., Y^armouth provided for the state, more ships 
 and men than any other port in the kingdom.'^' By a parliamentary return made 
 in 1830, (No. 333,) Yarmouth was then the eighth port in England,—having 
 585 vessels, of the united burthen of 44,134 tons. 
 
 Y’armouth has also been justly celebrated for the building of ships and 
 boats.f During the war, at the commencement of the present century, several 
 gun brigs and sloops were built in Y'armouth.J In 1818, nearly one hundred 
 vessels were building at one time, in the several yards ; but this trade has since 
 diminished. Mr. Frederick Preston, of Southtown, w’as long and deservedly 
 esteemed as a very superior ship-builder ; and his peculiar “ moulds ” for 
 building vessels, rvere widely known and much valued by ship-owners of this 
 and other ports. Subjoined is a complete summary of the number of vessels 
 launched from his yard. 
 
 Year. 
 
 Vessels. 
 
 Total Ton. 
 
 Year. 
 
 Vessels. 
 
 Total Ton. 
 
 Year. 
 
 Vessels. 
 
 Total Ton 
 
 1823 
 
 . 1 . 
 
 . 164^1 
 
 1830 . 
 
 . 5 . 
 
 . 820 
 
 1837 . 
 
 . G . 
 
 . 11801 
 
 1824 
 
 4 
 
 6581 
 
 1831 
 
 4 
 
 . 886 
 
 1838 
 
 . 7 
 
 11831 
 
 1825 
 
 . 5 . 
 
 . 9731 
 
 1832 . 
 
 . 6 . 
 
 . 946} 
 
 1839 . 
 
 . 9 . 
 
 . 11741 
 
 1826 
 
 . 4 
 
 7001 
 
 1833 
 
 7 
 
 . 978} 
 
 1840 
 
 5 
 
 5851 
 
 1827 
 
 . 5 . 
 
 . 958 
 
 1834 . 
 
 . 7 . 
 
 . 1755i 
 
 1841 . 
 
 . 3 . 
 
 • 8451 
 
 1828 
 
 . 4 
 
 9751 
 
 1835 
 
 6 
 
 . 12171 
 
 to 
 
 
 
 1829 
 
 . 4 . 
 
 . 807.V 
 
 1836 . 
 
 . 7 . 
 
 . 1613 
 
 1842 . 
 
 . 2 . 
 
 . 319 
 
 
 Total number of vessels, 101. 
 
 
 Aggregate Tonuage, 
 
 18,7431 
 
 
 * See Manship, page 300 
 
 t See Miinship, page 296. At page 294, it is stated that most of the yawls employed 
 by the Y^armouth boatmen were built by Messrs. Beeching and Son. This is incorrect. 
 Messrs. Jermyn and Mack have been the principal builders; and Mr. tV. Teasdel and 
 Mr. Hastings ought to have the credit for some of them. 
 
 j From Mr. .John Preston’s yard—the Helena, sloop, 20 guns (1804); the Redbreast, 
 gun-brig (1805) ; the idrriC!/, gun-brig (1806); the//yacmt/i, sloop (1806); the Racoon, 
 sloop (1808). From .Mr. Nathaniel Palmer’s yard—the Cygnett and the Ariel, sloops, 
 (1806). From Mr. Stone’s yard—the Havoc, gun brig (1805); the Boreas, frigate, 28 
 guns (1806); the Coinus, sloop (1806), &c. 
 
HISTORY OF 
 
 108 
 
 In the above were included,— 
 
 6 ships 39 brigs 8 brigantines 4 sloops 1 lugger 
 
 14 barques 23 schooners 3 lights 2 cutters 1 smack 
 
 One of them, the barque Maria Somes, was 598j tons, being the largest over launched from this 
 port. 
 
 The first dock, or basin, for the repair of vessels, was constructed in 
 Southtown, by Mr. James Lovewell, in 1808 : it was intended for fishing 
 boats only. In 1811, he constructed another for ships: a second^dock for 
 ships, was sunk by Mr. Lovewell, in 1812 ; and a third in 1814. In 1816, Mr. 
 Ambrose Palmer constructed three docks, on the east side of the haven, beyond 
 the South gates. 
 
 In 1823, Messrs. Grout, Baylis, and Co., erected a manufactory for the 
 purpose of throwing silk, tvhich has since been considerably enlarged, and now 
 employs about 800 hands. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 109 
 
 SECTION IV. 
 
 THE CHURCH OF «T. NICHOLAS. 
 
 Redwald, grandson of Offa, was the first King of East Anglia, who 
 embraced Christianity. He was succeeded by his son Sigebert, who had been 
 educated in France; and who brought with him to England a ^Driest, named 
 Felix, a native of Burgundy, who preached the faith with great success, in this 
 part of the Heptarchy.* In 636, he was consecrated a Bishop, (being the first 
 in East Anglia,) and fixed his See, or seat, at Dunwich, in Suffolk. He died in 
 647, and was afterwards canonized by the name of Saint Felix, Bishop and 
 Confessor. Blomefield thinks it “ highly probable ” that this Felix built the first 
 church at Yarmouth, and thus it for ever became attached to the See.f 
 
 At what precise period “ the place and grounde whereuppon the towne is 
 buylded and nowe dothe stande,” which had been “ percell of a greate sande, 
 lyinge within the mayne sea, at the mouthe of the fludd,” became dry land, is 
 uncertain ; but we know, from Domesday Boo]i,\ that in the time of Edward 
 the Confessor, there was a church here, dedicated to St. Bennet; which, from 
 the progress then made in the town, (there being seventy burgesses,) may have 
 been of some standing, and may possibly have been founded by Felix. This 
 was, probably, the “ chapel on the green hill,” mentioned by Manship as having 
 been founded by Bishop Herbert; but which, it is more likely, he only enlarged 
 
 * Christianity had been introduced into Britain probably as early as the time of the Apostles ; 
 and the Church of Clirist never ceased to exist, although cxposecl to great persecution by the 
 Koinans, especially in the reign of Dioclesian, and afterwards by the hordes of jiagans who inva¬ 
 ded the country, — Jutes, Saxons, Angles, and Danes, 
 t In a MS. note to the Foundacion and Antiquitie of Crete Yermouth. See Manshij), p. 213. 
 7 See Manship, page 198. 
 
 P 
 
110 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 and rebuilt; for, as Swinden remarks, the barons of the Cinque ports would 
 not have proceeded in the summaiy manner which he records,^' had they 
 not had some prior title, particularly as Bishop Herbert was then Lord Chan¬ 
 cellor : and his referring the matter to the King, implies some doubt of his own 
 authority. The obscurity may be cleared, by supposing that the barons of the 
 Cinque ports had previously supported the church of St. Bennet, and therefore 
 insisted upon their right to appoint to the church ; or they may have claimed 
 an ecclesiastical jurisdiction during the annual free fair only, from Michaelmas 
 to Martinmas, in the same manner as they, at that time, exercised civil 
 jurisdiction for that period. Be this as it may, it is cei’tain that the church 
 of St. Bennet gave place to that of St. Nicholas, which was undoubtedly founded 
 by Bishop Herbert. This remarkable man was born in 1045, as some say in 
 Normandy, whilst others assert, with much apparent probability, at Lyleham, 
 in the hundred of Hoxne, in Suffolk, where his father was a man of wealth and 
 importance. Certain it is, that he was educated at the monastery of Fecamp, a 
 seaport of Normandy : a circumstance not at all inconsistent with his English 
 birth ; as, preHous to the conquest, there were no schools in England, except 
 those attached to the larger monasteries ; and it was customary for persons of 
 the presumed station of the bishop’s father to send their children to the abbeys 
 of France, and especially to Normandy, for the purpose of being educated. Of 
 this monastery he became prior; and his abilities and address soon enabled him 
 to obtain public emplojunent,—first, under Duke Robert of Normandy, and 
 afterwards under William Rufus, whom he accompanied to England in 1087, 
 and was made abbot of Ramsey, and also held the churches of St. Michael, 
 Tombland, and St. Simon and St. Jude, in Norwich, sed non de episcopate. In 
 1091, he was consecrated bishop of Thetford,—“ by flattery and fat pajment,’" 
 according to Bale. He is styled, by William of Malmesbury, vir pecuniosus: 
 but it may be doubted whether, considering the time in which he lived, the old 
 chroniclers are justified in calling him “ the kyndeling match of simony; ” and 
 in stating him to be “ no small doar in that feat; ” for the practice of purchas¬ 
 ing the highest ecclesiastical honours and emoluments, extensively prevailed 
 at that time. Great differences existed between the King and the Pope, as 
 
 See Swindeti, page 32. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 Ill 
 
 to the appointment to vacant benefices ; the former asserting that no bishop in 
 England should or ought to be subject to the latter; and the clergy themselves 
 were divided into two great jrarties, who disparaged each other,—and to one 
 of these, bishop Herbert was particularly obnoxious. Prejudice and dislike 
 may, therefore, have been “ the haires in these monkish writers’ pennes, which 
 blotted his faire name.”"^' By whatever means the mitre was acquired, certain 
 it is that he was well qualified to wear it; and to prevent any difficulty in the 
 exercise of his spiritual authority, he voluntarily went to Rome, for the purpose 
 of receiving investiture at the hands of Pope Pascal II. This was in defiance 
 of the existing law, that no ecclesiastic should leave the kingdom rvithout a 
 royal licence ; and he was arrested on the coast. He had, however, the address 
 not only to pacify the King, but also to obtain his instructions to promote an 
 accommodation of the existing differences. This may be regarded as one 
 instance of that persuasive eloquence which gained for him the name of He 
 Losinga, by which he was generally known. By some it has been asserted that 
 he was compelled to undertake this journey, by the Pope, before whom he was 
 cited to appear; and that he was then enjoined to build a number of churches 
 and monasteries, by way of penance ; whilst others, with equal confidence, 
 maintain that he was received by the Pope with the utmost kindness ; and that 
 he, on this occasion, obtained the sanction of his Holiness to the translation of 
 his See from Thetford to Norwich, which he had long contemplated, and which 
 he effected soon after his return to his diocese. He then commenced the erec¬ 
 tion of a conventual cathedral at Norwich, which the Pope constituted the 
 “ mother church for Norfolk and Suffolk,” and of which sufficient of the original 
 structure still remains, to attest its pristine grandeur. 
 
 Having completed both the cathedral and the monastery, bishop Herbert 
 endowed the latter “ with greate landes and possessions, bookes, and all other 
 necessaries ; ” and displacing the former officers and attendants on the bishop, 
 he substituted sixty monks of the Benedictine order, and introduced among 
 them the discipline which had been observed at Fecamp. 
 
 In 1104, bishop Herbert was made Lord High Chancellor of England; an 
 office then, and for some centuries afterwards, exclusively executed by ecclesiastics. 
 
 * lie seemR, in aftev life, not to have considered himself blameless; for he had ever in his 
 mouth the saying of tit. Jerome, “ We erred when young ; let us amend now we are old.” 
 
 p 2 
 
112 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 By desire of Henry I., lie again went to Rome, to endeavour to an'aligc 
 tlie long-disputed points as to investitures, and tlie legatine authority in England; 
 and falling sick on his journey home, he died at Norwich in 1119, and was 
 buried before the high altar of his cathedral church. Weever describes him as 
 “ a man earnestly addicted to the studies of all virtues, and god learning ; mild, 
 “ aftable, comely of personage, gracefull of countenance, blameless in his car- 
 “ riage; and pure, innocent, and sincere, in his course of life.” 
 
 Such was the man to whom we are indebted for the church of St. Nicholas, 
 which was the fifth and last church erected by him ; and as the charter by 
 which he annexed it to the monastery of the Holy Trinity, at Norwich,* is dated 
 in 1101, it may be inferred that it was commenced about that year, although 
 not consecrated till the year of his death. It was not, however, then the 
 “ spacious and lightsome ” church described by Manship ; but comprised only 
 a portion of the present nave and chancel, with transepts and a tower at the 
 intei'section. The original aisles were doubtless narrow, with leanto roofs ; and 
 the church having no clerestory in the nave, must have been dark. Nothing of 
 the original stnicture now remains, except the tower, into which the present 
 fine and lofty arches were subsequently inserted; and indeed, all trace of Nor¬ 
 man work has been obliterated, except some windows in the upper part of the 
 tower,—which have been recently discovered and re-opened,—and a Norman 
 arcade, f 
 
 * “ Quietly and freely for their service for ever.” This charter was confirmed by Henry I., 
 and by several successive bishops. At the time of this grant, the living was valued at 60 marks 
 I)or vear; this was augmented to 100 marks, in the reign of Hemy III. ; in that of his successor, 
 it reached to 300 marks. Stowe informs us, that before the great plague, in ISIS, the living was 
 estimated to be worth 700 marks per year. It subsequently fell to £10 per annum ; and, at the 
 Keformation, it was returned at £31 10s. 4f7.—at which period, the newly-constituted dean and 
 chapter granted a lease of the whole to Robert Sowell, for eighty years, reserving a rent of £32 
 per annum, the lessee providing for the spiritual duty : and the dean and chapter still enjoy about 
 that sum, from what remains to them of the site of the priory. Thomas, bishop of Norwich, 
 gr.mted to the prior and monks of Norwich, 20 marks, and 20 meeze of herrings; the latter being 
 the right to a certain quantity on fast days. At first, the “ chappelayne ” was maintained by 
 such “ oblations and offerings as people wolde geve and bestowe upon him,” consisting, it may be 
 su])posed, of a portion of the produce of their labours ; and ever afterwards, the tithe of fish con¬ 
 stituted a considerable portion of the revenue of those who served the church, and still of right 
 belongs to the incumbent. By a statute of Edward VI., the inhabitants of all ijarishes standing 
 upon the “ sea coasts,” are stated to have been “used to satisfy their tythes by fish; ” and it 
 enacts, “ that all such parishes shall pay their tithes according to the laudable customs, as they 
 “ have hitherto done of ancient time, within these forty j'ears used and accustomed ; and shall 
 “ pay their offerings as aforesaid.” Subsequently, a certain proportion, caked a half dole, was 
 appropriated to the church, and was long known as “ Christ’s half dole.” 
 
 t The Rev. .lohn Gunn, rector of Irstead, has been very successful in discovering the founda¬ 
 tions of the original church, and what remains of Norman work. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH, 
 
 113 
 
 Additions to the church appear to have been made In reigns of John, 
 Henry III., and Edward I. Manship informs us, that in 1250, it was “ decked 
 and beautified; ” and that in the following year, it had “ holy dedication.” 
 William of Worcester also says, Eccelsia San~ti Nicholai ampVi cata circa A.C. 
 1250, et (h'clicata 1251. The aisles of the church were so greatly enlarged, as 
 to exceed the nave, both in width and heighth : a peculiarity scarcely to be 
 seen in any other church.'^' The principal additions are, however, attributed 
 to bishop Middleton, who, in 1286, consecrated the church and church-yard to 
 the honour of St. Nicholas ; and the feast of the dedication was translated to 
 the 7th of April,—being the day of the translation of St. Nicholas.f 
 
 ♦ The church of Cheux, in Normandj', is somewhat similar; and in Gorleston church, the nave 
 is smaller than the aisles. In many of the Norfolk churches, the aisles, which had been built for 
 processional purposes only, have been enlarged to make room for side chapels ; and thus, the 
 original proportions and intended effect have been destroyed. 
 
 t The following is the legend of St. Nicholas. In the city of Patliera, there dwelt a noble¬ 
 man, who had three beautiful daughters. From being rich, he became poor,—so poor, that there 
 remained no honest means of obtaining food. The maidens wept—not knowing what to do, and 
 having no bread to eat; and their father became desperate. When Nicholas heard of this, he 
 had compassion on them: and therefore, one night, when the maidens were asleep, and their 
 father sat alone watching and weeping, he took a handful of gold, and tying it up in a handker¬ 
 chief, repaired to the dwelling of the poor man. He considered how he might bestow it without 
 making himself known : and whilst he stood irresolute, the moon, coming from behind a cloud', 
 showed him an open window; so he threw it in, and it fell at the feet of the father, who, when 
 he had taken it, returned thanks : and with it he married his eldest daughter. A second time 
 Nicholas provided a similar sum; and again he threw it in by night: and with it the nobleman 
 married his second daughter. But he greatly desired to know who it was that came to his aid ; 
 therefore he determined to watch : and when the good saint came for the third time, and pre¬ 
 pared to throw in the said portion, he was discovered ; for the nobleman seized him by the skirt 
 of his robe, and flung himself at his feet, saying, “ O Nicholas ! Servant of God! Why seek to 
 hide thyself? ” And he kissed his feet and his hands. But Nicholas made him promise that he 
 would tell no man. And many other charitable works did Nicholas perforin in his own city. 
 These throe inirses of gold,—or, as they are more customarily figured, three golden balls,— 
 became the special emblem of the charitable St. Nicholas. The Lombard merchants, who were 
 the first to open loan shojis in England, (by establishing themselves in Lombard street, London,) 
 adopted this emblem, which has continued to be used by pawnbrokers to the present time. 
 
 The feast of St. Nicholas was retained in the calendar of the reformed church, for secular 
 purposes, and is held on the 6th of December. 
 
 St. Nicholas was adopted by sea-faring men, throughout the Roman Catholic world, as their 
 peculiar patron ; and there is scarcely an ancient sea-port on our shores, where there is not a 
 church dedicated to 
 
 “ The Bishop St. Nicholas, whos 
 Help is ay redie. 
 
 To shipmen in alle cas, when thei 
 
 On him crie.” Peter of Langtoft. 
 
 St. Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, is known by the emblematical device of two boys in a tub, in 
 memory of the miracle wrought by him, in restoring to life two innocent youths, who had been 
 cruelly murdered and their limbs severed. He is the Patron of children in all Roman Catholic 
 countries, and presents, supposed to come from the Saint, are given to them on his anniversary. 
 
114 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 In the Itincrarium WilUchni de Worcestre, the church of St. Nicholas at 
 Y’armouth is thus described :— 
 
 “ ILonniitiitio ccdcsia jlUidjotai tiHIffi Jcntemitdjc cum longituOtnc loci are® 
 
 “ campamiid: prefer eljorum continet 44 Pivgas, 
 
 “ ILarituno ejito contiiiet 34 liiriyas. 
 
 “ ilatituBo naPif! crdcsiec prefer das Btiag coiittnet 8 btrgas. 
 
 “ CEf DiKc dec eoufincuf, (lutclilict daper se 13 birgag, in fofo 26 btrgas. 
 
 “ 31fern nabis ccdcgtec continet 8 coinmpnas et 8 arcljus nc piano opere.” 
 
 The enlargement of the aisles, was made to accommodate the numerous 
 mortuary chapels,’'^ udiich, at this period, Avere erected in the church. These 
 chapels Acere supported by particular persons or families, but principally by the 
 different guilds then flourishing. Each chapel had its altar, and a light before 
 the image of the patron saint to Avhom it Avas dedicated.f Thomas a Beckett, 
 Archbishop of Canterbury, granted an inhibition against the men of Hastings, 
 Avho attempted to build a chapel in Yarmouth church, contrary to a prohibition 
 from the Bishop of NorAAuch. It Avas necessary to obtain a llcencej for the 
 
 * See Manship, pp. .53, 243 ; Avho also pai-ticiilarly mentions a chaisel, built at the east end of 
 the church, and dedicated to Our Lady of Arneshurgh. King John’s chapel is also mentioned in 
 the old church books. 
 
 t The Yarmouth wills of the 13th and 14th centuries, contain many bequests to these particular 
 altars and lights, as well as to the high altar, for the repair of the church, and other purposes. 
 Jeffrey Wj'th, in 1302, gave 5s. “ for maintaining a lamp continually burning before the great 
 crucifix, at the feast of St. Martin.” Richard Fastolfe, by his will made in 1356, gave “ to St. 
 Mary’s light in St. Nicholas’ church, 6s. of an annual rent,” to be received out of atonement for 
 ever. In 1362, Steijhen de Stalham, a burgess of Yarmouth, gave “to the high altar of Yarmouth 
 church, for his tenths forgotten,” twenty marks ; and to the repair of the church, five marks; to 
 St. Thomas’ light, one mark; and to the light of the blessed Mary, 20s. Jeffery de Drayton be¬ 
 queathed, in 1374, “ to the support of the light of Coiqrus Christi, to be carried to the town, for 
 visiting the sick, 6s.” Thomas Cobald, in 1379, gave to the high altar, “ a wey of salt, and his 
 best holiday vestment, there to be used as long as it should last.” Alice Christion, in l349, gave 
 to each altar, a table cloth and a towel. In 1395, Margaret Beverley gave “to the burgh of Great 
 “ Yarmouth, and to the Avaideus of St. Nicholas’ church, 8s. 6(7. of an annual rent, for the sup- 
 “ port and illumination of a Avax candle next before the crucifix, hanging in the nave, (such light 
 “ to be always of the weight of two pounds,) there at all times to burn, as is usual to be observed 
 “ of all caudles in the c’noir.” She also gave £1 lOi. 6(7. “ of an annual rent, toAvards the aid 
 “ and support of eight candles burning on the perch in the chancel of St. Thomas of Canterbury, 
 “ Avithin St. Nicholas’ church of Yarmouth aforesaid.” In 1490, Thomas Pond directed his 
 executors “to supply a lamp Avith oil, burning day and night; and five Avax candles standing 
 “ about the lamp before the sacrosirum, or high altar, to the honour of the sacrament, in time of 
 “ divine service, as the said Thomas in his life time had used, to continue for ever.” Lands given 
 for the purpose of supporting a light, Avei’C frc(iuently called “lamp lands,”—a name often met 
 Avith. It is applied at LoAvestoft, to a considerable tract of land, iioav built upon, Avhich once 
 belonged to the church. 
 
 t The folloAving is one of the entries on the rolls;— 
 
 “ CHills DC (a ce ^agua Hcrnrimitl) $ TBenEOicusi TBIoh be 'Bitiigcje capellamis! 
 
 “ ftnein fecenint ruin 3R. p quaDragiitta foltnog p'liceiuia flannt Dtiohus! capdlaiiis nibiiia 
 “idchi-atiit’ aD manum mottuam laiciun fcoDinn in ipagna 3Iencmiitl) Ijcnn' Etc,” 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 115 
 
 erection of a chapel, and the celebration of divine service therein ; but never¬ 
 theless, they increased to such an extent, and occupied so much space, that, in 
 1330, it was determined to erect an entirely new building, 107 feet long, and 
 47 feet in width, at the west end of the church. The foundations were laid ; 
 but the structure proceeded slowly, and was ultimately stopped, through the 
 ravages of the plague, in 1348; after which, it was never resumed, although 
 some years elapsed before all hope of completing the work was finally abandoned, 
 many bequests being made from time to time towards the expenses. 
 
 A carnary, or charnel house, with a chapel over the same, (which was 
 served by two priests,) is also mentioned by Manship (page 40), as having 
 been built and endowed, in 1302, by Sybilla Flath, femina meritis et diynitate 
 sinyularis who died in 1315.| 
 
 Each chapel had a chplain to serve at its altar; and it was made a place 
 of sepulture for the founder or principal supporter. Thus, William of Worces¬ 
 ter says, Dominus John Rynywood, de le Vi/es natus, est cupellanus capella: Bcati 
 Nicholai et Santi Herasmi, ubi Johannes Fastolf, armiger, jacet sepultus.\ 
 
 Besides the rich plate and other ornaments which these chapels possessed. 
 
 * See Manship, pp. 35, 220. In 1355, AV’illiam Oxney, a burgess of Yarmouth, gave 40.s. to 
 tlie liigh altar of St. Nicholas, for his “ tenths and trespasses forgotten; ” and the like svim “ to 
 the new work of the same clnirch.” And in the following year, Richard Fastolfe, after desiring 
 to he buried in St. Katharine’s chapel, and bequeathing 20s. to St. Jlary’s light, gave the like 
 sum to “ the new work.” In 1379, Simon attc Ga|)pe desired “ to be biu’ied in St. Nicholas’ 
 church yard, before the door of the new chapel on the west part.” 
 
 t In 1550, an annuity of xxxj’ viii'' was granted to Philip Pye, on condition he delivered up 
 all such evidences concerning the charnel, as he had in his possession. 
 
 J The remains of this chapel in the south aisle, were discovered on removing the “Alderman's 
 gallery,” in 1846; a mutilated canopied sepulchral arch may still be seen, bearing a small shield, 
 which faintly shows the emblazonment of the Fastolfcs. This was probably the tomb of the 
 father of the renowned Sir John Fastolfe, K.G. Near it, an ancient stone coffin was found, 
 with a cross sculptured on the lid. Others of that ancient family were buried near the high 
 altar, as— Acines,Jilia Domini Daiiholomci de Somerton, militis, quondam uxor Hicardi Fastolfe 
 Junioris,jaret coram predirto altari boriali, CWilliam of Worcester) ;—and in the church of the 
 Grey Friars. (See Manship, pp. 204, 421.) A small piscina and an arnbryewere on each side of 
 this tomb, but are now filled up ; but the piscina of a chai)cl at the cast end of this aisle, witli two 
 basins, has been uncovered, and has been suffered to remain. The churchwardens took fees for 
 burials in these chapels, and accounted for the money thus,— 
 
 1488. For breaking ground in Our Lady’s chancel. 
 
 1495. For breaking ground in St. Thomas’ chancel. 
 
 Walter Schave, of Great Yarmouth, in 1508, directs as follows,—“My wretched bodv to be 
 “ buryed w^'otight the north door of the chapel of our Lady of Arneburgh, in the churchc yard 
 “ of St. Nicholas, in the foresaid Yarmouth.” The witnesses to this will are “ Sir Win. Caryar, 
 prest,” and “ Wm. Ubgate, prest.” 
 
116 
 
 HISTORY OP 
 
 they contained many relics bronght from distant lands.During the 14th and 
 loth centuries, pilgrimages to foreign shrines were very popular; and it is re¬ 
 corded, that in 1428, about sixty persons, belonging to Y'armouth, formed part 
 of a body of pilgrims, amounting to 250, who left England to visit the shrine of 
 St. James of Compostella,f Ships were licenced for this purpose ; and, prior 
 to their departure, the pilgrims bound themselves by an oath, not to disclose 
 the secrets of the kingdom.;{; 
 
 The high altar, which was particularly rich in plate, jewels, and vestments,§ 
 stood in a smaller chancel, formed by the extension of the middle chancel 
 aisle. It had three windows on each side, with another window, (probably a 
 triplet,) at the extreme east end. On the south side were the sedilia, or seats 
 
 * In an inventory of church goods, taken in 1502, as being then in what was called the new 
 vestry, the following relies are enumerated: 
 
 Some of the oil of St. Nicholas,—^the gift of Dawn John Hoo, pi-ior. 
 
 A relic of St. Margaret,—to whom there was a chapel, supported by a guild. 
 
 A relic of St. George, in gold,—to which saint a chapel was also dedicated, and supported by 
 a guild. 
 
 A part of the holy thorn, in silver. 
 
 A relic of St. Maurice, in copper. 
 
 From the church books : 
 
 A piece of the holy cross, in a cross of gold: respecting which, the following entry occurs,— 
 “ 1495. Paid the goldsmith for mending the cross, that piece of holy cross was in.” 
 
 t Campus Stellce —^because a star directed where the body of St. James was concealed. It is 
 at Santiago in Gallicia, and was a favorite pilgrimage of the English. In the reign of Henry II., 
 Maurice de Barsham, of East Barsham in Norfolk, proceeded on this pilgrimage; and after the 
 marriage of Edward I. with Leonora, sister of Alonzo el Sabio, a protection to English pilgrims 
 was granted, and they Hocked there in great numbers, to the great enrichment of the shrine ; 
 until, as Molina laments, “ the damnable doctrines of the accursed Luther diminished the num¬ 
 ber of wealthy English.” The corn tax, levied throughout Spain, for the support of this shrine, 
 was not abolished till 1835. 
 
 j Palmers (palmiferi), were pilgrims who went to the Holy Land, and brought back, as 
 evidences of their jouruies, branches of the palm tree, (the symbol of Palestine,) which they 
 delivered to the priests, to be by them placed on the altar. They professed great asceticism and 
 wilful poverty—virtues which their descendants have not thought it necessary to imitate. 
 
 § Some account of these things will be found in Manship, pp. 82, 281. In 1485, anew pair of 
 censers were purchased, weighing 81 ounces; the workmanship and gilding of which cost 14ff. 
 per oz. Among the plate enumerated in the inventory taken in 1502, we find a temple of silver 
 gilt, weighing 168 oz. ; a cross, with Mary and John, in silver gilt, containing 86 oz.; eight 
 chalices, (the best being gilded,) weighing 40 oz., &c. Among other church goods, mention is 
 made of a principal vestment of cloth of gold, and eleven tunics, the gift of Sir John Fastolfe ; a 
 book for the prior (Thomas Hoo), with a cushion of velvet and a cloth of silk, &c. When Queen 
 Mary ascended the throne (see Manship, pp. 158, 325,) all such things as were necessary for the 
 celebration of mass, were again procured ; and the churchwardens applied “ to the dean and 
 other prebendaries,” at Norwich, to appoint “ two priests to sing and serve the cure at Yarmouth, 
 according to the Queen’s proceedings.” It appears that the churchwardens procured from Lon¬ 
 don a cope and vestment of gold. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 117 
 
 for the officiating priests, all of stone work, very richly canopied. In a niche 
 eastward of the sedilia, is the piscina, one of the appurtenances of an altar, 
 never dispensed with in ancient times. On the north side is an arcade, rvith a 
 doorway which formerly led into a (supposed) place of penance, lighted only by 
 a slit or squint, through which the high altar could alone he seen. About ten 
 feet from the east end, screening a vestry for the attendant priests, stood a richly 
 carved stone reredos, of the time of Henry VII., having a door at each side. 
 It was elaborately ornamented with a series of small niches, containing images 
 of the apostles and of other saints. There was also an altar at the east of each 
 aisle in the chancel. The piscina and sedilia belonging to the south chancel- 
 aisle may still he seen, with some of the original decorations. One of the arches 
 contains a mural painting of an angel holding a scroll. In the walls are several 
 apertures which were formerly used as aumbryes, lockers or cupboards, for the 
 reception of the chalices and other things belonging to the altar. 
 
 In the chancel are the stone stairs which led to the Rood Loft, once “very 
 richly furnished.” Over it, no doubt, was the“ great crucifix,” of which frequent 
 mention is made. In the chancel-aisles were performed those sacred dramas, 
 intended to give the people a living representation of the leading occurrences 
 narrated in holy writ, and of the principal events in our Saviour’s life. At an 
 early period, when the people were unlettered and the scriptures a sealed book, 
 such a mode of impressing the mind of the multitude, may have had its use. 
 The old corporation books of payments contain many singular entries of sums 
 expended about the mechanical contrivances used in the production of such 
 spectacles. Concerning the “Feast of the Star,” which was performed at the 
 Epiphany,* are the following : — 
 
 1462. For making a new star. 
 
 146.5. For leading tlic star 
 1493. For a new balk line to tlie star, and 
 ryving the same star, vilF. 
 
 1506. For hanging the star and seowering. 
 1512. For a line called a nine-thread, and 
 six-thread line, to lead the star. 
 
 * Three jiriests, dressed as kings, with servants bearing offerings, met from different directions 
 before the altar; tlie one to the cast, pointed to a star,—a dialogue ensued, — and they sang, 
 Let us (JO and inquire, the ])recentor answering. Let the magi come, A procession formed: 
 as it entered the nave, a crown, like a star, hanging before the great crucifix, was lighted up. 
 the magi exclaiming. Behold the Star of the Last! Tlie star, moving, led them buck to the 
 altar, where two priests (one on either side), said, IFc cu'c those whom you seek: and drawing 
 aside a curtain, discovered a child, representing the infant Jesus. The magi fell down wnrship- 
 ))ing, their servants jilacing the offerings on the altar. The magi continued jiraying, till they 
 fell asleep; when a boy, representing an angel, addressed them with, All things which iht 
 prophets said, are fulfilled, —and the festival concluded by chanting. 
 
 Q 
 
118 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 The “ Easter sepulchre” was a spectacle 
 entries respecting it are more numerous 
 
 1463 Fctr meuding an augcl stauding on 
 
 tlie sepulchre. 
 
 1464 For a new house in the vestry, for 
 
 putting the sepulchre in. 
 
 For two pulleys over the sepulclu’e 
 in the chancel roof. 
 
 1465 For setting up the sepulchre, ivi. 
 For drying the sepulchre cloth, ii‘*. 
 
 1481 For taking down the sepulchre. 
 
 1489 For mending the sepulchre. 
 
 1498 For fetching in the scpulchi-e and 
 tending the sepulchr-e light. 
 
 of much greater importance and the 
 
 1498 For dressing and watching the sepul¬ 
 chre. 
 
 1540 For berying the whip. 
 
 1564 I'or setting up the paschal, viii'*. 
 
 For a new forelock for the paschal. 
 Foi- making a wheel for the paschal. 
 For painting the paschal. 
 
 1580 For taking down the paschal. 
 
 1586 For hanging the paschal. 
 
 For a new line for the paschal. 
 
 Games and Mysteries were also performed in the church, upon particular 
 festivals ; and when enough performers could not be found among the clergy, 
 they employed secular players.f The churchwardens derived a revenue from 
 these exhibitions, as would appear from the subjoined extracts : — 
 
 1473 For the play on Corpus Christi day, 
 vjwiijd 
 
 1486 For the same, iv^. x<>. 
 
 1489 Of the play that was made at Bartle- 
 mewtide, all charges home, 60*. 
 
 1493 For a game played on Christmas 
 day, XV®. x'^. 
 
 1508 Of the game players, ix®. x"*. 
 
 From the accounts of the chamberlains and churchwardens, during the 
 fifteenth century, much information relative to the church, may be gathered. 
 
 * A tomb, or sepulchre, was brought into the church, and placed on the north side of the chancel, 
 on Good Friday, and was watched until Easter day, when, by means of the “ two pulleys” in the 
 roof, the image of the Saidour, which had been lying therein, was raised from the tomb, and was 
 received by the officiating pi'iests with great reverence ; and, whilst singing the anthem, Christies 
 resarpens, was placed by them upon the high altar; thence it was usually carried round the 
 church in a procession, attended by the whole choir, with “ goodly torches ” and a “ great store 
 of other light,” all singing and rejoicing until they again approached the high altar, where it 
 was replaced, and there remained until Ascension day, when it disappeared. The paschal taper 
 was made like plaited hair, w’ound spirally round a staff, and typified the column of fii-e which 
 preceded the Israelites. It was borne lighted in Passover week, and then signified the new fire, 
 or doctrine of Christ. 
 
 t The festival of Corpus Christi (May 28th), was designed to celebrate the mystical doctrine of 
 Transuhstantiation ; and the pageantry on this day usually surpassed that of most others. The 
 feast of St. Bartholomew was on the 24th of August, when the apostle was represented with a 
 knife in his left hand,—in allusion to his having been flayed alive; but Christmas was the great 
 time for mummers and players. These plays and pageants were, however, generally suppressed 
 at the reformation : but in order to supply some amusement to the people, others were substituted. 
 Thus the accounts in 1541 state, the “money gathered by the Christmas Lord, Richard Howe.” 
 and the money gathered and paid “about Midsomer night.” When the players were driven from 
 the church, they established a “game-house” within the precincts of the adjacent dissolved priory. 
 For an account of the Christmas Lord in London, in 1551, see Machvn’s Diary, jiage 13. 
 
MJRAL P AINTI]^ G- , 
 ently discoTerei la Nicholas CAixrck. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 119 
 
 They contain some curious particulars of receipts and disbursements ;— 
 
 1486 For the drynkings over the common 
 hall yerelj' in Lenten, and all costs 
 borne, xxij®. 
 
 1497 For Godspence of the merchandize 
 made in the town.* 
 
 For the stall farms at the church gate. 
 
 1465 Paid for torches which were borne in 
 visitation with the sacrament. 
 
 For three cushions for the prior and 
 bailiffs, iijs. iv^. 
 
 For dogs keeping out of the church. 
 For the dog-driver, iv^. per quarter. 
 
 There was no dog-tax in those days ; and that dogs were commonly found in 
 churches, may be gathered from the diocesan directions given by Bishop Wren, 
 in 1636, when he directs the altar-rail to be made “so thick with pillars, that 
 dogs may not get in.” 
 
 The walls of the church, (especially in the chancel,) were adorned with 
 paintings of scriptural or religious subjects,—fragments of which have recently 
 been discovered in various parts. By removing thick coats of white-wash from 
 the north wall of the chancel, a fragment of painting, in admirable preservation, 
 has been brought to light. It represents several knights, clad in chain armour, 
 apparently entering a church, and one of them holding a sword with the hilt 
 upwards. Probably they are about to ask a blessing on theii' enterprise, or to 
 deposit the fruits of victory. 
 
 The walls were also adorned with hangings of paper and arras ; and a 
 symbolical shipf was suspended from the roof. During Lent, the images of 
 saints were covered up, the rich hangings of the church were taken down, and 
 
 the high altar was veiled.J Touching 
 
 1464 For a line for the veil before the 
 
 high altar. 
 
 1465 To the bellman, for clothing the 
 
 images in Lent, iij'*. 
 
 1511 To the sexton, for taking down the 
 five cloths of arras at fastgang. 
 
 k’hich matters we find recorded. 
 
 1511 For hanging up the veil and other 
 
 Lenten cloths. 
 
 1512 For the papers hanging about the 
 
 church, iij**. 
 
 For the ship-making that hangeth in 
 the church, xx"*. 
 
 * Arqmiwm. Dei. The money paid “ to bind the bargain,” or “ earnest pennie,” was also 
 called God’s penny. 
 
 t A ship was considered ns a typo of the church ; and as, hy the apostolical constitutions, the 
 church was to represent the church of St. Peter, the centre avenxie formed the nave, and pre¬ 
 serves the name. 
 
 A sign ! beneath the shi]) we stand ! 
 
 The inverted vessel's arching side 
 Forsaken, when the fisher-band 
 
 Went forth to track a mightier tide. 
 
 * It was customary to hang a veil, or curtain, upon the screen during Lent, so that the ordinary 
 congregation should not see the mysteries carried on in the chancel. 
 
120 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 Tlie successive alterations -which have been made in this church, from 
 time to time, may still be traced, with considerable accuracy, by the different 
 styles of the windows. Those already mentioned, as having been recently dis¬ 
 covered in the tower, are pure Norman. The west window of the nave is 
 a beautiful lancet triplet; whilst those of the two aisles, although very much 
 larger, are also triplets, but exhibit symptoms of transition from early English 
 to decorated. The north windows of the chancel are pure specimens of the 
 time of Edward I. ; -whilst those in the north and south aisles of the church are 
 in the transition style from decorated to perpendicular, retaining the early 
 English mouldings. The south window of the south transept, the great east 
 window of the south chancel-aisle, and the south windows of the same, are 
 perpendicular. The east window of the north chancel-aisle, is a wretched in¬ 
 sertion. The original size of this window may he traced by the dripstone, 
 which still remains, having the (supposed) heads of Edward I. and Bishop 
 Middleton, for corbels. 
 
 The roofs in this church are all waggon-shaped. Those in the nave, aisles, 
 and transepts are panelled, Avith very rich bosses^ at the intersections. They 
 exhibit a A'ariety of very elegant designs in flowers and foliage, and many have, 
 in the centre, symbolical representations of the beatitudes, the heavenly choir, 
 the deadly sins, &c. Those in the south aisle (one hundred and forty in 
 number) are highly interesting : they display a series of armorial shields, 
 which have been elaborately described and explained by T. W. King, Esq., 
 Y’ork Herald, in a communication addressed by him to the Norfolk and Nonvick 
 ArcTiceological Society A They comprise the following,— 
 
 No, 1. This shield, which is the flrst of the central line commencing at 
 the east end, contains the well knoAvn banner of the Holy Teixitt. 
 
 No. 2. Or, a double-headed eagle displayed sa. This may be considered 
 as either an heraldic bearing, appertaining personally to the Emperor of Ger¬ 
 many, or as a religious emblem, typifying the Chtjech. As the dove in the 
 New Testament, so the eagle in the Old, was the type of the Holy Ghost. Like 
 many other church emblems, it was adopted on the shields of mere earthly 
 kings. 
 
 Printed in the Norfolk Archceologia, vol. ii., p. 140. 
 
SHIIEI.BS IM STo FICHO]LAB» C M F ffi C H 
 
 CT. YARMOUTH. 
 
 

 
 
 
 V 
 
 
 
 t;: ,;''l. 
 
g H I U ]L D S IM STo M I C H O ]L A S ** C H IJ M C H 
 
 CT. YARMOUTH. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 121 
 
 No. 3. The shield of Edward III., bearing the arms of France (ancient) 
 quarterly with those of England. 
 
 No. 4. The shield of Edward the Black Prince, hearing the same 
 arms, with a label of three points argent. 
 
 No. 5. The shield of John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, bearing 
 the same arms with a label of three points ermine. 
 
 No. 6. The shield of Edmund of Langley, Duke of Y'ork, hearing 
 the same arms, with a label of three points argent, each charged with two 
 torteauxes. 
 
 No. 7. The shield of Thomas of Woodstock, Duke of Gloucester, 
 bearing the same arms within a bordure argent. 
 
 This terminates the royal series,—all the sons of Edward HI. being repre¬ 
 sented, except Lionel of Antwerp, Duke of Clarence, which omission is accounted 
 for by Mr. King, and confirms his supposition, that these shields were put up 
 some time between the years 1399 and 1405. 
 
 No. 8. Quarterly. France (ancient) and England, a label of five points; 
 the three first each charged with two ermine spots, the remaining two points 
 azure, each charged with two fleurs de lis. Mr. King unhesitatingly gives this 
 shield to John, Duke of Bedford, Regent of France, third son of Henry IV.* 
 
 No. 9. England with a label of five points. This shield Mr. King gives 
 to Thomas of Brotherton, Earl of Norfolk, fifth son of Edward I. 
 He died without heirs male, but left two daughters, the eldest of whom, 
 Margaret, was created Duchess of Norfolk for life, and married, first, John 
 Lord Seagrave, by whom she became the ancestress of the Mowbrays and 
 Howards, Dukes of Norfolk,—and secondly. Sir Walter Manny, K.G. It may, 
 however, be the shield of the Duchess herself. 
 
 No. 10. Quarterly. Argent and gules; the second and third quarters 
 fretty, or; over all a bend sable; a bordure azure, charged with fifteen mitres 
 or. The shield of Hugh le Spencer, Bishop of Norwich, who was conse¬ 
 crated in 1370, and died in 1406. As this shield immediately succeeds that of 
 the royal house, and as the Bishop was a descendant of Edward L, it may 
 safely be inferred that these shields were placed in theii' present position during 
 his episcopate.! 
 
 * Mr. Francis Worship attributes this shield to Henry of Bolingbrokc, eldest son of John of 
 Gaunt. 
 
 t See the Foundacion, p. 73, and Manskij), p. 318 
 
122 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 No. 11. Argent; a lion rampant sable, crowned or. The shield of Sir 
 Thomas he Moeley, K.G., Baron Morley, who died in 1416. He was the 
 son of 'William, Lord Morley,by Cecily, his wife, daughter of Thomas, Lord 
 Bardolf. Sir Robert de Morley, his grandfather, -was at the siege of Calais with 
 Edward III. 
 
 No. 12. Gules; seven escallops, three, three and one, or. The shield of 
 Robert, Lord Scales, who married Elizabeth, daughter of 'William, Lord 
 Bardolf, and died in 1402.f 
 
 No. 13. Quarterly, or and asiire; on a bend three crosses botonee or. 
 
 No. 14. Quarterly, or and azure; on a bend gules, three escallops, or^ewh 
 
 These shields belong to the ancient family of Eastolee, which flourished 
 for many generations in Yarmouth. The shield with the three crosses botonee, 
 is supposed to appertain personally to Sir John Fastolfe, K.G., of Caister 
 Castle, who was the only individual of his family who bore them instead of the 
 escallops on the bend. They appear on his shield of arms sculptured on the 
 chimney-piece formerly at Caister Castle, but now at Blickling. 
 
 No. 15. Azure; three cinque-foils, or. The shield of Lord Bardole.J 
 
 No. 16. Sahle; three bars gemels, and a canton argent. These arms are 
 attributed to the family of Buckton, and appear on five several shields.§ They 
 are impaled with Fastolfe (No. 17), and are also quartered with the next coat. 
 
 * By his will, proved in the diocesan court of Norwich, in 1379, he hequeathed to his wife “ a 
 silver spice plate, with the arms of Bardolf at the bottom.” Also, “fora mortuary” to the 
 Augustine Friars at Norwich, “ my best black horse, on the day of my interment.” “ Item. I 
 “ bequeath to the aforesaid friars, my principal complete vestment, with one cloth of gold cm- 
 “ hroidered with the heads of ladies.” He was huiied in the Austin P'riars church, at Norwich. 
 His father, Robert, Lord Morley, was a great man, and much in favor with Edward III. He 
 once killed a deer belonging to Bateman, bishop of Norwich, and abused the servant who op¬ 
 posed him. The bishop was a man of so high a spirit, that notwithstanding the King forbade all 
 jjroceedings, he compelled Lord Morley to carry a wax taper, hare-foot and bare-headed, through 
 the streets of Norwich, in the sight of great crowds of people, to the cathedral church, and there, 
 in the presence of a large congregation, to beg pardon for his fault. Lord Morley was killed on 
 the 28th of April, 1360, in a thunder-storm, when encamped W'ith the English army near Chartres. 
 The hail, of prodigious size, killed 1,000 horses and 4,000 men. So extraordinary a circumstance 
 was deemed by the troops a sign of God’s wrath. 
 
 t He was seated at Middleton Castle, near Lynn, the ruins of which still remain. When 
 Edward III. embarked on board the Yai’mouth squadron, on his expedition to Bi'ittany, his 
 father (the Lord Scales, who died in 1385,) was summoned to attend him, with ten men-at-arms 
 and ten archers ; and when, in 1347, the King laid siege to Calais, the same Lord Scales was re¬ 
 quired to join liim, “ w'ith all the power he could raise, without staying for the embarcation of 
 his horses.” 
 
 j See Manship, p. 327. 
 
 § Gu. three bars gemels or and a canton arg., were borne by the Fitz-Oshornes, of Suffolk. 
 
SMIEILBS IIJ gTo IJ-ICHOBAg’ C M U IS C H 
 
 CT. YARMOUTH. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 123 
 
 No. 18. Sable, guttee d’eau; a Catherine wheel argent. There are 
 five sliields hearing this remarkable coat. It appears impaled with Thorpe* 
 (No. 19) and also with Fastolfe (No. 20), and quartered with Buchton (No. 21). 
 A similar bearing apjjears in a collection of arms said to have been taken from 
 a roll of arms temj}. Edu ard L, as being those of Jo de Boys; and in one case, 
 where a similar impalement occurs, the name of Beketon is written against the 
 dexter coat. Notwithstanding the laborious researches of Mr. King, the true 
 history of these coats (No. 16 and No. 18) is lost in obscurity. 
 
 No. 22. The arms of Yakmooth.I 
 
 These are all the ancient shields which remained on the ceiling of the south 
 aisle, when the same was restored in 1848.J 
 
 When the church was “beautified” in 1703, this ceiling was painted in 
 imitation of dark-veined marble, and two rows of bosses (one on each side) with 
 their shields, were destroyed, to make way for a huge cornice, painted to re¬ 
 semble white marble. This cornice was removed, in 1846, and the bosses 
 restored at the same time with the ancient shields ; but as it was impossible to 
 ascertain what armorial bearings had been destroyed, the following were put up 
 in their stead :— 
 
 Bishop Bateman 
 
 Beauchamp 
 
 De Beek 
 
 Clere 
 
 Gerbridge 
 
 Gurney 
 
 Howard 
 
 Jeimey 
 
 Henry of Lancaster 
 Mowbray 
 See of Norwich 
 ]'as ton 
 
 Bishop Percy 
 Southwell 
 Townshend 
 Wodehouse 
 A’armouth (ancient) 
 
 At the period immediately preceding the Reformation, the interior of this 
 church must have presented a very grand appearance. It was entirely open 
 
 * Choqucy or aiid pules on a fess sable tlirce martlet.s argent. This is an old Norfolk name and 
 hearins;. A family of this name flourished in Yarmouth during the 1.3th and 14th centuries. 
 In 1324, Rosa and Ada, daughters and co-heirs of John, the son of Thomas de Thorpe, conveyed 
 a messuage abutting upon “ Thorpe’s row” south, and upon Middlegate street west, to llamo de 
 Lecton and Isabella his wire. 
 
 t See Manship, p. 360. 
 
 I In re])lacing these shields, which had been taken down to be re-emblazoned, a most unfortu¬ 
 nate blunder was made by the workmen, which was not discovered until after the scaffolding 
 was removed. The shield. No. 16, was misplaced uc.\t the royal coat of Edward the Black 
 Prince, and was made to precede John of (jaunt. 
 
124 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 from end to end, unencumbered bj- galleries and pews, and the chancel merely 
 separated by a screen of open wood-work, elaborately painted and decorated. 
 Entering the nave by the great west door, the high altar, resplendent with plate 
 and sacred vessels, might be seen at the extreme east end,—a distance of two 
 hundred and twenty-five feet. The lofty roofs were studded with emblazoned 
 shields and devices. The walls were adorned with pictures and hung with 
 banners ; whilst the “ dim religious light,” emitted through windoAvs of stained 
 glass,! upon a floor coA'ered Avith sepulchral brasses, and other memorials of 
 
 the dead. In the aisles Avere side chapels, each having its altar, and a 
 light burning before its patron saint. The “ soul-aAvakening ” tunes of the 
 organ, and the “ solemn chamit ” of the choir, SAvept doAAm the nave, and floated 
 indistinctly aAA^ay; AS'hilst priests in their gorgeous robes, and monks in their 
 sombre A^estments, made solemn procession through the sacred edifice. 
 
 At the Reformation, all Avas changed. The side chapels Avere demolished!— 
 the altars desecrated—the rood loft “ pluct doAA’n ”—the plate, the jeAvels, and 
 the A'estments Avere sold—the relics Avere scattered to the Avinds—the statues of 
 saints and martATs, once so honoured, AA'ere mutilated, and the Avails defaced. 
 Not only were “ all feigned miracles, idolatry, and superstition in Avails, glass 
 windoAvs, and elseAARere,” removed, biit fanaticism combined to cause a “ slan¬ 
 derous desolation,” AARich could never be repaired. EA'ery thing AA'hich, in the 
 opinion of those in poAver, “ smelt of superstition,” (Avhich seemed to have 
 embraced all articles of any value,) AA'as removed, and conA'erted into money. 
 Thus, in 1551, the corporation ordered all the sepulchral brasses in the church 
 
 Thomas Barsham, called “ Thomas of Yarmouth,” acquired considerahle reputation during 
 the early part of the loth century, as a painter and imarjier, or maker of images ; and to him 
 Ave are probably indebted for many interesting specimens of ancient art, Avhich stUl remain on 
 the altar screens of some of the Norfolk churches. 
 
 + There is every reason to believe that the AvindoAvs of this church AA^ere once rich in painted 
 glass; and that a considerable quantity escaped the fury of the early reformers, and romaiued 
 until 1776, Avhen the Avhole Avas removed by Mr. Nathaniel Symonds, the glazier employed to 
 reiAair the AvindoAvs. A solitary fragment may still be seen, here and there, in some of the mul- 
 lions; and, during the late repairs, upon opening a door leading to a turret Avhich had long been 
 closed, a heap of fragments Av-as found. 
 
 j In 1576, the corporation ordered the partition betAA'cen the choir and the “ chapel,” Avhich 
 had been appropriated to their use, “ to be taken down and laid into one.” On rcmoA’iug the 
 peAvs during the late restoration, some remains of these chapels Averc discovered, especially some 
 joists, painted in blue and gold,—the latter in excellent preservation. Some stone coffins Avere 
 also found. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 125 
 
 to "be torn from tRelr stones and sent to London, there to be cast into weights 
 for the use of the town; “ by which inhuman deformidable act,” says Weever, 
 “ the honourable memory of many virtuous and noble persons deceased, is ex¬ 
 tinguished ; ” so that, when he visited the church with a desire “ to check the 
 ■“ unsufferable injury, offered as well to the living as to the dead, by the breaking 
 “ down and almost utterly ruinating monuments, with their epitaphs, and by 
 “ erasing, tearing away, and pilfering the brazen inscriptions,” he found that 
 all the monuments in the church had been “ utterly defaced,”—“ neither inscrip¬ 
 tion nor epitaph then remaining.” This wanton spoliation in the church itself, 
 was followed up by the churchwardens, in 1560, who actually took the grave 
 stones out of the church-yard, and sent them to Newcastle, to be converted into 
 grind stones. But this was rather too strong a measure for the corporation, 
 Avho declared that the churchwardens had acted “ contrary to the trust put in 
 them,” and fined them,—retaining one half of the fine as a reward for their 
 own vigilance, and presented the other half to the church.'^ To prevent such 
 excesses. Queen Elizabeth, in 1560, issued a proclamation to restrain “ a sacri- 
 “ ligious kinde of people, which, under pretence of abolishing superstition, began 
 “ to demolish ancient tombs, to raze and deface the epitaphs and coat armours 
 “ of most noble families, and other monuments of venerable antiquity, which 
 “ had remained after the first furie of men, under Henry YIII. and Edward VL, 
 “ and take the bells out of churches, and to pluck off the lead from the church 
 “ roofes.” f 
 
 * Another favorite method of economic.al spoliation, practised in this and other churches, was 
 to appropriate the fine old slabs which covered the graves of our ancestors, and convert them into 
 door stejjs, by turning the face downwards. A fine stone cotfin lid, with a cross sculptured there¬ 
 on, was so applied at the great west door, but is now removed into the church. 
 
 t Nearly a century later, the Earl of Manchester, when commanding the a.ssociated counties 
 for the parliament, issued a commission under which Francis Jessope, of lleccles, removed 
 from Lowestoft church, all inscriptions in brass, commencing with the usual Orate pro attima, icc- 
 It does not appear that this worthy, or his coadjutor. Dowsing, ever visited Yarmouth ; but the 
 former has thus recorded his doings at Goui.eston Chuiich :—“ In the chancel, as it is called, 
 “ we took up twenty brazen superstitious inscriptions. Ora pro nobis, &c.; broke twelve apostles, 
 “ carved in wood, and chcrubims, and a lamb with a cross; and took up four superstitious in- 
 “ scriptions in brass, in the north chancel, Jesu filii Dei miserere mei, &c.; broke in ])ieccs the 
 “ rails, and broke down twenty-two popish pictures of angels and saints. AVe did deface the font 
 “ and a cross on the font; and took up a brass inscription there, with Cujus animee propitietar 
 “ Dexts, and “ Fray for y' soul,” &c., in English. We took up thirteen sui)crstitious brasses. 
 “ Ordered Moses with his rod and Aaron with his mitre, to be taken down. Ordered eighteen 
 “ angels off the roof, and chcrubims to be taken down, and nineteen pictures on the windows. 
 ‘‘ The organ I brake; and we brake seven popish pictures in the chancel window,—one of Christ, 
 “ another of St. Andrew, another of St. James, &c. We ordered the steps to be levelled by the 
 
 It 
 
126 
 
 HISTOrvY OF 
 
 Probably no part of the church suffered more, from the hot zeal of the early 
 reformers, than the chancel, n here the high altar rvas placed. Ilere the beau¬ 
 tiful stone tracery of the reredos and sedilia was mutilated, and all but utterly 
 destroyed—the images of saints and martyrs were defaced—the credence table 
 demolished—the stone altar removed—and a communion table placed elsewhere.* 
 All traces of former rites and ceremonies were carefully obliterated, the windows 
 M'ere blocked up, and the use of the holy of holies prevented, by dividing it 
 from the rest of the chancel by a boarded partition.f When the Vicar-General 
 visited the church, in 1635, he ordered the “partition of boards” Avhich then 
 divided “ the most easterly end ” from the chancel, to be removed, and “ the 
 “ said easterly end of the chancel to be comely beautified and adorned, as well 
 “ in walls, pavement, and windows ; and the communion table to be placed at the 
 “ east end thereof and the rails to be set in a comely manner, at the first 
 
 “ parson of the town; and brake the popish inscription, My flenli is meat indeed, and my blood is 
 “ drink indeed. I gave orders to break in pieces the carved work, which I have seen done. 
 “ There were six superstitious pictures, one crucifix, and the Virgin Mary with the infant Jesus 
 “ in her arms, and Christ lying in a manger, and the three kings coming to Christ with presents, 
 “ and three bishops with their mitres and crosier staffs, and eighteen Jesuses written in capital 
 “ letters, which we gave orders to do out. A picture of St. George, and many others which I 
 “ remember not, with divers pictures in the windows, which we could not reach, neither would 
 “ they help us to raise ladders; so we left a warrant with the constable to do it in fourteen days. 
 “ AVe brake down a pot of holy water, St. Andrew with his cross, and St. Catharine with her 
 “ wheel; and we took down the cover of the font, and the four evangelists, and a triangle for 
 “ the Trinity, a superstitious picture of St. Peter and his ke 3 ’s, an eagle, and a lion with wings. 
 “ In Bacon’s isle was a friar with a shaven crown, praying to God in these words. Miserere niei 
 “ Deus, —which we brake down. We brake a holy water font in the chancel. We rent to pieces 
 “ a hood and surplices. In the chancel was Peter pictured on the windows, with his heels up- 
 “ wards, and John Baptist, and twenty more superstitious pictures, which we brake; and-| H S 
 “the Jesuit’s badge, in the chancel window. In Bacon’s isle, twelve superstitious pictures of 
 “ angels and crosses, and a holy water font, and brasses with superstitious inscriptions. And in 
 “ the cross alley we took up brazen figures aud inscriptions. Ora pro nobis. We brake down a 
 “ cross on the steeple, and three stone crosses in the chancel, and a stone cross in the porch.’’ 
 
 * At the Reformation all altars, except the high altar, were removed,—bringing back the 
 church, as it was alleged, to the primitive model, when one altar signified the unity of the faith: 
 the others giving “ occasion to much that was contrary to the purity and simplicity of Christian 
 worship.” Stone altars were generally destroyed, so that but few are known to exist. 
 
 t Sufficient of the reredos remains to attest its former magnificence; the sedilia are in a more 
 perfect state. An altar stone, with five-[-thereon, typifying the wounds of Christ, may still be 
 seen, forming part of the pavement of the chancel near the north-cast window. These stones 
 were sometimes placed over the graves of priests who had officiated at the altflr, and to whom it 
 was desired to show some distinguishing mark of respect. 
 
 In Bishop Wren’s diocesan directions, at his primary visitation in 1636, he ordered that the 
 communion table, in every church, should stand north and south, close under the cast wall of the 
 chancel. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 127 
 
 ascention towards the place of the said communion table.” He also ordered 
 the east window, which had been “ \valled-up with bricks and mortar, or such 
 like,” to be re-opened, and “ comely and decently glazed with glass.” 
 
 Prior to the Reformation, the service was performed in the chancel, into 
 which the people were not admitted. On Sundays it was usual for one of the 
 pi'iests, after service, to pass into the nave of the church, and preach a short 
 sermon or homily. Subsequently the sermon began to be more considered, 
 and pulpits were erected for the convenience of the preachers.* The new-born 
 eloquence of the reformed divines, made a deep impression on the people who 
 crowded to hear them. The sermons were gradually lengthened; and fixed 
 seats and galleries began to be erected for the accommodation of those who 
 congregated round the pulpit. Such was the origin of pews : which, however, 
 in the modern sense of the word, did not attain their obtrusive importance till 
 the following century. Weever, writing in 1631, complains of them as a 
 novelty, and says, “ they are made high and easie for parishioners to sit or sleep 
 in,—a fashion of no long continuance, and worthy of reformation.”! The cor¬ 
 poration, like the rulers of the Jews, claimed “ the chief seats in the synagogue,” 
 and built a gallery for their own accommodation,—placing their families in “ a 
 chapel ” below them, so contrived, that each might, as Manship informs us, 
 “ enjoy the sight of his own wife.”! unnecessary here to enumerate the 
 
 “ stately galleries ” which have been described by Manship. A gallery, which 
 was erected at the lowest end of the church, acquired the name of “ Mother 
 
 * In 1586, a piilpit was erected at tlic west end of the church. It was ordered, by the Vicar- 
 General, to be removed in 1635,—he deciding that there should be “ but one pulpit set up at the 
 “ east end of the body of the church, the most convenient for preaching and hearing, at the dis- 
 “ cretion of the bailifis.” A pulpit was accordingly erected at the south-east corner of the south 
 aisle, (as shewn in Neale’s view,) and remained until 1846, when it was removed, and the present 
 pulpit, composed of some of the old materials, was erected against the second pillar, on the south 
 side of the nave. The pulpit, which was in the west end of the church, is now in Caister church. 
 
 t In the visitation books of the archdeacon of Norfolk, there are many “ presentments ” against 
 high-backed pews, as nuisances, temp. James I. and Charles I. In 1638, some of the parishioners 
 of Great St. Andrew’s, Cambridge, were presented for not kneeling at the sacrament, and excused 
 themselves by saying their seats were “ so straight, that, being filled, they could not kneel.” 
 
 + An alderman’s wife was called an “ aldress,” and their seat was called “ The aldress’ chapel.” 
 In the notes to Manship, (page ‘220,) by an error of the press, the aldermen’s wives are made to 
 object to the presence of the “teacher’s wife” in their pew. It was the “searcher’s wife” to 
 whom they had an antipathy ; probably in consequence of disputes which then existed between 
 the corporation and the officers of the revenue. 
 
 £ 2 
 
128 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 Rust’s Heightnings.” A gallery was also constructed across the arch, leading 
 Into the chancel from the south transept hut, with this exception, the body 
 of the church continued open to the chancel until 1649, when the Independents, 
 having mastered both the Episcopalians and the Presbyterians, insisted upon 
 appropriating a part of the church to their own use. A committee was appointed 
 to view the north aisle of the church, who reported that they did not conceive 
 it to be so convenient as the chancel, for public exercises of worship. The 
 chancel was therefore given up to the Independents. The arches leading into it 
 were then bricked up, as thej^ now appear, and the chancel was “ fitted for a 
 church-house ” for their special accommodation. It is probable that such orna¬ 
 ments as had escaped the zeal of the first Reformers, now fell a sacrifice. By 
 an ordinance of 1644, “ all organs, and the frames or cases wherein they stand,’^ 
 were to be “ taken away and utterly defaced.” 
 
 A door-way was then made, by cutting through the south wall of the chan¬ 
 cel, under the third window, which, for this purpose, was partially blocked up.f 
 Another entrance was obtained on the north side of the chancel, by removing 
 an altar-tomb, and breaking through the wall beneath the canopy, which was 
 thus made to have the appearance of a door-head, the sides of the tomb becom¬ 
 ing the door-posts. This was the tomb of Thomas Crowmer, who was seven 
 times bailiff of Yarmouth, between 1470 and 1497 ; and its mutilation was in 
 
 * The front gallery fell to the ground, with a loud crash, on Sunday, the 19th of July, 1773, 
 whilst Dr. Smyth, the incumbent, was delivering a lecture on the catechism. No one was 
 materially hurt: the dismayed congregation, however, rose to escape, but the doctor, with much 
 presence of mind, ordered the organ to play and an anthem to be sung, which had the effect of 
 calming their minds. When the gallery was removed in 1846, it was found to rest upon four 
 eolunms, bearing these inscriptions,—• 
 
 ANNO DOM : T. MORTIMEE, 
 
 1590 R. FERRIER 
 
 R. WOOLHOUSE C. W. 
 
 J. HARRIS T. H. B. T. 
 
 And ujion four shields, in front of the gaUeiy, were these inscriptions,— 
 
 1. Ao DHi. 1645. 
 
 2. T. Johnson. T. Gooch. Bailiffs. 
 
 3. T. Goose. J. Ward. Chambrlns. 
 
 4. J. Tompson. H. Mounton. Ch. Wardens. 
 
 On Sunday, the 8th of September, 1776, during the time of divine service, some hoys got uporr 
 the ceiling of one of the aisles, and a lad, named Thomas Bowgin, slipped from the joists upon 
 the boards, which gave way, and he fell into the church,—a distance of fifty feet,—and was so- 
 much injured that he died the next day, 
 
 t When the windows in the south wall of the chancel were recently removed, this particular 
 window was restored to its former proportions : this was accomplished by lowering the head of 
 the door-way, which has a more ecclesiastical appearance than its predecessor. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 129 
 
 direct violation of the Ordinances of Parliament, made in 1644, for the “ de¬ 
 molishing of monuments of idolatry and superstition,” but not of “ any image, 
 “ picture, or coat of arms, in glass, stone, or otherwise, set up or graven for a 
 “ monument of any king, prince, or nobleman, or other dead person,” not being 
 reputed a saint. The names of the doers of this work have been preserved to 
 us in a curious manner. They were Thomas Felstead and William Burton, 
 bailiffs, and Henry Moulton and Thomas Betts, churchwardens ; who, at the 
 same time, built a vestry at the north-west corner of the north aisle, and placed 
 a stone over the door, recording their names and the date (1650). When this 
 vestry was pulled down in 1846, this stone was removed, and it was then found 
 to have originally formed part of the altar-tomb of Robert Crow'mer : his mer¬ 
 chant-mark in a shield, and his arms, {or a chevron engrailed undee ar. and az. 
 between three crows sa.f^ impaling the arms of Wilshire, (per cherTon az. and 
 ar., in chief, eight crosses formee or,) in another shield, were sculptui’ed on the 
 other side of the stone. 
 
 At the Restoration, the Independents were ejected from the chancel, and it 
 was again possessed by the Episcoi^alians ; who, however, do not appear to have 
 made any effort to repair the ravages which this part of the church had sustained. 
 There was, unquestionably, a legal obligation upon the dean and chapter of 
 Noiuvich, as the impropriators and patrons of the living, to keep the chancel in 
 repair; but they shifted the burthen upon their “ farmer,” who, on his part, 
 made every effort to escape the infliction. The performance of this duty being 
 thus avoided, and no repairs being done to this part of the church, it fell into 
 “ great decay ; ” and, in 1671, the state of the chancel was such as to induce 
 the corporation to appoint a committee to enquire into the matter. A survey 
 was then made, and an estimate taken of the cost of such necessary repairs, as 
 the committee considered ought to be made by the dean and chapter : but no 
 redress could be obtained. They referred the corporation to their farmer,— 
 
 * These arms, which are an example of canting heraldry (the croics speaking for themselves, 
 and the chevron nndee or wavy like the sea, being intended for mer.), were granted and con¬ 
 firmed to “Robert Cromer, of Yermouthc, in the counte of NofFolke, to hold him and his 
 posterity,” by the Herald’s College, on the 24th of April, 1494. The door mentioned above, is 
 now blocked uj); but the canopy, and the portion of the tomb above described, still remain. 
 A view of the Crowmer monument, from the burin of Mrs. Bowj-er Vaux, is pulilishcd in the 
 Norfolk Arclucologia, vol. ii., page 35; another view of the same will be found in the Foumla- 
 cion and Antiqidtye, page 92. 
 
130 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 Gostling,—who died soon after : and the town was left to seek a remedy by in¬ 
 stituting a suit in chancery against his widow. In 1675, the dean and chapter 
 were induced so far to interfere, as to order Mrs. Gostling to repair “ the arch 
 and middle aisle ” of the chancel, taking to herself the fees received for burials 
 in such middle aisle,—the dean and chapter contending that the other portions 
 of the chancel ought to be repaired by the town ; and with regard to other 
 matters in dispute, they proposed, “considering Mrs. Gostling’s low estate,” to 
 settle the same by arbitration. Nevertheless, nothing was done ; for, in 1677, 
 the bishop called upon the corporation to repair the church; who replied, that 
 if his lordship would be “ assistant ” in getting Mrs. Gostling to repair her 
 part, they would comply with his lordship’s request. To this the bishop re¬ 
 turned a friendly answer ; and the corporation consented to refer the differences 
 between them and the dean and chapter and their farmer, to arbitration. The 
 corporation then appointed a committee to superintend the repairs of the church, 
 and levied a rate to meet the expense but no satisfactory arrangement could 
 be made as to the chancel, which remained unrepaired; and, in consequence of 
 this, the corporation, in 1679, discontinued the repair of the north aisle, “ where 
 the communion was lately received ; ” and in 1681, they suspended a plan “ for 
 altering and adding seats towards the north side of the church.” 
 
 Thus matters remained until 1690, when another effort was made. A 
 deputation, accompanied by the town clerk, waited upon the dean and chapter, 
 and requested them to repay such money as the corporation had already ex¬ 
 pended upon the middle aisle of the chancel, and to undertake the repair of it 
 in future. The dean and chapter again excused themselves, upon the ground 
 that it was the duty of Mrs. Gostling to do these repairs ; and declared their 
 unwillingness “ to seize ” the lease, “ because it would ruin two or three fami¬ 
 lies,” who, it appears, were living out of the revenue which ought never to have 
 been diverted from the town. To get rid of the question, the dean and chapter 
 recommended a sequestration : but perhaps the corporation compassionated 
 Mrs. Gostling, for it was not enforced. In the following year they appointed a 
 committee to advise with the churchwardens about the repair of the church, as 
 also of the church houses; and, in 1698, they levied rates upon the inhabitants 
 
 * In 1678, the following strange order appeal’s,—“ That Capt. Clarke and others assist Mr. 
 Hook, churchwarden, in puUiiig out the north windows of the church, to he repahed.” 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 131 
 
 for this purpose."^' In the following year, an additional rate was made; and in 
 1703, the south aisle was painted. 
 
 Hitherto, the interior of the church had remained tolerably free from ob¬ 
 structions : but in 1705, the monstrous proposal was made, of erecting a gallery 
 in the nave. Strange to say, it was “ thankfully accepted ” by the corporation, 
 was sanctioned by a faculty from the bishop, and confirmed by the vestry. It 
 was accordingly perpetrated by “ John Fuller and Rachel his wife, executors of 
 the will of alderman Thomas Bradford,”—as they duly recorded in letters of 
 gold on the gallery front.f To give light to this gallery, the corporation re¬ 
 moved two of the pillars on the south side of the nave, throwing four ellptic 
 arches into two semicircular ones; by which the stability of the fabric was en¬ 
 dangered, and the architectural character of the church destroyed. Subsequently 
 the nave was entirely separated from the north aisle by a wooden and glazed 
 partition at the back of this gallery : and the north aisle was entirely disused, 
 except as a place of sepulture. J 
 
 In 1744, further repairs were made to the church ; but the churchwardens 
 were again reminded by the parlshoners, that the repair of the middle chancel- 
 aisle and east end, belonged to the dean and chapter, and that, consequently, 
 they were to expend nothing thereon ; and as the dean and chapter would not 
 contribute, this part of the church continued to decay, until at last, the effects 
 of this long and shameful neglect were made manifest, by the whole of the east 
 end falling to the ground, carrying with it one of the windows on each side. 
 
 * It ajipcars that the churchwardens were allowed lOi. “ for ingrossing their accompts in the 
 gi’cat hook, so as they he ingrossed very fair; ” hut all churchwardens’ dinners were thenceforth 
 to be disallowed. It had been the custom, from the time of the Reformation, when the church 
 required repair, for the churchwardens to apply to the corporation, who thereupon, in common 
 council, allowed a rate to be made for such a sum as was necessary; and the churchwardens then 
 signed the rate and levied it, by means of the constables in each ward ; and at the end of the year, 
 the churchwardens’ account was examined by the auditors, chosen anunally on St. John’s day. 
 'I'his being contrary to the general law, the parishioners never being called together, doubts as to 
 the legality of such a rate, were raised; and, in 17-16, a case was submitted to Serjeant Prime, 
 who, however, was of opinion that a rate so made in pursuance of custom, was duly made, and 
 the accounts conclusively adjusted. 
 
 t At first, the seats were let, and the receipts given to the Fisherman’s hospital; in lieu of 
 which, the churchwardens afterwards paid £o annually, and this sum is now received by the 
 charity trustees. 
 
 7 During the incumbency of the lion, and Rev. Edward Pcllew, a Sunday school was estab¬ 
 lished in the north aisle. It was afterwards held in the chancel. 
 
132 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 This catastrophe happened in 1784, daring the incumbency of the Rev. Samuel 
 Cooper. No spark of that holy zeal which, more than five hundred years before, 
 had caused so noble a building to be erected, then animated either clergy or 
 laity: they saw, with equal indifference, the scattered fragments,—and their 
 only anxiety was, how to avoid the duty of repairing the damage which their 
 neglect had occasioned. Indeed, “ those having authority,” seem to have been 
 more regardless of the preservation of the church, than the inhabitants, who 
 had to bear the expense of keeping it in repair. 
 
 At a vestry meeting, held on the 1st of July, 1784, it v'as determined not 
 only to take down the spire from the steeple, but also the whole of the north 
 aisle of the church, (then called the new chancel); and to apply the money 
 coming from the sale of the materials, “ to the rendering the body of the church 
 and old chancel, a more decent and commodious place of worship.” This most 
 extraordinaiy vote awakened the better feelings of the parishioners ; another 
 vestry was immediately called, at which the above resolution was “ revoked, 
 cancelled, and made void.” At the same time, adhering to the principle for 
 which they had always contended, it was also ordered “ that the damage lately 
 “ done at the east end of the middle aisle of the chancel, should not be repaired 
 “ at the expense of the parish.” Unfortunately, those whose duty it was to 
 repair the injury, caused by their own neglect, were not compelled to do so in 
 a proper manner,—the dean and chapter threw the burthen upon the incumbent 
 (Dr. Cooper) ; and the consequence was, that this part of the chancel was short¬ 
 ened ten feet,—a wall being built with the rubbish, immediately at the back and 
 above the remains of the reredos, and an east Avindow, of “ carpenter’s gothic,” 
 hideous to the eye of taste, Avas inserted, and still remains. To hide, in some 
 measure, these deformities, a Avooden altar-screen Avas erected and placed against 
 the east Avail. 
 
 It is a pleasure to record that the dean and chapter of Noiuvich have, 
 AAuthin the last feAV years, restored the four remaining early decorated AvindoAvs, 
 and also the arcade on the north side. It is still to be hoped, that they may 
 be induced to retrieve the errors of a former generation, by entirely restoring 
 this part of the church to its original dimensions and pristine beauty. 
 
 * It was repaired in 1799 by Keymer, and adorned “ Avith a group of chcrubims.” The mar¬ 
 ble floor AA-as the gift of Mr. Recorder England. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 133 
 
 At a subsequent period, shameful neglect was followed by tasteless and 
 injudicious, although costly, reparations. 
 
 The condition of the central Tower was the subject of much unnecessary 
 alarm : for, notwithstanding the many alterations and mutilations which it has 
 undergone, it remains strong and sound to the present day. *VVhat, probably, 
 gave rise to an opinion of its insecurity, was a depression of one of the four 
 early English arches, which had been substituted for those of the Norman period: 
 but this was ultimately found to be limited to the inserted work. In 1800, 
 Mr. Woods, an architect, was consulted, who reported that the tower might be 
 “ made strong ” by iron girders ; a plan which was afterwards adopted by Mr. 
 Wilkins, in 1806. 
 
 The SriRE, which surmounted the tower, was 186 feet high. So far back 
 as 1678, it underwent some repairs ; and in 1680, it was again repaired, and was 
 then pronounced to be “very strong and out of danger.” It was set on fire by 
 lightning, in 1683: the fire was extinguished by Thomas Grice, who had the 
 thanks of the corporation for his services, with a piece of plate of the value of 
 £10.From the eflfects of this accident, the spire became twisted; and 
 
 “ Whichever way you turned your eye, 
 
 “ It always seemed to be awry.” 
 
 So that, “As crooked as Yarmouth steeple,” became a saying. In 1803, Mr. Dove, 
 architect to the dean and chapter of Norwich, and Mr. Wyatt, architect to the 
 University of Cambridge, inspected the tower, and reported it to be in much 
 danger,—the south side being cracked, and one of the pillars settled ; the con¬ 
 sequence was, that the spire was taken down, and sold for £705.f 
 
 After the removal of the spire, the tower was boarded over, and a tele¬ 
 graph erected thereon, which remained until 1806, when an act of parliament 
 was obtained, which recited that “ the church was in a very decayed state,” 
 that the spire had been taken down “ for the safety of the inhabitants attending 
 
 * “ 1686. March 2oth. The churchwardens were ordered to pay Mr. Stead 6s. 8rf., for the 
 draft he drew of the church for Grice, his taukard.” In 1695, Grice had a payment of £4, for 
 taking down aud repairing the weather-cock .—Assembly Book. 
 
 t The Il('v. R. Turner, then mini.ster of the parish, had a chair made with part of the king¬ 
 post. In 1796, the ehurchwardens sold “ old grave stones ’’for £38; a “ stone figure” for 2s. 6d . ; 
 a bell for £2 ISi. ; aud iu 1803, the “gates ” for £1 Is .— I'estyi/ Book. 
 
 S 
 
134 
 
 HISTORY OP 
 
 divine service,” and that the tower w^s “ in a very ruinous state ; ” and they de¬ 
 clared it to be highly necessary that the church should be effectually repaired, and 
 the tower taken down and rebuilt, together with a spire, in a substantial manner. 
 By this Act, forty-two trustees were appointed, with very extensive powers ; and 
 to defray the expenses, they were enabled to levy a tax of one shilling per 
 chaldron, upon all coals landed for consumption in Yarmouth, and also to borrow 
 £8,000. In addition to this, a rate, not exceeding one shilling in the pound 
 upon the poor’s rate assessment, could be levied and applied, (after allowing the 
 churchwardens £50 towards their expenses,) in gradual licpiidation of the debt. 
 The tower, however, was not taken down. It was repaired, a new spire added, 
 and some other works done, at a total cost of £2,612 5s. 8cl., under the super¬ 
 intendence of Mr. Wilkins, who thought proper to curtail the spire of its Tair 
 proportions,—and the present one (which is covered with tinned copper) has a 
 stunted and mean appearance. The pinacles, which stood at the four corners of 
 the tower, were at the same time, removed. It was the opinion of the architects 
 who surveyed the tower in 1846, that the removal of the first spire was quite 
 unnecessary. The tower was then found to be sound, Avith the exception of a 
 crack at the south-east angle, Avhich had been occasioned by an iron pin driven 
 into it: and on removing the mutilated casing of the south-east pillar, the in¬ 
 terior Avas found perfectly firm. One of the pillars in the nave, which had given 
 S3TOptoms of Aveakness, (in consequence of the additional burthen cast upon it 
 by former alterations,) Avas taken doAvn and rebuilt, under the superintendence 
 of Thomas Sutton, the corporation smweyor, at a cost, including some repairs to 
 the AvindoAvs, of £681 10s. The roofs and “platforms” Avere also repaired, at 
 an expense of £1,275 15s. 
 
 The most injudicious expenditure Avas that incurred in “ plastering ” the 
 exterior of the church Avith BarroAv lime, amounting to £1,038 5s. 2d .,—byAvhich 
 that A'enerable appearance, AA'hich time only can give, Avas effectually destroyed. 
 This plaster is noAV peeling off in many places ; and ought to be entirely removed. 
 By a statement published by the trustees in 1819, it appeared that they had 
 then expended the sum of £14,197 4s. 3d.; notAvithstanding Avhich, they alleged 
 that “ the south-east gable Avas in a ruinous and dangerous state, and that the 
 church was otherwise out of repair, and required immediate reparation.” And 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 135 
 
 in 1822, they succeeded, after a strenuous opposition,"^ in obtaining a further 
 Act, which enabled them to borrow £12,000, and to levy additional duties. 
 
 The gable-end of the south transept was then rebuilt, and the window re¬ 
 newed. Other repairs were also proceeded with, but none which call for special 
 commendation.! 
 
 In 1831, the state of the tower again created serious alarm, by the breaking 
 of two of the iron bands. The bells ceased to be rung, and the tower was again 
 repaired at a considerable expense, and bands of wrought iron were applied; 
 all of which have since been removed. 
 
 In 1840, the trustees passed a resolution to brick up the great east window 
 of the south chancel-aisle, which had fallen into decay : but the parishioners, 
 as in 1784, again came to the rescue,—for as soon as the intention of the trus¬ 
 tees became publicly known, so strong a remonstrance was made, as to induce 
 them to rescind the order ; and this window was restored.! 
 
 At last, a strong desire was generally felt to “ raise up this tabernacle which 
 had fallen ; to close the breaches thereof; and to build it as in the days of old.” 
 A better knowledge of the principles of church architecture, and a truer per¬ 
 ception of what a church ought to be, also prevailed ; and it was again thought 
 that the “ solemn duties of public service to be done unto God, should have 
 “ their places set and prepared, in such sort as beseemeth actions of that 
 “ regard.” 
 
 This movement was promoted by the Rev. Henry Mackenzie, on his ap¬ 
 pointment to the incumbency in 1844. In the following year he took occasion, 
 in a sermon preached by him on the fall of the Suspension Bridge,§ (from 
 II Samuel xxiv., 18, which sermon was printed,) to direct public attention to 
 
 * Tho opponents of the Act, snccceded in obtaining the nomination of additional trustees, not 
 being members of the cori)oration, and great facilities for the inspection of the accounts. 
 
 t During the progress of these works, Mr. Wyatt was called in to survey the church. He sent 
 in a report, which was not acted upon. He also submitted a plan for building an entirely new 
 church, on the Church plain, leaving tho old fabric to run to ruin. Considering the state of 
 church architecture at that period, it is a fortunate circumstance that this design was not adopted. 
 
 J The town is indebted to Mr. Henrj- Daveney, for having been the first to direct public atten¬ 
 tion to this matter ; and Mr. Churchwarden Davie used groat exertions to rescue this window 
 from destruction, and obtain its restoration. 
 
 { See Munshi}), page 212. 
 
 S 2 
 
136 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 the great want of church accommodation. This was followed b)’’ other sermons, 
 calculated to arouse the attention of the parishioners to a sense of the destitute 
 and ignorant condition of a large proportion of the labouring population. The 
 result was, the formation of a committee, who issued an appeal, M'hich was nobly 
 responded to."*^ A sum, exceeding £5,000, has been raised and expended upon 
 the restoration of the church.f 
 
 The following are the principal reparations and restorations which have 
 been effected. 
 
 There are now no galleries ; except one surrounding the organ, and one for 
 children at the west end of the north aisle, where there had been a vestry: and 
 all pews and wooden enclosures have been removed. The whole body of the 
 church has been filled with open uniform sittings, all of oak : those in the aisles 
 have finials.J Official seats have been provided for the mayor, the magistrates, 
 
 * Tire gentlemen who fii-st met Mr. Mackenzie, at the parsonage, to consider what steps should 
 he taken, were the Mayor (Wm. Hurry Palmer, Esq.), Mr. Isaac Preston, Mr. J. G. Pisher, Mr. 
 'William Worsliip, and Mr. Charles J. Palmer,—the latter agreeing to perform the rather labor¬ 
 ious duties of honorary secretary, 
 
 t This sum was obtained entirel}' by subscriptions, grants, and donations, except £900 received 
 of the churchwardens. The church trustees had agreed that they would raise and expend £1,200 
 upon the fabric, if the committee would raise and expend a like sum upon the restoration. At a 
 meeting held on t’lie 18th of June, 1846, the subscription was found to amount to £2,483 10s. 6c!. j 
 and tenders for the several works were opened. A discussion ensued : the result of which will 
 be seen by the following resolution passed by the committee,— 
 
 “ That in consequence of the refusal of the church trustees to carry out their resolution to ex- 
 “ pend the sum of £1,2.50 towards the substantial repahs of the church, except on condition of 
 “ receiving such an indemnity as the committee felt it impossible to accede to, a general meeting 
 “ of subscribers be called, for the purpose of considei-ing whether an arrangement should not be 
 “ made for the return of the money subscribed.” 
 
 At the meeting thus called the following resolution was moved by J. E. Lacon, Esq., seconded 
 by John Brightwen, Esq., and unanimously adopted,— 
 
 “ That the subscribers, while deeply regi’Ctting the unexpected decision of the chui'ch tnistees, 
 “ refusing to expend the £1,200 previously agreed to be advanced by them, (except on condition 
 “ of an indemnity which the committee were justified in refusing to give,) consider it to be their 
 “ duty to proceed with the great work which they have undertaken, of repau’iug the church, and 
 “ providing additional free sittings for the poorer classes ; and therefore instruct the committee, 
 “ under the sanction of the proper ecclesiastical authorities, to commence such works, leaving it 
 “ to the trustees to put and continue the fabric in a proper state of repair, in accordance with 
 “ their trust.” 
 
 Upon an investigation of their accounts, it appeared that the trustees had reduced the debt to 
 £1,800; and considering it most desirable to pay off the same, and thus terminate alike the duties 
 of their office, and the impost on coals,—which was acting iuJurioi\sly on the trade of the port,— 
 thej' levied rates until they were enabled to accomplish this object; and the powers of the Acts 
 under which they were appointed, ceased. 
 
 i Upon many of these finials, the excellent practice which once prevailed, of perpetuating the 
 memory of families and individuals by a shield of arms, has been revived, principally tiirough. 
 the exertions of Mr. Francis "VVorship. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 137 
 
 and the town council. The two pillars which were removed from the south side 
 of the nave, have been restored ; the ceilings of the nave, south aisle, and 
 north and south transepts, have been repainted, and the shields re-emblazoned.^ 
 The cumbrous vestry has been removed from the west end of the north aisle,f 
 and a smaller vestry formed at the end of the north transept. The great west 
 door (which was blocked up and half buried in soil) has been re-opened 
 the gable of the north transept rebuilt, and a new window (from a design by 
 Mr. J. II. Hakewill) inserted. Instead of the wooden stairs which led to the 
 belfry, and which formerly disfigured the north transept, an external turret 
 staircase has been built, opening into a hanging gallery leading to the tower. 
 The windows in the north aisle of the church, and in the north and south aisles 
 of the chancel,have been entirely renewed; and a new external door-wayhas been 
 made into the latter aisle. A false ceiling under the central tower, which was 
 level with the capitals of the pillars, has been removed; so as to render some 
 of the small Norman windows in the upper part of the tower, visible. 
 
 These works were not completed before the removal of the Rev. Henry 
 Mackenzie, to the vicarage of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, (where he succeeded the 
 Rev. Sir Henry Dukinfield, Bart.) ; but they Avere vigorously proceeded with, 
 and some others suggested, by his able successor, the Rev. George Hills, the 
 present incumbent. 
 
 It had long been the practice for the congregation, in order to receive the 
 Holy Communion, to pass from the church into the chancel, as, in consequence 
 of their complete separation, no part of the service could be performed from 
 the altar. To remedy this inconvenience, an altar has been formed under 
 
 * This was done under the careful supervision of T. W. King, Esq., York Herald, who took a 
 tracing of every shield, Avhen taken down. Copies of these tracings (emblazoned) he was kind 
 enough to form into a book, Avhich he presented to the minister of the parish, to be preserved as 
 an evidence to future generations. The ceilings are painted blue, with gold stars, like the ancient 
 ceiling in the chancel-aisles of the church of St. Mary, at Beverley. The ceiling of the north 
 transept had never been prcA’iously painted : and to commemorate the restoration of the church, 
 bosses were placed at the intersections of the ribs, bearing the following shields in the central 
 line,—Bishop Stanley, Dean Pelleio, Archdeacon Collyer, Mackenzie (the Incumbent), Palmer 
 (the Mayor) impaling Cnfande, Palmer (the Honorary Secretary) impaling Lacon, and llakexcill 
 (the Architect). 
 
 t An emblematical group, representing Charity with two children, Avhich stood on the top of 
 this vestry, Avas removed, and now adorns the front of the Charity school, in the Market place. 
 
 % The order made by the Vicar-General, in 1635, required that this door should be kept open 
 during divine service. 
 
138 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 the central tower, and the communion table placed upon a raised platform of 
 encaustic tiles, next the eastern arch. The whole of the service can, therefore, 
 now be performed, and the sacraments administered, within the body of the 
 church ; whilst the chancel, which, during the progress of the works, was occu¬ 
 pied by the congregation, is now being fitted as a separate place of worship, 
 with a ■shew more particularly to accommodate the several regiments of militia 
 quartered in the town.'^‘ 
 
 The body of the church was re-opened for divine service August 24th, 1848; 
 when Dr. Stanley, bishop of Norwich, preached a sermon in the morning, from 
 Mattheav xvi., 15—17 ; and in the afternoon. Dr. Wilberforce, bishop of 
 Oxford, iDreached from Ezra ix., 9. During the interval of the services, a 
 meeting was held at the Town Hall, where addresses were made by Baron 
 Alderson, M. Guizot (ex-minister of France),! and other distinguished guests. 
 There are now 3,000 sittings in this church, of which 1,800 are free. 
 
 Some portions of the church have yet to be considered. 
 
 The Font is a very ancient one, of Purbeck marble, and is placed near 
 the great west door. It was formerly separated from the nave by a bar—beyond 
 which the unbaptized were not permitted to pass. In 1647, the corporation 
 ordered it to be taken away, “being out of use: ” and it probably remained con¬ 
 cealed by some friend of the church, till the return of better times. In the rage 
 for paint, which prevailed among the churchwardens of the last century, this font 
 
 * The whole of the works were advised and conducted hy J. H. Hakewill, Esq., who has dis¬ 
 played great professional skill in overcoming the many difficulties which presented themselves. 
 Much, how'ever, remains to he done. 
 
 t M. Guizot, in the course of his speech, said,^—“ I have been in England hut twice. On the 
 “ first occasion I came as the ambassador of a powerful King ; the second time, as an exile from 
 “ my native land. When I first came, yoixr country was in a perfect state of tranquility, pros- 
 “ perity, and peace, with confidence in the future. The second time was a few months since, 
 “ when my own country and Europe were involved in sadness, with gloomy fears for the future. 
 “ But on my second visit, as on my first, I find England perfectly quiet; enjoying, in the deepest 
 “ tranquility, her liberty, her laws, her moral, intellectual, and material prosperity; and I have 
 “ been received as an exile, with the same cordiality as I had been as an ambassador,—with the 
 “ same kindness, the same sympathy, and, I will dare to say, the same fiiendship. Must I not 
 “ be struck with such a .spectacle of noble wisdom ! How can I but deeply feel such a mark of 
 “ respect! I have hitherto refused every invitation, declined every visit, refrained from every 
 “ great meeting. Far, far, from my own countiy, it has been my inclination as well as my duty, 
 “ to live in complete retirement: but on this occasion, I have been attracted to witness the rcstor- 
 “ ation of the church of God, and the piety of an immense people.” M. Guizot concluded by 
 saj’ing, “ Be faithful to the example and traditions of your ancestors ; and God will continue to 
 “pour on you and on your country, his best, most abundant,and most fertilizing blessings.” 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 139 
 
 was made to present a faint imitation of veined marble. It has recently been 
 restored by the care, and at the expense, of J. H. Ilakewill, Esq.; and a flat 
 oaken cover has been substituted for a pyramidical one of the time of James I. 
 
 It has already been stated that all the sepulchral brasses were removed 
 three centuries since : and there are but few ancient Tombs remaining in the 
 church. An altar-tomb in the north aisle, usually called the prior’s tomb, is 
 surmounted by a handsome crocketted canopy : the slab is decorated by a raised 
 cross. There is another, of somewhat similar character, in the chancel north 
 aisle : it is surmounted by a canopy, but the slab is a plain one.* * * § 
 
 In the vestry there is a very curious Library Table, having six shelves 
 for books, which are suspended between two discs, of three feet eight inches 
 diameter, and are so regulated by wheels within one of the discs, that they 
 constantly remain horizontal, though the discs revolve so as to bring the shelves 
 seriatim to the reader or writer at his will. 
 
 The Lectern, from which the lessons are now read, is the gift Lieut.-Col. 
 Mason, of Necton. Previous to the recent restorations, the lessons were read 
 from the desk. 
 
 In the church is still preserved a curious Seat, or chair, formed by the 
 bone of a whale. It was formerly placed at the church gate, under the old 
 guild hall; and, according to Hone, acquired the title of the “ Devil’s Seat.” 
 In 1606, we find a charge of 8s. made for painting it. Probably on the demo¬ 
 lition of the old guild hall, it was brought into the church, where it now remains 
 near the great west door. 
 
 Some attempt has been made to re-introduce Stained Glass. A memorial- 
 window, in honour of Sarah Martin, has been placed in the north aisle, prin¬ 
 cipally through the exertions of the Rev. Henry Mackenzie.! The tracery of 
 the first four windows of the south aisle, have been filled with stained glass : J 
 and an example has been set, of adding greatly to the beauty of the church, 
 whilst perpetuating the memory of the dead, by the insertion of a memorial 
 window. § 
 
 * The re-introduction of brass, as a medium for sepulchral inscriptions, is exemplified in a 
 mural monument, lately erected in the south aisle, by public subscription, to the memory of the 
 late Dr. impey. 
 
 t It cost £100 ; which sum was raised by subscription. 
 
 % The glass in the tracery of the most eastern window is the gift of Mr. Dixon, of Norwich. 
 
 § To the memory of the late Francis Riddell Reynolds, Esq. 
 
140 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 Of the Organ, some account will be found in Manship, page 219.*' It was 
 built by Abraham Jordan, of London, whose design was submitted to Humphrey 
 Cotton, (then organist at Norwich cathedral,) a person of considerable musical 
 reputation,—who gave his opinion, “ that as the compositions are now designed, 
 “ they will be very complete and most harmonious, and not inferior to any or- 
 “ gan yet in the kingdom.” Dr. Heighington was appointed the first organist 
 by the corporation, with a salary of £80 per annum,f—providing an approved 
 assistant, and instructing the hospital and charity children in singing.]; 
 
 On the south transept there was once an ancient Clock, with chimes, 
 which played every hour,—usually the 100th Psalm. At the side of this clock 
 was the carved figure of a man in armour, with his helmet open, holding a 
 hammer, or mallet, in his hand, with which he struck the hours and quarters, 
 moving his head every time. In 1787, this clock was removed by Mr. Lewis, 
 the churchwarden, and placed over the arch of the south aisle of the chancel: 
 but the figure was sold. In 1807, the clock itself was sold, and another, by 
 William Stanford, substituted at a cost of £170 15s. This clock is now over 
 the west door of the nave. 
 
 Several Poor Boxes have lately been provided: that in the south transept 
 is from an ancient one in Cawston church.§ 
 
 The practice of placing Hatchments, or the achievements of arms of de¬ 
 ceased persons, in churches, is ofi some antiquity. Those which remained in 
 the church in 1846, are now preserved in the chancel, and relate to the families 
 of Bendish, Ireton, England, Fuller, Symonds, Andrews, Horsley, Bransby, 
 Gooch, Bacon, ^c. 
 
 * The organ, as a solemn musical instrument, had been used in churches from the Anglo-Saxon 
 period. 
 
 t He had a 'worthy successor in John Christian Mantel, a native of Erforth, in Germany, who 
 died in 1761. Chichely, ■who succeeded, was much esteemed. 
 
 X This salary was afterwards reduced : and in 1745, £10 per annum was paid out of the church 
 rate, and afterwards, the whole stipend; until 1852, when the charge was disallowed by the 
 parish in vestry; and the expense of the organ and choir has since been paid by a voluntary 
 subscription. 
 
 § The box near the great south door, is the gift of the Rev. J. B. Bampton. By the canons of 
 1603, churchwardens were required to provide, unless already done, a strong chest with a hole in 
 the upper part, having three keys, two for themselves and the other for the minister; which 
 chest was to he set and fastened in the most convenient place, to the intent that the parisliiouers 
 might put into it their alms for their poor neighbours. 
 
•qn,! n-BOM-v i 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 141 
 
 When the church goods were mercilessly sold, the Bei.ls, we are told by 
 Manship, “ were not forgotten.” From the old church hooks, some curious par¬ 
 ticulars may be gathered respecting them. Thus, in 1465, we find the following 
 
 entries : — 
 
 For the dawke bell clapper mending. 
 And in 1468,— 
 
 Paid the sutFragan for hallowing y' bells, 
 vi*. viii<i. 
 
 Reward to his clerk, viii'*. 
 
 To wyne for the suffragan, xii‘'. 
 
 For making a rope for the dawke bell. 
 
 ! For boring water to the bolls, ii‘>. 
 
 For shctys (sheets) washing, that was foul 
 of the bells, iP. 
 
 For ringing the curfew on Easter even, iP. 
 
 These charges refer to the custom of “ hallowing,” or consecrating, church 
 hells, which prevailed as early as the 10th century. The hell having been cast, 
 the next step, in old times, was to name it: and in this the ecclesiastics per¬ 
 formed the ritual observances for christening children. It was carried to 
 the font—it had god-fathers and god-mothers—was sprinkled with water—was 
 anointed with oil—and was finally covered with a white garment, or chrism, 
 which, in the Homan Catholic ritual, was put upon infants at the conclusion of 
 the rite, as an emblem of innocence. Although not so intended, there was 
 profanity in applying the forms of a Christian sacrament to such a purpose. 
 Among the Homans, the sound of bells was thought to expel pollution ; and in 
 the early ages of the church, the ringing of bells was believed to be efficacious 
 in driving away evil spirits, stopping diseases, and allaying tempests. They 
 were anciently rung by the priests themselves, as the hand-bells are, in Homan 
 Catholic churches, to this day. 
 
 * The practice of ringing a bell at five o’clock in the morning, and the 
 “ curfew ” in the evening, was continued to our own times. It rang for 
 a quarter of an hour, and then struck the day of the month.* In 1485, the 
 “ great bell ” was new run. In 1504, payments are charged for the “ howsell 
 bell,” and for making three “ hand bells,” and “ a bell to go with the sacra¬ 
 ment; ” and in 1512, mention is made .of the “saint’s bell.” There was 
 at one time, in the tower, a nolula, or double bell,—tbe clapper of one bell 
 forming the handle to the other. The sanctus ,—called the saints’ or saunce 
 
 * The custom of rinaiii" a bell morning and evening, is very ancient. It was done to excite 
 people to repeat tbe Anr/elwt, and was used as a signal for many purposes. In 1291, none wwe 
 to di-aw wine after the ciu'few bell had rung. 
 
 I 
 
142 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 bell,—was a small bell which hung in a turret at the east end of the nar e 
 and was nmg by a rope from within, at the elevation of the Host, to give 
 notice to those who were without the church, and who, on hearing it, were 
 accustomed to utter a prayer. “ The great bells and the saunce bell,” were 
 exempted from the order which, after the Reformation, directed the sale of all 
 “ parcells or peces of metal,” together with the copes, vestments, altar-cloths, 
 and other ornaments of the church. The practice of ringing bells in change, is 
 said to be peculiar to England. The ringing of bells upon a person coming 
 into the town, was anciently a sign of dominion, and was sometimes stipulated 
 for by charter. The oldest entry of this kind in the church books, is,— 
 
 1464. Paid for ringing against the bishop. 
 
 The “ passing bell ” was intended for a person dying, and not actually 
 dead; and in either case, it besought the prayers of the hearer. The uses to 
 which church bells are applied, are thus quaintly described on a bell in Durham 
 cathedral;— 
 
 “ To call the folk to church in time, 
 
 I chime. 
 
 “ When mirth and pleasures’s on the wing, 
 
 I ring. 
 
 “ And when the body leaves the soul, 
 
 I toll.” 
 
 In 1633, the churchwardens reported that two of the bells were cracked, 
 and must be new cast; and “ not having money in hand, therefore it was or¬ 
 dered (by the corporation) that the inhabitants be taxed.” In 1726, two new 
 trebles were cast by Mr. Stephens, of Norwich,—increasing the number of 
 bells to eight; and they were pronounced to be “ perfectly agreeable.”'^ The 
 “ great bell ” was sold in 1750, for £120. 
 
 When the tower was repaired, and the new spire erected, in 1807, a new 
 peal of ten bells was put up, at a cost of £1,161 3s. 4f/. ; of which, the sum of 
 £558 2s. 8cl. was defrayed by the sale of the old metal. The first peal was 
 rung on the 2nd of May, 1808.f 
 
 The keys of the belfry are, of right, in the custody of the minister, and the 
 bells cannot be rung without his permission ; but it is said he cannot order 
 them to be rung, if both churchwardens forbid it. 
 
 * Xorwich Gazette, 24tb of September, 1728. 
 f They were cast by Jlears and Son, of Whitecbapel. 
 
GREAT VARMOUTir, 
 
 143 
 
 There were many Vestries, from time to time, in this church. The 
 vestry (anciently the revestry or sacrisfry) was a room employed for keeping 
 the vestments and the sacred vessels ; but, from their meeting in this room 
 for the dispatch of business, certain assemblies of the parishioners came to be 
 called “vestries,” or vestry meetings. Behind the high altar there was a 
 vestry. The “ new vestry” is mentioned in 1465 ; also the “ best vestry and 
 the vestry called the “ book vestry.” Also, the “ chamber vestry for the sex¬ 
 ton and the “ churchwardens’ vestry.” There was likewise a “ little vestry ” 
 in the church yard; and when, in 1648, cannoneers were appointed for the 
 defence of the town, Walter Bullard and Anthony Wyn had it assigned to them 
 as “ a place of store.” St. Nicholas’ seal was kept in the “vestry” till 1631, 
 when it was removed to the hutch, or great iron chest, placed in the guild hall. 
 
 In the middle ages, it was customary for every church of importance, like 
 that of Yarmouth, to have a Library attached to it: and there was evidently 
 a collection of books belonging to this church,—for in the accounts for the 
 year 1465, we read of “ The vestry eclypt the book vestry ; ” and in 1504, we 
 find a payment made to the bookbinder for twenty-nine days’ work. The fol¬ 
 lowing entries also occur,— 
 
 1488 For writing the synodals in a book that lieth in the church, xx"!- 
 
 1490 For a martylagc and a quire of degrees, vh. viij^. 
 
 1504 For writing and noting the visitation of Our Lady, in several quires, xvi'>. 
 
 The books kept in this vestry were, no doubt, principally church office books ; 
 but from the fragments which remain, it is certain that some were works 
 on divinity; beautifully written, with illuminated uncial letters. They were all 
 destroyed at the Reformation; and the vellum was used in binding the corpo¬ 
 ration books,—many of such covers remaining to this day. A small collection 
 of books belonging to the church, comprising about two hundred volumes, (chiefly 
 of theology,) are preserved in the present vestry. They are principally the gift 
 of Ur. Macro.* 
 
 * It is not generally known that an Act of Parliament was passed in 1708, for the better pre¬ 
 servation of parochial libraries, and to encourage the erection or endowment of them, by “ well- 
 disposed persons.” The Act recites, that “ in many places the provision of the clergy is so mean, 
 “ that the necessary expense of books for the better i)rosccution of their studies, cannot be de- 
 “ fraved by them.” In accordance with this enactment, some libraries were formed; which all 
 parishioners, paying church rates, were allowed to use. 
 
 I 2 
 
144 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 The practice of placing the Royal Arms in churches, dates from the 
 Reformation; and was probably intended to signify, that the King was the 
 temporal head of the church: but it does not appear to be enjoined by law, as 
 some have supposed. During the Commonwealth the “ State’s arms ” were 
 placed over the bailiffs’ seats; and, in 1651, the following charge appears in 
 the corporate accounts,— 
 
 To mending and repairing the State’s coat left here, £2 17s. Id- 
 It was taken dotvn at the Restoration, and replaced by the King’s arms. The 
 coat of arms {temp. William III.) now in the vestry, hung, until 1846, over the 
 south door; and the coat, painted in 1785, which is now in the chancel, hung 
 over the mayor’s seat, in the south aisle. 
 
 The great south Porch is rectangular, having, on each side, an arcade of 
 Purbeck marble columns,*' and lateral windows above the seats, or bench tables, 
 with a vaulted and groined roof. Over the entrance arch is the customary 
 
 “.Little Gothic niche 
 
 “ Of nicest workmanship ; that once had held 
 “The sculptured image of some patron saint, 
 
 “ Or of the blessed Virgin, looking down 
 “ On all who entered those religious doors.” 
 
 Above the porch is a small chamber, having a window looking into the church. 
 This room, properly called the Parvise, is probably that which is described in 
 the old church books, as “the chamber-vestry of the sexton.” Above the 
 entrance arch into the church, there is a quatre-foil which has been recently- 
 discovered and restored. 
 
 In 1540, it was agreed by the corporation, that “Richard Hampson, 
 “ beying a servante, or under-sexton, in the churche of Y^armouth, should have 
 “ the chamber over the church porche, frely to his owne use, for his chamber 
 “ to lodge in, so longe as the assent of the comon assemblie or counsel should 
 “ deem it mete and convenient.” In 1576, the corporation ordered “the cham- 
 “ her over the christening door to be made to keep the records iil.” 
 
 The Purbeck marble pillars are now bricked up, the seats removed, and 
 the whole of the porch covered with plaster,—to secure the adhesion of which, 
 the stone has been indented. The arms of France (ancient) and England, in 
 
 * The wcalflen limestone of the Isle of Purbeck, which was in great repute with the church 
 architects of the middle ages. It is composed of tlie petrified shells of .snails, which lived when 
 the country was inhabited by the Iguanodon and other colossal extinct reptiles. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 145 
 
 separate shields, now inserted on the front of the porch, were brought from 
 the great hall of the priory, in 1811 
 
 There are not greater ornaments to a town than trees ; and in Yarmouth 
 the Church Trees, comprising five rows, planted without the church gate, 
 and immediately opposite the great south porch, still remain. The custom of 
 planting trees near churches, is a very ancient one; and in former times, the 
 parishioners were most anxious for their preservation. In 1307, an Act of 
 Parliament was passed, prohibiting “ the parsons of the church ” from “ pre¬ 
 suming to fell them down unadvisedly.” It has also been ascertained, that 
 trees (especially Limes) in or near church yards, have a most beneficial effect in 
 absorbing noxious vapours, ancHn diffusing a wholesome odour. 
 
 St. Nicholas stands isolatecfHfn what has always been a spacious Church 
 Y.vRH,r— for it was the only burial ground belonging to the parish. The edifice 
 itself occupies ; and the ground enclosed, comprises 8rt. Oy. 3G/j.f Few 
 
 places in thCvkinCTiom possess a church yard of such dimensions. It was 
 bounded on the west side by a low brick wall, with a stone coping flanked by 
 trees. In the centre of this wall was a red brick archway, of the 17th century, 
 enclosing a wooden gate. All these have given place to the present iron pali¬ 
 sades. The old church yard extended eastward to the town wall, tl e founda¬ 
 tions of which may still be traced. In 1G48, it was ordered by the corporation, 
 “ that graves shall he made on the north side of the church ; ” and, in 1GG5, an 
 addition was made, which was ordered to be “ paled in.” In 1799, the burials 
 had so increased, as to render a further enlargement necessary; and an open¬ 
 ing was then cut through the town wall into ground belonging to the corporation, 
 who leased the sa^re to the churchwardens for 500 years, at a reirtal (after 
 paying all expenses) of £20 per annum. This ground was walled-in, and, 
 was, iir the following year consecrated by Dr. Manners Sutton, bishop of Nor- 
 
 * In former times, if a criminal could reach the church porch, ho might claim the right of 
 sanctuary, and the town rolls contain many entries of “ abjurations” taken before the coroners, 
 by persons who sought sanctuary in the church of St. Nicholas. Thus, in 1297, Simon Blaking, of 
 hlartham, fled to this church, where he confessed that he had committed burglary at Ilemsby, 
 and had afterwards killed AV'illiam h'itz Nicholas Blaking. He abjured the kingdom, in the 
 presence of 'Walter Bunn (the King’s coroner), Alexander Fastolf and William Science (bailiffs 
 of Yarmouth), and others ; and was ordered to take ship at Orwell within fifteen days. When 
 a man took sanctuary, the coroner was sent for, before whom the delinquent abjured the king¬ 
 dom, he was then handed from constable to constable, until his embarkation was effected. 
 
 t The cemetery now formed, which adjoms the church yard, comprises ten acres. 
 
146 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 ■vvicli; but in 1811, further accommodation being required, a part of the prioiy 
 gardens was purchased of the dean and chapter of Norwich for £525, and 
 added to the church yard; and, in 1832, nearly an acre of land, part of 
 Ilinsby’s gardens was obtained of the corporation, and what had been the 
 burial ground of the barracks was also added,—and the whole walled-in. The 
 fee simple having been conveyed to the churchwardens, the additional ground 
 was consecrated in 1846, by Dr. Stanley, bishop of Norwich. 
 
 This church yard, especially the west or oldest portion of it, presents a 
 remarkable appearance from the number of headstones which it contains. They 
 are 3,000 in number, besides an equal number of flat or breast stones.^' A 
 better taste in these memorials of the dead begins to prevail; and let us hope 
 that the old, innocent, and most pleasing custom of planting evergi’eens, roses, 
 violets, and rosemary around them, may be revived.f It is curious to trace, by 
 the entries in the assembly and church books, the many practices which formerly 
 prevailed. In 1581, it was ordered in assembly, that “if any person presume 
 “ to shoot with any hand-gun, long-bow, cross-bow, or stone-bow, within the 
 “ church or church-yard,” he should “ pay 5s. for every shot, or be committed 
 “ to ward.” Stalls were allowed at the church gate on Easter day, and the 
 churchwardens received the stallage. 
 
 A lofty stone Cross, as was the universal custom, once marked the ground 
 as consecrated ; but every vestige of it is gone, together with the Yew tree, 
 which, no doubt, grew near it. 
 
 It appears that the total number of burials in the parish church yard, 
 during the three years preceding the 29th of September, 1854, was 1,791, being 
 an average of 597 ; the number of deaths, during the same period, being 2,050 : 
 it follows, that 86 burials per annum, on the above average, took place in other 
 grave yards and cemeteries. 
 
 * The head-stones and breast-stones were counted on the 2nd of November, 1852, by Mr. 
 Buston, and were found to amount to 5,908 ;—but who can 
 
 “.Help us to the history, 
 
 “ Of half these graves ? ” 
 
 t Surely the cross,—the sacred symbol of faith and hope,—is a more appropriate ornament for 
 the grave of a Christian, than urns, scythes, and other emblems of paganism, with which so many 
 tombs abound. “ We adorn our graves with flowers and plants,” says Evelyn, in his Sylva, “ as 
 “ being just emblems of the life of man, which has been compared in Holy Scriptures, to those 
 “ fading beauties, whose roots being buried in dishonour, rise again in glory.” 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 147 
 
 SECTION V. 
 
 THE ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY OF THE PARISH FROM THE 
 TIME OF THE REFORMATION. 
 
 The doctrines of our ecclesiastical reformers, were reeeived with much 
 favor at A^armouth. Popular tumults took place—the ministers of the church 
 were openly insulted—and, in 153.5, when Sir Robert Cotton, a priest,'^' was 
 preaching a sermon, a great riot was made in the parish church, by twenty-four 
 persons, headed by William Swanton, a chaplain, who openly denounced as 
 errors, many of the practices then maintained ; declaring that “ no honour 
 “ should he given to saints, or to pictures and images of them within the 
 “ church, by lights and such lyke thynges ; that a christen man profitted 
 “ nothyng by makyng of intercessions and prayers to the seynts of heaven, to 
 “ be mediatours and means for him to Almighty God ; that our Ijady is not 
 “ in heaven ; that holy water is good sauce for a capon; and such lyke say- 
 “ ings.” In 1511, four merchants greatly disturbed the congregation, during 
 the elevation of the host, by speaking “ heretical words,” and “ swearing by all 
 the members of Christ; ” and, a few days afterwards, Thomas Alleyn, a shoe¬ 
 maker, and Thomas Hammond, a merchant, openly bargained for a last of white 
 herrings within the church, during divine service. The offenders were severally 
 fined: and an order of assembly was made, that any person who should “ at 
 “ any tyme thereafter disturbe or disquyeth eny preacher of any sermon to be 
 
 * In the olden time priests were usually designated, in official documents, by the honorable 
 prefix of Dominus, or Sir. 
 
HS 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 “ made within the church, by goying, talkyng, or otherwise,” should he “ coni- 
 “ mitted to warde, ther to remayne att the discretion of the hayliffs.” These 
 unseemly disturbances could not have occurred, had not the parties engaged in 
 them, been sirpported by popular feeling; and they may therefore be taken as 
 indicative of the discredit into which the ceremonies and observances of the 
 church had then fallen. 
 
 When Henry VIII. dissolved the Benedictine monastery of the Holy 
 Trinity at Norwich, the patronage of the church at Yarmouth, with the cell, or 
 priory, to which the temporalities of that church were annexed, passed, by royal 
 charter, to a newly-constituted body,—the dean and chapter of Norwich. 
 
 On the accession of Queen Mary, a deputation from the corporation “ rode 
 “ over to Christchurch, in Norwich, to move the dean and prebendaries there to 
 “ have by them appointed two priests, to sing and serve the cure of Yarmouth, 
 “ according to the Queen’s proceedings ; ” and the cluxrchwardens were directed 
 “ to prepare all such things as pertain to the mass.”f They also appointed 
 clerks, who could sing in the choir : and they made an assessment on the 
 town to defray the expenses.;]; At the end of this brief reign, the reforms in¬ 
 troduced in that of Edward YI., were re-established. 
 
 The mode in which the dean and chapter dealt with their ecclesiastical 
 patronage, and provided for the spiritual wants of the inhabitants, was most 
 extraordinary, and led to very lamentable results. They appear to have been 
 desirous of securing a revenue to themselves, without care or trouble; for, in 
 
 * See jilansh ip, page 402. There is an original portrait of 'William Castlcton, the last prior and 
 first dean, at Norwich, in the deanery which was formerly the residence of the prior. It has 
 been engraved. He was absolved from his oath not to alienate any of the possessions of the 
 church ; and, in 1547,the dean and chapter were required by the Privy Council, to surrender 
 all their lands to Sir Richard Southwell, Sir Roger Townshend, and Sir William Paston, com¬ 
 missioners appointed to receive the same,—the pretence being, that the King, by a re-grant, 
 might become the founder of the new order of things : but in the process, the dean and chapter 
 lost some of their lands, and could never recover them. 
 
 t In this year, a silver and douhly-gilt pix was delivered to the churehw'ardens, “ to he used in 
 the ehru’ch for the honor of God, so long as they shall see the thing well used;” and the 
 churchwardens received “ a cope and vestment of cloth of gold, with the alb and payors per¬ 
 taining (except the stole and fannel) which were sent from London .”-—Assembly Book, 1553. 
 
 j “ 1554. The commons having neglected the payments for the maintenaiice of the church, 
 “ agreed that a committee he appointed to assess what every one shall pay therefore.” “ 1555. 
 “ 'i'he r-yntener of every vj’ntcr (ward), shall collect in their vynters all such money as is of late 
 “granted to the church, and render the same to the churchwardens .”—Assembly Books. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 149 
 
 1551, they appointed Robert Sowell to be their curate, and granted to him a 
 lease of the priory and parsonage of Y'armouth, for a term of 80 years, reserving 
 to themselves a clear annual rent of £32,—their lessee or farmer collecting 
 and retaining all the temporalities of the church, and providing for the duty. 
 
 This arrangement appears to have been, from the first, extremely disliked 
 by the town. The inhabitants had anticipated that, by getting rid of the former 
 system, they would secure to themselves a controlling power in the appointment 
 of ministers and preachers. They evinced their disappointment by withholding 
 from the farmer the ecclesiastical dues to ■which he was entitled ; and, in 1560, 
 ■when Sowell commenced a suit in the court of the chancellor of Norwich, 
 against Nicholas Fenn, one of the aldermen, “ for certain tenths,” the latter 
 was defended at the expense of the town, on the ground that the same were 
 “ unjustly of him demanded.” 
 
 Queen Elizabeth looked upon preaching as an Indulgence with which the 
 people ought rarely to be gratified : and, in the first year of her reign, she pro¬ 
 hibited it altogether. The unsettled state of men’s minds, and the boldness with 
 which affairs of state were then often discussed from the pulpit, justified, in some 
 measure, this proceeding. Hut preaching was one of the most efficient weapons 
 wherewith to assail the church of Rome; and, in proportion as the people be¬ 
 came earnest in the concerns of their souls, so did their anxiety increase to be 
 instructed by competent preachers.This was fully manifested at Yarmouth, 
 where the corporation (no doubt fully representing the then prevailing feeling) 
 earnestly desired to obtain a control over the pulpit, by nominating the preach¬ 
 ers. With this view, they entered into a negotiation with Sowell, for the 
 purchase of his lease ; by which moans they would tliemselves have become the 
 farmers of the rectory, with the power of appointing ministers and preachers : 
 but at this time they were unsuccessful. Foiled in their attempt to obtain a 
 legal right of nomination, the corporation next endeavoured to appoint and 
 maintain preachers on their own account; which naturally led to disagreements 
 between them and the farmers of the parsonage, and also with the bishoir, by 
 whom such preachers had to be licenced. So earnest, however, were they in 
 
 • In the time of popery, prooching was little practised, except at the great festivals; and even 
 then there was seldom but one sermon in a town, — the inhabitants going to hear it, after attending 
 service at other churches. This practice prevailed in many places till long after the Reformation. 
 
 V 
 
150 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 this -work, that they frequently s^ent deputations to Cambridge, for the purpose 
 of engaging preachers, whose c^ft, voice, and learning might recommend them 
 to the favor of the town, and indueu- the bishop of Norwich to licence them. 
 The members of the corporation were accustomed to contribute individually 
 towards pajTnents made to the preachers : and the aldermen were required, “ at 
 “ the sermon on sabbath and holydays, to go up and sit with the bailiffs, under 
 “ pain of ‘id. ; and should go with Mr. Bailiffs, and keep their places in pro- 
 “ cession : ” and shortly afterwards, a new gallery was erected, in which the 
 whole of the corporation were required to keep their seats, “ according to their 
 “ auncestie (unless they had a lawful impediment), upon every Sunday and 
 “festival day, upon pain of 12f/., to be levied by the churchwardens; and to 
 “ continue in their seats all the time of divine service and the sermon." 
 
 Mr. Vincent Goodwin is the first preacher whose name has reached us 
 and his appointment appears to have been made in 1570. 
 
 Sovv'^ell assigned his lease to one Osborne, who afterwards transferred it 
 to William Gostling, a layman; and those farmers of the church rev'enues 
 appointed the minister, to whom they made, it may be supposed, the most 
 moderate allowance in their power ; and permitted, in return, the most limited 
 amount of duty. The spiritual cravings of the parish were, consequently, 
 unsatisfied; and, in 1573, the corporation agreed with the farmer (with the 
 consent of the bishop of Norwich, Dr. Parkhurst, who was considered one of 
 the fathers of the Reformation,) to retain Mr. Harvey, the then minister, as a 
 preacher, at a salary of £40 a year,—of vvdiich Mr. Gostling was to pay half. 
 For this increase of salary, Mr. Harvey was “ ordered” by the corporation, to 
 read prayers daily, from Allhallows to Candlemas, at five o’clock in the morn¬ 
 ing, and for the rest of the year at six o’clock,"’ on forfeiture of twelve pence, to he 
 deducted from his wages, for every neglect- Previous to the above salary 
 there had been a voluntary contribution to the minister. Probably he found this 
 duty too arduous, for in the same year, Mr. Samuel James was appointed 
 minister; and in 1575, Mr. Mowse was appointed a preacher in conjunction 
 with Mr. Goodwin. 
 
 * The churchwardens, by direction of the corporation, proyided lights in the church at this 
 early hour ; and there bedng then no church in the south part of the town, a bell was hung in 
 the “ south end,” to call the people to matins. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 151 
 
 In loVS, Mr. Ilollesworth having preached, the town took such “ good 
 liking ” to him, that he was requested to remain, at a salary of £30 a year. 
 In 1582, Mr. Vincent Goodwin had so increased in favor, as to have forty marks 
 a year granted to him “ for his good conduct; ” which salary was raised by 
 means of an assessment on the town. In the same year, however, both Mr. 
 Goodwin and Mr. Mowse were displaced ; and the latter M’as committed to 
 prison by the bailiffs, for disobeying their orders : after which strong measure 
 the bailiffs “ rode to Norwich,” to acquaint the bishop with their proceedings ; 
 and, upon making his submission, Mr. Mowse was released from confinement. 
 Mr. Dyke was then appointed preacher by the bailiffs, hut was inhibited by the 
 bishop ; upon which a testimonial of the “ good liking” wdiich the inhabitants 
 had for him, was sealed with the town seal. Mr. Damet was requested “ to 
 ride to Cambridge,” and make choice of a preacher: upon his report, iMr. 
 Perceval was selected, but it docs not appear that he was ever licenced. 
 
 In 1585, Mr. Andrews, “ a learned and godly preacher,” as Manship calls 
 him, w'as appointed by the corporation, with a salary of £50 a year: and a house 
 was built for his residence.*' They also appointed Mr. Willcock, the then 
 minister of the parish, to be a preacher, with a salary of £20 a year. By se¬ 
 lecting the minister for this office, and by giving him an additional salary, the 
 corporation sought to acquire, in an indirect way, that entire control over the 
 church which they had so long coveted ; but their design was frustrated by the 
 bishop, Avho, in 1590, “seized” the living, and dismissed Mr. Willcock, “in 
 consideration of his services to the corporation.” The town consoled him 
 with a present of £50. They then applied to the Rev. Anthony Wilkinson, 
 of Cambridge, “ entreating him to come to Yarmouth,”—which he did, and 
 was appointed minister. Morning prayer being again neglected, the corpo¬ 
 ration required the minister to read the same daily, giving him £20 a year 
 for his ])ains. In the following year, the town was declared to be “ destitute 
 of proper and sufficient ministers;” and the corporation determined, with the 
 approbation of Mr. Andrews, to appoint two, who should have the same stipend 
 as had been given to Mr. Willcock ; and they also agreed to give Mr. Andrews 
 £50 a year, “ if he he not put to silence ; ” but if he were, they promised to 
 allow him £25 a year.f 
 
 * Bartimous Aiulrcwcs was the author of .-1 Catechism icith Prayers, 8to., London, 1.591. 
 
 t In 1600, they paid him £32 10s., “ for his pains and labour, he giving the town a general 
 acquittance.” 
 
152 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 Tlie corporation appear, at this period, to have taken some care to prevent 
 the common abuse of letting the church property for less than its value ; for, 
 in 1598, it 'was “ ordered that no churchwarden or other officer, let any of the 
 “ town houses without the assent of the assembly, and the lease then made to 
 “ Simon More, to be brought in.” 
 
 In 1599, the corporation proposed the erection of a “house of morning 
 prayer : but as the bishop would not then consent, they gave warning to 
 
 Mr. Andrews, the preacher, and to Mr. Hill the then minister, that the town 
 woidd not continue their charge longer than the ensuing Christmas ; but would 
 leave it to Mr. Osborne, the farmer, who ought to bear it. It would therefore 
 appear, that the farmers had been accustomed to appoint such ministers as 
 were agreeable to the town, on being relieved from the payment of their stipends. 
 The “controversies” which ensued between Mr. Hill, the minister, and the 
 corporation, “ concerning his demand for wage,” were referred to Mr. Hobart,-]- 
 then under-steward, and to Mr. Crewe,'j an eminent barrister. On the 31st of 
 December, a letter was received from the bishop, agreeing to the request of the 
 corporation ; who thereupon fitted up a chamber over a warehouse, at the back 
 of the town-house, as “ a place convenient for morning prayer ; ” and they 
 appointed Mr. Fleming to officiate there, “ during the good pleasure of the 
 assembly,” with a salary of £20 a year : and it was also agreed to allow £5 a 
 year to the minister of “ the mother church,” for reading morning prayers 
 at the “ new house.” They determined that, during the next succeeding three 
 years, there should be prayers read and sermons preached every Monday, 
 Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, (not being festivals,) at five o’clock in the 
 morning, till the 1st of November, and thence to the 1st of February at six 
 o’clock in the morning.§ 
 
 The coi’poration were, however, still unsatisfied : and, in 1602^ they 
 appointed a committee to confer with the dean and chapter of Norwich, “ con- 
 
 ■* “ 8tfi Xov., 1599. Mr. Bailiff Felton to ride to the Bishop of Norwich, touching the erec¬ 
 tion of a house for morning prayer at the town-house, and at church .”—Assembly Books. 
 
 t Afterwards Sir- Henry Hohart, and member for the town. 
 
 j Afterwards Sir Ralph Crewe, and recorder. 
 
 § Before the Reformation, matins, or early morning prayer, usually began about daybreak. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 153 
 
 cerning tlie pastoral charge of tlie parish ; ” but no satisfactory arrangement 
 ■\vas made. In 1605, “ the preaching at the chapel, every Tuesday and Thurs¬ 
 day, was removed to the great church, from May day to St. Matthew’s yearly 
 and in 1606, the corporation‘‘hired ” Mr. Hancock, as a preacher for one year, 
 at a salary of £60 ; and in the year following, Mr. Bailiff Crowe, and others, 
 went to the bishop of Norwich (Dr. Jeggon) who was then residing in his 
 palace at Ludham, and informed his lordship of “ the wrongs which the town 
 “ suffered from the farmer of the parsonage not providing sufficient ministers 
 “ and preachers.” The religious feeling which had been brought into action 
 by the Reformation, had now taken a deeper hold, as we may gather from these 
 proceedings, and the orders made about this time. In 1603, a committee of 
 the corporation was appointed “ to make regulations for the better observance 
 “ of the sabbath, and to prevent people working on the Lord’s day ; and to 
 “ advise with counsel, both spiritual and temporal, and with the bishop, for his 
 “ confirmation thereof.” And in the year succeeding, no carter, brewer, or 
 other person was to travel or do any work on the sabbath day, “ under pain of 
 twelve pence and in 1618, another order was made, specially directed against 
 the sellers of fish, wherrymen, keelmcn, carters, tradesmen, and labourers ])ro- 
 faning the Lord’s day. It does not appear that any effeetual help could be 
 obtained from the bishop, regarding the “pastoral charge;” and much contro¬ 
 versy ensued between the town and Mr. Gostling, the farmer. In 1607, the 
 latter appeared at an assembly of the corporation, and undertook “ to i:)rovide 
 suffieient pastors and preaehers for the town.” In 1610, Mr. Cooper and Mr. 
 Crowe conferred with the dean and chapter “ about the controversie between 
 the town and Gostling;” and in the following year, all differences were ended, 
 by an agreement, under which the corporation were in future to have the sole 
 “ appointment and nomination of preaehers and ministers, to preach in and for 
 the said cure; ” and towards their maintenance, the corporation were to have 
 “ all the rights and duties belonging to the said ehureh, (viz.) all offerings due 
 “ and payable, and which ought to be paid by all such as were or ought to be 
 “ communicants; and all dues for marriages, burials, and churcb-goings ; and 
 “ all duties of and for meat or eow beasts feeding and to feed on the eommon 
 “of the town.” Gostling agreed to pay them £10 per annum; and also 
 “ to pay and satisfy unto the chamberlains for the time being, all such offerings 
 
154 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 as should he refused or denied by any communicants, excepting such as 
 ‘‘ shoiild receive contributions of the town for and towards their relief: ” the 
 town agreeing to pay the preachers and ministers nominated by them, and to 
 discharge the farmers therefrom.-” 
 
 The corporation, \inder this agreement, appointed Mr. Leddon to be min¬ 
 ister, with a salary and a house, allowing him to take surjjlice fees, according 
 to a scale regulated by themselves, and reserving the offerings of communicants.f 
 
 * It is probable that soon after the corporation took upon them to pay the salaries of ministers 
 and preachers, they required prayers to be read to them before the commeucement of business. 
 In 1590, the following form of prayer was directed to be used:— 
 
 “ O Eterx.vl, most wise, and gracious God, we, thy humble servants in Christ Jesus, howso- 
 “ ever unworthy of ourselves, by reason of our manifold sins, and grievous transgressions, are 
 “ yet bold to fall down before thy holy presence, in the meditation of Christ Jesus: entreating 
 “thee, O merciful Father, for his sake to pardon all our sins, that they be no lett unto us 
 “ now, nor at any time to withhold thy comfortable blessing from us. Frame every one 
 “ of our hearts daily unto true and sound repentance, for all our sins, sanctifying us and 
 “ ours unto all holy, just, and virtuous living before thee, in our several irersons and charge. 
 “ And sith, at this present, O holy Father, we, by thy grace, are here assembled, to consult 
 “ and confer of necessary causes incident to this commonwealth, where over thy providence 
 “hath made us fathers and counsellors, to uphold the same, by judgment and justice, in all 
 “ civil unity and godly peace. Ourselves being unfit for this so holy a work and weighty a 
 “ change, most humbly pray thy good ^Majesty, who art Author of all grace, wisdom, knowledge, 
 “ counsel, and judgment, that thou wouldst vouchsafe upon us thy Holy Spirit of counsel and 
 “ wisdom to dhect us in all our consultations. Put far from us, 0 gracious God, all self love, 
 “ unfaithfulness, every private grudge, hatred, contention, quarrelling, unkind affections, xru- 
 “ charitable speeches, heart-burning, revenge, pride of spirit, stdf-conoeitedness, outrage of words 
 “ and affections, in our conferences, and finally, whatsoever might forestall our heart from just 
 “judgment, or loving and brotherly agreement. But furnish our spirits with peace, unity, love, 
 “ meekness, patience, knowledge, judgment, faithfulness, truth, and moderation, in wisdom to 
 “ proceed in our conferences with silent discretion ; to hear one another with grave advisement; 
 “ to weigh all things with holy agreement, and with justice to determine and execute all things ; 
 “ that, casting away all private respect, we may set our eyes on thy- glory, and seek the good of 
 “ the public weal. [O Lord, thou gavedst wisdom to the foolish, and understanding to simple, 
 “ thou callcdst David from following the sheep, and gavest him an excellent spirit to he wiser than 
 “ his teachers; thou liftest up Joseph from a childish estate, from bondage and affliction, and 
 “ gavest him counsel and honor; thou euduedest Saul with a kingly .spirit and Solomon with 
 “wisdom and judgment; finally, Joshua, Barak, Gideon, Jepthah, and many other of hase 
 “ condition, hast thou raised up and furnished with wisdom to do good in the church.] We, 
 “ therefore, though rude, ignorant, and unfit of ourselves, humbly crave the holy assistance of thy 
 “ Gracious Spirit, to order us in all our counsels, determinations and governments in onr several 
 “ offices, persons, and charges, to the supplanting of all evil, and furthering of godliness, doing 
 “ always that which may he most pleasing in thy sight, agreeing to a good conscience, helping 
 “unto peace, and godliness, good unto others, comfortable to ourselves, that we may advano3 
 “ thy glory in all our actions, through Je.sus Christ our Lord, in whose name we humhly pray 
 “ unto thee, as he hath taught us, ‘ Our Father,’ &c.’’ 
 
 That portion of the prayer included in hrackets, was, after a short time, discontinued. In 1682, 
 the mayor’s assistants met to consider a prayer for the King and royal family, to be added to the 
 “ assemhly prayer.’’ 
 
 t Ho was not to take above 6f/. a piece for eibreds; for marriages 1.5. 6f7., for church-goings 4ff., 
 for the burial of a man uncoffhied 6rf., coffined 8(f., if in the church Is. In 1613, the constables 
 were sent round to collect “Id. from every communicant, for their offerings, and Zd. for every cow 
 kept on the common, for lacnage. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 155 
 
 They required him to preach on session days, festival days, and scarlet days ; 
 and to commence morning prayer in summer at half-past eight o’clock, and in 
 winter at nine o’clock; and to administer the sacrament on the first Sunday in 
 every month,—a regulation which continues to he observed to this day. 
 
 All differences between the corporation and Mr. Gostling were not, how¬ 
 ever, settled. Long previous to the Reformation, the prior and monks had been 
 accustomed to provide a public breakfast for the inhabitants, at the priory, on 
 Christmas day. This singular custom survived the Reformation ; and was con¬ 
 tinued by the dean and chapter, or their farmer, until 1579, when, in consequence 
 of the plague which then desolated the town, Mr. Thomas Osborne, the then 
 farmer, agreed to pay the churchwardens £5 a year, instead of providing a 
 breakfast. Upon the cessation of the plague, the breakfast was resumed and 
 continued to be given, until Mr. Gostling became the lessee, when he refused 
 either to provide the same or pay the composition. The corporation took the 
 matter up on the part of the town, and made a complaint to the dean and chapter. 
 They were answered by Dr. Suckling,'^- one of the prebendaries, who fully admit¬ 
 ted the claim. “The breakfast is your right,” says the doctor, “ and we do not 
 “ mean to deny it, neither can we, if we would ; and, therefore, our farmer 
 “ shall have no backing from us adding, that if he would not be “persuaded 
 of himself,” they would “ agree to any course of law to enforce him.” The 
 reasons assigned to the dean and chapter by Mr. Gostling, for discontinuing 
 the breakfast, are certainly conclusive upon the impropiety of the custom, and 
 disclose a strange state of affairs, which it was the duty of all in authority to. 
 terminate. He alleged,— 
 
 “ First. The danger of gathering together of at least 1,000 people,—the 
 “ most part of them being of the rudest and basest sort,—who, all meeting there, 
 “ had often occasioned danger of murder, by quarrelling and fighting among 
 “ themselves; with breaking of windows, tables, stools, pots, glasses ; and many 
 “ other disorders which could not be prevented. 
 
 “ Second. The profanation of the birth-day of Christ, at which time, by the 
 “ law of the church, the communion ought to be administered; but which, by 
 
 * He was then rector of Blofield and Ilcllcsdon, hut was installed dean in the following year, 
 on the translation of his predecessor, Ur. Montgomery, to the bishopriek of Meath. 
 
156 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 “ reason of this disordered meeting, had always been put by,—the greatest part 
 “ of the people drinking and swaggering until eleven o’clock, and going neither 
 “ to service nor sermon. 
 
 “ Third. It was beneficial to none : the better sort, for the most part, con- 
 “ temning it; and the poorest of them, especially on that day, (when they were 
 “ usually invited by their neighbours,) being in no need of charity, in the giving 
 “ a piece of bread and cold meat in the morning, and they going to another place 
 “ to dinner. 
 
 “ Fourth. The^town had injured both the church and the farmer, by de- 
 “ taining, for nineteen years, a house worth £4 per annum, (which had always 
 “ belonged to the parsonage,) thereby depriving the farmer of £54 income. 
 
 “ Fifth. Other farmers, who kept the breakfast, had giveir towards the 
 “ maintenance of the preacher and minister, not above £30 a year, the rest of 
 “ their maintenance being paid out of the town stock ; whilst he, being desirous 
 “ of settling a sufficient ministry, and for peace sake, had, of his own good will, 
 “ given 100 marks and upwards, whereby the town was much eased, and the 
 “ farmer over-charged ; and, therefore, he thought it reasonable not to be bur- 
 “ thened with the unnecessary and unprofitable charge of a breakfast.” 
 
 The corjjoration, however, stood upon their right: and the matter was 
 brought before the Privy Council,—the constant resort, at that time, for all 
 sorts of public litigants. On the 20th of March, 1614, the lords of the coun¬ 
 cil wisely ordered, that for “ not performing the breakfast for certain years last 
 past,” Mr. Gostling was to pay to the town £5, and also £10 yearly, during 
 the term of his lease; such sums “ to be employed to the profit or benefit of 
 the fishermen of the town,” according to such orders as should be established 
 by the town, and allowed by the dean and chapter. It was also stipulated, 
 that the arrangement then made, was not to be “ prejudicial to posterity ; ” so 
 that when the dean and chapter resumed the patronage, the breakfast could 
 be claimed. 
 
 The corporation had now obtained the ecclesiastical power and patronage 
 which they had so long coveted; but it does not appear that they were suc¬ 
 cessful in pleasing themselves in the choice of ministers and preachers, if we 
 
 * In 166.5, it was ordered that Sir Thomas Medowe and Mr. Gostling be treated 'with,, as to 
 the £10 per annum due to the town for a breakfast at Christmas, in lieu of hrawn and muscadine. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 157 
 
 may judge by the frequent changes which took place. In 1612, Mr. Alexander 
 was appointed preacher instead of Mr. Fleming ; and, in the same year, Mr. 
 Wilkinson was appointed, with a salary of £25 per annum. In 1619, Mr. 
 Tilman was elected preacher instead of Mr. Andrews, with a stipend of £50 
 a year, and “ to have the preacher’s house to dwell in ; ” which appointment, 
 however, “ the bishop would in nowise yield to, alledging his youth and want of 
 “ gravity in so great a congregation.” A misunderstanding at this time arose 
 between the corporation and Mr. AVilkinson, who, thereupon, “ very prejioster- 
 “ ously and against all former order and agreement, began to demand and take 
 “ the offerings of the communicants ; ” and also against the “ custom, use, and 
 prescription of the burgh,” to make choice of one of the churchwardens, having, 
 on one occasion, “ foisted in a church clerk ; ” hut these differences were ami¬ 
 cably settled, and Mr. Wilkinson returned all the money which he had received.'*' 
 
 Upon the death of Gostling, in 1623, the agreement made with him, was 
 confirmed by Anne Lavyle his mother, and Charles Gostling his executor; hut 
 the appointment of minister and preacher continued to be much “ hindered,” 
 both by the bishop and by the dean and chapter; and the legal ojiinions of Sir 
 Ralph Crewe and Sir George Cooke were taken on behalf of the town, upon 
 the points in dispute. 
 
 The Intercourse which, at this period, existed between Yarmouth and 
 Holland,—where the reformed religion had assumed a freer action,—led the 
 ecclesiastical authorities to dread the introduction of “ scismatical books,” and 
 the spread of the various sects of religionists, which were the “ offspring of 
 the Reformation.” They, therefore, required the bailiffs, in 1624, to put in 
 force the penal laws for the suppression of sectaries ;f and Thomas Cayne, the 
 
 * Sec ante p.igc .56. The corporation continued to elect churchwardens, without interference 
 by the vestry or minister, until the passing of the Municipal Corporation Act, in 183o, which 
 deprived them of the jxiwer of doing so. The minister then asserted his right, hy the law of the 
 land, to nominate one churchwarden,—leaving the parishioners in vestry to nominate the other. 
 Rut the latter have always asserted their right to nominate both ; and the question has been 
 quieted by their hitherto agreeing with the minister in the nomination of the same person. 
 
 fin 1.560, Queen Elizabeth issued a proclamation, hy which “ she commanded the Anabaptists 
 “ and such like heretikes, which had flocked to the coast towncs of England, from the parts be- 
 “ yond the seas, (under eolour of shunning persecution,) and had spred the poyson of their sects 
 “ in England, to depart the rcalme in twenty days, whether they were natural! borne people of 
 “ the land, or forreiners, upon paine of impiisomnent and losse of goods.” 
 
 T 
 
158 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 teacher of a small congregation of Anabaptists, was imprisoned. He was 
 ordered by the Lord Chief Justice, to be discharged; but the bailiffs were en¬ 
 joined, if, after his enlargement, he, “ by Anabaptism, or any other refractory 
 course,” endeavoured to seduce his Majesty’s subjects “ from their true chidstian 
 religion and observance,” they were to report the same. The bailiffs, soon 
 afterwards, received a letter from the bishop of Norwich, thanking them for 
 their “ careful and religious discharge” of their duties, “ in discovering and 
 surprising those ungodly and dangerous conventicles ; ” and requiring the 
 bailiffs to arrest and send to him several persons whom he named, adding, that 
 he supposed the Sabbath day for sending them, would be “ most meet.” The 
 bishop stated, that the enlargement of Cayne had been procured under the 
 promise that he should leave the town or conform, but he had acted “ clean 
 contrary ; ” and the bishop urged the bailiffs, in the performance of this duty, 
 to be “ secret and wary, that it be not talked of till it be done.” The bishop’s 
 request was probably not complied with ; for in their answer to the Lord Chief 
 Justice, who had complained of their neglect, the bailiffs remarked, that his 
 lordship’s letters were without a date ; and they denied having received any 
 warrant from him. Soon after this, however, several Anabaptists'*'' were com¬ 
 mitted to prison. 
 
 The Homan Catholics did not remain unmolested: for we find that, in 
 1618, John Grosse, “ a popish recusant,” was sent to London, and delivered to 
 the archbishop of Canterbury, who committed him to prison; and, in 1620, an 
 order was received from the Privy Council, for the banishment of John Wright, 
 “ a Jesuit, or seminary priest,” then a prisoner in Yarmouth. In the following 
 3 'ear, a Franciscan friar, then in gaol, was sent “ over-seas ” by the bailiffs, ap¬ 
 parently on their own authority. 
 
 Upon the sudden withdrawal of Mr. Wilkinson from the cure. In 1624, the 
 dean and chapter again disputed the right of the corporation to nominate; 
 whereupon the bishop interposed, and appointed Mr. Gammon. The corpora¬ 
 tion speedily determined to maintain their rights, and proceeded to nominate 
 the liev. John Brinsley to the cure ; and having complained to Sir J. Suckling, 
 
 * This sect arose about the year 152.5, and was known in England in 1549. They published a 
 confession of faith in 1689, by which it aiipeared that they differed from other Protestants in little 
 more than the denial of infant baptism. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 159 
 
 Comptroller of the King’s household, and one of the Privy Council, he wrote 
 a letter to the bishop, urging him “ not to interpose his strong power in the 
 “ case, by hindering the preferment of a fit man, since it belonged to the town 
 “ by law.” This was of no avail; for the dean and chapter proceeded against 
 the town in the High Commission Court, and Mr. Brinsley was cited to appear 
 before the “ high commissioners in cases of supremacy and other spiritual and 
 ecclesiastical causes.” When the suit came on for hearing, the court, “ in as 
 much as the matter was of great consequence,” referred it to the decision of 
 “ The Lord Archbishop’s Grace of Canterbury,” who certified that, in his opinion, 
 the right of appointment remained with the dean and chapter, notwithstanding 
 the lease to Sowell, and the farmers having had, for many years, the nomina¬ 
 tion of ministers : and added, that it was most fit the dean and chapter should 
 have the appointment, and not the town, in regard that diverse of that to\\m had 
 “ continual intercourse with Amsterdam, and sundry schismatical books thither 
 “ been imported; and diverse of the said town had been favorers and maintain- 
 “ ers of unconformable ministers, and of late had had sundry conventicles there 
 whereupon, the Lord Keeper (Sir Thomas Coventry), decided the suit in favor 
 of the dean and chapter. Mr. Brinsley was, in consequence, dismissed.* 
 
 Some of the inhabitants then petitioned the King, setting forth, that in 
 consequence of the differences between the bishop and the bailiffs, they had 
 been harassed with sund ry suits,—“ two in the chancery, one in the King’s 
 “ bench, one in the Prerogative court, three in the High Commissioners court, 
 “ besides one complaint before the Privy Council,”—all which they accuse the 
 bishop of instigating “ for very trivial and small matters ; ” and being merchants 
 and traders, and, “ in every way conformable to the doctrines and ceremonies 
 of the church of England,” they prayed the King to put an end to these pro¬ 
 ceedings, by referring them to the decision of his council. This he did, and the 
 
 * Brinsley was born in 1600, at Ashby-dc-la-Zouch, in Leicestershire, where his father was a 
 minister, and had the eare of a public school. Ilis mother was a sister of Bishop Hall. He was 
 admitted to Emmanuel college, Cambridge, before he was fourteen years of age ; and after resid¬ 
 ing there some time, he accompanied Dr. llall, then dean of Worcester, to the synod of Dort. 
 On his return, he was elected a scholar of Emmanuel, took his degrees, was ordained, and 
 preached at Prestons, near Chelmsford. When dismissed from Yarmouth, Sir .John Wentworth, 
 in 1632, presented him to the rectory of Somerleytou, whither the people of Yarmouth, whose 
 partiality had entailed upon him no small trouble and vexation, resorted to hear him preach. 
 When the Act of Uniformity passed, after the “ fatal Bartholomew,”—as some called the llestor- 
 ation,—he desisted from the public exercise of the ministry ; and, dying in 1665, was buried in 
 the north aisle of St. I^icholas’ church. lie was the author of many theological works. 
 
160 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 bishop had notice of it: whereupon, his lordship wrote a letter to the hailifFs, 
 although, as he said, having had but “small encouragement,” in regard to the 
 “ slender acceptance ” of his former letters, and yet doubting not of their “ bet¬ 
 ter entertainment,” when they brought” general tidings of good things unto all.” 
 “ Your congregation,” says the bishop, “ is great; and, as wise old Jethro said 
 “ unto Moses, the burthen of the people is too heavy for one man.” He then 
 informs them, that he is very sensible of this want of a second preacher, “ to join 
 “ in the administration of the word and sacraments, and in giving special comfort 
 unto “ distressed souls ; ” “ which tender compassion of mine,” he says, “ as it 
 is a life vein of my pastoral charge,” if not formerly declared, “ somebody is to 
 blame ; ” for he adds, “ I freely expressed myself viva voce unto you, who were 
 “ pleased to visit me, that I desired nothing more than your being furnished 
 “ udth a second godly, learned, and peaceable preacher, free from question of 
 “ law, and just exception and “ to clear up all mists of judicate conception,” 
 the bishop requested the bailiffs to recommend “a godly and learned divine, 
 “ to take the place and function of the lecturer, or second preacher, upon him, 
 “ that so God his harvest may have honorable and sufficient laborers to accom- 
 “ plish so great and heavenly a work ; and,” adds the bishop, “ if you quayle 
 “ herein, (which God forbid,) all men that hear must judge that yourselves are 
 “ wanting to your own souls health, and that I and my house are free from the 
 “ peril of souls.” The bailiffs thanked the bishop for his “ careful respect” of 
 them for the good of their souls ; and assured him that the town was “ forward 
 and willing to fulfil his lordship’s pious offer and fair proposition,” promising 
 to make enquiry for “an able, learned, and religious preacher ;” and suggested 
 that there should “ be trial made of his gifts and voice, at several times.” No 
 lecturer was, however, appointed until 1628, when. Dr. White having succeeded 
 to the bishoprick, (on the translation of Dr. Harnset to the See of York,) the 
 bailiffs elected Mr. Brinsley, (who, after his dismissal from St. Nicholas’ church, 
 had preached in the Dutch church,) as lecturer, of which they informed the bishop, 
 reminding him that he himself had first recommended Mr. Brinsley to the town. 
 They gave strong testimony as to his merit, and solicited the bishop’s approba¬ 
 tion of their choice, as they asserted it might “ conduce much to a speedy 
 pacification of those unkind distractions,” which of late had happened among 
 them. The bishop, in reply, expressed his satisfaction, that the town desired 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 161 
 
 “ to have the word of God preached thrice a week, as in former times had been 
 used; ” and, regarding Mr. Brinsley, pi’ofessed to entertain the same opinion 
 of him as formerly, but wished to be informed whether the town was unanimous 
 in their choice, and whether he was not debarred by the decree in chancery, and 
 suggested that the court should be moved to solve the doubt. The bailiffs re¬ 
 plied, by acknowledging with thankfulness his “ lordship’s holy and religious 
 care for the furtherance of the gospel in their poor incorporation,” assured him 
 that there was an unanimous desire, “ without the least contradiction of any,” 
 to have “ Mr. Brinsley as a preacher and lecturer; and as to the decree, they 
 “ conceived it did not at all intrench upon the lecturer’s place, which they had 
 “ always enjoyed, by the favor of the bishop only, and to which they had given 
 “ allowance out of the town stock, and not out of the revenue of the church ;” 
 and should his lordship have any further scruple, they promised to send their 
 recorder. Miles Corbet, to give what satisfaction should be required. 
 
 Mr. Brinsley was, therefore, allowed to take the duty of lecturer : but he 
 soon appears to have had a misunderstanding with the minister ; for, about six 
 months after the date of the bailiffs’ last letter, proceedings were taken against 
 him in chancery, for causing a disturbance in the church, by going up into 
 the pulpit before the prayers had ended, and for other matters ; upon which, 
 the corporation granted a certificate under their common seal, disclaiming the 
 proceedings which had been commenced in their name, by which they held 
 themselves to be very much traduced and abused ; and asserted that, so “ far 
 from defaulting him,” they were unanimous in their desire that he should con¬ 
 tinue his labour among them. They, at the same time, sent a letter to the 
 bishop of Norwich, (then in attendance on the King,) requesting him “ to move 
 the Right Honorable the Earl of Dorset therein; ” adding, that “ his lordship 
 well knew how populous the town was, and what need they had of such a weekly 
 teacher.” They also addressed a letter to their high steward, then “ Lord High 
 Chamberlain to the Queen’s most excellent IMajesty,” stating that they had been 
 “ a long time without any lecturer preaching on the week-days,—no town in 
 “ England having more need of such weekly teaching ; ” and accounting them¬ 
 selves happy if, by his lordship’s means, so good and worthy a work could be 
 effected. The parties immediately concerned, were not, however, peaceably 
 inclined; and an inhibition, which had been obtained from the archbishop of 
 
1G2 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 Canterbuiy, was served by Mr. Brooks personally upon Mr. Brinsley, in the 
 church ; which proceeding, the friends of the latter asserted, to be a “ disturb¬ 
 ance thereupon, four magistrates,—of whom Miles Corbet was one,—signed 
 a mittimus against Brooks, and sent him to gaol. Matters having been carried 
 to these extremes, a commission was issued out of Chancery, to enquire into 
 them ; Sir Roger Townshend and Sir John Wentworth, acting for the bailiffs, 
 and Dr. Clement Corbet (chancellor of Norwich) and Francis Mapes, Esq.,*'for 
 Mr. Brooks : who were to examine witnesses upon Interrogatories ; and, prevent¬ 
 ing “ all delays and cavillations,” were “ to use their uttermost endeavours to 
 compose and end all controversies between the parties,” and transmit the agree¬ 
 ment to the Privy Council, who were to make a binding order, whereby all 
 occasions of discord or dissension might be taken away. But the controversy 
 remaining “uncomposed,” the whole matter was brought before the King, in 
 council, on the 24th of March, 1632 ; when his Majesty found “ that things 
 “ had been carried in a factious manner, by the refractory spirit of some per- 
 “ sons, who had the chief places of government in the town, whereby the busy 
 “ humours of those whose ears itch after noveltys, had been nourished and 
 “encouraged;” and his Majesty declared it to be requisite “to take such 
 “ notice thereof, that it might appear how sensible and careful he was of 
 “ countenancing and maintaining, as well of ecclesiastical authority and dis- 
 “ cipline, as of civil order and government.” And, therefore, a final order was 
 made, that Mr. Brooks and the dean and chapter, should have from their 
 adversaries, the charges they had been put to ; and that, for the wrong done to 
 l\Ir. Brooks, and the indignity offered to his place and function, the committing 
 magistrates should themselves be sent to prison during his Majesty’s pleasure, 
 and should also make acknowledgment of their fault and offence. It was 
 further ordered, that Mr. Brinsley, by whose officiating and preaching these 
 dissensions had been occasioned, should not be permitted to exercise his 
 ministerial functions within the town ; and lastly, that as the chapel in which 
 he had preached, and which had theretofore been used by the Dutch for their 
 assembling, had not been consecrated, it should no longer be used for divine 
 
 * He was seated at Rolleshy hall, Norfolk, which estate passed from his family to the Ensors. 
 The arms of Mapes were sa., a fess fusily or. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 163 
 
 service, but should revert to its former use as a rvarehouse ; and his Majesty 
 charged all persons to carry themselves peaceably and quietly, without en¬ 
 tering into any further source of faction,—and that the townsmen should pay 
 due respect to Mr. Brooks, as their lawful minister. Two of the magistrates 
 inculpated were imprisoned, whilst Miles Corbett and the other were “ sent 
 for by a messenger,” from the Privy Council, upon which they presented a 
 petition to the King, wherein they state, that having, by his Majesty’s “ most 
 “ princely, patient, and just proceedings in the hearing of the cause, more 
 “ full)' understood their errors and offence,” and being heartily sorry for, and 
 “ acknowledging, the same, submitted themselves, “ in all humility, to the 
 “justice of the sentence;” and “craved pardon for what was passed, and 
 “ promised thereafter to be careful to avoid all just cause of complaint, and to 
 “ carry themselves peaceably and conformably to his Majesty’s ecclesiastical 
 “ and temiroral laws.” The petition concludes with beseeching the King that 
 they might all be at liberty, “ so that, at that holy time (being Lent), they 
 “ might, with their neighbours, partake both of God’s mercies and his Majes- 
 “ ty’s; ” and that those who were “ sent for, (one being not able, by reason of 
 “ his age and weakness, to travel, without danger of his life,) might be also 
 “ partakers of his Majesty’s grace and pardon.” The dean and chapter, on 
 their part, also presented a petition to the King, in which, after acknowledging 
 his Majesty’s favor extended towards them, and reciting the order made, “ that 
 “ they who had committed Mr. Brooks to prison, in a very undue and turbulent 
 “course, should themselves be committed to prison;” they, “ however, justly 
 “ provoked by the many wrongs which they had been offered, yet, having regard 
 “ to their profession, and desiring to render good for evil,” beseeched his 
 Majesty to remit the imprisonment. These petitions, having been considered 
 by the King, in council, on the 31st of March, 1632, the parties imprisoned 
 were ordered to be set at liberty, and the messenger to be stayed. 
 
 After these controversies (carried on with such extreme violence) had been 
 thus settled, the King complied with the wishes of the town, as to the appoint¬ 
 ment of a lecturer; for, at a Privy Council, held on the 11th of July, 1632, an 
 order was made, by which, after stating the desire of the inhabitants to have a 
 lecturer, on whom they were willing to settle a constant stipend of £100 per 
 annum, and that they had nominated Mr. Vincent and IMr. Norton, the bishop of 
 
164 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 London (Laud), was required “ to inform Irimself of the carriage and abilities of 
 the said ministers,” and report thereon to their lordships, who would thereupon 
 make choice : and if neither of them were fit, the inhabitants were to propound 
 some other to be considered in the like manner; and that, “ for the better con¬ 
 serving of peace and quietness within the aforesaid town,” whenever there should 
 thenceforth be a vacancy in the lecturer’s place, the same choice of nomination 
 on behalf of the town, and of approbation by the Privy Council should be 
 observed. 
 
 It appears that the name of the Rev. George Burdett was added to those 
 mentioned in the order; and that, on the 29th of Sejrtember following, the 
 Pri^"}- Council, “ being particularly satisfied” rvith Mr. Burdett, selected him to 
 fill the place of lecturer. Upon this, the corporation executed an instrument, 
 binding themselves to pay the salary promised ; articles of agreement between 
 the corporation and Mr. Burdett, were drawn up : and, for the purpose of 
 avoiding future differences with the minister of the parish, all parties appeared 
 before the bishop of Norwich, (Dr. Corbet,) when rules were settled for their 
 guidance. By these, it was provided (in order, it is presumed, to avoid the pos¬ 
 sibility of the recurrence of a former dispute, by one beginning to preach before 
 the other had finished the prayers,) that each should read prayers before his 
 own sermon,—that the lecturer should preach on all “scarlet” days,—and that 
 the minister should “ preach the blessing to the fishing yearly,” which was 
 called the fishing sermon,—and that on Wednesdays, the lecturer should begin 
 his sermon at ten o’clock, except when the piilpit should be required on 
 any special occasion by the minister, when he was to preach at eight o’clock 
 in the morning. 
 
 All efforts, however, to produce a good understanding between the minister 
 and the lecturer, appear to have been fruitless ; for, shortly afterwards, Mr. 
 Burdett was cited to appear before the chancellor of Norwich, at the instance 
 of Mr. Brooks, “ for not bowing at the name of Jesus; in answer to which 
 accusation, he offered to swear that in that point “ he had, did, and would obey 
 the canon.” He was suspended: but upon the intercession of the bailiffs to 
 the bishop, the suspension was taken off. It was, however, apparently impos- 
 
 This was enforced in 1275, by order of Pope Gregory X.; and is enjoined by the 18th canon. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 1G5 
 
 siblc for these two men to aet together ; dissensions again broke out, in 1G35, 
 ■when he was again suspended by the High Commission Court: whereupon, 
 tired with the strife,-he left the country altogether, and went to New England, 
 —the asylum alike of the persecuted and discontented. 
 
 Great complaints were made at this time, by the Puritan clergy, of the 
 rigorous manner in which Wren, bishop of Norwich, enforced the ordinances 
 of the church.^' John Allen, afterwards minister of the parish, fell under the 
 bishop’s displeasure ; and, with Edward Calamy, Jeremiah Burroughs, and 
 many others, left the diocese, and retired to Holland. Bishop Wren was trans¬ 
 lated to Ely, in 1638; but bishop Montague, his successor, pursued the same 
 course, and became equally unpopular with the Puritans. 
 
 There can be no doubt but that the pulpit was often used, at that time, as 
 a political engine, to fan the flame of discontent which had arisen against the 
 arbitrary proceedings of the court. Itinerant preachers were thus employed : 
 and because Mr. Brooks refused to allow strangers to preach at the parish 
 church, his allowance from the corporation was withheld, and they determined 
 to effect his removal. 
 
 Another cause of offence, was his persisting in nominating the parish 
 clerk,—an appointment which the corporation had long maintained as of right 
 belonging to thom;f and, in 1640, they presented a petition to parliament against 
 
 * The “ Articles to he enquired of within the diocese of Norwich,” promulgated by Bishop 
 Wren, were 139 in number, containing 897 questions, which show alike what was then required 
 of the clergy, and the innovations which wei'C creeping in; such as “ Doth your minister 
 read the canons once every year ? ” “ Doth he pray for the King with his whole title ? ” “ Dotfi 
 he observe all the orders, rites, and ceremonies prescribed in the Book of Common Prayer, and 
 in administering the sacrament ? ” “ Doth he wear the surplice while he is reading prayers and 
 
 administering the sacraments ? ” “ Is your minister a favorer of recusants ? ” “ Is he noted to 
 
 be an incontinent person; a frequenter of tavenis and alehouses ; a common gamester or ])Uiycr 
 of dice ? ” “ Hath your minister read the Book of Sports in his chnrch or chapel ? ” “ Does lie 
 use conceived prayers before or after sermon ? ” “ Are the graves dug east and west, and the 
 
 bodies buried with their heads to the west? ” “ Do your parishioners, at going in or out of tho 
 
 church, do reverence towards the chancel ? ” Such were the tests of orthodoxy in those days. 
 Among Bishop Wren’s orders is one, that “ no man presume to have his hat on his head in the 
 time of service and sermon : ” which irreverent ])ractice appears at that time to have prevailed. 
 The severities of Wren were not forgotten when the Puritans obtained the ascendency. A par¬ 
 liamentary emiuiry was instituted. He was taken from his house at Djwnham, and committed 
 to the tower where he remained, “ a patient prisoner,” till tlie end of the year lGd9, without 
 being brought to trial or admitted to bail. 
 
 t The corporation exercised this power at a very early period. “ 7th March, 1.551.—Thomas 
 Smith to be one of the clerks of the church.” “ 1.5.55.—Thomas Barney to be one of the clerks of 
 the church, to sing in the choir, and to have towards his board yearly,—from every alderman 
 
166 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 ihe incumbent, Vvhora they accused “ as well for his scandalous life and exac- 
 “ tlons of undue fees for marriage and burials, as for not exercising his ministerial 
 ‘■function as ho ought; ” and many witnesses being prepared to prove the articles 
 exhibited against him, a “free benevolence” Avas collected of the inhabitants, 
 for defraying the costs of the prosecution. A letter Avas, soon aftei’Avards, 
 received from the recorder, adA'ising the toAvn to present a parish clerk of their 
 own choice to the bishop, Avhereupon Mr. MedoAve and others AA'ere deputed to 
 AA'alt upon the bishop, and inform him of the toAvn’s right, “ lately AAuested from 
 them by the curate,” and to present Robert Rush to that office, which they did. 
 This appears to have been acquiesced in : and the corporation have retained 
 the appointment of parish clerk doAvn to the present time. 
 
 In 1641, the corporation succeeded in obtaining the consent of the dean 
 and chapter of NorAvich, that the nomination of ministers should remain solely 
 Avlth the former; and they then made a further agreement AAuth Mr. Gostllng, 
 iinder Avhich they undertook to pay him £340 per annum for seven years, as his 
 profits of the liA'ing.*' The order in council, as to the lectureship, Avas noAv totally 
 disregarded ; Mr. Brooks, Avho had been “ zealous for the constitution in church 
 and state,” Avas utterly “ disoAvned ; ” and being much “harass’d and abus’d,” 
 
 12f7., and from ever}' common councilman 6(7., besides his wage.s, to be gathered in the Avinton.’’ 
 “ 13th Sci)t., lo56.—The new clerk, who sings the bass, to be retained, at the discretion of the 
 bailiffs, by such wages as they can agree upon.” “ 6th Oct. 1.5.56.—Ordered that the vintners of 
 every ward, shall gather the wages of the clerks quarterly .”—Assembly Books, Singing continued 
 to bo an indispensable qualification in a parish clerk, until it degenerated into a nasal twang. In 
 1608, the corporation appointed Francis Parkins, “ with the good liking of klr. Robinson, the 
 pastor.” By the common law and custom of the realm, all incumbents have the right of nomi¬ 
 nating theii’ own parish clerks, unless a special custom exists to the contrary,—and such a custom 
 has been A'cry rarely established. The corporation have also exercised the right of appointing and 
 dismissing the sexton. In 1565, an assessment was made, to pay the sexton for “ for singing and 
 serving with the minister at morning prayer daily.” The clerk had been accustomed to dwell in 
 apartments under the old guild hall; and when the clerk of Mr. Brook’s nomination applied for 
 them, they were denied,—aipon which he appealed to the bisho 2 ). When the old guild hall Avas 
 pulled down, the corporation provided the clerk Avith a house next the parsonage. The sexton 
 dAvelt in a cottage, formed out of part of the ruined cloister of the priory, adjoining the church 
 yard, until these remains Avere entirely removed. 
 
 * After this the corporation enforced the payment of tithes; for, in the assembly book for 
 16-16, there is an order for “ distresses to be taken for arrears of tithe and herbage ; ” and Anthony 
 Av'yn Avas “ committed to prison for non-payment of £20, adjudged, by virtue of an ordnance of 
 parliament, to be due to Mr. Gostling, farmer of the parsonage, i'oi' herbage.” 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 167 
 
 ho was, after an inoffectual resistance, obliged “to fly for his life;” and the 
 Rev. Thomas WhitflehR-' was established in the curacy.f 
 
 Among those who had quitted the kingdom, in consequence of the pro¬ 
 ceedings of Bishop Wren, was Thomas Bridge.J He had been lecturer at St. 
 George’s, Tombland, Norwich, and was rector of St. Peter’s per Hungate there 
 when he was suspended. He remained in Norwich until he was excommuni¬ 
 cated, and a writ dc capiendo having issued, he withdrew to Holland, Avhere he 
 renounced his episcopal ordination and joined the Independents: a sect which 
 had originated there, about the year 1610. These circumstances recommended 
 him to a party who were then becoming powerful in Yarmouth. Bridge was 
 invited over, with an otTer of being appointed jireacher : and in the following 
 year he settled in Yarmouth, where he soon became a jDopular declaimer against 
 the King’s government and the episcopal church. For a sermon which he 
 preached to the Yarmouth volunteers, he received the thanks of the house of 
 Commons ; before whom he frequently preached. In 1643, he was called 
 up to the assembly of divines, at Westminster, and was allowed £50 a )'ear by 
 the town during his absence ; and Mr. Rayner, “ a Lincolnshire minister,” was 
 appointed to supply his place.§ 
 
 In 1644, the corporation made a further bargain with Mr. Gostling, the 
 farmer: under which they agreed to take a lease, for seven years, of the fishing 
 half doles, and other profits of the living, (excejrt the parsonage house and 
 grounds, and the church yard,) at £200 a year, “ to be paid quarterly before¬ 
 hand ; ” Mr. Gostling to be “ cleared ” of all rates, and charges “ for the poor 
 and state,” in respect of the parsonage, and to be relieved of the payment of 
 £10 per annum, which he had been compelled to pay, instead of providing an 
 
 ♦ He was the author of divers hooks against “ lay preachers,”—the Armiuian tenets concerning 
 “ election,” “ reiyobation,’’ &c., (printed in London, in 1619) and of Liberty of Consricn e —and, 
 The Extent of God's Providence, printed in 1651. “ He ran with the times, when the King and 
 
 episcopacy were ousted;” but conformed at the Restoration, when he obtained the rectory of 
 Rugbroke, in Northamptonshire. 
 
 t in order to recover possession of the house occupied by Jlr. Brooks, a lease was made of the 
 same to the water-bailiff, “that an ejectment might be brought.” 
 
 J W hen Laud informed Charles I., by letter, that Bridge “ had left two livings and a lecture¬ 
 ship, and had fled to Holland,” the King wrote against this sentence, with his own hand, 
 “ We arc well rid of him.” 
 
 § In this year (1613) the corporation ordered William IMiller, the parish clerk, “ to go about 
 and collect the duties due to the minister for Easter offerings, and for neat and cow beasts; 
 and, in 1614, the corporation ordered “ a rate to be made by the churchwardens, and collected 
 “ by the clerk, of 2d. a piece, of those they should think fit, for bread and wine for the commu- 
 clerk’s wages were raised from 64 i)er annum to £8 per annum. In 1650, this 
 W illiam Miller was dismissed “ for great misdemeanours done by him to the scandal of religion.’’ 
 
168 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 annual public breakfast on Christmas clay, according to ancient custom. The 
 corporation then granted Mr. Brinsley a stipend of £100 a year, and his house 
 rent-free. 
 
 A request was at this time made, to allow Mr. Oxenbridge, a minister, 
 then residing in Yarmouth, to preach voluntarily every Sunday morning, before 
 the ordinary time of service. This was permitted, provided he made his “ ex¬ 
 ercise ” by half-past eight o’clock in the morning : and in this manner he 
 preached for six months, without reeeiving any reward, except a present of £15 
 from the corporation, at his departure.^' 
 
 Presbyterianism was now in full ascendancy ; but was, in its turn, exposed 
 to the assaults of other sects. Mr. Bridge endeavoured to form “ a separate 
 church,”—conceiving the Independent mode of discipline to be “ as much 
 beyond the Presbyterian, as Presbytery was preferable to Prelacy.” The cor¬ 
 poration, however, would permit of no public exercise of religion in private 
 houses, nor of any “ particular churches ; ” and the bailiffs and justices were 
 required to suppress the same : and when a petition to parliament was carried 
 about the town for signatures,—which prayed for the admission of “ Congre¬ 
 gational assemblies in a church way,” although not yet established by law,— 
 the corporation would not suffer it “ to go abroad,” but had it called in. As a 
 proof of the manner in which the rights of the church were at this time regarded, 
 it may be mentioned, that “ divers refractoi 7 people refused to pay the dues for 
 burial,” and the parish clerk was, therefore, ordered to obtain them before he 
 suffered any grave to be opened. 
 
 Great dissension prevailed among the inhabitants, upon all questions re¬ 
 garding the church, and the conduct of public worship : the Presbyterians 
 endeavoring to maintain their supremacy, whilst the Independents were equally 
 resolved to subvert it.f Many and great were the debates “ about settling 
 
 * -itli Oct., 1644. Ordered (by the corporation). That the minister do begin the prayer before 
 the sermon ; and two constables of each ward, and eight corporals, were “ to go about the town, 
 and apprehend idle and disorderly persons, on the sabbath and fast days ; ” also, “ That no per¬ 
 son depart out of church till after the blessing.” 
 
 t The Quakers were a sect who, at about this time, gave much ti-ouble. Not content to re¬ 
 main unmolested themselves, they considered it to be their duty to enter the “steeple houses,” 
 and other places of worship, and to “ speak to the people.” Thus, as one of their own writers 
 states, when complaining of the treatment experienced, “ Thomas Bond (in 16.55) went into the 
 “ Independent meeting, in Great Yarmouth, and, after their teacher had done, spake to the 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 169 
 
 [)lace and conformity,” and as to “ providing another p’acc of meeting for the 
 congregation of the parish,” the further supply of ministers, and the means for 
 their maintenance. It was, however, at that time determined, that all public 
 worship should he at the parish church only; and Mr. Brinsley and Mr. Whit¬ 
 field were to continue “ their usual times and exercises ; ” and no others were 
 to be “ called and settled in the ministry as yet.” 
 
 This exclusiveness could not, however, he maintained; for, shortly after¬ 
 wards, great “ distractions ” arose in the town, in consequence of some of the 
 inhabitants having taken upon themselves to erect “ particular churches in a 
 Congregational Avay, contrary to the Presbyterian government; ” and a com¬ 
 mittee was appointed “ to settle the diflfercnces in the town, by reason of a 
 separate church having been set up without authority.” Mr. Owner, who then 
 represented the town in parliament, and who may he considered as the leader 
 of the Presbyterian party, and Mr. Whitfield, waited upon Mr. Bridge, the 
 leader of the Independents, and exciter of the opposition ; and it was ultimately 
 agreed that Mr. Bridge and his party should “ forbeare to receive any into 
 church fellowshippe,” untill notice given to the town that “ they could forbeare 
 no longer.” This soon happened: upon which, a majority of the corporation 
 voted the act to be “ a disturbance of the peace and government of the town;” 
 and the parties were admonished “ to forbear erecting a church and taking in 
 members ; ” but Mr. Bridge was, nevertheless, “ continued preacher to the 
 town, without maintaining the Independent way,”—but how this could be re¬ 
 conciled was not explained. 
 
 By this time, every custom or observance, which had been retained by the 
 church, was scrupulously disregarded and rejected, as savouring of popery : and 
 to such an extent was this carried, that although the corporation continued to 
 go to church in their robes on scarlet days, they refused to do so on Christmas 
 
 “ people, till one of their ciders (called n deacon), violently thrust him down over a high scat 
 “ —to the endangering of his life,—and then hal’d him out into the yard, whore he would have 
 “ spoken to the people ; but was there taken, and sent to prison, where he lay among felons; and 
 “ the gaoler would seldom sufler any Friend to visit or relieve him.” And tlie Independents 
 made the following entiy in their annals, under date the 28th of December, 16d9,—“ It is our 
 “ desire that no countenance bo given unto, nor trust reposed in the hands of Quakers, tlicy 
 “ being persons of such principles as are destructive to tlie gospel, and inconsistent with the 
 “ peace of civil societies.” Thus, it seems, that neither party understood the meaning of religious 
 liberty. ° 
 
170 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 clay, and other festivals of the church,—considering the observance of those 
 days as superstitious. 
 
 Towards the support of preachers and lecturers, a rate was levied upon the 
 inhabitants in 1G43, by means of which £2-50 was raised ; and endeavours were 
 made to obtain a grant of public money. 
 
 After the death of the King, and the overthrow of the established church, 
 these efforts were renewed ; and, in 1647, through the exertions of Miles Cor¬ 
 bet, the recorder, and representative of the town in parliament, (who, having- 
 been one of the King’s judges, and active in promoting his condemnation and 
 execution, possessed considerable influence,) the rent of £32 per annum, which 
 the dean and chapter of Norwich had, for so many years, received from their 
 farmer of the parsonage of Yarmouth, was taken from them and restored to 
 the town, and applied towards the maintenance of ministers ;f and, at the same 
 time, by an ordinance of parliament, £40 per annum was granted to the town 
 for the same purpose, out of the tithes of Ludham, which had belonged to the 
 bishoprick of Norwich.J 
 
 klr. Whitfield having been dismissed in 1646, at his own request, the Rev. 
 John Swane was chosen minister, with a salary of £100 a year; and on his 
 
 * It is a humiliating proof of the weakness of the human mind, that those very men were, at 
 this time, believers in witchcraft. They invited Hopkins, the witch-finder, to the town, paid him 
 for his infamous services, and caused a number of suspected persons to be put to death for this 
 imaginary crime. (See Manship, page 272.) 
 
 h Wliatever may be thought of the legality of this proceeding, it was far from being unjust. 
 There can be no doubt but that the property, which the dean and chapter acquired at the Reform¬ 
 ation, had origiiially been granted to the church for general purposes ; and out of it the expenses 
 of the pastoral charge of the parish of Great Yarmouth had been defrayed. Apart, therefore, 
 fro7n the highly objectionable manner in which the dean and chapter dispensed their newly- 
 acquired ecclesiastical patronage at Yarmouth, it may, with great propriety, be contended that, 
 instead of deriving a revenue from the parish which, by their granting a lease to Sowell, they 
 contrived to do, they ought rather to have set apart a portion of their funds for the endowment 
 of a sufficient number of able ministers ; and had this been done, it is probable that the disorders 
 which ensued, would not have occurred. The town, however, did not long enjoy the grant: for 
 in 1630, it was claimed by “ the receiver of the dean and chapter rents, by Act of Parliament.” 
 
 i For these services, Corbet received a gratuity from the corporation, of £50. The corporation, 
 however, appear to have had some trouble in obtaining paymient. In 1647, they sent Mr. Call to 
 Ludham, to demand of Capt. Doughty “ the £40 out of the Ludham tithes.” 'Whether he obeyed 
 this call docs not appear : but the ne.xt year, klr. Bright was sent to Mr, Rust, resident at Ben- 
 net Abbey, to enquire into the pretended title of Dr. Lewin to Ludhanr tithes, under a lease made 
 by the late bishop of Norwich, ” that the town might know what course to take with the Dr.” 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. l7l 
 
 resignation, in 1650, Mr. Allen, of Meltingliain, was elected, by a majority of 
 the corporation, to be minister of the parochial congregation. 
 
 At this period, it appears that “ church meetings” were held in the priory ; 
 but, in 1650, a proposition was made for fitting up the “ great north aisle ” of 
 the church “for another meeting place.” A committee, however, to whom the 
 matter was referred, having reported it was not so convenient as the ehancel, 
 the corporation ordered the latter to be “ closed in with main walls, where 
 needful, and fitted up for a church house.” This was effected by bricking up 
 the three arches leading from the body of the church to the chancel, as they 
 appear at this day; and thus Mr. Bridge and the congregation were, as they 
 considered, “ suitably accommodated.” 
 
 The number of ministers was now increased to four, by the addition of 
 Jlr. Tillinghast: he and Mr. Bridge, were the ministers for the Independents ; 
 whilst Mr. Brinsley and Mr. Allen were styled the ministers of the “ parochial 
 congregation.” They all officiated in their respective divisions of the parish 
 church, where different services were carried on simultaneously. They were 
 each allowed a stipend of £100 per annum and provided with a residence. 
 These expenses, together with the large sums expended in altering the 
 church for these purposes, were defrayed by a general assessment, levied upon 
 the parish by the sole authority of the coi'poration ; and the burthen being felt 
 a heavy one, and some doubt being entertained as to the legality of such a 
 late, Mr. Isaac Preston, and Mr. Bendish (who married a grand-daughter of 
 ('romwell,) who were leading members of Mr. Bridges’ congregation, and also 
 corporators, were sent to London to rcciuest IMr. Recorder Corbet, again to exert 
 his influence with the government, to procure some help for the maintenance of 
 ministers, which he did successfully,—for Bridge obtained a grant of £100 a 
 year out of the impropriations. The corporation also petitioned parliament for 
 an Act to confirm the rate made by them on the inhabitants, as had been done 
 at Ip.swich : but tlicy were unsuccessful, as no such Act appears to have been 
 passed. Shortly afterwards it was determined that the charge for main¬ 
 taining the ministers of the parochial congregation, should be paid by the 
 
 * “ Orth fcd. That all the assemhly wear their gowns constantly, in all places of meeting for 
 public worship on the Lord’s day, as well those that go to the church meetings at the I’rionj as 
 to the parochial church.” 
 
172 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 parishioners belonging to that congregation, and not out of the “ town stock,” 
 (thus completely reversing the former order of things); but that the duties for 
 marriages, kc., which had belonged to the farmers of the parsonage, should be 
 taken by the town, as had previously been done, towards the maintainance of 
 the ministers of the parish church. It was also, soon afterwards, debated, why 
 the communicants should not bear the charge of providing bread and wine for 
 the sacraments ; and why “ the revenues of the houses of Mr. Brinsley and 
 “ klr. Allen, and the parish church, should not be converted to the use of the 
 “ town, and whether the clerk’s wages should thenceforth be paid by the town.” 
 A second petition to parliament was also drawn up, by the advice of Mr. Cock, 
 (afterwards recorder,) praying for leave to raise, by means of a rate, not only 
 the stipends of the ministers, but also the sum of £900, which had been ex¬ 
 pended “ in fitting up the church houses.” 
 
 In 1653, Mr. Brinsley and Mr. Bridge were appointed “assistants to tlse 
 “ commissioners for Norfolk and Norwich, for the ejection of ignorant and in- 
 “ sufficient ministers and schoolmasters.” 
 
 Tillinghast died in 1654, in London, having previously removed from 
 Yarmouth to Trunch. He was succeeded by the Rev. Job Tookie. Bridge, 
 in answer to a letter addressed to him in 1654, by Henry Scobell, Esq., clerk 
 to the Council of State, who had written to him to enquire into the state and 
 condition of the Presbyterian and Congregational churches in Norfolk,f says, 
 “ Here are four ministers in this town.” 
 
 Brinsley, Allen, Bridge, and Tookie continued to officiate in the parish 
 church, for their respective congregations, “in sweet accord,”—as the friends of 
 the latter say,—until the Restoration. When this event took place, the town 
 was compelled to relinquish the £40 per annum, which had been obtained from 
 the Ludhani Tithes. Brinsley continued as incumbent of the parish; and 
 
 * Tlio ignorance complained of was, in most cases, no doubt, the want of a due appreciation 
 of the prevailing doctrines and opinions; and thus matters were carried as far on the one side, as 
 they had formerly been by Bishop Wren on the other. 
 
 t Peck’s Desiderata Curiosa. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 173 
 
 Bridge* and Tookicf were ejected from the church. On the 1st of November, 
 1061, “the keys of the meeting-house were sent for by the bailiffs, and de¬ 
 livered to Sir Thomas Medowe, and the vestry door nailed up.” After which, 
 the Indejiendents met at the house of Mr. Preston, (one of the ruling elders,) 
 and, subsequently, at that of Mr. Albertson. 
 
 The corporation were very desirous of retaining Allen as minister of the 
 parish; but this was opposed by the dean and chapter of Norwich, wlio, on 
 their resumption of authority, again claimed to have the patronage of Y’ar- 
 mouth. To establish their right, they instituted a suit against the town, and 
 ultimately Allen was removed. He afterwards took a house at Gorleston, 
 which was not then within the diocese of Norwich, and frequently preached 
 there, until 1604, when he died of the plague. 
 
 The town still clung, with remarkable pertinacity, to their right of ajipoint- 
 ing ministers : and when, in 1661, the dean of Norwich came to Yarmouth, 
 and presented Mr. Duncan to be curate of the church, by virtue of an instru¬ 
 ment under the chapter seal, and desired to know if the town would accept 
 him, the bailiffs replied they were advised, by counsel, that the dean and 
 
 * Bridge was a student at Cambridge for about thirteen years—became a fellow of Emmanuel 
 college—and was a minister in Essex for five years, before settling at Norwich. The following 
 account of him is from a friendly pen. “ He was no mean scholar; had a libraiy well furnished 
 “ with the fathers, schoolmen, critics, and most authors of worth. Ho was a very hard student; 
 “ rose at four o’clock in the morning, winter and summer, and continued in his study till eleven 
 “ o’clock : and many souls heartily blessed God for his labours. Though he was strictly Congre- 
 “ gational, he sincerely respected his brethren that had other sentiments: there is good proof of 
 “ this in his carriage to his fellow-minister at Yarmouth,—worthy ISIr. Brinsley,—who was of 
 “another branch and character. When the government was in the hands of those who openly 
 “ befriended such as were of Mr. Bridge’s persuasion, Mr. Brinsley had many enemies, and was 
 “ much opposed; and there were strenuous endeavours used to get him removed, as an enemy 
 “ to the powers that then were ; but Mr. Bridge stood u]) for bim, and used all his interest to 
 “ continue him peaceably in his place. They lived and conversed together comfortably for many 
 “ years.’’ After the passing of the Act of Uniformity, he removed to Stepney, where he died in 
 1G70, aged 70 years. His works, published in 1649, have lately been reprinted. A portrait of 
 him, which has been engraved, is preserved in the Unitarian meeting-house at Yarmouth ; and 
 another portrait of liim is said to have been, until recently, at Gunton old hall. 
 
 t lie was the son of the Rev. Job Tookie, minister of St. Ives, in Huntingdonshire, (who was 
 turned out of his living for not reading the Book of Sports,) and was born there in 1616. He 
 went to Cambridge when only fourteen years of age ; and subsequently became chaplain to the 
 I'^ly 4N'estmoreland, and tutor to her sons,—Sir Roger Townshend and Sir Horatio Townshend. 
 His first preferment was St. Martin’s Vintry, London ; and thence went to St. Alban’s, “ where 
 he wiis preacher at the abbey, and gathered and settled a Congregational church.’’ After his 
 ejection from St. Nicholas’ church, he preached occasionally,’and was once imprisoned, but bailed 
 the next day. At length ho was excommunicated, for absenting himself from the established 
 church ; and a writ de excommunicato capiendo being taken out against him, he quitted Yarmouth 
 and went to London, where ho die<l in 1670. A son of his was “ useful in the ministry among the 
 dissenters at Yarmouth; and died there, in 1720, much lamented.’’ 
 
 X 
 
174 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 chapter had no right to nominate curates or ministers : and a committee was 
 appointed, to consider what defence should he adopted against the suit instituted 
 by the dean and chapter. On the 17th of September, the bailiffs sent “ a friendly 
 and fair letter ” to the dean and chapter, and both parties agreed to refer the 
 decision of their disputes to the Lord Chancellor. On the 12th of May, 1663, 
 ^Ir. John Woodroffe, attended before the Lord Chancellor, on behalf of the 
 town, and produced the grants made by the dean and chapter, and by Mr. Gostling 
 their farmer; and the case having been argued by counsel on both sides. Lord 
 Clarendon declared his opinion that the town had the sole right, both in law and 
 equity, of nominating the curate : but his lordship “ took larger time ” to give 
 his final decision. Without waiting for this, the corporation proceeded at once 
 to appoint Mr. Duncan to be “ curate of the said town, and minister of the parish 
 church,” and gave him the house in which Mr. Allen had resided. This hasty 
 proceeding gave rise to much dissension: and in less than three months, Mr. 
 Duncan resigned. The Bishop of Norwich, Lord Townshend, Lord Chief Justice 
 llichardson. Sir William D’Oyley, and the Dean of Norwich came to Yarmouth 
 for the purpose, of healing, if possible, these unhappy differences ; bearing with 
 them a message to the town from the Lord Chancellor; whereupon, the corpo¬ 
 ration agreed to accept Dr. Gayford as minister, he having been “ propounded 
 by their lordships as the person recommended by my Lord Chancellor,” and 
 they determined to receive him “ kindly and courteously,” and to allow him to 
 “ officiate as curate during the pleasure of the House.” A letter of thanks 
 was sent to the Lord Chancellor, “ for his great care taken about our curate.” 
 
 It appears that during these disputes, no ecclesiastical dues were paid 
 to the minister; for we find the corporation making an order to “ the constables 
 “ of every ward, with the churchwardens and parish clerk, to take care to de- 
 “ mand and receive of all persons, all duties due for marriages, burials, church 
 “ givings, offerings, and all other duties whatsoever, due and of right belonging 
 “ unto the curate of this town, for these two years last past.”‘^' 
 
 * At this time, in consequence of a letter received from Sir William D’Oyley, one of the 
 town’s representatives in parliament, it was resolved that there was “ no need of altering the 
 “ Easter oiferings from 2d. to ‘Id., in regard of the great number of communicants within the 
 “ town; and to desire him to use his influence to get our present allowance of 2d. upon cvei-y 
 “communicant, confirmed hy Act of Parliament for this town,—it being conceived a sufficient 
 “ maintenance for our curate.’’ 
 
GRi;AT YARMOUTH. 
 
 175 
 
 Although the corporation had permitted Dr. Gayford to officiate, they had 
 done nothing to confirm his election, or to provide him with a salary—a matter 
 which the dean and chapter left entirely to the town. A letter was, therefore, 
 soon received from Lord Townshend, “about giving unto Dr. Gayford satisfaction 
 “ touching his election to he curate of this town, and also concerning a competent 
 “ salary to be settled upon him for his pains ; ” which, having been considered, 
 the corporation, wrote another letter to the Lord Chancellor, thanking him 
 “ for his great care taken about sending so reverend and worthy a person, to 
 be our curate, as Dr. Gayford,” and likewise desiring his Lordship “ to send 
 “ unto this town, his opinion and determination concerning the right of the 
 “ nomination of the curate,” assuring his lordship, that “ if the right of nomi¬ 
 nation were wholly in the town,” they would make choice of the Doctor at 
 their next assembly after receiving his lordship’s answer. 
 
 In 1664, the corporation entered into a further agreement with Mrs. 
 Gostling, under w’hich they undertook to pay her £200 a year for all her profits 
 as farmer of the living, except the priory house and grounds, and the church 
 yard; they also agreed to remit, as before, the £10 per annum towards the 
 curate’s salary, and the £10 per annum in lieu of the Christmas breakfast. But it 
 seems to have been impossible for these parties to continue long without some 
 cause for contention ; for shortly afterwards, Mrs. Gostling instituted a suit 
 against the corporation, for the purpose of establishing her claim to a particular 
 seat in the church, in which she wished to place Thomas Wolston. Upon re¬ 
 ceiving a letter from the dean of Norwich on this subject, in 1670, the bailiffs 
 acquainted him that “ he had not been rightly informed about that difference,” 
 and offered to make “ a composure ” of it by means of a reference. It seems, 
 however, that the lady persisted in her suit, which ended in a decree confirming 
 (he town’s right to the seat in question, which, it appears, was “ the uppermost 
 seat next the alley, where the cliief constable sits.”* On their part, the corpo¬ 
 ration threatened Mrs. Gostling with a suit “about the £10 to be paid to our 
 curate,” and the otlier £10 for the “brawn and mustard;” and also for the 
 cliarge of the bread and wine at the sacrament. In 1671, they appointed Sir 
 
 * .She was entitled to a scat in the chancel, for, in I/all v. (Noy 133,) it wa-s decided, 
 
 “ That of common ritilu the parson was unpropriate, and, per conseqticns, his funner, ought to 
 “ have the chief seat in the chancel, hecausc he ought to repair it.” 
 
176 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 James Johnson, Mr. John Woodroffe, and Mr. Huntingdon, to treat with any 
 persons IMrs. Gostling should appoint, “ to settle and end all differences.” 
 
 Dr. Gayford died in 1G65, and his patrons did not forget his widow ; for 
 letters were received from the bishop of Norwich and Lord Townshend, recom¬ 
 mending the corporation to give her “ full and ample satisfaction far the pains 
 the Doctor had taken in serving the cure for two years ; ” upon which, they 
 paid her £100, in addition to some previous payments, “ in full discharge of all 
 agreements and promises made by the town unto the doctor in his life time.” 
 They then elected the Rev. Christopher Spendlove, without apparently any fur¬ 
 ther opposition by the dean and chapter. Mr. Spendlove was the son of the 
 Rev. Charles Spendlove,"^' who had succeeded Mr. Brinsley, as lecturer; for it 
 must be borne in mind that the corporation had never ceased to maintain a 
 Lctureship, at the expense of the town. A vacancy now occurring in that 
 office by the death of Mr. Spendlove, sen., the bishop of Norwich sent a letter 
 to the bailiffs, recommending Mr. Bradford, of Winterton ; but upon a ballot 
 in the assembly, “ it passed against him,” and the Rev. Joshua Meen was 
 elected. Mr. Spendlove, the minister, died in 1678, upon which the corpo¬ 
 ration took possession of the profits of the living ; and appointed a committee 
 “ to gratify such persons that come to preach, until a curate be chosen.” 
 The bishop of Norwich, and Sir Robert Baldock, the recorder, recommended 
 the bailiffs to elect Mr. John Baldock, rector of Tackolnestone ; whereupon, 
 the corporation wrote a “ kind letter ” to him, inviting him to come and 
 preach, that they might “ have trial of his voice.” He was not chosen : 
 but after a delay of four months, the Rev. Luke Melbourne, of Scole, was 
 elected, he “ being an able and worthy minister, fit to take that cure in 
 “ charge upon him ; and having preached six very learned sermons here, 
 “ which Avere well approved by all that were his auditors.”! On the very next 
 
 ■* John Spendlove, M.A., rector of Stratton-Strawless and Skeyton, and prebendary of Norwich, 
 wa.s one of the ejected ministers during the Commonwealth. He married “ Dean Suckling’s 
 daughter,” and died in 1666. The arms of Spendlove Avere ar., a cross between four Cornish 
 choughs sa. 
 
 + He Avas esteemed to be “ a person of good learning and excellent parts, late minister of St. 
 F.thelburga, and lecturer of Shoreditch, in London.” “ He wrote several things, and hath a col- 
 “ lection of fourteen or sixteen sermons, Avhich he preached so many years successively, upon the 
 “ 30th of Januai-y', being the martyrdom of Ki ig Charles I., in which he hath emphatically rc- 
 “ presented the sin of the regicides.” 
 
GREAT YARMOUTFI. 
 
 177 
 
 (lay, the churchwardens reported that they had received a sequestration, with 
 instructions “ to provide and maintain some able and sutRcient minister,” (to be 
 approved by the bishop,) to supply the cure of the parish church, until, upon 
 nomination, there should be a curate licenced by his lordship, and settled here. 
 Upon this, the corporation resolved that the sequestration was “ needless, and 
 of no force,” as the right of nomination was in the town, and there was now no 
 vacancy; and the churchwardens were requested “ to forbear to act,” being 
 “ saved harmless ” by the corporation. The bishop had refused to licence Mr. 
 Melbourne, in consequence of a caveat, which had been entered by the dean and 
 chapter against his appointment; and, therefore. Sir Thomas Medowe, Sir 
 James Johnson, Mr. George England, and Mr. Gooch, were deputed “ to jour¬ 
 ney to Norwich, and wait upon the lord bishop, and discourse with and satisfy 
 him,” as to the right of the town. 1 hey reported, that the bishop, the dean, 
 and Dr. Burton, one of the prebendaries, had given them a meeting, at which they 
 had read the grant from the dean and chapter, and their lessee, empowering the 
 corporation of Yarmouth to nominate a curate, and receive the profits accruing 
 to that office, during the continuance of the lease ; that the dean had, in answer 
 to the bishop, replied, “ he was advised the curacy did not pass by such grant; 
 “ and that the question was not about their grant of the curacy singly, but 
 “ whether or not they could grant their appropriate parsonage, with the profits 
 “ and appurtenances, which was founded upon them and their successors in fee 
 “ simple.” It was then submitted, on the part of the corporation, that if it 
 were so conveyed, there could be no vacancy, for the church of Yarmouth 
 was founded on the dean and chapter, and their successors, who can never be 
 said to die. The dean declared he would dispute the matter no further, until 
 he had consulted counsel; and the bishop expressed his willingness to allow 
 Mr. Melbourne to officiate until the question was decided. 
 
 In 1680, another deputation waited on the dean and chapter, respecting 
 “ the arrears due to the corporation from Mrs. Gostling,” and requested their 
 assistance to obtain the money; but the dean and chapter would not interfere, 
 saying, if the same were recovered of them, the church must pay it; whereupon. 
 Sir llobert Baldock and others were instructed to meet the dean and his counsel 
 at the next assizes, “ and end the differences, if it may be.” Nothing, how¬ 
 ever, could be done with them, except the obtaining their advice and assistance 
 
178 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 in prosecuting Mrs. Gostling in the Ecclesiastical Court, under the direction of 
 Dr. Pepper, chancellor of Norwich. 
 
 "When the Dutch war broke out, in 1681, the corporation conceived the 
 idea of re-converting the Dutch church into a place for divine service ; and on 
 the 28th of April, they wrote to the bishop of Norwich for his approval. The 
 following is his lordship’s answer : — 
 
 “ This for the Right Woi'shipful the Bailiffs of Yarmouth in Norfolk. 
 
 “ Worthy rriencls, 
 
 “ I give you my hearty thanks for your zeal and care to promote the service of the church 
 “ of England; and am desirous to give you all the assistance I possibly can. I have this day rc- 
 “ solved to acquaint his Grace of Canterbuiy with the particulars, and to desire liis direction and 
 “ assistance, wliich, as soon as I receive, I shall communicate to you. 
 
 “ Your faithful friend, 
 
 “ May 2, ’81. “ ANT : NORW: ” 
 
 And shortly afterwards the following letter was received :—■ 
 
 “ Worthy Friends, 
 
 “ I just now received my Lord of Canterbury’s answer to your desires By good luck, 
 “ there were i>resent with him three pious bishops, who all were as much pleased as I am with your 
 “ pious design, and return you their thanks, as I do mine. God bless you, and prosper your pious 
 “ endeavours for the promoting his service in this excellent way established in the Church of 
 “ England. This is the hearty prayer of your affectionate friend to serve you, 
 
 “ ANT. NORW.” 
 
 In October of this year, Mr. Benjamin England was requested to colleet what 
 money he eould, towards the preacher’s salary, and the other charges attending 
 the celebration of divine service at the Dutch church. It seems, however, that 
 they were soon tired of this; and, in 1635, the corporation “ordered” that divine 
 service should be used, morning and evening, at St. Nicholas’ church ; and, 
 that the £10 per annum should be no more paid “ to the reader of divine ser¬ 
 vice at the place called the Dutch church,” but be paid to him who should read 
 divine service at St. Nicholas’ church.* 
 
 In 1689, the bailiffs wrote to the dean of Rosse, requesting him to come 
 hither, to be assistant to Mr. Meen. 
 
 * Ill 1704, there was a design again to have prayers at the Dutch church ; and a subscription 
 was entered into to pay the expenses. The coi-poration agreed to provide a reading desk, and to 
 reseat the place : but nothing further was done. 
 
GRliAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 179 
 
 In 1690, the chamberlains were directed to pay Mr. Davy the sum of £2.5, 
 for officiating as lecturer for a quarter of a year; and the town’s burgesses in 
 parliament, were requested to recommend a lecturer, “ by the advice of Mr. 
 Dean, of Canterbury.” A committee was appointed, to entertain such clergy¬ 
 men as should offer themselves as probationers, during the vacancy in the 
 lectureship, and to pay them 20s. for each sermon. 
 
 In 1691, the corporation apjjointed the Rev. Barry Love to he curate and 
 minister of the parish; and, in 1701, they presented him with £40, “ for his 
 “ groat pains taken in expounding upon the catechism, and pi'eaching four pre- 
 “ paratory sermons for the sacrament,” for two years then passed; and agreed 
 to allow him £20 a year, so long as he continued such exposition and preaching. 
 
 In 1704, the lease held by Mrs. Gostling expired, whereupon, a committee 
 was appointed “ to journey to Norwich, and treat with the dean and chapter 
 “ about the matter's in difference between them and the town, and about taking 
 “ a lease for the nomination of a curate.” The terms of a lease were then 
 agreed upon, under which the corporation were to pay the dean and chapter 
 £22 per annum, and “ one half-barrel of red herrings; ” and the dean and 
 cliapter engaged to appoint, as curate, any person legally and canonically quali¬ 
 fied, who should he named by the corporation.'^ 
 
 There had long been a desire to erect a church or chapel of ease, in the 
 south part of the town. In 1679, the corporation appointed a committee, to 
 consider the subject; but nothing was done until 1712, when it was again 
 brought forward by Major Ferrier ; and the corporation then determined to 
 request the town’s representatives in parliament, “ to use their utmost endeav- 
 “ ours with the gentlemen of Norfolk and Norwich, to persuade them to come 
 “ in aid of the town, by joining in obtaining an Act of Parliament in the next 
 sessions,” for the above purpose. Nathaniel Symonds, Esq., offered a dona¬ 
 tion of £200 ; hut, “ for that the same cannot be built by contributions only,” 
 say the assembly, they appointed a committee to consider “ the ways and 
 means ; ” and the town clerk “journeyed to Norwich, to give our recorder and 
 
 * Bv this lease, the corporation enjj.igctl to repair the south aisle of .*11. Nicholas church, and 
 they obtained a right to the tithes payable to the dean and chapter. In 1816, the comiuissioiiers 
 under the Tithe Commutation Act, determined that the lauds held by the town council, and liable 
 to tithe, were 21a. \ir. ‘62})., and they fi.xed the coininutation for the parish at .tOG 4.s. 
 
180 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 steward instructions about drawing a bill.” The draft of the same was sub¬ 
 mitted to the bishop of Norwich ; and the means devised, was a duty upon all 
 coals imported and consumed in the town. By the exertions of Major Fender, 
 then one of the town’s representatives in parliament, an Act was obtained. A 
 committee, comprising Major Fender, Major England, Captain Artis, Captain 
 Wakeman, and Mr. Symonds, selected the site near the east mount, “ after 
 several debates,” whether it should not he at “ the furlong’s end ” (the site of 
 the present town hall); and they contracted with Messrs. Price and Son, of 
 Richmond, Surrey, for the erection of a chapel for £3,800. The builders were, 
 probably, their own architects ; for the chapel they erected is a feeble imitation 
 of one of Wren’s churches, and exhibits, especially in the exterior, a total 
 disregard of any recognised architectural arrangement. The interior is commo¬ 
 dious. It is to be lamented that the oak pillars, which support the roof above 
 the side galleries, have been disfigured with paint. This chapel was dedicated 
 to St. George; and the vane which surmounts the copula displays a spirited 
 representation of that saint in the act of slaying the dragon. 
 
 The Act of Parliament empowered the corporation to nominate two minis¬ 
 ters, with a salary of £100 a year each. The Rev. John Welham and the Rev. 
 John Anderson were the first appointed ; and the latter was .succeeded, in 1720, 
 by the Rev. Anthony Ellys, afterwards bishop of St. Davids. The duty enjoined 
 was to read prayers, morning and afternoon, on every day of the week (Satur¬ 
 days excepted), and preach twice on Sundays and once on Wednesdays. 
 
 This chapel was consecrated, in 1715, by the bishop of Norwich. The Rev. 
 Barry Love, then minister of the parish, preached the sermon; and, on the 
 following Sunday, the Rev. William Lyng, the lecturer, preached. Both ser¬ 
 mons were printed.'"' 
 
 In 1714, the corporation entered into another agreement with the dean and 
 chapter of Norwich, under which the lease of the living was renewed for twenty- 
 
 ■* The corporation continued to appoint the chapel ministers, until the passing of the Municipal 
 Corporation Act, which compelled them to sell the patronage. They did so, to the Ilev. Mark 
 Waters, one of the then ministers; and upon the resignation of the Rev. John Homfray, the 
 duty, somewhat modified, has, with the consent of the bishop, been performed by Mr. Waters 
 alone. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 181 
 
 one years, the corporation retaining the appointment of ministers.'^ On the 
 death of Mr. Love, in 1722, the mayor and churchwardens were desired by the 
 “ corporation, to speak to Mr. Martyn, to take upon him to read prayers, baptise, 
 “ marry, church women, and perform all other duties, and to receive the dues 
 “ and perquisites belonging to the curacy, and pay the same weekly into the 
 “ hands of the churchwardens, till a curate he chosen.” They were also desired, 
 “ if any candidate offered to the succession (of the living), to take care that 
 “ he had the pulpit, in order to have a judgment of his voice and abilities 
 and if several offered at the same time, the mayor and the churchwardens 
 were “to determine the turn in which they should preach; ” and each one was 
 to have 20s. for each sermon. The result was, that of six candidates, the 
 Rev. Thomas Macro, D.D., rector of Hockwold-with-Wilston, in Norfolk, and 
 fellow of Caius college, Cambridge, was selected to be curate, from the follow¬ 
 ing Candlemas,—the churchwardens providing “ a person to supply the pulpit 
 till that time.” The choice of Dr. Macro was confirmed by the dean and 
 chapter.! He proved to be a popular preacher ; and, in 1731, he received the 
 thanks of the corporation, “ for the excellent sermon he preached on the 5th 
 of November ; ” which sermon they desired him to print at their expense. He 
 also published a volume of his “sermons.” He died in 1743, aged 59, and 
 was buried in Y'arniouth church; as was also his only son, Thomas Macro, who 
 died in 1746, aged 22. 
 
 In 1732, the corporation applied for a renewal of the lease, which the dean 
 and chapter refused to grant, stating that it was contrary to their statutes to 
 
 * Shortly after the granting of this lease, the corporation determined to build a new house 
 for the minister. So long as the corporation had possessed the nomination, they had provided the 
 minister with a residence near the church, adjoining the priory buildings. The present parsonage 
 house was erected in 1718, by the corporation; and shortly afterwards the old guildhall was pulled 
 down, and another built, which has since shared the same fate. These works proceeded slowly, 
 and were not completed till 1722, when the space between the guildhall and the parsonage and 
 thence to the great south door of the church was paved with “ clink bricks,” which remain to this 
 day. The ground between the church gate and the church trees, was levelled, and paved 
 with callion, and the trees were enclosed on the west side with posts and rails, to keej) carts and 
 cattle from the walks. A considerable addition was made to the north side of the jiarsouagc, by 
 Dr.Cooper. In 1818, the corporation passed a resolution for the sale of the parsonage house, and 
 for the appropriation of the money so raised forpublie purposes ; but a memorial, signed by some 
 of the i)rincipal inhabitants,.having been presented to the I.ords of the Treasury, their consent 
 was not obtained ; and ultimately a subscription, aided by the dean and chapter of Xorwich, was 
 entered into, by wliich means the parsonage house was purchased of the corporation at a moderate 
 sum, and anne.ved to the living. 
 
 t The churchwardens were directed to provide the doctor n ith “ two scarlet hoods, two black 
 hoods, and a new surplice,” 
 
 V 
 
182 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 lease the rectory ; hut if prevailed upon, they would not let it on the previous 
 terms; and promised, if it were not granted to the corporation, that no one should 
 have a lease of it. The negotiation was continued until the death of Dr. Macro, 
 when the corporation requested the dean and chapter, if they still refused a 
 lease, to allow the town to recommend a person to be appointed curate, by the 
 dean and chapter. To this they paid no regard : but presented the Rev. Ken- 
 rick Prescott, D.D., (prebendary of Norwich cathedral, and master of Catharine 
 hall, Cambridge,) “ to the rectory and parsonage appropriate of this borough.” 
 This proceeding was considered as shewing “ a great disregard ” to the cor¬ 
 poration, who, therefore, withdrew “ all the allowances, donations, and advant¬ 
 ages which had been bestowed upon Dr. Macro, or any of his predecessors.*” 
 Thejq however, relented so far, as to permit Dr. Prescott (in whom they allowed 
 “many good qualities to be conspicuous”) to occupy the parsonage house, and 
 gave him £20 a year for reading daily prayers. But this was to be paid out of 
 the church rates, and not from the corporate funds ; and the organist’s salary, 
 to be paid in like manner, was reduced from £60 to £40 per annum. They 
 also determined to withdraw the lecturer’s salary, on the death or resignation 
 of the Rev. Thomas Missenden.f 
 
 Two years later, the corporation determined to sell the parsonage house, 
 and actually otfered it for sale by auction; but, to the credit of the town be it 
 said, no bidder could be found. They then allowed the Rev. Francis Turner,J 
 one of the ministers of St. George’s chapel, to occupy it; but, in the following 
 year, they granted a lease of it to Mr. Appleyard, during the incumbency of 
 Dr. Prescott. From these circumstances, it may be imagined that Dr. Pres¬ 
 cott’s position in the parish was not an agreeable one and, in 1750, he resigned. 
 
 * One “ advantage ” was, one guinea a year for “ a new liat,’ wnich it was customary for tlie 
 corporation to present to the minister of the parish. In 1781, the “ gratuity for a hat having 
 been omitted for ten years,” the chamherlains were directed to pay Dr. Smyth £10 10s. One of 
 the disadvantages was, that the corporation directed their tenants to defend any action for tithe 
 of herbage. 
 
 t On the death of Mr. Meen, in 1690, the Rev. Barry Love was appointed lecturer. When 
 he became cin-ate, in 1692, the Rev. William Lyng was appointed. He was succeeded, in 1719,. 
 by the Rev. J. Anderson, who, in 1731, was succeeded by the Rev. Thomas Missenden. 
 
 j Mr. Turner had won the favor of the corporation, by preaching a sermon on the day appointed 
 for a general thankgiving, on the occasion of the suppression “ of the late unnatural rebellion; “ 
 and the churchwardens were directed to print the same at the expense of the parish. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 183 
 
 The dean and chapter then appointed the Rev. Samuel Salter, D.D., also 
 a prebendary of Norwich, (and afterwards master of the charter-house) when 
 the corporation, being in a better frame of mind, allowed him to occupy the 
 2 rarsonage house, and gave him £20 jier annum “ for catechizing and expound¬ 
 ing the catechism, after evening service, several Sundays in the )'ear.” 
 
 On the resignation of Dr. Salter, in 1751, the Rev. John Butler, D.D., 
 then cha^dain to the bishop of Norwich, (and afterwards successively bishop of 
 Oxford and of Hereford,) was ajipointed to the living ;f and the corjioration 
 granted him the same allowances as his jiredecessor; with an additional £20 
 jjer annum, for reading daily ^rrayers. After the lapse of a few years, we find 
 the corjroration thanking Dr. Butler “ for his unwearied endeavours to ensure 
 “ the great ends of his office, by establishing a lasting harmony among^st his 
 “ ^parishioners;” and (^probably the first and perhaps the only occurrence of the 
 kind) they presented him with the freedom of the borough, “as a mark of their 
 “ sense of his faithful services, both as a minister and a friend, to the jpeace of 
 “ the town.” They reimbursed all the money which the doctor had exjpcnded 
 “ in repairing and beautifying ” the parsonage house ; and they determined 
 to keep it in repair so long as Dr. Butler should be minister of the parish. 
 Tlie same good feeling was extended to the Rev. John Manclark, who succeeded 
 Dr. Butler in 1761 ; but he does not appear to have retained it, for,, in 1765, 
 the corporation discontinued the allowance for “ catechising,” and gave him 
 notice to quit the house. One point in disjpute was “the keeping of the parish 
 register,” which he contended belonged to him, and not to the jparish clerk, 
 who was appointed by the coiqporation, and was not, therefore, projperly under 
 
 * lie was the son of the Rev. Samuel Salter, D.D., Archdeacon of Norfolk, and was educated 
 at the Free Grammar school at Norwich, and died in 1778. He was a celebrated Greek scholar 
 and the author of several works. ’ 
 
 t He preached before the House of Commons, 17th of February, 1757. His fir.st charge ap¬ 
 pears to have been the chaplaincy at Hamburgh. He is said to have opposed Mr. Fuller in his 
 attempts to secure the representation of the town; and, in return for his support of the Towns- 
 hend and Walpole party, to have procured the political influence of Mr. Lcgge in his favour, t)y 
 means of which he got introduced at court; and after drawing up a King’s speech, and writing 
 some political pamphlets, was made bishop of Oxford; but not being regarded as a member of the 
 University, was coldly received, and soon translated to Hereford. He was an elegant, pleasing, 
 and impressive preacher; and although po.sscssed of a weak voice, was very distinct and audible 
 in his delivery. In his preaching he used short-hand notes. He died in l'802, leaving an ami)le 
 fortune. 
 
184 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 the minister’s control. In this he was right and the corporation permitted 
 him to continue in the oecupation of the parsonage house during the remainder 
 of his incumbency.f The same privilege was conceded, in 1771, to his succes¬ 
 sor, the Rev. John Smyth, D.D., also a prebendary of Norwich. 
 
 In 1774, Mr. Missenden, the lecturer, died. The corporation then carried 
 into effect the resolution which they had made, in 1744, of not appointing 
 another ; and they sold the lecturer’s house. J 
 
 They then informed Dr. Smyth, that if he- would preach the afternoon 
 sermon, (which had previously been the duty of the lecturer,) he might dis¬ 
 continue morning prayers, except on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays ; with 
 which proposal the doctor complied,—and the corporation complimented him 
 upon his “ abilities and diligence in the discharge of the duties of his functions 
 as minister of the parish.” In the following year, he was appointed chaplain 
 to the corporation, with a salary of £50 per annum. He did not, however, 
 long discharge his accumulated and unaided duties, to the satisfaction of the 
 corporation ; and, in 1778, he was informed that, unless he preached a sermon 
 every Wednesday morning, (which, it appears, he had omitted to do for a long 
 time previously,) his allowance would he suspended. The doctor denied that 
 it was “ in the bond,” but offered to perform this duty also,—although, it must 
 be confessed, he had already undertaken to do more than one man could pro¬ 
 perly perform ; but the corporation adhered to their resolution, and the doctor 
 resigned his chaplaincy. 
 
 In the following year, the corporation revived the lectureship, and conferred 
 it on the Rev. Richard Turner,§ who was to preach one sermon every Sunday 
 
 * The incumbent founded his claim on the 70th canon. A case was drawn up and submitted 
 to Sir rietcher Norton and Mr. Dunning, who decided in favour of the incumbent; and the 
 custody of the books, and the receipt of the fees have ever since continued with him. 
 
 t He died in 1770, aged thirty-eight, and is buried in Yarmouth church. 
 
 i It was converted into a public house, and is now known by the sign of the Weaver’s Ar?7is. 
 It was built for Mr. Anderson, in 1591, and kept in repair by the corporation. In 1694 it was 
 rebuilt. 
 
 ^ He was the youngest son of the Rev. Francis Turner, for many years one of the ministers of 
 Rt. George’s chapel. He graduated at Pembroke hall, Cambridge,—probably by the advice of 
 his cider brother, the Rev. Joseph Turner, D.D., who was senior wrangler of his year, and who 
 became master of that college and dean of Norwich. After taking orders, he came to Yarmouth, 
 where he continued to reside till his death. He was, throughout life, much attached to literary 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 185 
 
 and Wednesday, and on St. John’s day, Michaelmas day, the two sessions days,'^ 
 and the King’s accession, and to give lectures on the church catechism after 
 evening prayers and the sermon, on ten Sundays in the year ; for M’hich duties a 
 salary of £60 per annum was allowed.f In this appointment and distribution 
 of duty. Dr. Smyth acquiesced, contenting himself by stating that the catechet¬ 
 ical lectures were permitted “ as a matter of request,” and not as conceding a 
 legal right; and there being no obligation on the doctor to read daily prayers, 
 and no salary allowed for the same, he offered to do so on Wednesdays and 
 Fridays, on all saints’ days and holidays, and “particularly during the time of 
 Lent,” in the hoire that he might he considered as having “ performed the duties 
 of the parish with decency and propriety.” 
 
 It is most remarkable that the corporation at this time regulated all the 
 clerical duties of the parish, without any reference to ecclesiastical authority. 
 On the 17th of IMai’ch, 1780, they made an order that Mr. Turner should he 
 excused preaching the AVednesday’s lecture in such weeks as he consented to 
 preach for the minister any extraordinary or State sermon happening in the 
 same week ; and the ministers of St. George’s chapel were excused the morning 
 service there on such days as there was service and a sermon at church. 
 
 In 1781, Dr. Smyth having intimated an intention of resigning the living, 
 another attempt was made by the corporation to regain the right of nomination 
 to the curacy. They declared their willingness to treat with the dean and 
 chapter for a new lease of the appropriate rectory ; or, for the right of nomina¬ 
 tion : and, in case of a refusal, resolved to allow no minister, except of their 
 
 pursuits; and made collections towards a ITistory of Yarmouth, part of which he left prepared 
 for the press. He was thrice married : but left issue only by his second wife, Elizabeth, eldest 
 daughter of Thomas lledc, Esq., of Bcccles. To the careful education bestowed ujjon the 
 sons by their father, may be, in a great degree, attributed the success in life of many of them 
 the most distinguished being the youngest. Sir George Turner, now one of the Lords Justices 
 of Appeal. In addition to his Yarmouth preferment, Mr. Turner held the consolidated 
 vicarage of Ormesby St. Margaret and Ormesby St. Michael with Scratby, to which he was 
 presented in 1813, by the dean and chapter of Norwich, and which he held till his death. 
 He died on the 13th of October, 1835, in the eighty-fourth year of his age ; and was huried in 
 front of the altar, in the church where he had officiated for thirty years. See TuitXEu’s 
 Sepulchral Reminiscences, p. 93 ; Loud Chedwortii’s Letters to Crompton, &c. 
 
 * It had always been the practice to have sermons preached on those days, and an allowance 
 of 20s. for each sermon was usually paid to the minister by the corporation. 
 
 t This salary was soon afterwards raised to £100; and as the corporation had disposed of the 
 lecturer's house, they allowed him £20 per annum instead of a residence. 
 
18G 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 own appointment, to have the occupation of the parsonage house, or to receive 
 “ any provisions, donations, or contributions,” except such as he was strictly and 
 legally entitled to claim. This threat was very properly disregarded by the dean 
 and chapter: who immediately appointed the llev. Samuel Cooper, D.D. They 
 replied to the corporation, by stating that the statutes of the cathedral church 
 of Norwich,which passed the great seal in 1621, forbade their granting any 
 such lease, (although they could not make void a lease previously granted,) and 
 that under such penalties as the dean and chapter, whatever their predecessors 
 might have done from inadvertence or other motives, dared not then incur. 
 They also very properly observed, that the withdrawal of those advantages, 
 which the minister of the parish had been accustomed to enjoy, would have 
 the effect of lessening the value of the curacy, and prevent its being held by 
 ministers of superior character and abilities. These reasons appear to have 
 satisfied the corporation, for they allow'ed Dr. Cooper to occupy the house ; 
 and, soon afterwards they appointed him their chaplain, with a salary of £40 
 per annum.f 
 
 Perseverance in an object, whether right or wrong, was certainly a charac¬ 
 teristic of Ymmiouth men; for, in 1791, the corporation once more appointed 
 a committee, “ to have some conversation with the dean of Norwich, touching 
 
 * The most ancient statutes were regulated and confirmed by Bishop Brown, in 1444. They 
 continued in force till 1538, when they were altered. They were again revised in the reign of 
 Queen Elizabeth, and continued in vase till 1620, when the statutes now in force wore compiled, 
 by Bishop Overall and Dean Suckling, chiefly from the old statutes. 
 
 t lie graduated at Magdalen college, Cambridge, B.A. 1760, M.A. 1763, aaid was a fellow of 
 that college. He mariued Maria Susanna, a daughter of James Bransby, Esq., of Shottisham, 
 in Norfolk, “ by an heiress of the family of Paston.” He was presented by his father-in-law to 
 the rectory of Morley, in Norfolk, in 1765, and was also rector of Yelverton, iu the same county. 
 In 1701, he published The First Principles of Civil and Ecclesiastical Government delineated, 
 in Letters addressed to Dr. Priestly, occasioned by his to Mr. Brooke. He was also the author 
 of numerous sermons, addresses, letters, and other works, which are enumerated in the Gentle¬ 
 man's Magazine, vol. Ixx., p. 176. He died in 1800, aged sixty; and was “interred, accoi’ding 
 “ to his own desii-e, before the holy table, at which he had so often officiated with all the fervour 
 “ of unaft'ected piety,” as his epitaph records. On the monument of himself and wife, appear 
 the arms of Cooper — vert a fess emblazoned embattled or, between two pheons in chief or and 
 two Icgbones in base salterwise arg., beariaag an escutcheon of pretence 1st and 4th arg. on a bend 
 cotised set. between two fleur de Hs, a lion passant or for Bransby, and 2nd and 3rd Paston. 
 Mrs. Cooper wrote several works of fiction,—all composed with an ardent desire to jaromote 
 Christian morality. Their mo.st distinguished son was the third,—Astley Paston,—who was born 
 at Brooke, in 1758, but spent his eai-ly years at Yai-mouth, where many anecdotes of his liveli¬ 
 ness as a boy were long remembered. At the age of fifteen he was placed with Mr. Francis 
 Turner, a medical practitioner at Yarmouth, and completed his professional education at London 
 and Edinburgh ; and having settled in the former city, he soon acquired the most extensive prac¬ 
 tice ever attained by any surgeon, and amassed a very considerable fortune. In 1821, ho was 
 created a baronet, and died in 1841, and leaving no issue the title descended, according to the 
 patent, to Astley Paston, the fourth son of his second brother, the llev. Samuel Lovick Cooper. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 187 
 
 “ the corporation’s obtaining a right of nomination to the curacy, alternately 
 “ with the dean and chapter: ” hut they failed to persuade liiin to alter the ex¬ 
 isting state of affairs, and no further attempt was made.'^ 
 
 Upon the death of Dr. Cooper, in 1800, the Rev. Richard Turner was 
 appointed to the curacy, hy the dean and chapter ; and the corporation imme¬ 
 diately granted him a lease of the jrarsonage house, during the term of his 
 incumbency; and appointed him their chaplain,—which office he held till its 
 abolition in 1835. The vacated lectureship was conferred on the Rev. Thomas 
 Baker, rector of Rollesby, and was held by him during the same period. 
 
 On the resignation of Mr. Turner, in 1835, the Hon. and Rev. Edward 
 Pellew, fourth son of Admiral Lord Viscount Exmouth, was appointed to the 
 curacy;! and upon his resignation, in 1814, the Rev. Henry Mackenzie, in¬ 
 cumbent of Bermondsey, was appointed to succeed him.! July, 1848, Mr. 
 
 * The oorpoi-ation, it appears, did not cease to interfere in ecclesiastical matters, for, in 1803, 
 fhey gave the Rev. Richard Hughes, who then officiated as IMr. Tunicr’s curate, notice to leave 
 his curacy, in consequence of an intemperate speech made by him at a public meeting at the 
 Town hall; and of a sermon preached hy him, entitled National Danger a Test of Virtue. This 
 led to a controversy between Mr. Hughes and the minister of the parish. The former printed 
 his sermon, and opened an episcopal chapel in Seaman’s row, King street, which was suppressed; 
 and he afterwards kept a boarding and day school in Gaol .street. 
 
 t Mr. Pellew was the first minister who established an evening service at St. Xicholas’, taking 
 upon himself to perform the duty gratuitously. In 1836, Mr. Pellew was presented by his parish¬ 
 ioners with a piece of platcyf the value of £100, “ in token of their esteem for his many valuable 
 “ qualities as a Christian mini.ster, and especially for his zealous and unwearied attention to the 
 “ temporal and spiritual welfare of those committed to his charge.” Before leaving Yarmouth, 
 he was presented, by the inhabitants, with a valuable silver waiter and tea service, “ in warm and 
 “ grateful acknowledgment of the many valuable services rendered by him to the town, during 
 “ the many years of his residence in it; throughout the whole of which period, as the minister of 
 “ the parish, he had conciliated the esteem and good will of all classes, by his uniform kindness 
 “ of demeanour, his self-denying labours among the poor, and his zealous exertions in the fur- 
 “ therance of every object that might tend to ])roraote the spiritual and temporal welfare of his 
 “ parishioners.” He was also presented with a farewell address from the ministers of the several 
 Nonconformist congregations in the town ; in which they “ bore willing testimony to the praisc- 
 “ worthy spirit which had marked his intercourse, as a cKristian minister, with the people under 
 “ his charge ” In 1845, he was presented to the incumbency of St. James’ church. Bury St. 
 Edmund’s. 
 
 4 His formci| parishioners, previous to his departure, presented him with an address, and a purse 
 of money ; a piece of plate was given him by the Sunday school teachers; and he received a third 
 tribute from the poor of his congregation, by means of a penny subscription. To his exertions 
 at Tarmouth, we are mainly indebted for the restoration of St. Nicholas’ church, and the com¬ 
 mencement of National schools. He also established a Sunday evening service at St. , I’etcr’s 
 church, and j)reachcd the first sermon on the 3rd of May, 1846,—the expenses being defrayed by 
 a collection. On his departure from Yarmouth, a testimonial, in the shajie of plate, was purchased 
 by a subscription among the parishioners, and presented to Mr. Mackenzie in London, by a depu¬ 
 tation, consisting of Mr. T. Brightwen, Dr. Robertson, and Mr. C. J. I’almcr. In 1855, he re¬ 
 signed the vicarage of St. Martins-in-tho-h’iclds, and was presented, by the Lord Chancellor, to 
 the rectory of lydd St. Mary, near Wisbech. A service of plate was then presented to him, and 
 his portrait was ordered to be painted for the vestry room of the parish. 
 
1S8 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 Mackenzie resigned on having the vicarage of St. Martins-in-the-Fields, West¬ 
 minster conferred ujjon him. The dean and chapter then appointed the Rev. 
 George Hills,the present exemplary and highly-esteemed minister of the 
 parish.! 
 
 AVhatever cause of complaint the town may have had, against the dean and 
 chapter of Norwich, for their original disposition of the patronage of Great 
 Yarmouth, and for their dealings with the revenues of the church, the town is 
 undouhtedly deeply indebted to them since their resumption of the patronage, 
 for their selection of able and zealous men to fill the onerous place of minister 
 to so large and populous a parish, especially of late years ; and never more 
 so than for the appointment of Mr. Hills who, during his incumbency, aided 
 by four curates, has been unwearied in the efficient discharge of the parochial 
 duties, and in the encouragement of every good work. 
 
 Tlie episcopal chapel of St. Mary, Southtown, was built by subscription, 
 in 1831. 'ITie site was presented by the Earl of Lichfield. The Rev. Thomas 
 Clowes was the first minister. 
 
 St. Peter’s church was erected in 1833, from the designs of Mr. Scoles, at a 
 cost of £12,000, raised by subscriptions, aided by a grant from the Church 
 Building Commisssioners. The first minister was the Rev. W. H. Clarke ; 
 who was succeeded, in 1846, by the Rev. Bowyer Yaux. The patronage is 
 vested in the dean and chapter of Norwich. 
 
 * Son of ttie late Rear-Admiral Hills. He liad previously served as perpetual curate of St. 
 Maiy’s, Leeds, and as lecturer at the parish church there, under the Rev. Hr. Hook. He is an 
 honorary cenon of Norwich cathedral. 
 
 f Until this appointment w’as made, the living was sequestered,—the Rev. Thomas Clarke 
 being sequestrator. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 189 
 
 SECTION V. 
 
 REPllESENTATION OF THE BOROUGH IN PARLIAAIEXT. 
 
 A'armoutii was among the boroughs which were first summoned to send 
 burgesses to parliament. In 1213, Henry III., being offended with the conduct 
 of liis barons, called together a select council from among the tenants in 
 capite of the Crown ; but this assembly broke up in anger, declaring they could 
 not proceed upon the public business, unless all the barons were summoned. 
 
 About ten years afterwards, the King being engaged in the defence of 
 Gascoigne, summoned four knights from each county, to say what voluntary 
 aids could he obtained. In 1258, a baronial council, to which the title of par¬ 
 liament was given, was convened at Oxford; and, in 12GI, three knights were 
 summoned from each county, to meet at St. Alban’s, and were then ordered, by 
 writ, to repair to AVindsor. 
 
 Up to this time, citizens and burgesses .were not represented ; but the 
 King, unable to control the assembly of barons and knights, or to obtain the 
 supplies he required, resorted to the expedient of summoning citizens and bur¬ 
 gesses ; and began by sending his writs direct to the Cinque port towns, without 
 the intervention of the sheriffs.Subsequently, writs in the King’s name were 
 directed to the sheriff of each county, who sent a precept to all the consider¬ 
 able towns in his district; and so it happened, that borouglis which had sent 
 members, were sometimes omitted and at other times restored, at their own 
 request, or for some political reason. This mode of summoning a parliament 
 
 * Kniglits of the shire were first summoneil hy the sheriffs in l‘26o. — Merf.wetiikk and ‘ 
 Sriii’iiEXs’ llintory of liorourjhs. 
 
190 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 has continued down to the present time, except that the sheriff has now no 
 discretionary power. 
 
 In 1294, Y^armouth was first summoned to send burgesses to parliament ; 
 hut the names of the parties returned have not been preserved.* 
 
 In 1296, a writ was issued for the election, by Y'armouth, of two burgesses 
 to a parliament convened to be held at Y^ork. The return of the sheriff is 
 BalUvi nullum dcderimt responsum. It appears that the bailiffs claimed to have 
 the return of all writs, and that the sheriff excused himself by saying that he 
 had no jurisdiction within the borough of Yarmouth, and that the bailiffs had 
 sent him no answer. 
 
 In 1299, William Fastolf and Henry Rose were returned to a parliament 
 held at Lincoln ; and on this occasion also, the bailiffs claimed to have the writ. 
 This again happened in 1302. In 1305, the burgesses claimed the right to 
 have their town as a free borough, with all the privileges belonging to it,— 
 and the claim was allowed. 
 
 In 1307, YVilliam Fastolf and Henry Rose were again returned to a par¬ 
 liament held at Northampton. From this period the register of parliamentary 
 writs gives the following returns for Great Y^armouth ’.— 
 
 PARLIAMENT 
 HELD AT 
 
 liVUGESSES. 
 
 1308 
 
 2nd Edward II. 
 
 AVestminster 
 
 Nicholas Falstof ..., 
 
 
 1310 
 
 4th 
 
 — 
 
 Westminster 
 
 Robert Fordele . 
 
 
 1311 
 
 5th 
 
 — 
 
 London 
 
 AVilliam Amerose ..., 
 
 
 1212 
 
 6th 
 
 — 
 
 AV ostminster 
 
 AVilliam Amerose .... 
 
 
 1313 
 
 7th 
 
 — 
 
 AV estminster 
 
 Heni’y Rose. 
 
 
 1314 
 
 8th 
 
 — 
 
 AVestminstcr 
 
 Geoffery Lakenham . 
 
 .. .Matthew Rcdham 
 
 1314 
 
 8th 
 
 — 
 
 AVestminster 
 
 John Alleyne. 
 
 
 1318 
 
 12th 
 
 — 
 
 York 
 
 AVilliam Gassell.. 
 
 
 1321 
 
 15th 
 
 — 
 
 York 
 
 Edward Rose. 
 
 
 1322 
 
 16th 
 
 — 
 
 Rippon 
 
 AA^'iHiam Gaysele. 
 
 
 1322 
 
 „16th 
 
 — 
 
 York 
 
 Godfrey Colney. 
 
 
 132.5 
 
 19th 
 
 — 
 
 Westminster 
 
 Stephen Catefield ... 
 
 
 * Uyits of Swnmons and Tlefurns io Parliament begin with tliose of the 49th Henry ITT.; 
 but the earliest Parliament Polls now extant, are those of the three parliaments held in the 18th 
 Edward I. The subsequent series of rolls is far from complete ; many of them (more parti¬ 
 cularly such as belonged to the reign of Edward III-,) being now lost and^ others defective. 
 The first bundle of petitions to parliammt, now in the Tower of London, is of the reign of 
 llichard II., although the usage of presenting itetitions to parliament, is of a much older date 
 
A.r>. 
 
 1326 
 
 1327 
 
 1328 
 
 1328 
 
 1328 
 
 1330 
 
 1330 
 
 1332 
 
 1333 
 
 1334 
 
 1334 
 
 1335 
 
 1336 
 
 1337 
 
 1338 
 
 1338 
 
 1340 
 
 1340 
 
 1341 
 
 1343 
 
 1346 
 
 1347 
 
 1348 
 
 1350 
 
 1352 
 
 1353 
 
 1355 
 
 1357 
 
 1359 
 
 1360 
 
 1362 
 
 1363 
 
 1368 
 
 1371 
 
 1372 
 
 1373 
 
 1376 
 
 1377 
 
 1378 
 
 1379 
 
 1381 
 
 GUI'AT YARMOUTH. 
 
 191 
 
 
 A. Ri:a. 
 
 PARLIAMENT 
 
 BURGESSES. 
 
 20th 
 
 Edward 
 
 II. Westminster 
 
 Robert Drayton.. 
 
 ... J ohn Atle 
 
 1st Edward III. York 
 
 William Thurkild..., 
 
 ,. .William Gaysele 
 
 2ud 
 
 — 
 
 Northampton 
 
 Walter dc Sonde .... 
 
 .. Robert Elys 
 
 2nd 
 
 — 
 
 York 
 
 John Fitz John. 
 
 . .William Gaysale 
 
 2nd 
 
 — 
 
 Now Sarum 
 
 William Gaysele ,... 
 
 .. Roger Gray 
 
 4th 
 
 — 
 
 Westminster 
 
 William Gaysale .... 
 
 . .John Ravenigham 
 
 4th 
 
 — 
 
 W estraiastcr 
 
 William Gaysale .... 
 
 .. Willi.am Amerose 
 
 6th 
 
 — 
 
 Westmin.stcr 
 
 Richard Eastolf. 
 
 ..William Gaysale 
 
 7th 
 
 — 
 
 York 
 
 Gcoffi’cy de Elney.... 
 
 .. {nmne illeqihle) 
 
 8th 
 
 — 
 
 Westminster 
 
 William Galselc. 
 
 . .Roger, son of Rt. Draicote 
 
 8th 
 
 — 
 
 Westminster 
 
 Godfrey Colneye .... 
 
 
 9th 
 
 — 
 
 Westminster 
 
 Thomas Drayton. 
 
 ,. .William Gaysle 
 
 10th 
 
 — 
 
 W estminstcr 
 
 Thomas Drayton. 
 
 . .William Gaysle 
 
 11th 
 
 — 
 
 Westminster 
 
 William Gaysele. 
 
 .. Roger Brayselc 
 
 12th 
 
 — 
 
 W estrainster 
 
 William Hewille .... 
 
 .. Alexander Talliser 
 
 12th 
 
 — 
 
 Westminster 
 
 John Hem.sby. 
 
 . .Henry Talliser 
 
 14th 
 
 — 
 
 Westminster 
 
 J ohn Ilemsby. 
 
 
 14th 
 
 — 
 
 Westminster 
 
 William Gaysle. 
 
 . .William Ambrose 
 
 15th 
 
 — 
 
 Westminster 
 
 Richard Biketone .... 
 
 .. Roger Blaseny 
 
 17th 
 
 — 
 
 Westmin.ster 
 
 John Perbrun . 
 
 . .William Gaysele 
 
 20th 
 
 — 
 
 Westminster 
 
 Thomas Drayton .... 
 
 .. Peter Crosby 
 
 21st 
 
 — 
 
 jf Westminster 
 
 William Beketon .... 
 
 . .Walter de le Sond 
 
 22nd 
 
 — 
 
 W estminstcr 
 
 Walter atte Sond .... 
 
 . .Peter Cressy 
 
 24th 
 
 — 
 
 Westminster 
 
 Richard Beketon .... 
 
 . .Nicholas Parham 
 
 26th 
 
 — 
 
 W estminstcr 
 
 Peter Cressy . 
 
 
 27th 
 
 — 
 
 Westminster 
 
 John Cressy . 
 
 .. Stephen Stasham 
 
 29th 
 
 — 
 
 Westminster 
 
 Thomas Drayton .... 
 
 . .John Ellis 
 
 31st 
 
 — 
 
 Westminster 
 
 Peter Cressy . 
 
 . .Robert Ellis 
 
 33rd 
 
 — 
 
 Westminster 
 
 Ilenj'y Rose. 
 
 .. J ohn Eastolf 
 
 34th 
 
 — 
 
 Westminster 
 
 Hugh Falstolf. 
 
 . .Alexander de Beverley 
 
 36th 
 
 — 
 
 Westminster 
 
 John de Kylham .... 
 
 .. WiUiam Colyn 
 
 37th 
 
 — 
 
 W estminstcr 
 
 [T7(e Schedule toni] 
 
 
 42nd 
 
 — 
 
 AVestminstcr 
 
 Wdliam Ellis. 
 
 . .Simon Atte Gappe 
 
 45th 
 
 — 
 
 Westminster 
 
 [A'o returti] 
 
 
 46th 
 
 — 
 
 Westminster 
 
 William Ode . 
 
 . .John dc Halle 
 
 47th 
 
 — 
 
 Westminster 
 
 Hugh Eiistolf. 
 
 . .John Halle 
 
 50th 
 
 — 
 
 Westminster 
 
 Hugh Eastolf. 
 
 ,. William Oxency 
 
 1st Richard II. Westminster 
 
 John Eastolf. 
 
 , .William Ellis 
 
 2nd 
 
 — 
 
 Gloucester 
 
 William Ellis. 
 
 . .Geoifrey Summerton 
 
 3rd 
 
 — 
 
 Westminster 
 
 Bartholomew Nogan.. 
 
 . .William Ellis 
 
 5th 
 
 — 
 
 Westminster 
 
 Bartholomew Nogan.. 
 
 . .William Oxeney 
 
 z 2 
 
192 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 A.I). 
 
 A. REG. 
 
 PARLIAMENT 
 HELD AT 
 
 BURGESSES. 
 
 1381 
 
 5th Uicharcl II. 
 
 Westminster 
 
 Bartholomew Nogan... 
 
 .AA'illiam Oxency 
 
 1382 
 
 0th - 
 
 Westminster 
 
 Geoffrey Summerton... 
 
 .John Hakoun 
 
 1383 
 
 7th - 
 
 Westminster 
 
 Bartholomew Drayton . 
 
 .Geoffrey Summerton 
 
 1384 
 
 8th - 
 
 Westminster 
 
 Geoffrey Summerton . 
 
 .John Hakoun 
 
 1385 
 
 9th - 
 
 Westminster 
 
 Ralph Ramesey. 
 
 .John Hakoun 
 
 1386 
 
 10th - 
 
 Westminster 
 
 Ralph Ramesey. 
 
 .John De Beketon 
 
 1389 
 
 13 th - 
 
 AVestminster 
 
 Ralph Ramesey. 
 
 .John Ellis 
 
 1391 
 
 15 th - 
 
 Westminster 
 
 Ralph Ramesey. 
 
 .John Hakoun 
 
 1396 
 
 20th - 
 
 estminster 
 
 Hugo Atte Fen. 
 
 .Richard Okey 
 
 1397 
 
 21st - 
 
 AV estminster 
 
 Ralph Ramesey. 
 
 .Richard Okeney 
 
 1400 
 
 1st Henry IV. 
 
 AA''estminster 
 
 John Beketon. 
 
 .Hugh Atte Fen 
 
 1404 
 
 5th - 
 
 AA'estnrinster 
 
 Roger Adams. 
 
 .Geoffrey Pampyn 
 
 1410 
 
 11th - 
 
 AA^estminster 
 
 WilHam Parker. 
 
 .Alexander Gapp 
 
 1413 
 
 1st Hemy T. 
 
 AA"^ estminster 
 
 AATlliam Okeney. 
 
 .Alexander Gapp 
 
 1414 
 
 2nd - 
 
 AA^estminster 
 
 Geoffrey Pamping..... 
 
 .Robert Ellis 
 
 1415 
 
 3rd - 
 
 AA''estminster 
 
 {Schedule lost] 
 
 
 1419 
 
 7th - 
 
 Gloucester 
 
 Robert Ellis . 
 
 .Henry Rafman 
 
 1420 
 
 8th - 
 
 AV estminster 
 
 [Ah reticrn] 
 
 
 1421 
 
 9th - 
 
 AV estminster 
 
 Richard Ellis. 
 
 .Robert Cupper 
 
 1422 
 
 1st Henry VI. 
 
 Westminster 
 
 Robert Ellis . 
 
 .John Hasting 
 
 1423 
 
 2ud - 
 
 AA''estminster 
 
 Thomas Hall. 
 
 .Ralph Brouuing 
 
 1424 
 
 3rd - 
 
 AA'estmiuster 
 
 Thomas Dengaine ... .^ 
 
 .John Pyn 
 
 1427 
 
 6th - 
 
 Westminster 
 
 Thomas Gayne . 
 
 .Robert Ellis 
 
 14.32 
 
 nth - 
 
 Westminster 
 
 Thomas Fen . 
 
 .John Pyn 
 
 1435 
 
 14th - 
 
 AVestminster 
 
 William Yelverton ... 
 
 .John Phelipp 
 
 1441 
 
 20th - 
 
 Westminster 
 
 Thomas HiUys . 
 
 .John Daunne 
 
 1448 
 
 27th - 
 
 W estminster 
 
 Thomas Hillys . 
 
 .William Willy 
 
 1449 
 
 28th - 
 
 AA''estminster 
 
 John Blueston. 
 
 .Robert Pyn 
 
 1450 
 
 29th - 
 
 Westminster 
 
 Hugh Fenne . 
 
 .Edward AVydewell 
 
 1467 
 
 7th Edward IV. 
 
 , AVestminster 
 
 J ohn Russe. 
 
 .John Timperley 
 
 1472 
 
 12th - 
 
 Westminster 
 
 John Russe. 
 
 . J ohn Alleyne 
 
 A Pri\'y Council (secretum parliamentum) was held at York, in October, 
 1309 ; and in jjursuance of its deliberations, summonses were issued for a par¬ 
 liament to assemble there on the 8th of February, 1310. There is a doubt 
 whether this could be called a parliament. It met, but speedily dissolved, after 
 hinting to the King that grievances must be redressed ; and the parliament 
 which assembled at Westminster, was hut a continuation of it. In 1314, two 
 parliaments were held, but the same persons were not elected. The next 
 parliament met at Y"ork, at Easter, and remained there till the 9th of December, 
 1318, having sat fifty-one days. A parliament again met at York in 1321. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 193 
 
 In 1322, a parliament was again held at York, to which representatives 
 from Wales were, for the first time, summoned. It was first required to meet 
 at llipon, where the King (as he states in the writs) wished to hold a colloquium 
 and tractatus; hut there were so many excuses for non-attendance, that the 
 place of meeting was changed to York. Edward III. summoned a parliament 
 to meet him at Y’ork, colloquium et dcliheratio; and he held several subsequent 
 parliaments in that city. 
 
 The persons thus returned, were “ burgesses,” and resident in the town,— 
 for none else coidd he legally chosen; and they were selected from the most 
 considerable of the inhabitants, for we find the same persons executing the office 
 of bailiff’s, and enjoying the appointment of the King’s customers, and other 
 places of power and profit. They were, no doubt, elected by the communitas, 
 or “ commonalty,”—that is, by the freemen at large,—until the select body, 
 called the corporation, (which, from the increase of freemen, it was necessary to 
 form, in order to carry on the government of the town,) contrived to confine 
 the election to themselves. 
 
 In 1414, the following return was made by the bailiffs,— 
 
 “ l()a'C intientura tellatiir, qiiou nog TSartiig Cllpg, KidjarDug €(fpc, JPctntg ^abatfc, 
 “ ct Jobauneg JFenu, baUiui Itbcrtatig biHec inagn® Jlcrncmiitft, birtutc rujugnam 
 “ MANDATi Domini IRegig per bic. JI5orf. nobig birccti fatta proelamationc be partia» 
 “ mento Domino IRegig tenenb. apiib CQrflm. bic ILiince pror. pod Ottab. ^antti ^ar= 
 “ tini prop, futur. eligi fecimug Itbcrc et inbitferenter ®alfrum IPamppng, ct ISobcttum 
 “ CEIpg junior, noltrog com-burgengeg effenb. pro bilta prirbitta ab parliamnntum prec» 
 “bictumi ct cog ab bittog biem ct locum benire faciag prout bittum manbatum crigit 
 “ ct requirit. SDuec quibcm dcctio fatta fuit in prtfgcntia Ulobannig IlJugbcflbn, qEb = 
 “ Inarbi CRpcb, IRabi ILcffpn, ct 3Iobannig ^pitlpng, qui uni parti illiug inbenturte 
 “ figilia gua appogucrunt, ct nog altcri parti, figillum officii noffri burimug apponenb’ 
 “ quarto bic mcnlTg JI5obcmb. anno Idcgig l^cnrici quinti poll conqudluin gccunbo.’’ 
 
 In 1467, the return was thus,— 
 
 “’Ballibi ct communitag billEC magutc Jcrncmutljc digerunt JoTjan. Kuff ct Joljan. 
 “ ^Tgmpcdcp ab effenb. ab padementum 
 
 In 1473,— 
 
 “TDallibi be communi affengu bidte digerunt, j.’' 
 
 In 1477, 
 
 “TBallibi ct communitag unanimi affengu digerunt j.” 
 
 During this period, and long subsequently, the practice prevailed of paying 
 the members for their services in parliament. Many boroughs prayed to be 
 
194 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 excused, on account of the expense; and it is a remarkable fact, that in the 
 reign of Edward III., when Y’armouth was enjojdng great prosperity, the return 
 of the sheriff of Lancashire was, that “ there were no cities or boroughs in that 
 county which ought to send members, because of their inability or poverty.” 
 The “ wages ” paid to the burgesses for Yarmouth, were usually 2s. a day, be¬ 
 sides travelling expenses. Godfrey Colney, who was the only burgess sent to 
 the second parliament held at Y^ork, in 1322, had 50s. allowed him for his 
 charges during his stay there, and 2s. per diem for travelling expenses for five 
 days."' 
 
 In the reign of Henry VI., the statute was passed, which limited the right 
 of election in counties to 40s. freeholders, in consequence of the number of 
 people attending the elections; and, at this jreriod, it is clear that the great 
 men of the nation, as in latter times, interfered at elections, and interested 
 themselves as to the persons who were to be returned as members. 
 
 The Paston letters afford much information as to elections at this period, 
 and the means then adopted to excite “political agitation.” In a letter from 
 YVilliarn Wayte to John Paston, written about the year 1450, the former says,— 
 
 “ Sir,—Labor ye for to be Knight of the Shire,, and speak to my Master Stapleton also, that he 
 “ he it. Sir, all Swaffliam, if they he warned, will give you their voices. Also, Sir, think of 
 “ Yarmouth, that you ordain that John Jenny,f or Lorimer,ij; or some good man, he burgess for 
 “ Yarmouth. Ordain ye that Jenny may he in the parliament,ybr they can say well.” 
 
 * In the 9th Edward III., the following payments were made to WiUiam de Gaysle;— 
 
 
 £ 
 
 5 . 
 
 d. 
 
 Horse to Nonvich 
 
 0 
 
 1 
 
 0 
 
 E.xpenses there .... 
 
 . 0 
 
 0 
 
 24 
 
 Norwich to York, expenses there 
 
 0 
 
 6 
 
 0 
 
 Expenses on Road 
 
 . 1 
 
 12 
 
 4 
 
 Boy for carrying a Letter 
 
 0 
 
 2 
 
 0 
 
 Labour by same Boy 
 
 . 0 
 
 1 
 
 0 
 
 Expenses at York 
 
 0 
 
 1 
 
 6 
 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 Oi 
 
 Expenses return Journey 
 
 . 1 
 
 2 
 
 6i 
 
 
 £3 
 
 5 
 
 6 
 
 t John Jenny was member for Norwich in 1452, and again in 1477. He married EHzaheth, 
 daughter and heiress of Thomas Wotherhy, a rich alderman of Norwich, by whom he acquired 
 the estate of Intwood, which was afterwards sold to the Greshams, and is now the property of 
 J. S. Muskett, Esq. At Intsvood, Sir Thomas Gresham, Knt., founder of the Royal Exchange, 
 entertained the Earl of Warwick, -when he came into Norfolk, in 1549, to suppress the rebellion 
 of Ket. 
 
 % This name means “ a maker of hits and bridles.” 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 195 
 
 Paston did not “ ordain ” the return of the persons here recommended ; hut 
 Hugh Fenne and Edward Wydewell were returned, j^robably with his concur¬ 
 rence : and in the next parliament, which was holden in 1467, John Ilusse and 
 John Timperley were the burgesses. 
 
 Jenny, who was afterwards returned for Norwich, was probably not elected, 
 on account of his not being resident, —always an important consideration with 
 our ancestors: and, in 1413, an Act of Parliament was passed, rendering it 
 imperative that the representatives of cities and boroughs should be resident 
 and free of the same. The others were, doubtless, “ good” men, according to 
 Wayte’s acceptation of the term; for we find Ilusse (probably a man of some 
 influence in the borough, as he frequently served the office of bailiff,) asking 
 Paston, in 1462, to procure him a place in the customs, promising to repay him 
 all expenses, and coolly offering, if appointed, and so long as he held the office, 
 to give Paston’s son, yearly, “ five marks towards a hackney.” The letter is as 
 follows,— 
 
 “ Right ‘Worshipful Sir, and my Right Ilonorahle Master,—I recommend me to j-ou in my 
 “ most hnmhle wise, and please it your good mastership to weet, that it is said here that my Lord 
 ‘ WoiTCStcr is like to be treasurer; with whom, I trust, you stand well in conceit, which 
 “ God continue, '\^'hcrcforc, I beseech your mastership, that if my Lord have the said office, that 
 “ it like yoti to desire the nomination of one of the offices, either of the Comptroller or Searcher- 
 “ ship of Yarmouth, for a servant of yours; and I should so guide me in the offiee, as I trust 
 “ should he most profit to my said Lord. And if your mastership liked to got grant thereof, that 
 “ then it please yo\i to liecnce one of your servants to take out the patent of the said office; and 
 “if it cost five, or six, or eight marks, I shall truly content it again; and yearly, as long as I 
 “ might have the offices, or any of them, I shall give my master, your son, five marks towards a 
 “ hackney.” 
 
 He appears to have been appointed : for, in a subsequent letter, he complained 
 that “ Thomas Chapman, a man of no reputation,” and, moreover, “ evil dis¬ 
 posed to bribery,” and one who had “ always opposed the Paston Influence, had 
 laboured with the lord treasurer to supplant him,” and had, for that purpose, 
 “ hrought down a writing from the King ; ” but he adds, that Wydeville had, 
 “ by the supportation of Master Fenn,” found means to checkmate him, by 
 jii'ocuring “ a discharge for him out of Chancery.” 
 
 In 1451, it would seem that Richard Southwell was elected ; but his name 
 
196 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 docs not appear on the list. He was admitted to his freedom, on payment of 
 
 26s. Sd.^ 
 
 The county elections were managed by greater men. Thus, in 1455, John 
 de Yere, Earl of Oxford, writing to John Paston, says,—“ My Lord of Norfolk 
 “ met with my Lord of York at Bury, on Thursday, and there were together 
 “ until Friday, nine of the clock, and then they departed ; and there a gentle- 
 “ of my Lord of York, took unto a yeoman of mine, John Deye, a token and 
 “ a sedell [^schedulc'] of my Lord’s intent, whom he would have knights of the 
 “ shire, and I send a sedell closed Sjchedule enclosed'] of their names, in this 
 “ same letter; wherefore me thinketh [it] well done to perform my Lord’s 
 “ intent.”t 
 
 In 1460, the under-sheriff of Norfolk, writing to John Paston, says, 
 “ As for the election, in good faith there has been much to do ; nevertheless, to 
 “ let you have knowledge of the demeaning, my Master Berney, my Master 
 “ Grey, and ye, had greatest voice ; and I purpose me, as I will answer God, to 
 “ return the due election, that is, after the sufficient, you and Master Grey,— 
 “ nevertheless, 1 have a master.”^ 
 
 * The Southwells were long seated in the county of Norfolk. Richard Southwell married 
 Amy, one of the heii-s of Edmmid Wicldngham and Alice his wife, daughter and heir of John 
 Fastolf, hy whom he had Sir Robert Southwell, ICnt., who died without issue; and Francis 
 Southwell, Auditor of the Exchequer to Henry VIII., who married Dorothy, one of the heirs of 
 William Tendering, by whom he had issue,—Sir Richard Southwell, of Woodrising, (Master of 
 the Ordnance,) Sir Robert Southwell, and Francis Southwell, of Norwich. Sir Robert Southwell 
 was Master of the Rolls temp. Henry VIII., and married Margaret, daughter and heir of Sir 
 Thomas Neville, brother of Lord Abergavenny. He had issue by her,—Thomas Southwell, of 
 Woodrising ; whose son, Sir Robert Southwell, was rear-admiral under his father-in-law, (Charles 
 Howard, Earl of Nottingham, lord high admiral of England,) in the battle against the Spanish 
 armada, in 1588. This Sir Robert Southwell, by the Lady Elizabeth Howard his wife, had a 
 son. Sir Thomas Southwell, of Woodrising, who consumed all his estate, and died in 1643, leaving 
 four daughters his co-heirs. Sir Richard Southwell, Ma.ster of the Ordnance above mentioned, 
 was the ancestor of another Sir Robert Southwell, who was one of the clerks of the council to 
 Charles II., and sometime envoy-extraordinary to Portugal, Spain, Flanders, and Brandenburg, 
 He was also vice-admiral of Munster, and was living in 1681. Arms,.— ar. three cinqfoils gittes 
 each charged with five amulets or. Cre,st,—a demi-goat salient ar. gorged with a ducal crown 
 and charged on the body with three amulets iju. 
 
 + The persons named by the Duke were Sir William Chamberlain and Sh- Henry Grey. 
 
 \ It appears by this letter, that the candidates were not always present at the clay of election. 
 The under-sheritf promises to make a just return “ after the sufficient,” that is, according to the 
 gi'catest number of votes; but he hints, that the high sheriff, as Returning officer, had the power 
 of deciding who had the majority, and might order the return as he pleased. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 197 
 
 In 1472, John Paston, writing to his brother who desired to become a 
 knight of the shire, tells him that at that time, it was “ an impossible thing, 
 “ for my Lord of Norfolk and my Lord of Suffolk, were agreed to have Sir 
 “ Robert Wyngfield'*’' and Sir Richard Harcourt.”f He did not forget the 
 Paston influence at Yarmouth, for he adds, “ I sent to A^armouth, but they 
 “ have promised also to Dr. Alleyne and John Russe to be burgesses, more 
 “ than three weeks ago.” 
 
 The returns from 1472 to 1541, have, unfortunately, not been preserved, 
 except a few imperfect bundles in the rolls chapel. 
 
 In the parliament for the latter year, one burgess only—Sir Humphrey 
 AVingfield, of Letheringham, in Suffolk—was returned ; and, from this period, 
 members were invariably summoned to meet at Westminster. In 1544, Sir 
 Humphrey was again returned, with Robert Eyre (alderman). 
 
 In the first parliament of Edward VL, Sir William Woodhouse, of AVax- 
 ham, (who had become enriched by the acquisition of abbey lands,) and Robert 
 Eyre;]; were returned. 
 
 The select body called the corporation, then composed of seventy-two 
 persons, exercised exclusively the right of electing burgesses to parliament,— 
 and usually did so by means of an inquest. Thus, in 1552, they nominated 
 Christopher Haylett (one of the bailiffs), with six aldermen and six common- 
 councilmen, to “ elect and choose two burgesses of Parliament; the which said 
 “ persons, rqron good and deliberate advice and consultation, elected Sir AVilliam 
 “ AVoodhouse, Knt., and Nicholas Eyrmage ; ” and it was afterwards ordered, 
 that Sir AA’^illlam should have half an hundred lyng, “ for certain money due to 
 him for burgess-ship.” At the same time £10 was given to Mr. Eyrmage, 
 towards his expenses. 
 
 From an early period, the Crown had frequently and openly interfered at 
 elections, by sending letters, which it was perilous to disobey, to the Returning 
 
 * lie was comptroller of the liouscholcl to Edward IV., and was a man of ^cat interest at 
 court. He died in 1480, seized of largo estates in Norfolk and Sutlblk, particularly at East 
 Ilarliug, Long Stratton, Corton, Lound, and Blundcston. 
 
 + lie married the widow of Sir Miles Stapleton, of Ingham; and his son by his first wife, 
 Christopher Ilarcourt, married Joan, joungost daughter and co-heir of Sir Milos Stapleton. 
 
 I See Manship, pp. 286, 422. In 1.559, the corporation voted him an annuity of 40.s. a year, 
 “ lor the good will he bore the town.” 
 
198 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 officers. On the accession of Queen Mary, a circular letter was issued, directed 
 to the sheriffs of Counties, desiring them to admonish the electors to choose 
 “ good catholics,” and also “ inhabitants, as the old law required.The Earl 
 of Sussexf uTote to the gentlemen of Norfolk, and to the burgesses of Yarmouth, 
 requesting them to reserve their voices for the persons he should name. 
 
 Kobert Eyre and Simon More (alderman), were chosen “ burgesses of the 
 “ parliament, which shall begin on the 1st of October next, (1553,) according 
 “ to the tenor of the precept from the sheriff of Norfolk to the bailiffs ; ” and 
 £20 was voted to them for their services. The subsequent returns in this reign 
 
 Avere,— 
 
 
 
 
 A.D. 
 
 A. REG. 
 
 EXJRGESSES. 
 
 1553 
 
 2nd Parliament Mary 
 
 William Bishop, sen. (aid.) .. 
 
 . .John Echard (aid.) 
 
 1.554 
 
 1st & 2nd Philip & Mary 
 
 Thomas Hunte (aid.). 
 
 .William Bishop (aid.) 
 
 15.35 
 
 2nd & 3rd - 
 
 Nicholas Fenn (aid.). 
 
 .Cornelius Bright (aid.) 
 
 1557 
 
 4th & 5th - 
 
 Sir Thomas Woodhouse, knt. . 
 
 . WiUiam Barker, j gent. 
 
 "When Queen Elizabeth ascended the throne, the bailiffs of Y^armouth were 
 directed to make their return “ to my Lord of Norfolk, his Grace;” and Sir 
 Thomas Woodhouse and Mr. Barker, were directed to return my Lord of 
 “ Norfolk his Grace, that they shall be burgesses in the parliament to be holden 
 “ the 23rd of this instant January,” (1558). 
 
 * By the tenor of the writ, confirmed hy the Act already quoted, every city and borough 
 was required to elect none but members of their own community. As a seat in the House of 
 Commons became an object of more general ambition, less attention was paid to this rule, until 
 at length the greater part of the borough representatives Avere not burgesses, insomuch, that 
 in 1.571, a great debate arose on this question, and expression Avas first given to the important 
 constitutional in-inciple, that each member of the House of Commons is deputed to serve,—not 
 only for his constituents, but for the whole kingdom,—a principle to which, says Hallam, “the 
 liouse is indebted for its Aveight and dignity, as Avell as its beneficial efiicieucy; ” and he adds, 
 that “ such a principle could neA'er obtain currency, or eA'on be advanced on any plausible 
 ground, until the laAV for the election of resident burgesses had gone into disuse.”—Vol. i., p. 363. 
 
 t “ In the thirde and fourtheyeres of King Phillippe and Quene Maiye, the Kighte hon'^ble 
 “ the Erl of Sussex, by the comandment of the Kinge and Queeue, did come to Yermouthe, and 
 “ there did keepe an honorable house almost one yero, and broughte Avith him the Kinge and 
 “ and Quene’s comission, directed to hiin and to the balifes of this towne, for the examinaciou 
 “ and triall of diverse matters, and speeiallye for treasons comitted, as by the said comission, re- 
 “ maininge amongste diverse rccordes of the s'* tOAvne, appearethe.”— Foundacion and Antiquitie, 
 page 27. 
 
 X In the preceding year, an assessment Avas made upon the inhabitants for, among other things, 
 defraying the charges of “ our burgesses in parliament; ” and, in 1558, it Avas “ agreed to pay 
 “ Wiiliam Barker, gent., burgess for the last parliament, his Avages or salary for fifteen days, 306'., 
 “ —that is to say, 2s. for every day.” 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 199 
 
 In the following parliament (1562), Thomas Timperley, Esq., of Ilentle- 
 sham, and William Grice,of Yarmouth, were returned. The latter was a man 
 of family, and had considerable influence in the borough, which he represented 
 in five successive parliaments ; the returns being,— 
 
 A.D. 
 
 A. IIEG. 
 
 
 IIUUGESSES. 
 
 1570 
 
 13th Elizabeth 
 
 William Grice.. 
 
 
 1.571 
 
 14th 
 
 Whlliam Grice.. 
 
 
 1584 
 
 27th 
 
 William Grice.. 
 
 
 1585 
 
 28th 
 
 William Grice.. 
 
 
 At an assembly held on the 10th of January, 1575, Mr. Bolden was directed 
 to “ ride to London, to get a new writ to chuse a new bailiff in parliament, in¬ 
 stead of Mr. Bacon;” and, on the 10th of February following, Mr. Ilarbrownc 
 was “ elected member in the whole house, instead of Mr. Bacon, deceased; ” 
 but on the very next day', “ it was agreed by the greater part of the house, 
 “ being divided, that Mr. Edward Bacon be the burgess in parliament, not- 
 41 withstanding the ordinance for the election of Mr. Ilarbrowne.” He, how- 
 
 * He was the son of Gilbert Grice, who was the second son of William le Grice, of Brockdish, 
 (I'y Sybilla, daughter and sole heir of Edmund Singleton, of Wingfield, in tl\e county of Suffolk,) 
 descended from Sir Robert le Grice, of Langley, in Norfolk, who was cquery to Richard 1. 
 Gilbert Grice, who settled in Yarmouth, became a loading member of the corporation, and served 
 the office of bailiff in 1.542. Manshi]) relates (p. 49) that he wics one of the “ special brethren ” 
 sent to inform Edward VI. of the “ rude proceedings ” of Kctt and his followers, and that he 
 was admitted into the royal presence. He purchased the manor of Brockdish Earls, from the Duke 
 of Norfolk, but dying before the sale was completed, it was conveyed to his nephew, diaries le 
 Grice, who rebuilt the hoiusc called Tun Pl.vce, in 1567, and fixed his arms and quartcrings in 
 the windows. From him descended the numerous branches of this family, settled at Brockdish, 
 Norwich, Wakefield, &c. His eldest son, William le Grice, married Alice, daughter and heir of 
 hlr. Eyre, of Yarmouth. Thomas Norton, who was member for the city of London, from 1572 
 to 1582, and who took an active and zealous part in the renewed movement then made against the 
 Roman Catholics, having been reported against as having assailed the bishops, in his defence, 
 (which is preserved in the State I’apcr Office,) says, “ Upon Monday, 1 went wui my wife to the 
 “ house of my good ncighbo'', Mr. M'illiam Grice, (Member for Yarmouth,) after supper, as in 
 “ familiaritie we mutually use to do; where 1 found Mr. Grice himself, Mr. Calthorp (member 
 “ for Eye), and Mr. Thomas Onely (member for Brockley), all plament men, and young Henry 
 “ Grice, Mr. William Grice’s sone.” He then minutely details the conversation which there took 
 place, and upon which the accusation against him was founded. Norton fully recovered the confi¬ 
 dence of the council of state, and retained it till his death in 1.584. He was employed as a commis¬ 
 sioner for the examination of susp.'cted persons, and was certainly present when the rack was used 
 upon them; but in answer to strong comi)laints made against him for his conduct, he denies 
 having acted as rack-master, or having “ vaunted in court to have pulled one of the prisoners, 
 one good foote longer than ever God made him.” The name, of le Grice, variou.sly sjK'lt, frequently 
 occurs in the municipal records. Thomas le Grys was mayor in 1717. Chaidcs le (frys died iii 
 1761, leaving a daughter, who married Robert Ralmcr, Esq. Browston Hall, in the parish of 
 Belton, was the residence of the I.c (frys family (i)urchascd of the Symonds) until 1788, when, 
 on the death of Mrs. Margaret le Grys, it passed into other hands. The arms of Le (Jrys were 
 quarterly az. and r/n. on a bend ar., three boars passant sa. 
 
 2 .V 2 
 
200 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 ever, appears to have neglected his parliamentary duties, and to have gone abroad, 
 for, in 1577, Mr. Felton was deputed by the corporation “to ride to London, 
 “ to know the Lord Keeper’s mind, whether the town might elect a new bur- 
 “ gess to jiarliament, one of their burgesses being in Germany, and not likely 
 “ to return but Sir Nicholas Bacon, who then held the great seal, could give 
 them no such authority. 
 
 In 1583, it was agreed in assembly that no one should be elected a burgess 
 in parliament for the town, who was not an alderman. 
 
 In 1588, another election took place: previous to which, a misunderstanding 
 arose between Mr. Grice and the other members of the corporation, the cause 
 of which is dimly shadowed forth in the following letter,— 
 
 “ To the right worshipfull and his very iudifforeiit good friends the Bailiffs of Great 
 “ T'annouth and their brethren, and their whole Howse of Assembly. 
 
 “ If I should be silent, most worshipfull, then might you iustly condemne me for a dishonest 
 “ man, but to justifye that is true, that maketh me to wryte. I would have written before now, 
 “ but that I would have bin at home among you, that forced me now to speako. For when it 
 “ was written unto you that I should offer to sweare on a book, that Mr. Wulhouse and Mr. 
 “ Damett did promise my Lord of Leicester* that your town should give Whitneyf fourtie marks 
 “ a year, during his life,—that is most untrue. I will give it the clcnliost tonne I can, in regard 
 “ that he is now one of the Queen’s Lieutenants among you, but in that he hath so slandered me 
 “ I cannot well digest it. If he that was with him doe affirm that letter, he alsoe doth abuse mo. 
 “ And, believe me, I am in opinion with you, and do not think Mr. Wulhowse and Mr. Damett 
 “ to be such mad men as to make any such offer or pro.arise, neyther did my lord at any tyme ro- 
 “ quire any such matter at their hands; if he had, yet I think you do not believe that they would 
 “ yield thereto, without all your conzents, neyther was there any such defect in Whitney, that I 
 “know, why you should yeelde him such a gift. Mr Wulhowse and Mr. Damett are better 
 “ kno^vn to you than to me, but yet I have known them a long tyme (by good experience) to be 
 “ both wise, honest, and discrete, and as good townsmen as any is among yon, (without of any 
 “ man be it spoken,). I fear you have but few such among you. I would you had many in wis- 
 “ dome, government, and experience to match them. I hope you think me not so void of discretion, 
 “ or so much without understanding, as to wryte unto you in any nobleman’s name, unless himself 
 “ gave me the cause. I wouldc be loth to use any private man’s name, and that to a corporation; 
 
 * Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, was, at this time, high steward of the borough. 
 
 t Jeffery Whitney was sub-steward. He drew up the account of the visit to Scratby island. 
 See Mans/iip, p. 10.5. It seems tliat he had a dispute with the corporation, which was settled in 
 1587, by the payment of £43, “on condition he made no fiirtlicr dsiiumd for any duty, and certify 
 his acquittance to the Earl of Leicc.ster.” 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 201 
 
 “ and of this I will make niy lord judge,—^l)nt, as yet, sickness hath kept me hack. That I saye, 
 “ I must affirme, (for truth’s sake,) that promise was made that he .should have xloe marks a 
 “ veerc ; hut there was no tyme limited, nor day set for it: thus much is not denied hy some. If 
 “ Whitney have sythen that tyme yecldcd to any other conditions, why do you not charge him 
 “ with it ? I hope I have or may be as well able to pleasure you, as he that hath unjustly wryt- 
 “ ten of me. If it please yon to use me, that I leave to your cho 3 -ce, and will remajme to my 
 “ power as read}' to do you good, as any man lyvos, being thereto drawen hy naturall inclination, 
 “ being borne and bredd amongst j’ou. And thus, with my heartj’ commendations to you all, I 
 “ comend you and mj'self to God’s blessing. From mj' bowse at London, this last of Februarj', 
 “ 1.58G. 
 
 “ Yours to that I can, 
 
 “ Unfaj'ued, 
 
 “W. LE GRYS.” 
 
 lie was not, however, re-clected ; for, in 1588, John Stubbs, then uncler-steward, 
 and Roger Drury, an alderman, a man of some family and fortune, who had 
 taken up his residence in Yarmouth, were returned. 
 
 In 1592, Damett was again returned with Jolin Felton (aid.) and, in the 
 next parliament (1596), Felton was returned with Sir Henry Hobart, of Rlick- 
 ling, who had succeeded Stubbs as under-steward. In 1600, Sir Henry was 
 again returned with Mr. Damett, who was an alderman of the borough.f 
 
 On the accession of James I., Mr. Damett was again returned, with 
 another alderman, Mr. John AVheeler. It was of these worthies Manship 
 said that they behaved themselves “ in parliament like sheep, and were both 
 dunces; ” for which offence he was dismissed from the corporation. 
 
 * “ In the moncth of Februnrj', 1.59.3, the estates of Englanil being assembled at IVcstminstcr, 
 “ made lawes for restrayning of scisinaticks and jiopish recusants, and perswaders of others not 
 “ to goe to church ; concerning the possession of monasteries passed to Ileniw VIII., for relieving 
 “ soldiers and sailors; for not building of houses within three miles of the citj’ of London; and 
 “for other matters.’’ 
 
 + In a paper written bj' Mr. Hooker, member for Tiverton, in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, 
 “ Thej’ which make choiee of burgesses,” are advised to elect “ such as be grave, ancient, wise, 
 “ learned, expert, and careful men ; wlio (as trusty and faithful counsellors) should do that which 
 “ should turn and be for the best commoditt' of the commonwealth.” And, after enumerating 
 many privileges and observances, he savs, “ When any burgess doth enter or come into the lower 
 “ house, he must make his dutiful and lunnblo obeisance at his entry in, and then take his i)lace.” 
 And he adds, “ you shall understand, that as every such person ought to be grave, wise, and ex- 
 “ pert, so ought he to shew himself in his apparel; for, in times past, none of the counsellors 
 “ came otherwise than in his gown.” It appears that the members continued to wear gowns till 
 the la.st parliament of Queen Elizabeth. 
 
202 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 It is manifest, from man)’ entries in tlie corporation books, that members 
 received instructions from those who elected them. Thus, in 1572, a committee 
 was appointed “ to draw instructions to the burgesses in parliament; ” and, in 
 1588, a committee was appointed “ to consult about parliament matters.” 
 
 In ICIO, the corporation resolved that “ a writ should be sent for, if it 
 “ could be had, to make a new burgess in parliament instead of Mr. Damett, 
 “ who was very sick ; ” but no such writ being obtained, Mr. Ponyett and others 
 were appointed to confer with Mr. Damett, “ about the resigning of his place 
 in the parliament house ; ” and, at the same time, “ a letter was sent to Mr. 
 “ Wheeler, the other burgess in parliament, that another might be chosen in 
 “ his stead, if he were content to resign ; or, instead of Mr. Damett, the other 
 “burgess, if it could be obtained.” They, however continued to sit until the 
 general election in 1614, when Sir Theophilus Finch and Mr. George Hardware 
 (aid.) were returned. Whether the former was unseated for not being a bur¬ 
 gess, does not appear; but the name of Sir Henry Hobart stands instead on 
 the parliamentary roll. 
 
 In 1620, an order was made in assembly, that burgesses in parliament 
 might be cbosen from the free burgesses of the town, by the majority of the 
 corporation ; and, at the following election, Benjamin Cowper"^' and Edward 
 Owner,! two wealthy merchants, V’ere returned. 
 
 At the next election, which took place in 1623, the bishop of Norwich' 
 (Dr. Harnset,) endeavoured, unsuccessfully, to influence the choice of the cor¬ 
 poration, by recommending a candidate. The bailiffs returned to his lordship 
 the following respectful answer, written in the spirit of the times, concealing, 
 under fair words, a determination not to do that which was required of them. 
 
 “ Right Rev'ded, 
 
 “ Our duties most humbly renders, we receyed your Rev'ded I'res of the viij'’’ of this moneth, 
 “ w'’', in all love and thankfulness, we have accepted, therby understanding of a parliament, (the 
 “ issues wherof, as for o'- owne p'ticular, so for the gen'dall, wee desire maye bee happy,) and of 
 “ y' Li” respective love and tender care of the wellfare of us and our towne, w"'' we have found 
 
 *■ He built, in 1.596, a fine and spacious house on the Quay, now the property and residence of 
 the Editor. See Mansldp, p. 262. 
 
 t He took a very loading part in the affiiirs of the towns for many years. 
 
Gill: AT Y A KM OUT 11. 
 
 203 
 
 “ iihvays to be most honorably Inclyncd and bent for our g:ood. Wbome y' Li’ recommends unto 
 “ us and o' eboyce for one of our burgesses, albeit wee bave noe knowledge of; yett wo p'suado our- 
 “ selves of his worth and suffleieney, and of further favour by bis means, as in y' L'" Ir’es are 
 “ remembred, in case ho bee chosen. Butt so itt is, as wee su'ijose y' Lp doc well knowe that wee 
 “ have an ordenance wherto wee are tycd by oathe, so long as it abydes in force, nott to cboose 
 “ any for our burgesse, not being a freeman and inh'itant of tbis towue. Y^ett to show our care- 
 “ ful respect of y' Li" love and favour unto o' towne, woe will (if our assemblye shall thinkc good 
 “ to abrogate or dispense w"' that ordenance) above all others in that kindc p'ferrc and reco'mend 
 “ hym unto their choice, whom y' Lp have so worthely recomended unto us, and at our next 
 “ meetyng will cause y' Li“ Urcs to be read. Howbeit, sciug the choice of o' burgesses for a 
 “ p'liamcnt consisting in the breasts of so many, wee cannot assure o’selvcs of what they shall 
 “ doe when it shall by writt bee putt upon them. But this we assure y' Lp, that, according to 
 “ o' duties, and tendring the good and wellfarc of o' towne wee will for o' parts with all observance 
 “ furtber, y' Lp" advice and good counsell. And so, praying to the Alinightyo long to increase y' 
 “ dayes in all h' and happynes wee humbly take o' leaves, resting 
 
 “ Y’o' Serv'* in all humble duty at comand, 
 
 “ THO. TOMPSON 
 
 “ 8 Jan., 1623. “ LEO. HOLMES.” 
 
 Notwithstanding which, Mr. Benjamin Cowper, was re-elected with Mr. George 
 Hardware ; and the same bailiffs then wrote the following letter of excuse to 
 Sir John Suckling,one of the Privy Council, who had offered “ to supply the 
 place and chardge of a burgess in parliament,” in a letter addressed by him to 
 Mr. Covv'per. 
 
 “ Right Honb'*, 
 
 “ Our bounden duties in all humble wyse remembred, with like acknowledgment of y' favours 
 “ y' hon' have heretofore vouchsafed to afibrd on y behaltfe of o' tomie, with the greate ooca- 
 “ sions which wee shall have to iuheate for the likes y' hon'’'” favour hereafter ; wee receyved a 
 “ Ere from y' hon', directed unto us and o' com'altye, whereby y' hon' pleased jj'ffer unto o' 
 “ townshipp to supply that place and chardge of a burgesse in this p’sent parliament on their be- 
 “ balfe, wbich, without their consent to frustrate an ordenance, (for the observance whereof wee 
 “ are obliged by oathe,) by which itt is ordeyned to choose such onlye as are free burgesses and 
 “ residents within the towne and none other, wee could not accept of. tPith which y' hon'’'” fa- 
 “ vour and p'ffcr wee had been made formerly acquainted, by y hon'’'” Ere sent unto Mr. Benjamin 
 
 * The family of Suckling (i.e. SocHnff, a person holding lands by sockage,) is one of long con¬ 
 tinuance ill Siinolk. Sir John Suckling was the third son of Robert Suckling, of AVoodton, and 
 in 1613, purchased the manor of Basham, lie was secretary of state, comptroller of the house¬ 
 hold, and privy councillor to James L, and aspired to be chancellor of the exchequer. By his 
 wife, a sister of the Earl of Middlesex, he became the father of Sir John Suckling, the poet. 
 Unsuccessful at Yrarmoiith, he obtained a scat at Diinwich, and died in 1627. 
 
204 
 
 llkSTORY OF 
 
 “ Cooper, one of our brethren, tending to the same effect. Woe endeavoured what woe could, to 
 “ have answered y lion’’''-' cxpectac'on ; and to that end, also, caused y hon'''" I're diverse tymes 
 “ to bee read in o' assemblies, before any choyse made, urging them earnestly, upon many reasons, 
 “ for the good of o' towne, the frustrating of the said ordcnance, and to select for the best advant- 
 “ age and ceeditt of o' towne; which they refusing, wee could not bring to passe what wee cn- 
 “ dcavoured. Wherefore, humbh' craving j" hon’’'” favorable acceptance thereof, as being the 
 “ most we could doe to give y' hon' satisfac'on therein, and humbly entreating y' hon' not to bee 
 “ offended w"' us or our townshipp, for uot doing that which should have turned or heene for the 
 “ best but to accounte of them as not understanding what is good for themselves, wee beseeche 
 “ the Alniightye to bless and increase y' da}-es in all hon' and happiness. Resting 
 
 “ Your hon', in all humble duty to bee comanded, 
 
 “THO. TOMPSON 1 „ v 
 
 > Balives. 
 
 “LEO. HOLMES > 
 
 On tlie accession of Charles I., the corporation resolved that, “notwith¬ 
 standing any former ordinance,” the burgesses for the next parliament might 
 be chosen either out of or in the town ; and they forthwith (1625) elected Sir 
 John Corbet, of Sprowston, and Mr. Owner; and, in the second parliament 
 of the same j'ear. Sir John was re-elected, with Mr. Thomas Johnson (aid.) 
 In 1627, Sir John Wentworth, of Somerleyton, was returned with Miles Corbet, 
 who had become recorder of the borough, and the chief adviser of the corpo- 
 poration in their proceedings during the eventful years which were to follow ; 
 and, in 1639, Miles Corbet was again returned, with Edward Owner. 
 
 When King Charles called his last parliament, great efforts were made by 
 the court party to influence the elections. The Earl of Dorset sent the following 
 letter to the bailiffs, recommending them to elect the controller of the King’s 
 household:— 
 
 “ After my very hearty commendations, &c. Ilis Ma"' being graciously pleased to call a par- 
 “ liament, and of ancient right there belongeth unto your towme two burgesses, my request unto 
 “ you is, that you could be pleased, upon my recommendation, to make choice of S' John Suck- 
 “ ling, who is a very noble Gen', and of able parts, who is both ready and willing to serve the 
 “ towne, as well out of parliament as in parliament. And I am confident I cannot oblige the 
 “ towne more then by recommending unto them a Gen' of his honor and worth. And let this 
 “ assure you that'wherein I may be servicable to the towne in the generall, or to any particular 
 “ member thereof, none shall be more willing then 
 
 “ Yo' very loving friend to serve you, 
 
 “ E. DORSET. 
 
 Dorset House, 
 
 “ 10th December, 1639.’’j 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 205 
 
 To which the hallifFs returned the following answer,— 
 
 “ Right honorable, 
 
 “ Our bouncleu duty and service most humbly remcmbrcd. Yo' honor’s noble letters of the 
 “ 10th of this instant December, vuto vs and the burgesses of the towne ilirccted, wee have rc- 
 “ ceived, whereby wee are given to vnderstand that his Ma"” is graciously pleased to call a 
 “ parliament. And yo' honor, out of yo' noble respect to our towne and corporac'on, is pleased 
 “ to recommend vnto vs a noble gentleman. S' John Suckling, Knight, to come in choise amongst 
 “ vs for one of our burgesses, whome wee doe worthily honor; and, as befitts us, have acquainted 
 “ our brethren with the tenor of yo' honor’s letters, whose answere with o' owne for present is ; 
 “ and we humbly desire yo' loi“ benigne and favorable acceptation thereof, that as the election 
 “ is popular, and concerneth many, so is it to be made by the greater vote of the whole assembly, 
 “ wherein nothing can be done vntill wee have a precept from the shcrefe, by virtue of his Ma" 
 “ writ for that purpose sent vnto vs, which coming to our hands, we shall, together with your 
 “ loc recommendation and our owne, nominate and propound that noble gentleman amongst 
 “ such others of our owne as are to stand for it, to the general vote of the assembly, leaving the 
 “ successe to divine providence, by which all the actions of men are governed. In the mcane 
 “ tyme, craving the continuance of youi- honor’s noble respect, and good affection to o' pore cor- 
 “ poration, however this shall succeede. AVith tender of our humble service and duty, wee 
 “ humbly take our leave, and rest 
 
 “ Yo' honor’s most humble servants, 
 
 “ ROBERT NORGATE ) Bailiffs 
 “ ANTHONY SPECK > 
 
 “ Yarmouth, the 14th of December, 1649.” 
 
 The Earl of Northumberland, then lord high admiral of England, also sent a 
 letter to the bailiffs, and endeavoured to influence their choice. 
 
 “ After my hearty commendations. 
 
 ” His Ma'‘' having taken a resolution to call a parliament very shortly, for the good safety of 
 “ this his kingdome and people, I suppose you may be solicited by some for the election of bur- 
 “ gesses within your corporation. And, therefore, I was desirous in tyme to let you know, that 
 “ as other ports and sea towncs of England have heretofore done the favour to other lord admi- 
 “ rails, in giving them the nomination of one of the burgesses for these townes, so now you 
 ” would, at my Intreaty, make choice of S' Henry Martin, K'., judge of the High Court of 
 “ Admiralty, which I shall be even ready to acknowledge as a courtiscy. And thus, not doubt- 
 “ ing but that my predecessors have done in the like place, and ujwn the like occasion, I bidd 
 “ you heartily farewell, and rest 
 
 “ Yo' very lovcing friend, 
 
 “ NORTHUMBEREAND.” 
 
 2 B 
 
 ” From Whitehall, the 
 “ 10th of Dec', 1639.” 
 
‘206 HISTORY OF 
 
 To this letter the following answer was sent,— 
 
 “ Right honorahlo, 
 
 “ Our houuden duty and service most humbly remembered. Yo' honor’s noble letters of the 
 “ 10th of this instant December, with another from S' Lionell Tollemuck, Khwee received vpon 
 “ the 13* of the same. But could not send your honor any answer to the contents thereof, before 
 “ wee had acquainted our brethren therewith, which the shortness of tjnne would not then pmit: 
 “ humbly desiring, with all thankfulness, to acknowledge ourselves much obliged, both to yo' 
 “ honor and that worthy gentleman S' Henry Martyir, in many and diverse respects, and would 
 “ be glad to gratify your Iop and hym any thinge which lyeth in our power, thinldng it a great 
 “ honor and happiness to our pore corporation to have so able and worthy a gentleman take place 
 “ in parliament for us. And having our warrant for an election, w'li is not yet come to o' hands, 
 “ shall not fayle to recommend hym to the general vote of the assembly, amongst such both of 
 “ our owne and others as are to stand for it. Humbly desireing yo' h wil be honorably pleased to 
 “ take it into yo' noble and grave consideration, that the election is free, and concerns the whole 
 “ body of our corporation. All w"'', with o' humble duty and service presented to yo' h, wee 
 “ humbly take o' leave, resting 
 
 “ Yo' If* sv^' ev' to be cons'''^, 
 
 “ ROBERT NORGATE ) 
 
 “ ANTHONY SPECK > 
 
 “ Y'armouth, the 14th 
 “ of December, 1639.” 
 
 Before the election took place, the Earl of Dorset sent the following reminder 
 to the bailiffs,— 
 
 “ After my very harty commendations, &c. Vpon his Ma** first declaration of a parliament, I 
 “ recommended vnto you, for one of yo' burgesses, a countryman of yours. S' John Suckling, a 
 “ gentleman that I know, so well deserving and every way so able and fitt to doe you service, as 
 “ I cannot but once more renew my former request unto you in his behalfe, who, I am confident, 
 “ you will so w'cll approve of as I shall have no cause to doubt your election of him, for wliich I 
 “ shall have a great obligation to you, and so I bidd you very heartily farewell, and shall remayne 
 
 “ Yo' assured loving friend to serve you, 
 
 “E. DORSET. 
 
 “ Court at Whitehall, 
 
 “ 27th off February, 1639. 
 
 “ To the right wop" & my very loveing 
 “ friends, the bailiffs, burgesses, and 
 “ commonalty of the towne of Great 
 “ Yannouth.” 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 207 
 
 The corporate body were, however, resolute and independent. They persisted 
 in returning their former representatives,—Miles Corbet and Edward Owner,— 
 who sat for the borough throughout the whole of the Long Parliament, which 
 ended with the death of the King and the subversion of the monarchy.'^ The 
 following letter of excuse was sent to the Earl of Northumberland :— 
 
 “ Riglit honorable, 
 
 “ Our bounden duty and service in all bumble manner presented. May it please your honor 
 “ to be informed, that upon Tbui'sday, being the 19th of this instant March, by virtue of a war- 
 “ rant unto us from the high sherefe of this county directed, according to our anciente customc 
 “ wee called an assembly, and p'ceeded to an election of burgesses for our tovvne, to attend at the 
 “ next ensuing parUam'. According to our duty and promise wee did not only, upon y honor’s 
 “noble letters of recommendation, propound and nominate that worthy gentlemen. S' Henry 
 “ Martyn, for one of our burgesses, and cause y' honor’s letters on his behalfe, to he openly read 
 “ before the assembly, hut likewise furthered, what woe could, the meanes of his election. How 
 “ beit, the greater i)“te of the electors thought it more convenient to have two of our owne 
 “ members, resident and dwelling amongst us, to be burgesses of our towne, and accordingly 
 “ made their choice of such, who have alsoe beene heretofore burgesses for o' towne at former 
 parliaments. Wlierefore, being vciy sorry that wee could not gratify y' honor’s noble request 
 “ as wee desired, humbly craveing y' li» favorable acceptance of o' good intentions, wee humbly 
 “ take our leaves, w'*" desire ever to rest. 
 
 “ Yarmouth, the 
 
 “ 23rd of March, 1639.” 
 
 “ Y' honor’s most humble servants. 
 
 “ ROBERT NORGATE1 
 “ AXTHONY SPECK / 
 
 Bailiffs. 
 
 That nothing might be wanting in courtesy, this letter was thus ceremoni¬ 
 ously addressed,— 
 
 “ To the Right Honorable Algernon, Lord Percy, Earle of Northumberland, Lord High 
 “ Admirall of England, and one of His Mat* most honorable Privy Councill, these 
 “ present.” 
 
 Sir John Corbet and Miles Corbet were both named as commissioners 
 for the trial of the King. Sir John sat for one day only, and then sent an ex¬ 
 cuse for his non-attendance,—which was delivered by Col. Harvey to the other 
 commissioners. Miles Corbet, however, was more determined. lie concurred 
 
 * In 1611, the corporation voted £30 to Miles Corbet, “ for his attendance in parliament, and 
 towards his charges, as the parliament was likely to continue a long time.” 
 
 2l) 2 
 
208 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 in the sentence passed on the unfortunate monarch, and was the last of the 
 King’s judges who signed the fatal warrant for his execution. At this period, 
 of the five hundred members who composed the Long Parliament at its com¬ 
 mencement, scarcely one hundred remained who took part in its sittings and 
 acts.* 
 
 In 1651, “in regard to the great want which the town had of a burgess 
 in parliament,” Miles Corbet being then in Ireland, the corporation petitioned 
 parliament “ for a writ for choosing a burgess for the town, to attend parlia¬ 
 ment,” hut without success. 
 
 In April, 1653, Cromwell dissolved this remnant of a parliament, and, on 
 the 6th of June, he, of his sole authority, summoned a parliament by letters, 
 addressed personally to 139 persons. This was called the Little Parliament: in 
 which there were no representatives for cities and boroughs, except London.f 
 
 * Roger Coke, in his Detection of the Court and State of England, toI ii., pp. 52, 53, details 
 the troubles of his father, Henry Coke, a royalist, who was a member of the Long Parliament for 
 Hunwich. “ My father,” he says, “ was a member of the Long Pai-liament, and one of the first 
 “ to be expelled the house, sequestered and imprisoned for malignancy, first at Yarmouth, and 
 “ afterwards at London. Whilst he was a prisoner there, the Committee at Haberdasher’s hall 
 “ sent a message to him to pay £300, for the tVi^enty-fifth part of his estate, for being resident in 
 “ London. My father was not forward to return an answer, till the messenger told him he must 
 “ have an answer; then my father told him that, such residence as he had in London, he wished 
 “ to those who had sent him.” “ My father would never own the parliament’s power by petition- 
 “ ing them oi' paying any taxes assessed by them ; yet, by the sollicitations of my mother, he was 
 “ discharged of his sequestration and imprisonment.” He further says, that when, in 1656, there 
 was a report that the royalists would attempt a landing, he went to London and bought some arms 
 and arranged to have them brought to his father’s house in the country; hut his proceedings were 
 observed; for he says,—“Upon Monday, about midnight, my father’s house was broke into 
 “ by a party of horsemen sent from Yarmouth, and the cellers and all suspected places were 
 “ searched for arms, but none found, except the swords of me and my brother, which hung up in 
 “ the hall, which they carried away, as well as ray father and brother. My father was old, very 
 “ fat, and unwieldy; my brother young (about nineteen years old), raw, and of little experience 
 “ in martial or any other affairs; but whither they were carried we could not tell. The next 
 “ day news came from my father for drink and dyet; for he said this devil could be cast out by 
 “ no other way than by fasting, and, therefore, would neither pay for any meat or drink which 
 “ was sold there, nor give the soldiers one penny who guarded him The next day I went to Yar- 
 “ mouth, where I found my father and brother at variance, for they were not at good terms one 
 “ with another; and the soldiers guarding them. Then I complained that my brother should 
 “ be hurried into prison upon the story of a rogue, whose mother was hanged for a witch. This, 
 “ my father said, was too late now, for my brother had confessed all to the governor. It seems 
 “ they had put burning matches between his fingers to do it. Next day, the soldiers carried my 
 “ brother for London. I went part of the way with him. About two days after, my father re- 
 “ turned to his house in Sir Nicholas Bacon’s coach; for after my brother was gone, the Governor 
 “ ordered my father to be released, who,, to get out of town, not staying for his own coach 
 “ and horses, took one of the carts (peculiar to the town of Yarmouth, which have two wheels 
 “ behind, and over them a place to carry goods from shipboard to the merchants’ warehouses), 
 “ and in it went to Sh’ Nicholas Bacon’s.” 
 
 f Norfolk sent five members to this parliament. There names were,—Robert Jermy, Esq., of 
 Bayfield; Tobias Frere, Esq., of Rendenhall; Ralph Wolmer, Esq., Henry King, Esq., of 
 Norwich; ajid William Bui-toii, Esq., of Yaimiouth. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 209 
 
 This parliament met: but it was soon evident that they had more of private 
 honesty than of political knowledge ; and that, notwithstanding the uprightness 
 of their intentions, the probity of their character, and the earnestness of their 
 piety, they were unable to comprehend the high mission to which the will of 
 Cromwell had called them. On the 12th of December, 1653, they resigned their 
 power into the hands of the Protector ; such members as remained in the house 
 being forcibly compelled to leave their places by Col. Goffe and Major White. 
 
 In the following year, Cromwell was induced to summons another parlia¬ 
 ment, in pursuance of the 7th article of the Protectorate constitution ; and did 
 so by the former method, of addressing writs to the sheriffs of counties.* The 
 bailiffs received a jirecej^t from John Earle, Esq., then high sheriff of Norfolk, 
 commanding them to proclaim, on the next market day, the election of two 
 burgesses to serve in a j^arliament, to be holden on the 3rd day of September 
 then next; but as the practice had been for the corporation alone to vote at 
 elections, it was resolved, in assembly, not to proclaim the election,—to which 
 course there were but three dissentients ; one of whom, Mr. Benjamin Sayer, 
 “ having, in contempt of the assembly, and contrary to their will, in a violent 
 “manner pulled open the hall-door and let in divers persons,” wms dismissed 
 from the corporate body,—and Mr. Francis Spendlove was elected in his place; 
 and, on the following day, (6th of July,) “ at nine before noon,” Col. William 
 Goffe, one of the regicides, and Mr. Tliomas Dunne, were elected burgesses 
 to parliament by three aldermen and twenty-six common-councilmen : and, 
 at the same assembly, an indenture, according to the form prescribed by the 
 Lord Protector and his Council, and which set forth that the persons elected 
 should “ not have power to alter the government as it was then settled in one 
 single person and a parliament,” was delivered to Mr. Bailiff Preston, to be 
 returned to the sheriff. 
 
 On this occasion, the rights of the freemen at large, w'ere asserted by the 
 other bailiff, Mr. Nathaniel Ashby, who refused to sign the return; but, as was 
 
 • In this and the following parliament, Norfolk sent ten members ; hut Thetford and Castle 
 Rising (which even, at that time, were nomination boroughs) were excluded. The leading men 
 of the county appear to have been returned,—as Sir John Hobart, liart., of Blickling; Sir Wm. 
 H'Oyley, Knt., of Shottisham ; Sir Ralph Ilare, Bart., of Stow Bardolph ; Philip Wodehouse, 
 Esq., of Kimberley; Philip Bcdingfield, Esq., of Hitchingham ; Tobias Fi-ere, Esq., of Reden- 
 hall, &c. Major-General Phillip Skippon was returned to tlii.s parliament for Lynn. lie possessed 
 a considerable estate at Eoulsham, and bore gu. five amulets or. 
 
210 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 alleged against him, “ did, contrary to his trust and the ancient customs of the 
 “ town, leave his said partner, and join himself to the generality of the freemen 
 “ and householders of the town, and attempted to elect two burgesses to serve 
 “ in parliament for the town, which he and his complices did accordingly, Avhen 
 “ Mr. Preston, according to the ancient customs of the towne, tyme out of mind 
 “ did leave to the common-council.” A double return having then been made, 
 the case came before a parliamentary committee of privileges, who found that 
 the right of election was in the bailiffs, aldermen, burgesses, and commonalty; 
 which commonalty, they were of opinion, was the common-council assembled; 
 and, thereupon, they declared Colonel Goffe and Mr. Dunne to be duly elected. 
 Mr. Ashby was summoned, by the serjeant-at-arms, to attend at the bar of the 
 house,—which he did; when Lenthal, then Speaker, told him that he had 
 “ omitted his duty; ” the return made by him and the free burgesses in 
 general, was taken from the writ, and he was compelled to sign and seal the 
 return made by the other bailiffs. Mr. Bendish was sent to London, to “ make 
 complaint to his Highness, the Lord Protector ; and these proceedings cost the 
 town about £80. Not content with this triumph, the corporation proceeded, 
 in consideration of his “ perfidious misdemeanours,” to dismiss Mr. Ashby 
 “ from his alderman’s place in the town, not thinking him worthy any further 
 “trust therein but in this they went beyond their power, for Mr. Ashby 
 obtained a ^VTit of restitution, which set forth that he had “ behaved and gov¬ 
 erned himself well, quietly, and honestly,” and that he had been removed 
 “ without any just and reasonable cause ;” and which writ required the corpo¬ 
 ration immediately to replace him—which they were compelled to do. Thus 
 we see the judges deciding properly and fearlessly against the wishes of the 
 government of the day; whilst the decision of the committee of privileges was 
 not only against the extension of popular rights, but certainly erroneous, and 
 one which could not be supported,—and it is the more remarkable, as the in- 
 
 r * He was also accused of holding the Borough Court before the usual hour of calling the same, 
 whereby he “ did cleere his brother-in-law, Thomas Gooch, out of the common gaol, where he 
 “ was imprisoned at the suit of diverse men, by causing the actions then commenced against *n^ 
 “ to be non-suited, to the disparagement of the justice which formerly had been, and then ought 
 “ to have been, administered, and thereby defeated the creditors of the said Gooch of their debts, 
 “ so far as in him lay; ” but there probably was little truth in this, or he would not so easily have 
 been reinstated. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 211 
 
 denture of the return to parliament is made between the sheriff of Norfolk 
 and the bailiffs, burgesses, and inhabitants of Great Y'armouth ; and it might, 
 therefore, be contended that the right of voting was not intended to be restricted 
 to the freemen and burgesses, but might be exercised without admission, enrol¬ 
 ment, and swearing. 
 
 Colonel Goffe and Mr. Dunne were, however, by this decision, firmly 
 seated; and the Colonel was publicly thanked by the corporation, for not 
 having joined the adverse party. It is probable that General Desborough had 
 something to do w'ith bringing about this result, as, at the same assembly, a 
 congratulatory address was voted to him. Nevertheless, Goffe and Dunne w^ere 
 among the Norfolk members who hesitated to subscribe to Cromwell’s authority; 
 and when this parliament offered him the title of King, Colonel Goffe was one 
 of those Avho waited upon Cromwell, and entreated him not to accept it. 
 Desborough and Fleetwood were also much averse to it. 
 
 As this parliament persisted in discussing questions of constitutional or¬ 
 ganization, instead of confining their deliberations to matters of business, the 
 Protector suddenly brought their debates to a close, by declaring a dissolution 
 on the 22nd of January, 1655. 
 
 Col. Goffe sent an intimation of this event to Y’armouth, and again offered 
 his services; but, for the present, Cromwell had had enough of parliaments, 
 and he would not summon another. The corporation sent Goffe a letter of 
 thanks, with a silver tankard, which cost £10 2s.; and they allowed IMr. Dunne 
 6s. 8f/. per day for every day he had served in parliament, which amounted 
 to £50. 
 
 Cromwell being now constrained to raise the requisite revenue without a 
 parliament, hit upon the expedient of dividing the country into twelve districts, 
 each to be presided over by a major-general, whose duty it was to search out 
 “ delinquents,” who were to be deprived of a tenth part of their incomes for 
 the service of the State. Col. Goffe, the late member for Yarmouth, was ajj- 
 pointed to one of these commands. 
 
 In 1656, Cromwell again attempted to consolidate his power, by means of 
 a parliament. The writs were issued on the 10th of July, appointing the 
 elections to take place in August, and fixed the opening of parliament for the 
 16th of September following. Great exertions were made at these elections, 
 
212 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 botli br tbe friends and enemies of Cromwell, to secure a majoritj’; and when 
 they were over, Goffe wrote to Thurloe, “ 1 hope it may be said, though they 
 be not so good as we could have wished them, yet they are not so bad as our 
 “ enemies would have had them.”^ He did not again return to Y'armouth, but 
 was elected for the county of Hants ; f and William Burton, of Y'armouth, 
 (who had parried a daughter of General Desborough,)^ and Charles George 
 Cock (who had succeeded Miles Corbet in the recordership,) were returned for 
 Y’armouth. 
 
 In 1658, Fleetwood, Desborough, and Goffe were on a committee of five 
 officers and four civilians, appointed by Cromwell to report upon what should 
 be done in the nest parliament, to defend the government against the attacks 
 both of cavaliers and of old republicans. They decided that it was immaterial 
 whether the succession were by election or by inheritance ; but deemed it desir¬ 
 able that the chief magistmte should always name his successor. 
 
 On the death of Cromwell, “ the Lord Richard” was proclaimed ; and, on 
 the 5th of January, 1659, Burton and Cock were re-elected; and a committee 
 appointed to draw up instmctions for their guidance in parliament. It was 
 soon apparent that Richard, amid contending factions, could not maintain his 
 authority; and, early in 1660, a “healing parliament” was called. The pre¬ 
 cept for this election was received on Monday, the 9th of April; and, on the 
 following Thursday, the corporation in assembly elected Sir John Palgrave, of 
 Xorwood Bemingham, Bart.,§ and, again. Miles Corbet. The choice of the 
 
 * General Jolin Desborow and Major-General Phillip Skippen were returned to this parlia¬ 
 ment for King’s Lynn. 
 
 t At the restoration Goffe escaped to America, and some curious particulars respecting him 
 may he found in Jaxsox’s Strangers in America. 
 
 i Burton had, in the previous year, received a commission from the Lord Protector to raise and 
 train 300 men; which force he commanded with the rank of major. 
 
 § He was of an old Norfolk family, deriving their name from the town of Palgrave. Their 
 pedigree is preserved in Caius College Library. He was created a baronet by Charles I., 24th of 
 June, 1641. By Elizabeth his wife, a daughter of John Jermy, Esq., Gunton, Norfolk, he 
 left a son. Sir Augustine, who was succeeded by his son Sir Richard, who dying without issue 
 in 1733, the baronetcy became extinct. Ersula, daughter of Sir John Palgrave, first baronet, 
 married Samuel Smith, of Colkirk, and had four daughters, (one of whom, Catherine, married 
 Thomas Bendish, Esq.,) who ultimately became co-heirs to Sir Richard Palgrave, the last 
 haronet. The manor house is now occupied by a farmer, and the estate has passed by sale to the 
 ■Windhams, Arms,— Az. a lion rampant, quadrant ar. Other's of this family changed the lion 
 for a leopard spotted sa. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 213 
 
 latter was very extraordinary, at a time when the return of the King was all 
 hut certain ; and Corbet was making preparations to fly for his life. The 
 bailiffs were ordered, by the corporation, not to sign or seal any other inden¬ 
 ture which might be tendered to them ; for it appears that the freemen at large, 
 had again asserted their right of voting at elections, and had chosen Sir John 
 Potts, Knt. and Bart., of Mannington, in Norfolk, (who had represented the 
 county in 1640,) and Sir William D’Oyley, of Shottisham. A petition was 
 presented against the return made by the bailifls ; and Mr. BailiflT Emperor 
 and ilr. Bends, the to^vn clerk, were sent to London, to defend what were 
 considered the privileges of the corporation, but with a very different result 
 from that obtained on the former occasion ; for the house of commons found 
 the right of voting to be in the freemen at large, and that Sir John Pottsand 
 Sir AVilliam D’Oyleyf were duly elected : and thus this important extension 
 of the franchise was at last established, by the party which had been the most 
 opposed to popular rights. The new members were both royalists, and no doubt 
 voted for the unconditional return of the King; which was carried, although 
 the Presbyterian interest predominated in the Convention parliament. 
 
 Sir Wdliam D’Oyley was again returned in 1661, with Sir AVm. Coventry, 
 secretarj" to the admiralty.^ 
 
 * He was of an ancient family, which claimed to be of French extraction. John Pot had a 
 grant of English arms in 1-58.3. His descendants increased their estate at Mannington by mar¬ 
 riage with the heirs of the Lnmner and Dodge families. Sir John Potts was knight>.-d by 
 Charles I., and was, in 1641, advanced to the dignity of baronet; having in the previous year 
 been returned to parliament as one of the knights of the shire for Norfolk. He was one of the 
 secluded members;—and one of that number who brought in Charles II. He bore ore., two bars 
 over all a bend or. The haU at Mannington, erected by the Lumners, was of considerable anti¬ 
 quit v, built castle-way, according to a licence obtained fro.n the king, and was defended by several 
 small guns. This baronetcy became extinct, and the estates passed to the Walpole family. 
 
 + He was descended from a family of great antiquity both in England and in France, branches 
 of which were long seated in Xorfolk and Suffolk. He was a zealous loyalist, and took an active 
 p.irt in the Convention Parliament for the king's restoration, in reward for which he was created 
 a barouet in 1663. In 166-5, he was appointed a commissioner of sick and wounded seamen and of 
 prisoners of war. He married Margaret, daughter of John Handall, Esq., of Pulliam, and 
 (lied in the year 1677. He bore giUes three bucks’ heads, cabossed argent, with the motto— 
 Do no pUc, quotl) D’Cilic. 
 
 j He was the fourth and youngest son of Thomas, first Lord Coventry (the Lord Keeper.) He 
 entered at Queen’s College, Oxford, in 1642, and on hi> return from liis travels was made Secre¬ 
 tary to the Duke of York. In 1662, he was appointe d a commissioner of the Admiralty; in 1665 
 he was knighted, and sworn a Privy Councillor. Pepys, writing in 1665, says,—“ To the Duke 
 “ of Albemarle’s, where he showed me Mr. Coventry’s letters how three Dutch privatet rs arc 
 “ taken. It appears they were captured by the liiamond of 46 guns, and the Yarniouth of 52 
 “ guns.’’ In 1667, he was appointed a conmiissioncr of the Treasury, but, being torbidden the 
 court on account of his having sent a challenge to the Duke of Buckingham, he retin-d into the 
 country, nor could he subsequently be prcvaalcd on to accept of any employment. Burnet calls 
 him the be.st speaker in the House of Commons, and a man of great notions and of eminent vir¬ 
 tues. He (lied in 1686, aged sixty. There is an engraved portrait of him. 
 
214 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 On the death of Sir William D’Oyley, in 1677, Sir Thomas Meadowe, 
 Knt., an alderman of Yarmouth, was returned; and, at the general election 
 in 1679, Sir W. Coventry was again returned, with Richard Huntingdon, Esq., 
 an alderman It appears by the assembly books, that the corporation “ laid 
 out ” £40 “ about the election of Sir W. Coventry.” 
 
 In 1679, Mr. Huntingdon was again returned, having for his colleague, 
 George England, Esq., an alderman of Yarmouth, who afterwards represented 
 the town in eight successive parliaments. 
 
 In 1681, England was returned with Sir James Johnson, Knt., alderman of 
 Yarmouth. The latter, on his election, made a pithy address, in which he said, 
 “ Besides the honour of your service, it seems there is profit also ; such good 
 “ masters are you to provide wages for those you are pleased to employ ; but 
 “ of them I do hereby acquit you.”-'" 
 
 In the new charter, granted in 1684, a clause was introduced, which ex¬ 
 pressly provided, that the mayor aldermen and burgesses in common-council 
 assembled, should have the power of electing representatives in parliament. 
 At an assembly held on the 24th of March, 1686, the corporation en¬ 
 deavoured to exercise this power. The mayor (Geoi'ge Ward, Esq.,) produced 
 the precept from Sir Francis Guybon, high sheriff of Norfolk, and the corpora¬ 
 tion immediately proceeded to elect Sir William Cookef and Sir Thomas Friend. 
 This election was set aside ; and George England, Esq., and Richard Hunting¬ 
 don, Esq., who were elected by the freemen at large, served in this parliament; 
 and the right of the freemen to vote was ever afterwards acquiesced in by the 
 corporation. 
 
 In 1687, the mayor (Samuel Fenn, Esq.,) presented an address to his 
 IMajesty, on the subject of the King’s declaration ; when his Majesty, in thank¬ 
 ing the corporation for the same, craftily advised them, when he called a 
 parliament, to elect “ such members as should concur with him in taking off 
 the penal laws and tests.” 
 
 * In 1665, the sum of £25 (“ in gold ”) was given to Sir W. D’Oyley, and the like sum to Sir 
 W. Coventry. 
 
 t He was the son of William Cooke, of Brome, by Mary, daughter of Thomas Astley. Esq., of 
 ]\lclton Constable. He was created a baronet in 1663, and represented the county in 1688, 1600, 
 and 1698. By Jane, his wife, daughter and coheir of William Steward, Esq., of Barton Mills, he 
 had seven daughters. He died in 1708, having previously sold the lordship of Brome to John 
 Fowle, Esq. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 215 
 
 In the following year, when Sir John Friend again solicited their support, 
 the corporation told him that “ the choice being in the freemen, they could not 
 inform themselves of their intentions, they being so numerous.” England and 
 Huntington were again elected, without opposition. 
 
 In the same year, Mr. George England and Mr. Samuel Fuller, an aider- 
 man of Yarmouth, were sent to the Convention Parliament. They were 
 re-elected in 1690 and 1693. In 1698, George England was returned with 
 John Nicholson. 
 
 Mr. England and Mr. Fuller were again returned in 1700 ; and, in the 
 following year, John Nicholson was returned with John Burton, Esq., who was 
 the son of William Burton, one of the representatives in Cromwell’s time. At 
 the accession of Queen Anne, Benjamin England, an alderman of Yarmouth, 
 was returned, with John Nicholson. They were both re-elected in 1705, 
 and again in 1707. The Townshend family were, at this period, acquiring 
 great importance in the State ; which they were desirous of supporting and 
 increasing by the only effectual means,—an influence in the house of commons. 
 At the general election which took place in 1708, they turned their attention to 
 Yarmouth ; and Colonel, the Hon. Roger Townshend,--' second son of Horatio, 
 first Viscount Townshend, was elected in conjunction with Richard Ferrier, 
 Esq., an alderman of Yarmouth. Col. Townshend died in the following year; 
 and his place was supplied by Mr. George England. 
 
 At the general elections in 1710 and 1713, Mr. Ferrier and Mr. England 
 were again both returned, f 
 
 On the accession of George I., the Hon. Horatio Townshend,j; younger 
 brother of the late member was returned instead of Mr. Ferrier; and Mr. 
 England was also elected for the last time ; and after this period, the England 
 family, which had played so distinguished a part in local politics for nearly half 
 
 * He had represented the eonntv, in 1700, with Sir Jacob Astlcy; and in 1701, 170-5, and 1707 
 with Sir John Holland, of Quiddenham. 
 
 t December 26th, 1710, the chamberlains were ordered “ to pay the charges of the booths of 
 the several canilidates at the late election of burgesses.” 
 
 I He, at another time, sat for Heytesbury. He was a Commissioner of Excise, and died in 
 17ol, leaving an only daughter, who married the Earl of Exeter. 
 
 2C 2 
 
216 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 a century, was licavd of no more. On the contrary, the Townshend influence 
 in the borough (although frequently disputed and occasionally infringed,) con¬ 
 tinued dominant for upwards of a centur}^ 
 
 In 1722, the Hon. Charles Townshend, eldest son of Charles, second 
 Viscount Townshend, was returned with Horatio Walpole, Esq., of Wolterton, 
 (next brother of Sir Eobert Walpole,) who was created Baron Walpole, of 
 VTolterton, in the year 1756. This is the first oecasion upon which the Walpole 
 family acquired that influence in the borough of Yarmouth, which they subse¬ 
 quently maintained for many years. In 1723, Mr. Townshend was, vita 
 2 )atris, advaneed to the dignity of Baron Lynn of King’s Lynn; and was 
 appointed one of the lords of the King’s bedchamber."^' He was succeeded in 
 the representation by his brother, the Hon. Wm. Townshend, of Honingham. j' 
 At the general election in 1728, Mr. Townshend and Mr. Walpole were 
 both re-elected; and Mr. AValpole was again returned in 1730, after having 
 accepted the office of cofferer to his Majesty’s household. 
 
 In 1732, the mayor informed the corporation that he had received an 
 intimation from Sir Charles Turner,^ that, at the next general election, it was 
 intended to return Mr. AValpole for the city of Norwich; and that Sir Bobert 
 AValpole had “ kindly proposed his son, the Hon. Edward AValpole, to stand 
 as a candidate at the next election.” The corporation unanimously approved 
 of this, and thanked the minister “ for the extraordinary favor he intended the 
 corporation;” and, “as a testimony of their esteem for Sir Robert and his 
 family,” they presented their new candidate with the freedom of the borough, 
 in a silver box. Accordingly, at tlie general election in 1734, the minister’s 
 son was returned, Avith the Hon. AVilliam Townshend.§ The latter died in 
 
 * In 1730, he was appointed Loi-d Lieutenant of Norfolk; and, in 1738, he succeeded to the 
 family honors, and died in 1761. There is a portrait of him at Rainham, which has been engraved. 
 
 i’ He was aide-de-camp to the king, groom of the hedchamhor to Frederick Prince of Wales, 
 and usher of the Exchociuer He died in 1738. 
 
 1 He married a sister of Sir Robert AValpole, and then represented the borough of Lynn with 
 his distinguished brother-in-law. 
 
 § The borough election appeal's to have passed off quietly, but not so that for the county; and 
 a remarkable trial was the result. It seems that Mr. Coke, of Holkham, and Mr. Mordauntcame 
 to Yarmouth to canvass the electors in opposition to Sir Edmund Bacon ana Mr. William AVodc- 
 hou.se, the court candidates. A riot ensued, in which John Darby, “ a seller of fish,” took an 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 217 
 
 1737, and was succeeded in the representation by his brother, the Hon. lloger 
 Townshend,'^' fourth son of Charles, second Viscount Townshend. 
 
 At the general election in 1741, an attempt was made to disturb the influ¬ 
 ence of the Townshend and Walpole families. Mr. Hewling Luson, of Gunton 
 IIall,f and Mr. Richard Fuller, of Yarmouth, were put forward as candidates ; 
 
 active part. As Lord Hobart’s carriage was passing in procession “ by Mr. Fuller’s door,” Darby 
 threw a stone wliicli broke the side glass and entered the coach. For this offence he was ap¬ 
 prehended and taken before the mayor (William Browne, Esq.), and Samuel Artis, Esq., (one 
 of the justices), who ordered his head and hands to bo placed in the stocks, and in this position he 
 was severely whipped by the keeper of the Bridewell; after which he was kept six days in Bride¬ 
 well, lying upon a lock of straw, with irons bars only to the window of his cell, in cold and frosty 
 weather. Darby, at the instigation of his political friends, brought an action against the commit¬ 
 ting magistrates and against Peter Marster, the keeper of the Bridewell, “ for an assault, batteiy, 
 “whipping, and false imprisonment.” The trial took place at the assizes at Norwich, before 
 Lord Chief Justice Hardwicke, at which Darby proved that Mr. Artis “ took hold of him and 
 “ got him to the stocks that the mother, a poor woman living in one of the almshouses near 
 Pudding Gate, kneeled down to the mayor and begged him not to whip her son; but the mayor 
 answered, “ Begone ! we know you ; you live in a town-house; besides your son has no friend to 
 “ speak for him, and he shall be whipt for an example to others;” and Mr. Artis said, “ Whip 
 “ him, a dog! whip him I” and that after he was whipt, the mayor made him kneel down and 
 ask pardon. In their defence, the magistrates proved that the plaintiff was placed in the stocks 
 “ in the usual manner of fastening persons to receive correction.” Darby obtained a verdict with 
 £1-5 damages. It was with reference to Lord Ilardwicke’s conduct at this trial that the celebrated 
 Sarah, Duchess of Marlborough, wrote thus to Lord Marchmont, warmly eulogising the learned 
 judge’s independence and impartiality. “ I had an account lately which I will write because I 
 “ do not think it is printed, that my Lord Chief Justice Hardwicke had got great credit on his 
 “ circuit in Norwich. There was a Yai-mouth man, in the interest of Sir Edmund Bacon, who, 
 “ upon pretence of a riot at the entrance of the courtiers, the mayor ordered to be ndiipped. This 
 “ man brought his action, and my Lord Hardwicke said it was very illegal and arbitrary, and 
 “ directed the jury to find for him, which they did, and gave damages, though the foreman of the 
 “jury had maiTicd a daughter of Sir Charles Turner, who I take to be a near relation of Sir 
 Tlobcrt Walpole. I do not think this made the poor man amends who was whipped wrongfully ; 
 “ for I would have had those that occasioned the whipping, doubly whipped themselves. But I 
 “ suppose the judge could go no further; and I liked it because my Lord Hardwicke is a great 
 “ man.” 
 
 * He, at another time, sat for the borough of Eye. He had been captain of a troop of hoi'se in 
 General Wade’s regiment, aide-de-camp to the king, governor of the forts and batteries at 
 Yarmouth, and receiver general and cashier of his ^Majesty's customs. He died in 1760, unmar¬ 
 ried. From the numbcidess appointments hold by the Townshend family (to say nothing of 
 those procured for their friends and political supportcr.s), during the eighteenth centurv, they 
 might well take for then- motto,— H<ec yeneri incrcmenla Jides. There is a portrait of him at 
 Ilaiuham. 
 
 t His mother, Elizabeth Howling, was a daughter of Benjamin Howling, an eminent Turkey 
 merchant in London, who married a daughter of William Kiffin, a celebrated Baptist minister. 
 Another of Kiffin’s daughters married Joseph Hayes, a banker in London, who was tried for his 
 life in 1681, for sending money to Sir Thomas Armstrong, an outlaw. Hannah Hewling (another 
 daughter of Benjamin Hewling) married Major Henry Cromwell, son of Henry Cromwell, some¬ 
 time high steward of A’armouth, the second son of the Protector. Benjamin and William Howling, 
 the two sons of the above-named Benjamin Hewling, were publicly executed in 1685,—the one at 
 'faunton, and the other at Lyme, for having participated in the rebclhon under the Duke of 
 Monmouth ; and were commiserated on account of their youth and amiable qualities. 'Their 
 sisters,—Mrs. Luson and Mrs. Hayes,—presented a petition to King James on behalf of their 
 
218 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 but these “ intruders,” as they were termed by the other party, were beaten by 
 a large majority; and the Hon. Edward Walpole and the Hon. Roger Towns- 
 hend were again returned. The numbers who voted at this election were 499, 
 thus apportioned,— 
 
 ToWSfSHEXD 
 
 Walpole . 
 Luson . 
 Fuller 
 
 400 votes 
 391 „ 
 
 104 „ 
 
 97 „ 
 
 Up to this period, the practice of paying members had continued. In 1701, 
 Nicholson and Burton had £15 each given to them for “ their good services ; ” 
 and the same sums were presented in the following year, to Nicholson and 
 England. In 1710, a like sum was voted to Mr. Ferrier, “ to buy wine, as a 
 token of respect for his services and the same sum was paid to the executors 
 of Col. Townshend. In 1723, the sum of £15 each was voted to Mr. Towns- 
 hend and to Mr. Walpole, “ to buy them wine with, as a token of their good 
 services done to the corporation;” and this sum appears to have been annually 
 paid to each of the sitting members until 1741, Avhen the corporation, having 
 taken their income and expenditure into consideration, with a view to the 
 reduction of the latter, made an order that all such payments should be dis¬ 
 continued, “ till called for by the burgesses ; ” which seems to imply that the 
 members had a right to demand wages. 
 
 unhappy brothel's ; hut the monarch was inexorable. Mr. Hewling Luson was a rigid Inde¬ 
 pendent ; and he and his brother, Robert Luson, who resided in a house on the South Quay, 
 (now in the occupation of Rear-Admiral Sir Eaton Travers, K.H ,) were on terms of intimate 
 friendship with Mrs. Bridget Bendish, (the eccentric grand-daughter of Oliver Cromwell) who 
 then lived in Southtown. She gave to Mr. Robert Luson some costly dresses, which had once 
 appeared at the court of the Protector. This lady was celebrated for her wit and beauty. After 
 surviving her husband for many years, she died in 1726, at the extraordinary age of 116 years. 
 During the last fifty years of her life she resided in London iu strict retirement; occasionally 
 amusing herself with the inspection of her curious wardrobe. Some of these dresses formed part 
 of a collection of court costumes, which was exhibited in London in 1834. Mr. Hewling Luson 
 resided upon his estate at Gunton, where, in 1756, he discovered some fine clay, equal in qualitj' 
 with that from which the celebrated Delft ware is manufactured. He attempted to turn this to 
 profitable account by the establishment of a china manufactory; and although some excellent 
 specimens were produced, (some of which are still in existence,) the undertaking was not prose¬ 
 cuted. He was also engaged in the herring fishery at Lowestoft. He died in 1779. The name 
 is now extinct in Yarmouth. Robert Luson left three daughters, the eldest of whom, Maria, 
 married George Nicholls, Esq., of Connington, in Cambridgeshire ; another, Hephzibah, married 
 Nathaniel Rix, Esq., of Blundcston; and the third, Elizabeth, man'ied Cammant Money, Esq., 
 of Somerleyton. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH, 
 
 219 
 
 In 1747, the lion. Edward Walpole, (described as of Frogmore, Berks,) 
 was again returned ; having for his colleague, the Hon. Charles Townshend, 
 of Addershury, in Oxfordshire, (second son of Charles, third Viscount Towns¬ 
 hend,) distinguished alike for the brilliancy of his wit and his readiness in 
 debate. He became a lord of the admiralty, secretary at war, and president 
 of the board of trade, and would probably have attained to still greater honors 
 in the State, had his life been spared.'^' His political influence exposed him, 
 peculiarly, to the solicitations of his constituents, and his reply to one of them 
 is given in a note.f 
 
 At the general election in 1754, the Right Hon. Charles Townshend was 
 again returned, with his former colleague, then Sir Edward Walpole, K.B., 
 and chief secretary for Ireland.| They were opposed by Mr. Fuller, and by 
 
 * Burke says of him,—“ He was the delight and ornament of the house, and the charm of 
 “ every private society which he honoured with his presence. Perhaps there never arose in this 
 “ country, nor in any country, a man of a more pointed and finished wit; and (where his passions 
 “ were not concerned) of a more refined, exquisite, and 2 )enetrating judgment. If he had not so 
 “ great a stock, as some have had who flourished formerly, of knowledge long treasured up, he 
 “ knew better by far than any man I ever w'as acquainted with, how' to bring together, within a 
 “ short time, all that was necessary to establish, to illu.strate, and to decorate that side of the 
 “ question he supported. He stated his matter skilfully and pow'crfully. He particularly excelled 
 “ in a most luminous explanation and disj)lay of his subject. His style of argument w’as neither 
 “ trite and vulgar, nor subtle and abstruse. He hit the house just between wind and water.” 
 
 t Mr. Townshend thus writes to an importunate voter,— 
 
 ” Berkeley Square, December the 2nd, 17'52. 
 
 “ Sir, —I am sorry to inform you that Mr. Pelham has given me, for a final answ'er to my appli- 
 “ cation in favour of your son, that he has never yet suffered any office in the revenue to be 
 “ exchanged in the manner you desired; that such transactions arc illegal. When you first 
 “ applied to me, I exprest the desire I then had, and now have, of serving you, but I did not 
 “ know enough of the laws of the Treasury to know' that you sollicitedan impossible favour, and, 
 “ therefore, 1 hope that you wiU not wonder cither at my first readiness to serve you, or my jirc- 
 “ sent inability to do it in this particular matter, which Mr. Pelham dared not do because of the 
 “ law's of his office, if he was ever so much inclined to oblige me by a compliance with your request. 
 “ You will alw ays find me your friend, ready to serve your son to the utmost of my power uiion 
 “ any other occasion. 
 
 “ I am, sir, your most obedient and most humble seiw'ant, 
 
 “CHA. TOWXSHEHD.”' 
 
 J As an evidence of the political importance of the Townshend and "Walpole families at this 
 time, it may be mentioned that to the Parliament elected June, IToflyfre Walpoles were returned, 
 viz. ;—Hon. Horace Walpole, Castle Rising; Sir Edw'ard AValpole, Great Yarmouth; the Right 
 Hon. Horatio Walpole, Norwich; Hon. Iloratio Walpole, Jun., Lynn; Thomas Waljiole, 
 Sudbury; and fivv Townshends,—Hon. Charles Townshend, Great Yarmouth; Chaunccy 
 Townshend, Westhury; Hon. George Tow'nshcnd, Norfolk; Hon. Thomas Townshend, Cam¬ 
 bridge University; Thomas Townshend Jun., Whitchurch. 
 
220 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 ]Mr. William Browne, a wealthy brewer in Yarmouth, who, having attained 
 municipal honors, attempted to take a higher flight. The numbers were,— 
 
 The Eight Hox. Chaeles Toweshea’d 
 The Hox. Sir Edward Walrole, K.G. 
 Kichard Fuller, Esq.* 
 
 ■tViLLiAM Browne, Esq. 
 
 541 votes 
 
 518 
 
 397 
 
 342 
 
 In 1756, Mr. Townshend vacated his seat, by accepting the offlee of 
 treasurer of His Majesty’s chamber ; and, at the election which consequently 
 ensued, his cousin, Mr. Charles Townshend, (only son of the Hon. William 
 Townshend, the former member,) who was then secretary of embassy to the 
 King of Spain, tvas elected, after a severe contest with the indomitable Mr. 
 Fuller ; the numbers being,— 
 
 Townshend .... 393 votes 
 
 FULLERf .... 361 ,, 
 
 Mr. Townshend retained his seat for the long period of thirty-three years, 
 during -which period he tvas re-elected eight times, and only relinquished it on 
 being ofi’ered a peerage. 
 
 * The unsuccessful candidates published the poll, in which they printed in black letter the 
 names of those who had promised, as was alleged, to support their cause, and then voted for 
 To\vnshend and Walpole. The preface to the poll-hook is a sad commentary upon elections. The 
 compilers profess themselves as being “not desirous of continuing the heats and resentments 
 “inseparable from such contests,” but that as “the weighty engagements and promises which 
 “ the gentlemen on the one side were enabled to offer to their friends, would doubtless be amply 
 “ fulfilled, it behoved them on the other side to perform what they undertook on then's,” which 
 was invariably to countenance and assist then' supporters “ in their respective trades and pro- 
 “ fessions;” and so make amends, by the only means in their power, “ for the opening advantages 
 “they had forfeited by their honest and disinterested attachment.” Yet Mr. Broume himself 
 could not resist the blandishments of his opponents,—but almost immediately afterwards changed 
 his politics, and obtained the receiver-generalship of the county, -n’hich he transmitted to his son- 
 in-law, Mr. William Fisher. The latter and his sons, the Fishers, became warm supporters of 
 the Townshend family for many years, and retained this lucrative office until its abolition. 
 
 t The following are some of the principal names which appear on the poll of this election for 
 Townshend—Ferrier, Hurry, Ives, Killett, Luson, Kamey, Manning, Moyse, Steward, Palmer, 
 Worship, &c.; and for Fuller—Cotman, Fisher, Love, Symonds, Kamey, Turner, Taylor, &c.—■ 
 Mr. Ramey is said to have been “ the prime promoter and conductor of the opposition” made to 
 the elections of 1754 and 1756. He afterwards received the place of receiver-general of the land- 
 tax; and it was a great grievance to his quondam friends that he .should be considered “ as the 
 “ principal director of the sentiments and political conduct of the town, and that liis recom- 
 “ mendation to places under Government should be solely or chiefly attended to, and he be 
 “ deemed the channel of aU business respecting the interest or ti-ade of the town, and the most 
 “favourable and respected medium of access to the representatives;” and on a subsequent 
 occasion they offered to -withdraw all opposition if, in future, “ all recommendations to places, or 
 other applications respecting the business of the town,” were left to a committee to be agreed 
 upon. Paupers in the workhouse, the inmates of the Fisherman’s Hospital, and Custom-house 
 officers, were permitted to vote at the election above mentioned. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 221 
 
 At the general election after the accession of George III., he was returned 
 (without a contest) with Sir Edward Walpole ; and at the next general election, 
 in 1768, he was returned, also without a contest, having for his colleague the 
 Hon. Richard Walpole,'” third son of Horatio, Lord Walpole, of Wolterton, 
 who had represented the borough in 1722. Sir Edward having resolved upon 
 retiring from parliament,! the corpoi’ation voted an address to him, thanking 
 him for his upright conduct in parliament, and for his constant endeavours 
 to promote the trade and welfare of his constituents, during the many parliaments 
 in which he had repi’esented the borough ; and expressing the sense the 
 corporation had of his constant integrity as one of their members, and of that 
 goodness of heart which he eminently possessed. The corporation regretted 
 to learn (from his letter to Mr. Mayor), that his health would not allow him 
 to other himself as a candidate. 
 
 * There is an engraved portrait of him. He married, in 1757, Margaret, daughter of Sir 
 Joshua Van Eck, Bart., sister of Joshua, first Lord lluntingfield. He died in 1798, and was 
 buried at Freethorpe, in Norfolk; leaving issue Richard, who married, in 1792, Elizabeth, 
 daughter of Sir Benjamin Hammet, Knight, wlio represented the borough of Taunton in parlia¬ 
 ment, being possessed of a full moiety of all the property there. Sir Benjamin had a large 
 estate in Cardiganshire, and was constable of Taunton Castle. His son, John Hammet, Esq., 
 (who married a daughter of Sir Ralph Woodford, Bart., of Carlby, in Somersetshire), also 
 represented Taunton. On the failure of heirs male, the representation of this branch of the 
 Walpole family devolved upon daughters, one of whom (the youngest), Caroline, married the 
 Hon. George Neville ; whilst the eldest, Mary Rachel, married the Rev. Ashton Wade, the issue 
 of which marriage was an only son, Richard Wacle, who married a daughter of Thomas 
 Duncombe, Esq., brother of Charles, Lord Feversham; and who, in 1844, upon the issue male 
 of his grandfather, the member, becoming extinct, obtained the Royal permission to assume the 
 additional name of Walpole. He has recently, with much good ta.ste, restored the church at 
 FT'ecthorpe in an admirable manner. 
 
 t He anno\mced this decision in the following letter addressed to John Hurry, Esq., and 
 dated August 24th, 1767 :— 
 
 “ V^ou have been my staunch and fast friend for many, many years, and I have always valued 
 “you (not particularly for that, hut for your integrity and worthiness) much more than you 
 “ perhaps have believed. 1 do assure } Ovi, there’s not a man in Yarmouth, or, indeed, any wliere 
 “ else, that 1 have at any time had a greater esteem for, or more wish’d to be of use to, if it had 
 “ been in my power. But in my person yo\i all pitch’d upon a man of no consequence, that could 
 “ only act an honest part, but never was of that a’oility in Parliament that the service of such a 
 “ town as Yarmouth requires. 1 now propose to quit it; but shall at all times remember my old 
 “ friends, and be glad to see them. You never come to London now, hut your sons who do, will 
 “ always meet with that reception from me that they have a title to, and will find me just as glad 
 “ to see them, or serve them, if in my power, as ever I was when their vote, interest, and favour 
 “ were of consequence to me. 
 
 “ 1 am your obliged and affectionate humble servant, 
 
 “ED. WALPOLE.’’ 
 
 There is an original drawing of Sir Edward, at Houghton, in crayons, by Rosalba. 
 
 2 D 
 
222 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 In 1770, Mr. Townshend was appointed a lord of the treasury, which 
 vacated his seat, and he was re-elected without opposition. 
 
 At the general election in 1774, he was again returned, with the Hon. 
 Richard Walpole, after a most unexpected contest. On the morning of the 
 election, Henry Gooch, Esq., then deputy mayor, nominated Admiral Sir Chas. 
 Saunders, K.B.,'^ of Gunton Hall, Suffolk, and William Beckford, Esq., (Avho 
 then rented Somerleyton,) without the concurrence of either, and without any 
 previous canvass.f The numbers were,— 
 
 Toavnshend 
 Walpole 
 Beckford . 
 Saunders 
 
 310 votes 
 310 „ 
 
 218 „ 
 
 * He entered the Royal Navy early in life, and Avas distinguished by Lord Anson, Avho got him 
 appointed first lieutenant to his own ship, the Centurion, Avith Avhieh he sailed on the expedition 
 to the South Seas in 1740. He was soon after appointed to the command of the Tryal, and after¬ 
 wards of the Tryal’s prize (both Avhich vessels Avere lost), and, after enduring great hardships, he 
 returned to England Avith despatches in 1743. In 1747, being then in command of the Yarmouth, 
 of 64 guns, he had a great share in Admiral HaAvke’s victory,—tAvo ships, of 74 guns each, striking 
 to him. In 1759, being then Vice-Admiral of the Blu'e, he took out General Wolfe to Quebec ; 
 and in returning, Avith General ToAvnsheud on board, he gallantly (Avithout orders) Avent to the 
 support of Sir EdAvard HaAvke, and on his arrival in England he received the thanks of the 
 House of Commons. In 1761, he Avas made a Knight of the Bath ; and in the folloAA'ing year he 
 purchased the estate at Gunton, near LoAvestoft, of Mr. Howling Luson; and also the small 
 parish of Fishley, in Norfolk, Avhich aftei-Avards became the property of Sir Edmund Lacon. In 
 1766, having for some time previously had a seat at the Board, he was made First Lord of the 
 Admiralty. He died (of gout in the stomack) 7th of December, 1775. He represented sueces- 
 siA’ely Plymouth and Heydon in Parliament,—the latter borough being then under the influence 
 of Lord Anson. Gunton-hall Avas afterwards purchased by the late Thomas FoAvler, Esq., and is 
 noAV the residence of Robert C. FoAvler, Esq. 
 
 t Sir Charles Saunders had been invited to become a candidate, in 1768, in opposition to Mr. 
 Townshend and Mr. Walpole, as appears by the folloAving letter from Mr. Adair to Mr. Gooch:— 
 
 “ London, Jamiary 12th, 1768. 
 
 “ Sir,—B y last post I acquainted you, as I Avas not able to go abroad and Sir Charles Saunders 
 “ confined Avith a severe fit of the goute, that I had desired Admiral Kcppel to lay before him 
 “ your brother’s letter, and he has desired me to say, though nothing could be more flattering to 
 “ him than to be chosen by the free and independent electors of so respectable a borough as Great 
 “ Yarmouth, yet, as he is circumstanced (having secured his election at Heydon), thinks it too 
 “ late to engage in a contested election Avdiere he might probably have the Aveight of ministerial 
 “ influence to encounter ; besides his being a candidate for another (unless it had been previously 
 “ settled) might open a door for opposition at Heydon Avhich Avould be attended Avith great 
 '* expense, and even a risque of his seat in Parliament. At the same time that these considera- 
 “ tions have determined him to decline, he desires those gentlemen Avho made him the offer, may 
 “ be assured that he has the highest sense of the honor they have done him, and .shall alAvays 
 “ Avith gratitude acknoAvledge so distinguished a mark of their faA'our. 
 
 “ I am, Sir, your very humble servant, 
 
 “ WM. ADAIR.” 
 
GREAT YARMOUTEI. 
 
 223 
 
 In 1777, Mr. Tosrashend again vacated his seat, by accepting the office of 
 joint vice-treasurer of Ireland; and his re-election was again opposed, in the 
 name of Mr. Beckford, but he triumphed by a large majority, the numbers 
 being,— 
 
 Townshend . . . 502 votes 
 
 Beckford . . . 199 ,, 
 
 At the general election in 1780, iNIr. Townshend and Mr. Walpole were 
 returned without opposition. 
 
 Notwithstanding this apparent calm, a strong party was being organised 
 in the town, against the government of that day, and against the sitting mem¬ 
 bers as their supporters. The Nonconformists were particularly active ; and 
 Mr. Townshend complains that “ the method which they had adopted, of apply- 
 “ ing, as individuals, to the new ministers, was new, unbecoming, and not likely 
 “ to meet with success.The ministry were, indeed, sorely pressed ; the re¬ 
 solutions of the house of commons, respecting the Middlesex election, (which, 
 thirteen years before, had raised a ferment in the nation,) were rescinded ; and 
 Mr. Pitt’s motion for enquiry into the state of the representation, was only 
 rejected by a majority of ten. A dissolution was expected ; but ministers 
 differed on the point, and it did not take place.f The ministry were, however, 
 tottering to their fall; and on the 2nd of February, 1783, Lord John Cavendish 
 carried a series of resolutions against them, in the house of commons, which 
 
 * Mr. Townshend thus described the accustomed mode of communicating with administration 
 in a letter addressed to John Reynolds, Esq.:—“ The only proper mode of application to Govern- 
 “ ment about matters of general concern to the town, is through the mayor to the members, whose 
 “ duty it is, upon all such occa.sions, to attend the i)roi)cr department of Government, and to 
 “ obtain and return an answer;—how are the ministers otherwise to know what is the general 
 “ wish of the town, or how are they to find time to answer the letters of every individual, or set 
 “ of individuals, who may have a mind to open a correspondence with them ? Continue to follow 
 “ the old established method, and you may depend upon it that others will soon be tired of making, 
 “ and the ministers of answering, any other applications than those which are made in a regular 
 “ way through the ehief magistrate of the town. I will be answerable that they shall be, as they 
 “ always have been, attended to.” 
 
 t ISIr. Townshend, writing to John Reynolds, Esq., says—“ I am much obliged to you for the 
 “ kind expressions at the end of your last letters. 'Whenever the time of a now election comes, 
 ‘‘ I shall rest with full confidence and satisfaction upon that zeal and attachment which 1 have so 
 “long experienced from you and my other friends, and your mayoralty 1 should consider an 
 “auspicious time; but the event you allude to, is not likely, I think, to take place. The 
 “ ministers, 1 believe, differ about it; but far the greater and most powerful part of them, 1 
 “ understand, arc against a dissolution.” 
 
 2 D 2 
 
224 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 led to their resignation,The Duke of Portland was then placed at the head 
 of the Treasury, with Lord North and Mr. Fox as secretaries of State. Mr. 
 Tomrshend followed his old leader,—Lord North,—into power, and was made 
 a Privy Councillor and Treasurer of the Navy. Lie came down to Yarmouth, 
 and was re-elected without opposition; hut the new ministry never possessed 
 the confidence of the nation, and the coalition became a general theme of the 
 most passionate execration. 
 
 On the 17th of December, Mr. Fox’s India bill was rejected by the House 
 of Lords; and, on the following day, a royal message was sent to the Secreta¬ 
 ries of State, demanding their seals of office. In a few days, Mr. Pitt was 
 declared First Lord of the Treasury and Chancellor of the Exchequer. A 
 general election took place in March, 1784, at which the coalitionists were so 
 unpopular, as to be, almost everywhere, thrown out. Lord John Cavendish 
 lost his seat for the city. General Conway for Bury, and Mr. Coke for Norfolk. 
 At Yarmouth, Mr. Walpole declined to face the storm ; but Mr. Townshend 
 Avas disposed to fight for his seat, Avlth Sir John Wodehouse as his colleague. 
 The parties opposed to them Avere Mr. Henry Beaufoy, of Claverley, in Shrop¬ 
 shire,! Avho Avas brought forward by the Hurrys, (then a numerous family of 
 wealth and influence in the toAvn, but now extinct,) Avho Avere politically opposed 
 to the corporation, as they continued to be for many years afterwards ; and 
 Capt. Sir John Jervis, E,.N., K.B., subsequently Earl St. Vincent, Avho then 
 resided at Meaford, in Staffordshire. By the folloAving letter, Avritten by the 
 Earl of Orford, then lord lieutenant of Norfolk and high steAvard of Yarmouth, 
 it Avill be seen that the Walpole influence Avas noAV exerted in opposition to that 
 
 * Not, however, without long debates. Mr, Townshend, Avriting on the 18th of February, 
 says—“ Upon my return from the House of Commons, where I had been from four o’clock on 
 “ Monday to eight this morning, I found your letter, and before I went to bed, I enclosed it in 
 “ one from myself to my i'riend Mr. Pelham, &c.” 
 
 t He was probably recommended to the electors in conseqiionce of his having been a director 
 of the society for extending the British fisheries. In this capacity he made a tour to the north, 
 and the Westeim Isles of Scotland, for the purpose of procuring accurate information; and upon 
 his return, in 1788, he made a speech to the society, embodying his A-icAvs, the substance of Avhich 
 he published. He is knOAvn in the annals of parliament in consequence of having made a motion 
 for the repeal of the Test Act, in Avhich he was supported by Mr. Fox ; but the proper time had 
 not yet come, and he Avas defeated by a majority of eighty-seven. When his friends succeeded 
 to poAver, he obtained the place of secretary to the Board of Control. He died in 1795. There 
 is an engraved portrait of him. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 225 
 
 of the Townshends. This probably decided the election; and Mr. Townshend 
 and Sir John Wodehouse-*’ retired from so unequal a contest, without going 
 to a poll.f 
 
 “ As it may be supposed by many of my friends in Yarmoutli that the joint candidates, Sir 
 “ John Wodchouse and Mr. To^ynshend, have, on Mr. Walpole’s resignation, applied to, and 
 “ obtained from, me a promise of support in their present pursuit,—in order to clear up this 
 “ ijoiut, I take the opportunity of acquainting the friends of the Walpole interest, that neither 
 “ of these gentlemen have paid me the civility of requesting my assistance; wherefore, I shall 
 “ esteem myself much obliged to all such freemen who will favour Sir John Jervis and iSIr. 
 “ Bcaufoy with their votes and interest, being gentlemen of character, and one of them much 
 “ distinguished iir the naval service, and whose political principles are such as must meet with 
 “ the aijprobation of every true friend of the constitution. 
 
 “ ORFORD.” 
 
 Mr. Townsliend did not despair of regaining bis seat, and continued to visit 
 the borough.]; Writing on the 20th of January, 1790, he says, “ Opinion.s 
 
 * He was created a peer, in 1797, by the title of Baron Wodchouse, of Kimberley, and was the 
 great grandfather of the present noble Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Atfairs. This 
 family claim a descent through a long succcs.sion of knights from the time of Henry I., in which 
 reign Sir Constantine Wodchouse married Isabel, heiress of the Botetorts. Sir John AVodchouse. 
 in the reign of Henry IV., married an heiress of the Fastolfe’s, who had a seat at Kimberley, 
 He attended Henry V. into France, and for his services at the battle of Agineourt obtained an 
 augmentation of arms, with leave to bear the word “ Agineourt ’’ as a motto, in addition to the 
 one given him by the king, “ Frappe Forte.” 
 
 t The Hon Henry Hobart, of Blickling, brother to the Earl of Buckinghamshire, having been 
 requested to use his inftvience in support of Sir John .Jervis and Mr. Bcaufoy, he replied : — “ In 
 “ respect to my wishes relative to A’armouth I must be silent, as both Sir .Tohn Wodchouse and 
 “ Mr. Townsliend are very old friends of mine, and interest themselves for my success at Vorwieh. 
 “ Indeed, I have no influence amongst the Yarmouth voters, but in A’armouth arc many freemen 
 “ and freeholders who have votes in that city ; this induces me to intrude upon you during your 
 “ own contest, that if you can interest yourself amongst those voters for Jvorwieh in my favour, 
 “ you will oblige me vciy much indeed, as there I have a sharp contest with Mr. AVindham. 
 “ AA'e both differ in politicks, as you must have heard ; to be sure Lord Buckinghamshire voted 
 “ with the late administration, and natural I should have his good wishes, but that is all on this 
 “ occasion,—am an independent man, wishing to act for the real good of my country, and to attend 
 “ to the wishes of my coiisti’ucnts. Should I be tbc fortunate object of their choice, the dignity 
 “ of the Crown, the support of ministers who regard the chartered rights of the people, the pre- 
 “ servation of our glorious constitution, the liberties and commercial interests of Great Britain in 
 “general, but particularly of Norwich, shall ever be faithfully attended to. Most of your best 
 “ friends at Norwicb are rather with Mr. AA'indham, and very much adverse to me.” At this 
 election Mr. AA’indham was returned for Norwich with Sir Harbord Ilarbord ; the latter was 
 created a peer in 1786, and Mr. Hobart succeeded to his seat, and, with Mr. AA’indham reijresented 
 Norwich in the two succeeding parliaments. 
 
 7 In a letter, dated Honingham, 16th September, 1784, and addressed to John Reynolds, Esq., 
 who had been again chosen mayor, he says; — “ I am extremely glad to find that the opinion of 
 “ my friends at Yarmouth, which Mr. Cliambers brought me, concurs with my wishes, and that I 
 “ can now accept of your obliging invitation to dine with you on Michaelmas day. AV'hatevcr 
 “ were the causes of our late disappointment, the firm attachment of all my principal friends 
 “ docs me so much honor, that I sliall always visit Yarmouth with pleasure, and remember 
 “ their favours with gratitude. You stand among the foremost, and I am haj)]))' that the first 
 “ occasion of my going to Yarmouth, after what has passed, will be to pay my com])liments to you” 
 
226 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 “ still fluctuate with respect to a dissolution; one day it is said to be certain, 
 “ the next, that report is contradicted. To me it appears so hazardous a mea- 
 “ sure, that I cannot yet persuade myself that the present ministers, painful 
 “ and extraordinary as their situation is, will venture upon it.”*^ A dissolution, 
 however, did take place; and, at the general election which ensued in June 
 following, Mr. Townshend was returned by a lax-ge majority. Ihe Walpole 
 family did not attempt to regain their influence, hut Mr. Beaufoy was again 
 returned. There was a third candidate,—John Thomas Sandys, Esq. : and 
 the numbers were,— 
 
 Towxshexd . . . 632 votes 
 
 Beaufoy . . . 455 ,, 
 
 Saxdys .... 182 ,, 
 
 On the death of Mr. Beaufoy, in 1795, Colonel Stephens Howe was re¬ 
 turned, on the recommendation, of Mr. Townshend. He was opposed by 
 George Anson, Esq., afterwards Lieutenal-General Sir George Anson, K.C.B.,f 
 (who died governor of Chelsea hospital) : this is the first occasion on which 
 the Anson family endeavoured to acquire an influence in the borough. The 
 numbers were,— 
 
 Howe ■ . . .483 votes 
 
 Axson .... 347 ,, 
 
 Parliament was dissolved on the 19th of May, 1796 ; and Mr. Townshend 
 anticipating that his long parliamentary services would be rewarded with a 
 
 * Mr. Townshend refers to the repeated defeats of ministers in the House of Commons. Mr. 
 Pitt, notwithstanding, continued to carry on the Government; having conciliated the Tories, 
 and ’obtained the support of that large portion of the Whigs who became alarmed at the frightful 
 excesses attendant on the French revolution. 
 
 t He was the second son of George Adams, Esq., who had inherited the estates of his two 
 maternal uncles, Thomas Anson, Esq., of Shugborough, and George Lord Anson, the circum- 
 navin-ator who as the purchaser of the Norfolk estates of the Fasten family in the neighbourhood 
 of Yarmouth, on the death of the late Earl of Y'armouth, may be supposed to have acquired 
 some influence in the borough and county ; and which influence was increased by the marriage, 
 in 1794 of Thomas, first Viscount Anson, with Anne Margaret, second daughter of Ihomas 
 AVilliani Coke, Esq., of Holkham. Sir George Anson subsequently represented Lichfield (where 
 his family had a preponderatmg influence) for many years. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 227 
 
 peerage, declined to become a candidate at the ensuing general election.'^' He 
 recommended his relative, Lord Charles Patrick Thomas Townshend, (fourth 
 son of George, first Marquis Townshend,) and Colonel Howe, who were both 
 returned without opposition. 
 
 A sad and mysterious event, however, occurred, which rendered one of 
 these seats again vacant. On the day following the election. Lord Charles 
 Townshend, accompanied by his brother. Lord Frederick Townshend, re¬ 
 turned to London, travelling in a post-chaise and four. At six o’clock in the 
 morning, the post-boys pulled up in Oxford street, to enquire where the travel¬ 
 lers were to be set down; when they discovered Ijord Charles, lying dead in 
 the carriage, shot in the mouth by a pistol, the ball of which had passed 
 through his brain; and his brother. Lord Frederick, in a very excited state. 
 This extraordinary occurrence was the subject of judicial enquiry,—but the 
 mystery was never satisfactorily explained. 
 
 Mr. Townshend was again consulted; and he recommended Mr. Jodrell. 
 “ You have been witness to his behaviour as recorder,” he wrote in a letter to 
 Mr. Reynolds, “ and should he be placed in the more conspicuous situation of 
 “ your representative, you will, I am persuaded, agree with me, that there is 
 “ every reason to expect from him the same diligence and attention, and the 
 “ same good conduct in the discharge of his new duties. I hope, therefore, 
 “ that you and our principal friends will be early and in earnest in your exer- 
 “ tions in favor of Mr. Jodrell. They will answer the double purpose, of 
 “ bringing into parliament a man well acquainted with, and attached to, the 
 “ interests of the town, and a firm supporter of government, and, at the same 
 “time, of keeping out any one of a different description.” Mr. Jodrell was 
 
 * His letter, announcing this event to Mr. Reynolds, is as follows :— 
 
 “ Stanhope-street, May the 18th, 1796. 
 
 “Dear Sir,—Having the best reason to believe that 1 shall soon, though not immediately, be 
 “created a peer, 1 shall decline ottering myself as a candidate at Yarmouth upon the present 
 “ occasion, that 1 may not put my friends to the trouble of two elections in a short time, which 
 “ would be the case were I to be chosen now. Allow me, therefore, to solicit for mj’ namesake 
 “ and relation. Lord Charles Townshend, the same friendship which I am proud to think you 
 “ would have shown me, and to rcipiest that, in case Colonel Howe and he become joint caudi- 
 “ dates, as is intended, you will favour both of them with your vote and interest, 
 
 “ 1 am, dear sir, yours most sincerely, 
 
 “CHA. TOWNSHEND. 
 
 “ To John Reynolds, Esq.” 
 
228 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 accordingly brought forward by Mr. Townshend’s friends ; and, at the same 
 time, Robert John Buxton, Esq.,^‘ ujoon the invitation of Sir Edmund Lacon 
 and his friends, also canvassed the borough. Sir John Jervis, who then com¬ 
 manded the British fleet, which, in the following year, achieved the victory off 
 Cape St. Vincent, was also, in his absence, nominated a candidate by the Hurry 
 party.f By the then state of the law, no writ could be issued until the meeting 
 of parliament; and, in the mean time. Col. Howe died,;]; so that both seats be¬ 
 came vacant. When the election took place, in the following October, Mr. 
 Buxton retired from the contest; and his friends uniting with the supporters 
 of Mr. Jodrell, the political connection, which had subsisted for so many years 
 with the house of Rainham, was revived, by the return of Major-General 
 Loftus, of Stiffkey, who had married the Lady Elizabeth Townshend, a daughter 
 of the Marquis,—he being then in command of the troops on the coast. Mr. 
 
 * Sir Edmund Lacon had previously procured from the corporation a grant of the freedom of 
 the borough to iSIr. Buxton, “ in testimony of their great esteem and respect, and of tlieir 
 approbation of his upright and independent conduct in parliament.” He was the sou of John 
 Buxton, of Tybenham and Rushford, in Norfolk, l)y his wife Elizabeth, daughter and heir of 
 John Jacob, Esq., of Tokenham House, Wilts. He married, in 1777, Juliana Mary, second 
 daughter of Sir Thomas Beevor, Bart., (by Elizabeth his wife, daughter and heir of Miles 
 Branthwayt, Esq., of Hethel,) a first cousin of Sir Edmund Lacon. He was created a baronet 
 in 1800, and died in 1839. 
 
 f In consequence of the absence of the Admiral, the wishes of his friends to put him in nomi¬ 
 nation were made known to Lady Jervis (who was a daughter of the Lord Chief Baron Parke), 
 and the following is her answer:— 
 
 “ Lady Jervis presents her compliments to Mr. Alderson, with many thanks for his obliging 
 “ note and information, and begs he will have the goodness to convey to the principal merchants 
 “ and freemen of Yarmouth, her sense of the fiattering mark of distinction they have shown Sir 
 “ .John in having fixed their choice on him as one of their representatives, on the late melancholy 
 “ event; but, as Lady Jervis does not know Sir John’s real intentions, she begs leave to recom- 
 “ mend their writing to inform him of the very handsome proposition they honour him with, as 
 “ there will be sufficient time before the meeting of parliament, which will probably he postponed 
 “ till the autumn. 
 
 “Rocketts, June 26th, 1796.” 
 
 J He was the son of William Howe, of Mistley Thorne, in Essex, by Milicent, second daughter 
 of the Reverend Nathaniel Stephens, rector of Alphamstone, in Essex, and .sister of Sir Philip 
 Stephens, Bart., of St. Faith’s and Horsford, near Norwich. This baronetcy, on failure of the 
 heirs male of Sir Philip Stephens, was limited over to Colonel Howe, who, however, died 
 unmarried at Jamaica in 1796, being then colonel of the 5th West India Regiment, aide-de-camp 
 to the King, and brigadier-general of the forces in the West Indies. On the death of Sir Philip 
 Stephens, the baronetcy became extinct; but the estates, alter being enjoyed by the late Admiral 
 Stephens (who resided at Somerton Hall) for life, devolved on the present Viscount Ranelagh. 
 Colonel Howe bore or. on a fess between three wolves’ heads erased az., a falcon rising off the 
 field. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 229 
 
 Jodrell was returned with him; and Sir John Jervis* was defeated. The num¬ 
 bers were,— 
 
 Loftus .... 599 votes 
 
 JODREL . . . 561 ,, 
 
 Jervis .... 418 „ 
 
 On the 27th of October, 1797, Mr. Townshend was created Baron Bay- 
 ning, of Foxley, in the county of Bucks,—a title to which he had family 
 pretensions.f 
 
 On the 29th of June, 1802, the parliament was dissolved by proclamation. 
 At Yarmouth,^ family influence gave way to popular feeling; and Hear-Admiral 
 Sir Thomas Troubridge,§ Bart., of Asher, in Devonshire, and Thomas Jervis, 
 
 * When offered an earldom for his services, Sir John Jervis immediately selected Yarmouth 
 for his title, and was much disappointed at finding that it could not be granted, it having been 
 previously conferred, as a second title, on the Marquis of Hertford. He did not, however, forget 
 his old supporters, as will appear by the following letter ;— 
 
 “ VUh de Paris, before Brest, loth September, 1800. 
 
 “ De.vr Sir, —Have no scruple in recommending your friends to my protection, for though I 
 “ may not be able to provide for them all, I can, at least, give them countenance. 
 
 “ Remember me to all of your name, and to every one of mj' old friends at Yarmouth,—the 
 “ Palmers and John Bell more particularly, and be assured that I am, 
 
 “ Very sincerely, your friend and humble servant, 
 
 “ Thomas Hurry, Jun., Esq.” “ ST. YIXCEYT. 
 
 t His mother, Henrietta, daughter of Lord William Paulct, was the heiress of her mother, 
 Anne, daughter of General Randolph Egerton, of Bctlcy, in Staffordshire, by Elizabeth, his 
 wife, eldest daughter and co-heiress of Paul last Viscount Bayning, which said Anne was created 
 Viscountess Bayning for life by Charles II. Mr. Townshend married Anuabella Powlett, 
 daughter of the Rev. Richard Smyth, clerk, of Crux Easton, in Hampshire, by Annahella, his 
 wife, daughter and heir of William Powlett, Esq., by Annahella, daughter of the Earl of 
 Tankcrville; which said William Powlett was the son of Lord William Powlett, second son of 
 Charles, Duke of Bolton, by his first wife, Louisa de Montspcliot, grand-daughter of the Duke de 
 la Force. The present peer, who is the second son of the first lord, has assumed, by Royal sign 
 manual (in lieu of his patronymic “Townshend”), the names of his maternal great-grand¬ 
 father, “ William Powlett,” which he uses before his title of honour. 
 
 J At Xorwlch, Mr. Windham was ousted by Mr. William Smith, notwithstanding the great 
 local interest of the former. The latter founded his claims solely on his public character and par¬ 
 liamentary conduct. 
 
 (i Sir Thomas Trouhridge had long been known by his distinguished services as a naval com¬ 
 mander. He was created a baronet in 1799, and, in 1801, ho became a Lord of the Adiniraltv- 
 In 1804, he attained the rank of Rcar-.\dmiral of the Blue, and was afterwards appointed 
 Commander-in-Chief at the Cape of Good Hope He hoisted his flag on board the Blenheim, in 
 which ship he left Madras in 1807, accompanied by the Java frigate. They were last seen by the 
 Harrier, during a heavy gale off the IMauritius, and were never hoard of afterwards. 
 
 “ The waves became his winding sheet, the waters were his tomb; 
 
 “ But, for his fame, the ocean sea was not sufficient room.” 
 
 The present Sir Thomas Trouhridge has, in the Crimea, nobly supported the fame of his family 
 enduring, with the grcatc.st fortitude, the loss of both feet at the battle of Inkcrmanu. 
 
 2 a 
 
230 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 Esq., a barrister-at-law. son of Thomas Jervis. Esq., of Troubriclge. in TVilt- 
 sbire, a first cousin of Earl St. Vincent.-' were returned. They sat till 1806, 
 when a new combination of parties took place. Sir Edmund Lacon and bis 
 friends bad. at tbis time, acquired considerable influence in the borough; and, 
 at tbeir solicitation, the Hon. Edward Harbord,f (second son of Lord Suffield.) 
 and Stephen Lusbington. Esq., (second son of Sir Stephen Lusbington, chairman 
 of the East India Company.) became candidates, and were returned, after an 
 ineffectual opposition by Mr. Jervis, who was joined, on tbis occasion, by Mr. 
 Edward Anson, sixth son of Sir George Anson, next brother to Thomas, first 
 Viscount Anson. In their farewell address to the “ worthy and independent 
 freemen,” the unsuccessful candidates complain that “ Two gentlemen, of re- 
 “ spectable families, but whose names were scarcely known in the borough, had 
 “ been introduced as candidates adding, “ our pretensions and theirs were 
 “ advanced upon very different groimds : our's were founded upon old connec- 
 '• tion. and the experience of mutual benefits : their's could have no other 
 “ foundation than the expectation that the means to which they determined to 
 “ have recourse, were such as, judging them to be illegal, we could not make 
 “ use of.” And concluding with an assm-ance that “ their triumph would be 
 short.” A petition was, in fact, presented against the sitting members, for 
 bribery and corritption, but it was not successful.+ In the event of an adverse 
 
 * The iatention of nominating Mr. Jervis having been some time previously communicated to 
 the earl (then first Lord of the Admiralty), he sent the follo^ving answer:— 
 
 “ I return vou manv thanks for the declaration you have so obligingly made of your intention 
 “to support mv worthy relative, Mr. Jervis, as a candidate to represent Yarmouth at the 
 “ approaching general eleetion, and I will most religiously observe the injunction of secrecy for 
 “ the reasons vou give ; hoping, however, that a compromise will make it unnecessary. 
 
 “ Verv siucerelv vour humble servant, 
 
 “ST. VIXCEXT. 
 
 “ Admiralty, 14th July, 1801.” 
 
 + He was the eldest son of Sir Harbord Harbord, first Lord Suffield, by his (second) marriage 
 with the daughter and heir of Lord Yemon. He afterwards sat for Shaftesburj-, and on the 
 death of his half-brother, William Assheton, second Lord Suffield, he succeeded to the family 
 honors. He bore a high character, both in public and private life. He died on the 6th of July, 
 183-5, from injuries received by a fall from his horse in St. James’ Park. At the time of the above 
 election, in answer to an application made by Mr. William Palgrave to Sir Jacob Astlcy, Bart., of 
 Melton Constable, respecting voters rc.siding in his neighbourhood, the latter says,—“ The name 
 “ of Harbord, as applied to my friends, if it had been necessary, would have given me activity 
 “ to send forces against them.” 
 
 i Mr. Stephen Lusbington, writing to Sir Edmund Lacon, on the 1st of December, 1806, 
 savs :—“ Our opponents are still active in trving to procure evidence against us. Though 1 am 
 •• verj- anxious. 1 am not inclined to entertain much fear on the subject: but we all should be 
 
CHEAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 231 
 
 decision, Mr. Henry Lusliington, (the eldest son of Sir Stephen Lushington,) 
 ■who shortly afterwards succeeded to the baronetcy, Avas invited to stand for 
 the borough. Dr. Lushington, Avriting to Sir Edmund Lacon, on the 20th of 
 Alarch, 1807, says, “ I believe the present administration are virtually out,— 
 “ certainly, if the opposition can, or have the courage to attempt to, form a new 
 “ ministry. A dissolution of parliament in that case is even talked of; but I 
 “ think that is a measure the country cannot bear.” The Doctor Avas mistaken; 
 for in the folloAving month, parliament AV'as dissolved; and he and his colleague 
 found themselves opposed by Mr. AVilliam Jacob,"^ aaLo AV'as supported by the 
 ToAvnshend jiarty,! and by the influence of government. A fourth candidate 
 appeared in the person of Abbot Upcher, Esq.,J—but this Avas rather a pleasantry 
 among his friends, than a serious jiroceeding. After a A'ery expensive^ con- 
 
 “ prepared for the worst, in case either my colleague or myself should be unseated.” 5Ir. Henry 
 Lushington canvassed the borough, as appears by the following letter addressed to Sir Edmund 
 Laeou :— 
 
 “ Dk.vr Sir,—I beg you will accept, and do me the favour to communicate to our A'armouth 
 “ friends, my very sincere thanks for the kind and flattering reception I experienced during the 
 
 time there was a prospect of my offering myself as a candidate to represent them in parliament. 
 “ 1 most sincerely rejoice at the well-merited fate of the petition, the result of which so fully 
 “ confirms the rights and independence of the borough of Yarmouth. AVith the sincercst senti- 
 “ ments of respect and gratitude, 
 
 “ I have the honour to be, dear sir, 
 
 “ Your very' obedient humble servant, 
 
 “ Harley-street, March 11th, 1807.” “ HENRY LUSHINGTON. 
 
 * He was a merchant of the city of London, trading to South America. He Avas more 
 successful in the following year, being returned at Rye, for which borough he sat till 1812. He 
 Avas distinguished for his industry in collecting and epitomising returns and aA'crages connected 
 Avith the Corn-laAvs ; and he published several pamphlets and essays on subjects connected Avith 
 political economy. In 1822, he Avas made comptroller of corn returns at the Board of Trade, 
 from Avhich he retired in 1842, Avith a pension. He died in 18.52, aged eighty-nine. 
 
 t Lord Bayning, writing on the 6th of May (three days before the election), says,—“ Govem- 
 “ ment being as much surprised and disappointed as Ave have been, determined, if possible, to 
 “ preA'ent a man coming in for the loyal toAvn of A'armouth Avho had voted against the King’s 
 “ conscientious scruples, have given their support to Mr. Jacob. AA'e, approving of Avhat they 
 “ have done, mean to do the same; and I, therefore, request of you and your friends to give your 
 “ voles and interest to Mr. Jacob.” 
 
 I He Avas the only son of Peter Upcher, Esq., of Sudbuiy, by Elizabeth, his Avife, one of the 
 tAvo daughters and co-heirs of John Ramey, Esq. He mari-icd Charlotte, eldest daughter of 
 Henry Lord Berners, and died in 1819, aged thirty-four. 
 
 § These elections cost the successful party more than £6,000. The expense of defending the 
 seats against the first petition Avas upAvards of £1,100 ; the money for Mr. Ilarbord being proA'ided 
 by Lord Suffield, Avho Avas desirous of establishing a permanent family influence in the borough. 
 Before the result of the second petition Avas knoAvn, he lamented to Sir Edmund Lacon that the 
 expense of defending it should be so “ heavily imposed ” upon his son; adding, “ hoAv severe 
 “ must it be thought by himself and family the expenditure of so many thousands for the 
 “ honor and credit of a seat in parliament for only a feAv months.” 
 
 2 E 2 
 
232 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 test, Mr. Ilarbord and Dr. Lushington were returned by large majorities, 
 the numbers being,— 
 
 Harbord . 
 La'shington 
 Jacob 
 Urcher 
 
 627 votes 
 604 „ 
 341 „ 
 
 Mr. Jacob petitioned against this return, alleging bribery and corruption,. But 
 he did not unseat the members."^' 
 
 In 1808, Dr. Lushington vacated his seat, by accepting the Chiltern Hun¬ 
 dreds ; and Mr. Giffen Wilson was elected.f 
 
 The Earl of Liverpool having obtained the premiership, a dissolution of 
 parliament took place on the 29th of September, 1812. The Hon. Edward 
 Harbord then retired from the representation of the borough, in favour of 
 Edmund Knowles Lacon, Esq., the eldest son of Sir Edmund Lacon. The 
 friends of the Townshend family again brought forward Lieut.-General Loftus. J 
 Mr. Giffen Wilson stood again; and a contest consequently ensued, of which 
 the following was the result,— 
 
 Lacon .... 607 votes 
 
 Loftijs . . . 387 „ 
 
 Wilson .... 329 ,, 
 
 Thus the borough, after the lapse of a century, went back to the old practice 
 of sending to parliament a townsman and a member of the corporation. 
 
 * The following is an extract from Dr. Lusliington’s address to his constituents:—“ It is my 
 “ earnest hope that the virulence of political dissensions will shortly subside, and that, in these 
 “ times of unparalleled danger, all hands and hearts will be united in the defence of their king 
 “ and countiy. Accurately to understand, and boldly to maintain our glorious constitution, is the 
 “ great object of my ambition,—the wish nearest my heart. The just and legal prerogative of 
 “ the Crown shall ever 6nd in me a steady and zealous supporter,—never forgetting that first and 
 “ sacred principle, that the end of all government is the good of the governed.” 
 
 t He was the eldest sou of the Rev. Edward Wilson, and was bom in 1776. He first married, 
 in 1787, the only child of Peter Cuchet Jouvemjal, Esq. ^ and secondly, in 180.5, Harriet, youngest 
 daughter of General Hotham, brother to Lord Hotham. He was called to the bar in 1789, and 
 became king’s counsel in 1789. He was for forty years recorder of Windsor, and for some time 
 a commissioner of bankrupts. He was knighted in 1823; appointed a master in Chancery in 
 1826 ; and died in 1848. 
 
 j He was the lineal descendant of Adam Loftus, Archbishop of Dublin and Lord Chancellor 
 of Ireland in 1578, who previous to his going to Ireland as secretai-y to the Earl of Sussex, was 
 rector of Feltwell, in Norfolk. General Loftus was born in 1752, was colonel of the 2nd Dragoon 
 Guards, and lieutenant of the Tower of London. On the death of Edward Loftus, Esq., of 
 Anneville, in 1824, he became the male representative of the Loftus family of Swineshed, in 
 Yorkshire. 1I« died in 1831. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 233 
 
 Up to this period, although the election was with the freemen at large, 
 and, from their number and dispersion, no effectual control could, with certaint)', 
 he exercised over them ; yet, within the borough, the corjmration possessed 
 considerable influence, which'was fully exerted at elections. A few of the 
 leading families of the town could, hut for contentions among themselves, ar¬ 
 range the election very much as they pleased; hut, in 1818, this influence Avas 
 entirely annihilated. A party, opposed to the corporation and to the influence 
 of the friends of the sitting members, had been gradually Increasing, and had 
 acquired strength from the unpopularity of the ministry, and the discontent 
 Avhich extensively prevailed throughout the country, occasioned among the 
 poorer classes by the dearness of provisions and the scarcity of grain, Avhich 
 the}' attributed to the operation of the corn laws, then in full force. 
 
 At the general election, therefore, which took place in 1818, the return of 
 Air. Lacon"^' and General Loftus was violently opposed. The candidates brought 
 forward against them, Avere the lion. Thomas William Anson, eldest son of 
 Viscount Anson, (and grandson of Thomas William Coke, Esq., of Holkham, 
 Avhose influence in the county Avas paramount); and Charles Edmund Rumbold, 
 Esq., of Preston Candover, Hants. A seA'ere and protracted contest ensued, 
 Avhich ended in the defeat of the late members, the numbers being,— 
 
 Axsox 
 
 llr.MBOLD 
 
 L.vcox 
 
 Lorres 
 
 780 votes 
 700 „ 
 6ol „ 
 
 • Afterwards Sir E. K. Lacon, second baronet. He was the only son of Sir Edmund Lacon, 
 Knt. and Bart., by Eliza, bis first wife, youngest daughter and co-heir of the Rev. Ur. Knowles, 
 Prebendary of Ely. The family of Lacon, or Laycon, were originally seated at Lacon, in Shrop¬ 
 shire, and were lords of the manor there temp. Edward 1. Sir Francis Lacon was high sheriff of 
 that county in 1612; but he and his son. Sir Rowland, having adhered to Charles I., during the 
 civil war, they lost their estates. A branch of this family settled at Otley, in Yorkshire, from 
 whom descended John Lacon, Esq., Avho married Elizabeth, daughter and co-heir of Robert 
 TVard, Esq., of Great Yarmouth, by Elizabeth, his wife, daughter of the Rev. AVilliam Beevor, 
 rector of South AValsham, grandfather of the first Sir Thomas Beevor, Bart. Of this marriage 
 Sir Edmund Lacon, the first baronet above-named, was the eldest son. He served the office of 
 mayor in 1792, 179.7, 1798, and 1812. He was knighted at St. Jame.s’ in 1793, and created a 
 baronet in 1818. He died in 1820. Sir E. K. Lacon served the office of mayor in 1807 ; and 
 Avas sheriff of Norfolk in 1823. He commanded a troop of Y'comanry Cavalry ; and served as 
 major in the East Norfolk regiment of militia. He died in 1839. The arms of Lacon are,— 
 Quarterly per fess indented ermiiiois and az., in the second quarter a wolfs head erased or. 
 Crest,—On a Avreath of the colours, a mount vert, thereon a falcon prop., belled or, charged 
 on the breast Avith a cross llory, and gorged Avith a collar y«. 
 
234 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 By this defeat, the waning influence of the Townshend family in the borough 
 was utterly extinguished, and no attempt has been made to revive it.'^’ 
 
 Lord Anson died within six weeks of the election (31st July, 1818), and 
 the new member succeeded to the title. He, therefore, never took his seat for 
 the borough ; but no writ could be issued for a new election, until the meeting 
 of parliament in the following February, when his next brother, the Hon. Geo. 
 Anson, who, in the meantime, had attained his majority, was returned without 
 opposition. 
 
 At the general election, on the accession of King George IV., in 1820, 
 the return of the Hon. George Anson and Mr. Rumbold, was contested by 
 General John Michel, and Josias Henry Stracey, Esq., third son of Sir Edward 
 Stracey, Bart.,’” of Backheath. After a severe contest, the former members 
 were re-elected ; the numbers being,— 
 
 Axsox 
 
 Rumbold 
 
 Michel 
 
 Stracey 
 
 754 votes 
 752 ,, 
 
 612 „ 
 612 „ 
 
 * At this election the out^'oters, whose services had been dispensed with at the previous election 
 (the candidates having agreed not to incur the enormous expense of paying their travelling 
 expenses from all parts of the kingdom), were seduously sought after, and every influence brought 
 to bear upon them. By the following letter it will be seen that Earl St. Vincent, then in his 
 eightj'-fifth year, had not ceased to take an interest in Yarmouth politics ;— 
 
 “ Rocketts, 22nd August, 1818. 
 
 “ Dear Sir, —I will let fly at the said Thomas Jervi.s, when I am informed how to direct to 
 “ him. I have reason to believe that Mr. Commissioner Cunningham will cease to be the 
 “ champion of Mr. Bacon at Yarmouth, and of Mr. Crickett at Ipswich. 
 
 “ Yours very truly, 
 
 “ To N. Palmer, Esq.’’ “ ST. VINCENT. 
 
 The right to the franchise at elections, claimed and exercised by “outvoters,” was clearly an 
 abuse. Residence, and the payment of rates and taxes had, from the earliest times, been con¬ 
 sidered as the essence of the right; and if a man were absent from the borough beyond a year, 
 he was immediately disfranchised. There are numerous instances of this in the town books. 
 Ex ffra., in 1613, “ Richard Bennet having dwelt above a year and a day out of the town, and 
 “ thereby lost his freedom according to the ordinance, shall have it again if he become an 
 “ inhabitant.” The voting at elections by non-resident freedom was an evil which the Reform 
 Bill very properly corrected.. At the election of 1818, 653 non-resident freemen voted out of an 
 entire constituency of 1,411. Of these a majority voted for Anson and Rumbold at an esti¬ 
 mated expense of £20 per head (in some cases £80 to £100 was paid) ; but as the successful 
 candidates had also a majority of resident voters, the result would have been the same had this 
 lai'ge expenditure, and all the evils attendant on “ bringing down the outvoters,” been avoided. 
 At the passing of the Reform Bill, there were 850 non-resident freemen on the roll. 
 
 t He sncceeded to the baronetcy in 1855; his two elder brothers (who successively enjoyed the 
 title) having left no issue. He died in the same year, aged eighty-four; and was succeeded by 
 his only son. Sir Henry .Josias Stracey, of Rackhcath, the present jM.P. for East Norfolk. 
 
CREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 235 
 
 Previous to tliis election, Mr. Chas. Barclay, of Berry Hill, Surrey, the eminent 
 London brewer, issued an address, canvassed the town, and then withdrew. 
 
 Another general election took place in July, 1826, when, in consequence 
 of the services rendered in parliament hy the late members, in opposing the 
 Xondch and Lowestoft Xaviyation BtU, it was arranged among the lieads of 
 ])arties, that their re-election should not be opposed. Tliis was not acquiesced 
 in hy a body of voters, who styled themselves “ The Crimson Interest,” and 
 who nominated Sir E. K. Lacon, Bart., in his absence and without his consent. 
 They demanded a jioll, although being destitute of funds to bring down the 
 out-voters, there was no chance of success The result was,— 
 
 Rcmhold .... 649 votes 
 
 Anson' . . . 64-5 ,, 
 
 Tin-: Crimson iNTF.iiESTt . ■ 2.50 ,, 
 
 "NVilliam IV., ascended the throne in 1830, and, at the consequent general 
 election, the return of Lieut.-Col. the Hon. George Anson, and Mr. Bumbold, 
 was contested by Henry Preston, Esq., of Aloorby Hall, Yorkshire, and T. E. 
 Campbell, Esq. The numbers were,— 
 
 Anson 
 
 llCMnOI.T) 
 
 C.VMPitr.i.i. 
 
 Preston 
 
 946 votes 
 94.5 ,, 
 
 T54 ,, 
 
 7-31 „ 
 
 This parliament was dissolved in the following year, in consequence of the 
 defeat of the first Itrform Bill, by a bare majority. A feeble opposition was 
 made to the return of the former members, by Andrew Colvile, Esq., a AVest 
 
 * Ho (lied in 18.35, aged sevcntj’-tliree. lie represented Southwark. 
 
 f Mr. Charles Symonds represented this interest, and was “ chaired ” ivith the other candidates 
 during the election, round the Market-place, according to the then custom. The old custom of 
 chairing, which flourished in great vigour in Xorfolk, was continued in A’armouth until the 
 election in 1847, when it was observed for the last time. Among the northern nations it was 
 customary, after the election of a king, to raise him on the shoulders of the senators. The 
 Anglo-Saxons carried their king, when crowned, ujion a shield ; and bishops, abbots, itnd others 
 were “ chaired” upon their election. .Vt A’armouth, during the polling days, it was usual, at 
 intervals, to carry the candidates, standing before a chair elevated on men’s shoulders, r )und the 
 market-place, oc'e.asionally throwing the chair into the air, and catching the poles on which it 
 rested as they descended. This operation rendered it diflicidt for the aspiring s.mator to ])reserve 
 \\\» eqnilihrntm. .After the election, the successful candidates only were “chaired;” they were 
 then carried round the town in procession, preceded by a band of music, flags, banners, &<;. 
 
236 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 India merchant, and Henry Bliss, Esq., a barrister-at-law. The poll on this 
 occasion gave the following result,— 
 
 Anson 
 
 Rumhold 
 
 Co I, VILE 
 
 Bliss 
 
 904 votes 
 903 „ 
 
 547 „ 
 543 „ 
 
 The Parliameyitary Rtifonn Act having been passed, a dissolution took 
 place ; and, at the ensuing election in 1832, the £10 householders were admit¬ 
 ted to vote, and the non-resident freemen were excluded. Mr. Colvile"^-' opposed 
 the return of the former members,—or, rather, a contest was carried on in his 
 name,—with no chance of success. The result of the poll was,— 
 
 Anson .... 828 votes 
 
 Rumbolt) . . . 837 ,, 
 
 COLVILE .... 750 „ 
 
 Col. Anson and Mr. Rumbold continued to represent the borough, until 
 1834, when a dissolution took place. Their re-election was opposed by Thos. 
 Baring, Esq.,f the eminent London merchant, (second son of Sir Thomas 
 Baring, Bart.,) and Winthrop Mackworth Praed, Esq.| A severe contest en¬ 
 sued ; the result of which was, that Col. Anson and Mr. Bumbold lost the 
 seats§ which they had occupied for sixteen years, the numbers being,— 
 
 Baring 
 
 . 772 votes 
 
 Praed ..... 
 
 768 „ 
 
 Anson 
 
 . 680 „ 
 
 Rumbold 
 
 675 ,, 
 
 A petition was presented against this return, alleging, among other things, that 
 the sum of two guineas had been paid to many of the voters. A select coin- 
 
 * He did not attend; but his son, Mr. J. W. Colvile, canvassed the electors for him. 
 
 t Mr. Baring has subsequently represented the town of Huntingdon. 
 
 X W. R. J. Beresford, Esq., then a captain in the Guards, and now Lord Decies in the peerage 
 of Ireland, became a candidate with Mr. Praed. They issued a joint address; but Captain 
 Beresford toon retired in favour of Mr. Baring. 
 
 ^ After this defeat, 3,688 persons testified their regard to the late members by subscribing 
 £370, and l.y expending the same in the purchase of two silver candelabra, u hich were presented 
 to them on Michaelmas day, 183.5. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 237 
 
 mlttee, of which Lord Francis Egerton (afterwards Earl of Ellesmere) was 
 chairman, reported, that up to the period of the passing of the liefunn Bill, 
 “ it had been an invariable practice, or nearly so, to pay two guineas to each 
 “ voter who applied for it, and on each side of the question, whether the can- 
 “ didate lost or won;” and, that the invariability and imjoartiality of the payment 
 had, in the opinion of many, divested it of the character of bribery. They 
 recommended the House to take measures for the suppression of a practice, 
 which no circumstances of long continuance, and no misconception on the 
 part of the voters, could, in their opinion, rescue from its inherent character of 
 illegality and corruption. They also reported, that the allegation of bribery had 
 been established by evidence, but that they were unable to satisfy themselves 
 that such practices were general or extensive. AVilliam Prentice, for refusing to 
 answer questions before the committee, was sent to Newgate ; and the House 
 of Commons ordered some of the most active partizans of the sitting members, 
 to be prosecuted by the attorney-general (the present Lord Campbell). They 
 were tried at Norwich, before Baron Parke, were defended by Sir AVilliam 
 Follctt, and acquitted.'^ 
 
 Queen Victoria ascended the throne in 1837; and, at the consequent 
 election, another contest for the honor of representing the borough, took place. 
 William Wilshere, Esq., of Hitchin, in Hertfordshire, was invited to supply 
 the place of Col. Anson,f who, (having found a seat for South Staffordshire, 
 where his family Influence prevailed, declined to come anymore to Yarmouth,) 
 and join Mr. llumbold in his attempt to regain his seat. !Mr. Praed 
 
 * The evidence given before this parliamentai-y eominittce reveals the heavy expenses at which 
 elections were then, and had been for some time previously, conducted. The cost of this election 
 to die successful party was admitted to be i;.5,6'i0 ; that of the defeated party £3,300. Tlic former 
 paid £1,200 for head-money, leaving their general expenses, including the “chairing” and 
 other charges to which their opponents were not subjected, at .£4,420. Of the £1,200, the sura 
 of £000 was paid to freemen, the rest to householders. Mr. John Shelly and Mr. AVilliam 
 liarth, “speaking from longexperienee and intimate knowledge,” stated that, at former elections 
 “ the usual cost of each election, to their party, was from £8,000 to £10,000; of which £d,000 
 “ was expended on outvoters, leaving from £3,000 to £.3,000 to cover the remaining expenses of 
 “ the el.etlon. ’ 
 
 t The lion. George Anson, early in life, entered the army, and was present at the battle of 
 AA’aterloo ; hut, after the peace, he remained unattached until 1854, when, having obtained the 
 rank of lieutenant-general, he was appointed to command her Majesty's forces for the licngal 
 Presidency, and he has since become command.r-in-chief in India. He was for many years, 
 notwithstanding their opposite political opinions, a favourite aide-de-camp of the Duke of York. 
 He was, for some time, chairman of the Great AVestern Railway. A portrait of him, bv Count 
 Il’Orsay, h;is been puhlislud. 
 
 '2 r 
 
233 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 ■was unable to stand again, in consequence of ill health and Mr. Baring was 
 joined by Charles S. Gambler, Esq. The result was, the reseating Mr. 
 Rumbold and the electing Mr. AVilshere; the numbers being,— 
 
 Eumbold 
 
 “WlLSIIEilE 
 
 Baeixg 
 
 Gambier 
 
 790 votes 
 779 „ 
 
 699 „ 
 
 685 „ 
 
 A petition, alleging of bribery and corruption, was presented to the House 
 of Commons, against this return; a committee was appointed, and met; 
 but before going into evidence, a compromise took place. Mr. Wilshere re¬ 
 signed his seat, at the instance of some of his principal supporters, who engaged 
 to take no part in the consequent ensuing election ; it being understood that 
 Mr. Baring would be returned. An opposition was, however, organized by 
 those who were no parties to the arrangement; f and Mr. Wilshere, in his 
 absence, was re-elected, the numbers being,— 
 
 Wilshere .... 735 votes 
 
 B.aring . . . 702 ,, 
 
 the friends of Mr. Baring contended that the acceptance, by Mr. AVilshere, of 
 the seat thus thrust upon him, was contrary to the engagement which had led 
 
 * He was the son of Mr. Serjeant Praed. Whilst at the university he greatly distinguished 
 himself. In 1822 and 1823, he gained three of Sir AVilliam Browne’s gold medals, two for Greek 
 odes, and the other for Greek and Latin epigrams. He also obtained the Chancellor’s prize for 
 the best Enghsh poem, the subject being “Australia;” and, in 1824, he again got the Browne 
 medal for epigrams, aud the Chaneellor’s prize, his poem then being “ Athensand, in 1830, 
 he obtained the Seatonian prize. He was considered one of the best speakers ever produced at 
 the “ Union,” where he was usually pitted against Macaulay In 1830, he took his degi’ee, was 
 elected a Fellow of Trinity College. He was subsequently called to the bar ; selected the Norfolk 
 circuit, and first visited Yarmouth as a revising hai-rister. From 1830 to 1832, he sat for St. Ger¬ 
 mains ; and then unsuccessfully contested St. Ives, where his family had previously had consider¬ 
 able political influence. On the accession of his party to power, Mr. Praed was appointed secretary 
 to the Board of Control. Upon losing his seat for Yarmouth, he contested Aylesbury ; for which 
 place he was returned, beating Lord Nugent by 117. In 1835, he married Ellen, youngest daughter 
 of George Boyle, Esq.; aud, on the 15th of July, 1839, he died, of consumption, at the early age of 
 thirty-six. Thus was terminated a career which had promised to be a very distinguished one. 
 His oratory was clear, fervid, and impressive, which, joined with a ready wit and gi-eat quickness 
 of perception, rendered him a formidable debater. It is, however, as a poet that he will be best 
 known to posterity. His poems, in a collected form, were printed at New York, in 1844. 'I'his 
 collection contains upwards of thirty pieces, the two longest being “ Lillian,” and “ The Trouba¬ 
 dour.” It is singular that America should have been the first to pay this tribute to the literary 
 productions of a man who was so much loved and admired in his native country. 
 
 f Principally by Mr. George Steward, who personated Mr. Wilshere. He afterwards went to 
 Borneo in company with Mr. Brooke, the present Ilajah of Sarawak, and lost his life in an attack 
 upon the pirates. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 239 
 
 to the withdrawal of the petition against him. The matter was referred to the 
 Marquis of Tavistock and Mr. C. B. Greville ; who were of opinion that “ if 
 “ required by Mr. Baring, Mr. Wilshere was bound to resign his seat for 
 “ Yarmouth, (for which he was elected without his knowledge or consent); 
 “ and that, in the event of Mr. Baring’s offering himself again as a candidate 
 “ for the representation of the borough, Mr. Wilshere was not at liberty to op- 
 “ pose him ; but that he might oppose any other candidate, if Mr. Baring 
 “ should not think fit to stand.” Mr. Baring did not call upon Mr. Wilshere 
 to resign; and the latter, therefore, retained the seat until the general election 
 in 1841, when the return of himself and Mr. Rumbold was again opposed by 
 iMr. Baring, and also by Mr. Joseph Somes,* an extensive shipowner; but 
 without success. The numbers were,— 
 
 ■\\Tlsiieiie . 
 Rumbold 
 Baking 
 Somes . 
 
 . 945 votes 
 943 „ 
 
 . 501 „ 
 494 „ 
 
 At the general election in 1847, Mr. Wilshere declined to offer himself as 
 a candidate ; but Mr. Rumbold was again brought forward by his friends. The 
 other candidates were Francis Henry Goldsmid, Esq., a barrister, of the Jewish 
 persuasion; Robert John Bagshaw, Esq.; Lieut.-Col. Lord Arthur Lennox, 
 late M.P. for Chichester, seventh son of Charles, fourth Duke of Richmond ; 
 and Octavius Edward Coope, Esq. Mr. Bagshaw withdrew from the contest; 
 and the following Avas the result of the poll :f— 
 
 Lennox 
 C oorE 
 Rumbold . 
 Goldsmid 
 
 . 832 votes 
 813 „ 
 
 . 730 „ 
 
 697 „ 
 
 * Mr. Somes, by intelligence and industry, ama.sscd very considerable wealth, and became one 
 of the largest shipowners in the kingdom, his vessels being found in every part of the world. He 
 took no i)art in politics until towards the close of his life, when he was returned for Dartmouth, 
 and sat for that place at the time of his death, which happened, suddenly, on the 25th of June, 
 1845. 
 
 t ^Ir. Wynn Ellis, late M.P. for Leicester, was invited to become a candidate, and at first 
 accepted, hut subsequently declined. 
 
240 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 Mr. Goldsmid and certain electors of the horongh, petitioned against this re¬ 
 turn, hut did not pray for the seats. The committee of the House, to whom 
 these petitions were referred, reported that the sitting members were not duly 
 elected, and had, through their agents, been guilty of bribery ; that the last 
 election was void ; that gross, systematic, and extensive bribery had prevailed at 
 that and at the previous election, amongst the freemen, and recommended that 
 they be disfranchised before another writ should issue. A bill was immediately 
 brought in, which received the royal assent on the 30th of June, 1848; and 
 the freemen of Yarmouth were, from that time, deprived of their votes. 
 
 * See 11 and 12 Vic., c. 24. The number of freemen then on the register was 1,106, of 
 whom 918 had voted, and of these 515 wei’e for Lennox and Coope. The principal act of bribery 
 relied on was the payment to each voter of £2 2s., as had been the former custom. Mr. Towns- 
 hend is said to have introduced the practice of paying head-money “ for loss of time,” upon the 
 occasion of his re-election in 1783, when he found that a formidable opposition to his influence 
 had sprung up in the borough. At the ensuing election his opponents adopted the same course, 
 and he was unseated. From this period it became a settled practice for all candidates (whether 
 successful or not) to pay the sum of two guineas to each voter who claimed it, and they amounted 
 to nearly three-fourths of the entire number polled. It need not, however, be supposed that 
 the newly-constituted voters, the ten pound householders, were immaculate; on the contrary, 
 it appears by the evidence before the committee, that much dissatisfaction existed among them 
 because they had not been paid for their votes as the freemen had. The liberi homines ov freemen 
 were, in the middle ages, the must considerable persons in every borough. They alone could carry 
 on trade and All municipal offices; they were the only skilled artizans, when such knowledge 
 was confined to a few; and they represented, in short, the wealth and intelligence of the place. 
 They had greater indulgences than the other inhabitants, and when imprisoned had better 
 treatment; and they continued to enjoy certain exemptions in trade down to a very late period. 
 In process of time they came to be distinguished only by the privileges which they possessed. 
 Their right to import coals at a less duty than “non-freemen,” is, in fact, only suspended. In 
 1681, an order was made by the corporation that all “ strangers” entering the haven must sell 
 whatever goods tliey had to a freeman of the town, otherwise they would be seized as forfeited ! 
 The freedom of the borough of Great Yarmouth was (as in most other place.s) acquired by birth 
 or by a servitude of seven years to another freeman. Upon proof of their title in either respect, 
 the claimants were admitted, by the corporation or select governing body, and sworn to observe 
 the ancient laws and usages of the borough. Although none could insist upon admission except 
 on proof of his right, yet the corporatioir claimed the power of admitting whom they pleased. 
 This, however, they always exercised very sparingly; but were sometimes prevailed upon to 
 grant a privilege, which at that time was a valuable one, for money. Thus it is recorded that, in 
 1439, one Lambert purchased his freedom for two marks; and Robert Southwell did the like in 
 1454. There are many instances of persons being admitted on the “ appointment” of the bailifl's, 
 and on “ agreeing with the bailiffs and it appears that the bailiffs had yearly, on their election, 
 the privilege of naming two freemen. The ordinances passed in 1491 provided that every free¬ 
 man, on his admission, should pay 20«. In 1638, the fine “ for all such as shall be admitted to the 
 freedom of the b( rough by purchase,” was fixed at £25. At a subsequent jreriod, as appears by 
 a document publisbed by ^ir Robert Paston, the purchase money reached to £30, and even £50. 
 In 1600, John Basset had his freedom granted in return for a piece of plate ; and, in 1602, it was 
 ordered that every person admitted should, upon his oath taken, have a copy thereof on parch¬ 
 ment, from the town clerk, paying therefore a groat. This was called the “ Burgess Letter.” 
 (See p .55.) The corporation claim-d and exorcised the right of disfranchising freemen, and of 
 again restoring them on payment of a fine. In 1551, Thomas Hobbys was “ discommoned of his 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 241 
 
 At the next election, none could vote but such householders as happened 
 to be upon the register. Mr. Bagshaw again came forward, as did Mr. Bum- 
 bold. Mr. John Edward Lacon, of Ormesby, (second son of the late Sir E. 
 K. Lacon, Bart.,) issued an address to the electors ; but was shortly afterwards 
 obliged, by ill health, to resign his pretensions in favor of Joseph Sanders, Esq., 
 of Tapton I’ark.* The contest which ensued, resulted in the return of Mr. 
 Rumbold and Mr. Sanders ; the numbers being,— 
 
 S.\Ni>EES .... 416 votes 
 Rumbold •, . . 384 ,, 
 
 Bagsh.vw .... 300 ,, 
 
 burgoss-sliip for certain charges heput the tOMnito, through his ill-demeanour.” Two other persons 
 were disfranchised for having “foresworn themselves;” and each was required to wear a paper upon 
 their heads on the next market day in open market, or else pay a fine of 40s. each “ for redemption 
 of wearing the said papers.” In 1.574, Nicholas Williams was disfranchised “ for defrauding the 
 town of its customs of butter”—Roger Bradshaw, in 1579, “for selling herrings to a French¬ 
 man, at Gorleston, and for uttering words against the town”—John Wellesley, in 1.580, “for 
 suing out a civil process in London, when he ought to have taken it out at the Burgh Court”— 
 AVilliam Harding, in 1588, “ for having committed the sin of incontinence with his maid ”— 
 John Smith, in 1595, “for refusing to come to the bailiffs when sent for”—John Chapman, 
 in 1697, “ for endeavouring to procure a freedom by a fraudulent apprenticeship.” In 1678, 
 it was ordered by the corporation that no person should be admitted a freeman by pvirchase, who 
 had not taken the sacrament in the parish church within one year previously. In 1683, it was 
 alleged that Joseph Ames, and one hundred and nine other persons, had been unduly admitted, 
 not being “Christians,” inasmuch as they had never been baptised; whereupon it was ordered 
 that, in future, every person applying for his freedom should produce a certificate of baptism. 
 In 1709, a Quaker received his burgess letter on making his .solemn affirmation. In 1773, the 
 corporation having refused to admit Mr. Samuel Tolver to his freedom on an alleged service to 
 Mr. Nathaniel Symonds, ho having, during such time, followed another business on his own 
 account, a mandamus was obtained ; and the return of the corporation being traversed, issue was 
 joined, and the case was tried at Norwich, before Mr. Justice Aston, under whose direction a 
 verdict was given for Mr. Tolver, and the corporation were compelled to admit him. In recording 
 this result the corporation observe, that “ a notion seemed to prevail in the court of law that 
 “ restrictive and partial privileges in trading were injurious to the public, and that it is reasonable 
 “ that all men in the bor-ough should be allowed to carry on trade with equal advantage, whereby 
 “ many persons might bo encouraged to endeavour to obtain their freedom by colourable or slight 
 “serviees;” and they, apparently unconvinced by the argument, began to consider “ whether 
 any, and what methods could prudently he taken to prevent the same.” The freedom of the 
 borough could only be relinquished by deed, and this w!is done by John Spurgeon, Esq., probably 
 to enable him the better to give evidence on this trial. In 1781, the corporation resolved, that 
 any person marrying the daughter of a freeman, should he entitled to his freedom on payment of 
 fifty guineas; and Mr. Thomas Cotton, who had married a daughter of William Fisher, Esq., 
 was accordingly admitted. But the corporation soon discovered that thev had made a political 
 blunder; for, at the next a.sscmbly, Mr. Robert Warmington, Mr. Jolin Shelly, Mr. John 
 Svmonds, and Mr. Thomas Martin (gentlemen opposed to them in politics) claimed to be 
 admitted. This the corporation refused, and immediately rescinded the order; hut, being 
 threatened with a mandamus, they were compelled to admit these persons to their freedom. As 
 by the ancient law no one could represent the borough who was not a burgess, it was customary, 
 on the election of representatives, to present them with their freedoms. This courtesy was 
 refused to the Hon. George Anson and Mr. Rumbold at their first election ; but was afterwards 
 conceded. 
 
 * lie subsequently married the Lady Virginia Taylor, daughter of the Marquis of Headfort. 
 
2-42 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 At the general election in 1852, Mr. Sanders retired ; Sir E. H. K. Lacon, 
 Bart., eldest son of the former member for the borough, came forward in the 
 same interest: and Mr. Bumbold was again a candidate. Their election was 
 opposed by Vice-Admiral Sir Charles Napier, K.C.B., who subsequently com¬ 
 manded the Baltic fleet, and who now represents Southwark in parliament; 
 and by William Torrens M’Cullagh, Esq., who had represented Dundalk in the 
 previous parliament. The result of the poll was,— 
 
 Lacon 
 
 Rumbold 
 
 M'Cullagu 
 
 N.\.pier 
 
 . 611 votes 
 
 5i7 „ 
 
 . 521 „ 
 
 486 „ 
 
 A petition was presented against this return, which, however, Avas not gone 
 into in consequence of a technical informality. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 243 
 
 SECTION VI. 
 
 THE LOC.AL HISTORY OF THE TOWN FROM THE RESTOR.ATION. 
 
 That revulsion of feeling, which so generally prevailed after the death of 
 Cromwell, manifested itself at Y^armouth, in the election, by the freemen at 
 large, of Sir John Potts and Sir William D’Oyley, as burgesses in parliament 
 in opposition to Miles Corbet (who sat for the town in the Long Parliament) 
 and Sir John Palgrave, who were elected by the corporation, in the vain at¬ 
 tempt to uphold the authority of Richard Cromwell, whom they had proclaimed 
 Protector. Finding it to be impossible to withstand the popular voice, and that 
 the restoration was determined ujDon, the corporation deemed it expedient to 
 “ row with the tide,” and, accordingly, they proclaimed Charles II.on the 23rd 
 of May, 1G60 ; and resolved, that “in case the King’s Majesty should come 
 “ into the roads or near the town, his Majesty, with the Dukes of Y’ork and 
 “ Gloucester shordd be invited into the town and that the corporation sliould 
 wait upon them in their gowns, the aldermen in scarlet; that Mr. Bailiff 
 Burton’s house should be the place for entertaining his iMajesty ; and that the 
 commanders of the militia should deliver the keys of the gates to the bailiffs, 
 to be by them delivered to his IMajesty, “ as was usual in such cases.”f The 
 
 * “ 16G0—Paid for waits and trumpeter proelaiming his Majesty, £1 .”—Assembly Book. 
 
 t Pepys says that, on the 2nth of February, 1660, Lord Sandwich was “chosen general at 
 sea ” by the council; and that, on the 3rd of March, he was also “ voted by parliament one of 
 the generals at sea, and Monk the other.’’ On the 22nd of March, Pepys himself wius appointed 
 “ secretary to the two generals of the fleet,” in which capacity he wrote oi'ders “ for getting the 
 ships ready,” and also, “ to all seaports between Hastings and Yarmouth, to stop all dangerous 
 persons that were going or coming between Flanders and there.” There was at this time, in the 
 royal navy, a ship called the Yurmoiith, to which the Duke of York appointed, as commander, 
 Charles Wager. 
 
244 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 restored Monarch did not land at Yarmouth ; and the new-found loyalty of the 
 corporation was insufficient to protect them from the vengeance of the court 
 party. Mr. Bailiff Burton u'as stripped of his authority, dismissed from the 
 corporation, declared incapable of holding any office in future, and his name 
 was erased wherever it appeared. The other bailiff, William Emperor, con¬ 
 tinued in office ; but he and Mr. Isaac Preston having soon afterwards refused 
 to take the oaths of allegiance and supremacy, were both dismissed. The 
 corporate body was purged by the dismissal of six aldermen and fourteen 
 common-councilmen ; and some of the vacancies thus occasioned were supplied 
 by those who, in a siruilar manner had been displaced by Cromwell. After 
 this infusion of “ new blood,” the corporation voted a loyal address to the 
 King, congratulating his Majesty on being restored, “ after such continued and 
 eminent dangers,” to the possession “ of his rights and dominions,” and them¬ 
 selves to their “birth-rights, laws, and liberties, so long trampled upon by a 
 treasonable usurpation ; ” and, as a means of propitiation, they voluntarily 
 resigned the grant of the fee farm (which they had purchased, in 1650, for 
 £306 13s. Ad., of the trustees appointed by parliament for the sale of fee farm 
 rents\ being, as they said, “ not only willing, but very joyful thus to render 
 Caesar his due.” They sent the arrears,’” in gold, by the hands of Colonel 
 Blake, then governor of the town, accompanied by a deputation, the leading 
 member of which,—Thomas Meadowe, Esq.,—was knighted on this occasion.f 
 Shortly afterwards, the corporation presented his Majesty with £500, “ as a 
 mark of loyalty.” 
 
 They dismissed their recorder (C. G. Cock, Esq.), and elected Robert 
 Baldock, Esq., in his place ; and, at an assembly of the corporation, it was 
 
 * Queen Henrietta IMaria claimed tlicse arrears, the fee-farm|rent having been settled upon 
 her at her marriage; and the money was afterwards annually paid to the receiver-general for 
 Norfolk for the use of her Majesty. 
 
 f This newly-acquired dignity was not agreeable to some of the inhabitants ; for we find that 
 James Smith was fined £10 for calling the knight “ a fool,” and asserting that he had “ killed a 
 hull, of 30s. price, that had better brains than Sir Thomas had.” In Ififio, the pi'ivy council 
 employed Sir Edmund Poolcy, Knt., to look after and dispose of the prizes then lying at Yar¬ 
 mouth ; and directed him to examine the account of Sir Thomas hleadowe, who had required to 
 he rc-imbursed for what, he said, had by him been expended in receiving and preserving prize 
 ships at Yarmouth, hut as to which, notwithstanding his alleged care, great embezzlements were 
 suspected, and a prize agent was afterwards appointed by Government. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 245 
 
 ordered that a former grant of the high stewardship to Henry Cromwell, Esq., 
 he discharged, and his name “ defaced and rased out of the records of the 
 town.” They also voted that “ the address made to Richard Cromwell (the 
 “ late pretended Protector), he utterly disclaimed, obliterated, and made void ; 
 “ and the ordinance made for presenting the same, defaced ; ” and, at the same 
 time, the Lord Chancellor Hyde was elected high steward of the borough. 
 
 The Court now carried matters with a very high hand. The Corporation Act 
 was passed, which, besides a declamation against the solemn league and cove¬ 
 nant, required an oath that it was not lawful, upon any pretence whatsoever, to 
 take up arms against the King. The provisions of this Act struck at the heart 
 of the Presbyterian party. There was sufRcient spirit left among them, to re¬ 
 fuse the conditions imposed by the required oath; and Jeffery "Ward (one of 
 the bailiffs), six aldermen, and sixfeen common-councilmcn, and the town clerk 
 were displaced for refusing to take it. In the following year, two aldermen 
 and seven common-councilmen shared the same fate. 
 
 In 1663, a letter was received from the King, recommending the corpora¬ 
 tion to employ John Moore as the town’s solicitor in London ; he having, as 
 the letter states, rendered “ loyal and good services,” which his Majesty was 
 willing to acknowledge, as also “ the many hazards of his life which he had 
 run in doing the same, and the several sufferings he had undergone.” This 
 appointment was made : and it was, probably, afterwards remembered to the 
 advantage of the corporation, as the letter promised that it should be ; for 
 when writs of quo tcarranto were issued for the surrender of charters, and the 
 corporation applied for the grant of a new one,—which, when obtained, was 
 found to contain a clause, conferring on the King the power of confirming or 
 rejecting the elections of recorder, high steward, and town clerk, (which was 
 done to prevent the election of Nonconformists to these important offices,)—a 
 petition was sent to his Majesty, praying him “ to continue unto them their 
 antient power ; ” which petition being referred to the Lord ChaTicellor Claren¬ 
 don, he reported, that “ having the honor to be high steward of the town of 
 “ Yarmouth, he could testify that he had never recommended anything to be 
 “ done there, for the advancement of the King’s service, which had not been 
 “ carefully complied with ; ” and recommended the prayer of such petition to 
 be granted : whereupon, writes Air. Aloore,—who, in his new capacitv, was 
 acting on behalf of the town,—“ the exception or restraint inserted in the 
 
246 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 “ charter, was raized out of the bill, in the presence of his Majesty and by his 
 “ special command ; ” and Mr. Moore recommended that a letter of thanks 
 should be “ suddenly sent up ” to his lordship, for the “ good report ” which 
 he had given to his Majesty on the town’s behalf. When parliament was pro¬ 
 rogued, the Speaker congratulated the King upon the Bills which had been 
 passed for regulating municipal coi'porations.'^' 
 
 The former practice of increasing the revenue of the Crown, by loans 
 from subjects, was revived ;f and, in 1665, commissioners were appointed by 
 
 * Thi.s speech, -which is very curious, was as follows;—■ 
 
 “ Tlie knights, citizens, and biirgesse.s of the common house of parliament having, in the hegin- 
 “ ning of this session, applied themselves to the aiding your Majesty in your navaljjreparations, 
 ‘ have, of late, considered of some bills that may be most grateful to the people, either in redi’essing 
 “ things that are grievions to them, or in advancing their trade and commerce, which are the soul 
 “ of life of the nation,—evil manners produce good laws—but the best laws, in time, may grow 
 “ obsolete; and such is the wicked nature of man, that when he cannot by force break through 
 “ a law, he will by fraud and tricks endeavour to evade it. 
 
 “ I may, with great truth, affirm, the common law of England is the best municipal law in the 
 “ world; and yet, if the legislative powers were not ready to countermine the works, and make 
 “ up the breaches that are daily made upon it, the sons of Zeruiah would be too strong for ns. 
 
 “ We have presented }mur ^Majesty with several bills for the regulation of the law, which will 
 “ serve to prune some exnlierant branches, and to pull away the ivy that robbed this tree of her 
 “ just noui.shment; and if your Majesty now be pleased graciously to shine upon her, she will 
 “ yield her fruit in great abundance, to the content of your Majesty and all your people. 
 
 “ Cosmographers agree that this island is incomparably furnished with pleasant rivers, like 
 *■ veins in the natural body which convey the blood into all the parts, whereby the whole is 
 ‘ ‘ noui-ished and made useful; but the poet tells us, he acts best qui miscuit utile dulci: therefore, 
 “ we have prepared some hills for making small rivers navigable, a thing that in other countries 
 “ has been more experienced, and hath been found very advantageous ; it easeth the people of a 
 “ great charge of land-carriages, preserves, and highways, which are daily worne out with 
 “ waggons carrying excessive burelens; it breeds up a nur.sery of watermen, which upon occasion 
 “ will prove good seamen, and with much facility maintain intercourse and communion between 
 “ cities and countries. 
 
 “ We have been much affected by the cries and wants of the poor this hard season, especially 
 “ by those about this town who are ready to starve for want of fuel, the price of coals being so 
 “ unreasonable enhanced by the extorting engrossers ; we have, therefore, for their present and 
 “ future ease, prepared a hill, authorising the lord mayor and the court of aldermen in the city of 
 “ London, and three justices of the peace in the county, whereof one to he of the quorum, from 
 “ time to time to set the prices of coals, having regard to the price paid to the importer, and other 
 “ emergent charges. 
 
 “ And now, great Sir, having finished our present councils, we hope yonr Majesty will give us 
 “ leave for a time to return into our counties, where, in our several spheres, we shall be ready to 
 “ serve you with our persons and our purses, and also with our prayers to the great God of hosts 
 “ that He will be pleased to strengthen your hands in the day of battle, and make your Majesty 
 “ victorious over all your enemies, both at home and abroad.” 
 
 Among the bills presented at this time for the Royal assent -were,— A Bill for settling the 
 Manors and Lands of tiir Jacob Astley, Bart .; and A Bill for settling the differences between 
 the Toivns of Great and Little Yarmouth. 
 
 t See Manship, p. .370, Some loans were obtained, at an early period, from Yarmouth, as 
 appears by entries on the Pell Rolls, thus,— ”44 Ed. III. —John de Stalham, one of the collectors 
 “ of the king’s customs at Yarmouth, sent into Norfolk with letters of piivy seal, directed to 
 “ Hugh Fastolf, the bailiff of Yarmouth, to borrow money for the king’s use.”—“ To the good 
 “ m 11 of Yarmouth, on money delivered to them in discharge of exxi" liij" iv'^ which they had 
 
 lent the king.” 
 
CHEAT YARMOUTH. 247 
 
 the King to sit at Norwich, to receive subscriptions. The corporation of Yar¬ 
 mouth, on this occasion, voted a sum of £500. 
 
 On the 29th of August, 1665, letters were received from the King, re¬ 
 commending the election of bailiffs for the ensuing year; upon the reading of 
 which, “all present stood up, uncovered their heads, and kept silence.” At 
 the same time, “ a letter of advice from Lord Townshend (then lord lieutenant 
 of Norfolk), about the choice of officers, was openly read.” The pretence for 
 this interference was the prevalence of the plague. 
 
 His Majesty was, at this time, graciously pleased to allow' the town to 
 repair the gun carriages and platforms, and to remount the guns, “ for the 
 defence and safety of the town ; ” and the sum of £200 w'as raised for this 
 purpose, by a rate on the Inhabitants. 
 
 In 1671, Charles IL, accompanied by the Duke of York, the Duke of 
 Monmouth, the Duke of Buckingham, “ and several other persons of principal 
 quality,” visited Yarmouth. His Majesty arrived on the 28th of September, 
 at about five o’clock in the afternoon,* and w’as received by the corporation in 
 their robes of office, and by the inhabitants generally, “ w'ith all possible ex¬ 
 pressions of joy the guns were discharged, and a salute fired from the ships in 
 the roads. The King was lodged at the house of Mr. James Johnson,f on the 
 South Quay ; the noblemen of his suite at Mr. Bailiff Rowe’s house ; and 
 the deputy lieutenant at Mr. Thaxter’s. On the following day, when the 
 bailiffs elect (Sir Thomas Meadow'e and George England, Esq.) were sworn 
 into office, an address was presented to the King, filled witli fulsome adulation 
 and the most extravagant assertions of the royal prerogative, “ by which alone,” 
 
 * The King, with a “noble train,” set out from Newmarket on the 26th of September, and 
 proceeded to Lord Arlington's house at Euston Hall, and thence to Yarmouth. In the register 
 at Scole, in the midst of births, marriages, and deaths, there is this entry;—“ King Charles II. 
 “ passed through Schole in his progress to Yarmouth, and brake his fast at the White Hart, at 
 “ ihe charge of the Right Honourable Loi'd Cornwallis, upon the 27th of September, in the 23rd 
 “ year of his reign, anno domini 1671.” .'Vt this once fainous posting-house, which was built, in 
 16.5o, by James I’eck, a merchant of Norwich, there was “ the noblest sighne-post in England,” 
 extending across the road; upon which, among other things, appeared a lion supporting the arms 
 of Great Yarmouth. 
 
 t Now divided and occupied hy William Thurtcll, Esq., and Captain Betts. Some wainscot- 
 ting and curious pendant ceilings still remain in some of the rooms. 
 
 2g 2. 
 
248 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 said the recorder, “corporations and bodies politic are created, formed, fashioned, 
 and continued,” and by which they “live, move, and have their being.” Four 
 herrings, made of gold, and a chain of the same precious metal, costing £250, 
 were presented to His Majesty; and he and his retinue received “a very 
 noble treat,” which cost the town £1,000. Before his departure, the King 
 conferi'ed the honor of Knighthood upon the recorder (Robert Baldock), Mr. 
 Bailiff England, and his host, Mr. James Johnson.*^ Echard, in his History 
 of England., (vol. iii., b. 1, c. 31,) states,—“ His Majesty was infinitely pleased 
 “ with the town and port, and said he did not think he had such a place in his 
 “ dominions ; and having received a noble treat from the magistrates, he went 
 “ to visit the city of Norwich.”! After His Majesty’s departure, the corpora¬ 
 tion ordered Mr. Woodroffe and the town clerk “ to journey to our recorder’s 
 “ house, and desire him to have a copy of his speech which he made to the 
 “ King, that it may be incerted in this booke, together w’"*' the manner of his 
 “ Ma‘‘'= recepcon, and the hono'® he conferred upon severall persons in this 
 “ corporation.” It is to be regretted that this order was never complied with. 
 
 In the following year (the 28th of May, 1672), the Duke of York, in 
 command of the English fleet, completely defeated the Dutch fleet, under 
 De Ruyter, in Solebay.;}; The engagement commenced at seven o’clock in the 
 morning, and was continued with great obstinacy till the evening, the sound of 
 the guns being heard at Yarmouth. A plentiful supply of wine and provisions 
 was sent to the Duke as a present from the corporation.§ The sick and 
 
 ■* On tliis occasion King; Charles is said to have “ answered for a ship, and called it James,” in 
 honour of his brother, the Lord High Admiral. 
 
 t Where the King was the guest of Lord Henry Howard. His Majesty afterwards visited Sir 
 John Hobart, at Blickling ; Sir Robei-t Paston, at O.vnead; and Lord Townshend, at Rainham. 
 
 1 Captain Courtenay, R.N., third son of Francis Courtenay, Esq., of Powderham Castle (an¬ 
 cestor of the present Earl of Devon), was mortally wounded in this action. He was brought to 
 Yarmouth, where he died of his wounds a few days afterwards, and lies buried in Yarmouth 
 church, under a stone bearing the arms of this ancient family,with an inscription in latin, to his 
 memory. 
 
 ^ See notes to Manship, p. 2G6. A great sea-fight took place off Lowestoft on the 3rd of Juno, 
 1665, when the Dutch admiral (Opdam) was defeated. In this engagement Sir Thomas Allen, 
 of Somerleyton, and Admiral Utber, of Lowestoft, greatly distinguished themselves ; but Captain 
 Grove, we are informed by Pepys, “ could not (as others) be got out (of Lowestoft), but staid 
 “ there ; for which ho will be tried,—and is reckoned a prating coxcombe, and of no courage.’’ 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 249 
 
 ■wounded seamen were brought to Yarmouth and quartered upon poor people, 
 Avho, it appears, had great trouble in obtaining payment. Great complaints 
 were made of the “ insolencies ” committed by the Scotch soldiers, “ for which 
 no redress could be had from their commanders and a letter of complaint, 
 to be presented to the King, was sent by the bailiffs to Lord Arlington.'''^’ 
 
 The marriage of the Prince of Orange with the Princess INIary, in 1677, 
 —a measure highly popular with the Protestant party,—was celebrated at 
 Yarmouth with much enthusiasm. The bells were rung, “ the great guns ” 
 were discharged, bonfires were made, and the “ whole house ” met at the 
 Guildhall to see the ceremonies performed.” 
 
 In like manner, in the following year, Avhen “ the great good news ” 
 arriA'ed that the King had agreed with both houses of parliament to pass the 
 Test Act, bonfires, by order of the corporation, Mere again made “at the 
 Foreland’s-cnd, East Mount, and market-place.f 
 
 The strong Protestant feeling Avhich then prevailed, did not, however, 
 prevent the town from receiving the Duke of A’ork Avith respectful loyalty. 
 His Royal Highness having returned to England Avith his bride, (the Princess 
 Mary Beatrice of Modena,) AA'.as requested by the King to take up his residence 
 at Holyrood Palace, until the e.Kcitement Avhich then prevailed against him 
 should have moderated. He remained there until the Gth of March, in 
 the year 1781, Avhen the Duke embarked, in his OAvn yacht, at Leith, on 
 his return to London, attended by the Earl of Peterborough, Colonel 
 Churchill (afterAvards Duke of Marlborough), and many persons of distinction. 
 The passage Avas stormy ; and the Duke’s intention of landing at Yarmouth 
 having become knoAvn, the corporation, in order “ to discover him early,” 
 placed men on tlic top of Winterton Lighthouse to keep a look out; and, as 
 soon as the yacht Avas discovered, Mr. Engle Knights, of \Yintcrton, Avas to 
 
 * The laud forces, AA-hich had been encamped at Blaekhcath under Marshal Schomberg, and 
 aftcrAA-ards embarked, AA cro lauded at Yarmouth, “ AA'here they lay idle and incffectiA’e all the 
 summer.” 
 
 t This act (2.5 Charles II., c. 2) rendered the reeeption of the sacrament according to the rites 
 of the Church of England, and a declaration renouncing the doctrine of transubstantion, preli¬ 
 minary conditions, Avithout which no office of trust could be held. The Duke of York Avas, in 
 consequenee, obliged to quit his post of l.ord High Admiral. Although designed as a safeguard 
 against the Roman Catholics, it operated equally to the exclusion of the Presbyterians. 
 
250 
 
 HISTOUY OF 
 
 send the speediest messenger on horseback ” with the intelligence. When 
 the vessel anchored in the Yarmouth roads, Mr. Bailiff Gooch, Mr. George 
 England, Jlr. Thomas Bradford, Mr. Samuel Fenn, Mr. Jeffery Ward, and 
 Mr. Thomas England went off to her. They were admitted into the presence 
 of his Royal Highness, and they invited him to dinner; which invitation he 
 was pleased to accept. Mr. Thomas Meadow, Captain Bransby, and Captain 
 Doughty were requested by the chamberlains, in the name of the corporation, 
 “ to pleasure them with their coaches, and to attend the Duke during his 
 stay and when his Royal Highness landed, he was “ waited upon ” by the 
 corporation in their robes of state, “ attended by the constables with their 
 staves.” The bells were rung, the “ great guns ” were discharged, the ships in 
 the roads fired salutes,-'^ and his Royal Highness was entertained “ with a 
 noble dinner”! at the house of Mr. Bailiff Gooch, at the town’s charge. 
 
 King Charles detained his brother eight weeks in London, and then sent 
 him back to Scotland, with a small fleet, to convoy his Duchess and the 
 Princess Anne to London. 
 
 On the 4th of May, the Duke embarked in the Gloucester frigate, and the 
 same day sighted “ Dunwich steeples ” on the Suffolk coast, in wet and foggy 
 weather. On the morning of the 6th of May, the vessel struck on the Lemon 
 and Ower sand, about twelve leagues from Yarmouth, and soon filled with 
 water. The Duke escaped in a shallop, which held only six persons besides 
 the rowers.I 
 
 Notwithstanding the civilities offered to the Duke of York, the town still 
 evinced the same ardent attachment to the Protestant religion, and an address 
 was voted to the King, thanking his Majesty for his “ gracious declaration,” 
 whereby they were assured “ of the preservation of the Protestant religion 
 
 * It appears that as a stimulant to this mark of loyalty, the corporation agreed to pay for the 
 powder. John Jones, a seaman, “ having lost the use of his hand by firing- ofl’a gun,” -was pre¬ 
 sented with his freedom. 
 
 t Among the good things provided were “ four brace of the best and largest bream, twm 
 brace of the largest pike, perches great and small, two large eels, and four brace of large tench 
 also, “lings, haberdines, smelts, sturgeon, and other sea fish,” with “ twm lambs, sucking 
 rabbits, and pigeons,” besides the usual beef, veal, fow-ls, &c. 
 
 X Colonel Churchill, the Earl of Aberdeen (then Lord Haddo), the Duke of Montrose, and a 
 “poor fiddler,” were of the fortunate number. See Miss Strickland’s Lives, vol. 9, p. 127. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 251 
 
 “ against the unwearied endeavours of all popish and schismatlcal enemies of 
 “ the Government, both of church and state.” “ We doe also hope,” says the 
 address, “ that your Majesty may meet with such suitable returns as will make 
 “ your Majesty’s imperiall crowne sit firme and easy upon your royal head.'*’"” 
 In 1684, the town charters were surrendered, and a new charter granted, 
 by which a mayor was substituted for the two bailiffs, and the numbers of 
 aldermen and common councilmen were reduced. This instrument was brought 
 from London by the Earl of Yarmouth, then high-steward of the borough ; 
 but at Littlebury, in Essex, he received intelligence of the alarming illness of 
 his Countess, in consequence of which, he returned to town.f having first 
 entrusted the charter to his son. Viscount Paston, who brought it as far as 
 Haddiscoe, where he delivered it to George Ward, Esq., the mayor elect, who 
 had gone thither for the purpose of receiving it, accompanied by a numerous train 
 of carriages and from 300 to 400 horsemen. A procession was then formed, 
 which returned to the town and traversed the principal streets to the Guildhall, 
 where the charter was publicly read, and the mayor and other officers were sworn 
 in ; after which the “ principal personages were nobly entertained at the house 
 “ of the mayor with a supper and good wines, the whole being managed in 
 “ good order, with ringing of bells, firing of guns, a bonfire, music, and other 
 “ decent solemnities and expressions of rejoicing.’’J An address was soon 
 afterwards presented to the King by the Hon. Thomas Paston, “ acknow¬ 
 ledging his Majesty’s grace and favour,” with which his Majesty was “ highly 
 pleased,” and gave his assurance that he would be “ very kind to the 
 “ corporation on all occasions, and gave them his thanks for the same, it being 
 “ the first he had received on the occasion of the new charters.” 
 
 * Lord Yarmouth informed the liailiffs that his Majesty was plea.sed to read erery word of this 
 address himself, and had c.vpressly commanded .'^ir Leonine Jenkins, the principal secretary of 
 state, to return an answer, as a mark of his Majesty’s favour,—so well could the King disscmV.le. 
 8ir Leonine, in his letter to the bailiffs, assured them that the King had taken notice of the 
 address “ with a particular satisfaction,” and had commanded him to say that ” notl'.iag .should 
 “ be wanted on his Majesty's part to manifest the care he had, and always would have, of our 
 “ religion a.s established by law, and of the civil rights of the people.” 
 
 t Lady Yarmouth died, and the corporation voted an address of condolence to the earl. 
 
 4 The mayor.had £80 voted to him towards the expenses, but would accept of £60 only. Bon- 
 fires'.wcre at this period, throughout the kingdom, made of considerable and dangerous magnitude ; 
 and, shortly afterwards, the corporation ordered that, in consequence of the ” extravagant 
 ” charges expended in bonfires, and that the ships in port and houses in the town have been 
 “ endangereil by the largi ness of the same, no bonfires should thenceforth be made at the public 
 ‘‘ expense .”—Assembly Books. 
 
HISTORY OF 
 
 2;V2 
 
 On the death of “ the late most dear and glorious Sovereign Lord King 
 Charles, of blessed memory,” his “ true and undoubted heir,” James II., was 
 proclaimed by the town clerk at the Church Gate, the Market Cross, Friar’s 
 Lane, the Custom House, and at the bridge; also, a proclamation retaining all 
 men in their offices.'" A congratulatory address was presented to his Majesty, 
 which, however, could not be very agreeable to him, as it contained furious 
 denunciations against Papists. Subsequently, four guineas were expended in 
 ringing the bells “ at the receipt of the news of the taking of Argyle.”f But 
 the King soon found that the corporation were not sufficiently subservient, and, 
 therefore, he determined to exercise the power which by the last charter was 
 specially reserved to the Crown of displacing obnoxious members, On the 
 25th of January, 1687, Sir James Johnson produced in assembly an order from 
 the King in council for the removal of six aldermen and eleven common 
 councllmen, and also another order nominating their successors. Subsequently 
 three aldermen and four common councilmen were displaced, but the Crown 
 found some difficulty in supplying the vacancies, as several of the persons 
 nominated refused to serve.J 
 
 *■ All offices under tlie Crown were vacated at tlie King’s deatli. This law is now altered. 
 
 t The Earl of Argyle, who, through the machinations of the King, when Duke of York, had 
 heen convicted of high treason, hut who had escaped to Holland, had now supported Monmouth 
 hy invading Scotland, where ho was taken prisoner and e.vocutod, without a trial, on his former 
 sentence. 
 
 I The names of those who had the honour of being displaced are contained in the order, of 
 which the following is a copy;— 
 
 “ Whitehall, the 13th of Jan., 1687. 
 
 By the King’s most excellent IMajosty and the lords of his Majesty’s most honourable Privy 
 “ Council. 
 
 “ Wliereas, by the charter granted to the town of Great Yarmouth, in the county of Norfolk, 
 a power is reserved to his Majesty, hy his order in council, to remov'e from their employments 
 any officer in the said town his Majesty in council is pleased to order ; and it is hereby ordered 
 that Sir Thomas Meadowes (justice), and George Ward (justice), Abraham Castle, Thomas 
 Gooch, John Castell, John Neave (aldermen), Robert Partridge (chamberlain), Benjamin 
 Goo.se, John Preston, Samuel Colby, John Fuller, Christopher Dunn, Thomas Godfrey, 
 Richard Betts, Owner Burroughs, Robert Bathe, and John Bateman (common couiicihncn) 
 be, and they are herebj', removed and displaced from their aforesaid offices in the said town 
 of Great Yarmouth. 
 
 “WM. BRIDGEMAN.” 
 
 Macaulay, in his History, vol. ii., p. 337, asserts that the King having assumed the power of 
 appointing new magistrates, the borough of Yarmouth was, in the course ol a few days, governed 
 by three different sets of magistrates—all of whom were, however, found to be equally detennined 
 to oppose popery and arbitrary power. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 253 
 
 In tills year, Prince George of Denmark landed at A’arinoutli, and pro¬ 
 ceeded to Windsor. 
 
 In 1G88, King James issued a proclamation reducing all corporate places 
 to the same condition in which they were previous to the surrender of their 
 charters to Charles II., and consequently the office of mayor ceased, and the 
 government of the town reverted to two bailiffs. 
 
 On the 21th of June, 1G88, the bells ivere rung and a bonfire was made 
 on receiving the news that the Queen had given birth to that Prince who never 
 succeeded to the Crown, to which he became a Pretender. Five barrels of 
 beer were distributed among the soldiers then in the town ; but, notwithstand¬ 
 ing these expressions of loyalty, the arbitrary and bigotted conduct of the 
 King, soon alienated the affections of his subjects, and once more blew into a 
 flame the smouldering love of freedom. Very tumultuous and riotous pro¬ 
 ceedings now took place in the town. The rabble surprised and entered the 
 fort, and, in consequence, “ extraordinary guards ” were appointed. 
 
 The hopes of the nation were turned to the House of Orange, and in 
 December, 1G88, the corporation of Yarmouth published a declaration in his 
 favour,!' and called for “ a free parliament, with all speed, wherein our laws, 
 our liberties, and properties may be secured,”—adding the doubtful termination 
 of “ God save the King—God prosper the Prince of Orange !” King James 
 having fled to France, and the convention parliament having bestowed the 
 
 * Lieutcuant-Ocnoral Bellasis’ regiment of Royal Fusileers, was quartered in the town. This 
 regiment was raised hy James II. i'or the care and protection of the ordnance. In 1688, they 
 ceased to be exclusively an ordnance regiment, and took their turn of duty with the regiments 
 of the line ; but the men continued to be armed with a fusil. Six companies were removed froiti 
 Barnet to Yarmouth, where they assisted in proclaiming King William and Queen Marv ; and 
 shortly afterwards the regiment embarked for Holland to form part of the forces sent to assist 
 the Dutch, in the place of the troops brought to England by the Prinee of Orange. — C.vxxox s 
 llisioi ical liecords. 
 
 t'“ Whereas, his Highness the Prince of Orange hath, with great kindness to these kingdom’, 
 “ with vast expense and much hazard to his person, undertaken to rescue us, with as little effusion 
 “ as possible of Christian blood, from the imminent dangers of popery and slavery, we, the 
 “ bailiffs, aldermen, burgesses, and commonalty of this hurgh of Great Yarmouth, doe therefore 
 “ declare that we u ill, with a due regard to his Majesty our Sovereign Lord tlie King and the 
 “ laws, with our utmost endeavours, assist his said Highness the Prince of Orange, in the 
 “ obtaining a free parliament with all speed, wherein our laws, our liberties, and properties may 
 “ be secured, the Church of England in particular, (with a due liberty to Protestiint i)isscntcrs,j 
 “ and in general the Protestant religion and interest over the whole world, may be supported and 
 “ encouraged to the gloty of God and the happiness of the established governnrent of this 
 “ kingdom. God save the Kingl God save the Prince of Orange!” 
 
 2 JI 
 
254 
 
 IIISTOKY OF 
 
 crown on the Prince of Orange and on the Princess Mary, they were proclaimed 
 at Yarmouth, on the 16th of February, 1689, “ with all imaginable joy and 
 “ solemnity, by the bailifls and aldermen in scarlett, the common-councilmen 
 “ and others in their formalities, in the market and other places with loud and 
 ‘repeated acclamations of ‘God save King William and Queen Mary 
 The day of their Majesties’ coronation was celebrated with the usual noisy 
 demonstrations, and those persons who were desirous of making bonfires had 
 liberty to do so. 
 
 When, in 1692, it was ascertained that William III. was at sea, on his 
 return from a campaign in Flanders, and would probably land at Yarmouth, 
 preparations were made for his reception. An express was sent to Lord Not¬ 
 tingham, acquainting him “ with his Majesty’s being at sea,” and furnishing 
 him with “ the relation of his voyage, as given by Capt. Gabriel Millison and 
 Samuel Eldridge.” Mr. Palgrave was dispatched to Somerleyton, with a letter 
 to Sir Thomas Allen, “ to desire his coach and six horses for his Majesty’s 
 accommodation.” The King landed on the 18th of October, and w'as received 
 by the bailiffs, the justices, and aldermen in their gowns. An address, read 
 by the recorder, was presented to the King. Colours were displayed from the 
 vessels in the roads and harbour, the bells were rung, and the militia was 
 “ raised.” His Majesty entered the town by the south gate, and was, with his 
 retinue, entertained at the house of Mr. Bailiff Robins, at the charge of the 
 corporation, “ in the best manner that could be,”—the total cost being £106. 
 Unlike King Charles, he conferred no honors on his entertainers. The King 
 arrived in London on the evening of the 20th. The next address which the 
 corporation had to present to William, was one of condolence on the death of 
 his Queen. 
 
 In the following year, the infamous Jacobite conspiracy, to assasinate the 
 King, excited great indignation throughout England. An address by the cor¬ 
 poration, and signed also by the inhabitants, congratulated his Majesty on his 
 providential escape, “ by the happy discovery of the late horrid and detestable 
 “ conspiracy for assinating his Majesty’s royal person, thereby to encourage an 
 “ invasion from France, to subvert our religion, laws, and libertyes.” The 
 
 * JMidon Gazette, 1C88. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 255 
 
 address proceeds to say,‘‘We do sincerely and solemnly own and acknowledge, 
 “ that your Majesty is, by law^ our rightful Sovereign, and do mutually engage 
 “ and promise, that we will, to the utmost of our powers, stand by, support, 
 “ and assist each other, in the defence and preservation of your iMajesty’s sacred 
 “ person and government, against the late King James and the pretended Prince 
 “ of Wales, and all others your Majesty’s enemies, both at home and abroad. ’ 
 An association was formed in the town, “ to adhere to and stand by his Majesty. ’ 
 Great exertions were made at this time, to equip a powerful fleet to counteract 
 the designs of France, which threatened an invasion. Mr. England and Mr. 
 Fuller, writing to the bailiffs on the 24th of November, (for it was then the 
 custom for members to write joint letters,) say,— 
 
 “ The Norwich members,* last night, got us to go with them to the Admiralty to pray a 
 “ stronger convoy for the Holland fleet; and have obtained the Solcbay, pro hue vice, to be added 
 “ to the Milford. This day, a committee of the whole house voted a supply to be granted to his 
 “ Majesty to make good the deficiency of the parliamentary funds.” 
 
 The latter was done, as the Commons stated in their address, to enable his 
 Majesty to carry on a just and necessary war for the defence of the Pi’otestant 
 religion, the preservation of the laws, and the vindication of the rights of the 
 people of England. 
 
 At the same time, Mr. Ferrier, writing to his “ dear partner ” Mr. Godfrey, 
 his co-bailiff, then in London, says,—“ The Admiralty have directed the convoy 
 “ to stay till further orders; I suppose on the news of y" French taking so 
 “ many ships bound to Ostend.”—“ Last post came orders to Captain Stephens, 
 “ commander of the y' Roebuck, a pretty frigate of thirty-two guns, to attend 
 “ our directions as Captain Lyell did.”—“ ’Twould do well, did you, as one of 
 “ the bailiffs, wait on y' board and thank them on behalf of y"" corporation, and 
 “ pray the continuance of their Pdsps further favour; perhaps such an address 
 “ may do us more service y'‘ you are aware of,—for great men will be courted, 
 “ and ’twere pity, for want of a little smooth language, to lose what is of so 
 “much importance to o'' trade. You had not better carry Mr. Fullerf with 
 
 * Altlei-m.in Francis Gaialiucr and Alderman Thomas Blofe'.d. 
 t Then member for the town. 
 
 2 n 2 
 
256 
 
 HISTORY OP 
 
 “ you : his deportment is not very pleasing to y' hoard ; and ’tis thought here 
 he has done us great disservice by his carriage to those commissioners. (But 
 “ this in/cr nos).” 
 
 In IG97, the corporation voted an address to the King “upon the peace 
 lately concluded vuth the French King, and his Majesty’s safe return.” 
 
 James II. died in exile in 1701 ; and, shortly afterwards, the corporation 
 ])rcsentcd an address to King William, “ upon occasion of the affront offered 
 “ to his ilajesty and the kingdom by the pretended Prince of Wales being, in 
 “ France, proclaimed King of England,”—an act which was generally regarded 
 as openly and decidedly hostile to Great Britain, and which excited the most 
 passionate resentment among all ranks and orders of people. 
 
 In the same year, the bailiffs acquainted the Lord High Admiral that the 
 French prisoners then in the town could not be securely kept, and recommended 
 their removal to Norwich. 
 
 On the death of William, in 1703, the corporation hastened to express 
 their “ participation in the universal joy” for “the reparation of so great a 
 loss” by the “ rightful accession ” of Queen Anne to the throne. They felt 
 assured that her Majesty would defend them in their religious and civil rights, 
 and they concluded by saying,—“ We may reasonably expect to see the power 
 “ of France reduced, the hopes of the pretended Prince of Wales extinguished, 
 “ and the open and secret designs of all your Majesty’s enemies defeated, and 
 “ the glory and honour of your realms and dominions enlarged.” 
 
 The corporation shortly afterwards petitioned for, and obtained, a new 
 charter, which again allowed them to choose a mayor, instead of two bailiffs. 
 
 The victories of Queen Anne were duly celebrated at Yarmouth. A thanks- 
 glving-day for “ our late signal victory at Blenheim, upon the Danube, obtained 
 “ by his Grace the Duke of Marlborough against the Elector of Bavaria and 
 “ the General Count Tallard,” was observed by the corporation, who went to 
 church in their gowns. The “ great guns ” were fired, the bells were rung, 
 the “ military company ” appeared in arms and gave “ vollies ” in the Market¬ 
 place, where the chamberlains distributed three dozen of wine and two barrels 
 of beer; and “ such persons as pleased ” illuminated their houses in the 
 evening. The corporation presented an address to the Queen congratulating 
 her Majesty on the success of her great general, and also on the services of Sir 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH, 
 
 257 
 
 George Rooke, in the Mediterranean, “ by both which so seasonable a stop was 
 “ put to that violent career the common enemy was in, to destroy the liberties 
 “ of Europe.”* 
 
 Similar rejoicings took place after the battle of Ramillies, and another 
 address was presented to Queen Anne, in which she was styled “ the generous 
 guardian of persecuted liberty.” 
 
 Addresses were also presented to her Majesty on the Union with Scotland, 
 “ the finishing of which work seemed to have been reserved to add to the glory 
 “ of a reign which Heaven had so eminently distinguished by repeated instances 
 “ of Divine favour;”—on “ an audacious attempt by the French King to 
 “ invade her Majesty’s dominions by assisting and supporting a vain pretender;” 
 and lastly, “ on having secured a just and honourable peace.” 
 
 On the accession of George I., the corporation assured his Majesty that 
 they saw, in such event, their “ established religion, laws, and liberties, and 
 everything valuable to a free people, secured on solid and lasting foundations.” 
 They also testified their loyalty by dining with the mayor, Andrew Bracey, 
 Esq., on the 20th October, 1714, (being his Majesty’s birthday), at an expense 
 of £60 paid out of the corporate funds.f 
 
 In 1715, the corporation determined to have “a convenient hall, and 
 “ rooms for the entertainment of the mayor and gentlemen of the corporation 
 “ upon public feasts and a committee, consisting of IMajor Ferrier, Captain 
 Artis, Captain Wakeman, Major England, and Mr. Ireland, with the chamber¬ 
 lains, was appointed to consider the subject. After much deliberation and 
 several debates in the assembly, it was resolved that the new hall should be 
 built at the “ Furlong’s End;” and the present edifice was erected.J 
 
 * In 1704, the m.ayor .md jvisticos pt titioupd the Boai-d of Ordnance “ for powder to defend the 
 town and the ships in the roads during this present war.” 
 
 t The corporation were not unmindful of those who enabled them to enjoy the good thinss of 
 this life, for at this time we find the following curious entry in the assembly hooks,—” Ordered 
 “that 20s. he paid towards the burial of the widow Hunter, who died poor, and had been ser- 
 “ viceable to the magistrates of this town, as their cook, in their mayoralties.” 
 
 j The contractors wore Mc.ssrs. Price and Son, — the same who built St. George’s chapel. The 
 cost of the building then erected was .£880. It comprised the front basement, and a principal 
 room over it 61 ft. Gin. long by 27ft. in breadth, ami 17ft. high. Over the chimney-piece in this 
 apartment is a full-length portrait of George II , in the robes of the Order of the Garter pre¬ 
 sented to the corporation, in 1728, by AVorsdalc, master painter to the Board of Ordnance. ’ 
 
258 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 On the 13th of August, 1715, the corporation voted an address to the 
 King, thanking him for having “ informed his people of the intended invasion 
 “ h)' the Pretender, encouraged by the tumultuous behaviour of many of his 
 “Majesty’s subjects in divers parts of the kingdom;” declaring “an ahhor- 
 “ rence of all such riotous proceedings,” and expressing a resolution “ to quell 
 “ that uneasy spirit which had broken out to the disturbance of his Majesty’s 
 “ happy government” should it ever appear at Yarmouth, of which his Majesty 
 was assured there need be no apprehension, as “ an united zeal for his Majesty’s 
 “person, and a just sense of the happiness enjoyed under his government, 
 “ appeared in every face; and a determination to stand by his Majesty 
 “ in all things against the Pretender, or any other invader of his Majesty’s 
 “ dominions ; and against all his enemies, foreign or domesticand acknow¬ 
 ledging his Majesty’s goodness “ in his repeated declarations to maintain his 
 people in all their religious and civil rights as established by law.” 
 
 An association was formed among the inhabitants for the suppression of 
 this “ most horrid and unnatural rebellionand they once more began to 
 think about their means of defence. A committee was appointed, who ordered 
 the gates near St. George’s chapel “ to have substantial iron pikes upon them, 
 and such bars as should be properand Andrew Bracey, Esq., and others, 
 were deputed to inspect the locking and barring of the other public gates.* 
 
 It was soon found that these precautions were unnecessary; and, on the 
 11th of February following, the bells were rung on receiving “ the good news 
 “ that the rebels in Scotland were dispersed, and the Pretender fled out of that 
 “ country.” 
 
 On the commencement of the war in 1726, the corporation presented an 
 address to the King, expressing their astonishment “ to And the Emperor and 
 “ the King of Spain, princes in appearance the most opposite in all their views, 
 “ secretly confederating to unite their families, so as to become formidable to 
 “ the rest of Europe ; ” and seeking “ to wrest from the English Crown, Gib- 
 “ raltar and Port Mahon,—jflaces won by the arms of Britain.” 
 
 * The ceremony of shutting the gates at night was long continued, but was not a very onerous 
 duty ; for we find that, in 1724, an order was made “ to pay Goody Ely five-and-thirty shillings 
 a year for clensing, and opening and shutting the south gates.” At last the time came for their 
 demolition. (See Manshijy, p. 278). 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 259 
 
 In tlie following year, an address was presented to George II., on his 
 accession to the throne. 
 
 In 1737, the King landed at Lowestoft on his return from one of his con¬ 
 tinental excursions. 
 
 The war with Spain, which drove Sir Robert Walpole from office, although 
 very popular at its commencement, was not much favoured by the authorities 
 in those towns where the AValpole interest prevailed. At Yarmouth, it is said, 
 that the war was proclaimed, in 1739, “ without beat of drum, because not Sir 
 “ Robert’s war ; nay, the drummers were reprimanded for beating a point of 
 “ war to a private company.” 
 
 In 1743, the corporation congratulated His IMajesty on again returning to 
 his dominions—on the success of his arms—on the birth of another son to the 
 Prince of Wales—and on the marriage of the Princess Louisa with the Prince 
 Royal of Denmark 
 
 In 1744, the corporation voted an address to the King, expressing their 
 “ abhorrence and detestation of the designs then forming against his IMajesty 
 and the kingdom, in favour of the Pretender ; ” and the muragers had orders 
 to provide “ eight or ten platforms for placing guns on.” A meeting of the 
 inhabitants was held for the purpose of forming an association of defence, at 
 which the mayor (John Cotman, Esrp,) made a fervent speech,-'' for which he 
 received the thanks of the corporation. 
 
 In the following year, an address was presented to the King, congratulating 
 his Majesty on his return to his kingdom, and on the taking of Cape Breton ; 
 and expressive of abhorrence at the rebellion in Scotland : and, shortly after¬ 
 wards, another address was voted, on the victory obtained by his Royal 
 Highness the Duke of Cumberland “ over the rebel army in the North.” 
 
 The town walls were crowded, in 1756, to witness a naval engagement. 
 On the 1st of September, H.M.S. Hazard engaged, off Lowestoft, a French 
 privateer, called La Suhtile, Jean Baptiste 'fate, commander, carrying twelve 
 guns and eighty-six men. After a contest which lasted for six hours,—during 
 
 * “ 'Wliat Briton is there,” asked the mayor, “ whose lireast does not glow with the warmest 
 “ indignation and resentment at the very mention of an attempt hy a foreign i)rinee to invade 
 “ these kingdoms, dethrone our King, subvert our laws, religion, and liberties; and, instead of 
 tliein, to introduce a Popish Pretender, absolute will, superstition, and slavery!” 
 
260 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 which the crew of the privateer attempted twice to board the Hazard, but were 
 reimlsed,—the Frenchman struck, when off Winterton ; and, on the following 
 day (Sunday) the prisoners were landed and lodged in gaol.* 
 
 The political sentiments prevalent in the town at this period, may be 
 gathered from the n'ords of an address, which was presented by the corpora¬ 
 tion to the Right Hon. William Pitt and the Right Hon. Henry Bilson Legge, 
 with the freedom of the borough, contained in two silver boxes, with the 
 town arms engraved thereon, “ in gratitude for their loyal and upright conduct 
 “ during their short administration ; for their fidelity to his Majesty and their 
 “ distressed country, which they had signally manifested by their public fru- 
 “ gality, their private disinterestedness, and their singular zeal to extirpate that 
 “ corruption which had, to the shame of our nation, been so avowedly and 
 “ openly jJatronized; and in testimony of the warmest wishes that such friends 
 “ of their country had been permitted to execute their noble plan of supporting 
 “ the honor and independence of Great Britain, by a wise and virtuous exertion 
 “ of her natural naval strength, by an effectual succour of her American colo- 
 “ nies, and by providing, in such manner, for her defence at home, as to render 
 “ any unavoidable operations abroad less burthensome, and to repair, if possi- 
 “ ble, the great loss of Minorca,—a loss which the once flourishing town of 
 “ Yarmouth had, by the ruin of its commerce, every day repeated reasons to 
 “ lament.” The sudden dismissal of these ministers had excited a feeling of 
 great alarm in the nation, which was allayed only by their sjjeedy reinstatement. 
 
 The last address to George H. was one, in 1758, to congratulate his Majesty 
 “ on the reduction of the important fortress of Louisberg and the isle of Cape 
 “ Breton ; a place of the greatest consequence to the trade of his Majesty’s 
 “ subjects, especially the fishery,—that valuable nursery of brave seamen, to 
 “ man, on occasion, his Majesty’s fleets.” 
 
 The accession of George HI. was marked by an address, in which the 
 corporation expressed their happiness at seeing his Majesty at once in the 
 “ possession of the throne of his ancestors, and of the united affection of his 
 “ subjects.” 
 
 * Forirteen of them afterwards broke out by undermining the wall, but one of them sticking 
 fast in the aperture and shrieking out, the sentinels were alarmed. Four were retaken, but the 
 rest escaped. 
 
GREAT VARMOUTH. 
 
 261 
 
 In 17G2, they congratulated his Majesty on the birth of a prince, and took 
 occasion to say,—“ It is M'ith great pleasure that we can look back to that time 
 “ when your Majesty’s family first ascended the throne of these kingdoms, so 
 “ entirely hath the constitution, in church and state, been preserved.” 
 
 A few years sufficed to bring the administration of public affairs into ex¬ 
 treme discredit. In 1769, the expulsion of Wilkes from the House of Commons, 
 had raised a ferment in the nation, which the Letters of Junius were not calcu¬ 
 lated to allay. The city of London, and other places of importance, petitioned 
 for a dissolution of parliament; whilst a few counter addresses were, with 
 difficulty, procured by the court party. At Yarmouth, the inhabitants were 
 called together by the mayor, to vote an address of loyalty to the King. It 
 appears that a majority of the meeting protested against the propriety and 
 utility of this address ; but, nevertheless, it was resolved on by the minority ; 
 whereuj^on, the former, who styled themselves “ the merchants, traders, and 
 principal inhabitants of the borough,” drew up a remonstrance against this 
 jjroceeding, setting forth the reasons why they considered the address “ as 
 unnecessary, imprudent, and dangerous whilst, at the same time, they avou'ed 
 their “ unalterable attachment to the person, family, and government of their 
 “ most gracious Sovereign, and to the civil and religious rights of the British 
 “ constitution,—objects of their attachment, which they ever had and ever 
 “ would hold undivided.”* 
 
 A war with Spain having, in 1770, become imminent, in consequence of 
 the seizure of the Falkland Islands, the King’s ministers exerted themselves to 
 equip a formidable fleet; and, at a public meeting of the inhabitants, it was 
 resolved to bestow a bounty of one guinea upon every able-bodied seaman who 
 would volunteer at Yarmouth. 
 
 All wars are usually popular at their commencement; and the people 
 are often as much to blame as their rulers, for prosecuting those which 
 are ultimately condemned as unjust and impolitic. Thus, in 1775, the 
 corporation of Yarmouth voted an address to George III., expressing their 
 
 * This remonstrance is signed by vipwards of one hundred persons. Among the names are 
 those of Barber, Bell, Cobb, Costerton, Fish, Fisher Fowler Hurry, I’.almer, I’rcston, Sayers 
 Shelly, Syinonds Tolvcr A'oucll, &c. 
 
 2 I 
 
262 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 “ abhorrence of the rebellion then carrying on in America,” and making “ a 
 “ tender of their lives and fortunes towards the suppression of it; ” and “ be- 
 “ seeching his INIajest)' to take care that the empire was not dismembered, nor 
 “ the supreme authority of the British legislature impaired.” As a substantial 
 proof of their approval of this unhappy war, they subscribed £50 “ in aid of 
 the English army then employed in America.” After the lapse of a few years, 
 the imposition of new taxes upon beer, wine, soap, leather, houses, coaches, 
 post-chaises, post-horses, stamps, and servants, combined with the ill-success 
 of the war, abated their ardour; and, in 1782, the corporation requested the 
 members for the town to oppose an additional duty on wines imported, then 
 in agitation, but which, Mr. Townshend assured them, “ would not be brought 
 forward.” 
 
 In the meantime. Lord Amherst, then commanding in chief, made a 
 survey of this part of the kingdom, accompanied by his staff and several officers 
 of engineers. He ordered a fort to be erected on Gorleston heights, armed 
 with six 24-pounders, and a battery of nine 18-pounders, for the defence of St. 
 Nicholas’ gat. Major-General Tryonwas appointed to the command of all the 
 fortifications at Yarmouth and of the places adjacent, and of the forces then 
 encamped on Hopton Heath, consisting of the Huntingdon Militia, under the 
 command of the Duke of Manchester, and of the eastern battalion of the Essex 
 Militia, commanded by Lieut.-Colonel Bullock. Major-General Tryon fixed 
 his head-quarters at Somerleyton hall. 
 
 Soon afterwards. Colonel Deiberg brought intelligence that Government 
 had received information of an intended invasion, to be made at three different 
 points, one being on the coast near Yarmouth. The camp at Hopton was aug¬ 
 mented by the lOth Regiment of Foot, commanded by Lieut.-Col. Cathcart, 
 and the Cambridgeshire Militia, under the command of Col. Ward; and 
 another camp was formed at East Heath, near Lowestoft, wffiere the 20th Light 
 Dragoons were stationed ; and a small camp was also formed at Herringfleet. 
 At the commencement of winter, these camps were broken up, and the men 
 were quartered at Yarmouth, Gorleston, and Lowestoft. 
 
 In consequence of the war with Holland, an independent company of 
 infantry, called the “ Armed Association” was formed from among the inhabit- 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 263 
 
 ants, in 1780 ; and, in the following year, the state of the town’s defences was 
 again taken into consideration by the corporation, who appointed a committee 
 to inspect the walls and gates. The idea of repairing them was, however, 
 abandoned ; and it was determined, instead, to erect two batteries on the denes. 
 For this purj^ose the corporation voted £100; and a public subscription was 
 entered into, “ for the defence of the town, harbour, and shipping against at¬ 
 tacks from the enemy.” 
 
 The war continued; and, on the 27th of March, 1782, a public meeting 
 was held at the Town hall, to consider a recommendation received from Lord 
 Amherst, “ that a list should be made out, of such inhabitants as were willing 
 “ to be taught the exercise of the great guns, in order to qualify themselves to 
 “ man the batteries, in case of an attack from the enemy, which there was reason 
 “ to ajjprehend, from the preparations known to be making in Holland for that 
 “ purpose ;” and a handbill was issued, stating that “ there was reason to 
 “ apprehend that an attem 2 )t would sj^eedily be made by the Dutch, to destroy 
 “ the town and harbour ;” and such of the inhabitants as were willing to use 
 “ their endeavours to j^reserve the town from destruction,” were earnestly de¬ 
 sired to subscribe their names to an engagement, lying at the town clerk’s office 
 for that purpose. The town, it aj^pears, was extremely unwilling to accept any 
 Government aid; and finding that there was an intention to quarter cavalry 
 ujjon them, the inhabitants sent up a petition, “ which,” says Mr. Townshend, 
 “ I transmitted to the secretary-at-war, with the addition of such arguments as 
 “occurred to me upon the subject;” adding, “ it is probable Mr. Jenkinson 
 “ may no longer be secretary-at-war, when the arrangement of quarters is taken 
 “ into consideration.” Lord North had, in fact, already resigned, and ministers 
 held office only till their successors were airpointed.'” 
 
 • Mr. Townshend, in .a letter to Mr. Reynolds, deprecated any “ immediate approbation” of 
 the successors to the late ministry as being “ a sudden and severe censure upon them,” and 
 “ neither consistent nor creditable,” and extremely unplea.sant to himself. He reminded the eor- 
 l)oratiou that the late ministry had “ paid the utmost attention to the wishes of the town of 
 Yarmouth, and of every inhabitant belonging to it” whenever he ai)i)licd to them, “ which was 
 not unfreeiuentand he added the comforting assurance, “ Though 1 am out of office, it will still 
 “be in my ])Ower to continue these services to the town, of which you arc so kind as to express 
 “ your approbation ; and, as I have not the Ica.st intention of opposing the measures of Govern- 
 “ ment, 1 shall expect, in conjunction with Mr. 'Waljiole, to have, as usual, the recommendation 
 “ to offices at Yarmouth.” 
 
 2 1 2 
 
264 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 The fisheries had, at this period, to be protected by an armed force ; and 
 Mr. Townshend (writing on the 17th of April, 1782,) said,—“Understanding 
 “ this morning from Mr. Spurgeon, that the orders which you applied for to the 
 “ admiralty, so long ago as the 6th inst., for the usual convoy and protection 
 “ for the mackerel fishery, were not arrived at Yarmouth when he came away ; 
 “ and knowing how material it is that you should have them as soon as possible, 
 “ (the men from the country not caring to come in till they see the protection 
 “ advertised in the Norwich newspaper,) I went a few hours ago to the admir- 
 “ alty upon this business, when I found that through the hurry of business the 
 “ orders, tho’ signed, were still in the office; but Mr. Stephens promised me 
 “ that they should, without fail, be dispatched to-night.” 
 
 Parliamentary reform was then occupying men’s minds; and upon this 
 subject Mr. Townshend wrote,— 
 
 “ Mi-. Fox attempted yesterday, in the House of Commons, to get a committee appointed for the 
 “purpose of altering the representation. Various projects were thrown out. Some were for 
 “ adding members to the counties, others for lopping oft' the smaller boroughs, and others for 
 “ taking away the right of election fi-om all boroughs, and giving it exclusively to the freeholders. 
 “ It was contended, on the other hand, that to open a committee for the purpose of receiving 
 “ proposals of this sort, would but excite new expectations in one description of men, to cause 
 “ apprehension in another, and to raise a ferment throughout the kingdom, at a time when all 
 “ our endeavours ought to be pointed, either towards obtaining a proper peace, or carrj-ing on the 
 “ war with vigour. I was of this opinion, and joined heartily with those who were fortunate 
 “ enough to succeed and to save the country from, I really believe, a state of immediate riot and 
 “ confusion. In all matters of this sort, I shall be for adhering to the old constitution as settled 
 “ at the revolution; in everything else I shall give my vote with those ministers whom the King 
 “ has been forced, however reluctantly, to employ.” 
 
 At the same time the mayor was informed by Mr. Townshend, that “ ad- 
 “ vice has been received that the Dutch fleet, consisting of nine sail of the line, 
 “ is at sea. I hope ours is ready to oppose them. If there should be any alarm 
 “ upon your coast, and you have any commands here in consequence of that 
 “ alarm, you will let me know by express or otherwise.” The mayor also re¬ 
 ceived from the Duke of Richmond, who, on the accession of Lord Rockingham 
 to power, was placed at the head of the ordnance, a letter, which, Mr. Towns- 
 
 * In a letter to Mr. Reynolds, dated 8th May, 1782. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 265 
 
 hend said, “ confirms to me what I had heard, that a plan is on foot for arming 
 “ the whole kingdom; such a measure seems to me to be in the highest degree 
 “ alarming : but should it be thought necessary, the officers, I trust, will be 
 “ obliged to take commissions, and not be left at liberty, as your volunteers are> 
 “ to fight when, where, for whom, and in what cause they please.” Mr. Towns- 
 hend here alludes to an “armed association” which had been formed, principally 
 among the Nonconformists. On this subject he again writes,— 
 
 “ There was a meeting, a few days ago, of lord liontenants at tlie St. Alban’s Tavern, to consider 
 “ Lord Shelborue’s letter, when the new plan lor raising au armed force was unanimously disap- 
 “ proved of. From wbat you say, I don’t think it is likely to meet with a better reception at 
 “ A'acmoutb ; but if such a disposition should appear at your meeting as would be likely to carry 
 “through, with sjurit, a measure for raising one or two companies, I think, in that case, the 
 “ corporation would do well to take the lead. T'ou would have some advantages over the 
 “ dissenting armed association, under the Ilurrys, (which is exactly upon the footing of the 
 “ Irish volunteers), for you would be supplied with arms by government, and with sergeants and 
 “ corporals in pay from the army ; but if county money should bo necessary, that, indeed, would 
 “ be a heavy expense.” * * * “ Your determination must depend upon the disposition you 
 “ meet with. A measure forced on against the grain can neither be effectual, nor do any credit 
 “ to those who undertake it; but in a town exposed from its situation (though I am persuaded 
 “not in the least actual danger), the raising one or two companies, under the authority of 
 “ government, would have a good appearance, if there are means to do it handsomely.” 
 
 Some correspondence with Lord Shelborne ensued; and Mr. Townshend sub¬ 
 sequently wrote,—“ As you have heard nothing more from Lord Shelborne, I 
 “ suppose there is an end of the matter. Surely Government cannot send 
 “ arms to a company, whose officers will not accept commissions. 
 
 The town was, at this time, filled with troops, to the great annoyance of 
 the inhabitants; and urgent remonstrances were addressed to General Conwav, 
 who was, at that time, at the head of the army; Mr. Townshend wrote to 
 the mayor on the 23rd of May,—“ Not having heard from you, since I wrote 
 “ last, I Hatter myself that General Tryon has been able to give some essential 
 “ relief to the town. The alarm surely must be over for the present, and the 
 
 * In this letter Mr. Townshend thus alludc.s to the iufliienza, wliich appears to have then 
 made its fir.st appearance,—“ An epidemical cold, attended with an oppression upon the breath 
 “ and a violent jiain in the bones, is so prevalent here, that few families, and, indeed, persons’ 
 “ escape it. Mrs. T. has been confined to her bed with it for three or four days, and is but just 
 “ recovering. 1 liope it has not, and will not, roach your part of the world; if it should I can 
 “ tell you, for your comfort, that it has in no instance .os yet proved fatal.” ’ 
 
266 
 
 mSTOKY OF 
 
 “ proper season for encamping the troops is come.” In a subsequent letter he 
 says, “ I am glad to hear that you are relieved from part, at least, of your nu- 
 “ merous garrison. The remainder, I hope, will not he burthensome to you 
 “ long, for the season is come, and the weather seems now not to be unfavor- 
 “ able, for encamping.” 
 
 In regard to the war, Mr. Townshend wrote, on the 14th of i\Iay,— 
 
 “ The Dutch fleet, according to the account brought by yesterday’s mail, sailed some days ago; 
 “ but, upon a strong current setting them very much to the southward, they dropped their 
 “ anchors again. This circumstance is sufficient to prove that their intentions are to go north- 
 “ about, or to the Baltic. Lord Howe was still in the Downs on Sunday eveniug; but, as the 
 “ wind has since been fair, he has probably sailed to the northward. His shii)s are too large for 
 “ the business he is upon ; and he will probably send some of the biggest back again, if he means 
 “ to proceed to the north.”* 
 
 In a subsequent letter,—“ We have good news to-day from the East Indies. 
 We have taken the Dutch Settlements upon the Island of Ceylon.” 
 
 Tlie English nation were becoming impatient at the inactivity of the fleet 
 in the West Indies, when the news arrived of a decisive engagement with the 
 French, off Dominique. Mr. Townshend wrote to the mayor,— 
 
 “ We thank’d Sir G. Rodney yesterday, in the House of Commons, for his glorious conduct and 
 “ important victory ; bnt, unfortunately, with our thanks, or a few days before, he will receive an 
 “ order to give up his eommand to Admiral Pigot. How such a measure ever came to be taken, 
 ‘‘ or why it was not stop’d, as it might have been, after the news of Sir George’s success came, I 
 “ am at a loss to guess. Not only Sir G. Rodney, but his second in command, and, indeed, every 
 “ officer and man in the fleet will suffer under this severe mortification. It could not have been 
 “ worse-timed upon every account, and particularly as every letter from the fleet speaks of the 
 “ perfect unanimity then prevaihng amongst them, to which they in great measure attribute their 
 “ success.” 
 
 Any mortification which the successful admiral may have felt on this ac¬ 
 count, was mollified by the grant of a peerage, and by the enthusiasm with 
 which he was received in England. The corporation of Yarmouth voted an 
 address to the King, “ on the success of his Majesty’s arms in all parts of the 
 “ world, and particularly upon the glorious and decisive victory over the French 
 
 * How sti’ange that, seventy years later, the same observation has been applied to the fleets 
 sent to the Baltic under Sir Charles Napier and Admiral Richard Dundas. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 267 
 
 “ fleet in the West Indies ; ” and the freedom of the borough was presented 
 to Lord Rodney and also to Lord Hood.’^' 
 
 In October, 1784, the Prince of Wales being expected at Rainham, the 
 corporation invited his Royal Highness to dine at the Town hall, which invita- 
 
 * Mr. Towiishtnd ■n roto to Mr. Reynolds,— 
 
 “ Stanhopo-sti'cct, Juno tlic 17th. 
 
 “ Dear Sir, —Having this moment received the favour of your letter, inclosing an address to 
 “ his Majesty, I cannot omit to acknowledge, by return of ])ost, the receipt of the same; and to 
 “ return you my thanks for the pro)niety of your conduct at the assembly. !Mr. VValjiole, (from 
 “ whom 1 have just had a note,) and I, .shall present the address to the King at the next levee, 
 “which will he on Wednesdaj', and on that evening I will write to you again. In the mean- 
 “ while allow me to express my thorough approbation of the compliment you have paid to Lord 
 “ Rodney in voting him his freedom ; and the addition of Lord Hood is by no means an improper 
 “ one. It is difficult, in matters of this sort, to know where to stop ; but, pei'haps, putting 
 “ .Admiral Drake and Commodore Atlloek upon the same footing with the other two, though the 
 “ House of Commons have done so, might, in some degree, lessen the compliment to the two 
 “ former. 
 
 In a subsequent letter,—“ This morning, Mr. Walpole and I attended at the levee, where we 
 “ presented your address, which the King was pleas’d to receive very graciously.” 
 
 On the 27th of Kovemher following,—“ Mr. Walpole and I have, this morning, in a joint letter, 
 “ given the inaj'or (William Palgrave, Esq.,) an account of our visit to Lord Rodney, and have 
 “ transmitted to him, at his lordship’s request, his thanks to the corporation for the honor they 
 “ have done him.” 
 
 Lord Rodney returned the following answer to the address,— 
 
 “ Gentlemen', —The high favour conferred upon me by the very respectable corporation of 
 “ Great Yarmouth, in approving my conduct during the time I had the honor to command his 
 “ Majesty’s fleet in the West Indies, lays me under particular obligation, and demands my most 
 “ grateful acknowledgments, which I must beg you, gentlemen, will be so obliging as to transmit 
 “ to them ; but I cannot, by any means, take upon myself the great merit of the glorious victory 
 “ obtained by his Majesty's arms over his enemy’s licet, on the 12th of April : the success of that 
 “ day was owing to the gallantry of the otficers and men of the fleet I had the honor to command, 
 “ and to them, only, is due the merit of that glorious day. 
 
 “RODNEY.” 
 
 The following answer was subsequently received from Lord Hood,— 
 
 “ Barlleur, Staten Island, New Y’ork, Nov. 3rd, 1782. 
 
 “ Gentlemen, — I have, this day, received from Jamaica, the very obliging letter you did me 
 “ the honor to write to me on the 3rd of July, inclosing the resolution of the mayor and common 
 “ council of the borough of Great A’armouth, for enrolling my name in the list of the corpora- 
 “ tion, together with a copy of the freedom of the said borough ; and I entreat you will have the 
 “ goodness to express to the mayor and common-council my warmest acknowledgments for the 
 “ very gi’cat honor they have done me. Nothing can be more tiattering or acceptable to an 
 “ officer, than to know fliat he stands well in the opinion of bis countrymen and fellow-subjects ; 
 “ and I feel as I ought, the kind testimony of approbation the corporation is pleased to give of 
 “ my humble services. I am truly sensible of the polite manner in which you have conveyed to 
 “ me the sentiments of the corporate body you have the honor to represent in the great assembly 
 “ of the nation, and you will accept my very sincere thanks for it. 
 
 “ I have the honour to be, with great deference and esteem, 
 
 “ Gentlemen, 
 
 “ Your most obedient bumble servant, 
 
 “ HOOD.” 
 
268 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 tion his engagements did not permit him to accept.-^ The following answer 
 was received : — 
 
 “ Rainliam, October 25th, 1784. 
 
 “ Sin, 
 
 “ I did not fail to acquaint his Royal Highness with the contents of your letter. He does not 
 “ intend, at present, to make the tour of the county, hut returns to town hy Lord Clermont’s. 
 “ He was pleased to express the satisfaction with which he should have received these marks of 
 “ attention with which the corporation and town of Yarmouth intended to have received him in 
 “ case he had ai-rived there. 
 
 “ I am, Sm, with perfect regard, 
 
 “ Your most humble servant, 
 
 “ TOWNSHEND. 
 
 “ To the Mayor of T’annouth.” 
 
 In 1786, a frantic attempt to assassinate the King, w’as made hy Meg 
 Kicholson, a lunatic. The corporation presented an address, congratulating his 
 Majesty on his escape. 
 
 The 23rd of April, 1789, wms a day of Thanksgiving for the King’s re¬ 
 covery ; and at night the town was illuminated. 
 
 In the following year. Lord North and Mr. Pitt were thanked hy the 
 corporation, for their opirosition to the repeal of the Test and Corporation Acts, 
 which had been brought forward by Mr. Beaufoy, the member for this town. 
 
 Upon the declaration of war in 1792, “ by the governing powers of France 
 against this kingdom,” an address was voted to the King, thanking his Majesty 
 “ for the wise and seasonable proclamation which his Majesty had thought fit 
 “ to issue, for the purpose of defeating the attempts which were daily made to 
 “ recommend new speculative systems, in preference to that most admirable 
 “ form of government estahli.shed at the Kevolution, and sanctioned by the ex- 
 “ perience of a century.” “ These attempts,” said the corporation, “ we trust 
 “ will prove as fruitless as they are wicked. We know that your Majesty’s 
 “ subjects of every degree are alike protected in their persons and their pro- 
 “ perties. We know that we are a happy and flourishing nation. We attribute 
 “ that prosperity and that happiness to the most perfect model of practical 
 
 * Eish, in the country, was then esteemed a great luxury. Mr. Townshend wrote to Mr. 
 Reynolds on this occasion,—“ If you can conveniently send over a dish of iish (to Rainham), 
 “with a note from yourself to Lord Townshend, you will eontribute to his Royal Highness’s 
 “ entertainment, and will highly oblige his lord.shij) hy such a mark of attention.’’ 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 269 
 
 “ government,—our present constitution ; and we are, therefore, firmly of 
 “ 02 rinion, that to preserve, not to alter, that constitution, is one of the jDrinci- 
 “ jral duties which we owe to ourselves and our 2 )osterlty. Animated by these 
 “ sentiments, we are anxious to he among the foremost in respectfully assuring 
 “ your Majesty, that we shall use our utmost endeavours within our jurisdiction, 
 “ to prevent the circulation of seditious pa^iers; that we shall diligently watch 
 “ over every attem^^t that may be made to lessen the attachment of your jjeople 
 “ to any jiart of that system of well-regulated government, which the example 
 “ of our ancestors and our own exj^erience have taught us to love and revere; 
 “ and that we shall constantly and actively joromote, as far as in us lie, the 
 “ salutary jmrjroses of your Majesty’s jjroclamation.” Nor did the corjioration 
 confine themselves to words ; for, in order to assist in manning the navy, they 
 offered a bounty of £2 2^. to every able seaman; £1 11s. 6f/. to every ordinary 
 seaman; and £1 Is. to every able landsman who would volunteer ; in addition to 
 similar bounties subscribed for by the magistrates, merchants, and principal 
 inhabitants. On the application of Capt Sutherland on behalf of the board of 
 ordnance, a piece of ground near the South battery' was granted, for the erection 
 of a powder magazine ; and liberty was given to cut flags for the repair of the 
 batteries. 
 
 At this period, a “ Church and King Club ” was established ; the members 
 of which held their meetings at the Wrestlers inn. 
 
 On the 28th of February, 1793, II.M.S. Savage brought in the Cuslitie, 
 French privateer, being the first prize taken in the war ; and, at about the same 
 time, another address was ju'esented to the King, renewing the assurance of 
 constant and inviolable allegiance, and unshaken attachment to the constitution, 
 “ which,” said the addressers, “ cannot but be the more endeared to us, from 
 “ the fatal events that have taken place in a neighbouring country, where a wild 
 “ and frantic spirit of universal innovation has, iir the space of a few years, 
 “ changed the disposition, subverted the moral and religious principles, and 
 ” entirely destroyed the hairpincss of a deluded people ; and has, at length, 
 “ enabled their desperate leaders to commit the most atrocious act of deliberate 
 “ cruelty that ever disgraced mankind.”—“ It is not to be wondered at,” con¬ 
 tinued the address, “ that the same men after having, in breach of solemn and 
 ” repeated declarations annexed some of the countries they have overrun to 
 
 3 E 
 
270 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 “ their former dominions, and obliged others, at the point of the sword, to 
 “ accept a constitution they disliked, should, on the most groundless pretences, 
 “ have declared war against Great Britain and the United Provinces, guarantees 
 ‘‘ of some of the territories thus invaded and possessed, and the constant 
 “ defenders of all independent powers against the aggressions and encroach- 
 “ merits of France.”—“ We, of this commercial town,” said they, “ are well 
 “ aware that we may suffer severely in our trade during the contest; but we 
 “ should ill-deserve the name of Britons, were private considerations to lessen 
 ‘‘ our zeal in a cause where the honor of the Crown and the safety of the people 
 “ are so materially concerned.”—“ Impressed with these sentiments, ive shall 
 “ give every assistance in our power to the prosecution of this just and neces- 
 “ sary war; and, we trust, that the wisdom of your Majesty’s measures, 
 “ zealously and firmly supported by the exertions of a free and loyal people, 
 “ will stop the further progress of a system which aims at disturbing the 
 “ tranquillity, perverting the principles, and weakening the foundations of all 
 “ established governments ; and that the temporary evils of war will, at a short 
 “ period, be compensated by a safe, an honourable, and a lasting peace.” 
 
 In the following summer, the sound of the guns at the taking of Valen¬ 
 ciennes by the army under the Duke of York was, it is said, heard at Yarmouth. 
 AVhen the King opened Parliament on the 21st of January, 1794, he declared 
 that “ the circumstances under which they were assembled required their most 
 serious attention.”—“AVe are,” he said, “engaged in a contest on the issue 
 “ of which depend the maintenance of our constitution and religion, and the 
 “ security of all civil society.” The land forces were increased,—a treaty made 
 with Prussia,—seditious societies denounced,—and on the 16th of May, Mr. 
 Pitt introduced a bill’ for the suspension of the Habeas Corpus Act, which was 
 carried by a large majority, but not without the most strenuous opposition.'*' 
 
 In this session, ministers, for the purpose of raising money, resorted to 
 the expedient of soliciting voluntary contributions by a formal letter written by 
 one of the secretaries of state, and addressed to the lord lieutenants of the 
 
 * Mr. Townshend, writing on the 17th of May, said,—“ Having been at the House of Commons 
 “ till four this morning, and being obliged to be at the secret committee at one, I have only time 
 “ to add,” &c. The hill introduced onThe 16th, was passed on the 17th of May, by a majority of 
 TO to one, after occasioning in its progress throirgh the house no less than nineteen divisions. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 271 
 
 several counties ; not without receiving a strong rebuke from Mr. Sheridan and 
 the leaders of the opposition. 
 
 A public meeting was held at Norwich, at which the Mayor of Yarmouth 
 attended, and, on the part of the corporation, subscribed one hundred guineas 
 towai’ds the fund “ for increasing, under the sanction of parliament, the internal 
 defence of the kingdom.” 
 
 Success, however, did not at that time attend our arms on the continent. 
 The allies were unable to make a stand against the French, avIio, under Pichegru, 
 had received immense reinforcements ; and that able commander took advan¬ 
 tage of a severe frost, about the middle of December, to add the United 
 Provinces to the conquests of the campaign.* 
 
 The Dutch were, in general, dlsatfected to their own government; they 
 were deeply embued with the specious doctrines promulgated by the agents of 
 France ; and when the allied army retreated, the Stadtholder found it impossible 
 to excite the people to any opposition to the invaders of their country, and the 
 personal safety of himself and of his family was compromised. 
 
 At this disastrous epoch the conduct of the Princess of Orange was quite 
 in unison with her heroic character. When the Prince was told by the 
 assembly that, should the French insist on their giving him up, they could not 
 hut comply with the demand, he preserved an unaltered countenance; but on 
 communicating to the Princess the danger of their situation, his fortitude was 
 shaken, and his agitation became* extreme. “ It was then,” says a contem¬ 
 porary writer, “ that his consort assumed her high-mindedness : she calmed, 
 “ she encouraged, she cheered him ; and at length inspired him with the 
 “ determination to effect an immediate escape from the impending evil.” 
 IMeans of putting the design into execution were quickly adopted ; and the 
 Princess, with her daughter-in-law, her little grand-daughter, the child’s nurse, 
 and two gentlemen of her household, embarked on board a fishing-boat, open 
 to the weather, into the hold of which they were let down (there being no 
 steps) by being held under the arms. Here they all lay, covered with sails, 
 as a defence against the inclemency of the elements, which were terrifically 
 
 * There is a picture at Versailles of the Dutch fleet being captured by Froich cavalry, _the 
 
 ships being icebound 
 
 2 K 2 
 
272 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 boisterous. The passage proved to be difficult and dangerous ; but at length, 
 on the 19th of January, 1795, they were landed in safety at Yarmouth. The 
 inhabitants had but little notice of the event before the illustrious fugitives 
 were put ashore ; but they were received with that generous sympathy which 
 characterises Englishmen, and every mark of respect was shown that the time 
 would admit of. The military, under General Leland, were drawn up in the 
 market-place, and presented arms ; and the populace, taking the horses from 
 the carriage, drew their Royal Highnesses twice round the market-place, and 
 then to the house of the mayor (William Taylor, Esq.)*' He was that day 
 to receive a party at dinner, and seeing the exhausted state of the Princess, he 
 requested to know whether it would be agreeable to her Serene Highness to 
 honor him with her company at his own table, or to have one prepared for 
 herself and the hereditary Princess in an adjoining room. She chose the 
 former; and sat down with the mayor and his party. Both herself and the 
 young Princess, (who was only eighteen years of age,) behaved with the 
 utmost composure, until the mayor, in compliment to his royal guests, pro¬ 
 posed the health of the Prince of Orange. The sensibility of the young lady 
 then overcame her fortitude, and she fainted away. 
 
 As soon as the Prince of Orange had effected the flight of his wife and 
 her party, he returned to the Hague, and again showed himself in public ; but, 
 finding his situation desperate, he determined on flight. Under the pretence 
 of visiting his country seat, he again left the* Hague, and, accompanied by his 
 sons, embarked at Scheveling on board a coal-barge, which landed the party at 
 Harudch. In the middle of the night, the Princess of Orange, who was still 
 in Y'armouth, heard a rap at her chamber door. She demanded who was 
 there ?—and who but a mother and a wife can conceive her transport when the 
 answer informed her it was her husband and her sons !f The Stadtholder, with 
 the Hereditary Prince, and the whole party, left the town on the following day 
 for London. On the next day the Duke of York arrived at Yarmouth, for 
 the purpose of welcoming them ; but, finding that they had gone, he staid only 
 
 * Mr. Taylor was then residing at No. 3, South Quay. 
 
 t The illustrious fugitives were entertained during their stay in Yarinouth at the house of Sir" 
 Edmund Lacon. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 273 
 
 a few hours to refresh himself, and then followed them to the metropolis. Ilis 
 Royal Highness was enthusiastically received at Yarmouth, the horses were 
 taken from his carriage, and he was drawn with loud acclamations round the 
 market-place. 
 
 On the 13th of February, 1795, the corporation voted another address to 
 the King, assuring his Majesty of their firm and inviolable attachment to his 
 Majesty’s royal person and family, and expressing their abhorrence of those 
 attempts which had lately been made to subvert the constitution. “ We have 
 seen,” said the address, “ with deep concern, the disappointments and reverses 
 “ of the last campaign ; hut, at the same time, we have derived a great degree 
 “ of comfort from the consideration that those misfortunes have not arisen from 
 “ any want of zeal and spirit in the British troops, who, on the contrary, 
 “ though unsuccessful, have fully maintained the high character they have 
 “ ever borne in the field.”—“ Our fleets,” they added, “ have been triumphant; 
 “ they have gained a signal and glorious victory over an enemy superior in 
 “ nunrber, and they have made several important concpiests in different parts of 
 “ the world. Under these circumstances, firmly believing that on the issue of 
 “ the present just and necessary war depend the social order, freedom, and 
 “ happiness of this kingdom, we shall cheerfully contribute our share towards 
 “ the powerful exertions which your Majesty is making, in full confidence that 
 “ your Majesty, whose paternal affection for your people has justly endeared 
 “ you to them, and whom we believe to be as desirous of restoring the blessings 
 “ of peace to your subjects as they can be of receiving them, will take all 
 “ possible means of putting an end to the calamities necessarily attendant upon 
 “ war, as soon as there shall appear a prospect of making peace upon a firm 
 “ and permanent basis, and with a due regard to the safety, honor, and lasting 
 “ interests of your people.” 
 
 Another unfortunate princess was, about this time, near landing on our 
 shore. On the 28th of March, the Princess Caroline of Brunswick, accom¬ 
 panied by the English envoy, Lord Malmesbury, embarked at Cuxhaven on 
 board the Jupiter, fifty guns. She proceeded with a fair wind at E.N.E., and 
 on the 1st of April was only si.x leagues from Yarmouth ; but a fog came on, 
 which rendered it dangerous to draw nearer the coast, and the ship dropped 
 anchor, and fired fog signal guns every hour. On the 3rd of April she got 
 
274 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 under weigh, and proceeded for the Thames. Upon her marriage with the 
 Prince of Wales, the corporation presented an address to that “ amiable and 
 accomplished prince and great confidence w'as expressed in the “ distin¬ 
 guished talents” and “ mild virtues” of the Princess. A congratulatory address 
 was also presented to the King. 
 
 The war continued, and government determined to establish barracks at 
 Yarmouth. For this purpose they purchased some premises out of Pudding- 
 gate which had been used as a distillery, and some additional ground was 
 granted by the corporation.-'" 
 
 Yarmouth acquired additional importance, this year (1795), by the 
 establishment there of a line of packets to Cuxhaven; and of the packets 
 removed from Dover and Harwich. 
 
 Before the close of the year, the corporation were “ anxious to be amongst 
 the foremost” to express their “abhorrence of the daring insults” which had 
 been offered to his Majesty and the laws. “We lament,” said they, “that 
 “ wdiilst all orders of your people are, in general, fully sensible of, and grateful 
 “ for, the blessings they enjoy under your Majesty’s government, it should be 
 “ in the power of wdeked and desperate men to raise tumults which endanger 
 “ the safety of your royal person, so intimately connected wdth the welfare and 
 “ happiness of your subjects. Impressed w-ith these sentiments, we earnestly 
 “ hope that the wisdom of parliament will provide the means of preventing, for 
 “ the future, those seditious meetings which ultimately lead to acts of tumult 
 “ and violence, and tend to lessen that reverence and affection which English- 
 “ men feel for a free constititution. In the meanwhile, we anxiously hope 
 “ that, under Divine providence, the unshaken firmness of your Majesty, and 
 “ the w-atchful zeal of your faithful subjects, will j^revent a repetition of the 
 “ late atrocious proceedings.” At the same time a petition was sent to parlia¬ 
 ment, stating that the petitioners were “ fully persuaded that the numerous 
 “ public meetings for political debate, in w'hich, under pretence of reforming 
 
 * These hai-racks were dismantled at the peace, and upon the site, and on some adjoining 
 ground granted by the corporation, Messrs. Grout and Co. erected a silk manufactory, which was 
 burnt on the 27th May, 1832, and afterwards rebuilt and enlarged. The last regiment quartered 
 in these barracks was the 69th Foot. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 275 
 
 “ the constitution, the most pernicious and destructive principles had been 
 “ diffused amongst the populace by artful and ill-designing men, had excited 
 “ and occasioned these tumultuous violences which had lately disgraced the 
 “ metropolis, and had endangered the Sovereign in the public exercise of his 
 “ royal functions ; and which, if not timely prevented, might involve the nation 
 “ in discord and anarchy. They, therefore, prayed the house to provide such 
 “ remedies as should be thought effectual for preventing such atrocious attempts, 
 “ and for securing the advantages of our invaluable constitution.” 
 
 In the following year, the freedom of the borough was presented to Capt. 
 Trollope, commander of H.M.S. Glatton, “ as a testimony of the sense enter- 
 “ tained of his bravery and gallant exertions in the action of the IGth of July, 
 “ 1795, on the coast of Holland, with eight French ships of war, which he 
 “ defeated and drove into port, thereby rendering an essential service to his 
 “ country, and reflecting the highest honor on the British navy.”‘^‘ 
 
 The 24th of June, 179G, was the first time that a squadron of men-of-war 
 entered Y'armouth roads. It consisted of thirteen British and three Russian 
 ships.f 
 
 In the following year a mutiny broke out at the Xore, which extended 
 itself to the vessels in Yarmouth roads ; and the North Sea fleet was thinned 
 by the secession of the disaffected ships. It was, however, quickly and entirely 
 suppressed. On the 3rd of October, Admiral Duncan put into Y'armouth 
 roads ; and, on the 9th, a lugger appeared at the back of Y'armouth sands 
 with a signal flying that the enemy were at sea. Admiral Duncan immediately 
 weighed and proceeded in search of the Dutch fleet, under de Winter, which 
 was, two days afterwards, totally defeated off Camperdown. Vice-Admiral 
 Richard Onslow, in the Monarch, was second in command of the British fleet. 
 Within a few days the British fleet returned in triumph to Yarmouth roads, 
 bringing with them seven sail of the line as prizes. The wounded men were 
 landed and conveyed to the barracks ; there being at that time no naval 
 
 * For this (lashing exploit, Captain Trollopo was knighted; and the merchants of London 
 presented him_with a piece of plate. 
 
 t The English fleet was commanded by Admiral McBride, having under him Captains Sir R. 
 Bickerton, Thornborough, Bligh, Lord Augustus Fitzroy, Halstead, Fellow, Hardy, &c. The 
 Russians were commanded by Admiral Tate. 
 
276 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 hospital. Captain Van Rysoort, of the Dutch line-of-battle ship Herculus, 
 died of his ■wounds, and was buried with military honors.'^' For this victory 
 Admiral Duncan, who was long known and esteemed at Yarmouth,! was 
 created a peer; and Admiral Onslow (who was familiarly known by a peculiar 
 sobriquet) was made a baronet. 
 
 The freedom of the town was presented to Lord Duncan and to Sir 
 Richard Onslow “ for the important and eminent services rendered by them to 
 “ their country by their most glorious, brilliant, and decisive victory over the 
 “ Dutch fleet.” 
 
 Shortly afterwards, the freedom of the borough was presented to Earl St. 
 Vincent, in testimony of the sense entertained of his services, “ particularly by 
 “ the brilliant and decisive victory obtained by the fleet under his command 
 “ over the Spanish fleet on the 14th of February last.” 
 
 "With the glories of war must also be associated its horrors, and the pri¬ 
 vations of which it was the cause. Among these the evil most generally felt 
 was the high price of pro visions. J 
 
 In this year the Somerset Militia were quartered in the town. They were 
 succeeded by the following regiments, viz.,—The Westmoreland (left in 1801), 
 the Montgomeryshire, the Cheshire (1802), the Shropshire, the Cambridgeshire 
 (1808), the Berkshire (1810), the North Mayo (1813), the Wexford (1814) 
 So severe was the discipline of the Cambridgeshire Militia when at Yarmouth, 
 that two men of the light company are reported to have died of the floggings 
 which they received on the North Denes. 
 
 ■*■ The following epitaph is inscribed on a stone slab over the grave of a brave adversary at 
 the west end of the south aisle in St. Nicholas’ church :— 
 
 “ Sacred to the memory of Captain Gyshert Jan Van Rysoort, commander of the Batavian 
 “ Republic’s ship Tlei'culus, who died on the 28th of October, 1797, in consequence of the wounds 
 “ he received in the glorious and ever-memorahle engagement between the English and the 
 “ Batavian fleets, under the command of Admirals Duncan and De Winter, and was interred 
 “ here, with military honors, in the 26th year of his age.” 
 
 t Lord Duncan, being in search of water for his fleet, discovered a spring near the harbour 
 mouth, and sunk a well there, which was long known as “ Duncan’s well.” 
 
 X A serious riot from this cause happened in 1791, and on the 11th of February, 1796, a vestry 
 meeting was held, at which “ It was unanimously resolved and agreed to effect, by some mode of 
 “retrenchment, a reduction in the consumption of flour in our respective families, as much as 
 “ may be, until the average price of wheat bo reduced to under eight shillings per Winchester 
 ■“ bushel.” What effect this resolution, which was signed by the minister and churchwardens 
 and three of the inhabitants, had on subsequent prices does not appear. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 277 
 
 There was, at this period, a party in Yarmouth, (as well as in other towns,) 
 who looked with favour upon the revolutionary doctrines promulgated in 
 France ; and in support of these opinions, John Thelwall, a popular agitator, 
 attempted to give a lecture there on Roman History. A numerous auditory 
 were assembled to hear the lecturer, when some sailors from the ships in the 
 roads, armed with bludgeons and cutlasses, forced themselves into the room, 
 and put the assembly to flight. The lecturer, with difficulty, escaped.'^ These 
 proceedings excited much discussion and angry feeling at the time. 
 
 The financial pressure was now so great that the Bank of England sus¬ 
 pended cash payments ; and in consequence of that measure, the Yarmouth 
 banks gave notice, (2nd of March, 1797,) that their future pajmients would be 
 in their own bank notes, and that fractional parts would be paid in specie “ not 
 exceeding the sum of two guineas in gold.”f 
 
 Early in 1798, a message was sent from the King to both houses of par¬ 
 liament, stating that preparations were making by the French for the invasion 
 of this kingdom. On the 2nd of February, the corporation recorded on their 
 books their conviction that it was the “ duty of all corporate bodies, as well 
 “ as individuals, in this time of public danger, when our government, consti- 
 “ tution, and laws, and even our existence as an independent nation, are 
 “ threatened by our inveterate enemies, to step forward in aid of the supplies 
 “ required for the defence of these kingdoms and they unanimously sub¬ 
 scribed £500 for this purpose. 
 
 Vigorous preparations were made for the national defence ; and Acts of 
 Parliament were passed enabling his Majesty to call out a supplementary 
 militia. 
 
 Two volunteer companies were formed at Yarmouth, under the command 
 of Samuel Barker, Esq., and Samuel Paget, Esq.j; 
 
 * Thelwall soon afterwards published An Appeal to Public Opinion against Kidnapping and 
 Murder. 
 
 t This notiec is signed by Gurneys and Turner, and by Laeon, Fisher, and Co. 
 
 + The other officers were—Lieutenants Nathaniel Synionds and John Ilanbury Williams; 
 Lieutenant and Adjutant Samuel liigham Aldred ; Ensigns Thomas Fryer Garwood, James 
 Bracey, and Robert Baas. Of these officers, after the lapse of fifty-eight years, Samuel Faget, 
 Esq., and Mr. Aldred still survive but may now claim exemption from all future military service 
 
 2l 
 
278 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 The corporation, on the application of Captain Clements, R.N., granted 
 to the Admiralty a piece of ground on the South Denes, “ for the conve¬ 
 nience of naval officers and men to attend the signals.”* 
 
 On receiving intelligence of the destruction of the French fleet in Aboukir 
 Bay by Sir Horatio Nelson, the corporation voted an address to the King, 
 congratulating his Majesty upon so important and glorious a victory, “ which 
 “ reflected immortal honor on that illustrious commander, and the brave and 
 “ active companions of his zeal and glory.” They also expressed their joy 
 and gratitude “for the many other great and extraordinary successes” which 
 had been obtained by his Majesty’s fleets, by which the kingdom had been 
 “ protected from the dangers of invasion, and Ireland preserved from the 
 “ ravages of a desperate and abandoned foe and they prayed that by the 
 “ efficacy of his. Majesty’s counsels, and the success of his arms, the un- 
 “ principled and destructive efforts of the common enemy of Europe might be 
 “ defeated,” and the bles.sings of peace secured. 
 
 The freedom of the borough was voted to Lord Nelson, “ as a testi- 
 “ mony of the sense entertained of the many and important services rendered 
 “ to his country by the exertion of his great naval abilities, jiarticularly in his 
 “ late glorious victory over a superior French fleet on the coast of Egypt.” 
 
 The inhabitants were, however, destined to witness some of the disasters 
 of war. Before the close of the following year, the Duke of York’s army 
 returned from an unsuccessful campaign, and 25,000 of the discomfited troops 
 (cavalry and infantry) were landed at Yarmouth. 
 
 In 1800, the attempt of Hatfield to shoot the King, drew forth a loyal and 
 dutiful address from the corporation, congratulating his Majesty at his escape 
 from “ so wicked and atrocious an attempt against the royal person.” 
 
 The freedom of the borough was voted, on the 25th of September, 1800, 
 to Sir Archibald Dickson, in acknowledgment of “ the great attention paid. 
 
 * A small wooden house was erected, which after the war was occupied by the inspecting com¬ 
 mander of the coast guard. It afterwards became private property; the house and grounds 
 were greatlv enlarged, and were for some years rented by the late Earl of Abergavenny (when 
 Tiseount Nevill). “ Telegraph House” is now the property and occasional residence of Lady 
 King. 
 
CHEAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 279 
 
 and services rendered, by him to the trade of the town and the like com¬ 
 pliment was paid to Mr. Pitt, “ for the many most important services rendered 
 “ hy him to this country hy the great and wise measures he had adopted during 
 “ the late perilous and eventful times.” 
 
 On the 6th of November, 1800, Nelson landed at Yarmouth. Norfolk 
 claims this commander as her most distinguished son. He was horn at the 
 Parsonage of Burnham Thorpe, on the 29th of September, 1758, and received 
 some rudiments of education at the Grammar Schools of North Walsham and of 
 Norwich. At the early age of twelve years he entered the Royal Navy under 
 the care of his maternal uncle. Captain Suckling. In 1777, he was appointed 
 second lieutenant of the Lowcstoffe ; and, in 1781, he served in the Albemarle, 
 and was kept the whole winter in the North Sea. Writing to his brother from 
 Yarmouth roads, on the 18th of December, he said,—“I arrived here yester¬ 
 day, on my way to the Downs. * * Mr. Bracey I saw here yesterday.” 
 
 And, on the 22nd, he wrote to Mr. Locker,—“ I expected every moment would 
 have brought the wind that would have sent me to the Downs ;” and he 
 mentioned having chased “ the noted Fall, the pirate.”f 
 
 Nelson returned to the paternal Parsonage in 1789, and remained there 
 
 * Sir Archibald Dickson’s flag was then flying in the Monarch. He died in 1803, whilst port 
 admiral at Yarmouth, aged si.\ty-four, and lies buried in Yarmouth ehurch. 
 
 t One of the deeds of this man is thus recorded in an epitaph in Yarmouth churchyard .— 
 
 “ To the memory of David Bartloman, master of the brig Alexander and Margaret, of North 
 “ Shields, who, on the 31st of January, 1781, on the Norfolk coast, with only three 3-pounders 
 “ and ten men and boys, nobly defended himself against a cutter carrying eighteen 4-pounders 
 “ and upwards of one hundred men, commanded by the notorious English pirate Fall, and fairly 
 “ beat him off. Two hours after, the enemy came down upon him again ; when, totally dis- 
 “ masted, his mate (Daniel McAuley) expiring with loss of blood, and himself dangerously 
 “ wounded, he was obliged to strike and ransom. He brought his shattered vessel into Yarmouth 
 with more than the honors of a conqueror, and died here, in consequence of his wounds, on the 
 “ 14th of February following, in the 2.5th year of his age. To commemorate the gallantry of his 
 “ son, the bravery of his faithful men, and, at the same time, the infam 3 - of a savage pirate, his 
 “ aftlictcd father, Alexander Bartleman, has ordered this stone to be erected over his honourable 
 “ grave. 
 
 “ ’Twas great — 
 
 “ His foe, though sti'ong, was infamous : 
 
 “ The foe of human kind ! 
 
 “ A manly indignation fir'd his breast : 
 
 “ Thank God! my son has done his duty.” 
 
 2 L 2 
 
280 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 until 1703, when he was appointed to the command of the Agamemnon (64).^ 
 On the 26th of January, in that year, he wrote to Commodore Locker,—“ I 
 “ have sent out a lieutenant and four midshipmen to get men at every seaport 
 “ in Norfolk, and to forward them to Lynn and Yarmouth.” Nelson’s subse¬ 
 quent exploits excited among his countrymen the greatest admiration, which 
 was increased to enthusiasm by the battle of the Nile. His return to England 
 was anxiously expected ; he himseK was eager to set his foot on his native land. 
 When Nelson arrived in Yarmouth roads the weather was stormy, and the cox¬ 
 swain hesitated to undertake so responsible a duty as to land the hero, but his 
 reluctance was overcome by a glass of spirits and the determination of Nelson.f 
 The moment the hero stepped on shore he was surrounded by his friends, 
 and loudly cheered by the populace.^ On entering the carriage, which was 
 
 * That distinguished officer, Sir William Hoste, K.C.B., commenced his career in this ship 
 with Nelson. He was distantly connected with his illustrious commander. Sir William’s an¬ 
 cestor, James Host, great-grandson of James Hoost, of Middlehurgh, in Zealand, by Barbara, 
 daughter of Derick Hendricks, fled into England in Elizabeth’s time to escape the persecution of 
 the Duke of Alva. He acquired lands at Sandringham in Norfolk, and married Elizabeth, daughter 
 of Sir Edward Walpole, K.B., of Houghton. (For the relationship between the families of Nelson, 
 Walpole, and others, see French’s Royal Vescent of Nelson and Wellington ) Sir William 
 Hoste was well known in Yarmouth ; and, in 1828, the thanks of the corporation were voted to 
 him “ for his very valuable and disinterested assistance in supporting the rights and interests of 
 the town and, at the same time, he was presented with the freedom of the borough He was 
 created a baronet in 1814, in consideration of his eminent services on several occasions, and more 
 particularly for a victory achieved over the combined French and Italian squadrons ofl' the 
 Island of Lyssa, in 1811. His brother, the Rev. James Hoste, married Theophila Elizabeth, 
 daughter of the Rev. Richard Turner, incumbent of Yarmouth. 
 
 t The landing on the beach at Yarmouth is sometimes impracticable and often dangerous, as 
 some of the epitaphs in Yarmouth Church record. On the 15th February, 1780, three young 
 men, belonging to her Majesty’s sloop Fly, were drowned on coming to the beach, and the 
 following insci-iption marks their graves:— 
 
 “ When the brave tar, who furls aloft the sail, 
 
 “ Escapes from peril and survives the gale, 
 
 “ How hard his fate, a thousand dangers past, 
 
 “ When near his native land to breathe his last,— 
 
 “ Tho’ rescued oft from threat’ning seas, one wave 
 “ Upsets the boat, and sends him to the grave. 
 
 “ Stranger! should chance direct thy footsteps here, 
 
 “ Cans’t thou refrain to shed a gen’rous tear ?— 
 
 “ Cans’t thou, now Britain on her sons must call, 
 
 “ Without emotion see one sailor fall ? 
 
 “ Parading armies still may awe the land, 
 
 “ But England’s safety on her fleet depends.” 
 
 Near the altar there is a mural monument to the memory of Mrs. Marion Fraser, aged twenty- 
 nine, “ who was lost coming on shore ” June 16th, 1791, a representation oi which sad event is 
 sculptured in white marble. 
 
 i Nelson landed at Yarmouth on the 6th of November, 1800. He was accompanied by Sir 
 William and Lady Hamilton, which maybe the reason of Lady Nelson’s “manifest neglect” 
 in not being at Yarmouth to welcome her husband. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 281 
 
 waiting for him, the horses were taken from it, and he was drawn in triumph 
 by tlie people to the Wrestlers’ Hotel on the Church-plain,’” where the mayor 
 (Samuel Barker, Esq.,) and the corporation waited upon him and presented 
 the hero with the freedom of the borough (which had been some time pre¬ 
 viously voted to him), and he was duly “ sworn in.”f The mayor had 
 afterwards the honour of entertaining the newly-admitted burgess at dinner.J 
 Accompanied by the mayor and corporation, by Admiral Dickson, by all the 
 naval officers then on shore, and by many of the principal inhabitants of Yar¬ 
 mouth, Nelson went in procession to the parish church, and there offered up 
 thanks to Almighty God for his safe return to his native country. The troops 
 then in the town were paraded before the hotel; flags were hoisted on board 
 all the ships in the roads and harbour ; hands played, and musketry and 
 ordnance Avere fired off. At night the town Avas illuminated, bonfires Avere 
 made, and every mode of rejoicing Avas put in requisition. 
 
 In the midst of all this. Nelson found time to Avrite the folloAving charac¬ 
 teristic letter to Mr. Evan Napean, then secretary to the Admiralty,— 
 
 “ I beg you Avill acquaint their lordships of my arrival here this day, and that my health being 
 “ perfectly re-established, it is my wish to serve immediately; and I trust my necessary journey 
 “ by land from the Mediterranean Avill not be considered as a Avish to be for a moment out of 
 “ active scrA'ice.” 
 
 On the folloAving day he Avas escorted out of the toAvn by the Yeomanry 
 Cavalry, under the command of Captain (afterAvards Sir E. K.) Lacon. At 
 Ipswich fresh honors aAvaited him; and, on the 9th of November, he arrived 
 in London.S 
 
 * At that period the principal hotel in the town, and in honour of this event it Avas afterwards 
 called the Nelson hotel. It is now divided and converted into private hoAiscs. 
 
 t When Mr. Watson, the town clerk, Avas about to administer the oath, he observed that 
 Nelson’s left hand Avas on the book. Thinking only of the legal impropriety, he said, “ Your 
 right hand, my lord.” “ That,” said Nelson, “ is at Tcneriffe!” 
 
 j: At a hoAise in King-street, noAv divided and converted into shops, occupied by Mr. J. C. 
 Kemp and Mr. Sharp. 
 
 § He directed his agent at Yarmouth, Mr. Warmington, to pay the mayor £.50 for distribution 
 a-nong the poor; and he left five guineas for the toAVu clerk, and one guinea for the mayor’s 
 officer. 
 
282 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 Nelson’s wish for active employment was soon gratified. In the spring of 
 the following year, Admiral Sir Hyde Parker was appointed to the command 
 of an expedition which was intended to break np the “ armed neutrality ” of 
 Russia, Sweden, and Denmark,—a confederacy which foreboded the most 
 disastrous consequences to this country. He accepted a command, and hoisted 
 his flag on board the S(. George^ 98 guns ; and accompanied by seven sail of 
 the line, some frigates and small vessels, he left Portsmouth on the 2nd of 
 March for Yarmouth roads (then the rendezvous of Sir Hyde Parker’s fleet), 
 where his arrival is thus described by Lieutenant-Colonel the Hon. William 
 Stewart, who had the command of the troops embarked on hoard Lord Nelson’s 
 ships,—“We entered Yarmouth roads on the 6th of March; the St. George 
 “ was the first three-decker which had ever done so. The flag of Sir Hyde 
 “ Parker, the commander-in-chief, was flying on hoard one of the ships of the 
 “ station, hut was removed to the London on her arrival next day. Sir Hyde 
 “ was on shore, and Lord Nelson regretted this. He reported his arrival and 
 “ his intention of waiting on him the next morning. We breakfasted that 
 “ morning as usual soon after six o’clock, for we were always up before day- 
 “ light. We went on shore so as to be at Sir Hyde’s door by eight o’clock, 
 “ Lord Nelson choosing to be amusingly exact to that hour, which he considered 
 “ a very late one for business.” 
 
 Whilst lying in Yarmouth roads, Lord Nelson received a letter from Sir 
 Edward Berry, directing his attention to a new plan for pointing guns ; to which 
 Lord Nelson replied,—“ I shall, of course, look at it; but I hope we shall he 
 “ able, as usual, to get so close to our enemies, that our shot cannot miss their 
 “ object; and that we shall again give our northern enemies that hail storm of 
 “ bullets, which is so emphatically described in the Naval Chronicle, and which 
 “ gives to our dear country the dominion of the sea.”-^ 
 
 The squadron, consisting of forty pendants, of which seventeen were of 
 the line, sailed from Yarmouth roads on the 12th of March, 1801, Nelson 
 leading the van. The battle of Copenhagen, in which he played so distin¬ 
 guished a part, was the result. 
 
 •* Whilst at Yarmouth, Nelson also addressed a letter of thanks to Mr. Pillans, “grand master 
 of the Ancient Order of Gregorians’’ at Norwich, for having elected liim a member of that 
 society. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 283 
 
 On his arrival in Kioge Bay, he addressed the following letter to the Mayor 
 of Yarmouth,— 
 
 “ St. George, Kioge Bay, April 27tli, 1801. 
 
 “ My De-^b, Sir, 
 
 “ I feel truly sensible of your kind congratulations on the success of his Majesty’s arms ; the 
 “ spirit and zeal of the navy I never saw higher than in this fleet, and if England is true to 
 “ herself, she may bid defiance to Europe. The French have always, in ridicule, called us a 
 “ nation of shopkeepers; so I hope we shall always remain, and like other shopkeepers, if our 
 “ goods are better than those of any other country, and we can afford to sell them cheaper, we 
 “ may depend ui)on our shop being well resorted to. If I land at Yarmouth, I shall most 
 “ assuredly pay my personal respects to you, not only as a gentleman who has showm me great 
 “civilities, but also as the chief magistrate of a borough of which I have the honour to be a 
 “ freeman. I beg you will have the goodness to present my hest respects and good wishes to 
 “ every individual of the corporate body, and believe me, 
 
 “ My dear Sir, 
 
 “ Your truly obliged, 
 
 “NELSON & BRONTE. 
 
 “ Samuel Barker, Esq,, Mayor, 
 
 “ Y’armouth, Norfolk.” 
 
 Whilst on hoard the St. George, Lord Nelson acknotvledged, with “thou¬ 
 sands of thanks,” the kind offices rendered him by A. II. Steward, Esq., of 
 Yarmouth, in receiving his lordship’s letters and packages, and forwarding them 
 to him while in the Baltic. 
 
 Having resigned his command, on account of ill health, Lord Nelson 
 proceeded to Yarmouth, in the Kite, gun brig, and landed at the Jetty on the 
 1st of July, 1801. He was again received with every mark of attachment and 
 admiration. Accompanied by many of the gentlemen of the town, and by a 
 large and enthusiastic crowd, he walked across the denes, (then completely bare 
 of houses,) to the hospital,—which at that time existed on the site of the j^resent 
 silk manufactory,—and visited the w’ounded seamen from Copenhagen, who 
 were there under medical treatment. On his departure from the town, the 
 Yeomanry Cavalry escorted him as far as Low’estoft. After his arrival at Mer¬ 
 ton, Lord Nelson w'rote the following letter to Mr. Barker : — 
 
 “ I never shall forget all your goodness to me ; and if ever I am placed in a situation to show 
 “ my gratitude, I trust I shall not be found wanting. I beg my respects to Mrs. Palgrave.”* 
 
 * Mr. Barker’s daughter, the wife of William Palgravc, Esq., Jun. 
 
284 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 On the 5th of May, 1802, peace was proclaimed at Y’armouth, and the 
 town was illuminated. The corporation voted an address to the King, in which 
 they said,—“ We are sensible that this town has derived considerable advan- 
 “ tages from the fleets vdiich have been assembled in onr roads for foreign 
 “ expeditions and for the protection of our coasts, yet we, in common with our 
 “ fellow-subjects, heartily rejoice at the termination of hostilities. The contest 
 “ has been long and arduous : our efforts and those of our allies have not been 
 “ able to prevent, upon the continent, too great an accession of power to one 
 “ nation; but our valuable constitution has not been impaired,—the integrity 
 “ of your Majesty’s dominions has been preserved,—two valuable islands have 
 “ been acquired,—and the triumphs of your Majesty’s fleets and armies have 
 “ raised them to such a height of honor and glory as, we trust, will deter any 
 “ nation, however powerful, from destroying that tranquility and happiness 
 “ which we hope long to enjoy under a King we love, and a constitution we 
 “ revere.” 
 
 These expectations were not realized; hostilities were recommenced, and 
 were supported with the same determination as before. 
 
 In 1803, measures were brought forward by Government for increasing 
 the military force of the kingdom. The Yarmouth volunteers or Local Militia 
 were increased to six companies, and placed under the command of Lieut.- 
 Colonel Gould.*' 
 
 The corporation, highly impressed with the zeal and public spirit of the 
 ofiicers and gentlemen composing that corps, begged their acceptance of a pair 
 of colours, “ as a testimony of the sense the corporation entertained of their 
 “ promptitude, in stepping forward at this alarming crisis, in defence of our in- 
 “ valuable constitution.” These colours were presented to them by the mayoress 
 
 * Samuel Paget, Esq., who had held a captain’s commission, was advanced to the rank of 
 lieutenant-colonel. The captains were,—Isaac Preston (afterwards major), Samuel Bell, J. G. 
 Fisher, Robt. Coi-y, Jun., Edmund Preston, and John Shelly, The lieutenants were,—Nathaniel 
 Palmer, John Sayers, Richard Miller, James Bracey, Pexall Foster, Robert Baas, John Freame 
 Ranney, Robert AVall, Ed. Symonds Ommanney, John George Thomas, John Bracey. En¬ 
 signs,—Jo.seph Colman, AVilliam Steward, James Black, James Jenner, John Fisher Costerton, 
 Fisher AVatson. Adjutant,—S. H. Aldred. Surgeon,—John Smith. Quarter-master,—AVilliam 
 Roe. Chaplain,—Rev. Richard Turner. Colonel Gould, after the termination of the war, re¬ 
 sided at Bury St. Edmund’s, where he died in 1836, aged scventy-si.x. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 285 
 
 (Mrs. Cory). In 1805, they did garrison duty in the town, until relieved hy the 
 Shropshire Militia.'^' A troop of Yeomanry Cavalry was formed, under the 
 command of Capt. (afterwards Sir E. K.) Lacon.f 
 
 The formidable preparations made hy Napoleon, for the invasion of this 
 country, caused great alarm among the inhabitants of the coast, until the genius 
 and intrepidity of Nelson, by destroying the French fleet, relieved them of their 
 danger.]; 
 
 The news of the victory at Trafalgar was received with mingled emotions 
 of joy and sorrow, which are embodied in an address which the corporation, on 
 this occasion, presented to the King. After congratulating his Majesty on such 
 a glorious and decisive victory, obtained over the combined fleets of France and 
 Spain, they said,—“ Whilst we acknowledge our supreme dependence upon 
 “ Almighty God, we feel peculiarly rejoiced that the same courage and skill 
 “ which have long distinguished British sailors, were never more eminently 
 “ displayed than in the engagement of Trafalgar. In common with our fellow 
 “ subjects, we sympathize in the loss of a commander, udiose success in com- 
 “ bating the enemies of his country was only surpassed by his ardour to add to 
 “ her glory ; but we have additional cause to regret that The Hero of Norfolk is 
 “fallen. Yet we cherish the hope that his last patriotic signal, ‘Your King 
 “ and your country expect from all a faithful performance of their duty,’ will be 
 “ remembered by every subject of these realms.”§ 
 
 * At a vestry mcetiug, hold on the 2Gth of November, 1812, it was re.solvcd,—“ That the 
 “ churchwardens and overseers do pay a bount}', not exceeding two guineas, to each volunteer 
 “ who may offer to serve for this pari.sh (in the 3rd Eastern Regiment of Norfolk Local Militia,) 
 “ in lieu of any ballot taking place.” 
 
 t The other officers wore Lieut. Samuel Tolver and Cornet Mark Waters. The troop was 
 some years afterwards augmented, and joined hy Matthew Guuthorpe, Esq., and Timothy 
 Steward, Esq., the present (1856) Sheriff of Norwich. 
 
 J Mr. Thomas Mayes, who resided at Caister, near Yamiouth, on the road to Ormesby, was so 
 much alarmed at the prospect of a landing that, for the security of his title deeds and mortgages, 
 he buried them in the earth. When the danger had passed away, he dug them up again, when, 
 to his utter astonishment and confusion, upon opening the box in which they had been deposited, 
 he found the parchments in a pulpy state, and emitting an intolerable stench. The deeds were, 
 in fact, completely destroyed; and the ink was obliterated from all the paper documents, so that 
 promissory notes presented a blank. Several titles were affected by this singular circumstance. 
 
 § “ The glory of so great a name, though sure long to outlive all monuments of brass and 
 stone,” has been commemorated by several public monuments. That erected on the South Denes 
 at Great Yarmouth, in 1817, from a design by Wilkins, is one of the best. It consists of a hand- 
 
 2m 
 
286 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 In 1806, goveniment erected at Soutlitown, on the west hank of the Yare, 
 an armoury, or naval arsenal, at an expense of £15,000, designed to contain 
 arms for 10,000 troops, and stores sufficient to equip two sail of the line, four 
 frigates, and six sloops. At the conclusion of the war, the establishment was 
 broken up ; but a storekeeper, in charge of the premises, continued to reside in 
 one of the officers’ houses. During the continuance of peace, the rooms were 
 let for storing corn ; but after the breaking out of the late Avar Avith Russia, 
 government, at the suggestion of the municipal authorities, converted the 
 buildings into a barrack for the Norfolk Artillery Militia, Avho, under the com¬ 
 mand of Lieut-Col. Astley, are noAV (1856) quartered there. The buildings 
 Avere designed by Wyatt. 
 
 During the AA^ar, the French ship-corvette Utile, of 24 guns, Avhich had 
 been captured from the French, by Cajat. Macnamara, in the Southampton, Avas 
 moored in the river, near the tollgate, as a receiving ship. She was removed 
 after the peace. 
 
 In July, 1807, a splendid fleet, under the command of Lord Gambler, 
 comprising 24 sail of the line, 12 frigates, 11 sloops, 14 gun brigs, 3 bombs, 2 
 armed ships, 2 cutters, and 1 guard ship,—making in all 69 pendants,—anchored 
 in Yarmouth roads. They Avere increased to 100 sail of King’s ships and 400 
 transports. The troops Avere under the command of Lord Cathcart. This 
 armament soon afterAvards fought the second battle of Copenhagen, taking from 
 the enemy 64 vessels, mounting 1,994 guns. Most of these prizes Avere brought 
 to Yarmouth. 
 
 In this year, upon the application of Richard Minty, Esq., ordnance and 
 store keeper, a piece of ground near the South Star battery, Avas granted for 
 another poAvder magazine. 
 
 some fluted pillar of tlie Doric order, 144 feet high, upon Avhich caryatides support a copula, 
 surmounted hy a globe, hearing an erect figure of Britannia. On the square of the capital are 
 the names of the ships on hoard of which the intrepid Nelson gained his victories; and on the 
 four sides of the summit of the basement are inscribed the words,— Aboukir —Sx. Vincent— 
 Copenhagen—Trafalgar. On one side of the pedestal there is an inscription, in latin, from 
 the pen of Mr. Serjeant Frere. The cost of this monument was raised by public subscription. 
 It Avas intended to surround the base by an area, planted with laurels, and enclosed by iron 
 palisades; but the temporary Avooden fence still remains, and the monument itself has been 
 suffered to fall into decay, Avhilst a large and unseemly public-house has risen in its immediate 
 vicinity. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 287 
 
 On the 2nd of November, 1807, Louis XVIIL, under the title of Count de 
 Lille, landed at Yarmouth from the Swedish frigate Freja. He came on shore 
 in a very private manner, in Admiral Billy Douglas’ barge. 
 
 Previous to the attack on Walcheren, in 1809, an embargo was laid upon 
 all shipping ; in consequence of which, 22 cwt., or 1,464 lbs. of fresh salmon, 
 on their way from Scotland to London, were landed in one day at Yarmouth, 
 and sold in the fish market. 
 
 The unfortunate result of this expedition, and the number of sick for whom 
 no adequate provision had been made, probably hastened a design before con¬ 
 templated, of erecting a naval hospital at Yarmouth. The site selected was the 
 south denes. It was obtained of the corporation. The first stone was laid in 
 1809, by Admiral Billyf Douglas, then port admiral. The building was com¬ 
 pleted in 1811 ; and Lieut. AVilliam Larke, Pt.N., was appointed governor.J 
 
 * Men from the Majestic rowed the boat; and the Count, grateful for the attention shown 
 him, left a purse of iiftecu guineas for them to drink his health. When the officer announced 
 the present to the men, not one of them would touch it; but they immediately held couneil, and 
 drew up a letter, which they transmitted to Admiral Russell, expressing their sentiments on the 
 occasion. The following is a litoral copy of this singular relic of naval literature:— 
 
 '' Majestic, 6th day of November, 1807- 
 
 “ Please your Honour, —We holded a talk about that there £15 that was sent us,— and 
 “ hope no offence, your honour. We don’t like to take it, because as how we knows, fast enuff, 
 “ that it was the true King of France that went with your honour in the boat; and that he and 
 “ our own noble King (God bless them both ! and give every one his right,) is good friends now ; 
 “ and, besides that, your honour gived an order, long ago, not to take any money from nobody,— 
 “ and we never did take none ; and Mr. Leneve, that steered your honour and that there King, 
 “ says he won’t have no hand in it, and so does Andrew Y'oung, the proiier coxen ; and we hopes 
 “ no offence ; so we all, one and all, begs not to take it. So no more at present. 
 
 “ From your Honour’s dutiful servants, 
 
 Andrew Young, Coxen 
 
 “ James Mann 
 “ Lewis Roy an 
 “James Lord 
 “James Hood 
 ‘ W. Edwards 
 
 ' J.VMES HoLSHAW 
 ' Thomas L.yurie 
 ‘ Thomas Mariner 
 '■ Thomas Kesance 
 ' Simon Duff 
 
 W. Failough 
 ‘John Churchill 
 ‘ Thomas Lavv'rence 
 ‘ Jacob Gabriel 
 ‘ WiLLi.vM Meggy. 
 
 Louis XVIII. took up his residence at Hartwell, iu Buckinghamshire, now the iiroiierty and 
 residence of Dr. Leo. 
 
 t So baptised. When a lieutenant, in 1777, commanding the Antiyxia sloop, he captured, after 
 a gallant action, the American privateer Black Ssnake, for which service he was promoted; and, 
 in 1795, ho commanded the Stately, 6t, at the caiiture of the Cape of Good Hope. 
 
 + Some of the wounded from Waterloo were brought here in 1815. The architect of these 
 buildings ivas Mr. Henry Pilkington ; the contractors were Messrs. Miles aud Peto ; and the cost 
 was about £120,000. After the peace these buildings were occasionally usc i as barracks, Geo. Wm. 
 Manby, Esq., being appointed barrack master. They were subscquentlv converted into a military 
 lunatic asylum; but, in June, 1854, a powerful fleet having saOed for tlie Baltic, under the com¬ 
 mand of Sir Charles Napier, they reverted to their original destination, and M ere fitted to receive 
 350 patients. 
 
 2 M 2 
 
288 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 Gustavus IV., King of Sweden, had persisted in his resistance to France, 
 until the ruinous state of his army, and the financial embarrassment of his 
 kingdom, had excited a spirit of great dissatisfaction among his subjects. On 
 the 13th of July, 1809, he was suddenly arrested in his palace by General 
 Alderscreutz, and sent as a prisoner to the fortress of Droitungholm. He was 
 afterwards formally deposed ; and being, in the following year, allowed to leave 
 the country, the unfortimate Monarch, under the assumed title of Count Gottorp, 
 sought refuge in England ; and was landed at Yarmouth from the Tartar sloop, 
 by a yawl called the Sir Francis Burdett, on the 14th of November, 1810. He 
 was received by Lord Gambier, whose carriage, drarvn by the populace, conveyed 
 him from the beach to the town.'^ 
 
 The tide of success, which had swelled the fortunes of Napoleon, now 
 turned against him. On the 15th of November, 1813, the people of Amsterdam, 
 as it were with one consent, hoisted the orange colours ; and amidst enthusiastic 
 shouts, proclaimed the restoration of their ancieirt government. A deputation 
 from the principal towns of Holland, came to England to invite the Prince of 
 Orange, who, twenty years before, had landed on our shores, to put himself at 
 the head of his countrymen ; and for this purpose he embarked on board a 
 British squadron. He landed at Yarmouth jetty, on the 15th of April, 1813, 
 from the Chanticleer, sloop of war, Capt. Spear; and Avas received with loud 
 cries of Orange Boven. 
 
 On the 29th of the same month, his Royal Highness the Duke of Cumber¬ 
 land came to Yarmouth, embarked on board the Nymphen frigate, and proceeded 
 to Hanover. 
 
 In 1814, the allied armies having entered Paris, the wars which had 
 ravaged Europe for so many years, were brought to an end. The proclamation 
 of Peace was publicly read by John Watson, Esq., town clerk, in the presence 
 of the mayor and corporation, attired in their robes, and preceded by the insignia 
 of office. When he had concluded, the unsheathed civic sword rvas returned to 
 its scabbard. Yarmouth set the example of providing an open air dinner for 
 
 * Ho afterwards rc-embarked from Yarmouth for the continent, and died at St. Gall, in 
 Switzerland, in 1837. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 289 
 
 (lie poorer inhabitants. Tables were placed the entire length of the south cpiay, 
 and upon the hall plain; and 8,000 persons were publicly entertained.'^' 
 
 After the ever-memorable victory of Waterloo, peace was again proclaimed. 
 The civic sword was once more placed in its scabbard, there to remain for nearly 
 forty years. 
 
 During this interval of repose considerable social advancement has been 
 made, and many local improvements have been effected, in addition to others 
 which have been already noticed incidentally, or more at length, in the pre¬ 
 ceding pages. 
 
 The Hakboue and Pieus have been gieatly improved; the channel 
 straightened and enlarged ; the banks of the river piled, and the quays re¬ 
 paired ; and the navigation between Yarmouth and Norwich depthened. 
 
 The local Coal Tax and the system of Meteage have been abolished. 
 
 Bonding Warehouses, Steam Floue Mills, a Coen Hall, a new 
 Fish Market, and other important works connected with the trade and 
 commerce of the town, have been constructed and improved. 
 
 Steam Packets have been introduced, and regularly trade to London, 
 Newcastle, and Hull. 
 
 A Railayay has been made,f and an Electric Telegraph established, 
 connecting the town Avith most parts of the country. 
 
 The NeAv Poor Laav has been introduced in the parish, and a Court of 
 Guardians has superseded the former Seleet Vestry. 
 
 A Police Force has been established and organised, in lieu of the old 
 Avatchmen and constables. 
 
 A Local Board of Health, in 18.52, succeeded to the former Board of 
 Paving Commissioners, in the management of the sanitary arrangements of 
 the toAvn. 
 
 Extensive Gas Works have been ereeted upon the South Denes, by a 
 company, and the toAvn is noAV completely lighted.J 
 
 * See Xotes to Manship, p. 269. 
 
 t The railway between Yarmouth and Norwich was opened in May, 1841. 
 j Yarmouth was first lighted by gas in 1824. Southtown in 18.5.5. 
 
290 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 New Eoads have been formed upon the Denes and elsewhere, and the 
 system of macadamizing introduced in some of the principal streets. 
 
 Water Works, for supplying the town, have been constructed by a com¬ 
 pany.*' 
 
 A Public Cemetery, of considerable extent, has been made to the 
 north-east of the parish churchyard; and intramural interments prohibited. 
 The Roman Catholics have also formed a burial ground beyond the north end 
 of the town. 
 
 Building on the Dekes being released from the restrictions put upon it, a 
 plan has been adopted for laying out the town waste lands in a uniform 
 manner, and already very many improvements have been carried out. 
 
 On the Beach, the old Jetty has been lengthened, and the Wellington 
 Pier has been built. A handsome range of houses, called the Victoria 
 Buildings, with an Esplanade, erected ; as also the Britannia Terrace, 
 and numerous first-class and other residences and hotels. 
 
 A Marine Drive, extending along the north and south beach, has been 
 commenced. 
 
 Barracks have been built on the South Denes for the reception of the 
 staff, arms, &c., of the East Norfolk Militia; and the Armoury, in Southtown, 
 has been converted into a barracks for the artillery. 
 
 The Borough Gaol has been enlarged and improved ; and a treadmill, 
 school, and chapel, added thereto. 
 
 A Police Court has been built at the Town Hall, having a room for 
 the magistrates, cells for prisoners, and apartments for the superintendent of 
 police. 
 
 A Public Hospital was completed in 1839, mainly through the exer¬ 
 tions of the late William Steward, Esq. ; and a new wing has recently been 
 added through the munificence of an unknown benefactor. The District 
 Visiting Society, the Town Mission, and other charitable societies have 
 been founded. 
 
 The Fisherman’s Hospital has been repaired and restored by the 
 charity trustees. 
 
 * The first fountain supplied by these works was erected, in 1856, at the Victoria Gardens. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 291 
 
 The Public Libkaey has been enlarged and greatly improved : a Lite- 
 baby Institute, with a library, reading and chess rooms, and a lecture hall 
 attached, has been established. A Paeociiial Libbaby and Museum, and 
 a School of Abt have been founded. 
 
 A Rom.\.n Catholic Chubch, with a priest’s house annexed, have been 
 erected upon the Regent Road.*^ The Wesleyans, the Unitarians,! the Inde¬ 
 pendents or Congregationalists,! the Methodist New Connexion, the Primitive 
 Methodists, the Baptists, the Wesleyan Reformers, the Free Church Congrega¬ 
 tion, and the Jews, have all erected new places of worship, some of them being 
 spacious and handsome structures. 
 
 A Maeiner’s Chapel was erected in 1813.§ 
 
 The erection of St. Peter’s Church, and of St. Mary’s, Southtown ; 
 the restoration of the Parish Church ; the re-building of the Children’s 
 Hospital ; the establishment of National and other Schools ; the erection 
 of a Poor House ; the construction of three Bridges ; and other important 
 works, have already been mentioned. 
 
 Such have been the works engendered by peace. 
 
 Upon the breaking out of the war with Russia, it was soon discovered 
 that steam had changed the tactics of maritime warfare. Yarmouth roads 
 were no longer the rendezvous of the North Sea fleet; and prizes were sent to 
 Sheerness. 
 
 * From designs by J. J. Seoles, Esq. Dedicated to the Yiigin. Opened in 1830. Accom¬ 
 modation for 600 persons. Cost, £10,000. 
 
 t Erected, in 1815, on tlie site of the “ Old Meeting.” Accommodation for 500 persons. 
 
 J Designed by II. B. Kerr, Esq. Cost of erection and fittings, £3,000. Accommodation for 
 1000 hearers. 
 
 § Principally at the instance of the late Wm. Danhy Palmer, Esq., by whom it was subse¬ 
 quently endowed. 
 
292 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 SECTION Vll. 
 
 BAILIFFS AND MAYORS OF THE BOROUGH, FROM 
 A.D. 1268 TO A.D. 1856. 
 
 The names of those who have filled the chief municipal offices of a town 
 can be but of little interest except to those who now inhabit, or are closely 
 connected with, the place. To these, however, such a record has peculiar 
 charms, as curiously exemplifying the rise and fall of families, and supplying 
 materials for tracing genealogical ramifications. 
 
 It is certainly a matter for serious reflection, how quickly families, once 
 wealthy and powerful, pass away; “ their place forgotten, and their name 
 unknown.” This is more particularly the case in towns, where distinguished 
 families are less hound to the soil: and the ensuing pages afford many striking 
 examples of families flourishing for a while, and then suddenly receding from 
 their local importance—their very names, in many instances, becoming extinct. 
 
 In reference to some of the earlier names which occur in the succeeding 
 pages, it may be observed that surnames were not in general use until the reign 
 ef Edward II. Some took their appellations from their occupations, as Le 
 Potter, Le Netesherde, Hoddes, Tanne, Shave, Styhjard, Smith, &c., all in allu¬ 
 sion to their avocations. Others were distinguished by the names of the places 
 whence they came, as De llorseye, De Acle, De Stalham, De Thorp, kc. ; or 
 where they lived, as Atte Fenn (at or near the fen), Atte Gappe, Atte Sond, 
 Atte Mawe (whence Atmore, at the marsh), kc. Fitz (from the French Jils) 
 was applied to the son or descendant of a Norman family,— Mac and Ap having 
 a like signification with the Scotch and Welch. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 293 
 
 In early ages, the man of affluence sought to have a room in his mansion 
 of superior size and grandeur, which he styled his “ hall,” and hence the 
 owner was jrointed out as De Halle, or “ of the hall.” 
 
 To the names of some of the early bailiffs is added the word Clericus or 
 Clerk. Others were distinguished by some peculiar trait or characteristic, as 
 Grosse, Meeke, Lesynge (deceitful), Lovegold, Savage, Hairhrownc, &c. 
 
 It is singular that piscatory names have not prevailed in Yarmouth, only 
 one (Codlynge) occurring in the list: Fisk, Fisher, and Seaman were, however, 
 common. At Norwich, Cod, Lyng, Herring, Mackerel, See., abounded. 
 
 The following List of Bailiffs is taken from Swinden’s History, com¬ 
 mencing from the earliest records. 
 
 1269. Thomas de ITorseye 
 Oliver Wyth 
 Thomas Thurkyld 
 William de la Mawe 
 
 1270. Roger Talebot 
 William Aleyn 
 Robert Thurkyld 
 Richard Randolf"^' 
 
 1271. William Gerbergh 
 John de Goseford 
 Henry Aleyn 
 John Beneyt 
 
 1272. Idem. 
 
 1273. John Beneyt 
 John Brumnan 
 Richard Randolf 
 William de Acle 
 
 1274. John Beneyt 
 John Brumnan 
 Richard Randolf 
 
 1275. William de la Mawe 
 William Aleyn 
 John Beneyt 
 John Goseford 
 
 1276. Robert Vyth 
 Wm. Gerbergh, elk. 
 Richard de Reverie 
 Nicholas deMonesle 
 
 1277. William de la Mawe 
 John Beneyt 
 John de Goseford 
 
 1278. Idem 
 
 1279. Idem 
 
 1280. John Beneyt 
 Nicholas de Monesle 
 William de Acle 
 Alexander Fastolff 
 
 1281. William de la Mawe 
 John Beneot 
 Wm. Gerbergh, elk. 
 William Fastolf 
 
 1282. William de la Mawe 
 Henry Randolf 
 John Fastolf 
 William Gerbergh, 
 
 clerk 
 
 1283. William de la Mawe 
 William Gerbergh 
 John Fastolf 
 John Gerbergh 
 
 1284. Nicholas deMonesle 
 William de Drayton 
 John Wyth 
 Richard de Drayton 
 
 1285. Alexander Fastolf 
 John Wyth 
 Henry Randolf 
 Stephen de Ho 
 
 1286. 
 
 1287. 
 
 1288. William Gerbergh 
 John Wyth 
 Alexander Fastolf 
 Henry do la Mawe 
 
 1289. Alexander Fastolf 
 Richard de Beverle 
 John de Fordele 
 Henry de Drayton 
 
 * In 1333, Henry Randolf was appointed “ eaptain and admiral of all ships in the Kinpj’s service 
 going to Scotland.” In 1310, he was summoned by Edward III., dc essendo coram concilio, sxtper 
 ardiiis et urrjcntissiimis ncyotiis. — {Fcedera ii., p. 1115.) The name is now unknown. 
 
 t Some account of this ancient family is given in Manship, p. 204. William of Worcester has 
 the following entries :— Agnes uxor Ilugonis Fastolf, mater Domini Johatmes Fastolf, militis, 
 femma preclara, obiit 1370; Margcria, uxor Johantiis Fastolf, militis, et filia Johannis llolbroke, 
 obiit 1387. In the 32ud Edward I., John Fastolf, of Yarmouth, had the wardship and mar¬ 
 riage of Ralph, son of Sir John de Spegeton, of Crostwiek. 
 
HISTORY OF 
 
 294 
 
 1290. "William de Drayton 
 John Wyth 
 
 John Fastolf 
 Richard Randolf 
 
 1291. Nicholas deMonesle 
 Alexander Fastolf 
 John de Fordele 
 Thomas Fastolf 
 
 1292. John "Wyth 
 John Fastolf 
 John Gerberge 
 "William de la Mawe 
 
 1293. Alexander Fastolf 
 Henry de Drayton 
 John de Fordele 
 Henry de la Mawe 
 
 1294. John "Wyth 
 Thomas Clericus 
 Nicholas le Peter 
 "Wm. de Goseford*" 
 
 1295. Thomas Fastolf 
 Eustace Batalle 
 Laurence deMonesle 
 AVilliam de Carleton 
 
 1296. Alexander Fastolf 
 John de Fordele 
 "William de la Mawe 
 "William Science 
 
 1297. Robert Wyth 
 John Fastolf 
 Henry Rosef 
 Flenry de Drayton 
 
 1298. John Wyth 
 Thomas Fastolf 
 Jolnr Allejm 
 John de Fordele 
 
 1299. Henry Rose 
 
 Hy. de Somerleton, 
 Stephen de Goseford 
 Nich. AshmanJ 
 
 1300. John Wyth 
 Henry de Drayton 
 Oliver de la Mawe 
 Robert de Fordele 
 
 1301. Henry Rose 
 John de Fordele 
 Richard Randolf 
 Eustace Batalle 
 
 1302. Henry Rose 
 William Fastolf 
 John Fastolf, sen. 
 Robert de Beverle 
 
 1303. AVilliam de la Mawe 
 Eustace Batalle 
 Nicholas le Potter 
 Richard Fastolf 
 
 1304. John Fastolf, sen. 
 Richard Randolf 
 John de Fordele 
 AVilliam Science 
 
 1305. Henry Rose 
 AVilliam Fastolf 
 Thomas Fastolf 
 Roger Gavel 
 
 1306. Henry Rose 
 
 Flenry de Drayton 
 AVilliam de Goseford 
 Robert de Fordele 
 
 1307- Henry Rose 
 
 Richd. Randolf, jun 
 Robert de Fordele 
 Nicholas Ashman 
 
 1308. John Fastolf, jun. 
 John de Fordele 
 Eustace Batalle 
 Thomas Fastolf 
 
 1309. Flenry Rose 
 Henry de Drayton 
 Robert de Drayton 
 Roger Gravel 
 
 1310. Richard Randolf 
 Richard Fastolf 
 AVilliam le Potter 
 Roger de F’hurnton 
 
 1311. Eustace Batalle 
 Oliver de la Mawe 
 Seman de la Sond 
 AA^illiam de Alonesle 
 
 1312. Robert de Fordele 
 Richard Randolf 
 Roger de Thurnton 
 John de Perebrown§ 
 
 1313. Robert de Fordele 
 Oliver de la Mawe 
 John Perebrown 
 Simon de Dighton 
 
 ■* In tlie 16tli Edward II., William de Redham settled on Christian, the wife of William de 
 Goseford, of Yarmouth, lands for life. 
 
 t In 1299 he was sent to parliament; as was Edward Rose in 1321. A Hem-y Rose was, in 
 1371, appointed captain and keeper of the town of Great Yarmouth.— Faidera, vol. iii., p. 924. 
 
 1 In 1319 he was appointed admiral and captain of “ the ships goin" against the Scots.” His 
 ship was called “ The Michael, of Yarmouth.”— Manship, p. 146. The name frequently occurs 
 in the list of bailiffs, but it is now extinct. 
 
 J This remarkable man served the office of bailiff fifteen times. He represented the borough 
 in the parliament which was held at York in 1321, and again in 1343. He was also one of the 
 customers, or farmers, of the King’s customs. Ho was constituted lord admiral of the North.— 
 See Manship, p. 296. His commissions are entered in the Calendarium Fotulorum Patentiwn, 
 preserved in the Tower of London ; and vide Foimdacion and Antiqaiiije, pp. 13, 64, 1.50. 
 
GREAT YAIIMOUTII. 
 
 295 
 
 1314. William de la Mawc 
 Roger de Thurnton 
 Jeffery de Drayton 
 Matt, de Redeham 
 
 1315. Robert de Fordele 
 Richard Randolf 
 Robert de Drayton 
 Seman atte Sond 
 
 1316. Robert de Fordele 
 William Thurkeld 
 Farman Alberd 
 Robert Ashman 
 
 1317. Robert de Fordele 
 Roger de Thnrnton 
 John Perebrown 
 Alexander Fastolf 
 
 1318. Henry Rose 
 William de la Mawe 
 Roger de Gavel 
 John de Acle 
 
 1319. Roger de Gavel 
 John Perebrown 
 Bart, de Thorp 
 Anselm de Fordele”' 
 
 1320. Idem 
 
 1321. Robert de Drayton 
 John Perebrown 
 Stephen de Catfield 
 William de Lincoln 
 
 1322. Robert de Fordele 
 Jeffery de Drayton 
 Robert Ashman 
 Robt. de Gimingham 
 
 1323. Henry Rose 
 Roger de Gavel 
 Roger de Drayton 
 Anselm de Fordele 
 
 1321. John Perebrown 
 Bart, de Thorp 
 Alexander Fastolf 
 Robert Ashman 
 
 1325. John Perebrown 
 Edmund Gerberge 
 John de Acle 
 Farman Alberd 
 
 1326. Robert de Drayton 
 John Perebrown 
 Anselm de Fordele 
 Walter atte Sond 
 
 1327. Bart de Thorp 
 John de Acle 
 Walter atte Sond 
 Robert Ashman 
 
 1328. John Perebrown 
 Robert de Drayton 
 Stephen de Catfield 
 Robert de Fordele 
 
 1329. Jeffery de Drayton 
 Stephen de Catfield 
 Bart, de Thorp 
 Walter atte Sond 
 
 1330. Robert de Drayton 
 John Perebrown 
 Alexander Fastolf 
 Robert de Fordele 
 
 1331. John Perebrown 
 Richard Fastolf 
 Walter atte Sond 
 John Chyld 
 
 1332. John Perebrown 
 Alexander Fastolf 
 Robert Elys 
 Thomas de Drayton 
 
 1333. Bart, de Thorp 
 Anselm de Fordele 
 William de ilonesle 
 Henry Randolf 
 
 1334. John Perebrown 
 Richard P’astolf 
 Thomas de Drayton 
 Robert Ely.? 
 
 1335. Alexander Fastolf 
 Thomas de Drayton 
 Walter atte Sond 
 John Elys 
 
 1336. Jeffery de Stalham 
 Nicholas Fastolf 
 Thomas de Drayton 
 Bart, de Thorp 
 
 1337. Walter atte Sond 
 Anselm de Fordele 
 Robt. de St. Botolph 
 Rd. de Wymondham 
 
 1338. Bart, de Thorp 
 Walter atte Sond 
 Richd. de Beketon 
 William de Motte 
 
 1339. John Perebrown 
 Alexander Fastolf 
 Thomas de Drayton 
 Stephen de Catfield 
 
 1340. Thomas de Drayton 
 Bart, de Thorj) 
 Jeffery de Stalham 
 Jeffery Trote 
 
 1341. Bart, do Thorp 
 Edmund Gerberge 
 Richard Latoner 
 Peter Cressy 
 
 * After serving the office of bailiff several times, (as did, previously and subsequently, others 
 of his name,) he died of the plague in 1349. Ilis will, which was evidently prepared by the 
 priest who attended his last moments, (as was then the general custom, few persons being able to 
 read and write, except the clergy,) affords us a specimen of the testamentary dispositions of the 
 period.— Vide Stei»den, page 820. 
 
 2x2 
 
296 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 1342. Idem 
 
 1343. Idem 
 
 1344. Eicliard de Beketon 
 Edmund Gerberge 
 Richard Latoner 
 Roger de Broxton 
 
 1345. Jeffery de Stalliam 
 "William Motte 
 Jeffery Elys 
 Richd. de "Walsham 
 
 1346. Richard de Beketon 
 Roger de Broxton 
 Richard Latoner 
 Rd. de’Wymondham 
 
 1347 Jeffery Elys 
 
 Jeffery de Stalham 
 R‘‘d eWh'amplyn gham 
 John le Neve 
 
 1348. Richard de Beketon 
 Robert Ashman 
 Simon de Halle‘'‘ 
 JeflPery de Fordelef 
 
 1349. Richard de Beketon 
 Roger'de Broxton 
 Jeffery de Eordele 
 Thomas Cobald 
 
 1350. Richard de Beketon 
 Jeffery Elys 
 "VlTHiam Oxney 
 John Lawes 
 
 1351. Peter Cressy 
 Alex, de Beverle 
 William de Eordele 
 John Kilham 
 
 1352. Jeffery Elys 
 Peter Cressy 
 Jeffery de Drayton 
 Jeffery de Eordele 
 
 1353. Alexarrder de 
 
 Beverle 
 
 Thonras Cobald 
 Stepherr de Stalharrr 
 Johrr de Thorp 
 
 1354. Hugh Eastolf 
 William atte Marve 
 John de Wytton 
 John Cok 
 
 1355. Thomas de Draytorr 
 Peter Cressy 
 Williarrr atte Mawe 
 Stephen de Stalham 
 
 1356. Idem 
 
 1357. Peter Cressy 
 Jeffery de Eordele 
 Stephen de Stalham 
 Robert Elys 
 
 1358. Alex, de Beverle 
 John de Drayton 
 Johrr de Thorp 
 John de Kilham 
 
 1359. Peter Cressy 
 Jeffery de Eordele 
 William Elys 
 John de Halle 
 
 1360. Hugh Eastolf 
 Stephen de Stalham 
 Robert Elys 
 Peter atte Fen 
 
 1361. Hugh Eastolf 
 Stephen de Stalham 
 Robert Elys 
 William de Halle 
 
 1362. Alex, de Beverle 
 John de Halle 
 John de Beverle 
 John de Ristorr 
 
 1363. Hugh Eastolf 
 
 Johrr de Belauglr 
 Simon atte Gappe 
 Reginald Lawes 
 
 1364. 
 
 1365. 'William Elys 
 John de Beverle 
 William Fadernran 
 John de Reppes 
 
 1366. Hugh Eastolf 
 Robert Elys 
 William de Halle 
 Edmund Orrdolf 
 
 1367. Hugh Eastolf 
 Alex, de Beverle 
 Johrr Wykes 
 Johrr de Stalham 
 
 1368. John de Beverle 
 William atte Gappe 
 John de Riston 
 John atte Fen 
 
 1369. Simon atte Gappe 
 Johrr de Reppes 
 Edrnrrnd Sylke 
 Warin Lrreas 
 
 1370. Alex, de Beverle 
 John de Halle 
 John de Stalham 
 Richard Spicer 
 
 1371. John de Beverle 
 Bart. Noggan 
 Reginald Larves 
 Simorr deWroxham 
 
 1372. John de Beverle 
 William Elys 
 Johrr de Drayton 
 John de Reppes 
 
 * He died of the plague in 1349. Ills will is curious, and will be found in Sioinden, page 816. 
 
 t In 1349, Isabel, the wife of Jeffery de Fordele, bequeathed “ to the two bellmen of the town 
 of Great Yarmouth, and their successors for the time being for ever, sixpence of annual rent,” 
 on condition that “ they celebrate the airniversar}' of me and Thomas Sydler, and ring for our 
 souls, according to the maner and custom of the said town.” The Thos. Sidler here mentioired, 
 was one of the persons summoned in 1340, de essendo coram concilio, &c. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 297 
 
 1373. Hugh Fastolf 
 Simon atte Gappc 
 John de Stalham 
 John atte Fen 
 
 1374. Hugh Fastolf 
 William Elys 
 John Rejjpes 
 Edmund Oudolf 
 
 1375. Hugh Fastolf 
 William Elys 
 John de Beverle 
 John de lleppes 
 
 1376. William atte Gappe 
 Roger de Drayton 
 William Oxneye 
 John de Halle 
 
 1377. Simon atte Gappe 
 John atte Fen 
 John Elys 
 
 Nich. de Drayton 
 
 1378. William Elys 
 William Oxneye 
 Robert atte Gappe 
 William de Stalham 
 
 1379. William Elys 
 Rarth. Noggan 
 
 OO 
 
 Roger de Drayton 
 Edmund Oudolf 
 
 1380. Barth. Noggan 
 John de Reppes 
 Nich. de Drayton 
 Peter Beneyt 
 
 1381. John de Beverle 
 John Elys 
 William Oxneye 
 Robert atte Gappe 
 
 1382. William atte Gappe 
 Edmund Oudolf 
 William de Stalham 
 John de Rollesby 
 
 1383. John Elys 
 William de Oxneye 
 Nicholas Wildgoose 
 Hugh atte Fen 
 
 1384. John de Beverle 
 Roger de Drayton 
 Alexander Fastolf 
 John Hakon 
 
 1385. Nich. de Drayton 
 Warin Lucas 
 Ralph Ramseye’'' 
 Adam Hayron 
 
 1386. William atte Gappe 
 Edmund Oudolf 
 Richard Elys 
 Edmund Bie 
 
 1387. John Elys 
 William Oxneye 
 Robert Howlyn 
 John de Martham 
 
 1388. John de Beverle 
 Robert atte Gappe 
 Barth, de Drayton 
 John de Beketon 
 
 1389. Ralph Ramseye 
 Roger Drayton 
 Hugh atte Fen 
 Thomas Marche 
 
 1390. AVilliam atte Gappe 
 Alexander Fastolf 
 Nich. de Drayton 
 John Hakon 
 
 1391. John Elys 
 William de Oxneye 
 Bartholomew Elys 
 Robert Howlyn 
 
 1392. John de Beverle 
 John Elys, jun. 
 John Hughesson 
 William Eccles 
 
 1393. Ralph Ramseye 
 John de Beketon 
 Hugh atte Fen 
 Barth, de Drayton 
 
 1394. Thomas Marche 
 John atte Gappef 
 William Savage 
 Edmund Wyth 
 
 1395. John Elys, sen. 
 William Oxneye 
 John Hakon 
 Richard Claye 
 
 1396. Ralph Ramseye 
 Hugh atte Fen 
 Bart. Elys 
 Bart, de Drayton 
 
 1397. John Beketon 
 William Oxneye 
 Thomas Marche 
 Thomas Halle 
 
 1398. Raljih Ramseye 
 Hugh atte Fen 
 John atte Gappe 
 Richard Claye 
 
 1399. John Elys 
 William Oxneye 
 Bart, de Drayton 
 Robert atte Fen 
 
 * He was high shcrifT of Norfolk 10th Henry IV. Probably no bailiff or mayor ever after¬ 
 wards served the same office, except Sir Thomas Medowe, Knt., in 1663, and Sir E. K. Lacon, 
 Bart., in 1823. The Hamseys of Norfolk bore gti., three rams’ heads caboshed (ir. Before the 
 9th Edward II., sheriffs were elected by the freeholders, as coroners for the county are to this day. 
 
 t He obtained, from Richard II., a private charter,'(eonfirmed by Henry IV.,) that for the 
 term of his life he should not be impanelled or returned upon assizes, juries, inquests, or any 
 recognizances ; and that he should not be made mayor, cscheater, coroner, collector of the taxes, 
 or comptroller of lOths and loths, of subsidies, taxes, tallages, or other pajTuents whatsoever. 
 Hwinden, page 24. 
 
HISTORY OF 
 
 298 
 
 1400 Hugh atte Fen 
 John Hughesson 
 Edmund Wyth 
 Thomas Carter 
 
 1401. William Oxneye 
 John Beketon 
 Richard Claye 
 Roger Adams 
 
 1402. Hugh atte Fen 
 John atte Gappe 
 Bartholomew Elys 
 William Savage 
 
 1403. John Beketon 
 AVilliam Oxneye 
 Richard Claye 
 Alex, atte Gappe 
 
 1404. John atte Gappe 
 John Hughson 
 AVilliam Savage 
 I homas AVhite 
 
 1405. Hugh atte Fen 
 AA'illiam Oxnej'e 
 Bartholomew Elys 
 Bart, de Drayton 
 
 1406. John atte Gappe 
 Richard Claye 
 Jeffery Pampyng 
 Henry Rafnian 
 
 1407. Hugh atte Fen 
 John Hughson 
 Thomas Redberd 
 John Spitlyng 
 
 1408. AATlliam Oxneye 
 Bartholomew Elys 
 Robert Elys 
 Thomas Glavejm 
 
 1409. Henry Rafman 
 Edmund AA^yth 
 
 Alexander atte Gappe 
 Ralph Leffyn 
 
 1410. John Hughson 
 Jeffery Pampyng 
 James Freeman 
 Thomas Conehithe 
 
 1411. Richard Claye 
 Thomas AVhite 
 Nicholas Cates 
 John Cranelee 
 
 1412. AVm. Oxneye, jun. 
 Robert Elys 
 Thomas Clabeyn 
 John Soterton 
 
 1413. Jeffery Pampyng 
 Robert Elys, jun. 
 Thomas Conehithe 
 AVilliam Colkirke 
 
 1414. Bartholomew Elys 
 Richard Claye 
 Peter Savage 
 John Fenn 
 
 1415. Edmund AA^yth 
 Thomas AVhite 
 Ralph Leffyng 
 Plenry Spitlyng 
 
 1416. Robert Elys, jun. 
 John Spitlyng 
 Thomas Conehithe 
 Bart, Oxneye 
 
 1417. Bartholomew Elys 
 John Fen 
 
 John Hastyng 
 John Soterton 
 
 1418. Thomas Dengayne 
 Jeffery Pampyng 
 Thomas AVhite 
 Richard Elys 
 
 1419. Alex, atte Gappe 
 John Spitlyng 
 Thomas Conehithe 
 Robert Cupper* 
 
 1420. John Leveryth 
 John Hastyng 
 John Snellyng 
 Thomas Eyr 
 
 1421. Bartholomew Elys 
 John Cranelee 
 Roger Hoddes 
 Ralph AVevan 
 
 1422. Robert Elys 
 AVilliam Oxne)^ 
 Robert Cupper 
 AVilliam atte Fenn 
 
 1423. Richard Elys 
 Thomas Conehithe 
 Thomas AVhite 
 AATlliam atte Gappe 
 
 1424. Thomas Dengayne 
 John Hastying 
 John Spitlyng 
 John Pynne 
 
 1425. Robert Cupper 
 Roger Hoddes 
 Thomas Eyr 
 Richard Flicke 
 
 1426. Robert Elys 
 AVilliam Oxneye 
 
 1427. Richard Elys 
 John Manning 
 
 * His M'ill was proved in the diocesan court, in 14.34. It is in Latin, and contains the following 
 bequests:—“ I give to Robert, my son, my psalter, sometime of Robert Mangrene, and my best 
 “ pimer, with a certain book called Stimulus Conscientice, which book is now in the custody of 
 “ Agnes, wife of William Paston of Paston, until the said Robert comes to years of discretion ; 
 “ and I give and bequeath to William Paston my beads of hawmber, marked for twelve; and 
 “ to John, son of the said William, my best bastard, with girdle to the same belonging ; also, 
 “ to John Havyrland, prior of Yarmouth, my beads of hawmber, marked for ten.” This will 
 shows the value placed upon books in those days. The “ bustard ” was along dagger suspended 
 by the girdle, and worn not only by armed knights, but by civilians, and even by priests. It is 
 .said that with such a weapon Sir William Walworth dispatched Jack Straw. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 299 
 
 1428. Thomas Dengayne 
 Thomas White 
 
 1429. Kohert Elys 
 Thomas Eyr 
 
 1430. Richard Elys 
 John Pynne 
 
 1431. Idem 
 
 1432. Robert Elys 
 Thomas atte Fenn 
 
 1433. Robert Elys 
 John Hastyng*‘ 
 
 1434. Roger Ilodcles 
 John Philip 
 
 1435. John Widwell 
 John Chapman 
 
 1436. John Pynne 
 John Phelysson 
 
 1437. Robert Elys 
 Thomas Ilumfrey 
 
 1438. William atte Gappe 
 Tliomas Martyn 
 
 1439. Robert Pynne 
 John Auncell 
 
 1440. Thomas Fenn 
 Simon Folsham 
 
 1441. Roger Hoddes 
 Thomas Hall 
 
 1412. Robert Elys 
 John Chapman 
 
 1443. John Pynne 
 Peter Dowe 
 
 1444. Ralph Lampet 
 AVilliam atte Gappe 
 
 1445. Haman Pulham 
 John Auncell 
 
 1446. Robert Martyn 
 Simon Folsham 
 
 1447. Thomas Fenn 
 Robert Pynne 
 
 1448. Thomas Hylls 
 John Swoll 
 
 1449. John Chapman 
 Peter Dowe 
 
 1450. Ralph I.ainpet 
 Haman Pulham 
 
 1451. Robert Pynne 
 Edmund Wydewell 
 
 1152. Thomas Martyn 
 John Westgatef 
 
 1453. Thomas Fen 
 John Alman 
 
 1454. Ralph Lampet 
 Haman Pulham 
 
 1455. Peter Dowe 
 Thomas Kysse 
 
 1456. Edmund AVydewell 
 Alexander Brygate 
 
 1457. Thomas Fenn 
 John Pynne 
 
 1458. Robert Pynne 
 John Alman 
 
 1459. Haman Pulham 
 John Codlyng 
 
 1460. AVilliam Julies 
 Thomas Thorpe 
 
 1461. Ralph Lampet 
 Thomas Iryng 
 
 1462. Edmund Wydewell 
 Thomas Pond 
 
 1463. Edmund AVydewell 
 John Peers 
 
 1464. Edmund AVydewell 
 John Pynne 
 
 1465. Haman Pulham 
 John .Alman 
 
 1466. John Russ 
 AAblliam Baldock 
 
 1467. John Peers 
 John Russe 
 
 1468. Edmund AVydewell 
 Roger Redhood 
 
 1469. Roger Basset 
 AVilliam Aldrychej 
 
 1470. John Russe 
 Robert Crowmer§ 
 
 1471. Idem 
 
 * He (lied in the following year, and was buried in St. Nicholas’ churchyard, near the porch, 
 by his wife.— Swinden, page 930. 
 
 t Ills will is dated in 1461, and he died soon after. He appointed his son, “ Dominus tVilliara,” 
 a monk of the monastery of St. Benuet-at-IIolin, supervisor of his will.— Sioinden, page 932. 
 
 4 He was again bailiff in 1475, 1486, and in 1506. Major Thomas .Mdrich, mentioned by 
 Manship, (page 146,) was lord of the manor of Mangrcen Hall, in Swardcston, in Norfolk, and 
 was buried by the font in the church there. Thomas Aldrich, of Swardcston, married Elizabeth, 
 daughter of Sir Anthony Felton, of Playford, in Suffolk, who died in 1678, aged eighty years. 
 There is a pedigree of the family of Aldrich, of Yarmouth and iMangrecn, in liibl. Jlarl. Cod. 
 4756, fol. 45. 
 
 § As this name has not previously occurred, he was probably the first of the family who settled 
 in Yarmouth, where he appears to have acquired great wealth and influence; and from his having 
 readily obtained a confirmation of the arms of the ancient family of Crowmers, of Kent, (see 
 aide, page 129,) it may be inferred that he was descended from that familv. IVeever, in his 
 Funeral Monuments, spells the name Crowmer and Cronrer, indifferently in tbe same page ; but 
 from the canting nature of the coat, the former, it is presumed, was the correct way. In 1423, 
 
300 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 1472. John Peers 
 Thomas Pond 
 
 1473. John Ahnan 
 John Mowe 
 
 1474. Edmund Wydewell 
 Edmund Thorysby 
 
 1475. John Russe 
 William Aldryche 
 
 1476. John Russe 
 John Cofeld 
 
 1477. John Russe 
 John Cofeld^'' 
 
 John Peers 
 
 1478. Edmund Thorysby 
 Thomas Gloys 
 
 1479. Robert Crowmer 
 Robert Mychell 
 
 1480. John Peers 
 John Frank 
 
 1481. Robert Crowmer 
 John Tanne 
 
 1482. Idem 
 
 1483. Robert CroAvmer 
 John Holme 
 
 1484. Robert Mychell 
 Robert Eston 
 
 1485. John Russe 
 John Wagstatfe 
 
 1486. William Aldrych 
 William Watson 
 
 1487. John Peers 
 William Albon 
 
 1488. John Tanne 
 Robert Barett 
 
 1489. Robert Crowmer 
 Robert Ashtonf 
 
 1490. Robert Crowmer 
 John Wagstatfe 
 
 1491. Christopher Moye 
 John Bedingham 
 
 1492. Thomas Bloys 
 John Borell 
 
 1493. William Albon 
 John Holme, sen. 
 
 1494. John Tanne, sen. 
 William Patynson 
 
 1495. Robert Ashton 
 William Watson 
 
 1496. Robert Barett, sen. 
 Robert Albon 
 
 1497. Robert Crowmer 
 John Eton 
 
 1498. John Bedyngham 
 Robert Tasburghj 
 
 1499. Christopher Moye 
 Edmund Cooper 
 
 1500. William Patenson 
 John Wacy 
 
 1501. Richard Hosteler 
 Henry Bemond 
 
 1502. Jeffery Davy 
 John Lovegold 
 
 1503. John Borell 
 Robert Albon 
 
 1504. John Eton 
 Robert Tasburgh 
 
 1505. Edmund Cooper 
 Stephen Watson 
 
 1506. Thomas Banyard 
 William Aldrych 
 
 1507. Robert Byshop 
 John Doubleday 
 
 1508. John James 
 Henry Plumstead 
 
 1509. Henry Bemond 
 John Garton 
 
 1510. Thomas Ufforth 
 Richard Palmer 
 
 1511. Edmund Cooper 
 William Backton 
 
 1512. John Lavyle 
 Richard Byshop 
 
 1513. John Doubleday 
 Robert Edmunds 
 
 Sir William Cro\vmer was lord mayor of London. His son married the only daughter of Lord 
 Saye and Sele (Im'd treasureiO, and was sheriff of Kent in 1450, when the rebellion under Cade 
 broke out. The sheriff and his father-in-law were both put to death by the rebels, who fixed 
 their heads on poles, and having made them “ to kiss one the other at every street corner,” ac¬ 
 cording to the bai'harous custom of those days, finally placed them on London bridge. The 
 above Robert Crowmer married Jane, daughter of John Wilshire, whose family was of some note 
 in Kent; and Weever mentions her as one of the persons buried in Yarmouth church, for whose 
 souls prayers were to he made. A contributor to the Norfolk Archaiology, (vol. ii. page 41,) has 
 conjectured that there was no male issue to this man-iage, but that there was an only daughter, 
 Jane, who married John Crowmer, Esq., and was, according to Weever, buried at Sittinghourne 
 in 1.339. Walter Cromer alias Cromere, sub-prior of Norwich, prior of the Benedictine cell at 
 Norwich, and rector of Claydon, in Suffolk, was appointed the fii-st prebendary of Norwich, by 
 the charter of Henry VIII. 
 
 * He died in his year’of office; and John Peers was elected in his stead. 
 
 t In 1481, he farmed Cobham Island of the corporation, at four shillings a year. 
 
 X There was a Suffolk family of this name settled at Flixton. Pedigrees of them are recorded 
 in the visitations of Suffolk. Arms,— Ar., a chevron sa., between three palmer’s staves with 
 scrips sa., gar. or. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 301 
 
 lol l. Henry Ilberd 
 
 AVilliam Byshop 
 
 1.015. Simon Olclryng 
 Thomas Betts 
 
 1516. John Palmer 
 William Smyth 
 
 1.517. John Garton 
 Ralph Dene 
 
 1518. William Backon 
 William Shave"'-' 
 
 1519. John Lovegold 
 Richard Byshop 
 
 1520. W illiam Byshop 
 Robert Alysaunder 
 
 1521. John I^avyle 
 John Doubleday 
 
 1522. Henry Ilberd 
 Thomas Betts 
 
 152.3, John Palmer 
 
 Thomas Garton 
 
 1524. John Ladde 
 Thomas Gladon 
 
 1525. Simon Oldrvng 
 William Wellys 
 
 1526. Ralph Denne 
 William Burgh 
 
 1527. William Byshop 
 AVilliam Shave 
 
 1528. Robert Alysaunder 
 Robert Peers 
 
 1529. Robert Tasburgh 
 John Kent 
 
 1530. John Lavyle 
 .John Stevynson 
 
 1531. Simon Richman 
 Henry Firmage 
 
 1532. Thomas Betts 
 Richard Firmage 
 
 1533. John Palmer 
 Richard Buck 
 
 1 534. Philip Barnard 
 Miles Kenef 
 
 1535. AA'illiam Burgh 
 Richard Rotherham 
 
 1536. Ralph Denne 
 AVilliam AA'elles 
 
 1537. Henry Firmage 
 Thomas Echard 
 
 1538. AA^illiam Shave 
 Ralph Ashley 
 
 1539. Simon Richman 
 AVilliam Byshop 
 
 1540. 'Ihomas Betts 
 AA'illiam Stylyard 
 
 1541. Christopher fleylett 
 Simon Moore 
 
 1514. AA'illiain Burgh 
 Thomas Echard 
 
 1545. Ralph Ashley 
 AA'illiam AA^oolhouse 
 
 1546. Cornelius Bright 
 John Canon 
 
 1547. AA'illiam AA’elles 
 John Crowe 
 
 1548. AA'illiam Byshop 
 Simon Aloore 
 
 1549. John Alyllicent 
 Nicholas Fenn 
 
 1550. Thomas Betts 
 AA^illiam Garton 
 
 1551. AA^illiam Alayhowe 
 Nicholas Firmage 
 
 1552. Christopher Heylott 
 John Echard 
 
 1553. AA’illiam Denne 
 Thomas Hunt 
 
 1554. Robert Eyre 
 John Crowe 
 
 1555. Thomas Gardiner 
 Robert Drawer 
 
 1556. Cornelius Bright 
 AAhlliam TIarbrown 
 
 1542. Gilbert Gryce 
 AA’illiam Denne 
 
 1543. John Lavyle 
 Richard Buck 
 
 1557. Richard Oldryng 
 Alatthew AA^ytt 
 
 1558. Thomas NicholsonJ 
 Ralph AA^oolhouse 
 
 * The hailifls of the Cinque ports complained to Kinj» Henry TUI. that William Shave and 
 .John Palmer had interrupted them in the execution of their duty, and required that they should 
 “ avoyde the bench hut the corporation supplicated the King, that such rcmov.al xvould be con¬ 
 trary to their “ancient liberties and usages;’’ in eonfirmfitiou whereof, they offered to attend 
 before the King, “ and there to depose upon a crucifix for the clerc and evident prove of the 
 same usage.” 
 
 + lie married Cicely, a daughter of Henry Ilberd, bailiff of A'armouth in 1511. His son, 
 Nicholas Keene, married Margaret, a daughter of William Bishop, of A'armouth, and had issue. 
 The arms of Keene were, — Ar. a talbot .statant cared and charged on the shoulder with a 
 trefoil or, on a chief indented a:, three crosses patonce or. 
 
 i He died of the plague in January, 1.553; and on the 1st of July following, Thomas Hun 
 was elected in his stead. 
 
 2o 
 
HISTORY OF 
 
 302 
 
 1559. Thomas Gavton 
 Allen Couldham 
 
 1560. William Garton 
 Edmund Moon 
 
 1561. Simon Moor 
 John Parley 
 
 1562. Anthony Loveday"^ 
 John Gross 
 
 1563. Nicholas Fenn 
 Nicholas Kene 
 
 1564. Cornelius Bright 
 Augustine Peers 
 
 1565. John Echard 
 John Ladd 
 
 1566. Christopher Sylls 
 Benedict Cuhittf 
 
 1567. Ralph Woolhouse 
 i Thomas Betts 
 
 1568. Thomas Garton 
 John Wakeman 
 
 1569. John Ufford 
 Ambrose Bullward 
 
 1570. Edmund Baldrey 
 ' Thomas Smyth 
 
 1571. John Grosse 
 Thos. Smyth, sen. 
 
 1572. Wm. Elarebrowne 
 j Ralph Thompson 
 
 ;1573. John Bacon 
 ! George Meeke 
 ^1574. John Echard 
 : John Harding 
 
 1575. John Gostling 
 William Lister 
 
 1576. Augustine Peers 
 Thomas EchardJ 
 
 1577. John Wakeman 
 Thomas Damett§ 
 
 1578. Benedict Cubitt 
 John Couldham 
 
 1579. Ralph Woolhouse 
 John G}desll 
 
 1580. John Grosse 
 John Bradish 
 
 1581. Thomas Harris 
 John Harbottle 
 
 1582. John Bartlemews 
 John Thrower 
 
 * He contributed £5 to the new liavon. He was conspicuous, at the dawning of the Refor¬ 
 mation, for his contempt of the Roman Catholic observances, and was fined for creating a dis¬ 
 turbance in the parish church at the elevation of the host. He married Margaret, daughter of 
 Wm. Claxton, of Chediston, in Suffolk, and his descendants settled there. He bore,—Per fess 
 ar. and sa. an eagle with two heads displayed connter charged with a ducal coronet or. The 
 origin of this name is curious. Lofedays, or Lovedays, were the days on which arbitrations were 
 made and differences settled among neighbours. 
 
 t He was the son of Robert Cubitt, from whom the Cubitts of Honing are descended. The 
 arms borne by the family are,— Sa. a bow and arrow ar. 
 
 J He died of the plague before the expiration of his year of office, and his place was supplied 
 by John Felton, father of Nicholas Felton, bishop of ER. (See Manship, p. 317.) There is an 
 excellent portrait of this prolate at Ely palace. 
 
 ^ He retired to Riseangles, in Suffolk, where he died; having first, by his will, given four 
 dwelRng-houses to the corporation, to hold as alms-houses for ever, “to be for dwellings for such 
 “ poore seamen’s widdowes of that towne, whose husbands dyed, leaving unto them a child or 
 “ more, and leaving unto them no habitation to rest in freely att the daye of his decease.’’ The 
 residue of his i-eal e.state he directed to be sold, and the proceeds distributed in numerous legacies ; 
 “ for,’’ (says the will,) “ itt ys reported that Edward Damett, mj^ onlj^e sonne and heir is iiowe 
 “ dead ; yf it fortune to be alive att the daye of my death, and shall come to the sayd towne of 
 “ Yarmouth within tenn yeres next after my decease,” then he revokes all devises, and gives 
 his estate (except the alms-houses) to his son. The son never appeared, and the name became 
 extinct. 
 
 |] See Manship, p. 97. This name has been of long continuance in Yarmouth; and in con¬ 
 nection with the fisheries. There was a family in Norfolk who bore,—Per iess gv. and az. on a 
 bend ar. between two lions’ he.ads erased, and as many' crosslets fitchee or., three roses gti. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 303 
 
 1583. Christopher Dewe 
 Henry Stanton 
 
 1584. Roger Drury 
 William Musgrave 
 
 1585. John Felton 
 Jeffery Ponyett 
 
 1586. John Wakeman 
 John Greenwood 
 
 1587. John Couldham 
 John Yonges 
 
 1588. Augustine Peers 
 Benedict Cubitt 
 
 1589. James Johnson 
 John Wheeler 
 
 1590. Ralph Woolhouse 
 John Harris 
 
 1591. John Thrower 
 Gregory Goose 
 
 1592. Thomas Damett 
 Thomas Foster 
 
 1593. Roger Drury 
 Thomas Mortimer 
 
 1594. Henry Stanton 
 William Crowe 
 
 1595. John Bartlemewsf 
 William Yonges 
 
 1596. John Couldham 
 Henry Ebbotts 
 
 1597. John Yonges 
 Richard Moodyng 
 
 1598. John Wheeler 
 Thomas Buttolphe 
 
 1599. John l^elton 
 Thomas Manfield 
 
 1600. John Thrower 
 Isaac Cooper 
 
 1601. Thomas Foster 
 John Bennet 
 
 1602. Thomas Damett 
 Thomas CottyJ 
 
 1603. Henry Stanton 
 John Gyles 
 
 1604. Jeffery Ponyett 
 William Graye 
 
 1605. Thomas Mortymer 
 Wm. Yonges 
 
 1606. Wm. Crowe 
 John Crowland 
 
 1607. John Couldham 
 Gregory Goose 
 
 1608. Thomas Buttolph§ 
 Thomas Gyles 
 
 1609. John Wheeler 
 Benjamin Coopeij| 
 
 * An account of this family is given in Manship, page 41.5. Their arms were,— Ar. on a chief 
 vert, a tau between two mullets pierced or. The following is an extract from the Close Rolls, 
 preserved in the Rolls chapel, 32nd Elizabeth, part 14;— “ IiieTre 18 July, 32 Eliz'', between John 
 “ Welles, of London, scrivener, and John Williams, of London, gentleman, of the first part, and 
 “ Roger Drewrye, of Yarmouth, in Co. Norfolk, gentleman, of the other part; said John Welles 
 “ and John Williams sell to said Roger Urewrye, all their moiety of a tenement, &c., in Brad- 
 “ well, Co. Suffolk, late in the occupation of Thomas More, being part of the lands, &c., of John 
 “ Throgmorton, of high treason attainted and convicted; of Avhich one Richard Woodgate, by 
 “ letters patent, 1 July, 22 Eliz'*, had a term of twenty-one years, at the annual rent of 33;4, 
 “ and by letters patent 8 May, 32 Eliz'‘, were granted to said John Welles and John Williams. 
 “ To hold to said Roger Drury and liis heirs as of her Majesty’s manor of Greenwich, Co. Kent, 
 “ in capite.” 
 
 t He died in April, 1596, and Jeffery Ponyett was chosen in his stead.— Vide Manship, p. 224. 
 
 4 In 1596, he was chosen lieutenant of the man of war fitted out by the town, in conse¬ 
 quence of a letter from the Privy Council, to join in the expedition against Cadiz.— {Manship, 
 page 303.) For his good services on that occasion, Mr. Cotty was presented hy the corporation 
 with the sum of £32. 
 
 § He died in 1614, and was interred in St. Nicholas’ church. 
 
 II He resided in a mansion on the South Quay, {Manship, page 262, and ante, page 202,) which 
 he erected on the site of an old house, purchased by him in 1593. He was a man of wealth and 
 influence, and for many years took a leading part in municipal affairs. In 1612, he was appointed 
 “ to ride to Norwich, to confer with the commissioners about an aid for the marriage of the Lady 
 Elizabeth; ” and, suhscquently, ‘id. in the pound upon the yearly value of every house, was collected 
 for this purpose. He represented the town in parliament in 1620; and, in the following year, 
 obtained a commission directed to the bishop of Norwich, himself, and others, to enquire “ what 
 “ stock or yearly revenues did appertain to, and what donations and contributions had been made 
 “towards, the haven and piers.’’ He also obtained letters patent, authorising a collection for 
 this purpose throughout the kingdom. In 1623 he was again returned to parliament. In the 
 Herald’s Visitation Book for Norfolk, in 1644, his pedigree is recorded, signed by his grandson, 
 Nichobes Cowper, with his arms,—A bend engrailed bearing three bullets, between two lions 
 rampant guardant. 
 
 2 O 2 
 
HISTORY OF 
 
 304 
 
 1610.Isaac Cooper 
 
 Augustine Yonges 
 
 1611. Robert Skarth 
 Robert Robins 
 
 1612. John Greenwood 
 George Hardware* 
 
 1613. John Geyes 
 Nicholas Bright 
 
 1614. Thomas Thompson 
 Titus Hardwarde 
 
 1615. John Echard 
 John Warrenf 
 
 1616. Edmund Grosse 
 Edmund Owner 
 
 1617. Wm. Graye 
 Tho. Meadows 
 
 1618. Eenj. Cooper 
 
 Godfrey Wilgres 
 1619.Isaac Cooper 
 
 Nicholas Cuttinge 
 
 1620. Jeffery NeveJ 
 Ezechias Harrys 
 
 1621. Geo. Hardware 
 Robert Stevenson 
 
 * A notice of him is given in Manship, page 262. The arms of Hardware were,— Az., a 
 chevron between three dexter liands ar. On the 4th of July, 1614, he presented 100 Jacobuses to 
 the King, as a present from the town. 
 
 t He was also captain of tho militia in 1626; and again served as bailiff' the following year. 
 
 j He was a merchant, and appears to have been of a very restless and litigious spirit. In 
 1622, he petitioned the King for the grant of a certain custom or duty, on all salt or dried fish 
 imported here : this was opposed by the corporation, and probably led to his subseq^uent disputes 
 with them. In 1626, he was accused of plotting an alteration of the government of the town, by 
 electing a mayor instead of two bailiffs; and was dismissed from his offiee of alderman, “ be¬ 
 cause of his long absence, and for diverse other reasons,” and Thomas Green was elected in 
 his place. Keve petitioned the King, accusing a factious party of dismissing him for absence on 
 the King’s service; the matter was referred to the chancellor of Norwich and others, who reported, 
 upon (alleged) ex parte evidence, in favor of Neve ; whereupon King Charles sent a letter to the 
 bailiffs and aldermen, ” forthwith to restore Neve and to remove Green.” After much deliberation 
 at several assemblies, held in 1627, the corporation sent a letter to the secretaries of state, setting 
 forth the offences for which Neve was dismissed—that he had defrauded “ divei-se hosts” and 
 “ fishers ” of the money he should have paid them for herrings,—that he had “ gotten the 
 money and goods ” of divers others, and had spent as much in defending suits, as would have 
 paid iiis debts,—and that at last, unable to hold out suit any longer, (his houses and lands being- 
 sold, mortgaged, or “ secretly conveyed away,”) he got himself “ very secretly and underhand ” 
 into the King’s service,—that he stood outlawed at many suits, and had deceived divers “ to their 
 utter ruin and extreme poverty,” some to the value of £300,—and lastly, had refused to pay doles 
 and duties, or to execute any office, with divers “ other allegations, resting in the hands of bailiff 
 Echard.” A petition was also addressed to the King, further accusing Neve, in addition to the 
 above “ weighty reasons,” of refusing to contribute aught toward the loan to his Majesty, the 
 defence of the town, repair of the haven, or relief of the poor : and praying that the case might 
 be “referred for re-examination to some gentlemen of trust.” The matter was remitted to the 
 Privy Council, and by them to Sir Roger Townshend and others, who held an enquiry, and ex¬ 
 amined several witnesses, at the l\Iaid’s Head, Norwich, January 9th and 10th, 1628, and certified 
 that Neve had been dismissed “ according to the usage and custom of the town,” that having had 
 previous notice of the corporation to dismiss him, unless he answered the charges against him, he 
 had replied, “ If they dismiss me, I xoill eomc in again in despite of them !” They further re¬ 
 ported, that the allegations against him wore for the most part proved, setting forth specifically 
 that he was indebtecl to “ one Isaac Cooper in £200,” on the conveyance of a house of which he 
 kept him out of possession, and for which he had been indicted at the sessions “ for a forcible 
 detainer.” The corporation again petitioned the council that the town should not he “thus 
 affronted by one particular person,” who sought “ to disturb the common peace.” Where¬ 
 upon their lordships, being “ well satisfied” of Neve’s “unfittingness,” and, with his dismissal, 
 ordered that the corporation .should be “ no further troubled” by him. {Stcinden, page 477.) 
 Neve never returned to Yarmouth, hut took up his abode in the Low Countries, where ho 
 obtained a degree as Doctor of Physio. Ho, however, turned his principal attention to astrology ; 
 and, in 1633, he openly practised that pretended art in London, where he became acquainted with 
 Lilly. lie died suddenly at Tower Hill, in 1670 ; and his papers passed into the hands of Elias 
 Ashmole. He is described as being of a “ tall stature and comely feature, vei-y grave and labo-v 
 lious LilIjY’s History of his Life and Times. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 305 
 
 1C22. John Gyles 
 John Rowe 
 
 1G23. Thomas Thompson 
 Leonard Holmes 
 1G24. John Trenclle''' 
 Thomas Johnson 
 1625. Edward Owner 
 Robert Norgate 
 1G2G. John Echard 
 Robert Sayer 
 1G27. John Warren 
 Henry Davy 
 
 1G28. Benjamin Cooper 
 William Bnttolph 
 1G29. Robert Norgate 
 Thomas Medowef 
 1G30. Nicholas Cuttinge 
 John Stevenson 
 1G31. Ezechias Harris 
 Thomas Green 
 1G32. Thomas Thompson 
 Gyles Call 
 
 1G33. Godfrey Wilgres 
 Thomas Crane 
 
 1G34. Edward Owner 
 Leonard Holmes 
 1G35. Thomas Johnson 
 Robert Sayer 
 163G. John Warren 
 John Lncas|' 
 
 1G37. Henry Davy 
 John Robins 
 1G38. Thomas Medowe 
 Thomas Manthorpe 
 1G39. Robert Norgate 
 Anthony Speck 
 
 * His name appears on a committee appointed in 1612, on the petition of Henry Mansliip, to 
 peruse the town cliarters, &c.; the records of whose labours has been printed by order of the 
 town council, in 1855, in an interesting volume, entitled, A liepcrtory of the Deeds and Docu¬ 
 ments relating to the Borough of Great Yarmouth. Some of the descendants of the above .lohn 
 Trendle are interred in St. Nicholas’ church. Sarah Trcndle is recorded on the same stone with 
 John Arnold, bailiff in 1652. The family of Arnold flourished in Lowestoft from the time of 
 Queen Elizabeth. They bore,— Sa. a chevron ar. between three dolphins naiant of the same: 
 crest,—on a wreath a dolphin naiant ar. 
 
 t Son of Thomas Medowe, bui^ess and alderman of Yarmouth. He was a justice of peace, 
 in 1626, when he was one of those who opposed the attempt to elect a mayor instead of two 
 bailiffs ; and, in 1629, “ to remove all disputes and difficulties which might arise ” respecting the 
 matter, the King sent a letter, recommending to the corporation Mr. Medowe and Mr. Norgate, 
 “ of whose ability,” says his Majesty, “ 1 am well informed ; ” and they were aceordingly chosen. 
 In 1634 we find him actively engaged in opposing “ ship money'.” He attended the meeting 
 at Norwich, w hen it was agreed that no ship could be had ; and he was deputed by the town of 
 A'arnmuth, to represent them in London on the same subject.—(See Sioinden, page 434, and 
 Man.ship., page 376) Nevertheless, in the following year, he was, with others, named in the 
 royal warrant to collect that impost. In 1642, as one of the “committee for the fortifications,” he 
 reported “ how necessary it was to have a bridge over the moat,” before the north gate, “ for 
 passage of men, horses, carts, and carriages through.” In December, 1643, he entertained Cols. 
 !•'. llusscl and Fleetwood (of the parliamentary army), with their attendants, for the space of ten 
 days, at his mansion on Fuller’s Hill. On the 7th July, 1648, he was one of many of the cor¬ 
 poration who signed a declaration that they would “ stand by King and Parliament according to 
 the national covenant-,” and he was deputed to meet Colonel Scroope when he threatened to 
 bring troops into the town. At the Restoration he completely changed his politics, and on the 
 16th of August, 1660, was knighted by Charles 11., {a7ite p. 244,) who also selected him to be one 
 of the “ Order of the Royal Oak,” proposed to be instituted by that monarch, but wisely aban¬ 
 doned, as tending to keep alive reminiscences better forgotten. In the following year he served 
 the office of sheriff of the county of Norfolk He was elected bailiff no less than six times; and 
 was speci.ally mentioned in the charters granted by Charles II. to the town He closed his official 
 career in 1684, by becoming the first elected mayor under the charter which substituted that form 
 of government for that of the bailiffs. On the occasion of his knighthood, the value of his estate 
 was returned at £2000 per annum. His will, dated in 1686, and proved in 1688, mentions, 
 besides property in Norwich and Yarmouth, estates in Somerleyton, Hcrringfleet, Blundcston, and 
 other places in Sufl'olk: his daughter, Judith, was .sole executrix, and Sir Yh. Cook, Bart., of 
 Bromehall, Norfolk, and W. Randall, of Becclos, were supervisor's. He bore,—Bendy of six or 
 and az. on a chief of the second two crosses pattee of the first: crest, a cross pattee or entwined 
 by a serpent proper. 
 
 J 'fhis surname has already occuri'cd in the list of bailiffs, 1,360 and 1385. He married Mary, 
 daughter of Mr Norgate, of Ayl.sham, by whom he had a son, Thomas, (irrobably the bailiff in 
 1658,) who married Elizabeth, daughter of John Cooper, of Great Yarmouth. His pedigree was 
 recorded at the herald’s visitation in 1664, with his arms, ar. a bar gu. between six amulets of tire 
 same. The Norgates, of .Vylsham, bore gn. two gauntlets in saltier nr. 
 
HISTORY OF 
 
 306 
 
 1640. Thomas Green 
 Robert ^Vakeman 
 1611. John Carter* 
 Robert Gower); 
 
 1642. Gyles Call 
 John SymondsJ 
 
 1643. Thomas Crane 
 Robert Ferrier§ 
 
 1644. Thomas Johnson 
 Thomas Gooch|| 
 
 1645. John Rowe 
 Nicholas Cuttinge 
 
 * Some notices of tliis remarkable man will be found in ’M.ansJiip, page 391, in tbe Foundacion 
 and Antiquitye, page 138, and in Tuuxeh’s Sepulchral lleminiscences, page 1-5. 
 
 ■f He headed the subscription for the purchase of the Irish estate. During the civil war he 
 declared for the parliament; and contributed, for the defence of the town, nine pieces of plate, 
 y eighmg /o oz., value £20. (Stoinclen, p. 127.) He died in 1650, aged sixty-four, and lies buried 
 in Yarmouth church. v ^ , c j > 
 
 I He died in 1657, and the epitaph to his memory is a specimen of the stylo which then pre¬ 
 vailed :— 
 
 “ An alderman and elder in his mortal days; 
 
 “Now called in, his living God to praise.” 
 
 Some notice of the Symonds’ family is given in Manship, p. 260. The dolphin in their arms was 
 emhowed, and they took for their motto Rectus in curvo. 
 
 J Son of Richard Ferrier, mayor of Norwich in 1696, and grandson of Robert Terrier, mayor 
 of Norwich in 1536, and great-grandson of Richard Ferrier, mayor of Norwich in 1473, 1478, 
 1483, 1493, and 1498. He died in 1648, aged fifty-two, and was interred in Yarmouth church, 
 where most of his numerous descendants lie buried. By his will he bequeathed £8 “ to the godly 
 “ work of Mr. Edward Owner, of erecting a new hospital or working-house for the poor of 
 “ y armouth ; but if the work do not proceed, then to the coalstock of Yarmouth, for the poor.” 
 He also bequeathed £40 for “ upholding and maintaining the Artillery Company.” He appointed 
 his wife executrix, and his brother-in-law (Mr. John Carter) and Mr. John Symonds “ super¬ 
 visors.” His eldest son, Robert, who was an alderman, married Elizabeth, daughter of Sir 
 George England ; and died in 1695, aged sixty-six. 
 
 II He was born in 1599, at Ilketshall St. Mai'garet, Suffolk, and was one of the family now 
 seated at Benacre. He settled in Yarmouth; and, as a merchant, acquii'ed a considerable fortune. 
 He thrice served the office of bailiff; and dying in 1678, was biu-ied in Yarmouth church, under 
 a stone which still bears the family coat,—Per pale ar. and sa. a chevron between three talbots 
 passant counter-changed; on a chief gu. three leopards’ heads or. By his marriage with Joan, 
 daughter of Thomas Atkins, an alderman of Norwich, (who bore a cross voided between four 
 mullets pierced,) he left an only child, Martha, who inherited the bulk of his property. She 
 married, in 1661, Thomas, eldest son and heir of Thomas Browne, Esq., of Elsing,, grandson and 
 heir of Sir Anthony Browne, of Elsing, who was the son of William Browne (who died in 1573) 
 by his wife, Anne, eldest daughter of Sir Hugh Hastings, of Elsing, the lineal descendant and 
 representative of John Lord Hastings, one of tlie competitors for the Croivn of Scotland in 1285. 
 Her sister Elizabeth (daughter of Sir Hugh) married Hamond Le Strange, Esq. ; and in their 
 descendants, and those of Mr. Gooch’s daughter, (claiming through the elder daughter of Sir 
 Hugh,) the ancient barony of Hastings remained in abeyance until 1844, when it was ended in 
 favor of Sir Jacob Astley, of Melton Constable, who claimed as heir of Lucy, (daughter, and 
 ultimately co-heiress, of Sir Nicholas L’Estrange, of Hunstanton,) wife of Sir Jacob Astley, the 
 third baronet, wbo died in 1760 : the other parties entitled being Mrs. Brown, of Elsing, and 
 Mr. Styteman L’Estrange, of Hunstanton. In the minutes of evidence before the Committee 
 of Privileges, (to which the claims were referred,) are printed in extenso the will of Thomas 
 Gooch and the settlement on his daughter’s marriage with Mr. Browne. By his will he gave 
 numerous legacies to friends and servants, and desired his executors not to spend more than £130 
 upon his funeral, and “ such mourning cloathcs ” as they should “ think fitting to provide for 
 and bestow upon themselves and others upon that occasion.” He bequeathed to Anne Browne, 
 his grandchild, his “silver bason;” and to her sister Philippa, his “best silver can” and his 
 “ biggest silver salt.” And he desired Mr. Christopher Spendlove to preach his funeral sermon, 
 leaving £3 “ for his pains; ” but in consequence of the death of this minister, he (by a codicil) 
 requested Mr. Meen, lecturer of the town, to perform this service, being paid 40s. Lord Hastings 
 has printed an account of the early descent of the barony of Hastings, with other interesting 
 matters relating to this ])ccragc. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 307 
 
 1646. Edward Owner* 
 Charles Gooch 
 
 1647. Thomas Manthorpe 
 Israel Ingramf 
 
 1648. Thomas Medowe 
 William Lucas 
 
 1649. Thomas EelsteadJ 
 William BurtonS 
 
 1650. Jeffery Ward 
 Augustine Thrower 
 
 1651. John Carter 
 George Spillman|| 
 
 * He was born in 1.576, and lived during a very eventful period. He represented the town in 
 the parliaments elected in 1620, 1625, 1639, and 1610, {a7t(e pp. 202, 201, 207.) He took the i)art 
 of Mr. Brinsley (minister of the parish) in his dispute with the bishop of Norwich, in 1628 ; and 
 Brinsley having complained of being “ scandalized " in tbe proceedings, he obtained for bim, 
 under the corporate seal, a certificate of his good conduct. In 1635 he was cited before the Earl 
 of Arundel (marshal of England), for “ some affront pretended to be done ” unto the Cinque 
 ports barons: in the year following he was appointed president of an artillery corps.— {Vide 
 Swinden, p. 230, Manship, pp. 318, 121.) In parliament he warmly opposed the “ ship money,” 
 and was one of those who voted it “ illegal; ” and on the breaking out of the civil war, he ac¬ 
 tively exerted himself to place the town in a state of defence, toward which he contributed botli 
 plate and money He became a republican and a Presbyterian. He appears to have laboured 
 for the social good of the town, and it was mainly through his exertions that the Children’s 
 Hospital School was established, himself endowing it with £1,500. He also suggested the erection 
 of a new workhouse ; and the town is indebted to liim for obtaining the Iri.sh estate, to which he 
 subsci-ibed £180, {vide Manship, pp. 229, 232). In 1616, he suggested to the corporation “the 
 purchasing a public library for the town, and providing a place for the same and to raise money for 
 that purpose, “ it was thought fit that members of the society and able inhabitants should be re¬ 
 quired to subscribe.” It is a matter of regret that the project was not carried into eft'ect. He was 
 a justice of the peace, and served the office of bailiff in 1625 and 1631; and was elected a third 
 time, in 1615, but refused to servo, alleging his privilege as a parliament man : in 1616, however, 
 he was again bailiff. He died the 13th of August, 1650, and was buried in the north aisle of St 
 Nicholas’ church; but, in 1823, his grave was opened and bis bones scattered, to make room for 
 the interment of another person. (See Turner’s Sepulchral Reminiscences, pp. 25, 61.) His 
 widow survived him; she attained the age of ninety-four years, and was then laid beside him. 
 
 t A name of long continuance here. In Gorleston priory was this singular epitaph,— 
 
 “ Here is Frier Ingram’s monument in hrasse, 
 
 “ Who received his mortal wound at masse ” 
 
 % In 1665 he was set aside from being an alderman for not having received the sacrament within 
 twelve months of his election. 
 
 ^ He was, perhaps, a descendant of Herman Burtonne, M.P. for A'armouth in 1312. He 
 succeeded Col. 'William Gotfc, the regicide, as representative of the town in parliament in 1656, 
 and was re-elected in 1658. He is supposed to have been one of the seventy members who, in 
 1657, voted that the Crown .should be offered to Cromwell. He died in 1673, aged sixty-five 
 years ; and lies buried, with others of his family, in Yarmouth church, where, on his tombstone, 
 is this singular inscription,— 
 
 “ He liv’d to Christ, He dy’d in Christ, and must 
 “ Appeare with Christ: Disturb not then his dust.” 
 
 John Burton, his son, was M.P. for the town in 1701 ; he died in 1703, having married Anne, 
 daughter of General Dosborow. She died in 1729: and they were interred in St. Nicholas’ 
 church. Their daughter Anne married Robert Attwood, Esq.” (Betham’s liaronetage, vol. iii. 
 page 239,) whose son, John .Ittwood, Esq., had an only daughter Anne, who married Sir 'fhomas 
 Gooch, third baronet, 'fherc was a 'VVilliam Burton, gentleman, “ late alderman of Yarmouth,” 
 who died 19th of J uly, 1689, aged thirty-nine, and was buried at Stalham. 
 
 11 George Spilman married Elling, daughter of Nicholas Cuttinge, hy whom he had eleven 
 sons and three daughters. In 1658 he signed the address of condolence to Richard Cromwell, on 
 the death of the Protector. He died in 1668, aged sixty-seven, and lies buried in Yarmoutli 
 church, with numerous descendants. It was, ])erbaps, his grandson who was bailiff in 1695. His 
 family failed in male heirs about a century afterwards; and tbe two female co-heiresses married 
 respectively the Rev. Richard Fay, rman, of Oby, and George Nicholls, Esq., of Cambridgeshire. 
 
308 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 1652. Robert Harmcr 
 John Arnold 
 
 1653. Nathaniel xYshby 
 Isaac Preston-'' 
 
 1651. John Harmer 
 Chris. Steygohl 
 1655. Robert Robins 
 John Albertsonf 
 
 1656. Thomas Gooch 
 
 1657. George England§ 
 John Cooper 
 
 Thomas Bendish'.J; 
 
 * Ill 1642 lie pni'cliasecl tlio freedom of the borough, upon his petition to the corporation, and 
 the usual fine of £25 was mitigated to £8 6s. Sd. In 1654, the corporation having- refused to 
 sappb’ “ Windsor herrings, {vide Manship, p. 310.) Col. Sparrow (ivlio had purcha.sed the 
 grant ol the State) proceeded against them, and Bailiff Preston ivas arrested by a warrant from 
 the serjeant-abarnis; whereupon, “rather than have the bailiff carried to London,” they paid 
 the sum of £50, with £10 13s id., the messenger’s fees, and £1 8s. 6d. for Col. Sparrow’s costs. 
 He was appointed a “ ruling elder” of Mr. Bridge’s church, November the 13th, 1655. At the 
 restoration, he was displaced as an alderman, for refusing to take the oaths of allegiance and 
 supremacy. 
 
 t lie was admitted a member of Mr. Bridge’s church in 1652, and was appointed a “ ruling 
 elder” November 13th, 1655. In 1658, he was one of those who signed the address to Richard 
 Cromwell He died in 1693, aged seventy-one, and lies buried in Yarmouth church. He left 
 several children. There was a William Albertson, w-ho married Rachel, widow of Nicholas 
 Spilmau, merchant, of Yarmouth. 
 
 + In 1644,^April 18th, he w-as admitted a member of the Congregational church; and July 
 the 10th, 1615, was ap])ointed, with others, “ to exercise their gifts at the weekly meetings.” He 
 is said to have resided in a house at Gorleston, afterwards the White Horse inn. By Rachel, his 
 wife, he had one son and three daughters, who are all recorded in the books of the Congregational 
 church here. In the old register book for Gorleston, (removed from the church in 1794, by 
 William Boom, churchwarden,) the subject of this notice and his son, are both entered as “born,” 
 not having been baptised according to the church ritual. Thomas Bendish, the son, is also said 
 to have resided at Gorleston, in a house belonging to Cromwell; but afterwards he removed to 
 Gray’s Inn. He married Bridget, daughter of General Ireton, and grand-daughter of Crom¬ 
 well.^ He died in 1707, aged sixty-one, and lies buried in the north aisle of St. Nicholas’ church ; 
 on his tombstone are the arms of Bendish,— Ar. a chev. between three rains’ heads erased 
 a~. impaling er7n., a bend voided ffw. for Ireton; the inscription states that he -svas descended 
 “ from the very ancient family of Sir Thomas Benclish, of Essex, Bart., who was ambassador from 
 King Charles y P* to the Grand Seignior ” His wife Bridget, and their daughter of the same 
 name, purchased, in 1722, for the sum of £100, a joint annuity of £9 per annum from the corpo¬ 
 ration of Y'armouth. The former remarkable lady (some particulars of whom are given in 
 TuiiXEii’s Sepulchral Hemuiiscences, page 7,) died in 1726, and was interred in the same grave 
 with her husband ; as was also the above-mentioned daughter, who died in 1736.—Henry Bendish, 
 who resided at Tempstead, Beds., died in 1753, and w-as interred in St. Nicholas’ church, when 
 the name became extinct here. Branches of this family resided at Norwich, and at Flitcham, 
 Great Witchingham, and Belaugh, in Norfolk. In Lord Hastiug’s valuable collection at Melton 
 Constable, is the original petition of several of the gentry of Norfolk, to the Lords Commissioners, for 
 restoring Mr. Robert Bendisb, alderman of Norw-ich, to the office of receiver-general of supplies 
 in Norfolk, from which he had been dismissed, without cause, by Thomas, Earl of Danby, who 
 had appointed another person. It alleges that ‘' the stranger so placed, not being in a way of trade, 
 “ carried great part of the assessment money in specie out of the said county, to the great damage 
 “ of the said county, whereas, the said Robert Bendish, when he did execute the place, did rcturne 
 “ most of the said money by way of trade into the King’s exchequer at Westminster.” It is 
 signed by_Sir Jacob Astley, Philip Harbord, Henry Negus, and others. 
 
 ^ The rise and fall of this family is remarkable. The first of the name recorded is Wni. Eng¬ 
 land, “ pulley maker,” as he is described in his will, made in 1663. He left four sons, William, 
 George, John, and Joseph. The above bailiff' was, therefore, the second son : he was a member 
 of the corporation in 1626, and then signed the declaration to maintain the “ anciant custom ” of 
 government by bailiff’s. In the civil war, he appears to have sided with the predominant party, 
 and espoused the parliament, and was one who signed the declaration “ according to the national 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 309 
 
 1658. Thomas Lucas 
 John Wooclroffe''^ 
 
 1659. Wm. Burtonf 
 Win. Emjiei'or 
 
 , 1660. Nicholas Cutting;]; 
 I James Symonds 
 ! 1661. Jeffery Ward§ 
 
 I Abraham Castell|l 
 
 j 1662. Sir Tlios. Jledowe 
 I Arthur Bacon^ 
 
 I 1663. John Hall*-'' 
 
 I Biichard Jermyn 
 
 covenant.” On the 31st of July, 1649, he personally attcnclecl an assembly, anti, with others, re¬ 
 signed his office in the corporation. His son George was bailiff in the year 1657. His name is 
 ajipended to the address to Richard Cromwell in 1658 : and it also appears in the charter of King 
 Charles II., as one of “the new and modern aldermen.” He was again bailiff in 1667 ; and four 
 years subsequently, was ehairman of a committee for iireptiring for the reeeption of the King on 
 his visit to the town. On that occasion he was knighted by his Majesty, and the same year ob¬ 
 tained from Byshe the grant of a coat of arms,— Gu. three lions passant in pale ar. each charged 
 on the shoulder with an erm. spot; and for a crest,—A lion’s head, erased, ar. charged also with 
 an erm. spot. He died in 1677 ; and was buried in the north aisle of St. Nicholas’ church, where 
 there is a high-flown epitaph, in Latin, to his memory, {vide Swinden, p. 880). He had eleven 
 sous and three daughters,—but four only of the former survived him. 
 
 * In 16.57, he had purchased the premises and precincts of the Grey Friars.—(See Manship, page 
 424.) He was again bailitf in 1668 and 1677. His father, Gabriel Woodroffe, was elected to the same 
 office in 1669, and, refusing to serve, he was fined £40, which was, however, mitigated to £10, on 
 his showing sufficient reason for his refusal. The above John Woodroffe died about 1682. His 
 daughter Elizabeth, (who married AV^illiam Salter, mayor of Norwich, in 1685,) became sole heir 
 under his will, dated April 3rd, 1681,—the preamble to which is a good specimen of the style of 
 the period. After observing that, “ noe maim kiioweth how soon and suddenly he may be taken 
 away by death,” he proceeds—“First and principally I commend my soule unto the hands of 
 “ Almighty God ray Creator and most mcrcifull Father, through whose rich mercy, by the mcr- 
 “ ritts of Christ my Saviour, I doe assux'edly trust to be saved. And when it shall please God to 
 “ finish my mortall state in this transitory world, I then committ my body to the earth, to be 
 “ buried in sure hope of a joyfull resurrection att the last day to glory everlasting,” &c. 
 
 t In 1660, September the 1st, he was dismissed from the office of bailiff and of alderman, 
 having, by Act of Parliament been disabled from bearing any office : Mr. Thomas Johnson was 
 elected in his stead ; but he having died on the 20tli of September following, Mr. Thomas Crane 
 was elected “ by the old quest ” till the 29th of September: — the new bailiff took the oath at his 
 house, being unable to come to the hall. 
 
 j He was the son of Nicholas Cuttinge, who was bailiff in 1619. In 1634, he was appointed 
 one of the assessors of the h.atcd impost called “ship money.” He took an active part in the 
 controversies respecting Mr. Brinsley, and he was one of those who declared for “ King and Par¬ 
 liament according to the national covenantyet he favored the Restoration. At the visitation 
 of Norfolk, in 1661, he disclaimed right to arras, and died in 1669. Leonard Cuttinge, his 
 grandson, born in 1724, was admitted of Pembroke College, Cambridge; emigrated to New York, 
 and became Professor of Languages at King’s College there. Having returned to England to 
 take holy orders, he again Avent to New York, where he settled, and Avhere his grandson, F. B. 
 Cutting, Esq., is now an eminent counsellor. 
 
 5 He Avas degraded by Act of Parliament, and Thoma.s Tilyard chosen in his place. 
 
 II There Avas a good family of this name. He Castcllc, seated at Raveningham. They bore, — 
 Ar. three castles, triple toAvered gu. 
 
 II In 1648, at an assembly held August the 10th, he AA-as chosen captain of a supernumerary 
 train band, raised for the defence of the toAvn. 
 
 ** He Avas, perhaps, a member of an ancient family (now extinct) from which Baron Alderson 
 derives his second baptismal name. He Avas born in 1623, and died in 1684. His epitaph in St. 
 Nicholas’ church, is remarkable for its quaiutness, and for its Latinity.— (See Htcmdcn, pp. 883, 
 884.) It is surmounted by his arms,—Three talbots’ heads erased tAvo and one . . . impaling . . . 
 ten Ihllet#—4, 3, 2, and 1. 
 
 2 V 
 
HISTORY OF 
 
 310 
 
 16G4. Thomas Pupplctt 
 John Cubitt'^‘ 
 
 1G65. Robert Mychelson 
 "Win. Bateman 
 16CG. Edmund Thaxterf 
 Richd. HuntingtonJ 
 
 1667. George England 
 IMichael Tills 
 
 1668. John Woodroffe 
 Thomas Dunn 
 
 1669. John Rowe 
 Peter Caulier 
 
 1670. Henry Church 
 Mitchel Mew 
 
 1671. Sir Thos. Medowe 
 George Ward§ 
 
 1672. Abrah” Casteil, jun 
 Samuel Fenn 
 
 1673. John Hall 
 Abrah"' Casteil, jun 
 
 1674. Thomas Gooch 
 Thomas England|| 
 
 1675. Edmund Thaxter 
 Thomas Bradford^ 
 
 1676. Richard Huntington 
 Benj. England^^' 
 
 1677. John Woodroffe 
 Nicholas Cuttinge 
 
 1678. Peter Caulier 
 John Robins ff 
 
 * He died of tlie plague, August the 8th, 1665, and Nathaniel Ashhye was chosen in his stead. 
 He was the son of Thomas Cuhitt, of South Kepps, (by Diana his wife, daughter of John 
 Housegoe, of Lj-nn,) and grandson of Benedict Cuhitt, bailifi’ in 1566. He held lands at Hick- 
 ling. By Elizabeth his wife, (daughter and sole heiress of William Lynn, Esq., lord of the 
 manor of Bintree,) he had a son Benjamin, who was the common ancestor of the Cuhitts of 
 Catfield and Honing. 
 
 t In 1671, he was one of the committee for making preparations for the visit of Charles II. ; 
 and four years subsequently he was again bailiff. He married Sarab, eldest daughter of Sir G. 
 England,—who had previously married, first, William Burton (ob. 1659), and secondly, John 
 Fowle, (ob. 1661). The above E. Thaxter died in 1690, aged seventy-two; and his wife in 1696, 
 aged fifty-seven. They are both interred in St. Nicholas’ church, and over their grave are the 
 arms of Fowle {alias Eowel) impaling England. 
 
 X In 1648, he was appointed a lieutenant of one of the trained bands; and, in the following 
 year, he was dismissed from the corporation at his o\vn request, “ being for a long time employed 
 in great affairs for the nation.” In 1661, a piece of plate, of the value of £20, was presented to 
 Mr. Johnson and Mr. Huntington, “ with the town’s thanks ” for their services in defending the 
 town “ against the complaints of Lowestoft.” 
 
 § He belonged to a numerous and wealthy family ; and resided on the Quay in the house now 
 occupied by Mrs. Mortlock Lacon, and which descended to the Lacon family from the Wards. 
 
 II Second son of Sir G. England {ante p. 309), and married Anne, daughter of Thomas 
 Bulwer, of Buxton, by his wife Ann, daughter of Robert Marsham, of Stratton Strawless. He 
 was again bailiff in 1689 ; and died in 1693, aged forty-eight, and lies buried in Yarmouth church 
 with his wife and eight children. It is remarkable that, in his will, he records the misconduct 
 of one of his daughters. Over his tomb are the arms of England impaling Bulwer,—Sa. on a 
 chev. or between three eagles close regardant ar. as many cinquefoils gu. 
 
 51 He was horn in 1629, and was mayor in 1685. He died in 1703, and lies interred in the 
 north transept of St. Nicholas’ church, where his arms are sculptured on his gravestone,—On a 
 fess az., three stags’ heads erased or: crest, a stag’s head erased. 
 
 ** Third son of Sir G. England. On the 21st Sept., 1677, he entertained Judge Baxter and 
 the Bishop of Norwich ; for which he was allowed £60 by the corporation. He was again bailiff 
 in 1688 and 1697 ; and mayor in 1703. He succeeded his brother, the recorder, in the repre¬ 
 sentation of the borough in 1702, and sat till 1705. He married Prisca Perrier; and died in 
 1711, and lies buried in Yarmouth church, where an epitaph records that his “ generous temper 
 was known to most, and would be exceeded by few.” 
 
 ft In 1692, he entertained William III. on his landing at Yarmouth : and received £106 from 
 the corporation for his expenses.— (Turner’s Sepulchral Reminiscences, p. 144, and Manship, 
 p. 267.) He died in 1707, aged sixty-four, and was interred in St. Nicholas’ church. Others of 
 the same name served the office of bailiff in 1611, 1637, and 16.55. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 311 
 
 Samuel Fullerf 
 1680. Jeffery Ward 
 
 1679. Wm. Co.sh* 
 
 1681. Mitchel Mew 1683. George Ward 
 
 Thomas GoocliJ Thomas Godfrey! 
 
 John Ferrier 
 
 1682. Sir Thos. Medowe 
 Nath. Symonds 
 
 Mayohs. 
 
 By charter of Charles II., dated July 22nd, 1681, the form of government was 
 altered to a mayor, or chief magistrate.—(See Manshij:), p. 358, ante, p. 38.) 
 1684. George AVard^ 1 1685. Thomas Bradford 11687. Mitchell Alew 
 1684. Sir Thos. Medowe 11686. Samuel Fenn 11688. John Albertson'*^'^' 
 
 * He was a brewer, and appears, from a copy of his will in the possession of James Copcmau, 
 Esq., of Loddon, to have enjoyed large property, particularly in houses. He died in 1681, aged 
 sixty-three, and lies buried in A'armouth church. 
 
 t He was fined £100, in 1691, for refusing to serve the oflSce of bailiff; which office, however, 
 he accepted in 1698. He represented the town in the convention parliament of 1688; and was 
 again returned in 1690, 1695, and 1700. Ho married Rosa, daughter of Richard Huntington, 
 Esq. He died in 1721, aged seventy-four. Richard Fuller, his son, contested the representation 
 of the town in 1741, 1754, and 1756; but was unsuccessful. He died in 1770 sine jiroh, and this 
 branch of the Fuller family became extinct. He devised the manor of Fritton, in Suffolk, 
 (purchased, in 1704, of Sir R A. Anguish, of Somerleyton,) to his cousin the Rev. Francis 
 Turner. There is a handsome marble monument to the memory of both father and son in the 
 chancel of St. Nicholas’ church. They bore,— Ar. three bars and a canton gu. as appears on Mrs. 
 Jenny’s monument in Aylsham church, but, by a hatebment in Yarmouth church, which is 
 inscribed Richardus Fuller, L.L.D., Advoc. Admir., 1710, their arms were,— Or, a saltier voided 
 and interlaced with a mascle sa. ; on a chief of the last three rrrullets pierced or. 
 
 J Nephew of the bailiff in 1644 {flnte p. 306), to some of whose property, including a residence 
 on the Quay, he succeeded. By his wife Frances ^daughter and co-heir of Thomas Lone, of 
 Worlingham, Suffolk,) he was the father of Sir William Gooch, the first baronet. This distin¬ 
 guished soldier was born at Yarmouth, in 1681, and passed a long life in the service of his 
 country. He fought under the Duke of Marlborough in all Queen Anne’s wars, and was subse¬ 
 quently employed in suppressing the rebellion in Scotland in 1715. In 1727, he was appointed 
 lieut.-governor of Virginia. In 1740, he had a command at the siege of Carthegena, but his 
 wounds and impared health compelled him to return to his native country. He was advanced to 
 the rank of major-general. He married Rebecca, daughter of Wm. Stanton, Esq., of Hampton, 
 Middlesex. He died in 1751, and lies buried in St. Nicholas’ church, where his services are 
 recorded on a mural monument, which bears the arms of Gooch impaling Stanton,—-A’airy 
 erm. and sa. a canton gu. The baronetcy devolved on his brother Thomas, Bishop of Ely, (born 
 at Yarmouth, in 1674,) from whom, by his wife INIary, (sister of Dr. Sherlock, Bishop of London,) 
 the present Sir Edward Sherlock Gooch, of Benaere, is descended. 
 
 ^ At this time, as also in 1688 and 1690, he held the office of town clerk, the duties of which 
 did not disqualify him, as they were performed by deputy. He married Elizabeth, one of the two 
 daughters and co-heiresses of Major Thomas Wilde, of Lowestoft, who, as his epitaph (in the 
 parish church there) informs us, “ was slayn by the Dutch in the defence of his king and 
 country,” Feb. 6th, 1665. He died in 1704, aged sixty-tlu'ee, leaving four daughters,—Elizabeth, 
 Judith, Martha, and Anne; the eldest died unmarried ; the second married Samuel AVakeman, 
 Esq.; the third married Francis Turner, Esq. ; and the youngest wedded Samuel Fuller, Esq. 
 He bore the ai'ms of Godfrey, of East Bergholt, Suffolk,—Sa. a chevron between three pelicans 
 vulning or. 
 
 II He was nominated by the King in the above charter, to be the “ first and modern mayor,” 
 {ante page 39,) and he served from the 31st of July to the 29th of September, 1684. 
 
 H He served only from September 29th to October 18th, 1618, when the charter for a mayor 
 was abrogated.— {Vide Manstiij), page 359 ) 
 
 2 P 2 
 
312 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 Bailiffs.— The charter 
 
 1688. George Ward 
 Thomas Godfrey 
 
 1689. Benjamin England 
 John Gayford 
 
 1689. Thomas England 
 Gabriel Ward 
 
 1690. John Andrews 
 Anthony Ellys'^‘ 
 
 1691. Bicharcl Ferrierf 
 Robert Bernard 
 
 1692. John Robins 
 Thomas Lovell 
 
 being abrogated by Jas. II.. 
 
 1693. Nathaniel Symonds 
 Benj. Engle 
 
 1694. Joseph CotmanJ 
 John Carlowe§ 
 
 1695. Anthony Elj'Sjjun.II 
 Geo. Spillman, jun. 
 
 1696. Thomas Godfrey 
 Richard Fer rier^ 
 
 1697. Benj. England 
 Thomas Artis 
 
 bailiffs were again elected. 
 
 1698. Samuel Fuller 
 John Spurgeon 
 
 1699. Anthony Elys 
 William Spooner 
 
 1700. Gabriel Ward 
 James Artis 
 
 1701. Wm. Browneff 
 Henry Barrett 
 
 1702. Benjamin Engle 
 James Davison 
 
 * Son of .Tolin Ellis, of Frostendou, Suffolk. He was admitted a member of Mr. Bridge’s 
 church on May 28th, 1661. He married Margaret Walton, by whom he had three sons and three 
 daughters; the eldest son, Anthony, is noticed post; John was fellow of Caius College, Cam¬ 
 bridge ; and Thomas, a merchant in Jamaica. He again served the office of bailiff in 1699, and 
 that of mayor in 1708. He died in 1709, aged seventy-five, and is interred in St. Nicholas’ 
 church. His brother, John Ellys, M.D., master of Gouville and Caius College, Cambi'idgc, and 
 Vice-Chancellor of that University, was knighted on the occasion of the Queen’s visit there, 
 April 16th, 1705 ; and died in 1716. His other brother, Thomas Ellys, a merchant of Yarmouth, 
 married Katherine, daughter of John Fuller, Esq. A family of Ellis greatly flourished here 
 from 1328 to 1442, during which period the name occurs fifty-one times as bailiff, and thirteen 
 times as representatives in parliament (vide Manship, p. 240). In a work privately printed b}' Sir 
 T. Hare, Bart., at Stow Bardolf, in 1847, entitled Sigilla Anfiqua, is an engraving of a very 
 beautiful seal of one Bartholomew Elys, of TTarmouth, (probably the bailiff in 1396,) attached to 
 a deed conve 3 ’ing the third part of the manor of Curpels, iir Fincham, to John Fj’ncham ; 17th 
 Richard II. There was a Norfolk family of Ellj’s, who bore,— Ar. three eels nai'ant in pale sa. 
 
 t Second son of the bailiff in 1643 (ante p. 306). 
 
 J He maj- be considered as the founder of the familj^ of that name. He was maj'or in 1704 ; 
 and died in 1724, aged seventy-three, and was buried in St. Nicholas' church. By a codicil to 
 his will, made in 1724, he gave £50 to the Children’s Charitj' School. 
 
 ^ He was an attorney and registrar of the Admiralty Court; and probablj' also the same who 
 was town clerk in 1704. He was called Captain Car-lowe, as he commanded a company of Militia. 
 
 II Son of the bailiff in 1690. He was baptised at Mr. Bridge’s church hei’e in June, 1661. He 
 was mayor in 1705 and in 1719. He married a daughter of Ferrer (Ferrier?), of A’armouth, by 
 whom he had issue. Anthony, Iris son, accepted the office of chapel minister, in 1720, but only 
 held it till December, 1721, when he obtained church preferment, and, in 1752, became Bishop of 
 St. David. 
 
 11 Only son of the bailiff in 1691. He was elected mayor in 1706, and again in 1720. He was 
 returned to parliament for the borough in 1708, 1710, and 1713. He was a major of the Y'ar- 
 mouth Fusileers. He resided in a house on tlie South Quay, lately occupied by John Preston, 
 Esq.; and had, also, a residence and an estate at IlemsbjA He married Ellen, daughter of 
 Robert Longe, Esq., of Reymerstone, by Ellen, his fourth wife, daughter and heiress of Thomas 
 Gurney, Esq., at West Barsham. He died in 1728, aged fifty-si.x, and lies buried in St. Nicholas’ 
 church, as also docs his wife. 
 
 ** Captain of the Militia Fusileers. In 1710, he was elected mayor. He died in 1724, aged 
 sixty-eight, and was buried in St. Nicholas’ church. 
 
 ft He was mayor in 1709. He died in the following year, aged forty-six, and was buried in 
 St. Nicholas’ church, under a stone bearing his arms,— Gu. a chevron between three lions.’ 
 gambs each bendways ar .; crest, a cubit arm holding a lion’s gamb. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 313 
 
 Mayors. 
 
 A mayor was again and finally constituted by charter of Queen Anne, dated 
 March the 11th, 1703.—(See Manship, p. 359, ante, p. 41.) 
 
 1703. Benjamin Engle^-' 
 
 1703. Benjamin England 
 
 1704. Joseph Cotman 
 
 1705. Anthony Elys, jun. 
 
 1706. Richard Ferrier 
 
 1707. Samuel Fuller 
 
 1708. Anthony Elys 
 
 1709. William Browne 
 
 1710. James Artis 
 
 1711. Henry Borrettf 
 
 1712. John Spurgeonj; 
 
 1713. AVilliam Spooner 
 
 1714. Andrew Bracey§ 
 
 1715. George England]! 
 
 1716. John Ireland^ 
 
 1717. Thomas le Grice 
 
 1718. Jonathan Pue’^'* 
 
 1719. Anthony Elys 
 
 1720. Richard Ferrier 
 
 1721. Christoph’' Brightin 
 
 1722. Wm. Pacey 
 
 ♦ He was named by the Queen, in her charter, to he the “ first and modern mayor ” from “ the 
 date of these presents to the feast of St. Michael Archangel,” 1703 {vide Steinden, p. 781). 
 
 t lie died during his mayoralty, and Samuel 'Wakeman was elected in his stead. A family of 
 this name resided at Griston, in Norfolk. Mr. John Borrett, who died there in 1698, was “ an 
 ingenious man, a good antiquary, an excellent herald, and a laborious collector.” They bore, — 
 Ar. three hoars’ heads erased sa. The Earsham branch had the field or for a difference. 
 
 i He was one of the four attorneys of the courts. He was bailiff in 1698. He married Mary, 
 daughter of — Bendlowcs. Dying in 1738, aged ninety, he was interred in his wife’s grave in 
 St. Nicholas’ church ; whore, also, arc buried his son Richard and his wife. The arms used by 
 this family were,—Or a chevron engrailed between three escallops sa. 
 
 § Of this family was John Bracey, (many years pier master,) who died in 1836, and of whom 
 an excellent likeness has been engraved. They bore arras,— Sa. a bend between two dexter 
 hands vant braced ar. 
 
 II Being a minor at the death of his father, Thomas England, in 1693, he was confided to the 
 care of his uncle, the Recorder. He sat in parliament for the borough five years, having been 
 fir.st elected in 1710. He was chairman of the committee for building St. George’s Chapel and 
 the Town H.all. He was styled “Major England” from the rank he held in the Yarmouth 
 Fusileers. He is the last of the name found among our municipal worthies, and with him the 
 importance of the family would appear to liave ceased; and the very name of this once numerous 
 and affluent family is now extinct. At the election of 1818, the names of Joseph and Henry 
 England, humble artisans, arc recorded among the freemen who voted hero : and about two 
 years ago an imbecile inmate of the workhouse, known as “Tom England,” died. A pedigree 
 of the family is given in TtiiiNEii’s Sepidchral Iteminiscences, p. Ill ; and some epitaphs on 
 various members arc printed in Swixden’s History, pp. 880 — 882. 
 
 IT He was registrar to the Archdeacon of Norwich, and built the house in Gaol Street, after¬ 
 wards known as the Ship Tavern. 
 
 ** He died in 1727, aged sixty-three, and was buried in St. Nicholas’ church. This year the 
 corporation agreed to give the two preceding mayors, and every succeeding one, the sum of £100i 
 in lieu of the “ fishing thousand.” 
 
314 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 1723. John Pearson 
 1 724. Rd. Ferrier, jnn.'^‘ 
 
 1 725. Henry Lomhe 
 
 1726. Nathaniel Symonds 
 
 1727. Samuel Artisf 
 
 1728. George "Ward 
 
 1729. Robert Ward 
 
 1730. John Bird 
 
 1731. Anthony TaylorJ 
 
 1732. Thomas Cooke 
 
 1733. Wm. Browne 
 
 1734. Barry Love§ 
 
 1735. Samuel Wakeman|! 
 
 1736. John Parson 
 
 1737. Thomas Milles«[I 
 
 1738. Thomas Horsley*'*‘ 
 
 1739. Thomas Ellys 
 
 1740. Chris. Bernardff 
 
 * Only son of the bailiff in 1696 {ante p. 312). He married Elizabeth, daughter of Joshua 
 Smith, and fromthem are descended the present representatives of the family; the elder branch 
 having failed in issue in 1753. He died in 1739, aged 43, and was buried in St. Nicholas’ church. 
 His daughter, Judith, married Joshua Smith, (probably the same who was town clerk in 1753,) 
 and their daughter, Elizabeth, married Peter Baret, father of the late Miss Lydia Baret, of 
 Burgh Castle, who died in 1845. 
 
 t His residence was on the Quay ; and ou its site a modern house was erected by John 
 Brightwen, Esq. He gave a large bible to St. George’s chapel. He died in 1748, aged sixty- 
 seven, and was interred in St. Nicholas’ church. 
 
 J He had property in Gorleston, and was churchwarden there in 1763. The family bore,— Sa. 
 a panther passant guardant proper. 
 
 § Son of the Rev. B. Love, minister of the parish in 1691. He died January 4th, 1748, aged 
 fifty-two. It was during his mayoralty that the gold chain was purchased, which was worn by 
 him, and by those who succeeded him, in that office. {Manship, p. 362.) 
 
 II Probably descended from those of the same name who were bailiffs in 1569, 1577, 1586, and 
 1640. {Vide Manship, p. 246.) He was the only .son of Giles Wakeman, who died in 1693, aged 
 seventy. He married Judith, second daughter of Thomas Godfrey, bailiff in 1683, {ante p. 311), 
 by whom he had issue. Elizabeth, his eldest daughter, married Edward Sayer, of Norwich, and 
 died in 1767. Another daughter, Judith, married John Onley, Esq., of a Yarmouth family, 
 who bore,—Per pale or and gu. three piles in point countercharged on a canton ar. a mullet 
 pierced sa. They had a son (who died unmarried), and a daughter, who married Robert Harvey, 
 Esq., of Norwich, whose second son, inheriting his maternal uncle’s property, took the name of 
 Saville Onley, and represented Norwich in parliament. Susannah, a third daughter of the above 
 S. Wakeman, manaed John Roopc, who bore,— Ar. a lion rampant on a field of pheons az. 
 
 IT He married, fir.st, Mary, daughter of Jonathan Pue, Esq,, mayor in 1718; and secondly, 
 Mary, daughter of Major R. Ferrier, mayor in 1706. He had issue only by his second wife,— 
 two daughters; the surviving one, hlary, married James Riddell, Esq., of Caister, who was 
 created a baronet in 1778 ; and who mariaed, secondly, Sarah, daughter of Thomas Burden, Esq., 
 from whom he acquired large estates in Durham and Yorkshire. He died in 1795, and by his wiU 
 left a sum of money for the erection of a monument to his first wife, in St. Nicholas’ church, 
 where she desired to be interred. The arms of Milles are,— Erm. a millrind sa. between two 
 martlets in pale on a chief az. two wings conjoined and expanded or. Riddell,— Or three 
 piles in point gu. surmounted by a bend az. 
 
 ** He was an opulent ship owner and builder, building, it is said, “ a new bark” for himself 
 every year. His yards and docks were on the North Quay, close to the site of Sir E. Lacon 
 and Son’s store, and near to where stood a mill on a mound of earth, thence called “Mill Mount.” 
 He died in 1749, aged seventy-eight; and his only son having died four days previously, the 
 family became extinct here. They were interred in St. Nicholas’ church, where a hatchment 
 hears,— Gu. three horses passant two and one ar. In Englefleld church their arms are,.— Gu. 
 three horses’ heads couired ar., bridled sa. 
 
 tt He was only mayor elect, as he died, aged forty-one, on the very day he should have been 
 sworn in ; and George Ward was elected to fill his place. He was buried in St. Nicholas’ church, 
 where also lie his grandfather, father, and wife. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH, 
 
 315 
 
 1741. William Harmer 
 
 1742. John Cotman* 
 
 1743. Joseph Neechf 
 
 1744. Wm. Browne, sen. 
 
 1745. Joseph CotmanJ 
 
 1746. Samuel Killett§ 
 
 1747. Thomas Martin|| 
 
 1748. Whn. Browne^ 
 
 1749. Robert Abbon 
 
 1750. Robert Ferrier 
 
 1751. James W^ard*"^ 
 
 1752. Chris. Taylorff 
 
 1753. Wm. Butcher 
 
 1754. Richard Baker 
 
 1755. John Cotman 
 
 1756. Wm. Browne 
 
 1757. Joseph Cotman 
 
 1758. Giles W^akeman 
 
 * Grandson of the bailiff in 1694 His struggles with Mr Browne are very remarkable. In 
 1742, the inquest (who choose the mayor) were confined “ without meat, drink, fire, or candle,” 
 for three days and nights, and the required unanimity of nine out of twelve was only obtained 
 by the illness of one of Mr. Browne’s friends. Not being searched, the jurors usually secreted 
 food about them, and stratagems were employed to obtain supplies, by eluding the vigilance of 
 opponents. In 1744, the struggle extended to ten days, when Mr. Browne’s friends succeeded in 
 returning him. In 175.5, the absurd contest was renewed ; the inquest were shut up for six days, 
 when Mr. Cotman was elected, “to the universal joy of all w'ho wished well to the genuine 
 and native interest of the town.” When he was sworn into office, “an elegant entertainment 
 “ was provided at the new hall, and the evening concluded with firing of guns, sky rockets, and 
 “ a set of fireworks, made by Mr. Walford, which gave great pleasure to the spectators .”—Norwich 
 Mercury, October 6th, 1755. He died in 1773, aged sixty-six : leaving two daughters,—Mary, 
 who became the second wife of Nathaniel Symonds, Esq., and Elizabeth, who married James 
 'furuer, Esq., father of Dawson Turner, Esq. 
 
 t He died in 17.50, aged fifty-six, and was buried (as also his wife) in St. Nicholas’ church, 
 where is a highly laudatory epitaph on him. Elizabeth, his daughter, married Joseph Baruby, 
 and they had a son, Joseph Necch Barnby, who died in 1785, aged thirty-seven. 
 
 if Grandson of the bailiff in 1694. He was again mayor in 1757 and 17.59; and died in 1762, 
 aged fifty-six, and was interred in St. Nicholas’ church, where also lie other members of the family. 
 His only surviving sou, John, was rector of Billockby, Norfolk, and of Laugham, Norfolk. 
 
 \ He belonged to a family, once numerous at Gorleston, {yide Manship, page 362). In 1744, 
 he gave a silver gilt oar to the corpoi-ation. In 1756, he was appointed collector of Custora.s at 
 Exeter, and died there in 1766, aged fifty-seven. A notice of him, with extracts fi'om his will, 
 is given in Tuiinek’s Sepiclc/n'al Reminiscences, page 130. 
 
 II He is said to have been a poor boy, in the sciwice of Mr. John Andrews, and afterwards his 
 clerk; and that his master left him the bulk of his property, including a house he built on 
 the Quay, now the Custom-hoiise. Andrews’ relatives disputed the will, and Martin wrote 
 to the Lord Chancellor, and sent him a £20 bank note ; for which he had to show cause why 
 he should not bo committed. In consideration of his asking pai'don, paying the costs, aiul 
 giving the £20 to poor persons in the Fleet, and because his imprisonment might have prejudiced 
 the town business (he being then mayor), the court did not commit him. (I'ide 2 Russell and 
 Mylne's Reports, p. 674.) He afterwards wasted his property, and became collector of customs, 
 and died at an advanced age, in 1793, leaving a sou, rector of Colkirk. 
 
 ^ He was a merchant and brewer, and was descended from a Framlingham family. (See 
 Lodeu’s Framlingham, p. 307.) He built the brewery which was pulled down, in 1848, to make 
 an approach to the railway bridge. He took an active part at the borough elections, and, by 
 changing his politics, obtained a lucrative goverument appointment {ante p. 220). He was again 
 mayor in 1756 ; and died in 1769, aged eighty-one. He had two daughters,—Abigail and Mary : 
 the former married John Ramey, Esq., mayor in 1760; and the latter became the wife of Wm. 
 Fisher, Esq., mayor in 1766. 
 
 ** He was the collector of H.M. customs here. 
 
 ft He died in his year of office, and Giles AVakeman was elected for the remainder of the term. 
 
316 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 1759. Joseph Cotman^‘ 
 
 1760. John Rameyf 
 
 1761. John WallisJ 
 
 1762. John Barnby 
 
 1763. John Goslin Love^ 
 
 1764. Richard Moyse 
 
 1765. John Norfor|| 
 
 1766. William Fisher^ 
 
 1767. John Fisher"'*^ 
 
 * William Browne was elected, but refused to serve, and, September the 14tb, Joseph Cotman 
 (a name apparently always pitted against that of Browne) was elected in his stead. This election 
 was disputed, and the cause was tried at the following Spring assizes, at Thetford, before Sir 
 Stafford Sidney Smith, when the jury, with the approval of the judge, found a verdict for the 
 mayor on all the fifteen issues,—a question of law being left to be determined on demurrer: but 
 before it could be argued, his term of office expired, and so ended the suit. 
 
 t He was one of the four attorneys of the borough courts ; in his mayoralty Mr. T. Clowes 
 acted for him: and he afterwards had leave to aijpoint a deputy during his life, and, in 1772, 
 Mr. Joseph Dunthorne succeeded Mr. Clowes, lie amassed a large fortune, with which he pur¬ 
 chased estates principally in Flegg Hundred, where he wms called “ Monarch of Flegg.” He 
 was again Mayor in 1773, and died in 1794, aged seventy-five. (A notice of him will be found in 
 Turxer’s Sepulc/it'al Reminiscences, pp 12, 68, and 144.) He bore, — Or on a bend sa. cotised 
 indented of the second, three eagles displayed ar. He had one son (who died unmarried), and 
 two daughters,—the youngest, Elizabeth, married Peter Upcher, Esq., of Sudbury; and the 
 elder, Caroline, became the third wife of Alexander, ninth Earl of Home, who, as a compliment 
 to his father-in-law during his second mayoralty, was presented by the corporation with the 
 freedom of the borough, with the addition that his infant son should be entitled to his freedom 
 by birthright, although born before his father’s admission, “ the usage or custom to the contrary 
 notwithstanding.” This son (afterwards tenth earl) took the name of llamey, in 1814, in pur¬ 
 suance of his maternal grandfather’s will. 
 
 j He died, aged sixty-one, on the 3rd of October following his election; and Thomas Martin 
 was elected to supply the vacancy. His tombstone, in St. Nicholas’ church, records that by his 
 death “ the town lost a virtuous magistrate and an honest man.” 
 
 ^ Son of the Rev. B. Love. His son, the Rev. John Love, was, for forty-six years, rector of 
 Blundeston and Somerleyton; in which preferment ho was, at his death in 1816, succeeded by 
 his son, the Rev. Edward Missenden Love. 
 
 II He died in 1779, aged sixty-three. His son William, who was a rope maker, was the father 
 of the wife of Mr. Thomas Gent, for many years a resident in Yarmouth, who published a volume 
 of poems, and who subsequently removed to London, where he was engaged on the newspaper 
 and periodical press. 
 
 H He was a man of great wit, urbanity, and hospitality, and is said to have led the corporation 
 “with a silken cord” for many years. In 1792, on the death of Mr. Martin, he became “the 
 father” (or oldest member) of the corporation. He succeeded his fathcr-in-law, Mr. Browne, as 
 receiver-general of taxes for Norfolk. He was again mayor in 1780, and died in 1811, aged 
 eighty-six, and was buried in Yarmouth church,—the mayor and corporation attending his 
 funeral. He had two sons and three daughters ; William, the cider son, was mayor in 1786, 1799, 
 and 1806, and who, through his father’s interest, succeeded him in the office of receiver-general 
 of taxes for Norfolk, and who died in 183.5 ; the other son, James, was mayor in 1788 and 1797, 
 and died in 1837 ; one of the daughters married John AVatson, Esq., mayor in 1785, another 
 married Thomas Burton, Esq., and the third married Thomas Cotton, Esq. 
 
 **■ He married Martha, daughter of John Goate, Esq., of Sherringham. In 1826, when 
 upwards of seventj' years of age, he fell into the river, opposite his residence on the quay, but 
 was rescued without injury; and he died in 1835, aged eighty, leaving three sons,—John Goate 
 F'ishcr, mayor in 1829, (who married Charlotte, daughter of the Rev. R. Turner) ; the Rev. 
 Charles Fisher, who died in 1839 ; and Rear-Admiral F'isher, who commanded the Asia, in the 
 Syrian expedition, and who died in 1852. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 317 
 
 1768. llobert Lancaster* 
 1709. Ilicharcl Bakerf 
 
 1770. Colman Manclarke 
 
 1771. Anthony Taylor 
 
 1772. Henry Gooch 
 
 1773. John Ramey 
 1 774. James Fisher]; 
 
 1775. William Taylor§ 
 
 1776. Thomas Pitt|| 
 
 1777. Nathaniel Symonds 
 
 1778. Joseph Ramey 
 
 1779. James Turner^ 
 
 1780. AVilliam Fisher 
 
 1781. John Reynolds** 
 
 1782. William Palgraveff 
 
 * On the 31st of December, 1783, whilst entertaining some friends at his lionse, “ to see the 
 old year out,” he died suddenly, after da-awing the cork of a bottle of wine and giving a toast. 
 He was seventy years of age. 
 
 + He first served the office in 1754. He was collector of customs at A’armouth, and died in 
 1770, aged seventy-two. lie bore,— Ar., a castle between three keys erect sa. ; which arms ap- 
 ])car upon a tomb in Yarmouth church yard, on the right hand of the footpath leading to the 
 ,south porch. 
 
 j Brother to the mayor in 176C. 5141011 a youth he had a commission in the army given to 
 him under the following circumstances:—A messenger, with news of the battle of Culloden, 
 landed at Yarmouth, and being without money applied to the mayor, who, it is said, refused to 
 assist him : but Mr. l-'isher’s father supplied him with means to roach Loudon, and the Duke of 
 Cumberland, as an acknowledgment, sent down a commission for his son. Maternal solicitude 
 interfered, the commission was resigned, and he continued to reside here as a merchant until 
 he went to Norwich, of which city he was .sheriff in 1770. Iteturuing to Yarmouth, he was 
 elected mayor; and afterwards went to the East Indies, and twice served the same office at 
 Bombay. In 1809, he was again mayor of his native town. In 1820, he died at his house in 
 King-street, (now occupied by C. B. Dashwood, Esq.,) at the age of ninety-four. lie was long 
 known as “ Old Beau Fisher.” 
 
 J The inquest who elected him were shut up for six days. Arms,— Sa. a leopard passant or. 
 
 II lie died in 1786, aged seventy-six, and lies buried in the chancel of St. Nicholas’ church 
 with his wife and sixteen of their children. There is a mural monument to their memory 
 bearing a shield ar. a fess between three cross croslets ffu.: crest, a stork ereet. 
 
 ^ Grandson of Francis Turner, town clerk in 1710, who was the first of the family who settled 
 in A'armouth, having married Martha, daughter of Thomas Godfrey, Esq., by Elizabeth, his 
 wife, daughter of klajor T. MTlde. Ilis ancestors had been small landed proprietors at Ken- 
 ningham, in Norfolk, once a separate parish, but made a hamlet to Mulbavton in 14-52. There 
 they purchased a manor and demesne of Sir Thomas Grts'iam, in 1570, which have ever since 
 continued in the family. The Rev. Francis Turner, eldest son of the Town Clerk, was minister 
 of St. George’s chapel for the long period of forty-nine }'ears. He died in 1790, aged seventy- 
 three; his death being occasioned by falling down the cellar stairs of the residence of his sou, tlie 
 Rev. Richard Turner. He left four sons,—Francis, a surg -on; James, tlie above mayor, who 
 was the founder of Messrs. Gurneys’ bank in this town ; Joseph, Master of I’embroke Hall, 
 Cambridge, and Doan of Norwich; and Richard, the youngest, who became incumbent of the 
 jtarish from 1800 to 1830. The above-mentioned James Turner died in 1791, aged fifty ; leaving 
 a son, Dawson Turner, Esq,, F.R.S., F.S.A., who is too well known to need any panegyrick here. 
 
 ** He was again mayor in 1784. In 1789, the corporation voted twenty-five guineas, to be 
 expended in plate, and presented to Mr. Reynolds, “ in consideration of his great and persevering 
 pains and trouble ” in supporting the right of the corporation to appoint coalinetcrs. He died in 
 1799, aged sixty; leaving an only son, F. R. Reynolds, Esq. Arms,—ylr. a chev. lozengy ffu. 
 and az. ; on a chief of the third a cross formee fitchee between two mullets or. 
 
 •ft A family of this name flourished in Yarmouth during the seventeenth century. The Rev. 
 Robert Palgrave, of Bcalings, in Suffolk, who died in 1787, was, however, the immediate ancestor 
 of the above gentleman, who was born in 1745, and died at ColtEhall, Norfolk, in 1822. 
 
 2 Q 
 
318 HISTORY OF 
 
 1 7S3. 'William Taylor 
 
 1784. John Reynolds 
 
 1785. John Watson'^ 
 
 1786. Wm. Fisher, jun. 
 
 1787. Benjamin Fieldingf 
 
 1788. James Fisher, jun. 
 
 1789. Samuel TolverJ 
 
 1790. Roht. Warmington 
 
 1791. George Thomp?on§ 
 
 1792. Sir E. Lacon, Knt. 
 
 1793. Jacob Preston 1| 
 
 1794. William Taylor 
 
 1795. Sir E. Lacon, Knt. 
 
 1796. Dover Colby^ 
 
 1797. James Fisher, jun. 
 
 1798. Sir E. Lacon, Knt. 
 
 1 799. Wm. Fisher, jun. 
 
 1800. Samuel Barker'*''*' 
 
 1801. Jacob Preston 
 
 1802. John Fisher 
 
 1803. Robert Cory 
 
 1804. Fras. R.Reynoldsff 
 
 1805. AVilliam Palgrave 
 
 1806. AVm. Fisher, jun. 
 
 * In 1799, he was appointed clerk, an office which he held many years. He manied 
 Alary, daughter of AVilliam Fisher, Esq., by whom he had an only son, the Rev. Fisher \A''atson 
 (sometime minister of St. George’s chapel, and afterwards rector of Lancing, in Essex,) who 
 married Sarah Louisa, third daughter of Sir Edmund Lacon, Knt. and Bart. The above John 
 AVatson died in 1S23, aged seventy-eight, and was interred in St. Nicholas’ church. He bore,— 
 Ban-y of four ar. and gxt. three crescents erm. on a chief or two tilting spears broken in saltire gu. 
 
 t At his death he left an only daughter, mai'ried to the Rev. Thomas Baker, rector of 
 Rollesby. and lecturer at Great Yarmouth. He bore,— Ar. on a fess az. three lozenges or. 
 
 i He died in 1804, aged sixty-nine, and is interred at St. Nicholas’ church. Arms,— Ar. a 
 cross gie. between four oak leaves proper. 
 
 ( He died in 1819, aged seventy-nine. He had been for thirty-seven years Comptroller of the 
 Customs, from which office he retired in 1815. 
 
 11 He was again mayor in 1813, and died in 1827, aged eighty-seven. There is a portrait of 
 him in the possession of Isaac Preston, Esq. The arms used by his three .sons, John, Isaac, and 
 Edmund, successively mayors of Yarmouth, are the same as the Prestons of Beeston St. Lawrence, 
 Norfolk,— Erm. on a chief so. three crescents or. 
 
 ^ This gentleman possessed two remarkably fine pictures by Rembrandt, which for many years 
 adorned his house on the South Quay (now Nos. 34 and 35). They were whole length portraits 
 of Mr. Ellison, minister of the English church at Amsterdam, and of his wife. They were 
 painted in 1634, and descended to Air. Colby from Mr. Dover, who married Air. Ellison’s 
 daughter. Air. Dawson Turner states, in his Sepulchral Reminiscences, that he was eommis- 
 sioned, about the year 1806, to offer £2,800 for these pictures. They are now in the possession of 
 the Rev. Samuel Colby, of Flllingham, Norfolk. The Colbys of Norfolk and Suffolk bore,— Az. 
 a chevron between three escallops within a bordure engrailed or. 
 
 *■* Son of Samuel Barlter, Esq., of Lowestoft, an eminent merchant, and “ a great friend of 
 the poor;” and nephew of John Barker, Esq., one of the elder brethren of the Trinity House. 
 The arms borne by this family were,—Barry of ten or. andsa. over all a bend^tt. 
 
 •ft Eldest and only surviving son of the mayor in 1781. Admitted an attorney in 1791, he 
 continued in practice till his death, a period of fifty-five years. His active mind and natural 
 sagacity soon discovered more rapid ways to fortune. He established and conducted an extensive 
 brewery with great success; and became a contractor with government during the eventful 
 period of the war with F'rance, for the supply of the fleet, in Great Yarmouth roads. His 
 knowledge of finance, and his willingness to devote his time to the most laborious details, 
 enabled him to acquire considerable influence in the corporation, of which he was a member for 
 about forty years.- He was vice-president of the Yarmouth Hospital (in the founding of which 
 he actively exerted himself in conjunction with AVilliam Steward, Esq.), a deputy-lieutenant for 
 Norfolk, receiver of Droits of Admiralty for this port, and, for filty-one years, clerk to the 
 Southtown Turnpike Road Trustees. He married Anne, only daughter and eldest child of Jacob 
 Preston, Esq., (see p. 318), and died in 1846. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 319 
 
 1807. Sir E. K. Lacon, Bt. 
 
 1808. Robt. Warmington 
 
 1809. James Fisher 
 
 1810. Benjamin Fielding 
 
 1811. John Fisher 
 
 1812. Sir E. K. Lacon, Bt. 
 
 1813. Jacob Preston 
 
 1814. William Palgrave* 
 
 1815. Robert Cory, jun. 
 1816.Isaac Preston 
 
 1817. Samuel Pagetf 
 
 1818. Edmund Preston 
 
 1819. Tho. Bateman, MD. 
 
 1820. John Goate Fisher 
 
 1821. Jno. Danby Palmer J 
 
 1822. Isaac Preston 
 
 1823. Francis R. Reynolds 
 
 11824. William Barth 
 
 1825. Charles Costerton 
 
 1826. William Barth 
 
 1827. J. Mortlock Lacon§ 
 
 1828. John Preston 
 
 1829. George Bateman 
 
 1830. Edmund Preston 
 
 1831. John Preston 
 
 1832. John Bakerjl 
 
 1833. John Danby Palmer 
 
 1834. Isaac Preston, jun. 
 
 1835. Chas. Jno. Palmer^ 
 
 1836. William Bartli’^"’^ 
 
 1836. William Barth 
 
 1837. Geo. Penrice, M.D. 
 
 1838. Simon Cobb 
 
 1839. Samuel Jay 
 
 1840. Samuel T. Palmer 
 
 1841. William Johnson 
 1812. Samuel T. Palmer 
 
 1843. Saml.Chas.Marshff 
 
 1844. Wm. Hurry Palmer 
 1815. Samuel T. Palmer 
 
 1846. Wm. N. Burroughs 
 
 1847. Philip Pullyn 
 
 1848. Philip Pullyn 
 
 1849. David A. Gourlay 
 
 1850. Chas. Pearson, R.N. 
 
 1851. Chas. Pearson, R.N. 
 
 1852. Samuel Chas. Marsh 
 
 1853. James Cherry 
 
 1854. Chas. John Palmer 
 
 1855. Chas. John Palmer 
 
 * Eldest son of the mayor in 180.3. He was for many years collector of the customs at 
 Yarmouth; from which office he was promoted to a similar one at Dublin, where he died in 
 1839, aged sixty-nine; and the name has become lost to Yarmouth. 
 
 t He has been for many years treasurer of the Amicable Shipping Assurance Association: 
 and, in 1841, that body presented to him a piece of plate, weighing 230oz., “ as a memorial of 
 the judgment, integrity, and candour which had eminently characterised his services.” 
 
 j Youngest son of William Danby Palmer, Esq., who died in 1788. He again served the 
 office of mayor in 1833, and died in 1841, aged seventy-two. There is a portrait of him by J. P. 
 Davis, and a bust by Turncrelli. The latter has been lithographed for private distribution. 
 Arms ,—Or two bars ffu., each charged with three trefoils of the first, in chief a lion passant 
 guardant sa. 
 
 § Eldest son of Sir Edmund Lacon, Bart., by his .second wife, Sarah, daughter of John Mort¬ 
 lock, Esq., of Cambridge, and sister of Sir John Mortlock, commissioner of excise. He was a 
 deputy-lieutenant for Norfolk. The arms of Mortlock are,— Erm. a fret az.; on a chief engrailed 
 ffu., three fleur de lis or. 
 
 II Son of the Rev. Thomas Baker, lecturer, and rector of Rollesby. Arms,— Sa. a griffin 
 segeant erm. armed or. 
 
 H Elected the 29th of August, but did not take the oath of office on the 29th of September, 
 in consequence of the passing of the Mimicipal Corporation Act. 
 
 ** Elected the 1st of January, under the provisions of the above-mentioned Act, and re-clcetcd 
 on the 9th of the following November. 
 
 ft Robert Marsh, Esq., was mayor of Norwich in 1732; in which city this family long 
 flourished. Jas. Marsh (grandfather of the above S. C. Marsh) was mayor of Norwich in 1801. 
 
 2 It 2 
 
320 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 SECTION YIIT. 
 
 LIST OF HIGH STE^YARI)S, STEWARDS, RECORDERS, SUB-STEWARDS, 
 CORONERS, TOWN CLERKS, COUNSEL FOR THE TOWN, ADMIRALTY 
 OFFICERS, AND WATER BAILIFFS. 
 
 The office of High Steavaud of a borough assimilates with that of 
 Lord High Steward of England, and is probably of equal antiquity. 
 
 Such an officer was attached to the town of Y^armouth at a very early 
 period, and had a yearly salary of £4 ; as appears by an account entitled “These 
 “ be the rer'enues and pfites of the towne of Yarmouth towards the sustentacon 
 “ of their yerely chargs, tempe Hen. A'ij. Rex,” wherein among the charges is 
 this,— 
 
 “ Itm. to the Steward of the Towne . iiij li.” 
 
 By the charter of Charles IL, the High Steward of the borough of Great 
 Y'armouth must be “ unus praclarus vir." 
 
 The Municipal Corporation Act does not abolish, but makes no mention 
 of the office ; and the Lord High Steward is no longer, vir tide officii, a quorum 
 magistrate of the borough. 
 
 The following is a list of High Stewards for the borough of Great Y"ar- 
 mouth : — 
 
 1551.—JoHH Dudley, Duke of Nokthumbeeland, K.G. 
 
 Henry Algernon Percy, eighteenth Earl of Northumberland, died in 1527, 
 sine prole; and his brother, Sir Thomas Percy, having been attainted, all his 
 honors became extinct. John Dudley, Earl of Warwick, for his services in 
 suppressing the insurrection in Norfolk, under Kett,* Avas created Duke of 
 
 * See Menship, pp. 1 It, .312 
 
GREAT YARMOUTFI. 
 
 321 
 
 Northumberland in 1551 : and, in the same year, probably in gratitude for 
 their deliverance from such “ a rabblement of rude rascals,” the corporation of 
 A'armouth elected him their High Steward. They, at the same time, granted 
 him an annuity of f 1 per annum during his life.'^-' The Duke was beheaded 
 in 1553, and the earldom of Northumberland was restored to the Percys in 
 1557. 
 
 1551.— Thomas Howard, Duke of Norfolk. 
 
 Grandson and heir of Thomas Howard, Duke of Norfolk, who was com¬ 
 missioned by Henry VHI. to place the town in a state of defence (MamJup, 
 PI). 72, 278). His father, the Earl of Surrey, eldest son of the last Duke, was 
 attainted and beheaded, viia patris, in 15-17. Having been restored in blood 
 in 1553, he succeeded to his grandfather’s dignities in the following 3 -ear, 
 when he was chosen high steward of this borough, and had half a tun of 
 wine and a quarter of ling presented to him. His virtues had gained for him 
 the love of the nation, and the favour of his Sovereign ; until he was un¬ 
 happily induced to engage himself in the cause of Mary, Queen of Scots; for 
 which offence he was sent to the Tower. When this became known in 
 Norfolk, “ certaine gentlemen, being minded to set the Duke at liberty, layd a 
 “ plot, that when the people resorted to the faire at Hailstone, they would 
 “ gather the multitude together with the sound of a trumpet, under colour to 
 “ expel the Netherlanders out of England,” many of whom had fled to these 
 parts. “ Of these gentlemen, some were brought to their tryall and con- 
 “ demned of high treason ; three only w^ere executed (such was the Queen’s 
 “ mercy). Tlie man of greatest note was .John Throgmorton, who at the barre 
 “ stood mute, but at the gallowes, to excuse the rest, confessed himself the 
 “principal author and persuader.” The Duke was beheaded June 2nd, 1572. 
 
 ' * The manor of Ilcmshy, which had reverted to the Crown on the dissolution of the priory at 
 Norwich, (on which it had been conferred by Bishop Herbert,) was granted to him by Edward Vl. 
 On his attainder, it fell to the Crown, and was re-granted to his son, Sir Robert Dudley, Earl of 
 Leicester ; to whom it was confirmed by Queen Elizabeth. He also held the impropriate rectory 
 and the advowson of the vicarage as his father had done. These possessions were sold by Leices¬ 
 ter to Sir Thomas Gresham, who settled them on Sir Nathaniel Bacon (son of the lord keeper), 
 who had married his natural daughter. There were three co-heirs of this marriage; and on a 
 division of the property, the lordship of Ilcmshy passed to Sir Thomas Knevet. It was after¬ 
 wards possessed l.y the Eastons, and is now vested in Robert Copeman, Esq. 
 
322 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 1572.— Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, K.G. 
 
 Youngest son of John, Duke of Northumberland, the first high steward 
 on our list. He went with his father to Norwich, when he marched against the 
 insurgents.— {^^lanship, p. 320.) Whilst a commoner, in 1553, he represented 
 the county of Norfolk in parliament. He was created Earl of Leicester in 
 1563: and accompanied Queen Elizabeth to Norwich in 1578, where her 
 progress was stayed by the plague ; but Leicester, with other distinguished 
 statesmen and courtiers, came on to Yarmouth.— (^Manship, pp. 65, 173.) In- 
 separately connected with this unscrupulous favorite, is the memory of his 
 unhappy wife, Amy Robsart, the supposed victim at Cumnor, of his ambition 
 for the Crown matrimonial. She was the daughter of Sir John Robsart, a 
 Norfolk knight, who resided at Stanfield Hall, (which was afterwards possessed 
 by the Jermys,) where it is supposed she was horn.* “ Design’d to retire unto 
 “ his castle atKenilworth,” says Dugdale,“ but being on his journey thitherwards, 
 “ at Cornbury Park, in Com. Oxon., he died upon the fourth of September, an. 
 “ 1588, of a feaver, as ’twas said, and was buried at Warwick, where he hath 
 “ a noble monument.” An opinion however, prevailed, that he died from the 
 effeets of “ a deadly cordiall, propounded unto him by the Countesse (Lady 
 Essex), which,” continues the writer of a note in Leicester's Ghost, “ was his 
 “ last draught, and an end of his plott against the Countesse, and of his jour- 
 “ ney and of himselfe.” Leaving no male issue, this earldom became extinct. 
 In 1618, it was bestowed upon Robert, second son and heir of Sir Henry 
 Sydney, K.G., who had married Mary, sister of the then last Earl; but, in 
 1743, on failure of issue, this title again became extinct. In the following 
 year, the earldom of Leicester was bestowed upon Thomas Coke, Baron Lovel 
 of Minster Lovel, who was also created Viscount Coke, of Holkham. He died 
 in 1759, sine prole, when these honors became extinct. In 1784, Geo. Towns- 
 hend, Baron de Ferrars and Baron Compton, jure matris, eldest son and heir 
 apparent of George, fourth Viscount Townshend, was created Earl of the 
 county of Leicester; and he succeeded his father as Marquis Townshend, in 
 1807. The earldom thus bestowed on the Townshends, became extinct on the 
 
 * In right of this marriage, the manor of Syderstone, in Norfolk, (an ancient possession of the 
 Robsarts,) was held by the Earl for life, and then came to John Walpole, Esq-, Avho was the son 
 and heir of Edward Walpole, Esq., of Houghton, by Lucy, daughter of Sir Jerry Robsart. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 323 
 
 death of the late Marquis in 1856. In 1837, another earldom of Leicester was 
 re-created, and bestowed upon Thomas William Coke, Esq., of llolkham ; 
 whose son, the present Earl, is now lord-lieutenant of Norfolk. 
 
 1588.—William Cecil, Lord Burleigh, K.G. 
 
 He was, perhaps, elected in remembrance of his high commendation of 
 the town, at his visit in 1578. His character is thus given in a rare book, the 
 Historic of the most renoicned and victorious Princesse Elizabeth, late Qiteene 
 of England, 1630. “Certainly he was a most excellent man, who (to say 
 “ nothing of his reverend presence and undistempered countenance) was 
 “ fashioned by nature, and adorned with learning; a singular man for honesty, 
 “ gravity, temperance, industry, and justice ; thereunto were added a fluent 
 “ and elegant speech (and that not affected, but plaine and easie); wisedome 
 “ strengthened by experience, and seasoned with exceeding moderation and 
 “ most approved fidelity; but above all, singular piety towards God. To 
 “ speak in a word, the Queene was most happy in so great a councillor, and to 
 “his wholesome counsailes the state of England for ever shall be beholden.” 
 Of his death the same writer says,—“ Being spent with continual exertion of 
 “ minde, the gout and old age, he gave himself over to sorrow and anguish of 
 “ heart; and, writing a letter to the Queene, earnestly besought her that he 
 “ might lay downe his office of magistracy. Upon this she visited him now 
 “ and then, comforting him with most kinde words; but within a few daies, 
 “ when he had lived long enough to nature, long enough to his glory, but not 
 “ long enough to his country, he rendered his soule to God, by so quiet a 
 “ death, that the greatest adversai’y he had, said, he envied him for nothing 
 “ so much as for such a death in so great glory , whereas, for the most part, the 
 “ managers of the greatest affaires have more sad ends.” He died on the 4th 
 of August, 1598, aged seventy-seven years. 
 
 1598.—Robert Devereux, E.vrl of Essex, K.G. 
 
 This valiant and accomplished nobleman was equally an object of popular 
 affection and of royal favour. His recommendation to Yarmouth was, probably, 
 the part he took in the Spanish expedition, in which some Yarmouth vessels 
 were engaged. In 1596, Queen Elizabeth fitted out an expedition against Cadiz, 
 
324 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 (where a large nunrber of vessels -were lying in the hay,) the land forces being 
 under the command of the Earl of Essex, and the fleet under that of the Lord 
 High Admiral. Whcir it was resolved to attack them, Essex Avas “so overjoyed 
 “ that he threw up his hat, and, in his shippe, thrust himself into the mid- 
 “ dest of the fightand afterwards landed with his retinue and forces, and 
 after “ a sharp fight maintained in the streets ” the city was taken. For 
 their services on this occasion, Antony Astley, Miles Corbet, Anthony Cope, 
 John Townshend, Christopher Heydon, Philip Wodehouse, and many others, 
 Avere knighted. This expedition, besides glory, brought home “ one hundred 
 pieces of brasse ordnance,” and other “ rich spoiles —the soldiers and 
 sailors being “ laden Avith pillage.” On another occasion, the Earl, then 
 blaster of the Horse, and basking in the sunshine of royal favour, in defiance 
 of the Queen’s command, audaciously seized on one of her ships, and taking 
 the command, proceeded to join an e.xpedition then fitting out, (to assist the 
 King of Portugal to regain his throne), to indulge his “ romantic spirit of 
 knight errantry,” or, as others say, “ to repair his broken fortunes,” for “ very 
 rich” booty Avas the result. In 1598, the “ businesse of the peace,” and the 
 affairs of Ireland, caused great dissension betAveen the Queen and Essex, Avho 
 Avas reproached Avith bearing himself “ unreverently :” and, being advised 
 “ humbly to betake himself to the Queen’s mercy,” ansAvered “ stommakfully.” 
 Returning “ unlooked for ” into England, he Avas committed to custody, and 
 Avas detained for six months, Avhen he Avas alloAved to retire to his oavu house; 
 blithe again “harkened to il counsails,” entered into secret designs, and 
 ultimately, Avith a feAv folloAvers, made an unsuccessful attempt to raise an 
 insurrection in the city. Being aftei’Avards taken, he Avas arraigned, and, Avlthin 
 the court yard of the ToAver of London, beheaded.’" 
 
 1601. — Charles Hoavakd, Earl of Nottixgii.vm, K.G. 
 
 Descended from Sir Robert IIoAvard and Margaret his Avife, daughter and 
 ultimately co-heir of Thomas MoAvbray, Earl of Nottingham and Duke of 
 
 * Arthur Wilson, for many years an attendant on the Earl, was a natrte of YarmouHi, and 
 wrotp'alife of James I. (puhlished in 1653,) Avith so much freedom, as to resemble a pasquinade 
 more than a history. Ho Avas aftci-Avards stcAvard to the Earl of WarAvick • and died at Felstoad, 
 in Esse.x, in 1652. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 or*"' 
 oZD 
 
 Norfolk. On the death of his father, he became (second) Baron Howard, of 
 Effingham. He was a general In the army ; and, under the Earl of Warwick, 
 took part in the expedition, in 1568, against the Earls of Northumberland and 
 Westmoreland. In the following year, he commanded the squadron of men of 
 war, which escorted Anne of Austria to the coast of Spain. On the death of 
 his father, in 1572, standing high in royal favor, he was soon raised to the 
 highest offices; and, in 1585, was made Lord High Admiral. When the 
 Spanish Armada appeared off the English coast, his activity and courage were 
 conspicuously displayed. In 1596, he commanded the expedition sent against 
 Spain; and to his prudence and judgment its success is attributed. On his 
 return, he was made Earl of Nottingham. When, in 1599, the State was in 
 some danger from the Earl of Essex, Nottingham was created Lord Lieutenant 
 General of all England ; in which office (unknown to succeeding times) he 
 commanded the fleet in the Downs and the forces on shore. When Essex at¬ 
 tempted to raise the city, Nottingham surrounded him and compelled him to 
 surrender. On her deathbed. Queen Elizabeth declared her intentions to Not¬ 
 tingham as to the succession of the Crown. In 1604, he went in great state as 
 ambassador to Spain. The last public service he performed, was to convey the 
 Lady Elizabeth to Flushing, on her marriage with the Elector Palatine. After 
 holding the office of Lord High Admiral for thirty-two years, he resigned it to 
 the Duke of Buckingham. He died in 1624, aged eighty-eight years. 
 
 1626.—Robert Sydney, Earl oe Leicester, K.G. 
 
 Second son and heir of Sir Henry Sydney, K.G., by Mary, sister of Robert, 
 Earl of Leicester, (the former high steward,) created Earl of Leicester in 
 1618. The assembly books record that his election was closely contested. 
 On the 5th of December, 1625, the question w'as put whether the Lord 
 I^eicester (lord high treasurer), or the Earl of Arundel (earl marshal), should 
 bo high steward; when the lord treasurer had the votes of 8 aldermen and 32 
 common-councilmen, and the earl marshal had the votes of 10 aldermen and 2 
 common-councilmcn. Neither having a majority of both bodies (whicb appears 
 to have been necessary), no election took place ; but, at a subsequent assembly, 
 held on the 14th December, Lord Leicester was unanimously elected. 
 
326 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 1G29.— Edward Sackvilde, Eakl of Dorset, K.G. 
 
 He was one of the most accomplished nobleman of his age. Clai'endon, 
 in his character of him, says,—“ His person was graceful and vigorous, and 
 “ his wit sparkling; as he was eminent in the House of Commons while he sat 
 “ there, so he shone in the House of Peers when he came to move in that 
 “ sjrhere; he had a very discerning spirit, and was a man of an obliging 
 “ nature, much honour and generosity, and of an entire fidelity to the Crown.” 
 He took an active part in public affairs, and must have been a man of business, 
 if we may judge by the number of commissions upon which he was placed, 
 connected with the Admiralty Court, suppression of pirates, fisheries, &c. ; 
 some of which, probably, brought him into communication with the authorities 
 of Yarmouth, and led to his election as high steward. In this office he 
 anxiously strove to allay the petty animosities then existing, as appears by his 
 letters to the corporation, fraught with the best advice. It is true that he 
 endeavoured to procure the return of members favorable to the King’s prero¬ 
 gative, but was not successful. When the civil war broke out he joined the 
 King’s standard, and supplied his royal master with money. He was not, 
 however, unconcerned for the liberties of his country, but earnestly laboured 
 to bring about a peace, declaring, before the King in council at O.xford, that 
 “ if doubts and jealousies were taken away by a fair treaty between King and 
 “ Parliament, means might be devised to rectify all differences, without the 
 “ King’s stooping to his subjects, or the subjects being deprived of their liberty 
 “by the King.” After the execution of the King, his lordship, it is said, 
 never stirred abroad. It is a remarkable fact, creditable to the ruling party at 
 Yarmouth, that Lord Dorset was not deprived of his high stewardship during 
 those troublous times. He died in 1652. 
 
 1653.— The Lord Henry Cromaveel. 
 
 Youngest son of the Protector. At an early age he joined the Parlia¬ 
 mentary forces, and became a captain of Sir Thomas Fairfax’s Life Guards. 
 In 1649, he accompanied his father to Ireland, to suppress the insurrection 
 there ; and, in 1655, he returned to that country as lord deputy, superseding 
 General Fleetwood. It is said, that he exercised his poAver Avith great 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 327 
 
 moderation and wisdom, and gained the affection and respect of all. On his 
 election to the high stew'ardship of Y^armouth, he was presented hy the cor¬ 
 poration with a silver tankard, costing £10 7s. At the Restoration, “Henry 
 Cromwell,” no longer styled “ The Right Honorable Lord,” was displaced 
 from the high stewardship, and his name was ordered to he erased from all 
 public records. He retired to his estate at Spinney Abbey, near Soham, Cam¬ 
 bridgeshire, where he died in 1674, aged forty-seven, and was buried within 
 the communion rails of Wicken church. 
 
 1660.— Edward Hyde, Earl of Clarendon. 
 
 Lord High Chancellor of England. When elected high stew'ard the- 
 accustomed annuity of £4 was granted ; hut it was not punctually paid, as 
 appears hy the following entry in the assembly books, under date 16th of May, 
 1663 :—“Upon reading of several letters from Mr. Bateman and Mr. Dunn 
 “ concerning our neglect of sending the Lord Chancellor his fee as he is our 
 “ lord high steward, which fee is yet kept back; and advised by our present 
 “ burgesses to be recommended to this house for to have a tun of claret pre- 
 “ sented,"*^ together with the £4 now due for his fee, as a present from this 
 “house; which this house doth order.” And, in 1664, Bailiff Pupplett, Sir 
 Thomas Meadowe, and Mr. Richard Huntington having been sent to London 
 on business of the towm, they were ordered to “ pay unto my Lord Chancellor 
 “ eight twenty shilling pieces for his annuity for tw'o years last past, as being 
 “ lord high steward of our corporation, and to take care about his lenten pro- 
 “ visionf as usual.” Lord Clarendon died in 1674. 
 
 1674.— Robert Paston, Viscount Y'armouth. 
 
 Of the ancient family of Paston, some notice will be found in Manship, 
 p. 328. By the marriage of Sir Wm. Paston, the “ good judge,” with the 
 daughter and heir of Sir Edmund Berry, the Pastons gained great accession of 
 estate, and much advancement in honour and blood ; being thereby entitled to 
 
 * It ai>pears, by the corporation accounts, to have cost £27 4s. 
 
 t This consisted of fifty good lyng, and two barrels each of white and red herrings. It seems 
 to have been regularly sent. 
 
 2 R 2 
 
328 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 quarter the arms of the families of Hethersett, Wachesham, Craven, Gerbrigge, 
 Ilengrave, and Kerdiston. The above was the son of Sir Wm. Paston, of 
 Oxnead, (who was created a baronet June 8th, 1642,) and was born in 1631: 
 he greatly distinguished himself “by his loyalty to Charles I., not fearing to 
 “ hazard both life and fortune in assisting his Majesty to reduce his rebellious 
 “ subjects to their obedienceand “ was not disheartened from using his 
 “utmost endeavours and power to effect his son's restoration, and till that 
 “ could be accomplished willingly resigned his estate to supply his necessities.” 
 In 1671, when Charles II. made his progress through Norfolk, he entertained 
 his Majesty at his magnificent seat at Oxnead,'*^ where he had built a ban- 
 quetting-hall expressly for the occasion. He was created a peer by Charles II., 
 August 19th, 1673, by the title of Baron Paston, of Paston, and Viscount 
 Yarmouth. In 1676, he was appointed Lord Lieutenant and Vice-Admiral of 
 Norfolk, on which occasion the corporation of Yarmouth waited on him with a 
 congratulatory address. In 1679, he was raised to the dignity of Earl of 
 Yarmouth ; and, in the following year, the corporation presented him with 
 half a tun of port wine, “ as a present to his honor as their high steward, not 
 “ having presented his honour Avith anything of this nature since his election 
 “ as high steAvard.” There had, in fact, been great differences between the Earl 
 and the toAvn, as to the rights of the former on the Avest side of the haven; 
 Avhich, after several expensive laAV suits, Avere adjusted by Mr. Henry Palmer 
 for the Earl, and Sir Robert Baldock for the corporation. He died in 1683, 
 aged fifty-one.f There is a portrait of him, engraved by P. Vaudrebanc, on a 
 large sheet, AA'hich shoAVs him to have been a corpulent person ; and toAvards 
 the latter part of his life he became of a most unAvieldly size. He Avas virtuous 
 and accomplished, and possessed some learning: during his traA'els abroad, he 
 collected “ many considerable rarities and curiosities.” 
 
 * It was delightfully situated on an eminence, having three terraces commanding a A’icAV of 
 the river Bure ; hut its magnificence was its imin; for, on the sale of the estates, after the death 
 of the last Earl, it was taken down, except sufficient for a farm house, and the fountain and 
 statues, which adorned the grounds, Avere removed to Blickling, where they may still he seen. 
 
 t His funeral sermon was preached by Dr. Hildeyard, and is mentioned in Manski}), p. 329, 
 where (by an obvious mistake) it is made to apply to tlie second Earl. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 329 
 
 1683 .—William Paston, Earl of Yarmouth. 
 
 Son of the preceding high steward. On his election, the patent of office 
 and his “ burgess letter ” were presented to him in a silver box, M'ith the town 
 arms engraved on it. In 1683, on his lordship’s arrival in Yarmouth, he was 
 received by Mr. Bailiff Symonds, who conducted him to the house of Sir 
 Thomas Medowe, where he M'as entertained; and immediately after, “ the 
 guns at the south mount, the bridge, and the chambers,” were fired. Some 
 years after, the members for the borough paid his lordship a visit, which they 
 thus described in a letter to the bailiffs :— 
 
 “ December y” 29th, 1696. 
 
 “ Hon'* Sirs, 
 
 “You may please to remember that some time sinee wee intimated the L'l Yarmouth actually 
 “ sitting in the House of Peers; and that it might be expected wee should wait upon him with 
 “ y' service, &c. You have not hitherto given us any return. On Sunday last, upon a solemn 
 “ invitation the Thursday before, wee din’d with his Ldi’ and gave him y' and the corporation’s 
 “ service, w‘’“ w‘'‘ he was pleased to credit with great respect, and returned his service and 
 “ express’d himself ready at all times to serve the corporation to the utmost of his power. Wee 
 “ hope w‘ we have done, tho’ without y’ express authority and command, will not be taken amiss 
 “ at the hands of 
 
 “ Y' faithfull and humble Ser'*, 
 
 “ GEO. ENGLAND. 
 “ SAM. FULLER.’’ 
 
 He married Charlotte Fitzroy, (natural daughter of King Charles II., by the 
 Viscountess Shannon, daughter of Sir W. Killigrew,) by whom he had three 
 sons, who all died vita patris. He married secondly a daughter of Lord 
 North, but having no issue by her, at his death in 1732, this noble family be¬ 
 came extinct in the male line. His books were sold by auction, in 1734, and 
 a sale catalogue was published. The arms of Paston were,— Ar., six fleurs de 
 lis az., and a chief indented or .; crest,—a griffin sejant, wings displayed or, 
 gorged Avith a ducal coronet ar. and a chain or, on a torce or and az. ; support¬ 
 ers,—A bear sa. chained or, and and ostrich ar. with a horse-shoe in his mouth 
 or. It is remarkable that these supporters Avere used long before the family 
 Avas ennobled, as appears by the panel bearing the arms of Sir AYilliam Paston, 
 Avho died in 1610, still hanging in the chancel, of Yarmouth church. Their 
 motto Avas,— De mievlx je pense en mievlr. 
 
330 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 1732.— Sir Robert Walpole, Earl of Orford, K.G. 
 
 At an assembly held February 8th, 1732, the following proceedings took 
 place : — 
 
 “■The Right Honoi'able the Bail of Yarmouth being dead, -who ■was our high steward, this 
 “ assembly doth unanimously chuse the Rt. Hon. and Noble Sir Robert Walpole, K.G., Chan- 
 “ cellor and Undei'-Treasurer of the Exchequer, and one of his Majesty’s most Honorable Privy 
 “ Council, to be our high steward in his room, and that a patent (under St. Nicholas’ seal) be 
 “granted thereof to him for his life, with an annuity of £4 per annum; and Mr. Mayor is 
 “ deshed to acquaint liim, by letter, with the said election, and to desire him to accept thereof; 
 “ and to cause some persons to wait upon him with the said patent.”* 
 
 Sir Robert Walpole came to Yarmouth to receive his patent, and he and his 
 friends were entertained at a dinner which cost the town £57 11s. Q>d. The 
 Walpoles represented the county of Norfolk in parliament as early as the 
 reign of Edward II. Sir Edward Walpole represented King’s Lynn in the 
 parliament which voted the restoration of Charles II. Sir Robert, his son, 
 represented the borough of Castle Rising from 1688 to his death in 1700 ; in 
 which year, his eldest surviving son, the above Sir Robert, was returned for 
 King’s Lynn, which he continued to represent in every succeeding parliament 
 (one excepted) till he was created Earl of Orford, on his retirement from office 
 in 1742. He was one of the most eminent statesmen this country ever pro¬ 
 duced. He died in 1745. There is a good half-length portrait of him in the 
 Card-room of the Town Hall,wvhich was presented, in 1792, by the executors 
 of the Avill of Mr. Thomas Martin. 
 
 1745.— Robert Walpole, Earl of Orford. 
 
 The corporation testified their respect for the memory of the deceased 
 statesman, and their regard for his family, by electing his son, Robert, Earl of 
 Orford, as his successor. The acceptance of the appointment was conveyed ia 
 the following letter to the mayor :— 
 
 This is the only instance of a commoner having held this office in Yarmoutln 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 331 
 
 “ London, March 27th, 174.5. 
 
 “ Sir, 
 
 “ Mr. Killett having informed me this morning that you and the gentlemen of the corporation 
 “ of Yarmouth had done me the honor to choose me unanimously your high steward, I would 
 “ not omit the first opportunity of returning you all my sincere acknowledgments for it; and 
 “ assuring you that I will la)' hold of all occasions to support and promote the trade and interests 
 “ of your town, 
 
 “ I am your most obedient humble servant, 
 
 “ ORFORD.” 
 
 He was one of the Knights of the Bath, upon the reinstitution of that order in 
 1725 ;*■ and he held several lucrative offices. He died in 1751. There is an 
 original drawing of him at Houghton, (taken when Lord Walpole,) in crayons, 
 by Rosalha. The crest used by this noble family is on a wreath,—The bust of 
 a man in profile couped proper, ducally cromied, with a long cap gu. thereon, 
 a Catherine wheel or ; which crest belonged to the Norfolk family of Rohsart, 
 and was adopted by them in memory of the services of Sir John Rohsart, K.G., 
 against the Saracens. 
 
 1751.— George Walpole, Earl of Orford. 
 
 Son of the preceding. On his election he was presented with his freedom, 
 and the patent of his appointment, in a silver box with the town arms engraved 
 thereon. He died unmarried in 1791, and his honours reverted to his uncle, 
 the celebrated Horace Walpole, second son of Sir Robert Walpole. 
 
 1791.— George Townshend, Marquis Townsiiend. 
 
 Sir Roger Townshend, justice of the Common Pleas, temp. Henry YH. 
 purchased the manor of Raynham, in Norfolk, which has ever since been the 
 chief seat of the family. Sir Roger, his son, represented the county in parlia¬ 
 ment. Roger Townshend, of Raynham, who was knighted for his bravery in 
 a sea fight with the Spaniards, in 1588, greatly enlarged the estate ; and from 
 this period, the Townshends acquired great political influence in the county. Sir 
 Horatio Townshend is described by Clarendon, as “a gentleman of the greatest 
 
 * Although it wa-s st)-led a military order, it was principally conferred on civilians ; and, by 
 the new statute of 1848, the word “ military” is omitted. 
 
332 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 interest and credit,” who had the courage, with Lord Richardson and Sir John 
 Hobart, to bring up an address from Norfolk, demanding the re-admission of 
 the excluded members, or the election of a free parliament; and being one of 
 the knights for the county, he, with others, was deputed to wait upon Charles 
 II. at the Hague, and invite him to return to his dominions,—for which services 
 he was made a peer and lord-lieutenant of Norfolk. He was created a viscount 
 in 1682 ; and died in 1687. He was succeeded by his son Charles, second 
 viscount, who held many very important posts, and was also lord lieutenant of 
 Norfolk. 
 
 Charles, third viscount, was, whilst a commoner, member for Yarmouth; 
 and, dying in 1764, was succeeded by his son George, the fourth viscount, who, 
 in 1787, was advanced to the dignity of marquis. He fought under George H. 
 at Dettingen, and was present in the memorable fields of Fontenoy, Culloden, 
 and Lafeldt. At the siege of Quebec, he commanded the army on the death 
 of Wolfe : for which services he was made a field-marshal. As viceroy of 
 Ireland, his conviviality was duly appreciated and long remembered; but it is 
 said, that at these social meetings “ he found means to feel the weak sides of 
 “ some of the first-rate patriots ; and after he had drank them down, the people 
 “ of Ireland discovered that the jolly Lord Townshend was an officer of the 
 “ Crown, whose duty it was to obey the orders of his Sovereign, the instructions 
 “ of the King’s ministers, and to advance the power and interests of his cormtry.” 
 He was elected high steward on the 26th of December, 1791 ; and, in the fol¬ 
 lowing June, the mayor, Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Fisher, and other members of the 
 corporation, were deputed to present the marquis with the patent of office. 
 Mr. To^vnshend, writing on the 4th of June, thus alludes to the contemplated 
 visit:— 
 
 “ Lord Townshend is going into Norfolk, and I understand that he will immediately write to the 
 “ mayor to desire that he, and the other gentlemen who are to attend him, will favour him with 
 “ their company at Rainham upon some early day that he will name. As he is going this summer 
 “ to visit his old friends in Ireland, he will, for the present, remain no longer in Norfolk than is 
 “ necessary to receive your deputation and to visit his militia.” 
 
 Their mission seems to have been satisfactorily accomplished, for Mr. Towns¬ 
 hend, writing on the 25th of June, says, “ I have this moment received a letter 
 “ from Lord Townshend, by which I find that he was much pleased with the 
 “ visit.” In the following year the marquis was ajipointed lord-lieutenant of 
 Norfolk. He died in 1807, aged eighty-seven. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 333 
 
 1808.— Chables Townshend, Lord Bayning. 
 
 Upon this occasion of the high stewardship becoming vacant, the political 
 influence of the Townshend family was not in the ascendant, the Harhord family 
 having just contested with them successfully, the representation of the borough : 
 and Lord Sufiield, having secured for his eldest son the lieutenantcy of the 
 county, was desirous of obtaining for him the stewardship of Yarmouth. His 
 lordship addressed the following letter to Sir Edmund Lacon:— 
 
 “ Gunton, Saturday, March 19th, 1808. 
 
 “ Sir, 
 
 “ The office of lord high steward of Great Yarmouth having become vacant hy the death of 
 “ the late Marquis Townshend, I take the liberty of recommending to your favourable considera- 
 “ tion my son, Colonel llarbord. He has lately had the distinguished honour of being appointed 
 “ his suuccessor in the lord lieutenancy, and if on the present occasion he should be equally 
 “ fortunate, I trust it will tend to perpetuate the connection which, so much to my satisfaction, 
 “ has been established between the borough of Yarmouth and my family. Your continance 
 “ and support of my son in attaining this object of his ambition, will confer an additional 
 " obligation on 
 
 “ Sir, your most obedient and faithful humble servant, 
 
 “ SUFFIELD. 
 
 “ To Sir Edmund Lacon.” 
 
 It is, however, ereditable to the town, that the services of their former repre¬ 
 sentative, Charles Townshend, were not forgotten ; and they bestowed the vacant 
 office upon Lord Ba}Tiing. There is a portrait of.Lord Bayning at Honingham, 
 which has been engraved among the Norfolk Portraits, published by subscrip¬ 
 tion. He died in 1810. The present Lord Bayning is his second and only 
 surviving son. 
 
 1815.—John Tnonf.vs Townshend, Viscount Sydney. 
 
 Thomas Townshend, eldest son of Thomas Townshend, second son of 
 Charles, second Viscount Townshend, was created Baron Sydney, of Chisel- 
 hurst in 1783, and Viscount Sydney of St. Leonard’s in 1789 ; and died in 1800. 
 He was succeeded by his son, the above John Thomas, second Viscount Sydney. 
 He was elected high steward of Yarmouth; and presented with the patent of 
 his office at the Guild-hall, December 1st, 1815, hy Robert Alderson, Esq., 
 then recorder, who expressed the satisfaction felt by the corporation in bestow- 
 
 2 s 
 
334 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 ing the office on “ a peer of England, not only in himself most justly rvorthy 
 “ of every possible tribute of respect, but also connected by blood and affinity 
 “ to a noble family long and justly endeared to them.”-'’' Viscount Sydney, 
 rvho was ranger of Hyde and St. James’s parks, died in 1831, when the 
 political connection which, for upwards of one hundred and twenty years, had 
 subsisted between this town and the Townshend family ceased. 
 
 1832. — Edwakd Pbllew, Viscount Exmouxh. 
 
 In this selection the corporation probably intended to mark their esteem 
 for the Hon. and Rev. E. Pellew, (then minister of the parish), as well as 
 their admiration of the services of his gallant father. Admiral Lord Viscount 
 Exmouth. It is unnecessary here to record those services, or to allude to his 
 crowning exploit at Algiers—for they adorn the page of history. He was 
 descended from a family (originally of Normandy— Pelleu,) who settled in 
 Cornwall, and resided principally, in the neighbourhood of Falmouth. Edward 
 Pellew was born at Dover in 1757, and entered the navy in 1770, having, as it 
 has been stated, the benefit of his eldest brother’s service, whose name had been 
 on the books of the Seaforcl for three years, but who had never been to sea, 
 and who then relinquished the naval profession for that of medicine. He was, 
 however, solely indebted to his own intrepidity for his subsequent promotion. 
 After a series of the most gallant exploits, which have placed his name among 
 the foremost of England’s naVal commanders, he attained the rank of Vice- 
 Admiral of England in 1832, and died on the 23rd of January, 1833. 
 
 1833. — Horatio Walpole, Earl of Orford. 
 
 Grandson of Horatio Walpole, second Baron Walpole of Wolterton, who 
 succeeded, in 1797, as fourth Baron Walpole of Walpole, and who, in 1806, 
 was created Earl of Orford. The above Earl succeeded to the title in 1822 ; 
 and in electing him their high steward, the corporation of Yarmouth renewed 
 their connection with the Walpole family. On Monday, September 30th, 
 1833, the Earl attended divine service at St. Nicholas’ church ; after which he 
 
 The speech is given in PitESTOX’s Picture of Yarmouth, p. 216. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 335 
 
 acoompanied the corporation to the Guild-hall, where the mayor elect, J. I). 
 Palmer, Esq., was sworn into office : and in the absence of the recorder and 
 sub-steward, the town clerk, S. Tolver, Esq., presented the appointment to his 
 lordship, in open assembly, and delivered an address, in replying to which 
 Lord Orford attributed their selection of him, “ to the recollection of the 
 former connection of the borough with his ancestors.” Upon the passing of 
 the Municipal Corporation Act he was not re-elected by the corporation, and 
 he terminated his political connection with them by a curt, pungent, and cha¬ 
 racteristic letter. He is now high steward of Lynn, and colonel of the West 
 Norfolk Regiment of Militia. 
 
 1836.— Thojias William Anson, Eakl of Lichfield. 
 
 The choice of the new coi'poration fell on the above nobleman, who, in 
 1818, during the lifetime of his father, had been returned to parliament for 
 this borough. The patent of office was presented to him at an assembly of 
 the town council, at the Guild-hall, on February 22nd, 1836 ; and his lordship 
 Avas entertained at a dinner in the Town-hall, in the evening. He was born in 
 1795, being the eldest son of Thomas, first Viscount Anson, by Anne Margaret, 
 third daughter of Thomas William Coke, Esq., of Holkham, afterwards Earl 
 of Leicester. In 1819, he succeeded to his father’s title ; and, in 1831, he was 
 created Earl of Lichfield by letters patent. He was successively master of the 
 buck hounds and postmaster-general; and, during the administration of Lord 
 Melbourne, the meeting of Irish members (which acquired the name of the 
 “ Lichfield House Compact”) took place at his residence in St. James’-square. 
 He died on the 18th of March, 1854. The Earl of Lichfield bears the arms 
 of Sambrookc,— Az. three salmon naiant «/•., quartered with those of Anson, 
 ar. three bends yji., to show his descent from the Sambrookes of Gobiens, in 
 Hertfordshire. Sambrooke Adams, Esq., of Sambrooke, in Shropshire, on 
 the borders of Staffordshire, married Janette, sister of the distinguished 
 Admiral Lord Anson; and on the death of his lordship’s brother, Thomas, 
 in 1770, their estates devolved on his nephew, George Anson, Esq., the father 
 of the first viscount. 
 
336 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 1854.— Geokge John Milles, Baeon Sondes. 
 
 The Hon. Lewis Monson, second son of the first Lord Monson, by his 
 wife, the Lady Margaret Watson, youngest daughter of Lewis, first Earl of 
 Rockingham, assumed the surname and arms of Watson upon inheriting the 
 estates of the last Earl of Rockingham, Viscount Sondes. He was created a 
 peer, in 1760, by the title of Baron Sondes, of Lees Court, in the county of 
 Kent. His son and successor married Mary Elizabeth, only daughter and heir 
 of Richard Milles, Esq., of North Elmham, in Norfolk, some time M.P. for 
 Canterbury. The present noble high steward, who, in 1820, assumed the 
 surname of Milles only, is the second son of this marriage, and succeeded his 
 brother, the late lord, in 1836. 
 
 STEWARDS. 
 
 The office of Steward must have been instituted at an early date, as 
 appears from the ordinances passed in 1491, for the good “ governaunce and 
 polytyk reule ” of the to^vn, which enact that the “ forseyd ordenances be redd 
 by the Sttwaed or his depute zerely, for the time being,” &c. The charter 
 of James I. recites that there had always been within the borough, “ from time 
 whereof the memory of man is not contrary,” a Stewaed, learned in the law, 
 “ for the exercise of all and singular matters ” which to that office belonged. 
 The appointment was legally vested in the high steward; but the corporation, 
 in theii’ patents to their high stewards, reserved the right of electing the steward, 
 or (as it was sometimes termed) under-steward. 
 
 The office was always filled by some eminent lawyer, who performed the 
 judicial duties appertaining to the office of the high steward. He presided as 
 judge in the borough court for the hearing and determining of civil actions, and 
 also at the borough sessions for the trial of criminal cases. He was the legal 
 adviser of the corporation, and performed all the duties that subsequently de¬ 
 volved on the recorder. 
 
 The ancient salary attached to the office was 40s. per annum. In 1558, 
 the steward’s fee for making all entries, was fixed at Id. each. In 1589, it was 
 ordered that “ every plaint before arrest be entered in the steward’s book,” for 
 each of which he should receive 2d. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 337 
 
 lUJi. —Thomas Banyard. 
 
 There was a family of this name at Mettingham and Spectashall, in Suffolk, 
 temp. Henry VI. In 1-199, he translated the code of laws and customs of 
 Yarmouth. In 1506 he was bailiff. 
 
 1506.—William Olldryche. 
 
 Probably the same who was bailiff in 1-169, ante page 299. 
 
 1558.—Edavard Fenn. 
 
 (See some account of this family in Manship, page 225). He was first 
 elected for one year only; and was made a free burgess and sworn in without 
 paying anything for the same. 
 
 1560.—William Roberts. 
 
 He was made a free burgess in the same year. He held lands of the Crown 
 at Wynston, in Norfolk, and was possessed of very considerable estates. In 
 1560, he purchased the manor of Burgh Castle, in Suffolk.—(See Manship, 
 page 202). 
 
 1573.—Charles Calthorpe. 
 
 (See Manship, page 295). Sir William Calthorpe was sheriff of Norfolk 
 in 1463, and died in 1494. Sir .James Calthorpe was knighted by Oliver Crom¬ 
 well in 1656, and married a daughter of Sir Robert Reynolds, Knt. This 
 branch of the family became extinct, in the male line, on the death of Sir 
 Henry Calthorpe, K.B., in 1783, when his estates passed to his nephew. Sir 
 Henry Gough, who also succeeded to the Norfolk estates of James Calthorpe, 
 Esq., of Ampthill, and became heir general of the family, and took the name 
 Calthorpe. He was the lineal ancestor of the present Lord Calthorpe. There 
 are good pedigrees of this family in the College of Arms. 
 
 1580.—Edward Flowerdew. 
 
 ( J7(/e Manship, page 295.) He had been previously counsel for the town. 
 He was of the Inner Temple ; of which society he became the treasurer. He 
 acquired great reputation as a lawyer; and, in 1571, the dean and chapter of 
 
338 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 Nonvich retained him as their standing counsel, with an annuity of 20s. for 
 life ; and the city presented him with a silver cup. His abilities must have 
 been highly esteemed, for, in 1573, Thomas Grimesdiche, of the Inner Temple, 
 settled upon him an annuity of 40s., in consideration of the “ good and faithful 
 counsel ” which he had given him : and, in 1575, he had a similar grant of five 
 marks a year for life, from Simon Harcourt, of Stanton Harcourt, Oxfordshire. 
 In 1580, he was called to the degree of serjeant-at-law: and, in 1584, he was 
 made baron of the exchequer, when he resigned the under-stewardship of 
 Yarmouth. He married Elizabeth, daughter of William Foster, of Wymond- 
 ham, in Norfolk, who, according to Vincent, (in his Norfolk Collections, in the 
 College of Arms,) was “concubine to John Appleyard, long before she was 
 married to Edward Flowerdew,” a circumstance rendered still more curious by 
 the fact, that in 1566, he “ purchased all the furniture of John Appleyard, of 
 Stanfield Hall, in order to come and dwell there.” He acquired considerable 
 estates in Norfolk, particularly in and near Wymondham, including the site of 
 the famous abbey there : but it is to be feared his conduct was oppressive and 
 avaricious ; for the parishioners, desiring to preserve their splendid abbey 
 church, petitioned the King to have the same at a valuation, which they paid; 
 but the Serjeant stripped the greater part of the lead from the edifice, carried 
 away the freestone from various parts of it, and partly demolished the choir, 
 which so enraged the inhabitants, that they pulled down the rest, and with the 
 materials built the present south aisle of the parish church. The conduct of 
 the Serjeant greatly exasperated the Ketts, (tradesmen in the town,) who had 
 been parties to the purchase of the abbey, for the purpose of saving it, that 
 they ever after tried to annoy and injure both him and his family. Soon after¬ 
 wards, much dissatisfaction arose in the parish, in consequence of the enclosure 
 of waste lands,—insomuch that a tumult ensued, and they broke down all new 
 fences, and filled up the ditches. John Flowerdew, of Hethersett, (father of 
 the Serjeant,) being aggrieved by this course, and fancying the people were set 
 on by the Ketts, gave them 40t/. to cast down the fences of an enclosure be¬ 
 longing to Robert Kett, which they did; but the next day, at Kett’s desire, 
 they returned to Hethersett, and “ and laid open Master Flowerdew’s en¬ 
 closures there upon which there was “ much ado,” and many “ sharp words” 
 passed between him and Kett, which so “vehemently incensed ” the people, that 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 339 
 
 they required of Kett to perform his promise that he “ would he ready at all 
 times to subdue the power of great men,” and to revenge the hurts done unto 
 the “ weale publicke and common pasture ; ” and Kett, probably finding himself 
 irretrievably committed, put himself at the head of these “ lewd and desperate 
 persons,” and thus began the formidable rising and insurrection named after 
 him.—(See Manshlp, p. 319.) The serjeant died in 1586, and was buried with 
 much pomp in Hethersett church ; where his body, “ for want of a gravestone 
 at his friends’ cost, was covered by one from another man’s grave.” A certifi¬ 
 cate of the ceremonial of his funeral, with an account of the fees paid to the 
 heralds, remains in the College of Arms, with a pedigree of his family. By 
 his will he gave a silver cup, gilt, to the town of Yarmouth, and another to the 
 town of Lynn. His inventory shows a large quantity of plate, including a 
 gold chain valued at £80, one dozen silver plates, and a diamond ring, given 
 to him by Sir John Young when on his last circuit. He left no issue ; his 
 estates were dispersed, and, in a few years, the Flowerdews were heard of no 
 more. 
 
 1585.— John Stubbs. 
 
 It appears that at this period the under-steward had rooms provided for 
 him at the Grey Friars (then belonging to the corporation), for, pending the 
 election of a successor to Mr. Flowerdew, it was ordered, in assembly, that Mr. 
 Whitney should receive the fees of the court for the steward, and have the 
 room at the Grey Friars rent free ; but, upon the appointment of Mr. Stubbs, 
 he was required to leave the room, unless Mr. Stubbs chose to retain him as his 
 clerk. Mr. Stubbs was returned to parliament for the borough in 1588, and 
 again in 1592. Upon his first return he presented the corporation with a silver 
 basin and ewer, “ to be used yearly by the bailiffs.” He held the manor of 
 Thelton in Norfolk, and also an estate with two manors in Buxton.*" In 
 the next generation, these possessions were sold, with the impropriation, to 
 Dr. Jeggon, Bishop of Norwich; and they afterwards passed to the Fastens. 
 
 * Richard Stubbs, of Sedgeford, was M.P. for Thetford iii loS8. 
 
340 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 1589.— Henry Hobart. 
 
 He was descended from Sir James Hobart, Attorney-General and Privy 
 Councillor to Henry VIL, under whose advice the old town ordinances were 
 reHsed in 1491. p. 357.) Sir Henry studied in Lincoln’s Inn, and 
 
 soon became distinguished in his profession. In 1595, he was chosen steward 
 of Norwich : and, in the following year, he was elected governor of Lincoln’s 
 Inn. In 1597, he was returned to parliament as member for Yarmouth; and 
 in 1603 he was knighted. In 1607 he was made Attorney-General; and, four 
 3 'ears subsequently, created a baronet, (being the ninth person who received that 
 new dignity,) and made Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, which post 
 he held till his death. In 1596, he purchased the Intwood estate of the 
 Greshams, (now possessed by J. S. Muskett, Esq.,) and resided there. He 
 married Dorothy, daughter of Sir Robert Bell, Chief Baron of the Exchequer, 
 by whom he had sixteen children; but he left only two sons. He died in 
 1625. There is a portrait of him at Blickling, by Jansen. He bore,— Sa., a 
 star of eight rays or, between two flanches erm .; with the motto. Non morior 
 sed vivam. 
 
 His eldest son, John, served in parliament for Thetford, in 1625, and he 
 sat for Norfolk in the long parliament. He married, first, Philippa, daughter 
 of Robert Sidney, Earl of Leicester,—and secondly, Frances, daughter of John 
 Earl of Bridgewater ; but he left no male issue. Immediately after his father’s 
 death he built Blickling Hall, which became the principal seat of the family, 
 and is now possessed by their representative, the Marquis of Lothian. 
 
 The second son was Sir Miles Hobart, whose son. Sir John Hobart, suc¬ 
 ceeded to the title; and having married the only surviving daughter of his 
 uncle, again united the family estates. 
 
 1605.— Ralph Creave. 
 
 He was of the old family of Crewe, of Crewe, in the county of Chester ; and 
 became connected with Norfolk by his marriage with Juliana, daughter and 
 co-heir of John Clippesby, of Clippesby, the last of that ancient house.*" He 
 
 * He lies buried, with his wife, in Clippesby church, under a raised altar-tomb, having on it 
 their effigies in brass The Clippe.sby family bore,—Quartei’ly ar. and sa., on a bendyz<., three 
 mullets of the first. Their possessions in Clippesby, passed to Sir Algernon Potts, Bart., and are 
 now (including Clippesby Old Hall) held by the Rev. Henry Muskett, who bears,— Ar., two bars 
 f/ti. between six lions’ heads cabosed. 
 
(iREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 341 
 
 was knighted at Whitehall, June 8th, 1614 : and, in 1624, became I^ovd Chief 
 Justice'^' of the King’s Bench; but was removed for “not promoting forced 
 loans,”—an example followed by two or three only of the judges, the rest 
 desiring to keep their places, soothed their consciences by altering a clause in 
 their patents. He re-purchased the manor of Crewe, which had passed from 
 the family by an heiress temp. Edward III.; and he rebuilt the hall, which 
 again became the principal seat of the family. He died in 1645, aged eighty- 
 seven. There is a portrait of him, engraved by Hollar, in Dugd.vle’s Origims 
 Juridiciales. 
 
 Sir Thomas Crewe (younger brother of Sir Ralph) was a serjeant-at-law, 
 and held the office of Speaker of the Commons in the last parliament of 
 James L, and in the first parliament of Charles I. He was the father of John, 
 first Lord Crewe, of Stene. The title became extinct in 1721, on the death of 
 Nathaniel, Lord Crewe, Bishop of Durham, whose name lives in the splendid 
 charities endowed by him. The title was revived in 1806, in favour of John 
 Crewe, Esq., of Crewe. 
 
 The present Lord Crewe is descended from Sir Clijrpesby Crewe, a son of 
 the above mentioned Sir Ralph. 
 
 RECORDERS. 
 
 By the charter of James I. the name and office of Steward ceased, and 
 instead the corporation were empowered to ehoose “ one discrete man learned 
 in the laws of England, to be called the Recorder and the Steward then 
 in office (Sir R. Crewe) was specially named to be the first Recorder. 
 
 1608.— Sir Ralph Crewe. 
 
 He resigned in 1610. 
 
 1610.— Ryce Gwyxne. 
 
 He was descended from a Welch family who long held property in Angle- 
 sea. In 1593, he purchased the estate of Baron’s Hill, near Eakenham, still 
 held by his descendants. He resigned the recordership in 1625. 
 
 * In the Yerncy Papers, lately edited for the Camden Soeiotv by .John Bruce, E-.n. he is 
 styled “ the eelehrated Tatriot Chief Justice.” 
 
3-12 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 His son, Rice Gwj-nn, in 1618, gave to Jesus College, Oxfoi'd, the vicarage 
 and great tithes of Holyhead, on condition that they should found two scholar- 
 shljis and two fellowships to be given to his descendants in pi’eference to 
 strangers. He died in 1668. 
 
 Richard Gwyn, Esq., of Long Stratton, (sixth in descent from the Re¬ 
 corder,) married Elizabeth, daughter of Isaac Preston, Esq., of Yarmouth. 
 The arms of Gwyn are,— Gu. a chevron between three lions’ rampant oy, 
 
 1625.— Miles Corbet. 
 
 The Corbets were an old family in Shropshire ; where their descendants 
 are still large landed proprietors, seated at Sundorne Castle and other places. 
 Early in the sixteenth century a branch settled at Sprowston, in Norfolk. 
 They bore arms,— Or, a raven proper; and for a crest a squirrel sejant, 
 cracking a nut proper, with the motto, Bcus pascit corvos. Miles Corbet was 
 the second son of Sir Thomas Corbet, of Sprowston. He studied the law, 
 and was called to the bar at Lincoln’s Inn. His abilities early brought him 
 into notice; and upon Mr. Gwynn’s resigning the recordership of Yarmouth in 
 his favour, {Manship, p. 372), the corporation unanimously elected him to that 
 office, upon condition that he became “ a resident ” within six months ; and he 
 was presented with his freedom without fine. Shortly after his election 
 he was returned to parliament, {ante pp. 204, 207, 208,) where he became a 
 determined opponent of the court, and took an active part in parliamentary 
 matters. In 1642, he was chairman of a committee which exercised the 
 power of arrest by the sergeant-at-anns ; and in the list of members who 
 “ advanced horse, money, and plate, for the defence of parliament,” there is 
 this entry,—“ Mr. Corbet will bring in fifty pounds.” In 1644, he was made 
 clerk of the Court of Wards. In 1648, he was appointed one of the two 
 Registrars of Chancery, (which was alone worth £700 a-year,) in the room of 
 Colonel Long, one of the suspected members. In 1643, the corporation pre¬ 
 sented Mr. Recorder ivith a gratuity of £25. He was chairman of the 
 Committee of Parliament for Scandalous Ministers; in which capacity, it is 
 said, that when the Rev. T. Reeve, rector of Aldborough and Coleby, who had 
 been ejected for dissuading his parishioners from rebellion, was brought before 
 him, Corbet told him he was “ an old malignant, and he would see him hanged 
 
CHEAT YAHMOUTII. 
 
 343 
 
 for itlie \vas, however, only confined as a prisoner at the gatehouse for 
 three years. lie had the principal management of the obnoxious office of 
 sequestrations ; the duties of which rendered him so unpopular, that, in 1652, 
 he gladly went to Ireland, as one of the commissioners for managing the affairs 
 of that country. He held the latter post until suspended under an accusation 
 of malversation, from which, however, he was ably defended by Ludlow, who 
 averred in parliament that Corbet had “manifested such integrity” that “he 
 impaired his own estate for the public service, whilst he Mas the greatest 
 husband of the Commonwealth’s treasure.” He afterwards accejited the post 
 of Chief Baron of the Exchequer in Ireland, and resigned the recordership of 
 Yarmouth. At the Restoration he fled to the continent and settled at llannau, 
 on the Loiver Rhine, ufith Okey and Barkstcad, companions in exile. Being 
 induced to visit Delft, they were seized by Sir George Douming, and sent 
 to England; where their arrival is thus noted by Pepys in his Diary ,— 
 “March 17th, 1662; Last night the Blachnore pink brought the three pri- 
 “ soners, Barkstead, Okey, and Corbet, to the Tower, being taken at Delfe, in 
 “ Holland ; M'here the captain tells us, the Dutch M'ei’e a good while before 
 “ they could be persuaded to let them go, they being taken prisoners in their 
 “ canal. But Sir George Douming would not be answered; altho’ all the 
 “ M'orld takes notice of him for a most ungrateful villiane for his pains.”•■' On 
 the 16th of April, Corbet and his fellow prisoners were tried and condemned 
 for high treason; and the sequel is thus told by Pepys,—“ April 19th, 1662 : 
 “ Before we eat, I M'ent to Aldgate, and at the corner shop (a draper’s) I stood 
 “ and did see Barkstead, Okey, and Corbet, drau-n toM’ards the galloM's at 
 “ Tyburne ; and there they M’ere hanged and quartered; they all looked very 
 “ cheerful, and I hear they all die defending what they did to the King to be 
 “just—M’hich is very strange !” There is an engraved portrait of ^liles Corbet 
 in an oval on the same plate M'ith Colonel Okey and Colonel Barkstead, which 
 has become very scarce. It has been copied by Richardson. There is also 
 another portrait with his seal and autograph. He appears to have left a son. 
 
 * lie is said to have been chaplain to Okey’s regiment, and to have been raised by his infincncc 
 to the post of llesidcnt in Holland, which he held under Cromwell, and retained at flie restoration 
 by betraying his benefactor. 
 
 2 I 2 
 
344 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 Jliles Corbet, who, with his mother, took leave of him previously to his execu¬ 
 tion ; but his family became extinct in Norfolk. The Sprowston estate was 
 purchased by Sir Thomas Adams, by whose family it was sold to Sir Lambert 
 Blackwell, who was created a baronet in 1718. In a rare tract, entitled— 
 Fersecutio Undecima, 1648, Corbet is accused of having “ indicted a man for a 
 “ conjuror, and was urgent upon the jury to condemn him upon no proof, but 
 “ a booke of circles found in his study, which Miles said was a booke of con- 
 “ juring—had not a learned clergyman told the jury that the booke was an old 
 “ almanack.” Hone, in his Year Boolt, p. 57, mentions a work, entitled—“ A 
 “ Briefe Relation of the Gleanings of the Idiotisms and Absurdities of Miles 
 “ Corbet, Esq., Counsellor-at-Law, Recorder and Burgess of Great Yarmouth. 
 “ Bg Anth. Birley : 1646, 4to.” In the Harleian Miscellany, vol. vi., p. 36, is 
 the following,—“ A most learned and eloquent speech spoken and delivered in the 
 “ honourable House of Commons at Westminster, by the most learned lawyer 
 “ iMiles Corbet, Recorder of Great Yarmouth and Burgess of the same, on the 
 “ 31s< day of Jidy, 1647, taken in short-hand by Nestly and Tom Duime, his 
 “ clerks, and revised by John Taylor." It was published in 1679, and v^as 
 designed, in a fictitious speech, to expose the bombast of the rebellious 
 speakers, and the misfortunes the nation laboured under in those times. 
 
 1655.— Chahles Geokge Cock. 
 
 In 1650, he was elected steward of Norwich. He published a folio Essay 
 of Christian Government, in which he describes himself as a student of Chris¬ 
 tian law, of the Inner Temple, and resident at Norwich ; his opinions may be 
 gathered from another folio law book, which he called A Summary Survey of 
 the Household of God on Earth. London. 1651. Like Corbet, he performed 
 the odious duties of a sequestrator. He was returned to parliament for the 
 borough in 1656 ; but it is doubtful whether he ever took his seat. At the 
 restoration he was ^deprived of all his offices. He lived for some years after, 
 but the date of his death is not recorded. He married Anne, daughter and 
 heiress of Bichard Bond ; and on a black marble slab, within the altar rails of 
 St. Stephen, in the great ward of Mancroft, Norwich, there are the arms of 
 Cock,— Quarterly gu. and nr. impaling Bond, ar. on a chevron three bezants. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 345 
 
 16G0. — llOBERT Baldock. 
 
 Descended from an ancient Norfolk family. The office he held here intro¬ 
 duced him to Charles II. on the occasion of his visit to Yarmouth in 1671, 
 when his gross flattery of royalty gained him a knighthood. In 1677, the 
 corjroration voted him forty guineas, “ in order to his residing at Gray’s Inn.” 
 In 1683, he was appointed King’s Serjeant: and w'as one of the counsel for 
 the crown at the trial of the bishops in 1688, when, for his zeal, he was made 
 a Justice of the King’s Bench. Having obtained an estate at Tacolneston, 
 Norfolk, he built a house there, called Tacolneston hall, where he lived; hut 
 after his death it fell into decay. lie w'as twice married,—first, to Mary, 
 daughter-of Bacqueville Bacon, Esq., of Hockhara ; and secondly, to the relict 
 of Sir William Hewet, of Beccles. By the first he had an only son, Henry, 
 (who died sooir after his father, without issue,) and an only daughter, Mary, 
 who married George Townshend, of Little Wrotham. Sir R. Baldock bore,— 
 Or and gu. on a fess az. three escallops ar. The same arms were borne by 
 Robert de Baldock, Bishop of Norwich, who being accused of favouring Hugh 
 De le Spenser, (the hated favourite of Edward H.,) was “ laid into Newgate by 
 Prince Edward, and Isabella, his mother, where he died of grief in 1327.” • 
 
 1691.— George England. 
 
 Eldest son of Sir George England, the bailiff in 1657. He was returned 
 to parliament for the borough in 1679, and sat for twenty years, {ante p 214.) 
 In 1688, he w'as appointed sub-steward, and, three years afterwards, he suc¬ 
 ceeded to the recordership, -which he held till his death, although previously 
 his health seems to have failed, for Mr. Richard Fcrrier, w'riting to his “ dear 
 partner” in London, on the 10th of February, 1696, says,—“ We yesterday 
 “ ended Y sessions : I begin to abate of my hopes of M"" Recorder’s recovery,— 
 “ he seems to me now to decay sensibly: I pray God restore him to us, for -we 
 “ sha’nt be presently aware of y^ greatness of our loss should it please God to 
 “ take him from us.” He died in 1702, aged fifty-nine, and was buried in St. 
 Nicholas’ church. By his will he gave his manor of Billockby to his brother 
 Benjamin, with remainder to his nephew, George England: he also devised to 
 his brother Benjamin a house called the Three Cranes, which had been settled 
 by his father upon his brother Joseph, on his marriage with Clara Vauderlane, 
 
346 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 a Dutch lady: he gave £40 to the Children’s Hospital, and £25 “for the better 
 paving and adorning of the altar space in Yarmouth church ; ” with numerous 
 legacies to friends and relatives. 
 
 1702.— Maxjkicf, Kendall. 
 
 This family held lands at Banham and New Buckenham, Norfolk. In 
 
 1611, they had a grant from Camden, clarencieux, of the following arms,_ 
 
 Or, five mascles in cross, and a chief indented gu. Crest, a hand j'jro/ie;-, hold¬ 
 ing a cross of five mascles gu. John Kendall (father of the Becorder) died in 
 1672, and his widow in 1695; and were both buried in New Buckenham 
 church, where there is a monument to the memoi-y of the latter. The Recorder 
 himself lies buried near the altar, beneath a stone bearing the arms of Kendall 
 impaling Ashfield,—A fess between three fleurs-de-lis : it also records the 
 following inscription:— 
 
 “ JftEliccm crpcctansi Hegurrectiouem Ijic facet, ^aurttfiigi Ikcnnan Be IHortlj 
 “ Q^alsljam, in agio Jlitorfolciensii armtger, aiir Paterque inBuIgens, amicus! Jlura= 
 “tia’gimug, Jlngentiisi congruug, nefariig infensiui3, <£ccIe0iEe et tgonarcfjicc CJinDep 
 “ acccrimu0, 0 enifiogi 0 PcrBucflig, JLegtim in oinniliu0 oligerBantiggimus, 3!uris» 
 “ peritug ipge €foquentiggimug ; ohDormiPit anno %>alutig mdccxii., cetatig fii.” 
 
 In 1703, the corporation ordered the sum of £10 to be paid to him “ in lieu of 
 his Lent provision.” 
 
 1712.— Fkancis Longe. 
 
 His father, Robert Longe, Esq., of Reymerston, married Elizabeth, daughter 
 of Sir Francis Bacon, (Chief Justice of the King’s Bench,) and died in 1688 : 
 he was buried in the chancel of Reymerston church, where there is a curious 
 mural monument to his memory, bearing a copious latin inscription. The 
 Recorder was lord of the manor of Spixworth, Norfolk, from 1693, and was a 
 patron of the advowson. He married Susanna, daughter and heiress of Tobias 
 Frere, of Reddenhall. He was sub-steward of Yarmouth from 1702 till his 
 election to the recordership. Perhaps he owed his introduction to the town to 
 Major Fender, the bailiff in 1696, who married a daughter of Robert Longe 
 (a/ide p. 312). He died in 1724, aged seventy-six; and was buried in Spix¬ 
 worth church, where there is a monumental inscription ■with his arms,— Gu. a 
 saltire engrailed, and on a chief three cross crosslets of the first. At Spix¬ 
 worth hall, which still continues to be the princijral seat of the Longes, of 
 Norfolk, there is a good portrait of the Recorder in his robes of office. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 347 
 
 1734.— John Jermy. 
 
 The Jermy family were seated at Mendham, in Norfolk, early in the 14th 
 century, and afterwards at Bayfield and other places in the same county. 4 hey 
 bore for their arms,— Ar. a lion passant guardant gu. The above recorder was 
 the son of John Jermy, of Bayfield. He had been elected sub-steward of 
 Yarmouth in 1712. He was compelled, in 1744, to resign the recordership, 
 (which he did by deed under seal,) owing to blindness and other bodily infirm¬ 
 ities : and on his retirement he received the thanks of the corporation, for “ his 
 faithful discharge of his duties, both as under-steward and recorder.” He 
 married Mary, only child of Samuel Fuller, Esq., of Y'armouth. He died in 
 1784, aged sixty-eight. His wife is interred in Aylsham church; and upon 
 her tomb are the arms of Jermy impaling Fuller. Theie are several monu¬ 
 ments in the same church to members of this branch of the family. In the year 
 1735, AVilliam Jermy, of Bayfield, married Elizabeth, only sister and heir of 
 AVilliam, Lord Richardson, Baron of Cramond, in Scotland; by which mar¬ 
 riage he acquired the Stanfield estate, which had been purchased by Lord 
 Chief Justice Richardson, in 1642. He married, secondly, Frances, daughter 
 of Jacob Preston, Esq., of Beeston St. Lawrence, Norfolk ; and dying without 
 issue by either marriage, the estate came by devise to the Prestons. 
 
 1744.— Thomas Fow'ee. 
 
 He was descended from Thomas Fowle, of Burnham, Essex ; whose son, 
 John Fowle (a barrister resident in Norwich) married Sarah, eldest daughter 
 of Sir G. England (^ante p. 308,) and widow of William Burton, Esq. : by 
 which match he had a son, John Fowle, who purchased from Sir AVilliam 
 Cook, Bart., the church and manor of Broome, Norfolk ; and who married 
 Alary, daughter of John Mingay, of Saxlingham, and of Ranthorp hall, by 
 whom he had two sons, John, the recorder, and Thomas, a doctor of laws, 
 commissary to the dean and chapter of Norwich, and archdeacon of Norfolk. 
 The elder son, the above John Fowle, had been appointed sub-steward of 
 Yarmouth in 1735; which office he held until his election to the recordership. 
 In 1748, the corporation agreed thenceforth yearly “to pay the recorder ten 
 guineas, in lieu of his lenten provision as theretofore had been used and accus¬ 
 tomed.” He was also one of the commissioners of Excise. He married the 
 
348 
 
 HISTORY or 
 
 youngest daughter of Sir Charles Turner, Bart. He died in 1761. The arms 
 of Fowle were,— Ar. a chevron gu., on a chief of the last three mullets of the 
 first. 
 
 1761.— The Hoxoeable Robert Walpole. 
 
 He was the fourth son of Horatio, first Baron Walpole, of Wolterton, and 
 consequently nephew of the celebrated Prime Minister, by whose influence he 
 was appointed clerk to the Prh^' Council. On his appointment, in 1767, to tlie 
 secretaryship of the embassy to Spain, Mr. Isaac Preston, the sub-steward, u'as 
 requested to officiate for him as recorder, during his absence, receiving “ all the 
 “ fees and allowances which have usually and customarily been paid as well 
 “ to the recorder as to the sub-steward.” Mr. Walpole continued to hold the 
 office of recorder (his duties being performed by the sub-steward) until 1792, 
 when he being at that time minister plenipotentiary at the court of Portugal, 
 and the then sub-steward (Mr. Adair) being unable to discharge the functions 
 of his office, Mr. Walpole resigned the recordership. 
 
 1792.— Henry Jodrell. 
 
 On the resignation of their recorder, the corporation consulted Mr. 
 Torvnshend (at that time member for the borough) as to the appointment 
 of a successor. Mr. Townshend recommended Mr. Jodrell in a letter to Mr. 
 Rejmolds, observing—“ Jodrell is the fittest person you can have : he has for 
 “ some years past acquitted himself with credit as one of the chairmen of 
 “ quarter sessions. He is of a quiet and obliging disposition.” He was accord¬ 
 ingly elected. Mr. Jodrell derived his descent from a family of the name 
 seated in the Peak, Derbyshire, who flourished early in the thirteenth century. 
 He Avas the third son of Paul Jodrell, of Dufficld, (Solicitor-General to 
 Frederick Prince of Wales,) by his wife Elizabeth, daughter of Richard Warner, 
 Esq., of North Elmham, Norfolk, by Elizabeth, daughter of Edward Lombe, 
 Esq.,^'’ of Weston. He married Johanna Elizabeth,! eldest daughter of John 
 
 ■* Descended from Alderman Sir Thomas Lomhc, Knt., of London, who, under the disguise of 
 a silk weaver, procured the model of a silk machine from Piedmont, and introduced into England 
 the process of silk throwing. 
 
 t She married, secondly, G. A. West, Esij. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 349 
 
 Weyland, Esq., of Woodeaton ; and he was seated at Bayfield hall, Norfolk. 
 In 1796, he was elected to represent the town in parliament (see p. 227) ; and, 
 in 1802, 1806, and 1807, he sat for Bramber. In 1813, he resigned the office of 
 recorder previous to the sessions held in September of that year, at which 
 John Hannah was tried for the murder of his wife,—alleging, as his reason 
 for so doing, that he had never passed the awful sentence of death upon any 
 man, and was unwilling, at his own advanced age, to perform so painful a 
 duty. He died in 1814, aged sixty-four. He bore ,—Ermines a trefoil, slipped, 
 or, between three round buckles ar. 
 
 The Recorder’s elder brother, Richard Paul Jodrcll, Esq., F.R.S. and 
 M.P., married the daughter and co-heiress of Edward Hase, Esq., of Sail, and 
 niece of John Hase, Esq., who, in 1762, assumed his maternal ancestor’s name 
 of Lombe, and was created a baronet, with remainder to the children of Mrs. 
 Jodrell. The present baronet is the son of the above marriage. 
 
 1813.— Robert Aldekson. 
 
 In selecting this gentleman for the office of recorder, the corporation followed 
 an example which had been set both by the city of Norwich and the borough 
 of Ipswich ; and, as Mr. Alderson was somewhat opposed in politics to the 
 majority of the corj5orate body, his election was creditable alike to himself and 
 to them. He resigned his office in 1832. He married, firstly, a daughter of 
 Samuel Hurry, Esq., of Yarmouth, by whom he had three children,—Sir Edward 
 Hall Alderson, (now one of the Barons of the Exchequer), horn in Yarmouth; 
 the Rev. Samuel Hurry Alderson, sometime Fellow of Cains College, Cam¬ 
 bridge ; and Eliza Hurry, late the wife of Sir William George Millman, Bart. 
 He died in 1833, and was buried in Norwich Cathedral. There is an engraved 
 portrait of him. His elder brother was Dr. James Alderson, of Norwich, who 
 died in 1848, aged ninety-eight, whose only daughter was the celebrated 
 authoress, Amelia Opie, who died in 1853. The arms used by this family 
 are,— Gu. on a chevron between three cinqfoils, three leopards’ faces. 
 
 1832.— Henry Aewortii Merewetiier. 
 
 He was called to the bar, by the Society of the Inner Temple, in Easter 
 Term, 1809 ; and became a serjeant-at-law, with a patent of precedency. His 
 
350 
 
 IirSTOUY OF 
 
 election as recorder of Yarmouth was closely contested by Mr. Isaac Preston, 
 tlie sub-steward : and, so balanced were tbeir friends in the corporation, that 
 the numbers were equal on two di\’isions; and on the third, one member, who 
 bad not previously voted, decided the election in favor of the Serjeant.'"' He 
 Avas made Solicitor-General to Queen Adelaide ; and on the passing of the 
 Municipal Corporation Act, he retired from the recordership. He afterwards 
 accepted the recordership of Reading, and the town-clerkship of the city of 
 London, which office he still enjoys. In conjunction with Archibald John 
 Stephens, Esq., of Gray’s Inn, he published, in 1835, a very elaborate and 
 A'aluable work— The History of the Boroughs and Municipal Corporations of 
 the United Kingdom. 
 
 The Municipal Corporation Act empowered the Town Council of every town 
 having a separate court of Quarter Sessions to appoint a Recorder, who shall, 
 by virtue of his office, be a Justice of the Peace ; and it declared that the 
 Recorder shall have precedence in all places, within the borough, next after 
 the Mayor. The first Recorder elected under this Act was 
 
 1836.—Nathaniel Palmer. 
 
 He Avas called to the bar, by the Society of the Inner Temple, in Michael¬ 
 mas Term, 1827, and joined the Norfolk circuit. He still enjoys the office then 
 bestoAved upon him. 
 
 SUB-STEWARDS. 
 
 This office Avas created by the charter granted by Charles IL, and con¬ 
 firmed to the town by that of Queen Anne. It Avas to be filled by a barrister 
 of five years’ standing, Avho should act as the Assistant or Deputy of the 
 Recorder. 
 
 1684. _Henry Bedingfeld : named in the charter of Charles H. He 
 
 Avas of a family of great antiquity, Avho derived their name from a toAvn in 
 
 * Some pamphlets wore published on the oceasiou. 
 
GIIKAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 351 
 
 Suffolk, and who had ffourished in that county from the Conqueror downwards. 
 Thomas Bedingfeld, of Bedingfeld, temp. Henry VII. and VIII., married Joan, 
 daughter of Roger Busarde, of Ditchingham, by which match that estate was 
 obtained, which has ever since remained in the family. 
 
 In 1684, the above Henry Bedingfeld had six guineas presented to him for 
 his “ pains and advice about the charter.” In 1686, he w'as made Lord Chief 
 Justice of the Court of Common Pleas ; and, in that year, the corporation 
 presented him with “ half a tun of the best French wine,” in lieu of the salary 
 due to him from the corporation. He died in 1687. The family arms are,— 
 linn. ; an eagle displayed armed or ; with the motto Aguila non capit 
 muscas. 
 
 1687. — Henky Baldock : probably a son of the Recorder. 
 
 1688. — George England (afterwards recorder). 
 
 1693.— AIaukice Kendall (afterwards recorder). 
 
 1702.— Francis Long: named in the charter of Queen Anne, and after¬ 
 wards recorder. 
 
 1712.— John Jermy (afterwards recorder). 
 
 1735.— John Fowle (afterwards recorder). 
 
 1744.— Thomas Warkhouse. 
 
 1749.— Isaac Preston. 
 
 He was the eldest son of Jacob Preston, Esq., of Bceston ; and died on 
 the 16th of May, 1768. By his second wife, Esther, a daughter of Jonathan 
 Pettingall, of Norwich, he was father of the Rev. George Preston, rector of 
 Beeston, who died at Stanfield hall, on the 28th of October, 1837 ; and who 
 was the father of Isaac Preston, Esq., who was elected sub-steward in 1819. 
 
352 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 1768.— John Chambers. 
 
 lie was successively steward and recorder of Norwich; and died at his 
 villa, St. Catherine’s Mount, Norwich, on the 16th June, 1788yaged sixty-three. 
 
 1788.—William Adair. 
 
 1815.-WlLLI.LM Whitred. 
 
 1819.—Isaac Preston. 
 
 This family of Preston were originally of the village of Preston, in the 
 Hundred of Babergh, Suffolk. Jacob Preston, of Old Buckenham, Norfolk, 
 Avas the fourth son of William Preston, of Preston. His son, Jacob, became 
 seated at Beeston St. LaAvrence, in Norfolk, and was the founder of that branch 
 of the family. He Avas an attached and favourite servant of Charles I., and 
 Avas one of the four gentlemen appointed to Avait upon the unfortunate monarch 
 during his imprisonment: and, Avhen on the scaffold, the King presented him 
 Avith an emerald ring, Avhich is still preserved at Beeston. The above Isaac 
 Preston Avas born September 23rd, 1789. He Avas educated at Westminster 
 School, graduated at Christ Church, Oxford, and Avas called to the bar as a 
 member of Lincoln’s Inn. He married, first, a daughter of the late Sir Thomas 
 BeeAmr, Avho died in 1823; and secondly, in 1832, a daughter of the Bev. J. 
 Jephson, prebendary of Armagh. In 1826 he Avas appointed steAvard, and in 
 1831 recorder of NorAvich, and chairman of the NorAvich Union Life Insurance 
 Company. On the death of his father, the Rev. George Preston, he succeeded 
 to the Stanfield estate,* Avhen he took the name of Jermy, of which family 
 some account has already been given. At this time an adverse claim Avas set 
 up by a family named Lamer, and, in 1838, a mob of about eighty persons 
 took forcible possession of the hall, and held it until expelled by a military 
 force. On the 28th November, 1818, Mr. Jermy Avas shot dead at his hall 
 door by James Blomfield Rush, (one of his tenants Avith Avhom he Avas at 
 
 * The manor of Stanfield belonged to Earl Warren in the Couqv.eror’s time; afterwa,rds to 
 the Bigots, Curzoiis, Appleyards, and Flon-crdeAW. The late Rev. George Preston rchuilt the 
 house, which is still surrounded hy a moat. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 353 
 
 variance,) wlio then entered the house, and meeting Mr. Jermy Jermy, the 
 only son of his first victim, shot him dead also. He then fired at and severely 
 wounded Mrs. Jermy (the son’s wife) and a female servant: Mr. Jermy’s 
 daughter, who was present, escajred unhurt. For these atrocious crimes Rush 
 was hanged at Norwich. 
 
 The office of sub-steward ceased on the passing of the Municipal Cor¬ 
 poration Act In 1835. 
 
 CORONERS. 
 
 The Coroner Is an ancient officer by the common law of England : and, 
 in early times, the office seems to have been considered one of considerable 
 dignity; as the statute 3 Edward I., c. 10, enacts that none but knights should 
 hold It. No particular qualification Is now required. 
 
 The coroner had, anciently, authority to hear and determine felonies : and 
 although this was abrogated by Magna Charta, c. 17, the coroners of Yarmouth, 
 in 8th Edwd. IIL, appear to have exercised (together with the bailiffs) the right 
 of hearing and determining “certain felonies and trespasses,” committed by Wm. 
 and Roger Man, of Little Yarmouth : when the King directed his writ “ to our 
 coroners of the town of Great Yarmouth,” requiring them to send before him 
 the indictments in the case,—which was not done, however, because (as the 
 return of Robert Arlman, “one of the coroners,” set forth,) Henry de Tatersete, 
 clerk, “ the other coroner, in whose possession the indictments resided,” was 
 dead. The charter granted by Henry VIE, in 1494, empowered the bailiffs 
 and burgesses of Yarmouth to choose two coroners for the borough, removable 
 at pleasure: and under this charter, in more recent times, the mayor, every 
 IMichaelmas day, used to nominate two members of the council (generally aider- 
 men) to be coroners, who were usually (but not invariably) changed annually. 
 The Municipal Corporation Act empowered the council of every borough having 
 a separate Quarter Sessions, to appoint a “ fit person,” not being a member of 
 the council, to he coroner “ during good behaviour.” Under this Act the fol¬ 
 lowing coroners have been chosen. The duties and authority appertaining to 
 
354 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 the office of coroner, are declared in the statute 4 Edward III., c. 2, De offiuio 
 Coronatoris, which is still in force. 
 
 1836.— William Smith Fereiee, (Surgeon). 
 
 1848.— Charles Henry Chambeelih (Solicitor). 
 
 TOAVN CLERKS. 
 
 Some little confusion arises in distinguishing between the various offices 
 of Town Clerk, Assembly Clerk, and Clerk of the Courts,—which until the 
 Restoration were sometimes combined and filled by one person only, and, at 
 other times, were held concurrently by two or more persons. For complete¬ 
 ness, therefore, the following list necessarily includes all wffio filled those 
 offices. 
 
 1332.— Godfrey de Colney, town clerk. 
 
 1342.— Henry John Talifee, town clerk. 
 
 1573.— William Smith, town clerk and assembly clerk ; elected on the 
 feast of St. Matthew. 
 
 1579.— Henry Manship, town clerk and assembly clerk; elected No¬ 
 vember 10th, and resigned July 2nd, 1585. {Vide preface to Manship.') 
 
 1585.— Ralph Weaver, town clerk: elected October 21st. 
 
 1585.— R.OBEUT Butler, assembly clerk : elected November 23rd. 
 
 1589.— William Gray, assembly clerk : elected October 28th, and re¬ 
 signed February 16th, 1595. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 355 
 
 1595. — RALnr Weaver, (the town clerk) elected to the vacant office of 
 assembly clerk, February 16th, but resigned September 6th, 1596. 
 
 1596. — William Gray, assembly clerk : elected September 6th. 
 
 1609. — Ralph Owner, assembly clerk : elected January 9th, when he 
 was also chosen a common-councilman. 
 
 1610. —Ralph Owner, town clerk : elected by an order of assembly, 
 that the “ assembly clerk should thenceforth be towm clerk, and do all the 
 town’s business,—except for the courts and sessions.” 
 
 1617.— William Gray, clerk of the courts : elected September 12th. 
 When bailiff, in 1618, Thomas Nash acted as his deputy. In 1631 Mr. Gray 
 was dismissed from this office with a pension of £20 a year. 
 
 1631.— Miles Corbet, assembly clerk and clerk of sessions: elected 
 April 18th, during pleasure,—probably with the view of adding to his salary as 
 recorder, and of securing his residence in the town: which latter object, how¬ 
 ever, does not appear to have been attained, for, in 1640, the assembly passed 
 an order “ that Mr. Recorder must come and reside in the town, or not hold 
 his place as clerk of the courts.” 
 
 1633.— Anthony Speck, town clerk : elected June 25th, and resigned in 
 1639, probably on his election as bailiff, as his successor in the office of town 
 clerk was aiipointcd on the day previous to that on which he entered upon his 
 bailiwick. 
 
 1639.— Joseph AVard, town clerk : elected September 28th, and he then 
 resigned his office of one of the attorneys of the borough court. 
 
 1654.— Toby Warh, assembly clerk. 
 
 1656.— Joseph AA^ard, assembly clerk. 
 
356 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 1656.—. . . . Bodiiam, town clerk and assembly clerk : elected Sept. 10th, 
 “instead of Mr. Jos. Ward, discharged at his own request.” It seems pro¬ 
 bable, however, that l\Ir. Ward (who perhaps resigned on account of infirmities) 
 still nominally held the offices; as, in 1661, October 22nd, the bailiffs were 
 directed to “ write to the recorder to provide a town clerk, instead of Mr. Ward, 
 deceased and it was at the same time determined that the offices of clerk of 
 the courts, town clerk, and assembly clerk, (all vacated by the death of Mr. 
 Ward) should be in future united. 
 
 1659.— Bexj-viiiu Bends, assembly clerk. (See Manshij) p. 360.) 
 
 1661. — Ualph Pell, town clerk : elected December 19th, on the recom¬ 
 mendation of Mr. Recorder Baldock, Lord Richardson, and Sir Wm. Doyley.* 
 
 1662. —Ralph Pell, (the town clerk) elected to the office of assembly 
 clerk, August 7th, in the stead of Mr. Bends, who was displaced. He held 
 the combined offices until 1680, when he died, and was interred in the chancel 
 of Ditchingham church, where also his father was buried. A family of the 
 name flourished in the fourteenth century at Dersingham and Edgefield, Nor¬ 
 folk, who bore,— Erm. on a canton az., a pelican vulning itself or. 
 
 1681.— Thohas Godfrey. Elected April 28th, but not sworn in until 
 September 8th. In 1683, and again in 1696, when elected bailiff, the duties 
 of his other offices were performed by deputy,—John Woodroffe acting for 
 him on the first occasion, and Thomas Woolstone on the second. In 1703, he 
 had £20 presented to him, “ for his pains in London about the new charter 
 and act of parliament.” 
 
 1704.— John Carlow: elected May 3rd. He died in 1710. 
 
 1710.— Francis Turner: elected April 25th. He died in 1719, aged 
 thirty-eight. ( Vide note to James Turner, ante p. 317.) 
 
 * The town clerk’s office was, at this time, atone of the church houses “ at the Furlong’s End,” 
 for which the corporation paid tire churchwardens a rental of £1 per annum. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 357 
 
 i720.— Thomas Royall : elected March 25th. His residence was upon 
 the Quay, in the house now occupied by W. Worship, Esq. He died in 1739 ; 
 and in 1758, November 9th, the corporation voted his widow, Dorcas Royall, 
 an annuity of £11 a year. 
 
 1739.— Robert Ferrier : elected August 29th.* Being elected mayor 
 in 1750, John Ramey and John Spurgeon acted for him as town clerk. On 
 February 3rd, 1753, the corporation resolved, by a ballot of twenty-nine to 
 twenty, that unless Mr. Ferrier would resign his place as alderman, he should 
 no longer be town clerk; and refusing to do so, he was dismissed from the 
 latter office. 
 
 1753.— Joshua Smith : elected February 3rd. 
 
 1753.— John Spurgeon : elected June 26th. He was the son of Richard 
 Spurgeon, who died in 1756; and grandson of John Spurgeon, who died in 
 1738, and who had served the office of bailiff in 1698, and that of mayor in 
 1712. He resided on the South Quay, in the house formerly belonging to 
 Mr. Luson, (now the residence of Sir Eaton Travers,) which is depicted in 
 Corbridge’s Map of the town. He died March 2nd, 1810, aged ninety-four; 
 and was buried at Clopton, Suffolk. He left two sons, of whom some notices 
 will be found in Turner’s Sepulchral Rcjuinisccnces, p. 79. 
 
 1799.— John Watson : elected April 25th. He had served the office of 
 mayor in 1785 (r/r/e p. 318). In 1822 he resigned the town-clerkship in 
 favour of his son-in-law, who succeeded him. 
 
 1822.— Samuel Tolver : elected July 29th. By the Municipal Cor- 
 poralion Act, 1835, the town council of every borough is required, on the 9th 
 of November in every year, to appoint a fit person (not being a member) to be 
 the town clerk, to hold office during pleasure. Upon the passing of the above 
 
 * In this year an office for the town clerk was erected at the west side of the Town Hall, on the 
 ground floor, fronting north ; and against tlie east end of it Mr. Harney built a coachhouse, which 
 was the subject of much contention. In 1800, a largo room was erected over tlie office ; and, in 
 1823, the coachhouse was purchased and converted into a room for the town clerk. In 1812, when 
 the present police station was built, the whole of these buildings were pulled down. 
 
358 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 Act Mr. Tolver was removed from the offices of clerk of the peace and clerk 
 to the justices ; but was allowed to retain the town clerkship, which he did 
 until 1848, when he resigned it. 
 
 1848.—IIenky Palmer: elected June 5th. He resigned. 
 
 1850. — John Clowes : elected November 26th. 
 
 1851. — Charles Cory, the present town clerk : elected 9th November. 
 
 COUNSEL FOR THE TOWN. 
 
 In addition to their other law officers, the corporation appear formerly to 
 have had a standing Counsel and sometimes an Attorney to transact their 
 business in London. 
 
 .Corbet, great-grandfather of the famous Miles Corbet, re¬ 
 corder. The annual fee allowed him was 20s. 
 
 1558.— Mr. Parnell, appointed 17th January, and “to have his fee 
 accordingly.” 
 
 1559.— Mr. Gawhy, (13th July,) “to be advised with concerning the 
 new charter for the Admiralty.” 
 
 1562.— Mr. Bell, appointed 11th of February, “ with 40s. fee for life.” 
 
 1566. —Mr. Thornton, appointed 1st October. 
 
 1573. — Ed WARE Floayerdew (afterwards recorder). 
 
 1574. — Dr. Brisley, appointed, 2nd of April, “ counsel for the town in 
 admiralty and civil causes, and to assist the bailiffs in such as are sued in the 
 town, Avith 40s. salary.” 
 
 1579.— Thomas Dyke, appointed, 15th of March, “ toAvn counsel (Avith 
 40s. a }^ar), at the request of the Earl of Leicester :” and dismissed 29th of 
 August, 1586. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 359 
 
 1585. —Mr. Wentworth, appointed 23rd of August, a year previous to 
 the dismissal of his predecessor, and probably, therefore, elected for some par¬ 
 ticular jrurpose. 
 
 1586. — Mr. Echard, “ to be town counsel,” 27th September. 
 
 1596.—Mr. Cooke, Mr. Hubbard, and Mr. Godfrey, appointed, 26th 
 of October, “ counsel for the town.” 
 
 1628.— Sir William Denny “ being retained as counsel for the town 
 (with 40s. a year), dismissed for pleading against the town.” 
 
 1628.—Mr. Jermy (afterwards recorder). 
 
 1631.— Mr. Reye, appointed, 20th September, “town counsel and one 
 of the quorum justices, instead of Mr. Jermy, deceased.” 
 
 1639.— Mr. Bacon and Mr. Fountain, chosen town counsel the 20th 
 of September. 
 
 1653. —Mr. Raynes, chosen, 8th of September, “to be town solicitor, 
 with £40 per annum.” 
 
 1653.—Charles George Cock (afterwards recorder). 
 
 1655.— Roger Pepis, elected, 27th September, instead of Mr. Cock, who 
 at the same assembly was chosen recorder. 
 
 1663.— John Moore, of London, appointed, at the King’s request, “ town 
 attorney and solicitor” during pleasure, with a yearly salary of £20. In the 
 charter granted by that King, Mr. Moore is specially named to remain in office 
 “so long as he shall behave himself well.” ( 17c/e Swinden, pp. 580, 581, 
 and ante p. 245.) 
 
 1692.— Maurice Kendall (afterwards recorder), appointed, 11th of 
 October, to be “ of the counsel at law of this borough, and from henceforth 
 that the usual salary be paid and allowed him for the same.” In 1704, the 
 
 2 u' 2 
 
360 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 chamberlains were ordered to pay Irim three guineas “ for his pains in drawing 
 up and transmitting Mr. Broone’s trial to the council.” 
 
 1704.— Joseph Weld, appointed, 19th of September, to he “our town 
 counsel, with a guinea yearly salary.” 
 
 This office appears to have fallen into disuetude until 1755, when it being 
 necessary to consult counsel as to the corporation’s right to metage, the follow¬ 
 ing appointment was made,— 
 
 1755.— Sir Samuel Prime, Knt., his Majesty’s premier serjeant-at-law, 
 “ to be standing counsel for the corporation, to be from time to time consulted 
 “ and advised with as occasion may require in all matters of law; and to be 
 “ presented with such a retaining fee for the ensuing year as the mayor shall 
 “ think reasonable, and the same fee to be henceforth yearly paid to the 
 “ Serjeant so long as he shall think fit to continue counsel for the corporation.” 
 It was also ordered (15th of January) that an instrument, appointing him 
 counsel for the corporation, be prepared in such form as the Serjeant should 
 approve, and sealed with St. Nicholas’ seal. 
 
 After this time no formal appointment of counsel for the town appears to 
 have been made. The recorder and sub-steward were consulted on all ordinary 
 occasions, and upon others special retainers were given. 
 
 OFFICERS OF THE ADMIRALTY COURT. 
 
 The duties of the several officers connected with this court, cannot be 
 distinctly ascertained; there appear to have been a Registrar or Clerk, (with 
 occasionally an assistant,) a Steward, and a “ Counsel for the town in Admiralty 
 causes.” 
 
 1553.— Anthony Style, registrar. 
 
 1573. — William Calthorpe, registrar. 
 
 1574. — Dr. Brisley, counsel. In 1557, he was appointed to assist the 
 bailiff in keeping the Admiralty Court. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 361 
 
 1577.—W1LI.IAM Smith, registrar. Dr. Ford, counsel and steward. 
 
 1585.—Dr. Bishop, steward. A committee appointed to revise and set 
 down the fees of the court. 
 
 1589. —Dr. Hunt, steward. 
 
 1591. —Walter Haugh, registrar. 
 
 1594.—Dr. Talbot, counsel: with a fee of 40s. per annum. 
 
 .—Henry Crossley, steward. 
 
 1636.—Dr. Clere Talbot, steward : with’an allowance of 53s. 4f/. per 
 annum, find 20s. for every attendance. 
 
 1655. —Dr. Justinian Leuson, steward or registrar. 
 
 1694.—John Carlowe, registrar ; afterwards town clerk. 
 
 1710. — Thomas Royal, registrar: afterwards town clerk. Thomas 
 Bachelor, (of Norwich), assistant-registrar : with a salary of £25 per annum. 
 
 1719.—Richard Spurgeon, registrar. 
 
 1731.—Dr. Fowle, vice Bachelor, assistant-registrar. 
 
 1740. —John Spurgeon, registrar: afterwards town clerk. 
 
 1757.—Thomas Manclarke, registrar. 
 
 1783. —John Watson, registrar : afterwards town clerk. 
 
 1787. — Robert Cory, registrar. He was the eldest son of Thomas Cory, 
 Avho died at Havre-de-Grace, a prisoner of war, in 1761. He served the 
 office of mayor in 1803. In 1823 he resigned the registrarship in favour of 
 his eldest son. He died in 1840, aged ninety-one. The Corys of Yarmouth 
 claim a descent from the Cories Avho settled at Bramerton in 1403, and built 
 the hall there. Thomas Corie, who died in 1590, was town clerk of Norwich, 
 and a benefactor to that city; as also Avas John Corie, recorder of Norwich, 
 Avho died in 1678, aged eighty-two, and Avas buried at Bramerton. 
 
362 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 ■* 
 
 1823.— Robert Coky, Jun., registrar. He served the office of mayor in 
 1816. He published a Narrative of the Festival, held at Yarmouth in 1814, 
 to commemorate the peace. He also^ issued proposals for publishing by sub¬ 
 scription, in two quarto volumes, the History and Antiquities of Great 
 Yarmouth, towards which he made considerable collections; but it was never 
 prepared for the press. He was the proprietor of the North Ferry across the 
 Bure, and of the lands adjacent (which he derived from Robert Woolmer, 
 Esq.) ■.* and, in 1829, he erected a bridge there, in lieu of the ferry; on which 
 occasion he caused a medal to be struck, which bears, on pne side, a view of 
 the bridge, with Roheido Cory, R. flio, convives M. Jern., mdcccxxix;” and 
 on the other, within a wreath of laurel, “ Oh Pontem fluvio Oarioni D.S.P. 
 impositum.” He died in 1840, aged sixty-four. A portrait of him, by J. P. 
 DaHs, is in the possession of his son, Charles Cory, Esq., town clerk ; and 
 there is an engraved likeness (private plate). He bore,— Sa. on a chevi’on 
 between three griffins’ heads erased or as many etoiles gti. 
 
 WATER BAILIFFS. 
 
 This office was first instituted in 1313. The duties are described ill the 
 old ordinance of 1491, from which it appears that the “ Watyr Baly ” had to 
 collect the dues on merchandise imported into the town, of which he was 
 w^eekly to render to the chamberlains of the town “ trewe byllys,” to be “ en- 
 rollyed aftyr the old custom and at the same time, his yearly salary was fixed 
 at 33s. 4f/. and a gown. The office was abolished at the passing of the Muni¬ 
 cipal Cofporation Act, 1835. 
 
 1551.— George Wolfe. 
 
 1555.— Thomas Smith. 
 
 1557.—Regihali) Turpin. 
 
 1576.—John Everist. He was recommended by Queen Elizabeth, being 
 “ one of the ordjmayre yeomen of her chamber,” and had the appointment for 
 
 * He died in 1807, aged ninety-six. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 363 
 
 life with the “ old fee ” of 46s. 8d., to be augmented to £5. He was to exer¬ 
 cise his office in his own proper person or by his servant, and to make his 
 account weekly; and if he should sell the office it was only to be to such a 
 man as the bailiffs and assembly chose, and who should then only have the 
 “ old fee.” In the year following his appointment, the bailiffs were requested 
 “ to confer with Mr. Everist concerning his account, and to get the office of 
 water bailiff into the town’s hands if they can.” 
 
 1584.— William Knightlet. 1605.— Robekt Vivians. 
 
 1597.— William Saxton. 1615.— John Luc.vs. 
 
 Up to this time the water bailiff had been nominated by the corporation ; but, 
 in 1616, it was agreed that he should be chosen by the inquest, on St. John’s 
 Day, who chose the other officers ; the former custom, however, prevailed. 
 
 1624. — Thomas Ladd. 1 1626.— Richard Elwyn. 
 
 1625. — Thomas Ladd. I 1632.— William Reynolds. 
 
 1633.— Richard Elivyn. He resigned, and was again appointed ; and 
 afterwards his re-appointment is annually recorded. 
 
 1649.— Samuel Smith. 1674.— Joseph Goose. 
 
 1669.— Thomas Goose. 1688.— Thomas Brinsley.* 
 
 1702.— John Robins. In 1705, “in re.spect of his weakness of body” 
 he was excused from carrying the sword or mace before the mayor. He was 
 perhaps the same who served the office of bailiff in 1678, and who died in 
 1707. (Tjde anfe p. 310.) 
 
 1707.— Thomas Arti^. 
 
 1734.— George Spilman. 
 1745.— Thomas Wethbrill. 
 1756.— Abel Clifton. 
 
 1765.— John Burton. 
 
 1789.— Benjamin Costerton. 
 1814.— John Fisher Costerton, 
 ( The last Heater Bailiff.) 
 
364 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 BENEDICTINE PRIORS. 
 
 1314.-—-William de Repps. 
 
 1325.—William de Claxton, Senior Gustos Ecclesise, Prior of Norwich 
 1326 : ohit. 1344. 
 
 {Circa 1340).—Sir John de Hoo. 
 
 1370.—Hugo de Donnedale.'^' 
 
 .—John Heveland, Prior of Norwich in 1436. 
 
 .—John Molet, removed from Yarmouth in 1443, and made Camera- 
 
 rius of Norwich Priory in 1443, and Prior in 1471 : ohit. 1471. Had a licence 
 to hear confessions. 
 
 1461.—Thomas Crane. 
 
 1473.—William Spink, Prior of Norwich in 1488. 
 
 1502.—Thomas Hoo. 
 
 .—Walter Crome, alias Cromer, was the last Prior, and was made, at 
 
 the Reformation, a Prebendary of Norwich by the charter of Henry VHI., and 
 rector of Claydon. 
 
 PRIORS OF THE CARMELITES. 
 
 1333. John de Fenborowe 
 1348. Walter de Brocham 
 1366. Hugh de Dovedalef 
 1381. Thomas Poringland 
 1385. Thomas de Herpole 
 
 1387. John de Beccles 
 
 1388. Peter de Beccles 
 1391. Richard Aylesham 
 
 1395. John Tomeston 
 
 1396. Robert Runham 
 
 1400. Richard Aylesham 
 
 1401. Thomas Tomeston 
 1405. Richd. de Rougham 
 
 1409. John Wickhampton 
 
 1410. Richd. de Rougham 
 
 1411. Reginald Lawes 
 1419. John Wickhampton 
 
 1423. Bartholomew Riston 
 
 1424. Henry Brunham 
 
 1429. Andrew Depham 
 
 1430. Wm. Stanninghall 
 
 1434. Robert Carleton 
 
 1435. John de Yarmouth 
 
 1436. John Jolly 
 
 1437. John de Yarmouth 
 1447. Thomas Newton 
 
 1455. John de Yarmouth 
 
 1456. Thos. de Yarmouth 
 
 1462. Thomas Causton 
 1468. Nicholas. 
 
 1472. AVm. Stanninghall 
 
 1473. Robert Carleton 
 1476. John Probete 
 1481. Henry Bokenham 
 1486. John Prynce 
 1497. Richard Carr 
 
 1519. Robert. 
 
 1530. Nicholas Gilbert^ 
 
 ■* Query Doveclale. 
 
 t He was appointed, in 1370, liy Adam de Skakeltliorpo, to pray for Sir Robert IJfford, Earl of 
 Suffolk, and Margaret, his wife, daughter of Sir John do Norwich, Knt. 
 
 i Ho wa,s the last prior. 
 
(illi:AT YARMOUTH. 
 
 3G5 
 
 SUB-PRIORS OF THE CARMELITES. 
 
 1348.—Alexander de Acle 
 1381.—.John de Tunstall 
 
 1387. —Richard de Bayhain 
 
 1388. —John de Bliburgh 
 1391 . —M^alter Key non 
 1395.—John Tomeston 
 
 1396.—John Bissett 
 1411.—Simon de Xorwicdi 
 1 423.—John Wickampton 
 1424.—Simon do Norwich 
 
 1436. —Henry Burnham 
 
 1437. —Jeffery Gidncy 
 
 MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 
 
 1551. Robert Sewall, the parson, 
 farmer of the living under 
 the Dean and Chapter of 
 Norwich 
 
 1570. A^incent Goodwyne, preacher 
 1573. Mr. Harvey, preacher 
 1573. Mr Samuel James, minister 
 1575. Mr. Mowse, preacher 
 1578. Mr. Hollesworth, preacher 
 1582. Mr. D 3 ^ke, preacher 
 1585. Air. Andrews, preacher 
 1585. Mr. AVilcock, preacher 
 1590. Air. AA^ilkinson, minister 
 1599. Air. Andrews, preacher 
 
 1599. Mr. Hill, minister 
 
 1600. Mr. Fleming, assistant 
 1606. Mr. Hancock, preacher 
 1612. Air. I.,eddon. minister 
 
 I 1612. Air. Alexander, preacher 
 1612. Air. AA'ilkinson, preacher 
 1619. Air. Tilman, preacher 
 
 1624. Air. Gammon, minister 
 
 1625. Air. John Brinsley, minister 
 1625. Air. Reeve, preacher 
 1627. Air. Goodwyn, preacher 
 
 1640. Air. Alatthew Brooke, minister 
 
 1641. Air. Bridge, preacher 
 
 1642. Air. Thos. AATiitfield, curate 
 
 1643. Air. Rayner, preacher 
 
 1644. Air. Oxenbridge, preacher 
 
 i 1646. Air. John Swainc, minister 
 
 1650. Air. Allen, minister 
 
 1651. Air. Brinsley 
 
 Air. AA^illiam Biidgo 
 Air. Tillinghast 
 ' Air. Job Tookie 
 
 INCUAIBENTS SINCE THE RESTORATION. 
 
 1663. Rev. Duncan 
 1663. Rev. Gayford, D.D. 
 
 1665. Rev. Christopther Spendlove’” 
 1679. Rev. Imke Alelbourne 
 1691. Rev. Barry Lovef 
 1722. Rev. Thomas Alacro, D.D. 
 
 1 744. Rev. Kenrick Prescott, D.D. 
 1750. Rev. Samuel Salter, D.D. 
 
 1755. Rev. John Butler, D.D. 
 
 1761. Rev. John Alanclarkc 
 1771. Rev. John Smyth, D.D. 
 
 1781. Rev. Samuel Cooper, D.D. 
 1800. Rev. Richard Turner, B.D. 
 1831. Hon. and Rev. Edwd. Pcllew 
 1814. Rev. Henry Alackenzic 
 1848. Rev. George Hills 
 
 * Son of the lecturer. 
 
 t lie was probably an Irishman, who came to London in 16S9, with the Doan of Cork, to 
 escape the persecution of the Protestants by Tyrconnel, and was recominendeil by the Dean to 
 Rviccecd him in the lectureship at A'arinouth, iii 1690 ; which he did. In the following year, on 
 the resignation of the llcv. Imko Mclhourno, he was appointed to the incumbency of the i)arisli 
 by the cor])oration. lie married, first, .\nno, widow of George tVard, Esq., of Great Yarmouth ; 
 and secondly, Mary, relict of the llev. M’illiam Peters, of Weeting, in Suffolk. lie died in 
 1722, aged .sixty. 2 x 
 
366 
 
 1IIST01{Y OK 
 
 MINISTERS OE ST. GEORGE’S CHAPEL. 
 
 1715.*— Ret. John Andehson. He died in 1720. 
 
 Ret. John Welham. He resigned in 1724. 
 
 1720. — Rev. Anthony Ellys, D.T). (yjce Anderson). He was appointed 
 during the mayoralty of his father, [ante p. 313). Having received an invita¬ 
 tion to travel abroad, he obtained leave of the corporation to do so, and the 
 Rev. John Prattant, vicar of Methwold, and son-in-law of “ Justice Artis,” 
 was appointed to officiate for him. In 1721, “ by reason of the provision made 
 for him in London by the Lord Chancellor,” Mr. Ellys desired to he discharged 
 from the office of chapel minister. He is described as “ a man of fine parts, 
 “ extensive knowledge, and sound judgment, with a heart overflowing with 
 “ benevolence and candour, and a most Christian temper, for he always thought 
 “ a person, though on the right side of a question, with principles of persecu- 
 “ tion, to be a worse man than he who was in the wrong.” 
 
 1721. —Rev. John Prattant Ellys). He died in 1722. 
 
 1722. —Rev. James Pitcairn {vice Prattant). In 1728 he was presented 
 to the rectory of Burgh Castle, by the Lord Chancellor ; and also to the rectory 
 of Belton, by the bishop of Norwich. In 1731, he resigned the Chapel ministry 
 and the mastership of the Grammar School; and it was then resolved by the 
 corporation, that whoever should succeed him in those offices should, before 
 entry upon the same, give a bond to quit the office of Chapel minister whenever 
 he should have notice to quit the mastership ; and if the corporation should 
 think fit to discharge him from both offices, to resign the same after six months’ 
 notice. 
 
 1724.— Rev. Thomas Missenden (tfce Welham). 
 
 1731.— Rev. John Mingay {vice Pitcairn). He was elected upon the 
 conditions stipulated for on the resignation of Mr. Pitcairn; with the addition 
 as regards the mastership, that he taught “nine hoys gratis.” 
 
 * Two ministers were at first appointed. 
 
CHEAT YARMOUTH. 367 
 
 1731. — Rev. Robert Raispoole (vice Misscnden.) In 1733 he was 
 “ confined in Bedlam at Norwicln” 
 
 1732. — Rev. Edward White (vice Raispoole). In 1783, the corporation, 
 “ taking into consideration the great age of the Rev. Edward Wliite, who, for 
 “ the space of fifty years and upwards, had constantly and regularly officiated, 
 “ and had performed the duties of his office greatly to the satisfaction of the 
 “ inhabitants in general,”—granted him an increased allowance of £50 per 
 annum, to enable him to keep a curate. Tie died in 1791. 
 
 1742.— Rev. Francis Turner (r/ce Mingay). He was appointed on 
 the same conditions as had been required of his predecessors. In 1757, a deed 
 was prepared “ to settle and ascertain ” the duty to be performed by the Chapel 
 ministers “for their lives.” In 1775, “in consideration of his age and indif¬ 
 ferent state of health,” he was allowed to appoint an assistant. He died in 
 1790, (vide note to James Turner, p. 317 ante). 
 
 1790. —Rev. John Love {vice Turner). He graduated at Caius College, 
 Cambridge, and was, for many years, rector of Somerleyton and Blundestone, in 
 Sufiblk. He died in 1816, aged seventy-three. 
 
 1791. —Rev. Charles Robert D.iDE {vice White). He resigned in 
 1802, having been presented to the rectory of Denver, in Norfolk. 
 
 1802.— Rev. S.vmuel Lovick Cooper {vice Dade). He had assisted 
 Mr. AVhite for many years. He was the second son of the Incumbent, and 
 married Sarah Lemon, a daughter of Thomas Rede, Esq., of Beccles, by whom 
 he had twelve children. Astley Paston, the fourth son of this marriage, suc¬ 
 ceeded his uncle in the baronetcy. Fanny Susanna, the fifth daughter, is now 
 the wife of Sir Charles George Young, Garter Principal King of Arms. 
 
 1816.— Rev. Fisher Watson {vice Love). Only son of John Watson, 
 Esq., mayor and town clerk {ante p. 318). He resigned the office of Chapel 
 minister in 1821, on being presented with the living of Lancing, near AVortham. 
 
 2x2 
 
368 
 
 HISTORY OF 
 
 1817.— Rev. John T’oesiek (r/ce Cooper). He was vicar of Tunstead, 
 and son of the llev. Thomas Forster, rector of Halesworth. In 1800, he mar¬ 
 ried the daughter of Thomas Wall, of Great Yarmouth. He died in 1837, 
 aged eighty ; and was buried at Gorleston, in which parish, before his prefer¬ 
 ment, he officiated for many years as curate. His brother, the Rev. Samuel 
 Forster, D.D., was vicar of Wainfleet, perpetual curate of Walpole, Suffolk, 
 and rector of Shotley, Norfolk ; and was, for many years, head master of 
 Norwich Free Grammar School: he died in 1843, leaving one son (who died in 
 184G,) and an only daughter, Louisa, who married Sir Edward Berry, Bart. 
 
 1821.— Rev. John Homfeay (r/ce Watson). He was presented to the 
 rectory of Sutton, in Norfolk, by the Earl of Abergavenny, in 1839 ; and died 
 there suddenly, on the 24th December, 1842. 
 
 1832.— Rev. Maek Watees {vice Forster). Nominated by the corpora¬ 
 tion. On the 12th of September, 1839, he was again licensed on his own 
 presentation. 
 
 MASTERS OF THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL. 
 
 1551.—Me. Hall. 
 
 1553.—The Paeson of Hahdiscoe. 
 
 1562. —Me. Dent. The corporation ordered wood and coals to be pro¬ 
 vided for the relief of the scholars in the winter, and the churchwardens were 
 directed to find seats at church for him and his scholars. 
 
 1575.—Me. Wilcocke. 
 
 1580. —Me. Daniel. 
 
 1584.—Me. Ashley (dismissed). 
 
 1598. — Ja-mes Rosy EE. 
 
GREAT YARMOUTH. 369 
 
 1612. —John Pierson, with a salary of £40 per annum, to be paid by 
 the cnstos of the hospital. 
 
 1613. — Mr. Reeve. 
 
 1614. — James Robert IIumfrey, rector of Rurgh Castle, dismissed. 
 
 1615. —James Isaac Rose, with £20 a year. 
 
 1623.— Mr. Thornton. 
 
 1625.— Robert Buxton. 
 
 1630.— Mr. Burton. 
 
 1636.— Thomas Falk. 
 
 1641.—Mr. Dove, M.A. In this year the “Free School was ordered to 
 be enlarged.” 
 
 1646. —John Hall {vice Dove). He gave a legacy of £5 to the poor. 
 
 1647. —Simon Wells, of Woodbridge, “ to be tried if he be fit to suc¬ 
 ceed.” 
 
 1660.— Mr. Snelling (dismissed). 
 
 Samuel Wilson, of Peterborough, appointed. 
 
 1663.— Henry Fox, appointed. 
 
 1667. —Mr. Bradford, appointed. 
 
 1668. —Henry Barrington. 
 
 1675. —Richard Reynolds. 
 
370 
 
 HISTORY OF GREAT YARMOUTH. 
 
 1691.—Mk. Pate, witli a salary of £40 per annum. 
 
 1705. — Eet. John Welham, Fellow of Cains College, Cambridge. 
 
 1722.—Ret. James Pitcairn. 
 
 1730.—Rev. John Mingay. On his appointment it was stipulated that 
 he should teach “ nine boys gratis.” 
 
 1741. — Rev. Francis Turner. There being at this time hut one free 
 scholar, the allowance of £30, made by the corporation, was to cease. In 
 1757 he wa5 required to resign the mastership, and to quit possession of the 
 school house. He published a grammar for the use of the school. 
 
 Jtttts 
 
NOTE TO LECTURERS, page 178 ante. 
 
 In June, 16S9, the Rev. Rowland Davies, Dean of Cork, (who had fled from Ireland 
 in consequence of the persecution of the Protestants by the Earl of Tyrconnel, the 
 lord lieutenant, who was in arms for King James,) was introduced, in London, by Dr. 
 Shar[)c, Dean of Norwich, and afterwards Archbishop of York, to Mr. England and 
 Mr. Fuller, the town’s representatives to Parliament; and on their recommendation he was 
 appointed lecturer by the corporation, in addition to the Rev. Joshua Meen, who was 
 in ill-health. He thus describes his journey to Yarmouth: — July 1, 1689. —About 
 “ half an hour before four in the morning I took coach for Yarmouth, and came by 
 “ twelve o’clock to Bishop’s Stortford, where we dined; thence we passed through 
 “ Newmarket and came to Bury, where I saw St. Edmund’s Abbey, and we lodged that 
 “ night at the inn. July 2. —I came forward with Mr. Bendish to the place where we 
 *• dined, and at about halfqjast seven at night came to Yarmouth, whei’e I no sooner 
 “ was, than Mr. Symonds and another gentleman came to me, and, after a kind saluta- 
 “ tion, told me that they were sent by one of the bailiffs to conduct me to his house— 
 “ whither we went; and there I was kindly received by Mr. England, the bailiff, and 
 “ detained to supper, after which I was accompanied by Mr. Ellis to his house, where I 
 “ lodged that night.” During his residence in Yarmouth he kept a minute journal, 
 which is highly amusing. Longing to return to Ireland he resigned his lectureship in 
 February, 1690, and, through the interest of Lady Mary Boyle, obtained the chaplaincy 
 of Lord Cavendish’s regiment of horse, in which capacity he returned to his native 
 country, (where he had left his wife and children,) and served with King William’s 
 army. Mindful of his friends, the Dean “ engaged Dr. Sharpe (then Dean of Canter¬ 
 bury) to write to Y’armouth in recommendation of Mr. Ryder” to succeed him; but 
 the wary bailiffs would only “ invite Mr. Ryder down to Y’armouth on condition that 
 he ])romiseJ to stay there after Ireland was reduced,” to which stipulation he would in 
 nowise agree. The Dean and his Irish friends, being at this time in great distress for 
 ready money, obtained a loan of £400 from Mr. Fuller, M.P. for Y'armouth, repayable, 
 with interest at fifty per cent., “ within a month after King William and Queen Mary 
 are in actual possession of Dublin and Corlc;” which they very soon were. 
 
SlnijjrititcD lip JLoiugi 3. S^caK, Clttap, ijarmoutl).—mtjcccluj. 
 
9nhx 
 
 *** For the convenience of reference, in the following Index, Manship’s History is distinguished as 
 
 Yol. i, a9id the present as Vol. ii. 
 
 Abbey lands i 421,2 
 Admirals of Yarmouth i 257; 
 ii 294 
 
 Admiralty commission of enquiry 
 ii 326 
 
 Admiralty Court (pide Courts) 
 clerk {pide Registrar) 
 counsel ii 34,7, 311, 358, 360, 
 361 
 
 -salary of ii 358, 361 
 
 fees ii 361 
 marshal ii 60, 75 
 
 -macc of i 361 
 
 oar i 362 
 officers ii 360 — 62 
 registrar ii 312, 360—62 
 
 -resignation of ii 361 
 
 -salary of ii 361 
 
 seal i 369 
 steward ii 360,1 
 Admiralty droits ii 30,4,7 
 receiver of ii 318 
 
 Admiralty jurisdiction conferred 
 ii 33,6,7 
 
 suits respecting i 258,9, 287 
 surrendered to James I. i 260 
 Albans (Abbot of St.) purchases 
 fish i 310 
 
 Aldermen i 357,9; ii 33,6,9, 41, 
 44, 52,3, 61, 76, 127, 150, 200 
 displaced i 380, 393 ; ii 87, 210, 
 244,5, 252, 304,7—9 
 robes i 364,5 
 
 Alderson (Robert) portrait of 
 ii 349 
 
 Alehouses licensed i 350 ; ii 61 
 Aliens ii 52 
 Almshouses ii 302 
 Analiaptists, penal laws against 
 ii 157 
 
 imiirisoned ii 158 
 
 Anchorage ii 20, 36, 79, 80 
 Ancient chronological table i 5, 
 33, 199, 217 
 iron chest i 213 
 map i 216 
 
 parchment hook i 22, 213 
 Saxon record i 21 
 Anne (Queen) address to ii 256 
 visits Cambridge ii 312 
 Anson family, influence at elec¬ 
 tions ii 226, 233 
 
 Anson (Col. G.) presented with 
 freedom ii 241 
 
 testimonial presented to ii 236 
 portrait of ii 437 
 
 Antiquities discovered i 204, 242, 
 427,9; ii 115, 124 
 Archery practised i 314 
 Argyle (Earl of) executed ii 252 
 Armorial bearings ii 94 
 Armoury {vide Southtoicn) 
 
 Arms of MerchantCompany ii 105 
 Yarmouth i 360 
 Artesian well i 307 
 Artillery barracks ii 286, 290 
 Artillery Company i 386 ; ii 306,7 
 Artillery yard i 383, 424 
 Astrology practised in Loudon 
 ii 304 
 
 Assembly clerk ii 50,4,5,9, 60,6, 
 3.54-6 
 
 dismissed ii 356 
 resignation of ii 3.54,6 
 Assemblies ii 39, 42, 50—5, 61,2,4, 
 mandamus to hold i 359 
 opened by a prayer i 360 
 regulations at i 360 
 voting at ii 50 
 
 Atmosphere, salubrity of i 103 
 
 Audit room i 02 
 
 Auditors i 62 ; ii 51,2,9, 62, 131 
 
 Augustine Fri.xrs 1411,427—30 
 antiquities found at i 429 
 bequests to i 429 
 church i 428; destroyed i 429 
 interments in i 429 
 library i 429 
 precincts sold i 430 
 priors i 430 
 
 priory at Gorleston i 429 ; ii 307 
 row i 428 
 seal i 430 
 
 Bailiffs i 356,7,8; ii 13, 16, 26, 
 44, 50,1,2,3, 60, 64, 70,2, 
 75—80, 193, 209,10, 247, 251, 
 253 
 
 Bailiff, derivation of the word 
 Bailiffs, list of ii 292—312 
 arrested ii 308 
 
 claim return of Parliamentary 
 writs ii 190 
 court i 409 
 
 displaced i 244,5 ; ii .304,9,10 
 duties performed by deputy 
 
 i 410 
 
 fined for not serving ii 309,11 
 maces i 187 
 
 petition for jurisdiction in Sou th- 
 town i 209 
 
 privileges i 359; ii 240 
 punished for not maintaining 
 the liberties i 172 
 robes worn by i 364,5 
 salary ii 51, 64 
 seats in church i 219; ii 144 
 seal of i 367,8 
 
 Baldock (Sir R.) gratuity pre¬ 
 sented to ii 345 
 
 Ballast Keel public-house i 263 ; 
 
 ii 95 
 
 Ballast Quay i49; ii 77 
 
ii 
 
 IJallastage ii 7, 36 
 Ballot ii 50 
 Baltic trade ii 106 
 Bar, depth of -water upon i 91,7 
 Baronets first created i 295, 321 
 Barracks ii 274,5, 287, 290 
 burial ground ii 146. 
 
 Barrel, number of fish in ii 92 
 Batteries {vide Fortifications) 
 Battle of Blenheim, rejoicings for 
 ii 256 
 
 -Copenhagen ii 282,6 
 
 -Culloden ii 317 
 
 -Inkerman ii 229 
 
 -Sluys i 78 
 
 -Waterloo ii 237 
 
 Bajming (Lord) portrait of ii 333 
 Bajdield Hall ii 349 
 Beach, landing at dangerous ii 280 
 Beachmen’s look-outs i 332 
 Beacon towers i 50 
 Beacons and fii-es i 239, 293; ii 16, 
 17 
 
 Bean feast ii 61 
 Bear Inn i 241 
 
 Beaufoy (Henry) portrait of ii 224 
 Bediugfield (Henrv) gratuity pre¬ 
 sented to ii 353 
 
 Beer brought to the town i 184 
 price fixed i 350 ; ii 71 
 regulations for brewing i 350 
 Bellman ii 76, 119, 296 
 Bells, custom of hallowing ii 141 
 Belton Rectory ii 366 
 Bexedictine Monks i 402—9; 
 ii 111 
 
 bequests to i 403,4 
 greenyard of i 403 
 priors i 402 ; ii 364 
 priory i 74, 234, 402—9; ii 145, 
 148,9, 166 
 
 Benefactors to chai'ities, &c. i 124, 
 130, 175, 283—6; ii 62 
 Bennet, Abbey of St. i 112 
 abbot of, hanged i 112 
 Bequests, curious ii 296, 306 
 Billockby Manor ii 345 
 Bishop, disputes with the ii 149, 
 151-3; ii 158—60, 177, 307 
 Bishop imprisoned ii 345 
 Bishop’s see removed from Thet- 
 ford to Norwich i 31,2; ii 111 
 Bl.vck Fmaes i 409—18 
 bequests to 411,12 
 church i 38, 410,16,18 
 
 -burnt down i 38, 410 
 
 convent i 38, 409 
 dress of i 409 
 gardens i 417,18 
 interments i 412 
 monastery i 410,14—18 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Black Friars:— 
 monastery ruins used in town 
 wall i 418 
 priors i 413 
 seal of i 367, 411 
 Black Friday i 270 ; ii 54, 62 
 Blenheim man-of-war lost ii 229 
 Blickling Hall ii 328, 340 
 Blundestou Rectory ii 367 
 Bonding warehouses ii 289 
 Bonfires ii 249, 253,4 
 prohibited ii 251 
 
 Book of sports read in churches 
 ii 165, 173 
 
 Borough, various stjdes of ii 42 
 Borough court {vide Courts) 
 Boulter’s Museum ii 103 
 Bracey (John) portrait of ii 313 
 Bi'ead, assize of ii 74 
 Breakfast for the parishioners 
 
 i 407 ; ii 155, 168, 175 
 disputes respecting ii 155 
 riotous proceedings at ii 155,6 
 
 Breweries i 350 ; ii 315,18 
 Brewing, formerly by women i 350 
 Breydon i 112, 305,6; ii 63 
 Bridewell ii 64, 217 
 Bridge (Wm.) portrait of ii 173 
 Bridge over the Bure 
 gii-der built i 243 
 suspension erected i 242 
 
 -fall of i 242, 408; ii 135 
 
 tubular constructed i 243 ; ii 315 
 Bridge over the Yarb i 166; 
 
 ii 291 
 
 drawn up during civil war i 277 
 first one built i 51, 241; ii 8 
 gate at the foot i 241 
 maintenance of ii 28,9 
 new' one built i 241 
 present erected i 242 
 temporary one i 241 
 toll formerly levied i 52, 241; 
 ii 8 
 
 wooden one i 241 
 
 converted into a drawbridge 
 
 i 52, 241 
 destroyed i 241 
 
 Britain invaded by enemies i 142 
 Britannia Terrace ii 290 
 Broads or lakes i 305 
 Broad Row i 424 
 Brock, the swimmer i 332 
 Brokerage prohibited, i 81,2 ; 
 
 ii 14, 19 
 
 Broome Manor ii 347 
 Brow'ston Hall ii 199 
 Building, predilection of the in¬ 
 habitants for i 64 
 Buildings i 26 ; ii 290 
 Bure river i 241, 305; ii 328 
 
 Burgess {vide Freemen) 
 disfranchised ii 10 
 exemptions and privileges of 
 
 i 344; ii 2, 10, 18, 20,240,1 
 fine on admission ii 52 
 letter i 367; ii 54, 240, 329 
 minors allowed to marry ii 19 
 not to colour stranger’s goods 
 
 ii 52 
 
 not to plead out of borough 
 ii 18 
 
 number of, temp. Edward Con¬ 
 fessor i 21, 355 ; ii 109 
 oath taken by ii 54 
 test taken by ii 41 
 Burghs, the most ancient towns 
 i21 
 
 Burgh Castle i 10, 11, 202 ; 
 ii 314, 337, 
 
 monastery at i 10, 203 
 rectory ii 366,9 
 Roman station i 305 
 Burial fees ii 153,4, 166, 174 
 Burials in the churchyard ii 145,6 
 Butchers i 177 
 houses for i 177 
 places allotted to sell in i 177 
 shambles i 177, 314 
 Buxton Manors ii 339 
 
 Cade, number of fish in ii 92 
 Cade’s rebellion ii 300 
 Cadiz, expedition against ii 303, 
 323,4 
 
 spoil taken at ii 324 
 Cage or lock-up i 231, 346 
 C-VISTER, a Roman station i 305 
 antiquities found at i 204 
 boundary cross at i 173 
 causeway i 343 
 church ii 127 
 
 disputes with i 169, 172, 341 
 
 -commission to settle i 169, 
 
 172 
 
 -articles of settlement i 169 
 
 173 
 
 rails ii 62 
 
 Caister Castle ill, 203,4 ; 
 ii 122 
 
 besieged i 206, 294 
 remains of i 207 
 Camden’s Britannia i 199 
 Candles, butchers prohibited from 
 making i 344 
 price of, fixed i 345 
 Capital jurisdiction ii 27, 67 
 abolished ii 27 
 
 Carmelite Friars {vide White 
 Friars) 
 
 Carriage of goods by land, cost of 
 i 117 
 
INDEX 
 
 Carthagona, siege of ii 311 
 Carts used in Yarmouth i 274 
 Cash payments, suspension of, by 
 Yarmouth banks ii 277 
 Castle i oO, 239 
 granted to private persons i 50 
 re-granted to the town i 50 
 Castle Row i 272 
 Castles demolished by K. Stephen 
 
 i 68 
 
 Cemetery ii 145, 190 
 
 -new one made ii 145, 290 
 
 Ccrdic, landing of i 12, 19, 20 
 error respecting i 2l2 
 Ceylon captured ii 266 
 Chamberlains i 357; ii 39, 40, 
 51,2,6, 85, 362 
 salary of ii 51,6 
 
 Chapel hlount (vide Foriijica- 
 tions) 
 
 Chapel on the Green Hill i 32; 
 
 ii no 
 
 disputes respecting i32; ii 110 
 priest of, expelled i 32 
 fdrapel ministers ii 180,2,5, 312, 
 317,18, 306—68 
 allowance to ii 367 
 curate of ii 367 
 resignation oi ii 366,7 
 Chapel of St. Geouge ii 65, 
 
 116, 179, 257, 313 
 consecration of ii 180 
 ministers ii 366—68 
 organ i 219 
 
 presentation to, sold ii 180 
 Chapels : — 
 
 Dutch i 58 ; ii 160,2 
 — — clock placed in i 59, 251 
 Independent ii 168, 173, 291, 
 308, 312 
 Mariners ii 291 
 
 Methodist New Connexion ii 291 
 Primitive Methodist ii 291 
 private ii 187 
 St. Mary (vide Sorit/iioum) 
 Unitarian i 424; ii 173, 291 
 Wesleyan ii 291 
 
 - Reform ii 291 
 
 Chaplains i 402,3,4; ii 112, 115 
 Charities (vide Benefacterrs) 
 Charity school (vide Schools) 
 Charles I., execution of ii 207,8, 
 326, 352 
 
 - decided on i 391 
 
 letter from ii 305 
 ring given to Preston family by 
 ii 352 
 
 Charles II., address to ii 247, 
 250,1 
 
 entertained at Yarmouth i 238; 
 ii 248 I 
 
 Charles II. entertained at Oxnead 
 ii 328 
 
 present to ii 248 
 proclaimed ii 243 
 progress through Norfolk ii 247, 
 248, 328 
 
 visits Yarmouth i 260 ; ii 247, 345 
 
 -preparations for ii 309,10 
 
 Charnel house (vide church of St. 
 Nicholas) 
 
 Charter, called Port-hois i 413 
 to a private person ii 297 
 Charters i 189, 394; ii 1—42, 66 
 deposited in hutch i 213 
 surrendered ii 251,3 
 proclaimed by sheriffs i 201 
 Charters 
 
 John i 2, 356 ; ii 2, 3, 18, 66 
 Henry III. i 2, 3, 6, 68, 198, 
 275; ii 13—15, 21, 50, 119 
 Edward I. i 3, 198 ; ii 15, 18, 
 19, 21 
 
 Edward II. ii 20,1 
 Edward III. i 355; ii 20—3, 33, 
 36 
 
 Richard II. i 138, 336; ii 23,4, 
 
 33.6 
 
 Henry IV. ii 25 
 Henry V. ii 25 
 Henry VI. ii 25 
 Henry VII. i 193; ii 26,7, 31, 
 42, 353 
 
 Henry VIII. ii 28 
 Mary ii 28 
 
 Elizabeth i 258; ii 28—31,3,4, 
 36, 42, 358 
 
 James I. i 176, 193, 224, 200, 
 338, 384, 423; ii 31—36,7, 
 336, 341 
 
 -hanaper fine paid for ii 36 
 
 Charles II. ii 36—41, 214, 245, 
 251, 305,9,11,20, 350,8,9, 362 
 
 -abrogated i 359 ; ii 41, 312 
 
 -hanaper fine paid for ii 41 
 
 -rejoicings at ii 251 
 
 Anne i 359, 362; ii 41,2, .313, 
 
 350.1.6 
 
 -cost of ii 42, 256 
 
 Cheapside i 65, 270 
 Children’s Hospital (vide Schools) 
 China manufactory established 
 ii 218 
 
 Church of St. Nicholas ii 55, 
 60,1,5,8, 70,6,7, 109—46, 281, 
 334 
 
 accidents in ii 128 
 aisles i 35; ii 112—15, 124,130, 
 131, 171 
 
 ancient song book i 406 
 annexed to Norwich ii 112 
 antiquities found in ii 115, 124 
 
 iii 
 
 Church of St. Nicholas:— 
 architecture of ii 120 
 b.achelor’s aisle i 35 ; ii 220 
 belfry ii 137, 142 
 bells ii 133,5, 141,2 
 bequests to i 256,411,15 ; ii 114, 
 115, 346 
 bosses ii 120,3 
 brasses ii 124,5, 139 
 chancel i 33,4 ; ii 116,119, 126, 
 128,9, 130—2,7,8 
 140, 175, 311, 329 
 —— appropriated to the Inde¬ 
 pendents ii 128, 171 
 chapel of Aldrcsses i 37 
 
 -St. Er,asmus ii 115 
 
 -Our Lady i 33 ; ii 114,15 
 
 -St. Thomas ii 115 
 
 charnel house i 39, 40, 83,'418 ; 
 ii 115 
 
 choir i 33, 252, 406; ii 124,140, 
 148, 165 
 
 clocks i 59 ; ii 140 
 communion plate i 282 
 
 -table ii 126,7, 130,8 
 
 consecrated ii 112,13 
 corbel heads ii 120 
 curious library table ii 139 
 desecrations in ii 126 
 dimensions of i 35 
 disturbances in ii 147, 302 
 doorways ii 125,8,9, 137,9 181 
 enlarged and dedicated i 33; 
 ii 113 
 
 falls into decay ii 112, 129 
 finials ii 137 
 
 founded i 6, 33; ii 110,12 
 g.ates ii 133,9, 145,6, 181, 252 
 galleries i 34,7; iillS, 127,150, 
 " 220 
 
 guild chapels i 243,4 
 granted to dean and chapter 
 ii 148 
 
 gravestones ii 125, 133 
 hatchments ii 140 
 hearers, no. of i 36 
 high altar i 33 ; ii 114,15,16,17, 
 119, 124,6, 143, 346 
 inundated i 330; ii 367 
 interments in ii 299, 303,5—13, 
 345 
 
 lectern ii 139 
 library ii 143 
 
 lights, bequests to ii 114,15 
 Martin window i 256; ii 139 
 monuments, &c. ii 128,9, 139 
 mortuary chapels ii 114,15, 121 
 mural painting ii 117,19, 124 
 nave ii 112,13,19,134, 137 
 Norman remains in ii 112, 120 
 133.7 
 
IV 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Churcli of St. Nicholas:— 
 notice of, by AVilliam of Wor¬ 
 cester ii 114 
 order of service i 34,6 
 organs i 33 218, 219; ii 124,8, 
 136, 140 
 
 ornaments, &c., sold i 82,3, 281 
 painted glass ii 124, 139 
 parson’s seat in ii 17-5 
 pews ii 124,7,8, 131,6,7,8 
 pillars ii 131,4,7 
 piscina ii 117 
 plan of building i 33 
 porch ii 144,5, 299, 317 
 
 -chamber ii 144 
 
 poor boxes ii 140 
 properties and relics in ii 115,16, 
 124, 141 
 
 pulpit i 37 ; ii 127 
 rcredos ii 117, 126, 132 
 restoration of ii 135 
 rood loft i 33 ; ii 117, 124 
 roof i 112,120,3,4, 134,7 
 royal arms in ii 144 
 sacred vessels purchased for 
 ii 148 
 
 sci-een ii 132 
 sedilia ii 116, 126 
 shields i 120—3,4, 137 
 sittings in, no. of ii 138 
 spire i 33,5 ; ii 132,3, 142 
 
 -set on fire ii 133 
 
 -removed ii 133 
 
 steeple ii 132 
 temporalities of i 402, 407 
 tower i 112, 132,3,4,7, 141,2 
 
 -repaired ii 133,4,5 
 
 transepts i 112, 120,8, 135,7, 
 140 ; ii 310 
 turret ii 124, 137 
 vestry ii 116,17,18, 129,136,7,9, 
 143,4 
 
 weathercock ii 133 
 window ii 116, 120,4,6,7,8, 130, 
 131,2,4,5,7,9 
 
 Church books, sum paid for 
 writing ii 143 
 Church fees ii 153,54, 174 
 fishing, dole to ii 88,9, 90, 112 
 herrings sold in ii 147 
 houses and property ii 130, 152, 
 156, 172, 356 
 
 Church ordinances ii 164,5, 186 
 plain ii 135 
 record ii 144 
 robes bought ii 181 
 stalls placed irear ii 146 
 .shooting near, prohibited ii 146 
 trees i 145, 181 
 Church and King Club ii 269 
 Chuich, new one projected ii 135 
 
 Church rates ii 130,1,4,6, 140,2,3, 
 148, 167, 170,1,2, 182 
 Church trustees ii 134,6 
 Churches :— 
 
 Koman Catholic ii 291 
 St. Andrew {vide Gorlest07i') 
 
 St. Bennet ii 109,10 
 St. Mary {vide Gorleston) 
 
 St. Peter ii 188, 291 
 
 -evening sei'vice at ii 187 
 
 Churchwardens i 357,8 ; ii 51,2,3, 
 56, 62, 118, 125, 151 
 appointed by corporation ii 157 
 
 -by vestry ii 157 
 
 Churchyard i 57 ; ii 113,15, 125, 
 
 143.5.6, 167, 175, 299 
 burials in ii 145,6 
 cross in ii 146 
 
 entrance paved i 37; ii 181 
 gravestones in ii 146 
 new part consecrated ii 145,6 
 Cinque Ports i 178,9 ; ii 66 
 charter granted to i 21 
 damage done by, to Yarmouth 
 
 i 185,6; ii 17 
 
 exempt from all charges i 183 
 wardens of ii 66 
 
 CixauE Ports’ Bailiffs ii 67— 
 80, 86, 110 
 
 attend church at Yarmouth 
 182 
 
 come to Yarmouth i 178, 181, 
 187; ii 67—80 
 
 -cease coming i 349 
 
 commission ii 69 
 dispute with i 170, 185,6, 257, 
 296, 347,8,9; ii 15, 67,9, 73, 
 
 75.6, 301 
 
 entertained at Yarmouth i 182,3; 
 
 ii 68, 75 
 
 gaol kept by ii 16 
 
 give costly entertainments i 184 
 
 mode of election i 180 
 
 officers of i 182 
 
 peace keiit by ii 16 
 
 prisoners viewed by i 183,7; 
 
 ii 70,2,7,8 
 sum paid to ii 80 
 swar presented to ii 75 
 Cities, origin of i 41 
 Cities and boroughs first repre¬ 
 sented ii 189 
 not represented ii 208 
 Civil wars i 277; ii 305—9, 326,8, 
 342 
 
 Clarendon (Earl) present to ii 327 
 Clerks of Admiralty {vide 
 AdmwalUj Cowt) 
 assembly {vide Assembly Clerics) 
 court ii 36,9, 354,5,6 
 -dismissed ii 355 
 
 Clerks of peace ii 358 
 sessions ii 355 
 Clippesby church ii 340 
 old hall ii 340 
 Coals :— 
 dues on ii 93, 134 
 
 -freemen exempt from ii 240 
 
 -removed ii 136, 289 
 
 imports of i 292 
 meters ii 317 
 metage abolished ii 289 
 prices of ii 93, 246 
 trade ii 53, 92,3 
 use of, prohibited ii 93 
 Cobholm Island i 210, 395; ii 300 
 Coble fishing boat ii 77,8,86,9, 90 
 Cockle water i 171, 342 
 Coket ii 7, 21 
 
 Coiner, execution of, at Yarmouth 
 ii 95 
 
 Coins discovered ii 96 
 Collision between fishing boats 
 ii 73,4 
 
 Commonage, disputes respecting 
 
 i 169 
 
 regulations respecting i 123 
 Common Council i 56, 89; ii 148, 
 166, 209,10 
 
 Common councilmen i 359 ; ii 36, 
 39, 41,5, 56, 65, 254 
 displaced i 393 ; ii 53, 244,5, 252 
 Common seal ii 50 
 Commonwealths i23,4, 190 
 Compostella, pilgrims from Yar¬ 
 mouth visit the shrine ii 116 
 corn tax to support ii 116 
 Conge i 57, 247 
 
 Constables i 155,6 ; ii 53, 60,4, 
 145, 154, 168, 174, 289 
 seat at church ii 60, 175 
 Conventicles ii 158,9 
 Convents ii 409 
 Corbet (Miles) 
 burlesque speech of ii 344 
 execution of ii 343 
 flees to the continent ii 343 
 gratuity presented to ii 342 
 indicts a man as a conjuror 
 -ii 244 
 
 imprisons a royalist clergyman 
 
 ii 342 
 
 portrait of ii 243 
 presented with the freedom of 
 the borough ii 342 
 Corbridge’s map i 417 ; ii 357 
 Corn exported from Yarmouth 
 i 343 
 
 fine for exporting ii 106 
 great abundance i 176 
 great scarcity of i 316 
 hall ii 289 
 
INDEX. 
 
 V 
 
 Corn laws ii 233 
 
 Corn, price of, temp. Henry VIII. 
 
 i 316 
 
 trade ii 106 
 
 value of, and quantity exported 
 
 ii 106 
 
 Coroners ii 26, 39, 40, 60,4, 14.5, 
 297, 353,4 
 
 elected by freeholders ii 297 
 formerly nominated by the 
 mayor ii 353 
 
 none but knights to be ii 353 
 seal of i 369 
 
 Corporate officers, list of i 320—65 
 mode of election i 357 
 Corporation and Test Act ii 245, 
 249, 268 
 
 Corporation accounts audited i 62 
 chaplain ii 184,6,7 
 committees ii 61 
 cook, grant for burial of ii 257 
 dues i 292 
 feast i 359 
 
 insignia i 225, 361,2 ; ii 41,2, 60, 
 .303 
 
 plate i 363,4 ; ii 3.39 
 robes i 361,4; ii 169, 171,243,7, 
 2.50,4,6, 288 
 
 seats at church i 34,6, 219, 225, 
 302; ii 127, 136, 1.50, 175 
 Corporators displaced ii 53,9, 209, 
 210, 244, 304,10 
 fined ii 53,4,9 
 
 Cory (Robt.,jun.) portraitof ii 362 
 proposals for a History of Yar¬ 
 mouth ii 362 
 
 Counsel for the town ii 337, 
 358—60 
 
 dismissed ii 358,9 
 gratuity to ii 360 
 salary allowed ii 3.58,9 
 Courts ii 71 
 
 Courts, Admiralty i 61, 257 ; ii 28, 
 33, 64 
 
 bailiffs i 409 
 
 borough i 61 ; ii 12, 49, 60,1,4, 
 105, 210, 241, 316, 336, 355 
 foreign ii 49 
 
 flee fair i 178, 183; ii 16 
 hustings ii 2, 12 
 Icct ii 36, 62 
 pie-powder ii 13, 40 
 port i 257 
 
 Coventry (Sir William) portrait 
 of ii 213 
 
 Crane i 132,3, .340 ; ii 71,5,7 
 Crew, curious letter of a ii 287 
 Crewe Manor i 341 
 Crewe (Sir 11.) portrait of ii 341 
 Criminals executed on the Denes 
 i 314 
 
 Criminals taking sanctuary ii 145 
 Cromwell (Lord Henry) present to 
 i 399 ; ii 327 
 
 Cromwell (Oliver) address to i 399 
 death i 401 
 
 head-quarters at Lowestoft i 387 
 house at Gorlcston ii 308 
 joined by Yarmouth volunteers 
 i 387 
 
 Cromwell (Richard) address to 
 
 i 401; ii 307,8,9 
 
 address erased from record ii 245 
 proclaimed i 401 ; ii 212, 243 
 Crowmer monument ii 128,9 
 Cumberland (Duke of) lands at 
 Yarmouth ii 288 
 
 Curate ii 62, 166, 173,4,5,7,9, 181, 
 187 
 
 Curfew bell ii 141 
 Custom House i 60, 253; ii 88, 
 2.52, 315 
 
 Customs, amounts collected i 60, 
 254, 356; ii 94 
 
 collector of i 42, 57, 247, 297, 
 3.55, ,368 ; ii 105,193, 246, 294, 
 315,17,19 
 
 comptroller of ii 318 
 duties along the coast received 
 at Yarmouth i 140 
 seal of i 368 
 
 Customs and usages ii 43—65, 337 
 
 Danegeld toll ii 9 
 
 Dean and cbajiter, disputes with 
 
 ii 129—31, 174,7 
 Dean of Yarmouth i 403 
 
 fined for extortion i 405,6 
 Deanery of Yarmouth incorporated 
 with Flegg i 405. 
 
 Decoys for wild fowl first intro¬ 
 duced i 287 
 
 Deep sea fishery {vide Fisheries) 
 Defenees of the town in war i 302, 
 303,4, 382,7, 408; ii 247, 253, 
 257,8,9, 263, 305,6,9 
 Den and Strand i 21, 188, 216; 
 ii 15, 17 
 
 Dene reeves i 314 
 Dene side i 68 
 Denes i 8, 122,3,4, 200, 313 ; 
 ii 287,9, 290 _ 
 built upon i 315 
 enclosed and levelled i 46, 73 
 inundated i 3.31 
 nets dried on ii 15 
 troops exercised on i 217 
 vessels drawn over i 88 
 Deputy mayor ii 60 
 Devil’s seat at church ii 139 
 Dickson (Sir A.) presented with 
 freedom ii 278 
 
 Distillery at Y’'armouth ii 274 
 District Visiting Society ii 290 
 Dock for vessels, first constructed 
 ii 108 
 
 Dogs kept in churches ii 119 
 Doles {vide Fishing Doles) 
 Doomsday book i 1, 21, 197 ; ii 109 
 Dominican Friars i 409—418 
 Dominique, victory of ii 266 
 Dorset (Earl) interferes at elec¬ 
 tions ii 326 
 
 Dover pier, sum expended on i 101 
 Dress, curious bequests of i 287 
 Drunkenness common i 222 
 Dryage ii 36 
 Duke’s Head Inn i 263 
 Duncan (Admiral) presented with 
 freedom ii 276 
 visits Yarmouth ii 275,6 
 well at Yarmouth ii 276 
 Dutch chapel {vide Chapels) 
 Dutch congregation i 249 
 Dutch fleet, defeated by Duncan 
 ii 275 
 
 Dutchman murdered ii 27 
 
 Eagle in churches ii 120 
 Eccles manor, privileges of i 415 
 Earnest money ii 119 
 Easter offerings ii 153,4, 167, 174 
 Ecclesiastical history ii 147—188 
 Ecclesiastics fined for extortion 
 
 i 40.5,6 
 
 -for immorality i 406 
 
 Education of youth a duty of the 
 State i 43 
 
 cost of, temp. Charles II. i 230 
 originally by the clergy i 231 
 rise and progress of i 231 
 Edward III..visits Norwich i 299 
 
 --Ip.swich i 299 
 
 Election booths ii 215 
 Election of corporate officers ii 39, 
 41,4, .50,1,2, 64 
 Elections ii 31.5 
 
 briberv at ii 19.5,6, 214, 2.30,2. 
 236,7,8, 240 
 
 -prosecutions for ii 237 
 
 cost of ii 231,4,7 
 interference at ii 195,7,8, 202,4, 
 205,6, 326 
 
 paupers voting at ii 220 
 riot ii 216,17 
 
 -curions trial respecting 
 
 ii 217 
 
 royal interference at ii 197 
 Electric telegraph ii 289 
 Elizabeth (Queen) visits Norwich 
 i 65; ii 322 
 
 preparations for entertaining at 
 Yarmouth i 263 
 
VI 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Elizabeth (Queen) progress stayed 
 by plague i 264 
 
 Elizabethan houses i 262; ii 202, 
 247,303 
 
 Entertainment of distinguished 
 personages i 65,173, 264, 290, 
 383, 386, 392, 407 ; ii 248, 250, 
 305,10, 329, 330,1,5 
 Epitaphs, curious ii 306,7, 346 
 Evening service established at 
 Yarmouth ii 187 
 
 Excise office refused at Yarmouth 
 
 i 385 
 
 Execution at Yarmouth ii 27 
 cost of one ii 27 
 for coining ii 95 
 for exporting wool i 335 
 for murder ii 27, 349 
 for piracy i 62, 260,1, 343 
 Exports, value of, temp. Edw. III. 
 
 ii 94 
 
 Fairs i 178, 344; ii 6,9, 40 
 prohibited in Little Yarmouth 
 
 i 161 
 
 Fairfax (General) comes to Yar¬ 
 mouth i 390 
 
 Families, extinction of ii 292 
 Farthings coined ii 95,6,7 
 coined at Yarmouth ii 96 
 Feathers Inn i 267, 290 
 Fee-farm rent i66, 322, 356, 394; 
 
 ii 2, 4, 5, 19, 20, 51 
 -remitted i 241 
 
 -restored to the crown ii 244 
 
 -singular ii 4 
 
 Felix, first bishop of East Anglia 
 ii 109 
 
 Ferries i 166 ; ii 9 
 Ferry, disputes respecting i 51 
 foot i 166, 241,2 
 horse i 79, 241 
 over the Bure i 242; ii 362 
 St. Olave’s i 217,18 
 Festival in commemoration of 
 peace i 269 ; ii 289 
 Fires ii 51 
 
 Fish esteemed a luxury ii 268 
 foreigners prohibited from sell¬ 
 ing ii 86 
 
 market i 344 ; ii 287,9 
 quantity exported ii 92 
 sold by hosts or merchants 
 ii 81,2,3 
 
 FiSHEiurs i 76, 97; ii 61,2, 
 66—92, 302 
 
 boats employed in i 77, 120, 308, 
 309,312; ii 90,1, 294 
 
 -no. in haven at one time 
 
 i 130 
 
 -— seized i 384, 397 
 
 Fisheries, boats, toll paid by i 188 
 commission respecting ii 326 
 convoy to protect ii 63,4, 255, 
 264 
 
 deep sea ii 91 
 
 depressed condition of i 394,400 
 Dutch prohibited from ii 85 
 Greenland i 312 
 herringi 6,97,8, 119,121, 
 308—12; ii63, 66—91,218 
 houses i 431 
 Iceland ii 62, 89 
 luggers employed in ii 91 
 mackerel i 312 ; ii 62, 91,2 
 nets i 76, 122 ; ii 15 
 North Sea ii 89 
 
 -grant out of Excise to 
 
 ii 89 
 
 nursery for seamen ii 84, 260 
 smacks i 312 ; ii 91 
 waftage ii 63,4 
 wdiale i 312 
 
 Fisherman’s Charitable Society 
 ii 91 
 
 Fisherman’s Hospital i 269, 285, 
 286; ii 89, 131, 220, 290 
 Fishermen resort to Yarmouth 
 
 i 22,2 
 
 foreign licensed to reside at 
 Yarmouth ii 84 
 
 Fishes royal granted to the town 
 
 ii 30 
 
 Fishing Doles ii 63,4, 88,9, 
 167, 304 
 
 -abolished ii 90 
 
 -collectors of i 357 ; ii 51,2, 
 
 56 
 
 for minister ii 89, 112 
 
 sermon ii 164 
 
 setts or stations i 112,13 
 
 -disputes respecting i 113, 
 
 306, 414; ii 52, 63 
 
 -illegal nets used in i 115 
 
 supper ii 92 
 thousand ii 313 
 Fleet shipwrecked i 329 
 Fleet in the roads ii 286 
 Flegg Hundred i 7, 200 ; ii 316 
 Foreign ships arrested for debt 
 ii 49, 50 
 
 Forestalment prohibited ii 19, 81, 
 82,3 
 
 Fortifications i 46, 110 ; ii 24 
 fall into decay i 277 
 maintenance of ii 28,9, 31,4 
 sum expended on i 48 
 surveyed by commissioners i 276,7 
 Fortifications :— 
 armoury ii 286 
 artillery yard i 277, 383, 424 
 barracks ii 274,5, 286, 290 
 
 Fortifications, batteries i 314; 
 ii 263,9, 286 
 
 boom over the haven i 48, 276, 
 303, 83 
 
 fort i 434 ; ii 253, 262, 276,7 
 gates i 71,3, 276,8, 304, 382,3,7; 
 
 ii 47, 243, 258, 263 
 market gate i 42, 276 
 military store house i 42,9, 230, 
 391, 432 
 
 moat i 68, 276,7 ; ii 14, 305 
 mounts i 40,6,7,8, 71, 418; 
 ii 189, 249, 329 
 
 north gatei 45,276,7,8,433; ii 305 
 ordnance i 47,8, 107, 277 
 powder magazine ii 269, 286 
 Pudding Gate i 42, 277, 383 ; 
 ii 217, 274 
 
 South Gate i 81,9, 276,8; ii 77, 
 108, 254,8 
 
 towers i 70,1,3,4, 275, 417 
 walls i 51, 67,8, 70,3, 107, 417, 
 418 ; ii 145, 263, 280 
 
 -dimensions of i 70,3 
 
 ——• licence to enclose the town 
 with i 275 ; ii 14 
 
 -rampired and restored i 73 
 
 Fountain, the first public, erected 
 ii 290 
 
 Franciscan Friars i 411,18—25 
 Frankpledge ii 36 
 Freedom of the borough, how ac¬ 
 quired i 360; ii 240,1, 316 
 baptized persons only admitted 
 to ii 241 
 
 presentation of i 230; ii 228, 
 241, 250, 200,275, 337 
 purchased i 225, 363; ii 195, 
 240, 308 
 
 vacated by deed ii 241 
 Free fair i 119, 178, 187,8, 311, 
 347,8 ; ii 67,8,9, 72,5, 80,1,3 
 court {^ide Courts) 
 disputes respecting i 165 
 proclaimed at Kirkley i 336 
 prohibited within seven miles of 
 Yarmouth i 335 
 
 Freemen ii 52,6, 86, 234, 240, 313 
 attempt to elect representatives 
 i 400 
 
 disfranchised ii 234, 240,1, 259, 
 elect representatives ii 193, 209 
 210,13,14,15, 233, 243 
 Free trade advocated by Raleigh 
 
 i 343 
 
 petition to Charles I. for i 379 
 Freethorpe church restored ii 221 
 French prisoners at Yarmouth 
 
 ii 256, 260 
 
 ships seize two fishing-boats 
 i 108,9 
 
INDEX. 
 
 Friar’s Lane i 270, 414,17,18; 
 ii 252 
 
 Fi’itton Manor ii 311 
 Fuller’s earth discovered i 249 
 Fuller’s Hill ii 306 
 Furlong’s End ii 257, 356 
 Fusileers quartered at Yarmouth 
 ii 253 
 
 Gallows on the Denes i 341,3 
 Gambling, attempt to suppress 
 i 351 
 
 Gapton Manor, singular tenure of 
 
 i 434 
 
 Gaol i 60, 254; ii 14, 290 
 broken open i 143 
 escape from i 254; ii 260 
 prisoners, allowance to i 254; 
 
 ii 60,2 
 
 visited by Miss Martin i 255 
 Gaoler i 358 ; ii 52, 60,4, 70 
 robes worn by i 365 
 salary of i 254, 358 
 Garrison at Yarmouth i 390,2,400 
 Gas, town first lighted with 
 ii 289 
 
 Gas works i 271 ; ii 289 
 Gatways in roadstead i 293 
 Geese not to be kept in the town 
 
 i 123 
 
 Geld, meaning of ii 9 
 Gent’s Poems ii 316 
 Geoi'ge (Prince of Denmark) lands 
 at Yarmouth ii 253 
 George I., address to ii 257,8 
 George II., address to ii 259, 260 
 lands at Lowestoft ii 259 
 George III., address to ii 260,1,6, 
 267,8,9, 270,3,4,8, 284,5 
 attempt to assassinate ii 268, 
 278 
 
 Gillingwater’s History of Lowes¬ 
 toft i 387 
 
 Glastonbury Monastery i 30, 217 
 Gloucester frigate, loss of ii 250 
 Godfrey (Thomas) gratuity pre¬ 
 sented to ii 356 
 God’s pence ii 119 
 Goft’e (Col.) present to ii 211 
 Gorleston i 435 ; ii 173 
 ancient history of i 323 
 antiquities found at i 427 
 Austin Priory ii 307 
 church of St. Andrew i 428 ; 
 
 ii 113, 125,6 
 
 -brasses removed ii 125,6 
 
 -of St. Mary i 91,2 
 
 churchwarden ii 308, 314 
 curate ii 368 
 
 disputes with i 165,6, 366; 
 ii 13, 19, 20, 21 
 
 Gorleston, dole stone ii 62 
 fort ii 262 
 hermitage i 435 
 house of lepers i 434 
 manor of i 208 
 old steeple i 429 
 origin of i 207 
 
 parish register removed ii 308 
 parsonage i 80,9 
 prophecies against Yarmouth 
 i 323 
 
 vicarage i 210, 428 
 Government of the town, articles 
 for i 355, 357; ii 15 
 attempt to change i 358 
 Governor of the town ii 208, 244, 
 294 
 
 Grammar School i 44, 232 ; ii 369 
 free scholars ii 366, 370 
 masters of the i 232 ! ii 366,8, 
 370 
 
 --- dismissed ii 369 
 
 -house for i 44; ii 370 
 
 -salary of i44; ii 369, 370 
 
 scholars’ seats at church ii 368 
 Gravestones, number in church¬ 
 yard ii 146 
 
 ordered to be removed ii 125 
 Grey Friars i 395, 409,11,18, 421, 
 424,5; ii 115, 339 
 bequests to i 420 
 church and monastery i 419, 
 420,3, 442 ; ii 36 
 convent i 38 
 deeds relating to i 422 
 dress of i 418 
 green yard i 419, 424 
 interments in i 420 
 lecturer i 421 
 orchard i 420 
 
 precincts sold i 424; ii 309 
 priors i 420 
 
 remarkable friar i 420 
 Ground rents ii 36 
 Grubb’s haven ill, 78,171,3,247, 
 334, 341,2 
 
 persons drowned in ii 342 
 Guild Hall i 52, 245 
 assemblies held in i 56, 246, 
 257; ii 39 
 
 pulled down i 246; ii 139, 166 
 rebuilt i 281 
 
 Guilds (yide Merchants' Guilds) 
 Guizot (M.) visits Yarmouth iil38 
 Gunpowder purchased for defence 
 of town i 50 
 Gunton Hall ii 173 
 Gurneys’ Bank at Yarmouth ii317 
 Gustavus IV. lands at Yarmouth I 
 ii 288 
 
 Habeas Corpus suspended ii 270 ^ 
 
 vii 
 
 Hailstorm, remarkable i 331; 
 ii 122 
 
 Half-Moon Inn i 425 
 Halfpence coined ii 97, 103 
 Hall parlour ii 64 
 Hannah (John) hung for murdtr 
 ii 27,349 
 
 Harleston, riots at ii 321 
 Haven i4,25,74—96, 101,2,130,4, 
 280,6, 91, 435 
 
 Acts of Parliament i 289—92 ; 
 ii 9 
 
 bequests and contributions to 
 i 79—81,3,4, 94,5, 205, 244, 
 282,3, 343, 415; ii 302,3,4 
 di.sputes respecting (vide Loth- 
 ingland) 
 
 dues, amount collected i 292 
 e.vpenscs of i 81, 281,9, 291,424, 
 432; ii 28,9, 31 
 property sold for i 82, 363 
 reeves apjjointcd ii 52 
 ship sunk in i 87 
 width of, anno 1602, i 340 
 Headless horses, the tradition of 
 i 207 
 
 Health of Towns’ Act i 271 
 Ilemsby Manor ii 321 
 Herbage, church tithing of ii 153, 
 154, 166, 182 
 
 Hermitage (vide Gorleston) 
 Herring Fishery (vide Fish¬ 
 eries) 
 
 barrels i 380 
 chamber ii 85 
 haven dues on i 79 
 heyning money ii 84—7,9 
 men employed in i 120 ; ii 96 
 nets i 308 
 packers ii 63, 95 
 tale ii 72, 82, 92 
 terms used in ii 92 
 wardens ii 51,2,9, 82,3 
 Herrings i 164, 188 ; ii 52 
 curing, mode of i 309 
 
 -discovered ii 16 
 
 ■-- attempt to prohibit i 121 
 
 number and value caught i 138, 
 309; ii90,l 
 
 cured and exported, number of 
 u90, 91, 305 
 
 -attempt to impose a duty 
 
 on ii 304 
 
 prices of i 121, 345; ii 23, 82, 
 105 
 
 sale of, prohibited within seven 
 miles of Yarmouth i 13, 188 
 
 -regulated i 345 ; ii 82,3,5 
 
 statute ii 81 
 
 High steward i 372, 399; ii 36,9, 
 40,1,2, 161, 200,217,‘224, 24.5, 
 
INDEX. 
 
 viii 
 
 High steward, address to ii 251 
 displaced ii 327, 335 
 election of, contested ii 325 
 list of ii 320—336 
 presented with freedom i 266 
 salary of ii 320,1,7, 330 
 Home (Earl) presented with free¬ 
 dom ii 316 
 
 Hood (Lord) letter of ii 267 
 presented with freedom ii 267 
 Hopkins (witchfinder) visits Yar¬ 
 mouth ii 170 
 
 Hospital founded ii 290, 318 
 Hospital of St. Wary i 40—2, 83, 
 225,9, 230,2, 430,2 
 bell i 431 
 
 bequests to i 404, 430,1 
 chapel i 40, 431 
 custos of ii 52, 369 
 disputes respecting i 41 
 property sold i 431 
 seal of i 368 
 
 Hoste (Sir W.) presented with 
 freedom ii 280 
 
 House of Correction i 43, 225,9 
 House of Morning Prayer i 46,9, 
 58, 249, 251; ii 152 
 Houses i 62—5 
 not let to poor persons i 228 
 Hutch or corporation chest i 21, 
 212,13, 357; ii 45, 143 
 Hunter cutter, loss of i 331 
 Huntington (Richard) testimonial 
 to ii 310 
 
 Hunton (Joseph) hung for forgery 
 
 i 104 
 
 Iceland, discovery of ii 89 
 Illumination of the town ii 257, 
 268, 281,4 
 
 Impey (Dr.) monument to ii 139 
 Impressment i 395,6 ; ii 34,7, 63 
 Incumbents ii 365,7 
 Independents ii 128,9, 167,8,9, 
 172, 223, 245, 265 
 Infangtbief, meaning of ii 10 
 Influenza, first appearance of 
 
 ii 265 
 
 Inundations i 88, 330,1,2 
 Invincible man-of-war, loss of 
 
 i 331 
 
 Irish estate purchased i 233, 381; 
 
 ii 306,7 
 
 Ii'on work, curious i 321 
 
 Jacobite conspiracy ii 254 
 James I., life of, by a Yarmouth 
 man ii 324 
 
 present from Yannouth to ii 304 
 progress from .Scotland i 421 
 James II., addiess to ii 2.52,6 
 
 James II. proclaimed ii 252 j 
 visits Yarmouth as Duke of j 
 YWi'k i 266 
 
 Java frigate, loss of ii 229 
 Jenny (Messrs.) murder of ii 352, 
 353 
 
 Jetty i 294, 331 ; ii 288, 290 
 Jews, the first money lenders 
 ii 105 
 
 Joblett (John and Betty) curious 
 custom ii 60 
 
 Judges formerly styled reverend 
 i 212 
 
 presents made to i 259 
 removed for not promoting 
 forced loans ii 341 
 Junius’ letters ii 261 
 Justices of peace ii 26, 31,8,9, 40, 
 42, 252 
 
 imprisoned ii 163 
 
 Kendall (Maurice) gratuity to 
 ii_360 
 
 Kenninghall Manor, tenure of 
 
 i 280 
 
 Kett’s rebellion i 84,5,6, 144, 
 153—6,9, 319—21 ; ii 338,9 
 camp, castle, and oak i 146, 320 
 execution i 154 
 letter to the bailiffs i 147 
 take the bailiffs prisoners i 147 
 Keys of the town ii 243 
 King’s speech, written by a 
 minister of Yarmouth ii 183 
 Kirkley roads i 78, 170, 335—8, 
 341; ii 22,4, 33,6,7, 79 
 Kitty Witches Row i 272 
 Knight, fine for calling one a fool 
 
 ii 244 
 
 Knights for the shire, first sum¬ 
 moned to Parliament ii 189 
 Labour, value of, in anno 1564 
 i 92 
 
 Ladies of the bedchamber, wages 
 of i 237 
 
 Lady’s baven i 210 
 
 Law courts, first made stationai’y, 
 
 i 326 
 
 Lead, attempt to fix the assay of 
 at Yarmouth i 288 
 Leather, searchers of, appointed 
 
 ii 61 
 
 Lecturer i59 ; ii 160,6,176,182,4, 
 371 
 
 house for ii 184,5 
 salary of i 59 j ii 163, 179,182,5 
 Leets or wards i 66 
 Leicester (Earl) visits Yarmouth 
 ii 322 
 
 Lent dinner given to inhabitants 
 i 270; I 
 
 Letters, cost for conveying temp. 
 Charles I. i 376 
 
 Lcuca, meaning of the word i 335, 
 337 ; ii9, 41 
 
 Leper or Lazar Houses i 45, 404, 
 432—4; ii 52 
 bequests to 404, 433, 4 
 chapel of i 433 
 guardians of i 433 
 Leprosy introduced from the East 
 
 i 432 
 
 Lichfield (Earl of) entertained 
 
 ii 335 
 
 Life boats i 333 
 
 Litester (John) rebels under, at¬ 
 tack the town i 143,4, 318,19 
 Loans to the Crown i 370—9; 
 ii 246,7 
 
 Local Board of Health ii 289 
 Local history from the Restoration 
 ii 243—91 
 
 Lofedays, meaning of ii 302 
 Lombards, first money lenders 
 ii 113 
 
 Longevity, instance of i 292 
 Lord Chancellor imprisons a thief 
 at Yarmouth i 163 
 attempt to bribe ii 315 
 Lothbroc, legend of his landing 
 
 i 214 
 
 Lothingland, origin of name i 322 
 disputes with i 12, 96, 158—64, 
 69, 322; ii 19, .328 
 settlement of i 326 
 Lotteries, the town’s adventures 
 in i 287,8 
 
 Louis XVIII. lands at Yarmouth 
 
 ii 287 
 
 Lowestoft Church ii 125 
 brasses removed from ii 125 
 Lowestoft attacked by Yarmouth 
 men i 337 
 
 attempts to make a haven i 112 
 disputes with i 170, 334—41 ; 
 
 ii 22, 79, 310 
 light-houses i 293 
 navigation bill ii 235 
 Ludham, bishop’s palace at i 251 ; 
 ii 153 
 
 tithes ii 170, 172 
 Luggers {vide Fisheries) 
 
 Lynn besieged i 385 
 disputes with ii 6 
 Mackenzie (Rev. H.) testimonial 
 presented to ii 187 
 Mackerel fishery i 312 
 large catch of i 98 
 value and number caught ii 91, 
 92 
 
 Magistrates i 175, 191 
 suit against i 400 
 
Magna Charta'ii 3, 4, 9, 13, 353 
 Malt, price of, temp. Elizabeth 
 
 i 316, 320 
 
 Manby’sshipvvreck apparatus! 333 
 Mandamus ii 54 
 
 Mansiiip (Henry) arranges the 
 muniments i 132; ii 305 
 education i 45 
 
 member of the corporation i 57 
 -removed from i 74, 190 ; 
 
 ii 201 
 
 writes his history of the town 
 
 i 29, 90, 214 
 Marine Drive ii 290 
 
 Market i 176,7; ii 6, 9, 75,7, 241 
 bell and cross i 176,7, 344,6 ; 
 
 ii 61, 71,5, 252 
 clerk i 344,5 ; ii 30 
 held on Sundays i 322 
 paved i 176, 344,6 
 prohibited in Southtown i 161 
 regulations of i 344,6 
 
 Market place i 341, 383 
 Marriage fees ii 153,4, 166, 174 
 Marshes i 9, 78, 88, 98, 173 
 Mart house for wool i 58 
 Martin (Sarah) prison visitor i 255 
 monumental window to i 256; 
 ii 139 
 
 Martin (Thos.) fined for bribing 
 a judge ii 315 
 
 Mary (Queen) ships seized for 
 
 i 324 
 
 Matin bell ii 150 
 Matin prayers ii 150,5 
 Mayor i 358; ii 13, 39—42, 
 62-5, 251, 3,6, 311,13 
 Mayor’s assistants ii 154 
 barge ii 63 
 
 chain worn by i 362; ii 60, 314 
 deputy ii 39, 42 
 election ii 55, 314,15,19 
 
 -amusements at ii 60 
 
 -disputes respecting i 359 ; 
 
 ii 315—17 
 
 fees and privileges i 360 ; ii 59, 
 65, 313 
 
 installation feast i269; ii 60, 315 
 list of ii 311,313—19 
 officer ii 281 
 seal i 367 
 
 seat at church i 225 ; ii 144 
 whet ii 61,5 
 
 Meetings of the inhabitants ii 261,3 
 Merchant adventurers ii 105 
 Merchant Guilds i 243—5; 
 ii 13,114 
 chapels i 243,4 
 dissolved i 245 
 feast of i 52,3,5, 245 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Merchants, marks of ii 94,5 
 Metagei 292; ii 36, 360 
 Meters ii 61 
 
 Mettingham college i 81, 281 
 Middlegate street i 419.20 
 Military governors i 385, 390 
 Military Lunatic Asylum ii 287 
 Militia i 238, 386; ii 188,233,243, 
 254, 286. 290, 304, 335 
 bounty for volunteers ii 285 
 fusileers ii 312,13 
 Ministers i 150,407; ii 64, 314, 
 364,5 
 
 appointment of, ii 148—53, 156, 
 157,8, 166,173,4,6,7,9,181-4, 
 186,7,8 
 
 disputes with, ii 152,7, 161,4,5 
 dole (vide fislimg doles) 
 freedom presented ii 183 
 hat presented to ii 182 
 prosecuted ii 166 
 salary ii 150—3,6,7, 168,170,1 
 Minorite Friarsf 'vide Grei/ Friars) 
 Minstrels and fair-goers ii 16 
 Miracle plays or mysteries ii 117 
 suppressed ii 118 
 Miskenning, meaning of ii 12 
 Mission school i 434 
 Municipal seals i 366—369 
 Muniments of the town neglected 
 i 107 
 
 Murage ii 20, 51 
 Muragers i 50, 357 ; ii 51,2,6 
 Musical Festival i 252 
 society established i 252 
 Mutiny at the Nore ii 275 
 
 Naam, meaning of ii 13 
 Names, derivation of ii 292, 293 
 Narrow waters (vide water frolic) 
 Nash’s Lenten Stufl'e i 120, 215,313 
 National schools (vide schools) 
 Naval engagements ii 248,259,275 
 Naval affairs managed by Eccle¬ 
 siastics i 300 
 Naval hospital ii 283,7 
 Navigation laws ii 84 
 N avy, contract to supply ii 318 
 Navy, importance of i 99 
 Navy, letters respecting i 395 
 Neatherd’s house i 175 
 Nelson’s column erected at Yar¬ 
 mouth ii 285 
 inscription on ii 286 
 Nelson (Lord), anecdote of ii 281 
 entertained at Y’armouth ii 281 
 gift to the poor ii 281 
 lands at Y'armouth i 269 ; ii 279, 
 280,2,3 
 
 letters of ii 281,2,3 
 
 ix 
 
 Nelson presented with freedom 
 ii 278, 281,3 
 
 Netherlands conquered ii 271 
 Neville (Lord) residence at Yar¬ 
 mouth ii 278 
 New Poor Law ii 289 
 Nicholas (St.) legend of iijll3 
 patron ofsailois and children 
 ii 113 
 
 Norfolk (Duke of) presented to 
 ii 321 
 
 visits Yarmouth i 278 
 Northumberland life boat prize 
 
 i 333 
 
 Norwich Cathedral i 32 ; ii 111 
 tower blown down i 330 
 Y'armouth petitions for the lead 
 from i 394 
 
 Norwich (Bishop of) imprisoned 
 
 ii 345 
 
 first dean of i 407 
 newspapers ii 264 
 priors of i 407 ; ii 148 
 singular fee-farm rent paid by 
 
 i 356 
 
 Union assurance office ii 352 
 Nuremberg counters ii 96 
 Nuisances i 64 
 
 Olave’s (St.) bridge built i 218 
 Oilhouses i 312 
 
 Orange (Prince of) lands at Y'ar¬ 
 mouth ii 288 
 
 family visits Yarmouth ii 272 
 marriage, rejoicings at ii 249 
 Yarmouth declares in favour of 
 
 ii 253 
 
 Order of the Bath reinstituted 
 ii 331,3,5,9, 349 
 
 Ordinances ii 43—65 , 240, 336, 
 340 
 
 made by Council ii 50 
 revised ii 51,3,4 
 to be publicly read ii 53,4 
 Orford (Earl of) entertained at 
 Yarmouth ii 330 
 portrait of ii 330 
 presented'with freedom of the 
 borough ii 331 
 
 Organs i 218.19 ; ii 124,8, 136,140 
 Organist ii 140, 182 
 Ormesby people free from market 
 tolls i 344 
 
 Ostend [Austin] Row i 428 
 Ounslow (Sir R.) presented with 
 freedom ii 276 
 
 Outfangthief, meaning of ii 11 
 Overseers i 229, 432; ii 62 
 bequest to ii 285 
 Oxnead Hall ii 328 
 
X 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Oysters, sale of regulated ii 76 
 fine for selling in Lent ii 76 
 
 Paget (Samuel) brewery of ii 315 
 testimonial to ii 319 
 Palmer (John D.) portrait of 
 ii 319 
 
 Passage toll ii 8, 20 
 Parochial library and museum 
 i 409; ii 291 
 libraries ii 143 
 
 Parish farmed or leased ii 129, 
 149, 150,7,166,7,175,7,9,180,1 
 
 -disputes respecting ii 149, 
 
 151—3, 155 
 
 value of the living ii 112 
 Parish chaplains i 403,4 
 clerk i 404 ; ii 10, 174 
 
 -- appointed by corporation 
 
 iil57, 165,6, 183 
 
 -salary of ii 165—7, 172 
 
 register ii 183 
 vestry ii 131,2 
 Parishes first founded i 28 
 Parishioners presented for not 
 kneeling in church ii 127 
 Parker (Sir Hyde) lands at Yar¬ 
 mouth ii 282 
 
 Parliament, sum lent to by Yar¬ 
 mouth i 382 
 
 the long ii 207,8, 243, 340 
 Parliamentary Reform petition 
 against ii 274,5 
 
 Parliamentary Representa¬ 
 tives i 58, 204, 225, 240,7, 
 262, 283.6, 297, 363, 372,3,5,8, 
 392, 400, 415, 417; ii 152, 
 169, 170,4,9, 180, 189—242, 
 243, 294, 303,7,10,11,13, 332, 
 342,4,5,8,9 
 
 burgesses only elected ii 193,5,8, 
 200,2,3,4, 232 
 called dunces ii 201 
 chaired ii 235 
 dispute with ii 200 
 double return of ii 210,13,14 
 elected by corporation ii 41, 
 193,7,9, 205,9,12,14 
 
 -by freemen ii 193, 210,13, 
 
 215,43 
 
 freemen attempt to elect i 400 
 gratuity to ii 197, 207 
 letters of ii 199, 200,19, 221,3,4, 
 225, 230,1, 255, 263,4,5,6,7,8, 
 270, 329, 332, 348 
 
 - respecting ii 194,5,6,7,9, 
 
 202-7, 212,222,5,7,8,9,230,4 
 nominated at Guildhall i 246 
 paid for their services ii 193,4,7, 
 198, 207,10,14,18 
 
 Parliamentary Representa¬ 
 tives petition against the 
 return of ii 213, 230,2,6,8, 
 
 240.2 
 
 present to i 400 
 
 receive instructions from the 
 town ii 202,12 
 
 robes formerly worn by ii 201 
 situation obtained by ii 195 
 unseated i 283 ; ii 240 
 Parliamentary rolls, the earliest 
 ii 190 
 
 Parliaments, how first summoned 
 ii 189 
 
 Paston letters ii 194,5,6,7 
 Parsonage ii 9, 149, 151, 166,7, 
 
 170.2 
 
 Parsonage house i 264, 407; 
 
 ii 136,167, 174, 181—4,186,7 
 Paving commissioners ii 289 
 Pawnbroker’s sign ii 113 
 Peace proclaimed ii 284,8,9 
 Pellew (Rev. E.) testimonial to 
 ii 187 
 
 Pepys, Diary of ii 343 
 Perambulation of boundaries ii 62 
 Perjury, man pilloried for i 346 
 Petit Sergeantry, tenure of ii 7 
 Petitions, earliest roll of ii 190 
 Petty Sessions first granted i 62 
 Pews, origin of ii 127 
 Phoenix yawl, loss of i 333 
 Pierage toll ii 9, 20 
 Pierage ii 36 
 Pier master ii 313 
 Piers i 91,2,3, 294, 394; ii 76, 
 289 
 
 brush constructed i 96 
 collection for repair of i 288 
 cost of maintaining i 77 
 damaged by the sea i 330, 331 
 dimensions of i 96 
 Pilgrimages ii 116 
 Pilgrims called Palmers ii 116 
 Pillory i 176, 325, 346 
 Pilotage ii 36 
 
 Piracy, cognizance of granted 
 i61;ii29, 30 
 
 Pirate, engagement with ii 279 
 Pirates i 297, 304 ; ii 9, 34,5,7,326 
 Pitt (William), address to ii 260 
 presented with freedom ii 260, 
 279 
 
 Placitet, meaning of ii 18, 
 
 Plague at London i 313 
 Newcastle i 379 
 Yarmouth i 35, 137, 221, 434; 
 ii 115, 155, 247, 295, 301,2, 
 
 32 
 
 -letters respecting i 223 
 
 Plague at Yarmouth, 
 
 physicians appointed to cure 
 i224 
 
 -tents erected for the sick 
 
 i 137 
 
 Police court ii 290 
 force ii 289 
 
 Political history of the town 
 
 i 370—81 
 
 Poll book first published ii 220 
 Pontage toll ii 9 
 Poor, badge worn by i 230 
 bequest to ii 369 
 collection for relief i 227,8,9,231 
 law of settlement i 229 
 rate, amount of, anno 1641 i 394 
 Porpoise captured ii 30, 75 
 Port court (vide courts) 
 
 Porthois' charter i 413 
 Port reeve i 355 
 
 Poultry, keeping prohibited i 271 
 Powder Magazine (vide fortifica¬ 
 tions ) 
 
 Praed’s Poems ii 238, 240 
 Prayer, form used temp. Eliz. 
 
 ii 154 
 
 Preacher ii 167 
 house for ii 152,4,7 
 imprisoned ii 151,8, 173 
 Preaching prohibited ii 149 
 Prentice (Wm.) committed to 
 Newgate ii 237 
 
 Presbyterians ii 168,9, 172; 
 ii 245,9, 307 
 
 Presents to distinguished persons 
 
 i 264—9 
 
 Preston’s Picture of Yarmouth 
 
 ii 334 
 
 Pretender, the ii 254,5,6,8,9 
 Prices, attempt to regulate i 345 
 Priest, formerly styled Sir ii 147 
 Princess of Holland lands at Yar¬ 
 mouth i 269 
 
 Priors of Yarmouth i 402,6; 
 ii 116, 19, 298, 364,5 
 bequests to i 403,4 
 mortuary fees i 343 
 Priory ii 118, (and vide Benedic¬ 
 tines ) 
 
 gardens ii 146 
 leased i 407 
 
 -curious rent i 408 
 
 row i 408 
 
 Prisoners of war at Yarmouth 
 i 303, 384,5, 397 
 Privy seals i 371 
 
 Prize ships brought in ii 269,75, 
 286 
 
 Protestant Reformation ii 147,8, 
 153,7 
 
INDEX. 
 
 XI 
 
 Provisions, liigh price of ii 276 
 plentiful in Yarmouth i 134,176 
 Provosts i 2, 57, 102, 356 ; ii 1, 3, 
 13 
 
 Public Library projected ii 307 
 Public Library ii 291 
 Pudding gate (vide Forlificalions) 
 Pulpits first erected ii 127 
 Purbeck Marble ii 144 
 Puritans ii 165 
 Purveyancer to the King ii 2 
 
 Quaker admitted to his freedom 
 ii 241 
 
 Quakers ii 168,169 
 imprisoned ii 169 
 meeting house ii 88 
 Quay i 25, 57, 130,1, 270, 315, 
 417,22; ii76 
 first paved i 132 
 gutters covered over i 131 
 mill ii 314 
 
 mill gardens i 233, 314 
 overflowed i 88 
 Quayage ii 36 
 Quebec, siege of ii 332 
 Queen of France visits Yarmouth 
 
 i 265 
 
 Queen street i 419, 424 
 Queenborotigh Castle i 199 
 
 Race course i 314 
 Railway first opened ii 289 
 Ramey (Johti) presented with 
 freedom ii 316 
 Ranger cutter, loss of i 332 
 Receiver general for Norfolk 
 
 ii 308, 316 
 
 Recordek i 61,212,372, 400; 
 ii 33,6,9, 41,2, 64, 227, 245, 
 336, 360 
 
 displaced ii 244, 344 
 election of contested ii 350 
 gratuity presented to ii 342,5,6,7 
 list of ii 341 — 350 
 resignation of ii 341,2,3,7,8,9 
 Regent street opened i 270 
 Regicides, captured and hanged 
 ii 343 
 
 Religious hooks, bequests for the 
 purchase of i 250 
 Religious houses, bequests to 
 i 205, 256 
 
 distribute alms i 225,6,7 
 suppressed i 38,9, 82, 231,421 
 Rembrandt, remarkable pictures 
 by ii 18 
 
 Repertory of deeds and docu¬ 
 ments ii 305 
 
 Reynolds’ brewery ii 318 
 
 Reynolds (John) testimonial to 
 ii 317 
 
 Richard II. visits Yafmouth i 264, 
 336 
 
 Riotsat Yarmouth i 316,17 ; ii276 
 
 -executions for i 413 
 
 Rivers i 111, 304 
 frozen over i 117 
 pollution of forbidden i 115 
 Roadstead i 107,8 ; ii 290 
 number of vessels in i 293 
 Robberds’ Eastern Valleys i 216 
 Roberts (Wm.) presented with 
 freedom ii 337 
 Robsart (Amy) ii 322 
 Rodney (Earl) letter of ii 267 
 presented with freedom ii 267 
 Rolleshy Hall ii 162 
 Roman Catholic burial ground 
 ii 290 
 
 Roman Catholics persecuted ii 158 
 statutes against ii 201 
 Ropemakers i 270 
 Ropewalks i 314 
 Rows i 66, 271,2,4 
 Royalist clergyman imprisoned 
 ii 342 
 
 Royalists imprisoned at\’ arniouth 
 ii 208 
 
 Royall (Mrs.) annuity voted to 
 ii 357 
 
 Rudders introduced i 366 
 Ruffin fish i 305 
 Rulers of the coast i 17, 211 
 Rumhold (C. E.) presented with 
 freedom ii 241 
 
 testimonial presented to ii 236 
 Rush (.1. B.) hanged for murder 
 ii 353 
 
 Saffron first cultivated i 122, 315 
 Saffron Walden seal of i 315 
 Salmon large quantity landed 
 ii 287 
 
 Salt, high tax on i 378, 380 
 monopoly i 379; ii 93 
 prices regulated i 346 ; ii 53, 61 
 quantity used in fisheries i 380 
 Salt works i 395 
 Salubrity of the town i 103, 292 
 Sands in the roadstead i 105, 292 
 Sanitary regulations i 221 ; li 61 
 Scarlet Days ii 59, 65, lfil,9 
 Schools :— 
 
 Blue Coat Charity i 234,9, 269 ; 
 
 ii 137, 140,312 
 British i 235 
 
 Children’s Hospital i 230.2,3, 
 269,284—9,314,368,381,432 ; 
 ii64 140,307,346 
 
 Schools:— 
 
 Congregational i 236 
 Grammar i 232 
 Industry i 235 
 Infant established i 233,6 
 Mission i 236 
 
 National Schools i 409; ii 291 
 
 - Gorleston i 235 
 
 -St. Nicholas i 235 
 
 - St. Peter’s i 234 
 
 Roman Catholic i 236 
 Southtown Proprietary i 236 
 Sunday i 233,6 ; ii 131 
 Unitarian i 235 
 Scottish Rebellion ii 311 
 soldiers landed ii 249 
 Scratby or Yarmouth Islatid 
 
 i 105,6 
 
 disputes respecting i 107; ii 200 
 Sea charts first used i 202 
 Seals of assay i 366 
 Augustine Friars i 430 
 Burgess letters i 367 
 Borough ii 32,6,9, 41 
 St. Nicholas i 366 ; ii 32, 143, 
 330,360 
 
 Seamen, bounty for volunteers 
 
 ii 261,9 
 
 Seaman’s row ii 187 
 Seamen impressed i 375 
 Sedgemoor, battle of ii 97 
 Sergeants at Mace ii 34, 40, 52,9, 
 60,4,71,4 
 
 robes worn by ii 61 
 salary of ii 60 
 
 Sermon on the last of the Paslon 
 family i 329 
 
 Sermon, sum paid for ii 179,181,5 
 Sessions ii 62,4, 336, 349, 350,3,5 
 Sexton ii 119, 144, 166 
 Sherifls elected anciently by free¬ 
 holders ii 297 
 
 Ship for Charles I. seized at Yar¬ 
 mouth i 383 
 
 Ship building i 296; ii 107, 314 
 Ship money i 373—9 ; ii 305,9 
 Hampden refuses to pay i 378 
 Ship tavern ii 313 
 Shipping assurance society ii 319 
 Ships of war belonging to Yar¬ 
 mouth ii 107 
 number built ii 107 
 Shipwrecks and storms i 329 — 34, 
 342 
 
 Shires first constituted i 31 
 Shorthand, early notice of ii 344 
 minister preaching from ii 183 
 Shrimps ii 92 
 
 Sick and wounded brought to Yar¬ 
 mouth i 397,9 ; ii 249,275,287 
 
INDEX. 
 
 XI1 
 
 Sick and wounded, curious letters 
 respecting i 397,8 
 Signal station on the Denes ii 278 
 Silk factory ii lOS, 274 
 Silk throwing introduced into 
 England ii 348 
 Smacks (Fide Fisheries) 
 
 Snipe gun-brig, loss of i 333 
 Soccage tenure ii 6, 203 
 Soho, origin of the phrase ii 97 
 Soldier flogged to death ii 270 
 Soldiers, hiiletting of ii 12 
 quartered in the town ii 253, 
 262,5, 274,6, 285 
 
 Solicitor for the-town ii 36,245, 
 359 
 
 salary of ii 259 
 Sonierleyton hall i 388; ii 262 
 rectory ii 367 
 
 SouTHTOwN i 208, 411, 427, 434,5 
 antiquities found at i 435 
 armoury i 286, 290 
 chapel of St. Mary i 435; 
 ii 188, 291 
 
 church of St. Nicholas i 230, 
 428; ii 188,291 
 
 -bequests to i 429 
 
 disputes with ii 35,7, 246, 353 
 fire at i 306 
 
 houses erected at i 208,9 
 incorporated with Yarmouth 
 ii 37 
 
 liable to be taxed to Yarmouth 
 ii 38 
 
 trading at, prohibited ii 36, 37 
 turnpike ii 318 
 united with Gorieston i 14 
 Spanish armada i 47,9, 74, 238, 
 302,3, 432 ; ii 325 
 expedition, Yarmouth vessels in 
 ii 323 
 
 merchant company ii 105 
 Speaker, curious speech of ii 246 
 Speed’s chronicle i 199 
 Spixworth hall ii 346 
 Stallage toll ii 9, 16, 146 
 Stanfield hall i 295; ii 322,338, 
 347, 351,2 
 manor ii 352 
 Staple merchants i 248 
 Staple of wool ii 94 
 Star Hotel i 262, 392 ; ii 105 
 Steam flour mills ii 289 
 Steam packets ii 289 
 Steward (George) killed by Borneo 
 pirates ii 238 
 Steward, offices of ii 339 
 abolished ii 83 
 fees of ii 336,9 
 resignation of ii 338 
 
 Steward, salary of ii 336 
 Stewards, list of ii 336—341 
 Lord High f vide Hii^h Stewards) 
 Sub ii 200,345,6.7,8,350—3,360 
 
 -disputes with ii 200 
 
 Under i 44, 58 ; ii 39, 40,1,2, 
 71,5,7, 152,201, 336,8,9, 347 
 Stocks i 346; ii 64, 217 
 Stone cross i 342,3 
 Storms and tempests i241, 
 329—34, 342 
 
 Straw (Jack) killed ii 298 
 Streets i 65, 270, 424 
 regulations for cleansing i 270, 
 303 
 
 Sturgeon captured ii 30 
 Sunday trading prohibited ii 153 
 Surnames first used ii 292 
 Suspension bridge built ii 362 
 medal struck on the occasion 
 ii 362 
 
 Swan Mark ii 75 
 Swan with two necks, origin of 
 ii 75 
 
 Sweden, King of, lands at Yar¬ 
 mouth i 269 
 
 Swine, prohibition against keep¬ 
 ing i 271 
 
 Sword bearer ii 41,2 
 Syderstone manor ii 322 
 
 Talconesfon hall ii 345 
 Theam, meaning of ii 7 
 Thelton manor ii 339 
 Thelwall lectures at Yarmouth 
 ii 277 
 
 Three Cranes public house ii 345 
 Thrigby bean feast i 285 ; ii 61 
 Thrigby estate i 285 ; ii 61 
 Tithes of the parish ii 176, 179 
 Tobacco, persons licensed to sell 
 
 i 348 
 
 smoking prohibited i 351 
 Tokens ii 95—104 
 circulation of prohibited ii 97 
 first circulated by taverners 
 
 ii 97 
 
 Tollgate ii 286 
 'foliages ii 6, 18, 20, 297 
 Tollhouse hall i 60, 230, 256,7 
 Town Clerk ii 36,9,40,354—8,361 
 dismissed ii 245, 357 
 duties performed by deputy 
 ii 355,6,7 
 
 gratuity presented to ii 356 
 office of ii 263, 356,7 
 resignation of ii 354—8 
 robe worn by i 365 
 seal i 367 
 
 serves as Chief magistrate ii 311 
 
 Town Council ii 305, 335 
 Town dues i 60 ; ii 51 
 Town dues office i 60 
 Town gunner i 390 
 Town hall ii 257, 290, 313, 357 
 Town house ii 152, 217, 302 
 'Town mission society ii 290 
 Towns, origin of obscure i 20 
 Townshend (Lord C.) shot ii 227 
 Townshend, family influence at. 
 elections ii 183, 215,16,17,19; 
 ii 226,8,231,2,4, 333,4 
 Trade of the town i 98, 114,15; 
 
 ii 91, 93—108 
 Trafalgar, victory of ii 285 
 Trained bands i 386, 277, 382,4,6, 
 390,424; ii 309,10 
 Treadmill ii 290 
 'frees near churches ii 144 
 'frial by combat ii 2, 11 
 ordeal ii 11,12 
 Tronage ii 20,21 
 
 'f roops landed at Yarmouth ii 278 
 Trumpeters on board vessels i 366 
 Tryall man-of-war loss of ii 222 
 'furk’s Head inn, i 420 
 'fyler (Wat) rebellion of i 317 
 
 Vagrancy i 226, ii 43, 71,8 
 Vagrants whipped ii 78, 79 
 Valencienne guns heard in Yar¬ 
 mouth ii 270 
 Venetian States i 211 
 trade with England i 211 
 Venta Icenorum i 3 
 Vessels, entries of at Yarmouth 
 ii 106,107 
 
 belongingto Yarmouth, number 
 ofi 77, 100 
 
 great number burnt i 185 
 
 - in the haven i 97, 102, 135 
 
 -. wrecked i 136, 329—34 
 
 Vessels of war belonging to Yar¬ 
 mouth i 295—304 
 enter the roadstead ii 275, 282, 
 318 
 
 fired on by the town i 108 
 fitted out by Yarmouth ii 303 
 supplied from Yarmouth ii 518 
 Vestry [vide Church of St Nicholas) 
 i 5 : ii 56, 173, 285,9 
 Victoria buildings ii 290 
 Vincent (Earl St.) presented with 
 freedom ii 276 
 
 Visits of distinguished persons 
 (vide Entertainments) i 262,4 
 Volunteer corps ii 167, 262,5, 277, 
 284 
 
 colours presented to ii 284 
 Voters’ head money ii 234,237,240 
 
INDEX. 
 
 Xlll 
 
 Voters householders ii 236, 241 
 non-resident ii 234, 236 
 Voting at assemblies ii 50 
 in counties limited ii 194 
 right of at elections, claimed 
 by Southtown ii 38 
 
 Wages temp. Edward I. i 296 
 regulated i 345 ; ii 35,7 
 Waits or musicians i 60,251 ; ii 243 
 Walcheron expedition ii 287 
 Wales (Prince of) address to 
 ii 274 
 
 Walpole (Sir E.) address voted to 
 ii 221 
 
 (Hon. Edwd.) presented with 
 freedom ii 216 
 
 (Hon. Rich.) portrait of ii 221 
 family influence at elections 
 ii 183, 216,17,19,224,6 
 War, proclamation of ii 259 
 with Russia ii 286 
 Watching ii 47 
 
 Watchmen for the harbour i 291 
 AVater of the town i 5, 111,18,20, 
 306 
 
 Water bailiffs i 3.36,358; ii 52,60,4, 
 79, 80, 362,3 
 resignation of ii 363 
 robes worn by i 365 
 salary ii 362,3 
 Water frolic ii 63 
 Water liberties, the inquest of 
 
 i 114; ii52, 63 
 -leasts of i 115,16 
 
 W aterworks i 307 
 Waveney river i 305 
 Weavers’ Arms inn i 372; ii 184 
 Weigh house for goods i 60 
 Weights and measures i 60; ii 40, 
 53 
 
 Wellington pier i 294; ii 290 
 Wells i 130, 306,7 ; ii 276 
 Wentsome river i 3,4 
 Whale captured i 342 ; ii 30 
 Whale Fishery (vide fisheries) 
 White Friars i 411,413, 425—7; 
 
 ii 364 
 
 bequests to i 425 
 church i 425 
 convent i 39, 413 
 - burnt i 426 
 
 White Friars, dress ofi 425 
 interments in i 425 
 precincts sold i 427 
 priors i 426; ii 364 
 sub-priors ii 365 
 AA’iddows’ money ii 61, 62 
 Wilkes expelled from parliament 
 ii 261 
 
 William III., address to ii 254,5,6 
 entertained at Yarm. ii 254, 310 
 lands at Yarmouth ii 254 
 proelaimed ii 253,4 
 visits Yarmouth i 267, 278 
 Wills anciently drawn by priests 
 ii 295 
 
 extracts from ii49,296,8,302,6,9 
 proved before the Dean Yar¬ 
 mouth i 405 
 
 Winchilsea,pun on the name i 347 
 Windsor college, grant of fish to 
 
 i 310; ii 308 
 
 Windmills i 314, 430; li 15 
 Wine, price ofi 249; ii 105 
 formerly imported at Yarmouth 
 
 ii 105 
 
 Witchcraft and magic ii 40, 70, 
 170 
 
 executions for ii 170 
 indictments for i 272,3 
 modern belief in i 274 
 Wool trade ii 94, 105 
 mart-house built i 58 
 
 -disposed ofi 58 
 
 prohibition against importing 
 
 i 222 
 
 staple i 58, 247 
 
 Workhouse i 229,30, 394, 432; 
 
 ii 291, 306,7 
 
 bell erected at i 230 
 VVreck ii 46, 51 
 Wrestlers’ inn ii 269, 281 
 Wymondham abbey demolished 
 ii 338 
 
 Yarmouth, among the first to 
 elect representatives ii 189, 90 
 an ancient borough, i 2, 12, 20, 
 21,22, 193,214 
 arms and motto, i 360,1 
 Butcher’s views of i 275 
 called Cerdic-shore i 12, 19 
 carls i 274; ii 208 
 
 Yarmouth commodious for trade 
 i no, 157 
 
 compared to a gridiron i 274 
 
 -to Venice i 212 
 
 complaints against ii 22,3 
 depressed condition of i 376, 
 393,400; ii24 
 
 Duke of Norfolk’s opinion of 
 i 278,9 
 
 ecclesiastics noted for morality 
 
 i 5 
 
 fined i 35; ii 96 
 first called Great i 3, 198 
 her enemies i 167,8 
 loses some of its liberties i 81 
 loyal to Kings of England i 3, 
 7,8, 142 
 
 made a free burgh i 357 ; ii 2, 
 32, 36, 38 
 
 -a packet station ii 274 
 
 -astaple port i248,367; li 94 
 
 Manship’s praise of i 102, 118 
 men in slavery ii 86 
 
 -not easily governed i 135 
 
 -noted for hospitality i 5,6 
 
 noticed in Domesday i 198 
 origin of the name i 1,3, 4, 12, 
 197 
 
 population temp, Chas, I. i 24 
 resorted to by fishermen ii 67 
 
 -by merchants ii 23 
 
 situation and shape of i 3, 5, 7, 
 9, 25, 201 
 
 Yare, river i 3, 4, 8, 10, 11, 242, 
 304,5 
 
 Yarmouth man-of-war ii 213, 222, 
 243 
 
 Yarmouth (Earl) address to ii 328 
 disputes with ii 328 
 entertained at Yarinouih ii 329 
 funeral sermon on ii 328 
 portrait of ii 328 
 presented with freedom i 266 • 
 
 ii 329 
 
 sale of his books ii 329 
 Yawls ii 107, 288, 294 
 Yeomanry cavalry ii 233 
 York (Duke of) entertained at 
 Yarmouth ii 250 
 narrow escape of ii 250 
 present to ii 248 
 visits Yarmouth ii 249, 250, 272 
 
^niiti nf Mmts 
 
 Note. — /4n Asterisk prefixed to a Name denotes that the Armorial Bearings are recorded. 
 
 A’Becket Thomas ii 114 
 Abbon Robert i 286; ii 62,103,315 
 Albertson family ii 173, 308,11 
 
 • Alderson family ii 228, 255,261, 
 
 333, 349 
 
 Alderson (Baron) i 235; ii 138, 
 309, 349 
 
 Aldred Samuel H. ii 277, 284 
 Aldrych family i 146,8, 151 ; ii 51, 
 299, 300, 337 
 
 Allen family i 384,7,8 ; ii 145,165, 
 
 172.4, 248, 293,4 
 Allen Sir Thomas i 387,8 
 Ames family i 397 ; ii 98, 241 
 Andrews .John ii 87,8 
 Andrews Rev. — ii 151,2, 7 
 Anguish family i 388 ; ii 9 
 Anson family i 208, 329; ii 222,6, 
 
 230.3.4, 335 
 
 Anson (Col. Geo.) ii 234,5,6,7, 241 
 Appleyard Henry i 106 
 Appleyard .Tohn ii 338 
 Argyle (Earl ol) ii 252 
 
 • Arnold family ii 3 )5 
 
 Arlis family ii 180, 217, 257, 312, 
 313.14, 363 
 
 Ashby Nathaniel i 400; ii 209,10 
 
 • Ash field family ii 346 
 Ashman Nicholas ii 294 
 
 -Robert i 297; ii 295,6, 353 
 
 Astlev Sir Jacob i ,327 ; ii 230, 
 306-8 
 
 • Atkins family ii 306 
 Bacon family i 224, 254, 264, 
 
 283..5,9. 327, 390, 415,22,29; 
 ii 89, 199, 200,16, 302,9, 359 
 Bagot (Bishop) i 268 
 Bagshaw Robt. J. ii 239,41 
 
 • Baker family ii 315,17 
 -(Bishop) i 268 
 
 • -John ii 319 
 
 -Rev. Thomas ii 187, 319 
 
 Baldock family ii 299, 351 
 
 • -Sir Robert i 289 ; ii 36,9, 
 
 176,7,244,8, 345, 3.57 
 Bampton Rev. J. B. ii 140 
 Banyard Thomas ii 45, 300, 337 
 
 Barber Thomas i 368 
 Barcham John, ii 27 
 
 * Bardolf family i 168, 298,9, 300, 
 
 327, -343; ii 18, 122 
 Baring Thomas, M.P. ii 2-36,8,9 
 Barker family ii 93, 198,9, 277, 
 281,3, 318 
 
 Barrett family ii 51, 95, 300, 14 
 Barshani Thomas ii 124 
 Barth William i 242 ; ii 237, 319 
 Bartleman David ii 279 
 Bateman (Bishop) ii 122, 123 
 Bathurst (Bishop) i 269 
 Bayniiig (Lord) ii 3-33 
 Beaufoy Henry ii 224 5,6, 268 
 Bedingfield family i 210,301, 32-3, 
 388. 407 ; ii 99, 209 
 
 * -- Henry ii 39, 350,1 
 
 * Bedford (Duke of) ii 121 
 Beckford Wm. ii 222,3 
 Beeching and Son i 294, 333; 
 
 ii 107 
 
 Beevor family ii 228, 233,352 
 Beketon [or Buckton] family 
 
 i 225, 244. 297 ; ii 122,3, 191,2, 
 295-8, 300 
 
 Bends, Benjamin i 360; ii 213 
 
 * Bendish family 1 229; ii 171, 
 
 212, -308, 385, 392,4, 400 
 
 - Bridget 1 392; 11218,308 
 
 Bennett [or Beneyt family] i 302, 
 376, 420 ; ii 95, 29-3,7, 303 
 Berney family i 249, 328, 412 ; 
 
 ii 196 
 
 * Betts family i 50, 86, 93, 137, 
 
 224, 239, 240, 263, 288, 422, 
 433,4; ii 85, 129, 247, 252, 
 301,2 
 
 Bishop family i 282,3, 414; 
 ii 9, 198,361 
 
 Bland Rev. Sir John i 15 
 Blennerhasset Elizabeth i 285 
 
 -Thomas i 106 
 
 Bohun Richd. i 282 
 Boileau Sir J. P. i 203 
 Boleyn family i 207 
 
 * Borrett family i 285 ; ii 313 
 
 Botetourt Sir John i 296, 410 ; 
 ii 8 
 
 Boulter family i 292; ii 103 
 
 Bowett family i 412 
 
 Boys family i 139, 187; ii 123 
 
 * Bracey family ii 258, 277,9, 
 
 284*313 
 
 * Bradford Thos. ii 310 
 
 * Bransby family ii 186 
 
 Bridge Rev. Wm. i 360 ; ii 167, 
 168,9, 171,2,3, 308,12 
 Brightwen John ii 136, 314 
 
 -Thomas ii 187 
 
 Brinsley Rev. John i 360 ; 
 ii 159—62, 168,9, 172,3, 
 
 307,9 
 
 Brock Samuel i 332 
 Brooke Rajah ii 238 
 Browne family i 210, 11,284 
 
 * -William i 359; ii 217,20, 
 
 312—16 
 
 * Bulwer family ii 310 
 Burgh (Lord) i 415,16 
 Burleigh (Lord) i 65, 165, 264, 
 
 304, 407; ii 323 
 
 Burton family ii 190, 307,9,10,363 
 
 -Willi.am i 207,10, 392,4, 400; 
 
 iil29, 208,12,15,18,244,347 
 Bury Sir Thoma.s i 268 
 Butler (Bishop) ii 183 
 Butts (Bishop) i 268 
 
 * -Sir William 196,113,158, 
 
 166, 325—7 
 
 Buxton Robert J. ii 228 
 
 Calamy Edward ii 165 
 Calthorpe family i 106. 186, 287, 
 295, 422; ii 199, 337, 360 
 Camden Wm. i 5, 11, 199 
 Cardigan (Earl of) i 317 
 Carlowe John ii 312, 356, 361 
 Carter family i 61, 235, 267, 391,2, 
 425; ii 298 
 
 -John i 373, 381,2,6, 391,2; 
 
 ii 105,306—8 
 
 * Castelle family i 324, 426; 
 
 ii 252, 309,10 
 
INDEX OF NAMES. 
 
 XV 
 
 Cerdic i 11, 19, 20, 22, 212 
 Chamberlin Chas. H.i 369 ; ii 354 
 Champion Matthew i 292 
 
 • Charles family i 298,410 
 Childe Rev. — i 14, 210 
 Chivalier Peter ii 66 
 Clarendon (Earl of) ii 36,245, 327 
 Clarke Rev. W. H. ii 188 
 Claxton family i 416, 429 
 
 Clere family i 156,7,282, 316,321, 
 412; ii 123 
 
 -Sir Edward i 107, 295, 407 
 
 • Clippesby family ii 340 
 Clowes John ii 358 
 
 -Rev. Thomas i 204, 236; 
 
 ii 188, 316 
 
 Cluhbe William H. i 263 
 Cobb family i 384,390,435; ii 261, 
 319 
 
 Cobham .Tohn de ii 25 
 Cock (Colonel) i 401 
 
 -Charles G. i 289, 400 ; ii 212, 
 
 244. 344, 359 
 
 Coke (Holkham) family ii 216, 
 224,6, 233, 322 
 
 -Sir Edward i 21,31, 212 
 
 -Thomas William ii 32, 335 
 
 Colby family i 213; ii 252 
 
 • -Dover i 286; ii 318 
 
 Coldhain family i 54, 89, 225; 
 
 ii 302,3 
 
 -John i 37, 47, 58, 61, 74, 109, 
 
 171,225, 284, 423 
 Columbus Bartholomew i 202 
 Cooke family ii 157, 214', 347 
 Coope Octavius E. ii 239,40 
 
 • Cooper family i 131, 342,401; 
 
 ii 99, 153,300,3,4,5,8 
 
 - Benjamin i 262, 358, 425; 
 
 ii 202,3 
 
 • -Dr. Samuel ii 132, 181,6,7, 
 
 365 
 
 -Rev S. Lovick ii 186, 367 
 
 Copeman James ii 311 
 
 -Robert ii 321 
 
 Corbet family i 173, 415; ii 75 
 - Bishop i 264; ii 162, 164 
 
 • -Miles i 229. 372,8, 382,392, 
 
 400; ii 161—3, 170,1,204,7,8,12, 
 243, 324, 342^4, 355,8 
 
 -Sir John i 276,372.3; ii 204,7 
 
 Cory family i 223, 388; ii 27, 
 361 
 
 • -Charles i 263 ; ii 358, 362 
 
 -Robert i 242, 261,9 ; ii 318 
 
 • -Robert, jup. i 269; ii 63, 
 
 284, 319, 362 
 Cosh William ii 311 
 Cotman family i 213, 268 ; ii 220, 
 259, 284, 312,13,15,16 
 
 Cotty Thomas i 58, 106; ii 303 
 Coventry Sir William ii 213,14 
 Cressy jeter i 57; ii 191,295,6 
 Crewe family, ii 152,7, 340,1 
 Cromwell family i 421.3; ii 245 
 
 -(Lord Henry) i 399 ; ii 326,7 
 
 -Oliver i 387, 401 
 
 Crowmer family ii 299, 300, 364 
 
 -Robert ii 94, 129 
 
 Crowe family i 180 ; ii 153, 301 
 
 * Cubitt family i 93,224,284,434; 
 
 302,3,10 
 
 Cupper Robt. ii 298 
 Cuttinge family i 382,5 6 ; 
 ii 304-7, 9 
 
 Damett family i 58, 106, 186, 253, 
 
 264.7, 422,3 ; ii 63, 89, 199, 
 200,1,2, 302,3 
 
 Daveney Henry ii 135 
 Davie Cufaude ii 135 
 Dickson Sir A. ii 279, 281 
 Domiiiicus Dr. i 224, 434 
 Dorset (Earl) i 266, 378 ; 
 ii 204,6, 326 
 
 Douglas (Admiral) ii 287 
 Dowsing — ii 125 
 Dowson Benj. i 263 
 
 * D’Ovley Sir William ii 174, 
 
 209,13.14, 243, 356 
 Drake Sir Francis i 303 
 Drayton family i 57, 247, 253, 
 298,9,404,419 , 433; ii 8, 25, 
 115, 191.2,293—8 
 
 * Druiy family i 58, 88, 95,113, 
 
 323,5, 414, 15. 16 ; ii 201, 303 
 Duncan (Lord) ii 275,6 
 
 Eager John i 252 
 Echard family i 240,324 
 
 -John i 51,2. 86. 123, 149,175, 
 
 240,285,433; ii 198,301—5 
 
 -Thomas i 52, 73, 108, 172, 
 
 240; iiSOl 
 
 * Ellis for Elys] family i 51, 240, 
 
 268, 281, 298; ii 94, 191-3, 
 295-9, 312—14 
 
 - (Bishop) i 240; ii 180, 366 
 
 * England family i 266—8, 273, 
 
 285,401,424; ii 69, 86, 132, 
 
 177.8.214.15.18.247.8.250.5.7, 
 306— 10. 312,13,329, 34 5 . 351 
 
 Erpingham Thomas de ii 25 
 Errington Geoige ii 90 
 Essex (Earl of) i 304; ii 323 
 Everest John i 306 
 Exmouth (Viscount) ii 334 
 
 Fall (the pirate) ii 279 
 Fairfax (Lord) i 266, 389, 390 
 
 • Fastolfe family i 38, 168, 204, 
 
 298, 300, 404,10,12. 420,9, 
 
 430; li 9, 105—15, 122,3, 145, 
 190,1, 293-7 
 
 Fastolfe Sir John i 10, 203—7,220, 
 
 283. 328, 362; ii 115, 16, 122 
 Felix (Bishop) ii 109 
 
 • Felton family i 240, 317 ; 302,3 
 
 -(Bishop) i 317 ; ii 302 
 
 -John i 37,58, 106,14,253,9, 
 
 422,3; ii 152,200,1 
 Fenn family i 42, 54, 92, 151, 225, 
 282, 300, 324.8; ii 95, 141, 
 150, 192,3,5, 198, 214,18, 250, 
 292,6,9,301,2,10,11, 337 
 
 - Benjamin ii91 
 
 Ferrier family i 267,8, 219, 284,5, 
 417; iil28,179,180,215,18.20, 
 255,7, 306, 310—14, .343,6, 
 354,7 
 
 ♦ Fielding Benj. ii 318,19 
 Fisher family i 261, 271, 359; 
 
 li 220, 261, 316—19, 332 
 
 -(Admiral) ii 316 
 
 -John Goate i 269; ii 136, 
 
 284, 316,19 
 
 -William i 268; ii 63, 220 
 
 241,315,16 
 
 Fitz-Osbert family i 218, 322,3, 
 388, 429 
 
 Fitz-Peter Geoffrey li 3 
 Flath Sybilla i 39,40; ii 115 
 Fleetwood (General) i >386 
 Flowerdew Family ii 352 
 
 -Edmund i 106, 186, 295, 363; 
 
 ii 3S7—9, 358 
 
 *Fowle family i 259 ; ii 214,347, 
 351,361 
 
 French Josiah i 252 
 *Frere Tobias ii 208,9, 346 
 Friend Sir Thos. ii 214,15 
 Fuller family i 107; ii 86, 131, 
 183,217'18,20, 252,5 
 
 * -Samuel i 364; ii 215, 
 
 311—13, 329, 347 
 Fursey (St.) i 203 
 
 Gappe John Atte ii 297.8 
 Garton family i 172,6, 263, 302 
 324, 422; ii 300-2 
 
 -Thomas i 55, 89,108, 123-9 
 
 -William i 50,4, 92, 124—9, 
 
 137, 284, 365 
 Gaudy Thomas i 186,7,9 
 Gent Thomas ii 316 
 Gerbrigge for Gerbergh] family 
 1 39.253, 418; ii 5,7, 50, 123 
 
 -William i 429, 430; ii 293—6 
 
 •Giles family i 95,7, 105. 138,177, 
 251,4.34; ii 68, 75 302,3,5 
 
XV i 
 
 INDEX OF NAMES. 
 
 Glover (Dr.) ii 63 
 Goate family i 240 
 Goddard Godfrey i 242 
 Godfrey family i 342 
 
 • -thomaaii 27. 39, 100, 252,5, 
 
 311.12.14.17, 356,9 
 Godwin (Earl) ii 12 
 Goffe (Colonel) i 392,400 ; 
 ii 209—12, 307 
 
 Goldsniid Francis H. ii 2.39,40 
 •Goocli family ii 128, 177, 210, 
 222. 250,2, 267,8,306-11, 317 
 
 -Sir Edward S. ii 311 
 
 Gostlin^ AVm. ii 130, 150,3,5—7, 
 166,7, 174-9 
 
 Gourlay David A. i 269; ii319 
 Gower Robert ii 306 
 Greenwood family i 261, 390 ; 
 ii 276 
 
 • -John i 61, 73, 106, 114, 220, 
 
 261; 303,4 
 Grey (Bishop) ii 3 
 
 • Grice family i 149, 186,218, 257, 
 
 263,364; ii 63, 133,199, 201, 
 301,313 
 
 Grout and Company ii 108, 274 
 Guert (Earl) i 208 
 Guizot (Mons.) ii 138 
 Gunn Rev. John i 204: ii 112 
 Gunthorpe Matthew ii 285 
 Gurney family i 247, 327,388 ; 
 ii 133,312 
 
 -and Company ii 277 
 
 -Hudson i 214 
 
 -- John i 207 
 
 t* Gwyn family ii 341,2 
 
 -Ryce i 61, 372 ; ii 341 
 
 Haddiscoe (Prior ot) i 33, 217 
 Hakewill J. H. ii 137,8 
 
 • Hall [or Halle] family i 221, 
 
 266, 273, 282,4,5, 404; ii 62, 
 191,2,293,6,7,9, 309,10 
 Hammond family ii 147 
 Hampden John i 378 
 Hannah John i 314 ; ii 27 
 
 • Hanvill family ii 7 
 Harbord Hon. Edw. ii 230,1,2 
 
 • Harborne [or Harbrown] Wm. 
 
 i 36, 73, 86,7, 106, 123, 186, 
 224, 283; ii 199, 301,2 
 Harcourt family ii 197, 338 
 
 • Hardware George i 61,114,262,5, 
 
 375 ; ii 202,3, 304 
 Harmer family i 267,396; ii .308,15 
 Harnset (Bishop) i 265; ii 202 
 Harrod Henry i 203 ; ii 94 
 Harvey Robert i 208 
 Hastings .family i 298,9; ii 306,8 
 
 - Joseph it 107 
 
 Haugh Walter i44; ii 361 
 
 Haveningliam Sir A. i 106, 265 
 Havyrland Prior John ii 298 
 Haylett Christopher i 123,175, 
 431; ii 95 
 
 Hayter (Bishop) i 268 
 Herbert (Bishop) i 32, 402; 
 ii 109—12 
 
 Hewling family ii 217 
 Heydon Sir Christopher i 96, 113, 
 158, 166, 326 ; ii 324 
 Hills Rev. George i 234, 409 ; 
 ii 137, 188 
 
 Hinds (Bishop) i 235, 269 
 
 * Hobart Sir Henry i 265 ; ii 152, 
 
 201,2, 310 
 
 - Sir James i 218,357 ; ii 340 
 
 -Sir John i 289 ; ii 209, 248, 
 
 332 
 
 Holland Philemon i 5, 199 
 Home (Earl of) ii 316 
 Homfray Rev. John i 250; ii 180 
 
 • Hoo, Sir John de i 164, 406; 
 
 ii 116, 364 
 
 -Stephen de ii 293 
 
 -Thomas de i 406; ii 116, 364 
 
 Hood (Lord) ii 267 
 Hook Ur. F. W. i 2-35; ii 188 
 Hopkins (the witchfinder) i 273,4; 
 ii 170 
 
 Horne (Bishop) i 269 
 
 * Horsley Thos. ii 314 
 Hoste family ii 280 * 
 
 Howard family i 279,80 
 Howe (Lord) ii 266 
 
 • -Col. Stephen ii 226,7.8 
 
 Hume Joseph, M P. i 242, 294 
 Huntington Richard i 282; ii 39, 
 
 96, 176,214,15, 310, 327 
 Hunton Joseph ii 104 
 Hurry family 1235, 302 ; ii 220,4,9 
 261, 349 
 
 fmpey Dr. ii 139 
 
 Ingram family i 285, 424 ; ii 307 
 
 • Ireton (General) i 202, 386, 
 
 390,2; ii 308 
 Ives family ii 220 
 -John i 203, 216 
 
 Jacob John ii 228 
 
 -William ii 230—2 
 
 Jeggon (Bishop) i 59, 250,1; 
 ii 153, 339 
 
 * Jenny family i 61 ; ii 123, 203 
 
 347,351-3,3-59 
 
 -John ii 194,5, 212 
 
 Jermyn family ii 369 
 Jermyn and Mack ii 107 
 Jernegan [or Jerningham] family 
 i 218, 323—5, 388 
 
 Jernegan [or Jerningham] Sir H. 
 i 158, 165—7, 170, 241,323 
 
 -Sir John i 173, 282 
 
 Jessope Francis i 388 ; ii 125 
 Joblett John and Betty ii 60 
 
 • Joddrell family ii 227—9, 348,9 
 Johnson family i 47,223, 237,8, 
 
 260,6 382,6 ; ii 79, 128,204, 
 305,6,9,10 
 
 -Goddard ii 97 
 
 -Sir James i 238, 289; ii 176,7, 
 
 214,247,8,252 
 
 -Joyse i 93, 96 
 
 -William i 238 ; ii 319 
 
 Jolly Benjamin i 286 
 Jordan Abraham ii 140 
 
 • Keene Nicholas i 92; ii 301,302 
 
 • Kendall Maurice ii 346,351.9 
 Kett family i 144,6,8, 151,4, 175, 
 
 319,20; ii 338 
 Keymer John ii 132 
 Killett family i 343 ; ii 220 
 
 -Samuel i 323,362 ; ii 315,331 
 
 King Thomas Wm. ii 120,1,3, 137 
 Kisbee (Capt.) i 334 
 
 Lacon and Co. i 307 ; ii 277 
 
 • Lacon family i 233, 269, 286, 
 
 314; ii 232—5, 281,5, 297, 
 314,18,19 
 
 -Sir Edmund ii 63, 222,6, 
 
 230,1, 272,333 
 
 -Sir E. H K. ii 242 
 
 -John E. ii 136, 241 
 
 -John M. 1 242,253; ii 319 
 
 -William S. i 334 
 
 Lampet Ralph i 42, 225 ; ii 299 
 Lancaster Robert i 359; ii 317 
 Larke Capt. William ii 287 
 Leathes Henry i 218 
 Leicester (Earl of) i 65, 264, 372 
 407 ; ii 200, 325, 358 
 
 • Leighton Sir T. i 47, 74,237,265 
 Leng (Bishop) i 268 
 
 Le Neve family i 413,423 ; ii 296 
 Lennox (Lord Arthur) ii 239, 240, 
 L’Estrange family i 388 ; ii 306 
 Lettis Thomas ii 9l 
 
 • Lichfield (Earl) ii335 
 Lloyd (Bishop) i 267 
 Littester John i 143. 318 
 Loftus (Major) ii228, 232,3 
 Lombe Edward ii 348 
 *Longe family ii 312, 346, .351 
 Lothbroc i 214,322 
 
 Love family ii 220,316 
 
 -Barry i 268, 363 ; ii 314 
 
 -Rev. Barry i 250 ; ii 179, 
 
 180—2,314 
 
INDEX OF NAMES. 
 
 XVll 
 
 * Loveday family i 106; ii 75,302 
 Lovegold family ii 293, 301 
 Lucas family i282, SIO, 401, 435 ; 
 
 ii 95, 296,7, 305,7, 363 
 Luson Hewling i 391,401; 
 
 ii 217,18, 220,2, 357 
 Lushington Stephen ii 230,1,2 
 
 Mackenzie Rev. H. i 219,234, 256, 
 408 : ii 135,6,7,9, 187,8 
 Macra Dr. i 219; ii 143, 181, 365 
 M'Cullagh W. Torrens ii 66, 242 
 Manby Capt. G. W. i 278, 333,4 ; 
 ii 287 
 
 Manclark Rev. John ii 183, 365 
 Manny Sir Walter i 299; ii 121 
 Manship Henry senior i 89, 93, 
 106', 213, 245 
 
 -Henry junior i 213,14, 316, 
 
 414,15 ; ii 354 
 
 * Mapes Francis ii 162 
 
 Marsh family i 219,270,294; ii319 
 
 Mason{Colonel)ii 139 
 
 Martin [or Martyn] family ii 299 
 
 -Elizabeth ii 27 
 
 - Sarah i 255,6 ; ii 139 
 
 -Thos. i 253 ; ii 241, 315,16,330 
 
 -“ Tom” i 214 
 
 Mayes Thomas ii 285 
 Meall Louis A. i 384 
 Medowe Thos. i 284,358,9,375,6; 
 ii 304, 327,9 
 
 * -Sir Thomas i 209,266,7 ; 
 
 ii 156, 166, 173,7,214,244,7, 
 250.2,297, 305,7,10.11 
 Meen Rev. .Toshua ii 176,8, 182, 
 306, 371 
 Meke — i 433,4 
 Merewetlier, Serjeant ii 349 
 Michael — i 119 
 Middleton (Bishop) ii 18, 113 
 Miles (the painter) i 246 
 
 * Milles family ii 314, 336 
 Moore [or Mawe] family i 84,9, 
 
 92, 144, 155, 2.32, 281,2, 324, 
 414, 420, 433; ii 51, 105,15, 
 292—6, 301,2 
 
 -(Bishop) i 267 
 
 -John ii 36, 245,6, 359 
 
 * Morley (Baron) ii 122 
 
 * Mortlock family ii 319 
 
 Napier, Admiral Sir C. ii 242, 
 266, 287 
 
 Nashe Thomas i 264, 313 
 Neckham Alexander i 4 
 Nelson ( Lord)i 269; ii 278—83,286 
 Neve Jeffrey ii 304 
 Nevill Alexander i 145 
 Neville Sir William i 300 
 
 Neville (Lord) ii 278 
 Norfolk (Duke of) i 278,9; ii 321 
 Norfor John ii 316 
 
 * Norgate family ii 305 
 
 --Robert i 358 ; ii 205—7 
 
 Northumberland(Earl)i 266; ii 205 
 Nottingham (Earl) i 304; ii 324,5 
 
 Offord DufReld i 334 
 Oldcastle Sir John i 206 
 
 * Onley family ii 199, 314 
 Opie Amelia ii 349 
 Orford (Earls of) ii 330,1,4,5 
 Ormesby family i 411 
 Ormonde (Earl of) i 233, 381 
 Orsborne James ii 89 • 
 
 -(Lord S. G.) i 208,388,9 ; ii 9 
 
 -Thomas ii 152,55 
 
 Ounslotv (Admiral) ii 275,6 
 
 -(Right Hon.) i 268 
 
 Owner Edward i 131,2, 229, 232, 
 302, 348,9, 378, 381, 421, 434 ; 
 ii 101, 169, 302,4,7, 304—7 
 
 -Ralph ii 355 
 
 Oxney William i 41, 51, 404, 433 ; 
 ii 115, 191,2, 206—8 
 
 Paget Sami, i 255 ; ii 277, 284,319 
 -James i 200 
 
 * Palgrave family i 81 ; ii 212, 
 
 230, 3F7—19 
 
 -Sir John ii 243 
 
 -William i 252, 268; ii 267 
 
 -- William, jiin. i 269 ; ii 283 
 
 Palmer family i 172,261,348, 383 ; 
 ii 107, 199,220,9, 261, 284, 300,1 
 
 - Ambrose ii 108 
 
 -Chas. John i 261 ; ii 187, 319 
 
 -George Danby i 416 
 
 -Henry ii 358 
 
 * -John Danby i 236, 274; 
 
 ii 55, 319, 335 
 
 -Nathaniel ii 107, 334,350 
 
 -Samuel i 208 ; ii 319 
 
 -Sir Thos. i 300,1, 320,1,422 
 
 -Wm. Danby i262; ii 55,291 
 
 -William Hurry ii 136,7,319 
 
 Parker Sir Geo. i 267 
 
 -Sir Hyde ii 282 
 
 I Parkhurst (Bishop) i 265 ; ii 150 
 
 * Paston family i 39, 168, 172—4, 
 
 206-9, 212, 264,271,282,301, 
 319,324,328,9,362, 412,15,22 ; 
 ii 8,62, 123, 148, 186, 194,6,7, 
 226, 240,251, 298,327,8,9, 339 
 Pearson John i 45 ; ii 369 
 
 * Pell, Ralph i 285; ii 36, 356 
 Pellew Rev. Edward i 234; ii 131, 
 
 187, 334 
 
 Pembroke (Earl of) ii 3 
 
 Perebrown John i 297,8,9 , 326; 
 
 ii 5,190, 247, 253, 294,5 
 Peto Sir Samuel M. i 208, 389 
 Pettett Alfred i 252 
 Pilgrim Godfrey i 38 
 Pitcairn Rev. Robt. i 232 
 
 * Pitt Thomas ii 317 
 
 Ponyett [or Pongett] Jeffery i 37, 
 224, 265, 302, 423; ii 68, 
 70,5,6,8, 202, 303 
 Port, Adam de ii 5 
 
 * Potts Sir John i 388 ; ii 213,243 
 Powlett family ii 229 
 
 Praed Wm. Mackworth, M.P. 
 ii 236,7,8 
 
 Prentice Wm. ii 237 
 
 * Preston family i 229, 400, 435; 
 
 ii 171,3,209,10, 244,261,308, 
 348, 350,1,2 
 
 -Edmund i 269 ; ii 284,31 
 
 -Frederick ii 107 
 
 -Jacob i 269, 270; ii 318,19, 
 
 347, 351 
 
 -John 1230,263,417; iil07, 
 
 252 , 312,18,19 
 
 -Isaac i 261,6 ; ii 136, 284, 
 
 318,19 
 
 -Isaac, jun. i 261,9 ; ii 319 
 
 Prime Sir Sami, ii 360 
 
 Ramey family ii 220 
 
 * -J.i365; ii 231,315-17,357 
 
 * Ramsey Ralph ii 297 
 
 * Randall Wm. i 283 ; ii 213 
 Randolf family i 299; ii 293—5 
 Redwald (King) iil09 
 Reynolds family i 386 
 
 -Francis R. i 254, 269; ii 54, 
 
 103,4, 139, 317—19 
 
 * -John i 268; ii 223,5, 
 
 263,4,6,7,8,317,18,332 
 
 -Sir Joshua i 246 
 
 -William C. i 203 
 
 -(Bishop) 1266 
 
 Richardson (Chief Justice) i 294 
 376 ; ii 17 f, 332,347,3i)6 
 
 -John ii 106 
 
 Richmond (Earl) ii 19, 21 
 
 * Riddell family ii 314 
 Rix Samuel W. i 213 
 Roberts William i 58, 202, 239, 
 
 422,3; ii 337 
 
 Robins family ii 304,5,8, 310,12 
 
 -John 1267,377, 385 ; ii 363 
 
 Robsart Sir John ii 331 
 Rodney (Lord) ii 266,7 
 Rogers Catherine i 43, 124—9; 
 ii 64 
 
 Rolfe Rev. S. C. E. N. ii 97 
 I • Roope John ii 314 
 
XVlll 
 
 Rose Henry ii 190,1, 294',5 
 Rouse Sir Reginald i 239 
 Royal John i 346 
 
 -Thomas ii 357, 361 
 
 Rumbold C. E., M.P.,ii233—9, 
 241,2 
 
 Rush James B. ii 352, 353 
 
 Salisbury (Earl of) ii 4 
 
 • Sambmoke family ii 335 
 Sandars Joseph M.P. ii 241,2 
 Sandys J. Thos. ii 226 
 Saunders SirChas. ii 222 
 Sayers family i 223,285,332; 
 
 ii 209, 261, 284, 315 
 -Christopher i 261 
 
 • Scales (Lord) i 205, 300,18, 362 ; 
 
 iil22 
 
 Shave William ii 115, 301 
 Shelly John ii 237,241, 284 
 
 • Shelton family i 106, 294, 323 
 Sherlock (Bishop) ii 311 
 Shiers Sir H. i 290 
 
 Sidler Thos. ii 296 
 
 Sigebert (King) i 203 
 
 Silvers Brightin i 334 
 
 Sondes (Baron) ii 336 
 
 Smith Joshua ii 314 
 
 Smyth Dr. ii 128, 184,5 
 
 Somes Joseph ii 239 
 
 •Southwellfamily ii 148,195,6,240 
 
 Sowell Robert i 407 ; ii 149 
 
 Sparrow (Bishop) i 266 
 
 Speck Anthony ii 205—7, 305, 355 
 
 Speed John i 6, 199 
 
 Spelman Wm. i 278 
 
 Spencer (Bishop) i 318 ; ii 121 
 
 • Spendlove family ii 176 
 -Rev. C. ii 176, 306 
 
 Spilman Geo. ii 101, 307,12, 363 
 •Spurgeon John i 250; ii 54,5 
 241,264, 312,13,357,361 
 Stalham Stephen de i 256 
 Stanley (Bishop) ii 137,8, 146 
 
 • Stanton family i 58, 95, 303; 
 
 iiSll 
 
 -Hen, i 174,420,3,5: ii 68, 303 
 
 Stead Patrick ii 38 
 Steele Edwd. i 219 
 Stevenson Matthew i 263 
 Steward family ii 220, 283,5 
 
 -George ii 238 
 
 - William ii 284, 290, 318 
 
 Stob Ralph i .32 
 
 Stoddart (Colonel) i 201 
 
 Straoey family ii 234 
 
 Straw Jack ii 298 
 
 Stubb John i 363; ii 201, 339 
 
 Suckling (Dean) ii 155 
 
 -Sir John i 372,8 ; ii 203—6 
 
 INDEX OF NAMES. 
 
 Sutton (Bishop) ii 145 
 Sutton Thomas ii 134 
 Sydney (Viscount) i 269; ii 333 
 
 • Symonds family i 59, 250, 415 ; 
 
 ii 124, 179, 180, 199, 220, 241, 
 261,306,11,12,15, 317,329 
 
 -Charles ii 235 
 
 -Nathaniel ii 241, 277 
 
 * Tasburgh family ii 300,1 
 
 • Taylor family i 268,9 ; ii 220, 
 
 314,15,17,18 
 
 -William ii 272 
 
 Teasdel Wm. i 333 ; ii 107 
 Thaxter family i 266, 285; ii 247, 
 310 
 
 Thelwall John ii 277 
 Thirkettle [or Thurkyld] family 
 i 171, 295, 321, 403; ii 191, 
 293,5 
 
 Thompson Elizabeth ii 27 
 •Thorpe family i 160, 298—300, 
 405 ; ii 123, 292,5,6,9 
 Throgmorton John i 415 ; ii 321 
 Thurtell Wm. ii 247 
 Tolver family ii 261 
 
 * - Samuel i 269; ii 54, 241, 
 
 285, 318, 335, 357,8 
 Tookie Rev. Job ii 172,3 
 Townshend family i 326; ii 162, 
 215, 220,2,9, 232, 247,8, 
 264—70, 324, 331-3, 345 
 
 -(Hoii. C.) ii 216—20, 222—9 
 
 -(Lord) ii 227, 247,8, 331,2 
 
 -Sir Roger i 319 ; ii 148, 231 
 
 -(Hon. Roger) ii 215—18 
 
 Travers (Sir Eton) i 263; ii 218, 
 357 
 
 Trimmell (Bishop) i 268 
 Trollope (Capt.) ii 275 
 Troubridge Sir Thos. ii 229 
 Tryon Sir Thomas i 284 ; ii 262,5 
 Turner family ii 184,6, 220, 317 
 
 -Dawson i 203: ii 102, 315,17 
 
 -Francis ii 186, 311,17, 356 
 
 -Rev. Francis ii 182,4, 311,17 
 
 -James ii 315,17, 356 
 
 -Rev. Richard i 269 ; ii 133, 
 
 184—7,280,4,316,17 
 Upoher family ii 231,2, 316 
 Upjohn Rev. F. i 210, 235 
 Van Rysoort (Capt. G. J.) ii 276 
 Vaux Rev. Bowyer ii 188 
 
 -Mrs. Bowyer ii 129 
 
 Vesey Rev. Wm. i 285 
 Vincent (Earl St.) 11224,8,9,230,4, 
 276 
 
 •Wakeman family i 73, 106,8,123, 
 246,414; ii 95, 180, 257, 302, 
 303,6,11,12,14,15 
 
 Walpole family ii213,16—26,259, 
 267, 280, 322, 330,1,4, 348 
 
 -Sir Robert i 268 
 
 -William ii 9 
 
 Ward family i 283 ; ii 39, 96, 128, 
 358 
 
 -George i 268; ii 39, 54, 214, 
 
 251.2, 310-14 
 
 -Jeffery i 230, 285, 394; ii245, 
 
 250, 311 
 
 Warmington Robert i 286 ; ii 241, 
 281,318,19 
 
 Warnes Rev. Edwd. i 285 
 Warwick (Earl of) i 266, 320,1, 
 383; ii 329 
 Waters Mark ii 285 
 
 -Rev. Mark i 219 ; ii 180 
 
 Watson family i 342; ii 51, 300 
 
 -John i 241, 269; ii 281,4,8, 
 
 316,18, 357, 361 
 Wellington (Duke of) ii 66 
 Wentworth Sir John i 373,7, 
 387,8,9; ii 159, 162,204 
 Whitney Jeffery i 105,6 ; ii 200, 
 339 
 
 Whitfield Rev. Thomas ii 167—70 
 Wilberforee (Bishop) ii 138 
 Wild (Major) i 384, 397 ; 
 ii 311,317 
 
 Williams Capt. J. i 256 
 Wilshere family ii 300 
 
 -William M.P. ii 237-9 
 
 Wilson Arthur ii 324 
 —•— Giffen ii 232 
 Windham family ii 212,225,9 
 
 -Sir Edmund i 282, 319 
 
 -Francis i 187 
 
 Wingfield Humphrey ii 197 
 
 -Sir Robert ii 197 
 
 Woodhouse family i 106,147,156, 
 259, 280,7, 319, 321, 339, 
 415,22; ii 123,209,217,224,5, 
 324 
 
 *- Sir Thomas i 88,9, 92, 259, 
 
 286, 325; ii 198 
 
 -Sir W. i 279, 286,7; ii 197 
 
 Woodroffe family i 209,401,424, 
 427,8; ii 102, 176, 248, 309, 
 310,356 
 
 Worship family ii 220 ' 
 
 - Francis i 329 ; ii 121,136 
 
 - Harry Verelst i 219, 263 
 
 - William i 219, 233; ii 136 
 
 Wren (Bishop) ii 126, 165,8, 172 
 Yarmouth (Earl of) i 290, 329; 
 ii.39, 41,251,327, 389 
 
 -(Viscount) i 266,7 
 
 Yetts William i 219, 294 
 Youell family i 262; ii 261 
 Yonge (Bishop) i 268 
 

 £00^814S