HERITAGE
BUILT TO LAST The architect John Soane brought a neo-classical aesthetic to Wimpole Hall after meeting the future 3rd Earl of Hardwicke on a tour of Europe
F or ten days each September, their fascinating secrets and stories through free entry, tours, talks and other initiatives. It’s all thanks to the Heritage Open Days festival, which has been celebrating the country’s rich culture and history through free, community-led programmes since 1994. Taking place from 11 to 20 September this year, there’s a wealth of heritage to discover in our region: visit Chatteris Museum after hours, discover the history of the unique Cold War-era military bunker at Alconbury Weald, explore the evocative Flag Fen Archaeology historic sites and buildings, museums and cultural venues across England – many of which are rarely, if ever, open to the public – welcome us in to discover Park (which some of you may remember archaeologist Francis Pryor MBE discussing in the January issue of Cambridge Edition ), take advantage of a rare opportunity to see inside the medieval gatehouse at the old Benedictine abbey of Ramsey, and much more. Open Cambridge 2026 (part of the wider national festival) revealed its full programme of events in August, with exclusive-access tours, exhibitions and talks ready to reveal the extraordinary stories that are woven through our city streets and surrounding areas. From archaeological dig discoveries at Wandlebury Hillfort to wartime connections honoured at the Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial – plus a rare glimpse behind the scenes at the Grade I listed Senate House – there’s something to satisfy all cultural curiosities. One thing that is always palpable during this festival is the passion that people have for our local heritage sites and the stories behind them. So, turning this year’s Heritage Open Days theme of ‘everyday histories’ (with a focus on exploring the daily lives of our ancestors) on its head, we wondered: what does our heritage mean to today’s Cambridgeshire residents, for whom these places are a precious part of their daily lives? Here, three local history lovers share their stories…
Learn about Heritage Open Days and view this year’s programme of events at heritageopendays.org.uk and opencambridge.cam.ac.uk FIND OUT MORE
CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK SEPTEMBER 2026 09
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