One place in England that is often overlooked by history enthusiasts is Peterborough, 87 miles north of London. However, a visit to this area can be very rewarding as it is rich in history and has some royal connections. This is a brief look at Peterborough and the surrounding area.

This post assumes that you will be visiting England after things return to some sort of normal following the pandemic. If you visit sooner, please check whether the attractions, hotels, pubs etc. are open before you arrive and whether or not you need to book tickets in advance.

The City of Peterborough

On first sight, Peterborough is not an especially attractive place. The city can trace its origins back to the Saxon period. But it was the arrival of the railways in the 19^th century that gives the city it’s character today. It became a major center for brick manufacturing and light engineering. Today, it’s a significant regional commercial hub. The downtown core is surrounded by business parks, offices and huge distribution warehouses.

However, a trip to the city center is well worth a visit. Dominating the downtown area is the magnificent Norman cathedral, one of the finest in Britain.

Katherine of Aragon

The first monastery was founded on the site around 655AD, but destroyed by the Vikings in 870. It was rebuilt as a Benedictine Abbey 960-970, but was destroyed by fire in 1116. It was rebuilt again in its current form 1118-1238. The oldest parts of the present building date from 1118. More information about its history can be found on the Cathedral website.

Katharine of Aragon, Henry VIII’s first wife is buried in the Cathedral.

Mary Queen of Scots was also buried here in 1587 after she was executed at nearby Fotheringhay Castle (see below), but her body was moved to Westminster Abbey in 1612.

Peterborough can easily be reached from London by train (45 minutes from London King’s Cross) for a short visit.

However, a longer stay in the area would be rewarding as there are plenty of places to visit for the history lover. Here are some suggestions:

Flag Fen

Flag Fen Roundhouse. Photo: Viv Hamilton

If you’re interested in prehistory, then a visit to the Flag Fen Archaeology Park would be well worth your while. It’s situated 5 miles east of Peterborough and you’ll be able to see reconstructed Bronze Age roundhouses. You can also see original remains from 1350-950BC.

There is no direct public transport to the site, so you will have to take a taxi if you haven’t hired a car.

Fotheringhay

Site of Fotheringhay Castle

Thirteen miles west of Peterborough is the charming village of Fotheringhay. There used to be a castle here where Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned and executed on the orders of Queen Elizabeth I. All that remains of the castle now is a mound.

Fotheringhay Castle Interpretation Sign

You can walk up it and check out the view of the River Nene flow though some very pleasant countryside. There is an extremely good pub in the village called The Falcon where you can stop for lunch.

The Falcon, Fotheringhay

Oundle

Oundle

Four miles South West of Fothinghay is the Georgian town of Oundle. It’s smaller than Stamford (below), but still very pleasant, definitely worth a visit if you are in the area. There are several nice pubs, cafes and independent shops. More information can be found on the town website.   

Stamford

Stamford

Fourteen miles North West of Peterborough is the very attractive stone town of Stamford. It’s an almost complete large Georgian town and a conservation area containing over 600 listed (protected) limestone buildings. More information about Stamford can be found here.

Just outside the town is the splendid stately home of Burleigh House, often described as Britain’s greatest Elizabethan house.  It was built between 1555 and 1587 by William Cecil who was Lord High Treasurer to Queen Elizabeth I. Visit the official website for more information.

Stilton

The Bell Inn, Stilton

Finally, eight miles south of Peterborough you’ll find Stilton. The village gave its name to the famous cheese which was traded in the Bell Inn. Although there is very little to see in Stilton, the historic Bell Inn survives and is a great place for lunch, dinner or even a stay. The current building dates from 1642 and was an important coaching inn on the Great North Road.

Enjoy your visit!