Focus on the Fens

 

East Cambridgeshire's unspoilt unique countryside is waiting for you to be explored. The peat-black Fens reclaimed from their natural marsh state are criss-crossed by rivers and drainage channels and blessed by glorious sunsets, wide views and open skyscapes.

The towns and villages are delightfully rural, many with riverside locations and their own independent shops. Discover the unique character of the smaller towns and villages such as Littleport and Soham by following their trails. Visit hubs of artistic activities such as Haddenham Gallery or Wilburton’s Twenty Pence Pottery. Make your green fingers itch by visiting the gardens at Chippenham Park , Anglesey Abbey or enjoy the many private Fenland gardens participating in the National Open Garden Scheme.

We invite you to unlock the secrets of the Fens at Prickwillow Drainage Museum, Burwell Museum or marvel at the many windmills dotted around the landscape and absorb the incredible surroundings of Wicken Fen.

Focus on the Fens, you won’t be disappointed!

The Draining of the Fens

Water, Water Everywhere

Prior to the 17th Century life in East Anglia had been dominated by the vast lowland marshes called the Fens. These flooded on a regular basis and, although they provided the local population with livelihoods based on fish, fowl and building materials, the floods were unpredictable and caused many deaths by drowning. Many landowners wished to make the area more productive through conventional agricultural practices, which could only be achieved through large-scale drainage schemes.

Work to drain the Fens had begun in the years preceding the outbreak of the civil war. Led by the Earl of Bedford and the Dutch engineer Vermuyden, the project had had the backing of King Charles 1st. Oliver Cromwell, as a man of the Fens, took an active interest in the project but was initially against the scheme, mainly because the king's involvement. However, after the execution of King Charles, Cromwell gave his full support to Vermuyden, and work to drain the Fens began again in earnest.

Despite Cromwell's reassurances, many Fenlanders were fiercely opposed to the draining, believing it would deprive them of their traditional means of livelihood. Acts of vandalism against the dykes, ditches and sluices involved were common, but by the end of the 17th Century much of this hugely ambitious project had been completed.

Wind engines were originally used as the power source to raise water, with their great sails scooping water up and across into higher drains. Later, steam pumps powered these windmills instead, followed by diesel and electric pumps as time went on. Over the years, as it was realised that the Fens were still sinking, and the riverbanks still high, new sluices were built and drainage is now mechanical.

In 1947 none of the drainage measures in place could cope with terrible flooding, and many parts of the Fen land were completely flooded. Work goes on to this day to prevent this tragedy occurring again.

The following books and videos are available from the Tourist Information Centre. Please contact the Tourist Information Centre for details on how to order:

Book and Videos available from TIC

Water Water Everywhere, Trevor Bevis £3.90
The Draining of the Fens, Trevor Bevis £3.90
The Black Fens, H.J.Mason £1.95
The River Makers, Trevor Bevis £3.95
Prisoners of the Fens, Trevor Bevis £2.40

 

Places to visit for more information on the Draining of the Fens: