Fenland Heritage Open Days 11th - 14th September 2014
Wisbech
Guyhirn
March Whittlesey
Chatteris Whittlesey Festival Sunday 7th September - see page 16
NEW EVE NTS FOR 2014
Welcome to the Fenland Heritage Weekend! Once again, Fenland is pleased to take part in the national Heritage Open Days event which celebrates England’s fantastic architecture and culture by offering free access to places that are usually closed to the public or normally charge for admission. Every year for four days in September, buildings of every age, style and function throw open their doors. It is a once-a-year chance to discover architectural treasures and enjoy a wide range of tours, events and activities that bring local history and culture to life. Heritage Open Days is a national event, managed by the Heritage Open Days National Partnership and funded by English Heritage and, since its inception in 1994, has developed into Britain’s largest and most popular grassroots heritage event. At a local level, here in Fenland, the event is organised by Wisbech Town Council, Fenland District Council and The March Society. The managers of the buildings taking part and the events organised give up their time voluntarily to ensure that Fenland is represented so strongly and we would like to thank them for this. Throughout this book you will find details of the Fenland properties taking part and the events taking place in Chatteris, March and Wisbech. Browse through to see what takes your interest - there’s a lot to choose from! You can also access all this information via the Heritage Open Days website at www.heritageopendays.org.uk. And don’t forget the Whittlesey Festival on Sunday 7th September, now in its seventh year and more popular than ever. See the back page of this book for more details.
Have a wonderful time! PLEASE NOTE: All details included in this book were correct at time of going to press. Events and times are sometimes liable to change without notice due to unforeseen circumstances.
Contents Chatteris March Wisbech Whittlesey Festival
Page 2 Page 2 - 9 Page 10 - 15 Page 16
Booklet published by Paradigm Publishing www.paradigmpublishing.co.uk
Want to take part in 2015? If you would like to be involved in the Heritage Open Days event in 2015, please get in touch! Contacts: Wisbech and surrounding areas: Susanah Farmer, Wisbech Town Council, wisbechtc@aol.com 01945 461333 March: Jennifer Lawler, The March Society info@themarchsociety.org.uk www.themarchsociety.org.uk Chatteris, Whittlesey and villages: Vicki Whittingstall, Fenland District Council tourism@fenland.gov.uk 01354 654321 Or go to www.visitcambridgeshirefens.org
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Chatteris Chatteris Buildings Through The Years Chatteris Library, 2 Furrowfields Road, Chatteris, Cambridgeshire, PE16 6DY In partnership with Chatteris Archive, the library is holding an exhibition of photographs that will look at how many buildings in Chatteris have changed their use and appearance over the years.
Opening Times Friday 12th September: 10.00am - 5.00pm Saturday 13th September: 10.00am - 1.00pm
March A Walk Along Station Road, March Station Road, March, Cambridgeshire, PE15 8SQ Guided walks led by Andrew Clarke, Secretary of the March Society, focussing on architectural details of the buildings along Station Road. These will be gentle walks and will take about 1 hour. There is no rough walking and the ground is paved and flat. Ideal size of group is 15, but no need to book, just turn up on the day. Open to any age provided they can cope with the distance but children should be accompanied by an adult.
Opening Times Saturday 13th September: Walk at 10.00am & 2.00pm
Additional Information No booking required. The walks will start at the town side of the station outside The Plate and Porter Restaurant (210 Station Road). Norfolk Green Bus No 56 departs from outside Barclays Bank in March town at 9.55am and 1.55pm and goes to the Plate and Porter. Walks will start when the bus has arrived. No dogs. Organised by The March Society
www.themarchsociety.org
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March March Masonic Hall City Road, March, Cambridgeshire, PE15 9LS The Masonic Hall at March was formerly known as The Primrose Hall and was an addition to the March Liberal Club premises in High Street. Named after the Isle of Ely MP, Captain The Hon Neil Primrose, who died of wounds in 1917 in Palestine, the decision to build the hall was made in 1925 and it was opened in 1932 on the site of former cottages. In 1956 the local Liberals decided to sell the hall and it was eventually purchased by the local Freemasons, who had been meeting in The Griffin Hotel since 1907. The Masonic Hall is now the home to the town’s two Lodges, Caldwell No 3201 and Stone Cross No 6704, as well as various other Masonic orders.
Opening Times Sunday 14th September: 10.00am - 4.00pm
AmeyCespa March Waste Transfer Station Melbourne Avenue, March, Cambridgeshire, PE15 0EN The visit gives an insight to what happens to domestic waste collected in the March area,recycling and environmental concerns and is led by a member of Amey Cespa’s staff. This is a working site with vehicles and plant moving. High visibility jackets and hard hats will be provided. Participants must wear stout shoes or boots. No children.
Opening Times Friday 12th September: Tours at 9.30am & 11.30am
Booking Details Maximum of 15 people per tour. Places must be booked on The March Society’s website www.themarchsociety.org Organised by The March Society
Georges 61 High Street, March, Cambridgeshire, PE15 9JJ A Public House that dates back to the 1830s, Georges, or The George Inn as it was called, also had an adjoining baker and butchers. In the past it was the centre of the community that was known as Little London, an area heavily populated and invested with disease and vermin.The Public House looked out over an open sewer known as the Hythe and although this was bricked over in the late 1800s it still exists under Georges front beer garden. During Heritage Weekend, staff from Georges will be dressing up in 1800s clothing and will be displaying plans and a layout of how the property used to look.
Opening Times Thursday 11th September: 8.00am - 11.00pm Friday 12th September: 8.00am - midnight Saturday 13th September: 8.00am - midnight Sunday 14th September: 8.00am - 11.00pm
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www.georges-march.co.uk
March Young People March The Centre, City Road, March, Cambridgeshire, PE15 9LS Young People March (YPM) is a voluntary organisation which was established in 1993, achieving charitable status in 1994 and becoming a Limited Company in 2009. The centre is run with help from adults and young people who volunteer, bringing a wide range of skills from the local community. Our goal is to provide a safe and cared for environment in which ALL young people of the area can access positive experiences to enrich and smooth their successful transition from child to adulthood. We work hard to offer opportunities and guidance that will enhance and structure young people’s education, training, employment and social lives so that they are better equipped to take an active role in all aspects of their community. For Heritage Open Days Weekend we will have a display depicting the history of YPM.
Opening Times Thursday 11th September: 10.30am - 2.00pm
The Acre 9 Acre Road, March, Cambridgeshire, PE15 9JD The Acre, a riverside public house, has recently been refurbished. Known in the past as The Rose and Crown and The Acre Hotel, it stands at the end of Acre Road. It can also be accessed by a footpath from the Town Bridge, and a footpath named Acre Road between shops in the High Street. The Acre public house was next to the Acre Mill which was owned by Owen Gray until about 1840. The mill was then sold and the area developed with a steam mill and new buildings for the riverside trade. Although the mill and other buildings have now gone, there are still a few remaining cottages in Acre Road. These are all that are left of Little London, an overcrowded area associated with Victorian epidemics of cholera and other diseases and demolished in the 1960s. The Acre will be having a display of photos of local heritage.
Opening Times Thursday 11th September: 11.00am - 11.00pm Saturday 13th September: 11.00am - midnight
Friday 12th September: 11.00am - midnight Sunday 14th September: 11.00am - 10.30pm
‘Toys of the Past’ March & District Museum High Street, March, Cambridgeshire, PE15 9JJ An exhibition for younger visitors - ‘Toys of the Past’
Opening Times Saturday 13th September: 10.30am - 3.30pm Sunday 14th September: 2.00pm - 5.00pm
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March St Peter’s Church Tower Tours High Street, March, Cambridgeshire, PE15 9JR St Peter’s church dates from 1881. The clock is believed to date from the late 17th century and to be the oldest working mechanical object in March, made without bolt or screw. It was erected in the old Market buildings in 1832 and when the buildings were demolished in 1898, the clock was given to St Peter’s church by Mr George Sharman. The bell was made in 1832 in Downham Market and weighed five hundredweight. Tours of the bell tower take place over the Heritage Open Days Weekend. People should be aware that there is a spiral staircase with over 50 steps, so it is only suitable for the reasonably fit and is undertaken at one’s own risk.
Opening Times Thursday 11th September: Open 9.00am - 5.00pm; Tours midday - 2.00pm Friday 12th September: Open 9.00am - 5.00pm; Tours midday - 2.00pm Saturday 13th September: Open 9.00am - 5.00pm; Tours at 11.00am, 12.00 midday, 1.00pm, 2.00pm & 3.00pm No booking required, but maximum of 15 people per tour.
Fossils Galore 60 High Street, March, Cambridgeshire, PE15 9LD Fossils Galore will be displaying fossils from around the world. There will also be free Fossil Handling by Jamie Jordan the local Fossil Expert as well as free identification of any fossils that are brought in. The centre is supported by its Patron Nigel Marven. There will be a range of activities for families to do, including Fossil Hunting in the sand pit, Gold Panning, Dinosaur Colouring, Dinosaur Hunt, Geode Breaking and much more.
Opening Times Thursday 11th September: 10.00am - 5.00pm Friday 12th September: 10.00am - 5.00pm Saturday 13th September: 10.00am - 5.00pm
Display on March’s Heritage in the Library March Library, City Road, March, Cambridgeshire, PE15 9LT A display celebrating March’s Heritage by The March Society, hosted by March Library.
Opening Times Thursday 11th September: 9.30am - 7.00pm Friday 12th September: 9.30am - 5.00pm Saturday 13th September: 9.30am - 4.00pm
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www.themarchsociety.org
March Our Lady of Good Counsel and St Peter Roman Catholic Church 8 St Johns Road, March, Cambridgeshire, PE15 8RJ The Roman Catholic parish of March has been a part of the community since 1911. Our present church was built in 1953 but many local people have never seen inside. The church will be open to give an opportunity to visit and look around. There will be someone to show you around but you can also visit independently. There will be displays about the parish’s history and the sale of light refreshments in the church hall next door. Everyone is welcome.
Opening Times Saturday 13th September: 10.00am - 4.00pm Sunday 14th September: 10.00am - 4.00pm
Railways, Butterflies and Water Voles A Guided Walk through Ring’s End Nature Reserve, Twenty Foot Road, March, Cambs Rings End Nature Reserve is located on the section of disused rail track from the Twenty Foot road to the village of Rings End. Many of these old railway lines have become havens for wildlife as nature has reclaimed them. On this section a lot of the old railway furniture is still obvious and therefore this walk will explore how the historic industrial use of the site has now created a habitat for a variety of wildlife, including the rare and elusive water vole. The walk will be suitable for children, but under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.
Opening Times Thursday 11th September: 6.30pm - 8.00pm
Search for ‘Friends of Rings End Nature Reserve’
Additional Information The walk will start from the Nature Reserve car park, which is situated on the Twenty Foot Road, PE15 0BE. Access to the main part of the site is accessible for wheelchairs/pushchairs
The Ship Inn Nene Parade, March, Cambridgeshire, PE15 8TD The Ship Inn is a Grade II listed building believed to be from the 17th century or earlier. It is a timber framed building with an overhanging upper story, thatched roof and ornately carved beams. There was a prison underground, which has been filled in. There will be a special display of photos and information about the history of The Ship over the last 150 years.
Opening Times Thursday 11th September: 9.00am - midnight Saturday 13th September: 9.00am - 12.30am
Friday 12th September: 9.00am - 12.30am Sunday 14th September: 9.00am - 10.30pm
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March St Wendreda’s Church:Tour Wimblington Road, March, Cambridgeshire, PE15 9QW St Wendreda’s Church is the only Grade I listed building in the town. Almost certainly the current church is built on the site of an earlier Saxon timber church. Wendreda was a daughter of the Saxon King Anna and, in the 7th century, established a mission on the site to minister to the poor and needy. The church was enlarged in the 1340s to house the shrine of the relics of St Wendreda, translated from Canterbury Cathedral in 1343, and became a place of pilgrimage. The great glory of St Wendreda’s Church, for which it receives world renown, is its ancient double-hammer beamed roof, which is adorned with 118 carved Angels, making it almost unique. A wonderful example of the wood-carvers art, the roof was built between 1470 and 1520.
Opening Times Thursday 11th September: Tours at 11.00am & 2.00pm Friday 12th September: Tours at 11.00am & 2.00pm Saturday 13th September: Tour at 2.00pm
Additional Information No booking required, just turn up.
March Railway Station Station Approach, Station Road, March, Cambridgeshire, PE15 8SJ The railway first came to March on December 10th 1846 and was open to the public in January 1847. The platforms were opened on November 23rd 1885. The Friends of March Station group was formed in August 2009 to rejuvenate the disused side of the station. The Heritage Open Days event will include a number of railway related displays.
Opening Times Saturday 13th September: 10.00am - 1.00pm Organised by Friends of March Railway Station
www.fomrs.org.uk
“The Grays of Gray’s Lane” - Walk into March’s History Starting at Darthill Road Car Park, March, Cambridgeshire, PE15 8NT Take a trip into the March of the past with local historian Edna Stacey. Edna will take you on a journey around the town centre and explain the influence the Gray family had on March. Meet in Darthill Road Car Park for a 2.30pm start, no need to book in advance. Walk will last approx 1 hour 45 minutes.
Opening Times Sunday 14th September: Walk starts at 2.30pm
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March St John the Evangelist Church Station Road, March, Cambridgeshire, PE15 8NG St. John’s Church was built in 1872 in the ‘Gothic’ style, with 13th century style fenestration and font, a marble pulpit and a nave with a scissor-braced roof. The church will be having an Open Day offering tea, coffee and biscuits and a tour of the church.
Opening Times Saturday 13th September: 10.00am - 6.00pm; Tour at 11.00am www.stjohnmarch.co.uk
St Mary’s Church Wisbech Road, Westry, March, Cambridgeshire, PE15 0BA This is an event being put on specially for Heritage Open days since St. Mary’s Church, built in 1874, is not usually open to the public and we wish to invite the community to see the craftsmanship of the renovation and to have a guided tour from one of the stewards. An information leaflet will also be available. Refreshments will be available. A Makin’s organ may be played.
Opening Times Saturday 13th September: 10.00am - 3.00pm www.stmaryschurchmarch.co.uk
Walk around Station Road’s Cemetery with March & District Museum The Cemetery, Station Road, March, Cambridgeshire During the walk, through the peaceful surroundings, the establishment and history of the Cemetery will be discussed. The lives of some of March’s prominent business men will be explained as will the demise of some local men who met violent and unexpected deaths. The strange case of a baby that was delivered twice will also be revealed. Additionally an opportunity to view the inside of the Cemetery’s Chapel, March’s least known religious building, will be available. An afternoon not to be missed and lots of facts to be discovered, we look forward to you joining us. Meet at the Cemetery on Station Road for a 2.30pm start. No booking required.
Opening Times Sunday 14th September: Walk starts at 2.30pm Organised by March & District Museum
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Wisbech Octavia Hill Birthplace House © Wisbech Town Council - Rob Morris
7 South Brink, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE13 1JB Octavia Hill (1838-1912) was a woman ahead of her time. An artist and a radical, she was a pioneer of affordable housing and can be seen as the founder of modern social work. Her formidable achievements as an environmental and open space campaigner led to her co-founding the National Trust, which today protects over 300 historic properties and keeps 250,000 hectares of land open to all. Her life and work is documented in Octavia Hill’s Birthplace House, a handsome Georgian house facing the river Nene. The house and its displays demonstrate this remarkable woman’s influence on our life today: her fight against poverty and disease and her quest to bring peace and beauty into the lives of ordinary working people.
Opening Times Saturday 13th September: 1.30pm - 4.30pm
www.octaviahill.org
19 North Brink 19 North Brink, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE13 1JR An opportunity to have a look around a Georgian property on the North Brink, usually privately let out by the National Trust.
Opening Times Saturday 13th September: 12.00 midday - 4.00pm
Additional Information Several flights of stairs and confined spaces. The property is unfurnished and we are currently developing plans of how to use the property in the future. 19 North Brink is next door to the National Trust property, Peckover House. Organised by National Trust www.nationaltrust.org.uk/peckover
All Saints’ Church, Walsoken Church Road, Walsoken, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE13 3RA All Saints has been a centre of worship since 1146. Situated exactly 1 mile from the centre of Wisbech, the church has been described as ‘The grandest Norman parish church in Norfolk’. The church will be open all day on the Saturday and Sunday and there will be a talk on the church architecture on both days at 3pm by Peter Wadlow, Churchwarden.
Opening Times Friday 12th September: 10.00am - 12.00 midday (coffee morning, bric-a-brac and raffle) Saturday 13th September: 10.00am - 5.00pm; Talk at 3.00pm Sunday 14th September: 10.00am - 5.00pm; Talk at 3.00pm Organised by All Saints’ Church,Walsoken
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www.allsaintswalsoken.co.uk
Wisbech Council Chamber 1 North Brink, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE13 1JQ The building was erected in 1811 as an Exchange Hall on a site previously occupied by The Nag’s Head public house. The upper rooms which comprise Wisbech Town Council Chamber and offices were originally a gentlemen’s club billiard room and newspaper room. The Council Chamber houses many works of art, artefacts and official documents which reflect the civic history and accomplishments of Wisbech. The building has a stairlift.
Opening Times Thursday 11th September: 12.00 midday - 2.00pm Friday 12th September: 12.00 midday - 2.00pm Saturday 13th September: 10.00am - 2.00pm Sunday 14th September: 10.00am - 2.00pm www.wisbechtowncouncil.org.uk
Wisbech Social Club & Institute Hill Street, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE13 1AP Wisbech Institute stands proudly in the town centre, a monument to local benefactor Jonathan Peckover, whose vision led to its opening in 1864. Its aim to provide educational and recreational facilities to protect the working classes from modern-day temptations. Alfred House was purchased in 1867, and extra rooms and a lecture hall added. in 1891 the clock tower was added with its peal of carillion bells. Ground floor accessible but any tours will include stairs
Opening Times Friday 12th September: 10.00am - 4.00pm Saturday 13th September: 10.00am - 4.00pm
Guided tours of The Orchard followed by apple juice tasting The Orchard,The Orchard Tea Room & Farm Shop, Redmoor Lane, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE14 0RN Guided tours of our (nearly) 100 year old traditional English orchard followed by free apple juice tasting. Children & dogs on leads welcome to take the guided tour but please note that you will be walking through grass so it may not be suitable for pushchairs. There are disabled facilities at the tea room & farm shop, the orchard can be viewed from the tea room but the guided tour of the orchard is unsuitable for wheelchairs.
Opening Times Sunday 14th September: 10.00am - 4.00pm; Tours at 10.30am and 2.30pm www.theorchardtearoom.co.uk
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Wisbech Guyhirn Chapel of Ease
© Wisbech Town Council
High Road, Guyhirn, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE13 4EF A plain, finely proportioned, small rectangular building constructed partly of brick and partly of Barnack stone. Its exterior appearance and the austerity of its internal arrangements, with the original narrow wooden pews to prevent kneeling still in place, proclaim the building’s Puritan origin. It was designed at the end of the Cromwellian Commonwealth, when the Puritan mode of worship was the accepted one, but following the Restoration, the Chapel was adopted by the Church of England as a Chapel of Ease in the charge of the Vicar of Wisbech St Peter until 1854, when Wisbech St Mary was created a separate parish.
Opening Times
Saturday 13th September: 10.00am - 3.00pm Sunday 14th September: 10.00am - 3.00pm; Heritage Service 2.30pm www.guyhirn-online.org.uk/chapel-of-ease.shtml
The Angles Theatre Alexandra Road, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE13 1HQ Wisbech (now Angles) Theatre was built in 1793 by Mr Robertson, the manager of the Lincoln Circuit. Between 1846 and 1977 the theatre had many different uses including: chapel for Wesleyan Methodist Reformers, grain store, store for a tent maker, public baths, a school of Science and Art, town library, and as a Christian Spiritualist Church. In 1978 the then recently formed ‘Angles Theatre Company’ rediscovered the theatre and leased it from the owners. They established a Council to administer the theatre. A Constitution for the Theatre Council was approved by the Charity Commissioners “to foster and promote the maintenance, improvement and development of the Angles Theatre, and its knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the Arts in Wisbech and its environs.”
Opening Times Thursday 11th September: 2.00pm - 6.00pm Friday 12th September: 2.00pm - 6.00pm Saturday 13th September: 10.00am - 12.00 midday
www.anglestheatre.co.uk
St. Augustine’s Church and Parish Centre Lynn Road, Wisbech A Victorian Church. built in 1868 at a cost of £4000. There are lots of interesting things to see including an extensive library. There will be a display of St Augustine’s past.
Opening Times Friday 12th September: 10.30am to 2.00pm Saturday 13th September: 10.00am - 4.00pm Sunday 14th September: 10.00am - 1.00pm
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Display, refreshments, and tombola of crafted goods.
Wisbech Fenland & West Norfolk Aviation Museum Old Lynn Road, West Walton, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE14 7DA Fenland & West Norfolk Aircraft Preservation Society is responsible for setting up the museum and was formed in the mid 1970s. The museum holds many interesting collections of aviation archaeology. All the exhibits (except the aircraft) are housed in purpose built premises comprising of three large themed halls, with interactive displays, well lit cabinets and structured themes. It is hoped to have the recently acquired Shackleton cockpit open for viewing.
Opening Times Thursday 11th September: 10.00am - 4.00pm Saturday 13th September: 9.30am - 4.30pm
Friday 12th September: 10.00am - 4.00pm Sunday 14th September: 9.30am - 4.30pm
Wisbech General Cemetery North End, Chapel Road car park , Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE13 1PE This attractive and peaceful corner of Wisbech originated in 1836, one of the first Victorian burial grounds in the country primarily for non-conformists. The land, around 3 acres, was laid out as a formal garden with gravel pathways, lawns, trees and flowering shrubs following the style of the new cemeteries in London and Paris. Many prominent residents of Wisbech were buried here over the next 100 years including Samuel Smith, the Victorian photographer who took some stunning images of Wisbech port in its heyday. This is now a haven for wildlife and a woodland habitat, which is a rarity in this part of Fenland. Friends of Wisbech General Cemetery will be on hand, plus the Wisbech Society. New entrance to be in use - The Lambert Walk - named for Basil Lambert, the last person buried here.
Opening Times Sunday 14th September: 10.00am - 4.00pm
Vivien Fire Engine Trust 1 North Brink, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE13 1JR “Vivien” is a Leyland fire engine, which was proudly serving Wisbech from 1932 until 1963. Named after the Mayoress at the time,Vivien was regarded as one of the most up-to-date fire engines in the district. It featured the distinctive “Borough of Wisbech Fire Brigade” lettering and the Borough of Wisbech armorial bearings on the side.
Opening Times Saturday 13th September: 10.00am - 2.00pm Sunday 14th September: 10.00am - 2.00pm
© Wisbech Town Council
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Wisbech St Peter’s & St Paul’s Church Church Terrace, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE13 1HB The present church was first built in 1187AD when a Norman stone castle was erected to replace an earlier wooden structure. The church is unique in that it possesses a double nave and twin chancels, reflecting the wealth and prosperity of the medieval guilds that built the original church. The magnificent organ was built in 1951 and is one of the finest examples to be found within East Anglia. The church tower will be open - access is via a narrow, steep spiral staircase and caution should be taken. Refreshments on Saturday.
Opening Times Friday 12th September: 10.00am - 4.00pm Saturday 13th September: 10.00am - 4.00pm, Tower Tours at 2.00pm & 3.30pm Sunday 14th September: 10.00am - 4.00pm
View from the Tower © Wisbech Town Council
Additional information Wheelchair access to church, but not the tower. Max 6 people per tour.
Friends’ Meeting House 21 North Brink, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE13 1JX Built in 1854, the Friends’ Meeting House replaced an earlier building made from two thatched cottages in which local Quakers had worshipped since 1711. Behind it is a small graveyard where many members of the Peckover family are buried. Another grave is that of Jane Stuart, an illegitimate daughter of James II, who came to live in Wisbech and died here in 1742, aged 88. She came to Wisbech after her father had been deposed from the throne. She was already a Quaker and was most probably converted by William Penn who often visited the the Palace of Whitehall. The town of Wisbech was well known at the Palace because of the Castle. There will be a display about the Quakers and their peace testimony. This will include a display about Priscilla Hannah Peckover, who led an international peace movement and was nominated for the Nobel Peace prize.
Opening Times
© Stride Design Ltd 2009
Saturday 13th September: 12.00 midday -5.00pm Sunday 14th September: 12.00 midday - 5.00pm Organised by the Religious Society of Friends(Quakers)
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Wisbech Wisbech Castle
© Rob Morris
Museum Square, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE13 1ES Wisbech Castle is a Regency Villa built in 1816. It stands on the site of the Norman Castle of 1087, Bishop’s Palace 1478 and Thurloes Mansion, 1656 and was the starting point for the development of the town. Wisbech Castle has a long and colourful history, with Royal visits, notable prisoners and a host of colourful characters who played an important part in its fascinating story. The house is presently furnished in the Regency style and includes interesting furniture and artefacts.
Opening Times
www.wisbechcastle.ccceducation.org Saturday 13th September: 10.00am - 4.00pm
Wisbech Masonic Lodges The Crescent, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE13 1EH A former Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, opened in 1803, and now a Masonic Temple. A rare opportunity to view the interior of this Georgian building, along with a display of regalia. Members of the Lodge will be available to show visitors around the premises and answer any questions they may have regarding the Lodge premises, Freemasonry in general or the Wisbech Lodges in particular.
Opening Times Saturday 13th September: 12.00 midday - 3.00pm Sunday 14th September: 12.00 midday - 3.00pm Organised by Wisbech Masonic Lodges
http://masonryinwisbech.homestead.com/
Wisbech & Fenland Museum Museum Square, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE13 1DT One of the oldest museums in the United Kingdom and very unusual because it is also home to two historic libraries and a substantial archive, holding diocesan and borough items. The collections were initiated by the town’s Literary and Museum Societies which were formed in 1781 and 1835 respectively. Saturday and Sunday - exhibition and demonstration from 98 Lace Group
Opening Times Saturday 13th September: 10.00am - 4.00pm Sunday 14th September: 10.00am - 4.00pm
www.wisbechmuseum.org.uk
© Wisbech Town Council
LEVEL ACCESS to the Museum via Wilderness Walk. The Museum has a lift and an accessible toilet.
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And also... Not official Heritage Open Days events, but happening around Fenland at this time.
Whittlesey Festival Sunday 7th September, 10.30am to 4.30pm Now in its seventh year, the Whittlesey Festival promises to be bigger and better than ever before. The Festival starts with a Parade from Broad Street at 10.30 am and will be a fun-filled day out for all the family, with numerous stalls and attractions, fairground rides, climbing wall, vintage car display, singers, musicians, marching bands and much more. Not forgetting the Craft Stalls and Beautiful Baby competition. This year we will also see a Spitfire fly past which is guaranteed to ‘wow’ the crowds. Whatever your age there will definitely be something for you so why not come along and enjoy a fun and relaxing day out?
Heritage Market, Wisbech Sunday 14th September, 10.30am to 4.30pm A new and unusual quality market event within the market place to compliment the other heritage activities around the town. There will be over 20 stalls offering a wide range of hand crafted and interesting goods and services, an international cheese vendor, a paella stall plus the finest shellfish on offer from ‘Silver Fins’ of Norfolk. There will also be a static display provided by ‘Norfolk Owls’ showing these lovelly birds in an ‘open air and hands on’ tableau. Children will have rides and a bouncy castle to keep them amused. Organised by Markets and Events Ltd in association with FenCraft Fairs. www.easyevents4u.co.uk www.fencraftfairs.com
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