Take a trip down memory lane with our fabulous photographic celebration of East Anglian life through the decades. Today we focus on Harleston an ancient market town in the heart of the Waveney Valley.

%image(15043180, type="article-full", alt="The market place looking towards The Throughfare at Harleston. Next to the Midland Bank is the clock tower, May 1971. Picture: Archant library")

In the heart of the Waveney Valley, Harleston is a beautiful ancient market town with historic coaching inns and orginal timber-framed buildings. Signs of its rich history over the centuries can be spotted all over the town and there are more than 150 fascinating old buildings dotted around - from Stuart, Tudor and Medieval times. Its past residents include some of the first Pilgrim Fathers who travelled to settle in the United States of America.

Wednesday has been market day in Harleston since 1259 when the twon was granted charter status and today it is still considered as important to the town as it was in the 13th century, with mnay locals coming into town for market day.

Copies of the images featured in this story are available to buy via our photo sales website or alternatively can be ordered by phone on 01603 772449

%image(15043181, type="article-full", alt="The Square, showing the town sign and The Magpie Hotel.Dated March 5, 1968. Picture: Archant library")

%image(15043182, type="article-full", alt="Harleston Coronation celebrations, children in fancy dress parading in the procession. One child is holding a banner " Hurrah, Hurrah, Sweets off ration ". Sweets had been rationed for many years and the restrictions ended in February 1953. Picture: Archant library")

%image(15043183, type="article-full", alt="Three busmen take a professional interest in Harleston's new bus shelter in Broad Street, which has just been finished, undated. Picture: Archant library")