Very few are aware that the town of Reading hosted approximately 900 prisoners of war during the Napoleonic Wars between 1807-1809. About two thirds were from Denmark and were ‘fortunate’ to be held in Reading with a fair amount of freedom. The alternative was usually a rotting prison ship. During this time they integrated seemlessly into Reading life and became quite popular. They were often referred to as The Gentlemen Danes.
One of these prisoners was Laurenthes Braag whose memorial stone at Minster Church of St Mary the Virgin can be seen above. This was spotted some years ago by my friend and local historian John Nixon. It was in a bad shape then but was restored to its former glory by Michael Eastham and Joscelyn Schmidt. Yesterday saw the official unveiling of the memorial. This was well attended by local historians and special guests as well as Reading Civic Society, The Mayor of Reading, Per Bjerg (Museum Curator, Fano), Captain Niels Erik Sorensen (Danish Defence Attache) and Lars Flyvholm (MD of Bang and Olufsen UK – who sponsored the event)
Below are some of my favourite shots. If you attended the event and would like copies of the complete set (114 in total) please e mail me with your postal address. Please feel free to add any comments below.
For photographers – All images shot with on Lumix G1. Lenses – Lumix 20mm 1.7 (pancake lens) and Leica Summilux 25mm 1.4. This is a great camera I love using. Very small and discreet with excellent metering and AF which locks quickly and doesn’t ‘hunt’ in low light like my Canon 5D tends to. It is however quite noisy in the shadows at 1600 compared to my Canons. Not so much a problem for me as I often add grain to my images afterwards to give a film look.
The Danish Flag (Dannebrog) flys proudly above Reading.
On the right Richard Bennett Chairman Reading Civic Society.
2 members of The Buffs – 3rd East Kent Regiment of Foot
John Nixon local historian
Captain Niels Erik Sorensen, Danish Defence Attache
What a pretty face ! One of the guests having a good time.
On the right Lars Flyvholm, Managing Director of Bang and Olufsen UK – The event’s sponsors.
Far right Birgitte Winther Braag, a distant relation of Laurenthes Braag
Captain Niels Erik Sorensen, Danish Defence Attache
Per Bjerg, Museum Curator Fano
On the right The Mayor Reading Cllr Fred Pugh
by admin
show hide 4 comments