2012 – centenary of the Great Flood and the closure of the Aylsham Navigation

Until August 26th 1912 wherries used to come through Brampton on the Bure by the Common. Oxnead Mill was served by the boats as was a coalyard by the bridge now long wiped off the face of the earth. A brickworks on the opposite bank to Brampton Common was also served by the wherries. It all came to a sudden stop on this date after a great flood washed out nearly all of the bridges and every lock. 6 inches of rain had fallen in the previous 12 hours – it was a truly unusual event.

River Bure at Brampton Common in modern times copyright Stu Wilson

The Navigation ran from Aylsham to Coltishall along a mainly canalised Bure and the river today remains more man made than natural. It was 9.5 miles long and there were 5 locks with one each at Horstead, Buxton, Oxnead, Burgh and Aylsham. Were it in existence today it would form part of the Broads cruising area and we would see pleasure boats sailing past.

A wherry under sail at Lammas copyright Norfolk County Council

There are plans to celebrate the 100th anniversary next year and also to establish a charity to conserve the river and its history, flora and fauna. Details can be found here.

Cradle Bridge during the Navigation's working days courtesy of J Spinks
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