Wisbech & Fenland Museum

About the museum

Wisbech & Fenland Museum opened in 1847 in a building made for the collections of the Wisbech Literary Society and the Museum Society. These early collections covered ethnography, natural history, geology, archaeology, decorative arts and paintings. The interior of the museum and its library has survived largely intact since then, so the museum is regarded as a well-preserved example of a Victorian museum, reflecting how knowledge was classified and taught at the time.

The collections began with natural science and local plants and animals, and they now also include a large archive of parish registers, local government and manorial records, directories, photographs and maps. The museum has a reference library of about 12,000 volumes in two collections, and it holds literary documents of international significance, including the original manuscript of Great Expectations by Charles Dickens, which is kept in the library.

Other important holdings include the Townshend Collection of decorative art, rare books and paintings left to the museum by Reverend Chauncey Hare Townshend, an Ancient Egyptian collection, and objects and documents about Thomas Clarkson, the abolitionist born in Wisbech. The museum is an independent charity supported by volunteers, its Friends group and Wisbech Town Council, and it also has a modern gallery and workshop space for events.

Highlights

• Victorian museum interior and library preserved since 1847
• Original manuscript of Great Expectations by Charles Dickens (shown on request)
• Thomas Clarkson's chest, viewable by appointment
• Ancient Egyptian collection
• Townshend Collection of decorative art, books and paintings
• Natural history collection with ichthyosaurs and a giant eel

Permanent exhibitions

• Townshend Collection – Decorative art, archives, rare books and paintings left to the museum by Reverend Chauncey Hare Townshend.
• Ancient Egyptian collection – Objects showing Egyptian beliefs and culture and the interests of Victorian collectors in archaeology.
• Thomas Clarkson collection – Documents, letters and objects of the Wisbech-born abolitionist, including his chest of African goods, shown by appointment while a new display is prepared.

Founded

1847

Operated by

Wisbech & Fenland Museum (independent charity no. 311307)

Admission & discounts

The museum lists an annual pass at £5.00 as its admission price. Some exhibitions and events carry a separate charge. Self-led formal education groups of 15 or fewer visit free during normal opening hours. For larger groups a meet-and-greet with a 15-minute talk costs £3.00 per person and a guided tour (about 1.5 hours) £5.00 per person, in addition to admission.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

A new level entrance leads to reception and a lift, which serves most of the galleries. The toilets include an accessible toilet and baby changing facilities. A free digital guide is available through the Bloomberg Connects app.

Kids & families

• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities

Buggies are allowed throughout the museum, and the toilets have booster steps and baby changing. There is no dedicated breastfeeding space, but staff will arrange a quiet space on request. The museum runs a programme of family events, many of them free.

Getting there & parking

Wisbech is in north Cambridgeshire, 40 miles north of Cambridge and under 20 miles from King's Lynn and Peterborough.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available

There is no café; staff can recommend places to eat nearby.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit