While researching the history of James Oakes’ house in Bury’s Guildhall Street, Adrian Tindall encountered a collection of unique pencil drawings.
He said: They were the original architect’s drawings of the Market Cross for the design of a new theatre, with the date 1774.”
This sparked the creation of his book, The Story of the Bury St Edmunds Market Cross.
Mr Tindall will be signing copies of his book from 11am to 2pm on June 29 (Image: Submitted)
He said: “I wanted to tell the story of the people behind this iconic building.
“It was celebrated as ‘a Neat and Beautiful Theatre’ and the design was by renowned neoclassical architect Robert Adam.
“His attention to detail is easily recognisable to visitors to the town in the present day.”
Adrian went on explaining, “It is particularly worth examining the panels on the north and south faces of the building.
“The masked images are usually interpreted as the Muses of Comedy and Tragedy, according to theatrical tradition.”
He also mentioned a carved musical notation, believed to be parts of ‘God Save the King’.
He said: “My long career in archaeology has given me a lifelong passion for sharing the stories of the past with a wider audience.
“Uncovering the first elements of the Market Cross’s life as a theatre has revealed some fascinating details of the flamboyant actors who trod the boards and the audiences who packed its pit, boxes and gallery.
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“The nearby the Moyse’s Hall Museum holds examples of the Aldermen’s tokens, which gave the holder unlimited free entry.
“Apparently there were frequent disputes about whether they were transferable to friends and family.”
Mr Tindall will be signing copies of his book from 11am to 2pm on June 29 at Waterstones.
His book, published by Crumps Barn Studio, is available in bookshops now.
