1941: Following a Ministry of Home Security circular on the carrying of gas masks, a Mrs Mellows organised four lectures aimed principally at housewives of active servicemen, on how to handle a gas situation. The second talk was held on this day. Each lecture covered: latest information about gas attacks; first aid for gas casualties; how to protect yourself and dealing with incendiary bombs and fires. All lectures were very well attended. (Gray, David, Peterborough at War 1939-1945, David Gray, 2011)
Taken from The Peterborough Book of Days by Brian Jones, The History Press, 2014.
A curious story of cake mastery in Peterborough entered the national papers in 1928. The wedding of jockey Henry Valentine Graves, who was described as 'of Peterborough' and Maisie Meads of Cardiff, took place on 20th February of that year. The wedding was in 'Peterborough Parish Church' also known as St John's church, in the city centre.
The feature of the wedding that caught the attention of national papers was the elaborate cake created for the occasion. It was described as looking like 'a steeplechase course, complete with horses, hurdles, stands, and winning post, and was decorated with horse shoes and stirrups.' No mention was given of the bakery who created the cake, but we can hope that it was a talented Peterborian who rose to the challenge.
Reference
The Scotsman, Tuesday 21st February 1928, p4, col 7
Horse Racing was a popular sport in the eighteenth century, with most towns and cities holding their own races. In Peterborough the races were held on Peterborough Common, which was located to the east of the city.
An advert in the Stamford Mercury from 1739 laid out the details of races to be held at the end of May and beginning of June. The first race on 29th May had a prize of 20 guineas to the winner and was open to 'any horse, mare or gelding that never won above the value of £40 at any one time' and were carrying 10 stone (the weight of the jockey). The cost to enter was one guinea if a subscriber and two if not.
The next race on Wednesday 30th had a prize of 10 guineas for horses of 14 hands carrying nine stones in weight. Half a guinea entrance for subscribers and a guinea for non-subscribers. On the following day a 'brace of bucks' ran for a small plate.
The big race was on Friday 1st June with a prize of 40 guineas available. It was free for horses carrying 10 stones. Subscribers paid two guineas entrance and non-subscribers three.
Philip Ashton was the clerk of the race and one of his jobs was to inspect the horses on 22nd May at the Talbot Inn when they paid their entrance. Any that entered on the day paid double the entrance cost.
The advert ends by stating: 'There will be an assembly on Tuesday and Friday nights at the Free School; and the Money given for going in to the Assembly is to be Apply'd towards the raising of a Lady's Plate for the next Year. An Ordinary every Day at the Talbot, and a cocking.' Cock fights were a popular supplementary sport to horse racing and there was also a ring for cock fights at The Angel.
References
'Peterborough Races' Stamford Mercury, 3 May 1739, p. 4.
Jockey Francis or Frank Buckle was the hero in many a tale of racing prowess. Born in 1766 he had caught the eye of noble benefactors who paid him to ride their horses to win races across the country. Many of these races were in Newmarket, where he was born.
He competed in countless races, winning the Epsom Derby five times, the St Leger twice and clocking 27 big wins in his career. It was noted that he would travel from his home in Peterborough to races in places like Newmarket, compete and travel home on the same day, demonstrating the stamina and dedication he had. He continued to race into his 60s, maintaining his slender physique all his life.
He lived for a while at Long Orton, known now as Orton Longueville, then to Peterborough for Earl Fitzwilliam, whilst also finding a larger farm in Orton. There he kept cattle and bred dogs, as well as entering his cockerels in fights, a sport synonymous with horse racing and gamblers. Orton Longueville remained a small village at the time and contained both Hall Farm and Long Orton Town Farm. He lived at the farm with his second wife and their three boys, including his son Samuel, an early photographer.
He died on 5th February 1832 shortly after retirement and was buried in Holy Trinity Church, Orton Longueville. He rests beneath a tomb bearing the inscription:
No better rider ever crossed a horse, Honour his guide, he died without remorse, Jockeys attend - from his example learn, The meed that honest worth is sure to earn.
These were references to his honesty and fair playing in his sport. He was very well respected earning the nicknames 'the old Governor' and 'the Prime Minister.'
His tomb can be viewed at Holy Trinity Church, described in his obituary as a 'neat church, overgrown with ivy, and surrounded with the ancient oak and stately elm which envelop the adjoining seat of Lord Strathavon.'
References:
'Memoirs of the Late Francis Buckle', Stamford Mercury, 11 May 1832, p. 4.
Wikipedia: Francis Buckle
Image: Francis Buckle by William Camden Edwards via Wikipedia
A curious story of cake mastery in Peterborough entered the national pap…
Horse Racing was a popular sport in the eighteenth century, with most to…
Jockey Francis or Frank Buckle was the hero in many a tale of racing pro…