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Celebrating Heritage, BK27

early modern

CREDIT:Karen High FB Mariners score

A good deal has been written about the scores over the years - not all of it accurate. What follows here is an account of these footways, working from north to south, and looking at them in both a topographical and historical context. The main sources used for the study are a Manor Roll of 1618 (which gives a complete account of landholding in the parish, together with location and tenancy stated) and a series of Manor Court minute books dating from 1582-85 and 1616-1756.

Added: 1 February, 2024
Beacon Stones CREDIT:The Lowestoft Archaeological & Local History Society

What you see is the remains of the base of a beacon, one of a pair erected in 1550 (on the orders of the Marquis of Northampton), to warn of attack from the sea.

Added: 22 September, 2023
Stamp

The Lay Subsidy of 1524-5 (1) see also (2)

This national taxation measure was approved by Parliament in 1523, to raise money for war to be waged with France and Scotland (who else!), and with a hoped for total of £800,000 as its aim. As with previous countrywide levies, it was based on the value of lands held and rented out (where this was the major source of income), on movable goods (where these served the same purpose) and on wages for men of labouring or servant status.

Added: 20 September, 2024

building

Surviving internal timber framing

See also Overview and Commentary 

Added: 21 January, 2024
42

#LowestoftDaysOfChristmas 10th day.. FROM SWAN INN and CROMWELL's HQ to well loved shops in many guises. Nos. 41-42 High Street, as seen today, are replacement buildings for "The Swan" inn, which once occupied the site and served as one of Lowestoft's premier hostelries during the 16th and 17th centuries. It was where Oliver Cromwell stayed overnight on 14 March 1643/44, when he came to Lowestoft (from Cambridge) with a force of cavalry, having heard tell of a shipment of arms either entering or leaving the town (it has never been established which).

Added: 21 December, 2023
book

Lowestoft, 1550-1750: Development and Change in a Suffolk Coastal Town by David Butcher

A detailed history of the town of Lowestoft, its society, economy, and topography. `A superbly researched study.... An excellent addition not only to the history of Suffolk but of early modern society and economy more generally.' Professor RICHARD SMITH, University of Cambridge.

Added: 12 November, 2023

1670's The Lowestoft Lights were re-built again. A few years previously John Clayton had erected a coal-light a couple of miles north at Corton. Clayton's efforts to build lighthouses at various locations around the coast were seen by Trinity Brethren as being a threat to their monopoly.

Added: 23 September, 2023
Old book 1700

Heritage Auctions, HA.com have kindly sent us high resolution images of a famous book actually signed by Lowestoft architect George Glover (1811-1890)  Book: A parallel of the ancient architecture with the modern (1773)

Added: 23 September, 2023
Ships

The naval Battle of Lowestoft in June 1665 was the first of the Second Anglo-Dutch War. Held 40 miles (64 km) off the coast, it was a clear victory for the English over the Dutch.

Added: 23 September, 2023