Norfolk Wherries

The Norfolk wherry, a single-sailed working boat, was a common sight on the Norfolk Broads in the early years of this century: as late as the mid-50's when I made a Ransome pilgrimage to the Broads by bicycle (calling at Secret Water on the way), a few working wherries were still to be seen.

In Arthur Ransome, the wherry Sir Garnet comes into the story of both Coot Club and The Big Six. In Coot Club she gives a lift to Port and Starboard to enable them to catch up with the Teasel, while in The Big Six she is cast off by George Owden, the blame falling on the Death and Glories.

The three examples in the photograph were originally built in the years 1905-1912 for cruising rather than for carrying freight. They are, from left to right, the Olive, the Hathor and the Norada, all three being maintained for hire by Wherry Yacht Charter: go to their excellent Web site to find out more about them, including the reason why the Hathor is decorated throughout in Egyptian style.