Britten in Suffolk: the early years 

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Benjamin Britten, one of the greatest British composers, lived and worked in Suffolk for most of his life.  Its coastal landscape and countryside were an important inspiration for his music.  He said: ‘I belong at home – there in Aldeburgh. I have tried to bring music to it in the shape of our local Festival; and all the music I write comes from it’.

Britten was born in Lowestoft on 22 November 1913.  He lived at 21 Kirkley Cliff Road with his parents, brother Robert and two sisters Barbara and Beth.  Music-making was essential to the household, and his mother encouraged Britten to play the piano.

Between 1923 and 1928, Britten attended South Lodge School in Lowestoft as a day pupil.  When was sent to Gresham’s School in Norfolk, he missed Suffolk.  He wrote to his parents: ‘This is the first of twelve [weeks] before I see the sunny shores (?) of southern Lowestoft’.