Earlier Days of the Ipswich Wet Dock
CROSSING New Cut Ipswich by ferry was a popular service until at least the 1950s.
The service was recalled in a recent Kindred Spirits when I recalled the public access around the island site at Ipswich Dock.
Terry Davey contacted me by email with his memories of the ferry man.
Terry said “I have many memories of New Cut and in particular the rowing boat ferry across from near
the lock gates end of the dock and Steam Boat Tavern on New Cut West.
“Magnificent stone stairs were provided on both banks for the passengers. The ferryman was I believe, known as ‘Wiggy’.
“I am told he lived at the Steam Boat Tavern. My mum took me ‘Over Stoke’ as she called it on the ferry to see my granny every week and I believe the fare was three old pennies return.
Most Read
- 1 Masked man 'snatched' bag from woman in Ipswich alleyway
- 2 Six Suffolk curry houses named among best in England
- 3 How to get a free pint at a Suffolk pub if you have one of 23 surnames
- 4 DVLA issues urgent warning to drivers in UK
- 5 Woman taken to hospital after crash involving pedestrian
- 6 Man, 26, who distributed indecent images of children avoids prison
- 7 Rail strike announced over Latitude Festival weekend
- 8 New restaurant could be coming to the Waterfront, but theatre plans dropped
- 9 Suspected right-wing terrorist arrested in Ipswich by Met Police
- 10 Man charged with attempted murder after stabbing is remanded in custody
“One of my earliest memories was of the vortices at the tip of the ferryman’s oars and that led to a life long interest in rowing....”
- To read the full Kindred Spirits column, buy Tuesday’s Evening Star or sign up for our e-edition by following the link at the right of this text.