High Street
High Street is one of the oldest roads in Lowestoft. Many of the town's wealthier residents lived here. In the early 19th Century it was the main route through the town, stretching from the lighthouse (High Light) to the entrance to the Turnpike Road. It had properties and pavements on both sides. Houses on the eastern side enjoyed sea views from the rear, with terraced gardens built into the slope of cliff. The majority of the population were housed in a dozen or so narrow streets of terraced cottages that branched westwards off High Street. ‘Scores’ (footpaths) led down to Whapload Road, the maritime industries, and the beach.
Town Chamber. The corn-cross was built in the 1690’s, on the site of the present day Town Hall building (junction of High Street and Compass Street). The Town Chamber was on the first floor. It was from here that twenty-four Improvement Commissioners met to administer local affairs. The rear of this building also served as a Chapel-of-Ease to St Margaret’s Church.
Town Hall. Designed by local architect, John Louth Clemence and opened in 1860, the building has undergone major modifications and additions over the decades, one of which was to allow for the widening of High Street for a tramway. The original Council Chamber is on the first floor and contains three large, stained glass windows donated by the ‘father of Lowestoft’, Sir Samuel Morton Peto. Currently unoccupied, this listed building will become a multi-use hub in late 2025.