A Fishy Business

Now an important base for North Sea oil rigs and gas exploration, Great Yarmouth also retains a modified form of the industry on which its prosperity was built: herrings.

For many centuries, as far back as pre-Norman times, herring fishing was a mainstay of the local economy, and although stocks have greatly diminished since the 1960s, the herring still holds a place in local life.

Neighbouring Gorleston-on-Sea, a resort in its own right just across the River Yare from Yarmouth, is still renowned for its bloaters.

For nearly 500 years, from 1270, Yarmouth had an annual 40-day Herring Fair.

You can delve into the history and importance of the herring industry in these waters at the Maritime Museum on Marine Parade, Yarmouth (tel: 01493 842267). Take a look, too, at the Lydia Eva, moored at the Town Quay and open to visitors daily from July to October. This is the last of hundreds of steam drifters which fished for herring in years gone by.