“As we passed Horning village the children greeted us with a song, with which the children of Horning have greeted every passing yacht for generations:

“Ho, John Barleycorn ! ho, John Barleycorn !
All day long I raise my song-
Ho, John Barleycorn!”

The motive of the song is, of course, coppers. Its origin is unknown; but even the three-year old toddlers join in, and the general effect is pleasing.”⎯ G. Christopher Davies, 1883 (1.)

Horning is an ancient village and parish in the English county of Norfolk. …The name Horning means the “folk who live on the high ground between the rivers”. Its history dates back to 1020, when the manor was given by King Canute to the newly founded Abbey of St. Benet at Hulme. The Bishop of Norwich, as Abbot of St. Benets, is still Lord of the Manor. Horning Parish extends along the south bank of the River Bure to Thurne Mouth, and includes the ruins of St Benet’s Abbey & St. James Hospital. – Wikipedia (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.

1. Excerpt, G. Christopher Davies: Norfolk Broads and Rivers: Or, The Water-ways, Lagoons, and Decoys of East Anglia, William Blackwood & Son, Edinburgh and London, p. 64
2. George Christopher Davies: Wikipedia accessed September, 2025