An Account of Blythburgh in 1792
The following description is taken from The Universal British Directory, Vol.2, p.309, compiled in 1792 and published by Peter Barfort and John Wilkes in 1793.
Blythburgh, or Blythingburgh, (with two hamlets,) is an ancient town, 22 miles from Yarmouth, 5 from Southwold, 5 from Halesworth, 3 from the ancient city of Dunwich, and 97 from London. It is seated on the river Blyth, between Dunwich and Halesworth, in the road to Yarmouth. It is reckoned ancient, from several Roman urns dug up not many years ago among old buildings; and the sessions is supposed to have been held here in the Saxons time, because of it having the gaol for the division of Beccles. It has a large ancient church, 142 feet long and 54 feet broad within the walls; here are also the ruins of an old abbey. It was formerly a market–town, but has lost its charter. There is a fair annually, on old Lady-day.
The Yarmouth mail–coach, to and from London, passes through this town every day at ten o’clock in the forenoon and six in the afternoon, Exclusive of this coach, there are four others, viz. one from the Swan with Two necks, Ladlane, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning, at six o’clock; one from the Cross Keys, Gracechurch-street, every day, at six in the evening; one from the Saracen's Head, Aldgate, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, at six in the morning; and the other from the Four Swans, Bishopsgate-street, every morning, at seven o’clock. - The waggons to this place are two; that from the Ipswich Arms, Cullum-street, sets out every Thursday at noon; and that from the Saracen’s Head, Aldgate, every Monday, at 10 o’clock in the morning. – The vessel to this place, sails from Harrison’s wharf.
The inhabitants of this place are as follow:
TRADERS, &co.
- Ashbey Joseph, Milwright
- Gooch Robert, Farmer
- Adams John, Farmer
- Hatcher Richard, Shoemaker
- Beaumont Roger, Wheelwright
- Howlett Robert, Farmer
- Burton William, Shoemaker
- Knights Richard, Farmer
- Coates H. Farmer
- Lincon Mary, Shopkeeper
- Collings William, Farmer
- Peek James, (F.) Governor of the House of Industry
- Dodd William, Farmer
- Ellis Arthur, Farmer
- Puttock Samuel, Taylor
- Elmey Robert, (F.) Farmer
- Sherington Robert, (F.) Victualler (White Hart) and Farmer
- Farmer John, Miller
- Fella John, Farmer
- Forster Amus, (F.) Farmer
- Scamon William, Farmer
- Garret William, (F.) Labourer
- Whincap George, Blacksmith
- Wigg John, Farmer
(F.) = Freeholders entitled to vote.
Alan Mackley, Blythburgh, April 1994.
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Some Favourite Websites For May 2026:
Hetty’s Little Copy Shop – A wide range of printing services - including 3D - plus passport photos and more
The Little Copy Shop is in Thoroughfare, Halesworth, and offers all sorts of useful services involving printing, laminating, scanning, binding and copying plus various photographic services including passport photos.
Kate Mawdsley Printmaker – Buy unique and varied Lino Cut and Etching prints of the Blyth Valley countryside
It’s a wonderfully refreshing change to produce individual hand printed images. Each one is unique with its subtle variations in colour and texture. Kate only produces a very limited number of each print and particularly enjoys creating prints of the local Suffolk countryside.
Walberswick Ferry – Offering river trips as well as special occassion bookings
Climb aboard the launch Daybreeze and follow the River Blyth towards Blythburgh through Walberswick Nature Reserve - an Area of Outstanding National Beauty.
Wissett Village Hall – A well furnished and practical Village Hall for use for events up to 70 standing or 50 seated
Wissett Village Hall prides itself on high quality affordability and is used regularly for a wide variety of events, including but not limited to carpet bowls, yoga, meetings, dinners and parties, jumbles sales, quizzes, horticultural events and art classes.
Sandpiper Beach Hut – A Traditional beach hut on Southwold seafront available to rent by the week
Sandpiper Beach Hut is a traditional Southwold Beach Hut. It has an excellent position overlooking Southwold Beach and Promenade with superb sea views and a stunning sandy beach.