Rootstrek Beccles

As much time I spent analyzing and navigating my way around a Beccles map, both ancient and modern, I wasn't prepared for exactly how tiny Beccles really is. Everything (except for the Tesco Supermarket) is TINY! (Keep in mind, however, I'm coming from TEXAS!) If you ever go - and you drive there - I would strongly suggest getting the smallest car possible.

I have to say - I LOVED it there! It was dark by the time we arrived. It was difficult navigating our way through narrow, dark corridors to find our assigned parking space for our stay at 24 Northgate (which will have it's own blog post). But once we were safely parked, pretty much everything was within walking distance. And, by the way, walking is the way to go. We spent two nights in Beccles and had to change accommodations, requiring us to move the car. Because of school zones, road construction/closure, and disorientation, it took almost an hour to navigate our way to a paid parking lot less than one mile away - and we had to go the wrong way down a short, one-way road to do it!

St. Michael's is the name of the parish church in Beccles. (It's also the name of the parish church in Geldeston, right across the river.) It's where Catherine's mother, Susannah Berry Knights, was christened. It's also where many of the members of the Knights, Berry, and Brown families worshiped prior to joining the Independent Chapel, now known as Hungate Church.

St. Michael's Parish Church, Beccles

Looking north from the churchyard.

Yet another awesome brick wall.

I have a sister who would probably love this place.

Hungate Church (formerly Independent Chapel) on Hungate Lane.

Our accommodations our second night in Beccles.

One of the highlights of our trip was visiting the Benjamin Brown family home and business. As discussed in a previous post, Ben's saddlery shop is now Beccles Books. The family lived upstairs. I don't know what kind of business is conducted currently in the upstairs offices, but I did at least get up the courage to ascend the stairs and ask for admittance. Pictures taken through the upstairs windows helped to set the stage as to what the Brown family themselves would have seen during their residence in Beccles. Although everything looks entirely different through countless upgrades and remodels, it was way cool just to be there and imagine life the way these family members experienced it.