Pictures of Wisbech

About Wisbech

Wisbech stands on the River Nene, almost 12 miles from the sea, at one time it was closer but changing river patterns over the passing years have altered its position in relation to the Wash.

This lovely market town is full of character and history, its story goes back to when it was first mentioned in a charter of the Saxon King Wulphere in 664. A castle was erected here by King William I in 1086, and the hapless King John is said to have stayed here in 1216 when his treasure was lost in the Wash.

The town shows many beautiful Georgian terraces of graceful architecture in a variety of Georgian styles. Some of the finest properties can be clearly seen from a bridge spanning the Nene. Here the view is of North Brink and South Brink, were the wealthy merchants and landowners built splendid homes. The most famous house on the banks of the river is Peckover House, built in the 1720's, it is an important example of domestic architecture of the period and now belongs to the National Trust, it is open to the public, and shows fine decorative work in plaster and wood.

The large church dedicated to St.Peter and St.Paul is unusual in that it has twin naves and aisles. It's 16th-century tower carries much decoration, and inside the church visitors can see a wealth of church treasures including a huge monument in brass to Sir Thomas de Braunstone, it depicts an armoured figure of over 7ft long.

Prosperity came to Wisbech when the fens where finally drained leaving behind rich agricultural soil, ideal for growing an abundance of produce, flowers and fruit. There are signed routes to enable motorists to see as much as possible of the beauty of the spring blossom, and later the fruit orchards and fields of ripened corn.

Fenlanders are hardy people, they have garnered a living from the rich fertile soil for centuries, the produce causes great diversity to the landscape as visitors see long vista's of fields full of ripened crops, fruit and flowers. In the 17th-century the men and women of the Fens stood almost shoulder to shoulder against the drainage of the land, but it is this that has made Wisbech the lovely place we see today, and what has earned it the title "Capital of the Fens".

Interestingly, the town was the birth-place of Octavia Hill, who was born in Wisbech in 1838. She was co-founder of the National Trust as well as being a champion of Social Reform. Her birth-place is now a museum.

Wisbech offers visitors an interesting time, with plenty to see and do. The most famous sights include; Peckover House, the Market Place, The Clarkson Memorial, The Wisbech and Fenland Museum, St.Peter and St.Paul's Church, The Crescent and Castle, and Elgoods Brewery.

There is good shopping, plenty of hotels and a wide range of cafe's, inns and restaurants