Walberswick facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Walberswick |
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 Walberswick in July 2012 |
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 Walberswick
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| Area | 7.89 km2 (3.05 sq mi) |
| Population | 380 (2011) |
| • Density | 48/km2 (120/sq mi) |
| District |
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| Shire county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | Southwold |
| Postcode district | IP18 |
| Dialling code | 01502 |
| EU Parliament | East of England |
Walberswick is a lovely village found on the Suffolk coast in England. It sits right at the mouth of the River Blyth. The popular town of Southwold is just across the river, about 1 kilometre away. Walberswick is also near the North Sea coast, about 18 kilometres south of Lowestoft.
Long ago, a nearby town called Dunwich lost its port because of coastal erosion and the river changing its path. After that, Walberswick became a very important trading port. This lasted from the 1200s until World War I. Today, many of the homes in Walberswick are holiday houses, making it a popular spot for visitors.
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Walberswick's Past
The name Walberswick likely comes from an old Saxon name, Waldbert, who was probably a landowner. "Wyc" means a shelter or harbour.
Ancient Church History
At the top of the village, you can find St Andrew's Church. It was built in the 1400s. The church is much smaller now than it used to be. But the parts that are left show how huge this church once was!
World War II Defences
During the Second World War, special defences were built around Walberswick. These included strong concrete shelters called pillboxes. There were also landmines and fire traps to protect the beaches. Large barriers made of scaffolding were put up along the coast to stop invaders.
How Walberswick is Governed
Walberswick is part of a larger area called Suffolk Coastal. This area has a representative in the UK Parliament. The village is also managed by the East Suffolk District Council. This council helps make local decisions for the area.
Village Population
In 2011, about 380 people lived in Walberswick. A big part of the homes in the village are not lived in all the time. Instead, they are holiday homes that people rent or use for vacations.
Nature and Wildlife
Walberswick is a fantastic place for nature lovers. It has over 1,000 acres of heath and marshland. This area is protected as part of the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It's a great spot to see many different kinds of birds.
Protected Natural Areas
Near the village, you can see a broken-down windmill on the marshes. The area around Walberswick is part of the Suffolk Coast National Nature Reserve. This special protected area covers about 1,340 hectares. It has many different types of habitats, like wetlands and heathlands.
Interesting Landmarks
You'll find a beautiful metal village sign on the Green. This sign is a copy of one put up in 1953 to celebrate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. The original sign went missing for a while. But it was found and fixed up to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 2012. It now stands opposite the church.
Arts and Community Life
Walberswick has always attracted artists, filmmakers, and media people. In the late 1800s, artists like Philip Wilson Steer and his friends, who were English Impressionists, spent time here. The famous artist and architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh lived here from 1914. Humphrey Jennings, a well-known documentary filmmaker from World War II, was also born here.
Famous Residents
Many famous British people have owned holiday homes in Walberswick. These include the late Clement Freud and his wife Jill, and their daughter Emma Freud and her partner Richard Curtis. Anna Freud, who was the daughter of Sigmund Freud, also had a retreat here. Film director Paul Greengrass and TV director Peter Fincham also have houses in the village.
The village is even the setting for a novel called The Sea House by Esther Freud. She is the cousin of Emma Freud. Esther Freud also has a house in Walberswick with her husband, actor David Morrissey.
Crabbing Competition
Walberswick was once famous for its yearly crabbing competition! It was called the British Open Crabbing Championship. The last one was held in August 2010. The person who caught the heaviest crab in 90 minutes won the prize. The money raised helped many good causes.
Local Legends
Some people say that Walberswick is haunted by a ghost coach. It's said to be pulled by headless horses and driven by a murderer named Tobias Gill. He was executed in the area many years ago.
Getting Around Walberswick
Walberswick is on the B1387 road. This road comes from the A12 and ends in the village. The village is at the mouth of the River Blyth, which is part of Southwold Harbour. You can moor small boats on the Walberswick side of the river.
Crossing the River
To cross the river, there's a footbridge called the Bailey Bridge. This bridge lets people and bikes get across to Southwold. During the tourist season, a small passenger ferry also operates. It's a rowing boat that takes people across the river closer to the village centre.
Old Railway Station
Walberswick used to have its own railway station. It was part of the narrow-gauge Southwold Railway line. This line ran from Halesworth to Southwold. The station closed on April 11, 1929. The closest working train stations now are in Halesworth and Darsham.
