1857 
1857 
1860 
1860 
 
 
1860 
1861 
1863 
 
1875 
1880 
 

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.

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 

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

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 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 
 

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.

1882 
 
 
1955 

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

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

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 
 
 

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:
 
 

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
0d
3d
4d
18s 
3d
0d
6d
 
 
3d
6d
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 

Painting Pump 
Repairing Same

5s 
3s 

0d
10d 

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 
 
 
 
 
 

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 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.

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."..."

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]

20d
20d."

 
 
 
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

"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

"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  

3s 4d
3s 4d”

 
 
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

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

 
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 4d
Valuation £2

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.

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.

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

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,

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.
 
 

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.

RATES
DATE

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

Old 
Old 
Old 

William P. GARROD 
Mary Anne SMITH 
Mary EDWARDS 

W 
U 
U 

37 
35 
27 

M 
F 
F 

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

Head 
Servant 
Cook

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

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

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

1841 
1851 
1861 
1871 

£15 
£13.05 
£14 
£12 

V 
V 
V 
V 

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

called Stratford House
employed in rebuilding a house in Old

Rebuilt 1865: “52
Listed Building:

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.
 
 
 
 

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

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

Task 1s 6d
Rent 8d

Rent 8d
£2-12s-0d

1875 
 
1875 

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

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

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

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 
 
 

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 
 
W 
U 
U 
U 
U 
U 

 
V 
V 
V 
V 
V 
 
42 
19 
15 
12 
9 
19 

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

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 
 
 

V 
V 
 
 
Johnson Mrs  

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

Resident 
 

1907 
1914 
1922 
1927 
1936 
1948 
1954 
1965 
1974 

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

1953 
1965 
1967 
1974 

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

1871 
1881 

£25 
£30 

V 
V 

Moore, Wm
Garrett, Rich 

Crisp, Jn
Crisp, Jn

Maltster
Maltster

Malthouse
Malthouse

 
1576 
1593 
ENLARGEMENT OF PROPERTY
1633c 
 
1639c 
PROPERTY REDIVIDED
`1640c
1653 
1653 
1663 
 
1665 
 
1668 
1672 
1693 
1729 
1732 
1751 
1761 
 
1765 
1770 
1799 
1804 
1809 
 
1814 
“1829”
1854 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
&  
 
1856 
1856 

Henry Wyndriche
Richard Green, for a tent late Henry Wyndrich, before Salmon

Edward Trott, for 2 tents, sometime Windrith and parcel of lands to the same belonging 
(folio 123) 
John Thompson, for a tent sometime Richard Green in Old Market (folio 154) 

Task 1s 2d
Task 1s 2d

Roger Walters, for a tent late John Thompson, before Salmon (folio 173)
Roger Walters, for a messe on east side of Old Market, late Green, sometime Wyndrich 
Abraham Brown, for a tent late Thompson, before Bradley (folio 187) 
William Girling, for a tent in Old Market, sometime Salmon, after Windriche, then Green
and later Thompson & Waters 
William Girling, for 2 tenrts in the Old Market, late Green & the lands to the same
belonging, before Wyndrich 
Widow Brown, for a tent in the Old Market late Green, since Thompson
William Girling, in Benjamin Grice’s & John Aylward’s use 
Abraham Brown for a tent late Green in Old Market
Robert Richmond, late Girling in Old Market (now Rev Bence)
Robert Richmond, for a tent in Old Market, late Girling, formerly Walters
Robert Richmond, tent in Old Market late Girling 
Robert Richmond, late Girling, messe in Old Market, eastwards, formerly Lockington &
since Clifton, afterwards Girling [This appears to be wrong] 
Robert Richmond for a tent in ye Old Market
James Richmond, son & heir of Robert Richmond; east side, formerly Girling 
Mr Richmond, tenant William Ely, Esq 
Rev Bence Bence, house & yard east side of Old Market, formerly Girling, Richmond 
Charles Chinery, tent in Old Market, wherein he now dwells, lately purchased of Rev
Bence Bence, formerly Robert Richmond 
Charles Chinery, farmer, tent in Old Market, formerly Richmond, & late Rev Bence Bence
Charles Chinery, late Bence a house in Old Market 
SALE: of Charles Chinery, decsd; 19 July; Lot 3: [with plan]
Private Residences in Old Market, substantially built & consisting of:
A Dwelling House with sashed & pointed front: containing dining room, drawing room, with French
window, two excellent sleeping rooms, two attics, kitchen, pantry & three cellars in the basement, in
occupation of Mrs Chinery  
A Dwelling House containing a parlour, small sitting room, three sleeping rooms, kitchen, pantry &
cellar with outhouses, occupied by Mrs Bardwell.
Dwelling House containing two parlours, two sleeping rooms, two attics, kitchen, wash house, wood
house, etc., occupied by Mrs Richard Bardwell.
A Garden (with the site of the buildings) more than a quarter of an acre, with frontage 67ft on Newgate.
on which is abutting: Summer House commanding pleasant view of surrounding country, with a stable
Gig House.
Land Tax £1 3s ;  Free Rents to Manors of Beccles & Rosehall  1s 7d
Francis Beane, tent in Old Market, late Charles Chenery, before William Warren
Francis Beane

Rent 7d
Task 6d

Task 1s 2d
Rent 1s
Value £5

 
Task 6d
 

Rent 1s
Rent 7d
Rent 1s
Value £1 12s
Rent 1s

Rent 7d
Rent 1s
Rent 7d

Listed Building:
18th century with alterations. 2 storeys. Roughcast over brick. Plinth. Steep roof, pantiled. 2 windows, casements in flush frames at
first floor. Sashes in flush frames and with glazing bars and cambered heads, at ground floor. 6 panel door in wood case with
pilasters and cornice. Massive chimney, north.
1876 
 

ADVERTISEMENT: Charles Lockwood, Old Market & near the Bridge: China, Glass,  
Earthenware.

OWNER 
Chinery, Chas 
Chinery, Chas 
Beane 
Beane, F exors 
Beane, F 
Old Market  3 CENSUS 1881 
Old 
Old 
Old 
Old 
Old 
Old 

DATE 
1841 
1851 
1861 
1871 
1881 

VALUE 
£8 
£6.10 
£7.10 
£7 
£9 
 
M 
M 
U 
U 
 
U 

 
V 
V 
V 
V 
V 
 
60 
58 
21 
19 
14 
17 

OCCUPANT 
Bardwell, Sarh 
Bardwell, Sar 
Bardwell, Sarah 
Lisle, Eliz
Cornish, Jn
 
M 
F 
M 
F 
F 
M 

OCCUPATION
Resident 
 

 
 
 
 
Bungay, Suffolk, England 
Ditchingham, Norfolk, England 
Bungay, Suffolk, England 
Bungay, Suffolk, England 
Bungay, Suffolk, England 
London, Middlesex, England 

 
 
Printer Journeyman 
 

John CORNISH 
Maria CORNISH 
Edgar CORNISH 
Minnie C. CORNISH 
Harriet CORNISH 
Frank P. CURTIS 

Head 
Wife 
Son 
Daur 
Daur 
Border 

Printer Machine Minder
 
Printer Machine Minder
School Teacher (Board School) 
Scholar 
Brewers Clerk 

Beane, F 
 
Read 
1906 Survey 

1896 
1902 
1904 
Read, HW

 
 
£10 
 

 
 
V 
Ford, W 

Larter, Hen
Lockwood, C 
Ford, Wm
3 bedrooms,  

 
china dealer
 
3 Sitting Rooms 

1907 
1914 
1922 
1927 
1936 
1948 
1954 
1965 
1974 

Ford, William
Ford, Mrs
Ford, Mrs
Stimpson, Mrs A
/
Shiplee, Geo jun
Hudson, Basil
Rayner, Mrs G
Gunton, Reg

Listed Building:
18th century. Two storeys, basement and attic with bull’s eye window in pediment. Red brick. Plinth. Steep roof, pantiled. Wood
ogee bracket cornice and pediment over total front. 3 windows, sash with flush frames and glazing bars. 6-panel door, left, in
pedimented wood case with rusticated jambs and keys, and with panelled reveals.
Nikolaus Pevsner: The Buildings of England: Suffolk:
of three bays with a doorway with Gibbs surround and pediment.

OWNER 
Chinery, Chas 
Chinery, Chas 
Beane 
Beane, F exors 
Jarman, Robt 
Old Market  5  CENSUS 1881 
Old 
Old 
Old 
Old 
Old 
Old 

DATE 
1841 
1851 
1861 
1871 
1881 

VALUE 
£16 
£14 
£17.10 
£16.10 
£24.10 
 
M 
M 
U 
U 
U 
U 

 
V 
V 
V 
V 
V 
 
69 
52 
26 
25 
18 
17 

OCCUPANT 
Chinery, Chas 
Chinery, Chas 
Jarman, Robt 
Jarman, Robt 
Jarman, Robt 
 
M 
F 
M 
F 
M 
F 

OCCUPATION
Farmer 
Farmer 
Printer 
Printer 

Printer 
 
Bungay, Suffolk, England 
Cockthorpe, Norfolk, England 
Beccles, Suffolk, England 
Beccles, Suffolk, England 
Brompton, Middlesex, England 
Beccles, Suffolk, England 

Robert JARMAN 
Eliza R. JARMAN 
Arthur G. JARMAN 
Ellen K. JARMAN 
Wilm. CRICKMAY 
Ellen E. FROSDYKE 

Head 
Wife 
Son 
Daur 
Nephew 
Serv 

Printer & Collector Of Taxes (General) 
 
Printer (General) 
Public Librarian 
Bankers Clerk 
General Serv Domestic

Beane, F 
Read 
 

1896 
1904 
1902 

£17 
£19 
 

V 
V 
 

Stanland, Emly 
Stanland, Maria 
Starland, Mrs

Resident 
 

 
1906 Survey 

1904
Read, HW

Stanton, Maria 
 

dwelling & laundry 
Stanton, Mary Miss 

4 bedrooms2 Sitting Rooms 
laundry

1907 
1914 
1922 
1927 
1936 
1948 
1954 
1965 

Stanton, Mary Miss 
Robinson, Geo F 
Robinson, Geo F 
/
Hales, Chas jun
Scarfe, Nelson M
Knights, OG Mrs

laundry
haulage contractor
haulage contractor

Listed Building:
18th century. Two storeys. Roughcast over brick. Two windows, casements in flush frames, with cambered heads at ground floor.
Steep roof, pantiled. Wood doorcase with pilasters and cornice.

value 
£10.10 
£9 
£7.10 
£8 

v 
V 
V 
V 
V 

OCCUPANT 
Bardwell, Rich 
Bardwell, Rich 
Ashford, Wm 
Ottey, Emma 

OWNER
Chinery, Chas 
Chinery, Chas 
Beane 
Beane, F exors 
Old Market 7  CENSUS 1881
Old 
Old 
Old 
Old 
Old 

Occupation
Cashier 
Cashier 
 
Postmistrs

1841 
1851 
1861 
1871 

Chas CRACKNELL 
Harriet CRACKNELL
Thos CRACKNELL 
Robt CRACKNELL 
Harriet CRACKNELL

M 
M 
 
 
 

28 
29 
5 
2 
3 m 

M 
F 
M 
M 
F 

Laxfield, Suffolk, England 
Beccles, Suffolk, England 
Beccles, Suffolk, England 
Bungay, Suffolk, England 
Beccles, Suffolk, England 

Head 
Wife 
Son 
Son 
Daur 

Tailor (Jobbing) 
Dressmaker
Scholar 
 
 

Beane, F 
Read 
 
 
1906 Survey 

1896 
1904 
1902 
1904
Read,  HW (Farnham)

£8 
£10 
 

V 
V 
 

Reynolds, Jane 
Read, Julia Ms 
Reynolds, Jane Miss 

Dress Maker 
 
dress maker

Read, Miss
 

dwelling 
/

1907 
1914 
1922 
1927 
1936 
1948 
1954 
1965 
1974 

Sharp, Clement
Flegg, Arthur, E
/
/
Cowie, Chas Wm
Nelson, Mrs
Girling, Reg
Stringman, LP

Listed Building:
17th century. Dated by wrought iron wall ties in gable 1694. Initials BAS also in wrought iron in opposite gable (B now missing). 2
storeys and attic. 2 dormers and gable end windows. Plinth and brick band with moulded bricks. Dutch gables. Brick chimneys with
moulded capping and bases, detached flues, square on plan. Wood cornice with shaped brackets. Pantiles. 5 windows, sash with
flush frames and flat arches. 6 panel door in wood case with fluted Doric pilasters, pannelled reveals, triglyphs and pediments..
Chequer brick with dark header ends. NMR photos.
Interior: generally good, 1 pannelled room. Oak stair with heavy turned balusters, and built up moulded oak handrail
Nikolaus Pevsner: The Buildings of England: Suffolk:
Dated 1694. of five bays and two storeys, of red brick and blackish blue chequer work. Doorway with Roman Doric pilasters, a
metope frieze and a broad pediment.

1637c 
 
1653 
 
1671 
1693 
1703 
1727 
 
1735c 
1738 
 
1751 
1761 
 
1799 
1807 
1807   
 
 
1829 
 
 
 
1874 
 
1868 
 
1895

John Thompson, for a tent. sometime Nicholas Bradley, after Thomas Gosling
& Robert Cobb - folio 142
Abraham Brown,[ I,] messe. on east side of Old Market late Thompson, before
Bradley
Abraham Browne, [I] [maltster d 1688]. In his own tenure 
Abraham Brown, [II], for a tent. in the Old Market 
Abraham Brown, [II], for a tent. in Old market wherein he dwelleth 

Rent 2d
Value £6
Rent 2d
Task 1s

TO BE LET: House, Malster’s Office, Brewing House & Stable, late occupied by Abraham Browne,
deceased [he died in January 1727]. To be Let. Enquiries, his widow.
 

William Bohun, for a tent in Old Market late Abraham Browne
Le Grys Brown, held freehold messe. on east side of Old Market, formerly
Thomson, Bradley, Abraham Browne 
Le Grice Brown, tent in Old Market late Browne 
Le Grice Brown in Old Market, wherein he dwells, formerly Mr Abraham
& late Mr Bohun
Mr Bohun: himself [he was living there himself] 
GWB Bohun, all lands

Rent 2d
Rent 2d

Task 1s
Value £2-12

SALE: 21 February: Beccles, Old Market. House & premises at upper end of Old Market, late Le  
 
house, store rooms, cellerage, 5 good sleeping rooms, attics, garden, stable and coach house.

Henry Sallows Davey, surgeon, messe. on corner of old Market, late Le Grice
Brown, before of Abraham Browne formerly Bradley
ALSO Henry Sallows Davey: Malting Office, late Le Grice Browne Bohun & fomerly Green
(later HWR Davey) 
COUNCIL: Mr Stanford should be allowed to enclose a corner at the back of his house in Ravensmere,
to the satisfaction of the Surveyor. The steps at the north & east side of his house to be removed.
Mr Stanford refused offer of £20 for a piece of his Garden, for improvement of Newgate. [Later it was

acquired wihout his consent!]
TERRIFIC GALE: The most destructive gale in this country since 4 August 1879, prevailed on Sunday
afternoon. The noise and confusion were most alarming, particularly when the shutters of several shops
were simultaneously carried away by one of the most furious gusts of wind.   Part of the well at the side of
Mr W Harmer’s garden near the river was blown down; so also of Mrs Stanford’s garden in CAXTON
ROAD, and part of the garden on the right-hand side of FAIR CLOSE road near the Hospital.

1924 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

SALE: 10, September:  Executors of William Stanford, Esq.:  Charmingly situate old fahioned  
Residence, a fine specimen of a 17th century building, with handsome oak balustraded Staircase,
standing in its own grounds and known as Ravensmere House. Excellent garage and large room  
over; also Ravensmere Cottage adjoining, now let to Mr AR Rush £10 p.a.
A very productive and well protected Garden at the corner of Newgate Street and Caxton Road,  
with frontage to same of 57ft & 76ft respectively, forming valuable building site occupied by Mr AR
Rush.
[purchased SN Wells £700]

OWNER 
Browne, Abr I 
Browne, Abr II 
Bohun, Wm
Le Grice Brown 
Bohun, GWB 
Davey, Hen S 
Davey Hen S 
Davey, HWR 
Davey, HWR 
Stanford, Wm 
Stanford, Wm 
Old Market  Ravensmere House  CENSUS 1881
Old 
Old 
Old 

DATE  
1653 
1693 
1735.1 
1751 
1807 
1829 
1841 
1851 
1861 
1871 
1881 

VALUE 
0.02 
0.02 
1 
0.02 
 
0.02 
£45 
£39.10 
£39.05 
£40 
£33 

 
B 
B 
T 
B 
 
B 
V 
V 
V 
V 
V 
 
62 
62 
20 

OCCUPANT 
Browne, Abr I 
Browne, Abr II 
 
Le Grice Brown 
 
Davey, Hen S 
Davey, Hen S 
Davey, HWR 
Peskett, Geo 
Stanford, Wm 
Stanford, Wm 
 
M 
F 
F 

OCCUPATION
Maltster 
Maltster
Gentleman
Solicitor
Solicitor
Surgeon
Surgeon
Surgeon
 
Bass Co Agnt
Corn Merch
 

 
 
Beccles, Suffolk, England 
Beccles, Suffolk, England 
Diss, Norfolk, England

William STANFORD 
Matilda STANFORD 
Mary CATTERMOLE 

M 
M 
U 

Head 
Wife 
General Serv Domestic

Barley Buyer & Farmer Of 30 Acres; 2 Men 
 

Stanford, M Mrs 
Stanford,  Mrs 
1906 Survey 

1896 
1904  
Stanford, Mrs 

 
 
Stanford, Mrs 

Stanford,  Mrs 
Stanford,  Mrs 

Stanford,  Mrs 
Stanford,  Mrs  
Stanford,  Mrs  

1908 
1912 
1923 

Stanford,  Mrs 
Stanford, Mrs 
Stanford, Mrs 

1924 
 
 
 
 

SALE LOT 2: by Executors of William Stanford:
The brick, part board and tiled Stabling close to Ravesmere House comprising 3 Loose Boxes, large
Coach House or Garage, with folding Doors and Loft over & Yard, as occupied by Mr RW Bull at £10
p.a.
[purchased CD Clark £70]

Listed Building:
18th century. Two storeys. Red brick with pilasters. Plinth. Slates. Two windows on frontage to square, sash with flush frames and
flat arches. Four panel door in wood case with consoles and cornice. Group value
My Comment:
This building was almost certainly part of the property belonging to the Bear & Bells and was purchased by Thomas Farr on 20
April 1802 and incorporated  into the Beccles Brewery which consisted of the Brewery itself in Blyburgate (some of it remains
standing behind the St John’s Ambulance Station, this is Blyburgate Hall and the adjoining house). Thomas Farr died in 1850. For a
short time his son FW Farr carried on running the business but decided to sell the whole concern by auction, each pub as a
separate lot. For some reason the house adjoining the Bear & Bells - where no 9 stands now -  was not sold, but remained the
property of FW Farr.
1852 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1870 

 
 
 
 
 
£0- 0s - 0 1/2d;  Free Rent to the Manor of Rose Hall & Ashmans  £0 - 1s - 0d
 
 
 

 
 
 
Washouse, Pantry etc. A spacious YARD; with Pump of fine Spring Water; Stable for six horses, Gig  
House, &c. Freehold.  Annual Outgoings: Land Tax  £0   13   0; Free Rent to the Manor of Beccles

SALE: on 28 April of Beccles Brewery owned by FW Farr.
Lot XIX.  THE ‘BEAR AND BELLS’ AT BECCLES, situated in the Old Market Place: in the  
occupation of  Mr  John  Lay:  Consisting of Bar, Tap Room, Parlour, Two sleeping Rooms, Cellar,

This lot is subject to a right, reserved to the owners and occupiers for the time being of the adjoining
messuage, to use the pump in the yard paying one third of the expense of  keeping  the said pump and
well in repair. [Rix notes that the Bear & Bells was sold for £540 to Mr Morse]
TO BE LET: Comfortable & convenient Residence in Old Market. Suitable for a small family. Apply EF

OWNER 
Farr, Thos
 
Fiddes, Eliz 
Fiddes, Eliz 
Fiddes, Eliz 
Old Market  9  CENSUS 1881 
Old 
Old 
Old 

DATE 
1841 
1851
1861 
1871 
1881 

VALUE 
£1.15 

 
v 

OCCUPANT 
Wright, William 

OCCUPATION
gardener

£8 
£9 
£9 
 
M 
M 
U 

V 
V 
V 
 
62 
56 
35 

Fiddes, Eliz 
Copeman, Robt 
Leavold, Thos 
 
M 
F 
M 

Tailor Journeyman 
 
Beccles, Suffolk, England 
Willingham, Suffolk, England 
Beccles, Suffolk, England 

Thomas LEAVOLD 
Mary A. LEAROLD 
Fred HUNTING 

Head 
Wife 
Boarder ((Lodger)) 

Tailor Journeyman 
Dressmaker

Anderson, E Mrs 
Anderson, E Mrs 
1906 Survey 

1896 
1904 
Anderson, Eliz 

 
£12 

 
V 
Anderson, Eliz 

Anderson, Mrs 
Anderson, Mrs 

Resident 
Resident
2 bedrooms2 sitting rooms 

1907 
1914 
1927 
1936 
1948 
1954 
1965 
1974 

Anderson, Mrs
Anderson, Mrs 
?
Simmonds, Geo Wm
Simmonds, Geo Wm
Betts, Herbert
Charlish, Miss MK
Charlish, Miss MK

The small annual value listed on the Poor Rate of £1 -15s-0d in 1841 means that this could not have been the house at present on
the site.This confirms that it was built after 1841. Since I can find no mention of the building in the rates of 1851 there is a possibility
that it was being rebuilt at that time. FW Farr would have recently inherited it and was perhaps anxious to achieve as much rental
from it as possible - since it was in a prime location. This seems to accord with the architectural character of the building. I would
certainly have dated it before the 1860s when half panes of glass replaced the six paned windows of the Georgian and early
Victorian periods. This gives a date of the building between 1841 and 1861.
Almost certainly there was an earlier building on the site. I think that it was owned by Thomas Farr from 1802. In 1824, 1828 and
1832 it was lived in by Mrs Mary West. She was exempt from paying Poor Rate because she was too poor. In 1831  she received
Poor Relief: This states: age “74. keeps a small school. Parish Relief 2 shillings; Feoffees 15 shillings”. 

Listed Building:
17th century with alterations. Brick front, with pilasters, distempered. [now brick faced]. Steep roof. Machine tiles. Two windows, at
each floor with cambered heads, sash with glazing bars and flush frames. Brown brick central chimney. Cambered headed entrance.
Hanging sign.

1576 
1593 
1600.1
 
1619 
1639c 
 
1654 
 
1655 
 

Harry Wyndrich, for a tenement sometime Pick (later Francis Smith) 
Mr Mileham or Edward Haward, for a tenement late Henry Wyndrich, before Pyeks 
WILL: Nicholas Lockington: leaving the house to his son Thomas: “the messuage
I bought of Mr Mileham”
Thomas Lockington, for a tenement formerly Wyndridge after Milesam (folio 88)
Amos Carter, for tenemet Windredge, after Mileham, late Thomas Cifton called
The Bear (folio 154) 
William Allburgh, for a tenement Windridge,after Mileham late Thomas Clifton called
The Bear  (folio 193) 
Willaim Alborow, messuage called The Bear in the Old Market, which he purchased
lately of Thomas Clifton

Task 1s 6d
Task 1s 6d

William Alborow, messuage in the Old Market, late Lockington, since Thomas Clifton 
INDENTURE made 25 March, 1668 (copy lent me by Jim Winnett, Burgh St Peter)
BETWEEN William Alborough of Beccles, miller, ONE PART
Richard Pritchard of Beccles, curryer, THE OTHER PART
For £58 paid and hereafter the sum of £109
ALL THAT MESSUAGE known by the name of the Bear, now in the occupation of Richard Pritchard, with
all  other  messuages,  lands,  tenements,  yards, gardens, etc in the occupations of William Alborough,
Richard Pritchard & William Chivers, cordwainer
BETWEEN the Common Way leading from Old Market to Beccles Fen, in part, & the back yard late of
Roger Ward, gent, deceased, belonging to the messuage now in the occupation of Robert Brownrigg,
Esq, on the EAST.
The Messuages & Lands of divers persons on the WEST.
ONE HEAD abbutteth upon the Lands late of Robert Ward, now in the occupation of Robert Brownrigg
to the NORTH
The Old Market to the SOUTH
Which  Premises  William  Alborough  received  of  Roger  Walters,  late  of  Beccles,  yeoman  decsd  &
Elizabeth, his wife, Thoma Clifton, glazier, & Dorothy Clifton, widow on 3rd April 1650
Richard Pritchard to pay unto William Alborough [and Anne his wife] £109 at or within the NEW Dwelling
House of Richard Pritchard
[Signed as witnesses] Robt Brownrigg, Charles Blosse, Roger Long, William Chivers

1668
 
 
 
 

 
1669 
 
1669 
1670 
1675 
 
1678 
 
1691 
 
 
 
 
 
1691 
 
 

Richard Pritchard, for a tenement sometime Thomas Clifton, after William Alburgh
called The Bear (folio 241)
MORTGAGE Richard Pritchard to Renaldo Pitfield, gent, for £130: Messuage called “The Great Bear”
Robert ? Pritchard, a Messuage called the Bear in Old Market held of the Manor
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT of the receipt of the final £55 of money owing by Elizabeth Pritchard, widow,
to William Alborough
Robert Holby, for a tenement called The Bear, sometime William Alburgh late
Richard Pritchard
On 25th March, 1675, Elizabeth, then already a widow, had mortgaged the property (once again known
simply as “the Beare”) to Thomas Rede of Weston, gentleman, for £100 for a period of 1000 years, the
rent again to be one peppercorn if lawfully demanded, payable at the feast of St. Michael the Archangel.
(This agreement is not included in the deeds, but is mentioned in the transaction in the next paragraph).
Thomas Rede’s wife Anne after his death married Thomas Garneis of Weston, esquire, and Thomas
Rede’s daughter, also named Anne, married Stephen Amyas of Beccles, gentleman.
On 29th September, 1691,Thomas and Anne Garneis. on receiving £100, part of the portion of Anne
Amyas, assigned the remaining 983 years of the mortgage to Stephen and Anne Amyas. Thomas signed
himself “Thomas Garnyes”” and Anne signed herself “Anne Garnysh”.

1693 
1697 
 
 
 
 

Widow Pritchard, for The Bear in Old Market 
On 1st November, 1697, Stephen Amyas, now described as “Doctor of Physick”, entered into a tripartite
agreement with (a) Grace Freeman, widow, Robert Freeman, esquire, and Michael Beverley, esquire, all
of Norwich; and (b) Elizabeth Holby, widow, who was formerly Elizabeth Pritchard. For the sum of £80,
and with the consent of Elizabeth, he assigned the mortgage for the remainder of its term to Grace and
Robert Freeman and Michael Beverley.

On 16th May, 1707, the ownership changed again, by means of a four— party agreement between
(a)  
(b) 
(c) 
(d) 
blacksmith, and Margaret his wife; and Nicholas Elliott of Aldeby, butcher, and Elizabeth
 
For £80 the remainder of the mortgage was assigned to Susanne Walesby.
Daughter Elizabeth (Elliott) was the only one of the family able to sign the Indenture, her mother, sister,
husband and brother-in-law all making their marks.
Thomas Fuller, for tenement in Old Market called The Bear, late Pritchard 
James Downing, The Bear in Old Market late Margaret Fuller, Thomas Fuller, Pritchard 
James Downing, messuage called The Bear in Old Market, late Margaret Fuller, deceased,
since of James Downing, the Father

Michael Beverley
Susanne Walesby of Lowestoft, widow;
William Paston of Norwich, worsted weaver and executor of the will of Grace Freeman,  
the ever-present Elizabeth Holby [formerly Pritchard], widow; Thomas Fuller of Beccles,

 
 
 
1714 
1755 
1788 
 
1799 
1802

Mr Downing; Tenant: Harris 
BEAR BATING at Great Yarmouth in Meadow at Ferry Farm House; 1 shilling (6d to be returned in liquor).
Bowling Green there opened

1805 
1818 
1825 
 
“1829”
1831

Thomas Farr, Messuage in Old Market, late James Downing, The Bear & Bells
Fire at Bear & Bells: stable and outhouses, five horses died.
A new Peal of twelve handbells came from London last night raised by the Beccles Ringers. Open this
night at the Bear & Bells

Thomas Farr, Bear & Bells, late Downings 
MOMBELL’S MENAGERIE to visit Beccles, opposite the Shire Hall [Town Hall] Elephant, Tigers, Lions,
Wolves,  Bears,  Apes,  Monkeys,  Golden  Eagle,  etc.  Before  going  to  Lynn  Market will visit Bungay,

Beccles, Lowestoft, Yarmouth, Dereham, Swaffham
 
 
 
 
 
£0- 0s - 0 1/2d;  Free Rent to the Manor of Rose Hall & Ashmans  £0 - 1s - 0d
 
 
 

1852 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1864 
1867 
 
1867 
 
1869

 
 
 
Washouse, Pantry etc. A spacious YARD; with Pump of fine Spring Water; Stable for six horses, Gig  
House, &c. Freehold.  Annual Outgoings: Land Tax  £0   13   0; Free Rent to the Manor of Beccles

SALE: on 28 April of Beccles Brewery owned by FW Farr.
Lot XIX.  THE ‘BEAR AND BELLS’ AT BECCLES, situated in the Old Market Place: in the  
occupation of  Mr  John  Lay:  Consisting of Bar, Tap Room, Parlour, Two sleeping Rooms, Cellar,

This lot is subject to a right, reserved to the owners and occupiers for the time being of the adjoining
messuage, to use the pump in the yard paying one third of the expense of  keeping  the said pump and
well in repair. [Rix notes that the Bear & Bells was sold for £540 to Mr Morse]
SALE: Household Furniture of John Lay, moving from the Bear & Bells

SALE of HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE of Mr [William] Belt, leaving the Bear & Bells [William Belt
was Landlord of the King’s Head at Kenninghall, Norfolk in the 1881 Census, aged 48]

years in business)
COURT: William Woolnough of the Bear & Bells fined for £1 for allowing pub to be open after 11 pm for
sale of liquor.

1870 
1871 
 
 
 

OLD MARKET: Bear & Bells: Landlord William Barber.
DECORATIONS FOR THE SHOW: In Station Road there were 14 arches at intervals of 25 yards  
down the whole length of the road, with flags and greenery. In Ballygate a neat little arch of evergreens
spanned the entrance to EJ Crisp’s grounds and further on at the entrance to St Mary’s, at the brow of
the hill leading into the town from Bungay, Rev St john Reade had erected a very neat arch, dressed with

 
 
 
 
1881

pretty contrasting sprigs of laurel and fir. On it were three inscriptions in white letters on a red ground,
more classical and appropriate than intelligible to the majority of those who looked at it.
In the Old Market, Mr Barber at the Bear and  Bells had two flags and in Hungate Mr Ward & Kent had

the prettiest arch.
ACCIDENT: Mr Barber of the Bear & Bells driving down Hungate, the horse shied, tripping up, fell upon
the plate glass windows of Messrs Kent’s shop. The two windows were smashed but neither horse, nor
man, hurt.
WOMBELL’S MENAGERIE visited Beccles on Wednesday. In the evening, Mr W Barber, of the Bear &
Bells, entered one of the Lion cages with the lady lion trainer. The couple walked round the cage, in and
out among the lions and wolves, watched with intense interest by an excited band of spectators, who
raised vociferous cheers as Mr Barber made his safe exit.
SALE of Stock in Trade of Colt-breaker & some furniture by GR Woolner of Bear & Bells, Old Market.
LICENCES: The Bear & Bells, Old Market, to Horace Broughton of Kirkley

1912
1918

1918 
 
1921 
1922 
OCCUPIERS
1756 
1765 
1775 
1820 
1824 
1828 
1832 

LICENCES: The White Horse, Newmarket, to George Sharman; The Bear & Bells, Old Market, to  
Horace Broughton of Kirkley

SALE of FURNITURE: Mr HG Broughton, who is going abroad. BEAR & BELLS, OLD MARKET
TRANSFER of LICENCE: Bear & Bells to AA Thurston

Edward Jackson
Robert Mills 
Edmund Smith 
James Lawes 
James Lawes 
James Lawes
James Lawes 

£4
£4
£4
£4  10s
£8  10s