History of Stokesby on Norfolk Broads explored in new book

For hundreds of years Stokesby had a ferry of some kind to convey villagers across the River Bure.

The last version - a chain ferry - ceased operating in the early 20th century from the Ferry Inn, just as calls were growing in the village to build a road to the nearest bridge at Acle - a vision that came to fruition in 1913.

New Road in Stokesby opened in 1913 and connected the village to Caister and Acle Picture: From the collection of David Trowbridge (Image: From the collection of David Trowbridge)

And the crossing's fascinating story - as well as an image - features in a new book detailing the history of Stokesby.

'Stokesby with Herringby - The story of a Broadland village' has been written by David Trowbridge, who moved to the village with his wife from London in 1997.

A Stokesby sports team from 1937 after winning the cup at Flegg School Picture: Provided by the late Basil Gowen (Image: Provided by the late Basil Gowen)

The book starts with the village's first mention in the Domesday Book and looks at the lives of wealthy landed families such as the Fennes of Herringby and the Cleres of Stokesby.

It also details how the lord of the manor and MP George England benefitted from the Enclosure Act with 298 acres of prime land allocated to him and his tenants - leading to discontent from the rest of the village.

Lord of the manor and MP George England Picture: Time and Tide Museum (Image: Picture: Time and Tide Museum)

The book also looks at the trials and tribulations of parish rectors and farmers and explores the role tradesman, such as millers, butchers and innkeepers, played in village life.

Stokesby Ladies and their husbands enjoy a trip to Bury St Edmunds around 1970 Picture: Violet Nichols (Image: Picture: Violet Nichols)

One account from 1680 shows an innkeeper Giles Modralfe was seen to keep a "very disorderly house suffering servants, labourers and other disposed persons to be playing, quarreling and drunken upon Sundays at unreasonable times of the night".

A funeral procession through the village Picture: Palmer family (Image: Picture: Palmer family)

It also explores the murder of war widow Thirza Kelly in 1900. She was stabbed to death by John Cossey, 17.

The village's sacrifices in both world wars are also explored.

Stokesby's Ferry Lane showing Riverside Stores owned by Charles Smith next to the forge and blacksmiths in the 1920s Picture: From the collection of David Trowbridge (Image: Picture: From the collection of David Trowbridge)

The book is on sale at £12.99 at the Stokesby Community shop at the Ferry Inn, Filby Post Office, the Time and Tide Great Yarmouth, the Museum of the Broads in Stalham and directly from Mr Trowbridge by emailing dwoodend@btinternet.com.

The launch of the book with David Trowbridge holding his book Picture: Anne Dixon (Image: Anne Dixon)

Stokesby is a draw for boaters Picture: James Bass (Image: James Bass)