Historic Prisoner of War Camp Acquired by Trust to Preserve Its Significance

Strategic Insights -

The Nene Park Trust has acquired the Norman Cross prisoner of war camp, a site of historical significance, from a private farmer. Located near Peterborough, the camp was the world's first purpose-built prisoner of war camp, housing approximately 7,000 French prisoners from 1797 to 1814. The trust aims to conserve the area and open it to the public, offering a green space for visitors. Historian Paul Chamberlain notes that the camp was a self-contained town, complete with barracks, offices, a hospital, school, marketplace, and banking system. Prisoners created intricate models from bone, wood, and straw, which are now on display at the Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Norman Cross prisoner of war camp was the world's first purpose-built prisoner of war camp, operating from 1797 to 1814.
  • The camp housed around 7,000 French prisoners and was chosen for its distance from the sea, making escape difficult.
  • The prisoners created over 800 intricate models from bone, wood, and straw, which are now on display at the Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery.
  • The Nene Park Trust received grant funding from Historic England (£200,000) and the National Lottery Heritage Fund (£50,000) to purchase the camp.
  • The trust plans to conserve the area and open it to the public, offering both a historical and green space for visitors.
  • Resident Derek Lopez, who owned the Norman Cross Gallery, was an advocate for Peterborough's history and fought for the camp's acquisition.
  • Historian Paul Chamberlain notes that the camp was a self-contained town with various buildings and services.
  • The camp's acquisition was supported by Heritage minister Baroness Twycross, who believes the site represents a poignant chapter in European history.

Statistics:

  • The camp operated from 1797 to 1814.
  • It housed around 7,000 French prisoners.
  • The prisoners created over 800 intricate models.
  • The Nene Park Trust received £250,000 in grant funding from Historic England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Sources:

  • Historic England
  • Nene Park Trust
  • Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery
  • Peterborough Telegraph
  • BBC News
  • The Telegraph