...The Battle of Sole Bay

There were three wars with Holland in the 17th century and in each of them, Sole Bay was England's main fleet anchorage. In the third war which became known as the battle of Sole Bay, the French were - unusually - on our side, thanks to a deal struck between Charles II and Louis XIV. The objective was to defeat the Dutch Navy and land troops in the Netherlands in support of the French army.

James, Duke of York commanded the allied fleet of 98 warships and 30 fireships. He is said to have spent some days and nights planning his tactics in Sutherland House, now a restaurant situated in the High Street just a few steps from the museum.

The battle was described by the Dutch as an 'honourable draw' but the casualties were considerable. The English lost 2,500 men including the Earl of Sandwich while the Dutch lost 1,800 and the French 450. After the battle 800 wounded men were landed at Southwold to be cared for by the Town and, for many weeks, bodies and limbs were washed up on the Suffolk shore.