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Fishing for Oysters
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Fishing for Oysters
Oyster dredging in Whitstable Bay Date: 1847
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Media ID 14294586
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
1847 Dredging Fishermen Oyster Oysters Pots Shellfish Whitstable
EDITORS COMMENTS
This image, titled 'Fishing for Oysters' or 'Oyster Dredging in Whitstable Bay', dates back to 1847 and offers a glimpse into the rich maritime history of Whitstable, England. The photograph depicts a group of fishermen, dressed in traditional attire, engaged in the ancient practice of oyster dredging. The tranquil waters of Whitstable Bay are dotted with small boats, each drawn by a horse or mule, their sides lined with large, woven baskets called 'dredges'. These dredges are lowered into the bay, dragging along a heavy net with metal teeth, which scours the seabed, dislodging the oysters from their rocky hiding places. The fishermen, their faces etched with the lines of hard labor, expertly maneuver their boats, skillfully guiding the dredges through the water. The scene is one of communal effort and cooperation, as the men work together to harvest the plentiful oyster beds that once thrived in this area. The oysters, considered a delicacy, were highly sought after in Victorian England and beyond. Their popularity led to the establishment of numerous oyster beds along the English coast, making Whitstable a hub for oyster fishing. This photograph is a testament to the deep connection between the people of Whitstable and the sea. It portrays the simple pleasures of life, the importance of community, and the enduring relationship between man and the marine environment. The image transports us back in time, offering a glimpse into a bygone era, where the daily rhythm of life was dictated by the ebb and flow of the tides.
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