Good Following a Fire

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1884: Peterborough was still in shock following the dramatic fire at the infirmary two days previous, but it proved to be a catalyst for the expansion and development of its facilities. An appeal for restoration funds soon got underway. It stated that there had been 3,725 patients treated in 1883 and a total of 29,352 in the previous ten years. The appeal raised £3,000 for the hospital - and provoked a review of the fire service facilities, which were in place before the end of the year. (Tebbs, H.F., Peterborough, Oleander Press, 1979)

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

St John's Church , Bells

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St. John's Church Swaps a Bell with Leicester Abbey

1541

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In 1541 the great bells of St. John's church and Leicester Abbey were swapped over. It is not clear why the bells were exchanged, but the cost of the swap is detailed in the church records.

Robert Newcome received payment for weighing the bells and identifying that one was larger. A man from 'Wyttlyllsey' (Whittlesey) was paid 20p for supplying 'a gable to tacke down the olde bell and hang up the new'. But they were only bit parts in the story.

The bells had to be swapped over, so it was decided that the bell from Peterborough would be driven to Leicester, where they would collect the other bell and return with it. This was 1541 though! Four men including John Gedney and Robarte Allyn set off with 10 horses pulling a cart with the bell on top. They rested for the first night in Uppingham, fixed the cart and continued to Leicester. They stayed in Leicester for several days before making the journey back, stopping again in Uppingham.

In total they took eight days for their journey, fixing the cart several times. All of the costs of food and drink were paid for, as well as their accommodation. Not to mention payment for their time. John Gedney was paid 5 shillings for himself and the hire of four horses. Roberte Allen was paid 14 shillings 'for 6 horsys and 2 men for 8 days'.

References

W. T. Mellows (ed.) Peterborough Local Administration Churchwarden's Accounts 1467-1573 with Supplementary Documents 1107-1488, Northamptonshire Record Society, 1939 p145

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St John's Church , Bells

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St. John's Church Swaps a Bell with Leicester Abbey

1541

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