From a grand beginning with a famous founder, and then on to being deemed worth 17,000 eels, through to a modern standing as a large village; I'll take a look at what Littleport has to offer and why one of my clients has enjoyed living here for 30 years!
A curious legend has it that Littleport was founded by King Canute! He liked to visit Ely Abbey and listen to the singing. One time he was turned away by drunk monks who didn't recognise him. A fisherman put him up in what is now Littleport and after hearing how the fisherman has been treated by the monks, Canute oversaw changes at the Abbey and made his host the mayor of a newly formed village: Littleport.
Littleport's history also includes producing one of racing's most celebrated horses as well as a part in the story of the war time double double agent Eddie Chapman, and both stories are connected to Apes Hall. The large fenland farm gained prominence due to the prolific racehorse studs built up by farmer Henry Jones and one of the horses sired there in 1869 was Prince Charlie. He went on to win 25 out of his 29 races, including some of racing's biggest prizes.
On 16th December 1942, British spy Eddie Chapman dropped out of the sky on a mission for the Germans. Not knowing where he was, he knocked on the door at Apes Hall, introduced himself to farm manager George Convine and requested that they call the police. He had duped the Germans so thoroughly that he was awarded their highest honour - the Iron Cross. There is more about that night and what followed as told by George's daughter Vivian and you can read that here, and seek out the book Agent Zig Zag or even watch the 2011 TV movie.
What about modern day Littleport? There is plenty to do to keep active and fit and you can start with Littleport Leisure where you can make use of their excellent gym facilities or maybe join a class or two. They have an excellent bar/cafe for giving yourself a post workout treat. For anyone feeling a little more adventurous, you could try The Pole Shed. Get yourself working out off of the ground with pole classes, trapeze, aerial silks and much, much more.
I've managed to mention a few outstanding pubs throughout this blog, and this week I get to showcase one that has an idyllic location by the river. The Swan on the River has double rooms available for visitors and a tantalising menu to go alongside a wide selection of drinks. If you follow their social media, you can keep a look out for what nights they have live music or events if that's what you're looking for!
You might just head to the river anyway for one of the walks you can do in the area - if you're up for it, you could carry on all the way to Ely. Although as Littleport has its own train station, you could just take it easy on yourself and take the train with a trip to Ely taking just 10mins, Cambridge is 30mins away, and it's around 90mins to London.
I spoke to a previous client to get their insight on Littleport, and this is what Margaret Ellis had to say:
"We have lived in Littleport for the last 30 years, moving three times and have never thought about moving anywhere else. We just like what it offers. When our two boys were growing up, we felt very safe as they could play outside or go down to the local park, or spend hours canoeing on the river. The village has grown loads over the years, and we have seen lots of changes, but it still feels like a village and people still say hello when you walk to the shops. For anyone new moving into Littleport, they are so lucky, as the village has so much to offer including a great leisure centre and just down the road you have the new Cineworld leisure park in Ely. We are both due to retire soon and we have always talked about getting a boat for the river and join our friends who have their own boat at the local marina."
If you are thinking of moving and would like some assistance either selling your home, or finding a new one, please get in touch.
Distances approximate from centre of village.
Travel.
Littleport train station has trains roughly every hour to Cambridge (30mins duration.)
Schools.
There are two local primary schools:
The local secondary school:
Medical.
Local GP surgery:
There is a dental practice in the village:
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