Wisbech

Wisbech (pronounced wiz'-beach) is a town with a population of about 19,000 in the Fenland district of Cambridgeshire. The River Nene runs through the centre of the town. The name means mouth of the (River) Ouse.

History

The first Wisbech castle was built by William I in 1086.

In the 17th century, the local inhabitants became known as the "Fen Tigers" because of their resistance to the draining of the fens, but the project turned Wisbech into a wealthy port handling agricultural produce. At this time Wisbech was on the estuary of the River Ouse, but silting caused the coastline to move north, and the River Nene was diverted to serve the town.

Culture

The local football team is Wisbech Town Football Club, nicknamed The Fenmen.

Notable buildings

• Peckover House (1722; owned by National Trust)

Famous people associated with Wisbech

Thomas Clarkson, the anti-slavery campaigner, was from Wisbech and was educated at Wisbech Grammar School. The Clarkson Memorial was built to commemorate his life, and is situated on the south bank of the Nene, near to the old bridge.

Octavia Hill, founder of the National Trust, was born in Wisbech.