Wisbech Attractions

Wisbech (pop. 17,400) is an attractive town which was formerly only 4mi/6.5km from the sea but is now 11mi/18km away. It has a harbor on the Nene and is surrounded by orchards, bulb fields and green fenland. In spring, when the trees are in blossom and also when the tulips are out, it attracts large numbers of visitors. The canals, with houses built along their banks, are reminiscent of Holland. Near the bridge is a monument to Thomas Clarkson, an active opponent of the slave trade. Also of interest are the two market places and the parish church of St Peter and St Paul, which has a fine 16th century tower. The Norman castle has long since disappeared, but there is a house built from its stone by Thomas Thurloe, Cromwell's secretary of state. Adjoining it is a museum, one of the oldest in the county, which counts among its treasures the original manuscript of "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens.