A prisoner of a war camp since Napoleon era Located in Cambrisshire A trust has been acquired to preserve it as a site historical significance.
Nene Park Trust has bought the Norman Cross, which has been recognized as a prisoner for the first purpose of the world from a private farmer.
The site near Peterbaro captures the remains of about 1,770 French, Dutch and German soldiers, which were captured during the revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.
The purpose of the trust is to conserve the area and open it to the public, which provides a historical and green space for visitors.
Today, the camp is barely visible under the area used for crops and grazing. However, historian Paul Chamberlane noted that it once serves as a self-contained city, which is completed with barracks, offices, a hospital, school, market and banking system.
It operated from 1797 to 1814 and kept around 7,000 French prisoners. The place was chosen because it was away from the sea, making it difficult to escape to return to France.
The prisoners made complex models from bone, wood and straw to sell and trade for food, tobacco and liquor.
About 800 of these artifacts, including small ships and chetias, are displayed in the nearby Peterbro Museum and Art Gallery.
The trust received a grant of £ 200,000 from historic England and £ 50,000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to buy the camp after years of talks.
Its acquisition was fought by a resident Derek Lopez, a owner of the Norman Cross Gallery near Yaxley and a lawyer in the history of Peterbaro.
He died last year before seeing the sale.
Historical England CEO Duncan Wilson said: “The Norman cross prisoner of the war camp represents a significant moment in our shared European heritage that is worthy of being better known.”
Matthew Bradbury, Chief Executive Officer of Nene Park Trust, said he was “happy” to take over the ownership of the Norman Cross and wanted “to share his green place and unique stories for the coming generations”.
Heritage Minister Barona Twitcross said: “Norman Cross represents a poignant chapter in our shared European story.
“The notable stories of the people organized in the first purpose-made prisoner of the war camp should be remembered now and in the future.
“This partnership has secured this valuable heritage site for the coming generations.”