The market town of Beccles lies on the River Waveney, close to the Norfolk Broads, and floods have been part of its history. Once a river port, it is still a boating centre. Its Saxon and Norse origins can be seen in many of the street names, as can its wealth in medieval and pre-Industrial Revolution times with its numerous historic buildings. More recent industries included printing, tanning and a corset factory, and the Nobel Prize-winning chemist Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin was educated in Beccles.

A-Z of Beccles reveals the history behind the town, its streets and buildings, businesses and the people connected with it. Alongside the famous historical connections are unusual characters, tucked-away places and unique events that are less well known. Fully illustrated with photography, it will appeal to all those with an interest in this historic Suffolk town.