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The Splendour Of Wisbech
The Splendours of
By Eric Somerville
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WISBECH
he attraction of Wisbech is
Tthat its splendid architecture can mostly be seen within a few minutes’ walk from the town centre. In the mid-19th century Wisbech was a prosperous commercial and administrative centre. Local businessmen and merchants either bought or built many of the grand properties that grace the town today. The parish church of St Peter and St Paul is unusual, having two naves and two chancels under the same roof. Nearby is the Wisbech and Fenland Museum, being one of the first purpose-built museums in the country. A short distance away is Wisbech Castle, an imposing villa on the site of earlier fortifications. It is located at the apex of a regency circus of grand townhouses known as The Crescent, Union Place and Ely Place. Beyond, the towering Clarkson Memorial dominates the skyline. It commemorates Thomas Clarkson, the campaigner for the abolition of the slave trade, who was born in the town. From here ahead on South Brink is the birthplace of Octavia Hill, the 19th century social reformer and one of the founders of the National Trust. A short diversion down Alexandra Road takes in the Angles Theatre, one of the few remaining operating Georgian theatres in the country. Returning to cross the river by the town bridge the Old Market is entered, with Barclays Bank housed in a magnificent Italianate building. Turning left along the river into North Brink one passes the Corn Exchange, with the town council chamber above it, before coming to Peckover House. This National Trust property was the former home of the Peckover family. They were Quakers and great local benefactors. On the bend of the river in the distance is Elgoods Brewery with its magnificent gardens. Returning through the Old Market to Freedom Bridge, there are views of the quays and former warehouses, the yacht harbour and the working port, where seagoing vessels still discharge their cargoes of timber. Further down North End is the atmospheric Wisbech General Cemetery, one of the earliest garden cemeteries in the country. This ‘pocket park’ is a haven for wildlife and a suitable place to sit and reflect having toured the town.
Below: A Merchant Trail map, edited and updated by Eric Somerville
