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The most easterly town in Britain has its heyday as a major fishing port during the late 19th and early 20th centuries when it was a mighty rival to Great Yarmouth in the herring fishing industry. That industry has been in major decline since World War I but Lowestoft is still a fishing post and the trawlers still chug into the harbour in the early morning with the catches of the night.
Lowestoft is also a popular holiday resort, the star attraction being the lovely South Beach with its golden sands, safe swimming, two piers and all the expected seaside amusement and entertainment. Claremont Pier over 600 feet in length was built in 1902 ready to receive day trippers on the famous Belle steamers. The buildings in this part of town were developed in mid-Victorian times by the company of Sir Samuel Morton Peto, also responsible for Nelson's Column, the statues in the Houses of Parliament, the Reform Club and Somerleyton Hall.
At the heart of the town is the old harbour home to the Royal Norfolk and Suffolk Yacht Club and the lifeboat station. Further upriver is the commercial part of the port used chiefly by ships carrying grain and timber. The history of Lowestoft is naturally tied up with the sea.
Lowestoft had England's first lighthouse installed in 1609. The present one dates from 1874.
St Margaret's Church notable for its decorated ceiling and copper-covered spire is a memorial to seafarers and the north aisle has panels recording the names of fishermen lost at sea from 1865 to 1923. |
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