Lowestoft’s 'rich history' features in new High Street films

High Street Histories - a new ten-part series of films exploring Lowestoft's historic high street - will launch today (Wednesday, August 16) as the first episode is published.

Historian Ivan Bunn (left) and writer Dean Parkin (right) Image: Poetry People Collection (Image: Poetry People Collection)

The short films - featuring conversations between Lowestoft historian Ivan Bunn and writer Dean Parkin - showcase buildings, past and present, on the town's High Street.

Looking south down Lowestoft High Street in the early 1880s, towards the Globe Inn and Devereux’s building. Image: Jack Rose Collection (Image: Jack Rose Collection)

Allowing "all ages to find out more about the stories behind Lowestoft’s historic high street", the new series is a partnership collaboration between Historic England’s Heritage Schools programme, the North Lowestoft Heritage Action Zone, Poetry People and Mr Bunn.

Lowestoft's Historic High Street. Picture: Newsquest (Image: Archant © 2018)

Published online throughout August and September, the first episode features the 'Top End of the Street' - sharing the history of Arnold House, tales of the surrounding buildings and the effects of wartime bombing, before rediscovering a row of long-lost houses and shops from 1897.

Aftermath of the air raid on the top end of Lowestoft High Street, 12 May 1943. Picture: Jack Rose Collection (Image: Jack Rose Collection)

Featuring rare archive photos from The Jack Rose Collection, The Bert Collyer Collection and from Mr Bunn, alongside contemporary views of the high street, all episodes have an accompanying worksheet, ideal for primary school children.

Hayes ironmongery, 45 High Street, Lowestoft circa 1914. The shop is now Uncle Sid’s Zero Waste Store. Image: Jack Rose Collection (Image: Jack Rose Collection)

From today a new episode will be posted online each Wednesday on Poetry People's Facebook and YouTube page.

Uncle Sid's Zero Waste Store in Lowestoft. Picture: Newsquest (Image: Archant)

Future episodes include a look at the oldest house on High Street and a historic visit from King George II.

Mr Bunn said: "I didn’t hesitate to give my full support to this welcome and timely project which I very much hope will go some way to introducing youngsters to the rich history on their doorstep."

Lowestoft High Street. Picture: Newsquest (Image: Archant © 2018)

Mr Parkin added: "It’s been an opportunity to dig deep into the wonderful old archive photographs from the collections of Jack Rose and Bert Collyer, and with Ivan as our expert time-travelling guide, create something special about the town's history that I hope will appeal to young and old alike for years to come."