1941: On this day, 814 20-year-old city girls responded to their call-up papers - although some forgot their registration card! Many of the girls had come with their mothers, while others had their boyfriends for company. Some are described as arriving 'with an army escort on either side'. Quite a few perambulators are also recorded as being parked outside the building. (Gray, David, Peterborough at War 1939-1945, David Gray, 2011)
Taken from The Peterborough Book of Days by Brian Jones, The History Press, 2014.
The Laurel Court House Girls' School was first recorded in the house off the Cathedral’s cloister in 1862, one of the first girls' schools in the city. It's most influential head teacher was the formidable Margaret Gibson and her Dutch colleague Annette Van Deese.
Ms Gibson was originally from Ireland, and had settled in Peterborough in 1870, determined to run a school for young ladies.The school took both local and boarding students, taught art, music, literature and specialised in teaching French and German. Margaret Gibson took over the school and ran it with a strict discipline, but gained the respect and love of her students, particularly as she took a continuing interest after they graduated and offered help and support.
In 1926 Margaret Gibson became the first woman to be given the freedom of the city of Peterborough. She is remembered for teaching Edith Cavell and for being a proud Peterborough citizen until her death in 1928.
The Laurel Court House Girls' School was first recorded in the house off…