Riverside Hotel

These items will be handy...

by PrincessMonja

An Umbrella - let's face it this is England, so the chances are it's going to rain! East Anglia is one of the driest areas in Great Britain, but we still get our fair share of rain. You will not be able to buy antibiotics over the counter in a chemist, these are only available through a doctors prescription. If you need any medication ensure you check you have all you require with your doctor prior to travel.

Buildings of Bury St Edmunds

by PrincessMonja

The centre of Bury St Edmunds is laid out in a grid pattern, so it is easy to wander around without getting too lost!

Some of the buildings are very old, and many are very attractive and it's definatley worth wandering around to to take a look at them.

Bury St. Edmunds Guildhall

by Airpunk

This beautiful building once played a big role in the history of Bury St. Edmunds. The town was in control of the abbey and although people in some way profited from it, they always had the feeling of being dependent on it. Furthermore, the abbey was able to raise taxes which did not always result in a tension-free environment. That included the imprisonment of the abbot and some monks in the Guildhall in 1327. In another dispute, a large bronze door from the abbey was stolen and hidden in the guildhall.
People were not allowed to form a city council in medieval Bury. Therefore, they used the trader and craftsmen guilds to organize themselves and built a Guild Hall for the meetings. It was first mentioned in 1279, but is probably some decades older. Some parts are still from the original 13th century building. The building gained its present appearance in the 15th century, although many parts were added in the 18th century. After the dissolution of the monasteries , it was used for council meetings until 1966, when a larger council hall was built southeast to the old abbey grounds. Today, it is used by the Theatre Royal and occasionally for other purposes like meetings. Unfortunately, it is not open to the public. But still, it as a beautiful building you can admire from outside, especially knowing the importance in Bury's citizen's struggle for independence.

Bury St Edmunds - My Hometown! Well it used to be!

by PrincessMonja

"Historic Market Town"

Situated close to the town of Newmarket, the city of Cambridge and close to Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds is often bypassed by visitors in lieu of its better known neighbours.

We don't mind that too much as we get to enjoy all the lovely buildings, museums and parks without the crowds that swamp Cambridge.

"The Towns History"

Bury St Edmunds has links to Charles Dickens, the drawing up of the Magna Carter and St Edmund. (Hence the towns name). More info on all of these and more to follow shortly!

"Home of Greene King"

The Greene King brewery has been located within the town of Bury St Edmunds for over 200 years. They still brew their famous beer on site and now have a Brewery Museum which you can visit, and a brewery tour (see tips).

Greene King also own many of the pubs in the town. Bury St Edmunds has a large number of pubs including the smallest pub in Britain, The Nutshell.