attack the enemy unseen, and defeated them, many insurgents being killed, 80 taken prisoners, and six pieces of ordnance secured.  They were afterwards defeated by the Earl of Warwick at head-quarters in Norwich, and lost some 4,500 men; their leaders, William and Robert Kett, being suspended alive in chains on a gibbet.

1550.

Another great Plague.  (See 1349.)

The Castle used as a Borough Gaol.  During subsequent periods of alarm, it was again repaired.  The upper part of it was taken down in 1620, and the following year the whole fabric was ordered to be 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 expenses for the year, £1,230 12s. 4d.

The Paston family sold Caister Castle to meet their embarrassments.

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 substituted.

1572.

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

Brewers ordered to brew with coals instead of wood.

Every ale-house licensed by the Bailiffs.

1573.

Regulations made to prevent goods lying on the Quay longer than necessary.

1574.

A Bill introduced to Parliament to enroll Yarmouth as a Cinque Port; but this was not properly carried out.  In 1702 the Government of Yarmouth was settled under Anne in its proper and present form.

1575.

Feb. 10th.  Mr. Harbrowne elected to Parliament in place of John Bacon, Esq., but only served one day, the latter being re-elected.

1576.

Edward Owner born.  He represented the town in Parliament four times, and died August 13th, 1650.

A part of the Hospital, Market Place, converted into a House of Correction.

1577.

Burgh Water Frolic first spoken of, being a grand event, and patronized by the Mayor and Corporation.

1578.

Inhabitants prohibited from washing their clothes near the public wells.

Lord Burleigh and the Earl of Leicester paid Yarmouth a visit, and were entertained at the Priory.  Queen Elizabeth was expected, and a silver cup, in the form of a ship, costing £16, made for presentation to her Majesty, but she reached no further than Norwich.

Scratby Sand became entirely dry land, and raised its head so much above high-water mark, that grass, &c., grew on it, and sea birds built their nests.  It was called “Yarmouth Island,” and was a favourite resort in the summer