Discover Wisbech, Cambridgeshire

View of Wisbech beside the River Nene, Cambridgeshire, England: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:WisbechTown-15.jpg
Author: Dennis Smith


Wisbech is a market town and inland port in Cambridgeshire, England. It straddles the River Nene and has a population of 20,000 people (2012 estimate).

Human habitation in Wisbech goes back to the Iron Age. During the Anglo-Saxon invasion, Wisbech came under the rule of the kingdom of East Anglia, as with the rest of Cambridgeshire. The town was first documented in AD 1000. In 1072, King William I built Wisbech Castle to provide improved protection to the town.

St Peter's Church, Wisbech: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:St_Peter%27s_Church,_Wisbech_-_geograph.org.uk_-_1589419.jpg
Author: Paul Shreeve


As with many of the towns in Cambridgeshire, Wisbech was built in the marshland, called fens. Until the 17th century, the town was on the estuary of the River Great Ouse - the name Wisbech means "Ouse's back" or "at the back of the River Ouse". Silting of the River Great Ouse has pushed the coastline further north, and the River Nene was diverted to provide navigation to the town.

When the marshland was being drained, the locals of Wisbech were vehemently opposed. Ironically, the project turned the town into a wealthy port for the farm produce.

Visiting Wisbech

Getting to Wisbech by car requires you to drive through long distances of country roads. From London, take the A1(M) motorway all the way till the interchange with the A47 road with signages pointing to Peterboro (North) and Leicester. Take the A47 and head east until you arrive in Wisbech.

Places of Interest in Wisbech

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