Speeding!

20/09/1907

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The Stamford Mercury of 25 October records the court appearance of Joseph Hodierne of Coventry. Joseph had been summoned for driving a motorcar at a dangerous speed at Wansford on this day. PC King told the court that Hodierne had been driving at a rate of 18mph. The defendant retorted that he had in fact been driving at 8mph! The court believed PC King and Joseph was fined £7 10s plus 3s costs.

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

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Priestgate Explosion

1883

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On 4^th May a large explosion occurred in Priestgate between the Phoenix Brewery and Angel Inn. Reports claimed that fumes from the Phoenix Brewery had mixed with sewer and coal gases. It's then thought these were accidentally ignited by a discarded cigarette.

The Explosion

The explosion was dramatic and affected both Priestgate and Narrow Bridge Street, but the effects were worse in Priestgate. Paving stones were thrown high up into the air and all of the windows were smashed in Priestgate, with more in Narrow Bridge Street. To make things worse the contents of the sewers, including thousands of dead rats, were thrown up against the buildings. People were particularly alarmed because there had been a recent threat to blow up the Cathedral. There were no records of any deaths, other than the rats, and no record of how long it took to get rid of the smell!

Priestgate , Explosion , Phoenix Brewery

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Speeding!

20/09/1907

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Priestgate Explosion

1883

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The Explosion

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