This address which lies down an alley at the eastern end of Victoria Street, was the long-term home of many members of the May family. The legendary lifeboatman Sam May (1860-1923) may have lived here briefly as a child but it was principally the home of his youngest brother, Robert John May, his family and descendants. For more about Sam, see No 6 and No 8 Park Lane.

With thanks to Robert John's grandson, (Richard Stephen's son) Keith May for much of the factual detail for this page.

1924
Robert John May , Bathing Machine owner. Robert John has taken over the business from his older brother Sam May of No 8 Park Lane. The business continues to trade as 'Sam May's'.

Robert has married Maria Brabben. Their sons are Robert John Brabben May, Samuel Charles Brabben May, Edward May and Richard Stephen May. All the sons are involved in their father's business but Robert John Brabben later becomes a deep-sea fisherman which takes him away from home for long periods.

To read the memories of one holiday maker who spent his childhood summers in Southwold in the 1920s, click here.

Robert John May Bathing Machine owners (K 1933, 1937). As demand for bathing machines declines, the Mays diversify into beach hut and deckchair hire.

1936
Robert John May dies suddenly on Christmas morning 1936. Like many Southwold families, the Mays take their turkeys to be roasted in the huge oven of one of the town's bakers. The Mays take theirs to Ernest Newson at No 3 South Green. This year, Robert goes to collect it and, walking back along Trinity Street, meets a friend and they stop for a 'mardle' (chat). Suddenly, Robert says "Hold this bird a minute; I don't feel so good." . Immediately after his friend takes it, Robert falls down dead. (Source: Keith May, Robert's grandson)

Samuel Charles Brabben May (Son of Robert John) and William Herrington now run the business in partnership. Deckchair hire is the principal line now, bathing machines having fallen out of fashion. William Herrington and his family have run a bathing machine, boat hire and apartment rental business from South Beach and South Cliff for many decades and their forebears have been fishermen and lifeboatmen in Southwold for centuries.

Samuel Charles Brabben May retires from the business during the 1950s and, although he continues to own No 64, it is believed that he moves into No 64a.

Samuel Charles Brabben May

Samuel Charles Brabben May dies in 1975 and the house is sold.