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The unique landscape of The Norfolk Broads, a low-lying patchwork of interlocking rivers and lakes, has been a source of fascination for many centuries. Originally believed to have been the result of natural processes it was not until the 1950s when Dr J M Lambert presented a series of findings that were to change this belief permanently.

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Introduction

How to look after The Norfolk Broads

A guide to broads and rivers

A guide to boating on The Norfolk Broads

Places to visit around The Norfolk Broads

Attractions along The Norfolk Broads

Things to do in The Norfolk Broads

History of The Norfolk Broads

The 1950’s research proved that The Norfolk Broads were a man-made phenomenon. Many people thought this was ludicrous - how could man possibly have created these outstanding waterways and why? Yet her research, showing that the sides of the deep lakes were vertical and not gently sloping as would be expected of a naturally formed lake, coupled with the historical evidence of peat demand, all supported her theory. A brief outline of the history of The Norfolk Broads is given below.

Imagine a time where there are no mod cons, no electricity and certainly no mechanical diggers – just sheer man power and a need to survive in what would have been difficult and unforgiving times. In the 12th Century the population of east Norfolk was growing rapidly and the area was documented to be the most densely populated in Britain. Materials for living were scarce; timber and fuel supplies were drained as much of the woodland areas were cleared and a new source of fuel needed to be found. It was at this time that peat digging, also known as ‘turbary’, was tapped into and this provided a suitable fuel alternative.

The extraction of peat would have been a difficult and unpleasant task, requiring great physical effort. Yet it was a prosperous industry and provided fuel for both individual families and manors, with a greater proportion being sold. Digging took place throughout all the east Norfolk settlements until the 14th Century, when finally nature overcame man’s force. The massive holes that had been created gradually began to fill with water as the sea levels rose. Flooding was taking place on a regular basis and peat extraction was simply no longer possible. As these ‘holes’ began to fill the now popular tourist destination of The Norfolk Broads was starting to form.

Over 200 km of navigable Broads and rivers were created by peat digging and these provided essential channels for communication and commerce throughout the 16th Century. Norwich was the second largest city in England after London and its tradable goods of wool, weaving and agricultural produce were exported throughout the world from the port of Great Yarmouth. One of the earliest forms of transport across the Broads was the Norfolk Wherry, which could carry around 25 tonnes of goods and was in service for around 200 years.

While people had always used The Norfolk Broads for recreation the beginnings of tourism ultimately began with the arrival of the railway in the mid 1800s allowing more visitors to come to the region. In turn the boat hiring business was begun and is still a very popular pastime for visitors to the region.

Today The Norfolk Broads can still evoke a sense of disbelief in new visitors. For those wishing to discover more about the fascinating history of The Norfolk Broads visit the Museum of the Broads in Stalham where you can see how the mystery was solved and the tools used in the traditional trades including thatching.

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