Wisbech

Joy Boldero

You need to log in as a member of Walkingworld to access the details for this walk and have an active subscription. Please join, or log in above if you are already a member.

Wisbech is an ancient port and has many historical buildings. At the start of the walk St Peter and Paul's Church is a very interesting one. There is a fine brass on the floor of Thomas de Braustone, Constable of Wisbech Castle in the 1400s.

The Norman castle was replaced by a Bishop's Palace in 1478 and in the 17th Century this was replaced by a mansion-house built for John Thurloe, who was Oliver Cromwell's Secretary of State. Later this was replaced by the Georgian Crescent in 1816. Along New Inn Yard is one of the oldest timber-framed buildings in the town. The statue is of Thomas Clarkson (1760-1846), who was born in Wisbech. He was one of the earliest leaders of the Abolitionist Movement.

Along South Brink is the house where Octavia Hill was born, now a museum. She was one of the founder members of the National Trust. Along North Brink there are many old historic houses including the 18th Century Peckover House, owned by the NT. Elgood's Brewery has a museum - the brewery has functioned for the last 200 years.

At the end of the walk Wisbech and Fenland Museum has many interesting items including the manuscript of 'Great Expectations' by Charles Dickens. In 1999 'David Copperfield' was filmed here for a TV series. Look out for the plaques on the walls, as there are many more places of interest here including the Rose and Crown in the market area, a very old building serving excellent meals.

England - East England - Cambridgeshire - Town or city