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PROVINCIAL OCCURRENCES.

CAMBRIDGESHIRE.

NAVIGABLE canal, to be called the North Canal, is intended to be cut from the metropolis into the river Cam, in this county, opening a direct communication with several other counties.

DERBYSHIRE.

KENT.

It is in contemplation to construct a harbour at St. Nicholas Bay, on the north eastern coast of this county.Some merchants of London, it seems, have an idea of obtaining a shelter for their vessels in the winter season, these being always much exposed on It will be made the Kentish coast.

capable of receiving vessels of 300 tons burthen.

The liberation of Sir Francis Burdett was a circumstance eagerly looked for throughout the country, and at no place was the feeling more manifested It is also in contemplation to form than at Melbourne, in this county.a junction between the rivers MedThe day was ushered in by ringing of way, Rother, and Stour, by means of bells, and about one o'clock, great canals; viz. from the Medway at Yaldnumbers of both sexes, wearing Sir F. ing to Horsmunden, thence by Frittenden to Gallows Green, near TenBurdett's favours, assembled in an open space before the church with a terden, and from thence to the Royal band of music, and flags and streamers Military Canal at Stour, which conThe line belonging to the Benefit Societies. nects it with the Rother. There forming themselves into three projected to unite with the Stour is divisions, the whole proceeded thro' proposed to break off at Middle Quarall the streets of Melbourne, and after- ter, near High Halden, which, in its wards of King's Newton, back to Mel- course, will embrace Ashurst, and be bourne. About three o'clock, they continued to Wve, from whence it returned through the principal street may, without difficulty, be extended to five inns, at which excellent dinners to Canterbury. The total rout of this were provided for 170 persons. About last line, twenty-seven miles in length, five o'clock, another scene, equally is estimated at 109,7444; the former interesting presented itself: in various line, nearly thirty-four miles in length, parts of the town groups of females, will amount to 190,688. This plan, from twenty to ninety in a party, en- which will secure to the city of Canjoying themselves over tea, cakes, and terbury a navigation from thence to ale. Four hundred females thus con- the sea, it is supposed will, if carried tributed their charms to heighten the into execution, lower the price of scene. One general feeling animated land-carriage one half. every mind, and social order, peace, tranquillity, and glee, eminently marked this distinguished day.

DEVONSHIRE.

The great work of the grand western canal has commenced on the summit level, in the parish of Holecombe, in this county, on land belonging to P. Bluett, Esq. on which occasion the first turf was cut with all due ceremony by Sir George Yonge, Bart.

LAUNCH of the QUEEN CHARLOTTE.

On Tuesday, July 17th, about two o'clock, this noble ship was launched from the King's Yard, Deptford. The day being tolerably fine, an immense concourse of people had assembled at Deptford and the opposite shore early in the morning, and, by one o'clock, the roads were almost impassable.Vehicles of every description had been put in requisition in the carly part of the day, so that many were obliged, to A survey is now making for carry- their no smal! mortification and ining into effect a new channel of in convenience, to trudge it on foot. On land navigation from the river Thames the Deptford side the dock-yard was to Portsmouth. The exact line of the crowded to stagnation; even the tops proposed navigation is not yet fixed; of the houses were covered with but the Medway, as far as Penshurst, anxious spectators. On the opposite is to form a part of it; after which it shores the numbers were so great, that is to communicate with the Ouse, by many were pushed into the mud, on a branch of that River near to Worth. the river side, and several into a

HAMPSHIRE.

ditch which bounds the road on the land side; yet, though in a truly woeful plight, they were determined not to depart without seeing the sight. The ships in the river were all crowd. ed, even to their topgallant-mast heads; tops, yards, cross-trees, shrouds-in short, every place where people could stand or cling to, were completely crammed. Boats of all descriptions were rowing to and fro, on the river, filled with those who came to see this

most gratifying spectacle. The diversity of the scene, and more particularly the assen blage of beauty which was displayed around, were enough to fix the attention of any man, upon any other occasion; but here all eyes were turned to the ship herself; and there indeed was a sight sufficient to rivet the attention of any thinking being; that so immense a body could be erected by the ingenuity of man, and so composed of an incredible number of small pieces of timber, so strongly and intimately combined together as to resist the utmost fury of the storm the force of the most tremendous

waves,

chafed by the sweeping of the wintry winds, was a subject of astonishment, She was crowded on the upper deck, and her cabins were full of elegant

company; she was decorated with the flags usual on such occasions; in short, her whole appearance was noble and gratifying. In the Bock-yard, sheds were erected for the accommodation of the ladies; and were decorated with flags and ensigns. At length, after waiting with no small degree of impatience, without any warning, the ship went off; but to describe her smooth and gliding progress into the river were impossible; for no person can conceive the appearance of so immense a body, when in motion, unless he had himself been a spectator of the scene.-in the most even and gentle manner she glided along until she plunged into the bosom of the stream, which rose on each side of the vessel, as if Father Thames was embracing his favourite with joy, and hailing her as the future sovereign of the ocean. The tide setting upwards, she ran with considerable velocity up the stream, to the great danger of an immense number of small boats, which had incautiously approached too near: and, for some minutes, those spectators

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NORFOLK.

A number of industrious Freemen of this city lately assembled at the Cradle and Coffin inn, near the Market-place, Norwich, to celebrate the liberation of Sir Francis Burdett from the Tower. A good dinner of roast beef and plenty of strong ale were furnished at 2s. each person. The party

did not assemble till six o'clock in the afternoon, when their daily labour was concluded. Many loyal,constitutional, and political toasts and sentiments were given, and it affords much pleasure to observe, that the lower classes are senwhich, as Englishmen, they have a sible of the value of those privileges right to enjoy, and likewise that they can assemble without violating the law of the land, or being guilty of any indecorous proceedings.-Several songs and some music added greatly to the comfort of the meeting, and the toils of preceding labour were forgotten in the hours of innocent but heartfelt joy, and the virtues of that steady, that sincere friend of the people, to whom they paid this mark of respect, were deeply impressed on their me mories. At ten o'clock they departed to their humble dwellings, each havng contributed a portion of his earnings to the relief of Mr. Gale Jones, recently imprisoned for endeavouring to defend their liberties.

Died.] In the 49th year of his age, the Rev. George Beevor, (fifth son of Sir Thomas Beevor, Bart.) Rector of Wilby with Hargham, in this county, and of North Cove with Wellingham St. Mary, in Suffolk.

At Boston, in America, in November last, Mr.Barrett, formerly manager of the Norwich Theatre.

NORTHUMBERLAND.

The first stone of a new Court House and Jail, for this county, was lately laid in the Castle Garth, Newcastle, by Earl Percy. His Grace the Duke of Northumberland gave a donation of 5000l. towards the expense of the building.

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE.

Died. At his seat, at Serlby Hall, in this county, the Right Hon. Viscount Galway, Knight of the Bath. His Lordship is succeeded by his son Wm. George, now Lord Viscount Galway.

OXFORDSHIRE.

A subterraneous vault has lately been found upon Beaconsfield Farm, belonging to Mr. Wood. It appeared to have been a burial-place, and was as perfect as when first made. The entrance to the south was 18 feet wide, with an anti passage, and the length of the same, with a half circle of rough stone at the end; the other walls were plastered; the height was seven feet. The partitions for the bodies were made with red tile planks, as perfect as if fresh from the kiln, and about two feet and a half high; but no coffins were to be found. The planks, as they are called, are ornamented with le squares of stone and pottery work, stuck in mortar; the ornaments being a vase, fish, and circular variegated lines, some of which were preserved. It is supposed to have been a thousand years old, and the work of the Romans. The teeth, found in the jaw-bones, were in a most perfect state; there were also flues made of square burnt clay. The place where it was had been pasture-land, and it was not more than four inches under ground to the first row of pianks. Beacons field Farm is an old enclosure, the oak trees upon it being in a state of de

cay.

SUSSEX.

Died.] At Chichester, Mr. Hoskins, thirty-three years master of the House of Industry at that place. Among his property were found 200 guineas, 180 seven-shilling pieces, and a number of five and three penny pieces, besides a collection of other coins.

In Horsham gaol, aged 82 years, Simon Southward, formerly of Boxgrove, near Chichester. This singular UNIVERSAL MAG. VOL. XIV.

character was a miller, which occupation he followed with industry and attention till about the year 1766, when, by a strange species of insanity, he fancied himself Earl of Derby, King in Man, assumed those titles, neglected his business, and became very troublesome to his neighbours. In February, 1767, he was arrested for a small debt, at the suit of the Duke of Richmond, and was conveyed to the old gaol at Horsham, from which he was removed (the first prisoner after and from which he was released, after its completion) to the present gaol, a captivity of forty-three years, four months, and eight days, by the hand of Death. Simon Southward was in stature about six feet, was exceedingly well made, and had a commanding countenance: his manners were generally affable, and his deportment polite: he was, however, when offended, exceedingly wrathful, and with difficulty pacified, particularly when his ire had been occasioned by doubts about his assumed dignity. He supposed himself a state prisoner, and would accept no money or clothes which were not presented to him as coming from the King, his cousin. His dress was generally a drab coat, of very ancient cut, and a cocked hat, with a black cockade. Simon was addressed, as well by the Governors of the gaol, as by his fellow-prisoners and visitors, "My Lord!" and to no other denomination would he ever reply. He had been supported for a number of years past by a weekly stipend from the parish of Boxgrove, which was paid to him by Mr. Smart, and which his Lordship expended on necessaries with the strictest economy: but could scarcely ever be prevailed upon to receive a meal, or other favour, except under the description above stated. His remains were interred at Boxgrove.

WARWICKSHIRE.

Died.] At Hillmorton, aged 74, Mr. Edward Abbot, a man of exemplary morals, and much disposed to alleviate the distresses of the poor during the whole of his life. He has bequeathed 150% to trustees, that the interest may for ever hereafter be applied for instructing twelve poor children of HillL

morton parish in reading, writing, and ninety great and great great grand and arithmetic: he also left the in- children. terest of 50%. for ever, for a distribution of bread among the poor in Hillmorton every Christmas. Two guineas were given, in bread, at the direction of his executors, at the time of his interment.

At Hatton, in the 38th year of her age, Mrs. Sarah Anne Wynne, the only remaining daughter of the Rev. Dr. Parr. With becoming resignation to the will of Heaven, she endured a long and painful illness, which had been brought upon her by the pressure of domestic sorrows, on a constitution naturally weak. Her genius and her attainments were very extraordinary. Her virtues, as a friend, a child, a wife, and a mother, were most exemplary, and her piety was rational

and sincere.

YORKSHIRE.

At Sheffield, J. Browne, M.D. aged 70. He was so generally and deservedy respected, that, on the day of his interment, the shops in the principal streets of Sheffield were shut till eleven o'clock in the morning. At a public meeting, held at Cutler's Hall, to consider the best means of perpetuating his memory, it was resolved, that a marble bust of the Doctor should be placed in the General Infirmary, and a subscription was opened for the purpose of defraying the expense.

WALES.

commanding an open view of the bay, piers, and shipping. On the east, north, and west sides, there will than 1109 yards, so that nearly one also he gravelled avenues of more mile and a quarter of walk will be laid out for the use and enjoyment of the inhabitants and its casual visitors.

The Corporation at Swansea are bringing about considerable improvements. A new pleasure-ground will consist of a garden of near four acres, much of it to be laid out in plantations of forest trees, with an extent of gravel walks within its boundary Died.] At Spofforth, aged 94, John of more than 800 yards: besides this Metcalf, commonly called Blind Jack. there will be a grand esplanade, He lost his sight when only four years facing the south, forty feet wide, of age. Soon after he learned to play twenty of which, in the centre, will on the violin, and afterwards attended be graveiled, and the sides laid down as a musician at the Queen's Head, in turf of the length of 250 yards, High Flarrogate, for many years, and was the first person who set up a wheelcarriage for the conveyance of company to and from the places of public resort in the neighbourhood. In 1745, he engaged to serve as a musician in Colonel Thornton's Volunteers, and was taken prisoner at the battle of Falkirk. After his release, he returned to Harrogate, and became common carrier between that town and York, and often served as a guide in intricate roads over the forest during the night, or when the tracks were covered with snow; nor was any person inore eager in the chace, which he would follow, on foot or on horseback, with the greatest avidity. He at length took to projecting and contracting for the making of high roads, building bridges, &c. With no other assistance than a long staff, he would ascend the precipice and descend the valley, and investigate the extent of each, its form and situation. His plans were formed by a method peculiar to himself, which he could not communicate to others. He has left four children, twenty grand children,

A King's Naval Yard is at length established at Milford Haven, where the keels of two 74-gun ships have lately been laid down. Two floating docks are building on the Hubberstone side of Milford.

In the lime-stone quarries, at the Mumbles, near Swansea, a complete cemetery has lately been cut through by the labourers, who found immense quantities of human bones: from the confused state they were in, it is highly probable the spot was the bu rial-place of a vast multitude who perished at the same time, either by pestilence or the sword, at some very remote period.

The following extraordinary cir cumstance lately occurred on a farm

in the neighbourhood of Llanelly ::A young girl, accompanied by her brother, driving some cows into the field from milking, was attacked by a bull, thrown down, and trampled upon; the boy, anxious for his sister's safety, picked up a sharp stone, which he threw at the animal, and striking illness; never wore any other dress bim between his eyes, he fell dead instantly, the stone being literally buried in the skull.

Mr. James Fraser, farmer. His remains were attended to the grave by a numerous family, and upwards of seventy of his grand and great grand children. He possessed the use of all his faculties to the last, and had never been confined above two hours by

Died.] At his house, near the seashore, at Llanelly, John Rees, in his 110th year.

SCOTLAND.

An elegant and spacious suite of rooms is erecting in South Albionstreet, Glasgow, upon a plan similar to the Athenæum of Liverpool, to be called the Glasgow Lyceum. They are to be supplied with newspapers and periodical publications, and furnished with an extensive library. A number of gentlemen have already become subscribers a 20 each,which is to give them a right of admission to the rooms, and the privilege of introducing strangers.

The shore and harbour dues of Aberdeen, as imposed by the new harbour act, were lately let, by public auction, for two years and eleven months, at the yearly rent of 5,310%.

The inflammable air in a chalk-pit at George colliery, Bowness, lately exploded; and, out of twenty-three persons who were in it at the time, awful to relate! the lives of only six were saved, sevemeen having suffered; viz. eight men and nine wo

men.

than the Highland garb in the course of his long life; and was much esteemed for his singularly pleasing manners.

In the parish of Boleshine, James` Fraser, tenant in Tomevoidt. He was at the taking of Quebec under General Wolfe. Within the narrow circle round Tomevoidt, there are still surviving five more who witnessed that remarkable event: one of these is Capt. Fraser, of Bunchgavia; and, another, Capt. Fraser, of Erogie,

IRELAND.

The Earl and Countess of Charle ville have been most benevolently employed in founding schools for four hundred children, upon Mr. Lancaster's plan. The Earl has also erected suitable buildings at his own expense. The Countess sent over a schoolmaster to England, who has been some weeks with Mr. Lancaster, to be instructed in his mode of teaching. The High Sheriff of the county of Cavan, also, has been very assiduous in the institution of schools, in promoting that knowledge in which which are productive of great benefit Ireland has hitherto been shamefully deficient.

It is said that the master manufac turers of woollen cloth, in Dublin, Longevity. There is now residing have been making every exertion in at Priestgill, near Strathaven, William their power to meet an increased deRuthven, a native of that parish, in mand, by adopting every species of the 111th year of his age. He served the most improved machinery for many years in the 41st regiment, and cloth-making, as is practised in Engafterwards in the Scots Greys; wrought by the Irish Government, united with land. The recent measures adopted at the cooper business many years in Dumfries, and for the last 15 years, the patriotism of wealthy individuals, since the death of his wife, and the will, it is hoped, by liberal patronage, lost of his eye-sight, he has traversed give efficiency to this plan,

Lanarkshire, Galloway, &c. with his daughter and her husband, who are tinkers. His mental faculties are not impaired.

Died.] At Craigag, in the parish of Kirkhill, at the advanced age of 102,

DEATHS ABROAD.

At Balraine, in France, in his 70th year, the celebrated Montgolfier, the first who discovered the principles of

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