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Wisbech served as a port in medieval times but when the estuary of the River Ouse became silted up it was diverted into the sea at Lynn and the present artificial course of the River Nene was constructed from Peterborough to the Wash. The drained marshes provided rich productive farmland and Wisbech became the centre of a thriving agricultural region and an important trading centre.
In the 18th century Wisbech landowners, merchants and warehouse owners grew rich and built their rows of elegant houses along the river banks of the River Nene. Facing each other across the water North Brink and South Brink are amongst the finest Georgian streets in England.
Perfectly positioned in the Centre of north Brink, Peckover House is the finest property in Wisbech. It was built in 1722 and bought by Jonathan Peckover at the end of the 18th century. The Peckovers, a Quaker banking family, presented the building to the national trust in 1943. The outside of the house gives little idea of the elaborate and elegant interior. Fine panelled rooms, Georgian fireplaces with carved over-mantles and ornate plaster decorations. At the back of the house is a beautiful walled garden, full of interesting and rare plants as well as fruiting orange trees thought to be over 300 years old.
More visitor attractions include, The Crescent & the Castle, this delightful area, brimming with Georgian architecture, was developed speculatively by Joseph Medworth around 1800. The original castle was built shortly after the Norman Conquest to subdue the wild fen-men led by Hereward the Wake. The circular shape of the Castle moat determined the later development of the crescent. The Norman Castle was replaced by a Bishop’s Palace in 1478 and in the 17th century by a fine mansion built for John Thurloe who was Oliver Cromwell’s Secretary of State. Medworth built the present Regency villa in 1816, only the gate pliers of the original mansion now remain.
The Church of St Peter and its gardens are the setting for the annual Rose Fair held at the beginning of July. The church is full of breathtaking flower arrangements and the gardens brim with crafts and activities. Strawberry teas, fresh from the fenland fields are a favourite with visitors. The culmination of the festival is a procession of floats through the town. The complicated architectural history of St Peter’s has left many interesting features including a double nave. Parts date from the late 12th century and there are features representing most architectural styles up to the fine 16th century tower which houses a unique peal of ten bells.
The Market places, until the 13th century the Old Market was the trading centre for local farmers. It contained banks, implement and seed shops with the Corn Exchange and Cattle Market close by. It is surrounded by fine Georgian Properties. Those backing up to the river used to be served by an array of warehouses which could be serviced directly from the ships. The present market place grew under the protection of the castle until it finally outstripped the Old Market in medieval times. The market area has been paved and landscaped and is now an attractive pedestrianised zone and the focus for the twice weekly traditional market.
Elgoods Brewery, the traditional craft of brewing has taken place on the site of the North Brink Brewery for over 200 years. The present owners, the Elgood family mashed their 1st brew here on an autumn morning in 1878 and have continued to produce fine ales ever since.
Nearby attractions include the Butterfly and Falconry Park at Long Sutton, the Welney Wildfowl & Wetlands centre in Welney, the African Violet Centre of Terrington St Clement and the Fenland & West Norfolk Aviation Museum.
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