Description
Snape Maltings was founded by Newson Garrett, a Suffolk businessman with two daughters who inherited his drive and became well known in their own right, but it was his son George who built most of the buildings that can be seen today. The buildings have survived their original purpose and have been brought back to life in their modern role as a concert hall, the centre for a world leading music festival, and a thriving commercial centre of galleries, shops and hospitality.
Snape Quay started as a port for bringing in coal and taking out corn on the barges that made their way up the 21 miles of river from the sea. Garrett acquired the quay and trading business in 1841 and in the 1850s developed a malting business to supply London breweries. George took over the business in 1882, and the site continued producing malt until 1965. Aldeburgh Festival were looking for a location for a dedicated concert hall and an agreement was quickly reached to redevelop the malt house. The new concert hall was opened by the Queen in 1967, in time for the summer festival season.
The original Over Snape Bridge, a history of the unique set of buildings that make up Snape Maltings, was written in 1967 and sold thousands of copies. This new edition brings the history up to date and includes copious colour photographs. The author’s in depth knowledge and love of this area comes through in the text that combines the history with anecdotal stories he’s gathered over the years.
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