1928: On this Thursday the great flood that had hit Peterborough on Tuesday, and caused significant damage on Wednesday, showed signs of easing. There was an absence of ice blocks that had been in evidence earlier in the week. The current was still exceptionally strong and the gauge at the bridge showed the water nearly 1ft higher than before, at 15ft 6in (4.75m) deep. A local waterman who 'knew about such things' suggested that, provided it didn't rain in the next twenty-four hours, the floods had reached their maximum, pointing out that with such a wide expansive of meadowland now taking the water, further rises in the water level were unlikely. However, the flow caused two untenanted houseboats to break from their moorings just above the Great Northern railway bridge and get swept downstream towards the Town Bridge. One became partially submerged and gradually sank, until it could pass under the bridge arches. However, as it passed under the bridge, the roof came off second best in the collision and was wrenched off. The other houseboat had swung round broadside to the bridge, and was eventually towed off and moored - thankfully, not too much worse for wear, it would seem. (Peterborough & Huntingdon Standard)

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