About Wisbech in Cambridgeshire

Wisbech is a historic market town in the Fenland district of Cambridgeshire, England. The town has a population of 21,000 and is the administrative centre of Fenland district. Wisbech is 10 miles (16 km) north-east of Peterborough, 24 miles (39 km) west of Kings Lynn and 35 miles (56 km) north of Cambridge. The town lies on the River Nene, some 40 miles (64 km) from its tidal mouth at The Wash. The river has always been an important factor in the town's development. The town was for many years a major port, and was known as the "capital of the Fens". With the draining of the fens in the 17th and 18th centuries, Wisbech became an inland town, but still retains a thriving market and a strong agricultural presence. The town is also home to several notable historic buildings, including Wisbech Castle, St Peter's Church, Peckover House and Octavia Hill's Birthplace House.