1154/55: Following the death of Abbot Martin de Bec, 'all the congregation met to choose a man among them who should be their father and shepherd, and guardian lest by reason of their delay some stranger should make his way in by payment of bribes'. They chose William de Waterville. All formalities and procedures were followed and on this first Sunday of Lent, 'with a great procession he was welcomed into his own home of Burch (the name of Peterborough at that time)'. (Mellows, W.T.,The Peterborough Chronicle of Hugh Candidus, Peterborough Museum Society, 1980)
Taken from The Peterborough Book of Days by Brian Jones, The History Press,2014.
This shows a view at sunset of the River Nene near the old Customs House. The ‘old’ iron bridge, which was built in 1872, replacing a very old rickety wooden one is in the background. This bridge was replaced in 1934 with a concrete version which also spanned the east coast railway which aided access from the south side of the river.
This image has been produced from an original postcard of the time. Publisher unknown, from the Jacqui Catlin Collection.
This is a view of the River Nene looking north along Broad Street which led to Narrow Street. At this time Peterborough was an inland port receiving barges from the coast via Wisbech and Kings Lynn. The old iron bridge is clearly visible and the Customs House, which is out of view is still on the right hand side. On the left hand side today are flats and The Rivergate Centre.
This image has been produced from an original postcard of the time. Publisher unknown, from the Jacqui Catling Collection.
The memorial fountain to Peterborough’s first Mayor, Henry Pearson Gates is clearly visible with the Cathedral in the background. Many of the buildings on the right hand side were removed in the 1930’s to widen Narrow Street.
One of the new trams is also in the scene.
This image has been produced from an original postcard of the time. Publisher Unknown, from the Keith Gill Collection.
Narrow street led from Cathedral Square past the current Town Hall to Broad Street which started near the current road crossing near TK Max. Narrow street was deemed to be far too narrow to cope with the increased traffic levels and the continuing expansion of Peterborough as an industrial city. All of the buildings on the left hand side were demolished to widen the street. As a result many old and historic buildings were lost.
This image has been produced from an original postcard of the time. Publisher unknown, from the Jacqui Catling Collection.
This image shows a view looking north from the Old Market Square, now Cathedral Square. In the foreground you can see the memorial water fountain which is now situated in the Bishop Road Gardens. This fountain was a gift in 1898 to the people of Peterborough from the widow of Peterborough’s first Mayor, Henry Pearson Gates (1813-1893)
Peterborough’s tram system began in 1903 and was superseded by more flexible motor buses in 1930.There were three tram routes, Westgate, via Lincoln Rd to Sages Lane, Westgate via Lincoln Rd to St Pauls Rd and Midgate to Eye Rd.
This image has been produced from an original postcard of the time. Publisher unknown, from the Jacqui Catling Collection.
This is a picture of the Fox and Hounds Public House, Thorpe Village near Peterborough. Shown here is a tranquil rural scene recorded outside the Fox and Hounds between 1902-1910.
The building is believed to originate from the 16th century and was destroyed by fire in the 1920’s and replaced by the current two story building. This village is now known as Longthorpe and is an integral part of Peterborough City.
This image has been produced from an original postcard of the time. Publisher unknown, from the Jacqui Catling Collection.
This image shows a horse and carriage near the entrance to Thorpe Park. What this space was and what it part of now is unknown.
This image has been produced from an original postcard of the time. Publisher Unknown. From the Jacqui Catling Collection
Cumbergate, is still easily recognisable today, take away the horse and cart and little has changed. With Queensgate to the rear and St Johns Church at the top of the picture. The shops on the right hand side are still there as are Miss Pears Almshouses on the left (now Carlucci’s Italian Restaurant).
The postcard is dated September 1909. The address indicates that Werrington would have been a very small village than as there are no street details in the address.
From an original postcard of the time. Publisher Valentines, from the Keith Gill Collection.
A view of a young boy sitting on the edge of the pond in Thorpe Village near Peterborough. Now known as Longthorpe.
This image has been produced from an original postcard of the time. Publisher Wrench, from the Keith Gill Collection.
The Bishops Gardens, just to the South of the Cathedral show a young family walking through them.The buildings which appear to be part of the gardens are now separated from them.
This is where the water fountain dedicated to Henry Spencer Gates, Peterborough’s first Mayor was moved to from the Old Market Square.
From an original postcard. Publisher Wrench, from the Keith Gill Collection.
This shows a view at sunset of the River Nene near the old Customs House…
This is a view of the River Nene looking north along Broad Street which…
The memorial fountain to Peterborough’s first Mayor, Henry Pearson Gat…
This is a picture of the Fox and Hounds Public House, Thorpe Village nea…
This image shows a horse and carriage near the entrance to Thorpe Park.&…
A view of a young boy sitting on the edge of the pond in Thorpe Village…
The Bishops Gardens, just to the South of the Cathedral show a young fam…