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Norfolk Chronicle

Extracts from May 1781

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Copyright © Pat Newby
April 2005

Norfolk Chronicle Extracts from May 1781

Transcription and notes copyright © Janelle Penney.

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

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

5 May 1781

5 May 1781. Page 2, columns 2 & 3

On Monday night last, or early on Tuesday morning, a yard in Goat-lane, belonging to Mr SMITH, cabinet-maker, in St Giles's, was broke into, and six mahogany inch and half planks stolen thereout. Several suspicious circumstances arising against one James GOOCH, of this city, a warrant was obtained to search his premisses [sic], when the said planks were found, together with a large quantity of other materials, a great part of which appears to have been accumulated in the same clandestine manner. GOOCH has absconded, and a reward of ten guineas is offered for apprehending him.

Saturday morning came on, at the Old Bailey, London, the trial of William ARCHER, for robbing the Norwich mail upon the 8th of December, and of Daniel ROBERTS, charged with being an accessory after the fact. It appeared from a long chain of evidence produced in support of the prosecution, and no way contradicted by the prisoners, that ARCHER, accompanied by T. SELLERS, went upon the road beyond Mile End, with an intent to rob, and the driver of the mail having left it a few minutes, they got it out of the cart, and carried it across the fields, where they took out as many bags as they could conveniently carry, and put the remainder into a wet ditch; they then went to SELLERS's house and opened such letters as appeared to have notes in them; they preserved all the notes, drafts, etc and burnt the covers. As they could not read, it was agreed upon to send for ROBERTS, and to admit him to participation of the spoil, in consideration of his assistance in changing it into cash. When ROBERTS came, he advised that a Mrs MOSES should be sent for, as a person very likely to become a purchaser of the notes in the lump. They then sent for Mrs MOSES, and offered to sell the drafts, but she refused to have anything to do with them; she had not however, any objections to the Bank notes, and offered to give them 200 pounds for as many as amounted to 350 pounds. She appointed the next day for the fulfilling of the purchase, but she then sent word that 100 pounds was all she could give; not liking this proposal, ROBERTS offered to try if he could pass the notes, and for that purpose purchased several articles of apparel, etc. A fear arising that Mrs MOSES would endeavour to get them apprehended, they embarked for Ireland, and on their arrival there ROBERTS got two notes off, but being alarmed at the suspicious behaviour of a Banker in Dublin, he thought it would be better to write a letter, from the hotel where they all lodged, desiring the favour of cash for a 50 pound note, signing himself William Jones. An account of the robbery having by this time reached Dublin, proper officers were sent to the hotel, and after a slight examination, in which evident marks of guilt appeared, they were committed. When they arrived in England, SELLERS made an ample confession of his guilt, and was admitted as evidence for the crown. Lord LOUGHBOROUGH summed up the evidence with great accuracy and judgement, and the jury found them both guilty.

5 May 1781. Page 2, column 3

Thursday last were committed to the city gaol, Thomas WALKER, and Thomas DREW, charged with taking and carrying away ninety-nine pounds of soap, the property of John CRABTREE, and Thomas AGGS.

On Tuesday last Mr CANDLER, of Great Bradfield, was married to Miss WAGSTAFFE, of this city.

Monday last died after a lingering illness, Mrs PLESTOW, wife of Thomas PLESTOW, Esq., of Watlington Hall, in this county.

On Sunday last died, at Alby, in this county, as he sat at dinner, Mr James GOWEN, a considerable farmer of that place.

On Saturday last died, Mrs Mary MARKS, wife of Mr John MARKS, Upholder, in the Market-place. -- She was a woman endued [sic] with an excellent understanding, and much respected by her friends and acquaintance. Under the melancholy pressure of a long and severe illness, increased by an irresistible series of afflictions, she sustained the peculiar fortitude of a Christian, and completed her last moments in a pious resignation to the will of Heaven.

This week died Mrs BLAKE, wife of Mr BLAKE, Attorney, in this city.

New Collection of Prologues and Epilogues.
This Day is Published, Price only 1 shilling.

(Embellished with an elegant Representation of Mr KING, speaking the Prologue to the New Comedy, called Dissipation, now performing at the Theatre-Royal in Drury-lane.)

The New and Complete English Spouter; or, an Universal Key to Theatrical Knowledge, -- Containing a complete Collection of the all the favourite and most esteemed Prologues and Epilogues, which have been written by the distinguished Wits, to accompany approved Tragedies, Comedies, Operas, Farces, Pantomimes, and other species of Theatrical Entertainment worthy of Notice; and spoken by the most celebrated Performers, at the Theatres Royal, Drury-lane, Covent-garden, Haymarket, and on other Stages (public and private) in different Parts of the Kingdom.

Including a great Variety of Prologues and Epilogues composed on Purpose, and spoken occasionally at several respectable Sporting Clubs, and other Societies of Thespians, by Gentlemen in the Characters of Bucks, Bloods, Choice Spirits, Bravos, Fribbles, etc. Together with that celebrated Piece, called the Picture of a Playhouse; or Bucks have at ye All; and other valuable Pieces, not to be found in any other Collection. The whole interspersed with many Originals, and brought down to the present year, 1781. By Mr PALMER.

London: Printed for Alex. HOGG, No. 16 Paternoster-row, and sold by all other Booksellers in England. N.B. Be careful to ask for "The New English Spouter, by Mr PALMER;" this being the only Work of the Kind, which contains all the new Prologues and Epilogues.

5 May 1781. Page 2, column 4

For the benefit of Mr and Mrs BANNISTER.

At the Theatre-Royal, by his Majesty's Servants, on Wednesday May 9, will be reviv'd a Comedy called A New Way to Pay Old Debts.

End of the Play an occasional Epilogue, to be spoken by Miss BANNISTER, a Child Six Years of Age (being her first Appearance.) Singing by Mrs WESTON. And an occasional Prologue, to be spoken by Master BANNISTER. To which will be added a Musical Entertainment, (never performed here) call'd Plymouth in an Uproar. (The Music by Mr DIBDIN.)

To begin at a Quarter after Six o'Clock. Vivant Rex et Regina.

Note: Tickets to be had at the usual Places, of Mr DOVE, at the Theatre, and of Mr and Mrs BANNISTER, near St Stephen's Church.

Note: This Comedy, which has lately been revived at the Theatre Royal, Covent Garden, and repeated since with distinguished Applause, is the Production of that ingenious Gentleman Mr Philip MASSINGER, and is thus spoken of by the Critics:-- "The Plot is good and well conducted; the Language dramatic and nervous, and the Characters, particularly that of Sir Giles Overreach, highly and judiciously drawn."

(Never Acted Here)
For the Benefit of Mr and Mrs MILLER.

At the Theatre-Royal, by his Majesty's Servants, on Monday May 14th, 1781, will be presented a new Comedy, as performing at the Theatre-Royal Drury-lane, call'd Dissipation. With an Interlude, call'd The Walking Statue; or the Devil in the Wine Cellar.

To which will be added a Dramatic Entertainment, call'd The Christmas Tale. To begin at a quarter after six o'Clock.

Tickets to be had of Mr and Mrs MILLER, at Mr SMITH's, Broker, in St Stephen's, and of Mr DOVE, at the Theatre, where Places for the Boxes may be taken.

5 May 1781. Page 3, column 1

To the Public.

John REEDER, Servant to the late Rev. Mr RANSOME, has taken the Goat, in the Upper Goat Lane, late in the Occupation of William NUTT, and has laid in a fresh Assortment of the neatest Wines, Liquors, etc, humbly intreats [sic] the Favour of the former Customers, and the Public in general, hoping by a strict and unwearied Attention, to merit their Indulgence, which will greatly oblige their humble Servant, John REEDER.

To the Ladies.

Ann LOVE, Mantua, Sacque [sic], and Robe Maker, in St Gregory's, Norwich, presents her most grateful Thanks for past Favours, and acquaints them she is just returned from London with Patterns of the most fashionable Dresses wore [sic] by the Ladies at the Court-end of Town. -- Having had the Pleasure of giving the greatest Satisfaction to those who have honoured her with their Commands, she flatters herself with hopes of obtaining their future Favours, which will be carefully and punctually attended to by their obliged and humble Servant, Ann LOVE.

Notice to Creditors.

The Partnership between Messrs CHANDLER and SAYERS of Great Yarmouth, in the County of Norfolk, Merchants, being dissolved by mutual Consent, all Persons to whom the said Partnership stands indebted, are desired to send an Account of their respective Demands to Mr Charles CHANDLER, at Great Yarmouth, in order that the same may be satisfied. Charles CHANDLER, John SAYERS.

5 May 1781. Page 3, column 2

Escaped From Justice. James GOOCH,

Late of the Parish of St Michael at Coslany, in the City of Norwich, Cabinet and Chair-maker, who stands charged with divers Felonies; on searching his House, etc, a large Quantity of Mahogany Planks and Boards, with upwards of one hundred and thirty Wainscot Boards were found, which are claimed, the Mahogany as being the Property of three reputable Cabinet-makers; and the Wainscot is also proved, upon Oath, to be the Property of Mr Robert JOLLINS, Timber-merchant. -- A much larger Quantity could not be claimed, as the Marks are planed off. Whoever shall apprehend the said James GOOCH, and bring him before the Mayor of the said City, or any other of his Majesty's Justices of the Peace for the said City and County of Norwich, shall receive Ten Guineas, to be paid by the Sword-bearer.

N.B. The said James GOOCH was born in or near King's Lynn, in Norfolk, and served Part of his Apprenticeship with a Carpenter in that Neighbourhood. -- He is about twenty-six Years of Age, and is about five Feet six Inches high; has a thin Visage, and swarthy Complexion, with dark brown lank Hair, cut short, and brown Eyes, usually wears a fustian Frock and Waistcoat, and stoops very much in walking.

12 May 1781

NOTE: The issue of the newspaper for 12 May is missing.

19 May 1781

19 May 1781. Page 2, columns 3 & 4

Monday night last some villains broke into the dwelling-house of Mr William CAPENDELL, the Blue Boar Inn, at Sprowston, near this city, and having forced open a bureau, they stole thereout about twenty pounds in cash, and other valuables to a considerable amount, leaving but seven farthings behind them; they also took upwards of seven yards of cloth, a red cardinal, a man's hat, and several other things, with all which they got off undiscovered.

19 May 1781. Page 2, column 4

On Saturday last died, sincerely regretted by all her knew her, in the 37th year of her age, Mrs MARSH, wife of Mr Isaac MARSH, in the Market.

Thursday last died Miss HORTH, only daughter of Mr HORTH, of Bracondale-hill, near this city. -- A young lady whose peculiar dutifulness to her parents, and uncommon tenderness of disposition, has rendered them inconsolable, and whose loss is much lamented by all that had the pleasure of her acquaintance.

On Monday last died at his apartments, in Westminster, Mr Ralph LEWIS, formerly of this city.

Thetford, May 17, 1781
Notice to Creditors.

John SPRINGFIELD, of Thetford, in the County of Norfolk, Bricklayer, having assigned over all his Effects in Trust for the Benefit of his Creditors, all Persons to whom the said John SPRINGFIELD stands indebted are desired to meet the Trustees, at the Angel, in Thetford, on Friday the first Day of June next, by two of the Clock, in the Afternoon, in order to prove their Debts, and to have a State of the Affairs of the said John SPRINGFIELD laid before them, and to receive a Composition for their respective Debts, so far as the Effects will amount; and such as do not attend will be debarred of any Benefit from such Composition.

19 May 1781. Page 3, column 1

Norfolk Militia Association.

The great Benefits that have accrued to this Country from a well disciplined Militia are too notorious to be disputed; yet we find by Experience they have been greatly lessened by the vast Expence [sic] those who are chosen to serve therein have been put to in procuring Substitutes, which it is well known are now at a most extravagant Price. Many of the poorer sort of People have been indebted to their Friends for that Purpose, whilst others, unfortunately in want of those Friends for that Purpose have been obliged to serve themselves, and leave their helpless Families to depend on the Parish for the scanty Allowance provided for their Maintenance. In order therefore that the salutary laws for the better ordering of the Militia Forces may have their well intended Effect, without burthening [sic] the Public with the extraordinary Expence [sic] of providing Substitutes, an Office will be opened on the 1st of June, at J. CROUSE's, Printer, in Norwich, which all Persons liable to Serve in the Norfolk Militia may be enabled to reimburse themselves the Expence [sic] of providing Substitutes (which from the frequent ballots made to fill up the Vacancies they are continually liable to) upon the following easy Terms:

• On the Payment of Seventeen Shillings, the Subscriber will be entitled to, and shall receive the Sum of Eight Guineas.
• On the Payment of Twelve Shillings, the Sum of Five Pounds Fifteen Shillings and Sixpence.
• On the Payment of Nine Shillings, the Sum of Four Guineas.
• And on the Payment of Seven Shillings and Sixpence, (for one Year only), to receive the sum of Eight Pounds Eight Shillings.

Which several Sums the Proprietors engage to pay agreeable to the promissory Note given, should the Person subscribing be ballotted [sic] and adjudged to serve by himself, or substitute, in the said Militia,within the Term of Three Years, to commence from the Date of the said Note.

Note: Persons drawn, or not adjudged liable to serve, or provide a Substitute, to have their Subscription Money returned.

As the above Plan is calculated for the Benefit of the Public in general, and the poorer sort in particular, the proprietors hope it will meet their Sanction and Encouragement, as the Advantages arising therefrom (added to the Allowances from the Parish, granted by Act of Parliament) will enable Subscribers to procure a Substitute.

19 May 1781. Page 3, column 2

May 17, 1781.
The Humane Society at Norwich, for the Recovery of Persons Apparently drowned.

The annual Meeting of the said Society for the auditing of their Accounts, and making out a State of the Charity for Publication, will be held at the Hall in the Market, on Tuesday next, at Twelve o'Clock in the Forenoon, at which Time and Place the Attendance of the Directors is requested.

Norwich, May 12, 1781.

William HUNTER going to reside in London at Midsummer next, for the Sake of Dispatch, will dispose of his Stock in Trade considerably under Prime Cost, consisting of a Variety of fashionable and useful Articles of plated Goods, Cutlery, Hardware, Haberdashery, and Hosiery; the Sale to begin this Day, and continue till all are sold. For the Convenience of Shopkeepers, etc White Linen Rags will be taken in Exchange at three Pence per Pound.

N.B. The Lease of that desirable House and Shop to be disposed of, which four Years are unexpired. Peter AMYOT, Watch and Clock-Maker, removed from White Lion-Lane, to the Corner of the Haymarket, Norwich, embraces this Opportunity of making his best Acknowledgement to his Friends and Customers for Favours conferred, and assures them, and all those who chuse [sic] to intrust [sic] him with their Commands, he will exert his utmost Endeavours to merit their Approbation. He likewise begs Leave to inform them he has laid in a large and complete Assortment of the different Articles in the Perfumery Branch, which he proposes encreasing [sic] with every approved Production in that way, and will sell them Wholesale and Retail, on the lowest Terms.

Note: His Stock in the Silver, Jewellery, and Hardware, selling very cheap.

Aylsham, May 15, 1781
To the Ladies.

Thomas HARRISON, Hair-Dresser, most gratefully acknowledges their Favours, and humbly solicits a Continuance and kind Recommendation, and begs Leave to acquaint them, that he has just received from London the most fashionable Head-dress for the Spring; he likewise makes all Sorts of Tetes, Toupees, Curls, Braids, Cushions, etc in the newest Mode, and on the most reasonable Terms. -- Makes also the whole Head of Hair on so compleat [sic] a Plan as not to be discerned from the Natural Hair. He sells all sorts of Powders, French, Orris, Gray, Mareschall, Violet Powder, and plain; Wash Balls, Davison's Italian Soap, Swan's down Puffs, Powder Machines, Bags, and Boxes, Ladies Hat and Cap Pins, black Pins, and Combs of all Sorts, soft and hard Pomatum, etc equal in Quality to any in London.

Notice to Creditors.

The Creditors of Richard CROSS, late of Rudham, in the County of Norfolk, Innholder, deceased, are desired to send an Account of their respective Claims to Mr William STUCKEY, Attorney at Law at Swaffham, in the Same County, on or before the first Day of August now ensuing. Swaffham, May 14, 1781.

Notice to Creditors.

The Creditors of Edmund SIMS, of Happisburg, in the County of Norfolk, Farmer, are hereby requested to meet the Assignees of the said Edmund SIMS, at the house of John THOMPSON, known by the name of Hill-house, in Happisburgh, on Tuesday the 29th Instant, at two o'Clock in the Afternoon, in order to receive the Dividend arising out of the Estate and Effects of the said Edmund SIMS, according to their respective Debts.

All Persons who stand indebted to the Estate and Effects of William COOPER, of Eaton, in the County of Norwich, Liquor Merchant, Dealer and Chapman, a Bankrupt, are desired forthwith to pay their respective Debts to Roger KERRISON, of the City of Norwich, Esquire, or to William DEWING, of the same City, Gentleman, the Assignees of the Estate and Effects of the said Bankrupt, or they will be sued without further Notice.

Note: Genteel Apartments, for the Summer Season, may be had in a very pleasant Situation at Eaton, two Miles from Norwich. -- Also, a good Stable, and other Accommodations. Enquire of W. COOPER, at Eaton.

26 May 1781

NOTE: The issue of the newspaper for 26 May is missing.

Transcription and notes copyright © Janelle Penney.

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