 The River Waverney was improved for navigation under an Act of Parliament obtained in 1670, which empowered five traders from Bungay and one from Downham Market to carry out the work.This included the construction of three locks, at Geldeston, Ellingham and Wainford, to extend navigation as far as Bungay Staithe.The navigation remained in private hands, and was not under the control of the Yarmouth Commissioners, who were responsible for the lower river.