Sept. 17th. Grand Balloon Ascent at 5.30 p.m., at the Vauxhall Gardens by Lieut. Chambers, R.N., amid the cheers of a vast multitude of people. It was postponed from the previous day owing to the wet weather. (See July 27th, 1868.) Dr. Alfred Impey died at Cove Hall, Suffolk, aged 38. Oct. 7th. The Lord Bishop of Norwich and the Rev. W. Hook, vicar of Leeds, and Chaplain to the Queen, preached at the Parish Church on behalf of the New Priory Schools. Between the services a cold collation was provided by Mr. Brown, of the “Angel” Hotel. Oct. 7th. Priory National Schools opened and the restoration of the Old Hall celebrated. Built from a design by J. Flakewell, Esq. Cost, 1,850. Library and Museum built in 1868. Nov. 18th. Funeral of the Duke of Wellington took place. By request all shops in the town were closed. Nov. 28th. Fire on the premises of Mr. J. W. Darnell, baker, Howard Street. Nov. 29th and 30th. Two Concerts at the Town Hall by Mr. H. Phillips and his daughter. Dec. 14th. Mrs. Swan gave a Reading from the Play of _Henry VIII._ at the Town Hall. R. Steward, T. Brightwen, B. Fenn, J. G. Plummer, J. Cherry, and C. C. Aldred, Esqs., were appointed Magistrates. Caister Castle sold by auction to John Gurney, Esq., of Hoveton Hall. Norfolk. Southtown Gas Works erected; enlarged in 1859. (See March 23rd, 1876.) Local Board of Health established, succeeding the Board of Paving Commissioners. 1853. June 28th. On Tuesday afternoon the ceremony of driving the first pile of the Wellington Pier took place. The beach and terrace were decorated with flags, &c. The pile driven had a brass plate inlaid, bearing the following inscription:—“This, the first pile of the Wellington Pier, was driven on the 28th of June, 1853, by S. C. Marsh, Esq., Mayor of this Borough. David Waddington, Esq., M.P., chairman of the Company; Mr. Peter Asheroft, Engineer; and C. J. Palmer, Secretary.” The procession from the Hall comprised a body of police, then a band, followed by the Mayor and Corporation, the Minister of the Parish, and the Town Clerk, the Ancient Order of Oddfellows bringing up the rear. The procession entered the Pier, marched to the far end, and there several blows by the “monkey” were given to one of the piles; speeches made, colours hoisted, guns fired, &c. When they retired the public were admitted free. The pier was decorated with flags and laurels. Cosgrove’s brass band was in attendance. Grand dinner at Victoria hotel at 8 p.m., and a ball at the Town Hall. The pier, which cost £7,000, was opened to the public on Oct. 31st, and the day being fine, the town was _en fête_. The structure was not finished till 1854. July 28th. Re-opening of the Particular Baptist Chapel, after extensive alterations. Aug. 27th. Mortlock Lacon, Esq., died at his residence, Hall Quay, aged 66, and was buried at South Walsham.