Marshmen

The people who lived on the Broads 100 years ago were a hardy race whose work shaped the landscape into what we have today. Cutting reed and sedge for thatch, grazing cattle and eel catching were some of the main trades. They also manned the many drainage mills that can still be seen throughout the Broads today.

Marshes

Drainage mills were vital for pumping water off the marshes and preventing them from flooding. Marshmen grazed their cattle on the land and harvested marsh hay for animal fodder and bedding.

Dykes

One of the most important jobs was to maintain the dykes for transporting goods. They had to be kept clear of mud and weed to allow boats to get through with their cargoes of reed and sedge.

Reed Cutting

Cutting reed for thatching was a popular – but tough – trade. The reedbeds were harvested by hand between December and March. Today machine cutters are mainly used.

Sedge

Sedge is another important material used in thatching. Unlike reed, it is flexible and is used to form the ridge on thatched roofs. Sedge is cut during the summer.

Reed Lighters

The reed bundles were often transported by traditional boats called reed lighters from the reed beds to the village staithes to be stacked ready for the thatchers to collect.