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.
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.
Horse Racing was a popular sport in the eighteenth century, with most to…