The earliest recorded owner on the deeds was
Sir Edmund Henry Knowles Lacon, 3rd Baronet

Sir Edmund Henry Knowles Lacon, 3rd Baronet (1842–1899), was a larger-than-life figure in 19th-century Great Yarmouth. A brewer, banker, and railway enthusiast, he managed the family brewery Lacons and invested in local railways, helping the town buzz with activity.

In 1839, he became the first resident of the house that today welcomes guests as Andover House Hotel. Beyond business, he served as a Conservative MP and held key local roles, from Justice of the Peace to High Steward of Yarmouth.

With a family of six children and a flair for civic life, Lacon left a lasting mark on the town—his former home now offering a charming glimpse into Great Yarmouth’s Victorian past.

Portrait of a man with light skin, white hair, dressed in historical clothing, against a dark background.

When I received this beautiful family holiday photo from August 1953, shared by Lee while going through the family documents, I was immediately struck by the charm of Andover House.

It’s fascinating to reflect on the time over 20 years ago when we took over the property. Back then, it was called the Andover Hotel, and I decided to change “Hotel” to “House” because it felt more fitting—a welcoming place for everyone to enjoy.

It’s a little amusing to realize now that I renamed it without knowing its original name, only noticing it for the first time in this photograph!

Thank you again, Lee, for sharing this wonderful piece of Andover House history.

If you have any old photographs of Andover House, we would love to hear from you! Get in touch.

Read about our own family history at Andover House here.

A group of adults and children posing in front of a building with a sign that reads "Andover House". The photo appears to be from the mid-20th century, in black and white.