One part stillness,
  two parts time.

Garry Kilworth

1864

The Southwold Sailors’ Reading Room was built in 1864 as a refuge for fishermen and mariners when not engaged at sea, as an endeavour to keep them out of the pubs and encourage them in Christian ideals.

Displays of a seafaring nature line the walls and fill glass cabinets. Pictures and portraits of local fishermen and seascapes, model ships and maritime paraphernalia offer a fascinating history of Southwold’s connections with the sea.

2024

The Southwold Sailors’ Reading Room was built in 1864 as a refuge for fishermen and mariners when not engaged at sea, as an endeavour to keep them out of the pubs and encourage them in Christian ideals.

Displays of a seafaring nature line the walls and fill glass cabinets. Pictures and portraits of local fishermen and seascapes, model ships and maritime paraphernalia offer a fascinating history of Southwold’s connections with the sea.

Untouched by time...

Tuesday 3rd November – Reading Room Closed Until 2.30pm

The Reading Room will be closed on Tuesday 3rd November 2024 until approximately 2.30pm.
November 2, 2024

Captain Rayley’s Anniversary

The Reading Room’s flag was flown on Friday 7th October in recognition of the 244th anniversary of Captain Rayley’s birth. The building of the Reading Room, which opened on 2nd June 1864, was funded at a cost of £546.40 by [...]
October 11, 2024

An American Member Visits The Reading Room

The Reading Room’s membership has spread over the years from local Southwold fishermen to people from all walks of life who live locally and further afield, including four overseas members. One of these overseas members, Tom [...]
September 27, 2024