Find out more about the new exhibitions which have been created for the Fenland Lives & Land project...
Constructing the Past: Ancient Fen Crafts and Engineering
Constructing the Past looks at the history of the Fens from an archaeological perspective. It focuses on our ancestors' feats of engineering such as the planning and construction of the impressive array of churches and abbeys that the area boasts. This exhibition explores the archaeological evidence of different materials handed down to us from previous centuries, leading up to and including the medieval period.
The Wild Fens: A Journey back to Ancient Landscapes
This exhibition explores how the area has changed dramatically over the centuries and millennia. From the ancient forest home of wolves, beavers and bears to the watery marsh of the wildfowl and dragonfly to the rich farmland of today. This exhibition is designed to be a feast for the senses, with lots to see, hear and feel.
Living on Land & Water: Discover a World of Waterways
This exhibition brings to life some of the people who have lived in this vulnerable and unique area of the country. Explore the beautiful embroidered Fenland map to uncover a variety of stories, told through fun but informative community produced films.
Trading Stories: A Century of Fenland Shops, Pubs and Trade
This exhibition focuses on the traditional shops, pubs and trades of the Fenland area. How have they reflected the unique character of the Fens and the lives of those who have lived here throughout the centuries? This exhibition allows visitors to discover more about the skilled craft workers and trades people of the past through an array of interesting objects once found in Fenland shops and workshops.
Bread or Blood
This dramatic live action film follows the chaos and destruction of the Downham Riots of 1816, which resulted from the terrible economic hardship faced by farm workers and soldiers returning from the Napoleonic wars. Bread or Blood presents this brutal historical event in a thoughtful, creative and chilling way, combining elements of physical theatre, drama and documentary. Created by students of Downham High School, Downham Market Heritage Society, film-maker Peter Harmer and museums of the Fens Museum Partnership.