Dutch eel boats in the Thames, 1931
Watch this archive footage as boats cross from the UK to gather in the Netherlands for the Dutch OGA 20th Anniversary. This fascinating old silent… Read More »Dutch eel boats in the Thames, 1931
Workboats
Posts relating to the work and subsequent leisure use of traditional workboats powered by sail, steam or diesel
Southwold: herring, sprats and a battle, 1672
Many coastal towns and villages of the east coasts of England and Scotland are steeped in the history of the herring industry. In this extract,… Read More »Southwold: herring, sprats and a battle, 1672
Changing times for Harwich
In this post, we return to the 18th century to find Daniel Defoe’s description of the port of Harwich and its extensive harbour accommodating colliers… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
The traders of Yarmouth, 1727
Daniel Defoe describes the fishing fair and other trading activity in Yarmouth, during his travels in Norfolk. He is most complimentary about the townsfolk and… Read More »The traders of Yarmouth, 1727
Smacks leaving Great Yarmouth, 1896
In this tiny fragment of late 19th century film footage, we see smacks leaving Great Yarmouth. Shot with one of the earliest cine cameras, first… Read More »Smacks leaving Great Yarmouth, 1896
Passage to Yarmouth: reflecting on bygone days
Mike Sparkes, Archivist and Skipper with the Norfolk Wherry Trust contributed this article, reflecting on planning a passage to Yarmouth by sea. It is based… Read More »Passage to Yarmouth: reflecting on bygone days
The Norfolk wherrymen
This collection of archive photos was contributed by Jayne Tracey whose father, James Forsythe, was one of the Founders of the Norfolk Wherry Trust which has… Read More »The Norfolk wherrymen
Three score and ten
This post has the words and a recording by ‘The Longest Johns’ for a sea shanty about a storm off the east coast of England,… Read More »Three score and ten
Ordering a herring boat, Voe, Shetland, 1881
East Coast Gaffer, Sarah Adie shares some fascinating insights into her family’s involvement in the Shetland herring industry. Her great grandfather set up T M… Read More »Ordering a herring boat, Voe, Shetland, 1881