Hereward the Wake: The Outlaw Hero of the Fens Returns!

1067-2025

958th anniversary

Remembering a local hero

 

Gather round, folk of the Fens, and hear the tale of Hereward the Wake, the fearless warrior and outlaw who defied the Norman yoke and carved his name into the heart of our land! This weekend, the WakeHereward Project invites you to join us in celebrating this legendary figure at two thrilling events in

Bourne and Peterborough.

 

Our very own Hereward, brought to life by the spirited re-enactor Rory G, will be on hand to regale you with tales of rebellion, pose for photos, and mingle with the proud folk of the Fens. So, come one, come all, to honor a hero who stood tall against tyranny 958 years ago!

 

The Legend Ignites: Hereward’s Return to Bourne In the first days of September 1067, after the sudden death of Baldwin V of Flanders, Hereward the Outlaw returned from exile to his homeland in Bourne, a fire in his heart and a sword in his hand. The Normans, fresh from their conquest at Hastings, had seized his family’s lands and oppressed his people. But Hereward would have none of it. In a blaze of vengeance, he descended upon Bourne, slaughtering the Norman occupiers in a daring raid that set the Fens alight with rebellion.

 

From the shadowy depths of Bourne Woods, he waged a five-year campaign of resistance, striking fear into the hearts of the invaders and rallying the folk of the Fens to his cause. This was no mere outlaw; this was Hereward, the beacon of hope amidst famine, slaughter, and fear.

 

Join us on Saturday, 6th September, at 3pm at Bourne Town Football Club for The Wakes vs. Rushden & Diamonds in the FA Trophy (details at bournetownfc.co.uk). Rory G, as Hereward, will be there, sword in hand, to greet fans and share the spirit of the Fens’ greatest hero. Whether you’re cheering from the stands or soaking in the atmosphere, come celebrate the legacy of Hereward and thank you for supporting the WakeHereward Project in keeping his story alive!

 

A Knight’s Oath and a Rebel’s Fire: Hereward at Peterborough

 

The saga continues in Peterborough, where Hereward’s legend took root in sacred stone. Knighted at Peterborough, likely in the shadow of its ancient abbey, Hereward was no stranger to the city’s hallowed halls. But when the Normans threatened the treasures and traditions of the monastery, Hereward struck back. In a bold and infamous act, he burned parts of Peterborough and sacked the monastery to deny its riches to the invaders.

 

This audacious move, chronicled by 12th-century monks, cemented his reputation as a defender of his people, willing to risk all to protect the Fens’ heritage. From there, he would go on to make his legendary stand at the Isle of Ely, but it was in Peterborough that his defiance burned brightest.

 

On Sunday, 7th September, at 10am, Hereward strides again at the Hereward Wargames Show at The Cresset in Peterborough (details at www.hereward-wargames.co.uk). Rory G will open the event as Hereward, welcoming all who attend to dive into the history and heroism of the Fens’ folk hero. We extend a hearty thank you to everyone joining us, from wargamers to curious visitors, for helping the WakeHereward Project honor Hereward’s enduring legacy

 

.Why Hereward Matters

 

When King Harold fell at Hastings in 1066, England did not kneel. Across the land, from Kent to York, resistance flared against the Norman conquerors. Hereward’s rebellion in the Fens stands out as one of the most enduring, a five-year campaign of cunning and courage that made him a folk hero. Far from the 19th-century image of Hereward as “England’s Patriot,” crafted by Charles Kingsley as a symbol of imperial might, today we see the real Hereward: a local man, an exile returned, who fought for his people, their land, and their way of life. Revisionist historians paint him as a more nuanced figure, a defender against oppression who became a symbol of hope in a dark time.

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Join the Rebellion!

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This weekend, let the spirit of Hereward the Wake stir your soul. Whether you’re at Bourne Town Football Club, cheering amidst the roar of the crowd, or at the Hereward Wargames Show, immersing yourself in history, Rory G as Hereward will bring the outlaw’s tale to life. Snap a photo, hear a story, and feel the pride of the Fens. Together, we keep the flame of Hereward’s rebellion burning bright.

 

Thank you, people of Bourne and Peterborough, for joining the WakeHereward Project in commemorating our hero. Visit herewardthewake.co.uk for more on Hereward’s legacy, and we’ll see you at the events!

“For the Fens, for freedom, for Hereward!”

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