Beccles, Streets, Old Market properties 
David Lindley 1990-2002 
 
 
1
OLD MARKET: Unknown

1857 
1857 
1860 
1860 
 
 
1860 
1861 
1863 
 
1875 
1880 
 

Beccles Paper 1 Apr 

TO BE LET: Adjoining Corner of Old Market: 2 Parlours, Kitchen, 6 Bedrooms
TO BE LET: Room suitable for Office or consulting room. Apply John Lee
TO BE LET:  House in Old Market presently owned by Mr Methven
CF Parker in Old Market Place. Removing his business to premises now occupied by Mr Syder opposite
the Town Hall. [Walk no 2] He intends selling the entire stock of drapery & grocery, regardless of cost
price
Mr Syder moving to premises of Mr Parker in Old Market. Selling off stock.
TO BE LET: Convenient 8 roomed house in Old Market. Apply Mr Woodroffe
SALE: Freehold House in Old Market. Property is all let to good tenants. Yearly rental £48. Enquiries
Mrs Cornwell, Camden Town.
POST OFFICE: moved from premises in the Old Market to the top of Rook’s Lane.
TO LET: Large warehouse in Old Market, late in occupation of Mr Wigg, Barnby. Apply JK  
Garrod.

Beccles Paper 28 Apr 
Beccles Paper 31 Jan 
Beccles Paper 6 Mar 

 
 

 
 

Beccles Paper 6 Mar 
 
 
Beccles Paper 19 May 
 
 
Beccles Paper 24 Aug 
Beccles Paper 14 Dec 
 
 
PLANNING COMMITTEE

1883 
1885 
1885 
1901 
1907 
1909 

Planning 
Planning 
Planning 
Planning 
Planning 
Planning 

16 Apr 
5 May 
25 Aug 
3 Dec 
17 Sep 
2 Mar 

Old Market 
Old Market 
Old Market 
Old Market 
Old Market 
Old Market 

approved 

to case his house in Old Market
Vans for Show Proprietors living in, banned from Old Market
Possible site for Public Convenience: Road between OM & Newgate
Post Office Letter Box on Premises of Mr Ingate, Old Market
Swinging sign for Mr Edwards & barber's pole in Old Market shop
Parade of entire ?? Horses to be restricted to Old Market

 
 
 

approved 
 
Beccles, Streets, Old Market properties 
David Lindley 1990-2002 
 
 
2
THE OLD MARKET

The earliest  mention of the Old Market in the history of Beccles is rather unflattering. In 1418 three men were up before the Court of
the Manor of Beccles charged with not removing a dungheap from the Old Market despite having been ordered to do so at the
previous Court six months earlier. It must have matured during that time! They were fined eight pence.
The laying out of the Old Market took place much earlier, possibly in the Saxon period or perhaps in early Norman times, and was
certaily a planned development. The Church of St Peter stood on the west side overlooking the River Waveney. It was probably a
small building and could not be enlarged satisfactorily because the land sloped down on the river side, making it expensive to
extend. Two of its  short, stubby, but massive towers have been incorporated into the present St Peter’s house.
This was undoubtedly where the early market of Beccles flourished before the building of the Newmarket.
Wilton Rix, the Beccles historian, records that in the 1790s the appearance of the Old Market was quite different. There were raised
walks on either side of the Old Market several feet high and large trees, particularly on the west side where there were two large
walnut trees and some ash trees in which the rooks built.
St Peter’s House was approached by several steps and had posts and chains in front.
In 1855 White’s Directory of Suffolk states that the Old Market was still used for the sale of horses, cattle and sheep on Fridays,
while the Newmarket provisions market took place on Saturday.
The purpose of the old Market had changed again by 1895, for the Beccles Local Compendium says that it was sometimes used for
travelling shows, but was principally used as a parade ground for the Rifle Volunteers, whose headquarters were were situated in
the Square, through a passageway between the Bear and Bells and number 13.
The building that stood on the site of number 13 was mentioned tersely by James Gowing in his Diary on 30 June 1810: “ Mr
Woodroffe pulled down his house in the Old Market this week.” He was a builder and gave his new house some rather unusual
windows with horizontal bars of varying heights.
Rix Geographical II:

“Old Market was approached by the Score from the river.
 
 
gable to the public way. Formerly called the “Pope’s Head” afterwards the Griffin, adjoining St Peter’s House on the north. [There is
a watercolour drawing of the house on page 154 of volume II]
 
 
setters from Norwich came in 1660 to do the work. A part of the area was probably left unpaved, for in 1662 2s 6d was paid ‘for
heaping up the mire in the market.’ A like sanitary measure adopted in the plague year 1665. ‘Paid Girling for making clean ye Old
Market 1s 6d.’
 
the houses on the west side stood on a decided bank and part of the area often became in Winter a stagnant pool or a level of ice.
 
me that when she was a girl, there were raised walks on each side of the Old Market several feet high and large trees particularly on
the west side where there were two large walnut trees and also ash trees in which the rooks built.
 
Whites Directory of Suffolk 1855:

In the Task Book for 1576 St Peter’s House was described as “the Rood Church that was.”
In the Score at the north west corner of the Old Market a house, much modernised, but originally half timbered, with its

Another house in the Score, fast going to ruin retains some Elizabethan pargetting.
In 1657-60 fifty tons of stone were bought by the Feoffees ‘to pave the Old Market’. The price about 3s 6d a ton. Stone

The south side of the Old Market we take to have formed a portion of the rampart. Within memory of living aged persons,
In February 1856 Sarah Nicholls (widow of John Nicholls and before of Purland, nee Burcham, aged 73 [born 1783] ) told
Mr Safford’s house [St Peter’s House] was approached by several steps. It had posts and chains in front.”

The Old Market is still used for the sale of  horses, cattle and sheep.
The Cattle & Corn Market is now held on Friday, but there is still a provision market held on Saturday.
Beccles Local Compendium about 1894:

The Old Market was formerly used as a resort for travelling shows; and though occasionally used now for that purpose, serves
principally as a parade ground for the Rifle Volunteers, whose headquarters are situated in the square.
Will of Margaret Lystere, 1427:

Two rented chambers situate next to St Peter’s Church to be sold by her exors.
Proceedings of the Leet Court 1418:

And that Richard Burny, Richard Webster, Thomas Soft and John Bastone did not remove a dungheap that they made on common
land in the Old Market as they were ordered, etc. Therefore a penalty is incurred etc and it is decided etc under penalty of 8d.
1878 
 
1879 
 

Beccles Paper 3 Sep 

LIGHTING: Letter complaining that lights are not lit when it gets dark. Accident in Old Market  
caused by lack of light - a man hit by a van in the dark. Niggardly economy.
OLD MARKET LETTING: Trader Burton had been allowed to rent pitch in the Old Market for  
sales. Permission for a week or two, but stayed one month. New printed arrangement required.

 
 
Beccles Paper, 23 Sep 
 
 
Beccles, Streets, Old Market properties 
David Lindley 1990-2002 
 
 
3

1882 
 
 
1955 

Beccls Paper,31 Jan 

MENAGERIE  of  Bostock  & Wombell in Old Market. Monkeys the principal attraction including the
Sacred Baboon captured on the Congo River. There were leopards, hyenas, tigers & lions & huge
dancing bear & two elephants
Old Market as bus station

 
 

 
 

Wav Dis Council, Jul 
Beccles, Streets, Old Market properties 
David Lindley 1990-2002 
 
 
4

BECCLES MANOR TOLLS in the 19th CENTURY (no date given) 
Pump
Wild Beasts 
Goods
Implements 
Birmingham Goods 
Steam Horse 
Earthenware sale
Sheep
Peep Show 
Barley Shop 
Stalls 
 

 
 
1s 
 
 
1s 
4s 
 
 
2s 
1s 
 
 

 
6d
0d
1d 
3d
0d
0d
 
1d
0d
0d
3d
6d

[Becc Arch Lowestoft A/28/4]
 

 
 
 
 

for every home per quarter
for each van 
for each package or sack
drill or plough 
 
for night 
per night 
per head 
 
per annum 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
£1 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

6d
 
 

 
 

 
 

TOLLS collected for the Corporation for the Manor of Beccles from 25 January 1867
25 Jan
15 Feb
6 Apr 
3 May
10 May
17 May
24 May
28 May
7 Jun 
10 Jun
17 Jun
21 Jun
6 Jul 
9 Aug
16 Aug
30 Aug
27 Sep
27 Sep
9 Oct 
14 Oct
18 Oct
15 Nov
27 Nov
   Dec 
1868
29 Jan
20 Feb
     Apr
10 May
1 Jun 
8 Jun 
6 Aug
14 Aug
2 Oct 
 
EXPENSES:
 
 

[Becc Arch Lowestoft A/28/4]

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Blunderfield 
Blunderfield 
People using pump 
Earthenware Man 
Grazers’ Strawer?
Grazers’ Strawer
Grazers’ Strawer
Middleton’s Theatre 
Bartram’s Rakes
Fair Day
Hughes’s Theatre 
Grazers’ Strawer
6 people using pump 
Earthenware Man 
Dressing Machine 
Carpenters’ Tools 
One Drill 
Hardware Stall 
Wild Beasts 
People using Pump 
Hardware Stall 
Earthenware Stall
Gregory Show 
Chiperfield Show

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
£1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
6s
 
3d
 
 
18s 
 
11s 
 
 
5s 
 
 
 
 
 
10s 
6s 
1s 
1s 
3s 
6s 

2d
2d

3d

 
 
 

3d
3d
0d
3d
4d
18s 
3d
0d
6d
 
 
3d
6d
0d
0d
0d
0d
0d
0d

 
 

 
0d
 

3d
6d

 
 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Abander’s Collection 
Kelsel’s Wax Works 
Bradnum’s Potatoes 
Pies Cheap John
Fair Day
Hughes’s Theatre 
Wax Works 
One Stall 
Mr Harper 2 Binns 
TOTAL

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
£1 
 
 
 
 
£4 

10s 
4s 
1s  
15s 
8s 
 
3s 
 
 
18s 

0d
0d
0d
0d
11d
10s 
0d
3d
6d
5d 

 
 

 
0d

 
 

 
 

 
 

Painting Pump 
Repairing Same

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

5s 
3s 

0d
10d 

 
Beccles, Streets, Old Market properties 
David Lindley 1990-2002 
 
 
5
Beccles, Streets, Old Market properties 
David Lindley 1990-2002 
 
 
6
MARKETS:
from “Medieval Towns” by John Schofield & Alan Vince:

There is some evidence that older towns had their markets in the streets because they developed their main street frontages at a
time when large open spaces were not required: in the 10th & 11th centuries no great congregations of people were requiring such
spaces. From 12th century virtually all new towns had a Market Place and a second church. (page 51)
When Kings Lynn was extended northwards it acquired a second Market Place and a second church. (page 47)
Only in large market centres (such as provincial capitals and ports) could money be spent on luxuries such as wine, spices, armour
and quality textiles. (page 52)
Importance of wells, fountains and washing places (both for domestic laundry and industrial purposes eg cloth industry). Wells
provided points of public congregation at street corners or in public spaces. People coming for water influenced the volume of
traffic into nearby shops, which affected the value of properties. Brewing and dyeing congregated round water access. (page 52)
During 11th & 12th centuries older towns expanded their suburbs and churches were rebuilt. After 1300 few towns expanded
further, many contracted in size. By 1600 parts of suburbs had reverted to fields.

1867 
 
1868 
 
 
1912c 
 
 
 
 
 

Beccls Paper, 15 Oct 

EDMOND’S MENAGERIE visited this town on Wednesday last and took its stand as usual in the Old
Market. Great numbers of all classes attracted.
WOMBELL’S MENAGERIE: Caravans numbered 13 drawn by nearly 50 horses, placed in Old Market.
Large crowds of people attracted by admirable brass band and saw the Elephants and Camels parade the
streets heralded by the band.

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

Undated Beccles Paper 

Undated NEWSPAPER CUTTING of a paper read by William Miller Crowfoot (1837-1918) between
1911 & 1918, but no sources mentioned.
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

“In the Old Market were ponds or Mardles in which the hemp plants were soaked. It was then beaten by
women to extract the fibre, and this process has given rise to the East Anglian word mardling, which
means gossiping. ... I suppose the somewhat monotonous work of hemp-beating was relieved by a little
piquant conversation on the sayings and doings of their neighbours.

Beccles, Streets, Old Market properties 
David Lindley 1990-2002 
 
 
7
Beccles, Streets, Old Market properties 
David Lindley 1990-2002 
 
 
8
OLD MARKET:  St PETER’S Church & St PETER’S House

Wilton Rix, the Beccles historian, records that in the 1790s the appearance of the Old Market was quite different. There were raised
walks on either side of the Old Market several feet high and large trees, particularly on the west side where there were two large
walnut trees and some ash trees in which the rooks built.
St Peter’s House was approached by several steps and had posts and chains in front.
Listed Building:
18th Century: Two storeys, attic and basement. Red brick with parapet and plinth. Centre breaks forward with pediment. Wood
ogee bracket cornice. Pantiles. 2:3:2 windows, sash with flush frames and flat arches. 6 panel door in wood case, left of centre,
with pilasters and entablature. (Good interior: some panelling). Rear building in Strawberry Hill Gothic; stucco exterior, both
exterior and interior in full style, almost complete survival, and includes fragments of St Peter’s Church which was demolished in
the mid 16th century, and it is possible that these fragments were from yhat building or from St Mary’s Church, Beccles,
demolished in the latter part of the same century. NMR photos.
Pevsner: Buildings of England, Suffolk, 1974
A fine 18C brick house of seven bays and two storeys with a three bay pediment. It stands on the site of the pre-Dissolution St
Peter’s Chapel - a small portion of its flint fabric remains in a cupboard in the present house. Its back towards the garden, is to
one’s surprise Gothick, with a pretty cornice & a pretty though mutilated doorway. This rear building contains fragments of
early stained glass possibly from St Peter’s Chapel or from St Mary’s demolished in the late 16th century. Delightful interior
with an elaborate Gothic fireplace
Rix: Fauconberge Memorial, 1849:
Dr Chambers built the two principal apartments on the Western side of his residence at Beccles. In the windows of these rooms
are the following arms:
Arg, two bars nebulee sa. on a cant. gu. a bend or (Basset/). Quarterly, 1 and 4 az. a chev. between three boars’ heads,
sinisterwise, couped or; 2 and 3 gu. two chevronels ar. (a chief az.?) impailing, quarterly, 1 and 4 gu. a chev. or between three
rosettes arg. 2 and 3 az. a chev. between three escallop shells arg. Ermine a chev. gu. with supporters. (Touchet, baron Audley).
This last is in the south room, where also are some other achievements much faded, and a more modern shield, arg. a chev. engr.
gu. on a chief az. three mullets or. the field purpled or diapered with foliage.
Suckling: "Antiquities of the County of Suffolk", page 10:

"Dr Tanner says, " St Peter's Church was never under the cure of the Rector of St Michael's, yet it was no parish church, and no
chantry, and had no monks, canons or friars belonging to it; and yet several persons were buried therein." (Dr Tanner MSS pen.
Epis. Norwic).
 
Beccles in 1541 to William Rede, who disposed of it to be held by copy of court roll
 
houses, buildings and appurtenances called St Peter's church-yard, or known by that name in Beccles."
 
"Margaret Thurston, widow, holdeth to her and to her heirs, by copy of court-roll of the 26th of her Majesty’s reign, all that the old
church-yard at the west end of the old market-place, of old time called St Peter's Church: the footpaths taken out of the same only
excepted; and paid therefore by year."..."

This Chapel was seized by the King on the dissolution of religious houses, and granted with the manor and advowson of
In the will of Margaret Thurston dated the 20th December 1595, she deviseth"one ground or yard of copyhold with the
And in 1583, it is recorded that
Part of the premises were Copyhold of the Manor of Beccles.

Wilton Rix, the Beccles historian, records that in the 1790s the appearance of the Old Market was quite different. There were raised
walks on either side of the Old Market several feet high and large trees, particularly on the west side where there were two large
walnut trees and some ash trees in which the rooks built.
St Peter’s House was approached by several steps and had posts and chains in front.

1388 
 
1452/2
 
 
1471/3
 
1485/1

WILL: Edmund de Welles, Rector of Beccles: [the earliest mention of St Peter’s?]
“to the fabric of the Chapel of St Peter in Beccles 
WILL: Matthew Payne, 1 April 1452 [in Latin] 
"to the Chapel of St Peter of the same place
to the sepulchre light of the same place  
Joan Stabull, widow, 20 July 1471, [in Latin]
"to the new bells in the chapel of St Peter's of Beccles   
Robert Vause alias Walsham, 15 March 1485, [in Latin]

Trans. by Peter Northeast
 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
6s 8d”
Trans. by Peter Northeast

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

20d
20d."

Trans. by Peter Northeast
 
 
 
 
 
12d
Trans. by Peter Northeast
Beccles, Streets, Old Market properties 
David Lindley 1990-2002 
 
 
9

 
 
 
1528/2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
David Davy quoting John Martin, the antiquarian who visited Beccles in 1750 and wrote:

 
 
 

 
 
 

"to be buried in the churchyard of the church of St Peter of Becclis by the west entrance on the south
side. To the high altar of which, for my tithes forgotten,  
to the fabric of the same church  

 
 

 
 

 
 

3s 4d.
3s 4d"

 
 
 

John Cave's will,  14 April 1528 [in English] [the last gift to St Peter’s]
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Michael's

Trans. by Peter Northeast

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

"to be buried in the church of St Peter in Becclys and I bequeath for to have my sepulchre there 6s 8d
and if the ruler* there be not content then I will it more and then that 6s 8d to be bestowed upon my
grave or near to it on some thing that my soul may be the more in the remembrance of good Christian
people."
He then gives
"to the high altar of the church of St Michael in Becclys for my tithes and offerings forgotten or
negligently paid  
to the high altar of St Mary Endgate for my tithes negligently paid  
*Rix reads this word as "sexton".
Of  272 wills: 91 leave St Peter's some money compared to 232 leaving money to the high altar of St

 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

12d
12d."

" Mr Crowfoot at the upper end of his tan office showed me two old towers or circular buildings which he tells me are the remains of
St Peter's Church. The churchyard which abuts upon Mr Le Grys his garden [He owned what is now Waveney House Hotel],
southward is yet to be traced by the ruinous walls, and is copyhold.
 
There is a barn to lay bark in built between the two towers which hinders the view.
The manor is stiled Beccles Mr Yallop Land. [Yallop was lord of the manor from the mid 17C. From 1721 to 1739 there were court
cases about its ownership, eventually won by Bence of Henstead]
[Three drawings here.]
Mr William Crowfoot, tanner now owns it. His father, William, married Sarah Phillips, only daughter of - [Thomas] Phillips, tanner.
He new fronted it, but the walls often cracked and William, his father, died suddenly*. Many bones dug out of the tan vats. The
Pope's Head cellar be adjoining.
[* He died in 1746 at the age of 57.]
Rix on St Peter's

Some more about the church:

"Although shorn of its relative importance by the erection of the Parish Church of St Michael, St Peter's continued to be a church
or chapel till the year 1541, when it was seized as part of the possessions of Bury Abbey. In the 15th century there are many
legacies by inhabitants of Beccles .....
William Rede disposed of the site to be held of copy of court roll; so that it now became private property.
Successive owners of St Peter's churchyard:
Thomas Phipps, William Crowfoot, John Chambers, MD, Rev James Safford, Crichmore, JC Webster, Alfred Kent, Garrod.

1471 
1485 
 
 
 
1528 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1388 to 1528 
1576 
1576 
1583 

WILL: Joan Stabull of Beccles, widow: “to the new bells in the Chapel of St Peter of Beccles 12d”
WILL: Robert Vause, alias Walsham of Beccles:
“to be buried in the churchyard of the church of St Peter of Beccles by the west entrance on the south
side to the high altar of the same church  
to the fabric of the same church 
Will: John Cave of Beccles, the elder: [the last gift to St Peter’s]
“to be buried in the churchyard of St Peter in Beccles & I bequeath for to have my sepulchre there 6s 8d,
& if the ruler there be not content, then I will it be more & that 6s 8d to be bestowed upon my grave or
near to it on some thing, that my soul may be the more in the remembrance of good Christian people.”
He seems to have lived in the area that is now the King’s Head and  his will continues:
“I will that my son shall find his mother meat and drink at all times sufficiently, as for her & her keepers
& keeping in time of sickness as shall be in a woman of her degree & I charge my son John in any wise
upon my blessing to be good to his mother, my wife, for her keeping & for meat & drink.”
[In the Subsidy of 1524 John Cave was taxed on the substantial sum of £30 in goods.]
WILLS: at least 86 others left money for the fabric of St Peter’s
John Rede of Weston , gent  for an orchard below St Peter’s Church 
The Old Market is against [opposite] the Rood Church....
Margaret Thurston, widow, holdeth to her and her heirs, by copy of court roll of the 26th of Her  

Trans. by Peter Northeast
Trans. by Peter Northeast

 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

3s 4d
3s 4d”

 
Trans. by Peter Northeast

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
Task 4d
Task Str 4
Task Str 4
Suckling p11
Beccles, Streets, Old Market properties 
David Lindley 1990-2002 
 
 
10

 
 
1593 
 
1593 
 
1595 
 
1615c 
1634 
1636 
 
1636 
1648 
1649 
1653c 
 
1654 
 
 
 
1657 
 
1657 
1660 
 
1663c 
1671 
1693 
1718 
 
1721 
1727 
1730c 
1742 
1746/7
 
1747 
 
1747 
1750 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1758 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

Majesty’s reign all that old churchyard at the west end of the Old Market Place, of old time called St
Peter’s Church: the footpaths taken out of the same only excepted, and payeth therefore by the year..
The Widow Thurston for her House where she dwelleth, late Robert Bradley 
post: Wright 
The widow Thurston for an orchard beneath St Peter’s Church late Mr Rede of Weston;
post: Wright 
Margaret Thurston’s will, 20 December 1595: she deviseth “one ground or yard of copyhold with the
houses, buildings & appurtenances called St Peter’s Churchyard or known by that name in Beccles...”
Thomas Wright for a parcel of land adjoining Old Market (folio 67) 
Peter & Mary Barrett  sell to Roger & Mary Walters [see below]
Roger & Margaret Walters selling an orchard and two buildings called St Peter’s Churchyard to  
Nicholas Cushen & Margery received from Peter Barrett & his wife Mary in 1634
Nicholas Cushen & Margery his wife
Thos Page and Margery Cushing, wife of Nicholas sell to Thomas Clifton
Thomas Clifton [see below]
Thomas Clifton [apothecary] for a little piece of land within St Peter’s Churchyard late Richard Cushing
& Margery his wife ux. before Rede’s (folio 189) 
Thomas Clifton died. Thomas Clifton, his son:
one piece of land or orchard with 2 edifices & their appurtenances called St Peter’s Churchyard.
late Richard Cushing and Margaret his wife, before Rede's    
Received 1654 on the surrender of Thomas Page, gent & Margery Clifton
Thomas Clifton, apothecary,  surrenders one parcel of ground or orchard with 2 houses or edifices called
St Peter’s Churchyard to the use of William Pitchers, apothecary,  & Elizabeth his wife
William Pitchers & Elizabeth his wife [see above]
John Phillips, tanner, & Mary his wife the orchard & the two houses known by the name of St Peter’s  
Churchyard  
John Phillips [tanner] for a piece of land within St Peter’s Churchyard
John Phillips: his tenement called St Peter’s in his own use 
John Phillips [tanner] for the Rood Church in the Old Market
Will of Thomas Phillips, son of John leaves the property to son-in-law William Crowfoot &  
grrand-daughters Sarah & Margaret Crowfoot
William Crowfoot lease to William Schuldham
William Crowfoot [I]
Georian front was built “with tunnels runnuing towards the river & Roos Hall”.
Garden door was built../ William Herring, glazier fro Halesworth
William Crowfoot [II] [tanner] piece of land in St Peter’s Churchyard late of Thomas
Phillips afterwards his Father 
William Crowfoot [II] [tanner] the Churchyard. His Father received 1727 on surrender of William  
Schuldham
Agreement signed on marriage of William Crowfoot to Ann Syer
John Martin, an archaeologist visited Beccles  and wrote in his note-book about the visit:
“Mr Crowfoot at the upper end of his tan office showed me two old towers or circular buildings which
he tells me are the remains of St Peter’s Church. The churchyard, which abuts upon Mr Le Grice’s
garden [he owned what is now Waveney House Hotel], southwards is yet to be traced by the ruinous
walls, and is copyhold.
Some more about the church:
There is a barn to lay bark in built between the two towers which hinders the view. [This is the area
where the next owner, John Chamers, built the Strawberry Hill Gothic additions.]
The Manor is stiled Mr Yallop’s land. [Yallop was previously Lord of the Manor.]
[Three drawings here in the original]
Mr Crowfoot, tanner now owns it. His father, William, married Sarah Phillips, only daughter of  
[Thomas] Phillips, tanner. He new fronted it, but the walls often cracked, and William, his father, died
suddenly [in 1746 aged 57]. Many bones dug out of the tan vats. The Pope’s Head cellar be adjoining.”
William Crowfoot [II] [tanner] surrenders to John Chambers, surgeon, tenement in St Peter’s

Task Nor 75
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Task 1s 8d
Task Nor 78
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Task 4d
Will see Suckling p10 
 

 
 
 

Task W5 
 
 
Task 4d
 
Beccles Manor Court 

 
 

 
 

Broome’s research 
 

 
 
 

Task C31 
 
 
 
 
 
Task 4d
Beccles Manor Court 

 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 
 
Task 4d
Beccles Manor Court 
 
 
Broome’s research 
Beccles Manor Court 
 

 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

Copyhold 4s
Task 4d
Valuation £5
Copyhold 4s

Task P23 

 
 

Survey 
Beccles Manor Court 
Broome’s research 
 
 
Broome’s research 
 
 
Broome’s research 
Broome’s research 
Task C96 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Task 4d
Beccles Manor Court 
 
 
Broome’s research 
Rix Collection 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Beccles Manor Court 
Beccles, Streets, Old Market properties 
David Lindley 1990-2002 
 
 
11

 
1759 
 
1759-79
1781 
 
 
1790 
 
1799 
1805 
 
1829 
1829 
DIVIDED
1834 
 
1864 
 
1864 
 
 
 
1862 
 
 
1865 
1866 
 
 
 
 
1866 
1879 
1891 
 
 
 
1899 
1931 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1932 

 

 
 
 
 

Churchyard,  received 1747 as only son
John Chambers, [surgeon] piece of land in St Peter’s Churchyard formerly of Thomas Phillips late of
William Crowfoot
John Chambers built the “Strawberry Hill Gothic” rooms on the back of the house.
John Chambers of  Southwold, doctor of Physic & Ann his wife to Rev James Safford, clerk; St Peter’s
Churchyard (received 19 July 1759 at surrender of William Crowfoot & Ann his wife)  (Chambers left
Beccles in Oct 1779)
Rev James Safford [Clerk] for a piece of land in his garden formerly called St Peter’s Churchyard, late
John Chambers MD, before that Mr William Crowfoot formerly of Thomas Phillips 
Reverend Mr Safford owner;   Rev Mr Safford tenant.
DEATH of Rev James Safford, clerk: To Kitty, his widow one tenement called St Peter’s Churchyard
with the yards and grounds (received 1781 from John Chambers, Doctor of Physic)
William Robert Sharpin from Kitty Safford decsd, widow. St Peter’s Churchyard for £600.
Kitty Safford, deceased left in her will the house to Benjamin Crickmore

Task C 103

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Task 4d
Beccles Manor Court 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 

Task S 80
 

Task 4d
Valuation £2

 
 
 
Land Tax
Beccles Manor Court 
 
 
Beccles Manor Court 
Broome’s research 
Broome’s research 

Benjamin Crickmore sold house to John Crisp Webster, solicitor, for £740. He mortgaged it to Martha
Pizzey for £500
Sarah, widow of John Webster marries Robert Cocks, left to Martha Crisp in her life & then to Philip
Swatman.
SALE: St Peter’s House, late the property of JC Webster, now in the occupation of Alfred Kent,Esq. ,
solicitor & Mrs Reeve, now divided into two dwellings.... The above premises were many years since
converted by the late Mr B Crickmore into two houses, but may be made into one good house at a small
outlay.

 
 
Broome’s research 
 
 
Beccles Paper 21 Jun 

 
 
 

 
 
 

Beccles Paper Apr 

THE MISSES REEVE Have the honour to announce that they will make their DISPLAY OF  
 
26th inst., of which they most respectfully solicit inspection. Old Market, Beccles April, 1862.

 
 

SUMMER FASHIONS, in MILLINERY, DRESSMAKING, Head Dresses, etc, etc, On Saturday, the
Beccles Paper 1o Jan 

TO BE LET: Dwelling House in the Old Market lately occupied by Mrs Reeve.
SALE: St Peter’s House
Lot 1: St Peter’s House, detached outbuildings, Summer House, Garden & ornamentally planted lawn
sloping to the River Waveney and commanding picturesque views of the Valley, occupied by Rev John
Flower. The adjoining dwelling house, occupied by Miss Julens. Large Stable and Coach House and loft
occupied by Rev Flower.
Philip Swatman sells house to Alexander Douglas Abbott for £610
John King Garrod & William Plowman Garrod

Bec Paper 31 July 

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

Broome’s research 
Broome’s research 
Beccles Paper 29 Sept 

SALE: Old Market, St Peter’s House
 
 
Cottage Piano, mahogany & birch Bedroom Suites.

 
 
 

Modern Furniture of Mrs Garrod, who has let the Residence: Dining & Drawing Room Suites in oak &
Morocco & walnut & Tapestry. Massive oak Sideboard, Library & Hall Furniture, Pictures, Books,

Harriet Garrod sells to Samuel Le Grice for £1000
Broome’s research 

SALE: Executors of  Samuel Le Grice: LOT 1: RIVERSIDE RESIDENCE known as St Peter’s House,
 
 
accommodation with modern conveniences and very secluded and exceptionally beautiful terraced  
Garden sloping gradually to the River Waveney, with Quay-headed RIVER FRONTAGE, Garage,
Stabling & Outhouses.
 
 

Beccles Paper 26 Jun 

occupying an historical and important corner site abutting on the Old Market and Puddingmoor with fine
GOTHIC WING comprising  Hall and 2 very handsome Reception Rooms, other excellent

 

 
 
 

 

 
 

LOT 2 The adjoining Four Freehold COTTAGES (disused), suitable for conversion into business
premises.
Purchased by AT Bent.

Broome’s research 

RATES
DATE

 
 
OWNER 
 
OCCUPANT

1841 
1861 
1871 
1881 
Old Market   St Peter’s  House CENSUS 1881 

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

JC Webster
H Webster
Rev AD Abbott 
JH & JK Garrod, 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 

JC Webster
Alfred Kent
Rev John Flower 
William Garrod 
 

 
 

solicitor 
solicitor 
Independent Minister 
tanner

 
 

 
 
£29 

£33
£29

 
 
Beccles, Streets, Old Market properties 
David Lindley 1990-2002 
 
 
12

Old 
Old 
Old 

William P. GARROD 
Mary Anne SMITH 
Mary EDWARDS 



37 
35 
27 



Beccles, Suffolk, England 
Headingham, Norfolk, England 
Scole, Norfolk, England

Head 
Servant 
Cook

Mayor Of Beccles & A Partner In Warehouse Tan Works
Housemaid Domestic Serv

Servant 

1896 
1904 
1906 Survey 

 
 

 
 
Le Grice, Sam 

Mrs WP Garrod 
Samuel Le Grice 

 
 

Samuel  Le Grice 
Samuel Le Grice 
dwelling 

grocer (home)
grocer (home) 

 
3 sitting rooms 

£50
3 people

Le Grice, Sam 
 

4 bedrooms & attic 
Samuel Le Grice

1922 
1932 
1936 
1938 
1954 
1963 
1973 
1979 
1983 
1985 
1988 
1991-99 
2001 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
Bent, AP 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Radford, Robert 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

C Grantham-Hill 
Dale Woetze 
Robert Strange 
Clare Orlech 
Mr Ridgewill 
Mr Gibb 
Mr & Mrs Donno 
Mr Kent 
Mr & Mrs Downes Guest House
Mr & Mrs Broome  Restaurant & Rooms
Radford, Robert 

physician & surgeon
 
dentist
Polish Air Force Captain
St Peter’s Guest House
St Peter’s Guest House
St Peter’s Guest House
Guest House & Restaurant

dentist
 
 
private dwelling 
DIVIDED PART

Webster, Jn C 
Webster, Jn C 
Webster, H
Abbott, Alex Rev 

1841 
1851 
1861 
1871 

£15 
£13.05 
£14 
£12 




Taylor, Robt 
Taylor, Robt 
Reeve, Sally 
Jordan late

 
 
 
 

Chemist 
Chemist 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 

POOR LAW:
1672 
1715 
1756 
1771 
1779 
1781 
1807 
1830 
1841 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

John Phillips 
John Phillips 
William Crowfoot II 
John Chambers
John Chambers
Rev Mr Safford
Rev Mr Safford
Webster 
JC Webster 

 
 

valuation £4
valuation £8
valuation £8
valuation £8
valuation £10
valuation £10
valuation £10
valuation £14
rates £33

 
 
 
 
 
 

Beccles, Streets, Old Market properties 
David Lindley 1990-2002 
 
 
13
OLD MARKET 1
 
 
 
 
 
 

called Stratford House
employed in rebuilding a house in Old

Old Mar LP

Rebuilt 1865: “52
Listed Building:

Market, recently purchased by Mr Richard Thornton.”

Circa 1830-40. Red brick with pale dressings including floor band, plinth, flank pilasters, entrances and window jambs and flat
arches to recesed windows with vertical glazing bars. Arched entrance with fanlight and door with 2 vertical panels. Slate roof.  Pale
brick end chimney. Group value.

1576 
 
1576 
1593 
1640c 
 
1653 
 
1672? 
 
 
1672 
1693 
1711 
1718 
1743 
 
1748 
 
1749 
 
1774 
1774 
 
 
 
tree,  
 
 
1786 
 
1788 
 
1799 
1851: 
 
 
 
 
1865 
 
1867 
 
 
 
 
 

 
Covis house that was.
 
 
 
 

The Old Market, ye square and against the Rod Church that was, from Croswell house to Parker &
Task Book
 
 

Robert Parker, for his house he dwelleth in, late Sparham, before Parker
Robert Parker,  for the house that he dwelleth in late Sparham and before Parker
Benjamin Parker, tenement in Old market, before Robert Parker late Henry Parker (folio 173)
 
Benjamin Parker, messuage with yard on east side of Old Market, late Henry Parker,
his father 
Thomas Cory, for a tenement in the Old Market between the tenement of Roger Walters, north,
[NOS 3,5,7]; and the tenement of Thomas Gosling, south; and abutting upon the Newgate
Way, east, late Benjamin Parker
John Parker, tent in Old Market, late his father, Benjamin Parker 
John Parker, House in Old Market late Covis
Thomas Lefabuer, tent in Old Market, late Parker 
Nathaniel Howard, tent in Old Market, late Thomas Lefabuer, before that John Parker 
Rev Thomas Symonds, tent in Old Market, late Nathaniel Howard, before that
Thomas Lefabuer
Dorothy Symonds, widow, tent in Old Market, late Rev Thomas Symonds, formerly
Peacock, before Howard
Edward Utting, [died 1772] tent in Old Market, late Thomas Symonds, clerk, formerly
Nathaniel Howard, formerly Thomas Lefabuer 
Elizabeth Utting, tent in Old Market, late Edward Utting, Dorothy Symonds, widow 
SALE: To be sold by auction (by a written catalogue), by Samuel Malwood Creed on Wednesday 5t &
Thursday 6th of October 1774: All the household furniture of Mr Edward Utting, decsd, at his late
dwelling house at Beccles. Consisting of four post bedstaads with Harrateen  & hangings, goose feather
beds, blankets, quilts & counter-pains, chests of drawers, tables and chairs in mahogany and walnut
carved, framed, pier and other glasses, stoves, carpets and glassware, a very good eight day clock, with
kitchen furniture and brewing utensils. The goods to be viewed on the tuesday preceeding the days of
sale. Each sale to begin at ten o’clock
Mr John Crisp, tent in Old Market, formerly Thomas Symonds, clerk, formerly
Nathaniel Howard, before Lefabuer, late Edward Utting 
John Crisp of Beccles, merchant, tentin or near the Old Market, late Edward
Utting, before Symonds
John Crisp, himself 
SALE: For sale 5 June 1851, by direction of John Crisp, senior, who is retiring from business: Family
residence fronting Old Market; 5 bedrooms, large garden and vinery, malting office; 34 coomb steep and
two working floors. Kiln, barley chamber, malt stores, mill house, stable, gig house, outbuildings and
yard. with entrance into Newgate Street.[he also sold four other properties in the same sale.] [He does
not appear to have sold the house as he was still living there at his death in 1864.
ROOF RAISING: Various Masters and workmen, totalling 52 employed in rebuilding a house in Old
Market, recently purchased by Mr Richard Thornton
, were entertained at the George and Dragon.
SALE: Substantially built modern family residence opposite Old Market, on east front; elegantly laid out
flower and pleasure ground bordered by unique kitchen garden and vinery; together with a pheasantry,
fowl house, yards etc.
Large entrance, dining, drawing, breakfast rooms, conservatory, five bedrooms, kitchen, store rooms,
pantry, scullery, cellar etc, with force and soft water pumps.
Also distinct and separate occupation at the back an excellent malting with a steep of 35-40 coombs.

 

 
 

Task 1s 6d
Task 1s 6d

Task
Task Old 7
Task P13 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Task 1s 6d
Beccles Manor Court 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rent 8d
Beccles Manor Court 

 
 

 
 

Beccles Manor Court 

 
 
 

Beccles Manor Rental 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Rent 8d
Task 1s 6d
Task 1s 6d

Task L30 

 
 
 
 

Task H39
Task S66 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Task 1s 6d
Beccles Manor Court 
 

 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rent 8d
Task U12
 
 
 
 
 

Task 1s 6d
Rent 8d

Beccles Manor Court 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Task C120
 
 
 
 
Task 1s 6d
Beccles Manor Court 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Rent 8d
£2-12s-0d

Land Tax

 
 
 
 
 

31 Jan Local Paper 
 
 
Local Paper 2 July 

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

Beccles, Streets, Old Market properties 
David Lindley 1990-2002 
 
 
14

1875 
 
1875 

Beccles Paper 20 Apr 

SALE: FURNITURE: Trustees of the Estate of William Moore: Valuable & Modern Household  
Furniture.

 
 
Beccles Paper 8 Jun
East Suffolk Gazette, Tuesday June 8, 1875

AT BECCLES,
MR. FENN & MESSRS. H. & S. READ (jointly concerned)

Are favoured with instructions to Sell by Auction, at the
LION HOTEL, BECCLES, on Tuesday, the 29th ofJune, 1875, at Four for Five o’clock in the Afternoon, by  direction of the Trustee

of Mr. WILLIAM MOORE’S Estate,

THE following Valuable FREEHOLD PROPERTY-
Lot 1.—A Genteel MODERN RESIDENCE In Smallgate Street, recently occupied by Mr. W. Moore, with Convenient house, Stable,

and Offices, and tastefully laid out Garden;

also a MALT OFFICE, occupied by Messrs. Crisp and Son.
Lot 2.—A newly-erected OFFICE, also in Smallgate-street, 

adjoining Lot 1.
DEATH of Lieut Col Pelham Johnson, youngest son of late Rev FA Johnson, Rector of Stratford St
Andrew & Mrs Johnson, of Stratford Cottage, Beccles. He was born in 1871, his father died about
1875, when the family came to Beccles.

1918 
 
 

Beccles  Paper 9 Jul 

 
 

 
 

OLD MARKET  1 
Stratford House

OWNER 
Crisp, Jn 
Crisp, Jn 
Crisp, Jn 
Moore, Wm
Garrett, Rich 
Old Market   1 CENSUS 1881 
Old 
Old 
Old 
Old 
Old 
Old 

 
 
 
 
 

YEAR 
1841 
1851 
1861 
1871 
1881 

VALUE 
£60 
£52 
£28 
£43 
£33 
 





 





 
42 
19 
15 
12 

19 

OCCUPANT 
Crisp, Jn 
Crisp, Jn 
Crisp, Jn 
Moore, Wm
Johnson, Ellen 
 





OCCUPATION
Maltster 
Maltster 
Maltster 
Printer 

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

Resident 
 
Leiston, Suffolk, England 
Farnham, Suffolk, England 
Stratford, Suffolk, England 
Stratford, Suffolk, England 
Stratford, Suffolk, England 
Carleton, Suffolk, England 

 

Ellen JOHNSON 
Susan JOHNSON 
Ellen M. JOHNSON 
Fanny C. JOHNSON 
Thomas P. JOHNSON 
Mary WOODWARD 

Head 
Daur 
Daur 
Daur 
Son 
Serv 

Clergymans Widow 
No Occupation 
No Occupation 
Scholar 
Scholar 
Housemaid Domestic Serv 

Johnson, Ellen Mrs 
Johnson, Ellen Mrs 
 
 
Survey 1906 

1896 
1904 
1902 
1904 
Johnson, Mrs 

£35 
£45 
 
 



 
 
Johnson Mrs  

Johnson, Ellen 
Johnson, Ellen 
Johnson, Mrs
Johnson, Ellen

Resident 
 

 
 

 
 

dwelling

 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

1907 
1914 
1922 
1927 
1936 
1948 
1954 
1965 
1974 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Johnson, Mrs
Johnson, Mrs
Johnson, Mrs
Johnson, Mrs
Johnson, Mrs
Johnson, Miss
/
/
Bayliss, Cecil

 

 
 

OLD MARKET 1a

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

1953 
1965 
1967 
1974 

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

Carr, Harry
Carr, Harry
Carr, Harry
Carr, Harry

MALTHOUSE

1871 
1881 

£25 
£30