IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Yarmouth Road, LOWESTOFT, NR32 4AN

Is this environmentality gone mad? No, it's just saplings growing from the thatch of the lodge at the entrance to Bellvue Park in Lowestoft. The lodge is a private residence but also houses the Register of burials within the park.

The anchor is resting on what appears to be just a heap of stones but the small circular plaque which is barely legible tells a different story. i.e. "The Beacon Stones" these are said to be the base of a warning beacon against coastal attack erected in 1550 on the order of the Marquis of Northampton. Why the Marquis made such an order is unclear as at that time there was no immediate threat from the French and the Spanish were busy invading South America. Of course it could always be something else entirely as such stories are often assumed or fabricated when 'experts' haven't got a clue as to its original purpose, if in fact it ever had one. The more likely story is that these are "The Witches' Stones" which at the first stroke of midnight on the town hall clock make their way to the sea for a drink before returning by the twelfth stroke. If however water is poured upon them it causes it to rain and they have no need to go to the sea for a drink but can happily stay where they are supporting the anchor.

A birdbath in the form of an elephant sits in the centre of the garden. A nearby plaque has names of those whose ashes are here.

Once known as Gallows Score, it is thought that the town's gallows stood at the top of this score. The spectacle of a gibbet standing high on the cliff overlooking the sea conjures up ma evocative image. However it is also possible that there is a less grisly origin, with the score getting its name from a Mr. Gallow, who lived here. At The entrance to Belle View Park there is a pile of stones known as the Witches Stones which are alleged to go down to the sea as midnight chimes to wash in the sea. The stones are reputed to have earned their name from a story that Amy Danny - who was hanged for witchcraft in 1662 - used to sit on them and hurl abuse at passers-by. See also http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5143853

To view the plaque and read all about the goings-on click the https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5804258

The WW1 bench seats (Tommy benches) were designed and manufactured to commemorate the centenary of the First World War but deliberately bears no date as it is as relevant today as it was then.

The WW1 bench seats (Tommy benches) were designed and manufactured to commemorate the centenary of the First World War but deliberately bears no date as it is as relevant today as it was then. The flower beds surrounding the seats have yet to show their full potential. The wollen poppies encircling the flower beds have been donated from as far away as Australia.

The WW1 bench seats (Tommy benches) were designed and manufactured to commemorate the centenary of the First World War but deliberately bears no date as it is as relevant today as it was then. The flower beds surrounding the seats have yet to show their full potential. The wollen poppies encircling the flower beds have been donated from as far away as Australia.

The bin complements the seats: http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5937682 : http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5937687 : http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5937690