Beccles Museum

The Museum is housed in Leman House which was probably built in about 1570 and was completely restored and modernised in the 1760s.

Originally, it was a timber frame structure, much of which disappeared when the brick facades were added. What remains shows minimal decoration, but shows the classic features of a mid to late 16th Century building, including a series of fine Queen Post roof trusses.

In the 1760s the facade facing the street was built of flint and brick, and pantiles were substituted for the previous thatched roof. It was also at this time that the Gothic shaped windows were introduced. When Sir John Leman gave the building to the town in his will in 1631 it was already a school. The payment of the master and usher came from lands outside Beccles which he gave at the same time for their support. The foundation was for 48 boys who must have been able to read and write before entry. They were to remain at the school for four years. The Free School closed in 1905.

The Museum has Victorian and trade exhibits, with a temporary exhibition from a local village and photographs which cover all subjects from people and places to events, sports and businesses.

For many centuries Beccles was one of the most important towns in Suffolk. This is reflected in the number of clock and watch makers operating from the town, from the 17th Century onwards. Details on most makers and some photographs of clocks are on file at the museum.

In 2009 the museum received a number of items relating to Sir John Leman. These are part of the Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert collection, and are on loan from the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. They include a portrait dating from 1632 by the Dutch artist Levinus de Vogelaare, his gold signet ring, his silver seal and a folio of his procession in 1616 when he became Lord Mayor of London.

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