Museum Square, Wisbech, Cambs PE13 1ES | Tel: 01945 583817

Wisbech Through the Ages 1600-1700

"Wisbich is a handsome well built town, and did go beyond our expectations" Edward Browne's journal 1662

During the 1600's Wisbech continued to grow around the established medieval street plan based around the Old and New Markets and the Castle. The town became an increasingly important commercial centre and a new Corn Market was built in 1619. By 1676 it was reported that 1,705 people lived in the town.
Plan of Wisbech c. 1664

 

 
 

Advances in the Fenland drainage system, including the contraction of a sluice at Horsehoe Corner around 1615, resulted in improvements to Wisbech's port and increase in river trade.

A number of large houses were built in the town including the grand mansion constructed on the site of the demolished Wisbech Castle by Oliver Cromwell's Secretary of State John Thurloe. Other major buildings which probably date from this period include Ely House (on modern Lynn Road) and a terrace of houses on York Row.

 

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