Bury St Edmunds is a town which has grown dramatically in recent decades.
From the creation and spread of the Moreton Hall industrial and residential estates, to transformation in the town centre, long-term residents will have seen many changes over the years.
And no better are some of those changes illustrated than in these aerial photographs taken 41 years ago, sourced from the Bury Free Press archives.
On August 31, 1983, a Bury Free Press photographer took to the skies to snap these scenes.
While the picture quality is not always the best, especially with low clouds seen in some of these photographs, eagle-eyed readers might spot some familiar sights…and some not so familiar.
We have done our best to pinpoint what these photos show, but as the town has changed significantly in some areas we have been scratching our heads over the location of some scenes.
Do get in touch if your local knowledge helps where we have failed.
Howard Middle School
Aerial picture of Bury St Edmunds in 1983. A view of what was then Howard Middle School, in Beard Road. Picture: Bury Free Press archive
Easlea Road and Bedingfeld Way
Aerial picture of Bury St Edmunds in 1983. A newly-built industrial estate in Easlea Road - note how Bedingfeld Way stops immediately after the turn at the junction where Matalan stands today. Picture: Bury Free Press archive
Bury – but where?
We think this could show roads under construction - perhaps the A14 (then called the A45), or Compiegne Way? If you know, get in touch. Picture: Bury Free Press archive
Symonds Road
Aerial picture of Bury St Edmunds in 1983. A view from the A14 towards Symonds Road and the under-construction Moreton Hall estate. What was once Dogwood Nursery is near the bottom right corner of the picture. The Butterfly Hotel has not yet been built, nor Sainsbury's. Meanwhile, it appears Oswyn Close, Bederic Close and Raedwald Drive were built/being built at this time. Picture: Bury Free Press archive
What side of Bury is this?
Homes in Bury St Edmunds in 1983 - but where is this? Picture: Bury Free Press archive
Westley Road approach to Bury
This picture appears to show the Horringer Court estate, Gainsborough Park and Westley Midde School. Correct us if we are wrong. Picture: Bury Free Press archive
Cattishall
This photo appears to show homes off Green Lane, at Cattishall. Picture: Bury Free Press archive
Hollow Road and British Sugar
A view looking towards Hollow Road and the British Sugar plant, with what was for many years Marlows in the foreground. Picture: Bury Free Press archive
Eastern Bury
The eastern side of Bury is pictured here - but which plant is it? Picture: Bury Free Press archive
St James’ Middle School / Vinefields
St James' Middle School and its tennis courts can be seen in this picture. Picture: Bury Free Press archive
Tayfen Meadows area
The greyhound track and King Edward VI School can be seen here - notice how Tayfen Meadows has not yet been built. Picture: Bury Free Press archive
Tayfen Meadows area
A slightly different view of the greyhound track and King Edward VI School. Picture: Bury Free Press archive
Rougham Industrial Estate
This picture could be of Rougham Industrial Estate, with the For Farmers plant in the foreground. Do you agree? Picture: Bury Free Press archive
Bury town centre
This picture of the town centre shows the long-gone Boby plant in the foreground. The Bury Free Press offices, Cattle Market and Corn Exchange will be spotted by eagle-eyed readers, along with other town centre landmarks. Picture: Bury Free Press archive
West Suffolk Hospital
A view of West Suffolk Hospital and Hardwick Heath. Picture: Bury Free Press archive
Abbey Gardens
A view of the Abbey Gardens, with Angel Hill in the background. Picture: Bury Free Press archiveAerial picture of Bury St Edmunds in 1983. Picture: Bury Free Press archive
Moreton Hall industrial estate
Another view of the Moreton Hall Industrial Estate, surrounded by fields and bordered by the A14 in the foreground. Thousands of homes along with shops/industrial units now occupy all these fields. Picture: Bury Free Press archive
St Saviour’s interchange
A view of the Silver Spoon plant with St Saviour's interchange alongside. Notice how Compiegne Way does not yet exist. Picture: Bury Free Press archive
Bury town centre
This picture of the town centre shows the long-gone Boby plant in the foreground. The Bury Free Press offices, Cattle Market and Corn Exchange will be spotted by eagle-eyed readers, along with other town centre landmarks. Picture: Bury Free Press archive
Eastern Way
We think this picture shows Eastern Way, Boortmalt and the railway line crossing over the A14 (A45) in August 1983. Are we correct? Picture: Bury Free Press archive
Mildenhall Road estate and Northern Way
A view of the Mildenhall Road estate - notice Lake Avenue and Severn Road - with the Northern Way industrial area to the rear. Picture: Bury Free Press archive
Bury East A14 (A45) interchange
This picture shows the Bury East A14 interchange - in those days called the A45 - with the under-construction Moreton Hall estate to the rear. Picture: Bury Free Press archive
Where is this?
And finally, another picture we need help to locate. Is this part of the A14/A45 still under construction? Get in touch if you know. Picture: Bury Free Press archive
If you can help fill in some of the gaps, email news@buryfreepress.co.uk
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