“A large portion of the marsh-ground round the Broads and along the rivers and dykes is covered with a thick growth of reeds. These graceful plants are not by any means wasted. They are yearly cut and gathered, and are used for thatching, making fences, supporting plasterwork, and other things, and are a really valuable crop. The reed-border of Whittlesea Mere, before it was drained, produced annually about 1000 bundles of reeds, valued at £1 apiece; and the price of reeds in Norfolk is at all times high.” ⎯ G. Christopher Davies, 1883 (1.)

This reed-stacking enterprise was located in Barton, most likely referring to the nearby Barton Broad, “a large lake that forms part of the River Ant which gives its name to a 164-hectare (410-acre) nature reserve north-east of Norwich in Norfolk” or perhaps Barton Turf, its namesake “village and civil parish in the English county of Norfolk.” (Wikipedia accessed 2025)

George Christopher Davies: 1849-1922

Davies was “a prolific photographer and writer who played an important role in encouraging popular awareness of the Norfolk Broads.” (2.) The following biography of the artist courtesy: Norfolk Through a Lens: A guide to the Photographic Collections held by Norfolk Library & Information Service –

Born in Shropshire, Davies practised as a solicitor for a time; he first came to Norfolk in 1871 to serve part of his articles. He was later to become Chief Clerk at Norfolk County Council in 1906, also serving as Clerk of the Peace. In his private life he was a nature lover, sportsman and photographer. His skills as a writer did much to popularise the Norfolk Broads as a rural idyll and holiday destination. When he was 27 he wrote ‘The Swan and her Crew’ an adventure story for boys set in the Norfolk Broads which created a great interest and enthusiasm for the area. His major work ‘Handbook to the Rivers and Broads of Norfolk and Suffolk’ was published in 55 editions and contained 12 of his own photographs. Davies also produced other books about the Broads, sailing, Belgian waterways, natural history, fishing, adventure books for children and even some on government administration. Towards the end of his life he acquired Burnt Fen Broad and spent many hours there during his retirement.