212 BROADLAND SPORT 



of masonry standing on the river bank, having the following 

 inscription upon its face : 



"This stone is laid upon the foundation of the old mill and over the 

 piece of plank described by Mr Thomas in his award, ten inches below the 

 upper side of which plank is watermark, and three feet below the bottom 

 of this stone." 



The wayfarer reads and goes on his journey up stream be- 

 wildered at its hidden meaning. But one's attention is soon 

 diverted by the tortuous windings of the river to Ellingham 

 Lock, where a crowbar must be borrowed from the obliging 

 miller (none being provided), and the quant used more freely 

 than watermen appreciate. Soon afterwards the tower of 

 Bungay Church is seen rising from the trees on the horizon. 



Bungay Lock, which lies very near to some large maltings, 

 is another difficult part of the river to negotiate, as no crow- 

 bar is provided and the lock gates are sadly deficient in more 

 respects than one. 



Half a mile further and a landing-staithe is reached where 

 one can moor for the night, progress being barred by 

 the scarcity of water in the river and the abundance of mud 

 and vegetation which chokes up the stream. The ruins of 

 -Mettingham Castle are about a mile away to the southward, 

 whilst the ruins of Bungay Castle are located in the centre 

 of the town; the latter are not so well preserved nor kept 

 up as are the former. The keep and gateway at Mettingham 

 are very fine. From Beccles to Bungay the fishing is about 

 on a par with that from Beccles to Oultoh, and at all times 

 of the year good baskets may be taken. 



At Bungay an extensive common adjoins the town, on 

 which the local Derby annually takes place. The racing is 

 divided into a two days' meeting, and is well patronised by 

 the owners of some good horses. 



Although the river runs through Causton, Homersfield 

 and Mendham to Harleston, it can hardly be called navigable, 

 and the sport obtainable upon it is not sufficient to merit 

 attention ; besides, so strictly is the ground preserved through 



