Wisbech, Cambridgeshire

Wisbech Old Market Place

I was born in Wisbech in 1960, my father worked for the family business, Hutson & Sons, my Grandpa also had a pet shop in the old market place, we lived with him for a while
Wonder what happened to the lovely panelling in his sitting room, there was a granary at the back of the house, used to be able... [more]

Napier Terrace

I was born in Wisbech in 1937 in Ramnoth Road, we moved to Napier Terrace on the canal until after the war when we moved to Wales. I have fond memories of living in Napier Terrace, we lived in the last house, No 37. My father was in ARP when a bomb fell on the cinema. A lasting memory was when... [more]

The Canal.

I went to St Peter's School, shown by the side of the canal, half way up the picture on the left, and contained in the triangle. It was demolished prior to the canal being filled to create Churchill Road. This was an important site during winter for us local boys. Council workmen would shovel snow from the town... [more]

The Harbour Line.

Look carefully between the first two trees on the left of the photograph. In the gap with the house in the background you will see a horizontal dark line which follows to the right. This is the railway line called the Harbour Line which operated until about 1967. The engine was driven by Mr Charlie Rands, who lived... [more]

The Castle Inn Wisbech

Great great great grandfather lived here, he was the publican. Goulder Gray.

The Hope Inn

I think it was 1949/50, I remember living along the canal side, Trafalgar Row it was called, over the other side from the Hope Inn.  Somehow I think it was further up than Somerfield almost opposite the Empire.  Most of my family used this pub as their social outlet for weekends, remember no TV, bingo or much else then.  I remember... [more]

Familiar faces.

On the left on his father's cycle is Malcolm French, an old friend. No doubt he is returning to the office of J Bellamy, Accountants, North Brink, where he was at that time articled. He worked in the town as an accountant during his working life.

English Brothers.

The opened sided storage sheds were owned by English Brothers.

Cambridgeshire Photographic Memories

This splendid sixty-eight feet high Gothic-style memorial beside the old bridge in Wisbech is to Thomas Clarkson, who dedicated his life to travelling the country, speaking in support of William Wilberforce's anti-slavery movement. Unveiled in 1881, the monument was designed by Sir Gilbert Scott, and contains bas-relief panels created by Josiah Wedgwood.

Wisbech Town and City Memories

Whilst the High Street is a shadow of its former self, the Rose & Crown Hotel, located at the junction with the Market Place, is enjoying somewhat of a renaissance, with its current owners investing heavily in restoring the hotel to its former prominence in the town and locality. The provision of good accommodation for visitors and tourists must be seen as a priority, if Wisbech is to tap into the... [more]

East Anglia

The success of Wisbech has always depended on its rivers and canals. The five mile-long Wisbech Canal once connected the villages of Outwell and Upwell with the River Nene at Wisbech. It has since been filled in and closed down. Wisbech is the capital of the Fens. It was once a strategic seaport, where coasters transhipped their cargoes into fenland lighters.... [more]