TWELVE historical figures and industries that helped influence and shape life in the Eatons – and much further afield – are being commemorated through Huntingdonshire s blue plaque scheme. Ten of the 12 plaques are now in place, marking the buildings (or

TWELVE historical figures and industries that helped influence and shape life in the Eatons - and much further afield - are being commemorated through Huntingdonshire's blue plaque scheme.

Ten of the 12 plaques are now in place, marking the buildings (or at least the site) where some of the area's finest businessmen, minds, craftsmen, and industries once lived or operated.

The plaques are spread across sites in Eaton Socon and Eaton Ford, marking the former homes (or as near as) of famous people such as war hero Matthew Rosamond VC.

The plaques also look at the industries that helped make the area prosperous, paying the wages of local workers or in some cases, some particularly skilled craftsmen.

The industries include the coachbuilders on the Great North Road, and the Eaton Socon Brewery (which once owned 20 licensed premises). Plaques have also been put up for local blacksmiths, the village butchers, the well-known basket weavers, stonemasons and Alfred Rowlett (herbalist and antiques dealer).

The project has also included The White Horse, The Millers Arms, the Recruiting Sergeant Beerhouse (a former beerhouse), Manor Cottage and Avenue Farm.

The plaques compliment the heritage trail boards, which form another part of the Eatons People and Places Project, funded by St Neots Town Council, the Huntingdonshire Local History Society, the Rotary Club of St Neots St Mary's and a Local Heritage Initiative Grant.

Sue Jarrett, history co-ordinator, said: "The project has been a great success and we are pleased to be able to add the plaques as part of our ongoing history project. The heritage boards have been a great success and the plaques complement what we have done so far. The new village trails will soon be available. These will add more information about the area and will refer to the boards and plaques."

Leaflets are available at St Neots Museum and St Neots library which give the locations of the boards and plaques.

INFORMATION: For more information on these and other history projects in the Eatons, contact Sue Jarrett, by writing to 3 Collingwood Rd, Eaton Socon, St Neots, PE19 8JQ or e-mail esca@freeuk.com.