Woodbridge
September 26, 2021
26 Sep '21. HM 163. Woodbridge - the jewel in the River Deben crown.
At the head of the navigable river Deben, there is an incredible 800 year old Tide Mill. It is magical to think that flour was first produced here in 1170, and the mill stones powered by water captured on every tide (photo 4), are still producing flour today. But the history of Woodbridge is even more ancient. Across the river is where in 1939 an Anglo-Saxon ship was discovered "buried" at Sutton Hoo. It was made of oak and after 1,300 years in the acidic soil, it rotted away leaving only its 'ghost' imprinted in the sand. Sutton Hoo Ship's Company is rebuilding a full size replica of the ship in the heart of the harbour (photo 7).
Thinking of ancient seafarers navigating these wayers always sends a shiver down my back - the same wind, the same tides and the same mud. How they did it with no engines, no depth sounder and no weather forecast adds to my awe of them.
Right next to the mill is the cleverly built, Tidemill Yacht Harbour, which has its own Harbour Master, Ross Copsey. He has the responsibility of guiding boats over a fixed concrete "cill" which holds the water in his marina. A clear gauge next to the cill tells you the depth of water above the cill. This did not deter a Dutch skipper who was late arriving at the entrance and hit the cill with his keel. Unperturbed he simply reversed and drove at it much faster. No, he did not get over it and had to wait out in the river until the next high water, his boat nursing her wounds!
After a few happy days in Woodbridge, Good Dog's departure was set at 4am to get over the cill safely. None of the winding Deben navigation marks are lit, so Nick, my crew, had to stand at the bow with a bright torch to guide us safely downstream. Photo 9.
I am so lucky to have many long-term supporters of my challenge, some of whom have been following me for over 3 years. Hosting them on board Good Dog in their "home port" is always a happy occasion (photo 10!). Thank you the Woodbridge team!
At the head of the navigable river Deben, there is an incredible 800 year old Tide Mill. It is magical to think that flour was first produced here in 1170, and the mill stones powered by water captured on every tide (photo 4), are still producing flour today. But the history of Woodbridge is even more ancient. Across the river is where in 1939 an Anglo-Saxon ship was discovered "buried" at Sutton Hoo. It was made of oak and after 1,300 years in the acidic soil, it rotted away leaving only its 'ghost' imprinted in the sand. Sutton Hoo Ship's Company is rebuilding a full size replica of the ship in the heart of the harbour (photo 7).
Thinking of ancient seafarers navigating these wayers always sends a shiver down my back - the same wind, the same tides and the same mud. How they did it with no engines, no depth sounder and no weather forecast adds to my awe of them.
Right next to the mill is the cleverly built, Tidemill Yacht Harbour, which has its own Harbour Master, Ross Copsey. He has the responsibility of guiding boats over a fixed concrete "cill" which holds the water in his marina. A clear gauge next to the cill tells you the depth of water above the cill. This did not deter a Dutch skipper who was late arriving at the entrance and hit the cill with his keel. Unperturbed he simply reversed and drove at it much faster. No, he did not get over it and had to wait out in the river until the next high water, his boat nursing her wounds!
After a few happy days in Woodbridge, Good Dog's departure was set at 4am to get over the cill safely. None of the winding Deben navigation marks are lit, so Nick, my crew, had to stand at the bow with a bright torch to guide us safely downstream. Photo 9.
I am so lucky to have many long-term supporters of my challenge, some of whom have been following me for over 3 years. Hosting them on board Good Dog in their "home port" is always a happy occasion (photo 10!). Thank you the Woodbridge team!