In the autumn of 1912 the Thorpeness Company, having purchased an area of low lying land known as the Meare, began to prepare for it to be re-flooded. This entailed the construction of embankments and the provision of intakes, outfalls, sluices etc for controlling the water level obtained by damming the River Hundred and from the surrounding marshes.
The wages for building the embankments was 12/6 (62 1/2p) per week, and for digging out the Meare was 3/6 (17 1/2p) per day, the men getting a small allowance for water boots which were made of leather.
The instant appeal of the Meare as records show is that it was opened in the middle of June 1913, 7,500 people enjoyed rowing, sailing and punting up to November 1st when the Meare was drained to permit further structural work.
The theme and attraction of the Meare reflects the adventures of Peter Pan, and the author JM Barrie was often seen in the area, being a friend of the Ogilvie family. The edge of the Meare by Haven Bay was a favourite of his and was referred to as the Barrie Walk.
The creation of the Meare with its trees, rushes and magical islands including wild life, continues to be enjoyed the young and the young at heart despite being 100 years old.
The wages for building the embankments was 12/6 (62 1/2p) per week, and for digging out the Meare was 3/6 (17 1/2p) per day, the men getting a small allowance for water boots which were made of leather.
The instant appeal of the Meare as records show is that it was opened in the middle of June 1913, 7,500 people enjoyed rowing, sailing and punting up to November 1st when the Meare was drained to permit further structural work.
The theme and attraction of the Meare reflects the adventures of Peter Pan, and the author JM Barrie was often seen in the area, being a friend of the Ogilvie family. The edge of the Meare by Haven Bay was a favourite of his and was referred to as the Barrie Walk.
The creation of the Meare with its trees, rushes and magical islands including wild life, continues to be enjoyed the young and the young at heart despite being 100 years old.