Chronological Retrospect of the History of Yarmouth and Neighbourhood from A.D. 46 to 1884. William Finch-Crisp
of 1,000 men. The sum of £1,355 4s. 9d. was assessed on the County.
1589.
No victualler or innkeeper allowed to retail any “strange beer” under pain of forfeiture.
1591.
An ale-house or tavern could only be kept by a Freeman or the widow of a Freeman.
Two Yarmouth ships required to carry out 150 soldiers to Normandy.
1592.
T. Damett, Esq., again returned to Parliament with John Felton, Esq.
1593.
The fishing nets used by boat owners valued at £50,000.
1596.
John Felton, Esq., again returned to Parliament with Sir H. Hobart.
Elizabethan House on the Quay, built by Benjamin Cowper. It was sold to John Carter, a friend of Oliver Cromwell. The supporters of Cromwell frequently assembled in this house, and it is supposed that the death of Charles I. was here determined on. It was for many years previously to Feb. 26th, 1867, the residence and property of the late Charles J. Palmer, Esq., F.S.A.
Arthur Wilson born at Yarmouth. He published an account of the life and reign of James I, written with much freedom, and displaying a thorough knowledge of Court intrigues; but the liberties he took in exposing the propensities of that monarch and his son towards the Catholic cause, brought upon him the vehement censure of the friends of the Stuart family, who said that he had written from conjectures rather than from records, and that his work was more like a pasquinade than an authentic history. He was for many years an attendant on the Earl of Essex, and afterwards steward to the Earl of Warwick. He died in 1652.
1597.
Seven hundred vessels in the Haven at one time.
1598.
The number of Rows was seven score (140).
The south side of the Hospital School used as a House of Correction.
Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex, K.G., High Steward of the Borough.
1599.
Rev. Thomas Nash published the “Lenten Stuffe,” containing a poetical and satirical description of Yarmouth, &c., and a play in “Praise of a Red Herring.” He was born at Lowestoft in 1567, and died in 1600. He was called by Dr. Lodge “the true English Gifford or Aretino.” His name is mentioned by Michael Drayton, and also in the play, “Return from Parnassus.” (Vide page 486, Pimperley’s “Encyclopædia of Literary and Typ. Anecdote.”)
One penny per swill by day and 1½d. at night were charged for carting herrings from the beach.
1599 to 1660.
Caister Castle deserted as a residence.
1600.
Sir Henry Hobart and T. Damett, Esq., again returned to Parliament; the latter, with John Wheeler, Esq., also returned on the accession of James I.
The Dutch Chapel, South Quay, built, and afterwards converted into a Theatre.
Every Alderman, or his deputy, with a constable, ordered to visit all ale-houses and taverns twice a week, and make inquiries respecting the customers.
1601.
The washing and rinsing of nets near the public wells forbidden.
The town required to provide and provision ships for transporting 600 soldiers to the Low Countries.
Charles Howard, Earl of Nottingham, K.G., Lord High Admiral of England, elected High Steward of the Borough.
1604.
A third Market Cross erected.
1607.
The three local rivers frozen over for 40 days.
1608.
James I. made Yarmouth a free Borough by charter, by the title of Bailiff, Aldermen, Burgesses, and Commonalty; which charter in 1683 (Charles II.) was surrendered to the King. (See July 22nd, 1684.)
1611.
Drapers, mercers, grocers, and haberdashers prohibited from having stalls in the market.
Herring Fair held. A great scarcity of herrings this year—a last of Windsor herrings being sold for £15 5s.
1612.
Great damage done to the Piers by a raging tide.
Aldermen who had held office as Bailiffs, compelled to wear scarlet gowns with tippets, under pain of a 40s. fine. (See 1541.)
1613.