'Welcome to Bungay - a fine old town' is
the slogan on the signs as you enter this charming market town.
The town is primarily built around the ruins of an ancient Norman castle
partially surrounded by the River Waveney. Feudal Lord Hugh Bigod built
the original castle in 1165. All that remains today are the foundations
up to the level of the ground floor windows. The castle now boasts a visitor
centre with a café and gift shop.
The Saxon round tower of the Holy Trinity Church predates the castle. A
brass plate on the outside door commemorates the survival of the church
in the great fire of Bungay in 1688. The church of St Mary's, with its prominent
tower, dominates the local landscape. The interior of the building includes
a 15th Century wooden panel presented by novelist Sir Henry Rider Haggard.
Whilst exploring this thriving old town, there is a wide range of shops
to tempt you including antiques, crafts and everyday items. For your sustenance
there are cafés, restaurants, tea-rooms and pubs. There is also
a golf course, sports hall, bowling green and indoor swimming pool. The
surrounding area boasts various attractions - see the fact file for details.
Did you know? - The town
has a tradition in printing with all of the Harry Potter books being printed
at Clays Ltd.
The famous Buttercross in earlier times was used as a prison with a dungeon
below, but nowadays it is used for less dramatic events like the weekly
market which has been held since 1383.
The church of St Mary's, with its prominent tower, dominates the local landscape.
The interior of the building includes a 15th Century wooden panel presented
by novelist Sir Henry Rider Haggard.
The towns St Mary's Church was where the famous legend of the Black Shuck
took place. . This fiery dog was said to be the apparition of the devil when
it tore through the church during a violent storm in 1577. The dog was said
to have attacked and killed members of the congregation before flying to Blythburgh
to do the same, leaving deep scorch marks in the door. In 1933 the door of
the church at Blythburgh was being cleaned and burn marks were discovered
- some say they were the devils own fingerprints…
Did you know? - The gruesome
tails of the Shuck are said to have been the inspiration for the tale
of The Hound of the Baskervilles.
The Otter Trust at Earsham houses the world's largest collection of otters.
Bungay - the perfect location for a day out.