A lot less bovver

On the B1074 at Somerleyton in Suffolk stands a column. It is understated, some might say non-descript and yet commemorates one of the engineering breakthroughs of the 20th Century.

In 1956, Christopher Cockerell tested a prototype of the first hovercraft on the lawn at Somerleyton, later he tested it on the nearby river Waveney.

Three years later, SR-N1 successfully crossed the English Channel.

Although, Air-cushion vehicles have faded from public transport, they are still used for specialist military and service purposes.