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England boasts many miles of coastline punctuated by picturesque villages. Perched on the coast of the North Sea, Southwold is a good example, although its tranquil setting belies its tempestuous history. The town was already established when the Domesday book was written in 1086, with its inhabitants making their living from fishing. At one time, the city was also a trading port, as it sat on the River Blythe, but that ended when the river silted up. If a devastating fire in 1659 weren’t enough, in 1672 the first sea battle of the Third Anglo-Dutch War – otherwise known as the Battle of Solebay – took place off of Southwold’s coast. While most have forgotten the event, Southwold still commemorates the battle, having placed a cannon on top of Gun Hill overlooking the sea. The intervening centuries were relatively calm. For a short period, the town housed George Orwell and his writing talent, and in the early 1900s it gained a lighthouse and distinctive pier. Aside from that, it retains its rural character, and is still one of the larger fishing ports along that stretch of coast. Part of that charm revolves on the fact that marshes have restricted Southwold’s expansion over the centuries. Small though it may be, Southwold does house one business that makes it well known throughout England: Adnams brewery. Established in 1872, the brewery supplies not only beer but also operates a distillery, making it a perfect place to quench your thirst!
