History of Cherry Hinton World War One Memorial Recreation Ground
The History of Cherry Hinton World War One Memorial Recreation Ground
More Than a Playground: The Hidden History of Cherry Hinton’s WWI Memorial Recreation Ground
Today, Cherry Hinton’s recreation ground is a lively, much-loved community space - home to football matches, village fêtes, dog walkers, and childhood memories. But did you know that the entire site is also a living World War One memorial?
This blog post introduces a brand-new downloadable report I’ve written, that explores the full story of the Cherry Hinton World War One Memorial Recreation Ground - from its earliest origins as a field known as Gibraltar Close, to its transformation in 1919 into a village war memorial, bought by the people of Cherry Hinton to honour those who served and fell during the Great War.
The report takes you on a journey through centuries of local history, complete with rare maps, photographs, personal memories, and the forgotten names and stories tied to the land. It uncovers a wealth of detail - from medieval croft boundaries and Victorian cottages, to the community-led fundraising efforts that brought the memorial ground to life. There’s even a glimpse into its later evolution - complete with British Legion dances, royal visits, and the voices of local residents who grew up playing under its trees.
This history was written to support a new information board now installed at the recreation ground’s entrance - ensuring future generations understand the significance of the whole site, not just the memorial plinth at the gates.
Below you can read the full history of the Cherry Hinton World War One Memorial Recreation Ground which I have written to accompany the information board.
Download the PDF file to read at your leisure by clicking on the button below:
On Sunday 10th November 2024 the newly installed information board detailing the history of the World War One War Memorial Recreation Ground was officially presented to the village as part of our Remembrance Day held at the Cherry Hinton War Memorial Recreation Ground, High Street.
Press Release:
Cherry Hinton Remembrance Day Celebrates History with New Information Board at WWI Memorial Recreation Ground
Cherry Hinton, Cambridge — November 10, 2024
As part of Cherry Hinton’s Remembrance Day observance, an information board detailing the history of the Cherry Hinton World War One War Memorial Recreation Ground was officially unveiled on Sunday, November 10, 2024. The new board, located at the entrance to the site on the High Street, serves to honour and inform the community about the rich heritage of this significant village landmark, which was originally purchased by the people of Cherry Hinton in 1919 as a lasting memorial to the fallen soldiers of the First World War. Today, this site is held in trust by Cambridge City Council and serves as a cherished community space.
Since its establishment, the recreation ground has been a hub of activity and enjoyment, hosting events, sports, and gatherings for Cherry Hinton residents. Local clubs and societies, such as the Cherry Hinton Football Team who use the grounds regularly, and the site is a favourite location for village festivals, fetes, and recreational activities. The addition of playground equipment, a skate park, and the football pavilion has enhanced its role as a communal gathering space.
Yet, as time passed, the ground’s role as a war memorial was largely forgotten, with only the plinth at the entrance recognised as the commemorative feature. The newly installed information board—produced through the efforts of Cllr Mark Ashton and local historian and landscape archaeologist Michelle Bullivant—highlights the entire site’s memorial significance, reminding the community of the profound legacy the site holds. Michelle Bullivant, who researched and documented the history of the recreation ground over the past year, has now presented an abridged version of this history on the new board, inviting visitors to reconnect with this important piece of the village’s past.
Councillor Mark Ashton, who has independently maintained the war memorial plinth and its surrounding garden, championed the creation of this board to raise awareness about the site’s full memorial status. With Mark Ashton’s advocacy, Cambridge City Council supported the project by funding the board’s production and installation, ensuring that future generations will understand the site’s historical and cultural significance.
“We hope this history will remind us of the sacrifices of those from our past and instil a renewed appreciation for this village site, which has been shaped and cherished by so many Cherry Hinton residents over the years,” said Michelle Bullivant.
A full history of the site can be read below.
The Cherry Hinton War Memorial Recreation Ground is only part of the village’s commemoration efforts. A separate history, currently being developed, will explore Cherry Hinton’s World War Two Memorial, symbolised by the cherry trees lining Cherry Hinton High Street, each one representing a Cherry Hinton soldier.
The new information board is intended not only as a source of historical knowledge but as a symbol of respect and remembrance for those who sacrificed for their community and country. It serves as a reminder of the continued value of this communal site—a space that brings Cherry Hinton together, just as it was envisioned in the wake of World War One.