Geldeston

Settlement in Norfolk South Norfolk

England

Geldeston

Geldeston is a picturesque village located in the county of Norfolk, England. Situated on the southern bank of the River Waveney, it falls within the South Norfolk district and lies approximately 4 miles west of the market town of Beccles. The village is surrounded by beautiful countryside and offers stunning views of the Waveney Valley.

Geldeston has a rich history that dates back to the Domesday Book, where it is mentioned as "Geldestuna," indicating its ancient origins. The village is known for its charming traditional architecture, with many of its buildings constructed from local flint and brick. The Grade I listed St. Michael's Church, a medieval gem, is one of the prominent landmarks in Geldeston.

Despite its small size, the village boasts a thriving community and offers several amenities for residents and visitors alike. The Wherry Inn, a popular riverside pub, serves as a social hub and offers a selection of food and drink. Additionally, Geldeston is home to a village hall, a cricket pitch, and a playground, providing recreational opportunities for locals.

The surrounding countryside offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. The River Waveney is ideal for boating, fishing, and wildlife spotting, while the nearby Geldeston Locks provide a picturesque spot for leisurely walks and picnics. The village is also located near the Broads National Park, renowned for its scenic waterways and abundant wildlife.

In summary, Geldeston is a quaint village in Norfolk, boasting a rich history, beautiful architecture, and a close-knit community. Its idyllic location on the River Waveney and proximity to the Broads National Park make it an attractive destination for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat.

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Geldeston Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.472566/1.521056 or Grid Reference TM3991. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Wooded pond

River Waveney

The Wherry Inn

River Waveney

The Locks Inn

A143 east approaching junction with A146

Roy Hughes

The former railway line from the crossing

Looking east from the Geldeston crossing.

Adrian S Pye

A single parapet of a former bridge across a tributary

The rest of the bridge has been dismantled to benefit the passage of river-craft

Adrian S Pye

The former station house at Geldeston

The building is a private residence and has an extension on the west end, but retains the Italianate style of the Waveney Valley Railway buildings. The former Goods Shed can be seen in the background which has been given a pent roof extension on its east end. The station was 16½ miles from Tivetshall 2½ miles from Beccles. The platform was 110 yards long. A 200 yard long siding fed into the goods shed which contained a 1 ton crane for unloading and loading. The signal box stood to the north of the track by the crossing gates and a crossing keepers hut on the south side of the single track. The station was closed to all traffic in 1915 as a war economy measure but reopened in 1919. Passenger services were withdrawn in July 1954 but freight services continued until July 1964.

Adrian S Pye

The former Goods Shed at Geldeston station

A pent roof extension has been added to this end of the building. A railway line once ran through the building which had a large sliding door each end. Inside the goods were stored on a wooden deck at the same height as the floor of the wagons and a 1 ton crane facilitated unloading and loading the heavier items. A wire netting cage protected the sacks of grain and other perishable goods from vermin.

Adrian S Pye

Gate keeper's cottage on Braces Lane crossing

The crossing, designated the number 84, is now a private dwelling house. The track crossed the road this side of the house. A small extension has been added to the east end but the building is much as it was in a much simplified Italianate style.

Adrian S Pye

Site of the former level crossing #86 at Geldeston

The five bar gate marks the line of the former railway. The signal box stood on this corner where the hedge is in the foreground.

Adrian S Pye

Field near Shipmeadow

A field to the north of Shipmeadow, off the footpath to The Locks Inn by the River Waveney.

Oscar

Kells Way, Geldeston

One of several distinctive and thoughtful council housing projects by Herbert Tayler & David Green for Loddon District Council. Built 1947-51.

Stephen Richards

Serpentine wall in Geldeston Street

The curtain wall shields The Old House from the road. Unusually the wall is buttressed and continues at right-angles for a few yards close to the viewer

Adrian S Pye

River Waveney

The River Waveney forms the boundary between Suffolk and Norfolk. It rises at Redgrave Fen and flows in an easterly direction though the towns of Diss, Bungay (the head of navigation) and Beccles. There is a weir at Billingford, shortly after the River Dove, flowing northwards from Eye, joins the Waveney on the southern bank. The Waveney passes round Bungay and on to Beccles. Having skirted past Oulton Broad it passes through Somerleyton and Hadiscoe before merging with the Yare in Breydon Water.

N Chadwick