OVER seventy local people enjoyed a night of medieval history at Northborough Church in September in aid of the Langdyke Countryside Trust’s Torpel Manor Appeal.
Ben Robinson and Stuart Orme of Peterborough Museum gave talks about the medieval history of Peterborough, focusing on the life and times of the knights of Torpel Manor – a 12th century manor house that stood on the field at the end of West Street, Helpston.
Roger de Torpel, the first knight of the manor, was probably part of William the Conqueror’s invasion force in 1066 and he and his family took part in many of the military campaigns, battles and sieges of the next 150 years (the Torpel coat of arms can be seen at the end of this article). At other times in its history the land has been owned by Henry VIII and the mother of the Black Prince. It was even the site of a medieval fair, held every year on the feast of St Giles (31 August). The Langdyke Countryside Trust hopes to buy Torpel Manor Field and turn into a community run heritage and wildlife reserve, with a small interpretation centre designed to help people learn more about their local history. The earthworks of the medieval manor house, including the remains of the moat, are still very visible on the site. The Trust also hopes to use the site for other community events, including outdoor drama, summer picnics, outdoor church services and even firework displays.
The Trust has so far raised over £7,000 for the management of the site and is hoping to hear very soon that its bid for Growth Area Funding from central government for the purchase of the field has been successful.
If you would like to learn more about Torpel Manor Field visit www.langdyke.org.uk or call Richard Astle on 01733 252376.
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