Secret Beccles

The ancient Suffolk market town of Beccles has a history of more than a thousand years, which saw it flourish as one of the principal trading communities in the county. Situated on the River Waveney it is often referred to as the ‘Gateway to the Southern Broads’.In ‘Secret Beccles’, local author Barry Darch sets out to discover the lesser-known and hidden aspects of the town’s heritage. At its heart lay two large market places: stories abound of tunnels leading to and from these areas; and a number of nearby buildings have large cellars with interesting architectural features.Many buildings have had several changes of use; for instance, the late Saxon St. Peter’s Church became a tannery and later a restaurant. A Georgian theatre that became a corn hall now lies hidden behind a branch of Lloyds Bank. Part of the town’s hidden past rests in the names of its streets and paths, such as Shipwreck Alley and Hungate, the street of the dogs. As well as the places and locations, the book will also uncover stories of those significant townsfolk across the ages, ranging from the heroes to the villains. The author also looks at gravestones and memorials and seeks out what secrets are revealed about the town in publications including books, newspapers, maps and letters.Featuring archive and contemporary images, ‘Secret Beccles’ includes a wealth of little-known or previously unpublished material, which will be of interest to residents, visitors and anyone with connections to the town.