Peckover House and Garden facts for kids
Peckover House & Garden is a special place in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, England. It is looked after by the National Trust, an organization that protects important historic places and natural beauty spots for everyone to enjoy.
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The Story of Peckover House
This beautiful house was built a long time ago, in 1722. It changed hands a few times before the Peckover family bought it in the late 1700s. The Peckovers were a very important family in Wisbech. They were Quakers, a type of Christian group, and they owned a bank. Because of their bank, the house was often called Bank House while they lived there.
The Peckover Family's Legacy
A member of the family, Alexander Peckover, was given the special title of Baron Peckover in 1907. The Peckover family lived in the house for many years. During the Second World War, there's a local story about Alexandrina Peckover. She gave a lot of money to the Wisbech Spitfire Fund. This fund helped buy Spitfire planes for the war effort. People say she did this instead of giving up the metal railings in front of her house, which were often collected to be melted down for the war.
In 1948, the Peckover family generously gave the house to the National Trust. This meant that this historic building would be preserved for future generations. In 1985, Peckover House was officially recognized as a Grade II listed building, showing its importance. The lovely garden at the house was even filmed by the BBC in 1997!
Exploring the House and Garden
From the outside, Peckover House looks quite simple. But step inside, and you'll find amazing rooms! They have beautiful wooden panels, fancy fireplaces with detailed carvings, and decorative plaster on the ceilings. It's like stepping back in time to the Georgian era.
The Wonderful Walled Garden
Behind the house is a large, beautiful garden that covers about two acres. It's a Victorian walled garden, which means it has high walls around it. This garden is home to some rare and interesting trees. You can also find charming summer houses and orange trees that are thought to be 300 years old! The garden is filled with colorful roses, pretty flower beds, and a special area for ferns. There's even a croquet lawn for games.
Unique Features in the Grounds
In the garden, you might spot a pet cemetery. It's still used today for beloved pets. Nearby, there's a historic stone called the 'White Cross of the Low'. Its pieces were found in the River Nene.
Across the river from Peckover House is another old bank house. This one used to belong to James Hill, who was a merchant and banker. He was the father of Octavia Hill, one of the people who helped start the National Trust! This house is also open for visitors to explore.
You can also see a special old trap, called a mantrap, that once belonged to the Peckovers. It is now on display at the Wisbech & Fenland Museum.
The Historic Reed Barn
The Barn at Peckover House has an interesting past. During the Second World War, it was used as a place for amateur theatre shows. People believe it might have been used for plays even before the Georgian Theatre opened nearby.
For a while, the Barn was a restaurant and gift shop. However, after the Covid-19 lockdown, it was changed. Now, it's a special meeting place for people living with dementia and those who care for them. This new use helps support the local community.
