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A visitors guide to the Market Town of Beccles located on the
southern-most navigable point of the Norfolk Broads situated on the
Suffolk side of the Waveney Valley. Once a prosperous Saxon Port many of
the street names end in 'gate' which is derived from the Saxon word for
street. For many centuries Beccles housed large numbers of clock and
watch makers.
The Quay down by the River Waveney is where many
tourists arriving by boat start their visit to Beccles. From the Quay
you can enjoy a boat trip in Edwardian style onboard Liana along the
River Waveney. As a result of fires most of the town is Georgian in
appearance with the exception of the Tudor Manor of Rose Hall. There is
also a strong Flemish influence in the architecture and many of the town
houses which have Georgian facades, hide much older buildings.
A wide range of pubs, shops and restaurants are
available in the town and the main shopping area which has been partly
pedestrianised contains many well-known stores along side independent
places. The centre of the town is a conservation area and contains many
buildings of historical interest. There is a mile long Heritage Trail
which takes you down most of the principal streets and offers fine views
as well as places to sit. The octagonal Town Hall built in red brick
close to the church tower dates from 1765 and was the site of the
original medieval Market Cross.
For Holiday Accommodation in Beccles Suffolk - Boating Holidays - Self
Catering - Holiday Cottages - Hotels and Bed and Breakfast check
out our Beccles Holiday Accommodation Pages.
Saltgate - Chateaubrand was where a French Aristocrat stayed on 1794
during the French Revolution teaching, at the local school. Northgate
contains some striking houses and is considered to be one of the most
arresting streets in the town.
The father of Martin Bell the former war correspondent used to live at
Number 19 Northgate. Also look out for Hungate Lane where there is an
18th century crinkle crankle wall. The separate church tower of St.
Michael's dominates the area and can be seen for miles around as it
measurers well over ninety feet. The church itself was built between
1350 and 1400.
It was here in 1749 that Catherine Suckling married the Reverend Edward
Nelson parents of Lord Horatio Nelson. It is said that the west side
which faces Norfolk was deliberately left blank because the inhabitants
of Beccles did not want to show the time for free to their Norfolk
neighbours.
The town has a good museum housed in Leman House, believed to have been
built in about 1570 and was completely restored and modernised in the
1760s.
Inside the museum you will find all aspects of printing from office to
hot metal, litho and bindery. There is a regular train service to
Lowestoft onto Norwich
or to Ipswich connecting to services to London Liverpool Street.
Beccles Carnival is a weekend of live music and
events throughout out the town and normally takes place in July.
Beccles is located just over seven miles from the seaside resort of Lowestoft.
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