Diss actually gets its name from ’Dic’ or ’Disce’ which is Saxon for ’ditch of standing water’ and indeed its focal point is a six acre mere (lake) that dates back some 12,000 years to the ice age. The mere is 60 feet deep, with 40 feet of mud, in places and the residents of the market town once used it as a reservoir and drain. Today it has a fountain, a place to feed the ducks and is a favourite destination for anglers and sightseers.