Fenland Word and Soil Erosion
Prior to the 16th Century, the East Anglian Fens were flooded for most of the year. People living on the Fens were isolated and distrustful of outsiders. This way of life led to the development of a very particular and unique language. Most of the words relate to the landscape, weather, water and later, to farming issues. It is an ‘everyday’ language with no requirement for pretence.
This project explores how the draining of the Fens and subsequent land erosion affected the Fenland way of life. Through diagrams, images and charts, this book illustrates how life has changed on the Fens. It investigates how the physical erosion of the landscape is closely linked with the demise of the vernacular language. As this way of life is now buried in the past, it seemed appropriate to accompany the book with a collection of artefacts that represent different aspects of the old Fenland life. The letterpress handbill advertises a ‘Fenland Festival’, with activities that no longer take place.