Wisbech  is a market town and inland port with a population of about 20,000 in the Fenland area of Cambridgeshire often referred to as the capitol of the fens.

 

Wisbech port and busy marina are on the tidal River Nene which runs through the centre of the town . The name Nene is believed to mean on the back of the River Ouse, with Ouse being a common Celtic word relating to 'water'.

 

Originally before the redefining of the county borders Wisbech was in the Isle of Ely with the county capitol being Ely this was incorporated into the county of Cambridgeshire in 1974. Wisbech is on the boarders of Norfolk and Lincolnshire.

 

The surrounding fenlands, much of which is below sea level is a major food producing area and at one time during the summer season the population of Wisbech and the surrounding areas would explode due to the  amount of strawberry  pickers which came to the area  and would stay for the fruit picking season.

 

The main employment in the area is agricultural and food processing plants, Premier Foods and Spillers (a pet food factory)  are among the major employer in the area.

 

In the past luxury sea going launches used to be made and fitted out in Wisbech, cans for the food canning factories in the area and jamming factories along with some of the biggest rose growers in the country all added to the local economy.

 

Market Days Thursdays and Saturdays in the main market Square in the town centre, Produce auction and market is held at the cattle market, The Auction is held on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 10am the produce and flower market is held on Mondays and Fridays at 4pm.

 

With the river Nene running through the middle of Wisbech and with magnificent architecture of the buildings on the north and south brinks, is very renaissance of Holland.