Dunwich
It was a dark and stormy night. No! Really it was. On a December day in 1287 - long before anyone blamed global warming for bad weather – a regular visitor, that when you live on the east coast renders the expression ‘living on the edge’ literal, paid a call.
Dunwich at the beginning of the 13th century was the most important port on the east coast. It had international trade links; was the seat of a Bishop and had a royal palace. It had a population that rivalled all other cities in the country with the exception of London and wealth - earned from the backs of sheep - that was only surpassed by London. It even returned two members of Parliament. To read more visit http://www.visit-dunwich.co.uk/history.php
Then, on the 14th December 1287 Dunwich was changed forever. The storm surge simply deposited thousand of tons of shingle into the harbour effectively closing it. Subsequent surges over the following centuries swept most of the city away reducing it to the village it is now. Recorded as having a very large population of 3,000 in the Domesday Book (1086) it now, according to the 1991 census, has just 130 residents.
Dunwich is one of those places where understanding is history makes a visit that bit more special. When you park your car in the main car park and walk up the shingle bank to the beach remember that you are now standing a mile from the original shoreline. Visit the Museum in St James Street, but before you do pop into Flora’s Tea Room on the car park for one of their famous fish and chip meals.
For walkers and bird-watchers Dunwich is an ideal destination. Close by is Dunwich Heath. At Dingle Marshes you may hear the ‘boom’ of Bitterns or see a hovering Marsh Harrier and a visit to the world renowned RSPB Minsmere reserve is an essential ingredient to a good day’s walk.
Visit http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/m/minsmere/index.asp for information.
Dunwich has the ability to feed the soul, the mind and the body and is an ideal spot for those wishing to ‘blow away the cobwebs’ of modern life.
