Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk
Bury St. Edmunds, in Suffolk, is historically a market town, most famously known for the ruined abbey nearby. However, it is also famous for brewing and houses the UK's largest British brewery, as well as a British sugar beet factory. 'Bury' is the principal town of the St Edmundsbury borough, and was formerly the county town of West Suffolk.
The Name
The name Bury is connected to the word borough, which has a number of different meanings including wall, castle or city. All meanings of the word are generally derived from the word meaning fortified elevation. This goes against the popular myth that the town was given its name due to the fact that St Edmund was buried there.
The St Edmunds part of the town's name comes from the fact that East Angles King, Edmund, was killed and became a saint and martyr in 869. A shrine was made which made Bury St Edmunds important for pilgrims.
The name is often shortened to 'Bury' by many of the locals.
Local Economy
The economy in Bury St Edmunds is largely associated with brewery, with the Greene King brewery being the largest British owned brewery in the country. It is also home to the Old Cannon Brewery, and other breweries based nearby.
Sugar Beet is also an important industry, and the British Sugar factory is the largest landmark of the town. The factory was built in 1925 and is still used today to process sugar beet into refined crystal sugar. The sugar is sold under the name Silver Spoon.
Street Sign
Near the gardens of the town there is an illuminated street sign, known as the pillar of salt. This was the first internally illuminated sign in Britain.
Famous Residents
A number of notable people have lived in Bury St. Edmunds. This includes the artist Rose Mead, 18th century landscape architect Humphry Repton, theatre director Sir Peter Hall, and actors Bob Hoskins and Michael Maloney.
Bury St. Edmunds Accommodation
A number of the very best hotels, B&Bs and other places to stay in and around Bury St. Edmunds advertise in the Bury St. Edmunds Guide directory. If you are planning on staying overnight, please take a look at the listings in the accommodation category of our online directory. Be sure to mention Bury St. Edmunds Guide when contacting any of the hotels, bed & breakfasts, holiday cottages or caravan and camping sites listed.
