History, tourist information, and nearby accommodation
HERITAGE HIGHLIGHTS: 12th century transport site for the cathedral building supplies
Heavy stone, much of it from France, was brought up the canal to the site. In addition to
History, tourist information, and nearby accommodation
HERITAGE HIGHLIGHTS: 12th century transport site for the cathedral building supplies
Heavy stone, much of it from France, was brought up the canal to the site. In addition to stone from Caen, timber from the Baltic came up the canal, along with iron from Sweden. It was not only building materials that came through the watergate; peat from the great East Anglisn fens was brought here to be used as fuel in the priory kitchens.
The first ferryman was named Thomas Howes, or Holmes. The name 'Pulls' recalls John Pull, who became ferryman in 1796, and stayed in the post until his death in 1841. Apparently Pull got married the year after he took the post, to Ann Haywood, but his wife seems to have lived only a few years, dying in 1800. The couple did have a son, John, in 1798, who was baptised at St John Timberhill. John Pull married again in January 1802, to Ann Steers. A child was born to the couple in June, which suggests that it was either very premature, or the marriage was one of neccessity! In any case there were tragic consequences, for the child died only a week after being baptised. The Pulls went on to have 5 more children, only 3 of who survived childhood. Ann Pull the second died in 1837 at the age of 52, and her husband followed in 1841, aged 73.
John Pull continued to operate the Ferry House as a pub, though he was probably the last licensee to do so. As for the 12th century canal, that was filled in around 1772, and the only reminder of it is the course of the modern slipway, which leads towards the medieval arch.
About Pulls Ferry
Address: Ferry Lane, Norwich, Norfolk, England
Attraction Type: Historic Building
Location: At the east end of Ferry Lane, or off the footpath from Bishop Bridge
Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express
NEARBY HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS
Heritage Rated from 1- 5 (low-exceptional) on historic interest
The Great Hospital - 0.2 miles (Historic Building)
Cow Tower - 0.2 miles (Historic Building)
Norwich Cathedral - 0.2 miles (Cathedral)
The Ethelbert Gate - 0.3 miles (Historic Building)
Erpingham Gate - 0.4 miles (Historic Building)
Augustine Steward's House - 0.4 miles (Historic Building)
St George Tombland - 0.4 miles (Historic Church)
Hungate Medieval Art - 0.4 miles (Museum)
Nearest Accommodation to Pulls Ferry: