Shown: “Construction of the wrought iron bridge at Beccles across the River Waveney at a cost of £3,000 in 1884. The Ship Inn, Beccles is to the extreme left. The bridge still connects Bridge Street, Beccles, Suffolk to Gillingham Dam, Norfolk, to the present day.” Comment: Views of old Beccles Facebook page, 2019

“From the river, Beccles has a pretty appearance. It stands well on high ground, and is dominated by a fine and massive church-a peculiarity of which is, that its main tower stands apart from it. We rowed up-past fishing-parties, composed of family groups (the day was a public holiday), comfortably settled on the banks, and apparently provided with a liberal allowance of “grub” -under the narrow stone bridge, and landed below the church.” ⎯ G. Christopher Davies, 1883 (1.) 

Note: It’s believed this photograph of the new iron bridge being constructed was taken around 1882 as the folio in which it appears was published in 1883. The bridge itself opened in 1884.

Beccles is a market town and civil parish in the East Suffolk district, in the county of Suffolk, England. -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.