Get ready for Heritage Open Weekend
IT S the big Heritage Open Weekend in Wisbech from Friday September 8th until Sunday September 10th when attractions in the town open their doors, for free, to the public. Heritage Open Days is a national event, which was established in 1994 by The Civic
IT'S the big Heritage Open Weekend in Wisbech from Friday September 8th until Sunday September 10th when attractions in the town open their doors, for free, to the public.
Heritage Open Days is a national event, which was established in 1994 by The Civic Trust. The aim is "to celebrate England's architecture and culture by allowing visitors free access to properties not normally open to the public or which would normally charge an entrance fee".
The following events have been co-ordinated by the Wisbech Tourist Information Centre.
Friday September 8
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ANGLES THEATRE
Alexandra Road
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Built in 1793 The Angles Theatre is one of the oldest surviving Georgian theatres in the country. The foyer is a former school built by James and Caroline Hill, the parents of Octavia, that later became the County Library.
Open: 10am - 3pm. Admission free.
TOWN COUNCIL CHAMBER
1 North Brink
The Chamber is situated on the upper floor of Wisbech Corn Exchange, where the Town Council have met since 1835. This is a chance to view historic documents and photographs including portraits of every Wisbech Mayor.
Open: 10am - 12 noon. Admission free.
WISBECH and FENLAND MUSEUM
Museum Square
One of the first purpose-built museums in the country, this 1847 Victorian treasure house has original display cases and features an exotic mix of local and worldwide collections. A temporary exhibition 'Peep into the Past' features rare archive films of the Wisbech & Upwell Tramway.
Open: 10am - 4pm. Admission free.
WISBECH CASTLE, DUNGEONS & GARDEN
Museum Square
Regency Villa on the site of a Norman Castle, visited by King John just after he had lost his treasure! Guided tours of the Castle and its dungeons, where two members of the Gunpowder Plot were imprisoned.
Tours at 2pm and 3.30pm. Admission free.
Saturday September 9
ANGLES THEATRE
Alexandra Road
Built in 1793 The Angles Theatre is one of the oldest surviving Georgian theatres in the country. The foyer is a former school built by James and Caroline Hill, the parents of Octavia, that later became the County Library.
Open: 10am - 2pm. Admission free.
ASTRAL HOUSE
33 Old Market
An 18th century house, now occupied by the Royal Air Force Association Club.
Open: 10am - 4pm. Admission free.
FRIENDS MEETING HOUSE
North Brink
The Friends have been meeting on this site since 1711, with the present building dating back to 1854. In the graveyard are many members of the Peckover family and Jane Stuart, the illegitimate daughter of King James II.
Open: 10.00am - 4.30pm. Admission free.
MASONIC TEMPLE
The Crescent
A former Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, opened in 1803, and now a Masonic Temple. A rare opportunity of view the interior of this Georgian building.
Open: 10am - 1pm. Admission free.
PECKOVER HOUSE
North Brink
Visit 'the finest house in Wisbech', home to the Peckover family for over 150 years. In addition to this lovely Georgian brick town house of 1722, with its charming two acre Victorian walled garden, you can also see the conservator working on the leather tack in the Stables.
Open: Garden 12 noon - 5pm. House: 1 - 4pm. Admission free.
ST PETER'S CHURCH TOWER
Church Terrace
Climb the dusty stone steps of this 16th century tower to enjoy spectacular views over Wisbech and The Fens. Please wear suitable clothing.
Tours at 2pm and 3pm. Admission free.
TOWN COUNCIL CHAMBER
1 North Brink
The Chamber is situated on the upper floor of Wisbech Corn Exchange, where the Town Council have met since 1835. This is a chance to view historic documents and photographs including portraits of every Wisbech Mayor.
Open: 2 - 4pm. Admission free.
Sunday September 10
ANGLES THEATRE
Alexandra Road
Built in 1793 The Angles Theatre is one of the oldest surviving Georgian theatres in the country.
Open: 2 - 4pm. Admission free.
ASTRAL HOUSE
33 Old Market
An 18th century house, now occupied by the Royal Air Force Association Club.
Open: 10am - 4pm. Admission free.
LEVERINGTON ROAD CEMETERY
Access from North End or Chapel Road car park in Wisbech
Opened in 1836 this now closed 3 acre cemetery is being developed as a pocket park for tourism, heritage, education, access and wildlife uses.
Open all day. Admission free.
ROSE & CROWN HOTEL
23 Market Place
Explore this former Coaching Inn, parts of which date back to the 15th century. Visited by Princess Victoria in 1835 and featured in the BBC TV period drama 'Martin Chuzzlewit'.
Conducted tours at 11am and 2pm. Admission free.
N.B. Limited spaces available, so for more information and to book places please phone the Hotel on 01945-589800
TOWN COUNCIL CHAMBER
1 North Brink
Situated on the upper floor of Wisbech Corn Exchange, where the Town Council have met since 1835. A chance to view historic documents and photographs including portraits of every Mayor.
Open: 2 - 4pm. Admission free.
THE CAGE INTERPRETATION CENTRE
Parson Drove
Once the village lock-up, now a 'mini' museum depicting Fen life as seen through the eyes of John Peck, farmer, village constable and diarist.
Open: 2 - 5pm. Admission free.
