For many years the Robertson family ran a cycle shop at the top of Cowgate. It was on this day that one of the founding family, Arthur (Archie) Robertson, became an Olympic champion when he won gold as part of the winning British 3-mile team race at those games, held in London. He also came second - to another British runner - in the 3,200 metres steeplechase and just missed a third medal when he finished fifth in the 5-mile race. He retired from running in 1909, returning to his first love - competitive cycling. (BBC Scotland; Peterborough Evening Telegraph; birchfieldharriers.net)

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