NEN Gallery

The design of the Wherry, which was based on a efficient fore-and-aft rig with gaff mainsail, was the result of centuries of experience by the people that worked the waterways of Norfolk. It was these people that made Norwich a prosperous city supplying its industries and its population with the goods they required. The result was a boat that was lighter and faster than previous ‘keel’ boats. The first trading wherries quickly evolved and dominated river trade from early 19th century. Picture courtesy of Tim Groves.