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Wisbech proves to be a historic market town that is also an inland port. Located in the Fenland part of Cambridgeshire, the town boasts a population of around twenty thousand inhabitants. The town is made more beautiful by the presence of the River Nene that passes through the middle of the town. Two beautiful bridges that span the river help to make this a town worth coming to visit.
History
The name Wisbech is supposed to signify on the back of the River Ouse. Ouse comes from the Celtic for water. In Anglo Saxon times, Wisbech lay within the boundaries of the Kingdom of East Anglia along with the rest of Cambridgeshire. After the Norman invasion, King William I constructed the local castle to ensure that the town would be properly fortified. This castle became an infamous prison in the days of the Tudor monarchs. The castle was reconstructed in the 1600's and again in the year 1816 by Joseph Medworth.
The fens would be drained in the 1600's, but only after the area inhabitants had been placated to accept the project. These Fen Tigers resisted it heroically. Once the swamp was drained, Wisbech became a rich port that dealt in agricultural produce. In those days, the town lay on the River Ouse estuary. As the coast became silted up, the River Nene had to be diverted to serve as the town's access to water. The accompanying Wisbech Canal project was later filled in to become the modern day dual lane carriageway.
Architecture
There are several buildings that tourists will enjoy coming to visit in Wisbech. Naturally the Wisbech Castle is still interesting. Peckover House is another great architectural attraction. It includes a walled in garden. The National Trust operates it and keeps it open to the public. The Peckover Bank is also here. It was called the Bank House for many years, and it is now part of Barclays Bank.
There are also several interesting churches worth looking at when travelers are in the town. The St. Peter and St. Paul Parish Church is one of them. St. Mary's Parish Church is another.
Cultural Attractions
Wisbech offers a surprising number of cultural offerings for both residents and visitors. The Angles Theatre is actually a successful professional theatre that is run by volunteers. The Nine Lives Theatre Company calls it home.
There are several amateur dramatic groups found in Wisbech as well. The Wisbech Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society has put on musicals for the townsfolk since 1905. They also do an annual pantomime that dates back to 1975. The Wisbech Players are a more than fifty year old amateur dramatic group. They put on two dramas per year at the Angles Theatre, one in the autumn and another in the spring.
St. Peter's Church also hosts an event in Wisbech that visitors will enjoy. This is the Rose Fair. A float parade is formed on Queen's Road and circles around the town. The church is beautifully decorated with flower displays. Signature strawberry and cream teas are served to visitors. Coaches bring in visitors from all over the region for the yearly event.
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