Norman Cross

Norman Cross is a roadside war memorial in the old county of Huntingdonshire, now part of Cambridgeshire, a few miles southwest of Peterborough. A limestone column topped with a bronze eagle honours the prisoners who died at a nearby Napoleonic-era depot. The column is Grade II listed by Historic England, and the site of the depot itself is a scheduled monument.

What was the Norman Cross depot?

Built in the mid-1790s beside the Great North Road, the depot was a purpose-designed camp for prisoners of war and stayed in use until 1814. More than 30,000 men passed through over its lifetime, mostly French, along with Dutch and German prisoners, and as many as 7,000 were held at once. Deaths are usually put at around 1,700 to 1,770, mainly from disease. It is often described as one of the first camps of its kind.

What can you see there?

The memorial is a limestone column crowned by a bronze eagle. Bronze plaques at its foot commemorate prisoners who died between 1797 and 1814, and an information panel explains the depot's story. The Entente Cordiale Society, which promoted Anglo-French friendship, unveiled it in 1914.

Vandals stole the eagle in 1990. The column was rebuilt and rededicated on 31 October 1998, and a new eagle by sculptor John Doubleday was inaugurated on 2 April 2005.

This is a small roadside monument with no visitor centre, so expect a short stop. Items made by the prisoners, including carved bone models, are kept at Peterborough Museum.

How do you get to Norman Cross?

The memorial stands beside the southbound side of the A1(M), by the junction with the A15 towards Yaxley and Peterborough. Driving is the easiest option, roughly ten minutes from Peterborough. The spot lies on a busy road, so check the map for a safe place to park before you set off.

When should you visit?

You can see it all year, free of charge. Pick a dry day, as everything is outdoors. It pairs well with a day in Peterborough, taking in the cathedral and the museum.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry free? Yes. The memorial is beside the road and open to view with no ticket.

Does any of the camp survive? No. The barracks are gone, and the depot's site is protected as an archaeological monument. The column and plaques are what remains to see.

How long does a visit take? About 15 to 20 minutes is enough to look at the column and read the plaques.

Why is the eagle modern? The original was stolen in 1990. The current bird is by John Doubleday and dates from 2005.