Issue 5 - East Cambridgeshire District Council

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feature Oliver Cromwell’s House Oliver Cromwell’s House – a room-by-room guide The parlour – a dimly-lit, atmospheric room, panelled with original 17th century oak where visitors can watch an introductory film.This sets the scene in 1636 when the Cromwell family came to live in the house. The cold larder – a cold room in the days before fridges, where food such as fish and meat was kept on marble shelves. The kitchen – Mrs Cromwell’s kitchen is a bright and cheerful room which looks 6 out over St Mary’s Church. An eel dish is being prepared at one end of the table, while at the other, dishes are ready to be taken into the dining room. Mrs Cromwell’s room – this room shows how the Cromwell family would have spent their leisure time. Mrs Cromwell is seen working on her embroidery, while rocking the baby in the cradle at her feet. The Civil War room – panels in this room, dominated by a large portrait of east cambridgeshire magazine summer 2008 Mrs Cromwel’s Room Oliver Cromwell, provide general information about the causes of the Civil War. Exhibits include pieces of armour, weapons and a soldier’s field kit. The study – here visitors see the figure of Cromwell writing at his desk, perhaps reflecting on his responsibilities as Lord Protector. The haunted bedroom – in here the deathbed scene of Cromwell is portrayed, while the commentary tells the story of Cromwell’s death and subsequent exhumation and decapitation.The story of his head and its burial in Sidney Sussex College in 1960 is graphically told. Gallery corridor – the doorway is 13th century and originally an external door to the house.The small painting at the bottom of the stairs is a Victorian study of the remains of Cromwell’s Tithe Barn. Tithe office – this room, with some of its original 17th century oak panelling, is where Cromwell would have overseen the locals bringing corn and other produce in order to pay for their tithes or taxes.This is now the function room and is used for events, activities, displays and meetings. whipped. Swearing was punished by a fine, though persistent offenders could be sent to prison. Sunday became a very special day under the Puritans. Most forms of work were banned. Women caught doing unnecessary work could be put in the stocks, while simply going for a Sunday walk – unless it was to church – could lead to a hefty fine. All a far cry from the Ely we see today. “Cromwell’s presence is not only felt in Ely, but across
Cambridgeshire. He or his family have lived in some of the county’s grandest houses. His grandfather, Sir Henry Cromwell, owned Hinchingbrooke House in Huntingdon (now Hinchingbrooke School), where he is said to have entertained Queen Elizabeth I, James I and Prince Charles Stewart. Sir Henry’s second son Robert, who was MP for Huntingdon, married Elizabeth Steward of Stuntney Hall near Ely. They were the parents of Oliver. Ramsey Abbey (now Abbey College) was the home of Oliver Cromwell’s uncle Sir Oliver.” Tracey explains that the Cromwell Museum in Huntingdon is housed in the former Grammar School attended by the young Oliver Cromwell. The museum – owned by Cambridgeshire County Council – is devoted to him and is the only one of its kind in the country. The year 2008 marks the 350th anniversary of the death of Oliver feature Oliver Cromwell’s House “It has been a real challenge to introduce new attractions to the property” Cromwell on 3 September 1658. “When Cromwell died he was the Lord Protector, the head of a British Republic. The ceremonial proceedings after his death were closely modelled on those for King James 1st, over 30 years earlier. In the weeks leading up to the anniversary we will be holding a number of events based in and around the house so it makes it an even better time to refurbish the home. “I am delighted with the new look as it has been a real challenge to introduce new attractions to the property while still complementing its period features, especially as we open seven days a week, 362 days a year. “So next time you pass by the house, please pop in and we’ll be delighted to see you.”■ Opening times and admission prices Open all year except 25 and 26 December and 1 January Summer Hours 1 April to 31 October 10am to 5pm daily, including Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays. Winter Hours 1 November to 31 March 11am to 4pm Monday to Friday and Sundays, 10am to 5pm Saturdays Admission Prices Adult: £4.30 Concession: £3.85 Child: £3.00 Family: £12.50 summer 2008 east cambridgeshire magazine 7
Page 1: east cambridgeshire ISSUE 5 SUMMER
Page 4 and 5: feature Oliver Cromwell’s House D
Page 8 and 9: feature new recycling centre Recycl
Page 10 and 11: feature conservation areas Past mod
Page 12 and 13: feature conservation areas not repe
Page 14 and 15: focus noise pollution Turning it do
Page 16 and 17: feature sport for youngsters Star-s
Page 18 and 19: feature sport for youngsters “Chi
Page 20 and 21: photo focus strawberry growing 20 e
Page 22 and 23: feature days out A summer of fun Da
Page 24 and 25: feature days out Haddenham Steam En
Page 26: news from east cambs Maltings close
Page 29 and 30: Summary of 2007/08 accounts Details
Page 31 and 32: REFUSE Your weekly collection dates

Issue 5 - East Cambridgeshire District Council

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