
History and Heritage 2016
The history and heritage of the fens, and particularly Wisbech, has been a focus for me the last few weeks (new project details to come). The talk by Diane Calton Smith at the library regarding her new book showed us her enthusiasm for the area. On her way to writing the novel, she put together a book regarding Georgian Wisbech, particularly Peckover House where she volunteers. Her talk inspired me and made me smile as she speaks with the same enthusiasm I have when talking about the fens – that it is not a bland place with nothing to see, it’s a landscape rich in history, and a strong, independent, identity. Particularly Wisbech! I have found myself explaining this more than once recently. Wisbech is as independent now as it always has been. Possibly because it’s a central town for the surrounding villages (hence Capital of the Fens), and as a port and market town supported itself, and produced well-educated people interested in helping others.
We should all know about Octavia Hill and Thomas Clarkson and that they spent their lives reforming society to be a fairer place for all. William Godwin, also a social reformer, was born in Wisbech too, he is described as the first proponent of modern anarchism.
There were many other people in the same period setting up organisations like libraries, the Institute and the Museum for the benefit of the town – eventually, in the Museum’s case, as it wasn’t immediately available to all. Some of these family names are still with us today, how proud these descendants must be. If you’re interested in family history, then see fenlandfhs.org.uk or pop in to the library. Also at the library are folders showing the Lilian Ream collection, a fantastic selection of moments in the life of an agricultural market town, including many townspeople as well as agricultural workers. If anyone can identify a family member in the photos, how great would that be? I like it for its social history, but I also think many of the photos would work displayed as artworks on your wall. The folders are upstairs at the library, have a look through and see if you recognise anyone.
I took this photo (not Lilian Ream!) Just for fun, email me if you can guess where I took it!