Substantial Dwelling House, Cottage in the Yard in three dwellings, back house, Granary, Slaughter
House, Stable for six horses, hog styes & all other necessary outbuildings for a Butcher in large
business.
SALE by George Crowe at the Angel Inn: Freehold Cottages in Bridge Street: [Poor Rate 9-13]
All let to tenants from year to year. The Valuation of occupied Cottages in 1824 was £4-4s
LOT 1: Brick & Tiled Cottage, small Yard & wash house occupied by Mary Boreham
LOT 2: Brick & Tiled Cottage, small Yard & wash house occupied by Thomas Galer
LOT 3: Brick & Tiled Cottage, small Yard & wash house occupied by Robert Turrell
LOT 4: Brick & Tiled Cottage, small Yard & wash house occupied by William Greenacre
LOT 5: Brick & Tiled Cottage, large Yard & quay leading to the River, well situated for a coal yard,
now untenanted
Particulars from the Auctioneer or Mr Crowe, the Post Office.
SALE of TREES: Auction Sale, Beccles. To be Sold by R Oswald the entire Stock of Fruit & Forest
Trees, evergreens & flowering shrubs of HW Gill, Nurseryman near the Bridge. c 400,000 finest trees.
Most Trees including ash, alder, beech, birch, horse & Spanish chestnut, elms, firs, poplars, hazels,
holly, hornbeams, limes and oaks, sycamore; 10,000 Evergreens & flowering Shrubs. Variety of Roses.
TURNPIKE ROAD from Little Yarmouth to Blythburgh: AGM of Trustees in King’s Head, Beccles on
Monday 18 March at 12 o’clock “taking into consideration of erecting a new Bridge across part of the
Road called Gillingham Dam at or near the present wooden Footbridge”.
FATAL ACCIDENT: On Friday Morning as “Hope” the Yarmouth COACH on its way to Bury on
entering Beccles the Leader shyed at the Town near the Bridge, where the Pavement commences. The
off wheel runs against a wall, the Coach overturns, woman killed. Several of Jury wish to protest
against driving unicorn teams - unsafe. Coroner: Can’t do it.
RESCUED: As a Party of Ladies & Gents coming up the River intending to land near the Bridge after
an afternoon’s excursion, one of the party, Miss Everett of Corton injudiciously leaned over the Boat
and fell in. No assistance was near, all hope of saving her life was lost until Mr Garnham (although no
swimmer) sprang into the stream & succeeded in landing her on a barge.... she recovered.
RAILWAY LINES: Meeting at Public Hall, Beccles on possible Railway Lines. Capt Moorsom & Mr
Bedder ... latter proposes line crossing Bridge Street [Northgate] & across Playground of Mr Cowles
Academy “near which spot the Station will be erected.”
BUSINESS: Sam Haward’s Business as Stone, Brick & Tile Merchant taken by Sam Stearn in Bridge
Street
CHOLERA: MEETING 7 September: Paving Committee to put down Stench Traps in Bridge Street near
John Fisher’s. Thomas Wright to empty privy premises in Northgate.
ADVERTISEMENT: James Marshall, Dyer & Scourer, Bridge Street: Moreens dyed to various colours,
& watered. Chintz furniture cleaned & glazed. Ladies’ dresses, shawls & scarfs cleaned.
SALE: Furniture of Mr C Leighton (who declines housekeeping) near the Bridge.
1834
2 Dec
31 Oct
8 May
16 May
17 Jun
Bridge
Bridge Street
Bridge Street
Bridge Street
Bridge Street
1884
1905
1906
1911
1913
Old Bridge: 29 Loads of stone purchased at 1s per load
Planning
Planning
Planning
Planning
Planning
Alterations to the Ship Inn, Bridge Street
Alterations to old Mission Room in Bridge Street
Telephone poles from boundary, Bridge Street, Ravensmere, Station Rd
approved
1388. who left 6s 8d for the bridge. In 1437 John Monk left 1 shilling for the foundations of the bridge
and the same year Edmund Candeler left 6s 8d for the bridge and causeway and then six years later
money was left for “making the bridge,”. In 1455 the hermit at the bridge makes his appearance when
he is named as the executor of a will and then in 1462:
“to William Ward, hermit of Beccles, to dispose on the reparation of Beccles Bridge.”
The following year 1463 we get a little more information from a will:
“to William Ward, the hermit of Beccles, to dispose about the reparation of the chapel of the Blessed
Mary at the Great Bridge of Beccles and on the reparation of the Bridge.”
He must have been well thought of for he appears in a number of wills by name.
A slightly more ambiguous entry is made 20 years later when 4d is left to the hermit of Beccles, but no
name is given, and the same will leaves 6d for the reparation of the Great Bridge.
No other Beccles hermit is mentioned. It is after all an acquired taste becoming a hermit.
Celia Finnes mentioned the difficulties of crossing the bridge in times of flood when she visited
Beccles in 1697. The Chapel would have been destroyed by that time as the result of Reformation
activities.
“At the town’s end one passes over the River Waveney on a wooden bridge railed with timber and so
you enter Norfolk, it is a low flat ground all here about so that the least rains they are overflowed by
the River and lie under water, as they did when I was there, so that the road lay under water, which
unlikely that it was a wooden bridge at this time, but the approach might have been wooden.]
So that is what she thought of Beccles in winter.
MANOR of BECCLES: Water Leet: Amongst the Regulations are some referring to Beccles Bridge:
Secondly that whosoever... shall put any boat or keel through Beccles Bridge on the Sabbath Day in
time of Divine prayer or in the Sermon time shall forfeit to the lord of this leet for every such offence 3s
4d ...
Thirdly that whosoever... shall fasten any boat or keel whatsoever by any means whatsoever to
Beccles Bridge or St Olives Bridge on the half next Beccles shall forfeit 12d
Fourthly ... any keel or great boat through Beccles Bridge downwards between sunset and sunrise
shall forfeit 3s 4d.
Fifthly... shall set any load or keel or boat fast in Beccles Bridge or the half of St Olives bridge next to
Beccles shall with any quant[?] or boathook shod with iron thrust against the bridges to put such
loaden keel or boat through the said bridge or either of them shall forfeit 3s 4d.
AGREEMENT on BRIDGE: [Norfolk Record Office - Gillingham Estate Papers: GIL/2/10, 717 x 8 ]
It is agreed between Nicholas Bacon, Esq of Gillingham of the County of Norfolk & Symon Smyth of
Wiston in the County of Norfolk Esq of the first part & William Emerton of Norwich freemason on the
other side that he the said William Emerton shall well & sufficiently repair the two piers or buttresses
that join on the side of the middle arch of the bridge with freestone with wrought & tarrace mortar a
yard high & the rest with freestone mortar & to take down & well joint all the battlements now lying &
new lay them as they ought to be & to repair both sides of the bridge now decayed with freestone
battlements near having the old battlements fallen off & to repair which said sides were formerly &
lastly built with freestone as also to repair all that wall of the east side formerly & lastly built with brick
& stone again & under the table of flintstone & above with brick & quoined with such brick as Trouse
bridge the quoin wall under the table wall is to be about two foot thick & above the table a brick & an
half as also to repair all such stone as shall be broken or wanting on Norfolk side of Beccles bridge
concerning which all this said work is intended to be bestowed as also he is to make a pillar on the
east side answerable to the standing on the west side & all this he is well & sufficiently to do within a
month after the date of these presents. And now the said Nicholas & the said Symon do covenant &
agree that the said William shall for his work well & sufficiently done have the full sum of eighteen
pounds of lawful money of England viz six pounds at the beginning four pounds more when he hath
half finished & the rest when he hath fully finished it in witness whereof we have hereunto put our
hands & seals the day & year above written.
Nicholas Bacon, Will Emerton, Simon Smyth
Sealed in the presence of Dan Rayner John Wolnough
1649
Corporation in 1835.
There may have been some small running expenses that are listed under the name of the stone mason
concerned in the accounts, but obviously there was no major restoration. I have not been through the
accounts thoroughly, but often there is a sum of money paid to a craftsman with no explanation as to
what the cost relates, so it would not be possible to identify
PAYMENT: Paid Nick Morse and Jo Crowe for breaking the ice to preserve the bridge.
WEATHER: This Winter was particularly bitter with an average temperature of minus 1.2 degrees
Centigrade for December, January and February. The Thames froze. There were ice flows measuring
five kilometers off the Channel coasts and thirty kilometers in the north sea. Where there was no snow
cover in the South of England the frost went down to a depth of nearly four feet. The snow cover
lasted for over a hundred and twelve days, when the average at that time was seventy five days.
Besides other charges, the purpose of which is not stated, the book records many upon the county for
repair and building of bridges. Among these are mentioned the bridges of Stratford, Bourne,
Martlesham, Claydon, Wilford, Bungay, Mendham, Brandeston, Blythburgh, Beccles, Cretingham,
Cosford near Hadleigh, Seamour [Semer], and Kettleburgh. In 1689 the money raised for repairing
bridges was ordered “to lye as a stock in banke, in Mr. Robert Clarke’s bands of Ipswich, who is
appointed treasurer for the same.” And again, in July 1696, when there was an order to raise £410. in
the county for similar purposes, the money is directed to be paid “to Mr. Robert Snelling of Ipswich,
treasurer for the bridge money.” In the following January £500 were ordered at the Beccles sessions
for “ye rebuilding of Bungay Bridge” and repairing others. In July 1699 an order was made at Beccles
quarter sessions for raising £100 in Beccles, Woodbridge, and Ipswich divisions, towards the
repairing of St. Olave’s and other county bridges. And in January 1701, £200 were raised in the same
division of the county towards building and repairing Blythburgh and Beccles bridges.
MUTFORD BRIDGE: 23 June: Portreeve to pay £20 towards the repairing of Mutford Bridge or
Causeway according to a warrant from the Court of Commissioners of Sewers bearing date 9 June.
MUTFORD BRIDGE: 20 November: Portreeve to pay £5 being charged towards the repairing of
Mutford Bridge.
Allowed Mr Purvis for a rate for the repair of Mutford Bridge 2s 0d.
[Jeffrey Purvis senior had been made a Feoffee in 1717. A Jeoffrey Purvis had been Portreeve in 1693,
but in 1710 the Corporation ordered that "Jeoffrey Purvis, one of the XII be discharged for that by
virtue or colour of a lease made to him by Mr Armstrong the Rector of Beccles of the tythes and
herbage belonging to the Rectory hath unduly and illegally taken and exacted tythes or herbage
money in payment in lieu thereof of divers persons for and in respect of their keeping and depasturing
cattle on the fen contrary to the laws agreements and constitutions relating to the Fen"].!
Vestry Minutes 1733 to 1857: There is no mention of Beccles Bridge
“BECCLES A PORT”. Meeting at Town Hall. HS Davey, Portreeve: “..A matter of First importance to
make it a Shipping Place & obtain direct navigation to the Sea.”
The best way to make River along to the Town deep enough to have vessels lay alongside the Quay
& wide enough for a Dock or Harbour. The Bridge could be converted to draw or swing Bridge or
removed higher up the River.
PLAN for CONVERTING the 3 arches of the present Bridge siuated in the parishes of Beccles in the
County of Suffolk &Gillingham in the County of Norfolk & converting it into a Balance Bridge [iron].
Joseph Stannard ? jun, Achitect & Surveyor, Norwich. 28 Nov 1834 [with plan]
Committee appointed to look at Beccles Bridge question
Beccles Bridge: Beccles Navigation Commissioners to hand over £1,000 to Waveney Valley Drainage
Commissioners when bridge is completed.
Beccles Bridge: Discussion of payment for new Bridge. [previous week also]
Beccles Bridge: Norfolk & Suffolk both interested in improving the Bridge. Would Beccles Council
contribute?. Agreed to offer £500
Beccles Bridge: Cost would be £5,000. Waveney Valley Navigation offered £1,100, Beccles
Corporation £500. Cost would be £3,500 between Norfolk & Suffolk. Inconvenience caused by bend in
road at its two extremities. Norfolk City Magistrates did not recommend such an expenditure.
Adaire of Flixton advocated concrete bridge with iron girders for strengthening, like Homersfield
Beccles Bridge: Suffolk had refused to consider a new bridge any further on account of its expense.
1683/84
1830
1869
1870
1871
Waterworks Company, unauthorised, dug a trench over the Bridge, buried a pipe in it & filled up the
trench.
BECCLES BRIDGE: The steps which led to its construction were briefly as follows :—In consequence
of the disastrous floods which occurred in October, 1882, a committee was appointed by the Town
Council, first, to consider if any steps could be taken to improve the drainage of the Waveney Valley
and, secondly, to urge upon the Magistrates of the Counties of Norfolk and Suffolk the importance of
constructing a now bridge over the Waveney at Beccles. With respect to the first object for which
they were appointed, the labours of the committee have, we regret to say, not yet been crowned with
success ; but with regard to the second, it has been otherwise. After negotiations, which lasted for
some months, a grant of £500 was obtained first from the Magistrates for the county of Norfolk, and
this was followed a few months later by a corresponding grant from the Suffolk Magistrates, which
was made on the condition that the work should be carried on by, and at the wish of, the
Commissioners appointed under the Beccles Navigation Act; that the town of Beccles should
contribute a sum of £2,000 towards the cost of the bridge; that the county of Suffolk should not be
asked to contribute more than £500 ; and that the work should be done under the supervision and to
the satisfaction of the Surveyors for the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk. The £2,000 contributed by
the town of Beccles was made up of a sum of rather less than £1,700, which was vested in the Beccles
Navigation Commissioners, and which resulted from tolls levied during the time that the Navigation
Act was in force; and a sum of rather mere than £300 contributed mainly by a few merchants who had
a special interest is improving the waterway of the river, and the communication between the two
counties by road.
The new bridge was erected in 1884 by the Beccles Navigation Commissioners, who had powers under
their Act of Parliament to remove the old bridge which was rebuilt in 1653, and which consisted of
three arches, and supported a roadway of only 11 feet in width. The new structure is a wrought-iron
bridge, consisting of two main continuous lattice girders, each 94 feet in length, resting, at the ends,
upon masonry abutment piers, and upon four screw piers, which are 2 an 1/2 feet in diameter—giving
47 foot clear waterway in the centre of the river, and 18 inches more headway for navigation than the
old bridge. The width over the bridge between the main girders is 20 feet, giving 17 feet of carriage-
way and three feet foot-way. The road is supported between the main girders upon rolled steel plates,
known as “Lindsay’s Patent.” The new bridge is repairable, as was the old one, jointly by the County
Authorities of Norfolk and East Suffolk. The stonework in the old bridge was used, as far as it could
be, in the construction of the abutments and wings of the new bridge. The new bridge was designed
by R.M. Brereton, Esq., M.I.C.E., the County Bridge and Road Surveyor for the County of Norfolk, and
executed under the joint directions of the said engineer and of B. M. Eyton, Esq., the County Surveyor
for East Suffolk. The iron work was executed by Messrs Head, Wrightson, and Co, of Stockton-on-
Tees, and the rest of the bridge work by Mr T.H. Blyth, of Foulsham in Norfolk, who had previously
built the Falcon Bridge at Bungay.
“Until 1547, the whole of the expenditure relates to the upkeep of the church, churchyard and parish
properties, together with that of the bridge which seems to have been the responsibility of the
churchwardens. Regular payments are made to the sexton, parish clerk and other employees, for wax,
frankincense and oil, and for repairs to the church fabric, furniture, vestment and books, and
especially to the bells. On several occasions there are legal expenses to do with the protection of the
parish’s title to its land and property. But never, apart from the bridge and the property, is anything
spent for the wider community, as in the repair of roads or the relief of the poor.”
payd for the postys too the breg (bridge)
payd to John coo for castyng of gravel onto the breg
payd to herd for tember to the brege and workmanschep
It. to Robert Tyler & Rycherd smythe for spredyng off Gravell on the brydge
It. to hertwell For an yren to steye the same powpe the brydg
It. to John barker for hys werk by the space of viij dayes
It. for hys mette by the same tyme at iii d. the day
It. for vj ankers with dobyll keyes
[1532 Boxford Churchwardens
[1533 Boxford Churchwardens
[1540 Boxford Churchwardens
[1543 Boxford Churchwardens
xxij d.
iiij d.
iid
ijs. viii d.
ij s.
vj s.
[1548
It. for iij bord at iij s. the C & a quarter & odde Fotts
It. to iij laborerys be the space of iiij dayes to stub &
rame at vj d. a day eche of them for mett & wagys
It. for x lodys of Cley
It. to hertwell for ij li. of nayles
It. to Jasper for xiij lodys of Gravell
It. to william Coo for stubbyng & Caryng of the same
It. to hertwell For a C of lede nayle wayng but ij li.
It. to the same hertwell For makyng of a bend of
owr owne Iren to the Caye (key)
It. For a bord off xv ffotte to the brydge
It. for nayles to the same
It. to barker to ley the same For mette & wagys
Itm. pd. for Caryenge of the gret stonys owt of the ryver
Itm. pd. for lyme for the churche for the bredge & for
the churche houses xj seme & di
Itm. pd. for gatherynge of two lodys of stonys for the bredge
Itm. pd. for thr caryage of the seyde stonys
Itrn. pd. For a lode di of Brycke & di lode of tyle
Itm. pd. to Wylliam Coo for the sells of the churche
house & for a post for the bredge
ltm. pd. to Wyiliam Coo for the Caryage of a lode of sande
Itm. pd. to Thomas Marten for xxviij daye wurke
wurkynge in the churche on the town shoppys on the
bredge on the churche house & on the churche walle
wagys & mete & drynke after vii d. le daye
Itm. pd. to Marten men For xxx daye wurke upon that same wurke
meate drynke & wages after vj d. le dayc
Itm. pd. to Thomas marten sarver for xxiiij daye wurke
upon that same wurke also meate drynke & wages after v d. le daye
Itm. pd. for ij lodys of cleye for castynge & caryage
pd. more for ij lodes of brycke for the brydge
payed to Rye for makyng of the corner of the bredge with
bryk & for castyng of that syde of the bredge & for
mendyng of the churche wall by yongs howse
pd. to froste for castyng gravell owte of the ryver for the bredge
pd. to lambe & to marchante for carryeng of the gravell onto the bredge
payd for layeng off gravell on the brydg
}
}
}
}
x s.
vj s.
v d.
iiij d.
xx d.
vij d.
ij d.
}
}
}
ij d.
vj d.
ij
xj s. vj d.
}
}
}
}
}
xvj
viij d.
vii
iij s. vj d.
}
}
}
}
[1555
v s. iiij d.
iiij s. iiij d.
[1561
vij d.]
winter of 1860-61. While this has put a stop to the trade of the Port & thrown out of employment those
who earn a livelihood by navigating the stream, it has also afforded a fund of intense enjoyment to
others who revel in the bracing exercise & delightful sport of skating. During the whole week the River
was literally crowded with people ... Each day the sport was continued until dusk, and in the evening
those who were prevented by business from skating at more seasonable times, turned night into day
by torches, and sped along the ice with equal safety.
Thomas Farr, Charles Farr, John Farr & Charles Sugden, gentlemen of Geldeston charged with
assaulting Edwin Boaler of Beccles, ironmomger’s assistant at Barsham (before W Jecks, Esq [of 29
Ballygate], Rev RC Denny, Rev JC Safford [of Mettingham Castle] JF Vincent [of Wrentham] &
Admiral Eden). The Bench tried to persuade the boys to settle out of Court.
Bealer & Chester Hadingham [son of the miller of London Road] were boating on the Waveney past
the engine house. They saw a boat coming straight towards them, about 10 yards off, they hailed it
of the boat to another”, “You ought to have your mother with you.” They all went ashore and had a
fight, but the defendants pushed him into the water. “As I was falling I caught hold of Thomas Farr by
the hair & pulled him in with me.” Defendants fined £1 each. Bealer also fined £1 in a separate case.
Gillingham near Beccles Bridge [Bridge House] Proprietor Mr Charles Carr Holland. - Corn, Coal &
Malt Trades.
SALE: Wharf, Granaries & Warehouses late occupied by Richard Thornton (foot of Beccles Bridge in
Gillingham) for Sale by B Rix
company was formed in 1912.
In the course of time considerable expansion has taken place and the company now posses extensive
timber yards and a well equipped electrically-driven sawmill, from which timber in all its forms is
supplied to farmers and builders in the district. Messrs Darby Brothers, Ltd. also have an extensive
1844 on Beccles Town Guide 1998 DARBY BROS. LTD: Situated at the entrance to the town by the River Waveney, is one of the oldest
until the early thirties, they owned two wherries which were used to transport timber and bricks from
their Darby Road brick works throughout broadland.
They are one of the few remaining English timber merchants in the district, specialising in oak and
other native hardwoods for construction and restoration work on churches, timber framed houses and
fumiture, etc. Although their base is home-grown timber, they also trade in a wide range of imported
hardwood and softwoods for the building and joinery trades.
Samuel Darby, innkeeper & George Whitehead, stone mason owned Mary & Sarah - built Yarmouth
1819; schooner, clench built 31 tons. Master, John Rand. Sold 1855. Lost off Filey 1860.
ADVERTISEMENT: Samuel Darby, Coal & Timber Merchant, Bridge Street. Every description of red &
white Bricks, Pavements, Pan & Roof Tiles, Drain Pipe, Chimney Pots etc. Stockholm & Coal Tar,
Pantile Splines & Ceiling Laths; Scantling of every description cut to order. Wherries constantly
attending at Yarmouth upon the Steam Traders from London, Hull & Newcastle for conveyance of
goods to Norwich, Beccles & Lowestoft.
FLOODS OF 1879 There were disastrous floods at the end of July 1879, the worst for 60 years: Heavy
rains fell on Saturday night and for the next three days, almost without break. The Barsham marshes
became a great lake. Gillingham dam was completely covered. The only communication between
Gillingham and Beccles was by boats charging 2d per head. The Beccles fen was covered with 2 or 3
feet of water. 15 hay stacks were lost. The Yarmouth line was flooded and the ballast washed away.
On Wednesday the water was rising 1 foot an hour at the swing bridge, whose pilot had to
accommodate his pigs in his own house until he could move them to safety. Mr Darby's timber in the
form of planks and logs floated away, while whole trees were carried long distances. His loss was
£2000. His house was flooded during Tuesday night with about 2 feet of water [This is Bridge House,
Monty Pitkin’s House]. The water was still standing in his house on Friday night. Mr Johnson, one of
his neighbours had to take refuge with his family in a yacht. In Bridge Street houses were flooded and
food and drink was handed in through the upper windows. At the brewery casks floated around in all
directions.
BRIDGE HOUSE, late Samuel Darby. Household Furniture; 337 Lots.
LIST OF BOATS REGISTERED IN 1900: Darby Brothers
Ethel - wherry, 20 tons; Leonard - wherry, 20 tons
Darby, AW: Bridge House, Yacht, Ormonde
Darby, AW: Bridge House, Yacht, Olive
Darby, AW: Bridge House, Yacht, White Duck ?
1900
15 tons
1745
ALL THOSE hid Marshes lying in Gillingham in the occupation of Robert Bond
To John Lillistone, his son all his Lands, but paying the following Legacies:
His son William Lillistone £100; His daughter Anne Lillistone £100.
Executors: John Lillistone, his son & Edward Utting of Beccles, baker
Died May 1746 aged 55; Will proved in Archdeaconry Court of Suffolk 30 May 1746
Indenture BETWEEN John Lillistone of Beccles, Wherryman of ONE PART
John Lillistone, son & heir apparent
ALL THOSE pieces of Land in Gillingham enclosures of Marsh or Meadow Land , then late the estate
of Edward Whitlock, and then late purchased by John Lillistone, (the father) of Matthew Cutlove in
the occupation of John Lillistone, the Father
ABUTTING upon Beccles Dam SOUTH
The Lands of Sir Edmund Bacon on the NORTH & WEST,
River Waveney towards the EAST
About 4 Acres
WILL of John Lillistone, the son
To my son Samuel Lillistone ALL my Estate & Effects in Gillingham, Beccles, Barsham, St Andrew &
Bungay, but paying Legacies:
To Elizabeth, his wife £50, & a further £100
To his daughter, Ann Freston £700
To his daughter Elizabeth Cole £700
But if either of the daughters die, it should be divided between her children
To his daughter May Lillistone £1,000
To his brother William £20 every year as long as he lived.
To his sister Ann Crickmer £10 every year as long as she lived.
To Samuel Preston £50 when he reaches age of 21.
To his servant, Samuel Norman £5 5s 0d
Executors: Samuel Lillistone & Ann Freston.
Died February 1784. Will proved in the Archdeaconry Court of Suffolk 26 November 1785
WILL of Samuel Lillistone. Appointed his wife, Elizabeth & John, his son Executrix
Sell all his Messuages, Lands, Tenements etc
Died 26 June 1829; Proved in Prerogative Court of Canterbury 5 October 1829
Indenture BETWEEN Elizabeth Lillistone of Beccles, Widow, Rev John Lillistone of Barsham, Clerk of
the FIRST PART
Richard Thornton the younger of Beccles, beer brewer
William Hoddy of Loddon, gent
for £400
ALL THOSE pieces of Land in the occupation of Riochard Thornton
ABUTTING on a Dam called Beccles or Gillingham Dam in part & on Land of Samuel Last SOUTH
Lands late of Sir Edmund Bacon, Bart & then of Susan Elizabeth Schutz, spinster NORTH & WEST
River Waveney in part & lands of Samuel Last EAST
by estimation 4 acres
Indenture 7 July
BETWEEN Richard Thornton FIRST PART
Samuel Last of Gilingham, gentleman SECOND PART
Edward Colby Sharpin of Beccles, gent THIRD PART
ALL THAT piece of Marsh Land (being part of the previous indenture) & now in the occupation of
Samuel Last, containing two perches; in LENGTH 141 ft from Gillingham Dam, counting in BREADTH
in the widest part 9 ft,
ABUTTING on the Premises of Samuel Last EAST
Upon a Dike recently cut by Richard Thornton WEST
AND ALL THAT part of Land which now forms part of the Dike & is covered with water, extending
along the whole of the WEST of the Land, in width 5ft from the Western Boundary
INDENTURE of Mortgage BETWEEN
1782
1828
1833
1833
Samuel Bignold of Norwich, Esq SECOND PART
James Copeman & William Hoddy THIRD PART
for the sum of £10,000 with other hereditaments
Loddon, gent. Then John Read of Langley in 1834 lent an extra £600
1834
1839
John Read demanded of Richard Thornton repayment of his principal & interest.
BETWEEN John Read FIRST PART
William Milnes Atkinson of Barsham, merchant SECOND PART
Richard Thornton not having repaid interest or principal of £1000, put up for auction, purchased by
WM Atkinson for £145: 2 acres 2 rods of Meadow or Pasure Land
ABUTTING on the Turnpike Road or Gillingham Dam SOUTH
Land of Miss Schutz NORTH & WEST
A Dike dividing the land from the Wharf & other part of the Premises sold by John Read to John Crisp
EAST - WM Atkinson paying half the expense of draining & cleansing the Dike.
Indenture 14 February 1840
BETWEEN John Crisp the younger of Beccles, merchant ONE PART
William Milnes Atkinson OTHER PART
Purchased recently by John Crisp one acre & a half, with the spacious Wharfs, Warehouses,
Granaries, Coal-bins, Stables, & other buildings
ABUTTING the Land of Miss Schutz on the EAST by the River Waveney in part & by Land &
Premises of late Samuel Last & then of WM Atkinson SOUTH
Land & Premises of WM Atkinson in part & Gillingham Dam & WEST
WM Atkinson bankrupt on 5 July
WM Atkinson owed Henry Boyce, of Giselham, gent £190 Mortgage
Indenture 26 August 1844
BETWEEN Henry Boyce ONE PART
John Banham SECOND PART
for £145
1841
1844
access to the new Bridge.
1668
1717
1721
John Adams, for a tent in Bridge Street, (now Mrs Castle)
Rent 1d
Task 8d
Rent 1d
Thomas Fryer, late Wiggins, Randall, Cully
1882
SALE: LOT 5, late Harriet Meen: BRIDGE STREET; a Brick & Tiled HOUSE & SHOP, with Yard &
Shed, adjoining Lot 4 at the junction with Fen Lane, now occupied by by Mrs Neech
[passed over]
Father.
SALE: LOT 4, late Harriet Meen: BRIDGE STREET: a brick & Tiled COTTAGE, adjoining the
Maltster’s Arms, two Coopers’ Shops with loft over, Cart Shed & Yard occupied by Philip Hayward
[passed over]
BRIDGE STREET 8
1803
INDENTURE BETWEEN
William West, linen weaver, & Susannah, his wife, late the wife of John Brewer, stone cutter, decsd, &
his last Will, ONE PART
William Barnard, gent of the OTHER PART
To the use of William West & Hannah his wife, the longest liver of them, & after to his heirs.
1831
Executors to sell all his Messuages , shops, cottes, land & hereditaments in Bridge Street, Beccles.
He died 24 November 1829. Proved 19 February 1831,
INDENTURE : February:
BETWEEN: Osborne Clarke, late of Westhall, but then of Uggeshall, farmer & William Draper,
Governor of the House of Industry there of FIRST PART
George William Brown Bohun of Beccles, SECOND PART
Hannah, Sophia & Harriet Meen all of Gillingham, THIRD PART
Sold for £460. Yearly Costs: Land Tax & free rent to Manor of Frostenden.
ALL THOSE messuages formerly of John Woolby, after that of John Brewer (both deceased) & then
late of William West, with the houses, outhouses, shops, warehouses & gardens. Also a lean-to then
occupied as a cottage
BETWEEN the Malting Office (formerly a messuage & land of Martha Elmy, widow; after of William
Batten [Hatton?] & then of Messrs Gurneys, Turner & Brightwen) WEST
the next described Messuage & land formerly of John Calver EAST.
[Bridge Street No 10, - later Crisp]
1831
Lands & hereditaments, and lands of Gillings, formerly of Mr West on the NORTH.
Late in the occupation of William West & Honor Turner
[Fen Lane - now part of the Maltings]
ALSO
outhouses, garden & a moiety of a well, formerly Thomas Westwood, & in the occupation of John
Calver & William Tripp; late of Richard Burwood & James Miller & a cottage was then untenanted.
BETWEEN a Messuage & yard late called an outhouse & yard formerly of Luke Crouching, since of
premises described next in Fen Lane EAST
The Messuage & Garden formerly of Thomas Burrell, since of John Newhouse & his wife,
afterwards of John Brewer & Susannah, his wife, then late of William West, in Part, & lastly here
described WEST
And upon land late belonging to the last premises & sold by William West to -- Gillings NORTH
Upon Bridge Street SOUTH
(The last premises were formerly Edward Macham, then late of John Calver)
ALSO
INDENTURE: BETWEEN
John Calver of FIRST PART
Matthias Abel, Edward Burton & Stephen Spratt SECOND PART
William West THIRD PART
George WB Bohun FOURTH PART
ALL THAT tenement late of John Calver, formerly used as an ash-house, afterwards used as a cow
house & stable & then converted into three cottages with a yard, late in the occupation of John
Calver
BETWEEN the Common Way leading from Northgate to the Beccles Fen [Fen Lane] EAST
part of the last described premises WEST
the Premises of Elizabeth Benslet SOUTH
the Premises of William West, then of --- Gillings NORTH
late in the occupation of William Stubbs, Robert Webb & Robert Alger,
late also the estate of John Calver, formerly of William Allington
Hannah Meen died leaving her share of the Estate to Sophia & Harriet Meen
1798
1831
1852
1880
DROWNING Bungay waterman, James Cossay left wherry at Mr Crisp’s quay [probably by the
Bridge], went to Page’s beerhouse [Maltster’s Arms, Bridge Street] which he left at 11pm. returning to
wherry in the dark tripped over rope attaced to a wherry, fell into river and was drowned. Jury said
path should be wider and no ropes to stretch over path.
SALE: LOT3: late Harriet Meen: BRIDGE STREET: a well-accustomed Brick & Tiled BEERHOUSE, the
MALTSTER’S ARMS, with large Yard, Stable, Cow House & Cart Shed, approached from Fen Lane,
now occupied by Robert Page. Rental £20
[withdrawn at £525]
LICENCES: Maltster’s Arms, Bridge Street to HC Cowles;
LICENCES: Maltster’s Arms to Wm R Johnson
One Bell to Harry C Cowles, late of the Maltster’s Arms.
MALSTER’S ARMS: House in BRIDGE STREET: Licence transferred to the present house in October
1913, Premises Poor Rate £20-18s. Income Tax £18. Annual licence duty £30.
Lodgers taken in. In the Summer a good Yard & Stall for 8 horses. 3 fully licensed houses & 2 Beer
Houses within 533 yards. Used by malsters & those in the neighbourhood. One of the Stables was let
from the house. A number of carts used the Yard.
Colchester Brewery Co, the owner’s trade in 1918: 80 & 1/4 barrels & 297 dozen bottlesof bottled beer.
Licence referred.
1885
1892
1918
licence of which has been surrendered. In the rear of the property is a spacious Yard, opening to FEN
LANE, in which are Brick & Tile buildings, comprising Stabling for 8 Horses & other buildings.
The Property is well adapted for alteration to a Shop or Refreshment Rooms, being only a few yards
distant from the River Waveney. Tenure freehold.
[purchased Mr E Driver £300]
Br
Br
Br
Br
Br
Br
1042
1043
1044
1045
1046
1047
William MOYSE
Esther MOYSE
Charles SMITH
William WARD
Samuel WARD
Samual PURLARD
M
30
9
5
3
79
F
M
M
M
M
Beccles, Suffolk, England
Ipswich, Suffolk, England
Beccles, Suffolk, England
Beccles, Suffolk, England
Beccles, Suffolk, England
Wife
Stepson ((Lodger))
Step Son
Step Son
Boarder
Br
1036
Robert PAGE
Employ 1 Man
Sarah PAGE
Kate E. SUTTON
Emma KEABLE
Henry CAPON
Br
Br
Br
10
18
54
1038
1039
1040
F
F
M
Beccles, Suffolk, England
Thurlton, Norfolk, England
Beccles, Suffolk, England
Serv
Lodger
Domestic Servant General
General Lab
U
1593
1633c
1637c
1662
1683
Edmund King, for his 2 tenements lying together, the one late Henry Botswaine &
the other Henry Cannes
John Smyth, [will 1639] tenement sometime Edmund King, for Botswaine (folio 123)
John Wells, tenement sometime Botswaine, after Nursey, before King
(post Henry Harbor) [See Biography John Wells]
John Smith, tenement in Bridge Street, sometime King, after Botswaine, late
John Smith (folio 227)
INDENTURE between Martha Smith of Beccles, widow, relict of John Smith the younger of Beccles,
tanner, deceased & John Smith, heir of the said John Smith of ONE PART
Isaac Smith, plumber, of the OTHER PART
ALL THAT Messuage with appurtenances wherein Martha Smith & Isaac Crisp now dwelleth & all
the houses, buildings, stables, yards, gardens & orchards
BETWEEN the Messuage & Yards late John Horning & now of Frances Burrell, widow EAST
The Messuage & Yards late of Richard Smith, deceased, WEST
Bridge Street, SOUTH
The Fen of Beccles NORTH
Will pay £4 per year for 50 years, in equal sums on the four feasts of the Church in the Porch of St
Michael’s Church
Henry Harbor, late Wells, sometime Botswaine, Nursey & King
John Stockwood, tenement in Bridge Street, late Smyth, King & Botswaine
Margaret Stockwood, tenement in Bridge Street, formerly Smith, King & Botswaine
Robert Le Grys, late Stockwood, the house by the Bridge
Robert Le Grys, late Stockwood
Robert Le Grys, Esq., tenement in Bridge Street, now a malthouse, late
Mr Stockwood, formerly Smith, King, Botswaine
SALE: Robert Le Grys, 17 October 1767:
A large and 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.
Robert Le Grys, [died 1767] late Stockwood, vide William Crowfoot, under the title
Artis
Task 6d
1718
1723
1729
1761
1764
1767
1772
1800.1
1800.2
1828
1835
Rent 6d 1/2d
William Hatton
Charles Holland
premises in Bridge Street, late Charles Holland, William Hatton and Stockwood
(later Thornton & Crisp 1837)
Richard Thornton, brewer and John Crisp, merchant. Malting office, granary and premises in Bridge
Street, late Messrs Gurney, Turner and Brightwen, before Charles Holland.
jun)
Thornton & Co
Richard Thornton, mortgage of £7,500 altogether to Samuel Bignold
Fiat of Bankruptcy against Richard Thornton, the younger, of Beccles, beer brewer, dealer & chapman
Wharf, Granaries & warehouses late occupied by Richard Thornton (at foot of Beccles Bridge) for sale
by B Rix.
John Crisp
John Crisp exiting from the Manor [buying himself out of the Manor]
Rent 6d
1837
1839
1839
1867
1756
1760
1765
1770
1775
1781
1807
1810
1814
1820
1824
1828
1832
1841
Mr Robert Le Grys, Malt House
Mr Robert Le Grys, Malt House
Mr Robert Le Grys, Malt House
Mrs Elizabeth Rede, House
more Malt House
Mrs Elizabeth Rede, House
more Malt House
Mr Hatten, for House
more Malt House & Meadow
more new Granary
CC Holland, Malt, Granary & Counting House
CC Holland
CC Holland
Messrs Stead
Messrs Stead
Messrs Stead & Granary
Stock
New Malting Office
Cinder Office
Mr Patrick Stead Granary
Stock
Cinder Oven
Malting Office
Atkinson, WM
Atkinson, WM
Atkinson, WM
Atkinson, WM
Atkinson, WM
Atkinson, WM
£6 - 10
£6 - 10
£5 - 10
£6 - 10
£5 - 10
£6 - 10
£4
£5
£2 - 10
£16
£16
£20
£19
£25 - 13 -4
£28 - 13 -4
£1
£26
£1 - 6 - 8
£28 - 13 -4
£1
£1 - 6 - 8
£26
£77
£3
£7-10
£10
£2
£2
Atkinson, Wm
Atkinson, Wm
Atkinson, Wm
Atkinson, Wm
Atkinson, Wm
Atkinson, Wm
Barn
Land 3-0-0 acres
Garden 3 acres
Cinder Oven
Coal House
1593
John Bretteyne, for three tents lying together, Thomas Darnell, late Nicholas
Boyce
1668
1679
1693
1700
1705
1728
1736
1751
1760
Thomas Burrell, for a tent late John, since Thomas Bretton
Frances Burrell, widow of Thomas Burrell, sometime Thomas John, after
Lockington & Bretton (folio 270)
Widow Shepard, for part of a tent in Northgate (Robert Barber)
Widow Sheppard, part of a tent in Northgate
Robert Sheppard, for a tent late Thomas Burrell
TO BE LET: The Ship tavern, part of it new built with a good staithe
belonging to it, standing nigh the Bridge. Enquiries Tobias Chandler.
[Tobias Chandler, was the gaoler of the Prison in Beccles. He seems to have
followed a subsidiary occupation as a house agent.]
Robert Barber & Robert Bond, for part of a tent in Northgate, formerly
Shepherd
Rebecca Wake, [widow, died 1764] for a tent in Northgate late Sheppard
To be let... Ancient & well accustomed Public House known by the sign of the Ship situate in 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.
Rebecca Wake, late Folkard [Shepard?], late Glikess
William Hatton, tent in Northgate late Robert Wake
William Hatten, tent in Northgate, late Shephard, formerly Burrell & since of
Penelope Elizabeth Wake.
Thomas Farr, The Ship
BECCLES QUARTER SESSIONS: 1.) John Mann, Landlord of the Ship Inn charged with permitting
persons of ill fame in the said House between 1 & 2 o’clock in the morning of Tuesday 14th February.
TRANSPORT: John Stanford informs the Public he has engaged a light Barge to sail between Beccles
& Yarmouth for the conveyance of Goods & Parcels. To be taken in & booked by Mr Lydamore’s The
Ship near the Bridge. Sails from Beccles Tuesday & Friday; from Yarmouth Wednesday & Saturdays
at 11 am. Handsome Cabin for accommodation of Passengers.
Thomas Farr, The Ship, late Hatton, formerly Wake
Thomas Farr, The Ship, late Hatton, formerly Smith
HS Farr
SALE: Beccles Brewery: Lot XVIII
The Ship at Beccles, situated on the Quay, near the Bridge, at the entrance of the Town; in the
occupation of Mr William Crowford:
CONSISTING OF Bar, Tap Room, Two Parlours, Four Sleeping Rooms, Three Attics, Cellar,
Washhouse, Pantry, &c. Yard; and Stabling for thirty horses. FREEHOLD.
ANNUAL OUTGOINGS: Land Tax ; Free Rent to the Manor of Beccles 7d 1/2d
Free Rent to the Manor of Ros Hall and Ashmans
Fred Morse
WEATHER: Heavy Rains. Marshes flooded. Hermitage & Ship flooded 2 ft.
ADVERTISEMENT: WINES & SPIRITS Edward Bevan Tench (late Farr & Son) Importer of Wines &
Spirits, Blyburgate, has succeeded to this Establishment. Thornton & Tench, Wholesale & Retail
Brewers at the Brewery, Blyburgate & the Ship Brewery, Northgate, Beccles.
Rent 3d 1/2d
Task 4d
Rent 3d 1/2d
1765
1766
1804
1809
Rent 3d 1/2d
Rent 7d 1/2d
1829
1851
1852
}
Rent 4d
1853
1853
1853
1863
At 11 am on Tuesday Charles Marshall, employed by Messrs Thornton was driving a horse & cart
precipitating the man into the River. The accident was observed by James Flowers, Landlord of the
proved very difficult from the violent plunging of the horse - the drowning man was rescued as he was
sinking for the last time. Drs Dashwood & Peskett after half an hour restored animation.
SALE of FURNITURE; The Ship Inn (under a Bill of Sale)
Suspected Murder at the Ship of Mrs Flowers, wife of the Publican.
THE SUPPOSED WIFE MURDER AT BECCLES.
Lowestoft Journal October 1880
On Wednesday morning, at six o'clock, the wife of James Flowers, landlord of the Ship Inn, near the
Bridge, was found lying dead in the tap-room, and from the fact that the house had been closed at a
very early hour on the previous evening, and other circumstances, a good deal of excitement was felt
in the neighbourhood. An inquest was held before C. W Chaston. Esq., County Coroner, on Thursday
morning, when Alfred Francis, engine driver, in Mr. Darby's employ. who lives next door to the Ship
Inn, said he was in the habit of calling Flowers every morning at six o'clock. On Wednesday morning
Flowers was up when he went by, and called him in, and said, "There's a rather bad Job happened.
here; the poor Old girl lay here dead" Francis then went into the tap-room and saw the deceased lying
on the floor with her head nearly on the threshold of the cellar door, and her feet towards the window
of the tap-room. The witness, being in a hurry, could not stop to make a close examination, but sent
his children for a doctor and policeman. He was unable to say whether Flowers and his wife lived
comfortably together, but he had seen the deceased the worse for drink.
Hannah Weelingham, a young girl who is staying with Francis, said she had often seen the deceased
the worse fur drink. She last saw her alive at six o'clock on Tuesday night, when she was lying on her
face in the cellar. Witness lifted her up, and helped her into the bar and sat her on a chair. She
afterwards went for the charwoman because she thought the deceased needed help. She saw no
bruises except for an old one in the eye..
Harriet Beane said she had been charwoman to the deceased for eleven years. She described how the
last witness came for her, and that on her accompanying the girl back to the Ship at half past six
o'clock, they found the doors and windows closed. The witness tapped at the bar window, and then
Flowers put his head out of the window above and told her his wife was in bed. Not feeling satisfied
the witness went back to the house again at eight o'clock, but could make no one hear. She said she
was much surprised to find the house closed so early, as she had never known it to be shut up till past
eleven. She had frequently seen the deceased the worse for drink, and had seen bruises upon her, but
when she asked deceased how they came she would make no answer, only burst into tears, Mary Ann
Ward and Sarah Ward, married women also gave evidence, the first as to the deceased's drinking
habits; the second with reference to cries of "Murder", which she told the Inspector of Police she
heard about ten o'clock on Tuesday night. She gave her evidence very reluctantly, and said she
believed the cries were made by an invalid lady who lives close by, and who is out of her mind.
Mr EB Crowfoot, surgeon said he had made an external examination of the body of deceased and also
a post mortem examination. He found bruises on the arm, thigh, left side, and face. On post mortem
examination he found ten of the ribs had been broken on the left side, the fracture being continued in
four of the lower ones. On the right side eight of the lower ribs were fractured, and he attributed these
injuries to compression in the chest, perhaps by kneeling. He attributed the cause of death to shock,
consequent on the serious injury to the ribs, which could not have been merely from a fall. The
anoemic condition of the brain, the pale and healthy appearance of the lungs, and the emptiness of the
right side of the heart, all pointed to sudden death. Death probably ensued very quickly after such
injuries, especially considering the condition of the brain, and the commencing fatty changes of the
heart.
Mr WT McComb, assistant to Messrs Crowfoot, corroborated, and the inquiry was adjourned at this
stage till Friday.
Flowers was detained in custody.
VERDICT OF THE JURY
The enquiry touching the death of Susan Ann Flowers, aged 67, was resumed at the Police Court,
Beccles, on Friday, before Mr CW Chaston, coroner. The Chief Constable and the Deputy Chief-
Constable were present; and Mr Dowsett watched the case on behalf of the prisoner Flowers.
John Finch, groom, in the employ of Mr S Darby said he was well acquainted with the deceased and
Mr Flowers. He went to the Ship Inn on Tuesday night, about six o'clock, when Flowers told him "My
1880
own way." He afterwards heard the deceased make a sort of groaning noise in the bar, the same he
had often heard her make when she was the worse for drink. He had seen her the worse for drink so
often that he did not pay any regard to the noise. No one to his knowledge was in the house when he
left, besides Flowers and his wife. Flowers was the worse for drink, though he was not drunk. On
Wednesday morning at 11, the witness called in at the Ship, and saw Flowers, and said, "Why, you
must have locked up the door as soon as I got out." Flowers replied "Yes, you were the last one that
went out of the house." He also said he thought he had better shut the house up and go to bed, as
Mrs Flowers was the worse for drink, and lying there, it would look very bad for any one to come in.
Charlotte Mills, wife of John Mills, waterman, Beccles, also said she was well acquainted with the
deceased, who had at different times complained to her about her husband beating her. Early one
morning between haysol and harvest, the deceased came to her house and asked witness to take her
in and take care of her. She was afraid to go home alone, and would have witness go back with her.
When they got back to the Ship Inn, Flowers did not seem very angry, but they had been quarrelling.
At this stage the enquiry was again adjourned until half-past five o'clock, when Inspector Bardwell
said he had ascertained that Finch was the only person who entered the Ship Inn during the absence
of the girl Willingham and her return on Tuesday night. He had also enquired about Mrs Flower's
state on Tuesday, and her sisters informed him that though she was noisy, she was not shrieking or
calling out "Murder".
The evidence of the witnesses was then read over to them, and signed.
The girl Willingham, recalled, said the deceased did not appear to be in any pain when she assisted
her on Tuesday night from the cellar to the bar.
By permission of the Coroner, Mr Dowsett addressed the jury in the prisoner's behalf, after which the
Coroner briefly summed up, and the jury retired to consider their verdict.
After thirty minutes' consideration, the jury returned a verdict of "Wilful Murder" against James
Flowers.
MAGISTERIAL INQUIRY
The prisoner James Flowers, innkeeper, Beccles, was brought before the Magistrates - R Dashwood,
Esq. (Chairman), WE Crowfoot, Esq., and the Mayor - on Saturday, and charged with the wilful murder
of his wife, on the 12th October.
Mr FJ Dowsett appeared for the prisoner.
The first witness called was Hannah Willingham, aged 19, who repeated the evidence she gave at the
inquest, to the effect that she went into the Ship Inn on Tuesday evening, about six o'clock, and
finding the deceased lying on the floor of the cellar, picked her up, and set her upon a chair in the bar.
The deceased was helplessly drunk, but she managed to walk with her support, and to totter over the
threshold separating the cellar from the bar. Afterwards she fetched Mrs Beane, the charwoman,
because she thought Mrs Flowers required help; but when they got back to the Ship they found the
house closed. On tapping at the window, Flowers opened his bedroom window and said Mrs Flower
was in bed. There was a light in the bedroom. In cross-examination, witness said Flowers asked her to
pick his wife up. The deceased often got drunk, and used to fall about and get bruises.
Alfred Francis, engine diver, Beccles, said he knew the deceased well. He saw the prisoner about five
minutes to six on Tuesday night. He lived next door, but he heard no unusual sound during the night.
The next morning, when he went to call Flowers at ten minutes to six, as was his custom, Flowers was
up, and said to him as he was going past. "Stop Francis; there's a rare bad job happened. The poor old
gal is dead, and lay in the bar." The witness went into the bar, and there saw the deceased lying on
the floor, her head near the cellar threshold, and her feet close to a little round table. She had evidently
been dead some hours. He told Flowers not to meddle with her, and sent his children for the doctor
and the police. He had occasionally heard deceased and the prisoner quarrelling, but he never saw
any blows struck.
Harriet Beane, charwoman to the deceased for eleven years, said that on Tuesday night about 6.30
Hannah Willingham and Alice Francis came and told her to go down to the Ship, as they believed Mrs
Flowers was dead. She went down, but could not get into the house, and Flowers told hr his wife was
in bed. She had often heard them quarrel, but only once saw her strike at her.
Hannah Willingham, recalled, said she thought Mrs Flowers was dead when she left her, as she fell
back in the chair with her eyes and mouth wide open.
external and post mortem examinations he had made. He found a large bruise on the left side, one on
the left thigh, and another on the right thigh. There were also bruises under the eyes, all of which
appeared to be recent. On a post mortem examination he detected a fracture of ten ribs on the left side
and eight on the right. The heart presented signs of fatty degeneration; the lungs were healthy; the
liver was softer and more friable than it is in a state of health; the stomach, spleen, and right kidney
were healthy, but the left kidney was undergoing fatty degeneration. He found about 3ozs. of serous
liquid in the arachnoid cavity of the brain, and the cortical surface of both hemispheres were covered
with a layer of coagulated lymph. He was of opinion that death was caused from shock consequent on
the injuries to the ribs, which could only have been caused by extreme violence, and
mere fall.
In cross-examination the witness said he noticed no disarrangement of the clothes nor any appearance
of a struggle. The fatty degeneration of the heart might have caused death, and it was very likely that
the serous fluid on the brain might cause death, coupled with a fall. Deceased was a person peculiarly
liable, from the condition of the brain, to a fit of serous apoplexy. All the injuries might have been
caused by a fall, except the fractured ribs; and the position in which deceased lay when he saw her
was quite consistent with the theory that she fell from a chair in a fit.
By the Chairman - Violent pressure upon the chest would account for the fracture of the ribs.
John Fletcher, groom, said he was in the Ship Inn with Francis on Tuesday night, about six o'clock,
and heard a sort of groaning noise in the bar. Flowers told him "My old woman has been drinking
again. She is a high-mettled old woman and will have her own way." The next morning he saw Flowers,
who said, "This is a very bad job that has happened." And in reply to a remark about his early closing,
said, "I thought it would look very bad for anyone to come in and see my wife in that state." Flowers
was the worse for drink on Tuesday night, but not drunk.
Alice Francis, aged 11, said she went to the prisoner's house on Tuesday evening, about five minutes
past five, when she saw the deceased lying in the cellar. She was frightened, and went and told
Hannah Willingham. About a quarter past six they went in, and Wi8llingham picked Mrs Flowers up
and sat her in the chair in the bar. When she was set up in the chair her head fell back, and her mouth
and eyes were wide open. Afterwards they went for Mrs Beane, because they thought Mrs Flowers
was dying.
No further evidence was offered, and the prisoner was remanded till Tuesday.
LICENCES: Ship to William Bell.
PUBLIC HOUSE Assessments: Appeals made by Morse & Wood, brewers, Lowestoft, against Rates
charged. The Ship raised to £30 p.a: Bell the occupier. appeal failed.
BECCLES BRIDGE: Meeting of Beccles Navigation Committee. A temporary bridge capable of carrying
five tons would be built by 1 April 1884. The new bridge should be ready by 1 August 1884.
Compensation should be considered for the Hermitage & the Ship yards. It was thought the pubs
woud greatly benefit from trade and lodging those concerned with the bridge. Tenders were to be
invited for the work.
POLICE COURT: LICENCES: Black Boy, Blyburgate to William Bell from the Ship
Ship, Bridge Street to George Baldry
DEATH: Mr. Samuel Sutton, landlord of the Ship Inn, Bridge Street, found dead in bed. Deceased was
in his 57th year.
WALKING INTO RIVER: A man in the darkness walked into the river near the Ship instead of going
over the bridge. He narrowly escaped drowning.
1880
1882
1902
1841
1851
1861
1871
1881
Farr, FW
Morse, Fred
Morse, Fred
Morse, Fred
Balls, Thomas
Holmes, James
Flowers, James
Bell, Wm
£15-15s
£15- 10s
£17- 10s
1904
Morse, Fred
Woolner, Arthur
1861
1871
1881
1896
1904
Morse, Fred
Morse, Fred
Morse, Fred
Morse, Fred
Lodge, William
Francis, Alf
Mills, John
Remblants, Wm
£5
£5
£5
£5-10s
1024
Br
William BELL
M
U
37
20
10
14
F
M
F
F
Bedham, Norfolk, England
Enfield, Hertford, England
Bungay ((Beccles)), Suffolk
Beccles, Suffolk, England
Wife
Lodger
Lodger
Serv
1026
1027
1028
Br
Br
Br
George BALDRY
Jemima MANNING
Eliza E. CLARKE
Serv
Scholar
General
1559
1560
1561
1574
1580c
The Hermitage standing void, for it is in such decay that no man dare dwell therein £0 13s
For the Hermitage
For the Hermitage
For the Hermitage decayed
STATEMENT of claim against Mr Rede by the inhabitants:-
There is an Almshouse called the Hermitage whereof the town has been possessed time out of mind
for the releaving the poor, and we have five deeds of it in writing making mention, which came to the
hands of Mr Billingford, and as we understand, Mr Rede has gotten them, and he has of late entered
the house with force, and so keeps it. Sir Thomas Gresham claimed it heretofore, and when he heard
the matter, he ceased his claim. We require that Mr Rede, may yield us the quiet possession thereof
again
received of the Widow Gorbould for one full year’s farm [a fixed yearly amount payable as rent etc]
of the church house
paid for glassing of the windows of the church house by the Bridge
paid for one chalder of lime for the chimney in ye said house
paid for hundred of brick for the said chimney
paid for two loads of lime for the said chimney
paid for a bushel of hair
paid for the mason for his work done on the said chimney
paid to Robard’s man for the lord’s rent for the said Church House for the Manor of Beccles 2s
paid to Mr Robarde for the Lord’s Rent for the decayed tenement by the Bridge for the Manor of Rose
Hall
Received of the Widow Godbold for half a year’s rent due the last year
Of Ayleward for the piece of ground at the Bridge
To the Lord’s Bailiff for Rent of Hermitage
To Austin the Thatcher for Thatching the House at the Bridge
To a mason for work done about that House
To him for glass & work done about the House at the Bridge
For Thatch for the House on the Bridge
For broachwands & bindings
For the charges of a suit against the Widow Godbold for half a year’s Rent of the House at the Bridge
4d
4d
4d
£0 13s
£0 13s
1625
1625
1625
1625
1625
1625
1625
1625
3s
6s
9s
20s
7s
2s
2s
10s
4s
12s
8s
20s
1631
1631
1631
1631
1631
1631
1631
1631
6d
6d
For timber to mend the House at the Bridge & to Spendlove for his work & for rails 3s
Of Boyce for a quarter Rent of the House at the Bridge
Of him for a quarter’s Rent at or Lady Day last
There isa judgement and at wed against the Widow Godbold of 28s 6d for
half a year’s Rent and charges about the House at the Bridge
And laid out by me Roger Ward more than is in the Account for lime and mason’s work about the
House at the Bridge
Received of John Sweetall for the rent of the house belonging to Beccles Church called the Hermitage
for Lord's rent 2s and for 16 years, that is to say for 9 years due at Michaelmas 1648 and for 7 years
hence
Received of John Sweetle [d ? 1662 or 1673] for 2 years rent for Church House
Item I Received of John Sweetall: Twenty Shillings
Recd of William Bendy for rent of Hermitage (one year)
Paid for monthly taxes for the Hermitage House
Paid for monthly taxes for the Hermitage House & Edmund Artis his Land1s
Received of William Bendy a year’s Rent for the Hermitage House
Of Thomas Rouse due at st Michael’s for half a year rent for the Hermitage
Of Thomas Rouse [d 1684 or 1711] due at St Michael's for 1/2 year rent of Hermitage
House called the Hermitage abutting on the west with the River, on the north with the common road,
1631
1631
1631
1631
Rent £4
£1
7s
10d
£2
1660
1672
1673
1674
1674
1674
1680
1709
4d
A House and Land belonging to the Parish of Beccles the Rents whereof are yearly received by the
Churchwardens and expended about the repairs or Ornaments of it and other Charges belonging to
their Office Viz. Imprimis One House called the Hermitage abutting on the West with the River, on the
North with the Common Road, on the East and South with John Craske, now in the occupation of
Robert Palmer [d 1749] at the yearly rent of
Bridge Street for several years past hath been used as a Public House & called the Magpie late in the
occupation of Robert Miles? and now of - Miles his son or his assignees or undertenants with all and
singular, the outhouses, edifices, buildings, stable, stack yard & other yards and gardens & appurts.
for 14 years at rent of pa [Hermitage]
One House with a Yard called the Hermitage abutting upon the River Waveney to the West, on the
North to the Street called Bridge Street near the Bridge in Beccles, on the East and South on other
houses, being now in the occupation of Martha Holman, Widow [d 1771] at the yearly Rent £4 10s
Also a House and Yard called the Hermitage late in the use or occupation of Charles Crockett and
now of John Morris situate and being in Beccles aforesaid near the Bridge called Beccles Bridge
towards the West at
as Income due by the Churchwardens of Beccles aforesaid, and laid out for and towards the necessary
repairs of the Parish Church of Beccles aforesaid as occasion requires.
There is also a House and Yard called the Hermitage now in the use and occupation of Henry
Knowles, situate and being in Beccles aforesaid near the Bridge called Beccles Bridge towards the
West at the yearly
which said rent is received as it becomes due by the Churchwardens of Beccles aforesaid, for the time
being, and laid out for and towards the necessary repairs of the Parish Church of Beccles aforesaid as
Occasion requires.
A lease made to Thomas Farr of the cottage called the Hermitage and the Quay thereto belonging for
50 years from the 5th instant at ground rent of one shilling p.a., the same being in a very dilapidated
state and requiring at least £150 to be paid out repairing it including the quay. Mr Farr consenting the
said premises in a proper substantial and workmanlike manner and layout and expend not less than
£150 and to leave such buildings as shall be erected for the use of the parish in proper and good repair
at the end of the tenure and also to put the quay into proper repair at his own expense and to keep and
leave it at the end of the term.
SALE; To be Sold at the Hermitage Public House Staithe by Sam Crowe: The good Wherry called
“The Wheatsheaf” burthen 25 Tons.
SALE of TIMBER: Gillingham & Beccles: R Oswald to sell 40 Oak Trees, Ash, Elm, Poplar, Willow.
Proprietor, Stephen Bartram of Beccles, who has taken the Wounded Hart Inn at St Peter’s, Norwich &
declines the Timber Trade. Part of Sale on Green near Gillingham Tollgate, the rest near Hermitage
Quay.
Samuel Darby agrees to pay £10 for the Hermitage from 5 April to 10 October and then resign
premises.
The Hermitage to be let by auction upon lease for seven years.
Stable to be built at Hermitage.
WEATHER: FLOODS: Since the Thaw set in the Gillinham land & Dam from Gillingham to Beccles
have been inundated several feet, as well as the lower part of the Town: the Hermitage & Ship pubs
being under water on ground floor several inches.
WEATHER: Heavy Rains. Marshes flooded. Hermitage & Ship flooded 2 ft.
FLOODING of MARSHES: Our whole level of Marshes having been flooded before the severe frost
set in & being consequently an entire field of ice, many miles in extent, every facility has been
afforded for the popular & healthy amusement of skating & sliding. Several parties have come from
Lowestoft & proceeded on to Bungay, The River & Marshes have daily presented an exciting &
animated appearance. On Monday some skaters matches, under superintendence of Samuel Darby of
the Hermitage Inn took place for various prizes. Nine started for the first match & six for the second
winners of Barker & K Hopson. Afterwards 14 lads started for a purse contributed by Mr Darby, who
made a large fire of blocks etc upon them many persons fell through, but escaped with only a cold
1853
1853
1855
The Wherry men who usually ply upon the Waveney having been thrown completely out of
employment made an appeal to the Public on Saturday last & obtained by personal Canvass nearly £7.
A subscription headed by Mayor John Crisp of the Corporation to relieve prevailing distress among
the Working Classes, expended £75 in Coals & £50 in flour & Groceries.
INQUEST at “Harbour End” Beer House on William Pye, aged 48, broom maker of Fritton. Samuel
Darby said that at 6 pm Pye came into the Hermitage - worse for liquor - but did not drink much. My
man Knights helped him into his cart & my boy led the horse to the Bridge - but he then turned to
come up the street. Rebecca Neech of Fen Lane saw him between 8pm & 9 pm driving very fast round
the Corner and heard the Horse & Cart plunge into the Corporation Basin. He was found dead under
the cart.
RESTORATION OF THE PARISH CHURCH:
Money from letting the Hermitage to go to Restoration Committee, WE Crowfoot’s proposed
amendment.
SALE: Lease for 21 Years: the Hermitage with large Wharf adjoining. Free Public House.
CHURCH LETTING: of Hermitage provided £310 for restoration funds. Let to Mr Cuddon of Bungay.
SALE of Lease not allowed by Charity Commissioners. At first lease sold for 21 years. Let for 10 years
at £30 p.a. to Mr R Thornton.
The Staithe in the occupation of John Crisp, junior re-let for 1 year to John Crisp, junior for £3
Dinner for Mr Thornton [who owned the Brewery next door to the Hermitage]. 35 Tradesmen in
Hermitage Inn. Praised him as he spent his money amongst them & alleviated distress.
DEATH: On the 13th April, at Beccles, aged 79 years, Mr Richard DARBY, formerly landlord of the
Hermitage Inn, in that place.
VESTRY MEETING: “Hermitage” balance of £29. “Poor’s Pightle” & “The Staithe” £1 & £2;
Robert Kent of the Hermitage refutes allegations that his family has smallpox.
LICENSING: These were given leave to open at 5.30 am instead of 6 am: Robert Mills (Falcon); John
Green (beer house Hungate); Charles Howlett (Refreshment Rooms, Blyburgate); William Baldry (the
Bell); James Cutler (Queen’s Head); William Woolner (Queen’s Arms); Nathaniel Blyth (Crown,
Blyburgate); Philip Jermy (Fox & Hounds); Robert Kent (Hermitage); Jeremiah Brooks (Fleece); Alfred
Grice (George & Dragon); Edward Bailey (Duke) - all granted
VESTRY MEETING:
Church Properties: Poor’s Pightel, Hermitage Inn, Clerk’s Piece & the Staithe on the North side of the
Bridge. To be let by auction. TM Read & Co given notice to quit the Hermitage.
LET BY AUCTION by Mr Fenn:
LOT 1:The Hermitage Inn with suitable Outbuildings & spacious Wharf, now occupied by the Beccles
Brewery Co
[Let to Beccles Brewery Co for £67 pa - previously since 1869 it was only £30]
LICENCES: Temporary Transfer: Royal Oak to Robert Rayner; White Swan to Thomas Wright;
Hermitage to John Darby; Ship to William Bell.
BREWERY: Employees of Messrs Harwood & Beaman’s Brewery dined at the Hermitage Inn, Mr &
Mrs John Darby catering. 26 sat down to dinner, Mr Hallam, foreman in the Chair. After supper joined
by Samuel Darby.
MESSRS DARBY’S BRICKMAKERS upwards of 20 sat down to an excellent dinner provided by the
Hermitage Inn.
BECCLES BRIDGE: Meeting of Beccles Navigation Committee. A temporary bridge capable of carrying
five tons would be built by 1 April 1884. The new bridge should be ready by 1 August 1884.
Compensation should be considered for the Hermitage & the Ship yards. It was thought the pubs
woud greatly benefit from trade and lodging those concerned with the bridge. Tenders were to be
invited for the work.
TO BE LET by AUCTION by H & J Read [the Church Lands] on leases of 10 years.
LOT 1 THE HERMITAGE, Bridge Street. A Free Public House with outbuildings, now occupied by
Messrs AF Evans, or their undertenants
[8 November: Let at £34 pa]
LEASE for 10 years; occupied by AF Evans & Co.
LEASE for 10 years: The Staithe on the NORTH side of Beccles Bridge, late Samuel Darby
1859
1859
1862
1872
1872
1880
1887
1887
1907
VISITORS’ LIST: Places: Alexandra Road (2); “The Hermitage”, Bridge Street (3); Waveney Hotel,
Northgate (10); Suffolk Boarding House, Station Road (6); King’s Head, New Market (7)
ADVERTISEMENT: Hermitage Mineral Water Works, Bridge Street (Ward’s)
*** THE GREAT FLOOD: Full page Article with 4 Photographs of the Great Flood, 4 feet rise in 36
hours (including the Hermitage)
CHURCH PAROCHIAL COUNCIL: Proposal to sell the Hermitage in Bridge Street for £275, (which
was considered a good price) by AE Bunn, Hon Sec supported by Churchwarden Palmer & S White.
One dissenting voice, FT Peachey who said that there were none too many relics of the past remaining
in the town, and what few there were ought not to be too readily disposed of. Not seconded.
Resolution passed. - The occupant John Wilson.
1912
1008
Br
John DARBY
M
U
61
18
F
F
Mendham, Norfolk, England
North Cove, Suffolk, England
Wife
Serv
1010
Br
Alice BARBER
Serv)
1630
1631
1655
1672
1671
1680
1694
1709
1735
1740
1756
1760
1765
1775
1784
1793
1801
1814
1820
1824
1828
1841
1851
1861
1871
1881
1896
1901
1904
1907
Boyse,
John Sweetall
Anne Rouse, widow
Thomas Rouse
Anne Rouse, widow
Martin Crockett
Robert Palmer
Robert Palmer
Robert Miles
Robert Miles
Martha Holman
Charles Crockett
John Morris
William Tripp
Henry Knowles
Thomas Neech
James Hall
George Piper
Richard Darby d 1865
Richard Darby
Samuel Darby
Read
Robert Kent
John Darby
John Darby
Holsey Dedman
Rent 20s for half year
Rent £2 pa
William Bendy
Adnams & Co
Adnams surrender lease.
Poor Rate £3
Poor Rate £3
Poor Rate £3
Poor Rate £4
Poor Rate £5-6-8
Poor Rate £5-6-8
Rates £10
Rates £9-10s
Rates £17-10
Rates £17-10
Rates £30
Rates £30
Rates £34
Rates £39
Cheque from compensation committee £400
Half Year's Rent £8
Legal & Valuation £17-18-6
Repairs & alterations £61-5-10
Compensation for investment £320
1912
1913
1915
1916
1920
1922
1924
John Wilson
John Wilson
John Wilson
John Wilson
£22-5-0
Rent £13-10-8
Mary, wherein an anchorite, who subsisted by the contributions of passengers, performed divine
service. The erection of small chapels on or near the foot of ancient bridges was very frequent in early
times, and the most beautiful specimen existing, or perhaps that was erected of its kind, is that on
Wakefield bridge, built about the time of Edward III.Of the style or elegance of this at Beccles it is now
impossible to speak, but it seems to have been rebuilt in the year 1500, when we meet with a legacy "to
the new chapel of St Mary:" and in 1523, William Best, by will, gives to the chapel at the bridge xx d.
The site of this little establishment is pointed out by a modern public house called the Hermitage, and
is the property of St. Michael's church, its rents being appropriated to the repairs of the fabric. These
are at present almost nominal: a lease of the premises having been granted some years since to
Thomas Farr, Esq., who covenanted to erect a substantial house thereon. The full value of the estate
will revert to the use of the church in 1852.
Occupied by J Mills, A Ward, B Bird, R Brady, W Algar, D Ward [Fen Lane, East side]
1005
Br
James BUTCHER
Phoebe BUTCHER
Dwelling:
1011
Br
Bridge St
1013
1014
1015
1016
1017
Br
Br
Br
Br
Br
Sarah MIRRINGTON
Grace MIRRINGTON
Ernest MIRRINGTON
HorceMIRRINGTON
Dwelling:
M
32
4
3 m
F
F
2
F
Dickleburgh, Norfolk, England
Fish Needham, Norfolk, England
F
Fish Needham, Norfolk, England
Wife
East Harling, Norfolk, England
Bridge St
(Railway)
Alice FRANCIS
Wesley FRANCIS
Han WILLINGHAM
1020
1021
Br
Br
U
10
20
M
F
Foxhall, Suffolk, England
Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England
Son
Scholar
Boarder
Walt WILLINGHAM
Dwelling:
1029
Br
Bridge St
Men (Corn)
Ann TOLL
Charles TOLL
Elizabeth BAKER
Susan BAKER
1032
1033
1034
Br
Br
Br
U
U
U
32
58
50
M
F
F
Beccles, Suffolk, England
Castle Acre, Norfolk, England
Hallesdon, Norfolk, England
Son
Lodger
Lodger
Miller
Housekeeper
No Occupation