Exploring the History and Tragedy of Berney Arms: A Remote Gem Lost to Time
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- Опубліковано 12 кві 2016
- Exploring the History and Tragedy of Berney Arms: A Remote Gem Lost to Time
Nestled on the edge of radon water, Berney Arms, once a thriving and remote pub in Britain, now stands as a poignant relic of the past. Accessible only by boat or foot, this establishment has a rich history marred by recent acts of vandalism and arson. Today, we delve into the captivating story of Berney Arms and its unfortunate decline.
A Remote Retreat
The Berney Arms, known for its remoteness, has been a stopover for those journeying across braid Moss. The pub, positioned at the edge of radon water, was a popular destination for travellers seeking respite during their trek. Its charm lay in the isolation, offering a unique experience accessible only by boat or a five-mile walk.
The Changing Tides
However, with the decline of boat trade and the challenges posed by its remote location, Berney Arms faced an uncertain future. The once-thriving village surrounding it slowly diminished, leaving only the memories of its bustling past. The winters, when boats were scarce, stretched long, and the pub's viability dwindled.
A Glimpse Inside
Entering Berney Arms today reveals a haunting scene. Memories of happier times clash with the stark reality of vandalism and fire. The pub, open until November 2015, fell victim to an unfortunate break-in. Copper tanks were stolen, and a fire, set deliberately, wreaked havoc, leaving the establishment in ruins.
Frozen in Time
An eerie sight within Berney Arms is a clock frozen at just past 9 o'clock, indicating the possible time of the destructive fire. The remnants of a once-thriving village now echo with a sense of loss. The pub, a hub of activity, now lies silent, frozen in a time that has long since passed.
The Tragic Fallout
The destruction did not spare the surrounding structures. Chalets were broken into, subjected to arson, and evidence of a drinking binge lingers. The once-vibrant cafe section met a similar fate, adding to the desolation. Berney Arms, a victim of economic challenges, now stands as a testament to the fragility of remote establishments in the face of changing times.
Conclusion
As we reflect on the story of Berney Arms, it serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between history and progress. Remote gems like this, once lively and cherished, can succumb to the hands of the economy. Berney Arms, now a silent witness to its own demise, leaves us with a sombre lesson on the impermanence of even the most remote and cherished establishments in the ever-evolving tapestry of time. #Norfolk #Broads
The Berney Arms Used to be a quaint, busy pub in the late 70s summers, lots of boats moored along the banks bringing trade. I was there on holiday in 1978 with my brother and we got talking with whom, we presumed, to be the Landlord. He was a Londoner and said he had been there for 25 years and that it was only during the past 5 that he had come to be accepted by the locals. The pub was only open from April to September, I asked for he did for the other months, he cheerfully replied "Nothing!" 😁 My brother bought a Berney Arms mug, I think he may still have it.
That's very interesting and thank you for sharing.
My old sailing club stopped here many a time when I sailed as a youngster in the 1980s. Lovely authentic place and great, welcoming, homely atmosphere at the time. I used to be served pints of beer there even at the tender age of 13! No stay-behinds or lock-ins, though - always closed on the dot. On one occasion, the owner (can't remember his name) used his small motorboat as a tug to retrieve us from the opposite (I.e. wrong!) river bank after we (stupidly) blew into it in a strong wind and were unable to extricate ourselves, running the great risk of dry throats that evening. I guess he wanted to protect the prospect of a healthy profit margin at the bar. Good call! Hahaha.
Thank you for making this video, and sharing, and making us aware of this ugly situation. The vandalism just makes everthing more tragic.
My partner and I had the opportunity to sit and drink in this pub, for a short while, two years ago. We chatted to a pleasant couple; and were given a warm welcome from the bar staff.
Can't believe what I'm seeing I've been to that pub so many times over the years when on the broads,it brings a tears to my eyes.
Yes it is sad.
nice to see you back vloging
Yes, very sad but good to see that you're there to look after the place, at least for a while.
+Stephen Mundane The receivers came in yesterday and seized the property. Another pub closed probably indefinitely.
Even sadder.
we smell the faint whif of hope and resurgence....watch that space...
Keep us updated.
Sad to see the pub in this sad state. Had hoped to get there for a pint, had no idea this had happened. Spoke to you moored outside Loddon had my Springer and terrier with me. Enjoyed your car reviews.
Right, i have just finished ALL of you Vblogs... Originally started watching them not in order, but decided to start right at the beginning and view all of them (even set it up so i could watch them via the big TV not just on iPad) Absolutely Bloody Brilliant!! Me and the Girlfriend enjoyed them, so raw and stripped back, just the way it should be... Would make a perfect tv documentary, don't stop blogging please... I'll be leaving from Wroxham 29th April, i know u have a dislike for hirers but its the only way i can enjoy the broads atm... But i just wanted to take the time to say your blogs are excellent, thank you!!!!!!
+Paul Rosebud Cooper Thanks. I don't hate the hire boaters, I'm just fed up with them hitting my boat and doing a runner.
Enjoy your holiday
+High Seas - Liveaboard Vlog totally understand that! And agree... More needs to be done to stop that from happening
Oh darn, I was planning on visiting there this summer.
There has been some activity adjacent in recent times so might be worth a visit still plus you have Berney Arms station and mill.
Sailing High Seas cheers, I'll look up the pubs status when the time comes.
You can access here via train. It's a 5 minute walk to the station however they're only 3-7 services every day all year round!
Yes you are quite right.There is a platform literally in the middle of the field, just like some Harry Potter scene.
Officially the least used Railway Station in Britain during 2020 according to a Radio 4 Today report in December 2020. Only 42 people used it, a sharp decline since the pub closed, when before 1000+ used it.
Station opened in 1844.
Really sad to see it go. It was mentioned in the novel Coot Club by Arthur Ransome and when over from New Zealand in the nineties I walked there from Great Yarmouth. I didn't know at the time that trains in those days stopped only a couple of days a week so after a friendly couple of ales walked on to Reedham. End of a era !
Some years ago we had one of our best nights ever in there. How sad.
A long time ago I bet
There has to be access to the railway track, British Rail would never give away any access to their track, (but the R.S.P.B. wont tell you that) so that would explain the caravans and pool table. It goes for auction sometime this month (July 2016) there is a move afoot for the community to buy it and run it as a pub. Hope they, or someone else. manages to take over and make a go of it. It needs to be a "Free House" cos the greedy landlords will keep putting the rent up
its sad to see because It was really awesome pub and right where the fire was set I was sat in August :(
Makes me very sad watching this, I do remember it when it was open and have happy memories
I never saw it open but love to moor there for the birdlife and serenity.
Ive never ever been in there, & that's the first time ive seen inside it, but am just curious , if you could only get to it by walking or boat , how on earth did they get that pool table & caravans there ? Am baffled lol .
There is a dirt track but it is not open to the public. Obvious solution would be open to the public and give the place a fighting chance.
Aahh i see, thanks, & they should open it up to the public, it would definitely bring in more trade.
So it's a bit of a Lighthouse then?.. except passing boats actually come in. Any potential new owner or resident living there should expect to use a boat for picking up stock and maybe also picking up potential non boatie boarders by car from a local shuttle point?
I am sure i stopped at this pub with my family in the 90s. We had hired a 50ft boat from Barnes Brinkcraft. If i remember correctly in the bar or lounge they had a large plastic spider that was lowered onto unsuspecting customers by the staff. Shame to see it closed and vandalised
+John Brookes Yes i remember the spider. My mates missus kicked me really hard when it dropped on the table.
oh wow yes i remember them lowering the plastic spiders when i was a kid, sad times
I am guilty as charged, I am the one who set up the spider.
Hi, I am Miles the producer of these videos on the 'Sailing High Seas' UA-cam channel. Click here for the full playlist of my boat life videos tinyurl.com/SailingHighSeas
Please feel free to join me on my website norfolkbroadsforum.co.uk If you would like to become a patron to sailing High Seas and have your name in the ending credits of all future videos? Join me on Patreon www.patreon.com/SailingHighSeas Thank you for watching.
how do they receive deliveries and their furniture?
I am from Brasil and I ve worked there in 2009. It was my very first placement. It is too much sad knowing that pub is the way it is.
Been like it for a long time now.
@@NorfolkBroadsForum it brought me good memories watching your video. On the other hand, It is so much sad the way it is. And the former onwer, John, he used to be my manager, he has passed away some years ago.
When are you doing a sail around England?
+carbidegrd1 I'm not, I'm going to the french canals and out the Mediterranean. Can't do another British winter.
LOL
Not sure why someone would trek five miles to start a fire. If I were a cynic I'd say it was an insurance job, but I'm not so I won't.
If you had a few £quid this would actually be a good investment!
Why is that?
Dave Allen
It's been opened a few times as its a nice idea but in reality being 5 miles walk from town with no road & just boats in summer (& not many either ) this investment has always worn out the investor & closed again & again.without boats in the winter it's just dead dead & 2 birdwatchers a day (popular spot but also seasonal) & maybe 6 boats it's really not making anywhere near enough.
Sad as its one of them more special places on the broads & missed by many...
This pub has been poor for a long time. I last stopped here in October 2015 and the food was diabolical. I remember it being great in the 90s though.
What about the train
Miles do you have a facebook? if so message me, would be great to chat, im at hickling
+Cold Start Daily I do but I use it for business promotion etc.
when the most iconic pub on the broads is allowed to go this way.....how long before the broads becomes a waste land....already some of it is an embarasment
+brian rennie Many years ago there was a thriving community there as the giant mill used to crush concrete. There was even a chapel. It amazed me how long the pub lasted.
Absolutely terrible. Why do people do this kind of thing, what enjoyment do they get out of destroying someone elses home and business. Makes my blood boil.
Just too sad : (
Very sad
What a shame.
such a shame
Such a shame.