Wisbech Message Board

David · Pioneer Joined: 05 Sep 2009 Posts: 5

Any body know what caused the swerve in the Nene new cut between Dog in a Doublet sluice and Wisbech, its visable on Google earth at map ref 52º35'01.55"N & 0º05'04.12"W some thing must have been there at the time possible a wind pump or something.

Also a smaller swerve at 52º35'34.6"N & 0º01'25.52"W.

A segmented lake can be found near here of a intersesting shape any body know what this is, there is a decoy sign posted off the Whittlesea to Eastre road but I dont think its that , see it at 52º34'56.82"N & 0º03'34.06"W
Any ideas Question

post here or direct to davan.xxxxx.net@xxxxx.net

Wisbech · Posted: Sun Nov 01, 2009 2:29 pm Post subject:

Hi David

I know that somewhere in my flat here, there is a booklet about the Fens and Rivers, but since reading your post, I have looked high and low and can't find it. It has some interesting features of the rivers of the Fen. It may be obtainable from the Wisbech and Fenland Museum, www.wisbechmuseum.org.uk/

But, from what I can remember, there used to be a fishing lake in the area you were talking about. It was fed by a man made ditch, still there, running parrallel to the River Nene from Guyhirn, and known as the Bishop's Leam. The lake was the fish and water source for the Bishop of Ely, who had his summer Palace and Whittlesey. There are some areas or washes, between Whittlesey and the Dog in a Doublet Sluice, which used to be used for ice skatinf. They are not too deep, so were looked on as being safe.

As for the kinks in the Nene, there may be an expalnation in that booklet, but your thoughts about windmills seems feasible.. Just can't think where it is. You may be able to get some more information by contacting/visiting, the Thorney Museum, where they hav an exstensive history of the area from the Huguenots up to thwe modern day.

Hope that is of some help to you. Will try another search for that booklet and let you know.

Please keep your posts to this board incase there are those around that know better than us and can enlighten us.
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Ken

Webmaster - Wisbech Community Network

David · Pioneer Joined: 05 Sep 2009 Posts: 5

Thanks for the reply Ken , I know the river you mention its Mortons Leam and runs Stanground to Guyhirn. Thorney museum is a good idea, will also try Whittlsey.
Will see if i can post image.
David.

Opps cant include image! Crying or Very sad

Wisbech · Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2009 5:46 pm Post subject:

Best of luck. Can be an interesting but frustrating hobby
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Ken

Webmaster - Wisbech Community Network

David · Pioneer Joined: 05 Sep 2009 Posts: 5

Now found out from Thorney Museum the large feature is Popehams Gull, a repair to a breach in the bank during 18th centery floods, with a smaller one down stream.
Lets hope it holds during the rise in sea levels!. Sad

Wisbech · Posted: Fri Nov 13, 2009 2:49 pm Post subject: Re: Re Nene Swerves

David · Pioneer Joined: 05 Sep 2009 Posts: 5

Opps it Popeley's Gull (cant edit)
Email them Ken closed for the season but will visit in 2010 open from Easter.
David

Wisbech · Posted: Fri Nov 13, 2009 4:44 pm Post subject:

There's a lot to see and not a lot of space, but very interesting. Makes you think how they dug it all by hand!

Ken
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Ken

Webmaster - Wisbech Community Network