AN intriguingly titled new book tells the rich history of Somerset’s waterborne trade.

For centuries, Somerset depended on its harbours and rivers as its lifeblood. The county’s ports, pills and waterways bustled with life. Viking longboats and, not so long ago, drag boats and narrowboats carrying trade cargoes, were commonplace.

Any Muddy Bottom, by Geoff Body and Roy Gallop, is a comprehensive portrait of the county’s remarkable shipping heritage.

It is published by The History Press.