Fenland: Memories of ice skating on Whittlesey Washes near Peterborough in 14 hilarious photos

Ice skating on the Whittlesey Washes is a Fenland tradition dating back to the 19th century.

It is something that generations of Whittlesy folk have enjoyed during the winter months but it’s fair to say skating at the plains doesn’t happen too often these days.

Whittlesey Washes, also known as the Nene Washes, stores excess water from the River Nene and plays an important part in reducing the risk of flooding during combined high tides and high river flows.

It’s a large area of open land, surrounded by embankments, which act as a flood storage reservoir when high tides and high river levels coincide.

When this happens, the excess water is stored on land surrounded by embankments and then released back into the River Nene when the tide recedes.

If you recognise anyone in the next images make sure you let them know. Or, just reminisce with our archive photographs.