The Full Entry
BBC Countryfile In Ely: The Eel Catcher
Published Sunday, April 1st, 2007 by Karl Bedingfield
In our third instalment featuring video from the BBC’s Countryfile in Ely episode we present what was arguably the most interesting segment of the show featuring Ely’s one and only remaining eel catcher, Peter Carter.
Peter Carter uniquely tells how eels are caught still using the same traditional traps that were used throughout his family for centuries. The segment ends with a trip to Ely’s ‘Old Fire Engine House’ to see how this highly regarded restaurant prepares eels for it’s customers.
Ely was once known as the ‘Isle Of Eels’ a translation of the Anglo Saxon word ‘Eilig’. It was named so because of Ely’s early history based around the trade of eels, indeed the segment states that the Domesday Survey of 1087 (The domesday book, prepared in 1086 at the order of William the Conqueror, gives a detailed and comprehensive picture of transition from Anglo-Saxon to Norman rule over England.) stated that 52,000 eels were caught on the river Ouse in one year alone. Later documents record many thousands of eels being supplied to the monarch and other wealthy customers in London and elsewhere.
The final instalment will feature a little known story on how Ely hosted the Cambridge/Oxford boatrace during World War 2.
Related Articles
- BBC Countryfile In Ely: The 1944 Boat Race In Ely
- BBC Countryfile In Ely: Wicken Fen
- BBC'S Countryfile Visit's Ely Cathedral
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At 9:17 pm on April 5th, 2007, Peter Carter wrote:
I didnt think there would be so much interest in the ol’ eels.
I would like to thank everyone who has stopped and chatted about it since its been on. If anybodys interested I will be at the Ely eel festival making me traps so please come along as I do like a good ol’ chat.
At 11:43 am on April 7th, 2007, Karl Bedingfield wrote:
Peter, you would be surprised just how many people were actually asking where (in Ely) they could buy eels. Do you have any suggestions or do you sell them yourself?
Keep up the good work.
At 6:09 pm on May 13th, 2007, Diane Grantham wrote:
A great article. I teach American children living in the area about local history and culture. I’m using this clip to support a unit about Fen history.
At 7:33 pm on March 31st, 2008, Terry Banham wrote:
Went to Ely on Sunday looking for a restaurant that sells eels having seen a program on TV recently, but was unable to find one, does anyone know of a restaurant or pub that offers such fare ?
At 9:33 pm on March 31st, 2008, Karl Bedingfield wrote:
The restaurant featured on the show was The Olde Fire Engine House near Ely Cathedral.
At 1:55 pm on March 25th, 2010, Sylvia Beaumont wrote:
I am trying to contact Peter Carter, to ask if he is willing to do a talk on Eel Catching
At 3:15 pm on June 25th, 2010, peter carter wrote:
My shop and workshop is now open to the public. Eels can be bought here. Also displays of Fen life, baskets, nets and more. its in Outwell, opposite the Post Office.
At 12:03 pm on April 6th, 2011, Irene Patmore wrote:
Peter Carter gave a talk to my local WI last night . He was brilliant and kept everyone enthralled for almost 2hours . If you get the chance go and see him , you wont be disappointed
At 11:51 am on April 10th, 2011, Karl Bedingfield wrote:
Thanks for the post Irene. He is indeed a fascinating character.
The video is now live again on this article if you care to revisit.
At 2:34 pm on April 10th, 2011, Peter Carter wrote:
Someone asked about buying eels. You can now buy eels from my shop in outwell. The shop is opposite the Post Office. Opening hours depends if I’m out on the Fen enjoying the sun.
At 4:29 pm on September 2nd, 2011, Debbie Kitchen wrote:
Did you learn your trade from Sid Merry as you were never mentioned when programs talked about eel catching, they always said he was the famous eel catcher of Ely.
At 6:35 pm on September 4th, 2011, Peter Carter wrote:
I know Sid very well Debbie, but I was taught by my Grandfather. Like all fen boys, they kept thier eel trade fairly quiet. It was only when I was told I’m the last still making and using the willow traps I thought it was time to start doing talks etc. before it was all lost. Sid only used the nets.
At 8:34 am on February 3rd, 2012, Steve Wenn wrote:
Sad to see the death of Sid Merry anounced this week
At 10:59 pm on February 5th, 2012, peter carter wrote:
it is very sad to see Sid gone. he was a good friend. last of the old fen boys