Beccles, Streets, Station Rd & Fair Close Properties 
David Lindley 2005  
 
 
1
STATION ROAD sales 
1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

UNIDENTIFIED
1867 
 
1868 
1870 
 
1870 
 
 
1870 
 
1871 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1872 
1894 
 
 

Beccles Paper 17 Sep 

TO BE LET: Station Road: Convenient Residence: Entrance Hall, Dining & Drawing Rooms &  
Kitchen, 3 good Sleeping Rooms, Dressing Room, back office. Apply Mr Wooltorton, Station Road
 

 
 

SALE: Plots of Building Land sold by W Jecks, Esq; Two Lots facing Station Road
SALE: by direction of WC Jecks, Esq
Two valuable Lots of Building Land fronting Station Road on the NORTH side
SALE: by direction of WC Jecks, Esq
Two Lots adjoining the Railway on the WEST side; the properties of John Crisp on the North, of Mr
Fenn on the South

Beccles Paper 17 May 
 
 
Beccles Paper 17 May 

 
 

 
 

Beccles Paper 21 Jun 

TO BE LET: Station Road: A well fitted house containing Entrance Hall, Drawing & Dining Rooms,
Kitchen, 4 Sleeping Rooms, Back Offices. AB

 
Beccles Paper 6 Jun 

SALE: by William Jecks, Esq: Building Sites in Station Road
 
 
North Frontages on other  public ways.
 
 
 
 
frontage on the Railway.
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

LOT 1: Plot of 8 Perches of Building Land with SOUTH Frontage of 32ft on Station Road
LOT 2: Building Land EAST of Lot 1 with SOUTH Frontage of 32ft on Station Road with East &  

LOT 3: Land containing 39 perches adjoining the Maltings & Premises of Messrs John Crisp on the
NORTH, admirably adapted for erection of Mercantile Premises, having a frontage on the Railway of
71ft.
LOT 4: Land adjoining Lot 3 on the SOUTH side containing about 40 perches & with similar  

All Freehold & Land Tax redeeemed.
SALE: Furniture of John Clarke, Station Road

Beccles Paper 8 Oct 
Beccles Paper 21 Mar 

SALE of Household Furniture of Mr WH Williamson, Mus. Bac., who is leaving England.
 
America]

 
 

[He had been Organist of St Michael’s Church, Beccles since at least 1887, He was going to  
-
Did he live in Station Road?
PLANNING COMMITTEE

1884 
1884 
1885 
1886 
1887 
1889 
1889 
1891 
1893 
1898 
1898 
1899 
1900 
1902 
1904 
1906 
1907 
1907 
1907 
1911 

Planning 
Planning 
Planning 
Planning 
Planning 
Planning 
Planning 
Planning 
Planning 
Planning 
Planning 
Planning 
Planning 
Planning 
Planning 
Planning 
Planning 
Planning 
Planning 
Planning 

5 Feb 
6 May 
18 Aug 
8 Jun 
8 Feb 
7 May 
2 Aug 
8 Dec 
3 Jan 
4 Jan 
6 Dec 
3 Jan 
2 Oct 
4 Mar 
2 Aug 
30 Oct 
19 Mar 
2 Jul 
3 Dec 
2 May 

Station Road 
Station Road 
Station Road 
Station Road 
Station Road 
Station Road 
Station Road 
Station Road 
Station Road 
Station Road 
Station Road 
Station Road 
Station Road 
Station Road 
Station Road 
Station Road 
Station Road 
Station Road 
Station Road 
Station Road 

approved 
approved 
approved 
approved 
approved 
approved 
approved 
approved 

New House for Mr AJ Allen in Station Road
Addition to House
Addition to House in Station Road beloning to John Oldrin
Additions to [10] Station Road submitted by Arthur Pells
Schoolhouse for Wesleyan Church
Arthur Pells new Schoolroom for Baptists - built on brick piers
Alteration to Plan for New Schoolroom for Baptists
Additions to house in Station Road for Miss Saul
Lamps on New Bridge at Station to be lighted by Corporation
Covering to Robinson's Bicycle Shop in Station Road disapproved
Additions to Coffee House in Station Road
New Store Shed for FJ Allen's exors in Station Road
Addition to Railway Hotel for Messrs Cobbold
Alterations to House in Station Road for Mr Read, referred back
Additions to House in Station Road for RE Phillips
Additions to Star Hotel for HA King
Additions to HG Lawrance's House in Station Road
Additions to RE Phillips' house in Station Road
Alteration to HA King's Workshops in Station Road
W Robinson to erect advert bard in front of his house, Station Road

 

protest 
approved 
approved 
approved 
protest 
approved 
approved 
approved 
approved 
approved 
approved 

THE STREET

1863 
 
 
 
 

Mr Sanger’s Circus was held in Mr Garnham’s Garden [in Blyburgate] There was a procession at
 
cars. Shortly before the commencement of the afternoon performance the large Elephant broke loose  
& running against the side of the Marquee, tore a large rent in the canvas & threw over some of the  
seating. He was soon again secured. On Sunday evening, at half past eight, one of the Camels broke  

Beccles Paper 5 May 
1p.m. on Saturday, Knights in golden armour, cavaliers on splendid horses - handsome triumphal

 
 
 
 

Beccles, Streets, Station Rd & Fair Close Properties 
David Lindley 2005  
 
 
2

 
1870 
1873 
 
 

loose, & after wandering over most of the Streets was recaptured in Station Road.
Beccles Paper 13 Sep 
COUNCIL: Decided to plant trees in Station Road
Beccles Paper 24 jun 

Gospel Tent: A large tent has been erected in Station road near the Wesleyan Chapel, where on  
Sunday last a religious service was held & the Gospel preached. The persons who preach & take part  
in the service are quit unknown in Beccles & seem to be attached to no denomination.

 
 

Beccles, Streets, Station Rd & Fair Close Properties 
David Lindley 2005  
 
 
3
THE GAME PLACE & CAMPING CLOSE
The Game Place

This was an open-air theatre where plays took place. If it survived the Reformation it would have been abolished at the time of
Puritan control during the Civil War in the 1640s and the Commonwealth.

“Beccles Rediscovered” edited by Nesta Evans, page 12
1573 
 

The Rental of Beccles Manor records 11d tax being paid by the
“township of Beccles for the gameplace lying in Newgate.”

 THE CORPORATION OF BECCLES FENN [in Lowestoft Record Office, Beccles Collection, Fen Order Book from 1670]
1679 
 
1679 

“The Portreeve do attend the Justices of the Peace of this County at their several meetings and treat with them about
the building of a House of Correction [a Gaol] and a Workhouse within the Town of Beccles .....”
“It was agreed that the House of Correction should be placed on the Game Place.”

In Beccles the site of the Game Place is now covered by the southern end of Clowes’ Printing Works bordering Gaol Lane and
Newgate. It was opposite the back of the Guildhall of Beccles, the front of which is in Smallgate, and is now the Glennie School
of Dancing. The present building on the site was put up in 1837 replacing a medieval or Tudor building. At the back, facing
Newgate was the Guildhall Barn which was destroyed by fire in the 1970s or 1980s. This was an ancient wooden structure
whose origins are obscure, but the site was owned by the Feoffees who were successors to the Guild of the Holy Ghost a
medieval Guild of Beccles. Plays were performed there in the eighteenth century by travelling acting companies before the
Public Hall (originally called the Assembly Room) was built in the 1780s.
So the medieval acting area of the Game Place was close to the late 18th century theatre building.

1724
25 July 

THEATRE: This is to give notice to all gentlemen & ladies and others that at the Guild Hall in Beccles.
Wed next being 5th August by Mr TOLLETS Company of Comedians will be acted that diverting
comedy A Bold Sense for a Wife, with several entertainments of Singing and Dancing.
By desire of the Quality at the Town Hall [Guildhall Barn] in Beccles every evening next week (last
week) Seignoaria Violante famous Italian Rope Dancer also a play “Love is a Sack” 6 p.m.
Beccles  Town  Hall  [The  Guildhall  Barn]  Wed  20th:  Romeo  &  Juliet  (benefit  Mr & Mrs Pearson)
entertainment between the Acts. Box & pit laid together 2/6 Gallery 1s. 6pm. It will be a moon-light
Night. Last night of playing.
etc.

1735
1 Mar  
1749    9 Sept  

 
1749 

 

At the Town Hall in Beccles (Yearly benefit of Mr & Mrs Pearson) on Wed 20 Sept.will be presented
the celebrated Romeo & Juliet written by Shakespeare .

 

Decoration entirely new, in particular grand scene of a Tomb, with several entertainments between the
Acts as follows:
End of Act 1, A new way to manage a wife with advantage, by Mr Cunningham
Act 2 As on a Mountain’s Craggy Brow by Mrs Hill
4th A new Canlath? by Mrs H.
End of play: The Dutch Skipper who danced? by Mr Peterson
In the Masquerade scene will be introduced a new Masquerade song
To which will be added the last new farce called LETHE or Aesop in the Shades. written by Mr Garrick.
The whole will conclude with Mr Blakeys Epilogue called “Ten for the Tea Man” Boxes & pit laid
together at 2/6 Gallery 1/- To begin six o’clock

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Act 3. The Beggar by Mr C.
The Camping Close

This was where an athletic Game was played which was fought out by two sides, usually twelve of each. It resembled football,
but was much rougher. It was peculiar to the East Anglian coast and its neighbourhood, and is very ancient.
The ball used was the size of a cricket ball, but sometimes a large football was substituted, in which case the game was called
“Kicking Camp”, and if played with shoes on, “Savage Camp.”
The game fel into disuse in Suffolk at the beginning of the nineteenth century, in consequence, it is said, of two men being

Beccles, Streets, Station Rd & Fair Close Properties 
David Lindley 2005  
 
 
4
killed at Easton in their struggle at a grand match.

In Beccles the Camping Close was on the north side of Station Road, to the east of the small leading into Gaol Lane. It probably
also occupied some of the roadway of Station Road itself.
The area was still known as the “Camping Close” in 1821 (see map of William Crisp’s land)

STATION ROAD
THE THREE BECCLES MARTYRS

 
the complete reversal of the Reformation, which occured throughout the country.
 
interesting account of the events:

The most notable events of Mary's reign in Beccles were the martyrdom by burning of the three Beccles martyrs and
Fox in his "Book of Martyrs" published in 1563, only 7 years after the events he describes, gives a highly biased, but

"Thomas Spicer was a single man, of the age of nineteen years dwelling in Wiston in Suffolk.
 
the command of Sir John Tyrrel, who sent both him and the other two to a dungeon, till they were all three together brought
before the Chancellor of Norwich and the registar at the town of Beccles.
 
earth of the Universal Catholic Church. That they they believed not holy bread and water, ashes, palms, and all other like
ceremonies used in the church, to be good and laudable for stirring up the people to devotion......That they would not follow the
Cross in procession, nor be confessed to a priest.
 
they praised God in such an audible voice, that it was wonderful to all those who stood by and heard them.
 
being there present within hearing thereof, willed the tormentors to throw one faggot to stop the breath of the knaves, as he
termed them, so hot was his burning charity. But these good men not regarding their malice, confessed the truth, and yielded
their lives to death for testimony of the same, very gloriously and loyfully."
Robert Bacon was a Churchwarden in 1547. The will of his father, Robert Bacon, dates from 1513 and he mentions his only son
Robert. He does not appear to have been a rich man, but seems to have been a pious one, for he left most of his possessions,
including the money from the sale of his house, "for the pleasure of God and the profit of my soul." Perhaps Robert the younger
was one of those to whom the destruction of the images in the church had been a deeply bitter blow. While he was
Churchwarden he would have been responsible for defacing the windows and destroying the statuary. Perhaps this bitterness
was the reason for his uncharitable conduct towards the martyr.

The occasion of his being taken was that he would not go to the popish church to hear mass, and receive their idol at
The articles objected were, that they believed not the Pope of Rome to be the supreme head immediately Christ on
When they arose from prayer, they all went joyfully to the stake, and being bound and the fire burning around them,
Then one Robert Bacon, dwelling in the said Beccles, a very enemy of God's truth, and a persecutor of his people,
Beccles, Streets, Station Rd & Fair Close Properties 
David Lindley 2005  
 
 
5
STATION ROAD & FAIR CLOSE PROPERTIES

1600.1
1600.2
1651 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
And  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Peter Barrett & his wife, Mary [6acres 3 rods]
Thomas Kemp, Esq [5 & 1/2 acres] (in reign of James II)

Manor Court Book 

Beccles Manor Court, 20th Day of October 1651
 
 
Richard Vesey, gent. his eldest son and next heir thereof according to the custom of this manor and  
when of age, that is to say of age of nineteen years or thereabout; and therupon to this Court came  
and the said Richard Vesey by Henry Jenkinson, gent, his uncle and in this behalf, his Attorney and  
prays this favour of the Lord to be admitted Tenant and to the premises aforesaid as to his right and  
inheritance according to the custom of this Manor. That is to say to:
 
 
 
gent nigh towards the south.
 
 
 
 
 
part and abutting upon the acre and a half aforesaid called Halstead eastwards and upon the land of  
the town of Beccles anciently called the Gameplace westwards.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
meadow containing four acres and the aforesaid piece of meadow containing one acre and a half to  
him and his heirs at a Cort holden ye   [blank] day of  [blank] in the year of the reign of the late King  
James over England of the surrender of Thomas Kemp, Esq.
 
 
 
 

Manor Court Book 

 
died sole of and in the land and tenements holden of this manor by Copy of Court Roll, and that

It is found by the homage of this Court that William Vesey, Esq., about six years ago now last past

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
meadow herein next mentioned in part, and a piece of meadow, late Vynors, now William Vesey,  

[1.] One piece of meadow ground containing by estimation six acres lying in Beccles, aforesaid, next
the common pasture of Beccles called Goosegreen of the east, and abutting upon the piece of  

 

 
 
mentioned westwards
 
the north east and the several way of the Lord of this Manor leading to Hall meadow of the south

[2.] And to one piece of meadow sometime by estimation three rods, parcel of one acre and a half of
meadow called Halstead, being the north side thereof and abutting upon the Close herein next  

[3.] And to one close called the Camping Close lying between the land of the lord of this Manor of

 
 

 
pasture aforesaid called Goosegreen of the east part and the piece of meadow herein next mentioned  
of the west and abutting upon Goosegreen aforesaid southward and upon a meadow late Vyard, now  
the aforesaid William Vesey, northward.
 
between the last mentioned piece of the east and a piece of meadow of the said William Vesey of the  
west part and abutting upon the aforesaid acre and a half of meadow called the Halstead, northwards.
 
 
 
and Mary, his wife. And the said William Vesey, deceased, had and took up the aforesaid piece of

[4.] And to one piece of meadow containing by estimation four acres lying between the common
[5.] And also to one other piece of meadow containing by estimation one acre and a half lying  

Whereas the said William Vesey, Esq., deceased, had and took up the aforesaid meadow containing
by estimation six acres; And the aforesaid piece of meadow containing by estimation three rods;
the aforesaid close called the Camping Close to him and his heirs of the surrender of Peter Barrett

 
 
 

 
hereof delivered by a Roll to hold to him and his heirs at the will of the Lord according to the custom  
of this manor; By the rent and service due and accustoms; And the said Richard is admitted tenant to  
all the premises aforesaid and pay his fine, but his fealty is .....

To whom the said Richard Vesey, by the hand of the said Henry Jenkerson, his uncle, present, is
BECCLES MANOR

1693 
1693 
1693 
1693 
1693 

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

Burke, Tomas Esq., for land late Davenant & Vesey
Burke, Tomas Esq.,  for the Guildhall Close (COPY) 
Burke, Tomas Esq., for the Fair Close (COPY) 
Burke, Tomas Esq., for land there adjoining (COPY)
Burke, Tomas Esq., for tent in Newgate Street 

(COPY)
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

Rent 14s
Rent 15s
Rent 12s
Rent 4s
Rent 1s 6d

1700 
1700 
1700 
1700 
1700 

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

Burke, Tomas Esq., for land late Davenant & Vesey
Burke, Tomas Esq.,  for the Guildhall Close (COPY) 
Burke, Tomas Esq., for the Fair Close (COPY) 
Burke, Tomas Esq., for land there adjoining (COPY)
Burke, Tomas Esq., for tent in Newgate Street 

(COPY)
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

Rent 14s
Rent 15s
Rent 12s
Rent 4s
Rent 1s 6d

Beccles, Streets, Station Rd & Fair Close Properties 
David Lindley 2005  
 
 
6

1736 
 
1736 
1736 
1736 
1736 

 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

Edward Donn, for land late Davenant & Vesey, since Rede & Thomas Burke,
Esq  (COPY) 
Edward Donn,  for the Guildhall Close  late Burke (COPY) 
Edward Donn, for the Fair Close, late Burke  (COPY)
Edward Donn, for land there adjoining, late Burke  (COPY) 
Edward Donn,  for tent in Newgate Street, late Burke

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

Rent 14s
Rent 15s
Rent 12s
Rent 4s
Rent 1s 6d

 
 

1751 
 
1751 
1751 
1751 
1751 

 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

Edward Donn, for land late Davenant & Vesey, since Rede & Thomas Burke,
Esq  (COPY) 
Edward Donn,  for the Guildhall Close  late Burke (COPY) 
Edward Donn, for the Fair Close, late Burke  (COPY)
Edward Donn, for land there adjoining, late Burke  (COPY) 
Edward Donn,  for tent in Newgate Street, late Burke

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

Rent 14s
Rent 15s
Rent 12s
Rent 4s
Rent 1s 6d

 
 

1751 
1751 
1751 
1751 
1751 

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

Edward Donn, for land late Davenant & Vesey, Esq  (COPY) 
Edward Donn,  for the Guildhall Close  (COPY) 
Edward Donn, for the Fair Close,  (COPY) 
Edward Donn, for land there adjoining, late Burke  (COPY) 
Edward Donn,  for tent in Newgate Street, late Burke

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

Rent 14s
Rent 15s
Rent 12s
Rent 4s
Rent 1s 6d

 
 

 
 

1765 
1765 
1765 
1765 
1765 

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

Edward Donn, for land late Davenant & Vesey, Esq  (COPY) 
Edward Donn,  for the Guildhall Close  (COPY) 
Edward Donn, for the Fair Close,  (COPY) 
Edward Donn, for land there adjoining, late Burke  (COPY) 
Edward Donn,  for tent in Newgate Street, late Burke

 
 
 
??? 
 

 
 
 
 
 

Rent 14s
Rent 15s
Rent 12s
Rent 4s
Rent 1s 6d

 
 

 
 

“1829”
“1829”
“1829”
“1829”
“1829”
“1829”
“1829”
“1829”
“1829”
 
1846 
1846 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Charles Dashwood, Late William Crisp (COPY) part
Rev J Dashwood, late William Crisp (COPY) part 
Richard Thornton, part, late William Crisp & Donn (COPY) 
William Sayer, late Arnold (later Thomas Norton) (COPY) 
Beccles Magistrates [for prison], late Donn (COPY) part 
John Crisp, late William Crisp (COPY) 
Richard Thornton, late William Crisp, Donn
Richard Thornton, Tenter Yard 
William Delf, late Willaim Crisp (COPY) part
 
Robert Dashwood admitted to Samuel Bignold’s lands Copyhold
Quit Rent of 14s: Copyhold part of Fair Close: Robert Dashwood 7s;
William Delf 7s

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rent 10s 6d 

Rent 2s
Rent 2s
Rent 14s
Rent 4s
Rent 6d
Rent 4d?
Rent 1s 6d
Rent 1d

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 

1808 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Sale Brochure 

 
 
 
formerly called Goose Green; 8a 3r 7p;  Land Tax £1- 6- 0; Quit Rent p.a. 12s -9d
 
 
 
 
 
Gaol to the Common;  1a 0r 14p;  Land Tax 4s;  Quit Rent p.a. 1s 6d;
 
 
 
Quit Rent  p.a.  1s 6d;

SALE: Saturday 10 September 1808 at the White Lion by Sam Crowe of  Miss Mary Donn’s
Property Estate called The Fair Fields
LOT1: [266-270] Three pieces of arable adjoining road leading to the Inclosures on Common,  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

LOT 2: [264-265] Two pieces of arable adjoining new inclosures:  5a 1r 34p;  Land Tax 15s 0d;
Quit Rent p.a.8s
LOT 3: [263] Two pieces of arable adjoining Lot 2;  3a 1r 11p & small standing thereon
LOT 4: [261]  Piece of arable land adjoining the Gaol;
LOT 5: [part of 262] Piece of arable land opposite Lot 4 on the right of the road leading from the  

1a 1r 0p;
Land Tax 4s; Quit Rent p.a. 2s;

LOT 6:  [part of 262]  Arable land adjoining road running at back of Mr Dashwood’s Garden 
1a  0r 0p;  Land Tax 4s;  Quit Rent p.a. 1s 6d;
LOT 7:  [part of 262]  Arable Land next below 6 containing  1a 0r 24p  1a 0r 33p;  Land Tax 4s; 

Beccles, Streets, Station Rd & Fair Close Properties 
David Lindley 2005  
 
 
7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
Common  1a 0r 0p;  Land Tax 4s;  Quit Rent p.a. 1s 6d;
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
and grain and carrying the same and also straw to market 
 
 
 
 

 
LOT 8:  [part of 262]  Arable - centre piece on right side of road leading from Gaol towards  

 
there is a footpath from the road to the Common  1a 2r 8p;  Land Tax 6s;  Quit Rent p.a.  2s;
 
1s 6d;
 
 
 
 
 
Fair in every year immemorially used.
 
apportioned to them are payable to the Manor.
 
 
 
reserves the use of until the 30th day of May following, for the purposes of threshing out her corn

LOT 9:  [271]  Arable on left side of road leading from Gaol towards the Common through which  
LOT 10:  Arable, 3rd piece on the right of the road (above)  1a 0r 13p; Land Tax 4s;  Quit Rent p.a.  

LOT 11:  Arable on the south side of Lot 10;  1a 2r 25p;  Land Tax 6s;  Quit Rent p.a. 2s 6d;
LOT 12:  Arable on south side of Lot 10; 2a 1r 18p; Land Tax 10s;  Quit Rent 4s:
LOT 13:  [259]  Arable adjoining road leading from Gaol to Shipwreck Alley on the west; 2a 2r 15p;
Land Tax 8s;  Quit Rent 3s 6d
This last Lot is to be sold subject to the right of shewing cattle for sale upon it at the September

The above Lots are Copyhold of the Manor of Beccles. Fine arbitrary and quit rents  
 

LOT 14:  A compact brick Messuage fronting Blyburgate Street with an exceeding good Barn, sheds
and other buildings and 0a 3r 5p pasture land also in the occupation of Miss Donn
CONDITIONS OF SALE..... 3  ...The Barn with rights of passage thereto, which the vendor  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1812 
 
1836 
late Mr
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1836  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
September 1808: Edward Arnold bought Lots 4 & 9 for £275;

 
6   The turnip crops upon Lots 1st, 12th & 13th to be taken by the respective purchaser of these lots
at valuation.
WRITTEN IN INK ON THE BACK OF THE PRINTED NOTICE: 

 
 
10  
Beccles Manor Court 

Beccles Manor Court 27 February 1812:
Mary Donn surrenders Copyhold Land and tents to William Crisp, soap boiler.

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
along the south side of a meadow belonging to Charles Dashwood Esq.
 
 
therewith, is subject to rights of way to Lots I. and II to Mr. Dashwood’s and Mr. John Crisp’s  
lands.  Copyhold  of  the Manor of Beccles. Fine Arbitrary.  Apportioned Annual Land Tax  15s
 

Sale Brochure 

To be Sold by Auction By MR. ROBERT OSWALD, (by direction of the Executors of the
 
afternoon unless previously disposed of by private contract.
 
(more or less) now in the occupation of the vendor, and conveniently situated in the Fair fields, in the  
immediate vicinity of the town of Beccles.
 
 
along the road leading to Lot III.
 
 
 
3R. 16p. (more or 1ess) also in the occupation of.the vendor.  Apportioned Annual Land Tax  15s
 
 
IR. 32p. (more or less) also in the occupation of the vendor; together with the road leading thereto

William Crisp,) t the King’s Head Inn, Beccles on Monday, June 13, 1836 at 5 o’clock in the  
LOT 1 [Tithe Map 265]  AN INCLOSURE of excellent Land in Beccles, containing 4A. 0R. 8p.  

This Piece has been lately laid lown with grass seeds. The purchaser is at his own expence to remove
the gate from the north~east to the north-west corner of the piece, and is to have a right of way  

Copyhold  of  the Manor of Beccles. Fine Arbitrary. Apportioned Annual Land Tax  15s - 6d
Quit Rent 4s 6d
LOT II. [Tithe Map 267]  AN INCLOSURE of rich Meadow Land near the above, containing 3A.  

Quit Rent  6s  Copyhold  of  the Manor of Beccles. Fine Arbitrary.
LOT III [Tithe Map 266]  AN INCLOSURE of rich Meadow Land, adjoining Lot II. containing IA.

 

 
Crisp, and (through the last-mentioned land) to Lot II. And the road leading to this Piece and sold

This Piece is sold subject to a right of way along the west end to the land belonging to Mr. John
 
 
 
Quit Rent  2s

William Crisp died 18 January 1836 (Will proved at Canterbury 8 April 1836)
 
 
younger, 3rd Part; Richard Thornton, 4th Part; Richard Bardwell, 5th Part.
 
 
 
 

Beccles Manor 4 Nov 

 
Southwold, merchant (now deceased) of 1st Part; Deliana Crisp, widow, 2nd Part; John Crisp, the

To Richard Thornton the Younger of Beccles, brewer. Bargain and Sale from William Crisp of  
 

 
 
Rights of Way containing:-
 

Messuage & part of Freehold land for £450 & all other property for another £1,270
ALL THAT arable land called the Fair Close, 12 acres 1rod 9 perches, but subject to the existing  

i  ) One piece of Meadow 3 rods, parcel of  one and a half acres of Holstead’s, being the northern
Beccles, Streets, Station Rd & Fair Close Properties 
David Lindley 2005  
 
 
8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1845 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1845 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SOUTH.  (Received 1 February 1814 from Mary Donn).
 
 
Almshouses [the Barrington Purvis Almshouses now in Blyburgate Car Park] SOUTH;  A packway  
and footway [This is the roadway forming the top bar of the T shape of Fair Close, leading from  
Station Road through the Car Park; at times it was called Shipwreck Alley] WEST
 

part abutting on the next close to the WEST.
 
 
admitted on surrender of Mary Donn, 6 November 1809, NORTH;  Abutting aforesaid 1 & 1/2 acres  
of Holsted’s EAST; Game Place (belonging to the Town of Beccles) WEST.
 
Vesey WEST on aforesaid 1 & 1/2 acres of land Holsted’s NORTH;
 
 
 
land late of Marjory Carver, widow and since of William Vesey, before Thomas Kemp, Esq,  

ii ) Also land of 1 acre 14 & 1/2 perches, part of the Camping Close of 4 acres
ABUTMENTS: lying next to other parts of the Camping Close, to which Edward Arnold was  

iii) Also Meadow 1 & 1/2 acres between Meadoe EAST; The aforesaid Meadow formerly William

iv) Also 1acre 1 rod 4 perches formerly enclosure Hall Close 6 & 1/2 acres
v ) And one piece of Meadow at East end of aforesaid Close;
BETWEEN Copyhold lands late William Vesey, Esq called the Camping Close in part, Copyhold  

 

 
Copyhold land now of WH Crowfoot EAST; Freehold of George Fenn in part and certain

To Richard Thornton. Abuts on Copyhold of Samuel Charles Marsh & Thomas Norton, NORTH;
 

 
 

 
 
Quit Rent 14shillings; Fine £28 12s 0d.  (later Samuel Bignold).

Samuel Bignold 13 December 1844 prays to be admitted to
 
 
 
 
 
 
towards the EAST; And upon land belonging to the Town of Beccles called the Game Place to the
WEST.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
other part of freehold lately sold and intended to be conveyed together with part of the Copyhold
hereditaments to William Delf on the SOUTH & the freehold land sold etc to William Delf and by
land of .... Grant in other part. and by land or ground of Charles Dashwood to the WEST.
 
 
 
which he could not afford to keep up and had become bankrupt. Samuel Bignold became the owner  
of the property.]

Beccles Manor, 17 Mar 

 
Holsted’s being the north part & abutting upon the close next mentioned towards the west.
 
 
the surrender of Mary Donn 6 November 1809 on the NORTH; And the separate way of the Lord of  
this Manor leading to Hall Meadow on the SOUTH; And 1 1/2acres of meadow called Holsted’s

1.) One piece of meadow containing 3 roods, parcel of one acre and an half of Meadow called  

2.) Also one other piece of land containing 1a,  14 & 1/2 p, parcel of the Camping Close containing 4
acres lying next certain other part of the Camping Close to which Edward Arnold was admitted on

 
 

 
 
called Holsted’s to the NORTH.
 
 
 
separate way of the lord in part & the Copyhold land formerly of Marjorie Carver, widow, & since of  
William Vesey, before of Thomas Kemp Esq on the part of the SOUTH.
 
 
 
 
being of freehold tenure & lately sold & intended to be conveyed to George Fenn in part and the

3.) One piece of meadow 1 & 1/2 acres between a piece of meadow on the EAST; And the aforesaid
meadow formerly of William Vesey on the WEST; And abutting on aforesaid 1 & 1/2 acres of land

4.) Also 1a 1r 4p of land formerly part of an enclosure of land & pasture called Hall Close of 6 & 1/2
acres AND  one  piece of meadow or pasture at the EAST end of the aforesaid Close & contiguous
thereto.

Between the Copyhold lands late of William Vesey, Esq called the Camping Close or  

AND the Copyhold hereditaments & premises are better described: [Tithe Map 262]
ALL THAT piece of land containing 6a 18p forming part of a close called Fair Close (which contains
including the freehold parts) 12 acres 1 rood 9 perches. Bounded by lands of  Samuel Charles Marsh
& Thomas Norton, NORTH;  WH Crowfoot, EAST;  Other parts of the Close called Fair Close,  

 

 
 

 
 
Norwich Union Insurance Company. Thornton had taken out a mortgage with the Norwich Union

(Mr Dashwood admitted to 3a 14p; William Delf admitted to 3a 0r 18p)
[Samuel Bignold (he was subsequently knighted) was the head of the family which contolled the

Fine £30. [map included]

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
houses adjoining also a walled-in ornamental lawn, Garden & Pleasure Grounds, containing 0a 3r
14p in occupation of William Rogers. Rent £32. Land Tax 9s; Freehold.  

Sale Brochure 

SALE at King’s Head 15 August 1845 by William Butcher
 
 
 
pumps, Wood house, Cellar & several Bedrooms, walled-in Yard with Stable, Coach & Harness  

2 Houses, Cottages, Brewery & Malting in Blyburgate, Beccles
LOT 1:  Substantial & convenient Dwelling House adjoining Newgate comprising:
Entrance Hall, Parlour, Drawing Room, Kitchen, Pantry, Wash house, with hard & soft water  

 
 
Beccles, Streets, Station Rd & Fair Close Properties 
David Lindley 2005  
 
 
9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1846 
“1829”
1852 
 
 
“1829”
1852 
 

 
 
walled-in Garden adjoining, in the occupation of Mr John Crisp or under-tenant. Rent £8 p.a.
 
 
 
with two working floors, excellent kiln, barley and malt chambers, two loose boxes & Strawhouse,
with hay loft over, also spacious Wagon-lodge and coal house, over which are boarded and tiled
Granaries, Cask shed, Wine Vaults & retail Malt Office, Liquor Stores, Pump house, Warehouse,
Yard etc in occupation of Messrs Tacon, Part Copyhold of Manor of Rosehall. Remainder freehold.
 
 
 
with capital Store Chambers for Malt, Corn & Hops over the same. In the Yard are extensive Lodges  
for Carriages, Piggeries, Stables, Coopers shop, Counting house, etc. Also a brick & tiled Stable for  
four horses, with loft over, & part of a Garden at the back, lean-to Bottle house, Yard, in which is a
Chaise house & loose box adjoining, long Hop room & Garden adjoining Shipwreck Alley.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rede (later John Crisp) 
 
 
 

 
Kitchen Wash house, Parlour, Kitchen, Wash house, Cellar, Bed Rooms & other Offices, with  

LOT 2:  Brick & Tiled Cottage adjoining Lot 1 on south side comprising: Sleeping room, Parlour,  
 

 
Drawing Room,
with large walled garden,

LOT 3:  Newly erected Dwelling House, fronting Blyburgate comprising: Vestibule, Parlour,  
Kitchen, Pantry, Wash house, several Bedrooms, Cellar and other conveniences,  
Vinery & Greenhouse; also a large Malting Office of 90 coombs steep,
 

 
 
 

 
 
Engine house, Washing house, Porter room, Store rooms, Tun rooms, Stabling & Harness house,

Land Tax  £2- 15s- 6d; Quit Rent 6s-9d
LOT 4:  ALL THAT Capital, capacious & excellent Brewery & Yard, abutting Lot 3, comprising  

 
 
 

 

 
brewing 60 coombs of Malt.
 
small strip of Yard, which is Copyhold);  Land Tax £3- 1s- 6d.;
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
the north-east
 
 
freehold. Land Tax on each Lot 5s; Quit Rent on 5, 6 & 7 each 4s; Quit Rent on 8 & 9 each 2s
 
 
 
 
occupation of Richard Thornton, formerly a Tainter Yard, before William Crisp, formerly Thomas

The buildings in this & Lot 3 have been built regardless of expense. The Cooper is capable of  
The Purchaser will have the option of taking the Brewery Plant by valuation. Freehold (except a  

Lot 5:  Building Land  1a 2r 0p on south-west side of Fair Close
Lot 6: Land, part of Fair Close 1a 2r 0p adjoining Lot 5 on south-west
Lot 7: Land, part of Fair Close 1a 2r 0p adjoining Lot 6 on south-west
LOT 8: Land, part of Fair Close 1a 2r 0p adjoining Lot 7 on south-west
LOT 9:  Land, part of Fair Close 1a 2r 0p adjoining Lot 8 on south-west
LOT 10:  Land, part of Fair Close 1a 2r 0p adjoining Lot 9 on south-west
Lot 11: Land, part of Fair Close 1a 2r 0p adjoining Lot 10 on south-west
Lot 12: Land, part of Fair Close 1a 2r 0p adjoining Lot 11 on south-west & an occupation road on

About half of each of these Lots is Copyhold of the Manor of Beccles, the remainder freehold.
The whole of lots 5, 6 & 7 & 0a 3r 9p of Lots 8 & 9 are Copyhold of the Manor of Beccles, the rest

William Delf, Esq  purchased 7, 8 & 9 at £350
Quit Rent of 14s Copyhold part of Fair Close: Robert Dashwood 7s William Delf 7s
Thornton, Richard, Tainter Yard 
Samuel Bignold of Norwich, Esq, piece of land at the back of the Brewery Offices, sometime in the

 
 
 
 
 
 
Rent 1d
 

 
Thornton, Richard, late Crisp 
Samuel Bignold, also part of tent in or near Blyburgate, late Richard Thornton, before William  
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Rent 1d
 

 
 
Crisp 

 
Rent 3d
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rent 3d
Beccles, Streets, Station Rd & Fair Close Properties 
David Lindley 2005  
 
 
10

DETAILS see “Beccles, Transport: Railway”  for Arrival of Railway
1853 

STATION ROAD BUILDINGS: The Houses & Shops forming the New Street opposite the Assembly
Room are nearly finished & present an elegant & unique appearance that invariably characterises the

Norwich Mercury 17 Sep

buildings erected by SM Peto, Esq
 
 
 
into the hands of 5 or 6 individuals. The Corporation spent a lot of money draining land for the  

1859 
 
 
 
 
1860 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1863 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1867 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1867 
 
 

 
 
 
 
houses.

SALE: Land on each side of Road leading to the Railway Station.
The first offer should be made to the Corporation at its original cost. They had spent a large sum of
money purchasing it and had sunk a large sum when they sold it to the Railway. It should not get

 
Abstract 13 Dec 

INDENTURE Between
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
No 6 on theplan & also the use of the road between the properties 12, 13, 14, 15. And also the use
of the Private Road 9 & 10. N Garrett paying a proportionate share of the costs of keeping such  
roads in repair.
 
 
 
 
 
 
containing 16 perches
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
or hereditaments - agreed to Sale for £888- 9s -0d
 
percentage on the outlay made by them.
 
 
 
intended to be made by the Company at the back of the Coal Wharf along the east side of the land

East Suffolk Railway Co of FIRST PART
Sir Samuel Morton Peto, of Somerleyton, Bart of  SECOND PART
Newson Garrett of Aldeburgh, Esq of THIRD PART
After reciting that the Company or Sir SW Peto was or were seized of or entitled to parcels of land

Sir SW Peto was lesee for a term of 21 years from 1 June 1859. Sir SM Peto to pay the Company a

Conveyed to Newson Garrett
Parcel of land containing 5 acres 21 perches
Coloured on the plan [not there!] & numbered 6,9,10,12,13,14,15 together with the use of the Road

 

 
 

 
Subject to payment of Tithe Rent Charges of £4 - 15s  - 6d, partly lands & partly the roads.
 
 
 
 

To hold the Land to the use of N Garrett from being entitled to dower in or out of the premises.  

INDENTURE Between:-
Newson Garrett, of Aldeburgh of ONE PART
& John Cooper of Beccles, the OTHER PART
Apportioned Tithe Rent of 1s 6d; for the Sum of £33 being Lot 16 on the Plan [not there!]

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

abutting on the Gaol Lane towards the NORTH
Wellington Street [Station Road] to the SOUTH
Upon Land sold by N Garrett to the Waveney Valley Railway Company to the EAST
to William Fountain Golding Bruff towards the WEST [Lot 17]
[same details of fence & Railway sidings]
INDENTURE Between
Great Eastern Railway Company of ONE PART
William Jecks of Beccles the OTHER part
in consideration of £55
ALL THAT piece of Freehold Land containing 17 perches
Bounded by a Footpath to the NORTH;
By the Railway Station Road towards the SOUTH;
By a footpath towards the EAST;
& by Land formerly belonging to Newson Garret & then late John Cooper WEST
Indenture between:
William Jecks, late of Beccles then of Kirkley, Suffolk, Esq., of FIRST PART
Benjamin Woolnough, gent for £85 [16 perches]

Beccles, Streets, Station Rd & Fair Close Properties 
David Lindley 2005  
 
 
11
LAND ON WHICH STATION ROAD WAS BUILT

1861 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Beccles Paper 18 Mar 

SALE of Building Land on which Station Road was built
“Eligible Building Land, all Freehold, and Land Tax Redeemed
on each side of the Road leading to the East Suffolk Railway Station, and specially suited to Genteel
Residences, while others by the side of, and having long frontages on the East Suffolk Railway, and
most desirable for Maltings, Corn and Coal Warehouses”.
LOT 1: Frontage on Station Road of 81ft & Newgate of 45ft; Area 0a 0r 13p
[purchased W Mullenger £64]
Lot 2: Frontage on Station Road of 34ft & on the roadside of 59ft
[Bought in £26]
LOT 3:  Frontage on Station Road of 60ft & road side of 85ft
[William Woodroffe £40]
LOT 4:  Frontage on station Road of 60ft; Area 0a 0r 18p
[William Whitehead £40
LOT 5 : Frontage on Station Road 60 ft; Area  0a 0r 18p
[Samuel Darby £44]
LOT  6: Frontage on Station Road 60 ft; Area 0a 0r 18p
[John Crisp £36]
LOT  7: Frontage on Station Road 60 ft; Area 0a 0r 18p
[John Crisp £40]
LOT  8: Frontage on Station Road 60 ft; Area 0a 0r 18p
[[John Crisp £36]
LOT  9: Frontage on Station Road 60 ft; Area  0a 0r 18p
[Robert King £34]
LOT 10 : Frontage on Station Road 60 ft; Area 0a 0r 18p
[Bought in £30]
LOT 11 : Frontage on Station Road 60 ft; Area 0a 0r 18p
[Bought in £38]
LOT 12 : Frontage on Station Road 60 ft; Area 0a 0r 18p
[Bought in £38]
LOT 13 : Frontage on Station Road 60 ft; Area 0a 0r 18p
[Bought in £40]
LOT 14 : Frontage on Station Road 36 ft & on the road leading from Mr Fenn’s House;
Area 0a 0r 12p  
LOT 15 : Frontage on Station Road 72 ft, on the Public Footpath 73ft, on the back road 58ft;
Area: 0a 0r 17p
LOT 16 : Frontage on Station Road 60 ft; Area 0a 0r 16p
[Bought in £45]
LOT 17 : Frontage on Station Road 60 ft; Area 0a 0r 16p
[Bought in £38]
LOT 18 : Frontage on Station Road 60ft & on the back road 60ft; Area 0a 0r 16p
[Bought in £36]
LOT 19 : Frontage on Station Road 60ft & on the back road 60ft; Area 0a 0r 16p
[Bought in £40]
LOT 20 : Frontage on Station Road 60ft & on the back road 60 ft; Area 0a 0r 16p
[Bought in £40]
LOT 21 : Frontage on Station Road 60ft & on the back road; Area 0a 0r 16p
[Bought in £40]
LOT 22 : Frontage on Station Road 60ft & on the back road 60ft; Area 0a 0r 16p
[William Whitehead £40]
LOT 23 : Frontage on Station Road 60ft & on the back road 60ft; Area 0a 0r 16p
[Greengrass £54]
LOT 24 : Frontage on Station Road 60ft & on the back road 60 ft; Area 0a 0r 16p
[Greengrass £58]
LOT 25 : Frontage on Station Road 62ft on a side road of 68ft & on the back road of 71ft;

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
[Charles Dashwood £34]
[Mr Ayres £50]
Beccles, Streets, Station Rd & Fair Close Properties 
David Lindley 2005  
 
 
12

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
character, such uniform character to be in every respect according to a plan to be produced at the
auction or any Dwelling Houses of a less annual rent  than £15.

 
 
separated from it by a newly built wall;
 
 
 
 
 
 
Maltings or other Mercantile purposes; Area 0a 1r 18p
 
 
Maltings or other Mercantile purposes; Area 0a 1r 13p
 
 
 
 
0a 2 r ? p
 
 
 
conveyed by the said Company & Sir SM Peto, to the present vendor by a Deed dated 13 December  
1860.
 
 
Rental than £15 each.
 
constructed on any of the said Lots respectively, any building which shall not be of a uniform  

 Area 0a 0r 18p
LOT 26 : Frontage on Station Road 92ft on a side road of 68ft & on the back road of 88ft and  

[William Woodroffe £64]

Area 0a 0r 22p  
LOT 27 : Frontage on Station Road 60ft; Area 0a 0r 16p

LOT 28 : Frontage on Station Road 60ft; Area 0a 0r 16p

LOT 29 : Frontage on the Road leading to the Goods Station of 155ft; & specially adapted for a  

[Robert King £52]
]
]

[WM Hazord £100]
LOT 30 : Frontage on the Road leading to the Goods Station of 155ft; & specially adapted for a  

[WM Hazord £100]
LOT 31  : Frontage on  Road ; Area 0a r p

LOT 32 : Frontage on  Suffolk Railway of 146 ft adapted for Maltings or Mercantile purposes; Area

]


Conditions of Sale
IV The property formed part of the surplus lands of the East Suffolk Railway Company & was  

]

VIII not to erect or construct any buildings which shall not be of an uniform character to be in every
respect according to a plan to be produced at the auction or any Dwelling Houses of a less annual

As respects the purchasers of Lots 3 to 25 both inclusive, not to erect or construct, or permit to be
 
 
Beccles, Streets, Station Rd & Fair Close Properties 
David Lindley 2005  
 
 
13

1867 
1867 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1867 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
gardens in rear and back entrances to private road. West: Lots fronting Fair Close Road
 

 
 
 
Dashwood 1rod 9 perches
 
perches
 
Read
 
 
convenient approaches from the Station.
 
plots fronting on Station Road & towards the Station. South side 36 lots for small residences with

SALE: Excellent newly built
SALE OF FAIR CLOSE LAND 16 July 1867
LOT 4: Garden frontage of 103ft for building at the back of Lot 3, adjoining garden of Robert  

LOT 5: Garden adjoining Lot 4 at the back of Lot 2; Frontage of 90ft net to Fair Close, 1 rod 15  
LOT 6: Garden back of of Lot 1, frontage of 91ft next Fair Close Lane adjoining  garden of Henry  

Lots 4, 5 & 6 in the occupation of Wiliam Delf.
FAIR CLOSE MEADOW: Containing 4a 2r 0p in 75 lots intersected with good broad roads and  

Property now staked out. On north side  plots adjoining properties on Station Road. To the east  
 
 
Outcome of Sales: 6 August 1867
Beccles, Streets, Station Rd & Fair Close Properties 
David Lindley 2005  
 
 
14
From Newspapers
1858

BAPTIST CHURCH Annual Meeting in Corn Exchange. 250 people sat down to Tea. Mr Wrght stated
that day completed 36th year of his Pastorate. Desired that a piece of land near the Chapel should be
purchased to form entrance from Station Road, & eventually the site of a new Chapel. £95 - 18s - 6d
raised.
RAILWAY ACCIDENT: On Friday near the Station George Cutts of Rumburgh, a navvy engaged at 8
am  in coupling waggons. The Engine Driver started the engine. Cutts was knocked down & both
wheels of a Waggon went over his right foot and leg. Six men carried him to the George & Dragon
where he had been lodging, Dr Peskett found no fracture - but foot jammed & bruised.
VESTRY MEETING: Surveyors to shut up & stop up a portion of passage or roadway leading from
Gaol Street [Newgate] past the Baptist Chapel & substiute a roadway from Station Road
CHURCH FITTINGS: To Contractors and Builders
Mr  Fenn  received  instructions  from  Messrs  Godbold  &  Sons  to  sell  by  auction  in  the  meadow
adjoining the road leading to the Railway Station on Monday 28 February, 1859: Pewing, Galleries, and
all other interior fittings of Beccles Church. Many thousands of feet of 3/4 inch boarding, studs, joists,
stairs, panelled work, excellent pulpit, a beautiful inlaid octagonal table six foot in diameter. Altar rails
and  balusters,  excellent wainscot altarpiece entire, and a unique brass chandelier with suspension
chain complete.
YARMOUTH RACES: the number of passengers leaving Beccles Railway Station for the Races on
Tuesday & Wednesday was 530, who had to return by the 6 pm train, This was the largest number of
Tickets ever issued.
CIRCUS: Mr Sanger’s Circus in Mr Garnham’s Meadow. Procession at 1 pm on Saturday. Knights in
Golden  Armour,  Cavaliers  on  splendid  Horses  -  handsome  Triumphal  Cars.  Shortly  before  the
commencement of the afternoon performance the large Elephant broke loose & running against the
side of the Marquee, tore a large rent in the canvas & threw over some of the seating. He was soon
again  secured.  On  Sunday  evening,  at  half  past  eight,  one  of  the  Camels  broke  loose  &  after
wandering over most of the Streets was recaptured in the Station Road.
FATAL ACCIDENT: Five men taking shelter on the east side of new Corn Granary of Mr John Crisp,
junior near the Railway Station - wall on the east side gave way, barley & bricks fell on the men.
Charles Oxborough killed.
MARKET  STREET:  The  whole  of  the  property  on  the  North  side  of  Blower’s  Lane  has  been
purchased; and the building will be removed soon after Michaelmas. Thus a spacious, convenient &
saf approach to the Station will be made - The town will be improved in appearance.
BLOWER’S LANE recently widened  from New Market to Smallgate to be called MARKET STREET.
New  foot  pavement  on  North  Side  of Market Street. Granite, not exceeding 80 tons for channels,
crossings etc.
Approach from Smallgate to Railway Station be called STATION ROAD
FIRE:  Two  Haystacks  in  a  Meadow  near  Station  Road  in  occupation  of  Mr  Barnard,  butcher  -
contained 15 or 16 tons - sold to Mr John Day, haydealer, Lowestoft. Had been paid for. Not insured.
OMNIBUS from Beccles Railway Station to any part of the Town. Will meet every Train. RB Shore,
White Lion. Fare 6d.
DANGEROUS BULL: A Bull being taken to the Railway Statin became unmanageable, the property of
William Wright of the London Road, brought from North Cove. The Station Master would not allow it
on the Train. Notwithstanding that the animal was secured it was still capable of doing mischief &
rushed at Mr Gaze, who was coming out of a house nearby and knocked him down, giving him a
severe shock. The attention of the Bull was then attracted to another man, named Bennett, a gardener,
& leaving Mr Gaze, it rushed at him also, crushing him against the palisading in front of Mr Ingram’s
House [13 Station Road] with such force as to break part of the ironwork down. Bennett, who was
much hurt,was led home & will be prevented from working for some days. The Bull was slaughtered.
THE  CHARACTER  of  BECCLES:  Leading  Article:  “For  some  years  past  Beccles  has  been  an
improving Town, & the gloom & inactivity which at one time were our most prominent characteristics
hav  given  way  to  increasing  cheerfulness  &  prosperity.  The  number  of  Unoccupied  Shops  &
untenanted Houses a few years since told too loudly of the Depression under which we were then
labouring. The general cry was, “The Railway has ruined us, & Beccles will never again be what it
once was.” Happily these fears were groundless.

Beccles Wkly Nws 27 Apr
1858
Beccles Wkly Nws 22 Jun 
1858
Beccles Wkly Nws 20 Jul 

1859
 

 Beccles Paper,  22 Feb 
 
1861
Beccles Wkly Nws 10 Sep
1863
Beccles Wkly Nws 5 May
1863
Beccles Wkly Nws 8 Dec
1864
Beccles Wkly Nws 5 Jul 
1865
Beccles Wkly 24 Jan 

 
1865

 
Beccles Wkly 26 Sep 
1865
Beccles Wkly 7 Nov 
1867
Beccles Wkly 2 Apr 
1867
Beccles Wkly 24 Apr 
Beccles, Streets, Station Rd & Fair Close Properties 
David Lindley 2005  
 
 
15
 
 

Public improvements: [1] the new Road leading to the railway statition, almost entirely built up on
either side with modern & neat Dwellings - [2] The widening of what was formerly Blowers Lane, so as
to make a convenient approach from the Station to the very heart of the Town - [3] The erection of the
large Maltings near the Railway Station - [4] The new National School Rooms  lately commenced [5]
Private enterprise & he care & attention of the town council have alike benefitted us.
It is with pleasure that we now notice the Avenue leading to the Common - a work of great expense.
The Opening Day is Wednesday 1st of May.
RAILWAY  STATION  THEFT:  On  Wednesday  morning  at  9  am,  Mrs  Barkway,  the  wife  of  a
Tradesman in this Town was waiting at this Station for the Yarmouth Train, her pocket was robbed of
her  purse  containing £2 - 15s. Her pocket was cut right through. There was a large concourse of
persons on the Platform & in the Waiting Room, but no clue could be obtained as to the Thief.
PUBLIC HOLIDAY. Train left the Railway Station at 9.15 am, consisted of 24 Carriages, followed by
another from Bungay at 10.30 of 34 Carriages & 2 Engines. The two trains conveyed 412 passengers
from Beccles only. Altogether 570 by several Trains from Beccles to Lowestoft. At 7 pm excursionists
brought back to Beccles by 2 long Trains & shortly after 10 pm by 2 others, consisting of 42 Carriages
& 3 Engines.
Great praise due to our Station Master Mr Wilkinson by whose exertions every facility afforded.
MALTINGS: New Malt Office in course of erection for Messrs J Crisp & Son near the Railway Station.
DINNER to the MAYOR in the Assembly Room: Mr Mayhew speaks of changes in the Population of
Beccles: 1.) More Tadesmen fewer Doctors & Lawyers 2.) Retired Famers: “They could not walk out
without meeting at the coner of every street, gentlemen, evidently of considerable leisure, flourishing
their sticks, their countenances expressing a placid contentment with their present condition ... Station
Road had been to a considerable extent colonised by them.”
COURT: Desperate Encounter with a Thief. PC Bardwell at about 1.30am on Saturday Morning hears
boat being moved near Station. Recognises thief as Charles Hook, who attacked him with a bottle.
Long struggle. Bardwell gets his man. Liquor found to be stolen from Edward Buck. Hook had skleton
key.

 
 
1867
East Suff Gaz 18 Jun 
1867
East Suff Gaz 30 Jul 

 
1867
1867

 
East Suff Gaz 27 Aug 
East Suff Gaz 12 Nov 
1869
East Suff Gaz 2 Nov 

1870 
1871 
 
1871 
 
1873 
 
 
1874 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Beccles Paper, 25 Jan 

BEER & WINE: William Thornton of Station Road to sell beer, foreign wine etc
TO LET: Two houses in Station Road. Apply WW Woodroffe, builder near Northgate or Mr Henry
Cutting, Station Road.

Beccles Paper, 6 Jun 
 
 
Beccles Paper, Jul 

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.

 
Beccles Paper, 24 Jun 

GOSPEL TENT: A large tent has been erected in Station Road, neat the Wesleyan Chapel, where on
Sunday last a religious service was held and the Gospel preached. The persons who preach, and take
part in the Service are quite unknown in Beccles and seem to be attached to no denomination.

 
 

 
 

For some time past a Mr Passmore has been labouring in the town in connection with a sect often
 
“Christian”. As the result of his efforts a number of persons have been induced to join the Society.”
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
through a preparatory service in the bath house, after which Mr Passmore stepped into the water
dipped each candidate in succession, who then made his or her way out of the chilling water.  
Amongst those immersed were several aged persons, who obtained a sympathy akin to pity from the  
rest of the onlookers, while going through their trying ordeal.
 
 
 
 
Albert. Edward Passmore was away from home on (presumably) a preaching mission at Botesdale,

Beccles Paper 19 May 
confused with the Plymouth Bretheren which calls itself by the somewhat tantalising name of  
 

 
 
men, which took place under rather adverse circumstances, the weather having lately been anything  
but favourable to a dip in the River.
 
proceedings, in the course of which the speaker explained to his own satisfaction that immersion was  
the proper mode of baptism, & referred at some length to its symbolic teaching. During this address,  
which was not listened to with the closest attention, the candidates for immersion were going  

On Wednesday afternoon two or three hundred persons assembled themselves at the new Bathing
place to witness the novel ceremony of the immersion of 11 persons in the River - six women & 5

The Service commenced at three o’clock, by an address to the persons assembled to witness the