The River Waveney bubbles up as a shallow stream between Lopham in Norfolk and Redgrave Fen in Suffolk. The two counties are united by its sparkling waters which gather strength as it gurgles among marshland and meadows, mediaeval towns and villages, churches, manors and castles, finally surging into the North Sea near Great Yarmouth. The region has been inhabited from prehistoric times and Celts, Romans, Saxons and Normans have all left their mark on the landscape and exciting treasures for archaeologists to unearth. The main market towns include Diss and Harleston in Norfolk, Bungay and Beccles in Suffolk, with Southwold and Lowestoft nearby on the coast. They all have a wealth of historic buildings, family-owned shops and quaint old pubs where the natives are always keen to entertain with legends and gossip over a pint of frothing local ale. Apart from featuring history, nature and town tours, The Waveney Valley includes portraits of some of the fascinating people who have populated Waveney throughout the centuries.