A new children's book showing how Great Yarmouth's first Saxon settlers lived will be available soon.

The book, by Gorleston artist Andrew Dibben, tells the story of two young families who build the first houses on the island at the entrance to the great estuary of Breydon Water. 

The families move across from what will be called Gorleston to help with their fishing activities. But soon after they have settled, Viking raiders are seen approaching, and the families have to flee across Breydon Water to escape from them.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The lives of Yarmouth's first settlers are covered in Andrew Dibben's 'In the Year 878'. Picture - Andrew DibbenThe lives of Yarmouth's first settlers are covered in Andrew Dibben's 'In the Year 878'. Picture - Andrew Dibben (Image: Andrew Dibben)

Entitled 'In The Year 878 – Settling Gernemutha,' Mr Dibben's tale highlights some of the experiences of Yarmouth's ancestors, including its original name - Gernemutha, pronounced 'Yair-na-mooth-a'.

At the end of the first millennium, the town was just an island at the entrance to Breydon Water.

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Great Yarmouth Mercury: Artist and author Andrew Dibben. Picture - Andrew DibbenArtist and author Andrew Dibben. Picture - Andrew Dibben (Image: Andrew Dibben)

Mr Dibben said: "I have been to Burgh Castle and tried to see how the great estuary (now Breydon Water) was in Roman Times.

"It was interesting to think about how and why the first settlers found the island of Great Yarmouth.

"At that time, there would have been no trees, and water was difficult to get. When the first wells were dug, the settlers would have been unsure whether it was fresh or saltwater at the bottom."

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Seafarers building the town's first homes in Andrew Dibben's new children's book. Picture - Andrew DibbenSeafarers building the town's first homes in Andrew Dibben's new children's book. Picture - Andrew Dibben (Image: Andrew Dibben)

Mr Dibben has given copies to some 23 primary schools in the borough and some of them have expressed great interest in the story, because of its local historical interest, and have asked for further copies.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: In the Year 878 by Andrew Dibben will be available next week. Picture - Andrew DibbenIn the Year 878 by Andrew Dibben will be available next week. Picture - Andrew Dibben (Image: Andrew Dibben)

The author has been invited to one school for a talk on the history of the town at the start of next term.

Mr Dibben's illustrations for the book will be shown in an upcoming exhibition by the Eastern Contemporary Artists group at the Yare Gallery from August 15.

The book should be available to purchase inside the Yare Gallery, the Time and Time Museum and the Primeyarc Art Gallery in Market Gates shopping centre.