Fenland Heritage Weekend 8th - 11th September 2011
Explore Fenland’s History - FREE!
CONTENTS Property / Event
Days Open
A Look At West End March, Past and Present (Walk)
Sat
All Saints’ Church, Walsoken
Sat
Angles Theatre, Wisbech
Thu Fri
Chatteris Quirks and Curiosities Trail
Thu Fri
Sat
Friends Meeting House, Wisbech
Thu Fri
Sat
Page 5
Sun
6 6
‘Glimpses into the History of Chatteris’, Guided Walk
3 Sun
8
Sun
3
Sun
8
Guyhirn Chapel of Ease
Sat
March Library, Cambridge Family History & More
Sat
March Museum
Sat
4
March Railway Station
Sat
4
March Waste Transfer Station
Fri
6
One Hundred Yards Around the Market Square, March (Walk)
Sun
Octavia Hill Birthplace House, Wisbech Octavia View, Wisbech (Art Exhibitions)
5
Sat
Sun
4 8
Thu Fri
Sat
The Ship Inn, March
Thu Fri
Sat
Sun
5
The Church of St Peter & St Paul, Wisbech
Thu Fri
Sat
Sun
6
St Peter’s Church, March
Thu Fri
Sat
Fri
Sat
Peckover House
Trinity Church, March St Wendreda’s Church, March
Sat
Vivien Fire Engine Trust, Wisbech
5 4 5
Sat
Wisbech Castle Fri
Sun
3
Sun
7
Sat
Sun
8
Sat
Sun
7
Sun
6
Sun
7
Wisbech General Cemetery Wisbech Social Club & Institute
7
Thu Fri
Whittlesey Festival
Wisbech Council Chamber
7
Sat
Many thanks to the organisers at all the properties, who are investing their own time and effort to make the Heritage Weekend a success. Please do remember that they reserve the right to vary or cancel their programme due to circumstances beyond their control and it is advisable, where possible, to contact individual properties for last minute information.
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Which Fenland properties would you like to see open on Heritage Weekend? Please let us know here - cut out this slip and either post it or pop it into the box at the Tourist Information Centre, 2 - 3 Bridge Street, Wisbech, Cambs PE13 1AF. Or let us know by email to tourism@fenland.gov.uk
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CHATTERIS Chatteris would have been a seaside town in Neolithic times, it perched on the edge of a vast tract of salt marshes, with the sea just to the east. The town we see today grew around the abbey of St Mary from around 1010. A market place formed in front of the abbey and streets evolved to connect the abbey to the other settlements in the Fens. Although there is little sign of the abbey remaining, Chatteris is still well connected and is an ideal base for touring the Fens and south Cambridgeshire.
Guided Walk, ‘Glimpses into the History of Chatteris’ Local Historian Maureen James will lead a circular guided walk around the town which will provide fascinating glimpses into aspects of local history from Medieval times to the present day. Starts from the car park opposite Chatteris Museum. Sunday 11th
3.00pm The Church of St Peter & St Paul
Chatteris Quirks and Curiosities Trail Chatteris Museum, 14 Church Lane, Chatteris, PE16 6JA Chatteris Library, 2 Furrowfields Road, PE16 6DY
01354 696319 www.chatterismuseum.co.uk
Chatteris may seem an ordinary small town but it has its fair share of quirks and curiosities and the odd connection with the rich and famous. What has the holder of a Victoria Cross and a jail breaker got in common? Be guided to the spot where the nuns from Chatteris abbey have left behind a valued timepiece. Reach out and touch the Town's mortuary slab where the secrets of death were revealed by science. Find out who was known as the "Carrot King". What is vermiculite and what has Chatteris got to do with it? Pick up a leaflet from Chatteris Museum in Church Lane or the Library in Furrowfields Rd and follow our Quirks and Curiosities Trail and discover the answers to all these questions as you meander through the town. Thursday 8th Friday 9th Saturday 10th
Museum open 2.00 - 3.30pm; Library closed Library open 10.00am - 1.00pm and 2.00pm - 7.00pm; Museum closed Museum open 10.00am - 1.00pm; Library open 10.00am - 1.00pm and 2.00pm - 7.00pm
WHITTLESEY Whittlesey sits on the very western edge of the Fens, close to the cathedral city of Peterborough. The town has an interesting maze of streets with a mix of architecture spanning several centuries. The Buttercross in the Market Place is one of the most striking buildings and a reminder of Whittlesey’s rich trading and agricultural history. Whittlesey has two beautiful churches, both close to the town centre. The Church of St Mary is famous for its glorious spire supported on elegant flying buttresses from the massive tower below. The Church of St Andrew is less grand but has the light airy feel that is typical of many East Anglian churches.
The Buttercross
Each January Whittlesey celebrates the old agricultural custom of Straw Bear dancing with a three day festival that grows bigger and better each year. ‘The Bear’, a man in a costume made of straw, is accompanied by his keeper and several hundred dancers and musicians in a procession around the town and stops off for refreshments at pubs along the route.
Whittlesey Festival The Whittlesey Festival coincides with Heritage Weekend, being held on Sunday 11th Septmber. A fantastic family day out, including a classic car show, dancing and entertainers, stalls and, a craft fair from FenCraft Fairs and a World War 11 Spitfire fly past. For more information please contact Pauline Edge on 01733 208414 or Jenny Parker on 01733 351005 Sunday 11th
10.00am - 4.00pm 3
MARCH March was once an island surrounded by marshes. As the land was drained and made more fertile the town grew and prospered. Today March is a busy market town on the course of the old River Nene which winds its way through the town centre, past the park and pretty riverside gardens. The river is often busy with colourful boats cruising the Fenland waterways. This stretch of river is part of the Nene-Ouse Navigation Link which joins the River Nene at Peterborough with the River Ouse at Denver. The town centre has an unusual Broad Street lined with shops and headed by an elaborate ‘Fountain’ which was erected to commemorate the coronation of King George V and which celebrates its Centenary this year. South of the town the medieval Church of St Wendreda has a stunning double hammerbeam roof with 120 carved angels which is said to be ‘worth cycling 40 miles in a head wind to see’.
Trinity Church, Methodist/United Reformed High Street, March, PE15 9LH
http://www.eamethodist.org.uk/churches.php?March(Trinity)
Built in the late 19th Century to replace the small St.Paul’s Methodist Chapel in Gas Road. There is a memorial patio garden at the back of the church hall which was created by funding from Community Champions; the entire interior of the church was refurbished just over 20 years ago to make it more user friendly as a community centre. Adjoining the church there is a Memorial Garden which used to be a burial ground for one of the Baptist churches further along the High Street. Trevor Bevis the local historian asserts that it was used as a mass burial ground for some of the hundreds of victims of the town’s Typhoid epidemic of the 1840s. There will be a table top sale on the Saturday, with refreshments available in the Hall. Friday 9th Saturday 10th
10.00am - 4.00pm 10.00am - 2.00pm
March Railway Station Station Approach, Station Road, March, PE15 8SJ The railway first came to March on December 10th 1846 and was open to the public in January 1847. The platforms were opened on November 23rd 1885. The Friends of March Station group was formed in August 2009 to rejuvenate the disused side of the station. The plans are to bring the centre rooms back into use as a small meeting room, railway museum, and art gallery. The Heritage Weekend Open Day will include a number of railway related displays. For more information please see the website http://www.fomrs.org.uk. Saturday 10th 10.00am - 3.00pm
March Museum High Street, March, PE15 9JJ
01354 655300
www.marchmuseum.co.uk
Dating from 1851, the building was for many years a school until purchased by March Town Council to be used as a Museum and opened as such in 1977. Set up as a local folk museum, there are a number of displays showing the life and times of the late 19th and early 20th Centuries and ongoing to the present day. On Saturday 10th Jamie Jordan from Fossils Galore will be on hand with a wonderful fossil display and will also provide a fossil identification service. Saturday 10th, 10.30am – 3.30pm
One Hundred Yards Around the Market Square Meet outside the Town Hall, Market Place, March, PE15 9JF Take a walk into March history with Edna Stacey, Museum archivist & local historian. Meet outside the Town Hall, no need to book in advance. Sunday 11th September 2.00pm 4
St.Peter’s Church High Street, March, PE15 9JR
www.stpeterschurchmarch.co.uk
St Peter's church dates from 1881. The clock is believed to date from the late 17th century and to be the oldest working mechanical object in March, made without bolt or screw. It was erected in the old Market buildings in 1832 and when the buildings were demolished in 1898, the clock was given to St Peter's church by Mr. George Sharman. The bell was made in 1832 in Downham Market and weighed five hundred-weight. Tours of the bell tower will be led by Peter Whitcombe and by Jennifer Lawler of The March Society. People should be aware that there is a spiral staircase with over 50 steps, so is only suitable for the reasonably fit and is undertaken entirely at one's own risk. There will be a maximum of 6 people per tour. Thursday 8th and Friday 10th
Church open 9.00am - 5.00pm. Tours 12 noon to 2.00pm, by appointment. Please telephone Peter Whitcombe on 07519 237033 to book.
Saturday 11th
Church open 9.00am - 5.00pm. Tours every hour on the hour between 11.00am and 3.00pm.
A Look at West End March, Past and Present Guided Walks led by Andrew Clarke, Secretary of the March Society. Meet behind Barclays Bank, 2 Broad Street, March, PE15 8TQ. These will be gentle walks and will take a maximum of 40 minutes. Ideal size of group 15, but no need to book, just turn up on the day. Saturday 10th
Walks at 10.00am and 2.00pm
St Wendreda’s Church Wimblington Road, March, PE16 9QW
www.stwendreda.co.uk
St Wendreda's Church is the only Grade One Listed building in the town. Almost certainly the current church is built on the site of an earlier Saxon timber church. Wendreda was a daughter of the Saxon King Anna and, in the 7th century, established a mission on the site to minister to the poor and needy. The church was enlarged in the 1340's to house the shrine of the relics of St. Wendreda, and became a place of pilgrimage. The great glory of Saint Wendreda's Church, for which it receives world renown, is it's ancient double-hammer beamed roof built between 1470 and 1520, which is adorned with 118 carved Angels, making it almost unique. Guided Tours from the Church Hall, adjacent to the church. Thursday 8th Friday 9th
Tours at 11.00am and 2.00pm Tours at 11.00am and 2.00pm
Cambridge Family History society and more at March Library March Library, City Road, March For Heritage Weekend, March Library will be host to the Cambridge Family History Society, members of which will be on hand to provide information, advice and an introduction to family history resources. There will be Local Studies Activity Sheets (for all ages) based on March and the Fens, displays from the Cambridgeshire Community Archives Network, the University of the Third Age, The March Society and a March Museum exhibit. Saturday 10th September 10.00am - 3.00pm
The Ship Inn Nene Parade, March, PE15 8TD
01354 656999
The Ship Inn is a Grade II listed building believed to be from the 17th century or earlier and has been recently refurbished. It is a timber-framed building with an overhanging upper storey, thatched roof and ornately carved beams. There was a prison underground which has been filled in. For Heritage Weekend there will be a special display of photos and information about the history of The Ship over the last 150 years. Visitors are invited to drop in at their leisure during normal opening times. Thursday 8th - Sunday 11th, normal opening times 5
March Waste Transfer Station Melbourne Avenue, March, PE15 0EN Interested in the local environment? Want to know what the new buildings in Melbourne Avenue are? Want to know where your rubbish goes once Fenland District Council collects it? Then this is your chance. This is a working site with vehicles and plant moving. High visibility jackets and hard hats will be provided and only members of the public wearing stout shoes or boots will be allowed on the site. No sandals. No Under 9’s. Under 14’s must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Maximum number for tour 15. Book via The March Society website www.themarchsociety.org.uk. Friday 9th
Tours at 10.30am and 12.30pm
Please book as detailed above
WISBECH Wisbech, the Capital of the Fens, is renowned for its elegant Georgian architecture, a legacy from an era when the town was a booming trade centre. Stroll along the Brinks or round the Crescent to see some fine Georgian houses. A little further along North Brink is a completely different example of Georgian architecture. Elgoods Brewery was one of the first Georgian breweries to be built outside London and has stood almost unchanged for more than 200 years.
The Church of St Peter & St Paul Church Terrace, Wisbech, PE13 1HB Set in the very heart of Wisbech, the present church was first built in 1187AD when a Norman stone castle was erected to replace an earlier wooden structure. The church is unique in that it possesses a double nave and twin chancels, the construction reflects the wealth and prosperity of the medieval guilds that built the original church. Tours will be held of the church tower on Saturday and Sunday; for more details and to reserve a place please telephone 01945 582508. Thursday 8th & Friday 9th Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th
10.30am - 4.00pm 10.00am - 4.00pm
Church open, tower closed Church and tower open
The Angles Theatre Alexandra Road, PE13 1HQ
01945 474447
Wisbech Theatre was built in 1793 by Mr Roberton, the manager of the Lincoln Circuit. Between 1846 and 1977 the theatre had many different uses including: chapel for Wesleyan Methodist Reformers, grain store, store for a tent maker, public baths, a school of Science and Art, town library, and as a Christian Spiritualist Church. In 1978 the then recently formed 'Angles Theatre Company' rediscovered the theatre and leased it from the owners. Thursday 8th & Friday 9th
12.00 noon - 4.00pm
Wisbech General Cemetery North End, Wisbech, PE13 1PE Set up in 1836 primarily as a cemetery for non-conformists. The land was purchased from one of the leading nonconformists of the day, Mr Joshua Bland, and over the next 100 years many prominent citizens of Wisbech were buried here. Sunday 11th
10.00am - 4.00pm
All Saints Church, Walsoken Church Road, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE13 3RA All Saints has been a centre of worship since 1146. Situated exactly 1 mile from the centre of Wisbech, the church has been described as 'The grandest Norman parish church in Norfolk'. Talks by Peter Wadlow, Churchwarden, during the weekend. All welcome to attend Sunday service. Saturday 10th Sunday 11th 6
10.00am - 4.00pm 12.00 noon - 4.00pm
Wisbech Council Chamber 1 North Brink PE13 1JR
01945 461333
Erected in 1811 as an Exchange Hall on a site previously occupied by The Nag’s Head public house. The upper rooms were originally a gentlemen’s club billiard room and newspaper room and have been in use for Council business since 1836. The Council Chamber houses many works of art, artefacts and official documents which reflect the civic history and accomplishments of Wisbech. Friday 9th Saturday 10th Sunday 11th
10.00am - 4.00pm 10.00am - 4.00pm 10.00am - 4.00pm
Wisbech Social Club and Institute Hill Street, Wisbech PE13 1AP
01945 587437
A movement for a working men's club started in 1863, the parent body being the Young Men's Total Abstinence Society. Its first headquarters were in hired rooms in Upper Hill Street, but in 1867 the club moved to its existing premises at Alfred House, Lower Hill Street. This building has numerous rooms and passageways and a landmark Clock Tower. An exhibition of photographs from the Lilian Ream archive will be on display. Saturday 10th Sunday 11th
10.00am - 5.00pm 10.00am - 4.00pm
Vivien Fire Engine Trust 1 North Brink, Wisbech, PE13 1JR "Vivien" the Leyland fire engine proudly served Wisbech from 1932 to 1963. Named after the Mayoress at the time, it was regarded as one of the most up-to-date fire engines in the district. It featured the distinctive “Borough of Wisbech Fire Brigade” lettering and the Borough of Wisbech armorial bearings on the side. Vivien will be parked outside Wisbech Town Council Chamber on North Brink and an exhibition will be on display in the Chamber. Saturday 10th Sunday 11th
10.00am - 4.00pm 10.00am - 4.00pm
Octavia View 10a-14 South Brink, Wisbech, PE13 1JQ Two free exhibitions organised by Atelier East. Thursday there will feature young artist Maddie Rumbelow, while on Friday and Saturday view the work of Wisbech-born artist Neville Palmer. Octavia's shop will also be open and there is a seating area indoors and outdoors. Thursday 8th Friday 9th Saturday 10th
10.00am - 4.00pm 10.00am - 4.00pm 10.00am - 4.00pm
Meet the artist from 2.00pm - 4.00pm
‘Calling’ by Neville Palmer
Peckover House North Brink, Wisbech, PE13 1JR
01945 583463
A classic Georgian merchant's townhouse, it was lived in by the Peckover family for 150 years. They were staunch Quakers, which meant they had a very simple lifestyle; yet at the same time they ran a successful private bank. Both facets of their life can be seen as you wander through the house and gardens. The gardens themselves are outstanding – 0.8 hectare (two acres) of sensory delight, complete with orangery, summerhouses, croquet lawn and rose garden with more than 60 species of rose. Saturday 10th
12.00 noon - 5.00pm
Free Entry for Heritage Weekend 7
Guyhirn Chapel of Ease High Road, Guyhirn PE13 4EF
01945 410775
Also known as Guyhirn Old Church or Guyhirn Puritan Chapel, the Chapel of Ease is a plain, finely proportioned, small rectangular building constructed partly of brick and partly of Barnack stone. Both its exterior appearance and the austerity of its internal arrangements, with the original narrow wooden pews to prevent kneeling still in place, proclaim the building's Puritan origin. It was in fact designed at the end of the Cromwellian Commonwealth, when the Puritan mode of worship was the accepted one, but by the time construction was completed in 1660, the Restoration had come and Anglicanism had resumed its place as the official (and only legal) form of English religious observance. It was in regular use until 1878, but then rarely used,becoming derelict until 1973 when its restoration began. Saturday 10th Sunday 11th
10.00am - 3.00pm 10.00am - 3.00pm
Heritage Service at 2.30pm
Friends Meeting House 21 North Brink PE13 1JX
01945 773181
Built in 1854, the Friends’ Meeting House replaced an earlier building in which local Quakers had worshipped since 1711. The plainness of this newer building, still in regular use, reflects something of the fundamental simplicity of the Quaker faith. It was built by Algernon Peckover, an amateur architect, it has behind it is a small graveyard where many members of the Peckover family are buried. Another grave is that of the reclusive Jane Stuart, an illegitimate daughter of James II, who came to live in Wisbech and died here in 1742, aged 88. 2011 sees the celebration of 300 years of Quaker worship on the site and visitors are invited to attend and experience a Quaker worship meeting. Thursday 8th Friday 9th Saturday 10th Sunday 11th
11.00am - 2.00pm 11.00am - 3.00pm 11.00am - 3.00pm 12.00 noon - 4.00pm
Octavia Hill Birthplace House 7 South Brink, Wisbech, PE13 1JB
01945 476358
Octavia Hill (1838-1912) was a woman ahead of her time. An artist and a radical, a pioneer of affordable housing and can be seen as the founder of modern social work. Her formidable achievements as an environmental and open space campaigner led to her co-founding the National Trust. Her life and work is documented here in this handsome Georgian house facing the river Nene. The Museum has recently completed the major building programme, which restored the Georgian Grade II* listed building to its original size. Saturday 10th
1.00pm - 4.30pm
Wisbech Castle Museum Square, Wisbech, PE13 1ES Wisbech Castle is a Regency Villa built in 1816, standing on the site of a Norman Castle of 1087, Bishop’s Palace of 1478 and Thurloes Mansion of 1656. The site was the starting point for the development of the town, with the Market Place being established just outside the original castle walls. The house is presently furnished in the Regency style and includes interesting furniture and artefacts. In the garden the vaults may be explored; these formed the cellars of the mansion of 1656. Friday 9th Saturday 10th
8
10.00am - 4.00pm 10.00am - 4.00pm