Pictures of Kessingland

About Kessingland

Situated on what is popularly called 'The Sunrise Coast' this little resort town a short distance from Lowestoft was once the home of novelist Henry Rider Haggard (1856-1925). He lived at The Cliff Grange, the house he bought in 1900 following the publication of his hugely successful book King Solomon's Mines. His colourful use of the English language may have been largely responsible for the novel being later turned into a film.

The son of a country squire, Henry was eighth in a family of ten children. It is highly probable that his talent came from his mother, who was a gifted amateur writer. Following his education at a London private school, he travelled to South Africa as secretary to the Governor of Natal, Sir Henry Bulwer. Later, he was to meet Rudyard Kipling and the two became firm friends. Kipling became a frequent visitor to The Cliff Grange and could often be seen strolling the shingle beach together. At the time Rider Haggard was considered to be the better writer.

King Solomon's Mines was written some six years after Henry married heiress, Louise Margitson. The characters appearing in the book often found their way into his later stories, the material for which was drawn mainly from his own experiences of life in South Africa.and flavoured with the mysterious world of the occult.

As a result of a life spent deeply interested in agriculture, he published a book on the subject. The Poor and The Land was published in 1912, the same year that he was knighted for his services to conservation.

Today, Kessingland remains a small, enjoyable resort town that is popular with sailing enthusiasts. It thrives from tourism, offering a wide selection of holiday accommodation ranging from caravan parks to modern, friendly hotels. The wide shingle beach attracts sun bathers and swimmers; there is plenty to do and a great choice of all round family entertainments and amusements. Suffolk Wildlife and Rare Breeds Park has everything from miniature cows and horses, to lynx, leopard and Barbary ape.

For the history of the area there are excellent Museums in both Beccles and Lowestoft. The hinterland beyond the coast is of enchanting Norfolk countryside and Norwich, East Anglia's thriving capital has one of the country's grandest cathedrals. All are within easy driving distance of Kessingland.