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.
