Maintenance of the boardwalks along King's Staithe in Hoveton, home of Wroxham Launch Hire has revealed a hidden part of the riverside ~ the entrance to a ford where cattle used to drink. The ford could also predate the bridge.
Corrugated tin ~ still in good condition marks the sides of the ford entrance. Before the staithe was developed from the 1930s there were grassy banks. Pleasure and trade craft including houseboats were kept on the quay and wherries would occasionally moor up. It was not uncommon for cattle to be watered here while being herded along the main road to go to pasture or for market.
Surprisingly, few archaeological and historical surveys have been undertaken in the immediate area of the bridge. The parallel access to the ford is buried beneath the new Bridge Restaurant decking. Legend says there are much older river crossings further up and down river from this point.
Tim, Andrew
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