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Peterborough: Cathedral City and Evolving Hub

Exploring the rich history, dynamic economy, and vibrant culture of this East of England gem.

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A Tapestry of Time: Peterborough's History

Ancient Roots

The area around Peterborough has been inhabited for millennia, with evidence of settlement dating back to the Bronze Age, notably at the Flag Fen archaeological site. Roman occupation is also evident, with a significant garrison town established at Durobrivae on Ermine Street. The Anglo-Saxon period marked a pivotal moment with the founding of the monastery of Medeshamstede, the precursor to the magnificent Peterborough Cathedral.

Medieval and Ecclesiastical Significance

The town's name evolved from Medeshamstede to Peterborough, honoring Saint Peter. The abbey church, rebuilt in the 12th century, became Peterborough Cathedral, a masterpiece of Norman and Early English Gothic architecture. The city's unique history includes the Peterborough Chronicle, a vital prose history written in English during the 12th century, offering insights into post-Norman conquest England. The city's status as a liberty, with its own judicial independence, persisted for centuries.

Industrial Transformation

The arrival of the Great Northern Railway in the 1850s catalyzed Peterborough's transformation from a market town into an industrial center. Vast clay deposits fueled a booming brickmaking industry, with the London Brick Company becoming a dominant force. Engineering firms like Perkins Engines and Baker Perkins also established significant presences, shaping the city's employment landscape.

Post-War Growth and New Town Status

Following World War II, Peterborough was designated a New Town in 1967. Development corporations focused on housing London's overspill population and expanding the city's infrastructure, including the construction of parkways and the Queensgate shopping center. This era saw a shift from manufacturing dominance towards service sector growth, attracting major employers and fostering regeneration.

Civic Structure: Governance in Peterborough

Administrative Framework

Peterborough operates under a unitary authority structure, with Peterborough City Council serving as the primary tier of local government. The council convenes at Peterborough Town Hall and manages administrative functions from its offices on Bittern Way. The city's administrative boundaries extend beyond the urban core to encompass surrounding villages and rural areas.

Regional Integration

While maintaining its unitary status, Peterborough is integrated into the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority. This regional body is led by an elected Mayor, facilitating coordinated strategic planning and development across the combined area.

Parishes and Unparished Areas

Much of the urban area of Peterborough is unparished. However, several suburban areas are organized into civil parishes, such as Bretton, Hampton Hargate and Vale, Orton Longueville, and Orton Waterville, reflecting a localized approach to community governance within the broader city structure.

Economic Landscape: Growth and Innovation

Economic Performance

Peterborough has demonstrated robust economic growth, outperforming many regional counterparts. It is recognized for its strength in the environmental goods and services sector, hosting the UK's largest cluster of related businesses. This focus positions the city as a leader in sustainable industry.

Environmental Capital Ambitions

Designated as an "environment city" in 1994, Peterborough, through initiatives like the Peterborough Environment City Trust (PECT), actively promotes healthier and sustainable living. These efforts aim to solidify its reputation as the UK's environmental capital, attracting attention for its community-focused green projects.

Employment and Development

The city's economy is increasingly driven by service sector companies, with significant job creation planned in retail, leisure, hospitality, and office-based workspaces. Major distribution centers for companies like Tesco have relocated to the area. Despite traditionally low unemployment, median earnings remain below the national average, highlighting ongoing development goals.

Connectivity: Moving Through Peterborough

Rail Network

Peterborough railway station is a key hub on the East Coast Main Line, offering frequent high-speed services to London and Edinburgh. It also serves as a junction for cross-country routes operated by East Midlands Railway and CrossCountry, connecting to destinations like Norwich, Nottingham, Liverpool, Leicester, Birmingham, and Stansted Airport.

Road Infrastructure

The city is strategically located near the A1/A1(M) primary route, a major artery connecting London to Edinburgh. Peterborough's distinctive parkway system, a network of landscaped, high-speed roads, contributes to efficient traffic flow, enabling faster travel times compared to similarly sized UK cities.

Cycling and Greenways

The Peterborough Millennium Green Wheel provides a 50-mile network of cycle paths and footpaths, offering safe and continuous routes around the city and connecting to surrounding areas. Despite recent challenges in expanding cycle infrastructure, the city remains committed to promoting cycling as a sustainable transport option.

The People of Peterborough: Diversity and Growth

Population Dynamics

Peterborough is experiencing significant population growth, projected to continue in the coming decades. This expansion is partly attributed to migration, making it one of the fastest-growing cities in the UK. The city's population has seen substantial increases, particularly from Central and Eastern European countries following the 2004 EU enlargement.

Ethnic Composition

The 2011 census indicated a diverse population, with White British residents forming the largest group. Significant minority populations include those of Pakistani and Indian ethnicity. The city is also noted for one of the largest concentrations of Italian immigrants in the UK, a legacy of post-war labor recruitment.

Religious Landscape

Christianity remains the predominant religion, primarily represented by the Church of England and a growing Roman Catholic community. Peterborough also has a notable Muslim population, with several mosques serving the community, alongside Hindu and Sikh places of worship. The city's religious makeup reflects its diverse demographic profile.

Cultural Vibrancy: Arts and Education

Educational Institutions

Peterborough hosts several educational institutions, including Peterborough College and City College Peterborough, offering further and higher education programs. Anglia Ruskin University established a new campus in 2022, significantly expanding higher education opportunities within the city.

Artistic Expressions

The city boasts a dynamic arts scene, featuring the Key Theatre, which offers a diverse program of productions and community events. Annual festivals, such as the Peterborough Festival, contribute to the cultural landscape, supported by local artists and organizations. The city also serves as a hub for visual arts, with groups like Peterborough Artists Open Studio celebrating decades of activity.

Sporting Pursuits: From Football to Speedways

Football and Beyond

Peterborough United Football Club, "The Posh," is the city's professional football team, playing at London Road Stadium. The city also supports a non-league club, Peterborough Sports. Beyond football, Peterborough hosts teams in rugby, cricket, hockey, ice hockey, and various other sports, reflecting a broad sporting culture.

Motorsport and Athletics

Motorcycle speedway is a popular attraction, with the Peterborough Panthers competing at the East of England Showground. The city also hosts cycling races as part of the Tour Series. Athletics are catered for at the embankment arena, and rowing clubs utilize the River Nene, contributing to the city's active sporting community.

Media and Communications

Radio Presence

Peterborough is served by a major radio transmitter at Morborne, broadcasting national FM stations and BBC Radio Cambridgeshire. Local commercial radio includes Heart East and community stations like Salaam FM and Peterborough Community Radio, reflecting the city's diverse population.

Television and Print

Local television news is provided by BBC Look East and ITV News Anglia. The Peterborough Telegraph serves as the city's primary newspaper, with its website, Peterborough Today, offering regular updates. The city has also been a filming location for various television programs and films.

Iconic Landmarks: Symbols of Peterborough

Peterborough Cathedral

A magnificent example of Norman and Early English Gothic architecture, Peterborough Cathedral was founded in AD 655. Its distinctive three-arched west front is architecturally unique. The cathedral holds the distinction of being the final resting place for Catherine of Aragon and, historically, Mary, Queen of Scots.

Guildhall and Town Hall

The 17th-century Guildhall, built on columns to provide open market space, stands in Cathedral Square. Peterborough Town Hall serves as the meeting place for the city council. These structures are central to the city's civic and historical identity.

Parks and Heritage Sites

Nene Park, a large green space along the River Nene, includes Ferry Meadows country park and watersports facilities. Historic sites like Longthorpe Tower, a 14th-century fortified manor house with significant medieval paintings, and Flag Fen, a Bronze Age archaeological site, offer glimpses into the region's past.

Notable Figures Associated with Peterborough

Historical Personalities

Peterborough has been associated with figures such as Richard Cumberland, a utilitarian philosopher and Bishop of Peterborough; Edith Cavell, the celebrated nurse; and Old Scarlett, a legendary cathedral gravedigger. Figures like Hereward the Wake and Saint John Payne also have ties to the region.

Modern Contributions

The city is the birthplace or former home of notable individuals across various fields. These include astronomer George Alcock, poet John Clare, engineer Sir Henry Royce (co-founder of Rolls-Royce), musicians Andy Bell (Erasure) and Aston Merrygold (JLS), actors, sports personalities like footballer David Bentley and gymnast Louis Smith, and media figures.

Peterborough's Setting: Geography and Climate

Topography and Waterways

Peterborough is situated on the flat terrain of The Fens, with parts of the land lying below sea level. The River Nene flows through the city center, historically serving as an important navigable waterway connecting to Wisbech and Northampton. The Nene Viaduct, an early cast-iron railway bridge, stands as a testament to the area's industrial heritage.

Climate Data

The region experiences a maritime climate, characterized by mild winters and relatively cool summers. East Anglia, including Peterborough, tends to be slightly warmer and sunnier in summer and colder in winter compared to other parts of the UK. The area receives moderate rainfall, averaging around 600 mm annually. Wittering, a nearby weather station, recorded a record high temperature of 39.9ยฐC in July 2022.

Climate data for Wittering, Peterborough (1991-2020 normals, extremes 1957-present)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high ยฐC (ยฐF) 15.1
(59.2)
17.8
(64.0)
23.1
(73.6)
26.3
(79.3)
27.6
(81.7)
33.3
(91.9)
39.9
(103.8)
35.2
(95.4)
31.0
(87.8)
28.2
(82.8)
17.5
(63.5)
15.5
(59.9)
39.9
(103.8)
Mean daily maximum ยฐC (ยฐF) 7.1
(44.8)
7.9
(46.2)
10.4
(50.7)
13.4
(56.1)
16.5
(61.7)
19.5
(67.1)
22.1
(71.8)
21.7
(71.1)
18.7
(65.7)
14.4
(57.9)
10.1
(50.2)
7.4
(45.3)
14.1
(57.4)
Daily mean ยฐC (ยฐF) 4.3
(39.7)
4.6
(40.3)
6.6
(43.9)
9.0
(48.2)
11.9
(53.4)
14.9
(58.8)
17.2
(63.0)
17.0
(62.6)
14.5
(58.1)
10.9
(51.6)
7.1
(44.8)
4.6
(40.3)
10.2
(50.4)
Mean daily minimum ยฐC (ยฐF) 1.5
(34.7)
1.4
(34.5)
2.7
(36.9)
4.6
(40.3)
7.4
(45.3)
10.3
(50.5)
12.3
(54.1)
12.3
(54.1)
10.2
(50.4)
7.4
(45.3)
4.0
(39.2)
1.8
(35.2)
6.4
(43.5)
Record low ยฐC (ยฐF) -13.9
(7.0)
-13.5
(7.7)
-12.0
(10.4)
-5.5
(22.1)
-1.3
(29.7)
0.8
(33.4)
5.2
(41.4)
4.8
(40.6)
1.0
(33.8)
-3.9
(25.0)
-7.6
(18.3)
-10.9
(12.4)
-13.9
(7.0)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 47.0
(1.85)
38.9
(1.53)
39.0
(1.54)
44.2
(1.74)
49.6
(1.95)
52.9
(2.08)
55.5
(2.19)
59.9
(2.36)
52.9
(2.08)
63.3
(2.49)
57.5
(2.26)
53.0
(2.09)
613.6
(24.16)
Average precipitation days (โ‰ฅ 1.0 mm) 10.1 9.3 8.7 8.8 8.4 9.0 9.1 9.5 8.5 10.1 10.1 9.9 111.5

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References

References

  1.  Bennett, Jack Arthur Walter Middle English Literature (ed. and completed by Douglas Gray), Oxford University Press, 1986.
  2.  "At the bridge of Peterborough by the River Nene, as well in the county of Huntingdon as in the county of Northampton, on all sides of the bridge."
  3.  Local Government Act 1972
  4.  Housing Strategy Statement 2004-7 Peterborough City Council, July 2004.
  5.  Brandon, David and Knight, John Peterborough Past: The City and The Soke (p.54) Phillimore & Co., Chichester, 2001.
  6.  Enlarged to include former Gunthorpe CP, Longthorpe CP, Paston CP, Peterborough Without CP, Walton CP and Werrington CP from Peterborough RD in 1929.
  7.  Enlarged to include former Peterborough RD, Barnack RD, Thorney RD, Old Fletton UD and Orton Longueville CP from Norman Cross RD in 1974.
  8.  Colpi, Terry The Italian Factor: The Italian Community in Great Britain (p.149) Mainstream Publishing, Edinburgh, 1991.
  9.  Waszak, Peter "The Revival of the Roman Catholic Church in Peterborough c. 1793รขย€ย“1910" in Peterborough's Past vol.3 Peterborough Museum Society, 1988.
  10.  "How different LEAs performed" , BBC News Online, 19 January 2007.
  11.  The Key Times is the theatre's newspaper, available free of charge from the last Saturday of each month.
  12.  Midlands 1 East League Table, Peterborough Rugby Union Football Club (Retrieved 7 May 2015).
  13.  The Story Behind The Return of The Great Eastern Run Peterborough City Council (Retrieved 30 September 2007).
  14.  Britain in the Bandy World Championships
  15.  "Mast fire 'could be deliberate'" , BBC News Online, 1 November 2004.
  16.  Midland Weekly Media Trinity Mirror (Retrieved 18 September 2007).
  17.  Skinner, Julia (with particular reference to the work of Robert Cook) Did You Know? Peterborough: A Miscellany (pp.33, 25 & 16) The Francis Frith Collection, Salisbury, 2006.
  18.  Grainger, Margaret A Descriptive Catalogue of the John Clare Collection Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery, 1973.
  19.  Turner, Roger Capability Brown and the Eighteenth Century English Landscape (pp.110รขย€ย“112) Phillimore & Co., Chichester, 1999.
  20.  Pryor, Francis Flag Fen: Life and Death of a Prehistoric Landscape Tempus Publishing, Stroud, 2005.
  21.  Mellows, William Thomas (ed.) The Peterborough Chronicle of Hugh Candidus (p.41) Peterborough Natural History, Scientific and Archรƒยฆological Society, 1941.
  22.  "Erasure uncovered in Norwich" , BBC News Online, 10 February 2003.
  23.  "Smith wins historic bronze for GB" , BBC News Online, 17 August 2008.
A full list of references for this article are available at the Peterborough Wikipedia page

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