|
Bungay
Town Trail
Exploring
historic buildings and places of interest in Bungay's ancient town centre.
Bungay
is a fine old market town, rich in history. The town centre is officially
recognised as a Conservation Area by English Heritage.
The
Town Trail includes virtually all of Bungay's historic buildings, churches
the River Waveney and shops of special interest. The routes are ideal
for visitors to the town and offer a chance to explore the 'old world
charm' that is unique to Bungay.
Both the
eastern route and the western route start at the Market Place and at
normal walking pace the trail can be completed in under two hours.
Eastern
Route
- See Western
Route
BUTTERCROSS
Bungay's famous Buttercross was rebuilt after the Great Fire of Bungay
in 1688. It Is situated in the Market Place and provides a prominent
starting point for the Town Trail. The seats under the Buttercross afford
a resting place where leaflets can be studied prior to setting out.
A weekly Thursday market has been held on this site since 1382.
In earlier times the Buttercross was also used as a prison with a dungeon
beneath. This was replaced in Georgian times by an iron cage. Within
this area are many fine shops offering personal attention typical of
Bungay.
BOROUGH
WELL
From the Butter Cross the Town Trail follows Cross Street, passing the
Buttercross Tea Rooms. Here the keys for the Borough Well can be obtained.
Entry to Borough Well Lane is made alongside Poulton Hall, a former
Methodist Chapel, now used as auction rooms. Descending the steps you
are led to the Borough Well which provided the public water supply from
Roman times until 1923, when water was piped to the Town from Outney
Common. The well is Tudor in construction and was restored by The Bungay
Society in 1935.
BRIDGE
STREET
A right turn at the end of the lane leads down Bridge Street, one of
Bungay's most historic and unspoilt street scenes. This was a busy commercial
area in Victorian times with numerous shops and pubs, but is now more
residential in character, Ron Buck's antique displays and the popular
Chequers Inn are highly recommended.
Further down the street at No 34 lies the Music House. Here the famous
statesman and author, Chateaubriand, took refuge during the French Revolution
in 1757.
FALCON
MEADOW - RIVERSIDE WALK
After crossing the River Waveney by footbridge the route bears right
past the old Falcon Inn and through a kissing gate to the Falcon Meadow.
Here, alongside the Waveney and amongst the lush water meadows, are
outstanding views of the Town including
St Mary's and Holy Trinity Churches.
BUNGAY
STAITHE
The walk continues along the Bigod Way access path, following the river
bank to the weir. Here the river can be recrossed to reach Bungay Staithe,
an area that brought considerable trading wealth to Bungay until navigation
ceased in 1934. Due to the quality of local oak trees and its position
on the Waveney, Bungay was for centuries involved in the construction
of wherries. In 1860 William Brighton, who built the famous wherry Albion,
worked in the Bungay Staithe area. Recent improvements by the Broads
Authority makes this location an ideal picnic site. On leaving the Staithe
in a southerly direction, the route passes the M'ffl House which has
recently been converted into flats. This ancient Mill ceased production
in 1960 when the Mill stream was filled.
STAITHE
ROAD
A right turn towards the Town leads to Staithe Road and the delightful
group of almshouses. These were built in 1S48 by Eliza Dreyer and endowed
for the benefit of poor widows in Bungay. At the end of Staithe Road
the classical Queen Anne lines of Trinity
Hall dominate the view.
HOLY
TRINITY CHURCH
The Saxon round tower predates the Castle and is the oldest complete
structure in the Town, On the outside door a brass plate commemorates
Holy Trinity's close escape from the ravages of the Great Fire of Bungay.
Visitors are welcome inside where monuments to former worthy citizens
of Bungay are in evidence.
Donations to the upkeep are appreciated.
St.
MARY'S CHURCH & PRIORY
A left turn through St. Mary's Churchyard passes the ruins of the Benedictine
Priory founded by Gundreda, wife of Roger Bigod, m 1160. St. Mary's
Church, with its prominent tower, dominates the local landscape and
is the most handsome building in Bungay. The
Church dates from the 12th century onwards and was severely damaged
in the Great Fire after which lhe south aisle and the lower were partially
rebuilt. St. Mary's is famous for a visit by the "Black Dog of
Bungay" in 1577 which, during a violent storm, terrihed the congregation.
In 1981 the Church was taken over by the Redundant Churches Fund jnow
the Churches Conservation Trust) and is supported locally by the Friends
of SI. Mary's. Visitors are welcome to view the Church.
Also see
Western Route
www.bungay-suffolk.co.uk
|
