Problems with the Bridge Opening

1872: The bridge over the Nene had been in use - and repaired many times - since Abbot Godfrey had first built it in 1308. Now, as Peterborough grew, it was time for a more substantial one to take its place. After many discussions and predictable delays, a contract was placed with Handyside & Co. of Derby for a new bridge at the cost of £5,426. It was on this Friday that the new iron bridge was opened for traffic - but even the opening did not go smoothly. 'On reaching the foot of the bridge the road was found to be blocked and the approaches occupied by a mob. The consequence was that the procession was disorganised and broke up. Very few heard Mr Ward Hunt declare the bridge open'. It could, in fact, be said that the bridge was opened by a rag and bone merchant, because he and his wagon were actually the first to cross the bridge! The bridge was now safe to cross, but on the south side was the Great Eastern Railway crossing, and in the twentieth century, that would cause problems. These issues would not get addressed and resolved until the 1930s. (Mitchell, Neil, The Streets of Peterborough, Neil Mitchell, 2007; Tebbs, H.F., Peterborough,  Oleander Press, 1979)

Taken from The Peterborough Book of Days by Brian Jones, The History Press, 2014.