Chronological Retrospect of the History of Yarmouth and Neighbourhood Part 8

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 s.h.i.+ps of war compelled to leave by the town guns.

Haven expenses for the year, 1,230 12s. 4d.

The Paston family sold Caister Castle to meet their embarra.s.sments.

Herrings sold for 8 a last; a tun (4 hogshds.) of wine was also of the same value.

Part of the town wall fell through being overcharged.

1570.

Mr. Vincent Goodwin first preacher appointed at St. Nicholas' Church.

Drawbridge carried away by high tide, and another constructed in 1785, at a cost of 403 15s. 9d., notwithstanding 225 had been expended the year previous in repairs.

1571.

Thatched roofs to houses forbidden, and wood was subst.i.tuted.

1572.

Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, K.G., High Steward of the Borough.

Brewers ordered to brew with coals instead of wood.