Quirky Lowestoft

Lowestoft is the UK’s most easterly town. The settlement originally grew up around its fishing industry, particularly for herring, before being developed as a resort in the nineteenth century. Shipbuilding and television manufacturing also flourished but these have declined in modern times, together with a large reduction in the fishing fleet. The town suffered from aerial and naval bombardment during the First and Second World Wars. Oil and gas energy industries are now a significant part of Lowestoft’s employment and commerce, as well as heavy involvement in the Sizewell C project, which aims to move towards more renewable energy.

In Quirky Lowestoft local author Bill Lovelock delves into the fascinating tales from Lowestoft’s past and what makes it unusual today. From curious characters and the town’s deep connections to the sea, to unusual structures and uncanny events. Readers will find stories of the Victorian engineer and diving pioneer whose grave is marked by a large boulder, the translator of Persian literature who ran a herring lugger with a Lowestoft fisherman, the Tudor-built pub where a landlord took out insurance against poltergeists, the characteristic deep alleyways known as ‘Scores’ and much, much more. Quirky Lowestoft celebrates the unusual and often strange history of Lowestoft and its characters over the years. This fascinating insight into the town will be of interest to all those who want to know more about its quirky history.