What is Wisbech famous for?
Once part of the Anglo-Saxon Kingdom of East Anglia, Wisbech is a historic market town on the banks of the River Nene. It is often referred to as the “Capital of the Fens”, a sprawling agricultural district in northeast Cambridgeshire that has long been associated with brewing and brickmaking.
Wisbech is particularly renowned for its Georgian architecture, with several notable examples around the Circus and Wisbech Castle, as well as along the riverfront districts of North Brink and South Brink. Many of these buildings were constructed following the draining of the marshes in the 17th century, which saw the town flourish as an inland port.
In this article, we’ll introduce some of the best ways to discover Wisbech’s architectural heritage, including local museums and National Trust-managed properties. When planning your trip to this beautiful corner of England, you can find a diverse choice of accommodation online at Rentola UK. Not only are there cosy cottages for two in the heart of Wisbech but also spacious homes if you’re travelling with the extended family in tow. These accommodations provide a charming and comfortable stay, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the rich history and stunning architecture that Wisbech has to offer. Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast or simply seeking a peaceful getaway, the combination of historical exploration and comfortable lodging ensures an unforgettable experience in this picturesque town.
Peckover House
Originally built in 1722, Peckover House is a National Trust-managed residence that was once home to a prominent Quaker banking family. It has since been Grade II listed and its elegant interior is open to the public between spring and autumn. As you wander through the panelled rooms with their ornate plasterwork and impressive fireplaces, you can learn about the Peckover family’s legacy. The property’s Victorian-style walled garden is also not to be missed, with 300-year-old orange trees and a diverse array of roses, as well as a 17th-century reed thatched barn that served as an amateur theatre during World War II.
Elgood’s Brewery and Gardens
Located in the North Brink area of Wisbech is Elgood’s Brewery, which has remained largely unchanged for more than 200 years. It was one of the first Georgian breweries to be constructed outside of the English capital and is still making ales according to traditional brewing techniques today. After admiring the brewery’s classical Georgian facade, you can get a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into crafting beer on a guided tour before sampling the finished product at the Bramling Bar. Elgood’s is also famed for its four-acre garden, which includes Japanese-inspired plantings, a tranquil lake and a maze.
Octavia Hill’s Birthplace House
On the opposite bank of the River Nene is the birthplace of Octavia Hill, a social reformer who played an important role in co-founding the National Trust. Constructed in 1740, the Grade II-listed building is notable for its outstanding architecture. It was here that Octavia spent her early years with a family of radical thinkers and her life and legacy are now beautifully showcased within its period-furnished rooms. Learn about the causes her parents were passionate about and Octavia’s training as an artist, with a talent for copy paintings by celebrated masters.
Wisbech & Fenland Museum
Founded back in 1835, the Wisbech & Fenland Museum occupies a Grade II-listed Georgian building in the heart of town. It was designed by George Buckler and is one of the oldest purpose-built museums in England, with many of its original display cases still housing exhibits today. Highlights of its collection include the original manuscript of Charles Dickens’s novel “Great Expectations” and a Sèvres breakfast service once used by Napoleon. Also on display are objects related to the locally-born, anti-slavery campaigner, Thomas Clarkson, including 18th-century African textiles and leatherwork.
Angles Theatre
Wisbech is home to one of the oldest surviving Georgian theatres in England, the Angles Theatre, which originally opened as a playhouse in 1790. It spent several years as a concert room and later hosted the School of Science and Art before being transformed back into an arts venue in 1978. In addition to the Grade II-listed original theatre building, the complex includes an 1837-built former school. With just 112 seats, the Angles Theatre provides an intimate setting for watching not only plays but also dance and musical performances.
Merchants Trail
To learn more about the history of Wisbech and the people who left their mark on the town, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Merchants Trail. It takes in beautiful Georgian buildings along the North Brink and South Brink, as well as around Wisbech Castle and the Circus. Discover some of the characters who helped Wisbech become one of the most important English river ports in the 18th and 19th centuries.
