Southwold, Suffolk

Southwold Pier

This shows the original, full length pier in all it's glory before gradual destruction. Now recently restored it is nevertheless much shorter. The photo must have been taken from the old Grand Hotel.

The Grand Hotel

I was born in Southwold but left there many years ago. This view shows the Grand Hotel which was demolished in the late 1950's. It was derelict for many years, this being the only way I remember it. As a child it was very daring to venture into it - undoubtedly potentially dangerous in view of the state of it and something which could never happen today. I particularly remember the peonies which grew in the abandoned grounds, which seemed to me at the time very exotic.

Suffolk - A Second Selection Photographic Memories

The lighthouse, seen here from St James’s Green, was built in 1890: ‘the light is of 800 candle power and occulates twice every 20 seconds’. On the left are Adelaide Cottage and Caithness House. Several of the terraced houses have had bay windows added to the first floor rooms. The Sole Bay Inn was run by Mrs Maria Powditch. Beyond is the parish church, rebuilt 1430-60.

Suffolk Photographic Memories

Broad pavements and a dirt road characterise this turn-of-the-century view. These days, the renowned Crown Hotel presents less of a stark exterior, with a lighter colour scheme, and potted plants and shrubs.

Suffolk Photographic Memories

Close to the point where the cliffs begin to rise from the beach at Southwold is the Sailor’s Reading Room. It was founded in 1864 by a naval widow, whose intentions were ‘to wean the fishermen from their alleged failings - going to sea on the Sabbath, and getting drunk on any day of the week’. The beach itself is dotted with numerous fishing boats.