The Peterborough Show

10/07/1901

Information

The annual Peterborough Show was at its height when the Northampton Mercury reported on this year's three-day exhibition on its usual site. The weather was very suitable and the attendance a good one, whilst the exhibition was one of which the Peterborough Committee had every reason to be proud. This great show of the Midlands is noted for the grand collection of hunters and shires it yearly attracts, and on no previous occasion had a better lot of animals been drawn together. Judges were loud in their praise of the animals placed before them whilst those at the ringside - and these included many well versed in horse breeding - declared they had never seen a better show. The Royal 'was a mere county exhibition from a quality point of view compared with this,' exclaimed one well-known Yorkshire breeder who, presumably, knew what he was talking about. 'The Peterborough Show deserves all the success it obtains, for there is no better managed exhibition in the country. The committee, with their excellent secretary, Mr J.E. Little, are experienced and capable, and do their best to make everyone comfortable and everything pass off without a hitch. They offered about £1,400 in prizes, and the satisfaction of obtaining a good entry.

Taken from The Peterborough Book of Days by Brian Jones, The History Press, 2014.

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Last Public Hanging

04/05/1812

Information

At the end of April 1812, Revd Mr Myers submitted a petition to the Prince Regent on behalf of his 'unfortunate nephew' D.T. Myers, then under sentence of death in Peterborough gaol. At the prince's command, a copy was sent to Peterborough magistrates requesting details of the circumstances of the case. The information was sent and a reply received stating that 'his Royal Highness would not reverse the decision'. As a result, Daniel Thomas Myers was hanged on this day, having been found guilty of committing an unnatural offence with another man in Burghley Park. The Revd Hinde accompanied the prisoner in the post-chaise to the gallows. That was preceded in the procession by a hearse and a coffin, and moved slowly amidst a concourse of 5,000 to 6,000 spectators to the usual place of execution on Peterborough Common. There a new drop had been erected under the gallows for the occasion. On the platform, Myers joined the clergymen in a prayer composed by the reverend gentleman, with whom the wretched man parted in a way that drew tears from the eyes of every beholder. Time will show that he was the last person to have this fate in Peterborough. (Stamford Mercury) Taken from The Peterborough Book of Days by Brian Jones, The History Press, 2014.