“BELOW the little water-side inn known as the “Berney Arms,” the channel of the Yare narrows and the tide runs swiftly, and there the river meets with its sister from the pleasant vales of Suffolk, the clear-running Waveney. Together they expand into the fulness of Breydon Water, at the distant misty end of which rise the spires and towers of Yarmouth. When the tide is in, Breydon (the “broad end” of the rivers) is indeed a noble lake; but the parallel rows of posts down its mid-length tell of a channel that must be kept with great exactness, and of mud-flats dry on either side at low water. These mudflats dry out to a much greater extent than formerly, owing to the completer ebb of the tide. There are two aspects of Breydon Water which always occur to us. One is soon after the dawn of a summer’s morning. From the upper end, looking towards Yarmouth, the smoothly flowing tide, and the gleaming flats on either side, are silvered with the brightness of the coming day, and the last pink and green of the sunrise are fading over the sea, between which and the water the red gables of the town seem but a slight barrier.” ⎯ G. Christopher Davies, 1883 (1.) 

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. 176
2. George Christopher Davies: Wikipedia accessed September, 2025