Building record 1933/0/9 - Possible PoW Hostel

{1} The building exterior was photographed. The building appears to no longer be in use. It looks neglected and its windows are largely boarded up.

{2} Possible WWII era Women's Land Army hostel. At least some WLA hostels were subsequently used for accommodating PoWs working on local farms. If this is a building of hostel type, did it function as such in Finedon or did it have some other primary purpose? Alternatievely, might the building have been relocated to the town? The building is present on an aerial photo from January 1947 but not present on the OS 1927 mapping. The building was used as a school canteen between 1947 and 1961 and was then used as the base for the Finedon Scouts. Photos.

{4} The building looks “a very good candidate” for a possible WLA/POW Hostel. The MOWP Standard hut was introduced in autumn 1942 & consisted of a concrete frame which could be infilled with whatever materials were available. “Comparison with the Neseby hostel would place the ablutions next to the water tower, the dormitory beyond this and the kitchen/dining area in the separate wing, which has a pair of brick-built chimneys. The size of the enclosure on which the building stands also looks similar to other examples.”

<1> Cadman G., 2009, Possible WLA/ PoW Hostel, Finedon, (checked) (Note). SNN106882.

<2> Cadman G., 2006, Possible WLA/ PoW Hostel, Finedon, (checked) (Note). SNN107574.

<3> Dobinson C., 2001, AA Command; Britain's Anti-Aircraft Defences Of The Second World War, pp.320-5 (checked) (Book). SNN101584.

<4> Armishaw, A., 2005, Letter, (unchecked) (Letter). SNN107575.

Record last edited

Aug 25 2011 12:20PM