The New Murrey and Blue blog

Norwich, of course, fair bulges with history, what with its wonderful cathedral and castle, as well as numerous other fine old buildings and streets. To say nothing of the museums and records. But those who don’t live there might not know that among its attractions is a 15^th-century flint ferry house and watergate that once guarded a Norman canal.

The canal had been specially built by monks to carry the Caen stone needed for the building of the cathedral. The stone was brought up the rivers Yare and Wensum, which still exist, of course, but the canal has long gone. The ferrymen also conveyed travellers across the Wensum, and at one time the ferry house was a pub.

“….The building owes its current name to John Pull, who managed the ferry service across the Wensum from 1796 to 1841. Previously, it was known as Sandling’s, named after a 17th-century operator of the ferry, which continued its service until 1943. Adjoining the watergate, the ferry house itself was constructed in 1647….”

It hasn’t always been in good condition, as can be seen in this illustration from Getty Images:

I cannot find the details of the above picture, which still shows the vestiges of the canal. If you watch this video Norwich: Pulls Ferry Through Time! (2020 to 1741) (youtube.com) you will see that the ferry house and arch had been intact in 1851 but between circa 1865 and 1920 appear to have crumbled, especially the arch. Then both were restored in 1948-9 by Cecil Upcher.

You can read more here Pulls Ferry, Norwich | Historic Norwich Guide (britainexpress.com) here Pulls Ferry (Norwich) Essential Tips and Information (trek.zone) here Pulls Ferry, Norwich | Historic Norwich Guide (britainexpress.com) and here Pulls Ferry, Norwich – Wikipedia

There are dates when you can visit the ferry house and enjoy refreshments courtesy of the Girl Guides. See details here Pull’s Ferry | Girlguiding Norfolk. I’m sorry to be a little late with this post, so that now the final date for a visit is Sunday 22 September….but might they do it again next year? Fingers crossed.