A-Z of Peterborough (Places-People-History)

Peterborough grew up around its cathedral, originally founded as an Anglo-Saxon monastery, but it was only in the 19th century that this city on the edge of the Fens started to grow to its present size as one of the largest cities in the East of England. The arrival of the railways and development of new industries in the early 19th century brought large numbers of people to Peterborough, and the expansion continued with its designation as a New Town in the 1960s which led to a large programme of house building and redevelopment of the city centre.A-Z of Peterborough reveals the history behind Peterborough, its streets and buildings, industries, and the people connected with the city. Alongside the famous historical connections, are unusual characters, tucked away places and unique events that are less well-known. Readers will discover tales of the importance of brick-making, the tragic accident of a Victorian lady balloonist and parachutist, a pioneering eighteenth-century botanist and riots during the First World War among many other fascinating facts in this A-Z tour of Peterborough’s history. It is fully illustrated with photography and will appeal to all those with an interest in this city in the East of England.