Beccles, situated on the river Waveney, which is navigable up from Yarmouth; it contains 658 houses, and a population of 3493 persons. This town is the third in the county. The church is a noble Gothic structure, with a fine steeple at some distance from it, in which is a fine ring of ten bells. Here are also two dissenting meeting-houses. The ruins of another church called Ingate church, are to be seen here, which was formerly the parish church. The town consists of several streets, which centre in a spacious area, where the market is kept. The church-yard affords one of the finest prospects in Europe, situate on the banks of the river Waveney, commanding the most picturesque and expansive views. The town-hall is a good building, in which the quarter-sessions are held. The gaol is considerably enlarged upon the modern plan, and a chaplain attends once a week.

It is a town corporate (but sends no members to parliament), consisting of a portreeve and thirty-six others, who are distinguished by the name of the twelves and the twenty-fours. The office of portreeve is holden in rotation by the twelves.

Here is a good grammar school (nominally a free one) founded in the year 1712 by Dr. Fauconbergh, who by will left certain lands, lying in Corton and the towns adjoining, near Lowestoft, for a clergyman, nominated by the trustees, to qualify youth for the University. Also a free English school, founded in the year 1631, by Sir John Leman. The market is on Saturday, and it is well supplied with every necessary.

This town is remarkable for instances of longevity; for the air is salubrious and free from every noxious quality. Here was an extensive common, containing near 1600 acres, by which the poor have been particularly benefited, being allowed to turn on several head of cattle on easy terms: the management of the common is vested in the corporation.

The roads near this place are extremely good, and the inhabitants not burthened with turnpike duties. The intention was, however, to have carried the turnpike-road through the town; but at a public meeting the plan was rejected, and negatived by a considerable majority.

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BECCLES is an ancient market town, municipal borough, head of petty sessional division, in the Northern division of the county, on the borders of Norfolk, 109 miles from London, 40 north-east from Ipswich, 18 south-east from Norwich, 14 south-west from Yarmouth, 10 west from Lowestoft by road and 8 ½ miles by rail and 6 east from Bungay, in Wangford hundred and union, rural deanery of Wangford, archdeaconry of Suffolk and diocese of Norwich. There is a station on the East Suffolk branch of the Great Eastern railway, with diverging lines to Lowestoft, and through Bungay and Harleston to the Eastern Union line at Tivetshall. The town is pleasantly seated on the river Waveney, which is navigable as far as the bridge for vessels of 100 tons burthen from Lowestoft, and by which a considerable traffic has been carried on, though now much diminished by the railways.

The streets mostly converge to the New Market in the centre, and are broad, well paved, sewered, and lighted with gas by a company under an Act passed in 1854.

The town was incorporated by Queen Elizabeth, under letters patent granted in July 1584, in which the style of the Corporation appears as the “Portreeve, Surveyors, and Commonalty of the Fen of Beccles,” the municipal body consisting of a portreeve, steward, 12 principal and 24 inferior burgesses, and so remained until the passing of the “Municipal Corporations Act” of 1835 (5 & 6 Wm. IV. c. 76), under the provisions of which it now consists of a mayor, four aldermen and twelve councillors. The Corporation was declared (14 Jan. 1876) a local authority under s. 68 of the “Explosives Act, 1875” (38 & 39 Vict. c. 17).

The borough possesses an extensive estate, formerly part of the possessions of Bury Abbey, and rented from the abbey by the inhabitants for 10 marks annually: at the dissolution of the monasteries, it was granted by Henry VIII. after much contention, to William Rede, merchant, in trust, for the benefit of himself and other inhabitants of Beccles; but in consequence of further disputes, the fee was eventually surrendered to the Crown, and regranted to the town on its incorporation in 1584; it is held of the Crown by fealty and a yearly fee farm rent of 13s. 4d. The estate consists of about 958 acres of marsh and common land, the value of which has been considerably augmented by the drainage of the marshes, begun in 1857.

The Beccles Water Works Company was incorporated in 1870: the reservoirs from which Beccles is supplied are upon the highest ground in the vicinity, three-quarters of a mile from the town and 50 feet above the level of the higher and 90 feet above the lower streets; the water, which is pumped into the reservoirs from deep wells on the same site, is excellent in quality.

The church of St. Michael, standing near the New Market and overlooking the meadows, is a structure of flint in the Perpendicular style, consisting of chancel, clerestoried nave of eight bays, aisles, north and south porches, with detached stone tower, 92 feet in height, standing a short distance from the south-eastern angle of the church and erected about 1515, but never completely finished: it contains an illuminated clock and a peal of 10 bells: the south porch is a fine specimen of Florid Gothic, and has on the front the arms of Bury Abbey: the north porch is plainer: the stained east window was placed and a new reredos erected in 1886 at a cost of £700, and there are several other stained windows, some being memorials to members of the Crowfoot family, of Beccles: there are 1,460 sittings. The register dates from the year 1585. The living is a rectory, net yearly value £245 and Easter offerings, with residence, in the gift of Simeon’s trustees, and held since 1882 by the Rev. John Rowsell MA. of Trinity College, Cambridge, hon canon of Norwich, rural dean of Wangford and South Elmham and surrogate. The church library, placed in a chamber above the south porch, contains various standard works in divinity and other subjects; the rector for the time being is trustee of the library, and with his consent parishioners may take books out gratuitously for a specified time.

The Mission Hall, in Ingate street, is a structure of red brick in the Gothic style, erected in 1881 by the late Rev. Edmund Hollond MA. of Benhall, Saxmundham (d. 1884), at a cost of £1,000; it will seat 200 persons: services are held on Sundays by the rector or his curate; and on week days lectures are given and meetings held here.

There is also a Mission Room in Ravensmere, seating too, where services are conducted by a scripture reader.

St. Benet's Catholic Church stands at the junction of the Barsham, Ringsfield and St. Marys roads. The mission was commenced in 1889 by the Benedictines of Downside (Somerset), and is now in charge of the Rev. Francis M. Fulton O.S.B. assisted by the Rev. William Anthony Bulbeck O.S.B. and the Rev. Henry B. Weld-Blundell O.S.B. who reside here. A new church of stone, in the Romanesque style, is now in course of erection, of which the nave, aisles and confessional are being completed, at a cost of over £7,000. A convent of Dominican Nuns of the 3rd order, founded by Miss Bathurst, was established in Grange road in 1896, and dedicated to St. Catherine. The sisters, who are certificated teachers, are in charge of the school.

The Martyrs' Memorial chapel (Baptist), in Station Road, is a memorial of the three Beccles martyrs, viz., Thomas Spicer, John Denny, and Edmund Poole, who were burned near this spot on the 21st of May, 1556; it was re-erected in 1860 and has 800 sittings, and attached is a school room.

The Wesleyan chapel in Station road, built in 1872, will seat 240 persons.

The Congregational chapel, in Hungate street, was built in 1812 and enlarged in 1836, and has 750 sittings; a school, with lecture room, was built and a new organ placed in the chapel in 1878, at a cost of £2,300.

The Primitive Methodist chapel, in Smallgate street, was erected in 1872, and will seat 250.

The Parish Cemetery, originally of 5 acres and laid out in 1854 under the Burials Act, with two mortuary chapels, was enlarged in 1886 by the addition of 5 ½ acres and is under the control of a Burial board of nine members. The churchyard and a burial ground at Ingate have been closed by the Secretary of State’s order; both of these are held in trust for the purposes of reserved graves under the rector and churchwardens, in whom the sole rights are vested, save and except those imposed under the Cemetery Acts, which require that the Burial Board shall keep them in decent order: the churchyard has been fenced round and greatly improved, and seats are provided for wayfarers.

The Corn Hall, formerly used as a theatre, is at the back of Messrs. Lacons’ Bank, with an entrance in Exchange square.

The Town Hall, at the top of Station road, erected in 1786 and improved in 1820, is an edifice of red brick and will hold 600 persons.

The Council Chamber, in Smallgate street, erected about 1830, is a small building of white brick, and is used for the meetings of the feoffees, the corporation and the school board.

The old Town Hall, near the church, a structure of red brick dating from 1726, has been appropriated to the use of the Public Subscription Library, now consisting of 8,000 volumes, and under the control of a committee of 12 members. The Literary Institute, founded in 1872, also occupies rooms here, including a reading room with a small library: the Institute had in 1900 90 members and is managed by a committee of 11 members.

The old Gaol, or House of Correction, abutting on Newgate street, was altered in 1874, the centre being converted into a spacious Court House, and the left wing into a residence for the police; the right wing is used as a lock-up, prisoners being sent to Norwich. Petty Sessions and County Courts are now held at the Court House.

The Hospital, near the Fair close, was erected in 1874, at a cost of about £1,500, on a site presented by John Crisp esq.: two wards were added in 1887, at a cost of about £400: there are now 15 beds.

Messrs. Barclay & Co. Limited, formerly Messrs. Gurney, Birkbeck, Barclay & Co. have a bank in the New market, and Messrs. Lacons, Youell & Kemp, in Exchange square.

Here are several extensive maltings, including that of John Crisp & Son; here also are the agricultural implement works of Mr. Samuel F. Field, the engineering works of Messrs. Elliott & Garrood Limited, and the nursery grounds of Messrs. Laws & Son; besides several wind and steam corn mills; bricks and tiles are also manufactured and Messrs. William Clowes & Sons Lim. the eminent printers, of London, have their country branch establishment here.

The market for corn is held on Friday, and the town is well supplied with provisions of all kinds.

An extensive sale for stock is held on alternate Fridays by Messrs. Read, Stanford & Gayford at their Beccles Stock Mart, Blyburgate street; and Messrs. George Durrant & Sons, at their Beccles Auction Mart, adjoining the railway station.

In addition to the Corporation Estate previously mentioned, there is also the Feoffment Estate, which produces about £200 yearly, and although strictly speaking the trust is for “the benefit, profit and common utility of the inhabitants of Beccles," it is principally applied in different ways for the benefit of the poor residing in the town; the Corporation funds partly providing for cleansing, lighting and other public and general purposes. There are many other charities, and almshouses for aged widows in Pudding Moor and Fair Close. Robert Girling, by his will, dated 20th May, 1676, left the sum of £50 to the Corporation of Beccles, the interest to be applied towards apprenticing poor boys; this charity produces £3 yearly: Wards legacy of £2 12s. yearly is distributed in bread, the poor receiving one shillingsworth weekly. The Lyons Russell gift, bequeathed in 1885, is a yearly rent-charge of £22,which is distributed in coal every December to twenty poor persons. The Hermitage inn, the Staithe, the Poors’ Pightle, and the clerk’s piece, produce £57 12s. yearly, which is placed in the hands of the churchwardens for the repair of the fabric of the church and the payment of the clerk.

Roos, or Rose Hall, the property and residence of Frederic William Darby Robinson esq. J.P. is an ancient mansion in the Elizabethan style, near the town, and lately restored.

In 1863 an avenue was made by the Corporation from the Station road to the Common, at a cost of about £1,000; it is 60 feet in width and a quarter of a mile in length; along it have been planted elm trees, besides shrubs and flowers; the whole is inclosed with iron fencing.

The Corporation of Beccles. are lords of the manor and the principal landowners. F. W. Hotham esq. Frederic William D. Robinson esq. John Edwin Crisp esq. with others, are also landowners here.

The area of the parish is 2,015 acres of land, 2 of water, and 20 of tidal water, including marsh and common lands; assessable value, £22,677; the population in 1881 was 5,721, and in 1891 was 6,669.

Petty Sessions are held in the Court house every alternate Friday, at 2 o’clock noon. The places in the Petty Sessional division are :-Beccles, Barsham, Ellough, North Cove, Redisham, Ringsfield, Shadingfield, Shipmeadow, Sotterley, Weston, Willingham, Worlmgham & the hamlet of Hulver Street.

VOLUNTEERS

1st Norfolk Volunteer Artillery, Eastern Division Royal Garrison Artillery, No. 4 & 8 Companies; drill hall, Peddar's lane.

2nd Volunteer Battalion Norfolk Regiment (G & H Cos.); orderly room, Old market.

WANGFORD UNION

Board day, Monday (fortnightly), at the Board room, Shipmeadow, at 10.30 a.m.

The Union comprises the following places:-All Saints & St. Nicholas (South Elmham), Barsham, Beccles, Bungay Holy Trinity, Bungay St. Mary, Ellough, Flixton, Homersfield, Mettingham, North Cove, Redisham, Ringsfield, St. Andrew (Ilketshall), St. Cross (South Elmham), or Sandcroft, St. James (South Elmham), St. John (Ilketshall), St. Lawrence (Ilketshall), St. Margaret (Ilketshall), St. Margaret (South Elmham), St. Michael (South Elmham), St. Peter (South Elmham), Shadingfield, Shipmeadow, Sotterley, Weston, Willingham & Worlingham. The population of the union in 1891 was 15,301; area, 35,570 acres; assessable value in 1900, £52,904.

The Workhouse, Shipmeadow, is a structure of brick, available for 450 inmates.

PLACES OF WORSHIP, with times of services

St. Michael’s Church, Rev. Canon John Rowsell MA. rector; Rev. Ernest Pelham Percy Lee Thompson MA. curate; 8 a.m. (H.C.). 10.45 a.m. 3 & 6.45 p.m.; Wed. 11 a.m. & Thur. 7.30 p.m.; Fri. 11 a.m.; seats 1,460.

Mission Hall, Ingate street (Church of England), service by rector or curate, 6.30 p.m.; seats 200.

Mission Hall, Ravensmeer (Church of England) 2.30 p.m.; Tues. 7.30 p.m.; seats 100.

Christ Church, The Grange, 6.30 p.m.; seats 100.

St. Benet’s Catholic Church, Rev. Francis M. Fulton O.S B., Rev. William Anthony Burbeck O.S.B. & Rev. Henry B. Weld-Blundell O.S.B.; Sunday mass 8 & 10.30 a.m.; catechism 11.30 a.m.; evening service & benediction 6.30 p.m.; daily mass 7.30 a.m.; Wed. benediction 7.30 p.m.; seats 250.

Martyrs’ Memorial (Baptist), Station road, Rev. Frank Fells; 10.30 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.; Tues. & Thur. 7.30 p.m.; seats 800.

Congregational, Hungate st.; 10.45 a.m. & 6.30p.m.; Thur. 7.30 p.m.; Rev. William Heather MA; seats 750.

Primitive Methodist, Smallgate street, Rev. Timothy Archer; 10.30 a.m. 2.30 & 6.30 p.m.; Mon. 7.30 p.m.; Tues. 8 p.m.; seats 250.

Wesleyan, Station road, Rev. Caleb Arthur Walker 10.30 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.; Thur. 7.30 p.m.; seats 292.

SCHOOLS

The Fauconberge School, Baliygate street, was founded by Dr. Fauconberge in 1712, who endowed it with an estate, which was sold in 1886 & the purchase money invested in £3 per Cent. Consols, now producing; about £135 yearly; the headmaster is nominated by the Bishop of Norwich, the Archdeacon of Suffolk &. the rector of Beccles; but the testator’s original object was Tather to induce a person qualified to give instruction in the higher branches of education to reside in Beccles than to found a Free Grammar school.

Sir John Leman’s school, Ballygate street, was founded by Sir John Leman knt. alderman of London, by his will, dated 8th July, 1631; the endowment consists of school buildings, including master’s residence, together with land in the vicinity of Beccles, now let aft the average annual gross rent of £60; the school is now administered under a scheme of the Charity Commissioners, dated 19 July, 1883, by a body of 12 governors, & has a number of scholarships of £5 each.

A School Board of 5 members was formed in 1872, Tola P. Angell, Blyburgate street, clerk to the board. The board meet at the Council room every second Wednesday in every month.

Board, Peddar’s lane, erected in 1877, for 254 boys, 176 girls & 299 infants; average attendance, 186 boys, 182 girls & 145 infants. New class rooms were added to the boys and girls schools in 1895; each for the accommodation of 60 children.

National, Ravensmeer, erected in 1868, for 200 boys, 200 girls & 180 infants; average attendance, 170 boys, 170 girls & 150 infants.

Catholic, Ringsfield road, opened in 1897, for 110 scholars; average attendance about 66; the Sisters of St. Catherine’s convent, teachers.

WATER CONVEYANCE

Wherries to Yarmouth & Lowestoft, from the wharf, Gillingham; Darby Brothers, proprietors.

Steamers from Harrison’s wharf, St. Katherine’s, London, Wed. & Sat.; John Crisp & Son, proprs. Beccles.