The site of the Norman Cross prison has been acquired by Nene Park Trust. This has been facilitated by grants from Historic England and The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Nene Park Trust intends to make it possible for people to visit this important historical site located on the outskirts of Peterborough, close to the A1. The means of access, visitor facilities and interpretation materials have not been disclosed but a launch event is being planned for September.
Norman Cross was the first purpose-built prisoner of war camp in the world, housing 7,000 French prisoners during the Napoleonic Wars. It was a self-contained town with barracks, offices, a hospital, school, marketplace and banking system. There were close links with the local community in Peterborough.
The site is particularly renowned for the remarkable craftwork produced by the prisoners, who created intricate items from bone and straw to sell at the camp market. Over 800 of these items – considered the largest and finest collection of prisoners of war craftwork in the world – are housed at Peterborough Museum.
The acquisition of the Norman Cross site fulfils the ambition of long-term resident and supporter, Derek Lopez, who sadly passed away before seeing his vision completed. Derek and his family were hugely supportive of this project.
