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Local Information for Southwold

Southwold is an ancient town in Suffolk, East Anglia, England, at the mouth of the River Blyth.

Southwold was mentioned in the Domesday Book as an important fishing port, and it received a charter from Henry VII in 1489. Over the following centuries, however, a shingle bar built up across the harbour mouth, and ruined any chance of the town becoming a major port.

In 1659, a fire devastated most of the town and damaged the Church of St Edmund, whose original structure dated from 12th century. The fire created a number of open spaces within the town which were never rebuilt, and today the various "greens" as they are known give the town a pleasant atmosphere.

Southwold Pier was built in 1900, was practically destroyed by a gale in 1934, and had a major refurbishment in 2001. Whilst many English seaside piers are in decline, Southwold Pier is enjoying renewed popularity. The town also contains an unusual amber Museum, and the famous Adnams brewery.

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