King John’s lost treasure, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein story and the Queen’s 90th birthday were the themes of eye-catching displays at St Peter’s Church Gardens.

Legend has it that the king’s baggage train carrying a mass of jewels, goblets and gold coins were lost in the bay at Wisbech in 1216. That tale was recalled by a treasure chest full of tubs planted by girls from the 3rd Wisbech Brownies.

Mary Shelley, whose father hailed from Wisbech, conceived the idea for Frankenstein exactly 100 years ago. Her famous horror story was depicted in various scary-looking figures while her own character was enacted for the judges by Mary Conway.

Contemporary history was celebrated in a white garden created to mark the Queen’s landmark birthday earlier this year.

During their visit on Monday, judges Sue Hacon and Chris Durham met a number of local In Bloom volunteers and supporters, including members of FACET who had played a big part in creating the new winter garden in Wisbech Park.

The four-hour inspection also took in Elgood’s Brewery, the Octavia Hill Birthplace Museum, the Crescent. Nene Quay area and Peckover House.

The town is hoping to gain its ninth gold medal in a row. Last year it also won the region’s large town award. It is also a contender in this year’s Britain In Bloom awards, with their judges’ visit due on Monday (August 1).

The Anglia In Bloom results will be announced on September 6.