LOCAL HISTORY

In the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, the great port of Dunwich dominated the East Coast. Its excellent harbour sheltered many ‘great ships’ and fishing boats. Aldeburgh, with no haven, was an insignificant fishing village. But as storm followed storm, the fortunes of Dunwich declined, while to the North of Aldeburgh a haven was opening up. By 1500, Aldeburgh was emerging as a port and the town became more prosperous.

With the grant of its first Charter in 1529 Aldeburgh gained control over its own affairs. Eighteen years later Borough status was granted. Aldeburgh won the right to return two MPs to Parliament in 1571.

The early years of the seventeenth century saw many violent and destructive storms lash the Heritage Coast. The flimsy lathe and plaster cottages of Aldeburgh were badly damaged by wind and waves and many were lost to the sea.

Shipbuilding and trade however were thriving. Fishermen had a hard time battling the weather, but catches were good. Herring and sprats were caught locally and there were many smoke-houses in the town. Each year the Icelandic fleet set out in search of cod and other deep-sea fish. Porpoises were regularly caught with the fish and were highly prized. The town was also the birthplace of the poet Crabbe in 1754.

A Holiday Resort emerges

By 1800, Aldeburgh, “impoverished and depopulated by the encroachment of the sea” was hastening to decay but then the titled families, encouraged by the Hanoverian craze for the sea, began to recognise Aldeburgh and preferred it to the crowded beaches of the South Coast. Roads were improved and superior houses built as were the Town Steps.

The Marquis of Salisbury built The Casino (now part of Thellusson Lodge) at the north end of the Terrace, opposite the churchyard. Soon The Little Casino appeared next to it.

In 1829, Leveson Vernon, Lord of the Manor, built the Marine Villa at the North end overlooking the sea. This later became part of Aldeburgh Lodge and is now apartments.

In 1851 Aldeburgh’s very first RNLI lifeboat station was established with a wooden lifeboat house.