With evidence that the river was navigable as far back as 860 AD, and that in 1634 the river was used to transport one of the bells of Stowmarket church. It was Canalised by John Rennie in 1793. Romans, Vikings, Gun Cotton, Fertiliser, Lawnmowers and more. Restoring the canal and towpath will help tell the story of the rivers historical past. Most of the historic old photos are on the Trusts main website,  which we are hoping to update soon. A few below.