Bury St Edmundsis, in essence, a mediaeval town which grew up around the gates of the great Benedictine monastery founded in 1020 AD. Bury was a prosperous market town with a thriving clothmaking industry. St Mary's Church was built in the 15th century and it is here that Mary Tudor, sister of Henry VIII, is buried.
Many mediaeval buildings such as the Guildhall still survive, but most are hidden behind elegant 17th and 18th century facades. The many splendid Georgian buildings in the town are a testimony to its prosperity in the 18th century.
Daniel Defoe described Bury St Edmunds as "a town famed for its pleasant situation and wholesome air, the Montpelier of Suffolk and perhaps of England". Charles Dickens was a regular visitor to the town and in Pickwick Papers he calls Bury St Edmunds "a handsome little town, of thriving and cleanly appearance". Dickens' description of the town could apply today. It has so much to offer people of all ages and interests, whether for a relaxing short break or an intensive sport-based holiday.
The town has excellent leisure and shopping facilities. Wednesdays and Saturdays are market days when the town centre becomes a bustling arena for bargain hunters and bright market stalls, offering the freshest local produce and, well... you name it! Whether it's antiques, armchairs or avocados, Bury St Edmunds is a shoppers' delight! Its rare mix of family-run businesses and high street names sit comfortably side by side, offering quality, choice, value and convenience.
Our traffic-free areas, ample parking nearby, and warm welcome make shopping a real pleasure. And you will find no shortage of entertainment: museums, art galleries, theatre, cinema, nightclubs, bars, recitals and just about anything else that may whet your appetite.
Useful links
Back to Towns and villages page.
