Did You Know?

Peterborough started out as a Saxon village known as Medeshamstede. It was the site of a noteworthy monastery, although this was entirely destroyed by the Vikings in 870. By 1000 AD, the settlement had grown into a modest-sized town, with its own Benedictine abbey and defensive wall.

During the Reformation, Peterborough's abbey was closed. Two year's later, in 1541, it was re-established as Peterborough Cathedral. Some 46 years later, Mary, Queen of Scots was buried in the cathedral following her execution at nearby Fotheringhay Castle.

For many English towns, the 17th century was a time of upheaval, and Peterborough was no exception. During the English Civil War, Peterborough was somewhat divided, with some townsfolk supporting Cromwell's Roundheads and others in favour of King Charles I.

Even by the start of the 18th century, little development had taken place in Peterborough. In fact, it was still widely regarded as one of the smallest cities in Britain. It wasn't until the outbreak of the Napoleonic Wars, towards the end of the century.

In 1774 the first theatre was built in Peterborough. The Custom House was built in 1790. Also in 1790 an act of Parliament created a body of men called the Improvement Commissioners who were responsible for paving, cleaning and lighting the streets.

It is where the England's longest serving councillor spent his time in office. Charles Swift was elected as the Labour candidate for North ward in 1954 and remained their representative at the Town Hall for the next 62 years. He left office at the age of 86.

It was the coming of the railway in 1847 that finally transformed Peterborough from small market town to industrial city. By 1880, piped water and sewers had been put in place.

There aren't many world first that have taken place here but the world's first mini roundabout was built in the city in 1969. Designed by Frank Blackmore and located near London Road and Oundle Road, the design was written into government design manuals in 1975.

We all know Queensgate but did you know it was actually the Queen of the Netherlands that officially opened the centre. On November 18 1982, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands gave the centre the royal seal of approval while in the UK on an official visit.

Central Park is home to Jimmy the Donkey. He died in 1943, and was posthumously awarded the Dickin medal for bravery - the highest honour an animal which has served in the military can receive. Jimmy was born on the battlefield during WWI and became the mascot of the 1st Scottish Rifles, helping to supply ammunition to British soldiers in the Somme and carry away the wounded. He survived being shot three times and was retired by the RSPCA