Yarmouth

Great Yarmouth stands on a narrow strip of land between the North Sea and the River Yare. Herring fishing shaped the port from its early days: fishermen, merchants and those who cured the catch all depended on the seasonal shoals. The great annual herring fair attracted traders from far beyond Norfolk, including men from the Cinque Ports, who held rights at the fair.

The town's arms, granted by Edward III in 1340, joined royal lions to fish tails in recognition of its maritime identity. In the Civil War Yarmouth supported Parliament, but fishing vessels faced attack by hostile ships at sea. The herring trade nevertheless remained central to the town, providing work and income as well as money for charitable funds.