Mariners Score

Most northerly of the town’s original footway-only scores, with its southern wall carrying a Grade II listing from Historic England because of its architectural and historical worth. It consists of brick and flint masonry dating from the 17th century in the lower courses, with 18th and 19th century work above. The original name (dating from the 14th century) was Cross Score because of its proximity to the Corn Cross, which stood on the site of the present-day Town Hall and was the dedicated area for trading in grain - the most important of all agricultural crops. It may well have begun life as a cross raised on steps, but seems to have become replaced by an open, arcaded building with upper room above - known later as the Town Chamber. Adjoining it, immediately to the west, was the Town Chapel - a place of worship acting as a back-up and supplement to St. Margaret’s Church. 

 At some point, the score changed its name to Swan Score - this being in reference to the The Swaninn, which stood at the top end of the footway on the site of Nos. 41-42 High Street from at least the late 16th century onwards - and the name continued in use until it ceased to function as such - possibly during the second half of the 18th century. It then became known as Mariners Score, probably after the Three Mariners public house, which stood opposite across the High Street on the site of Nos. 50 & 51 Mariners Street. The earliest name found for this particular road during the late 16th and early 17th century is either West Lane (it was situated to the west of the High Street) or Mendham Lane (probably the surname of a property-owner there), but at some point later on it became Swan Lane (after the inn). It finally finished up as Mariners Street - again, following the demise of the The Swan inn and with the same connection to the Three Mariners public house.

The book Jack Rose’s Lowestoft (1981), p. 28, gives the name Scarll’s Score as once having been used, but without further information. And this is certainly a surname to be found in the area of North-east Suffolk and South-east Norfolk, even today - though not a common one.

©2024 CREDIT:David Butcher

 The name comes from Samuel Mariner or from the 'Mariner's Inn' - now sadly gone. It was originally known as Swan Score probably named after the Swan Inn that stood on the south side of the junction with the High Street. It was here that Oliver Cromwell stayed when visiting Lowestoft in 1643 to quell the Royalist enthusiasm amongst some of the local gentry. In 1628 the Lowestoft Low Light stood at the bottom of the score and was illuminated by candles. This was replaced when a new 40-foot tower lighthouse was built in the High Street in 1676