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Reed cutting, Norfolk a98_07734

Reed cutting, Norfolk a98_07734


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Historic England

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Reed cutting, Norfolk a98_07734

Horning Ferry, Norfolk. Cutting reeds with a scythe on Woodbastwick Marshes. Photographed by Hallam Ashley in February 1949

Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places

Media ID 1755173

© Historic England

People Rural Tool Work


FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS

> Europe > United Kingdom > England > Norfolk > Horning

> Europe > United Kingdom > England > Norfolk > Woodbastwick

> Historic England > Historic Images > Famed Photographers > Hallam Ashley Collection (1931-1980)

> Historic England > Historic Images > Historic Images 1900s - 1910s

> Historic England > Industry > Agricultural History


EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the quiet and rhythmic work of reed cutting on the Woodbastwick Marshes in Norfolk, as documented by renowned photographer Hallam Ashley in February 1949. The image presents a scene of rural life that has long since passed, as a lone figure wades through the marshland, armed with a traditional scythe, expertly slicing through the tall, golden reeds. The serene landscape is dotted with small, picturesque cottages in the distance, their thatched roofs barely visible above the reeds, while the sky above is a vast expanse of grey clouds, hinting at the unpredictable Norfolk weather. Reed cutting was a vital part of the rural economy in Norfolk, with the reeds harvested for thatching, weaving, and fuel. The process required great skill and physical endurance, as the workers had to navigate the treacherous marshland, often wading through deep water and mud. The use of a scythe, a simple yet effective tool, allowed the workers to efficiently cut the reeds, which were then bundled and transported back to the villages for use. This photograph is a poignant reminder of a time when the rhythms of rural life were closely tied to the natural world, and the simple pleasures of hard work and community were a source of pride and sustenance. Hallam Ashley's masterful composition and use of light and shadow bring the scene to life, transporting us back in time to a simpler, more connected way of life.

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