The Long Last Century

In writing this book, Roger Arguile set out to tell the story of the development of the small coastal town of Wells-next-the-Sea during the twentieth century – but it expanded a little to include the later part of the nineteenth century, hence the title.

Roger has lived in the town since he retired from being a parish priest in 2007.  Since then his passion for the history of the town has led to the publication of several books, including Wells Next The Sea: A small port and a wide world.  That book took in the history of the town since it’s origins, but Roger felt that the more recent period, with it’s copious records, documentation and memories deserved a more thorough treatment.  This is the result.

The book is divided into three parts: the period leading up to the first world war (1859-1914), the years between the wars up to 1945, and the post-war era up to the end of the century.  In each section the author looks at various topics and delves into town records, newspaper archives and photograph collections to tell the many stories.

Wells has seen many changes over the period, during which it has transitioned from a small commercial port, exporting grain from Norfolk to other parts of the country and Europe, with a few fishing boats to a popular tourist destination and leisure resort, a desirable location for second homes and holiday cottages.  Roger documents these changes, and how they have affected the community, in detail, drawing on the minutes of council meetings and school records to tell the stories of the people who live in the town.  Interspersed throughout the book are a well curated selection of photographs of the town and its people.

Wells-next-the-Sea: The Long Last Century is essential for residents and visitors with an interest in the history of the town, and is a book any collector of Norfolk history will want on their shelves.

Eastern Daily Press, October 2nd, 2022:
From international trade hub to second home haven – a brief history of Wells
Interview with Roger Arguile about his new book.