Day Trip to Peckover House and The Wisbech and Fenland Museum

The Wisbech & Fenland Museum, is one of the oldest purpose-built museums in the United Kingdom. The Museum Society was founded in 1835 and was originally located at 16 Old Market Place. Its collection of Natural Science specimens, antiquities and curios soon outgrew the premises and it re-located to the present purpose-built building in 1847.

 

Originally designed to house both the Museum and Literary Society, the latter ceased in 1877 and the Museum trustees became the sole owners. The Museum houses a number of important collections relating to local history and the anti-slavery campaigner Thomas Clarkson. Its star exhibit is the original manuscript of Charles Dickens' Great Expectations, the bequest of Chauncy Hare Townshend. Other notable artefacts include Napoleon's Sèvres breakfast service, said to have been captured at the Battle of Waterloo and Thomas Clarkson's chest, containing examples of 18th century African textiles, seeds and leatherwork which he used to illustrate his case for direct trade with Africa.

 

We are excited to offer our Friends the opportunity to visit 2 venues in one day. Starting with a private tour of the House and Gardens of National Trust Property - Peckover House in the morning, followed by lunch. After lunch in the Thatched 17th Century Barn Tea Room, we will travel a short distance, to be treated to an afternoon tour of the eclectic collection housed at The Wisbech and Fenland Museum.