NORWICH GAZETTE 1709-1720

YEAR 1707
1707

WEEKLY GAZETTE published weekly in Yarmouth
Norwich Gazette 24 May

YEAR 1709
1709

RACES: At Beccles  on Monday 4 July will be  a Horse Match,  3 times round the Course  for  20
(guineas, each Horse to carry 18 stone weight and several other matches the same day

Norwich Gazette 25 Jun

YEAR 1716
1716

 

SALE: House  in Beccles with shop, out houses  and  garden  being  an  old  accustomed  grocers  shop
about £9 a year to be sold. Enquiries of Mr Farr attorney at Beccles or Mr Folkard brewer in the same

Norwich Gazette 5 May

or Mr Isaac Carver ? Loddon?
RACES: Tues. 12 June in Beccles Races. Purse of 30 Gns. Wed 13th Prize of 310 Cock fight gents.

1716
Norwich Gazette 12 May

NB. to begin on 13th
SALE: House and  outhouses with Barn  and  Stables  near Bridge in Beccles  c  £10 p.a. to  be sold.

1716
Norwich Gazette 17 Aug
enquiries Mrs Mason, widow, Schuldham attorney or Charles Tuck.

YEAR 1718
1718

SALE: Beccles: House with meadow, Orchards and gardens and outhouses, drying places in heather
as convenient - as a Felmonger as may be having the privilege of water carriage to and from Norwich
&  Yarmouth  with  skins  bought  &  sold.  Many  years  occupied  by  Thomas  Baker,  Felmonger.

Norwich Gazette 19 Apr

Enquiries Charles Tuck draper.
SALE: Alehouse with    Fruit Trees. Conveniency for Weavers Looms. Enquiries, James Richmond
RACES: Beccles Races June 11th & 12th

1718
1718

Norwich Gazette 24 May
Norwich Gazette 24 May

1718
1718

MENTION of ELMY: Reference in advertisement to John Elmy, Junior mercer of Beccles
RACES: Beccles on 8 July. Pair of Silver Spurs of 30s will be run for a Horse Mare or gelding, best
of 3 heats. 2 rounds of the Course for one heat or a saddle for a guinea for the second best horse & the

Norwich Gazette 14 Jun
Norwich Gazette 21 June

stakes for the third. Each horse to pay half a crown entrance & to be entered at Starting Point the day
before running between 4 & 5 before Mr Tobias Chandler

YEAR 1720
1720

BOAT CHALLENGE: Richard  Lifton of Gillingham, waterman  & fisherman to Hon  Sir  Edmund
Bacon of the same town & upon that account first tried to make a boat for himself to fish in, which he
brought to a very good form,m & is now come to that Perfection in working (without ever working

Crossgrove’s News 10 Sept

with a boatwright all his life) as he has made a boat so complete for rowing,  that he challenges any
boat that is now upon any of the three rivers that run to Yarmouth, to row with four oars for as many
guineas as they will row miles: and if any gentleman has a desire either to see or buy this boat if they

come to the  Sign  of the PYE, near the Bridge  in Beccles they may be further  informed by the said
Richard Lifton

1720

SALE: In Beccles Dwelling  House with good shop next Northgate Street, some time since occupied
a Hosier lately by a baker,  good oven, a big  large yard  or  garden at the  end of which,  next a  great

Crossgrove’s News 22 Oct

road,  are  great  gates,  convenient for  bringing in  or  carrying  out  all  matters necessary with Horses
carts &  carriages:  good water &  good right of Commonage.  enquiries John Farr, Attorney at  Law,

Beccles.

YEAR 1721
1721

WHITE LION: John Brown who kept the Old Goat Inn in Norwich now removed to White Lion in
Beccles: where he has now a considerable quantity of fresh and good wines as any in all that country:

Norwich Gazette 25 Mar

& where all gents & others shall find as kind entertainment & as choice corn & hay for their horses as
at any Inn whatever & a very hearty welcome from your humble servant John Brown.

1721
1721

 

DEBT: Debt Jasper Robson of Toft Monks decd to be paid to Thos Stubbs of Beccles.
Beccles Races.  Wed Thurs. June  7-8 . Thos Randall  clerk  of the  course. Wed Purse of £10. Thurs.
£30. There will be a cock match in the said town upon the said days. Assembly in the Guildhall each

Norwich Gazette April
 
Norwich Gazette 6 May

night. Tickets at John Elmy’s as formerly.
Angel at Blyburgh to let. Enquiries Sam Mayhew, Blyburgh or William Crowfoot of Beccles, Grocer.

1721
Norwich Gazette 26 Aug

YEAR 1722
1722

Notice.... All letters which used to be sent by Carriers to & from Norwich to any of under mentioned
places now to be sent by the Yarmouth Post & they will be carefully forwarded 3 times every week:

Norwich Gazette 24 Mar

to answers may be as often returned the same way from these places: Aylsham, Beccles, Bungay etc.
(long list)
If any carrier or waterman shall collect, carry or re-carry any letters, packets etc. contrary to Act of

 
 

Parliament “An Act for Establishing a general Post Office” prosecuted. Inn Keepers ditto.
Beccles Races May 30-31st. James Harris Clerk of Course.Assembly at TOWN HALL each night.

1722
1722

 
Norwich Gazette 5 May
At the Great Barn in Beccles during the time  of the Horse Races, will  be performed the following
Norwich Gazette 26 May

comedies  on Wed May 30th  Love Makes  a Man  or the  Fop’s Fortune, on Thurs. 31st The Bennx
Stratagem  on  Fri.  June  1st  The  Wife’s  Relief  or  The  Husband’s  Cure.  with  several  diverting
entertainments of singing  & dancing between the Acts. NB. Mr Tollett has provided  a  good set of

Musick to play with Mr Roe & Mr Baker from Norwich. We shall begin as they come off the Races
upon account of the Assembly
RAT  CATCHING:  Will  Hunt  of  Woodrising,  Taylor  &  Ratcatcher  at  house  of  Robert  Adley  in

1722
Norwich Gazette 26 May

Woodton, catched in one fortnight 1418 rats.. now at Woodton Hall.
Nicholas Coppin near King’s Arms, Castle Ditch, Norwich furnishes best marble for chimney pieces
etc    same goods from N.C. at White Lion Yard, Beccles.

1722
Norwich Gazette 31 May
1722
 

BANKRUPT: Commissioners in Bankruptcy awarded against Jeremiah WOLFE of Beccles, Vintner
meet at White Lion (John Brown) Aug. 14th
MENTIONED: John Farr attorney at Beccles

Norwich Gazette 4 Aug

1722
1722

Norwich Gazette 11 Aug

Mon. Nov. 5 Horse Match at Beccles for 45 gns. Black Galloway - John Fuller of Puiham, Many v
Chestnut go, John Dickenson of Eye... another same day

Norwich Gazette 27 Oct

YEAR 1723
1723

 

Henry Browne of Beccles designs to leave off his Grocers & Haberdashery business where persons
may be furnished wholesale or retail at reasonable rates as cheap as can be bought in London. PS He

Norwich Gazette 9 Jan

desires all persons that stand in debt to him to pay respective debts immediately.
PATENT MEDICINE: Royal Anodine British Tincture  never  failing  success  in  giving  immediate
relief in  all pains. Cures Aches, Numbness, Pains, Cramps, wekness  of the joints & tooth  ache .. it

1723
Norwich Gazette 16 Feb 

facilitates delivery in childbirth. Price one shilling. Sold by .... Mr Primrose, Beccles.
BAKERY: Baking Office in Becles,  late occupied Thomas Page, deceased to  be let &  goods to  be
sold. Enquire Widow Page, Beccles or Robert Robinson, carpenter, St Peter’s Norwich.

1723
Norwich Gazette 14 Mar 
1723
 

TAILOR: John Richmond of Beccles now lives in house of his Father James Richmond, deceased &
carries on tailor’s trade  for men  as his  Father  did:  also  follows stay business &  making  children’s
coats, riding hoods & riding habits.

Norwich Gazette 2 May

1723
1723

RACES: Beccles Races 5th & 6th June (James Harris clerk) Assembly at TOWN HALL as usual.
SALE: To be sold  at Beccles  ancient & well  accustomed Draper’s House &  Shop in Market Place
late occupied Widow Armstrong, decd. enquiries Thomas Primrose of Beccles.

Norwich Gazette 11 May
Norwich Gazette 25 May
1723
Norwich Gazette 1 Jun  

THEATRE COMPANY: Mr Tollet’s Company  embaqrked  last  Sunday at Whitstable  for Norwich,
meeting with a terrible storm at sea .. with great difficulty got to Dover ... now hope for calm sea.
FLOWER SHOW: Friday & Saturday 26 & 27 July, Collection of Flowers to be seen at Mr John

1723
 

Norwich Gazette 20 Jul  
 
Brown’s at the White Lion, Beccles.

YEAR 1724
1724

May   

RACES: Beccles Races 2 days. Jas Harris, Clerk of the Course. Ass ? as usual at the Town Hall
BECCLES RACES: Beccles Races 6th & 7th June (James Harris clerk) Assembly at TOWN HALL
as usual. The winning Horse (Purse of £10) to be brought to the Market Cross within one hour after

1724
Norwich Gazette 9 May  

to be sold for £20 & raffled for by any contributors who demand it.
FLOWER FESTIVAL:  Flower Festival  by Gentlemen of  Suffolk. White  Lion, Beccles. Mon.  20th

1724
 
Norwich Gazette July

“all gentleman who come & bring some flowers shall meet with thanks of a kind welcome by their
humble servant John Browne.
LOST:  Stolen  or strayed off Beccles Common.  Sat May 30th  at night,  a  black mare....  Stubbs  at

1724
Norwich Gazette July  

Beccles. Reasonable Reward
FLOWER  SHOW: There will  be a  Florist’s Feast by the Gents of  Suffolk held  at the White  Lion,
Beccles  on Monday 20th, where  all  gents who will please for to  come & bring some flowers, shall

1724
Norwich Gazette 11 July

meet with thanks & a kind welcome by their humble servant, John Browne.
THEATRE:  This  is  to  give  notice  to  all  gentlemen  &  ladies  and  others  that  at  the  Guild  Hall  in
Beccles. Wed  next  being  5th August  by Mr TOLLETS Company of Comedians will  be acted that

1724
Norwich Gazette 25 July 

diverting comedy A Bold Sense for a Wife, with several entertainments of Singing and Dancing. NB
The Company will continue Playing some of the best Comodies & Tragedies now extant, & their stay
will be for three weeks & no longer

1724

LOST HORSE: Stolen or strayed off Beccles Common on Sat May 30th a black mare, a star on her
forehead,  a wall  eye on the near side,  a  short white tail,  one white  foot  behind.. Miller, Attorney,
Yarmouth, or  Stubbs of Beccles.

Norwich Gazette 25 July
1724
 

THEATRE: Guildhall, Beccles. Wed Aug. 5th Tollett’s Company of Comedians “A Bold Stroke for a
Wife” & several entertainments of singing & dancing. NB. The Company will continue playing some
of their best comedies & tragedies now instant & their stay will be three weeks & no longer.

Norwich Gazette 1 Aug
1724

DIED:  All  persons  indebted  to  THOS  STUBBS  decd.  of  Beccles,  BRAZIER  to  pay  to Mrs  Ann
Stubbs widow and executrix or they will be sued. And all Blacksmiths & others indebted for iron to
Stubbs  or to Nathaniel Randalls  as they were partners &  joint traders  in the  iron business will  be

Norwich Gazette 22 Aug

forthwith sued  unless  debts paid to Mrs  Stubbs or Thos Mills. NB William  Stubbs, son  continues
trade
as brazier & sels all sorts of seeds in seed time

 
1724

 

DEATH: Debts to Thomas  Stubbs of Beccles,  brazier,  deceased, to be paid to Mrs Anne  Stubbs,
widow or Thomas Mills, attorney, Yarmouth, & all blacksmiths & others who were indebted to the
said TS & to Mr Nathaniel Randall, as they were Partners in the Iron Business, pay debts ditto.

Norwich Gazette 29 Aug

 
1724
1724

 

William Stubbs, son, continues as brazier & sels all sorts of seeds in seed time.
DEBTS of William Lenny of Worlingham, deceased, to John Crispe, administrator of Beccles.
BOAT RACE: Richard Lifton, in Gillingham, for a long time bargeman to Sir Edmund Bacon in the

Norwich Gazette 24 Oct  
Norwich Gazette 17 Dec
same town ... proposes to build boat for 6 oars for £10 & wagers it in a race.

YEAR 1725
1725

Norwich Gazette 23 Jan  

TO BE LET: The FALCON:, an ancient & well accustomed Inn in Market Place, Beccles with very
good  stables  &  convenient  out-houses  &  yards,  with  a  brewing  &  malting  office  in  good  repair

together  with  the  utensils  hereto  belonging  (now  in  the  occupation  of  John  Bridges)  to  be  Let.
Enquiries Tobias Chandler, Gaol-keeper  in beccles. NB There  is  a new Well sunk &  a  new pump
therein put down, adjoining to the said offices which produce plenty of good water, sufficient for both

offices as well as the house.
LEMONS & ORANGES: Cocking  at White  Swan, Hoxne. ALSO  Lemons  & Oranges sold  all the
year long by wholesale & retail.

1725
Norwich Gazette 27 Feb  

Paper now changes size & print. Smaller print allows many more adverts.
1725
1725

Norwich Gazette 8 May  

BECCLES RACES: 16 & 17 June. Assembly each night in Town Hall. Purses £10 & 30 guineas.
Will Woodward a man of dark complexion, about 5 ft high & about 25 years old has hair cut off&

Norwich Gazette 15 May

wears a cap, made his escape on Sunday night last out of Beccles Gaol. Whoever secures & brings
him to Tobias Chandler keeper of Gaol, 1 guinea Reward.
TRADESMAN: James Harris of Beccles sell all sorts of stockings & all sorts of men’s hats. Likewise

1725
Norwich Gazett 22 May  

serves funerals with shrouds & all sorts of gloves & hatbands; they being all fresh goods & at very
reasonable rates.
SALE: The Falcon ancient & well accustomed Inn, Market Place, Beccles with very good stables and

1725
16 June  

other convenient outhouses & yards:
SALE: Likewise Brewing & Malting Office (now occupied John Bridges) to be let. Enquiries: Tobias
Chandler GAOL-Keeper. NB. A new well sunk & new pump therein put down adjoining such offices

1725
16 June  

which produces plenty of a good water sufficient for both offices as well as for the House.
SALE: Mrs Mary Lane  of Beccles, deceased,  left stock of  milliner’s  goods with House &  Shop in

1725
Norwich Gazette 26 June

Market Place. Enquiries John Bird of Beccles
FLOWER  SHOW: Florist  Feast 2nd  Wed [changed  next week to  1st  Wed]  in August  in Beccles

1725
 
Norwich Gazette 3 July

White Lion & 3rd ditto at the Angel Halesworth “by consent of the gentlemen of that Society”.
BUNGAY  STAITHE:  All  debtors  of  John  Dalling  &  Richard  Nelson,  co-partners  &  owners  of

1725
Norwich Gazette 14 Aug
Bungay Staithe. Coals on reasonable terms; goods carried to & from Yarmouth.

YEAR 1726
1726

 

SALE or TO BE LET Dwelling near Market in Beccles. 2 Low Rooms. 3 chambers. Garret, Pantry,
garden wash house etc. to be let or sold. Enquiries Tobias Chandler.
TO BE LET at Beccles:  House & very large shop fronting the Market Place both ways. kept by linen

Norwich Gazette
1726
Norwich Gazette 30 April

draper upwards of 40 years. Good Halls Kitchen, large yard, walled in, stable for pair of horses. Brew
house with pump within doors just set down. Enquiries Mrs Eliz. Love widow, who now lives in the
said House. NB Will be Let a very good Pennyworth. now or at Michaelmas next.

1726
1726

 
 

BECCLES RACES:; Wed 15 Thurs. 16 June
FLOWER  SHOW: Gents  of Norfolk  &  Suffolk.  Florist Feast:,  White  Lion, Beecles. John Browne
Wed next, where he expects there will be very great attendance.

Norwich Gazette 7 May
Norwich Gazette 2 Jul

YEAR 1727
1727

 

DIED:  Persons  indebted  to  Mrs  Alice  Blowers,  widow  of  Beccles  decd.  to  be  paid    to  Mr  Isaac
Blowers.

Norwich Gazette 28 Jan
1727
Norwich Gazette 11 Feb  

BOOK   ADVERT:   The   Practical   Kitchen-Gardener:   raising   cucumbers,   melons,   mushrooms,
lovecole, potatoes & other curious & useful plants.
TO BE LET: House Malting Office, Brewing House & good stable late occupied Abraham Browne

1727
Norwich Gazette 18 Feb

of Beccles decd. to be let. Enquiries : his widow, Beccles
FARRIER: Robert Tye of Shipmeadow, has practised Farriering some years, to be spoken with at his
house in Shipmeadow Wednesday & Friday till noon & at John Browne’s  “the White Lion”, Beccles

1727
Norwich Gazette 22 Apr

Tuesday & Saturday afternoons.
BECCLES RACES: 21 & 22: £15 & 30gns purses. Assembly at Town Hall
GAOL  ESCAPE:  Thomas  Wright  a  tall  black  man  wearing  his  own  black  hair  of  a  sanguine

1727
1727

Norwich Gazette 20 May
Norwich Gazette 15 July

complexion   broke  out   of  Beccles  Gaol   13  July.   at   night,   being   committed   on  suspicion   of
hoosebreaking. Whoever apprehends the said TW & brings him to Mr Tobias Chandler, Keeper of
Gaol of Beccles aforesaid shall have 2 guineas reward paid by said Tobias Chandler..

YEAR 1728
1728

SURVEY: Proposals for printing  by subscription  a  Survey of the County of Norfolk.  Subscriptions
taken by John Browne, White Lion, Beccles etc.

Norwich Gazette 6 Jan 
1728

LOST:  Lost  between  Norwich  &  Gillingham  a  silver  watch  &  on  the  deal  plate  is  MANLEY,
Beccles. Finder bring to Haslewood, Silversmith, Norwich or Brown, White Lion, Beccles

Norwich Gazette  20 Jan
1728
 

SALE or TO LET:  Estate  in Beccles £30-£40 per  annum to be let  or sold. House next the  Street
leading to Lowestoft, Barns, orchard & garden. Francis Brewster, draper.

Norwich Gazette 20 Jan

1728
1728

Norwich Gazette 4 May  

MENTIONED: Isaac Blowers, Post Master at Beccles
BAD RIVER ACCIDENT: Pleasure Boat overset  at Aldeby  in  Waveney with  29 persons  in it.  15
drowned.

Norwich Gazette 11 May
1728

SALE: At Beccles, to  be sold  3 wherries with masts, sails & other tackle. Also  large  quantity of
billet.. Enquiries Abraham Schuldham, attorney or John Brunning of Beccles. NB. There is a vacancy
for any Body that has a mind to set up in the business of a Wherry Man.

Norwich Gazette 18 May
1728

SALE: To be sold at Beccles ancient & well accoustomed house called the Falcon with Brew House
& Malthouse, Enquiries Tobias Chandler
TO BE LET: the Ship Tavern, part of it new built & with a good straithe belonging it, standing nigh

Norwich Gazette 25 May
1728
Norwich Gazette 25 May

the Bridge. Enquires Tobias Chandler.
BECCLES RACES:  Wed 12th & Thurs. 13th Purses of £10 & 30 Guineas
FLOWER SHOW: Florists Feast: Francis Deif, The Adam & Eve. Beccles on July 5th etc.

1728
1728

Norwich Gazette 1 June
Norwich Gazette 22 June

 
1728
1728

 

There will be a piece of Plate given at each place to that person who shall then have the best flower.
SALE: Falcon & Ship Sale notices repeated.
SALE:  Very  Large  commodious  House,  ancient  and  well  customed  Tavern  with  three  large  new

Norwich Gazette 20 July
Norwich Gazette 24 Aug

Stables,  WHITE  LION in Beccles, rent £32 per  annum. For  sale.  Enquiries John Browne, present
Tenant or Rev. Sir Charles Castleton, Rector of Gillingham
Estate in Toft Monks £100 p.a. Enquiries John Schuldham, Beccles.

1728
12 Oct   

YEAR 1729
1729

14 Mar   

House & Shop in Market Place, Beccles Enquiries Yallop or Browne at White Lion. [Property New
Marketl
SALE: Repeat of advert of 25 May 1728 for FALCON & SHIP

1729
1729

Norwich Gazette 22 Mar

DROVERS:  Notice  from  English  &  Scottish  Drovers  that  they  WILL  attend  Halesworth  Fair  &
Market. [16 signatures]
DEBTOR: Debts due to John Morley of Gillingham to pay to Thomas Moore, Schoolmaster, Beccles

Norwich Gazette 17 Nay 

1729
1729

Norwich Gazette 24 May

SALE  or  TO  BE  LET:  House  &  Shop  in  Beccles  Market  Place  occupied  by  Thomas  Masters,
Grocer& Chandler to be Let or Sold at Michaelmas. Leaving off business.
TO BE LET or SOLD: House at Beccles with starch office & utensils, barn, stable, half acre garden,

Norwich Gazette 12 July
1729
Norwich Gazette 26 July  

to be Let or Sold. Estate late of Robert Ward, decsd. Enquiries Widow or William Crowfoot.
Notice to merchants: 6 Sail of vessels constantly : goods from Dash’s Wharf at back of Fishmongers
Hall,  London,  one  of  which  conveys  every  Tuesday  for  Yarmouth,  Norwich,  Beccles,  Bungay,

1729
2 Aug 1729 
Harleston, E.Dereham, New Buckenham, N, Walsham & all places adjacent.
1729

SMALLPOX: Whereas the town of Beccles has been very much affected with small pox for above18
months  together  to  the  very  detriment  of  the  inhabitants  thereof  by  a  great  decay  of  the  trade  &

Norwich Gazette 20 Sept

business there. And although it hath pleased God to put a stop to that contagious distemper in the said
Town yet some persons  are so malicious still to  report  its being there, with Design to  keep up the

Fears of Persons from coming there: To contradict therefore such malicious & false reports we whose
names  are here subscribed  do  hereby certify that the said Town now is & for two months past has
been entirely free from the smallpox or any other contagious distemper whatsoever & does now enjoy

a perfect good state of health. Witness our Hands:
Thos  Page  (Rector),  Isaac  Blowers,  John  Harber  (Wardens),   William   Elmy,  William  Bendy,   
Nath.Newton  (Overseers) Charles Yallop, John  Elmy, William Crowfoot, James Harris, John Crisp

 
 

Robt le Grys, John Browne Stephen Amyas, John Farr,  Francis Brewster
RINGERS:  Long  notice  on  challenge  of  Eye  Ringers  to  Norwich  (St  Peter’s)  Ringers,  sent  by
Norwich Ringers.  Eye had agreed to meet them  at the  White Lion, Beccles on Monday 6 October.

1729
Norwich Gazette 4 Oct  

They met, but made various excuses - now agreed to meet at White Swan, Bungay on Tuesday 14th.
[Further notuces from Eye & Norwich in successive weeks, & another from Eye on 1 November.]
RINGERS: John Botwright &  Will Howells from Bungay  declare  letter from  Eye to  be  untrue,  if

1729
Norwich Gazette 15 Nov 

their Performances in Ringing be equal to their L...g, they must be allowed to be persons of no small
acquirements.

YEAR 1730
1730

 

DIED: Nath. Howard of Beccles, Linen weaver decd. has left quantities of linen-cloth to be sold by
his executors Robert Dawson, Benj. Primrose. Sale at Howard’s shop in Weavers’ Lane, Norwich

Norwich Gazette 23 Jan

1730
1730

12 Feb
 

Proposals for surveying Suffolk by Nath. Bacon & John Kirby. subs rec. by Abraham Todd. Beccles
COCK FIGHTING: Pope’s Head  in Norwich. Cock Match between Gents of Beccles & Gents  of

Norwich Gazette 14 Mar

Norwich. Two days.
BECCLES RACES: Wednsday 17th & Thursday 18th June. James Harris, Clerk of Course.

1730
1730

Norwich Gazette  9 May 

COCKING on same days as Races at the Angel, Beccles.
BANKRUPT: Beccles.  Stock  of Mary Mason, widow, bankrupt ? Millinery & Mercery  goods for
sale.

Norwich Gazette 23 May
1730
27 May  
1730

SALE: Ancient Brewery of ? in Beccles, Copper that will boil 14 barrels. 2 cellars & a store room.
Enquiries Nath. Newton
CROSS  KEYS    in  Beccles,  ancient  &  well-  accustomed  with  good  stable,  wash  house  Pump

Norwich Gazette 30 May
1730
Norwich Gazette 15 Aug

belonging thereto. Garden & hemp land. £9 freehold. Enquiries William Cutlove, wig maker.
APPRENTICE: Runaway on 22nd at night from his Master Stephen Bootman, brazier of Beccles one
Francis Binton, his apprentice lad. stout lad c17 wears his own hair... he has wronged his Master of

1730
Norwich Gazette 21 Nov

money, carried off some working Tools & is supposed to go tinkering about the country. Haifa guinea
reward.
I, William Cutlove of Beccles in Suffolk, Peruke Maker, did, not many days since, make a wager of

1730
Norwich Gazette 17 Dec

some guineas with R--t W--k, (Mason) & with M--w G--m (Tailor or Stay Maker) (both in the said
town) that I could lay Galley-tile in a frame as well as the said Mason could himself, who was then
doing such work in a House in Town. Upon which I took up the Tools, and in truth such tools as I

had never  handled before. Therefore I  am obliged to inform the public (& can  give  a reason for so
doing) that I did my work & by the judgement & approbation of some men of his own trade, mine
was done neatest, best & most methodical and accordingly I won the wager. The truth of the Premises

may & will be attested upon occasion by several substantial & credible witnesses in the above said
town.

 
 

Thus you see what such as I can do, When I catch hold on a fine golden clue, Without my Razor or
my bull & Bason. ‘Tis plainly proved the BARBER trimmed the MASON.

YEAR 1731
1731

BUNGAY ORGAN: New Organ built for St Mary’s Bungay
WATCHMAKER: Richard Smith, watch maker at the Dial in Pedral Street (?) near Harleston having
hired the shop in Bungay lately kept by Thomas UTTING of Beecles gives notice that he designs to

Norwich Gazette 23 Jan  
1731
 
Norwich Gazette 6 Mar

give constant attendance at the shop - etc.
TO BE LET: Beccles upper end of Market Place. House & Shop suitable for grocer to let. Enquire
Robert le Grys

1731
 
Norwich Gazette 6 Mar
1731

BECCLES RACES    changed [from 16, 17 June] to 23 &  24 June to  avoid  a  clash with  Ipswich
Races.
LOST:  Stolen  or strayed  out  of pasture at Beccles. Thurs.  July 1st a  bright  bay horse white stripe

Norwich Gazette 22 May
1731
Norwich Gazette 3 July  

under the  belly on the offside etc. whoever  gives notice to Chisney Platt, one of the Comedians  at
Beccles or to Jos. Lynes, Dolphin, Norwich, shall be well rewarded
LOST: Stolen or strayed off Beccles Common Brown bay Gelding, Charles Yallop, Beccles. Reward

1731
Norwich Gazette 21 Aug

( John Schuldham, BUNGAY, Abraham Schuldham, Beccles, Issac Schuldham, woollen draper)
SCHOOL: There is a gentleman from Oxford lately come to Beccles to keep school there who will
teach Latin, Greek & Hebrew & will begin at St Michael next - where there is also a skilful writing

1731
Norwich Gazette 4 Sept

master who will teach  all parts of Arithmetic. There  is  likewise  an  accomplished  Fencing Master.
And there are in the same town many good housekeepers who will take in any young gentlemen at
reasonable Rates.

1731

LOST:  Stolen  or strayed  off Beccles Common Gray Hobby.  Ed  Scarlett, Wheelwright, Beccles  or
John Mann, Star Inn Norwich. Reward.
RETIRES: Beccles Widow Amyas, Apothecary leaves off business, debts to be presented to her son

Norwich Gazette 18 Sept
1731
Norwich Gazette 16 Oct
John Amyas takes shop.

YEAR 1732
1732

SALE:  White  Lion,  Beccles,  for  Sale,  occupied  John  Browne,  new  erected  Stables.  Rent  £37.
Enquiries John Farr, in the Market Place.
LOST: Stolen or strayed off Beccles Common on Sun 5th March at night. Light Bay Mare.Thomas

Norwich Gazette 11 Mar
1732
Norwich Gazette 11 Apr

SPRATT. Reward
BECCLES RACES: 7 & 8 June
BREWSTERS:  Farm  of  £60  a  year  in  Ringsfield  of  140  acres.  Enquiries  Humphrey  Brewster  of

1732
1732

Norwich Gazette 6 May  
Norwich Gazette 16 May 

Wrentham of Francis Brewster of Beccles.
LOST: Stolen or strayed off Beccles Common on 9 June last, light grey horse, 8 years old 13 to 14

1732
 
Norwich Gazette 1 July

hands high, having a knot under his jawbone as large as a walnut. His mane shorn on the left side &
his ears spread pretty much. Whoever will give notice to Matthew Spence, Mason of Beccles ... half a

guinea reward & all charges.
FLOWER  SHOW:  Florists  Feast. Francis Delph. Adam &  Eve Beccles. Gold  ring  valued  at I  gn,

1732
Norwich Gazette 15 July

something for 2nd Flower. Good Dinner.
SALE of CHAISE: At Mr Moundeford’s in Beccles 4 wheel Chaise & a pair of harnesses for sale.

1732
Norwich Gazette 29 July

YEAR 1733
1733

 

Broke out of Beccles Gaol on Shrove Sunday night last - George Harrison a short thick fellow very
much pock marked, about 40 years old & had on when he went away a dark coloured coat & light

Norwich Gazette 10 Jan

wig as also one Robert Daniel, a thin fellow, with a dark coat & white wig, & dressed like a Quaker
about  35  years  old,  whoever  apprehends  them  &  brings  them  to  Beccles  Gaoler  shall  have  two
guineas reward. Paid by me Tobias Chandler

10 Jan 1733 
1733

Feb, 26, 27 large quantity of Scotch beasts for sale at Mr Page’s Sharfield & Beccles.
TREACHERY: The Gentlemen of Beccles truly acquaint the Public, reason why Fancy of Beccles
lately beaten by Norwich Rowers was a treacherous confederacy between Jeffrey

Norwich Gazette 10 Feb  
Gardner one of our

Rowers & some of our adversaries etc. Richard Lifton, builder.
SALE: House for Sale in Beccles. £20 a year. John Morse, grocer
SALE:  To  be  sold  at  Beccles  Commodious  house  suitable  for  gent  or  tradesman  with  good  yard

1733
1733

Norwich Gazette 28 Mar
Norwich Gazette 28 Apr

room, 2 garden, convenient out houses £20 p.a. rent John Morse, grocer.
BECCLES RACES:  June 13th & 14th Cocking at the Falcon, John Burrell of Beccles during Races.
NB. a gold ring of 15s value fought for at the Falcon on the Monday before the day of weighing of

1733
 

Norwich Gazette 26 May
 

Battel Royel
FLOWER SHOW of July Flowers at the Adam & Eve. Mr Alcock ... Silver Punch-ladle value 30s for

1733
Norwich Gazette 30 Jun 

the best flower.
SALE:  Mrs  Hester  Couzing  (?),  Market  Place,  Beccles  millinery  goods  wholesale  &  retail  &

1733
 
Norwich Gazette 4 Aug

household goods. Leaving Beccles.
COCKING: Thursday 23rd August to be run on Beccles Course, Purse with 5 Gns. 5s entrance. Next

1733
Norwich Gazette 4 Aug 

class a Match of 20 Gns & a Cock Match at the House of James Cockerill at the sign of the Bull as
soon as the match is over. There will be a saddle run for.
SALE: House of Will Tiberham in Beccles for sale. 3 cellars 4 fine low rooms, 4 handsome chambers

1733
Norwich Gazette 11 Aug

& 3 garrets, brewhouse, pantry, good water by the door & stable in garden. between the church & the
Market  -  very  near   both.   Enquiries  Isaac  Blowers,  Post  Master   of  Beccles  (Edward  Blowers
Goldsmith in Beccles)

1733

BECCLES RACES: Thurs. & Mon. 23rd & 26th August Beccles Races. Cocking at the Bull (James
Cockerell)
MENTIONED: Abraham Schuldham, attorney, Beccles

Norwich Gazette 11 Aug

1733
1733

Norwich Gazette 17 Aig 
Norwich Gazette 15 Sep 

WILLIAM CROWFOOT, grocer, Beccles for enquiries about Grocer’s Shop & House at Mendham,
to be Let.
OCCULIST: Mr Taylor, famous occulist en route. Bungay 2 hours on Tuesday 13th, Wednesday 14th

1733
Norwich Gazette 3 Nov 

two hours at Beccles etc.  5,000 recover.
BUNCHING MILL: Good Bunching Mill, well  accustomed,  for sale  in Beccles.  Work  enough to
employ 2 Combers. Enquiries Robert Boult (for the malt trade)

1733
Norwich Gazette 24 Nov

YEAR 1734
1734

 
DEBTS:  Whereas  divers  persons  are  still  indebted  to  the  heirs  of  the  late  Mr  Stephen  Amyas,
Norwich Gazette 5 Jan

apothecary, decd. of Beccles & to his widow. To come to Kings Head to pay debts.
APPRENTICE: Run away on Sunday 24th last from Mr Leonard Newton, a saddler in Beccles one
Daniel Rogers his apprentice, a lad about 15 years of age, square set & cross eyed. He had on when

1734
Norwich Gazette 30 Mar

he went away  a light-coloured strait  coat with yellow buttons a  dark wig  &  a dark  coloured  great
coat.  If  he  will  return  to  his  master  aforestead  within  10  days  he  will  be  kindly  received.  And
whoever pouloms?, employs or entertains him will be prosecuted according to law.

1734
1734

Norwich Gazette 4 May 

BECCLES RACES 5 & 6 June
COCKING: At the sign of the Falcon in Beccles during Races, Main of Cocks - gents of Norfolk v
Gents of Suffolk. 31 cocks each side a main & 4 gns. a battel & 40 gns. the odd battle.

Norwich Gazette 11 May
1734

TO BE LET: House  &  Shop  in Beccles fronting Market Place next to Francis Brewsters Woollen
Draper.  Good  stables,  yard  &  other  conveniences.  Occup.  Benj.  Francis,   barber.  To  let  next
Michaclmas.

Norwich Gazette 18 May
1734

CONCERT: Plate of  5gns. (5s entrance) on June 7th day after Beccles Races. NB. Concert of vocal
& instrumental music at Guildhall. Vocalists Dr Heighington & his family beginning as soon as race

Norwich Gazette 25 May

is over.
FLOWER  SHOW:  Show of July Flowers. John Alcock’s Adam & Eve Beccles.  Silver punch ladle

1734
 
Norwich Gazette 6 July

value 30s. Fri 19th.
APPRENTICE: Mr Thomas  Stone, peruke maker  of Beccles. One James Ulton  his apprentice aged

1734
Norwich Gazette 20 July

about 19 years,  a slender  boy, of  a muddy  complexion,  very  large  legs. He  had on when  he went
away a light cloth coat & waist coat with large metal buttons & a great pair of buck skin breeches.
Kindly received if he returns within 14 days.

YEAR 1735
1735

 

THEATRE: By  desire  of the Quality  at the Town Hall  in Beccles  every  evening  next week (last
week) Seignoaria Violante famous Italian Rope Dancer also a play “Love is a Sack” 6 p.m.

Norwich Gazette 1 Mar
1735
 

THEATRE: Beccles, Miss Violante, the Italian Rope-Dancer will perform only two days next week
here: Monday & Tuesday by command of Sir John Pllaytet. She will begin exactly at four o’clock &

Norwich Gazette 8 Mar

to her performance will be added “The Jealous Farmer” And a New dance called “The Old Woman
with a Parrot in a Basket” NB. on Sat 22nd she will begin to perform at Harlston.
TO BE LET: House in Beccles for sale. Occupied by Thos Wakefield, Butcher. Stable, wash house,

1735
 
Norwich Gazette 5 Apr

yard. Rent £6
KING’S HEAD: Paul Harris is moved from the Globe in Blofield to Kings Head, Beccles
BELL  RINGING:  Beccles:  on  the  7th  of  this  instant  being  Easter  Monday,  the  whole  Peal  of

1735
1735

 
Norwich Gazette 5 Apr
Norwich Gazette 12 Apr 

Grandsire Trebles being 5040 Changes  was rung by the Society of Beccles Scholars in 3 hours & one
minute,  being the first &  greatest performance  ever done  in this town . John Barber - Treble, John
Denney -2nd,  Matthew Debnam - 3rd, Duncan Dewer - 4th,  John Ward - 5th, Andrew Field - 6th,

Matt. Clarke - 7th, Henry Dady - Tenor.
CHURCH ORGAN: Opening of New Beccles Organ

1735
1735

Norwich Gazette 17 May

BECCLES RACES: Wed June 11 & Thurs. 12th Assembly each night TOWN HALL Cocking at the
Falcon “at the time of the horse race”. To show 31 on a side.

Norwich Gazette 17 May
1735

CHURCH ORGAN: Beccles Church 5th June will be opened a new excellent Organ when will be a
Sermon upon the occasion. And at six of the clock in the evening in the Guildhall a consort of vocal

Norwich Gazette 24 May

& instrumental Music by Dr H Heatherington & family & the best hands that can be had in Suffolk or
Norfolk. Also an Assembly. Together at Half a crown. Tickets: Robert Grinling’s House, Kings Head
& White Lion. Benefit Robert Grinling organist.

 
1735

 

[Bungay had built a new organ, reported 23 & 30 Jan 1731]
CHURCH ORGAN: Beccles Church 5th June newly erected organ to be opened. Sermons. Concert at
Guild Hall by Dr Heighington & Family at 6 p.m. & assembly 2s.6d Benefit Robert Girling Organist.

Norwich Gazette 28 May

1735
1735
1735

APPRENTICE: John Brown, apprentice, run away from the Master Thos. Gisleham, Tailor, Beccles.
ASSEMBLY: Beccles Town Hall. Assembly 3rd & 4th July benefit Robt. Grinling Town Organist.
FALSE  ACCUSATION:  Whereas  a  Report  was  lately  raised  that  Edmund  Skipper  of  Beccles,

Norwich Gazette 31 May
Norwich Gazette 14 June
Norwich Gazette 14 June

Butcher,  took  a  bribe  of  one  Mr  Seaman  &  for  the  same  forswore  himself  about  some  grapes
pretended  to  have  been  got  from  one  Mr  Morse  which  Report  having  very  much  tended  to  the
damage of said E.S. for repairing wihich damage & to prove the falsity of such report the said E.S.

lately considered  an  action against me,  I having  been  charged with having  spread the same &  I do
therefore (besides having made the said E.S satisfaction for such scandal )hereby declare that I had no
grounds to spread  such  report & that I believe the  same  is false  and  untrue  as witness  my  hand:

Jonathan Bellward.
At Beccles Town Hall will be an Assembly on 3rd & 4th July for the diversion of all gents & ladies.
Benefit Robert Grinling, Town organist to begin at 6 p.m. being positively the last that will be held

1735
Norwich Gazette 21 Jun 

this season.
TO BE LET: MALT HOUSE:  20 combs steep to be let at Beccles. Very  convenient for Home or
Foreign Trade. Enquiries Dr Bohun of Beccles.

1735
Norwich Gazette 25 June

1735
1735

Norwich Gazette 23 Aug 

THE SUFFOLK TRAVELLER by Kirby: publication subscriptions at Francis Emerton, near Beccles
GOODS for SALE: All sorts of Joiners’ Goods & looking glasses to be sold by Mr Thos. Blowers of
Beccles  at  prime  cost  &  Mandoil  [iron  bar]  Wheel  Turn  [large  box  into  which  flour  falls]  at

Norwich Gazette 13 Sep

reasonable price, a large Cloth press & a very good Boulting Hutch fit for a large family.
Broke out of Beccles Gaol on 4 July Mary White, alias Mary Willis. She is a stout woman with pale
face, is very much pock-marked & Black Hair. Whoever shall give tidings of the said MW to Tobias

1735
13 Sep 

Chandler, keeper of the Beccles Gaol shall receive a guinea reward
BELL RINGING: Beccles: on Monday last 8 youths of the Society of our Ringers did undertake to
ring 5040 Changes on bells called Bob Major Quadruples & Triples which peel they were curiously

1735
Norwich Gazette 25 Oct 

performed in 3  hours 23 minutes to the  great satisfaction  of the  judicious  lovers  of that Art, being
never before performed in the Town or neighbourhood.

 
 

John Barber - Treble, John Denney -2nd, James Fisher - 3rd, Duncan Duer - 4th,  John Ward - 5th,
James Gardner - 6th, Matt. Clarke - 7th, Henry Dady - Tenor

1735
Norwich Gazette 25 Oct 

BOOK ADVERT: The Country Gentleman & Farmers’ Director: Times & seasons for planting  all
sorts of hops, madder, saffron & such other crops as stand more than one year in the ground. ...times

of  planting  &  cutting  of  coppice  &  springs  of  wood  &  felling  of  timber:  breeding  &  feeding  of
poultry, rabbits, fish, swine & all sorts of cattle, even particulars to the improvemen of bees.   2s 6d
BOOK   ADVERT:   The   Country   Housewife   &   Lady’s   Directory:   Management   of   a   House,

1735
Norwich Gazette 25 Oct 

instructions for managing the Brewhouse & malt liquors in the cellar, making of wines of all sorts.
Directions for the  dairy feeding &  making of  brawn. Orderinf fish,  fowls, herbs, roots  etc for the
table. Methods of making ketchup , drying & kilning saffron. Second part: Receipts for dressing all

sorts of flesh, fish, fowl etc that are the poduct of a farm ... manner of trussing all sorts of poultry.   2s
6d
LOST HORSE:  Young man  hired  a  horse  from Robert  Skipper of Beccles to  get to Yarmouth  &

1735
 
Norwich Gazette 6 Dec

return same day - not heard of since.
ADVERTISEMENT: All persons who want any smiths bellows, single or double, great or small, or
have  any Boards to  be new leathered may be furnished as well &  as cheaply than  at the makers in

1735
 
Norwich Gazette 6 Dec
London or elsewhere by Mr Thos. Ingate near the Bull Inn in Beccles.

YEAR 1736
1736

Norwich Gazette 28 Feb 

CHARITY  SERMONS  in  Norwich  Churches  during  Lent:  April  16  St  Gregory’s:  Symmonds  of
Beccles [curate]

1736
Norwich Gazette 6 Mar 

SERVANTS: Petty Sessions, Aylsham: for hiring & retaining Servants. All servants who are out of
place if they do not care to provide themselves Master or Mistress, they will be sent to the House of

Correction.
BECCLES RACES: Wed 26 & Thursday 27th

1736
1736
1736

Norwich Gazette 22 Apr 

FORTUNE TELLING: Woman in the Pillory, then whipped for future telling at Gryphon, Bloefield.
CAMPING: on Monday 7 June a Camp or Match of Football upon Homefield Heath by twelve men

Norwich Gazette 15 May
Norwich Gazette 22 May

each side, Norfolk & Suffolk. Suffolk to play in white, Norfolk in red, to carry a piece in each hand,
which shall be delivered them before the Camp begins. No one to handle the ball. 5s to man on the

winning side. 12 sidesmen to keep the ground clear & see fair play. To meet & hand up at 3. Camp to
be over at 5. NB The ground shall be well roped in.
CAMPING or FOOTBALL at ASHBY at Three Horse Shoes. Ten a side for ten pairs of neat pumps.

1736
1736

Norwich Gazette  29 May 
Norwich Gazette 5 Jun 

LOST:  Stolen  or  strayed  off  Beccles  Common,  Thursday  3  June.  Black  Mare.  Edmund  Smith,
Beccles, owner. Suitable reward for information. No questions asked.
TO BE LET: at Beccles, House & Shop, good cellar, stable room, yard well planted with fruit trees.

1736
Norwich Gazette 19 June

Right of Commonage  conveniently situated in heart of town, two hard lane meadows, 4  acres with
Barn..Enquiries:  John Seaman, cheesemonger, owner.
LOST in Beccles, middle sized silver watch, Tim Mickleburgh, grocer, Gillingham. 1 gn reward

1736
1736

Norwich Gazette 7 Aug 
Norwich Gazette 25 Sep 

SUFFOLK  TRAVELLER:  John  Kirby  notifies  subscribers  copies  to  be  had  at  ..  Thomas  Moore,
Writing Master in Beccles.
LOST  between  Beccles  &  Norwich.  Cloth  housing  with  silk  fringe  &  silver  spar.  Bring  to  John

1736
Norwich Gazette  
Fisher the Beccles carrier or Henry Symmonds, Norwich. Reward.

YEAR 1737
1737

Norwich Gazette 8 Jan 

WRECKS:  Three  Vessels  wrecked  on  Norfolk   coast   in  storm  of   23  December.  Reward  for
information of goods lost [ie stolen]. Divers sorts of Merchants’ goods.
BULL BAITING at Greyhound, Shipdham .. pair of buckskin breeches, value 1 gn to the owner of

1737
Norwich Gazette 22 Jan 

the dog that best takes him ... not less than six dogs at him.
GAOL ESCAPE: Made his escape out of Beccles Gaol  Sat 8 Jan one Will Aldiss  a low squat man
between  30 &  40 with a pale face &  black eyes: wore  a worsted cap & had on  a white coat. Is  an

1737
 
Norwich Gazette 5 Feb

inhabitant of  Fressingfield  but belongs to Cratfield &  mends shoes. Whoever secures said  W A &
brings him to B. Gaol shall have a guinea reward paid by me. Tobias Chandler, Gaoler
MENTIONED: William Leman, attorney, Beccles

1737
1737

Norwich Gazette 16 Apr

BECCLES RACES:  Wed 4 & Thurs 5, July. .
ADVERTISEMENT:   Abraham   Higham,   edge   tool   maker   at   Beccles   makes   Coopers’   tools,
Carpenters’ tools, wheelwrights, tanners, & all sorts of shears, wool shears, glovers’ gardeners’, also

Norwich Gazette 21 May
1737
Norwich Gazette 28 May

sickles, ploughs & all manner husbandry tools likewise curriers’ knives which are made only by two
men besides himself in the kingdom who live at Cirencester.
FISH STOLEN: Whereas the fishermen of Beccles & Gillingham lost out of their Trunks at several

1737
Norwich Gazette 11 June

times  within  3  weeks  last  past  about  40  braces  of  Tench,  some  of  them  18  inches  long  &  it  is
generally supposed they were carried to Norwich by some of our neighbouring Pedders: If any gents

in Norwich or elsewhere have innocently bought any such fish within the said time as may render it
suspicious & will discover who they bought of, or as to bring the Thief to Justice, shall receive two

guineas reward by those whose hands are here  under written: Richard  Lifton, Robert Palmer, John
Jolly, Thos Hall.

1737
 

APPRENTICE: Beccles Apprentice Robert Cana run away from WILL STINNETT Cooper wearing
dark wig etc.

Norwich Gazette 9 July

YEAR 1738
1738

FALCON INN: Charles Jenkenson who for many years kept White Swan in Beccles moves to Falcon
in Market Place.
TO BE LET:  Shops  in Beccles & Halesworth to  be let -  Late in  use of  Stephen Bootman, Brazier

Norwich Gazette 11 Mar
1738
Norwich Gazette 11 Mar 

decsd.
SALE:  Ancient  Brewing  Office  with  copper  which  boils  14  barrels  of  beer  &  all  other  utensils
suitable. Plenty of good water in the yard & store room for beer with house. Nath. Newton, Beccles

1738
Norwich Gazette 25 Mar

1738
1738

SURVEY of SUFFOLK (2 shillings) by Kirby, sold by Thomas Moore, schoolmaster, Beccles.
PAINTER: Whereas Thomas Bardwell, painter, is removed from Parish of Bungay, I Robert B fom
London  brother to TB have taken  a house  & shop in Bungay to  follow painting business. ... My

Norwich Gazette 27 May
Norwich Gazette 3 Jun 

history Landskips, signs, show boards, window blinds, Flower pots for Christmas & housepainting  in
imitation of all sorts of wood, stone & mahogony ... sell all sorts of colours for house painting with
directions on how to use them.

1738

LOST: Stolen or strayed on Monday, 22 off Beccles Common, a bay Mare c13-14 hands high with a
skin on her face, two white feet behind,  has been rowelled on near shoulder. John Dowing,  grocer,
Norwich. Thos. Jermyn, Blacksmith, Beccles.

Norwich Gazette 17 June
1738
Norwich Gazette 30 jun 

BISHOP: The Bishop coming to Norwich is met on the road from Attleburgh by a great number of
Gents,  Clergy  &  Citizens:  The  bells  ringing  in  every  Parish  as  he  passes  through.  The  Mayor,

Recorder, Coaches & Chariots.
STOLEN  out  of  Rev  Page’s  pasture  in  Beccles  June  29th  his  mares,  property  of  Mrs  Gower  of

1738
 
Norwich Gazette 1 July

Metfield. Reward.
SMALLPOX, Beccles Aug 2. We whose  hands  are  under written  do certify that upon the strictest

1738
Norwich Gazette 26 Aug

enquiry we are assured that the Smallpox is now entirely ceased in the town of Beccles and that there
is not now one Person with the said Distemper, neither hath there been for a considerable time.
Thos Page (Rector), Thos Symonds (Curate), John Elmy, Robt Le Grys,   (Surgeons) Rich Casey, Ed.

 
 

Blowers (Church Wardens),  Geo Martin,  Will Clarke (Overseers)  Will Bohun MD, John Amyas,
Ralph Keable, Barth Purvis (Apothecaries) William Crowfoot, Francis Brewster, Isaac Blowers, Will
Elmy, D.Baker

1738
1738

Norwich Gazette 12 Sep 

BARBERS: Notice to barbers working on Sunday. Fine 5s.
PRICES: Whereas by reason of the great Impressing of seamen the wages of the sailors are greatly
advanced ... Masters of ships carrying goods from London to Yarmouth forced to increase prices.

Norwich Gazette 29 Sep 
1738

DIED: Stephen BOOTMAN of Beccles, brazier, lately dead, Ed Blowers, Ironmonger has undertaken
& already begun to follow brazier  business jointly with  his own:  new  copper,  brass, tin  or pewter
ware also old goods mended & exchanged at reasonable rates.

Norwich Gazette 30 Sept
1738

SMALLPOX: Beccles, October 26: Whereas some ill disposing persons in the  neighbouring towns
reported that the Smallpox have falsely reported that smallpox is now in the town, which report doth
greatly tend to the injury of trade thereof, and is spread with that malicious intent. This is therefore to

Norwich Gazette 28 Oct 
inform the Public that such report is entirely groundless ... signatures as before.
YEAR 1739
1739
 

GUN MAKER Dan Maillard, gun-maker from London takes house & shop in Beccles next to Angel.
[3 The  Walk].. All  gents furnished with  guns & pistols of  best & newest fashion & they may have
their old barrels new bored. Also makes surgical instruments.

Norwich Gazette 6 Jan

1739
1739

 

CREDITORS of Ed. Scales late grocer of Southwold, demands to his executor Will Mash of Beccles.
GAOL ESCAPE: Escaped from Beccles Gaol March 13, between 6 & 8 of the clock in the evening.
Robert Barber of Rumburgh. Charles Wright & Henry Skerll. 3 guineas Reward. Tobias Chandler.

Norwich Gazette 3 Feb
Norwich Gazette 10 Mar
1739

SCOTCH CATTLE: On Sat 12 May. Show of all sorts of Neat Beasts with Scots & English. NB. It is
hoped as the above is calculated for the convenience & advantage of the Graziers that they will give
proper encouragement to it.

Norwich Gazette 14 Apr
1739
 

THEATRE: Norwich Company to be  at Beccles “to be ready for the  entertainment  of the Duke of
Grafton: When Races are over, return for Norwich Race week.
EXOTIC TREES: At Beccles , a parcel of fine Orange, Lemon, Myrtle & Dutch bay trees all in new

Norwich Gazette 5 May
1739
 
Norwich Gazette 5 May

tubs  with  iron  Hoops;  &  Marrains  (?)  Tuberoses,  Carnations,  &  Auriculas:  Cucumber  Frames  &
Glasses  double & single:  Wheel  barrows  an Iron Roll  300wt,  one stone roll & a  garden screen  .

Enquiries Matt Gisleham, Stay Maker or Mr Emerton, Land Surveyor. Presented by the Hon Sir Chas
Turner of Kirby Cane late deceased, to his gardener, Giles Hogg, since deceased.

1739

THEATRE: PLAYHOUSE in Beccles, Norwich Company, Henry IV with the comical humour of Sir
John Falstaff in which will be shown such a variety of new, rich clothes as hath never been seen on

Norwich Gazette 12 May

any stage in this circuit before.
FALCON INN: Benj. Lambert from the Bricklayers Arms takes the Falcon in the Market Place. Very
Commodious Inn, good stable room, good lodgings, Beccles.

1739
Norwich Gazette 23 June

1739
1739

BECCLES RACES: Tues. 4th & Wed 5th Sept. Thurs. 6th 3 days
GAOL ESCAPE: Broke out of Beccles Gaol in the night. Robert Smith, a tall, pale fellow between
five  and six feet  high,  had  on  a white  coat  a white  dimity waistcoat &  a striped woollen  cap, but

Norwich Gazette 14 July
Norwich Gazette 28 July

sometimes wears a wig. One guinea reward. Tobias Chandler.
SCOTCH CATTLE: Beccles: Sat Oct. 13th Show of all sorts of English & Scots cattle.
SALE:  House  for  sale  at  Beccles,    opposite  the  Cross.  Very  good  house  fit  for  any  shopkeeper.

1739
1739

Norwich Gazette 15 Sept
Norwich Gazette 15 Sept

Particulars, the King’s Head.
EDUCATION:  Convenient  Boarding  School  in  Beccles.  Elizabeth  Fisher  lately  a  teacher  at  the
famous Boarding School at Weltham, near Bury. Near the church. Neat Plain Work & all sorts of fine

1739
Norwich Gazette 27 Oct.

work.
IN GAOL: I hear that a person  commifted to Beccles Gaol, who  is imagined to  be one of the two
highwaymen who robbed so many people this day fortnight going home from Norwich market. His

1739
Norwich Gazette 27 Oct

horse also secured, answering to the description given of one of the horses. Both man and horse may
now be seen at Beccles.
Beccles.  Staithe to  be let with lock  house for  a wherry & large  chambers over it: House, stables &

1739
 
Norwich Gazette 5 Dec
large wherry at the Quay to be let by Henry Clarke.

YEAR 1740
1740

Norwich Gazette 5 Jan 

WEATHER: Since Christmas Day, extremely cold. Pans of water froze almost by the fireside.
ROBBERY: On Tuesday, Thomas Johnson, alias Bungay Will was committed to  gaol, for taking  a
pane  of  glass  out of a window in Mr Carr’s house,  a baker,  in  St Paul’s &  entering the said house

1740
Norwich Gazette 7 Mar 

with intent to rob it, but contrary to his expectation, the fmily was not got to bed & he was taken. He
had left his coat & shoes in the yard. He says he comes from Beccles.
COACH: Yarmouth Coach to London, two days, £1-2s.

1740
1740

Norwich Gazette 7 Mar 
Norwich Gazette 3 Apr 

OCCULIST:  John  Taylor,   occulist  to  the  King  ...  oin  23rd  instant   about  noon  at  Beccles  ..
woodbridge etc
Last  year  Fair  at  Beccles  not  provided  with  sufficient  numbers  or  assortment  of  cattle.  This  year

1740
Norwich Gazette 15 Apr

Gentlemen Drovers agreed to furnish fair on May 15th with all sorts of English cattle to number 3 or
4 thousand.

1740
December 10th 1743
Whereas John Gainsborough jun. late of Sudbury, Suffolk, watchmaker, did lately set up a business at Beccles in Suffolk, but

Norwich Gazette

generally abused the interests of friends and carried off goods and effects given him in trust, this is to apprize persons whom he
may offer a watch for sale or to pawn, to stop the watch  and  give notice to Thomas Utting, watchmaker  in  Yarmouth or to

Thomas Tingey of Beccles and they shall be paid for their trouble. He is a spare thin person of 5ft 9" high with large hook'd
nose, blinkey'd eye, long visage. N.B. The shop is kept open and all persons that shall favour the same with their custom shall

be made for all loss that shall be sustained by watches missing from the shop of the same. John Gains.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1745 PAPERS
March 9th 1745 

On Sunday night last, in the middle of the night a gang of about 30 smugglers came into Beccles and
broke open a house and pulled a poor man out of his bed and whipped him in the chamber with the

cat o' nine tails, dragged him down the stairs head first, through the yard with a very hard frost and
deep snow, set him on one of their horses  and  carried him  away without  anything  on  him except  a

shirt and night cap, he has not been heard of since.
Last Saturday, William Gooda and Charles Sewell, two shoemakers in Beccles were committed to the
county gaol at Ipswich having confessed they were concerned in carrying away Henry Nursey.

April 6th 1745 
1745

CUSTOM HOUSE  London Mar  11  1744. Whereas_on the 24th  day of Feb.  last past,  in the Night
Time,  five or six persons unknown,  arrived with pistols & other offensive weapons .broke  into the
House of HELEN HURRELL of Beccles in the County of Suffolk & by further violence took from

Norwich Gazette 11 May

the said  house out  of his  bed  one HENRY NURSEY, &  after whipping  him  in a most  barbarous
manner, tied  him  naked  across horse and  carried  him of,  and the said Henry Nursey has  not been
heard of since... .in order to bring the said offenders to Justice.... Reward of Fifty Pounds. by order of

the Commissioners.
RACES: Beccles Races. “No horse to be entered to run that stands at any stable but where the owner
contributed one guinea to the Town Plate & that is not shod by a Beccles Blacksmith... every horse

1745
Norwich Gazette 8 Jun  

that  starts,  to  pay  five  shillings  towards  repairing  &  roping  the  ground.  NB  There  will  be  an
Assembly & the Ipswich Music at the Town Hall as usual. No Players will be allowed to play the two
Assembly Nights. All persons are to pay for the  ground they erect their  booths. Wed 19. Thurs. 20

June.”

1746 PAPERS
1747 PAPERS

1746
 
CHURCH: Bishop of Norwich to confirm at Beccles. Sat Aug. 2.
Norwich Gazette 19 Jul
1747

List of men wanted as armed smugglers - includes a dozen or so from Suffolk, one William Cosinge
of or near Beccles

Norwich Gazette 7 Mar 
1747
Norwich Gazette 7 Mar 

SMUGGLERS:  Reference  to  WILLIAM  COSINGS  of  or  near  Beccles,  labourer.  Among  c40
smugglers not yet apprehended.
ORGANIST  of  BUNGAY:  Benefit:  George  Gibbs  organist  of  Bungay.  Concert  at  Kings  Head,

1747
Norwich Gazette 12 Jul 

Beccles  Vocal  &  Instrumental.  6  p.m.  Tickets  Paul  Harrison,  Kings  Head  &  George  Gibbs.  Ball
afterwards.
SMALLPOX On Tuesday last one HENRY KNIGHT, a fisherman was committed to the City Gaol

1747
Norwich Gazette 31 Oct

for bringing a woman in his  cart from Beccles to this  city, who was will  of smallpox without any
legal order for removing her.

1749 PAPERS
1749

At  the  Town  Hall  in  Beccles  (Yearly  benefit  of  Mr  &  Mrs  Pearson)  on  Wed  20  Sept.  will  be
presented  the  celebrated?  Romeo  &  Juliet  written  by  Shakespeare.  Decoration  entirely  new,  in
particular grand scene of a Tomb, with several entertainments between the Acts as follows:

Norwich Gazette 9 Sep 
 
 

End  of Act  1, A  new way to  manage  a wife with  advantage,  by Mr Cunningham Act 2 As  on  a
Mountain’s Craggy Brow by Mrs Hill
Act 3. The Beggar by Mr C.

 
 

 
 

4th A new Canlath? by Mrs H.
End of play: The Dutch Skipper who danced? by Mr Peterson
In the Masquerade scene will be introduced a new Masquerade song

 
 

 
 

 
 

To  which  will  be  added  the  last  new  farce  called  LETHE  or  Esop  in  the  Shades.  written  by  Mr
Garrick.
The whole will conclude with Mr Blakeys Epilogue called “Ten for the Tea Man” Boxes & pit laid

 
 

together at 2/6 Gallery 1/- To begin six o’clock
Yesterday morning about 2 o’clock 5 smugglers taken at the House of Robert Hagen at the Woodsend

1749
Norwich Gazette 16 Dec 

at Bramerton in Norfolk by a Custom House Officer from Beccles assisted by a party of Lord Rothes
Dragoons among which are James Carbold alias Jiffling Jack, Charles Gowen known as the Papist of

Beccles & John Doe  late of this  city,  all  outlawed  Smugglers: the  names  of the other two  are not
known.

 
 
(next week; sent to London by mail coach & 4 for trial)
1751 PAPERS
1751
Norwich Merc 2 Feb  

On Sat. last James Beard committed to gaol, charged by James Goll, a prisoner with stealing a Box of
Goods from Beccles carrier, which they sold in several places about the country.
Beccles Races: Gents purse ofrSO & town do. Two days. IRacesi

1751
Norwich Gazette 3 Aug   
1752 PAPERS

1752
 

Norwich Gazette 25 Jul  

At the TOWN HALL in Beccles on Thurs Aug 6.
Comedy: “The Tender Husband or the Accomplished Fool” Singing by Mrs Hall & an entertainment

 

“Love at First Sight or the Wit (?) of a Woman: To begin at 6 o’clock.
Beccles: White Lion. Benefit Mr Blogg Thurs Nov23

1752
 

Norwich Gazette 18 Nov  
 

Concert  &  Ball  Tickets  at  White  Lion  &  Kings  Head.  2/6  To  begin  at  6  o’clock..  “It  will  be
moonlight”

1753 PAPERS
1753

Henry Elmy (Grocer) takes house & shop in New market Place, Beccles late Mrs Mary Fenton trade
of grocer, tallow chandler. Fresh Stock of sugars, neat Jamaica Rums & Brandies of all sorts.
Beccles. Tues 28th Match for 50 guineas, best of 3 heats, 2 geldings of Neighbourhood Ordinances &

Norwich Gazette 20 Jan  
1753
Norwich Gazette 18 Aug

assembly.... Main of Cocks day of running & following day at Will Smith’s, The AngeL Assembly
Cattle Notice now herded from Beccles

1753
1753
1753

Norwich Gazette 22 Sep  
Norwich Gazette 6 Oct   

Notice. Now herded from Bungay...continues in Beccles, Worlingham [Cattle Salel
Beccles. Last Thursday 12 o’clock at night fire at Pleasure House on Bowling Green at Adam & Eve,

Norwich Gazette 13 Oct  

consumed great part of it. No other damage.
Beccles  Subscription Assemblies will  begin on Thurs.  15th inst. Nov.  at Mr Simon Clarke’s  at the

1753
Norwich Gazette 10 Nov

White Lion. Conditions to subscribers one guinea and a half for 6 Assemblies this one to be one of
them, the rest to be appointed at such times as the majority of the subscribers at this shall think proper
Every subscriber to entitled to his own & two ladies Assemblies, they being introduced by himself or
his Tickets, as follows: Beccles Sub. Ass 15 Nov. 1753 with his name on it Any gent not a subscriber,

except  of  Beccles,  paying  Ss  &  having  a  subscription  ticket  or  being  by  him  introduced  to  be
admitted &  also  any lady paying  2/6  may  be introduced by  a subscriber’s wife, daughter  or sister.
NB. Music, wine, punch, tea,  coffee,  chocolate, cakes &  attendance for the  above.  Expenses: but

every pack of cards to be two shillings. It is hoped the gents will be early at the Meeting.
1754 PAPERS

1754
 
 

Beccles Races: Tues., Wed, Thurs. 18-20 June.
18th Plate of £50, 19th Plate of £50, £20? Ed Brooke Clerk of Course
“No person will be allowed a booth upon the Course or to sell any liquor there that does not subscribe

Norwich Gazette 13 Apr  

 
 

& pay 5s to the town Plate & pay for the ground they build their booths.”
Notice on Act about making Candles (1725) “Whereas there is great reason to believe that there are
many private Housekeepers who make  candles  for their  own  use &  others who  make  candles for

1754
Norwich Gazette 27 Apr  

sale.... penalty £100... Reward of 5 guineas for information offered by Company of Tallow Chandlers
in Norwich”
Beccles 4th sub Ass. 9th May & Horse match for 100 gns. on Beccles Course on Mon.

1754
 

Norwich Gazette 4 May  
 

13th   ordinary at Kings Head & White Lion & Assembly at NEWROOM at night
Wm. Seamans, Beccles. Chestnut colt to cover 7/6 or leap & 15 servant. He is to be sold.
White Lion, Beccles. Concert Mr Mully 11 am 2/6 on 2nd & 3rd Race Days

1754
1754

Norwich Gazette 4 May  
Norwich Gazette 15 Jun  
1754
Norwich Gazette 6 Jul 

Ran away from his Master, John Grumble (?), of Beccles, William Batchelor, about 20 has a white
dullish coat without sleeves (?) waistcoat, pair  of worn  leather breaches, woollen  cap &  a pair  of
Hilows (?), has a smart complexion & a long nose; whoever will secure him & give notice to his said

master, shall receive a handsome reward or whoever harbour or employs him will be prosecuted as
the law directs.

1755 PAPERS
1755

Worlingham Hall to be sold. haifa mile of navigable river from Beccles to Yarmouth, consisting of a
kitchen, large Hall, 2 parlours & 4 chambers with light closets to each:
new built brew house, wash house & water  house, with pipes for  conveying water to the House &

Norwich Gazette 10 Jan  
 
 

offices, Coach houses for 3 several  carriages, two stalls  for 6  horses  in  each, with  granaries  above
them. Gardens & orchards well planted with Fruit Trees & a Dovehouse & fish ponds & a convenient
parcel of pasture ground adjoining... Three farms in W Worlingham & Henstead. £280 per annum

1755

Notice  of  11  men  in  Norwich  Gaol.  John  Saddon  apprehended  in  November  last  at  Beccles  &
charged with uttering false and counterfeit shillings & sixpences.
Beccles 2nd Sub Ass Tuesday 25th

Norwich Gazette 17 Jan  
1755
Norwich Gazette 5 Feb   
1755

Beccles: To be let or sold. a Freehold Estate, Farmhouse with bam, stable & all convenient outhouses
with 40 acres of good land: with exceeding good malting of 35 combs of sheep, the floors of a hectare
(?) & with the store-chambers, Dry Rooms & Kiln are so well positioned that you may wet (2) every

Norwich Gazette 22 Mar  

fourth day.
NB. There is on the premises a very considerable quantity of fine Brick earth entirely free from grit
or stones with plenty of sand & water, so that the best of bricks  and other ware may be made with

 
 

much less trouble & expense than usually attends such business.
Particulars: John Price  Esq. of Beccles... with  very advantageous Right  of Commonage on  large  &
extensive Common & the convenience of a Navigable River.

 
 
1755
Norwich Gazette 3 May  

Corporation    of    Beccles    empowered    John    Chambers,    Portreeve    to    take    in    the    several
sorts   of   cattle   to   depasture   Beccles   Common   at   I   Os   a   head   between   10   May   &   10
Dec.:   Geldings,   Mares   or   Colts   (not   stoned)   Cows   &   Heifers   (except   Scots   heifers)   on

producing   proper   certificates   of   health....   any   person   may   put   on   said   Common   any   of
the    aforesaid    sorts    of    cattle    by    application    to    Mr    Chambers    or    Win.    Elmy    Chief

Surveyor. NB. John Roberts appointed Marsh man for year to take care of cattle.
Land in Ravingham...enquire Leman or Parish attomey, Beccles.

1755
1755
1755

Norwich Gazette 17 May  

Beccles Races 24-25 Tues. & Wed. Cocking at Mr Will Smith’s The Angel
Service to institute Lodge of Free Masons at Beccles [Longish entry]

Norwich Gazette 31 May  
Norwich Gazette 2 Aug   
1755
Norwich Gazette 8 Nov   

Benj. Fenn, Woollen & Linen Draper of Beccles [25 New Market] to move to shop in Norwich. Stock
& Premises at Beccles for sale.
Smallpox Notice - in 8 houses in Beccles

1755
1755

Norwich Gazette 15 Nov  

Beccles Smallpox Notice - in 15 houses in Beccles
Beccles Smallpox Notice - in 11 houses in Beccles

Norwich Gazette 29 Nov  
1755
Norwich Gazette 6 Dec   
1756 PAPERS

1756
 

Beccles Notice dated Nov. 12- Smallpox in 13 houses in Beccles Robt.Le Grys] (Surgeons
Thos Page (Rector)John Farr 

Norwich Gazette 10 Jan  

 
 

John Elmy 

 
 

Osm Clarke (Wardens) 
Isaac. Blowers    ”
Wm. Crowfoot  (Overseers)James Elmy 

Philip Sewell 
Thos Rede 

John Chambers
Tim Carter
John  Clarke

 
 

John Farr, Jun. 
Ed Blowers 
Is Blowers. Jun

“ 
 

 
 

 
 

Ralph Keable (Apothecaries)
John Amyas

 
1756

 
Norwich Gazette 7 Feb   

Beccles Smallpox Notice dated 4 Feb. 7 houses
Beccles Smallpox Notice
Beccles Smallpox Notice

1756
1756

6 houses
3 houses

Norwich Gazette 21 Feb  
Norwich Gazette 6 Mar   

1756
1756
1756

Beccles Smallpox Notice-
Beccles Smallpox Notice
Beccles Smallpox Notice

3 houses - Two of which are the Pest House and the Alms House
4 houses
6 houses

Norwich Gazette 20 Mar  
Norwich Gazette 17 Apr  
Norwich Gazette 1 May  

1756
1756
1756

Beccles Smallpox Notice
Beccles Smallpox Notice
Beccles free from Infection

2 houses
3 houses

Norwich Gazette 15 May  
Norwich Gazette 29 May  
Norwich Gazette 3 Jul   

1756
1756
1756

Norwich Gazette 10 Jul   

Beccles free from Smallpox
Party of Free Masons from Beccles to Bungay Theatre [interesting account] [Free Masonsi
Benjamin Fenn, woollen &  Linen Draper  [25 New Market]  not to move to Norwich  (as previously

Norwich Gazette 31 Jul   
Norwich Gazette 6 Mar  

advertised)
To be sold likewise by Assignees of Estates of Effects of Elmy the Right of Redemption of an estate
in Spexall now in occupation of Jonathan Catchpole yearly rent of £40 consisting of Farm, Horses,

1756
Norwich Merc Mar 

Barn, Stable & other outhouses in exceeding good repairs & c43 acres of rich Arable & Pasture Land,
a small part whereof is Copyhold & subject to payment of two outgoing rents.

 
 

NB. All persons who are endebted to the said Bankrupt Estate are desired to pay heir respective Debts
to Will Crowfoot or Chas. Wright of Beccles: or to Mr John

 
 

Lincoln of Gillingham, the Assignees of the Estate, otherwise to Messrs Leman & Rede Attomeys at
Law at Beccles on or before March 25th.

1756
Norwich Gazette 27 Mar 

Benj.  Fenn,  woollen  &  linen  draper  [25  New  Market]  to  continue  business  at  Beccles  instead  of
removing to Norwich
Divine  Harmony  or  the  Psalm  Singers  Instructed  by  William  Crisp  of  Toft  Monks  sold  by  M

1756
Norwich Gazette 10 Apr  

Debnams, Beccles
To be let in Beccles: Grocer’s shop in Market Place. Enquiries Francis Harmer of Beccles  at which
place may be bought 60 gross of good rushes for the Chandlers also large parcel of pitch & tar that

1756
Norwich Gazette 19 Jun  
will sell at the London price.

1756
1756
1756

Mr John Elmy, Surgeon of Beccles.
Beccles Races Tues, Wed Sept 28th, 29th
Beccles Races. Cocking at Robert Mason’s - The Angel

Norwich Gazette 21 Aug  
Norwich Gazette 8 Sep   
Norwich Gazette 15 Sep  

1756
1756

Chemist for sale enquiries Simon Clarke at White Lion or Robt. Brooke, King’s Head
At White Lion Beccles. Mon. Oct. 11th Auction of Books: Johnson’s Dictionary, Pope’s Works 20
vols. etc.

Norwich Gazette 25 Sep  
Norwich Gazette 9 Oct   
1757 PAPERS
1757

William  Beecroft  -  enlisted  out  of  Beccles  Gaol  -  a  labourer  (+  description)  Samuel  Sparrow
impressed at Beccles

Norwich Gazette 29 Jan  

1757
1757

Norwich Gazette 5 Feb   

Beccles 2nd Subscription Assembly. Tuesday 8th
The British Blue for washing in bleaching linen sold by  I. Blowers, Beccles

Norwich Merc 8 Jan   

1757
1757

Norwich Merc  5 Feb 

Beccles 2nd Sub. Ass Tues. 8th
On Friday 13 Barbers living in Beccles were convicted before Rev Thos Page, JP of exercising their
Trade on the Lord’s day, when each of them paid the penalty of so doing.

Norwich Gazette 12 Feb  
1757
Norwich Merc 19 Feb   

W. Chase to sell  valuable  collection of modem books  at King’s Head, Beccles. 5 days 5 p.m. each
day.
Dwelling  House  Yard  &  Stable  with  Millhouse  &  Mill  &  all  other  implements  necessary  for

1757
Norwich Merc 19 Feb 

Brunching  of Hemp & heckling  of Tow in Beccles, late  occupied James Thallow. Enquiries: Caleb
DUNN (Carpenter) of Beccles.
Beccles 3rd Subscription Assembly. Thurs 10th March at White Lion lAssemblyl

1757
1757

Norwich Gazette 5 Mar   
Norwich Merc 26 Mar 

Tuesday afternoon as  a Chariot was returning from Yarmouth to Beccles, in  coming  near Hadiscoe
Dam, the Coachman drawing too near the Ditch, overturned the Chariot, in which was a Man Servant
belonging to Mr Manning of Bungay. The water being very deep nothing but the top of the Chariot

could be seen, some persons at a distance who saw the accident went to assist. The coachman & the
Chariot & horses were got out, but the poor man in the Chariot was drowned.

1757
 

Beccles Races Tues. Wed. June 28th & 29th Sir John Rons, John Dade Esq Stewards
Public Breakfast at the Long Room. Cocking at the Angel- John Bulland. Assemblies each night.

Norwich Gazette 7 May  

 
 

 
1757

at No 3 The Walk. Cocking
Taylor’s admirable Eye-water. Sold by Mr Taylor in Beccles, Mr Taylor in Bungay

Norwich Merc 12 Nov 
1757
Norwich Gazette 1 Nov   
Beccles 1st Sub Ass. Mon. 28 Nov.
1758 PAPERS

1758
1758

Norwich Gazette Jan   

Beccles, Assembly Room, White Lion. Tues. Jan 3 1758. Concert of Music & Ball 2/6 6 p.m.
“The Stillyard” now the property of Joseph Lambert formerly erected at the Angel in Beccles by Mr
Cross  of Ipswich,  has been repaired & tried with  great exactness  by weights up to fifty hundred &

Norwich Gazette   

answers  the  Design  with  the  greatest  justice.  Which  trial  was  made  in  the  presence  of  us:  Thos.
Bowles, Sam Schuldham, Robt.Halliday, Matt. Debnam, Will Bobbett, John Dady, Hy.Dady.

 
1758

 

No 3 The Walk,’
Beccles Races June 27th, 28th Sir Firebrace, Rowland Holt, stewards. Cocking at the White Lion.

Norwich Gazette May   

1758
1758

Last day of the Matchless Learned English DOG, performing at the White Lion in Beccles
TOWN HALL, Beccles. concert of Instrumental Music Monday 19th Between the several parts of the
concert will be rehearsed gratis: “The Fair Penitent” (Farce) “The Virgin unmasked” etc.

Norwich Gazette 27 May  
Norwich Gazette 7 Jun   
1758
Norwich Merc 24 Jun 

At the Upholstery & latest warehouse opposite the King’s Head Back Gate in Beccles Tues. & Wed
27 & 28 a  large  quantity  of Household  Furniture to  be sold  consisting  of  beds,  drawers,  glasses,
tables, chairs etc. The goods may be viewed from 3 to 8 on Monday p.m. & from 8 to 10 Tuesday

a.m. Each days sale to begin at 11 a.m. Catalogue at place of sale.
George  Gilbert,   auctioneer  who  sells   books,   all  sorts   of  stationary  wares,  superfine  tobacco,
Strasburg, Rope? & Scotch Snuffs.

 
 
1758
Norwich Merc 1 Jul 

By desire of Ancient & Honourable Fraternity of Free & Accepted Masons, belonging to the White
Lion Lodge at TOWN HALL, Beccles
Wed  July 5  a  concert  between several parts “The Conscious  Lovers” with  a Mason’s Prologue  &

 
 

Epilogue all the proper songs by Brothers Hinde, Adams & Weller. With Farce “Lethe”
NB. There will be a Lodge held & all the Brethren will attend properly clothed.
Concert Days Monday, Wednesday, Friday.

 
 

 
 

1758
 
1758

Beccles Town Hall by desire of  Mr & Mrs Sparrow, Concert of Music,
Box 2/6 Pit 2/- First gallery ls Upper Gallery 6d The Beaux Stratagem. Music for Teens? 6-30.
Town  hall  Beccles.  Concert  “Hamlet”  &  Pantomime  &  Entertainment  “Harlequin”  Musician.  To

Norwich Merc 8 Jul 
 
Norwich Merc 22 Jul 

conclude with a grand view of the Sea & the Song of Rule Britannia attended by a chorus of sailors.
By desire of  Corporation of Beccles.

 
 

“As  the  Machinery  cannot  be  conducted  with  any  decent  regularity  unless  the  stage  is  clear  we
humbly hope that no gentleman will take it amiss at not being admitted behind the scenes.”

1758
Norwich Merc 10 Aug 

For the benefit of the Town of Beccles on Monday 9th Oct. will be opened a GRAMMAR SCHOOL
where will  be taught  Latin, Greek  &  French Gratis by Rev John  Loddington MA Late  Fellow of
King’s College, Cambridge.

 
 

NB Young Gentlemen may be boarded upon reasonable terms in several good families in the Town
but the Undertaker will not take any into his own house.
Whereas Jane the wife of Edward Scarlet of Beccles have several times made an elopement from the

1758
Norwich Merc 26 Aug 

husband: This  is therefore to inform the Public that no debts will be paid by her said Husband that
ever she hath contracted or shall contract.
Beccles   30   June   on   the   day   above,   Mr   Charles,   a   musician   from   Norwich   left   a   brown

1758
Norwich Merc 9 Sep 

HORSE,   cropped   with   a   hanging   mane,   one   white   foot   behind,   a   skein   down   his   face
in   the   pasture   of   John   Brooks   of   Beccles,   Gardener   &   has   been   there   ever   since:   now
I   John   Brook   give   this   Public   Notice,   that   if   the   said   Mr   Charles   or   whoever   is   the

owner  of  the  said  horse   do  not   immediately   send   for  the  said  horse,   he  will   be   sold  for
the charges.

1758
Norwich Merc 18 Nov 

To be let & entered on immediately Brewing House situate at Bridge Foot in Gillingham adjoining
Beccles with Dwelling House, store houses & other necessary out-houses, summer House, garden &

Meadows: also all utensils, copper, casks, carts & horses; office well supplied with water from the
River. Enquiries Mr Abraham Schuldham, Attorney at Law Beccles.

1758
Norwich Merc 24 Junc 

At   the   Town   Hall   in   Beccles   on   Mon.   by   desire   of   Mr   &   Mrs   Orgill   The   Provoked
Husband etc
To   be   sold....    one    enclosed   meadow   upon   Rigbone   Hill   9a    2r   2Op   in   tenure   of   Mr

1758
Norwich Merc 24 Junc 

Leman (Copyhold)
Also   an   enclosed   piece   of   Land   in   Ingatefield   lac   9r   l8p   in   tenure   of   Edward   Blowers
at rent of~1.5s (Copyhold). Enquire Mr Stamford or Mr Osmund Clarke

1758
Norwich Merc 24 Junc 
1758
Norwich Merc 18 Nov 

Wanted immediately: a young fellow to ride a pack of Hounds: he must not ride upwards of 12 stone
& must be well recommended. Apply Mr Simon Clerk at the White Lion, Beccles.
Dwelling House, sashed front, a very good shop & outhouses near Church in Beccles late occupation

1758
Norwich Merc 2 Dec 

John More, Grocer to be let immediately. Particulars at Chas Wright,  joiner, Beccles. [No 6 The
Walk]
Estate at Jilkestall St Margaret (enquire Ed Utting . . .or Osmond Clarke, attorney both of Beccles)

1758
Norwich Merc 9 Dec 
1759 PAPERS
1759
Norwich Merc 6 Jan  

Common Brewery House situate  at Bridge  foot in Gillingham adjoining Beccles. Dwelling House,
storehouse, convenient outhouses, summer House, garden & meadows, utensils, copper, casks, carts
& horses.... Office at all times of the year, well supplied with water from the River. Abr.Schuldham,

Aftomey. Beccles.
SALE: To be  sold by Auction on  Saturday, 24th instant  between the hours  of two  and four  at the
King’s  Head  in  Beccles:  The  estate  for  life  of  James  Elmy,  tanner,  a  bankrupt,  of  and  in  a  very

1759
Norwich Newspaper 7 Feb 

handsome Bricked Messuage,  late in  his  own occupation, with  a  large  &  commodious Tan Yard,
convenient offices & outhouses proper for carriages in the said trades, together with a Summer house,
neatly finished & so situated as to command a  

very agreeable & extensive prospect.

1759
1759

Beccles Races Tues., Wed June 26, 27 John Applech, Nath. Acton, Stewards. NB. Cocking at Angel
Beccles first Fair. Hitherto on Ascension Day & day following will be for time to come on Mon. &
Tues. in Whitsun Week. “Agreeable to the present alteration of the Stile.”

Norwich Gazette 5 May  
Norwich Gazette 12 May  

1759
 
 

At the Town Hall in Beccles by Norwich Co.
Mon June 18 The Way of the World & The Match Doctor
Wed “ 20 Jane Shore & Damon & Phillida

Norwich Gazette 16 Jun  

 
 

 
 

 
 

Fri  22 The Foundling & The Honest Yorkshireman
Thurs “ 28 The Suspicious Husband & The Oracle 6 p.m. Pit 2/-, Gallery ls Upper Gallery 6d.

 
1759

 

with Dancing by Miss Morris to begin at 6.30 pm
 Beccles Races

Norwich Gazette 30 Jun  

1759
 

Norwich Company at Beccles
Mon July 2 King Henry VIII (Shakespeare) & The Lottery

Norwich Gazette 30 Jun  

 
 

 

Wed 4 “Beggars Opera,” Dancing & “The Intriguing Chamber Maid (Fielding)” by desire of. Mr &
Mrs Schutz
Fri  6  “The  Busy  Body,”  Dancing,  “The  What  d’ye  Call  It”  by  desire  of  “Ancient  &  Honourable

 
 

Fraternity of Free Accepted Masons at White. Lyon Lodge at Beccles.
NB. The Brethren of the Lodge are desired to meet by two o’clock at which home Dinner will be on
the Table & in the evening proceed to the Theatre in their proper clothing. (The Company finish on

 
 
Friday 13th)

1759
 
 

Norwich Company at Beccles
Monday 9 by desire of  Mr & Mrs Orgel “The Roman Father” “The Oracle”
Wed 11 by desire of. Mr & Mrs Sparrow “Love Makes a Man,” Dancing. “The Republic”

Norwich Gazette 30 Jun  

 
 

 
 

Fri  13  Benefit  of  Mrs  Sutherland  “Theodosius  or  the  Force  of  Love”  with  a  grand  procession  of
Priests, Virgins etc. attending on the Emperor with the original music (composed by the famous Mr
Henry Purcell) with  all the decorations suitable to the play,  as performed  at The Theatre Royal  in

London & Dublin.
new dance by Miss Morris, Pastoral Dialogue called the “Sparrow & the Dove” by Mr & Mrs Dodd
“The Upholsterer”.

 
 

 
1759

 

Tickets: King’s Head, White Lion, Angel & of Mrs Sutherland at the Falcon
Norfolk  Militia  marching  to  Hyde  Park...very  hospitably  &  well  received  in  all  the  towns  they
marched through  Div. which went by Beccles to halt & stay tomorrow at Rumford.

Norwich Gazette 14 Jul   
1759

Bankruptcy order  against Timothy Carter, Apothecary, late  of Beccles...by order of  assignees to  be
sold. Farm at Layham, House & shop in Beccles in occupation of Timothy Carter   Benj. Schuidham,

Norwich Gazette 11 Aug  

Le Grice Browne, Attorney.
To  be  sold  or  let....  Dwelling   house   of  Mr  Thos  Rede  in  Northgate   Street  in  Beccles...well

1759
Norwich Gazette 18 Aug  

accustomed Drapers  Shop. Parlour, Kitchen & under kitchen Four  good Chambers & three  garrets.
Yard & garden, warehouse stable etc. Navigable River runs at end of the said yard. Leman & Rede

Attorney at Law.
Journeyman to  a Linen & Woollen Draper wanted  immediately  youth properly qualified... .will  be
taken as apprentice upon reasonable terms. Will Hunter, Beccles.

1759
Norwich Gazette 15 Sep  

1759
1759

Beccles 4th Sub Ass. 9th October
House  of  Matt.  Gisleham  of  Beccles,  Staymaker,  for  sale  near  Church  &  Market  Place.  Brick  &
Sashed front, several  good  low rooms, Chambers &  garrets over the same.  Stables, Offices, Cellar,

Norwich Gazette 25 Sep  
Norwich Gazette 29 Sep  

Yards, Garden etc. John Farr. Attorney [No 4 The Walk]
The  murders  &  frequent  robberies  that  have  lately  been  committed  in  the  Beccles,  Bungay  &
Harleston Roads have  greatly alarmed  every body here: which  induced me to  acquaint you with  it,

1759
Norwich Gazette 25 Oct  

hoping  a public mention of them  in your paper,  might  be  a  means  of  intimidating the Rogues  &
preventing  future Robberies.  I  have sent you the particulars  of only one. A tenant of Mr Sherriffs
going from Beccles to Bungay was stopped by two footpads & robbed of one guinea 14 shillings. He

had that day paid Mr le Gryce of Beccles thirty pounds which these fellows were informed  he had
about him. The man riding about a mile further was stopped by a man on horseback who demanded
his money. He told them  he had  just been robbed by two footpads;  upon which he let him  go. The

man fearing the rogues should return & use him ill, quitted his horse & hid himself in a ditch. As the
man suspected so it happened they returned in pursuit of him, & as they passed him, he heard one of
them say to the others, he was sure the dog had the thirty pounds about him & they would have it or

his blood. The poor man almost dead with fear. continued in the ditch an hour & then walked over the
enclosure to his own house. There have been two or three Robberies since & Mr Rayner’s house of

Barsham beset.”
James Elmy, tanner, bankrupt. Commissioners to meet at King’s Head. To be sold to highest bidder,

1759
Norwich Gazette 3 Nov   

for ready money. 9 vats & 2 vats of Hides (which will then be in their drying Owse?)
At  Beccles.  Staithe  (ancient  &  well  accustomed)  near  Old  Market  to  be  let  with  House,  Stables,

1759
Norwich Gazette 17 Nov  

Granaries  and warehouses  necessary  for  carrying  on  business  of  a wherryman. Also two wherries
(one almost new, other in good repair) Sails rigging etc. in good condition.... also c18000 pilled Billet
cut this year & stack of fine low meadow hay made this present year. John Farr, attorney.

1759
 

Norwich Merc 17 Apr 

To be sold or let & entered at Midsummer next
The  dwelling House of Mr Thomas Rede,  in Northgate  Street Beccles,  being  a  very  good bricked
Messuage,  consisting  of  a  well  accustomed  Draper’s  Shop,  sashed  and  handsomely  fitted  up,  a

Parlour  Kitchen,  &  under  kitchen  four  good  chambers  &  three  garrets,  together  with  a  yard  and
garden, wash house, stable and other convenient offices,  all Freehold, in  good repair,  and rendered
very convenient for a tradesman by the navigable river, which runs at the end of the said yard.

 

For further particulars, enquire of the said Mr Rede, or of Messrs Leman & Rede, Attorneys at Law at
Beccles aforesaid.
NB. There are now to be sold at the said shop, a large assortment of broad & narrow cloths, & other

 

goods both in the woollen and Drapery way, under Prime Cost
To be sold  by  auction  at the King’s Head  at Beccles  on  Sat  11 August  at  3 p.m.  by  order of the

1759   Norwich Merc 17Jul? 
assignees under a Commission of Bankruptcy against Timothy Carter, late of Beccles.

 
 
 

A farm at Layham
Also the fee of a house and shop in Beccles in the occupation of Timothy Carter.

Further particulars  - Thomas Hath  of North Cove, Benjamin  Schuldham of Beccles; or  of Mr  Le

Grice Browne, Attorney in Beccles.
To be sold & entered on immediately
The Dwelling House of Matthew Gisleham of Beccles, staymaker; situate near the church & Market

1759
 

Norwich Merc 29 Sep 
 

Place in the said Town, having a well built Brick & sashed front, and consisting of several good low
rooms, Chambers and Garrets over the same: Also stables, Offices, cellar, Yards, Gardens and other
conveniences there to belonging; fit either for a Gentleman or Tradesman. And also two Tenements,

near  the  same,  the  whole  being  freehold  &  in  good  repair  &  the  stoves  and  fixtures  to  be  had
therewith, so as to render the same quite complete, without any future expense.
For  particular  enquire  at  the  said  Dwelling  House,  or  of  the  Mr  John  Farr,  Attorney  at  Law  at

 
 

Beccles. See similar notice on Page 24 [No 4 The Walk]
To be sold by auction (household furniture of Matt. Gisleham -see notes)
ALSO The Dwelling house & SHOP neatly fitted up, situate near the Church & Market Place, having

1759
 

Norwich Merc 22 Dec 
 

a well built brick & sashed front & consisting of general good low rooms, chambers & garrets over
the same as above. [No 4 The Walk!

1759
Norwich Merc 6 Jan 

To be sold on Tues. Jan 9th the household furniture of Mr James Elmy a Bankrupt at his Dwelling
House in Beccles

 
 

Consisting  of  exceeding  good  beds,  handsome  walnut-tree  chairs,  large  Pier  Glasses,  Chimney
glasses & sconces, a variety of cabernet work in Walnut-tree and mahogany, a fine Turkey & other

carpets;  a  collection  of  useful &  ornamental Chine:  an  exceeding  4  good  Eight  day &  a very neat
Chamber Clock: Household  linen &  kitchen furniture:  a  complete set  of Brewing  utensils &  other
effects.

 
 

The Goods to be valued on Sat & Mon. preceding the sale from 9 to 12 in the forenoon. Catalogues to
be had gratis at: The King’s Head at Diss: The Angel at Halesworth, the King’s Head & White Lion
at Beccles, at the place of sale & W. Chase Bookseller at Norwich who sells Estate Houses, Furniture

& Goods at Auction either in Town or country & gives the full value for any holding? or parcel of
Books.To be sold by Auction by Will Chase from Norwich on Tues. Jan 9th & 3 days following.
To be  let &  entered  on immediately a  very  commodious Brewing Office situate  at Bridge Foot in

1759    Norwich Merc 6 Jan 

Gillingham [same notice as 18 Nov 1758]
The Beccles Carrier sets out on Monday 22 of this instant to carry small parcels to Southward &
Norwich also to the under mentioned places where all Parcels will be carefully delivered & directed.

1759
Norwich Merc 20 Jan 
 
 

On Mondays 
Ellough
Henstead

 
 
 

 
 
 

On Tuesdays
Swan at Gillingham
Chesners at Geldeston

 
 

Benacre - Walnut Tree 
Wrentham - Spread Eagle
Wainford - Angel

 
 
 

Bird in Hand at Kirby Fen-row
George at Thurlton
George at Loddon

 
 

 
 

 
Mr Ayless at the Swan, Southwold

Bird in hand, Framingham
White Horse Trowse

 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Mr Storeys at the Star in Market Place Norwich

And returns the same day to Beccles.
NB. He returns to Beccles by the same places on Wednesdays. To Southwold on Tuesdays: Norwich
on Fridays. Beccles on Sats.

 
 

 
1759

 

By William Buck at Beccles
A young Gent intended for a Surgeon & Apothecary will be accepted immediately by Mr T Carter of
Beccles.

 
Norwich Merc 27 Jan
1759
Norwich Merc 7 Feb 

To  be  sold  by  Auction  on  Sat  24  instant  between  Hours  of  Two  &  Four  at  the  King’s  Head  in
Beccles.
The Estate for life of James Elmy, Tanner, a bankrupt of & in very handsome Bricked Messuage, late

 
 

in his own occupation, with a large & commodious Tan-Yard, convenient offices & out house proper
? for carriages in the said Trades together with a Summer House, neatly finished & so situated as to
command a very agreeable & extensive prospect.

 
 

Also two Freehold Messuages in Beccles aforesaid, convenient for small families one in occupation
of Will Fisher at a rent of £3-lOs & other late in occupation of John Lydieman at 40s.
Beccles 2nd Sub Ass. March 5th (last for season)

1759
1759

Norwich Merc 3 Mar 
Norwich Merc 31 Mar 

To be  let  or sold House with sashed Front,  good shop, warehouse  etc. near Church  in Beccles late
0cc. John Morse, grocer. Freehold, in brick & tile. Enquiries de Hague, Attomey, Norwich.
[No 6 The Walk]

 
1759

 
Norwich Merc 14 Apr 

To be sold or let House of Mr Thomas Rede in Northgate Beccles Drapers Shop etc.
Creditors  of  Rev  Jas.  Carter  of  Worlingham,  John  Carter  of  Woodbridge?  &  Timothy  C  Carter,
surgeon of Beccles, Jas Carter of Weston meet Kings Head Beccles.

1759
Norwich Merc 14 Apr 

1759
1759
1759

Norwich Merc 21 Apr 

Beccles Races. Tues. June 26th Wed 27th . Cocking at the Angel.
Beccles 3rd Sub. Ass. May 15 Tuesday
Rede’s advert repeated for the 6th times

Norwich Merc 3 May  
Norwich Merc 9 Jun 
1759
Norwich Merc 28 Jul 

1759 King’s Head, Beccles. Bankruptcy order Tim Carter, late of Beccles, Apothecary - To be sold a
farm at Layham (65 acres) rent £42 p.a.
Enquiries T.North, North Cove, Benj. Schuldham, Beccles, Le Grice Browne, Attorney Beccles

 
1759

 
Norwich Merc 22 Dec 

One Joseph Payne, a notorious Offender whose family lived in Bungay & was suspected of some of
the many Robberies committed in that neighbourhood & lately confined in Beccles Gaol handcuffed,
his legs cross shackled with double Bazzels & chained down  did not withstanding  break prison: &

being  seen  in  this  City  about  6  or  7  o’clock  on  Friday  evening  was  (by  an  Information  given  to
Nockold  Thompson,  Esq  Mayor)  apprehended  in  about  two  hours  (by  means  of  a  general  search
through the City) & committed to our City Gaol where he is properly secured.

1759
Norwich Merc 22 Dec 

Beccles, All  household furniture of Matt. Gisleham to  be sold, exceeding  good beds, chairs, tables,
glasses etc.... & handsome bookcase & collection of books. Brewery utensils, good kitchen Furniture

etc. [No 4 The Walk]
1760 PAPERS
1760
 

Beccles. to be sold  a  good  house  late Thomas Primrose’s with Parlour,  kitchen & Brewhouse with
good Dump very near. 3 chambers, 3 garrets, yard, garden, stable & outhouses also a piece of pasture

Norwich Merc 2 Feb

land adjoining with a good pond all freehold. Enquiries: Benjamin Primrose, Beccles.
Repeat of advert of Staithe in Beccles

1760
 

Norwich Merc 23 Feb 
 

NB. The present occupier is obliged to leave off the branch of business being called from home with
the Suffolk Militia.
Matt Gisleham Advert for House for sale.

1760
 

Norwich Merc 23 Feb 
 

(and in fresh stock of  goods in the  stay-making way - stays made  in neater  manner  on reasonable
terms. (see 22 Dec 1759 above)

1760
1760

Norwich Merc 1 Mar 

Sale of Books by Shave of Norwich: Catalogues: Lincoln, Beccles
To be  let... Ancient  & well  accustomed  Public House  known by the sign  of the  Ship  6 situate  in

Norwich Merc 26 Apr 

Beccles  near the Bridge &  has  a  convenient Quay  belonging to it upon the River which  leads to
Yarmouth & Norwich. Late in occupation of John Holmay, now of his widow. Enquiries at House or

Sam Caley, Gorleston.
To  be  sold  at  King’s  Head,  Beccles  c176  hogsheads  of  good  French  white  wines  &  c18  ditto  of
Claret. Duty Free, being wreck wines to be seen & tasted at Walberswick 29th, Benacre Hall 3 0th,

1760
Norwich Merc 24 May 

Lowestoft 31st.
Matthias Otley, late waiter at Angel, Bury takes White Lion, Beccles lately kept by Mr Clarke.
Friday 10th The Constant Couple with a farce To be seen  at the Angel Beccles. Gent &  Ladies 1/-

1760
1760

Norwich Merc 26 Jul 
Norwich Merc 6 Sep 

Servants 6d.
In Beccles to be sold 12 acres good arable land with Barn & two houses all Freehold now let at £18
p.a. Enquiries Mrs Bendy, Widow, Beccles or Jas. Willemont, Catton.

1760
Norwich Merc 11 Oct 
1760
Norwich Merc 11 Oct 

Isaac Leader, Beccles, assigns all outstanding debts to 2 trustees for benefit for benefit his creditors.
All persons endebted pay to William Clark.
Journeyman Soap Boiler that is complete master of the business wanted by Sam M Creed, upholsterer

1760
Norwich Merc 1 Nov 

& hard soap boiler, Beccles.
Isaac Coe, Mercer & Linen Draper takes shop late Morse opp. Church in Beccles (details include all
sorts of Grocery Goods) [6 The Walk]

1760
Norwich Merc 15 Nov 
1761 PAPERS
1761
Norwich Merc 1 Feb 

To  be  sold.  The  Falcon  at  Beccles  a  good  accustomed  Inn  in  very  good  repair  also  the  house
adjoining now let together at £22.10s. Enquiries: Mrs Chapple, Hog Hall, Norwich.

1761
1761
1761

Norwich Merc 4 Apr 

Isaac Coe - details of stock  [6 The Walk]
Beccles Races June 23 & 24
To be sold cheap. Handsome light charriot. Enquiries Francis Beliward, Beccles.

Norwich Merc May 
Norwich Merc 27 Jun 
1761
Norwich Merc 4 Jul 

Robert Brooks at the King’s Head, Beccles to leave at Michaelmas. His father-in law Robert Cotton
of Strumpston Norfolk to receive debts etc.
Norwich Company, Town Hall, Beccles “The New Earl of Essex” (Company will exhibit several new

1761
Norwich Merc 22 Jul 

pieces) Mon., Wed, Fri.
Beccles. Norwich CompanyComus & Polly Honeycombe Des. Lady Bacon
“The Careless Husband” & “Thomas & Sally” by desire of the Corporation

1761
 

Norwich Merc 15 Aug 
 
1761
Norwich Merc 22 Aug 

Beccles.  Norwich  Company  Henry  VIII  &  The  Guardian  des.  Mrs  Suckling  Tender  Husband  &
Phoebe or the Beggars Wedding des. Mr & Mrs Sparrow

1761
Norwich Merc 29 Aug 

Beccles. Norwich Company: 
Wife & High Life below Stairs; Stage & Pit 2/6 Gallery 1/-

Last  Night  Mr  &  Mrs  Chalmers  New  Comedy:  The  Jealous

1761
1761
1761

Norwich Merc 14 Sep 

Stock of S.M. Creed, Beccles for sale.... to con.... Soap Trade (details)
Celebrations of his Majesty’s Coronation... also at Beccles iCoronationi
Dr John Kendrick’  5 warm  destroying sugar  cakes...  most efficacious  in  destroying worms in the

Norwich Merc 26 Sep 
Norwich Merc 21 Nov 

bodies of men women & children, cakes are as pleasant as sweetmeats. Sold by          John Fisher at
Beccles.
Notice of Appointment of Master of Sir John Leman School

1761
1761

Norwich Merc 21 Nov 
Norwich Merc 2 Dec 

Beccles Sub Ass. White Lyon. Thurs. Dec. 17 2nd on Jan 14th 3rd on April 15th 4th on Sept. 9th.
Robert  Davey  appointed  Master  of  Sir  John  Leman  School.  “The  same  will  be  fitted  up  for  the
Commodious Reception of Boarders.”

1761
Norwich Merc 9 Dec 
1762 PAPERS
1762
Norwich Merc 9 Jan 

All persons  indebted to the  estate &  effects  of Mr  Edward Blowers,  late of Beccles, 6  Locksmith
deceased are desired to pay their respective debts to his executors, Mrs Blowers widow & Mr Edward

Blowers of Beccles Watch Maker. And that the executors may be enabled to state the Accounts of the
deceased (which they are desirous of doing as soon as possible) accounts to executors.

1762
Norwich Merc 9 Jan 

To be sold at the free School Beccles 82 timber oaks now standing in said school lands & 60 Timber
oaks in Ringsfield & St Andrew Bungay

1762
Norwich Merc 20 Feb 

To  be  sold  together  in  panels  c60  acres  good  arable  pasture  land  in  Beccles  occupation  Edward
Blowers & Sam Coufter with good barn & 2 tenements (near the Free School) belonging to part of

the said land.
Also  large new  built brick ‘d Messuage  called Turkey Cock now let to  3  good tenants  at £7 - the
whole  &  an  acre  of  ground  &  garden  ground  well  planted  with  fruit  trees  together  with  small

 
 

tenement near.
Also  a large Messuage  in Beccles with  good stable  Yard & convenient offices occup. Mr Halliday

 
 

£7-lOs
Also new built brick Meesuage in Annes Bridge Street with yards & proper conveniences for 2 small

 
 

families now occup. Henry Bauld & Mrs Scarett £3 & 40s together with large yard adjoining & 2 cart
sheds lately erected therein.

 
1762

 

NB. There are also to be sold several Horses & Colts & 2 great Post Chaises.
To be sold at Upholstery & Paper Hanging Warehouse at Beccles by Thos. Church upholsterer from
Norwich successor to S.M. Creed (list of goods)

Norwich Merc 13 Mar 
1762
Norwich Merc 20 Mar 

To be sold by Governors at Free School 21 Timber Oaks 19 Ashes I Elm & 19 Pollard Trees now in
School Land. Monday March 29th at Town Hall.
Beccles. Late Ed Blowers, locksmith large & well accustomed Shop, two parlours & a kitchen good

1762
Norwich Merc 27 Mar 

chambers  &  garret,  yard,  garden  &  convenient  offices  &  copyhold  tenement  near  now  used  as
Workshop with good cellar under. Convenient for Tradesman & might with small expense be made
suitable for a good family.

 
1762

 

Also all stock in trade both in Locksmith & Brazier business.
Robert  Davey...  .extensive  repairs  to  school...  not  ready  until  September  Terms  £13  p.a.  &  1  gn
entrance.

Norwich Merc 27 Mar 

1762
1762

Norwich Merc 22 May 

Beccles Races 15,16 June T.C. Bunbury John Palsgrave Stewards Continue June 19th [Racesi
At the general Quarter sessions held at Woodbridge-John Ganagan, gent, a midshipman belonging to
the press gang which for a long time past have been on the Suffolk coast was committed to our gaol

 
Ips Journ July 17th

in order to take his trial at the next Assises at Bury charged with assaulting and levelling his pistol at
John Paterson, labourer, whom they impressed and carried upon a tender.
At Beccles Sessions ,John Wayman, Gent, a Lieutenant of His Majesty's Navy and now commanding

 
 

a press gang is standing charged and indicted before this court with violently assaulting and putting in
irons Thomas Hawke  of Beccles  a person  of property  and  divers  breeches  of the peace  and  other

press gangs in the same county to the great terror of his Majesty's Liege people and any persons who
shall beinjured by illegal proceedings or assauklt to apply to his Majesty's justices who will punish.

James Anderson was also charged with same offence.
By the Court---Collet Cl-Pac.

 
1762

 
Norwich Merc 7 Aug 

Details of sale: goods & property of Edward Blowers of Beccles
Beccles 4th Sub Ass. White Lion Thurs. 9th

1762
Norwich Merc 5 Sep 
1763 PAPERS

1763
1763

Norwich Merc 29 Jan 

Beccles 2nd Sub Ass. White Lion Thurs. 3rd
Chambers surgeon of Beccles opened  house  at Whitaker. Five  guineas  each. No more than 10 at  a

Norwich Merc 16 Apr 

time. Inoculation.
Beccles : New peal of Bells (cast by Lister & Pack, Bell Founders of Whitechapel) to be opened by

1763
Norwich Merc 30 Apr 

Society of Ringers from St Peter’s Norwich. Tuesday May 24th - ordinaries at Houses of Henry Dady
& Ed Jackson
Beccles:    Stock    in    trade    of    late    ROBERT    WOOLMER,    all    sorts    of    saddler’s    goods,

1763
Norwich Merc 9 Oct 

horse   &   shop   in   Market.   “Very   good   place   for   one   of   that   Trade,   Beccles   being   a   large
Town    surrounded    by    gentlemen    of    Fortune    &    no    more    than    one    Saddler    therein.
Enquiries Owen Holmes or Abraham Schuidham there.

1763
Norwich Merc 23 Oct 

Geo.  Olley  opened  shop  next  to  Mr  Blowers,  watch  maker  in  Beccles...  braziery,  pewter  &  tin
goods... gives best price for old copper... pewter & lead, likewise kitchen furniture neatly Tinn’d &
mended.

1763
Norwich Merc 27 Nov 

To be sold or let THE ANGEL in Beccles ancient Inn or public  house  lately fitted up in a  genteel
manner.  It  is  extremely  well  situated  for  Public  Business  or  a  private  family.  Good  cellars,  two
parlours, two kitchens very large Barn, Chambers &  garrets  on first floor: pretty walled  in  garden,

large Yards, plenty of good stabling... enq. Leman & Rede or Thos Baxter peruke maker.
Beccles 1st Sub. Ass. White Lion Thurs. 30th Dec.

1763
1763

Norwich Merc 24 Dec 
Norwich Merc 4 Jun 

Beccles  Smallpox  Notice  in  6  houses  beside  the  Pest  house  &  Workhouse;    R.  Le  Grys,  John
Chambers, Aid Arnolds, Ralph Keable, John Amyas, John Clarke (Surgeons & Apothecaries)

1763
1763

Norwich Merc 6 Jun 

Isaac COE removed from Beccles to Wisbeach
13 June Smallpox as before

Norwich Merc 6 Jun 
 

 
 

13 Aug One House & pesthouse
27 Aug One Person

 
 

16 July
30 July

“ 
 
 

now 3 houses 
now 2 houses 
 

 
 

10 Sept NONE
24 Sept One person

 
 
1763
Norwich Merc 8 Oct 

Meeting at White Lion, Beccles Wed 19th “to consider & agree upon some proper methods than to be
proposed  for  better  &  more  effectual  Relief,  Government  &  Regulation  of  the  Poor  Hundred  of
Wangford, half Hundred of Mutford & Lothingland.

1763
Norwich Merc 8 Oct 

To be  let: House  & Tanning Office with  outhouses & drying sheds  near the Bridge.  Late  occup.
Joseph Harbor decsd - Beccles
Beccles Smallpox -2 persons

1763
1763

Norwich Merc 8 Oct 
Norwich Merc 22 Oct 

Beccles Smallpox - 3 persons ~(2 in Pesthouse)
Meeting on 19th at Beccles unanimously agreed to apply to Parliament for necessary Act. Committee
Appointed

1763
Norwich Merc 29 Oct 
1763
Norwich Merc 5 Nov 
Beccles Smallpox - 1 person.
1763
Norwich Merc 10 Dec 

Tues.  16th  December.  A  neat  4  wheel  Carriage  will  go  from  Sign  of  the  Shakespeare  in  St
Michael’s   at   Plen?   at   10   am   for   King’s   Head   Beccles   by   way   of   Brooke   &   Bungay   to

carry   passengers   &   parcels:   return   10   am   next   morning   ditto   &   goes   again   for   Beccles
Friday

return
Sat.
&
to
be
continued
twice
a
week.

On   Friday   23   a   carriage   &   6   able   horses   will   go   from   above   place   to   London   to   carry
presents to be at Green Dragon, Bishopsgate on Christmas Eve

1763
Norwich Merc 31 Dec 
Beccles Smallpox - I person. ISmaIlDoxi
1764 PAPERS
1764
Norwich Merc 7 Jan 

John Blackwood of London, trunkmaker, arrested in Beccles for theft of money in Yarmouth & taken
to Yarmouth Jail.

1764
1764

Norwich Merc 11 Feb 

Beccles: Smallpox: One child
Beccles: Baker’s  Shop to  be let.  Late  occupied Mrs  Elizabeth Needham.  decsd. InAnns Bridge  St.

Norwich Merc 11 Feb 

Enquiries Mr Fryer Garwood, Beccles.
House with 2  large parlours,  kitchen, some new rooms  not  quite finished,  good chambers,  garrets,
new Brew House,  outhouses, Barn & stables, Coach  house, Yards,  gardens,  orchards well planted,

1764
Norwich Merc 23 Feb 

Dove Houses & 5 acres good meadow & arable land & 2 fish ponds well stocked. Rev Lodington -
NB. An Old Chariot to be sold.

1764
Norwich Merc 14 Apr 

Will Blake,  late of Beccles, Cordwainer,  committed by Thos. Manning to Bury Gaol suspicion  of
stealing grey mare belonging to John Hurron from Yard of John Harmer, Black Boy.

1764
Norwich Merc 5 May 

Notice of Benj. Goulden, Bungay & Norwich Carrier.., sets out Wed & Friday from Bungay to the
Falcon in Beccles

1764
1764

Norwich Merc 2 Jun 

Beccles Races: Wed, Thurs. June 21 & 22. G Golden, Henry Dashwood. Stewards
To be sold by Auction, lands ‘of Rev Thos Page in Beccles.. .including house late in occupation of
Rev J  Lodington with  coach  house, barn, stable yard,  garden,  orchard,  meadow & pasture  land  at

Norwich Merc 28 Jul 

King’s Head by Auction.
Beccles 4th Sub. Ass. at White Lion Wed 11th next
Beccles: free from Smallpox. (Names given)

1764
1764

Norwich Merc 8 Sep 
Norwich Merc 29 Sep 
1764
Norwich Merc 3 Nov 
Genteel Quarter Chaise with an umbrella & harness for one or a pair of horses for sale. Sam Creed,

Appraiser & Auctioneer, Beccles.
..he has a fine American & a pair of fine striped African Aloes to be disposed of
S.M.Creed to sell furniture (details given) of Mrs Leeder, Milliner at Beccles. Good Stuff

 
1764

 
Norwich Merc 10 Nov 

1764
 

Norwich Merc 17 Nov 

S.M.Creed to sell elegant household furniture of Thos. Rede, Beccles.
The House which is new built & extremely convenient & handsome with gardens walled in & well
planted, a stable etc. To be sold on last day of sale. [MONTAGU HOUSE]

 
1765 PAPERS

1765
1765

Norwich Merc 18 May 

Beccles Races 25 & 26 June.. Ser. J.Blois & Edmund Jenney Esq [Racesi
To be sold  by  Sam Creed  upholsterer  appraiser  &  auctioneer  at the Great Assembly Room  at the

Norwich Merc 1 Jun 

White Lion in Beccles a curious collection of about score Paintings consisting of History, Landscape,
still life by very many eminent masters.

1765
1765

Norwich Merc 8 Jun 

Beccles Races 25 & 26 June..
Beccles: from & after Monday next 17th inst. cattle will be taken into Beccles Fen for the remaining
part of the Season at 7.6d per head. Note There is now the least stock & the greatest quantity of grass

Norwich Merc 15 Jun 

ever known there.
Whereas Mr Charles  Wright  has  resigned the  Lowestoft  carrying Business to Richard Mayhew of
Beccles who will continue selling Wright’s oatmeal & Carry Passengers’

1765
Norwich Merc 3 Aug 
 
 

Goods etc. at the accustomed prices on Weds to the Bull at Lowestoft & Mons & Thurs as usual to
the  White Hart  at  St Peter’s Norwich. Those who please to favour him with their  commands may
depend on those being punctually executed by their humble servant. Richard Mayhew.

1765
Norwich Merc 10 Aug 

Beccles; Good baking office late occup. James Ayers & now of his widow, with a large garden stable
& other conveniences & well accustomed. Enquiries: George Aribrow, Beccles.
House with large Orchard & garden well planted with a variety of fruit trees with two fish ponds in it,

1765
Norwich Merc 18 May 

now occupied by JOHN DUCKER in Beccles & adjoining river.
Bungay: John Schuldham, Attorney died

1765
1765

Norwich Merc 6 Jul 
Norwich Merc 6 Jul 

Beccles Races. Second Assembly upwards of 200 ladies & gents present.
Beccles. White Lion: Concert & Ballbenefit Mr Mulley 2/6

1765
1765

Norwich Merc 19 Oct 
Norwich Merc 21 Dec 
Beccles.
2nd. Sub. Ass. White Lion. Non Subscriber 3s NB. No servants etc. will be admitted.
1766 PAPERS
1766
Norwich Merc 4 Jan 

Debts  of Charles Richmond  of Beccles to  James  Waid, Carpenter.  Estate  of Charles Richmond  in
Hulver to be sold by Auction by S.M.Creed at Falcon. Enquiries? Ward or James Gibson. Attorney at
Beccles.

1766
Norwich Merc 22 Feb 

Sunday Evening an anonymous threatening letter directed to Mr Chambers surgeon at Beccles found
in the street near Market Place “His Majesty for the bringing of offenders to Justice has promised his

Pardon to any one of them who shall discover his accomplices.~~
Nathaniel Godbold Conjections in Bungay

1766
Norwich Merc 15 Mar 
1766
Norwich Merc 22 Mar 

Beccles 3rd Sub. Ass. White Lion Tues. April 1st. 3s tea & Coffee included. “No servants etc. to be
admitted.”

1766
1766

Norwich Merc 19 Apr 

Beccles Races Thos Holt Eleazer Davy, Cocking at White Swan both days 10 am
First cattle taken on Beccles Fen on May 12 10/- a head. NB. A proper person will be appointed to

Norwich Merc 19 Apr 

look after the said beasts.
Catherine Woolmer at Beccles takes Miss Harris’ School in the Close, Norwich... as Catherine Lynes
has great success in a school at Beccles.

1766
Norwich Merc 16 May 
1766
Norwich Merc 10 May 

Wanted at Beccles Journeyman Smith who has been used to stove work & can execute Locksmiths &
White smith’s work in general. Enquiries J. Preston, Ironmonger.
To be sold at Beccles genteel brick house near church & market late Mr Will Sewell’s. 5 rooms on a

1766
Norwich Merc 14 Jun 

floor, 3 stories high, upper rooms flat ceilings, yard, coach house if wanted. Apply John Price.
Beccles Races. Great Deal  of  company,  large  assemblies.  (Maskills Chestnut Mare Viken  ran 2nd
day)

1766
Norwich Merc 5 Jul 

1766
 
 

Norwich Merc 19 Jul 

 To let with a small part of the stock (of Brandy etc.) imported by Will Clarke of Brandy)
The White Swan Public House in Beccles situated in the centre of the town near the New
Hall (i.e. New Town Hall built 1765/66) with large stable, Coach House etc. Enquiries:

 
 

 
1766

 

William Clarke or James Gardiner present tenant.
Lost in night of Aug. 6 (supposed stolen) out of the Horse Yard of John Dady of Beccles, Waggoner
& timber carrier, a bright bay last gelding. Half a guinea reward.

Norwich Merc 30 Aug 

1766
1766

Norwich Merc 13 Sep 

House & Shop in Market Place, now occupied Woolmer, saddler to be let. Right of Commonage.
To be sold by S.M.C reed at Beccles entire furniture of Mrs Gill, Milliner (details of stock)

Norwich Merc 13 Sep 

1766
1766

Beccles 4th Sub. Ass. White Lion 3/1 Concert & Ball.
Riots in Norwich - in future an alarm bell will be rung.

Norwich Merc 6 Oct 
Norwich Merc 6 Oct 

1766
 
 

Norwich Merc 1 Nov 

Geo. Chappell Licensed Carrier by    ? sets out from Crown Inn, Cambs Friday 9 am
Ram at New market & lay at the Dog in Bury. Saturday stops at Greyhound Botesdale,
King’s Head Diss, Three Feathers, Harleston. Mondays Kings Head, Bungay, White Lion

 
 

 
 
 

 
 
 

Beccles & lay at Black Swan Yarmouth.
Return to Camb drops Tues Beccles, Bungay & Halesworth. Wednesday: Botesdale & 
Bury; Thurs New market. All goods at reasonable rate.

I

1766
1766

Norwich Merc 22 Nov 

Sarah Miles, milliner, from Eye takes Mrs Gills shop in Beccles.
Two lions, male & female, the celebrated Oriental Tyger which is  as large  as many keepers  and as
beautiful  as the Queen’s Zebra...  also  a Tartarian  Satyr  or  Wild man of the Woods,  a Rio-bisen,  a

Norwich Merc 13 Dec 

Sangmes with a multiplicity of other extraordinary Phaenomina.. at Halesworth - then Bungay. Lions
at Beccles (later Lowestoft & Yarmouth)
Chamber Organ to be sold in Beccles enquire Edward Whincop, Whitesmith.

1766
Norwich Merc 4 feb 
1767 PAPERS
1767
Norwich Merc 24 Jan 

Notice to persons willing to contract for supplying clothing, Bedding & Household lien for House of
Industry, Wangford Hundred to attend with proposals & patterns White

 
1767

 

Lion, Beccles Tues. Feb. 3rd 11 am. Also meeting of Directors.
At White Lion Beccles to be sold: genteel one horse Italian Chaise

Norwich Merv 4 Apr 
1767
Norwich Merc 4 Apr 

To be let or sold in Beccles large brick house, late occup. Mr Isaac Blowers , decd outhouses, large
orchard, small distance from Church & Market. Enquiries:I Blowers, draper.
THOS. REDE sen. BREWER of Beccles died aged 59

1767
1767

Norwich Merc 21 Mar 
Norwich Merc 18 Apr 

First cattle on Beccles Fen 12 May onwards 10/- a head.
Poem from Amelia Truelove of Beccles The choice 10 lines.
Swan’s Famous Paste for destroying Rats & Mice sold by  Tingay, Beccles etc.

1767
1767

Norwich Merc 16 May 
Norwich Merc 16 May 

1767
1767

Norwich Merc 30 May 

Repeat of Advert for Sewells House (14 June 1766)
Beccles: Main of Cocks at the White Swan federation of Norfolk & Suffolk. 5 Gns a battle & 50 gns

Norwich Merc 13 Jun 

the Odd Battle. Each party showing 27 cocks for main & 10 for Bye Battles.
Sadler & Folkard, Feeders. GOOD ORDINARY each day of the Races... Jonathan Blyth ICockinul

 
1767

 
Norwich Merc 27 Jun 

Beccles Races:  Sir Charles Bunbury won  both days & “ distributed  among the populace the whole
profits arising from his success at the races & likewise paid into the hands of the curate of the parish

the  sum  of  Ten  Guineas  to  be  distributed  in  Bread  among  the  necessitous  poor  of  the  Town  of
Beccles.
Beccles: To be sold Post Chaise with steel springs. Otley. White Lion. iChaisel

1767
1767

Norwich Merc 1 Aug 
Norwich Merc 27 Aug 

Mr Whitlock, dentist  &  operator for the teeth,  leaves Norwich  27th to  be  at the Angel Inn, Great
Yarmouth the same evening there to continue for some time from to Beccles.
Beccles: S.M.Creed to sell large quantity superfine yam?, gloves, ear-rings, hair pins, cloaks, hats &

1767
Norwich Merc 22 Aug 

bonnets. Case of silver handled knives & forks etc.
Beccles: DEATH OF ROBT. LE GRYS, Capt. in Militia; JP etc. aged 64 [Death]
Math. Otley Quilts White Lion - thanks customers JACKSON from Ipswich takes over White Lion

1767
1767

Norwich Merc 29 Aug 
Norwich Merc 19 Sep 

1767
1767
 

Norwich Merc 26 Sep 

Concert at Ass. Room, White Lion, Beccles & Ball. Benefit Mully 2/6 6.30 p.m.
Beccles. To be sold: the following estates in Beccle:  [of Robert le Grys, by his widow.]
1 .A very  good & well-conditioned Brewing Office & Malthouse that will wet 95 Comb per week

Ipswich Journ 17 Oct 
 

together  with  convenient  Store  Houses,  Granaries,  Mill  House  &co,  extremely  convenient  for
business being situated by the side of a navigable River & thr Pumping done by Horses, with a very
convenient House adjoining fit for a Gentleman’s family. [Waveney House Hotel, Puddingmoor]

 
 

2. about 24 acres of rich arable & pasture Land; all which premises are in the occupation of Mrs Le
Grice, & may be entered upon by the purchaser immediately, or at Lay Day next.
3. Also  a  new-built Messuage  adjoining to the  first mentioned premises  in the occupation  of  Mrs

 
 

Purvis at the yarly rent of £8. [part of Waveney House Hotel, Puddingmoor]
4. Also the White Lion: a large NEW BUILT Public House with an Assembly Room, Stables, Coach

 
 

House,  large yard &  garden &  about one  acre & a  half of pastureland adjoining  under a  lease of  7
years to Mr Thomas Jackson at the annual. Rent £65 [15, 17 & 19 New Market]

 
 

5. Also the Adam &  Eve with  large bowling  green.  garden & yards in the  occupation  of  Widow
Allcock at the yearly rent of £12. [later called “The George & Dragon”, Hungate Lane]

 
 

6. Also a large & convenient Malthouse near the Bridge with half an acre of Land, under lease to a
good tenant who does the repairs at the yearly rent of £11
7. Also a handsome Dwelling House near the Market Place, with convenient offices in the occupation

 
 

of Mrs Denny at the yearly Rent of £15. [No 3 The Walk]
8. Also a Messuage adjoining in the occupation of Mr John Parsons at the annual Rent of £11.
And a Barn at the end of the Yard in the occupation of Mrs Le Grys.

 
 

 
 

 
 
9. The Crown in Bungay, yearly Rent £15. [No 2A The Walk]

 
 
1767

 
 

NB. All the premises are Freehold, in good repair & moderately assessed to the Land Tax.
Further particulars: Mr Rede, attorney, Beccles.
Meeting at White Lion, Beccles for delivery of plans to build at bridge at St Olaves with timber

Norwich Merc 26 Dec 
1768 PAPERS
1768
Norwich Merc 2 Jan 

Beccles  2nd  Sub. Ass.  White  Lion. Tea & Coffee &  ?  etc. Non  Subscribers 5s  Supper  at 1/- Thos
Jackson

1768
Ipswich Journ 16 Jan 

On Monday Robert Bee and his wife Mary, of Beccles in Suffolk were charged with the murder of
their son who it is said was starved to death

1768
 
 

Norwich Merc 29 Jaqn 

Beccles. To be sold by auction at the White Lion estate of Robert le Grys
1.A Farm at North Cove.
2. Two pieces of land at Beecles, one sown with wheat & other with clover 13 acres

 
 

 
 
1768

 
 

3. Large Maithouse near the Bridge under lease with half an acre pasture.
Enquiries: Mrs Le Grys or Rede. Attorney
Beccles. Windmill belonging to Mr Sayer burned down. Servant boy apprehended said he did it by

Norwich Merc 20 Feb 

desire of John  Strowger, from whom  Sayer  bought the Mill  3 months  before.  Strowger  in  Ipswich
Gaol
At  Bury  Assizes,  James  Strewger  for  setting  fire  to  a  mill-Robert  Whellham  for  housebreaking-

1768
Ipswich Journ 19 Mar 

Robert Webber-George Bowtley-Henry Folkard-James  Immens-John Willingham-Samuel  Spicer to
be transported for 7 years-20 persons were acquitted. Samuel Nappit was sentenced to be transported
for 7 years for setting  fire to  a mill  at Beccles  and James  Strewger was honourably acquitted ,  his

innocence was plainly appearing.
Beccles. To be let Baking House occup. Geo. Whincup . Occup c 40 years by Stephen Gladhill descd.
Last 3 years occup. journeyman blacksmith turned baker.

1768
Norwich Merc 14 May 

1768
1768

Norwich Merc 9 Jul 

3rd Sub. Ass. White Lion Mon. 11th
Catalogue  of  Libraries.  John  Mitchel,  Bayfield  &  Robert  Le  Grys,  Beccles  &  others  c5000  good

Norwich Merc 16 Jul 

volumes
Sober lad as Apprentice to Grocer & tallow chandler wanted: Enq: Benj. Baker

1768
1768
1768

Norwich Merc 10 Sep 
Norwich Merc 17 Sep 

Concert & Ball. Benefit Mully. Beccles. White Lion 2/6
S.M.Creed to sell furniture etc. of Johp Talbot. gent decsd [details given & “at his warehouse” stock

Norwich Merc 17 Sep 

of draper.
Proprietors of Lime Kiln Beccles enlarged & improved kiln & Chalk House
Estate late Will Gowings... One house fit for gent or tradesman with good shop for grocer or draper

1768
1768

Norwich Merc 10 Oct 
Norwich Merc 8 Oct 

 
1768

 

Another good dwelling. Enq. Thos Lovewell, Schoolmaster, Beccles.
SALE:  SM  Creed  to  sell  at  White  Lion  new  built  sashed  House,  5  rooms  on  a  floor  with  Yard,
Gardens etc situate at the entrance to the south part of the Town on the London Road (late the estate

Norwich Merc  12 Nov      

of Charles Wright of Beccles, joiner, deceased.) & now under lease to Rev Routh for 7 years at £18
pa, two & a half years unexpired.
ALSO House with good Shop, Carpenter’s Workshop, Oatmel Mill House, Stable

 
 

 
 

Enquiries Thomas Lovewell or John Bilby, executors.
1769 PAPERS

1769
1769

MENTIONED: William Crowfoot of Beccles, tanner
MENTIONED: Beccles Lime Kiln, details.

Norwich Merc 11 Mar        
Norwich Merc 11 Mar        

1769
1769

SALE of LINEN:  SM Creed’s Warehouse Sale of woollen & Linen Drapery.      
FAIRS:  Whereas  Beccles  First  Fair  happens  on  the  same  day  as  Bungay  May  Fair,  it  is  thought

Norwich Merc 18 Mar 
Norwich Merc 29 Apr        
necessary on that account, that Beccles Fair should be holden on Thursday 11 May.

1769
1769

Norwich Merc 29 Apr            ADVERTISEMENT: Original British Herb Tobacco, Sold by ... Harmer, Beccles.

SALE of DRAPERY: SM Creed to sell assortment of Linen & Woollen Drapery.
TO BE LET: Sashed House ... Parlour, Hall, Keeping Room, Kitchen, Laundry, Cellar, 5 Chambers,

Norwich Merc 20 May       
1769
Norwich Merc 10 Jun       

3 Garrets, Stable, large Garden with fruit trees ... *** now occupied by Rev Smith.
WHIPPING:  This  week  a  woman  of  Beccles  committed  to  Bridewell  14  days  &  to  be  publicly

1769
Norwich Merc 1 Jul        

whipped in the Market Place. Detected (by one of the Inspectors) in exchanging a pound of yarn with
a Pulled out?, of whom she had received no wool to spin.
CONCERT & BALL for benefit of Mully. White Lion 2s/6d

1769
1769

Norwich Merc 2 Sep       

TO BE LET: Sashed House (see 10 Jun)
SADDLER: John Allcock,  jun,  Saddler;  cap, harness &  collar maker from Bungay takes shop  of
Newton, deceased, saddler in Beccles [6 The Walk]

Norwich Merc 16 Sep        
1769
Norwich Merc 4 Nov        
1769

FOOTPADS’  ATTACK:  Joseph  Tradle  on  Thursday,  between  6pm  &  7pm  attacked  by  three
Footpads on Mettingham Hill, between Beccles & Bungay. They robbed him of his watch & 7s/6d.

Norwich Merc 23 Dec        

Then threatened to blow his brains out if he did not immediately pursue his journey to Bungay. They
then made off towards Beccles.

1769

LAW: Chambers of Beccles, plaintiff  v  a Horse Dealer of Beccles. Chambers  bought  an  unsound
horse of defendant which  he warranted sound ... Verdict & cost for Chambers. “This we hope will
prevent  the  frequent,  scandalous  impositions  of  this  sort  of  People,  to  teach  them  to  deal  with

Norwich Merc 31 Mar        
Honesty.
1770 Papers (Mostly Missing)

1770
 
 

LIME KILN: New Lime is sold & loaded at the Lime Kiln at Beccles at 10s/3d per great Chaldron.
3 Chaldrons delivered at Lowestoft, Halesworth or Harleston at £2 -5s - 9d
3 Chaldrons delivered at Bungay, Loddon or Haddiscoe at  

Norwich Merc Feb        

 
 

£1 - 19s - 9d

 
 

 
 

or at any other places of equal distance & roads same price.
Also Flint Stones for Foundations or Paving, Grindstones, White Bricks, Twelve & nine inch White
& Red Pavements & Gutter Bricks at the lowest price.

 
 

NB The “Stay for Me”, John Barrett, Master, 20 Tons burden, goes every 10 days from the Lime Kiln
to Trouse for Chalk & will consequently carry Hay, Corn or any sort of goods from Beccles, or any
quay between Beccles & st Olaves, to Norwich & Yarmouth on the most reasonable terms.

1770

SHOP:  “Preparatory  Discourse  on  Confirmation”  by  Thomas  Knowles,  DD,  sold  by  ...  Tingay,
Beccles. 3d or £1 for 100.

Norwich Merc 31 Mar        
1771 PAPERS
1771

At Beccles Sessions-Martha Marsh was ordered to be transported for 7 years for stealing 13 turkies
and Hannah Peake to be whipped on three market days for felony.
TO BE LET: Large, convenient & well accustomed Inn called The White Lion situate in the Market

Ipswich Journ 19 Jan 
1771
Norwich Merc 26 Jan       

Place. Large Assembly Room & piece of pasture Land near adjoining; Enquiries W Crowfoot or Mr
Rede. [William Crowfoot had married Elizabeth Grice, widow of Robert Le Grice in Feb 1768. He
had died in August 1767. They were next door neighbours.]

1771
1771
 

TO BE LET: White Lion advert repeated.
COACH: Beccles Machine by Bungay sets out from Norwich on Mondays, & from Beccles at 9 am
Inside: Norwich to Beccles 4s/-; Outside & children on lap: half price. 6 inside passengers. Starts 25

Norwich Merc 9 Feb        
Norwich Merc 23 Feb       
 

March.
SALE: House at Beccles: 3 Parlours, Hall, Kitchen, handsome Vestibule &  Staircase ... Outhouses,
Stall & Stables, large Yard, Garden with fruit trees.

1771
Norwich Merc 23 Feb        
1771

ADVERTISEMENT: Raphael  Solomons provides for removing  iron moulds &  ink stains.  Sold  by
Mrs Tingay, Beccles, 1s/-
CARD ASSEMBLY at the King’s Head. Monday 25th. To be continued on the Monday before the

Norwich Merc 2 Mar        
1771
Norwich Merc 6 Mar        

Full Moon in every month. Tea & Coffee 1s/-; Cards 6d. Will Hindes.
TO BE LET: White Lion at £50 pa.

1771
177 

Norwich Merc 6 Mar       

TO BE LET: House & Tan Yard now occupied by William Crwfoot, who carries on large trade there.
[St Peter’s House - he was moving -  or had moved to the “Waveney House Hotel”, Puddingmoor]

Norwich Merc 25 Mar       

1771
1771

WHITE LION: Joseph Beck from the White Lion at Kings Lynn, takes the White Lion, Beccles
SALE at Benacre; SM Creed to sell property in Benacre.

Norwich Merc 6 Apr        
Norwich Merc 20 Apr        
1771

RACES: Notice; No Publican will be permitted to build  a scaffold  on the Race Ground or sell any
liquor there without paying half a Guinea towards the Town Purse.
CHILD  STEALING:  We are informed from Bungay that on Tuesday last two strollers, a man &  a

Norwich Merc 18 May       
1771
Norwich Merc 15 Jun        

woman  were  taken  up  there  &  committed  to  Beccles  Bridewell,  they  being  charged  on  a  strong
suspicion  of stealing  a Child, whose friends live  in  London. The child is about 8 years  f age,  very
handsome & appears by her dress & begaviour to be genteely brought up & to belong to persons of

Credit.  The  above  strollers  were  a  few  days  since  apprehended  in  Yarmouth,  there  not  being
sufficient proof, they were discharged. But fresh intelligence having been received from London, they
were pursued, overtaken & committed as above,

1771

LINEN WEAVER: Benjamin Primrose, Beccles, Linen Weaver & Whitster, leaving off business ...
House, Whiting Office, Yards, Weving Sheds etc to be Let.
QUARTER SESSIONS: William Bryant, stealing Silver Spoon. To be publicly Whipped in Market

Norwich Merc 15 Jun        
1771
Norwich Merc 20 Jul        

Place next Market Day.
Young woman stealing Handkerchiefs  & James Illingworth stealing pair of silver  ? to be privately
whipped.

 
 
1771

SALE: To  be  Sold  or  Let: House  lately  occupied by Mrs Castell,  deceased.  Stable, coach  house,
Yard, Walled-in Garden. [Staithe House, 44 Northgate?]
ASSEMBLY, White Lion: Benefit Mully 

Norwich Merc 7 Sep        

1771
1771

2s/6d
SALE  of  FURNITURE:  SM  Creed  to  sell  new  &  second-hand  Furniture,  Clothes,  etc.  Sale  at
Warehouse.

Norwich Merc 14 Sep       
Norwich Merc 5 Oct        
1771

STOLEN  or  STRAYED  off  Beccles  Common.  Dark  brown  Mare.  1  Guinea  Reward.  Widow
Allington.

Norwich Merc 26 Oct       
1771

VAGRANT: Woodman Burrell, aged 75, committed to House of Correction: Wears brown wig, little
old hat, blue coat & blue apron & dark cloth breeches. Had offerred silver spoon to Robert Harmer,
said he found it on road. For wandering & begging in Beccles.

Norwich Merc 16 Nov       
1772

MENAGERIE:  The  Public  are  desired  to  take  Notice  that  the  stupendous  Elephant  &  loft  Camel
which  have  been shown  in this City with  great success, will  continue  in Town  for this day  only:
afterwards they will set out for Diss, Ipswich, Woodbridge, Harleston, Bungay, Beccles & Yarmouth.

Norwich Merc 4 Jan        
1772

PRICE OF PIPES: This is to acquaint all Grocers, Innkeepers, Public House Keepers That the Master
Tobacco Pipe Makers in the following places: viz Norwich, Yarmouth, Lynn & Beccles have agreed
to raise the price of every sort of Pipes two Pence per Gross.

Norwich Merc 4 Jan        
1772

TURNPIKE: Meeting at the Bell Saxmundham ref Turnpike Road, Ipswich to Beccles (February 8th
1772: Decision postponed until October)
BECCLES FEN: Gents and other inhabitants who have a Right of Commonage on Beccles Common

Norwich Merc 4 Jan        
1772
Norwich Merc 22 Feb        

and  are  against  and will oppose  any attempt that the present Corporation shall mke to take in  or
enclose any further part or parcel thereof on any pretence whatever,  earnestly requested  be in  great

and considerable number of Gentlemen to meet on Tuesday 25th at the King’s Head 4pm to consider
and take proper measures to prevennt the same ... also to consider Corporation disposal of income.

1772

THEATRE:  The  Company  of  Comedians  which  gave  such  general  satisfaction  for  the  last  two
months there [in Beccles] go to North Walsham

Norwich Merc 29 Feb        

1772
1772
1772

BECCLES FEN: The First Cattle on the Fen, 10s a head.
RACES: Beccles Races: Edmund Bacon, Steward.
SCHOOL: Mr & Mrs O’Brien from Ipswich to open School in House in Market Place

Norwich Merc 18 Apr        
Norwich Merc 16 May       
Norwich Merc 30 May       
1772

MICROCOSM:  That   inimitable  Piece   of  Art   called  the  Microcosm   arrived   at  Beccles   [long
description]
CLEANING  the  WAVENEY:  Notice  to  persons  willing  to  undertake  the  Didelling,  Cutting  the

Norwich Merc 20 Jun        
1772
Norwich Merc 20 Jun        

Weeds and Hoves?? in the River Waveney, to deliver immediate proposals to Mr Wiliam Crowfoot,
Deputy Treasurer for the said River or to Mr Cocking of Bungay.
NB: The Didelling is to be done by the Ton and the weeds to be twice cut from the Lower Lock to

 
 

Beccles Brdge and once on the several shoals below the Bridge as usual.
COCKING at RACES: White Lion: Gents of Norfolk v Gents of Suffolk. 27 Mains & 10 Byes; 2 Gns
a Battle & Ten the odd one.

1772
Norwich Merc 20 Jun       
1772

SALE  or  TO  BE  LET:  House  with  Glover’s  Shop  &  Felt  Monger’s  adjoining,  late  John  Meek,
deceased [He died in March 1772: No 33 Northgate]
DEATH: Persons indebted to late John Bilby of Beccles, accounts to Michael Doughton, plumber &

Norwich Merc 18 Jul       
1772
Norwich Merc 25 Jul       

glazier, Bungay, or John Bilby, Beccles [He died in June 1772]
BUSINESS: John Gooderham takes business of his Uncle, late John Bilby
BUSINESS: Thomas Hart, glazier & house painter (son of Philip Hat, late of Beccles, deceased) has

1772
1772

Norwich Merc 25 Jul       
Norwich Merc 15 Aug       

taken Shop late Meek’s [33 Northgate]
FAIRS: The usual days for holding the Fair is 3rd & 4th of October. Because these fall on a Saturday

1772
Norwich Merc 19 Sep       

& Sunday, the Fair will be held on Monday & Tuesday 5th & 6th of October.
On 6th October: Petty Sessions for Hiring & Retaining of Servants at the White Lion.

 
1772

 

TANNING: Benjamin Murrill, tanner, has been authorised by John Johnson of Ludham, patentee, to
make use of New Invention in the art of Tanning Leather.

Norwich Merc 17 Oct       
1772
SALE: Beccles: House near Market House. Pump near adjoining.
Norwich Merc 28 Nov