The Broads
Explore hidden histories, historic photos, and things you never knew about The Broads from the collections and archives of Historic England.
Discover your local listed buildings and places
Introducing some of The Broads' most historic sites, included in the National Heritage List for England. Some of these captions have been summarised by AI. Click through for the official List entry. Skip this section and go to place by numbers
Second World War Heavy Anti-Aircraft (HAA) Battery, 345m …
Mautby
The standing, buried and earthwork remains of a Second World War heavy anti-aircraft gun battery known as YH4 in military records.
Turf Fen Mill
Barton Turf
Turf Fen Mill, built in 1880, is a historically significant tower windpump with unique double scoop wheels and intact machinery, including a cast iron windshaft and pit wheel.
Toft Monks (Detached) Windpump
Haddiscoe
The Toft Monks Windpump is a disused drainage structure with a red brick, four-story tower, featuring iron bands and segmental openings, located in Haddiscoe Chedgrave Marshes.
St Benet's Abbey
Horning
A Benedictine abbey founded in 1019 surviving as earthworks, upstanding and buried remains.
Holy Trinity Church
Barsham
Holy Trinity Church in Barsham, a Grade I listed medieval parish church, features a round tower, 14th-century elements, and notable historical monuments, including Sir Edward Echingham's...
St James Hospital Chapel
Horning
St James' Hospital Chapel, founded in 1153, served as a pilgrimage stop and was later converted into a barn. It's a Scheduled Ancient Monument with 14th-century architecture.
Reedham War Memorial
Reedham
First World War memorial, erected about 1920, with Second World War addition.
Headstone Approximately 10 Metres South of South Door of …
Burgh St. Peter
The headstone, located near the Church of St. Mary, is an early 18th-century structure with a scrolled pediment, egg-and-dart molding, and putti above a cartouche.
The Bell Inn
Fritton and St. Olaves
The Bell Inn, a Grade II listed building, originated in the late 16th century and features various architectural modifications from the 17th to 20th centuries.
Church of St Margaret Hardley
Langley with Hardley
The Church of St Margaret Hardley, a Grade I listed parish church, features elements from the 12th to 15th centuries, including a unique round west tower and intricate C15 architectural...
The White House
Coltishall
The White House, a 19th-century residence with an 18th-century rear wing, features gault brickwork, sash windows, and a distinctive porch from around 1860.
Church of St Mary
Wroxham
The Church of St Mary in Wroxham, mainly 15th-century with 12th-century remains, features a notable Norman south doorway and many 18th and 19th-century monuments.
Caldecott Mill at TG 465021
Fritton and St. Olaves
Caldecott Mill is a late 19th-century drainage windpump with a tarred brick tower and iron bands. It features historic machinery such as the cast iron brakewheel and windshaft.
Ruins of Trowse Newton Hall
Trowse with Newton
The ruins of Trowse Newton Hall, a 15th-century structure, feature flint and brick chequerwork, stone window jambs, and a significant 4-centred ashlar doorway.
Church of St Andrew
Freethorpe
The Church of St. Andrew in Freethorpe is a medieval structure restored in 1883, featuring historical elements like C14 wall paintings and the tomb of Sir William Gerbygge.
Polkeys Mill 75 Metres North East of Seven Mile House
Reedham
Polkey's Mill, a mid-19th-century derelict wind pump, features a circular tarred brick tower with wooden cap frame remnants and group value with nearby wind pumps.
Wisemans Mill at TG 40921379
Ashby with Oby
Wiseman's Mill, built in 1753 by Robert Martin, is a significant four-story brick drainage windpump. It's noted for its intact curb track and connections to a steam engine shed.
Church of St. Peter and St. Paul
Burgh Castle
The Church of St. Peter and St. Paul features a late 11th-century west tower and retains elements from the 13th to the 19th centuries, showcasing various architectural styles.
Thurne Dyke Windpump at TG 40031591
Thurne
Thurne Dyke Windpump, a Grade II* listed 19th-century drainage pump, was restored multiple times and features a striking boat-shaped cap and intact internal machinery.
Stracey Arms Windpump
Halvergate
Stracey Arms Windpump, dating from 1883, features a red brick tower with a weatherboarded cap and retains all original machinery, including a turbine pump.
Mutton's Mill
Halvergate
Mutton's Mill is a mid-19th-century windpump with unique internal scoop wheel, restored around 1980, featuring a tarred brick tower and weather-boarded cap.
Hardley War Memorial
Langley with Hardley
First World War memorial, unveiled 1920. Wheel-head Celtic stone cross on a tapering plinth with two-stepped base.
Buckenham War Memorial
Strumpshaw
First World War memorial, c.1920, with Second World War additions.
Church of St Margaret
Somerleyton, Ashby and Herringfleet
The Church of St Margaret, a medieval parish church, features a distinctive round tower and historical stained glass, with ties to the Leathes family dating from the 11th century.
Church of St Bartholomew
Shipmeadow
The Church of St Bartholomew is a disused medieval parish church featuring a 16th-century tower, flint and brick construction, and a historically enriched rood screen and font.
The Eel Sett
Potter Heigham
A simple single-cell building used as overnight accommodation for eel catchers which dates to around the early C20.
Stokesby with Herringby War Memorial
Stokesby with Herringby
First World War memorial, erected around 1920, with Second World War additions.
The Holt and boathouse
Potter Heigham
One of a distinctive group of chalets found along the waterways of the Broads. The Holt and its associated boathouse was built in the early C20.
Dutch Tutch and associated outbuilding
Potter Heigham
One of a distinctive group of chalets found along the waterways of the Broads.
Towerview
Potter Heigham
One of a distinctive group of chalets found along the waterways of the Broads. Towerview was built in the early C20, apparently from components made by Boulton & Paul, with added timberwork.
Staithcote
Wroxham
One of a distinctive group of chalets found along the waterways of the Broads. Staithcote was built in 1911 as a boat house and extended by 1913 with the addition of a chalet above.
St Benet's Abbey Gatehouse and adjacent section of precin…
Horning
Mid- to late C14 gatehouse to St Benet's Abbey incorporating a mid-C18 mill in the ruins and an adjacent section of precinct wall.
Explore more
Search for more listed places in The BroadsThe Broads through time
This timeline shows the first period of use for buildings and places on the National Heritage List for England, just one of the details recorded for every list entry. Click around to see how The Broads changes over time. Skip this section and go to aerial photos
Roman AD 43 to AD 410
Britain was invaded by four legions of the Roman army in AD 43, who relatively rapidly conquered England from landing points in Kent. Parts of Wales and Scotland soon followed.
Roman culture brought urbanism, monumental buildings, wide-ranging religious beliefs, writing, and strong social hierarchy. The Roman administrative system was withdrawn in AD 410.
Early medieval AD 410 to AD 1066
This period, often associated in England with Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, saw a reduction in urban living from the Roman period and increased migration from northern Europe.
Traces of this period can be found in cemeteries, particularly in artefacts and in some of the very early churches, as this period also saw the growth of Christianity in Britain.
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Catholic Church and the English reformation.
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanently altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Roman AD 43 to AD 410
Britain was invaded by four legions of the Roman army in AD 43, who relatively rapidly conquered England from landing points in Kent. Parts of Wales and Scotland soon followed.
Roman culture brought urbanism, monumental buildings, wide-ranging religious beliefs, writing, and strong social hierarchy. The Roman administrative system was withdrawn in AD 410.
Early medieval AD 410 to AD 1066
This period, often associated in England with Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, saw a reduction in urban living from the Roman period and increased migration from northern Europe.
Traces of this period can be found in cemeteries, particularly in artefacts and in some of the very early churches, as this period also saw the growth of Christianity in Britain.
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Catholic Church and the English reformation.
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanently altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Aerial photos of The Broads
Aerial photography helps reveal secrets of England's changing landscapes that are impossible to see from the ground. Skip this section and go to archive images
West Caister
Caister Castle, West Caister, 1947
West Caister
Caister Hall and Castle, West Caister, 1947
West Caister
Caister Castle, West Caister, 1947
West Caister
Caister Castle, West Caister, 1947
Burgh Castle
St Peter and St Paul's Church and Church Farm, Burgh Castle, 1949
Thurne
Boats on the River Thurne alongside Thurne Mill, Thurne, 1951
Thurne
Boats on the River Thurne alongside Thurne Mill, Thurne, 1951
Potter Heigham
The River Thurne from High's Mill to Potter Heigham Bridge and beyond, Potter Heigham, 1951
Wroxham
Wroxham Bridge and the River Bure, Wroxham, 1928
Beccles
The town and the surrounding countryside, Beccles, 1935
The Broads in the Historic England Archive
The Historic England Archive cares for over 15 million images, dating from the 1850s to the present day. Discover stunning images of The Broads' past. Skip this section and go to stories about heritage
Charles George Harper Collection
Norwich, Norfolk
Date created: 1892 - 1933
A general view of Norwich, showing the spire of Norwich Cathedral framed between two hills
Eric de Mare
Norwich, Norfolk
Date created: 1956
Exterior view of the Bullard's Anchor Brewery on Coslany Street in Norwich from the street.
John Gay Collection: Counties
South Norfolk, Norfolk
Date created: 1986
A woman painting at the water's edge at Ellingham Mill
John Laing Collection
Cantley, Broadland, Norfolk
Date created: 29 Nov 1963
Sugar silos, a conveyor bridge and an elevator tower at Cantley Sugar Factory, with a rail-mounted excavator positioned above wagons in the foreground
London, Midland and Scottish Railway Company
Norwich, Norfolk
Date created: 06 Jul 1920 - 10 Jul 1920
The grave of Edith Cavell outside St Luke's Chapel at Norwich Cathedral
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Fritton, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk
Date created: 1900 - 1930
GENERAL VIEW IN THE GARDENS
Walter Scott
Norwich, Norfolk
Date created: 1957
A view looking east along a busy Prince of Wales Road from close to The Royal Hotel
Eric de Mare
Norwich, Norfolk
Date created: 1956
Exterior detail view of the Crown Brewery on King Street in Norwich showing the timber framed superstructure.
John Gay Collection: Counties
South Norfolk, Norfolk
Date created: 1986
The west side of Ellingham Mill with ducks on the lawn
John Laing Collection
Cantley, Broadland, Norfolk
Date created: 02 May 1963
A view from the first silo at Cantley Sugar Factory looking down on construction, concrete floor and pilings of the second, third and fourth silos
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Norwich, Norfolk
Date created: 1901 - 1906
GENERAL VIEW
Stories about heritage in your local area
Historic England publishes news, blogs, research, videos, and podcasts celebrating England's rich heritage. Discover the stories we have about The Broads. Skip this section and go to education
First World War Pillboxes in Norfolk Listed
Mentions First World War Pillbox, Wayford Bridge
8 First World War pillboxes in Norfolk have been listed at Grade II by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, on the advice of Historic England.
First World War Pillboxes in Norfolk Listed
Mentions First World War Pillbox, Wayford Bridge
8 First World War pillboxes in Norfolk have been listed at Grade II by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, on the advice of Historic England.
Norfolk Broads Waterside Buildings Listed
Mentions Dutch Tutch and associated outbuilding, Towerview, The Eel Sett
5 waterside buildings in the Broads National Park, Norfolk, have been listed at Grade II by DCMS on the advice of Historic England.
Grant for Turf Fen Mill in Norfolk
Mentions Turf Fen Mill, The Broads
Historic England has awarded a grant of £242,870 to fund repairs to save the Grade II* listed Turf Fen Mill in Irstead, North Norfolk.
The Broads' social history through photos
Over 10,000 images from the Historic England Archive have been specially selected and re-captioned for teachers, students, and anyone who wants to learn more about their local area. Skip this section and go to grant-aided places
World War One Pillbox, Johnsons Yacht Station, Haddiscoe, Norfolk
Period: World War One (1914 - 1919)
This World War One pillbox is built of concrete with steel doors. It was built around 1916.
World War One Pillbox, Johnsons Yacht Station, Haddiscoe, Norfolk
Windmill, Horsey Staithe, Norfolk
Period: 1960s (1960 - 1969)
This mill was built in 1912 to replace a Victorian one.
Windmill, Horsey Staithe, Norfolk
Wellington Pier, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk
Period: 1990s (1990 - 1999)
Wellington Pier was built in 1853 by Peter Ashcroft, engineer of the Eastern Counties Railway and largely rebuilt in 1900 when the Borough bought it.
Wellington Pier, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk
View from Carrow Bridge, Norwich, Norfolk
Period: 1950s (1950 - 1959)
A general view from carrow bridge looking towards the railway junction with a steam engine and goods train passing by.
Thurne Dyke Windpump, Thurne, Norfolk
Period: Georgian (1714 - 1836)
This windpump was built in 1820. It was used to drain the low lying land. It was restored in 1955 by R.D.
Thurne Dyke Windpump, Thurne, Norfolk
The Rows, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
This photograph shows one of the Rows in Great Yarmouth. It gives a sense of just how dark and narrow they were, with open drains running down them.
The Rows, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk
The Quay, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk
Period: 1940s (1946 - 1949)
Fishing boats from the herring fleet moored at the quay in Great Yarmouth.
Stracey Arms Windpump, New Road, Halvergate, Norfolk
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
This was a drainage windmill which was used to pump water out of the marsh and into the River Bure.
Stracey Arms Windpump, New Road, Halvergate, Norfolk
Discover more
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