The Legacy of The Fenland Trust
Fenlandia is delighted to announce the integration of The Fenland Trust’s rich collection of historical artefacts, records, and the programme of commemorative stone plaques. This significant acquisition enhances our interdisciplinary initiative, dedicated to celebrating, preserving, and interpreting the unique cultural and environmental heritage of the United Kingdom’s Fenland basin.
Our mission is to foster a deeper appreciation and understanding of the Fens by highlighting its extraordinary history, biodiversity, and traditions. By absorbing The Fenland Trust’s collections, we are equipped to offer a more comprehensive exploration of the Fens’ legacy through our artistic and educational programmes.
At Fenlandia, we believe that the past and present are intricately linked, and through our events, exhibitions, and community projects, we aim to bring this connection to life. Whether you are a local resident or a visitor, we invite you to connect with the beauty and significance of the Fens.
Fenland Plaque Scheme
Our programme of commemorative stone plaques in North West Cambridgeshire, inherited from The Fenland Trust, is an integral part of Fenlandia’s mission to celebrate and preserve the unique heritage of the Fenland basin. These plaques are thoughtfully situated along the geological Fen Edge, marking significant historical sites, notable figures, and key events that have shaped the region. Each plaque serves as a tangible reminder of the rich cultural and environmental tapestry of the Fens, inviting both locals and visitors to delve into the stories and legacies that define this extraordinary landscape. Through these markers, we aim to foster a deeper connection to the Fens’ history, encouraging exploration and appreciation of its diverse heritage.
Memorial Plaque:
Olinthus Gregory
Location:
Yaxley, Cambs
Unveiled:
2015
A plaque marking the birthplace of mathematician Olinthus Gregory, a founder member of the Royal Astronomical Society. The plaque was unveiled in 2015 by Professor Martin Barstow, President of the Royal Astronomical Society.
Memorial Plaque:
Norman Cross POW Depot
Location:
Norman Cross Art Gallery , Cambs
Unveiled:
2015
A memorial plaque at the site of the world’s first dedicated prisoner-of-war camp at Norman Cross, near Peterborough. Built in 1796–97, it was designed to hold prisoners of war from France and its allies during the French Revolutionary Wars and Napoleonic Wars.
Memorial Plaque:
Pilot Officer Harold Penketh
Location:
Great Fen, Cambs
Unveiled:
2016
A permanent memorial to Pilot Officer Harold Penketh with the Wildlife Trust. Spitfire X4593 ‘Kerala’ crashed on arable land east of Holme Fen National Nature Reserve in November 1940 during a routine training flight of members of 266 Squadron from RAF Wittering.
Commemmorative Plaque:
The Admiral Wells
Location:
Holme, Cambs
Unveiled:
2017
A commemmorative plaque celebrating the Admiral Wells’ status as the lowest pub in the British Isles, or more accurately, the pub closest to the lowest point in the British Isles.
Memorial Plaque:
Beverley Nichols
Location:
Glatton, Cambs
Unveiled:
2018
A permanent memorial with the Parish of Glatton to writer, playwright, journalist and composer Beverley Nichols. Nichols lived at Allways, a thatched cottage in Glatton, between 1928 and 1937. Here Nichols wrote his trilogy of books Down the Garden Path, A Thatched Roof, and A Village in a Valley.