The Fox Inn

The Town's Gates

by PrincessMonja

You may notice that several of the streets in Bury St Edmunds are named after gates:

- Abbeygate street
- Westgate Street
- Eastgate Street
- Northgate Street
- Southgate Street

What you may also note is that they do not have gates on them (With the exception of Abbeygate street where one has recently been added).

Years ago there would have been gates on these roads.

Bury St. Edmunds Cathedral

by Airpunk

The cathedral of Bury St. Edmunds is one of the youngest. Not only because it was not until 1914 that the diocese of Bury St. Edmunds and Ipswich was founded (making the former St. James parish church a cathedral). But also because the Cathedral in its present form was not completed until 2005. The cut between the former parish church is visible, not only because of the architectural style (although Gothic was maintained), but also because of the almost pristine colour of the Barnack limestone in the rear part of the Cathedral. The rear part was designed by Stephen Dykes Bower, but was delayed several times as funds ran out. For several years, there was even a concrete platform to temporary seal off the spot where the tower was to be built- Dykes Bower was not even able to see the completion of his work. He died in 1994 but left 3 million pounds to the church. Together with further fundraising, the cathedral was completed 11 years later.
Prince Charles led the founding stone for the new part. There is anecdote going around that he asked to see it when he was in Bury for the inauguration of the new part. When he was shown “his” stone and asked by the mason why he was so interested in it he said:”Well, the trees I plant always get replanted and I just wanted to make sure my founding stone wasn't.” For information about details in the cathedral, please read my tip about “What to see in the Cathedral”. Or check out their website to have a look when the next guided tour is taking place. They are conducted on an irregular base but are good and for free (although some donation is always welcome).

Buildings around Cornhill

by Airpunk

Much of Bury's shopping zone is located around Cornhill, including a new shopping mall. But it is also the place where you can find some interesting buildings:

One of them was designed as a market hall (hence the name “The Market Cross”) in the 18th century, but became a theatre later on. Today it houses an art Gallery called Smith's Row. The style is entirely Georgian and as a visitor of the art gallery you will have the chance to see the interior which still looks Georgian too.

Its Victorian Counterpart is located south to it and was especially built for 19th century hygienic standards in meat processing. Note the ventilation holes on top of the windows. Today, it is used by some modern shops.

Moyse's Hall is located in Bury's oldest building, an 11th century Norman merchant's house. It was once owned by a Jewish businessman called Moyse and retained this nickname ever since. Today, a museum is housed in this house. Next to local history, there are some bizarre things to see. That includes a streak of Mary Tudor's hair, a dried cat and a book bound in the skin of a murderer...

Home away from Home

by Gaby_Thieme

"Lovely Abbey Garden"

In these Abbey ruins, my son-in-law proposed to my daughter for her hand in marriage. How could she refuse a romance as this, Sheakespere could have not picked a better place.
These gardens have evoked poems and dreams as I walked along the flower-beds.