Trams at Last

23/01/1903

Information

It was on this Friday that the long-delayed Board of Trade inspection of Peterborough's new tram system took place - officialdom always takes its time, you know. Two trams left the depot for the Market Place to pick up the official parties. When everyone - including the inspectors - was on board the first car, the driver set off with a fearful jerk, throwing virtually all the officials off their feet! One wonders whether this was a case of nerves, carelessness or intent - we'll never know that. However, the driver reversed the car, made a fresh start and moved off in an extremely smooth manner. The second car followed on, carrying several members of the council and members of the press. Despite this faulty start, the trams passed the test with flying colours. The Peterborough tram service was formally approved and trams from Long Causeway to Walton and Dogsthorpe were able to start carrying passengers. At this time, the Peterborough Electric Traction Co. had twelve open-topped trams for the service. Why, you may ask, were the trams open top? It was because roofed trams would have been too high to pass under the Rhubarb Bridge! (Mitchell, Neil, Streets of Peterborough, 2007; Peterborough Advertiser)

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.