Water, Mills & Marshes

Best job ever out on the marshes (1980s-2018)

Paul recounts his life working on the marshes as a marshman. He says, ‘Marshmen don’t seem to retire, they just keep going.’ When I was

Keeping the waterways clear (1960s-2018)

Vic tells us about his working life on the water, and that his most satisfying and enjoyable times were spent on the dredger. He has

The making of Strumpshaw Fen (1960s-2018)

Mike was already working for the RSPB when he got the opportunity, at very short notice, to get his own site, at Strumpshaw. He talks

Gamekeeper and conservationist (1960s-2018)

After being a part time gamekeeper on the Strumpshaw Hall estate Joe had the opportunity to become a full time game keeper at Buckenham.He describes

Ships great and small (1870s-2018)

Thelma’s family has a strong connection to the boatbuilding industry, including the building of wherries. One particular wherry dear to her heart is the wherry

A Man of the Marshes (1947-2018)

Wally tells his story as the ‘King’ of the marshes. He is the last hand reedcutter and is leaving his legacy of knowledge to his

Engineering – a vocation not just a job (1943-2003)

Engineer John gave his expertise to boatbuilding including replacing the engines of Reedham Ferry and repairing a boat on the Seine. I was born in

Artist Ambassador for the Broads (1960s-2018)

David is an internationally recognised artist, known for painting ethereal, atmospheric depictions of the Norfolk Broads. He grew up in Norfolk and pursued his love