Lowestoft is a town situated in Suffolk on the North Sea coast and it is the most easterly settlement in the United Kingdom. The town is on the edge of The Broads and in the district of Waveney. Lowestoft is 38 miles north-east of Ipswich and 22 miles south-east of Norwich.

Lowestoft Journal: Enjoying ther sunshine on the South Beach at Lowestoft, August 1967. Picture Archant LibrarEnjoying ther sunshine on the South Beach at Lowestoft, August 1967. Picture Archant Librar (Image: Archant Library)

Golden sands, a busy port and a strong industrial past influenced heavily by its proximity to the coast and railway, Lowestoft's history is a fascinating, chequered one from plague and witch hunts to war and rivalry.

The viking origin of the name Lowestoft points towards the importance of the sea and the people and products it delivered, and that tradition carried on for many centuries.

Today it continues to combine industry with tourism - its promenade, pier and beach attracting day trippers and holiday makers to its shorw just as it would have done a century ago.

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Lowestoft Journal: Lowestoft Lighthouse from the High Street, May 1957. Picture: Archant LibraryLowestoft Lighthouse from the High Street, May 1957. Picture: Archant Library (Image: Archant Library)

Lowestoft Journal: Camping on the North Denes at Lowestoft, August 1959. Picture: Archant LibraryCamping on the North Denes at Lowestoft, August 1959. Picture: Archant Library (Image: Archant Library)

Lowestoft Journal: Lowestoft's Swing Bridge, March 1966. Picture: Archant LibraryLowestoft's Swing Bridge, March 1966. Picture: Archant Library (Image: Archant Library)

Lowestoft Journal: Lowestoft Railway Station in 1969. Picture: Archant LibraryLowestoft Railway Station in 1969. Picture: Archant Library (Image: Archant Library)

Lowestoft Journal: Lowestoft minature railway on the seafront in 1964. Picture: Archant LibraryLowestoft minature railway on the seafront in 1964. Picture: Archant Library (Image: Archant Library)