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Potter Heigham, River Thurne

When visiting Potter Heigham by river the area that most visitors see is around the old road bridge, the village proper is half a mile north of the bridge. The ' Potter 'part of the name could be because of the pottery that was made in the area during Roman times, ' Heigham ' is the Saxon name for ' town '.

It is 3 miles by river from Thurne mouth and as you approach, both banks become populated by holiday bungalows which were probably started illegally in the 1920's.

Just before the bridge on the left bank is Broads Haven with its landmark tower erected as offices for Herbert Woods one of the biggest boat builders and hirers on the Broads. The firm was established in the 1920's and by 1939 his fleet had 45 motor cruisers and 25 ' Lady ' yachts.The tower is a listed building and had to be practically re-built in the year 2000 to a near identical design, it now houses holiday apartments. Norfolk Broads Direct now operate from the yard and have their offices near the bridge where day boats can also be hired.

Near the bridge is the Bridge Stores which dates back before World War two, Lathams supermarket is just along from the bridge and is an Aladdin's cave of the stack them high, sell it cheap variety, it is well worth a visit. Attached to the supermarket is what used to be known as ' Ken Latham's Piscatorial Paradise ', it stocks everything for the fisherman.

There are actually two bridges, the old stone one believed to have been built c1380 with the parapet added in the 18th century and what used to be the railway bridge but now carries the A149 by-pass, they are the only bridges across the Thurne.

1904

The stone bridge with the railway bridge behind. The Bridge Hotel stands on the right.

c1908

The Norfolk Broads Yachting Co Ltd boatyard to the left bank before the bridge.

c1910

Buildings of The Norfolk Broads Yachting Co Ltd stand both sides of the bridge. A trading Wherry with sail lowered quants towards the bridge.

1949

Boats moored below the bridge, motor cruisers and yachts. Herbert Woods Ltd can be seen on the opposite bank.

1950

A view looking down stream from the bridge. The sign on the shed offers sailing, rowing and motor boats for hire by the hour, day or week.

2003

The bank on the right has been cleared, today holiday chalets have been built there.

c1965

A good view of the bridge, the arch is semi-circular, 21ft wide with a headroom at average high water of 7ft, it is very difficult to navigate and boat hire companies insist on a pilot to take their boats through. The girders behind are part of the railway bridge which now carries the A149 road past the village. The Bridge Hotel to the right was burnt down in 1987 and has not been replaced.

2004

The old railway bridge girders have gone, the Bridge Hotel which burnt down in 1987 has not been re-built. To the left day boats wait for hire at Broads Tours. Left background is ' The Broadshaven Tavern '.

1975

A view looking from the railway bridge downstream towards the stone bridge. The sheds on the right have now been demolished.

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