Eminent Peterborians

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1839: 'The Charter' reports on this day that in just ten years, three respectable natives of Peterborough have taken conspicuous situations attracting the notice of their own townsmen and the public in general. Eminent mechanic Francis Ruddle came to London to put a new organ case in Westminster Abbey; Sir Chapman Marshall had been elected to become the Lord Mayor of London; and Mr Robert West arrived from Peterborough to execute the duties of his office on Lord Mayor's day, being regularly appointed hairdresser to the Lord Mayor of London! (The Charter)

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

Stained Glass for St John's

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1884: Stained glass windows are the pride of any church, and St John's church is no different to the rest in this regard. On this day, a faculty was proposed to remove stained glass from the central east window and replace it with glass representing Messrs Butler & Bayne. It also records the church's intent to place stained glass in the east windows of the north and south aisles. These windows were to represent the 'Resurrection and Descent of the Holy Ghost at Pentecost' and the cost of £780 was to be met by James Pears Esq of No. 1, The Crescent, Peterborough. Once done, the stonework of the east windows of the north and south aisles was to be restored in accordance with plans agreed on 19 January 1882. Based in Covent Garden, London, Butler & Bayne were one of the leading firms of Gothic revival stained glass manufacturers, whose work was commissioned by the principal Victorian architects. During a long career, the firm produced stained glass for numerous churches throughout Britain, the Empire and even the United States. Their work was to be found in Westminster Abbey, Wimborne Minster and Peterborough Cathedral (1864). St John's was aiming high. (Bull, J & V., A History of Peterborough Parish Church - St John the Baptist 1407-2007)

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

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Eminent Peterborians

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Stained Glass for St John's

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