30 Facts About Beccles

Early Beginnings and Location

Beccles, a quaint market town in Suffolk, England, boasts a rich history dating back to Anglo-Saxon times. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about this charming town.

1. Early River-Port and Market Town: Beccles has been an early river-port and flourishing market town since Anglo-Saxon times. It ranked third in Suffolk after Ipswich and Bury St Edmunds in the Middle Ages.

2. Location: Beccles is located in the East Suffolk district, in the county of Suffolk, England. It lies on the A145 and A12 roads, situated 16 miles south-east of Norwich and 33 miles north-northeast of Ipswich.

3. River Waveney: The town is situated on the River Waveney, which marks the border between Norfolk and Suffolk. The river has played a significant role in the town's history and economy.

Architectural and Historical Landmarks

Beccles is known for its heritage setting, with many historical landmarks and architectural interests. Here are some key highlights.

4. Heritage Setting: Beccles is known for its heritage setting, with many historical landmarks and architectural interests. The town features small squares and winding streets with plenty of independent shops.

5. St Michael’s Church: One of the most notable landmarks in Beccles is St Michael’s Church, which includes a detached sixteenth-century bell tower that stands 97 feet tall. The tower is perpendicular Gothic in style and dominates the skyline.

6. Historical Significance: The church tower was originally much taller but was reduced in height due to the Reformation. Monks from St Edmundsbury Abbey built it, and in 1972, it was purchased by the Borough Council for just one penny.

7. Architectural Interest: Beccles is full of architectural interest, including the flint-faced, Grade 1 listed museum and various insightful plaques courtesy of The Beccles Society.

Market Places and Local Culture

Beccles has a vibrant local culture, with bustling markets and unique shops. Let's explore some of these cultural gems.

8. Market Places: The town has two market places by name: New Market and Old Market. New Market dates back to the 1500s, while Old Market is older by over 500 years and was the site of the original fish market.

9. Saltgate: One of the nearby streets, ‘Saltgate’, suggests that folk salted fish here too. This is hardly surprising given that Beccles was paying a tithe of 60,000 herring a year to the Abbey of St Edmund after 1066.

10. Fairtrade Town: Beccles has a real reputation for its unique and interesting shops, many of which are independent retailers. The town is also a Fairtrade town.

11. Local Ales: Norfolk wherries have lent their names to some fine local ales, adding to the town's charm and cultural heritage.

Historical Figures and Celebrations

Beccles has connections to notable historical figures and events. Here are some intriguing facts.

12. Lord Horatio Nelson: Beccles has links to England’s greatest naval hero, Lord Horatio Nelson, through his parents. His mother, Catherine Suckling, was born at nearby Barsham and later married at St Michael’s Church in Beccles.

13. Napoleon Bonaparte’s Defeat: The people of Beccles celebrated Napoleon Bonaparte’s final defeat with a great bonfire party on The Common in 1814. The spot is still known as ‘Boney’s Island’.

Beccles Quay and Outdoor Activities

Beccles Quay is a favorite spot for both residents and visitors. It offers a range of activities and scenic views.

14. Beccles Quay: Beccles Quay is the Southern Gateway to The Broads, a wildly beautiful part of East Anglia made up of land, shallow artificial lakes, and waterways. The quay is a firm favourite with residents and visitors who enjoy being on or beside the river.

15. Events and Activities: Beccles Quay hosts a number of events and is part of a town that’s much-loved by families, walkers, and anyone with an interest in wildlife. The River Waveney marks the border between Norfolk and Suffolk, offering various water activities and scenic views.

16. Beccles Fen: Together with Beccles Common, Beccles Fen was part of lands granted by charter to the town of Beccles by Queen Elizabeth I in 1584. Today, the Beccles Fenland Trust manages the lands, with Beccles Town Council acting as sole trustee.

Historical Landmarks and Annual Events

Beccles is home to many historical landmarks and hosts annual events that attract visitors from far and wide.

17. Historical Landmarks: The ancient streets on the north and east sides of Beccles are dominated by striking Georgian-style houses built after a great fire. These houses add to the town’s architectural charm and historical significance.

18. St Michael’s Church Font: Inside St Michael’s Church is a 13th-century font, which is a fine example of Perpendicular Gothic architecture. The church also contains a peel of 10 bells that are rung each week.

19. Beccles Carnival: The annual Beccles Carnival and Family Fun weekend is held during the third weekend in August. This event includes the popular Duck Race on the River Waveney, which attracts many visitors.

Community and Sports

Beccles has a strong sense of community, with various clubs and organizations that bring people together.

20. Local Newspaper: The town’s local newspaper is the weekly Beccles & Bungay Journal, formed in 1933. This newspaper provides news and updates about local events and activities.

21. Scouting Groups: Two Scout Association groups, 2nd Beccles and 5th Beccles, operate in the town, as do Girlguiding groups. Beccles Sea Cadets and Beccles Royal Marines Cadets run Training Ship Brave, and the town is also home to 759 (Beccles) Air Cadets.

22. Cricket Club: Beccles Cricket Club, founded in 1955, plays on Beef Meadow on Beccles Common. They run two senior men's teams, a women's softball team, and junior teams from the under-11 age group through to under-15.

23. Football Clubs: Beccles' main football club is Beccles Town, established in 1919. As of the 2023–24 season, they are members of the Anglian Combination Premier Division. Beccles also has a football team called Beccles Caxton, with "Caxton" being a name commonly found in Beccles.

Shopping, Eating, and River Activities

Beccles offers plenty of opportunities for shopping, dining, and enjoying river activities.

24. Shopping and Eating: Beccles offers plenty of opportunities for shopping and eating. The town features a variety of independent shops and restaurants, including the Beccles Antiques Street Market, which is held twice a year in May and August.

25. River Activities: Visitors to Beccles can enjoy various river activities such as hiring a canoe, kayak, or day boat from Hippersons Boatyard. They can also take a guided tour of the placid waterways or spend a night or two enjoying the sounds of the river with a stay in a houseboat or floating glamping pod.

26. Beccles Lido: The town has a popular lido where visitors can enjoy a dip. Riverside walks are also a popular activity, offering scenic views of the River Waveney and its surroundings.

Visitor Information and Accessibility

Beccles ensures that visitors have access to necessary facilities and information to make their stay enjoyable.

27. Public Toilets and Baby Changing Facilities: Beccles has several public toilets and baby changing facilities located at various car parks and market places. These facilities are designed to be accessible for all visitors.

28. Visitor Information Points: Visitor Information Points (VIPs) are located at various locations in Beccles, including Beccles Books, Beccles Library, Station Cafe, Bear & Bells, and Sportstore. These points provide detailed information about the town and its attractions.

29. Access Guides: AccessAble provides detailed access guides to Suffolk, including places to stay, attractions, places to eat, stations, shops, trails, and more. These guides help visitors plan their trip and ensure that all locations are accessible.

30. Transportation: Beccles has limited public transport services, but there are journey solutions through various local community transport services. Local bus services leave from Beccles Bus Station to Lowestoft, Waveney, and Norwich. Timetables and further information can be found at Suffolk on Board. The town’s rail station is located on Station Road, with direct train services by Greater Anglia to Lowestoft and Ipswich, offering connections to London Liverpool Street and Cambridge.

Beccles: A Hidden Gem Worth Exploring

Beccles, with its rich history and charming atmosphere, offers a unique blend of heritage and modern-day attractions. From the towering St Michael’s Church to the bustling Beccles Quay, there's something for everyone. The town's architectural interest, independent shops, and local events like the Beccles Carnival make it a vibrant place to visit. Whether you're interested in historical landmarks, river activities, or simply enjoying a stroll through winding streets, Beccles has it all. The town's connection to Lord Horatio Nelson and its celebration of Napoleon Bonaparte’s defeat add intriguing historical layers. With visitor information points and access guides, planning a trip is a breeze. Beccles is more than just a market town; it's a destination that promises a memorable experience for all who visit.