Embracing Autumn in the Brecks
Our quick guide for enjoying autumn to the fullest in the Norfolk and Suffolk Brecks. More
The launch of the Industrious Rivers project (a project exploring the history of trade and development along the waterways of the Brecks – principally the rivers Gadder, Lark, Little Ouse, Thet and Wissey), took place on 17 October 2022 at The Engine House in Brandon Country Park.
A fully booked event (within days of it being advertised), it was a day with a full house of attendees who were keen to help uncover and document the history of the development of the commercial and industrial use of the Breckland waterways.
An introduction on the history of rivers landscapes in the Brecks was provided from Professor Tom Williamson of UEA, a world renowned expert on landscape history and archaeology who explained that today, rivers are used mainly for leisure and recreation, but for most of human history they were essential for trade and commerce. Mills, docks, wharves and towpaths all speak of a time when transportation by river was the most efficient way of heavy haulage – bringing commodities such as food, coal and building supplies to inland communities, and contributing to the prosperity of inland ports such as Stoke Ferry and Brandon. Conversely, some Breckland products – notably flint and rabbit skins – had to be transported to larger conurbations. Our Breckland rivers were a vital lifeline for this landlocked part of England.
There was a further illustrated overview and walk along the Little River Ouse, looking for archaeological clues presented by Eliott Wragg, a leading archaeologist who has spent years working on the Thames Discovery Programme.
The project is offering a range of exciting opportunities to learn more about the history of the area, and to acquire new skills and insights into a lesser known aspect of local heritage and training sessions will help volunteers to understand the characteristics and significance of the Breckland rivers and to carry out their own research. It will look at the rivers in the historical record, the vital role they played in the daily lives of local people, historic manmade features such as locks, staunches and mills, and how to recognise and record their remains.
The project will culminate in an exhibition at Thetford’s Ancient House Museum in 2023-4, co-curated with a Young Curators group, an illustrated report on the project and its discoveries, and an online archive.
Want to get involved?
Further workshops will be on the history of river landscapes, as well as training some volunteers in practical conservation techniques. If maps are more your thing, we need volunteers to research and examine current and historic maps to identify features that were once used for trade and industry. Where possible, you will be invited to walk sections of the rivers (with the landowner’s permission) to identify and record relevant features, which will then be digitally mapped. Further details available on Eventbrite or our website.
