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.
Josephine Butler was a Victorian feminist, social reformer and campaigner for women's rights, especially those of the poor. She campaigned tirelessly for the repeal of the Contagious Diseases Acts and travelled around the country making her case. On the 19th February she addressed Working Men at the Wentworth Rooms in Peterborough in what was quite a spirited debate.
Peterborough Literary Institute was first established in 1833 and provided rooms to read books, periodicals and papers to wealthier men in the city. It was situated in rooms on Wentworth Street, which at this point was a dog-legged road linking Narrow Bridge Street and Priestgate. It would have occupied a good deal of space because the library contained 'over 2,000 volumes' and the reading room was 'furnished with about 30 Daily and Weekly papers and upwards of a dozen monthly periodicals.' Entry to the Institute was by subscription of 14 shillings, 10 shillings or 5 shillings, but the lowest subscription only allowed that man to access the library. It was open from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m.
The Literary Institute was still running in 1876 and had a president as 'Lord Bishop of the Diocese' as well as Vice Presidents S Mayor Esq. and W Wilkins Esq. William Eaton was noted as the 'Secretary and Collector.'
Reference:
Peterborough Directory 1876, p 10
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Peterborough Literary Institute was first established in 1833 and provid…