A Cambridge DiaryDec 11, 2022

A Fen Skater christened the ice today as conditions proved perfect for the first time in years.

Skating over the frozen flooded fields and meadows has been a part of Fenland life for hundreds of years. Skating matches were held in towns and villages all over the Fens where local men would compete for prizes of money, clothing or food during severe winters when agricultural work was unavailable.

Show threadDavid John Crook
@acambridgediary Thank you for this excellent photo. My Dad told me that his relatives from the Fens used to skate on the flooded fields. I believe they used to have some form of speed skating races.
Dec 16, 2022 at 5:31pmWeb