Heritage Open Days 2024 in Parson Drove
Church of St John the Baptist, Parson Drove, Cambridgeshire
The History of Parson Drove and the Heritage of John Peck - an Exceptional Fenman
The Friends of St John, Parson Drove and The John Peck Society invite you to celebrate the heritage of John Peck, 19th century resident of Parson Drove, and the history of the village, as we explore connections and networks throughout the fens.
14th – 15th September 2024
- A weekend celebrating the history of John Peck, his life in Parson Drove and beyond, and the history of the village from the very early settlement up to the present day. We will explore John’s renowned diaries which tell us so much about life in the fens in the 1800s.
- Displays and speakers at St Johns Church covering the long history of this amazing village. We will take you on a virtual tour of the village, the roads and routes taken by John Peck, as well as buildings and land that he owned or knew.
- Learn all about the growing and production of Woad, Parson Drove was the site of the last working Woad Mill in Great Britain, and the draining of the fens and how John Peck’s input was crucial to make the fens into the place we know today.
- Lots of displays in the church including history of the village churches, the church bells and even “the crash of the Lancaster aircraft in wartime 1943”. There will be lots of people on hand to tell you everything you always wanted to know about “The Drove” but were afraid to ask!
- Live music from different eras of the village, covering around 1000 years! Performances of music through the ages throughout both days on authentic instruments by local “medieval” musicians. Maybe even try one out for yourself, can you get a tune out of lute or a lyre?
- Performances by “Misfit Molly” a fabulous local dance troop, Saturday at 12.30pm and at 1.30pm.
- Fancy trying medieval archery, then this is the place!
- A fabulous evening event showcasing food typical of the John Peck era – early to mid 1800s – along with live music of the time. Saturday 7pm – 10pm. Food tasting, licensed bar, live music.
- And it's all FREE! FREE! FREE!
- This is all happening at St Johns Church, Main Road, Parson Drove PE3 4LF. Saturday and Sunday 10am to 4pm daytimes and Saturday evening 7pm to 10pm.
- No need to book, just come along and see us.
- Email [email protected] for more info.
- This weekend of events is part of Heritage Open Days 2024 and organized by The Friends of St John, Parson Drove and The John Peck Society.