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Aldeburgh the Prosperous Years
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 our shores: flimsy lathe and plaster cottages were badly damaged by wind and waves and many were lost to the sea.
Shipbuilding and trade were thriving. Fishermen had a hard time battling the weather, but catches were good. Herring and sprats were caught locally (there were many smoke-houses in the town) and every 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:.
Poverty was increasing as a result of increasing demands for money and men for the Civil War, outbreaks of sickness and attacks by pirates. But the town did its best to look after its orphans and poor children.
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 our shores: flimsy lathe and plaster cottages were badly damaged by wind and waves and many were lost to the sea.
Shipbuilding and trade were thriving. Fishermen had a hard time battling the weather, but catches were good. Herring and sprats were caught locally (there were many smoke-
Poverty was increasing as a result of increasing demands for money and men for the Civil War, outbreaks of sickness and attacks by pirates. But the town did its best to look after its orphans and poor children.
