Wisbech

Wisbece was recorded in the 1086 Domesday. The name Wisbech is believed to mean "on the back of the (River) Ouse", Ouse being a common Celtic word relating to water, and the name of a river that once flowed through the town. Alternatively, the first element may derive from the River Wissey, which used to run to Wisbech, or possibly ‘marshy-meadow valley or ridge’, from Old English wisc + bece or baec.[2] A wide range of spellings are found on trade tokens, in newspapers, books, maps and other documents e.g. Wisbece, Wisebece, Wisbbece, Wysbeche, Wisbeche, Wissebeche, Wysebeche, Wysbech, Wyxbech, Wyssebeche, Wisbidge, Wisbich and Wisbitch,[3][4][5] until the town's name spelling was fixed by the local council in the 19th century.

During the Iron Age, the area where Wisbech would develop lay in the west of the Brythonic Iceni tribe's territory. Icenian coins are known from both March and Wisbech.[6] Like the rest of Cambridgeshire, Wisbech was part of the Kingdom of East Anglia after the Anglo-Saxon invasion.

The first authentic references to Wisbech occur in a charter dated 664 granting the Abbey at Medeshamstede (now Peterborough) land in Wisbech[7] and in 1000, when Oswy and Leoflede, on the admission of their son Aelfwin as a monk, gave the vill to the monastery of Ely.[8] In 1086, when Wisbech was held by the abbot, there may have been some 65 to 70 families, or about 300 to 350 persons, in Wisbech manor. However, Wisbech (which is the only one of the Marshland vills of the Isle to be mentioned in the Domesday Book) probably comprised the whole area from Tydd Gote down to the far end of Upwell at Welney.[9]

A castle was built by William I to fortify the site. At the time of Domesday (1086) the population is that of a large village. Some were farmers and others fishermen.[10]

Richard I gave Wisbeach/Wisbech a charter. King John of England visited the castle on 12 October 1216 as he came from Bishop's Lynn. Tradition has it that his baggage train was lost to the incoming tide of The Wash. Treasure hunters still seek the lost royal treasure.[11]

Twenty years later the castle was 'utterly destroyed' by marine flooding; however it was rebuilt by 1246 when the constable or keeper was Wm Justice.

The register of Bishop John Fordham of Ely appoints a Master of the Grammar Scholars in 1407 (the Grammar School dates back to 1379 or earlier).

Edward IV visited Wisbech in 1469.[12]

The Charter of Edward VI, 1 June 1549 raised the town to a corporation. In the same year Wm. Bellman gave a plot of land for the school-house.[13] In 1333-4 the kiln in the town was producing 120,000 bricks. There were several fisheries belonging to the manor of Wisbech and in the 1350s the reeves of Walton and Leverington each sent a porpoise to Wisbech Castle, and the reeve of Terrington a swordfish.[14]

During the reigns of Elizabeth I, James I, and Charles I, there was a state ecclesiastical prison in Wisbech for Catholics, many of whom died there owing to the insanitary conditions.[15] In 1588 it is claimed that Robert Catesby and Francis Tresham were committed to Wisbeach Castle on the approach of the Spanish Armada.[16] Among those held there was John Feckenham, the last Abbot of Westminster. The palace was demolished and replaced with John Thurloe's mansion in the mid-17th century, and Thurloe's mansion demolished in 1816 by Joseph Medworth, who also developed The Circus comprising The Crescent, Union Place and Ely Place with Museum Square and Castle Square familiar as the settings in numerous costume dramas.

In 1620 a former Wisbech resident Dorothea Bradford (née May) sailed on the Mayflower to the New World with her husband William Bradford (governor) later to be Governor Bradford.[17]

Across the Eastern Counties, Oliver Cromwell's powerful Eastern Association was eventually dominant. However, to begin with, there had been an element of Royalist sympathy within Wisbech. Bishop Matthew Wren was a staunch supporter of Charles I but even in 1640 was unpopular in Wisbech, after discovering his absence from a 'Commission of Sewers' meeting at the Castle, a crowd of soldiers plundered shops of some of his supporters. The town was near the frontier of the Parliamentary and Royalist forces in 1643. The Castle and town were put into a state of readiness and reinforced. A troop of horse was raised. Locally based troops took part in the Siege of Crowland in 1642. The town controlled the route from Lincolnshire to Norfolk particularly during the Siege of King's Lynn in 1643 as it prevented reinforcements by land of the Royalists holding the Norfolk port.[18]

A town library was founded c. 1653.[19]

In 1656 the bishop's palace was replaced by Thurloe's mansion however after the Restoration the property reverted to the See of the bishop of Ely.[20]

Soap was taxed and manufacturers such as the Wisbech Soap Company required a licence. Based in an Old Market property facing the river, they were able to receive oil from the blubber yards of King's Lynn as well as coal, wood for casks and olive oil used in making the coarse, sweet and grey (speckled) soaps they produced from 1716 to about 1770.[21]

Wisbech's first workhouse located in Albion Place opened in 1722, it could accommodate three hundred inmates and cost £2,000.[22]

Peckover House on North Brink by the Nene

Peckover House, with its walled garden, was built in 1722 and purchased by the Quaker Peckover banking family in the 1790s. It is now owned by the National Trust (NT). Formerly known as Bank House, the house was renamed in honour of the Peckover family by the NT. The Peckover Bank became part of Barclays Bank.

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

In 1781 Wisbech Literary Society was formed at the house of Jonathan Peckover.[23]

Theatres in both Pickard's Lane (a barn) and North End and a third (temporary structure) in the High Street are referred to. A new theatre (now part of the Angles Theatre had been built in Deadman's Lane (later Great Church Street, now Alexandra Road) now Angles Theatre c1790. It was used to hold the auction of the contents of the castle, part of the estate of Edward Southwell on 8 November 1791.[24]

In 1835 a copy of Col. Watson's History of Wisbech was presented to Princess Victoria during her brief halt in Wisbech.

Wisbech Regatta was first held in 1850.[25]

June 1858 The Russian Gun. —During the past week a brass plate has been added to the Russian Gun, bearing the inscription:— "This trophy of the late Russian War, presented by Queen Victoria to the Burgesses of Wisbech. Thomas Steed Watson, Mayor, 1858."[26]

The Isle of Ely and Wisbech Advertiser was founded in 1845.[27]

The new Wisbech & Fenland Museum building opened in 1847 and continues to collect, care for and interpret the natural and cultural heritage of Wisbech and the surrounding area.[28]

On 1 March 1848 Eastern Counties Railway opened Wisbeach (sic) station (later renamed Wisbech East railway station). It closed on 9 September 1968.

In 1848 there were 2 deaths per 1,000 while in London it was 1 in 3,000 reported the ‘’Lincolnshire Chronicle’’ on 15, September 1854. The scarcity of water was thought to be one cause of the continued prevalence of the disease.

In the 1853-54 cholera epidemic 176 deaths were reported in the town in 1854.[29] The Wisbech death rate (49 per 10,000) was the fourth highest in the country. The following year saw £8,000 expenditure on sewerage works and £13,400 on water supplies.[30]

In 1863 a copy of Walker and Craddocks History of Wisbech was presented to the Prince and Princess of Wales on their arrival by train. The following year the Wisbech Working Men's Club and Institute was formed with Jonathan Peckover becoming its first President.[23]

On Sunday 29 June 1857 a mob entered the town and broke the Corn Merchants windows and seized corn and demanded money from shopkeepers. On July the gentry and traders by beat of drum recruited about 500 men and went to Upwell and took 60 and placed them in irons. On 4 September a Report was made to the Lords Justices of 14 malfactors condemned at Wisbech for a riot, when 2 were ordered for execution the following Saturday and twelve for transportation.[31]

In 1864 the Castle estate was purchased by Alexander Peckover. In 1932 his descendant Alexandrina Peckover gave to the Borough council a piece of land to be laid out as an ornamental garden adjoining the War memorial. [32]

The British Archaeological Association's 35th Annual Congress was held in Wisbech in August 1878. Its president was the then Earl of Hardwicke[23]

In August 1883 Wisbech and Upwell Tramway opened. It eventually closed in 1966 (passenger services finished in 1927). The steam trams were replaced by diesels in 1952.

The Wisbech Standard newspaper was founded in 1888.[33]

In April 1904 the Borough council contracted with the National Electric Construction Company Ltd for the installation of electric street lighting.[34]

Mrs Emmeline Pankhurst founder of the Women's Social and Political Union visited the town in December 1910 and addressed large audiences in the constituency including a meeting at the Selwyn Hall on Monday 12 December and an Open Air demonstration on 13 December. Due to the massive turnout an additional hall was inadequate, Lady Isabel Margesson addressed the audience.[35]

On 30 October 1913 the Riot Act was read by the mayor in response to civil unrest in response to the death of the popular surgeon Doctor Horace Dimock. He had been arrested on charges of criminal libel on the information of Dr Meacock. On hearing that Dimock had taken his own life a crowd formed and smashed the windows of Meacock's residence on the North Brink. The police charged the crowds and cleared the streets.[36]

The Wisbech Canal joining the River Nene at Wisbech was subsequently filled in and became the dual carriageway leading into the town from the east (now crossing the bypass).[37]

Wisbech War Memorial was unveiled on 24 July 1921.[38]

Lloyd George visited the town in 1925 to give a speech.[39]

In 1929 The Wisbech Pageant was held at Sibalds Holme Park on 4–5 September. The Pageant Master was Sir Arthur Bryant who had experience with the Cambridgeshire Pageant 1924, Oxfordshire Pageant 1926 and London Empire Pageants of 1928 and 1929. The Wisbech total attendance was estimated in excess of 25,000 people.[40]

On Thursday 2 June 1932 newsreel photographers record the 'Capital of the Fens' as it is brought to a standstill as crowds fill the streets to catch a glimpse of Prince George as he receives the Loyal Address from the Mayor.

In 1934 part of Walsoken parish, Norfolk was merged with Wisbech, bringing with it the schools, shops and public houses but leaving the church and much of the rural part in Norfolk. The suburb of New Walsoken is now largely built up. A boundary marker in Wisbech Park was erected to record the event.[41] Ring's End was transferred from Wisbech to Elm.[42]

The port of Wisbech now houses a large number of berths for yachts adjacent to the Boathouse development.

In 1939 Wisbech Society and Preservation Trust was founded to safeguard the history and heritage of Wisbech.[43]

Sunday Working was an issue and in 1946 a poll was planned to take place over the issue of Sunday operation of the local cinemas.[44]

In 1949 the Borough celebrated the 400th anniversary of receiving its charter. The Pageant in Sibalds Holme Park, Barton Road featured over 600 performers.[45][46]

In 1950 Queen Elizabeth and her daughter Princess Margaret visited St.Peter's church, Wisbech & Fenland museum and Peckover House.[47]

The first Wisbech Rose Fair was held in 1963 when local rose growers sold rose buds in the parish church in aid of its restoration.[48]

On 27 June 1970, the heaviest point rainfall was recorded in Wisbech, when 2 inches (50.8 mm) fell in just 12 minutes during the Rose Fair.[49]

On 21 September 1979, two Harrier jump jets on a training exercise collided over Wisbech; one landed in a field and the other in a residential area. Two houses and a bungalow were demolished on Ramnoth Road, causing the death of Bob Bowers, his two-year-old son Jonathan Bowers, and former town mayor Bill Trumpess.[50]

The 5-mile (8 km), £6 million A47 Wisbech/West Walton bypass opened in spring 1982.

In 1990 further county boundary changes brought a small area of Walsoken, Norfolk into Wisbech.[51]

In 2009 Oxford Archaeology East (OAE) organised a dig at Wisbech Castle to search for remains of the Bishop's Palace.[52] Large numbers of local volunteers took part and hundreds of children visited the dig site. Later in the year a group of volunteers formed Fenland Archaeological Society (FenArch). The Society has carried out a number of digs including the Manea Colony dig organised by Cambridge Archaeology Unit (CAU).[53]

In April 2011 the Princess Royal visited Wisbech and opened the new education centre and library at Octavia Hill's Birthplace House.[54]

In 2011, the Wisbech magistrates court closed.[55]

On 19 January 2012, BBC Look East reported growing tensions in the town, where one-third of the population were said to be East European immigrants.[56]

In 2015 in his first week with the East Anglian Air Ambulance, Prince William came to Wisbech.[57]

The town's traditional market days are Thursday and Saturday, but the town council now runs markets seven days a week. The Sunday market runs alongside a car-boot sale.[58]

The town is well known for horticulture, the Wisbech Rose Fair and other flower festivals. In 2018 the town won the business improvement district (BID) category gold award at the Royal Horticultural Society's (RHS) annual Britain in Bloom awards ceremony.[59]

Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall visited Wisbech in November 2018.[60]

In 2019 the town received Gold Award in the large town category in the RHS Anglia in Bloom completion. Waterlees was ‘Best in Group’ and Gold Award in Urban category and St.Peters Gardens a Gold Award in the Small Parks category.[61]

The official blazon is:

Arms: Azure representations of St Peter and St Paul standing within a double Canopy Or. Crest: On a Wreath of the Colours a sixteenth century Ship with three Masts Or on each mast a square Sail Azure the centre one charged with two Keys in saltire wards upwards and the other two charged with a Castle Gold.

The arms were officially granted on 11 November 1929. The figures of St Peter and St.Paul to whom the parish church is dedicated, appeared on the old seal.

The ship recalls the town's former note as a port and the crossed keys on the centre sail refer to St Peter. The castles refer to the ancient stronghold built, it is said, by William I, and converted in the 15th century into a palace for the bishops of Ely.

Wisbech sits on either side of the River Nene although in the past, before drainage schemes, it sat on the Well stream, the confluence of the rivers Great Ouse and Nene.[69]

The port is Cambridgeshire's only gateway to the sea. Wisbech Borough was the port authority, but this passed to Fenland District Council when local government was reorganised in the 1970s. The "WI" code is still displayed by those boats registered to the port.[70]

In 1631 Sir Cornelius Vermuyden built the Horseshoe Sluice at Wisbech at a cost of £8,000.[71]

In 1680 the trade of Wisbech had increased sufficiently for the port to be reckoned independent and no longer a member of King's Lynn.[72]

In 1720 the corporation was licensed to buoy the channel for the first time.

The heavy rains and floods of 1734/5 were severe. The Caledonian Mercury carried a copy of 'Wye's letter' of 21 January, 'Tis remarkable that the late Land Floods have opened the River of Wisbech 15 Foot; so that the Ships come up to the Town boldly as they used formerly'[73] [74]

In 1751, in a dry year, one could walk across the river bed under Wisbech Bridge.

Ship building was carried out in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. An Act for making and maintaining A Navigable Canal was put forward in 1754.[75] In 1797 the Wisbech Canal opened connecting the river Nene at Wisbech with the inland drains. A custom house was built in 1801.[23]

As well as freight, the river was used to convey inland passengers, in 1805 the poet John Clare travelled from Peterborough by Dutch canal boat to travel the 21 miles to Wisbech to visit his uncle Morris Simpson.[76]

In 1820 the Peterborough and Wisbech Old Passage Boat was advertised as sailing from Peterborough on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 10am and from Wisbech on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 9am.[77]

In 1850 as a consequence of changes in government duty and taxation the shipyards were closed or in bankruptcy proceedings.[78]

The greatest shipowner was Richard Young (1809-1871), who had at various times 43 boats operating from the port.[63] The port of Wisbech could accommodate sailing ships of 400 tons, but its prosperity declined after 1852 when extensive river works impeded navigation.[79]

In 1859 "The Battle of the Dams" took place when some of the citizens of Wisbech destroyed dams at Waldersea and Guyhirn and burned the remnants on the two market places.[80]

The Throttle obstructing the river was removed in September 1862.[81] In July 1863 the new screw steamer Speedwell commenced a service from Wisbech to Hull every Thursday.[82]

In 1883 the Wisbech and Upwell Tramway opened.

By 1911 the river Nene between Wisbech and Peterborough was so silted up that barges filled with corn were taking 28 days to travel the distance that had previously taken a day.[83]

Ferries operated on the River Nene below Wisbech. A passenger ferry operated between North End and Nene Parade. [84]

The Wisbech Canal was cut to allow narrow boats to connect with the river, but no longer does so as parts have been filled in.[37] Narrow boats continue to access inland waterways via the river Nene.[85]

In 1931 A concrete bridge was built to replace the previous town bridge.[86]

In 1971 an additional bridge was erected over the river. Plans to build additional homes and a new school on the west of the town will increase traffic on the existing bridges, and there is a long-term plan to add a third bridge.[87]

In the 1970s a former WW2 motor torpedo boat (one of the last of its type) came up the river and was moored alongside Nene Quay between the town's two bridges. Moored at high tide on short mooring ropes it sank as the tide fell and the moorings failed. Despite a number of salvage attempts, the wreck remained in situ for a number of years until it was eventually removed. [88]

In 1978 one person was drowned in Wisbech as a result of a storm surge that overwhelmed the river flood defences. The water reached low lying properties some distance from the river including Kenlan Rd, the higher Lynn Road stopping its spread.[89]

The yacht harbour on the river provides 128 berths on the marina, and the nearby Crab Marshboat yard operates a 75-tonne boat lift.

In 2000, a ship grounding further down river stopped river traffic.[90]

In December 2013 the town's river flood defences were tested when an unusually high tide threatened to top the recently improved walls and flood gates.[91]

Schemes to connect the River Nene and the River Welland are proposed allowing boats a fresh water connection.[92]

References to 'repairing the bridge of your town of Wysebeche' is made in a 1326 letter from the king to the bishop of Ely. The 'Town Bridge's have at various times been made from wood, stone, iron and concrete.[93] Blackfriars Bridge was built over the canal in 1901. In 1902 Miss Susanna Peckover donated £1200 towards the repair of Walsoken Bridge. It was renamed Coronation Bridge to commemorate King Edward VII.[94] During WWII Royal Engineers were posted to destroy the canal's bridges with explosives. The bridges over the canal were demolished when the canal was closed and redeveloped as a dual carriageway. The 'Freedom Bridge' is made of concrete.

The various road bridges at Wisbech allowed travellers between Lincolnshire and Norfolk to cross the river without using ferries or risking the incoming tides.

In 1831 the construction of a lifting bridge at Sutton Bridge finally provided a means to travel directly between Norfolk and Lincolnshire.[95]

The town stood at the crossing of two Class A roads: from Peterborough to King's Lynn (A47) and from Ely to Long Sutton (A1101). The A1101 now crosses the river at the newer 'Freedom bridge' taking some traffic away from the older 'Town Bridge'. The A47 now bypasses the town. The old part of the A47 inside the town (Lynn Rd and Cromwell Rd) is now the B198.

Wisbech has a number of cycle routes passing through the town. National Route 1 (North Sea Cycle Route) between King's Lynn and Boston via Wisbech and Holbeach. National Route 63 between Oakham and Wisbech via Stamford, Peterborough and March.[96] In addition there are a number of local cycle routes and guides available in hard copy or to download. <https://www.visitcambridgeshirefens.org/cycling>

• Wisbech and the Fens provide miles of walks, footpaths and bridleways.[97]
• Wisbech family geology trail was produced by Wisbech and Fenland Museum and the Queens School.[98]
• Two trails - The Town Trail and The Brinks Trail are provided on this leaflet available as a hard copy or to download.[99]
• The Wisbech Great War Walk was created in 2014 to connect thirteen sites connected with WWI. It is available as hard copies and downloads.[100]

The Wisbech Merchants' Trail was relaunched in 2019.[101] The updated trail is available in hard copy, download and as an app.[102]

Wisbech once had three passenger railway lines, but they all closed between 1959 and 1968:

• The 1847/48–1968 GER March to Watlington (junction), Norfolk (on the Ely to King's Lynn main line) via Wisbech East (Victoria Road);
• The 1866–1959 M&GN Peterborough to Sutton Bridge via Wisbech North (on Harecroft Road); and
• The 1883/84–1966 GER Wisbech and Upwell Tramway.

There were also harbour quay lines either side of the River Nene: M&GN Harbour West branch and GER Harbour East branch.[103][104]

It was not long before the tramway had its first fatalities.[105] In 1894 a porter was accidentently killed on the Wisbech to March line.[106] The freight line remained in operation until 2000.[107]

There is an active campaign to reopen the March–Wisbech Bramley Line as part of the national rail network, with direct services to Cambridge and possibly Peterborough. It is supported by Wisbech Town Council and subject to reports commissioned by the county council in 2013.[108] The line is currently (2019) at GRIP 3 study stage.[109] A report published in 2009 by the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) indicated that this was viable.[110] The line has been identified as a priority for reopening by Campaign for Better Transport.[111]

By 1769 a Lynn, Downham, Wisbech and St.Ives FLY was operated twice weekly between Lynn and London. Inside passengers £1 was advertised in the Ipswich Journal. In 1796 Wisbech had a daily mail coach service to London leaving at 4 pm and returning at 10 am and a stagecoach service three times weekly. Another service ran three times weekly from Lynn through Wisbech to Spalding and Boston.[112] An 1823 Wisbech coach is shown in the background of a Chatteris skating match illustration by George Cruikshank.[113]

The King William IV coach service between Newark and King's Lynn via Wisbech, commenced in 1830. The Royal Sovereign service between King's Lynn and Grantham via Wisbech was already running.[114]

The last coach to transport mail to London was withdrawn on 1 July 1846, the trains to replace the service.[115] In 1850 the proprietor of the Rose & Crown had Messrs Hall build an omnibus to run from the hotel to the two railway stations.[116] In February 1859 a new 12 hour coach service from Wisbech via Cambridge to London commenced.[117]

Wisbech is located on the excel bus route between Peterborough and Norwich, operated by First Eastern Counties. The town is also served by buses operated by Stagecoach East and Lynx, the latter including the 46 and X46 services between King's Lynn and Three Holes.

In 1934 Sir Alan Cobham's Flying Circus visited the town, this inspired canning factory owner Wallace Smedley and Charlie Bell to build a 'Pou du Ciel' - a Flying Flea, designed by French designer Henri Mignet. It was built in Wisbech, painted red with the motto 'Possumus' (We can). [118]

Richard Gypson (1811-1853), professional balloonist, made his 39th and 40th balloon ascents on 26 July and 12 August 1841 from near the Gas Works.[119]

On Empire Air Day in May 1934 the Mayor of Wisbech and a young Wisbech girl were injured when the plane in which they were passengers, overturned on takeoff from Wisbech. The pilot and another passenger were unhurt. [120]

On 21 September 1979 two RAF Harriers collided mid-air. One plane crashed on Ramnoth Road killing two year old Jonathan Bowers, his father Robert (40) and Bill Trumpess (73), a former mayor.[121]

There are a number of nearby small airfields used by gliding clubs, hang gliders, parachuting clubs and other light aircraft. Since the discontinuance of services at Cambridge International Airport the nearest available small international airport is Norwich Airport.

In the summer of 1814 Sneath & Watson's Wisbech Bank suspended payments.[159]

On Friday 13 February 1818 the Wisbech Savings Bank was established.[160] The financial crisis of the 1820s saw the failure of the Wisbech bank of James Hill and son in 1825 and the sale of their estates in 1826.[161]

The National Provincial Bank were seeking premises to open a Wisbech branch in 1834.[162]

The Wisbech and Isle of Ely Permanent Building Society was formed in 1872.[163]

The TSB closed and the site is now a veterinary practice.

Santander closed the Market Place branch in 2019. At present there are branches of NatWest, HSBC, Halifax, Barclays and Lloyd's. Building societies include Nationwide, Yorkshire and Nottingham.

The town had a number of wind powered and other mills.

William Barley offered for sale the seven years remaining of a lease of a post wind-mill on 21 May 1793 in the Stamford Mercury.

In November, 1883 a storm most of the windmills in the area were damaged. Brook's mill on Lynn Rd had most sails damaged, the Leverington Rd 4-sail mill had two main sails damaged.[164]

Water

Cholera was a significant cause of illness and deaths until the Wisbech Waterworks Act of 1864 enabled a water supply to be piped from Marham, Norfolk. The Wisbech Waterworks Company was formed in 1862. The supplies from Marham reached Wisbech on 22, July, 1865. At the 9th Ordinary General meeting in 1869 it was reported that they supplied 841 customers (538 in town - about a third of households) and 21 were on meters.[165]

Sewerage

It took from 1874 until the end of 1877 for a 12-inch main sewerage system to be installed.[23]

Gas

On 27 August 1833 the town Bailiff Mr Ollard laid the foundation stone of Mr. Malam's Wisbech Gasworks. The Wisbech Gaslight and Coke company took over the contract to supply gas to the town's 200 street lights in 1859, the same year the coke works was sold, at which time it was in a poor state.[166] The Gas Act 1948 created 12 regional gas boards.

Electricity

A WW1 U-boat engine was acquired to power the generator at the Sandyland Power Station in 1920. A picture of the engine is held at the Wisbech & Fenland Museum. Wisbech Electric Light and Power was part of the B.E.T. Electricity Supply Company controlled by the British Electric Traction Company until it was transferred to the Edmundson group of supply companies.[167] The Wisbech Electric Light and Power Company became part of Eastern Electricity Board (EEB) in 1948 as part of the electricity industry nationalisation by the Electricity Act 1947.

The Rose and Crown hotel on the market place is one of the oldest buildings in the town. Underneath there are brick-barrel vaults dating from Tudor times.[168] The Falconry brewery was put up for auction in 1857.[169] In 1903 Wisbech Borough was contemplating reducing the number of licensed premises, Superintendent Dockerill reported that there were -49 alehouse licences 22 beerhouse licences and 9 wine licences within the borough. Since the last annual licensing meeting, in August, 1901, there had been no proceedings taken against any licence holders. All the houses had in his judgement, been well conducted. He had no opposition to offer to the renewal of any licences. During the same period 41 persons viz 32 males and 9 females (13 of whom were strangers) had been proceeded against for being drunk and disorderly, of which number 28 were convicted. Five were charged with being disorderly and refusing to quit licensed premises and convicted. The total number of convictions showed an increase of 12 over the corresponding period of seventeen. [170] The Georgian Elgood's brewery is located on the North Brink. The Wisbech Arms ceased being a public house in 2006 following a death at the premises, it later became a restaurant and is now (2020) a hairdressers.[171] The RAFA moved from Astral House on the Old Market to De Havilland Club, Lynn Road in 2007.[172] In 2010 the Flowerpot P.H. was demolished and converted into residential properties.[173] The Case, Horsefair Tavern and Five Bells, Norfolk street public houses all closed in 2019. The Old Bell, Walsoken was redeveloped into a residential housing estate in 2019.

National Trust property Peckover House and Gardens attracts tourists and locals.

The Wisbech and Fenland museum draws in visitors to see the Charles Dickens manuscript, Thomas Clarkson memorabilia and other exhibits. The Octavia Hill Birthplace House also attracts those interested in the National Trust, army cadet force or social housing. An annual Rose Fair, music festival, music concerts at the Bandstand in the park and the theatre and two cinemas also attract audiences from outside the town. Wisbech port and marina attracts boating enthusiasts. The Castle has now opened to the public after being unavailable for a number of years, and is starting to attract visitors to its programme of events and activities.[174]

Wisbech Grammar School on North Brink.

Wisbech has two secondary schools (11–18) and a third presently under construction (2019).

The independent Wisbech Grammar School, which was founded in 1379, making it one of the oldest schools in the United Kingdom. Since its early days in St.Peter's church it has moved sites, having been in Hill St and then South Brink until its merger with the High School after which it moved to the present North Brink location. It has at various times provided boarding places. This was the case when the Rev John Clarkson was headmaster and his sons John and Thomas Clarkson pupils. During WW2 the Stationers' school staff and pupils (including Barry Took)[182] were evacuated and relocated to share the Grammar School site (at that time on the South Brink) with grammar school staff and pupils one of which was John Gordon.

The state-funded Thomas Clarkson Academy (previously the Thomas Clarkson Community college and formerly the Queen's School, which itself was the amalgamation of the Queen's Girls' and Queen's Boys' schools).

St. Audrey's Convent School (a day school for boys aged 4–11 and girls 4-16) run by the Sisters of Providence of the Institute of Charity, closed in 1979. The Grammar school then opened Magdalene House as the preparatory school for Wisbech Grammar School.

Primary schools in Wisbech include: Clarkson Infant and Nursery School, St Peters Church of England Junior School, Orchards Church of England Academy, Peckover Primary School, The Nene Infant School, Ramnoth Junior School and Elm Road Primary School. There are also specialist schools, Meadowgate Academy, Cambian Wisbech School, The County School & Trinity School.

In 1864 the Wisbech Working Men's Club and Institute was founded. This provided opportunities to learn, socialise and participate in activities. Once one of the largest and most successful organisations of its type, it still provides a base for fitness training and other clubs.[183]

In 1956 the Isle of Ely College and Horticultural Institute opened, the horticultural station later operated in several guises. It became the Cambridgeshire College of Agriculture and Horticulture, and more recently was combined with the College of West Anglia (CoWA). It closed in 2012 after which horticultural students would attend the college's campus in Milton.[150]

There is also a further education centre: the College of West Anglia formerly the Isle of Ely College.[184]

Plans for a new £23m 600 pupil school to open in 2020 were announced in the Wisbech Standard.[185]

The town has a number of branches of other institutions including the U3A and Worker's Educational Association (WEA).

Fishing for eels and other fish has been carries out for thousands of years. Eel and fish traps have been found at Fenland Archaeological sites such as Must Farm. In the 19th and 20th centuries large numbers of anglers visited the area by train and later by car.[186]

Bowls was being played by 1842 when a challenge was laid down by 12 gentlemen to any side within 30 miles.[187]

Prior to 2015 when hare coursing was made illegal in England, it was carried out in the area. Wisbech High Fen was used for coursing.[188] The Waldersea Club (Wisbech)established in 1863 organised meets on Boxing Day as early as 1868.[189]

Wisbech and the Fens have a long tradition of skating on ice. In 1763 a skating match was held between the noted Hare of Thorney and a Danish sailor. The first day the sailor won, Hare having fallen, the second day the sailor won by a quarter of a mile in two miles to receive 50 guineas.[190] Mr. John Lamb and Mr.George Fawn ran a skating match from Wisbeach to Whittlesey for 10 guineas a side, Lamb skated the 15 measured miles in 46 minutes. It was thought the spectators numbered a thousand.[191]

The warmer winters, filling in of the canal and no permanent rink has led to the lack of facilities. In suitable winters such as that of 1820 the town could attract the leading racers of the day.[192]

Prior to 1835 when cock fighting was made illegal in England, it was an organised sport and held frequently in the town, there were three days of cock fighting advertised to take place at the Rose & Crown in December 1722.[193][194] 'Cocking' was advertised in the Stamford Mercury to take place at the Rose & Crown during the Wisbech Races of 1769.

Wisbech had a golf club by the start of the 20th century.[195]

This was taking place in 1865 when a meet of Mr.Peele's harriers took place at Osborne House, the residence of Richard Young, Esq., M.P. About 40 horsemen were present, and the number of pedestrians very large. The sport was good.[196]

Racing was advertised to be run from at least 1725 as an advert refers to 'Wisbech New Course'[197] and again in 1728.

"To be Run for on Wisbeach New-Course in the Isle of Ely, on Tuesday the 17th of this instant August, a Purse of Twenty Pounds."

Regular horse racing at Wisbech took place until at least 1782[198] and appears to have lapsed towards the end of the 18th century.[199] After a lapse of nearly a century, racing took place on Wednesday, 27 June 1866 on a course near the Peterborough Rd, followed by a dinner at the White Hart. Annual events followed in the next two years, it then moving to a course near the turnpike off Barton Lane. The new course was only half a mile around. A ball and concerts at the Corn Exchange and Bowling Green followed the 1869 race day.[200][201][202][203][204][205]

A regatta was held as early as 1850.[206] In 1955 Wisbech Yacht Club opened their new clubhouse at Lattersley Pit, Whittlesey.[207]

The rivers, canal and drains provide opportunities for canoeing and kayaking. As early as 1868 students from Cambridge were paddling along the River Ouse to King's Lynn and around the coast to Wisbech via the River Nene and paadling along the canal to the Ouse to return to the university.[208].

One of the earliest records of the sport of cricket in the area is to a local match. "On Monday 4 June next a Cricket Match will be play’d on March Common, in the Isle of Ely, between the Gentlemen of March and the Gentlemen of Wisbeach, Eleven of a Side, for five Pounds a Man, when it is expected there will be a very numerous Meeting of the best Fashion." Northampton Mercury, 28 May 1744.[209]

In 1850 the club had a newly laid out ground on Mr.Shepherd's field in Gaol-Lane. The club membership included Lord Burghley.[210] A Wisbech 22 hosted the 'All-England' eleven on tour in 1851 and 1853. In the first match Nicholas Felix's notes describe William Caffyn being knocked senseless with a ball in the eye, causing him to retire. A painting of the match shows the Octagon church in the background. The eleven captained by William Clarke (cricketer) scored 93 and 83, the home side 68 and 49, the eleven winning by 61 runs.

County sides played matches in Wisbech from the 19th century, a Cambridge v Yorkshire match took place in 1867.[211][212]

Stamford and Wisbech were once famous for their annual Bull-running through the streets. The practice was abolished at the end of the 18th century.[23][213]

Cycling has long been a popular organised activity in the area, Wisbech Bicycle Club was formed in 1878 and offered a wide range of competitions.[214][215][216] Wisbech Wheelers was formed in 1924.[217]

The Wisbech and District Motorcycle Club dates back to 1955, and since those early days its nickname has been the Fen Tigers.[218]

Greyhound Racing took place at the Wisbech Greyhound Stadium until its demolition in 2007.

Stock car racing also took place until the stadium closure.

The town had a number of sides in the 19th century and there was fierce rivalry between Walsoken Victory and Wisbech.[219] Wisbech Nene Rovers held Cambridge Swifts in the inaugural final of the Cambridgeshire Junior Cup in March 1898 played in Cambridge. In the same year Wisbech met Irthlingborough in a replay of the 1-1 Hinchingbrooke Cup competition final, Wisbech lost the replay 5–0. [220] The largest local non league football team is Wisbech Town Football Club, nicknamed The Fenmen the club now plays in a new ground on Lynn Road.[221] In 1932 they are Peterborough League champions with a game to spare.[222] As United Counties champions,Wisbech join the enlarged Eastern Counties League in 1949.[223]

Wisbech Town Cricket and Hockey Club are based on Harecroft Road.

A form of tennis was being played in the town before 1571, as a great storm and inundation in this year 'a tennis place and a bowling allie, walled about with bricke worth £20 by the year to the owner, was quite destroyed by the water'.[93] Wisbech Lawn Tennis Club and Wisbech & District Squash Club.

Wisbech rugby club dates back to the late 1940s. Wisbech played Boston on 25 September 1948.[224] Early opposition included Kesteven.[225]

Wisbech Rugby Union Football Club House is on Chapel Road.

The Georgian theatre, Deadman's Lane (now the Angles Theatre on Alexandra Rd) was built c1790 as part of the Lincoln circuit. On Friday 26, April 1791 the last benefit of this season, a performance of the new comedy Every One Has His Fault followed by a pantomime Don Juan; or The Libertine Destroyed were given.

Wisbech Theatre presents The Battle of Hexhamand The Touchstone of Truth for the benefit of Mr & Mrs Miller on the last night Friday, 20 May 1791 advertised in the Stamford Mercury.

In 1808 the celebrated Young actor Master Betty aka ‘The Young Roscius’ performed between 3 and 8 June, The Georgian venue was used by amateur companies as well, on 24, August 1815 a production of the Poor Gentlemen was staged.[226]

In November and December 1825 Madame Tussaud brought her touring collection of waxworks to the town's Georgian theatre.[227]

The Shakespearean actress Sarah Booth gave five performances in the role of Juliet in May, 1827.

William Cobbett gave a lecture to about 200 farmers in March 1830.

Edmund Kean appeared on 19, 21 and 22 April in three of his celebrated characters.[228]

On Monday 13, June 1836 William Macready performed in the first of four nights of Shakespeare productions.[229]

A school was built by James Hill (banker) in front of the Georgian theatre in 1837.

Under Mrs T. Fanny Robertson the Georgian theatre opened in June 1834 for a short season. The 1839 players included Miss Cooper and Mr Young. The 1839 season featured Henry Compton (actor).[230]

In March 1840 the Georgian theatre was again opened for its five-week season. The 1842 season finished with Knowles Love, Shipwrecked Mariner and the farce Mrs.White. In 1843 Mrs. Robertson resigned her management to her nephew, Mr. W.Robinson. The theatre was advertised to be auctioned on 6 November 1843.[231] The 1844 season ended with a benefit for Mrs. W. Robertson, Every One Has His Fault. In 1846 the Georgian venue was used for concerts and a performance by Ojibbeway Indians in native costume.

The Georgian theatre lease was sold and a performance was put on to benefit the former lessee Mrs. T.Robertson on 3 June 1847 by Mr.Davenport's company as part of their 5/6 week season.[232] Under Mr.Davenport, lessee of the Norwich circuit, the season commenced with Richard III, Hercules, King is Clubs and Juliet.

On 25 November 1977 the two buildings were opened to form the 170 seat Georgian Angles Theatre by the president of the theatre council Anton Rodgers.[233]

A fire broke out in the Georgian Angles theatre in July 1991, the damage was made good and it soon reopened.

The Georgian Angles Theatre on Alexandra Road is now used by community theatre groups and touring companies. The theatre is run by the Wisbech Angles Theatre Council a registered Charity.

Earlier theatres are referred to by William Watson "a building in Pickard's Lane, now belonging to Jonathan Peckover, esq. since converted into a barn, was used for theatrical purposes. A large building also, on the Sutton road, was afterwards used for the like purpose, previous to the present erection in Deadman's Lane. The very respectable manager, Mr.Robertson, pays his annual visit to the inhabitants in the spring season".[234]

On 3 March 1859 a very elegant theatre opened.[235]

In 1862 Douglas's theatre on Lynn Rd was putting on different shows each day of the week.[236]

In July, 1864 the theatre lessee Mr John Douglas and his company put on productions that drew good size audiences. The band of the Wisbech Rifle company attended to provide music.

The Public Hall reopened on 31 December 1894 after extensive alterations including special exits and provision of fire safeguards.[237]

The newly erected Selwyn Theatre (Wisbech) on Great Church-street (now Alexander road) opened on 1st January 1895 under the management of Mr J.Baker with the Comedy-drama Heroes followed by the farce, Funnibone's Fix by Wisbech Amateur Dramatic Society. [238] ‘’The Era’’ of 9, February, 1901 advertised Miss Ethel Greythorpe’s production of ‘’Facing the Music’’ at Selwyn Theatre. On August 1 1907 they advertised in The Stage for ‘Good Companies’ for the summer and Christmas season’[239]

On 29 April 1915 the Alexandra Theatre (previously the Selwyn Theatre) Prop. H.Bancroft advertised in ‘’The Era’’ for ‘Star Attractions’. The capacity was 800.

On 20 September 1916, The Wisbech Electric Theatre advertised in ‘’The Era’’ for two musicians.

In 1920 the Alexandra Theatre was used to auction the late Lord Peckover’s estates. On 23, August 1923 the Alexandra Theatre advertised in ‘’The Stage’’ for dramatic artists. A picture of the 1931 production of Miss Hook of Holland performed by the 'Wisbech Amateur Dramatic Society' is included in the book Lilian Ream: a life in photography and also a picture of Mrs Chester's 'Little Theatre' group (a junior forerunner of 'The Wisbech Players') being filmed by a BBC camera team in 1957.

Pictures of the 1929 Wisbech Pageant ‘Heart of the Fens’ and No No Nanette play at the Wisbech Empire Theatre in 1951 are included in the Wisbech Book. [240]The theatre reopened under the new owner Mr Norman Jacobs snr in 1979.[241]

Apart from theatrical performances Wisbech attracted a wide range of travelling shows at the Mart and Statute Fairs, horse sales and markets. In 1903 Buffalo Bill's Wild West and Congress of Rough Riders of the World trains arrived at the Great Eastern Railway station to put on a show at the cricket ground, Queens Road. After the shows held on Saturday 12th September the trains took the show to Peterborough.[242][243]

The first purpose built cinema in Wisbech was the 450 seater 'Electric Theatre' on the Timber Market opened on 12 November 1910.[244] It was licensed for six days a week as there was opposition to Sunday showings.[245] The proprietor was Mr Wilkinson J Elm, the manager Mr GF Allen. Later it was renamed the Regent Cinema (or Theatre) and then to the Onyx Cinema. It had a 25 feet deep stage which was used for variety acts etc. In 1941 a German bomb fell outside and the building was demolished.[246]

On 29 July 1931 it was announced in ‘’The Bioscope’’ that plans had been drawn up by Ward & Woolnough the architects, to replace Racey’s Arcade with the ‘Empire Cinema’.

The town which had been without a cinema for decades was again showing films from 2009 when The Luxe Cinema (single screen) opened in the former Women's Institute (WI) hall in Alexandra Road. The cinema changed ownership in 2017 and is one of eight cinemas run by the Picturedrome Electric Theatre company.[247]

A newly built multi-screen cinema The Light on the Fens, Cromwell Road was opened in 2015 by the Light Cinemas company.[248]

The town has several buildings dedicated to the preservation of artefacts and documents.

Wisbech & Fenland Museum, Museum Square opened on its current site in 1847. The Friends of Wisbech and Fenland Museum supports the museum with Grants for acquisitions, and assists with research programmes, conservation, publishing and new technologies throughout the Museum.[249]

Wisbech Castle was donated to the Isle of Ely County Council by the family of the former education director and is now run by the town council. It is used as a community asset and hosts educational and other activities. The contents include furnishings, books and other items of interest.

Octavia Hill's Birthplace House opened with the purpose of housing items linked to the various philanthropic activities of Octavia Hill and her family.

The Wisbech Working Men's Institute and Social club's origins date back to 5 January 1864.[23]

In 1864 Johnathan Peckover founded the Wisbech Working Men's Institute, it later moved to Hill Street.[250]

The town's licensed premises have a long history of providing leisure facilities from bowling greens and skittle alleys to darts, cards, chess and other board games as well as other social events. In 1853 the 'Wisbech Brewery' (Phillips, Tidbits and Phillips) on the riverside owned 20 pubs and hotels in the town and about 30 outside.[251] Elgood's brewery located on the North Brink supplies its tied-houses the Angel Hotel, Coyote Bar & Grill (formerly the Gallery Steak House & Grill), the Hare and Hounds hotel, Red Lion and Three Tuns Inn in the town and others in the surrounding area.[252] In 1950 Arthur Oldham researched and produced in very limited numbers Pubs and Taverns of Wisbech. This was reprinted in 1979 by Cambridgeshire libraries as Inns and Taverns of Wisbech.

The town hosts annual festivals and events. The Wisbech Mart Fair is held in the town every March.

Wisbech Rose Fair is held in late June and early July each year.[253] It originated in 1963 as a flower festival when the local rose growers sold rose buds in the Parish Church of St.Peters in aid of its restoration fund. The church still uses this annual occasion to raise funds for the upkeep of the ancient building, and over the years, the Rose Fair has grown into a Town Festival. It developed into an event that encompasses many of the charities and other organisations in the town and district running stalls and events including two parades of floats starting from Queens Road.[254][255][256][257]

The Arles Festival celebrates the twinning of the two towns.

Wis-beach day is held every year in June on the market place. The seaside comes to the town for the Sunday and donkey rides, Punch and Judy shows, sand, beach chairs and amusement rides fill the centre of the town.

On Armed Forces Day in June the market place is taken by military vehicles and units and veterans associations. A Sunday service is held with a parade and march past.

Wisbech Rock Festival is held in Wisbech Park and is run by the town council.[258]

Friends of Wisbech Park Bandstand host a series of musical events at the bandstand on Sunday afternoons throughout the summer and winter.[259]

In August many local gardens are open to the public as part of the National Garden Scheme Open Days.

In September the town participates in Heritage Weekend when many buildings are open to the public for tours.

Wisbech Statute Fair is held every September.

The Elgoods Beer Festival takes place each September when musical events accompany the wide range of drinks on offer.

Wisbech Castle and the Horse Fair stage Halloween events.

Christmas Lights Switch On takes place on the market place in late November.

A Christmas market and Fayre takes place in December.[260]

The town had a number of libraries and a museum long before the passing of the Public Museums and Libraries Act 1964.[261] The Corporation Library including the records of the Holy Trinity Guild were given to the museum. The Wisbech Book Society was formed in 1832.[262] The Wisbech Working Men's Institute had a large library. Leach & Son Printers operated a Circulating Library in connection with Harrod's Library, London. The former school in Alexandra road was the public library from 1947 until it was relocated to a purpose-built library in Ely Place in the 1970s. John Power in Handbook on Books and Printing states that printing was established in Wisbech by 1721.

Printers include Mann Hutchesson, FB Wright, JA Cash, J White, White & Leach, W Watts, R Walker, Gardiner & Co and Balding & Mansell.

Local nonfiction authors include William Godwin, Thomas Clarkson, William Ellis (missionary), William Watson, FJ Gardiner, N Walker & Prof.T Craddock, Arthur Artis Oldham, Andrew C Ingram, Robert Bell, George Anniss, Roger Powell, Bridgett Holmes, Kevin Rodgers, Andrew Ketley, William P Smith and Diane Carlton Smith and fiction writers John Muriel, John Gordon and Rev. Wilbert AwdryOBE.

The town nearly added the poet John Clare to its residents when he visited for a job interview.

Fen speak ran a series of events funded by the Arts Council, Metal Culture and John Clare Cottage.

More recently the town has hosted Fenland Poet Laureate awards (2012 - Elaine Ewerton; 2013 - Leanne Moden; 2014 - Poppy Kleiser; 2015 - Jonathan Totman; 2016 - Mary Livingstone; 2017 - Kate Caoimhe).

'Wisbech Words' holds regular events at Wisbech Castle.

The Fenland Poet Laureate Awards were relaunched with funding from the Arts Council in 2019 with the results to be announced in the autumn.[263] Charlotte Beck, 13 and CJ Atkinson were announced as the 2019-2020 Young Fenland Poet Laureate and Fenland Poet Laureate.[264]

Wisbech Art Club was formed in 1933 and holds exhibitions at venues in the town including Wisbech & Fenland Museum and Wisbech Castle. Regular meetings are now (2020) held at Wisbech Town Football club.

Wisbech has a longer surviving historical record of photography than many towns, professional studios and individual photographers have left large collections, some of which are held locally.

Between them, photographers Samuel Smith (photographer), Francis Frith , Lilian Ream, Geoff Hastings, George Anniss and others have left many thousands of images of Wisbech spanning the 19th and 20th centuries. Many are in the Wisbech & Fenland Museum and others are in public and private collections around the country. Details about these and over seventy other local photographers are on the Fading Images website.[265] As well as Wisbech based studios, travelling photographers visits the area. Oliver Sarony (brother to Napoleon Sarony) brought his mobile photographic studio to the town in 1854.

Wisbech Camera Club have been for running about seventy years. They were formed on 5 January 1950, and held an AGM in the March, followed by an Annual Exhibition at Peckover House & Garden in the November.[266]

Etcetera now occupy the former Lilian Ream York Row 'Borough Studio' and have extended into adjoining properties and this now includes a cafe Studio and a post office. As of December 2019 an exhibition of Lilian Ream photos and artefacts is on display.

Images from the Hastings collection are being reproduced in booklets by the Friends of Wisbech and Fenland Museum. No.1 and No.2 were published in 2019 and available through the museum shop and Etcetera, with further [267][268]

In order of birth.

• John of Wisbech (died 1349) was in charge of the erection of the Lady Chapel at Ely Cathedral in the first half of the fourteenth century.[322]
• Richard Huloet, lexicographer and author.
• John de Wisbech, Abbot of Croyland. He was first Prior of Freiston. He died on 19 November 1476.[323]
• John Alcock (bishop), (c1430-1500) appointed to the see of Ely on 6 October 1486 he died in The bishops palace in Wisbech and is buried in Ely Cathedral.
• John Feckenham, (c1515-1584) Abbott of Westminster, imprisoned in The Bishop's palace from 1580 until his death in October, 1584. At his own cost he arranged the repairs of the road and erected a market cross in the town.
• Thomas Parke (c1543-1630), Town Bailiff and High Sheriff of the county of Cambridge and Huntingdon. Married 1. Jean Coulson, 2 or 3. Audrey Cross. Died on 1 January and a monument is inside St.Peter's church, Wisbech.
• Robert Pygot a painter from Wisbech and William Wolsey a constable of Welney, Upwell & Outwell were tried at Ely sessions for heresy and later burnt at the stake on 16 October 1555.
• John Thurloe, MP (1616-1668), Solicitor-general, Lord Chief Justice, Secretary of State and lawyer. Cromwell' spymaster. He replaced the bishop's palace at Wisbech with a mansion (later demolished by Medworth).
• Mathias Taylor JP, linen draper, Capital Burgess and appointed Constable of the Castle in 1631.
• Jane Stuart (Quaker) (c1654-1742), a daughter of James II joined the Society of Friends on the North Brink and lived on the Old Market, she died aged 88 in Wisbech on 12 July and is buried in the Friends’ graveyard.[23]
• Sir Philip Vavasour, High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire. Knighted in 1761. Lived on South Brink, Wisbech.
• Richard Middleton Massey MD, FRS, FSA (1678-1743), Doctor and antiquarian. Born in Cheshire, after studying at Oxford he became deputy keeper at the Ashmolean Museum he later obtained a licence to practice medicine in Wisbech. He was appointed Keeper of the town library and was a founder member of Spalding Gentlemen's Society. He retired to his family estates in Rostherene and died in 1743 on 29 March 1743.[324]
• Thomas Herring, MA (1693–1757), Archbishop of Canterbury (from 1747), was educated at Wisbech Grammar School.
• Jane Southwell, (aka Lady Jane Trafford)(?-1809), heiress of Wisbech Castle, married Sir Clement Trafford (aka Clement Boehm), they had two children Sigismund & Jane. Separated by 1768 and changed her name back to Southwell by an Act of Parliament in 1791. Buried at Orsett, Essex.
• Joseph Medworth, (born in Wisbech, 1752–1827) was a builder who developed castle estate into a circus including "The Crescent" in Wisbech and redeveloped "Thurloe's Mansion" into the current Regency villa on the castle site. He died on 17 October 1827.
• Richard Kelham Whitelamb, baptised 1765 in Wisbech was 2' 10" tall. His portrait by Samuel Ireland (1744-1800) is in the Royal Collection. He was an exhibit at fairs and a handbill dated 23 August 1787 states "he is now in the 22nd year, 34 inches high and weighs 42lbs."
• William Godwin the elder, (born in Wisbech, 3 March 1756 – 7 April 1836) was an English political writer and novelist, considered an important precursor of utilitarian and of liberal anarchist thinking. He first married Mary Wollstonecroft. A daughter of theirs, Mary Wollstonecroft Godwin, became Mary Shelley, famed author of Frankenstein.[325]
• Thomas Clarkson MA, anti-slavery campaigner, was born in Wisbech in 1760 and educated at Wisbech Grammar School. The Clarkson Memorial was built to commemorate his life's efforts to end slavery in the British Empire on 25 March 1833. Two local schools and a road are named after him.
• Lieutenant John Clarkson RN (1764–1828), younger brother of Thomas, was another key figure in the British abolitionist movement. As governor of Sierra Leone he organised voluntary migration of former slaves freed by the British under a deal to reward their loyalty during the American War of Independence.
• Sir Charles Wale KCB (1765-1845) attended Wisbech Grammar School.
• William Skrimshire, (born in Wisbech, 1766–1829) was a surgeon and botanist. A walkway 'Skrimshires Passage' off Hill Street is named after him.
• Fanny Robertson aka Frances Mary Robertson (1768-1855), actor and theatre manager and lessee of Wisbech theatre (now the Angles Theatre). Born Frances Mary Ross. Married Thomas Shaftoe Robertson (1765-1831). Retired to live in Norfolk street and died on the 18th December, 1855.
• Rear-Admiral Spelman Swaine (1769-1848), Chief Bailiff of the Isle of Ely. He sailed the world in 1795 on Endeavour with Capt. Vancouver. He died in Wisbech on 13 January.[23]
• Lt Col William Watson, DL FAS (1770-1834) died on 31 March 1834. Lawyer, brewer, banker, soldier, magistrate, town bailiff, chief bailiff of the Isle of Ely and author of A history of Wisbech. He is buried in Wisbech.
• Robert Francis Pate (snr), JP, DLL and High Sheriff (c1786-1856), Wisbech corn merchant. He married Maria Wilson at Cambridge on 16 March 1818. Died 5 August.
• Rev.William Ellis (missionary) (29 August 1794 – 9 June 1872) and pioneer photographer, was brought up and went to elementary school in Wisbech. He later went to Magdalene college (then in London) and became a missionary, this coupled with his writing and photographic skills led him to become the author of History of Madagascar (1838), Polynesian Researches and History of the London Missionary Society and other publications.
• Samuel Smith (photographer) aka 'Philosopher Smith' (1802-1892), merchant and pioneer photographer. A director of Wisbech Gas Light and Coke company and a member of the Palaeontographical Society of London. His photos taken in the 1850s and 1860s record the development of the town. Collections can be seen in the Science Museum, London and Wisbech & Fenland Museum. He is buried in Wisbech General Cemetery.[326]
• William Peckover F.S.A.,(1790-1877) philanthropist son of Jonathan Peckover. President of Wisbech & Fenland Museum. Died 12 May.[23]
• Pellegrino (Pilgrim) Mazzotti, (c1795-1879) a plaster figure maker, was born in Coreglia, Lucca, Tuscany died in Wisbech on 22 October 1879. Pellegrino Mazzotti was first in Wisbech in 1842, when he donated two pieces of his work to Wisbech & Fenland Museum. Medallion, Napoleon at Arcola and Mask of Napoleon after death.By 1854 Mazzotti was back in Wisbech, as shown by the bust of Nelson, inscribed 'P. Mazzotti Fecit, Wisbech 1854'. In the same year a plaster bust of the Rev. Henry Fardell, made by Mazzotti in 1854, was given to Wisbech museum by Mr. G.M. Lefever on 26.9.1854. On 6 March 1855 Pellegrino donated a plaster bust of Professor Poison by Mazzotti to the museum.
• Elizabeth Dawbarn (died 1839) was a religious pamphleteer who addressed children and adults.
• Charles Boucher (died 1866), Brewer lived at 'The Castle' and owned the Union Brewery and 44 public houses.
• Rev. Chauncy Hare Townshend M.A.(1798-1868), philanthropist and owner of property in Wisbech. He was a friend of Charles Dickens and the writer's manuscript of Great Expectations given him by Dickens was left to Wisbech and Fenland museum.[23]
• Algernon Peckover (1803-1893), Quaker a son born in Wisbech on 25 November to Jonathan and Susanah Peckover. A collection of his drawings and watercolours from 1859-1865 are at Peckover House & Garden. He married Priscilla Alexander. A son Alexander was created 1st Baron Peckover of Wisbech. Died on 10 December.
• Alderman John Minnet Mason (1807-1886), bonesetter and local politician. The son of a GP also a bonesetter, the skills were passed on to his sons Frederick and George.[327]
• Alderman Richard Young (MP) JP DL (1809–1871) for Cambridgeshire was a ship owner, five times Mayor of Wisbech (1858–62), JP for the Isle of Ely and Norfolk and a sheriff of the city of London & Middlesex in 1871.[23] He was born on 22 March in Scarning, Norfolk, the son of John and Mary Younge. He owned more than 40 ships at different times. He died on 15 October, only two days after being made Sheriff.[328]
• James Hill (banker) (c1800-1871) a Unitarian, social reformer, newspaper editor, merchant, ship owner, owner of the Angles Theatre and banker. His children included Octavia Hill and Miranda Hill.
• Professor Thomas Craddock (1812-1893), photographer, writer and academic. Coauthor of a History of Wisbech, later professor of Literature, Queen's College, Liverpool. Died 9 April 1893 in Liverpool.[329]
• Caroline Southwood Hill (née Smith)(1809-1902), writer and educationalist. Eldest daughter of Dr Thomas Southwood Smith. Became third wife of James Hill (banker)on 21 July 1835. Mother of Octavia Hill. Died aged 94 on 31 December 1902.[330]
• Lt Robert Pate, Jr (25 December 1819 - February 1895) son of corn merchant Robert Francis Pate, was a British Army officer, remembered for his assault on Queen Victoria on 27 June 1850. He was transported to Australia for seven years, where he married and later returned to England.
• Edward Johnson (1822-1907), photographer. His photographs of local churches were published in three volumes by Leach & Son.[331]
• Marshall George Strapps (1823-1914, woodcarver. Examples of his work are in Wisbech & Fenland Museum. Died 31 October in Wisbech and buried in the General Cemetery.[332]
• Henry Herbert aka Master Herbert (born in Wisbech 22 December 1829), child actor known as 'The Infant Roscius'. Son of John Herbert.
• Alexander Peckover 1st Baron Peckover LL.D., FRGS., FSA., FRGS., FLS. (1830-1919) British Quaker banker and philanthropist. Born in Wisbech 16 August 1830. Died 21 October 1919. He married Eliza Sharples and had three daughters.
• Sir Thomas George Fardell BA, MP (1833-1917), English politician and lawyer, born on 26 October 1833 he was the youngest son of Rev Henry Fardell, vicar of Wisbech. He dies 12 March 1917
• Priscilla Hannah Peckover (1833 – 1931), Quaker, pacifist and linguist; she founded the Wisbech Local Peace Association, which grew to have 6,000 members.
• Johnathan Peckover (1838-1882), Quaker and philanthropist. Born 16 June and died 8 February. Son of Algernon and Priscilla Peckover. He founded the Wisbech Working Men's Institute in 1864.[250]
• Algerina Peckover (1841-1927), Quaker, philanthropist and plant collector who donated a collection of Madagascan ferns to Wisbech Herbarium in 1904.[333]
• William Digby CIE, (born in Wisbech, 1 May 1849 – 29 September 1904) was an English writer, journalist and liberal politician, and first secretary of the National Liberal Club.
• Rev. William Hazlitt,(1737-1820) who was minister at the Presbyterian meeting house here in 1764–66, became an influential Unitarian minister. He was father of the essayist William Hazlitt and the portrait painter John Hazlitt. While resident at Wisbech he married Grace Loftus.
• Miranda Hill (1836-1910), social reformer, daughter of James Hill and Caroline Southwood Smith, granddaughter of Dr Thomas Southwood Smith, born in Wisbech, founded the Kyrle Society, a progenitor of the National Trust.
• Octavia Hill (1838-1912), daughter of James Hill and Caroline Southwood Smith, granddaughter of Dr Thomas Southwood Smith, born at Wisbech, was treasurer of the Kyrle Society, a progenitor of the National Trust, of which Octavia became co-founder.
• G.Francis Pattrick (c1840-1896) former Wisbech Grammar School pupil, later Maths don at Magdalene College, Cambridge University. Charles Stewart Parnell was one of his students.[334]
• W. H. Jude (1851-1922) composer and organist attended Wisbech Grammar School .
• S.W.Smedley (1875-1958) merchant and food processor.
• Lilian Ream (1877-1961) photographer. Lilian was born in West Walton, Norfolk. The youngest child of John Thomas and Louise Pratt. She married Sydney Ream in 1905, they had a son Roland 1907 and daughter Mary in 1911. Aged 17 she became photographic assistant to William Drysdale and went on to dominate the local photographic business. After her retirement Roland took the studio and it continued until it eventually closed in 1971. Over 10,000 negatives have survived to form the 'Lilian Ream collection'. This may be the most comprehensive record of its kind in England. In April 2013 the Wisbech Society erected a blue plaque at 4 The Crescent in her honour.[335][336]
• Philip Vassar Hunter CBE (1883-1956) engineer was born in Wisbech.
• Sir Frank Arthur Stockdale, GCMG, CBE, FLS (24 June 1883 – 3 August 1949) a pupil at Wisbech Grammar School became an agriculturist and colonial agricultural administrator.
• Arthur Artis Oldham (1886-1980), historian and writer was born in Wisbech. Titles included A History of Wisbech River (1933), Wisbech Bridges, Inns and Taverns of Wisbech (1950), Wisbech Windmills, Windmills around Wisbech, The Inns & Taverns of Wisbech (1979) and Windmills in and around Wisbech (1994). He married Ellen (Nellie) Fewster and had two children. He retired to Norwich where he died in 1980.[337]
• Lt John Neville Dennis MC, (1895-1917). Son of John and Florence Amy Dennis. A former Wisbech Grammar School pupil. Officer in 41st Company, Machine Gun Corps. Aged 22, died of wounds received in action 15 October 1917. Memorials in Magdalene College, Cambridge, St.Augustines Church and Wisbech.
• John Muriel (1909-1975), born in Hadleigh, Suffolk, aka as John St Clair Muriel, John Lindsey or Simon Dewes, was an author who taught at Wisbech Grammar School. His father was John Muriel (1859-1946) a[338] Novels, autobiographies and short stories include: Molten Ember (1930), Voice of One, Still Eastward Bound (1940), Suffolk Childhood (1959), Essex Days (1960) and When All the World was Young (1961). One of his pupils was John Gordon, who also went on to become an author.
• Rev. W. Awdry OBE (15 June 1911 – 21 March 1997), creator of Thomas the Tank Engine, was Vicar of Emneth in 1953–65.Toby the Tram Engine, one of Awdry's characters, was similar to the small steam trams that ran farm produce on the Strawberry Line between Upwell and Wisbech.
• Fl Sgt Charles William Hall Cox MM, (3 September 1913 - 1997), airman and shop owner. Born in March, Isle of Ely, Cambridgeshire he married in Wisbech in 1935 and as an airman was a key member of Operation Biting aka as the Combined Operations Bruneval Raid that successfully obtained German radar equipment located on the French coast. Subsequently, he received the Military Medal. After the war he opened C.W.H.Cox electrical shop in Little Church St, Wisbech.[339]
• Jesse Pye (1919–1984), professional footballer, scored two goals in the 1949 FA Cup Final, and played for England, before becoming a player-manager for Wisbech Town F.C. in 1960–66.
• Gerald Fleming (1919-2019) a D-Day soldier also serving with 8th Army, awarded the Freedom of Wisbech in 2017 and ‘Ordre National de la Legion d’honneur’.
• Norman G Jacobs MBE (1923 - 2016). Promoter and cinema owner.
• John Gordon (1925–2017), attended Wisbech Grammar School and after leaving the Royal Navy became a journalist and later a young-adult fiction writer and author of The Giant under The Snow, its sequel Ride the Wind, The Ghost on the Hill and other stories. The town and the surrounding fens inspired many of his novels, including The House on the Brink (Peckover House) and Fen Runners.
• Russell Arthur Missin FRCO (1922-2002), was born at Gorefield, near Wisbech) was organist and master of choristers at Newcastle Cathedral.
• John Barrie (snooker player), (1924-1996) snooker and champion billiards player. Born William Barrie Smith on 30 June, Wisbech and died 20 April aged 71.[340]
• Geoff Hastings (1935-2005), photographer and artist.[341][342]
• James Crowden CVO (1927 - 2016). Chartered surveyor, Olympian, Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire and Isle of Ely. Wisbech J.P. Born 14 November in Tilney All Saints, died 24 September.
• Brian Hitch (1932-2004), diplomat, academic and musician was born in Wisbech.
• Anton Rodgers (1933–2007), actor, was born in London on 10 January 1933 and moved to Wisbech during the war. He was president of the Georgian Angles Theatre.
• Professor Sir Harry Kroto FRS (1939–2016), born in Wisbech 7 October 1939 son of Heinz Fritz Kroton and Edith Kathe Dora Kroto was the 1996 Nobel Laureate in chemistry, for the discovery of fullerenes.
• Mick Walker (1942-2012), born 30 November 1942, Wretton, Norfolk. Following 10 years in the RAF he became a dealer, importer and race sponsor. After running his motorcycle business he became assistant editor of Motorcycle Enthusiast magazine and an author of over 100 books. He died on 8 March 2012 and was survived by his wife Susan and son Steven.

Names are in birth order. Data are from the subject's Wikipedia article except where referenced.

• W/O Henry Wolfe Wagner (born in Ireland in 1923), RAF navigator. Sole surviving crew member of a 51 Squadron Halifax bomber shot down over the continent. Retired and living in Wisbech.[343]
• Ray DaSilva, born 1933 in Wisbech, puppeteer, founded the DaSilva Puppet Company. After touring overseas the company moved from its base in Cambridgeshire to Norfolk, opening Norwich Puppet Theatre in 1980. As well as being a puppeteer (both making and performing), he was a director, producer and dealer in Puppet books. He was a founder member of the Puppet Centre Trust, chair of British UNIMA and a co-founder of Puppeteers East.[344]
• Malcolm Douglas Moss MA, (born 1943, Lancashire) politician, was a Wisbech Town councillor and later conservative MP for North East Cambridgeshire from 1987 until retirement at the 2010 general election. Made an Honorary Freeman of Wisbech.
• Dennis Savory, Olympian (born 13 June 1943) and member of Wisbech Archery club. Two years after picking up a bow, Dennis competed in the 1980 Moscow Olumpics. In the early stages he was in fourth place and finished a creditable 13th.[345]
• Victoria Gillick (born 1946 Hendon), activist and campaigner.
• Mike Stevens (born 1957) is a musical director, session musician and record producer.
• Mia Hansson (born 1974), Wisbech resident and embroiderer is single handed making a full size replica of the Bayeaux Tapestry. In April 2020 over 24 metres of the 69 metre length had been completed.[346][347]
• Joe Perry (born 13 August 1974 in Wisbech);– is a professional snooker player.
• Pinakin Patel MBE, (born 1976). Counter radicalisation expert and Local Government Officer[348]
• Jody Cundy OBE, (born 14 October 1978 in Wisbech) is a Paralympian.
• George Russell (racing driver), (born February 1998)