1855, History, Gazetteer, and Directory of Suffolk
Pakefield chapter, page 548
Continued from Kirkley, page 547.
PAKEFIELD, on the coast, 1 1/2 miles S. S. W. of Lowestoft, forms with Kirkley, a large village and fishing station, containing about 1400 inhabitants, of whom 718 are in Pakefield Parish, which now comprises only 771 acres of land, having suffered much from the encroachments of the ocean, which has washed away about 70 acres during the last 30 years. together with several houses on the cliff.
The Kirkley part of the village is separated from Pakefield part ony by the high road. Lord Boston is lord of the manor of Pakefied, but the soil belongs mostly to the Peto, Morse and other families.
The Hall was an old mansion in the Elizabethan style, but was rebuilt a few years ago, and is now occupied by a farmer. A Light House was erected here in 1831, at the cost of about £1000; and near it is a deep and rugged ravine in the cliff called Crazy Mary's Hole, from its having been the favourite haunt of a deraged, love-sick maid.
Pakefield Church is said ot be dedicated to All Saints, but the ancient silver communion cup is inscribed "Pakefield Sante Margaret, 1337". It consists of two aisles, built nearly uniform and its steeple contains four bells. It was thoroughtly repaired and beautified about 60 years ago by the Rev. Dr. Leman, a late incumbent, who erected a new pulpit and placed over the old font a handsome model of the tower and spire of Norwich Cathedral. On a brass plate in the north aisle, is the representation of a man, his wife and 11 children, and an inscription in memory of John Bowf, who died in 1417. In 1853-'4, the church was newly-thatched and thoroughly repaired, so that it now has a clean and neat appearance and has new windows in the perpendicular style, with Caen stone dressings.
The benefice is a discharged rectory, valued in K.B. at £14, and has now a yearly rent-charge of £205 awarded in 1839, in lien of tithes. The Church Patronage Society are patrons, and the Rev. Francis Cunningham, of Lowestoft, is the incumbent.
Many shipwrecks having occurred on this coast, an excellent life boat is stationed here, similar to the one at Lowestoft
In a barrow on Bloodmoor hill, near Pakefield, was found in 1768 a skeleton, round whose neck hung a gold medal, and an onyx set in gold. the legend round the medal was S. N. T. AVITVS. On the obverse, a rude head helmeted, with a cross on the shoulder; and the reverse, VICTORIA AVGGG. exergue CONOB., and a rude figure of victory. On the onyx was aman standing by a horse and holding the reins, with a hasta pura in his right and a star on his helmet.
The Town Estate comprises the site of three tenements, let for 7s., 6d. a year; the site of two tenements, let in 1816 at 99 years' lease, at 20s. per annum; about 1A. 1R. let in gardens, at rents amounting to £3. 7s. per annum; and about a rood of ground on which the parish school was built in 1817, at the expense of the rector. The rents of the land are applied in repairing the church.
The Poor's Allotment, 15 acres, is let for about £20 a year, and was awarded to the poor at an enclosure, in lieu of their right to cut turves. The rent is distributed in coals among poor parishioners, who have also a yearly rent-charge of 20s, left by Mary Selling, out lands belonging to Mr. J. Matchett. Ten aged parishoners have £5 distributed amongst them yearly, from dividends of three per cent reduced annuities, purchased with the bequests of Mrs. Dodd, who died in 1814. Besides the school above noticed here is an Infant School, and theyare each attended by aou 100 children. Post from Lowestoft.
Do you have Lowestoft-interest photos to add to the database or want to contribute an article? Or do you have a correction or comment? More information about adding to the site is here.
Events, clubs and activities are updated here. Do you have an event or club you want posted? Let us know!
Find out what's new on the site. New images and commentary are uploaded and updated daily.