Barton Staithe: River Ant, Norfolk Broads

The main sail of a Norfolk Broads wherry boat is seen along with crew members at the Barton staithe- where she was being moored.

At the Tour Norfolk website, a modern-day description of the area shown: “We start our tour of Barton Turf (A lovely unspoilt broadland village on the banks of Barton Broad) at the public staithe, which is a peaceful place to moor your boat. All kinds of boats call in at the staithe, including wherries, yachts and cruisers, and its a great place to enjoy a picnic or a quiet evening fishing.”

A nice collection of photographs from the late 1890s, including Barton Staithe, can be found at the Broadland Memories website.

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.” (1.) 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.