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.  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 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, and the benefactions to nearly £1000.

The Humane Society for the recovery of persons apparently drowned, paid from June 1807, to June 1809, £5. 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.

The Friars’ Society, for the participation of useful knowledge, instituted in 1785; their rooms for meeting are in Crown-Court, Elm Hill.  Their principal is an abbot, who has a prior and other officers under him; they, during the winter season, distribute soup and bread to a great number of the poor in Norwich.

The Friendly Society, for the benefit of poor women in sickness and old age, was instituted in April, 1802, and consists of subscribing and recommended members.  A subscribing member pays on admission 5s. 6d. and 7s. 6d. annually, which enables her to recommend one poor woman under 45 years of age.  A benefactor of five guineas has the same privilege.

A recommended member pays 2s. 9d. on

admission, and 6½d. on the first Monday of every calendar month, which after one year entitles her to 5s. per week during her confinement in child-bed, for one month, and 2s. 6d. per week afterwards, if confined by consequent illness; and during any other sickness or misfortune, 3s. 6d. per week for one month, and 2s. 6d. per week afterwards; at the death of her husband £1; and 5s. for each of her children under 14 years of age.

At the age of 60 years, a recommended member ceases to pay her monthly subscriptions, and is entitled to an annuity of £2. 12s. for life, or to such other annuity as the funds of the society are judged capable of paying.

This society from its institution, to April, 1809, has paid £613. 11s. 6d. to 760 women; to 308 during confinement in child-bed; 438 during sickness; and to 14 losing their husbands.  Treasurer, the Rev. C. J. Chapman Secretary, Mr. J. English.

Charity for Clergymen’s widows, &c. in Norwich and Norfolk.  President, the Lord Bishop of Norwich for the time being Treasurer, the Rev. Mr. Parr.

The Norfolk Dissenters’ Benevolent Association, for the relief of aged dissenting Ministers, their widows and orphans, is supported by voluntary subscriptions among the Calvinistic Unitarian, and Baptist Dissenters; and an annual collection, in aid of the funds, is made at every meeting of the above persuasions in the county.  The annual meeting of the society is held the first week in May.  J. Barnard, Esq. of Knapton, Treasurer.

The Benevolent Association, for the relief of decayed tradesmen’s windows, and orphans; was instituted in 1790.  From the statement of the society, it appears that near 700 tradesmen’s widows and orphans have already received benefit from the funds of the association; and that the accumulating fund of the society from benefactions, &c. amount to nearly £3000.  Mr. C. Bagg, Clerk.

The Norfolk Benevolent Medical Society, for raising and establishing a fund for the relief and benefit of widows and children of surgeons and apothecaries, and of indigent members of the profession, in Norfolk and Norwich, instituted in 1786.  This society holds a general meeting yearly, in May, at Norwich and Swaffham, alternately.

The Society of Universal Goodwill, in Norwich, for the relief of foreigners who are not entitled to assistance from the parish laws of this country.  The number of persons who have been relieved by this society, amounts to near 3000.

The Amicable Society for Attornies, for raising and establishing a fund for the relief and benefit of the widows and children of Attornies in Norfolk and