Littleport brings together the landscape of the Fens and a rich local history. Its stories range from changing river courses and a historic skating tournament to church architecture, textile production and commemorative objects. This gives a trip to Littleport several distinct themes: you can understand the town through its landscape, built heritage and social history.
Fenland landscapes and changing river courses
Littleport lies on an island in the Fens, whose highest point is about 20 m above sea level. Fenland surrounds the town, and the history of the Ouse is closely linked to its landscape. The river used to run through Littleport along the course of the Old Croft River. Large sections of this old watercourse are now dry, and the Ouse now follows the Ouse Cut, created in 1827. The former and present courses therefore belong to different chapters in the local history of the landscape. Those interested in the development of river landscapes will find a tangible connection between the town and the watercourse here.
Buildings and cultural history
The Adams Heritage Centre in Littleport is a Grade II listed Victorian commercial building. The centre is based in the J.H. Adams & Sons building and promotes education and interest in the history of the Fens from there. The ironmonger's shop building, which opened in 1893, serves as Littleport's main venue for exhibitions, workshops and events. Here, the history of the building and a present-day cultural programme come together in one place. If you would like to plan a visit to an exhibition or event, check the specific dates before your trip.
Another historic building is the Church of St George, a parish church dating from the 14th and 15th centuries. Its recorded features include a 15th-century limestone font. The church and the Adams Heritage Centre offer different perspectives: one is a religious building with a specific medieval architectural feature; the other is a Victorian commercial building connected with the history of the Fens and with events. These differences help ensure that local history is not reduced to a single period.
Industry, remembrance and skating history
In the centre of Littleport stands a 19th-century factory building that once housed the clothing manufacturer Hope Brothers Ltd. The factory became an important local employer of women and girls. Until 1972, it was a production site for Burberry trench coats. This example connects the history of a particular building with changes in work and production. The Littleport Riots are also part of the town's history: on the evening of 22 May 1816, people in Littleport took a stand in connection with the riots. The original memorial stone to the riots is held in the Littleport Society's collection.
Skating is also part of the historical record. On 26 December 1892, a fiercely contested Fen skating championship tournament began in Littleport, open to spectators and competitors from around the world. Another local skating story concerns The Moors on the north side of Littleport, near the railway station: Thomas Peacock funded the levelling of almost 40 acres of land there for skating. The location, approximate area and purpose give this chapter a tangible connection to the landscape.
Local history on foot and in collections
At various times during the year, the Littleport Society offers local history walks through Littleport for small groups. This is a different format from visiting exhibitions or workshops: the focus is on local history along a walking route. Check which dates are available before your trip.
The Littleport Society's collection is housed in an archive on the first floor of The Barn, just off Main Street in Littleport; check the latest information about admission and booking before your trip. If you plan to visit the archive, check the latest information about admission and booking beforehand. This helps distinguish the town's different historical themes: its built heritage, labour and social history, river landscape, and the Littleport Society's commemorative objects and activities. For choosing where to stay, Littleport offers a clear connection between its Fenland setting and local history.
Discover more destinations: Cambridge, Brampton, Papworth Everard, Chatteris, Arrington, Little Wilbraham, Boxworth, Stilton
For the regional travel overview: Cambridgeshire.
