Wisbech & Fenland Museum
Museum Square
Wisbech
Cambridgeshire
PE13 1ES
England
Website
Telephone
01945 583817
Fax
01945 589050
Wisbech & Fenland Museum is one of the oldest purpose-built museums in the country. The original Museum Society was formed in 1835, and the present building dates from 1847. The well-preserved Museum interior enables visitors to step back in time to the heyday of the Victorian museum.
The Hudson Wing addition offers a more contemporary interpretation of the Fenland landscape and history - in addition to an up-to-the-minute temporary exhibition area and full education facilities. Disabled access to all main Museum areas is available via the side entrance and lift.
Venue Type:
Archive, Library, Museum
Thomas Clarkson and the Transatlantic Slave Trade: Wisbech is the home town of slavery abolitionist Thomas Clarkson and the Museum holds documents, letters, books and artefacts relating to his work. The most important of these is his chest which contains examples of 18th century African textiles, seeds and leatherwork. These were used to illustrate his case for direct trade with Africa. The chest also contained chains and manacles which give an insight into the appalling treatment of the enslaved Africans.
Collection details
Archaeology, Archives, Coins and Medals, Costume and Textiles, Decorative and Applied Art, Fine Art, Land Transport, Maritime, Medicine, Music, Personalities, Science and Technology, Social History
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