C6.1      Archaeology, Historic Buildings, Social and Industrial History
     C6.2      Other Buildings and Structures

C6.1 Archaeology, Historic Buildings, Social and Industrial History

C6.1.1 Artefacts

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A list of vertebrate fossils found in Burwell and Reach Fens, and deposited in the Sedgwick Museum of Geology up to l927 was included in the Natural History of Wicken Fen. Godwin (l940) reported the find of a neolithic stone axe about 20 cm from the base of the peat profile near Upware in Swaffham Fen. The bones of various animals, and part of a human skeleton dated to about 1000 BC were found during the drainage of Adventurers' Fen in 1940-41 (Bloom, 1944).

Various items were recovered from Adventurers' Fen during the engineering work carried out for the flood relief scheme:
a) a very large crown from the antler of a red deer, plus a fragment of antler (found in sandy layer at the interface of gault clay and peat at the edge of a new ditch on Rothschild Lapwing; probably post-Glacial; identified at Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Cambridge University);
b) Saxon burial urn (in the clay and top soil used to reinforce Wicken Lode bank; original site unknown; kept by the Arch. and Anth. Museum);
c) extensive scatter site on Commissioners' Drain at TL 547694
(in slubbing, and visible in ditch profile; on sand/gravel island under peat). Finds include:
  burnt flint; 
  domestic and wild animal bones with signs of butchering;
  shards of pottery and tiles, some possibly of gault clay  
  origin, covering a wide range of dates, including Roman, Saxon   
  and Tudor;


(reported to NT Archaeology Dept and Cambridgeshire County Archaeologist);
d) a large number of fossils and artefacts found during excavations on Adventurers' Fen (including the Borrow Pit) and removed by the contractors.

A section of the fossil-rich Gault Clay has been deposited in the Sedgewick Museum.

The NT Archaeological Advisor has visited the site and holds records of a number of specific sites. A full archaeological survey of the NT property is desirable.

C6.1.2 The Windpump (see Fig. 34)

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This is the last surviving example of the small, privately-owned pumps which were typical of the local area, and possibly of other areas of the Great Fen Levels. It was the property of Mr. William (Bill) Norman, farmer, turf cutter, sedge merchant and shopkeeper of Wicken. The pump drained approximately 80 acres of turf pits on Adventurers' Fen, standing near the present reserve boundary, close to Harrison's Drove.

The date of construction is not known, but it is known that a pump stood on the site in 1886. The internal workings of this original pump were used in 1908, when Hunts of Soham built a new skeleton mill on the site. This was weatherboarded in 1910, and underwent several renovations before being abandoned in the 1940s when peat digging ceased.

The derelict pump was dismantled in 1955 and reconstructed in its present site near the entrance of the Sedge Fen in 1956. The restoration work was undertaken by the Cambridgeshire and Isle of Ely Branch of the Council for the Preservation of Rural England, and the cost was borne by the 1st Lord Fairhaven.

It was never intended that the pump would be used for anything other than demonstration purposes, and in fact it sits three feet higher than it should for efficient working capacity.
The pump was renovated in the 1980 and can be seen turning in full sail on suitable days during the summer season.

During the first half of the century, a second pump stood alongside Sedge Fen Drove, near the Brickpits. This pump, which is visible in the photograph of the main brickpit in The Natural History of Wicken Fen, has since been dismantled.

C6.1.3 The Brick-Kilns and Brickworkers' Cottages

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The sites of the brickworkers' cottages can be traced along Sedge Fen Drove just north of the Brickpits; cottage gardens and at least one well are still distinguishable on the site. Snowdrops and fruit trees are the most obvious signs of former habitation.

The brick kiln to the east of the brickpits on Little Breed Fen (see Fig. 34 and Section A3.3) is in poor condition and is deteriorating. It is desirable that the remains of the building should be stabilised by repointing and by capping the walls to reduce further decay of the mortar. The base of the kiln could then be cleared of broken brick to expose the firebox. A few of the surrounding trees should be cleared. This task could be carried out by a National Trust working party. The local archaeological society is to be consulted.

With suitable fencing and an explanatory notice, giving an outline of the history, the source of the clay and the fuel, and the transport routes, the site could become an additional point of interest. The site could be part of a new social/historical trail, but the control of access to the Fen via this route needs further thought.

There is another site of former brick workings on Adventurers' Fen, near the bank of Wicken Lode (the 'Old Kilns', ponds 79).

C6.1.4 The Fen Cottage (No. 35, Lode Lane) (Fig. 34a)

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This modest, single storey building was, until 1925, a pair of cottages. It is of a number of builds, the oldest, thatched part being c.1780 with alterations of c.1830-40 (the pan-tiled addition and southern bedroom extension) and very late 19th or very early 20th century (kitchen). The cottages formed part of a hamlet known as The Lode that developed from the mid 1600s to serve the growing waterborne trade on Wicken Lode. Research by Ms. S. Ballard into NT, parish and County archives has revealed considerable information about the occupants.

The cottage is strategically located at the entrance to the Fen, and was acquired in 1974 to prevent unsympathetic development. It was, however, left unimproved and gradually fell into disrepair.

In 1987 a decision was taken to proceed with restoration. This was achieved with the help of grants from The National Trust (Alec Clifton-Taylor Bequest), East Cambridgeshire District Council, Cambridgeshire County Council and the Cambridge National Trust Centre. Restoration uncovered some remarkable features of its construction, including turf used for internal walling, reed used as filling in the cavity walls, and the remains of the original sedge thatch beneath corrugated sheeting. The building has now been fully restored, using traditional materials and methods. It is furnished as it might have been in 1930s, the garden planted appropriately and outbuildings are being restored. The garden will be maintained by Fen staff or a local volunteer, and inspected annually by the NT Gardens Advisor.

The cottage was opened to the public in 1990 and is open on Sunday afternoons and Bank Holidays and at other times by appointment. It is staffed mainly by volunteers or Fen staff; there should be a volunteer rota to cover all opening times. From 1993, the cottage could be opened by a member of staff at specific times during the week, as advertised at the Fen, especially during school holidays.

Information on the cottage, its restoration and social significance is displayed in the William Thorpe Building.

Future development

The opportunity arose, during 1992, to complete the furnishing of the cottage with the contents of a house in Lode. An inventory of chattels on display has been made and a list of further desirable acquisitions drawn up.

The first room might be shown as it might have been in the 1830s, as a contrast to the 1930s style of the remainder. The open hearth might be opened to allow the burning of turf. The kitchen range should be replaced by a working model. Interior light could be improved by adapting gas lamps for electricity. Security for removable objects should be reviewed.

Guide leaflets and laminated notes for interpretation should be prepared.

The buildings and structures on the property are shown in Fig. 34 and 34a (enlargement). All buildings occupied by the National Trust are included in a quinquennial survey and ongoing repair schedule.

C6.2.1 Keeper's House (Lode Lane)

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This was the first of two houses built by the Trust to accommodate staff. It was originally built about 1929 to house the Fen Keeper, and now houses the Deputy Head Warden. It is a three-bedroomed detached house, in brick with render.

C6.2.2 Warden's House (Lode Lane)

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Built in 1962 to house the first Warden/Naturalist. This is a three-bedroomed house in brick with a generous garden. It now houses the Head Warden.

C6.2.3 William Thorpe Building

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The William Thorpe Building was opened in 1970. Designed by Hughes & Bicknell and originally constructed to provide lecture and laboratory facilities, it was financed by an appeal (the Wicken Fen Appeal). A film and brochure were produced to support the Appeal; a copy of the brochure is in the Archives.

Since 1980, it has been used as the reception point for visitors to the Fen. The lecture room covers about 90 m2, and contains a display illustrating the history, natural history, and management of the Fen. These displays are in need of replacement. Lecture and laboratories are still available and office accommodation is provided in two of the bays.

The use of the building is under review in 1992. The design of the original building affords some flexibility in the use of internal space and, subject to financial constraints, in extending the floor space. The Centre for Environmental Interpretation has been chosen as consultant to consider a brief drawn up by the Committee, Fen staff and Ms. Taylor. The Countryside Commisssion has provided funds for engaging the consultant. The projected timetable is as follows:
1993 CEI report; to be considered by the Committee;

transfer present workshop area to the Piggeries (see below) and create new student/volunteer accommodation and some storage space for WTB in the old workshop; draw up detailed brief for full project, including exhibition space; pursue funding.
1993 rearrange internal space in WTB;

plan detailed content of the new displays and begin their

production; carry out improvements to garden display area.
1994 complete and introduce new display.

It is hoped that the project will be completed for the centenary of the National Trust in 1995.

C6.2.4 Ganges Hut

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This was originally built in the mid 1960s by naval cadets from H.M.S. Ganges, a naval training school in Suffolk, who used it for storage and messing during short-term stays at the Fen when assisting with practical conservation work.

When H.M.S.Ganges was disbanded, the hut was left to the Trust, and in 1977, with financial help from Cambridgeshire Education Authority, the interior was converted for overnight accommodation, and full cooking facilities installed. It has been gradually upgraded over the years. In 1991, new toilet and washing facilities and a new kitchen were provided, mainly funded by the Trust centrally.

It provides dormitory accommodation for up to 30. It is used as a basecamp for volunteer conservation parties and work parties for other neighbouring NT properties may pay to use it. A 'crewbus' is available for transport.

The Ganges Hut is also used by educational parties and more use of the accommodation is to be encouraged. However, visiting groups need more guidance for managing the Hut. A cleaner should be engaged after each group visit; this could be funded from group fees.

C6.2.5 The Workshops and Piggeries

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The workshops are presently housed in a building near the Ganges Hut; further storage and garaging is located across the lane in the Piggeries. It is desirable that these facilities should be grouped together in one area on the site of the Piggeries.

Plans are being prepared in 1992 to roof the area between the exiting buildings in the Piggeries and to provide a workshop in the existing garage. Washing, mess and toilet facilities will be provided. A secure store for machinery will be necessary, and the whole area should be adequately protected.

The former workshops will be converted into 2 or 3 units for use by long-term volunteers, students and, possibly for holiday lets.

C6.2.6 Fen Cottage ('the Museum', Lode Lane)

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A small, single storey building with whitened elevations next to the Assistant Head Warden's House. It formerly housed the village museum; it is now used for storage.

Its position in Lode Lane at the entrance to the Fen makes it an important component of the landscape. It should be conserved and used for storage. It could possibly be developed to let as a studio or workshop.

C6.2.7 Hides

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The Tower Hide is located on the north bank of Wicken Lode between Verrall's Drove and Drainer's Dyke. It was built in the mid-1950s, after the excavation of the Mere, to provide panoramic views across the surrounding fenland and, in particular, over the Mere and Adventurers' Fen.

The Mere Hide is a small sectional wooden bird hide at the north-east end of the Mere. It was built in 1981 as a project by students from the Cambridgeshire College of Art and Technology.

The Boardwalk and Brickpit Hides were installed in 1988. Both were designed and built on site. Both incorporate features to make them usable by visitors confined to wheelchairs.

C6.2.8 The Boardwalk

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The boardwalk was started in May 1986 and officially opened in July 1987. About 1.2 km of boarded walkway along a circular route provides easy access to the Fen for disabled visitors and for those who want a short, simple walk (Fig. 35). A rough estimate suggests that 80% of visitors never stray from it. A survey is being carried out in 1992.

The materials used, tropical hardwoods, have attracted some criticism which is probably justified. However, the Committee discussed the question many times. Oak was not available in the quantity and quality required. Treated softwood was rejected because of worries about leaching of the treating agent (Copper/Chrome/Arsenic) and its effects on aquatic systems in particular.

Opepe (Mitagyna stipulosa) from West Africa was used for the uprights and Keruing (Dipterocarpus spp.) for the framework and walking surface. After 5 years of wear, little maintenance has proved necessary, except for the replacement of a few slats. Oak was used for a small extension and has not proved very satisfactory: the slats, although of the same specification, shrank and warped badly. Some of these slats cracked in the first summer, and many have had to be replaced with Keruing. Nevertheless, it is unlikely that tropical hardwoods could be considered for any future extensions or replacement of the main boardwalk.

A sinking fund has been established to provide for the eventual replacement of parts or all of the structure.

C6.2.9 Bridges

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As a result of an accident in 1991, the safe working load of all vehicular bridges on the Fen is under review. Those bridges required to carry heavy vehicles will be strengthened, and a plan will be issued to all contractors and tenants identifying the accepted access routes onto and around the property.

C6.2.10 Wet weather shelter

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A shelter is to be constructed, with planning permission, on the Education area in 1993, to provide protection from rain for school parties.

C6.2.11 Boat shelter

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This is to be constructed during 1992, to provide shelter for the reed boat, on the bank of the ditch near the William Thorpe Building. Its eastern edge will be on land owned by the Parish Council, with their approval and subject to a 12 month period of notice should the Parish Council require the Trust to quit. It will be necessary to raise the public footbridge to give access to the shelter; the NRA has agreed to do this work.

C6.2.12 Ringing Group huts

A small hut on Adventurers' Fen south of Harrison's Drove is currently used by the Ringing Group. Up to 1993, some space has also been available in the William Thorpe Building, but, with the proposed changes in this building, this is under review. It has been agreed to provide a separate hut for the Group to keep nets and to handle birds at the northeast corner of the Fen.