Social+divisions

Socioeconomic residential structure, in addition to tenure structure, is most affected by social transformation of the local population. As Lowestoft began its economic development after the coming of the railway, housing market divisions began to reflect social divisions of incomers. Besides increasing differences in incomes becoming visble in newly built homes, the changing residential pattern began to influence housing policy, individual preferences and existing housing market structure. Housing policy and income structure led to increasing socioeconomic inequality between different parts of the town. By the end of the 19th century these differences were particularly obvious north and south of the harbours.

Fig 1 Harbour area of modern Lowestoft In the above map of a part of modern Lowestoft the coloured lines represent housing frontages that resulted from the post-railway development of the town (1841-91). This was particularly evident comparing the 1861 census for Stevens St, Clemence St and Selby St, north of the Inner Harbour with that for the Esplanade, Marine Parade, Victoria Terrace and Wellington Terrace. See page Immigrants to Lowestoft

Fig 2 Part of an 1836 map of Lowestoft Chapel Lane on the above map is depicted in Fig 1 as Bevan St East and West

Fig 3 St Margaret's Church, from Kirkley Ham across Lake Lothing, watercolour by Thomas Churchyard, circa 1830  Compare with Fig 2