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.