Colin Crosby Heritage Tours

Wisbech

Wisbech is a market town and port in Cambridgeshire, 12 miles from Kings Lynn. The correct pronunciation is "Wizbeach".

Its heyday as a port was in the Middle Ages, when the River Nene flowed only another 4 miles before reaching the Wash, whereas today it flows for 11 miles before reaching the Wash just past Kings Lynn.

St. Peter and St. Paul Church is partly Norman, while the tower, almost a separate building, dates from around 1520.

Two lines of graceful 18th century buildings, known as North Brink and South Brink, line the river, forming one of the finest riverside vistas in the land. On the North side is Peckover House, dating from 1722, as well as Elgood`s Brewery, while on the other is the birthplace of Octavia Hill, one of the founders of the National Trust.

An impressive monument to Thomas Clarkson, who fought hard to abolish slavery, dominates the space between the Market Place and the river, and was designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott.

Wisbech Castle dates from the 18th century, and is on the site of the Norman castle, and around the line of the bailey is the 19th century Crescent.

Among those born in Wisbech are Thomas Clarkson, anti-slavery campaigner; Octavia Hill, co-founder of the National Trust; and Anton Rogers, actor.

Today, the main industry in the area is the cultivation of fruit, together with its packaging and marketing.

Blue Badge Guide Colin Crosby is available to lead Guided Walks around Wisbech for groups.