The Rose fair comes to Wisbech every July. It is a big event and a number of stalls are set up in the old church grounds. I clean and empty the bins around the small park and the blind gardens. From here it is a few paces to the steps where the old museum is and onwards towards the circular crescent where neat terraced Georgian buildings are.
One of the main historical names from the town, is that of a man called William Godwin. He was a political philosopher from Wisbech and was active in social circles of London from 1790 onwards. He had a daughter who caught much controversy and scandal back in that day and age. Her name was Mary Godwin. As a young woman she ran off with one of William’s political followers. His name was Percy Bysshe Shelly.
By the church in the above picture, one can see a small plaque to the right of the church archway. It is of the lady who was William Godwin's daughter. Her name became Mary Shelly and she wrote the famous novel, Frankenstein.
In a remote Fenland town, outside an old church archway, Mary Shelly is remembered with proud affection.
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