Wisbech was a port in medieval times and still enjoying shipping trade with Europe. The drained marshes provided rich productive farmland and Wisbech became the centre of a thriving agricultural region and an important trading centre. In the 18th century Wisbech landowners, merchants and warehouse owners grew wealthy and built elegant houses along the banks of the River Nene; the best of which are in North Brink and South Brink.
Octavia Hill, co-founder of the National Trust and a tireless worker for the cause of the poor, was born at No. 1 South Brink and the house is now the
Octavia Hill Museum with displays and exhibits depicting her work. Or visit
Peckover House and Gardens, built in 1722 and now a National Trust property. The
Wisbech and Fenland Museum is one of the oldest purpose-built museums in the country. Depicting the history of Wisbech it also holds the maunscript of Charles Dickens' Great Expectations.
The
Wisbech Rose Fair is East Anglia's premier Church Flower Festival with flowers in 4 churches, strawberry teas, craft, bric a brac, plants and a parade of floats.
