Part 2

At what period the art of manufacturing cloth from wool was first introduced in this Island, is not certain; but it may be supposed it was early practised in Norfolk, from the circumstance of spinning with the distaff, being still retained here. Before William the Conqueror woollen cloths were made in Norwich; but what tended most to increase the Norwich worsted manufactory, was the number of Flemish artizans who came over here in 1336; and in the time of Richard the II. and succedings reigns, various statutes were enacted for the encouragement and regulation of the trade. In 1445 the trade had arrived to such a degree of excellence, as to rival all other nations in the foreign Markets. In Henry VIII's time, according to Blomfield, the sale of stuffs made in Norwich only amounted annually to 200,000 pounds besides hose which were computed at 60,000 pounds more. During the reigns of Edward VI. and Queen Mary, new articles of Manufactory continued to be introduced, and new regulations made. In the time of Queen Elizabeth, encouragement was given to the inhabitants of the low Countries, under the persecution of the Duke of Alva, to settle here; and they introduced a variety of new fabrications, by the intermixture of silk and mohair and several new articles were manufactured as various in their qualities as their names. In 1575 Bombasines were first introduced, for the manufactory of which elegant article, Norwich has ever since been famed, but still the trade seemed confined principally to home consumption; and the act of 1721, which prohibited the general wearing of cottons, and the order for the Court Mourning to consist of Norwich crapes, serve as proof that the trade did not depend so much on foreign demand as home consumption. From about, 1740 to 1760, the stuff trade gradually declined, and through the prevalence of the India and Manchester cotton goods the destruction of the home trade was almost completed. The Manufacturers were obliged to extend their continental connections, their travellers were seen in every kingdom in Europe, and the great continental fairs were crouded with purchasers for goods of Norwich manufactory. They also sent their sons to be educated on the continent that by learning the languages they might strengthen their connections; the taste and habits of every country and clime were consulted. Hence Norwich and the Country for many miles round, became crowded with looms, and though Norfolk and Suffolk, were incessantly employed, yet the produce was unequal to the demand. It became necessary to import yarn, as well as wool, and the consumption of bay yarn from Ireland was very great. The neighbouring Counties and Scotland also contributed something considerable. At this meridian of prosperity, the trade, from the capriciousness of fashion, began again to decay, and the disastrous war breaking out, dissolved its continental connections, depressed the spirit of enterprise, and paralized the hand of industry.

The author of the Tour through the Island of Great Britain, in 1724, gives a statement which was furnished by a manufacturer, whereby it appears 120,000 persons were employed in the various branches of the Norwich manufactory. Arthur Young considers the interval from the year 1743, till the unfortunate dispute with the American colonies, to have been a flourishing era; the number of looms were then found to be 12,000, and it was calculated that each loom, with its attendant preparation, produced work to the value of 100 pounds per annum; and that every loom employed five hands besides the weaver, in the various processes before and after the weaving, so that the whole number of persons employed, many of which were old women and children, amounted to 72,000, and the money earned by them to 1,200,000 pounds.

At present, the merchants being shut out of foreign markets by war, and from our own by fashion, the number of hands employed must be considerably reduced. The principal articles of this manufactory, are bombazines and broad camblets, for the latter, of which the East India Company, have annually given large orders, and it is much to be lamented that the benefits, which formerly accrued from this manufacture, should within the last few years have been in a great measure dissipated by a narrow jealousy and want of unanimity amongst the manufacturers. This discordance has created a baneful competition, for the favours of the East India Company, which are consequently distributed, in the greatest proportion, to that quarter, where the labours of the poor must necessarily be the most depreciated. A good understanding between them would not only have preserved their consequence with the company, but would certainly have rendered their connection with that body much more advantageous, the Company finding their account in the goods; and not being able to procure them at any other market. However, during the failure of a continental trade, it certainly is of considerable consequence to the city. The wools of Lincolnshire and Leicestershire are chiefly used.

To articles before mentioned, have been of late years added, cottons, shawls and some other fancy goods, both of silk and cotton; some of which are calculated for furniture, and some for dress, and which for elegance, surpass any thing of the kind made in the kingdom. Cotton thread lace is also made here, and no inconsiderable quantity of hempen cloth.

The staple manufactory of Norwich, furnishes about fifty distinct occupations from the shearer of the sheep to the mariner who ships the goods. The earnings of the different artizens are various--men from 6s. to 30s. per week; women from 5s. to 15s. and children, by spinning, filling and tire drawing, from 1s. to 4s.

The combing of wool used to employ a great number of hands; but since the invention of machines, their employ is in a great measure superseded.

In the time of Edward III. it is recorded there were not less than 76 places of Christian worship, besides a Jewish synagogue, in Norwich--we shall now proceed to give a brief account of some of these now remaining.

The foundation stone of the cathedral is recorded to have been laid by bishop Herbert, in 1096, and it was not until the year 1430, the cloisters were completed. In 1361, the upper part of the steeple was partly blown down by a hurrican, after which, the present spire was built. About the year 1470, the stone roof of the nave was constructed, and adorned with sculptures of scripture history; and shortly after, the stone roof over the choir was erected, and adorned in a similar manner; and about the same time, the whole vaulting was covered with lead. In 1509, it was considerably injured by fire; in 1601, part of the spire was struck down by lightning, but speedily repaired; it again suffered considerably by the rebellion, in 1543; it was completely repaired and beautified in 1763, and again in 1807.

The architecture is chiefly of the style, called Norman; the columns and arches are exceedingly various in their size, mouldings, and ornaments; the choir terminates with a semicircular east end, over which, are curiously painted windows, by Dean Lloyd's lady. The walls include various chapels, and some courts belonging to the dean and chapter. The extreme length of the building is 411 feet from east to west; and the width from north to south, 191 feet; the height of the spire and tower, 315 feet; the spire is ornamented with bold crockets, 5 feet asunder, attached to and running up the ribs at each angle, and is the highest in England, except Salisbury. The cloisters are 174 feet square, with arched openings or windows, looking inwards on all sides; the roof, which is about 16 feet high, is ornamented with scripture sculptures, which however, are much injured by accident and time. The west front of the cathedral displays a large central compartment, corresponding with the width and heigth of the nave; also two lateral divisions corresponding with the side aisles, the whole forming a very grand entrance. The interior must be allowed to have a grand and solemn general effect, and that the whole appears of an unusual, bold and substantial stile. It is to be lamented that the fitting up of the choirs serve to destroy part of the grandeur and solemnity, and shuts out the sight from a general and comprehensive view of the building. Within the church and cloisters, still remain some curious memorials of the dead; but the greater part are removed, like those to whom they belong, to make room for others, or have fallen a sacrifice to the gradual inroads of time.

The Bishop's Palace stands on the north side of the cathedral, was erected in the year 1318, and was enlarged and ornamented by several successive Bishops; it suffered greatly in the rebellion, and it was with some difficulty made habitable; it has been improving ever since, and is now made a tolerable neat and convenient residence.

On the south side of the cathedral, formerly stood a priory, occuping part of the space, now called the Lower Close, and which was built as a residence for 60 monks, who officiated in the cathedral.

In the year 1804, on pulling down the workhouse, which stood at the entrance of the deanery, some curious ruins were discovered, and the shafts of three massive pillars are still left standing, as specimens of the architecture of the age in which they were built.

At the west end stands the free school, formerly the charnel-house--was built about the year 1316; the upper part was appropriated for the residence of four officiating priests, the part beneath was a vault used as a charnel house, which is now rendered into cellars, and part of the building occupied by the master of the school. The present portico is much more modern than the other parts of the building.

Adjoining the free-school, stands Erpingham's gate, (it having been built by Sir Thomas Erpingham as a penance) and is an elegant specimen of the architecture of the time; it is much enriched with columns, mouldings, and many small statutes in canopied niches, in one of which, over the centre, is Sir Thomas Erpingham kneeling, and in the act of prayer.

The gate called St. Ethelbert's gate, from a church dedicated to that saint, having formerly occupied its scite, and which appears to have been built prior to the cathedral, was burnt down in the insurrection, in 1272; after which, the citizens were compelled to build the present handsome gate with the chapel over it: the front facing tombland was formerly richly ornamented, but by modern innovation and repair, it is deprived of all its beauty. The chapel was some years since used as the bishop's registry, but has for the last ten years been occupied as a weekly concert room, by a society of gentlemen amateurs.

There are few churches after the cathedral which deserves particular mention as architectural objects, their names may be found in the list of population; however, we shall notice St. Julian's church, being founded anterior to the conquest and for its exhibiting some specimens of Saxon architecture.

St. Peter's Mancroft church, a handsome regular building, and after the cathedral, superior in size and architecture to any other; it stands on an elevated spot at the south west corner of the market place. Blomfield states it was finished in the year 1455; it consists of a square tower, about 100 feet high, though evidently intended to have been much higher, as appears by the double buttresses extending to the top, and the thickness of the walls; it contains an excellent peal of 12 bells, by Messrs Pack and Chapman, in 1775; the tenor weighs 41cwt. they are acknowledged for general effect, to be the first peal in the world--and the ringers are justly ranked with the first in the kingdom.

The church is wholly covered with lead, and supported by two rows of pillars remarkably neat and slender; the body of the church, including the chancel, is 212 feet in length, and is 70 feet wide; on the north and south sides are entrance porches. The altar is ornamented with a painting, representing the deliverance of St. Peter out of prison, was executed by Catton, and presented to the parish by Alderman Starling, in the year 1768. Within the church are some few sepulchral monuments worthy notice, and a fine organ built in 1707. The plate and furniture of the altar is very valuable, one cup weighing upwards of 46 ozs. very beautifully chased with the story of Abigal bringing presents to David, which was given to the church, by Sir Peter Gleane.

In the vestry is a neat old painted carving, in alabaster. A very curious piece of tapastry, in high presevation; there is also an octavo Bible, on vellum, written in 1340, and a folio manuscript much more ancient.

St. Laurance church occupies the spot, which at a remote period, was the quay for landing all fish brought to Norwich; the tythes of the fishery, which must have been considerable, were granted to the abbey of St. Edmund's Bury, on condition that the abbot would erect a church. The present church was erected in 1472, at the expence of the monastery of St. Edmunds Bury, aided by private benefactions; the tower is a bold square building, 112 feet in height; over the west door are several figures sculptured in stone. Previous to the civil war, the church was highly decorated with various altars, tabernacles, &c. the window ornamented with glass, and, according to Blomfield, in 1643, the communion rails were broken down, the floor of the chancel taken up, and the stained glass defaced. In the parish registry is this entry, "laid out to Goodman Perfett, for the putting out the superstitious inscriptions in the church window, and the pulling down of crucifixes 1s. 8d." In this church are several monuments.

Norwich is much indebted to monachism for many charitable institutions, among which, are the free Grammar School, before mentioned, which was originally kept in the fratry of a suppressed convent of friars; but afterwards the charnel house was appropriated to that use, the houses of the chaplains being fitted up for the Master, and the chaple for the school-room.

The master has 50 pounds per annum, and the house; it is also endowed with scholarships and fellowships belonging to Caius College, Cambridge.

Are here also five charity schools for boys, and one for girls, which have been instituted more than a century, and are supported by benefactions, annual subscriptions, annual collections made at fourteen sermons, preached at different parishes, by rents of two estates left by Alderman Riseborough, the one situate in Walpole, and the other in Walton, in Norfolk, and by dividends arising from funded property. The boys are taught reading, writing and arithmetic, and the girls reading and sewing, and both instructed in the religious duties according to the Liturgy of the Church of England.

In the year 1784, labour was introduced and the boys and girls went alternately to spinning and reading, &c. but so prejudiced were their parents against this plan, that the number of children was reduced from 480 in 1784, to 188 in 1803. At a special meeting held in 1803, the low stale of the schools was taken into consideration; and the introduction of labour being considered as the cause of it, the abandonment of the spinning school was unanimously agreed; and the number from that time has gradually increased. From the last state of the charity, it appears that 46 boys are taught at each of the schools, making a total of 230.

Since the publication of the last state, the girls school has been established on the improved system of teaching, according to the plan of Dr. Bell, and Mr. Lancaster; and 104 girls are taught reading, writing, arithmetic, and sewing, at very little more expence than formerly 40 were.--The Rev. C. J. Chapman, Treasurer.

Each of the masters have a liberal salary, including house rent and firing, and the governess of the girl's school has similar advantages. The boys, in addition to their learning, have a coat once a year, in February, and such books as they want during their term, which is five years--the girls are suitably allowed.

In addition to the above, are various parish Sunday schools, where children of both sexes are instructed in the early rudiments of education; also a school for 48 girls, where they are taught reading, writing, sewing, and every other necessary accomplishment, in the Bull-lane, St. Stephen's, which is under the patronage, direction, and at the entire expence of Miss Gurney. They attend church with the governess every Sunday, and in addition to their learning, &c. have each a hat, and those whose parents are unable, are furnished with other articles of dress, to render their appearance suitable and decent.

There is also a school belonging to the Unitarians; the present master, Mr. Harwin, lives in the Rose-lane, King-street, where 50 boys and girls are educated.

The Independents and other dissenters from the church, contribute something towards the education of the children of their respective persuasions; besides, a school for the education of girls has been lately established by the dissenters, which is supported by annual collections at the different meetings. The school-room is in St. Paul's and the number educated is 120.

Of the hospitals, there were formerly one in St. Edmund's, for 30 boys, who were clad in blue coats and red caps, and altogether educated and maintained upon the foundation; and one for 24 girls, who where clothed in blue gowns, and educated and maintained upon the foundation. The original plan of both these institutions is entirely altered, and they are at present consolidated on the premises of the boy's hospital, in St. Edmund's, were 40 boys, and 31 girls are educated, and their parents allowed 10. pounds a year for their maintenance, out of which, they pay for their education.--The present master for the boys', Mr. Gidney, and the governess of the girls', Mrs. Gidney.

St. Giles' or the old Man's Hospital, in St. Helen's parish, was founded 1249; and was originally intended for men only; at present it maintains 53 men, and 53 women, including 6 nurses; any one before they can be admitted must be 60 years of age; are elected by a court of mayoralty, and must carry with them, a featherbed, blankets, and ten shillings for a coffin.

Doughty's hospital, in St. Saviour's parish, was originally endowed for 24 poor men and 8 poor women, each being 60 years of age and upwards, having a room in the hospital, partly furnished, with an allowance of two shillings a week, and one chaldron of coals annually delivered them, at several stated times, by the master, who must be a single man, has two rooms, and double allowance; the men were also allowed a coat, and the women a gown, every 2 years, of purple cloth; but the trustees have been enabled to add sixpence per week, at several times, to the original donation, in consequence of various benefactions left of late years to the foundation; at present, the establishment is for 28 men and 10 women, who have an allowance of three shillings and sixpence weekly; the coals as heretofore, and the coats and gowns changed to a pair of shoes, and a shirt or a shift each annually.

Cooke's hospital, in the Rose-lane, St. Peter's per Mountergate was endowed by Robert and Thomas Cooke, Esqrs. for the habitation of 10 poor women being 60 years of age or upwards, of good character, and who had been inhabitants of the city at least 10 years. Each of them in addition to their room are allowed thirteen shillings per quarter, and some who are exceedingly needy, assisted with clothing.

The Norfolk and Norwich hospital was first opened for the reception of patients, in 1772; it stands about a quarter of a mile from the walls of the city on the London road. Its front aspect is nearly south east; it is a neat brick building, in the form of an H; it was erected and is still supported by voluntary contributions, and cost upwards of 13,000 pounds. A new wing was added in 1802, which completed the original plan. The governors meet every Saturday at eleven o'clock, to transact the business of the hospital. It appears from an abstract of the register to the end of the year 1808, a period of 36 years--there have been on the admission list, 27,051 in and out patients, out of which 17,727 have been discharged as cured; 3786 relieved; 3400 for non-attendance, and other irregularities; 640 incurable; 1292 died; and 206 remaining on the books, the number of patients have been much increasing, as appears from the yearly statements.

Bethelham Hospital, or Bedlam, was founded in the year 1713, for the reception of lunatics; for its endowment, the founder settled by will, all her estates on a body of trustees, who were to have the management of the house forever. As many poor lunatics are kept here gratis, as the funds will allow--the inhabitants of the city having the first claim; after which the trustees have the power of selecting proper objects from any part of the county; they may also admit others, while there is room, whose friends will agree to pay the moderate allowance of four shillings and sixpence per week. Additions were made to the building in 1807. The number of objects are considerably increased, by the good management of the trustees, and some late benefactions, and the funds are in a thriving state. The master's salary is 40 pounds besides his dwelling, and two chaldron of coals yearly.--There is also a private lunatic house, situate near where brazen doors formerly stood.

The Norwich Dispensary, in Pottergate street, instituted in 1804, for the purpose of giving advice and medicine gratis to such indigent poor of the city, as are unable to procure assistance. Mr. Powel, the apothecary, has a liberal salary, including house rent and taxes. The physicians attend every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday Mornings, for the examination and admission of patients. The number of patients who have received the benefit of this institution, have in the course of 12 months, amounted to near 600, of which the greater part have been discharged cured.

The Infirmary in St. Augustine's parish, just outside the city walls, was probably founded by a bishop of Norwich, as an hospital for lepers, but is now occupied by ancient poor of both sexes, who are past labor, and not fit to be put into common workhouses; they are in wards from 8 to 12 in each ward, and have every necessary, both of food and raiment; the number entertained here is 103, and as soon as one dies, the vacancy is filled up by election of the committee of the court of guardians for the poor. The master has a good house on the premises, and a liberal salary.

The hospital for indigent blind of Norfolk and Norwich, was instituted in 1805, and in the month of October, various pupils were admitted. It is principally indebted to Thomas Tawell Esq. who purchased a very handsome house, with upwards of 3 acres of ground, in Magdalen-street, which he contributed for the use of the establishment, and applied it as an asylum for aged blind persons, and a school for the instruction of the young, in manufacturing articles, by which they may obtain a livelihood; there are now 5 aged persons and 16 pupils. The annual subscriptions already raised for its support, amount to about 400 pounds, and the benefactions to nearly 1000 pounds.

The Humane Society for the recovery of persons apparently drowned, paid from June 1807, to June 1809, 5. pounds 8s. 6d. for assistance given to 18 objects who were in danger of being drowned--The Mayor of Norwich, for the time being, is Treasurer.