Essential Hotels > England > Cambridgeshire > Peterborough

The city of Peterborough is found in the eastern part of England, in the county of Cambridgeshire and comes against the backdrop of a long and steady history. Thanks to its past the city has developed a significant presence, not least due to its impressive cathedral which largely dates back to the 12th century. Taking up a position just 45 minutes from London by train, Peterborough is partially seen as a commuter new town, a factor enhanced by its train lines heading out of the city in various different directions.

Peterborough lies on the River Nene and the Fens are found just to the east of the settlement, meanwhile there are several other open green spaces and lakes within its vicinity. Several buildings in the city seek to educate and inform inhabitants and visitors about its heritage and the Flag Fen Bronze Age Centre is at the forefront of such establishments. At the centre Britain’s oldest wheel is to be found, long ago finishing its work. Peterborough Museum is known as the city’s most haunted building and offers ghost tours to compound this speculation. Another activity to explore during a visit to this Cambridgeshire region is the Nene Valley Railway which offers steam engine journeys.

Evidence suggests the area around Peterborough was inhabited even before Roman occupation in the first century and there is ceramic production and a fort dating to Roman times pointing to this era. Later, in the Anglo-Saxon times a monastery was erected and it was this building that was transformed into the cathedral.

The town was at some time known as Medeshamstede but by the 12th century a group of monks had set up the Peterborough Chronicle which provided information on the history of England. During the 19th century Peterborough became something of a leader in the brick manufacturing world while the introduction of the London to York mainline in 1850 really accelerated growth. Also of significance, Peterborough was designated a new town in 1967 and the Queensgate shopping centre opened shortly after in 1982.

During the year a series of popular events take place in and around the area. Firstly, the Camra Beer Festival which occurs in the month of August, then there is the East of England Show which takes place in June and celebrates the region’s livestock. Finally, Peterborough Festival happens over two weeks in the summer and brings the community together during a time of fun and activity.