“At St Olave’s bridge we had to lower the mast, which is a troublesome operation, and then we had a monotonous beat down the river, with the tide going out at a rare pace, until we came to Burgh Castle. We landed here, and raced up the wooded hill with our camera to take the magnificent walls and towers of this extensive Roman fabric; and so interested were we that we spent more time there than we ought to have done, for when at last we got into Breydon Water, we found the tide against us and the wind falling, so that we made but slow progress.” ⎯ G. Christopher Davies, 1883 (1.) 

A woman reads what is most likely a guide book outside a gate to Burgh Castle, a Roman fortification near Great Yarmouth.

Burgh Castle Roman Fort

From English Heritage: The late 3rd century ‘Saxon Shore’ fort at Burgh Castle was built as part of the Roman network of coastal defences, and probably abandoned just over a hundred years later. Three of its imposing stone walls survive, almost to their original height, making this one of the best preserved Roman monuments in Britain. The fourth wall collapsed into the surrounding marshes a long time ago.

The land around the fort is a wildlife haven and offers panoramic views over Breydon Water.

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.