Chronological Retrospect of the History of Yarmouth and Neighbourhood from A.D. 46 to 1884. William Finch-Crisp
dismantled and demolished.
1551.
Many of the brasses enclosing the inscriptions on the walls of St. Nicholas’ Church sent to London to be cast into weights and measures for the town’s use.
John Dudley, Duke of Northumberland, K.G., High Steward of the Borough.
1551.
A Grammar and Free School in existence in Yarmouth, the “Parson of Haddiscoe” being appointed for a quarter of a year on trial. He was succeeded the same year by an “expert man;” and it was agreed that each of the four-and-twenties (Aldermen) should pay towards his living 18d., and each of the eight-and-forties (Common Councilmen) 8d. a-year over the stipends, upon the well-doing of the schoolmaster. From 1551 till 1757, twenty-eight gentlemen were appointed to the Mastership. In 1757 the school appears to have been closed, for we find the master quitting possession and resigning his office; and on Feb. 5th, 1773, the chamberlains were directed to do necessary repairs, and to let the school to Mr. Richard Eaton, the younger, for £4 a-year. The school was re-established in 1863.
1552.
Sir W. Wodehouse, Knt., and N. Frymage, Esq., returned to Parliament. Every inhabitant found smoking tobacco or overcome with drink in any tippling-house was apprehended.
1553.
Oct. 1st. Robert Eyre and Simon More were chosen Burgesses of the Parliament.
Drawbridge erected to connect Southtown with Great Yarmouth, in place of the one built in 1427, but which was carried away in 1570 by the tide.
Beer sold at 3s. 4d. per thirty-two gallons.
This year and two following, six Aldermen were returned to Parliament.
1554.
Thomas Howard, Duke of Norfolk, High Steward of the Borough.
Fifty vessels wrecked off Yarmouth within 24 hours.
A fire beacon placed on the top of the Castle, as the Haven was very dangerous.
1555.
No brewer allowed to brew in the town unless by the appointment of the Bailiffs.
Another attempt to form a Haven, a ship being sunk at the mouth to stem the tide. But this project was abandoned the following year, and it was stopped up with furze bundles in 1557.
The Hermitage on the west side of the Haven given to the town.
1557.
Dec. 1st. The town inundated. Men rowed up and down the streets in boats, and several ships were drawn over the Denes with windlasses.
1558 to 1567.
The ground on the south side of Town Hall was, in the time of Queen Elizabeth, called “The South Foreland,” or “Furlong’s End.” In 1568 the houses there standing were given by William Garton to the churchwardens for the use of the Church. In 1622 they were repaired, and in 1674 rebuilt. John Fastolf, the father of Sir John Fastolf, of Caister Castle, had a house in the “Foreland,” but whereabouts cannot now be discovered. These houses were re-fronted by the present owner in 1866.
Sir T. Wodehouse, Knt., and William Barker, Esq., returned to Parliament.
The Market Cross repaired.
1559.
May 26th. Queen Elizabeth granted a Charter for the better security, defence, and protection of the town.
1560.
Jan. 8th. The present (seventh) Haven commenced. Joyce Johnson, the eminent Dutch engineer, who superintended the construction, was paid 4s. a day. This Haven was cut near the spot of the one made in 1529. Nearly 1,000 persons, including women and children, were employed about the works, which were completed on March 4th to the satisfaction of the inhabitants. In 1566 the water broke through, and made its old channel towards Newton Cross.
First Jetty erected, having a crane at the end to facilitate the landing of goods from boats. Re-built in 1767.
1561.
Three town wells opened.
1562.
Thomas Timperley and William Grice, Esqs., were returned to Parliament; the latter was also returned in 1570 with William Barker, Esq.; in 1571 with John Bacon, Esq.; and in 1584 and 1585 with Thomas Damett, Esq.
Three small silver maces, belonging to the Corporation, made.
1563.
Herrings very scarce, and sold for £9 a last.
1567.
Piers built on both sides of the Haven’s mouth.
The London Privy Council lent the town of Yarmouth £1,000 without interest, for repairing the Haven, which was refunded by instalments of £100 a-year.
1569.
Three ships of war compelled to leave by the town guns.
Haven