Suffolk’-ation to Modernisation: The aspects that contributed towards the transformation, change and

development of Stowmarket as a town throughout the 19th to the 20th century. (9998)

By Andrew Stoten
Student: 1006047

Abstract:
1
Though the limited majority of local history about the Suffolk town of Stowmarket had either
been published by local historians or through census data, maps and directory information
throughout the 19th and 20th Century, publications focusing upon the town's transformation are
non-existent. Also, because I had collected all the relevant information towards writing the
dissertation on Stowmarket's history, I was indeed confused upon what to write about and how
to structure it. However, because of the inspiration from Robert Malster's sentence, 'Stowmarket
is a phenomenon', my research progressed towards how and why the town had changed, to the
extent of this statement.
Therefore, this dissertation report is written towards explaining the various examples upon how
the Suffolk town of Stowmarket had changed and transformed from the beginning of the 19th
towards the present century (1800-2000). The report would focus upon the economical changes
presented to the town through the obvious changes witnessed in sections of Stowmarket
(including housing, the population, construction and demolition, and the development of roads
and transport services); the various examples of Agriculture and Industries; the developments
and differences in leisure and local culture, which would include the spread of religion and
Church construction; Public Services, The effect of the World Wars on Stowmarket and lastly
Education and Schooling. Though it is obvious that any town in Suffolk and England would
inevitably change during this time cycle, the chapters towards presenting the cultural, social and
obvious changes which had either benefited or caused a hindrance towards the town, and lastly
will reflect upon the comparison and framework of change generally in Suffolk and England
throughout this time-period.

Acknowledgements:

2
I would like to thank the staff at Abbots Hall for providing me with access to census, maps and
directory documents upon the town, Sue and Steve Williams for generously providing me with
maps and textual evidence towards the transformation of the town, Rohan McWilliams for
guiding me with useful information upon how to edit it and obviously my parents, who have
funded and supported me throughout my 3 years at Anglia Ruskin.
However, it would be obvious to thank the late Harry Double for providing the key information
key towards explaining the social and economic history of the town, which took time to find,
but was found thanks the staff at the Stowmarket Library.

Chapters:
1) Introduction
3
2) The Obvious changes of the town throughout the years
1. Housing
2. Population
3. Roads and Transport
4. North South West
5. North South East
6. Central Stowmarket

3) The Development of Agriculture and Industry

1. Agriculture and the Cattle Market
I. Types of Farming
II. Mills and Windmills
III. The Corn Exchange and Cattle Market
2. The Beginning of Industry and the development of the River Gipping:
3. The establishment of Iron Foundries under Mr Woods and Mr Tibbingham
4. The development and expansion of Chemical manufacture
5. Maltings
6. The Stow Workhouse

4) Leisure, Culture and Public Services

1. Fairs and Celebrations
2. The Market Place and Shopping:
3. The Institute and Town libraries:
4. Cinema and Television:
5. Public houses:
6. Sporting activities:
7. Clubs:
8. The Museum of East Anglian Life
9. The Spread of Religion and Church construction:
10. The effect of the World Wars on Stowmarket:
11. Public Services and Authorities:
12. Education and Schooling:

5) Conclusion

Introduction

4
After being told to decide upon what subject to research upon for possible dissertation ideas,
Stowmarket came to mind. However, though I had collected all the relevant and vast
information, the way toward structuring the dissertation was confusing. Even though I had
discovered publications from the late local historian Harry Double, inspiration came after
reading Robert Malster's statement:
‘Stowmarket is an example of an East Anglian phenomenon, a small market town
that in the course of the 19th century became a centre of industry.’

This statement progressed my research towards explaining how and why the town had changed
to the extent of Malster’s statement.
Therefore, this dissertation report is written towards presenting how the Suffolk town of
Stowmarket had changed and transformed throughout the 19th to the end of the 20th century.
This dissertation will provide three main chapters that will provide information upon
Stowmarket's transformation, whilst providing information and comparisons with Suffolk
towns (in general) to provide a balanced explanation. The first chapter will focus on the obvious
changes that Stowmarket witnessed throughout the years, presenting census information on
housing and population increases; the development of roads and transport systems; whilst the
last section - using maps and textual information - will explain the obvious changes seen in the
North South West, East and Centre of Stowmarket. The second chapter will focus upon the
development and expansion of Agriculture and Industries in the town. The information on
Agriculture will discuss upon the towns involvement in various types of farming; mill and
windmill expansion and the positive effect imposed by the town's Corn Exchange and Cattle
Market until their closure by the late 20th century. Also this section will present the beginning
of industry in the town after the River Gipping, the Railway and local businessmen provided
the town with Iron Foundries, factories for Chemical manufacture and Maltings. Even-though
some brought the town tragedy, Stowmarket was able to gain a positive reputation. However,
this section will present a short section upon the negative aspects of industrialisation, through
the establishment of the 'Stow Union' Workhouse. Finally, the last chapter will present the
majority of changes the town witnessed, through the expansion of various leisure and cultural
examples that benefited the town, expanding evermore after the establishment of local
authorities. This chapter will also acknowledge the changes in Stowmarket's celebrations;
shopping; public houses; the expansion of sporting and clubs; rural remembrance through the
town's museum; religion and churches; the effect of the world wars and the development of
Cinema and Television.

5
1) The Obvious Changes of the town throughout the Years

6
Though other chapters will focus on separate aspects on the town’s transformation, this chapter
will present the obvious changes witnessed throughout the 200 year period through maps
descriptions (1783-2000); textual information; housing and population statistics with roads and
transport information. Given the time-span covered, many towns in Suffolk and the United
Kingdom indeed transformed towards modernisation seen through increased structural changes
notably in industrial areas, resorts and residential suburbs.1 Though increased voluntary
migration, declining fertility and an ageing population from the 1850s saw many towns by the
20th century move from cities toward improved suburban conditions, residential areas were
effected for better or for worse because of the increase of commercial-industrial developments
and expansion of civic building and business areas, warehouses and offices, transport
improvements and housing.2 From this, the 19th Century description of Stowmarket as ‘a
small, but thriving market town’ notably changed by 2000. 3

Housing:
Notable change towards town housing throughout the 200 years was seen after the urban
middle and later working classes sought commercial activities and space in the suburbs,4
because of the city's effect of pollution problems upon surface dwellings, crime rates and air
quality. 5 However, though many urban residents during 1800's rented from a private landlord,
as homeownership in more affluent areas with steady employment was ranged between 15-20%
whilst the rich could afford to purchase a house, fundamental changes were seen during the late
19th century after skilled working & middle-class households built and purchased through
terminating building societies, whilst rising incomes and declining cost of ownership produced
alterations in housing tenure, access and quality during the 20th century.6 From this, the
interwar period welcomed a building boom of 220,000 houses a year (1920-39), slum

1
Notable small towns witnessed an increase in population over a short period of time, such as Barrow – originally
a hamlet of 200 by 1841 rapidly became a town of 51,712 by 1891.
2
Pooley, C. “Patterns on the Ground: Urban form, Residential Structure and the Social Construction of space” in
Martin Daunton (2000, ed.) The Cambridge Urban History of Britain 1840-1950 (Cambridge University Press:
Cambridge), pp. 436-7
3
White, W., History, Gazetteer & Directory of Suffolk (Sheffield, 1891-2), p. 655
4
From this, air conditions were much cleaner whilst houses provided space and a garden, with some protection
from disease, crime and privacy. John Armstrong, J. “From Shillibeer to Buchanan; transport and the urban
environment” In Martin Daunton (2000, ed.) The Cambridge Urban History of Britain 1840-1950 (Cambridge:
Cambridge University Press), p. 244
5
This was mainly because Granite and wood pavings in these specific areas were difficult to wash and often
slippery.
6
Pooley, C. “Patterns on the Ground: Urban form, Residential Structure and the Social Construction of space” in
Martin Daunton (2000, ed.) The Cambridge Urban History of Britain 1840-1950 (Cambridge: Cambridge
University Press) p. 444
7
clearances/renewal or the construction of ‘council houses’ and pre-fabricated houses (1945
onwards) instead of private ownership.7
Because of this, the following data presents that Stowmarket, originally abound with
meadowland, witnessed the transformation of a town through the increase of housing:

1801: 2738; 1811: 4019; 1831: 50110; 1841: 63211; 1851: 73212; 1861: 749.13

Though suffering a housing shortage in 1871, as 833 houses held 983 families,14 the increased
population-housing ratio balanced as seen from the following:

1881: 945, 1891: 951, 1901: 1,018, 1921: 1,035, 1931: 1,141, 1951: 2,218, 1961:
2,587.15

Because Stowmarket by 1977 became a residential area for many working in other parts of
Suffolk16 through the development and accessibility of trains, roads and buses, this trend
continued as 150 houses were made per year during the 1980’s,17 which from 1991 onwards
presented that 74% of properties were owner occupied, 19% council properties and 7%
privately rented.18

7
John Armstrong, J. “From Shillibeer to Buchanan; transport and the urban environment” In Martin Daunton
(2000, ed.) The Cambridge Urban History of Britain 1840-1950 (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press) p. 251
8
B. P., A Topographical Dictionary Of The United Kingdom Compiled from Parliamentary and Other Authentic
Documents and Authorities; containing Geographical, Topographical & Statistical Accounts of Every District,
Object and Place in England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland, and the Various Small Islands Dependent on the
British Empire (London, 1808)
9
Rees, A., The Cyclopædia;: Or, Universal Dictionary of Arts, Sciences, and Literature, Volume 34 (London,
1819)
10
[Link]
data_theme=T_HOUS&data_cube=N_HOUSES&u_id=10269015&c_id=10001043&add=Y
11
William White, History, Gazetteer, and Directory of Suffolk, and the Towns Near Its Borders, 1844, p. 274
12
A Vision of Britain through Time: Stowmarket, Suffolk (2012) Available at:
[Link] (Accessed: 3 July 2012).
13
Ibid.
14
Robert Malster, Stowmarket: Britain in Old Photographs (Stroud: Alan Sutton Publishing Ltd, 1995), p. 10
15
A Vision of Britain through Time: Stowmarket, Suffolk (2012) Available at:
[Link] (Accessed: 3 July 2012).
16
Unknown Author, Stowmarket Guide and Directory (Ipswich, 1977), p. 19
17
The majority of new housing was built on the north and south outskirts of the town near the A14 and railway
18
Mid Suffolk District Council, (2002) Stowmarket Civic Trust Report. Available at
[Link]
AAP/[Link], (Retrieved September 6, 2012), pp. 6-16
8
Population:
Given the time period, 'small towns' witnessed structural and geographical changes towards
urban development through differing classifications upon hierarchy and size (Clark and
Hoskins’ Population of English Small Towns 1550-1851) towards Adna Weber’s analysis that
if small town populations reached 10,000 by 1951 from 1851 censuses, they were excluded.
From this, 923 small towns in Great Britain (1851) fell to 748 as increased population took 174
small towns beyond 10,000 by 1951). Suffolk, like Stowmarket, increased in population, rising
by 50% (1800-50), and later from 335,000 to 380,000 (1851-1901), as many 'migrants' were
attracted to towns and industrial districts for employment and better pay. 19 Indeed, though N
Raven believed 19th century ' "small towns" in rural England witnessed demographic growth
and economic expansion up to c. 1850 but [suffered] from decay in crafts and local industries
with the resultant depopulation’, whilst industrial employment & improved transportation
through railway developments saw the decline of countryside employment in competition with
large urban centres (Norwich and Ipswich), successful market towns of 1851: North Walsham
(15.9%) Fakenham (0.9%), Saffron Walden (15.8%) and Stowmarket (76%) reached the 10,000
population mark by 1951. However, the consequence saw Suffolk towns experience
overcrowding, as Bury St Edmunds suffered ‘extreme misery’ whilst Ipswich saw ‘parishes
crowded with small houses'. 20

19
Royal, S . “The Development of small towns in Britain.” In Martin Daunton (2000, ed.) The Cambridge Urban
History of Britain 1840-1950 (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press) p. 166
20
David Dymond, A History of Suffolk (Phillimore & Co Ltd: West Sussex, 1985), pp. 97-101
9
Though the population fell from 4,146 to 4,052 (1871-81)21 and from 4339 to 4,162 (1891-
1901),22 the experience of town expansion throughout 1800-2000, saw a 1977 directory explain
that “Stowmarket is one of the few major growth areas in this part of Suffolk, and continues to
expand naturally without the artificial injection of population and industry from external
sources now prevalent in other small Suffolk towns." 23 As the population during the 19th
century steadily increased:

1801: 176124; 1811: 2006.25; 1821: 2252; 1831: 267226; 1851: 3,161; 1861: 3,53127

the 20th century was profound changes to Stowmarket, presented through the following data:

1911: 4,23028; 1921: 4,296; 1934: 6,580 (boundary enlargements)291951: 7,325.30;

1961: 7,79531 1971: 910032; 1981: 10,83233; 1998: 13,500

From this, Stowmarket by the end of the 20th century became the largest Mid-Suffolk town,
accounting for over 16% of its population.34

21
William White, History, Gazetteer & Directory of Suffolk (Sheffield, 1891-2), p. 655
22
Harry Double, Stowmarket: Book of Records (Stowmarket: Cappela Publishing, 1983), p. 132
23
Unknown Author, Stowmarket Guide and Directory (Ipswich, 1977), p. 11
24
Benjamin Pitts Capper, A Topographical Dictionary Of The United Kingdom Compiled from Parliamentary and
Other Authentic Documents and Authorities; containing Geographical, Topographical & Statistical Accounts of
Every District, Object and Place in England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland, and the Various Small Islands
Dependent on the British Empire (London, 1808)
25
Abraham Rees, The Cyclopædia;: Or, Universal Dictionary of Arts, Sciences, and Literature, Volume 34
(London, 1819)
26
William White, History, Gazetteer, and Directory of Suffolk, and the Towns Near Its Borders (Sheffield, 1844),
p. 274
27
A Vision of Britain through Time: Stowmarket, Suffolk (2012) Available at:
[Link] (Accessed: 3 July 2012).
28
Harry Double, Stowmarket: Book of Records (Stowmarket: Cappela Publishing, 1983), p. 132
29
East Anglian Daily Times, Suffolk County Handbook and Official Directory for 1937 (Ipswich, 1937), p. 429-31
30
Mid Suffolk District Council, Stowmarket Civic Trust Report (2002), p. 6
31
Harry Double, Stowmarket: Book of Records (Stowmarket: Cappela Publishing, 1983), p. 132
32
Unknown Author, Stowmarket Guide and Directory (Ipswich, 1977), p. 11
33
Unknown Author, Parish Record (Abbots Hall Archive, estimate late-1980's), p. 1
34
Mid Suffolk District Council, Stowmarket Civic Trust Report (2002), p. 12
10
Transport and Roads:
Though many towns felt constrained by limited transport, the development of the horse-drawn
omnibus (1840’s), Coaches, railways (1870’s) and personal transport through the bicycle,
motor vehicles during the 20th century affected many towns, as improvements in roads either
presented problems or success towards the town’s development. 35
Horse Coaches and Buses:
During this period, Stowmarket witnessed the evolution of coaches throughout the two
centuries: Given the fact people moved by foot,36 the horse - through costly with a short
working life - remained essential for passenger transport until the 1870's,37 as it contributed
towards Stowmarket's coach & carriage-building economy.38
Also, with the Fox Inn's success as a popular hostelry throughout the 17th-19th centuries, 39
several stage coaches passed through it40 including the 'Shannon', the 'Regulator' and the
'Criterion' who met daily to Ipswich and Bury St Edmunds (5.30pm) towards catching the
London train.41 Though the Kings Arms, The Pickerel and The White Hart were carriers, parish

35
Pooley, C. “Patterns on the Ground: Urban form, Residential Structure and the Social Construction of space” in
Martin Daunton (2000, ed.) The Cambridge Urban History of Britain 1840-1950 (Cambridge: Cambridge
University Press) p. 438
36
Armstrong, J.“From Shillibeer to Buchanan; transport and the urban environment” in Martin Daunton (2000,
ed.) The Cambridge Urban History of Britain 1840-1950 (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press) p. 235
37
Armstrong, J.“From Shillibeer to Buchanan; transport and the urban environment” in Martin Daunton (2000,
ed.) The Cambridge Urban History of Britain 1840-1950 (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press) pp. 235-6
38
The Earthly Family had establishments in the 'Market Place, Tavern Street & Bury Street. Harry Double,
Stowmarket: Book of Records (Stowmarket: Cappella Books, 1983), p. 56
39
Harry Double, Chapel of Plenty (Bury Free Press, 18th March 1988)
40
Harry Double, Stowmarket: Book of Records (Stowmarket: Cappella Books, 1983), p. 54
41
William White, History, Gazetteer, and Directory of Suffolk, and the Towns Near Its Borders (Sheffield, 1844)
11
records even state that Omnibus’s by 1912 continued decades after the Railway saw the trade
demise. 42
However, though originally considered slower for reliability, motorised buses from 1898
contained greater power then horse-coaches and lower costs,43 which indeed saw Stowmarket
replace the horse-drawn ones and provided bus transport to surrounding towns and villages44
(the Eastern Countries Omnibus Co), the coast or to London (Corona Coaches).4546
However, though cars and train services provide improved transport, whilst attempting an early
start to work was
impossible as the 1st
Bury St Edmunds bus
arrives to Stowmarket
at 9am, Stowmarket by
2000 provided 6 Buses
every hour, and for 8
local parishes to key
community areas.47

The Railway:
Railways, since the Bury St Edmunds and Ipswich linkage to London (1846) and extensions to
Lowestoft and Norwich were completed (1847-61), many Suffolk towns either grew with new
industries or declined in population as many provided an escape towards the country or the
seaside.48
However, though Stowmarket's railway completion was delayed to 1849 as the Gipping
Valley's ground causing rails to sink, 49 resorted engineers to use George Stephenson’s

42
These areas include Bacton, Bildeston, Ipswich, Haughley, Cotton, Sudbury, Brettenham, Rattlesden, Debenham,
Drinkstone, Elmswell, Norwich, Wetherden, Walsham le Willows Mendlesham Rattlesden, Stonham
Wetheringaett, Thetford, Woolpit and Wyverston. Unknown Author, Parish Record (Abbots Hall Archive,
estimate late-1980's), p. 1
43
Armstrong, J.“From Shillibeer to Buchanan; transport and the urban environment”in Martin Daunton (2000, ed.)
The Cambridge Urban History of Britain 1840-1950 (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press) p. 252
44
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Cappella Publications, 1991), pp. 101-2
45
Stowmarket Guide and Directory 1977, p. 11
46
Newby's Stowmarket Annual Guide and Directory, 1953, p. 9
47
Mid Suffolk District Council, Stowmarket Civic Trust Report (2002), p.20-82
48
David Dymond, A History of Suffolk (West Sussex: Phillimore & Co Ltd, 1985), p. 109
49
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Cappella Publications, 1991), p. 144
12
technique to cross Chat Moss; 50 wasted time towards finding a contractor, whilst the Kings
Head Inn operated an omnibus to the new Colchester Station (1846),51 the Railway provided
Stowmarket with increased prosperity, trade links with the world, employment and housing.

Also, because Station designs provided an architectural presence in towns towards

respectability, providing grandiose or classical designs like St Pancras and Charing Cross, 52 this
indeed was seen after Ipswich architect Frederick Barnes, designing Stowmarket's station,
whilst Parish Authority contributions of £4,000 to finance the building and a new road to the
station, saw White’s Dictionary (1855) rightly state the station as ‘one of the handsomest in the
country’, even though the Norwich Mercury criticised him, stated the was ‘one of a series upon
the expensive erection of which considerable blame has been cast by the shareholders on the
directors, and it is wanting in taste as well as economy’. 53
However, though Stowmarket’s level crossings from a 1874 report wrote a goods train from
London to Norwich "smashed" away the crossings,54 the railway experienced positive changes
through providing electric lighting (1908);55 the dismantling and purchasing of the foot-bridge
by the Colne Valley Railway Preservation Society (1981)56 lengthened platforms (1984); rail
electrification (1987) exterior refurbishment and a new car park (1989), on the original train
depot area.57
Despite the fact that east-west services were un-frequent,58 whilst other railway links can only
be achieved by changing trains,59 services and destinations developed throughout the 20th
century, as 39 trains passed Stowmarket each day by 1953, 60 whilst becoming a popular
accessory for commuters to cities through Southbound and Northbound trains61 with transport

50
However, it was considered that the bog was much larger then Chat Moss! Robert Malster, Stowmarket: Britain
in Old Photographs (Stroud: Alan Sutton Publishing Ltd, 1995), p. 25
51
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Cappella Publications, 1991), pp. 39-144
52
Armstrong, J.“From Shillibeer to Buchanan; transport and the urban environment”in Martin Daunton (2000, ed.)
The Cambridge Urban History of Britain 1840-1950 (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press) p. 249
53
Robert Malster, Stowmarket: Britain in Old Photographs (Stroud: Alan Sutton Publishing Ltd, 1995), p 26
54
The report wrote that a goods train from London to Norwich cleared away the crossings, as the keeper of the
gate “had not risen in time to open the gates when the smash occurred!"Harry Double, Stowmarket: Book of
Records (Cappella Books, 1991), p.142
55
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Cappella Publications, 1991), p.66
56
Harry Double, Stowmarket: Book of Records (Cappella Books, 1991), p.142
57
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Cappella Publications, 1991), p. 129-30
58
Mid Suffolk District Council, Stowmarket Civic Trust Report (2002), p.81
59
[Link]
60
Newby's Stowmarket Annual Guide and Directory, 1953, p. 9
61
Stowmarket Guide and Directory 1977, p. 11
13
to British airports,62 which compared a weekday service of 5 trains with two on Sunday (1850)
was a vast improvement.63

Cars:
Though Motor cars were fashionable among the affluent in the town,64 which even saw a 10
mph speed limit implemented (1908),65 car ownership expanded after Barnard and Son66
introduced the Model ‘T’ Ford to Stowmarket towards establishing a car-hire business and
garage.67 However, the increase of car registration in Suffolk (1948-60), due to rising wages and
affordability 68 that saw 73% owned a car in Stowmarket by 2000, the town received various car
parks constructed one on the Dukes Head Meadowland (1938) towards 5 car parks under the
Mid Suffolk District Council, whilst providing free car parking.69

Roads/Streets/ Paths:
Because road conditions in Stowmarket before the 19th century were considered "muddy
quagmires [where] all travelling in carriages on any wheeled vehicle were wearisome",70 the
development of the horse-drawn omnibus and tram, considered a threat, saw town roads &
paths during the 19th-20th century improve around Suffolk,71 especially as roads before 1800
developed towards connecting Stowmarket with important areas.72 Indeed, the 19th century saw
the Combs Ford area construct a new cut road whilst a new highway and bridge to provided a
link from the town centre to the station (which was later reconstructed throughout the 20th
century with new roads).73

62
[Link]
63
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Cappella Publications, 1991), p. 144
64
Harry Double , Focus on Stowmarket (East Anglian Daily Times, 28th January 1987), p. 14
65
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Cappella Publications, 1991), p.66
66
The expansion of Barnard and Sons- originally dealing entirely in horses, carriages and carts- saw the business
become a household name in vehicle transport and the local motoring world throughout the 20th Century. Since
obtaining a driving licence (1913) then introducing the Model ‘T’ Ford to Stowmarket, Barnard built up a thriving
car-hire business for weddings, funerals and other services, which an extensive garage was built due to the increase
in car sales.
67
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), p. 152
68
Armstrong, J.“From Shillibeer to Buchanan; transport and the urban environment” in Martin Daunton (ed.) The
Cambridge Urban History of Britain 1840-1950 (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2000) p. 255
69
Mid Suffolk District Council, Stowmarket Civic Trust Report (2002), pp. 14-80
70
Harry Double, Stowmarket: Book of Records (Stowmarket: Cappella Books, 1983), p. 148
71
Pooley, C. “Patterns on the Ground: Urban form, Residential Structure and the Social Construction of space” in
Martin Daunton (ed.) The Cambridge Urban History of Britain 1840-1950 (Cambridge: Cambridge University
Press, 2000) p. 437
72
The areas include Haughley, Onehouse, Great Finbourough, Combs, Stowupland and Needham Market.
Unknown Author, Parish Record (Stowmarket: Abbots Hall Archive, Date Unknown), p. 1
73
Stowmarket by 2000 provided excellent links to key regional cities through the A14 to A12 and A140.
14
However, though motorised transport throughout the 20th century created an 'arterial sclerosis
of traffic in towns, 74 as Stowmarket throughout the 1930-70's suffered with narrow country
lanes, poor surfaces and heavy traffic from Class B roads and the 'old' A45, improved roads,
flybys and roundabouts were built, as the 'new' A45 (1975) for Stowmarket removed this
problem, which dual carriageways brought back some life the market place, whilst reduced
drivers travelling time across the country.75 Also, because pedestrianism and clean air
legislations saw bypasses constructed towards reducing ‘smog’ emissions,76 the Inner-Relief
road and Bypass construction (1988-1992)77 enabled the town centre to become a pedestrian,
shopping and business area again. Lastly, because of Stowmarket's increased population and
housing, streets and paths were introduced of actual street naming and house numbering.
(1840’s to 1906).78
However, through pedestrian & cycle routes between the town centre witnessed many vehicle
conflicts, whilst safe routes between residential areas, the leisure centre, railway station and
town centre were lacking by the late 20th century, many used The Gipping Valley & Mid-
Suffolk footpaths for part of their route through Stowmarket, whilst new roads and path were
subsequently rebuilt throughout the years.79

Sectional change in Stowmarket

Firstly, the North-South West side of Stowmarket witnessed gradual change throughout the
19th century, as the majority of the area before 1850 was mainly grassland or used for grain
cultivation, with few primitive roads. However, though the construction of the railway lines
(1846) 80 caused land for housing and farming to disappear, more roads, houses and 'handsome
modern suburbs'81were built82which even the local board named streets (1869).83

74
Martin Daunton (ed.) The Cambridge Urban History of Britain 1840-1950 (Cambridge: Cambridge University
Press, 2000) p. 256
75
Domesday Reloaded: Market day in Stowmarket., from 1986 (1986) Available at:
[Link] (Accessed: 2 June 2012).
76
Martin Daunton (ed.) The Cambridge Urban History of Britain 1840-1950 (Cambridge: Cambridge University
Press, 2000) p. 256
77
Robert Malster, Stowmarket: Britain in Old Photographs (Stroud: Alan Sutton Publishing Ltd, 1995), p. 109
78
Harry Double, Stowmarket: Book of Records (Stowmarket: Cappella Books, 1983), p. 56
79
Mid Suffolk District Council, Stowmarket Civic Trust Report (2002), pp. 83-4
80
1783-1820 Town Map & 1836-1905 Ordnance Survey Maps
81
Abraham Rees, The Cyclopædia;: Or, Universal Dictionary of Arts, Sciences, and Literature, Volume 34
(London, 1819)
82
However, 18 houses were destroyed in a fire which 81 people were left homeless in 1868, whilst cottages were
demolished in the 1990’s. Mike Durrant, Stowmarket: Then and Now, pp. 28-29
83
Mike Durrant, Stowmarket: Then and Now (Stowmarket: Imaginaire,, 2003), p. 48-93
15
Though the area housed the 'Industry House' (1781),84 windmills and timber-framed family
business85 , the century witnessed the construction of Malthouses & Iron Foundries86 ;
'multiples' stores (1888-1889)87; notable schools;88 religious meeting places with cemetery
extensions; and authoritative buildings. 89
Because of the influx of population (during the 20th century) and boundary alterations, which
increased Stowmarket’s size to 1,668 acres (1934) 90 , houses continued to be built on the
outskirts and open land and subsequently renumbered (1906) 91 until a Stowmarket bypass for
the A14 bisected areas. 92 Houses were either totally demolished by the County Council for
modern housing, as new suburban roads and general pathways were improved93 , whilst the
town saw gradual electrification (1930-70’s). 94 Though Maltings were converted into flats and
housing (1990), the Inner Relief Road/Gipping Way (1992) saw two houses demolished
towards creating a turning circle at ‘Union Street East’ (1989-1992). 95
Though various public houses (1910-25),96 the Stow Workhouse and various businesses
succumbed to closure,97 social and sporting clubs98; a new police station; a leisure centre
(1973); Health Centre (1965/ 1972) ,99 nursing homes (1970’s); new schools (1907-56)100 and

84
The ‘House of Industry’ was built for £12,000 for 200+ pauper in Stow Hundred, which after Stow Union
formed (1835) represented 34 parishes and was responsible for the administration of the Poor Law locally and for
paupers. Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), p. 36
85
Mike Durrant, Stowmarket: Then and Now (Stowmarket: Imaginaire,, 2003), p. 26
86
This industry also saw the construction and closure of Woods Suffolk Iron Works.
87
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), pp.39-122
88
A three storey building used as a children's home before Eastward Ho. Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March
of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), p. 34
89
Examples of authority buildings constructed during this time include an Isolation Hospital, Police Station &
Court House and Ambulance Station Mike Durrant, Stowmarket: Then and Now (Stowmarket: Imaginaire,, 2003),
pp. 48-93
90
East Anglian Daily Times, Suffolk County Handbook and Official Directory for 1937 (Ipswich, 1937), pp. 429-
31
91
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), pp. 63-78
92
1927; 1939; 1953 & 1977-8 Ordnance Survey Map
93
Mike Durrant, Stowmarket: Then and Now (Stowmarket: Imaginaire,, 2003), pp. 10-48
94
This action happened after the establishment of the ‘East Anglian Electricity Act’ in Norfolk and Suffolk
counties (1927). Unknown Author, Stowmarket Guide and Directory (Ipswich, 1977), pp. 429-31
95
Mike Durrant, Stowmarket: Then and Now (Stowmarket: Imaginaire,, 2003), pp. 56-106
96
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), pp. 63-120
97
The notable changes included new pauper burials systems (1913); new council sewers (1937) towards becoming
a geriatric hospital, after its incorporation under the NHS Act (1948). However, after its closure (1981) The
Workhouse later became flats and wards under BUPA. Mike Durrant, Stowmarket: Then and Now (Stowmarket:
Imaginaire,, 2003), pp. 85-7
98
The area witnessed the establishment of the Rookery Bowling Club, Drill Hall, Football Club and The British
Legion Ex-Serviceman’s Club.
99
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), pp. 84-150
100
Ibid, pp. 78-120
16
shopping estates (1984) were built.101 Also the ‘Kings Meadow’ area, originally open
meadowland with few housing developed from 1918 toward leisure pursuits by housing
Carnivals (1961) towards improvements through pavements and play-areas. 102
Originally rolling open fields, small lanes and hedgerows, the western side by 2000 became
characterised as residential whilst providing for leisure and housing developments.103

Though the North-South Eastern side was originally rural, containing enclosed areas and
meadowland, the area throughout the 19th century witnessed the increase of housing and terrace
development, whilst main roads and pathways were built between Stowmarket and Combs
Ford, 104 which the later saw the New Cut road widened by 13 feet (1842), whilst the
completion of the railway (1846-9) saw housing in rural areas demolished or field land taken
over by it. Also, Industries began to develop near the River Gipping under the Navigation Act
(1793) 105 until the railway’s completion106 reduced its activity, 107 even though traditional
trades were still established throughout the 1800’s. This included the construction of
Brickworks and Roller mills; factories for chemical manufacture, which had devastating effects
on the town; 108 Malthouses109 and a brewery, which established new water mains and reservoir
for the town (1887). Also, the area provided for popular leisure actives with various swimming
pools (1888) 110
The area throughout the 20th Century received notable changes: Though housing construction
continued, Lime Tree Place and Bridge Street experienced infantile paralysis and meningitis

101
Ibid, p. 39
102
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), p. 39
103
Mid Suffolk District Council, Stowmarket Civic Trust Report (2002), p.77
104
1783-1820 Town Map & 1836-1903 Ordnance Survey Map
105
The Navigation Act canalised 16 miles of river (passing through 20 parishes) at a minimum depth of five feet
with straightened-out bends, which boats were pulled by horses from a towpath and barges (limited to 18 tons)
improved towards holding 18 to 50 tonnes
106
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), pp. 36-147
107
To revive trade- from 1846 onwards- an Ipswich firm put a steam barge into service between its town and
Stowmarket which also towed old horse drawn barges behind it, which 21 barges worked daily through the
Gipping river which ‘Vast quantities of grain shipped at Stowmarket, and coals, with a great variety of heavy
goods went back in return’, whilst the Great Eastern Railway offered the Navigation Company river rentals
towards reducing competition, which operated for 40 years, which indeed the Great Eastern Railway sought release
from its contract as the Navigation Company had severe financial problems. Harry Double, Stowmarket: The
March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), pp. 36-147
108
As written beforehand, during 1871, the factory was destroyed by the series of explosions which killed 28
employers. Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), pp.
40-144
109
Mike Durrant, Stowmarket: Then and Now (Stowmarket: Imaginaire,, 2003), p. 114
110
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), pp. 148-150
17
broke-outs as the lack of sewerage ventilation caused a ‘foul effluvia’ to permeate. 111 Also,
because intricate roads, grassland and roundabouts were constructed for housing with
improvements to road surfaces and pavements by the 1990’s in Stowmarket and Combs Ford,
112
the Stowmarket/ Claydon bypass motorway's construction113 and the Inner Relief Road
(1988-1992) saw two corner shops demolished whilst Hollingsworth Road was constructed
under the scheme.114 Though housing the current Fire Station and temporary Libraries, the
Railway Station received changes throughout the 1980’s.115 For industry, the eastern side
expanded, whilst a Maltings complex was opened (1976).116 Though some Malthouses were
destroyed by fire (1985) old businesses were either used for housing developments or
nightclubs. 117 However, though housing is situated here, the eastern part of Stowmarket by
2000 is still situated with industrial landscapes and development along the river and rail tracks,
housing Bossh, ICI and other companies.118

Finally, though Stowmarket’s town centre and market shape remained unchanged, containing
rural meadowland with few housing, the area during the19th century saw more businesses,
housing between the town outskirts, little roads with pathways built around the town,119 whilst
the ‘Old Vicarage’ housed generations of vicars.120 In addition to the establishment of the Corn
Hall (1835) and Cattle Market, Stowmarket housed ‘many good inns and well stocked shops,
especially around the market place’ (1844)121 before ‘multiple stores’ were established. 122
Towards public services, the town witnessed the establishment of various banks, post offices
(1845) and the Original Fire Station HQ (1905). 123

111
Towards solving the problem, the Urban District Council stated that ‘The occupier of premises with frontages
shall be cleaned at least once a week between 5am and 12pm’. In the winter-time the occupier was also to be held
responsible for clearing away snow and ice (1911). Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket:
Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), pp. 52-150
112
1982-2000 Ordnance Survey Map
113
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), pp. 125-7
114
Ibid, p. 129
115
The Railway Station changed throughout the 1980’s through the removal/ replacement of the Overhead
footbridge, lengthened platforms, rail electrification, whilst the Goods Depot’s demolition (1987) saw the
completion of a new Station car park (1989). Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket:
Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), pp. 129-130
116
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), pp. 125-7
117
Mike Durrant, Stowmarket: Then and Now (Stowmarket: Imaginaire, 2003), pp. 120-201
118
Mid Suffolk District Council, Stowmarket Civic Trust Report (2002), p.77
119
1793-1903 Ordnance Survey Maps
120
Mike Durrant, Stowmarket: Then and Now (Stowmarket: Imaginaire, 2003), pp. 272-3
121
William White, History, Gazetteer, and Directory of Suffolk, and the Towns Near Its Borders, 1844, p. 274
122
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), pp. 48-122
123
Ibid, pp. 48-122
18
Also, though the Annual Fair was abolished from 1872, leisure activities increased with the
establishment of Public Houses, ‘The Institute’ (1874) & 'silent' pictures projected on Dukes
Meadow (1890’s),124 whilst untouched meadow areas – like the ‘Cricket Meadow’ was either
used for fairs, circuses and sports recreation.125 Whilst the Parish Church remained intact but
received exterior/interior refurbishments, religion, however, spread across the town as various
churches were established.126

However, though the shape remained unchanged whilst more houses, roads and pathways were
built across the eastern side to replace open field land, the town centre during the 20th century
saw notable amounts of changes,127 as houses were demolished towards the construction of
Hollingsworth Road for the ‘Inner Relief Road’ towards reducing traffic levels. 128 The market
place witnessed various transformation, through gas (1912) 129 and electric (1920’s) lighting ;
telephone poles (1950’s), new sewers,(1925-6) 130 Market rights purchased by the Stowmarket
U.D.C. to accommodate market stalls131 and the demolition of slum areas (1930’s)132 & houses
for the new Post Office and its Car park.133134
As various churches experienced demolition, reconstruction or restoration, the century saw well
established public houses demolished or redeveloped, which The Oak pub was only surviving
business here (2000).135 This century also witnessed cinema developments as the Institute Hall
(1st cinema in 1911) was replaced after the Regal’ construction. However, with The Museum
of East Anglian Life establishment (1965), notable changes of the Cricket Meadow for sporting
(1908), until it housed supermarket outlets (1984)136 and the closure of the Corn Hall and Cattle
Market (1966-1984),137 many changes were seen after the 1st self-service grocery store (1953)
was built whilst small family shops were demolished as commercial developers redeveloped the
124
Ibid.
125
Mike Durrant, Stowmarket: Then and Now (Stowmarket: Imaginaire, 2003), pp. 272-3
126
Notable churches built during this century include the Congressional Chapel (1861) and Roman Catholic
Church (1884). Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Cappella Publications, 1991), pp.
48-122
127
Ordnance Survey, Ordnance Survey Map: Stowmarket, 1:50,000 (Southampton, 1927; 1939; 1953)
128
Ordnance Survey, Ordnance Survey Map: Stowmarket, 1:50,000 (Southampton, 1992)
129
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), p. 78
130
Ibid, pp. 78-122
131
Mike Durrant, Stowmarket: Then and Now (Stowmarket: Imaginaire, 2003), pp. 272-83
132
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), pp. 90-122
133
Ibid, pp. 63-127
134
Mike Durrant, Stowmarket: Then and Now (Stowmarket: Imaginaire, 2003), pp. 226-7
135
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), pp. 125-9
136
Ibid, pp. 66-129
137
Mike Durrant, Stowmarket: Then and Now (Stowmarket: Imaginaire, 2003), p. 210-273
19
town’s main shopping street,138 which cottages were demolished for vehicle access, bland
shopping outlets139 and fast food outlets (1988). 140
However, because the market place received notable change whilst the town centre’s residential
areas throughout the years, it still contained its medieval street patterns, historic buildings,
churches and alleys, whilst the Butter-market area remained untouched. 141

138
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Cappella Publications, 1991), pp. 63-127
139
Mike Durrant, Stowmarket: Then and Now (Stowmarket: Imaginaire, 2003), pp. 257-67
140
Ibid, pp. 210-273
141
Mid Suffolk District Council, Stowmarket Civic Trust Report (2002) p.77
20
 2) The Development of Agriculture and Industry

One aspect towards Stowmarket's transformation was that of the development and expansion of
agriculture and industry, as this small Osier town later became a major Industrial player in
Suffolk:

Agriculture & the Cattle Market

Though later establishing itself into industrial ventures, the ‘clean and healthy market town’
originally served entirely for agricultural purposes even by 1879142 and notably throughout the
200 year period in hop, corn and Sugar-beet production (‘Young’, ‘Marshall’ and ‘Trist’
farming). 143 Whereas some Suffolk towns suffered under the Swing Riots,144 enclosures,
agricultural depression from 'high' farming, falling corn prices and investments, 'grassing over'
of land and bankruptcies,145 Stowmarket was also lucky enough not to only witness 3 accounts
of agrarian unrest (1844).146 However, though not a major direct employer, Stowmarket by 2000
still contributes towards cereals, meat and poultry farming and production. 147
Though non-existent in Stowmarket by 2000,148 Mills and Windmills were common sights in
East Anglia during the 19th century,149 notably after local millers combined with malting trades
towards industrial expansion.150 Even with Combs Ford housing many mills since 1540, 151
whilst William Boulter’s (local miller) mills ran through the Rattlesden River (1830-40’s)152
and steam power from other millers, Stowmarket, since 1675153 and before the railway and
industries spoilt the area154 saw many windmills established under generations of millers,155
which one area was known as 'Windmill Fields'. 156 However, because Suffolk windmills
142
Robert Malster, Stowmarket: Britain in Old Photographs (Stroud: Alan Sutton Publishing Ltd, 1995) p. 9
143
Unknown Author, Parish Record (Stowmarket: Abbots Hall Archive, Date Unknown) p. 1
144
David Dymond, A History of Suffolk (Chichester: Phillimore & Co Ltd, 1985) p. 99
145
Also, the repeal of the Corn Production Act rapidly reduced prices, causing an economic depression with arable
farmland (1914 and 1921-9). David Dymond, A History of Suffolk (West Sussex: Phillimore & Co Ltd, 1985), p.
119
146
Unknown Author, Parish Record (Abbots Hall Archive, estimate late-1980's), p. 5
147
Mid Suffolk District Council, Stowmarket Civic Trust Report (2002), p.26
148
Robert Malster, Stowmarket: Britain in Old Photographs (Stroud: Alan Sutton Publishing Ltd, 1995) pp. 31-2
149
Harry Double, Stowmarket: Book of Records (Stowmarket: Cappella Publications, 1983) p. 148
150
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), p. 136
151
This date represents when the first recording mill was built in the area. Robert Malster, Stowmarket: Britain in
Old Photographs (Stroud: Alan Sutton Publishing Ltd, 1995), pp. 31-2
152
Robert Malster, Stowmarket: Britain in Old Photographs (Stroud: Alan Sutton Publishing Ltd, 1995) pp. 31-2
153
Harry Double, Stowmarket: Book of Records (Stowmarket: Cappella Publications, 1983) p.186
154
Harry Double, Chapel of Plenty (Bury Free Press, 18th March 1988)
155
Robert Malster, Stowmarket: Britain in Old Photographs (Stroud: Alan Sutton Publishing Ltd, 1995) pp. 31-2
156
The area was a green valley with the river Gipping shaded by trees and two watermills completing the
landscape
21
declined as town industries became mechanised, 157 Stowmarket’s Robert Catchpole’s
‘skyscrapers’ mills158 were fitted in Combs and other Suffolk mills,159 whilst local investments
of steam engines towards running mills saw many in town establish fine brick and timber mills
(Finborough Road)160 with ‘lofty and impressive five story mills’ (Roller Mills) across the
Railway area until its closure and conversion. 161

Also, though Stowmarket was involved in ‘animal, coals and timber trades’,162 attracting
farmers from long distances;163 held annual fairs’ on Whit Friday and a lamb fair,164 and
cultivated hops for malting,165 most agricultural functions were dealt with through the Cattle
Market and Corn Exchange:
With the Corn Exchange’s later use for meetings, civic occasions and concerts until its closure
(1966), the building, constructed under £25 shares (1835)166 and reconstructed for £2,100
(1872)167 fulfilled farming transaction purposes as £4,000-5,000 was regularly exchanged
during Thursday and Saturday markets. 168
Also, though starting out as a privately owned livestock market,169 holding corn and animal
markets170 on Thursdays, Stowmarket’s Cattle Market (1834) was successful,171 as it was
‘considered to have been attended by buyers from all parts of the country.’ 172 However, the
Foot and Mouth outbreak (1937) caused the market to suffer after the Ministry of Agriculture’s

157
David Dymond, A History of Suffolk (Chichester: Phillimore & Co Ltd, 1985) p. 105
158
A longitudinal shutter on the leading edge of windmill sails which acted as air-brakes when the sail shutter
mechanism was operated to stop the sails.
159
Robert Malster, Stowmarket: Britain in Old Photographs (Stroud: Alan Sutton Publishing Ltd, 1995) pp. 68-9
160
Ibid, pp. 31-2
161
The roller mills were subsequently named as the ‘Victorian Mills’ and ‘Albert Mills’, obviously named after
Victorian royalty. Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Cappella Publications, 1991) p. 54
162
Brabner, J. H. F., The Comprehensive Gazetteer of England and Wales (London, 1894)
163
Issac Slater, Slater’s. late Pigot & co. Royal National and Commercial Directory and Topography of the
Counties of Bedfordshire (Berkshire, 1852), p. 64
164
Benjamin Pitts Capper, A Topographical Dictionary Of The United Kingdom Compiled from Parliamentary
and Other Authentic Documents and Authorities; containing Geographical, Topographical & Statistical Accounts
of Every District, Object and Place in England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland, and the Various Small Islands
Dependent on the British Empire (London, 1808)
165
For this, the town was well situated for the barley trade. William White, History, Gazetteer, and Directory of
Suffolk, and the Towns Near Its Borders (Sheffield, 1844), p. 274
166
Harry Double, Stowmarket: Book of Records (Stowmarket: Cappella Publications, 1983), p. 56
167
William White, History, Gazetteer, and Directory of Suffolk, and the Towns Near Its Borders (Sheffield, 1891-
2), p. 656
168
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), p. 36
169
Unknown Author, Stowmarket Guide and Directory (Ipswich, 1977), p. 39
170
Harry Double, Stowmarket: Book of Records (Stowmarket: Cappella Publications, 1983), p.116
171
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), p. 36
172
East Anglian Daily Times, Suffolk County Handbook and Official Directory for 1937 (Ipswich: East Anglian
Daily Times Company Ltd, 1937), p. 429-31
22
decision towards slaughtering and cremating 224 cattle and 567 pigs opposite a field, which
caused nationwide attention whilst the town was quarantined through restricted cattle
movements whilst disinfectant-soaked straw was spread across town entrances! 173
However, though the market’s closure (1984) was seen as a “tragedy as it had been going for so
long”, its departure was inevitable as numbers declined during the early 20th century174
because “the movement of cattle to East Anglia stopped...whilst more farmers turned away
from livestock to arable." But from this, after the market area was replaced with shopping
outlets, even causing one farmer to state that “the whole of Stowmarket [was] closing down,"175
the market by 2000 still performs traditional farmers and continental markets on Thursday and
Saturdays. 176

The Beginning of Industry

As 19th century Suffolk (before its decline) commonly housed traditional trades including
blacksmiths, wheelwrights, Straw-plaiters and horse-hair weavers,177Stowmarket shared this
trend, manufacturing ‘worsted stuffs’, hempen cloth, 178 rope and Bombazines until 1850,
whilst producing ‘White bricks of excellent quality’179 as extensive works were placed around
the town. 180

173
The Ministry of Agriculture then waged a grim war against the Foot and Mouth outbreak, carrying out a horrific
slaughter and cremation of 224 cattle and 567 pigs, in a field opposite 'The Sheppard & Dog' pub (Onehouse),
whilst a further 53 animals, the remainder of the original herd shipped from Cumberland, were killed. Indeed, the
attention became nation-wide as the event appeared in the national press. Police were even posted around the
town's market entrances, putting into force immediate restrictions of movement of all cattle over an area of 15
miles. Toward the protection of the townspeople, straw (soaked in disinfectant) was placed across entrances to the
town, whilst the streets and the road to Onehouse were sprayed by the town's old water cart. With this, the air was
soon filled with shootings of humane killers, and gangs of men dressed in special suits (later destroyed), worked at
the construction of the 'slaughter-pen'. Even towards more protection, endless vehicles bearing 20 tonnes of straw,
coal and wood arrived to fill the cattle-filled trench, then sprayed with petrol, which even the vehicles were
sprayed with carbolic acid! Harry Double, Stowmarket: Book of Records (Stowmarket: Cappella Publications,
1983), p. 78
174
Though it was taken over by R.C. Knights in 1911, selling only chickens and wildfowl in the 1920’s which
livestock increased gradually, local farmer and contributor of the cattle market such as David Biddle (partner of
firm) said that "the decline really started in the late 1960's.”
175
Harry Double, Going, going...and now gone forever (East Anglian Daily Times, Friday, July 27th 1984) , p. 5
176
2000 Years of Stowmarket’s History (2009) Available at:
[Link] (Accessed: 3 July 2012).
177
David Dymond, A History of Suffolk (Chichester: Phillimore & Co Ltd, 1985), pp. 105-7
178
Benjamin Pitts Capper, A Topographical Dictionary Of The United Kingdom Compiled from Parliamentary
and Other Authentic Documents and Authorities; containing Geographical, Topographical & Statistical Accounts
of Every District, Object and Place in England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland, and the Various Small Islands
Dependent on the British Empire (London, 1808)
179
William White, History, Gazetteer, and Directory of Suffolk, and the Towns Near Its Borders (Sheffield, 1844),
p. 274
180
Issac Slater, Slater’s. late Pigot & co. Royal National and Commercial Directory and Topography of the
Counties of Bedfordshire (Berkshire, 1852)., p. 64
23
However, because the Industrial Revolution ‘ended’ local cultures,181 but provided towns with
new factories,182 technological developments and fortunes through major growth industries,183
the River Gipping - ‘providing ‘areas for hop plantations’184 and ‘fertile meadows’185 - saw
Stowmarket extend its trades with Milling, malting, iron foundries186 whilst factories for
artificial fertiliser, explosives paper making, chemical,187 and stay manufactory were built 188
under the Prentice family,189 who beforehand were involved in banking, malting, corn, coal and
timber trades.190
Because Robert Malster wrote that, ‘Stowmarket is an example of an East Anglian phenomenon
as the small market town became one of the centres of industry’,191 the River Gipping presented
its importance towards its development, as the local announcement for an act making the
Gipping and Orwell River navigable by 1789, saw Stowmarket’s industrial expansion begin
after 1790. 192 Also, with the formation of the Stowmarket Navigation Company (towards
industrial expansion), the construction of 16 locks to overcome the ground rise of 93 feet by
200 labourers, towards the 8 hours journey from Stowmarket to Ipswich for £26,263 10s. 0d
(1793), saw 21 daily ‘vast quantities of grain shipped at Stowmarket which a great variety of
heavy goods went back in return’, increased population; and profitability as the river route cut
transit costs to Ipswich by half and shortened journeys (seven hours) during the 1850’s
(originally costing 1d per mile).193 However, because the Gipping’s use for industrial transport
declined after the railway's construction (1846), whilst the Great Eastern Railway even offered
the Navigation Company a 40 year river rental towards reducing competition and an Ipswich
181
Gilbert, D., “The Urban Labour Market” in Martin Daunton (ed.) The Cambridge Urban History of Britain
1840-1950 (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2001) p. 622
182
This was notable then in New Lanark, Middlesbrough and Slough.
183
Rodger, R. “Industrialisation and the City Economy” in Martin Daunton (ed.) The Cambridge Urban History of
Britain 1840-1950 (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2001), p. 553
184
William White, History, Gazetteer, and Directory of Suffolk, and the Towns Near Its Borders (Sheffield, 1844),
p. 274
185
William White, History, Gazetteer, and Directory of Suffolk, and the Towns Near Its Borders (Sheffield, 1891-
2), p. 655
186
Issac Slater, Slater’s. late Pigot & co. Royal National and Commercial Directory and Topography of the
Counties of Bedfordshire (Berkshire, 1852), p. 64
187
East Anglian Daily Times, Suffolk County Handbook and Official Directory for 1937 (Ipswich: East Anglian
Daily Times Company Ltd, 1937), p. 429-31
188
William White, History, Gazetteer & Directory of Suffolk, History, Gazetteer, and Directory of Suffolk, and the
Towns Near Its Borders (Sheffield, 1891-2), p. 656
189
Kelly’s Directory Ltd,. Kelly's Directory of Suffolk (London: Kelly’s Directory Ltd, 1912), p. 384
190
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), p. 147
191
Robert Malster, Stowmarket: Britain in Old Photographs (Stroud: Alan Sutton Publishing Ltd, 1995), p.7
192
The statement claims that: “Notice is hereby given that application was intended to be made to Parliament in the
next session for an Act making navigable the rivers of Gipping and Orwell” Harry Double, Stowmarket: Book of
Records (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), p. 100
193
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), p. 134
24
firm used a steam barge with horse drawn barges there, the Railway’s release and the
Company’s financial problems saw the river neglected and cluttered with industrial waste,
which until its clean-up in the 1970's, became a great ornament to Stowmarket’s industrial
origins.194

Firstly, one of Stowmarket’s earliest industries involving Iron Foundries - under James
Woods - broke the ‘somewhat indolent repose’ of the town, ‘busy and contented with rural
craft and matters agricultural’195 by establishing furnaces throughout the 19th century. 196
Though Wood’s 1st foundry (1816)197 paved houses and cottage industries away,198 Woods
expanded branches throughout Bury St Edmunds, Newmarket, Norwich, Ipswich and
Sudbury,199 manufactured machinery after merging into Woods, Cocksedge & Co200 and
obtained a worldwide reputation obtaining the late Prince Consort and Viceroy of Egypt as
customers! 201 However, because the company exported agricultural machinery worldwide,
constructed two story 500 feet buildings202 and a millwright plant, the Suffolk Iron Works was
however later razed to the ground in 1875. 203 Though local village fire engines and town
contribution tried to control the fire, one night witnessed the destruction of the works and
valuable exports, the employment of 17 skilled carpenters & 300 employees and even houses!
204
But until its closure (1905) due to financial problems, 205 production continued as the works
were rebuilt206 towards manufacturing agricultural hydraulic & steam machinery for
millwrights, 207 cart and target makers. 208 However, after Lewis Tibbenham was brought in as

194
Harry Double, Stowmarket: Book of Records (Stowmarket: Cappella Books, 1983), p. 84
195
Ibid, p. 188
196
Harry Double, Furnaces and Forges arouse sleepy Stow (Bury Free Press, 22nd April 1988)
197
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), p. 34
198
However, this did not produce a negative effect as many inhabitants were amazed by his skills towards showing
them to build houses and improve their community. Harry Double, Furnaces and Forges arouse sleepy Stow (Bury
Free Press, 22nd April 1988)
199
Unknown Author, Industrial Stowmarket (Stowmarket: Abbots Hall Archive/ Library, Date Unknown), p.1
200
Robert Malster, Stowmarket: Britain in Old Photographs (Stroud: Alan Sutton Publishing Ltd, 1995), p. 69
201
Harry Double, Stowmarket: Book of Records (Stowmarket: Cappella Books, 1983), p. 188
202
containing a carpenters shop and saw mill, the other a mowing and reaping machine shop
203
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), p. 48
204
The event (during the Friday morning) saw the town awashed by alarms mainly rung by church bells or the
steam horn at the Prentice Brothers chemical works. Though involvement towards stopping the spread was vast,
problems were seen as the fire brigade took ¾ of an hour to obtain a decent supply of water to the town, resulted in
fire engines being sent from Combs Tannery and Needham Market, whilst the fresh breeze blew the flames across
several houses and properties, which volunteers and neighbours worked like slaves towards assisting occupants
with wet blankets and removal of interior furniture. Harry Double, Furnaces and Forges arouse sleepy Stow (Bury
Free Press, 22nd April 1988)
205
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), p.63
206
Robert Malster, Stowmarket: Britain in Old Photographs (Stroud: Alan Sutton Publishing Ltd, 1995), p. 68
25
manager, 209 whilst the freehold was sold to a local firm of machinery, engineers & mill
furnishers,210 the firm grew successfully during the 20th century. Since Tibbenham organised the
construction of the Suffolk Iron Foundry (1920) Ltd along the Railway area,211 the company
expanded upon cast iron production; 212 'Sifbronze' welding rod production after special
departments were created (1926-52);213 RAF equipment,214 whilst an old leather factory near the
river (1954) later produced ‘Suffolk Punch’ motor mowers under the name 'Suffolk Lawn
Mowers'. 215 Even- though parts were later incorporated with Atco Ltd and BOSCH by the late
20th century, 216 Woods and Tibbenham undoubtedly sowed the industrial seeds of an
organisation which blossomed for decades to come.217

Also, Suffolk’s involvement in new industries of plastic manufacture during the 19th-20th
century218 saw chemical manufacture introduced to Stowmarket under the Prentice family.
Before amalgamating into Fison, Packard and Prentice Ltd (1929), falling demands abroad and
a fire (1922), 219 Stowmarket’s artificial fertiliser production was successful during the 19th
century,220 first seen after the works under Manning Prentice (1854) 221 expanded towards
asphalt manufacture (which depended on coprolite to produce a fertiliser) with a chemical
works for this. With this, Stowmarket after Thomas Prentice’s firm produced sulphuric acid
whilst a local scientist produced explosives mixing nitric acid on cellulose, witnessed the
construction (after concerning itself with explosives manufacture) of a Guncotton works for this

207
This was mainly for the grinding of grain, lump sugar, chicory and other materials. Robert Malster,
Stowmarket: Britain in Old Photographs (Stroud: Alan Sutton Publishing Ltd, 1995), p. 67
208
Unknown Author, Industrial Stowmarket, Unknown Date, Abbots Hall Archive/ Library, p.1
209
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), pp. 139-142
210
The firm’s name was George Thurlow & Sons. Harry Double, Stowmarket: Book of Records (Cappella Books,
1991), p. 170
211
This was an enterprise which won him first prize in a competition organised by the Foundry Trade Journal.
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), pp. 139-142
212
Harry Double, Stowmarket: Book of Records (Stowmarket: Cappella Books, 1983), p. 170
213
2000 Years of Stowmarket’s History (2009) Available at:
[Link] (Accessed: 3 July 2012).
214
Harry Double, Stowmarket: Book of Records (Stowmarket: Cappella Books, 1983), p. 170
215
Robert Malster, Stowmarket: Britain in Old Photographs (Stroud: Alan Sutton Publishing Ltd, 1995), p. 71
216
2000 Years of Stowmarket’s History (2009) Available at:
[Link] (Accessed: 3 July 2012).
217
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), pp. 139-142
218
David Dymond, A History of Suffolk (Chichester: Phillimore & Co Ltd, 1985), p. 106
219
Robert Malster, Stowmarket: Britain in Old Photographs (Stroud: Alan Sutton Publishing Ltd, 1995), pp. 49-52
220
Unknown Author, Industrial Stowmarket (Stowmarket: Abbots Hall Archive/ Library, Date Unknown), p.5
221
Though another Prentice, he was also inventor of a process for concentrating sulphuric acid and developed a
continuous still for the production of nitric acid.
26
(1863),222 even though manufacturing saw two women die in an explosion! (1864). However,
though locals researched towards efficient production methods (1865) 223 whilst a new Patent
Safety Gun Cotton Co. Ltd Factory (1870) formed, the factory was destroyed by various
explosions, which ‘involved an awful loss of life, and [had] left the town almost as great a
wreck as if it had been bombarded by an enemy’s guns,’ including the rescue efforts of Edward
& William Prentice and four local doctors,224 whilst 75 workers were injured. 225 Though the
3½ week investigation saw nobody claim the £100 reward, resulting to claim the explosion was
‘produced by some person or persons unknown adding sulphuric acid to the guncotton
subsequent to its passing all the tests required by Government’,226 the event resulting in new
government regulations for explosives manufacture227 after the company dropped "safety" from
its title-towards becoming the Stowmarket Guncotton Co. Ltd- saw trade rapidly expand world-
wide from 1873 after adopting safer methods.228 Also, the event later saw relief appeals of
£3,472, contributions from Manning Prentice of £1,500 to three trusties who suffered loss and
the publication of a seven verse song sheet with the chorus: ‘Alas! For the town of Stowmarket,
At the gun cotton factory there, Many Killed in the dreadful explosion, Their poor bodies blown
in the air.’229
However, though the early 20th century presented setbacks after the building for raw cotton
preparation caught fire (1914) whilst 4 died from a cordite explosion (1915),230 the 70 day 1913
strike of 400 employees, 231 because of the companies increased workforce (500 to 2,000) from
Ipswich and Bury St Edmunds supplemented local labour, whilst striker meeting at Dukes Head
Meadow believing that wages rose for unskilled labours (2 ½d to 4d an hour), effected the
town.232 However, though the Company's wage schedule revision after union/employer
negotiations presented no real changes to originals rates, which some were reduced (1/2d per
hour), the company was successful. In addition to guncotton, quadrupling during 1914-18233 and
222
the basis of manufacture involving long staple cotton (yarn) dipped in a mixture of acids, which nitrated cotton
was put into wire baskets, placed in running water until sufficient of the free acids had been washed away, the
Gipping was used for the washing process! Unknown Author, Industrial Stowmarket,(Stowmarket: Abbots Hall
Archive/ Library, Date Unknown), p.4
223
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), p. 44
224
Robert Malster, Stowmarket: Britain in Old Photographs (Stroud: Alan Sutton Publishing Ltd, 1995), p. 57
225
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), pp. 44-144
226
Robert Malster, Stowmarket: Britain in Old Photographs (Stroud: Alan Sutton Publishing Ltd, 1995), p. 57
227
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), p. 144
228
Robert Malster, Stowmarket: Britain in Old Photographs (Stroud: Alan Sutton Publishing Ltd, 1995), p. 57
229
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), p. 44
230
Robert Malster, Stowmarket: Britain in Old Photographs (Stroud: Alan Sutton Publishing Ltd, 1995), p. 58
231
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), p.78
232
Unknown Author, Industrial Stowmarket,(Stowmarket: Abbots Hall Archive/ Library, Date Unknown), p.5
233
Harry Double, Stowmarket: Book of Records (Stowmarket: Cappella Books, 1983), p. 101
27
cordite transport to Russia, the company gained an excellent reputation for the military,
manufacturing shells, mines and smokeless powders for guns and mining.234 However, though
‘the longest and skinniest factory site in the country’ 235 saw employment decline by 1918236 to
100 in 1919, 237 the work’s transformation towards lacquer and enamel manufacture (under the
Necol Industrial Collodian Ltd238 and later the Nobel Chemical Finishes Ltd, 1926)239240 and the
construction of a 90 foot high Big Batch and Acrylic Resin Plant (1978), 241 saw the site grow
into one of the ‘world’s modern and best-equipped paint factories in Europe’, 242 producing
Dulux brands, car-paint, aeroplane finishes , paper lacquers and leather solutions.243

Suffolk towns also witnessed the development throughout the 19th and 20th century of the
Malting industry: Even though Maltings declined from 110 (1844) to 65 (1844-1890), whilst
40 from 200 breweries in total remained by 1900,244 Stowmarket kept to its past: As
Stowmarket from 1750 was rated second to Burton-on-Trent to maltings, 245 housing 150 acres
of hop-plantations,246 Stowmarket by 1850 was considered as ‘one of the largest malting
districts in the kingdom’ after malting houses were established, causing by 1870 increased malt
exports247 whilst local businessmen expanded towards the malting trade,248 increased the
construction of beer-house from 15 to 30 (1844-91). 249
Also, with Stowmarket's establishment of the Steven Brothers brewery (1827), other than their
beer exported world-wide via the river Gipping,250 saw their artisan well for brewing providing
Stowmarket with a piped water supply, before larger towns had such amenities. 251 Also, after
234
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), pp. 144-6
235
This area now contains 93 acres of varied industries
236
Robert Malster, Stowmarket: Britain in Old Photographs (Stroud: Alan Sutton Publishing Ltd, 1995), p. 58
237
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), p. 146
238
Mid Suffolk District Council, Stowmarket Civic Trust Report (2002), p. 6
239
Robert Malster, Stowmarket: Britain in Old Photographs (Stroud: Alan Sutton Publishing Ltd, 1995), p. 58
240
The company later became incorporated into the paints division of Imperial Chemical Industries. Harry Double,
Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), p. 146
241
Robert Malster, Stowmarket: Britain in Old Photographs (Stroud: Alan Sutton Publishing Ltd, 1995), p. 61
242
Harry Double, Stowmarket: Book of Records (Stowmarket: Cappella Books, 1983), p.130
243
Unknown Author, Industrial Stowmarket (Stowmarket: Abbots Hall Archive/ Library, Date Unknown), p.5
244
David Dymond, A History of Suffolk (Chichester: Phillimore & Co Ltd, 1985), p. 106
245
Mid Suffolk District Council, Stowmarket Civic Trust Report (2002), p. 6
246
Abraham Rees, The Cyclopædia;: Or, Universal Dictionary of Arts, Sciences, and Literature, Volume 34
(London, 1819)
247
William White, History, Gazetteer & Directory of Suffolk (Sheffield, 1891-2), p. 656
248
Thomas Prentice & Co. included brewing among their many interests towards the end of the century. Robert
Malster, Stowmarket: Britain in Old Photographs (Stroud: Alan Sutton Publishing, 1995), p 35
249
Unknown Author, Industrial Stowmarket (Stowmarket: Abbots Hall Archive/ Library, Date Unknown), p.1
250
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), pp. 139-142
251
The bore was 330 ft deep and yielded as much as 200/300 gallons a minute Unknown Author, Industrial
Stowmarket (Stowmarket: Abbots Hall Archive/ Library, Date Unknown), pp.6-7
28
the Brewery's takeover by Greene King (1883-7) the firm supplied beer, new mains, reservoirs
and a water softening plant to Stowmarket, 252 which later was replaced by a 50,000 gallon
water tower253 after the Urban District Council bought it for £10,000.254 However, though
Malthouses, breweries and public houses were closed throughout the 20th century,255 the
establishment of Muntons PLC (1976),256 which won the Queen's Award for Export
Achievements,257 shown that ‘the malt coming from this factory presents that Stowmarket still
has kept a strong, successful link with its past.’258

However, the Industrial era presented a horrible side, which the establishment of central
workhouses after the Amendment Act (1834) divided Suffolk into 18 Poor Law Unions-due to
increased pauperisation, population and unemployment-whilst receiving the highest payment in
Poor relief,259 saw after Stow Union’s formation, ‘The Poor House of the Hundred of Stow’
(1769)-built under the Parliamentary Act (1767) for the aged, infirm, able and serve the sick
and lunatics-become the ‘Stow Union Workhouse’ (1835).
Though the Stow Workhouse provided a chapel, dining room, kitchen, school rooms and coal
bin areas, whilst being self-sufficient by housing a mill and a brew-house,260 Workhouses in
Stowmarket and Suffolk were built to deter by offering crude accommodations, minimal food
and separations of families.261 Examples include medical examinations of new inmates towards
work ‘classifications’ and divisions into seven groups. 262 Also, pauper activities included early
rising for roll calls, prayers and breakfast; worked on oakum picking and bone crushing, whilst
Children worked and received schooling. Also, diets were often poor, consisting of gruel, meat
one day a week, vegetables, bread and cheese for the rest. 263 However, the 20th century
brought notable changes through altered pauper burials systems by the Board of Guardians
(1913) by number-plating graves (many obtained had no identification);264 replaced the Board

252
Unknown Author, Industrial Stowmarket (Stowmarket: Abbots Hall Archive/ Library, Date Unknown), pp.6-7
253
Mid Suffolk Council, Welcome to Stowmarket Town Guide Map (Stowmarket, 2000), p. 8
254
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), p. 52
255
Mid Suffolk Council, Welcome to Stowmarket Town Guide Map (Stowmarket, 2000), p. 11
256
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), pp. 125-7
257
Unknown Author, Stowmarket Guide and Directory (Ipswich, 1977), p. 17
258
2000 Years of Stowmarket’s History (2009) Available at:
[Link] (Accessed: 3 July 2012).
259
David Dymond, A History of Suffolk (West Sussex: Phillimore & Co Ltd, 1985), p. 98
260
Harry Double, Stowmarket: Book of Records (Stowmarket: Cappella Books, 1983), pp.188-90
261
Dymond, David, A History of Suffolk (Chichester: Phillimore & Co Ltd, 1985), p. 98
262
This was often ranged between age and usefulness.
263
Harry Double, Stowmarket: Book of Records (Stowmarket: Cappella Books, 1983), p.188-190
264
However, the dead were registered though.
29
of Guardians with the Public Assistance Committee of the local authority (under the 1929 Act)
to take over the Workhouse; new local council sewers, whilst the NHS’s incorporation (1948)
saw ‘Stow Lodge Hospital’ later transformed into a modern geriatric hospital.265

Even-though industries witnessed various change, which by the late 20th century provided for
30% of all jobs in Stowmarket (1993) as ICI and Bosch employed 300-500, whilst smaller
industrial premises (the Tomo and Charles estates) and Muntons continue, the history upon its
varied development on the town cannot be forgotten as it provided for this outcome.266

3) Leisure, Culture & Public Services

Stowmarket, throughout the 19th and 20th Century came to witness various changes and easy
access towards the variations from leisure & culture - commerce, celebrations, communications,
visual marvels, knowledge and public services - which either provided a positive or mixed
reception towards modernising the townspeople.
Firstly, when writing about town leisure, it is important to note the positive uniformity of town
culture as Stowmarket, like many towns throughout the 19th-20th century, housed various
venues for major fairs, carnivals and other attractions, as flourishing fairs contributed
towards the modernisation of towns, through business and affluence.267 Stowmarket's fairs
during the 19th century were centred on the Abbots Hall and Hill House area, often for the end
of town carnivals, supported by military bands, parades of donkey-drawn vehicles and tricycles;
illuminated gardens with hundreds of ‘fairy lights’, dancing by an ornamental lake and ending
with a firework display and “God Save the King” 268, which the market place was decorated
with banners, flags, flowers with stallholders selling oranges, nuts and paper windmills.
However, the Lambs, Cricket and Duke's Head Meadow also provided smaller events, ranging
from town gardens269, circuses and fairs, large county agricultural shows and hot air balloon
ascents, whilst touring entertainment provided open menageries, chair-o-planes, cakewalks and
‘moving’ pictures.270

265
Harry Double, Stowmarket: Book of Records (Stowmarket: Cappella Books, 1983), pp.188-190
266
Mid Suffolk District Council, Stowmarket Civic Trust Report (2002), pp.25-48
267
Reid, D. Playing and Praying In Martin Daunton (ed.) The Cambridge Urban History of Britain 1840-1950
(Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2000) pp. 759-60
268
Harry Double, Hill House Galas (Bury Free Press, 4th May 1988)
269
Harry Double, Stowmarket: Book of Records (Stowmarket: Cappella Books, 1983), p. 24
270
Harry Double, Chapel of Plenty (Bury Free Press, 18th March 1988)
30
Though the Recreational Ground was often used for outdoor events during the late Victorian
era, it became the key venue after Queen Elizabeth’s visit in 1961 as it became the home for
Stowmarket’s carnival: With a different theme each year, ‘Carnival Week’ provided swimming
galas, sporting events, fancy dress parades, a Fun-Fair holding numerous trade stands whilst a
procession of decorated floats through the town was led by the Carnival Queen, ending with a
firework display, was considered to have drawn people in drew people in from many local
villages.271
Also this town unity was notable, towards celebrating local or national events, as many
participated through charity subscriptions towards celebrating France’s defeat (1812), Royal
events (Victoria’s, George’s & Elizabeth’s coronation) through carnival processions, food and
gifts;272 ‘Annual Hospital Sunday’273 parades (1891-1948), 274 Kitchener’s visit (1902);275
Suffolk Shows; the end of both world wars (1914-1945) and for Stowmarket’s town-twinning
with Verneuil-sur-Avre (1979).276

An obvious feature of leisure was the development of the Market place, towards the buying &
selling of goods through shopping outlets277, which Stowmarket’s main trade area (by 1834),
historically a meeting place for Parliament elections,278 housed a large market for corn and
cattle on Thursdays & Saturdays at the Corn Exchange (1835) 279280 two fairs on June 10th (for
271
Harry Double, Stowmarket: Book of Records (Stowmarket: Cappella Books, 1983), p. 66
272
George’s coronation was celebrated with an assembly of civic organisations at Dukes Head meadow, a church
service and an open air tea party on Hill House (1911); George V’s coronation was celebrated with a large carnival
procession and a baby show to all infants in the town, born on the day and given a silver spoon, whilst Elizabeth II
was celebrated in the Corn Exchange, whilst many came to the Oddfellow's Hall and the Modern School’s main
hall to watch the Coronation service. Harry Double, Stowmarket: Book of Records (Stowmarket: Cappella Books,
1983), p. 32
273
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), p. 54
274
Towards the participation of the 'Thanksgiving Day' for the Defeat of the French, a subscription of money was
distributed to the poor, whilst 'a plentiful dinner’ was given to Sunday school children, ending with a fireworks
display; For celebrating Victoria’s coronation at home , a subscription of £83.11s 6d provided free food and ale to
the poor in Stowmarket; and lastly, Annual “Hospital Sunday” parades saw bands and civic dignitaries process
with banners and collection boxes and ending with a open air religious service on the Recreational Ground. Harry
Double, Stowmarket: Book of Records (Stowmarket: Cappella Books, 1983), pp. 30-96
275
Kitchener arrived to present medals to 4 volunteers who returned with the Boers whilst the town was “decked
with flowers and bunting with a banner saying ‘Hero of Africa and success in India’ and royal addresses from The
UDC and the Board of Guardians” Harry Double, Stowmarket: Book of Records (Stowmarket: Cappella Books,
1983), pp. 28-32
276
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Cappella Publications, 1991), pp. 104-10
277
Gilbert, D., “The Urban Labour Market” in Martin Daunton (ed.) The Cambridge Urban History of Britain
1840-1950 (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2000)
278
Harry Double, Changed face in Market Place (Bury Free Press, 4th March 1988)
279
Issac Slater, Slater’s. late Pigot & co. Royal National and Commercial Directory and Topography of the
Counties of Bedfordshire (Berkshire, 1852), p. 64
280
The Corn Exchange was later used for public meetings, concerts, theatricals and trade exhibitions until its
closure in the 1950’s. Harry Double, Stowmarket: Book of Records (Stowmarket: Cappella Books, 1983), p. 56
31
toys and pleasure)281 & August 12th (for sheep and lambs)282 and a “well-established Cattle
Market”(1835), containing ‘small livestock-chickens, rabbits’ which by 1984 were no longer
seen.” 283
However, since various banks from 1805 were established upon the market place284- as well as
the town’s population from two (1891)285 to five banks by 1977,286 later expanding throughout
the market and town centre with the establishment of cash machines, Stowmarket witnessed the
increase in consumer spending.
Because of the rise of consumerism that saw many choose between non-essential goods, whilst
the increased use of gas/electric lighting and advertisements extended beyond window displays
through posters, directories and local newspapers,287 Stowmarket by the 19th century was said
to have housed an “abundance of well-stocked shops” 288 under various types of private shop-
keepers; bakers; shoemakers; drapers; cabinet makers; blacksmiths and carpenters,289 where the
majority were staffed by owners and their families, with close-panned windows and candle lit
rooms. 290 Also - though advertising - local traders by the 1850’s advertised "premises fitted up
regardless of expense" or tempted customers with sherry at £1 for 6 bottles and & two for
champagne,291 whilst the town’s extensive wine vault (under Lankester and Wells), was used
towards storing their customer’s wine.292
However, like many towns, Stowmarket witnessed the expansion of single to ‘multiple’ trade
stores from the 19th century notably Co-operative and International Stores and self-service

281
Issac Slater, Slater’s. late Pigot & co. Royal National and Commercial Directory and Topography of the
Counties of Bedfordshire (Berkshire, 1852), p. 64
282
William White, History, Gazetteer & Directory of Suffolk (Sheffield, 1891-2), p. 656
283
Domesday Reloaded: Market day in Stowmarket., from 1986 (1986) Available at
[Link] (Accessed: 2 June 2012).
284
However, though the town was sufficiently flourished to support two banks in addition to that of Oakes, Bevan
& Co. after the opening of the Gipping for navigational purposes and the development of the barley and hop trades,
the appointment of John George Hart as bank manager by deed (1830) & well respected for his civic work; a
trustee of the Stowmarket Navigation Company (1846); a Poor Law Guardian member and was also active
shareholder/director of the Great Eastern Railway) until 1861 (death)caused an outrage as bank partners discovered
that he had committed extensive fraud. Harry Double, Changed face in Market Place (Bury Free Press, 4h March
1988)
285
Unknown Author, Parish Record (Stowmarket: Abbots Hall Archive, Date Unknown), p. 4
286
These ones include the following: Barclay's; Lloyds; Midland Banks; National Westminster and Co-operative
Bank. Unknown Author, Stowmarket Guide and Directory (Ipswich, 1977), p. 77
287
Walton, J. “Towns and Consumerism” in Martin Daunton (ed.) The Cambridge Urban History of Britain 1840-
1950 (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2000) pp. 724-34
288
William White, History, Gazetteer & Directory of Suffolk (Sheffield, 1891-2), p. 656
289
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Cappella Publications, 1991), pp. 36-84
290
Harry Double , Focus on Stowmarket (East Anglian Daily Times, 28th January 1987), p. 14
291
Harry Double, Changed face in Market Place (Bury Free Press, 4h March 1988)
292
William White, History, Gazetteer & Directory of Suffolk (Sheffield, 1891-2), p. 656
32
grocery stores from 1953 onwards293 , whilst compulsory early closings on one day of the week
(4pm on a selected day)294 and restricted trading on Sundays (1877) 295 were succeeded by
extended hours. However, because long-established timber-framed shops296 were demolished
during the 1960s-70’s as brand-names and developers moved in to clear buildings,297 whilst
pedestrian-vehicle conflicts increased due to traffic, the town centre had succumbed to poor
variety shopping outlets with no real niche and fewer shops for younger locals, whereas
neighbouring towns have a far great choice of chain stores,298 whilst market numbers were
limited as they could not duplicate stalls,299 even though the town still housed family business,
market stalls and outlets.300

With the increase in population and demands for entertainment, leisure facilities and literary
societies in most town (1793-1846),301 the foundations of Stowmarket’s Library were notably
seen beforehand through book clubs (1796)302 towards Literary Institutes as contribution of 6d
per brick made towards a ‘mechanics institute’303 saw £2,200 was raised304 towards the Institute
(1874)305 which was celebrated through singing, military bands, and a poem towards its
prosperity.306
However, before support fell and its later demolition in the 1960’s,307 the Institute modernised
and cultured members: Whilst providing a lecture hall for theatrical companies, local choral
societies, concerts, debates and various entertainments,308 the Institute provided newspapers,

293
Walton, J. “Towns and Consumerism” in Martin Daunton (ed.) The Cambridge Urban History of Britain 1840-
1950 (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2000) p. 724
294
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), p. 85
295
Harry Double, Stowmarket: Book of Records (Stowmarket: Cappella Books, 1983), p. 162
296
Harry Double, Stowmarket: Book of Records (Stowmarket: Cappella Books, 1983), p. 162
297
Robert Malster, Stowmarket: Britain in Old Photographs (Stroud: Alan Sutton Publishing Ltd, 1995), p. 125
298
Mid Suffolk District Council, (2002) Stowmarket Civic Trust Report. Retrieved September 6, 2012, from
[Link]
AAP/[Link] , pp.26-48
299
Harry Double, Changed face in Market Place (Bury Free Press, 4th March 1988)
300
Mid Suffolk District Council, (2002) Stowmarket Civic Trust Report. Retrieved September 6, 2012, from
[Link]
AAP/[Link] , p.86
301
Harry Double, Learning paid for at 6d a brick (Bury Free Press, 11th March 1988)
302
Harry Double, Stowmarket: Book of Records (Stowmarket: Cappella Books, 1983), p.110
303
Harry Double, Learning paid for at 6d a brick (Bury Free Press, 11th March 1988)
304
Kelly’s Directory Ltd,. Kelly's Directory of Suffolk (London: Kelly’s Directory Ltd, 1912), p. 384
305
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), p. 46
306
The notable extract from the poem was, " Hail Institute! As years roll on...May you be a general favourite..."
Harry Double, Learning paid for at 6d a brick (Bury Free Press, 11th March 1988)
307
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), p. 46
308
Harry Double, Learning paid for at 6d a brick (Bury Free Press, 11th March 1988)
33
magazine, national periodicals309 and a well stocked library (from 700 to 3,000/4,000 volumes310
of the best works).311 Until its current place in Church Walk (1981), Stowmarket's Council
Libraries throughout the 20th century were placed either in ‘Adam’s Rooms’312 and ‘Red
Gables’ to which the current library still contains the Institute's characteristics towards culturing
members, providing learning facilities, local information, internet facilities and extended
opening days from Tuesday to Saturday to Sunday, carry on Stowmarket’s quests for
learning.313

In other forms of leisure and culture, Stowmarket came to witness the marvels of various
media, through the availability of Cinema and Television but also that of local news: Because
of increased theatre audiences and Music Hall developments, the introduction of Cinema
around towns was notably popular as areas housed ‘Glorious Super Cinemas’ of the 1930’s
whilst poorer families attended ‘penny gaffs’ for sociability and entertainment.314 However,
though Stowmarket's exposure to Cinema was seen during the late 19th century after grassland
on Duke's Meadow housed a wooden theatre for travelling performers and melodramas, which
‘silent’ films invited the public to see the ‘latest wonder of the age’,315 it was the 20th century
that Stowmarket witnessed the establishment of permanent picture houses. Indeed the town
house many cinema's, which before suffering opposition and closure after the Regal Cinema
was built, the ‘Institute’ was leased as ‘The Picture House’ (1914), providing for many over
the years, adapted for talking films (1930) and was subsequently renamed ‘The Palladium’
(1936), even though it was called the 'flea pit'.316 Also, because of opposition from local
churches, Cinemas in Stowmarket significantly presented their popularity after a public poll
(instituted by the Town Council) for screenings on a Sunday saw 1,760 vote for whilst and 764
against it! (1955).317

309
Harry Double, Stowmarket: Book of Records (Stowmarket: Cappella Books, 1983), p.110
310
Kelly’s Directory Ltd,. Kelly's Directory of Suffolk (London: Kelly’s Directory Ltd, 1912), p. 384
311
Harry Double, Stowmarket: Book of Records (Stowmarket: Cappella Books, 1983), p.109
312
Ibid, p.110
313
Unknown Author, Stowmarket Guide and Directory (Ipswich, 1977), p. 69
314
Reid, D. Playing and Praying In Martin Daunton (ed.) The Cambridge Urban History of Britain 1840-1950
(Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2000), p. 770
315
It was considered that Queen Victoria’s funeral actually attracted endless queues of customers! Harry Double,
Stowmarket: Book of Records (Stowmarket: Cappella Books, 1983), p. 66
316
Before suffering opposition and closure after the Regal Cinema was built and selling for commercial
development (1959), the ‘Institute was used for lectures, concerts and theatricals (1911). Harry Double,
Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), p. 90
317
Ibid, p. 165
34
Lastly, The Regal Cinema, keeping to its past by opening on Dukes Head Meadows (1936)
received notable changes. Though owned by V.E.H. Cinema Ltd (East Anglian chain),318 but
later acquired by the Urban District Council (1972)319 towards preventing its closure and
refurbishment (1974),320 one of Stowmarket’s ‘important assets’321 over the years provided
continuous performances from 5.30pm,322 was well-used for hosting film & shows/events by
local groups,323 whilst later providing free evening car parking.324
Also, as the town’s 1st demonstration of television in 1939 caused a press report to state: ‘the
marvel of such a transmission, at least as far remote as we are in Stowmarket, lies in fact’,325
television’s popularity, though considered 'monstrosities' spread around town as TV licences
and aerials were made available by the 1950’s.326
With the influx of city news to Suffolk towns, via the railway, Stowmarket, establishing itself
with its 1st weekly newspaper (The Stowmarket Recorder)327 towards providing local news
until 1939,328 increased by the 1980’s towards 6 local and free newspapers.329 In addition to
national radio and TV, Suffolk provided Stowmarket with local sources of information and
entertainment through Radio Orwell and BBC Suffolk,330 whilst BBC's "Look East" and Anglia
TV (ITV) later transmitted news that related to East Anglia generally.331
In terms of improving communications facilities, Post Offices and Telephones transformed
Stowmarket, as the town quickly adopted the ‘new’ postage system after William Bracket
Woolby appointment as Stowmarket’s official postmaster (1845) whilst providing sold cream-
laid notepaper, envelopes and brown paper.332 From this, the town later on was to see the
construction of its 1st Post Office savings Bank (1861) and purpose-built Post Office (1889),
318
Unknown Author, Stowmarket Guide and Directory (Ipswich, 1977), p. 49
319
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), pp. 125-7
320
Unknown Author, Stowmarket Guide and Directory (Ipswich, 1977), p. 49
321
Mid Suffolk District Council, Stowmarket Civic Trust Report (2002), p.66
322
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Cappella Publications, 1991), p. 92
323
Domesday Reloaded: Market day in Stowmarket., from 1986 (1986) Available at:
[Link] (Accessed: 2 June 2012)
324
Mid Suffolk District Council, Stowmarket Civic Trust Report (2002), p.66
325
Harry Double, Stowmarket: Book of Records (Stowmarket: Cappella Books, 1983), p. 166
326
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), p. 83
327
The paper was originally printed at ‘The Electric Printing Works’ in Ipswich Street contain 8 pages of local
news for 2d (1p). The free newspapers (The 'Advertiser' and The 'Mercury) were distributed just as the Suffolk
Recorder was, for local news.
328
Harry Double, Stowmarket: Book of Records (Stowmarket: Cappella Books, 1983), p. 164
329
These include the East Anglian Daily Times; The Evening Star & The Stowmarket Chronicle and Hadleigh
News; The 'Daily Star' and The 'Bury Free Press. Domesday Reloaded: Market day in Stowmarket., from 1986
(1986) Available at: [Link] (Accessed: 2
June 2012)
330
Ibid, p. 13
331
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), p. 130
35
providing extended weekday (8am-8pm) and weekend (8.30am-10am)333 openings, whilst the
current building, ‘The Hollies’ (when the office handled 100,000 letters and 2,000 parcels per
week) for £12,000, still is in common use by 2000.334 Also, though beginning after the
government took control of the National Telephone Company (1889), Stowmarket’s first
exchange (1912)335 provided services to early telephone subscribers in the town,336 it was only
until the mid-20th century after the telephone exchange moved around the town (1920-33) that
telephone poles and numbers were introduced to all households.337
The increase of Public houses, placed around transport routes, streets and working-class
suburbs under the Beer Act (1830) had a profound effect on towns becoming “the chief 19th
century leisure venue for many reasons then seeking solace [as] Alcohol provided commercial,
cultural, nutritional, recreational, medical and psychological functions,” whilst becoming
centres for sport, news, entertainment and debates.338

Because of this statement, Stowmarket was indeed “highly” cultured, as the town was
considered to have provided good inns and taverns by 1892,339 after the establishment of 15
public houses and 16 beer-houses (1844-1891), 340 whilst notable Inns341 saw omnibus driven
down to meet all London trains.342 Even though the town was said to have housed 40 inns and
beer houses throughout the 19th century,343 Stowmarket, from 1800-2000 housed more than
30,344 which the 12 ‘current’ pubs were either long established or later built throughout the
time-period. 345 However, though well-established public houses witnessed closure or
demolition, seen when the Hop Pole Tavern was demolished to become a new road system
332
Though notepaper was sold for 5 quites from 7d to 3s, whilst envelopes were sold for 6d and 1s. per 100,
Woolby claimed that he sold the best brown paper for large patterns and laying under carpets.
333
The shop was even open on Christmas Day and Good Friday. Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time
(Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), pp. 39-80
334
Harry Double, Learning paid for at 6d a brick (Bury Free Press, 11th March 1988)
335
The original offices were housed in the upper floor in a building opposite the present post-office
336
These included, outfitters, solicitors and chemists
337
Harry Double, Stowmarket: Book of Records (Stowmarket: Cappella Books, 1983), p. 166
338
Reid, D. Playing and Praying In Martin Daunton (ed.) The Cambridge Urban History of Britain 1840-1950
(Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2000) p. 767
339
History, Gazetteer & Directory of Suffolk, 1891-2, p. 656
340
Unknown Author, Parish Record (Stowmarket: Abbots Hall Archive, Date Unknown), p. 5
341
These inns included The Kings Head and The Fox & Hound
342
Robert Malster, Stowmarket: Britain in Old Photographs (Stroud: Alan Sutton Publishing Ltd, 1995), p 47
343
Mid Suffolk Council, Welcome to Stowmarket Town Guide Map, (2000), 6
344
Also contributing towards this were the issuing of 43 licences to local publicans and innkeepers, representing
1:243 of the population from the annual licensing meeting held at Tavern Street in 1924).Harry Double,
Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), p. 116
345
The list of current public houses include Cedars; The Crown; The Dukes Head; The Royal Oak; The Gladstone
Arms; The Magpie; The Little Wellington; The Queen’s Head; The Rose & Crown; The Royal William; The Stag
and the Walnut Tree. Harry Double, Stowmarket: Book of Records (Stowmarket: Cappella Books, 1983), pp.106-8
36
(1972),346 many were converted to house an estate agent, dentist, toy shop, shopping outlets347, a
solicitors office348 and even a children’s nursery!349 Also, with the formation of night clubs,
Stowmarket saw old establishments converted as the Riverside Maltings and a Cafe were
converted into various night clubs over the years.350
With the influx of Sporting after the emergence of spectator sport and outdoor activities, many
towns, like Stowmarket devoted land towards sociability, leisure and sports clubs formations,351
which before the Leisure centre, the ‘Cricket Meadows’, ‘Bathing Place’ and Recreational
Ground provided the town space for this: Firstly, the 'Cricket Meadow', before its closure and
eventual construction of the ‘Meadow Centre’ car park with shopping outlets (1984), was
originally “abundant in open meadowland” was used for various sporting events during the 19th
century whilst land was purchased for the construction and opening of a Sports pavilion for the
town (1908).352 Though the Leisure Centre saw the eventual closure in 1985, the Stowmarket
Swimming Club (1888)353 became a popular venue during the 19th and 20th century.354 As part
of the river became been sectioned off,355 though mixed bathing was not allowed,356 whilst the
river was cleaned ‘to make conditions more palatable for it patrons’,357 its popularity as a venue
for summer events,358 whilst enthusiastic supporters used it all year round, providing changing
huts and diving stands, saw a new open air Swimming pool opened in 1937 because of its
popularity.359

346
It was called this because it housed the majority of people working in Stowmarket for the week from the
countryside. Robert Malster, Stowmarket: Britain in Old Photographs (Stroud: Alan Sutton Publishing Ltd, 1995),
p 46
347
The White Horse Inn (1903) was used as Gas Showrooms and currently houses an estate agents; The Prince of
Wales (1904) housed as Trustee Savings Bank; The Red Lion (1910) was rented by the recently formed Scout
troop, but now hold a dentist surgery; The Vulcan Arms (1913) now houses Simpson’s Toy Shop whilst the
popular coaching inn Fox and Hound (1917) was converted into shop outlets. Harry Double, Stowmarket: The
March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), pp. 62-127
348
The Rose Inn (1957) the oldest recorded Inn in Stowmarket (c. 1450) was used as solicitors’ office. Mid Suffolk
Council, Welcome to Stowmarket Town Guide Map, (2000), 6
349
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), pp. 116-127
350
These include Riverside, The Veranda Bar and Xcel. Unknown Author, Parish Record (Stowmarket: Abbots
Hall Archive, Date Unknown), p. 5
351
Reid, D. Playing and Praying In Martin Daunton (ed.) The Cambridge Urban History of Britain 1840-1950
(Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2000) p. 772
352
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), pp. 66-129
353
Ibid, p. 52
354
However, swimming was very common in Stowmarket before its establishment.
355
Harry Double, Stowmarket: Book of Records (Stowmarket: Cappella Books, 1983), p. 14
356
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), p. 52
357
Harry Double, Stowmarket: Book of Records (Stowmarket: Cappella Books, 1983), p. 14
358
Harry Double, Focus on Stowmarket, (East Anglian Daily Times, 18th April 1988), p. 11
359
Harry Double, Stowmarket: Book of Records (Stowmarket: Cappella Books, 1983), p. 14
37
However, though the ‘Kings Meadows’- like the Cricket Meadows - provided open meadow
land and received notable changes throughout the 20th century,360 the Recreational Ground later
housed the annual carnival, whilst play areas and pathway were built towards leisure and
recreation.361
Indeed, as land became devoted towards sport, Stowmarket throughout the 200 years
established various sporting clubs involving Swimming, Cycling, Cricket, Rugby, Football,
Bowling,362 Tennis and Badminton.363 Though the Cinema and leisure centres were fierce
competitors, local clubs were able to survive under community action through fund-raising
activities,364 which was notably seen by Stowmarket’s Football and Rugby Clubs. Though many
continue independently,365 whilst Chilton Fields provides for sporting facilities,366the opening of
the £150,000 Mid Suffolk Sports Centre (1973)367 saw the majority of physical activities housed
here for all age groups all week by 2000.368
Also, as the institutionalisation of social life and cultural diversity saw small towns witness
throughout the 19th century the establishment of Coffee houses, literary societies, penny
concerts, choral societies and sporting,369 whilst the early 20th century produced a rash of
youth-orientated organisations,370 Stowmarket already housing a literary book club and institute
(1796)371 and a parish room for social meetings (1876),372 provided recreation for all ages
through club formations for sporting, (as discussed earlier) artistic development through the

360
Most notable changes included £2,600 under public subscription was raised towards the meadows’ purchase
and erection of the Memorial Gate (1921), which even the grounds were enclosed under iron railings and looked
after by an official caretaker
361
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), pp. 66-146
362
Unknown Author, Parish Record (Stowmarket: Abbots Hall Archive, Date Unknown), p. 5
363
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), p. 90
364
Reid, D. Playing and Praying In Martin Daunton (ed.) The Cambridge Urban History of Britain 1840-1950
(Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2000) p. 775
365
Most notably the bowls, cricket, football, rugby, tennis and rambling clubs. Domesday Reloaded: Market day in
Stowmarket., from 1986 (1986) Available at: [Link]
258000/7 (Accessed: 2 June 2012).
366
Activities include Rugby, Cricket and Football. Mid Suffolk District Council, Stowmarket Civic Trust Report
(2002), p.63
367
Harry Double, Stowmarket: Book of Records (Stowmarket: Cappella Books, 1991), p. 164
368
Indeed, by 2000, the leisure centre provided 3 swimming pools, squash courts, gym, bowls hall, badminton,
basketball, etc, a health suite, outdoor facilities, play areas, bar facilities, and crèche. Mid Suffolk District Council,
Stowmarket Civic Trust Report (2002), p.63
369
Royal, S . “The Development of small towns in Britain.” In Martin Daunton (ed.) The Cambridge Urban
History of Britain 1840-1950 (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2000) p. 174
370
Harry Double , Focus on Stowmarket (East Anglian Daily Times, 28th January 1987), p. 14
371
By the 1850s, the club had nearly 700 members paying monthly contributions. Robert Malster, Stowmarket:
Britain in Old Photographs (Stroud: Alan Sutton Publishing Ltd, 1995), p.7
372
Brabner, J. H. F., The Comprehensive Gazetteer of England and Wales (London, 1894)
38
formation of the Operatic and Dramatic Society (1922), Art Clubs,373 Choral Societies (1901)
and Constitutional Players(1946), whilst the increase in youth clubs saw Stowmarket by 1977
house 25 youth organisations,374 which the Scouts, Guides, Army Cadets and church youth
groups provide for the majority. 375

With the formation of parent/teacher and political associations,376 Church-run Playgroups377

and various Voluntary and Co-operative societies378 like the Stowmarket Provident Society
(1832),379 Stowmarket by 2000 housed well-funded to smaller community groups towards
counselling, campaigning on environmental issues, 380 and protection from unwelcome
development, as an amenity “watchdog”, through the Stowmarket Good Neighbour Scheme381
and Stowmarket Society,382 which instead of Inns or Taverns beforehand, private buildings, the
Community Centre and St Peter’s Church now house the majority of social clubs.383
However, because many rural traits have vanished into industries and modern buildings,
Stowmarket's cultural heritage was not forgotten after the establishment of the Museum of East
Anglian Life (1967),384 which the estate’s expansion from two towards 70 acres,385 even across
the River Rattlesden housed thousands of exhibits, buildings (as Edgar’s Farmhouse is the only
example of its kind in Suffolk),386 wagons, agricultural machinery; craft demonstrations387 and

373
Mid Suffolk District Council, Stowmarket Civic Trust Report (2002), p.65
374
Unknown Author, Stowmarket Guide and Directory (Ipswich, 1977), p. 92
375
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), pp. 58-110
376
For the 20th century this includes the First Conservative Club (1903). Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of
Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), p.64
377
Unknown Author, Stowmarket Guide and Directory (Ipswich, 1977), p. 87
378
11 friendly societies’ were listed (1803). Unknown Author, Parish Record (Stowmarket: Abbots Hall Archive,
Date Unknown), p. 4
379
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), p. 36
380
These groups included the Mid Suffolk Friends of the Earth and even Beekeeping. Mid Suffolk District
Council, Stowmarket Civic Trust Report (2002), pp.54-5
381
Unknown Author, Stowmarket Guide and Directory (Ipswich, 1977), p. 93
382
Mid Suffolk District Council, Stowmarket Civic Trust Report (2002), p.55
383
Domesday Reloaded: Market day in Stowmarket., from 1986 (1986) Available at:
[Link] (Accessed: 2 June 2012)
384
Towards the purpose to develop the project, land at the rear end of Crowe Street was given by Misses E T and
V M Longe to collect, preserve, record and display objects relating to the rural scene of East Anglia, which is still
continually collecting items, incorporating agricultural artefacts and local rural history. Harry Double,
Stowmarket: Book of Records (Stowmarket: Cappella Books, 1991), pp.124-6
385
Mid Suffolk District Council, Stowmarket Civic Trust Report (2002), p.27
386
This is the oldest exhibit in the museum as it is a 14th century aisled barn Harry Double, Stowmarket: Book of
Records (Stowmarket: Cappella Books, 1991), pp.124-6
387
Domesday Reloaded: Market day in Stowmarket., from 1986 (1986) Available at:
[Link] (Accessed: 2 June 2012)
39
industrial displays.388 Though yearly attendance fell from 34,000389 to 25,000 (1987-1999) as
July and August were popular months, whilst few locals regularly access the area saw the
museum after the 1998 Drivers Jonas study comment that: “instead of being burdened with the
tag of Stowmarket’s only attraction it must first seek to become a focal point for the
Community, through events and exhibitions,” this was later established, housing for festive
occasions, open days and CAMRA beer festivals. 390

The Influence of Religion and Church re-construction

Though Suffolk felt the influence of religion, as its abundance of Churches391 gave many
choices towards a variety of religion,392 church influence in many towns after Ecclesiastical
Commissioners and the Oxford Movement who sought to provide higher standards worship and
church restoration,393 effected the cultural aspects of many lives in Stowmarket after the
establishment of church-based recreation through clubs, festivals and concerts.394
Indeed, as the Parish Church (Peter and Mary), the oldest and most involved with the town,
received exterior and interior changes, through the removal395 or repair of its spire396, until a
Tower Fund (1991-3) replicated the 1712 spire,397 and refurbishments (a new organ chamber,
re-hung bells and heating systems),398 the area by the 20th century housed local organisations
for schooling and seasonal events.399

388
Harry Double, Stowmarket: Book of Records (Stowmarket: Cappella Books, 1991), pp.124-6
389
Domesday Reloaded: Market day in Stowmarket., from 1986 (1986) Available at:
[Link] (Accessed: 2 June 2012)
390
Mid Suffolk District Council, Stowmarket Civic Trust Report (2002), p.27
391
Indeed, records present that there were 895 churches by 1851, which increased 2 fold by the late 20th century.
392
However, some were frowned upon or taken up in secret.
393
This was most notable throughout the 20th century as many underwent restoration or construction. David
Dymond, A History of Suffolk (Chichester: Phillimore & Co Ltd, 1985), p. 110
394
Also, through Church & Sunday schools, organisations, popular religious festivals, missions and street
campaigns and increased attendance of women in congregations, aspects of Gospel and Church messages touched
many of the working classes as well. Reid, D. Playing and Praying In Martin Daunton (ed.) The Cambridge Urban
History of Britain 1840-1950 (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2000) pp. 797-800
395
By 1975, the spire was removed because of the apparent dangerous conditions it imposed. Harry Double,
Stowmarket: Book of Records (Stowmarket: Cappella Books, 1983), pp. 44-48
396
During the late 19th century, the spire received alterations when extensive repairs were done for £247.10 (1876)
whilst for nearly £400, it was completely restored. Robert Malster, Stowmarket: Britain in Old Photographs
(Stroud: Alan Sutton Publishing Ltd, 1995), p. 10
397
Though the spire was rebuilt and removed in 1674, the original spire was blown down by a great gale in 1712.
Mid Suffolk Council, Welcome to Stowmarket Town Guide Map, (2000’s), 7
398
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Cappella Publications, 1991), pp. 48-64
399
Domesday Reloaded: Market day in Stowmarket., from 1986 (1986) Available at:
[Link] (Accessed: 2 June 2012).
40
However, with non-conformity increasing in Suffolk towns (1790-1840)400 as 360 meeting
places were established in private houses and barns in 1900401, Wesleyan Methodism in
Stowmarket continued this trait.402 Though religious persecution saw many deprived of meeting
places, a Primitive Methodist chapel was built (1836), licensed (1838), later involving itself in
the district’s musical life (1930’s) whilst provided with interior improvements (1960’s).403
Also, though Stowmarket’s Baptist chapels and Gospels received gradual changes, the current
United Reformed Church, “that [originally] hid itself away as dissent in Stowmarket was
awed by the presence of it clerical neighbours, frowned upon and banned,” 404 received
throughout 1804-1846 improvements with a congregation recognised as one of strongest in
Suffolk.405 Indeed, because of the 'Meeting Place's' demolition and reconstruction (1860's),406
the new church was considered an architectural gem,407 later receiving gas & electric lighting
with the installation of steam (1920),408 which the East Suffolk Mercury stated that “any
stranger visiting Stowmarket will remember no other building in the place."409
However, because enemy bombing saw the new Congressional Church (1955) subject to
controversy, due to the new church design, the town later respected it.410
However as Roman Catholicism spread throughout Suffolk as their churches by the 1850’s
doubled to a dozen,411 Stowmarket, then a Protestant town, accepted the spread of Roman
Catholicism after the construction of an Iron Chapel412 and the Roman Catholic Church
(1883)413 built by Catholics from Suffolk and even the Continent.

400
This was mainly seen as by Certificates issued for dissenting places of worship
401
David Dymond, A History of Suffolk (Chichester: Phillimore & Co Ltd, 1985), p. 110
402
This was mainly after John Lambert was certified for worship, as a result of his missionary work of Wesleyans
from Bury St Edmunds. Also, because many used private dwellings for worship, records of certified meeting
places from 1821-38 were non-existent.
403
Harry Double, Stowmarket: Book of Records (Stowmarket: Cappella Books, 1983), pp. 42-44
404
Harry Double, Stowmarket: Book of Records (Stowmarket: Cappella Books, 1983), p. 52
405
Stowmarket was considered then to have been strongly non-conformist, whilst those who regularly attended
services sometimes had difficulty in finding a seat! Harry Double, Chapel of Plenty (Bury Free Press, 18th March
1988)
406
Harry Double, Stowmarket: Book of Records (Stowmarket: Cappella Books, 1983), p. 52
407
Kelly’s Directory Ltd,. Kelly's Directory of Suffolk (London: Kelly’s Directory Ltd, 1912), p. 384
408
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), p. 83
409
Unknown Author, Stowmarket Guide and Directory 1977 (1977), p. 73
410
Harry Double, Stowmarket: Book of Records (Stowmarket: Cappella Books, 1983), p. 52
411
David Dymond, A History of Suffolk (Chichester: Phillimore & Co Ltd, 1985), p. 110
412
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), p. 48
413
Harry Double, Stowmarket: Book of Records (Stowmarket: Cappella Books, 1983), p. 50
41
Though originally housing a convent and school chapel run by nuns from the Order of the
Dames of St Ursula in Tour414, ground-floor level reconstructions for £14,000 (1970)415 and the
construction of the community centre saw church activities/ attendance increase throughout the
century.416

However, the establishment of Stowmarket's Salvation Army (1886) was a different success
story.417 Originally attacked by interrupted services and mob violence,418 whilst unluckily
finding themselves sandwiched between two pubs (being pro-temperance),419 violence gradually
petered out as the corps witnessed accommodation improvements and rapid membership420 -
appealing to unprivileged locals421 - towards the construction of the present £13,000 Citadel
(1966). 422
Lastly, because Suffolk housed more worshipers, but declined by the 1980’s as the clergy
believed “a generation devoted [themselves] to Cinemas, motorbikes and cars”423 towards
substituting religion424, religion remained important to town locals425 as Stowmarket, still
holding congregations exceeding 1,000 people,426 witnessed the founding of other religious
establishments founded throughout the 20th century,427 whilst continuing to hold joint united
services in the town for festive occasions.428

The effect of the World Wars on Stowmarket

414
However, it was not a complete success as it was sold to the Oddfellows Friendly Society in 1892 for
approximately £3,000, whilst the ground floor was used by the Ministry of Labour as the local Employment
Exchange (1900’s).
415
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), p. 50
416
Harry Double, Stowmarket: Book of Records (Stowmarket: Cappella Books, 1983), p. 50
417
Ibid, p. 52
418
On one occasion some bandsmen were beaten up by a mob and were thrown from the Pickerel Bridge into the
river Gipping
419
Harry Double , Focus on Stowmarket (East Anglian Daily Times, 28th January 1987), p. 13
420
This all happened after William Booth’s visit to Stowmarket (1909) as it was considered a great revivalist
meeting for the corps, with attendances reaching 1,200.
421
This was mainly because its straightforward approach to religion appealed towards them. Harry Double , Focus
on Stowmarket (East Anglian Daily Times, 28th January 1987), p. 13
422
Harry Double, Stowmarket: Book of Records (Stowmarket: Cappella Books, 1983), p. 52
423
David Dymond, A History of Suffolk (Chichester: Phillimore & Co Ltd, 1985), pp. 133-4
424
Reid, D. Playing and Praying In Martin Daunton (ed.) The Cambridge Urban History of Britain 1840-1950
(Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2000) p. 767
425
David Dymond, A History of Suffolk (Chichester: Phillimore & Co Ltd, 1985), pp. 133-4
426
Mid Suffolk District Council, Stowmarket Civic Trust Report (2002), p.54
427
Other churches were established in Stowmarket throughout the 20th century include the Elim Pentecostal
Church, The Gospel Hall and the Exclusive Brethren and Jehovah's Witnesses. Unknown Author, Stowmarket
Guide and Directory 1977 (1977), p. 73
428
This involved the Salvation Army, Parish church, Methodist, United Reformed & the Roman Catholic Church.
42
As the majority of Suffolk came to witness this, the war years had a profound effect upon
various social, economic and cultural changes for Stowmarket. Indeed, as town locals happily
signed up for service (1914), whilst mothers worked on the land towards supplementing
incomes, the harsh realities were realised after newspapers published casualty lists, which the
Stowmarket Weekly Post saw 1,000 names alone listed from Stowmarket (1917).429
However, the 'Great War' indeed came to Stowmarket which after the New Explosives
Company Ltd's involvement in the war effort by increasing its workforce with Bury St
Edmunds and Ipswich employees and quadrupled Guncotton exports430, the town was
considered a prime target for Zeppelin raids. Indeed, even though it failed, as the Zeppelin was
hit by local anti-aircraft fire,431 causing bombs and fuel tanks to fall around surrounding
villages,432 Dirigible L3 attempted to bomb the factory (31st March 1916).433Also, before 1939,
Stowmarket was prepared towards building air-raid shelters on the Recreational Ground
(1937)434 whilst the Prentice Road Maltings established the assembly and dispatch of gas masks
(1938), which 25,000 were issued around the district during the war.435

The Second World War had profound effects towards population changes, as Stowmarket
became a reception area for London evacuees from September 1939,436 who after several
hundred children arrived from Ilford (1st September), witnessed thousands of mothers with
infants from Walthamstow and Leyton appear three days later! 437 Also, after evacuees were
429
The paper updated citizens upon the news of soldiers who suffered disablements through sickness, severe
wounds and shell-shock; were taken as prisoners or discharged from services. Harry Double, Stowmarket: The
March of Time ((Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), p. 80
430
Unknown Author, Industrial Stowmarket (Stowmarket: Abbots Hall Archive Library, Unknown Date), p. 6
431
Stowmarket, Badley, Thorney Green and Stowupland,
432
Robert Malster, Stowmarket: Britain in Old Photographs (Stroud: Alan Sutton Publishing Ltd, 1995), p. 97
433
However, its commander (Heinrich Mathy) the following day (whose message was picked up by wireless
operator in the Stowmarket area) was that the factory had been successfully been bombed. Robert Malster,
Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), pp. 124-6
434
This decision was made after the County Authority to the Urban District Council applied for permission to build
air raid shelters for children. However, they were dug deep into the ground and filled up after the war. Harry
Double, Stowmarket: Book of Records (Stowmarket: Cappela, 1983), p. 9
435
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council), pp. 124-6
436
This was a profound change as the Ministry of Health’s decline from the Urban District Council saw many
believe that Stowmarket not suitable as an area for evacuees. Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time
(Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), p. 103
437
From 1st September, the first to arrive were several hundreds of boys and girls from the Ilford area, whom
travelled to Ipswich via train and later to Stowmarket by coach, to be met by the chairman of the Air Raids
Precautions Committee (F. J. Eldridge), the Area School headmaster (A F Anderson) and teachers from around the
district., whilst Officers and Boys Brigade helped towards luggage to various evacuees’ accommodation. Also on
4th September, Stowmarket witnessed thousands of mothers with infants in arms and children aged 4/5 years old
Watlhamstow and Leyton, who were taken to the Girls’ Brigade Hall, Congressional Sunday Schoolrooms and
other halls around the town to be separated by their families/husbands. Harry Double, Stowmarket: Book of
Records (Stowmarket: Cappela Publishing, 1983), p. 180
43
taken to houses in Stowmarket and surrounding districts, Stowmarket witnessed the issuing of
7,549 ration books and a food officer to oversee ‘rationing’ under a £3.16. 8d week salary.438
Other then evacuees, Stowmarket's kind nature to strangers was seen throughout 1939 after
soldiers and R.A.F. personnel (Wattisham) were housed in old hostelries, where volunteers and
local householders provided canteen facilities and bathhouses for them. Also, American
servicemen became a common sight from 1943, which their influence upon the local women
was mainly positive, since personnel regularly invited them to their base’s social functions
nearby the town, which in turn, other than providing luxuries of nylon stockings, candy and
tinned meat, witnessed several local girls marry US servicemen towards emigrating to America
after the war.439
Also, with the threat of possible German invasion, as the Parish Church's belfry was silenced
whilst the Regal cancelled evening performance,440 Stowmarket prepared itself through
contingency planning. Originally, this involved plans for the eastern part of Stowmarket to be
under the Home Guard, the take-over of buildings as defence posts,441 whilst communications
with higher command would be by wireless or by motor cycle. However, this came to waste
after the town witnessed German aircraft completely destroy the Congressional Church (31st
January 1941) and a bungalow (killing one)442 whilst two bungalows were destroyed in the
Combs area,443 in a failed attempt to destroy the Suffolk Iron Foundry, heavily engaged in the
war effort. 444
Though Stowmarket succumbed to petrol rationing & restrictions445 on train running times or
towards entering coastal areas (except for business matters), advantages were made towards
Stowmarket's involvement in the government's 'Dig for Victory' campaign. Because the council
offered rentable land (3d per rod), whilst the local Women’s Land Army contributed towards
food production, haymaking, harvesting (22s 6d for a 48 hour week), fruit and vegetables were
more available in rural areas like Stowmarket then in cities, whilst the limited temptation to

438
However, in some circumstances others were fixed.
439
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), pp. 104-8
440
However, they gave continuous performances from 3pm-7pm. Harry Double, Stowmarket: Book of Records
(Stowmarket: Cappela Publishing, 1983), p. 180
441
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), pp. 90-106
442
Robert Malster, Stowmarket: Britain in Old Photographs (Stroud: Alan Sutton Publishing Ltd, 1995), p. 99
443
This event happened in the roads of Hillside, Poplar Hill and Meadow Lane. Harry Double, Stowmarket: Book
of Records (Stowmarket: Cappela Publishing, 1983), p. 181
444
On Friday 31st January 1941 Stowmarket came under a more severe German aerial attack which a raiding
aircraft after five bombs completely destroyed the Congressional Church, whilst the 6th bomb fell on houses in
Kensington Road, killing one. Robert Malster, Stowmarket: Britain in Old Photographs (Stroud: Alan Sutton
Publishing Ltd, 1995), p. 99
445
Robert Malster, Stowmarket: Britain in Old Photographs (Stroud: Alan Sutton Publishing Ltd, 1995), p. 97
44
obtain illicit good to supplement rations saw the Post Office announce that Stowmarket was up
in the league for war-time ‘National Savings’.446
However, though Stowmarket celebrated after both wars with ‘unrestrained’ celebrations,
ranging from patriotic songs, street parties, open concerts and bonfires,447 the memories of the
80 and 70 men who perished could not be forgotten after the construction of Kings Meadows
War Memorial,448 which still affects the town today.449

Authorities
Before the current Mid-Suffolk County Council, Stowmarket facilitated the town's needs
throughout the 19th and 20th Century under various titles and responsibilities, holding Suffolk
County meetings being a chartered borough450 in Stow Union451 and head of a petty session
division, whilst later named in the North-Western Parliamentary Division of Suffolk452 and
official meeting place of the Thedwastre Rural District & East Suffolk County Council. 453
Firstly, as ‘social services’ were placed in many towns after restrictions from poverty
provisions under the New Poor Law (1834) 454 saw increased volunteerism and local authorities
establish local sanitary & school boards and municipal councils, 455 improved water and
sewerage, whilst the Housing of the Working Class Act (1890) and the Small Dwellings Act
(1899) made legislative powers available to authorities, 456 Stowmarket improved after being
governed by a Local Board of Health (1856-1894), as health, sanitation and road upkeep

446
Though it was considered unlawful to obtain illicit eggs and butter from local farms plus rabbits or chickens to
supplement small meat rations, the town’s restrictiveness saw the Post Office announce Stowmarket as well up in
the league for war-time ‘National Savings’ (9s. per head per month as opposed to 5s at Ipswich). Harry Double,
Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), pp. 83-110
447
Schoolchildren celebrated by singing patriotic songs in the Market place, an free open air concert and a finale of
a bonfire at Kings Meadow after the First World War, whilst unrestrained celebrations continued as many streets
celebrated parties, providing trestle tables, borrowed chairs from individual’s houses with food carefully 'hoarded'
for the occasion, also with a 1,000 strong attendance for a thanksgiving service at the Parish Church with a parade
after the Second World War.
448
The construction of the entrance gates amounted to £2,600.
449
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), pp. 83-110
450
White, W., History, Gazetteer & Directory of Suffolk (Sheffield, 1891-2), p. 656
451
Stowmarket was part of the hundred of Stow. Capper, B. P., A Topographical Dictionary Of The United
Kingdom Compiled from Parliamentary and Other Authentic Documents and Authorities; containing
Geographical, Topographical & Statistical Accounts of Every District, Object and Place in England, Wales,
Scotland and Ireland, and the Various Small Islands Dependent on the British Empire (London, 1808)
452
Brabner, J. H. F., The Comprehensive Gazetteer of England and Wales (London: Mackenzie, 1894)
453
Newby’s Ltd, Newby's Stowmarket Annual Guide and Directory (Stowmarket: East Suffolk County Council,
1953), pp. 19-23
454
Dupree, M. “The Provision of Social Services” In Martin Daunton (ed.) The Cambridge Urban History of
Britain 1840-1950 (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2000) p. 393
455
Ibid, p. 802
456
Ibid, pp. 175-7
45
provisions457 were made as streets were officially named whilst property owners were charged
if their streets were not cleaned.458
Again, because many Suffolk towns - through increased municipalism and local authority
power- improved conditions through various programmes after the establishment of urban
district (1894-1974) 459 and County Councils (1888),460 Stowmarket, adopting the “Local
Government Act”, 461 was granted its own Council for affairs,462 witnessed notable
improvements in healthcare through the construction of the Fever Isolation Hospital (1896),
hospitals463 and bylaws stating that , ‘occupiers of any premises with frontages adjoining the
street, shall to be cleaned at least once a week between the hours of 5am and 12pm’, especially
during the winter months (1911); 464 illumination of the Market Place;465 steam fire engines466
with various fire stations built around the town (1960) 467 and improvements in education, from
an agreement to pay a 1d rate towards a secondary school (1905) 468 to 3 primary schools, 2
middle schools and 1 High school by 1971 after the East Suffolk County Council incorporated
comprehensive education to Stowmarket. 469
However, though Stowmarket’s local government was reorganised (1974) 470 as the Suffolk
County Council governed education, social welfare, customer protection, libraries, the fire
service, the police, and strategic planning, whilst the current Mid Suffolk District Council
administered departments in health, finance & technical services,471 Stowmarket obtained
‘Town Council status’. After offices were established at in the ‘Old Vicarage’,472 the Council
took care of allotment maintenance, the Recreational Ground, cemeteries and the cinema; acted

457
Robert Malster, Stowmarket: Britain in Old Photographs (Stroud: Alan Sutton Publishing Ltd, 1995), p.7
458
Harry Double, Stowmarket: Book of Records (Stowmarket: Cappella Books, 1983), pp. 60-62
459
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), p. 40
460
David Dymond, A History of Suffolk (Chichester: Phillimore & Co Ltd, 1985), pp. 121-30
461
Kelly’s Directory Ltd, Kelly's Directory of Suffolk (London: Kelly's Directories Ltd, 1912) p. 384
462
Suffolk County Handbook and Official Directory for 1937, with which are incorporated Knight’s County
Handbook and Glnde’s Suffolk Almanac, with map of the county and street plan of Ipswich, East Anglian Daily
Times Company Limited, 13 Carr Street, 1937, pg 429-31
463
Kelly’s Directory Ltd, Kelly's Directory of Suffolk (London: Kelly's Directories Ltd, 1912) p. 384
464
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), p.76
465
This included two 200 watt and one of 300 watts lamps. Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time
(Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), pp. 101-2
466
The engine was capable of discharging 200-250 gallons of water a minute at 140 feet of £300. Harry Double,
Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), p.78
467
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), p. 120
468
Harry Double , Focus on Stowmarket (East Anglian Daily Times, 28th January 1987), p. 13
469
Unknown Author, Stowmarket Guide and Directory 1977 (1977), p. 45
470
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Cappella Publications, 1991), pp. 101-20
471
Unknown Author, Stowmarket Guide and Directory 1977 (1977), p. 23
472
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), pp. 125-7
46
as a marriage/ burial authority, carried out town planning and local interests affecting the
town,473 especially after the appointment of its 1st mayor. 474

However, before certain authorities were established, the town was already advancing: Before
the Council agreed to light the town every night instead of 'dark moonless nights' (1912), 475 the
local Gas Works (1835/6) 476 saw White’s directory claim ‘the town is now brilliantly lighted’,
even though many were against gas usage477 whilst poorer citizens received none at all. 478
Also, before local businesses, private houses (1912)479 and streets switched to electricity by
1933,480 which later on saw the Suffolk County Council/ Mid Suffolk District electrify
households and social areas, Napier Prentice, after years of gaining experience, 481 wanting to
supply electricity for Stowmarket (1894), whilst local businessman Mr Peddar supported his
scheme, after constructing a 100 volts arc lamp outside a butchers shop, formed the Suffolk
Electricity Supply Company, 482 which saw Stowmarket from 1896 receive its first general
supply of electric power. 483 Also, before the Urban District Council, 484 Anglia Water Authority
and Suffolk County Council took over the supply, and before Rural District Councils piped
water to all major settlements (1961),485 Stowmarket’s water supply was an exception as Greene
King and Sons occupation of the Stowmarket Brewery (1887)486 constructed a reservoir for
200,000 gallons, which after its occupation under Greene King & Son supplied the town with a

473
Unknown Author, Stowmarket Guide and Directory 1977 (1977), p. 23
474
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), pp. 125-7
475
Ibid, pp. 48-78
476
Unknown Author, Parish Record (Stowmarket: Abbots Hall Archive, Date Unknown), p. 4
477
A notice in the local press (1873) saw that due to the increased prices charged by the Gas Work, the Railway
Company cut off the gas from the premises, substituting to the Bude lamp and oil – as this was mainly because it
was sufficient for ordinary purposes, even though it was unequal to gas - believing the ‘public will do away with
the monopoly and its price,’ Harry Double, Stowmarket: Book of Records (Cappella Books, 1991), p. 76
478
The East Anglian Daily Times (1877) commented: ‘the lessers of Stowmarket, living some distance from the
works, got very little gas, resort to oil lamps.’ Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket:
Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), pp. 48-78
479
Kelly’s Directory Ltd, Kelly's Directory of Suffolk (London: Kelly's Directories Ltd, 1912) p. 384
480
Harry Double, Stowmarket: Book of Records (Cappella Books, 1991), p. 174
481
His training started off from when he made dynamos in a small workshop; wiring an Ipswich business with
electricity supply (1889); and even illuminating the Paris Opera House (1890) with a machine he later used to light
the chemical works),
482
Harry Double, Stowmarket: Book of Records (Stowmarket: Cappella Books, 1983), p. 135
483
Harry Double, Stowmarket: The March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), p. 57
484
Harry Double, Stowmarket: Book of Records (Stowmarket: Cappella Books, 1983), p.182
485
However, by 1971, only 11% did not have hot water, 4% had no WC's and 11% even lacked baths. David
Dymond, A History of Suffolk (Chichester: Phillimore & Co Ltd, 1985), pp. 132-3
486
Unknown Author, Parish Record (Stowmarket: Abbots Hall Archive, Date Unknown), p. 5
47
good amount of water from 2 artisan wells by 1891487 (not seen in other Suffolk towns),488 at a
time when rural areas were more dependent on wells and springs, prone to droughts during the
summer.489

Education and Schooling:

Lastly, one successful public service in Stowmarket was that of the development and expansion
of Educational services. Even though charity organisations like the SPCK provided educational
services beforehand as poor children attended Independent Sunday Schools in Stowmarket,
Suffolk's increase in schooling after establishing British and Foreign Schools (1811),
government grants (1870) and the Forster Act, which increased school construction and
attendance (22% to 60%) and places (from 187 to 71,000 places) between 1833-1900 490, was
notably seen as Stowmarket established daily, boarding and Sunday schools throughout this
period. This century also witnessed transformation of notable schools, as National Church
School (1835) received enlargements during 1852, 1872 and 1886491, towards housing 140
girls, 180 boys and 105 infants (1900)492, whilst the National British School (1849)493 built ‘by
grants and subscriptions’494 gained a good reputation as students, subjected to morning
inspections, half-an hour of singing, prayer and 45 minute classes during the day, proved
effective as school numbers doubled by 1900.495
Also, after the Education Act (1902) gave county councils status as local education authorities,
whilst East Suffolk (1910) spent over half of £230,000 as new secondary schools and play areas
were built from 1918,496 Stowmarket witnessed the expansion of older schools, as the National
British School, after becoming a council school (1902) received “a great improvement in both
teaching” and extensions (1907 Log Book)497, whilst the National Church School transferred

487
Harry Double, Stowmarket: Book of Records (Stowmarket: Cappella Books, 1983), p.182
488
Brabner, J. H. F., The Comprehensive Gazetteer of England and Wales (London, 1894)
489
David Dymond, A History of Suffolk (Chichester: Phillimore & Co Ltd, 1985), pp. 132-3
490
Ibid, p. 112
491
Unknown Author, Parish Record (Stowmarket: Abbots Hall Archive, estimate late-1980's), p. 4
492
Harry Double, Stowmarket: Book of Records (Stowmarket: Cappela, 1981), p 156
493
This school was situated in Violet Hill (Childer Road)
494
Wilkes Directory (1855) claimed that the school was built ‘by grants and subscriptions’ in a new, promising
suburb.
495
A press report (1870) stated that students (every morning) were taken to the playground towards cleanliness
inspection, manual drill and marching, even though it was “a happy feature”, which students were taken to
classrooms for half-an hour of ‘singing, a bible address and prayer, towards various 45 minute classes during the
day. This proved effective as the school and students were praised for efficient and neat style in homework. Harry
Double, Stowmarket: Book of Records (Stowmarket: Cappela Publishing, 1981), p 152-154
496
David Dymond, A History of Suffolk (Chichester: Phillimore & Co Ltd, 1985), pp. 121-30
497
Harry Double, Stowmarket: Book of Records (Stowmarket: Cappela Publishing, 1983), pp. 152-4
48
into a 'Junior Mixed Council School' which also received extensions (1920-49)498. However,
though this period witnessed the establishment of its 1st county school (Stowmarket Middle in
1971)499, ‘Handsome new schools' under the East Suffolk County Council, extensive elementary
schools on the Kings Meadows (1937)500, Stowmarket even housed evacuated schools, notably
Felixstowe's ‘Eastward Ho!’- a Boarding School providing commercial and professional
training for children (1915-25).501
But since the establishment of the Grammar School (1957)502, the first of its kind in East
Suffolk for 25 years; the introduction of comprehensive education (1971), in addition to
housing 5 primary and middle schools and schooling for multiple handicapped children by
1977503, schooling in Stowmarket by 2000 was considered a success story, as OFSTED reports
state Woodley, Abbot’s Hall, and Chilton Primary School, with Combs and Stowmarket Middle
School were high achieving, provided for a mixed ability to learn arts, literacy, numeracy and
IT skills. Also, though Stowmarket High School gained lower GCSE's percentage for 5 A*-C
then Suffolk in general (46% then 49%), Stowmarket excelled against Suffolk for SATS
aggregate scores (233 then 229) and A/AS levels (18.5%).504 However, educational services
were not only restricted to schooling, which the later 20th century saw old elementary schools

498
However, though the National Church School closed in 1982, which became the current Community Centre,
the school, attended by 150 boys, 121 girls, 110 infants (1912) transferred to the British School (closing in 1913)
becoming a 'Junior Mixed Council School' housing 270 to 388 pupils (1915), whilst a cloakroom, teacher's
room and stock cupboard was built (1920) and infant block in the main playground was opened (1949) to which
the areas was later known as Kingsmead County Primary.
Harry Double, Stowmarket: March of Time (Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), p. 37
499
Though known beforehand as ‘The Area’, ‘The Modern’ or ‘The Secondary Modern’ towards becoming a
middle school annex, Stowmarket Middle School was considered the first complete school of its kind to have been
established in East Suffolk for 25 years, which comprehensive education (introduced under the former East Suffolk
County Council in 1971) saw the town, the surrounding area and even the Parish Church commemorated it when
pupils, teachers, governors, county officials and civic personalities were present.
500
The East Anglian Daily Times Ltd,. Suffolk County Handbook and Official Directory (Ipswich, 1937), pp. 429-
31
501
Originally advertised as ‘ A Boarding School preparing for Oxford and Cambridge Locals’ for commercial and
professional training for both boys and girls, the School was also attended by the sons of local farmers,
professionals and businessmen. Harry Double, Stowmarket: Book of Records (Stowmarket: Cappela Publishing,
1983), p 158
502
The School, that later became Stowmarket High School, had foundations linked with the Theobold’s Grammar
School at Needham Market (1632-1909) and the County Secondary School (1908-36), the current Grammar
School (Gainsborough Road). Newby's Stowmarket Annual Guide and Directory, (Stowmarket: Newby’s Ltd,
1953), p. 11
503
These include Chilton County Primary, Combs Ford Primary and Kingsmead Country Primary School;
Stowmarket and Combs Middle School; lastly for the multiple handicapped, Hillcroft Preparatory and Oakwood
School (built for £200,000 in 1975). Harry Double, Stowmarket: Book of Records (Stowmarket: Cappela
Publishing, 1983), p 156
504
Though Stowmarket High School gained a lower percentage for 5 A*-C, compared to Stowupland High School
[59%] and Suffolk in general [49%], Stowmarket excelled against Suffolk’s average scores for SAT’s (229) and
A/AS level’s over Suffolk (18.5) and Stowupland High (17.9). Mid Suffolk District Council, Stowmarket Report,
March (2002), pp. 60-1
49
merge into social education and Community Centres (1981- 1985)505, towards providing NVQ
training and basic skills workshops through the YMCA506; accessibility to GCSE and Advanced
qualifications through West Suffolk Collage (Bury St Edmunds)507; and agricultural courses
toward land-based employment towards basic skills, IT and business administration at Otley
Collage,508 which 75% studied foundation to advanced level courses whilst 5-10% studied for
higher education qualifications by the 1990's. 509

505
Various education and training providers merged with of old elementary schools that became social education
centres in Cross Street (1981) after the closure of the Old British School and Combs Ford Community Primary
School towards becoming Community Centres (1982- 1985). Harry Double, Stowmarket: March of Time
(Stowmarket: Stowmarket Town Council, 1991), pp. 37-129
506
As an extension from the National Council of YMCAs, the Stowmarket centre (Bury Street) was able to
provide various training courses from age 14 to 60 plus, even though the majority are 16-24 year olds. Courses
were also tailored to individual needs but included activities such as CVs, interview skills, personal effectiveness,
job search, budgeting, independent living etc. However, the larger proportion run various vocational courses and
are contracted to provide work-based training for adults, which YMCA Training provides NVQ training levels 1-4
in a range of subject areas, basic skills workshops and short courses in Basic Health and Safety and First Aid. Mid
Suffolk District Council, Stowmarket Report, March (2002). pp. 36-7
507
With the main site in Bury St Edmunds, one of West Suffolk Collage’s 8 local centres operated programs from
the local High School beforehand on the Waterworks site in Stowmarket. From this, many students from
Stowmarket were able to gain further education, out of an approximate of 17,000 part/full time students. Though
the College’s programme of courses for the Stowmarket site included academic studies (GCSEs, AS levels, office
skills, and higher education courses), the college's last inspection (1997) witnessed 60% of its students were
studying non-schedule 2 courses whereas 33% were studying at an intermediate or advanced level.
508
Though Otley Collage became the main provider of higher education courses in Agriculture and Horticulture
towards providing employment in land-based industry, the college provided FE and HE courses covering food and
agriculture, sports and turf management and animal science, whilst provide courses in basic skills, IT and business
administration. Indeed the college proved popular by the 1990’s with thousands attending by then, 65% over 25
years of age saw 20% study foundation level course; 30% at intermediate level and 25% at advanced level, whilst
5-10% study for higher education qualifications and 15% take non-schedule 2 courses.
509
Mid Suffolk District Council, Stowmarket Report, March (2002). pp. 37-9
50
Conclusion:
Given the time period of this dissertation, the Suffolk town of Stowmarket had indeed
transformed from its humble beginnings as an 'osier town'.
Towards obvious changes, Stowmarket throughout the 200 year period witnessed the increase
of housing and that of population. However, other than the construction of various roads and
paths, with the development of transportation seen in the town, sections in Stowmarket had also
developed towards presenting various characteristics for which North South West was notable
for housing expansion; North South East area as industrial development, whilst Central
Stowmarket housed commerce and business.
Without a doubt, Stowmarket's involvement in agricultural and industrial functions and
Industries indeed effected the town, which farming, mills and Corn/Cattle markets provided the
town with a positive reputation, which indeed changed after River Gipping and Railway saw
Stowmarket expand and establishment successful trades, breweries and industries. Though
some suffered and caused fatalities, whilst the Stow Workhouse presented the negative side of
unemployment, the town received positive effects and benefits through the century, either
through reputation or town reconstruction.
Lastly, the given time period, Stowmarket established various examples involving the town's
leisure and cultural life through the establishment and increase of various celebrations;
consumerism; religious worship; rural remembrance; sporting and club formations towards the

51
introduction of new technologies through the Cinema and Television. Also, Services toward
improving the town were seen before and after Authorities later provided it.
However, though these changes were common in Suffolk, Stowmarket's social and economic
transformation took to the heart of the town towards future prosperity, which was clearly
explained in Henry Wilkes’ (local historian) lecture on Stowmarket during the 1930’s:
"We are apt to despise the small affairs of small places and pour contempt on the
politics of the parish pump. There is no greater mistake. Stowmarket matters
more to Stowmarket people than Paris or New York. In the character of its
citizens, in the wisdom of its government, in the zeal and integrity in its business
enterprise, in the faithfulness of its churches, lie the years to come”.510

From this, Robert Malster's use of 'phenomenon' is indeed true, notably to the locals!

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East Anglian Daily Times Company Ltd, 1937)
Issac Slater, Slater’s. late Pigot & co. Royal National and Commercial Directory and
Topography of the Counties of Bedfordshire (Berkshire, 1852).
Unknown Author, Stowmarket Guide and Directory (Ipswich, 1977)
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Topographical & Statistical Accounts of Every District, Object and Place in England, Wales,
Scotland and Ireland, and the Various Small Islands Dependent on the British Empire (London,
1808)
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510
Unknown Author, Stowmarket Guide and Directory (Ipswich, 1977), p.11
52
Rees, A., The Cyclopædia;: Or, Universal Dictionary of Arts, Sciences, and Literature, Volume
34 (London, 1819)
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Double, H., Chapel of Plenty (The Bury Free Press, 18th March 1988)
Double, H., Changed face in Market Place (The Bury Free Press, 4h March 1988)
Double, H., Focus on Stowmarket (East Anglian Daily Times, 28th January 1987)
Double, H., Learning paid for at 6d a brick (The Bury Free Press, 11th March 1988)
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Mid Suffolk District Council, (2002) Stowmarket Civic Trust Report. Retrieved September 6,
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Unknown Author, Industrial Stowmarket (Stowmarket: Abbots Hall Archive/ Library,
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[Link] (Accessed: 2 June
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2012).

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Declaration:
"I, Andrew Stoten declare that the above work is my own and that the material contained herein
has not been substantially used in any other submission for an academic award".

Name _______________________________________________
Date______________________

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