Wisbech
One of the largest of the Fenland towns, Wisbech was first developed in medieval times as Peterborough's seaport, but the silting-up of The Wash has slowly distanced it from the coast, which has now receded by some 10 miles. Nonetheless, Wisbech remains a busy port thanks to the navigable River Nene, which slices through the heart of the old town enabling it to enjoy shipping trade with Europe; it was somewhere along this navigable channel to the sea that King John lost his jewels early in the 13th century.
Architecturally, Wisbech is the county's most distinguished town outside of Cambridge. Where the Nene divides the town its most interesting buildings, mostly 18th century, are gathered either side on the 'brink'. The North Brink has the architectural edge, thanks partly to Peckover House. Built in 1722, this substantial Georgian property was purchased at the end of the 18th century by Jonathan Peckover, a wealthy member of the Quaker banking family.
Behind its elegant facade, the Rococo woodwork and ornate plaster decorations make the panelled rooms a joy to behold. To the rear of the house is a beautiful walled Victorian garden with its own orangery, summerhouses, reed barn and herbaceous borders; the Peckham family presented the house to the National Trust in 1948. Along the North Brink, no two of the Georgian houses that overlook the River Nene are alike, yet they blend together perfectly to form one of the most impeccable rows of Georgian architecture in the country.
No 1 South Brink is the birthplace of Octavia Hill (1838-1912), co-founder of the National Trust and tireless worker for the cause of the poor. The house is now open as the Octavia Hill Museum, offering displays and exhibits commemorating her work. More Georgian splendour is evident in the area where the Norman castle once stood. The castle was replaced by a bishop's palace in 1478 and in the 17th century by a mansion built for Cromwell's Secretary of State, John Thurloe. Local builder, Joseph Medworth, built the present Regency villa in 1816, and of the Thurloe mansion only the gate piers remain.
The parish church of St Peter & St Paul, parts of which date from Norman times, incorporates two naves under one roof and an independent tower with a peal of ten bells. The Royal arms of James Ist are evident, as are 17th century wall monuments in the chancel. The 16th century Rose & Crown has been employed as a hostelry for over 500 yrs; the west side of the court yard was added in 1601 when it became an important coaching house. The inn contains some fine Tudor work and a graceful 18th century staircase.
The Wisbech and Fenland Museum was established in 1781 and apart from illustrating all aspects of local history, it contains several items of national importance. These include the manuscript of Charles Dickens' Great Expectations, Napoleon's Sevres breakfast set captured at Waterloo, and an ivory chess set that once belonged to Louis XIV.
Other than its historical associations, Wisbech is also the flourishing centre of a rich flower and fruit-growing area. The town, surrounded by bulb fields and orchards, is at its loveliest in blossom-time and full of activity during the fruit-picking season.