Peterborough

Peterborough

In Cambridgeshire, a cathedral city is located called Peterborough. It had a population of 183,631 in 2011. Historically, it is a part of Northamptonshire. It is 121 km north of London located on River Nene which flows into the North Sea 48 km to north-east. Between London and Edinburgh, a railway station on East Coast Main Line is an important stop.

Human settlement in this area started before Bronze Age. Monasteries were built in an Anglo-Saxon period called Medeshamstede which was later known as Peterborough Cathedral.

After the arrival of railways, the population grew rapidly. Peterborough is known for its brick manufacturing. Population and housing expanded. Industrial employment declined with a significant proportion of commercial distribution and services.

History

In 1901, the population of Peterborough was 30,000. During the 20th century, conditions in Peterborough got improved. In 1900 Peterborough gained an electricity supply. In Cumbergate FeoFee almshouses were constructed in the year 1903. Between 1903 and 1930 electric trams started running through streets of Peterborough.

In 1911 first cinema was opened. In 1920s first council houses were established in Peterborough. In 1928 War Memorial Hospital was built. City Museum was opened in 1929. In 1933 new Town Hall was built. New bridge over Nene in Peterborough was constructed in 1934. The public swimming pool was opened in 1938.

In 20th century, many industries developed in Peterborough that include tool and corset making. Destiny of Peterborough changed forever in 1967 when it was decided to establish it as a new town. At that time Peterborough had a population of around 80,000. In 1968 Development Corporation was formed.

Construction began dramatically in 1970 at Peterborough. In the 1970s and 1980s new suburban areas were established at Orton and Bretton. New District Hospital was established in 1969 in Peterborough. This hospital was incorporated with old War Memorial Hospital. In 1973 Key Theatre was built.

The new shopping centre was opened in Peterborough in late 20th century. In 1964, Hereward Cross Centre was opened. In 1982 Queensgate Centre was opened. In 1989 Rivergate Centre was opened. Peterborough included various industries like a brick, tile marking, diesel engines, farm machinery and electrical equipment. The present population of Peterborough is 186,000.