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.
In 1013 the church of St. Peter’s in Maxey was destroyed by Vikings. The church was built to serve the communities of Lolham, Nunton and Maxey, of which little remains of Lolham and Nunton, making the church appear deserted. It was built in the Saxon period and was a sign that the local families had converted to the new Christian religion.
When the Vikings, or ‘Danes’ as local antiquarian and vicar W. D. Sweeting referred to them, arrived in England they were not Christian worshippers and they attacked many Christian buildings including Peterborough Abbey twice. Just like the attack on Peterborough abbey, it appears that the surrounding villages were also attacked and burnt to the ground. The attack did not destroy all of the houses or all of the church and worship was thought to have continued on the site until the remains were replaced by the first substantial church in 1113.