"The Napoleonic Prison of Norman Cross" Topic

"Norman Cross was the site of the world's first purpose-built prisoner-of-war camp built during the Napoleonic Wars. Opened in 1803, it was, however, more than just a prison: it was a town in itself, with houses, offices, butchers, bakers, a hospital, a school, a market and a banking system. It was an important prison and military establishment in the east of England with a lively community of some 7,000 French inmates.

Alongside a detailed examination of the prison itself, this detailed and informative book, compiled by a leading expert on the Napoleonic era, explores what life was like for inmates and turnkeys alike – the clothing, food, health, education, punishment and, ultimately, the closure of the depot in 1814"
Main page
link

Amicalement
Armand

This is just a couple of miles down the A1 from me.

The prisoners did some extremely beautiful and intricate carvings out of bone, and some of these are available to view at Peterborough Museum.

Steve

Channel 4's Time Team did a archaeological dig there some years ago. It was about the best of the whole series.

That Napoleonic POW art sells for a fortune these days, truly beautifully exquisite works they are too!

Paul :)

Peterborough museum has an interesting display about the prison and 800 of the items made by the prisoners can be seen at:

link

Channel 4's Time Team did a archaeological dig there some years ago. It was about the best of the whole series.

I seem to recall that Tony Robinson kept trying to portray the conditions as some sort of war crime and appeared to be very disappointed when the experts didn't agree with him.

What do you expect of a left-wing, card carrying, Labour activist lovie?

Paul :)

(smile)

Amicalement
Armand