Secret Beccles

The ancient Suffolk market town of Beccles has a history of more than a thousand years, and local author Barry Darch sets out to discover its lesser-known and hidden aspects in his book "Secret Beccles". The book explores the town's two large marketplaces, nearby buildings with large cellars, and the names of its streets and paths, including Shipwreck Alley and Hungate. It also uncovers stories of significant townsfolk across the ages and explores gravestones and memorials. The book features archive and contemporary images and includes a wealth of little-known or previously unpublished material, making it of interest to residents, visitors, and anyone with connections to the town.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 15 July 2022
Publisher: Amberley Publishing

Beccles, an ancient market town in Suffolk, boasts a millennium-long history that saw it rise to prominence as one of the county's principal trading centers. Nestled along the River Waveney, it is affectionately known as the 'Gateway to the Southern Broads.' In his book, Secret Beccles, local author Barry Darch delves into the lesser-known and hidden facets of the town's heritage. At the heart of Beccles lies two bustling marketplaces, the newer of which, dating back to the fourteenth century, remains in active use for a weekly market and special events. Several nearby buildings also boast large cellars with intriguing architectural features. Over the years, many buildings have undergone multiple transformations, exemplified by the late Anglo-Saxon St. Peters Church, which transitioned from a place of worship to a tannery and later a restaurant. A Georgian theater, once a corn hall, now lies concealed behind a branch of Lloyds Bank. Part of Beccles' hidden past is woven into the names of its streets and paths, including Shipwreck Alley and Hungate, the latter known as the street of dogs. Beyond the physical landmarks, the book uncovers the stories of significant townsfolk across ages, ranging from heroes to villains. Darch also explores gravestones and memorials, uncovering secrets revealed through publications such as books, newspapers, maps, and letters. Secret Beccles is adorned with archival and contemporary images, providing a wealth of little-known or previously unpublished material that will captivate residents, visitors, and anyone with ties to the town.

Weight: 282g
Dimension: 233 x 165 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781445697529