The market town of Beccles lies on the River Waveney, close to the Norfolk Broads, and floods have been part of its history. Once a river port, it is still a boating centre. Its Saxon and Norse origins can be seen in many of the street names, as can its wealth in medieval and pre-Industrial Revolution times with its numerous historic buildings. More recent industries included printing, tanning and a corset factory, and the Nobel Prize-winning chemist Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin was educated in Beccles. A–Z of Beccles reveals the history behind the town, its streets and buildings, businesses and the people connected with it. Alongside the famous historical connections are unusual characters, tucked-away places and unique events that are less well known. Fully illustrated with photography, it will appeal to all those with an interest in this historic Suffolk town.
