1884: Peterborough was still in shock following the dramatic fire at the infirmary two days previous, but it proved to be a catalyst for the expansion and development of its facilities. An appeal for restoration funds soon got underway. It stated that there had been 3,725 patients treated in 1883 and a total of 29,352 in the previous ten years. The appeal raised £3,000 for the hospital - and provoked a review of the fire service facilities, which were in place before the end of the year. (Tebbs, H.F., Peterborough, Oleander Press, 1979)
Taken from The Peterborough Book of Days by Brian Jones, The History Press, 2014.
1886: The Petty Sessions on this day had some interesting cases but this one tops the lot. William Johnson, an insurance agent from Manchester, was charged with committing bigamy at Stamford on 31 October 1884 with Minnie Edmunds - his wife Adelaide Johnson then being alive - and again on 13 February 1886, marrying Alice Mary Bloomfield at Kingston upon Thames. It appeared that the prisoner married Adelaide, the daughter of John Bronbeck of Lynn, in 1883 and whilst living at Peterborough the following year, made acquaintance with Minnie Edmunds, the daughter of a railway fitter in Westwood Street. He courted her for two months, and then married her by special licence on 31 October at St Martin's Church in Stamford, in the name of William Roberts. They then went to Manchester for the honeymoon, and after being there for ten days, the accused stated that he must leave for Sheffield to keep an appointment. She had not seen him since that day, but hearing afterward that the marriage was void, she had married again. The third marriage with Miss Bloomfield was at Kingston Old Church on 13 February 1886. After evidence as to the marriages had been given, the accused was committed for trial at the next assizes. (Stamford Mercury)
Taken from The Peterborough Book of Days by Brian Jones, The History Press, 2014.