Getting Steamed Up

24/10/1906

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Without entering into the debatable question of the desirability of two fire services in the city - one official, one volunteer - the Peterborough Express believed that it had become important to get a second steam fire engine in the city. It also pointed out that the volunteer team needed to become 'practically acquainted with the handling of a steamer'. Praising the volunteer service for their determination to raise sufficient money, it commented that they already had around £50 put aside for a steam engine. The Express also suggested that 'all citizens should show their gratitude for the Volunteer Fire Brigade by liberal donation to their fund'.

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

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Stained Glass for St John's

10/10/1884

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Stained glass windows are the pride of any church, and St John's church is no different to the rest in this regard. On this day, a faculty was proposed to remove stained glass from the central east window and replace it with glass representing Messrs Butler & Bayne. It also records the church's intent to place stained glass in the east windows of the north and south aisles. These windows were to represent the 'Resurrection and Descent of the Holy Ghost at Pentecost' and the cost of £780 was to be met by James Pears Esq of No. 1, The Crescent, Peterborough. Once done, the stonework of the east windows of the north and south aisles was to be restored in accordance with plans agreed on 19 January 1882. Based in Covent Garden, London, Butler & Bayne were one of the leading firms of Gothic revival stained glass manufacturers, whose work was commissioned by the principal Victorian architects. During a long career, the firm produced stained glass for numerous churches throughout Britain, the Empire and even the United States. Their work was to be found in Westminster Abbey, Wimborne Minster and Peterborough Cathedral (1864). St John's was aiming high. (Bull, J & V., A History of Peterborough Parish Church - St John the Baptist 1407-2007)

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