Norfolk wherry facts for kids
The Norfolk wherry is a special type of boat found in Norfolk, England. These boats are famous for sailing on a network of rivers and lakes called The Broads. Wherries were once very important for carrying goods around Norfolk.
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What is a Norfolk Wherry?
A Norfolk wherry is a unique kind of sailing boat. It has a single, very tall sail shaped like a gaff rig. This means the top of the sail is held up by a pole called a gaff. The mast, which holds the sail, is placed far forward on the boat. This design helped them sail easily on the narrow, winding rivers of The Broads.
How Wherries Were Used
For many years, Norfolk wherries were like the trucks of the waterways. They carried all sorts of things, such as:
- Farm produce like grain and hay
- Coal for heating homes and businesses
- Timber for building
- Bricks and other building materials
- Fish from the coast
These boats were essential for trade and transport in Norfolk before roads and railways became common. They could carry heavy loads and navigate the shallow waters of The Broads.
Types of Wherries
Over time, three main types of Norfolk wherries were developed:
Trading Wherries
These were the most common type. They were built to be strong and carry large amounts of cargo. Trading wherries were usually black, covered in tar to protect the wood. They had a simple cabin for the crew.
Pleasure Wherries
As railways made trading less common, some wherries were changed for fun. These "pleasure wherries" were used for holidays and trips on The Broads. They were often painted white and had more comfortable cabins for passengers. They were like early houseboats!
Wherry Yachts
These were special wherries built just for racing or leisure. They were usually smaller and faster than trading wherries. Wherry yachts were designed for comfort and style, not for carrying heavy goods.
The Broads: Home of the Wherries
The Broads are a beautiful area of rivers and lakes in Norfolk. They were actually created by people digging for peat, which was used as fuel, many centuries ago. Over time, these peat diggings filled with water, forming the landscape we see today. The shallow, interconnected waterways were perfect for wherries.
Why Wherries are Special
Norfolk wherries are a big part of the history of The Broads. They show how people used to live and work in this unique environment. Today, only a few wherries still exist, and they are carefully looked after. They remind us of a time when these elegant sailing boats were vital to the region's economy and way of life. Seeing a wherry sail silently across the water is like stepping back in time.
