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 June 2026:
Campsites.co.uk – A host of campsites on offer around Southwold and the Coast
Campsites.co.uk list a wide variety of camping and glamping sites throughout East Suffolk, for perfectly peaceful holidays.
North Manor Farmhouse – Ensuite B&B accommodation in beamed Suffolk farmhouse close to the Suffolk coast and Southwold
Two B&B rooms, both with en-suite. Guest lounge with open fire. Discount for stay exceeding three nights. Sorry, dogs not accepted.
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.
The Southwold Railway Trust Shop – For all sorts of quirky souvenirs of the Southwold Railway
The Southwold Railway shop fully supports the Southwold Railway, it's Trust and the Steamworks attraction in Southwold. The Southwold Railway was a 3ft gauge line running 9 miles between Halesworth and Southwold. The Trust was formed in 1994
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.