David
and I happen to live in Pakefield, which many people just
classify as being just another part of Lowestoft as is Oulton
Broad and Lothingland, but that was not always the case.
The
name Pakefield is probably derived from Pacca's or Pagga's
field, and was named after the land's owner. In 1801 Pakefield
had a population of 282, by the mid 1800's this had increased
to 718 and then by 1901, Pakefield could boast of having a
population of 1,425.
Pakefield's
land loss is probably the most important factor of its history
(hopefully not its future). At one time, roughly where the
coastline is now, was the street called Lorna Grove. Unfortunately
there have been no groins placed at Pakefield and I am sure
the shoreline is just getting closer and closer (don't tell
the insurance company).
The shop on the corner later became Hammond's (or Alexander)
Dairies and to the left of the house (not shown) were allotments.
A point of interest is that it would not be possible to take
this same photograph today as the land on which the photographer
stood has succumbed to the sea and is no longer there. All
that is left, is now part of the beach which is approximately
25-30' lower now than when this photograph was taken.
During
the 1920s and 30s, although the schools were overcrowded and
depression had gripped the country, childhood was not all
doom and gloom. There were some local customs, one of which
was that on St. Valentine's day, children would go around
the streets together early in the morning singing: Good morning
Valentine, All up your window blind, If you want to hear us
sing, Open the door and let us in.
People
would give them apples, biscuits, farthing coins and so on.
The landlord of the Jolly Sailors always threw out hot coins
which he had been heating on the cooking range in readiness
(I wonder if it would work today?) - I can recommend the carvery
available on a Saturday & Sunday -
any chance of a commission (or free lunch) because of the
advertising?
The
1930s saw the increase of cars - and the end of the local
tram service. Trams would run until midnight and were very
frequent, costing a penny from the Tramways Hotel to Carlton
Road, twopence to the Railway Station and threepence to Sparrow's
Nest.
Local
public services were denied in Pakefield because they were
too expensive and the people in Pakefield could not afford
higher rates and as they did not want to loose there independence
to Lowestoft, therefore went without many of the facilities,
i.e. Pakefield Street denoted the boundary between Pakefield
and Lowestoft - so, only the Lowestoft side of the street
had any gas lamps, the rest of Pakefield remained in the dark!
Pakefield's streets were ignored by Lowestoft's road sweepers.
In 1934 there was also a lack of proper sewage and sanitation
facilities, resulting in 450 privies, five ashpits and forty
cesspits to be emptied in the village. The unpleasant task
of emptying these fell to Mr. Bob White, the carter and coalman,
who came once a week, usually at night.
In
April 1934 as a result of a lack of services and efficient
sea defences, the parish (or most of it) was incorporated
into Lowestoft, but it was agreed that the name of Pakefield
be retained for all official purposes relating to the village.
Meanwhile,
the battle with cliff erosion continued although from 1927
to 1937 the erosion began to abate with only 35 feet of land
lost to the sea during this 8 year period. Unfortunately,
most of this land was occupied. In 1934 sea defence plans
for Pakefield (now part of Lowestoft) were put into operation.
Construction of the south sea 'Jubilee Wall' commenced in
1935, but before it was completed war intervened.
Erosion of the cliffs became so serious an issue that despite
the war, permission was granted in June 1942 to excavate the
bottom stages of a projected new defence system. During a
raid on April 21st 1941, bombs fell and hit the makeshift
wall so that the sea found its way. Since the work has been
completed in 1942 erosion has stopped (so they say) and the
shape of the coastline has remained the same since 1944. The
threat of course, remains. The Churchyard was being washed
away and it is said that even as late as 1953, bones could
be seen hanging over the edge of the cliff!
No wonder that going for walks along the cliffs is still popular
with dogs!
If you look carefully whilst walking along the cliff paths,
you can see road foundations and markings which today lead
nowhere but to the sea.
For
more pictures of Pakefield and its beach, please take a look
at the Hobbies section - stone tumbling (or
click here).
