Hospital Fundraising

27/05/1930

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The wards of Peterborough were expected to contribute toward the £100,000 needed for the New Hospital. East ward was £1,711 short of its target and , to bridge the gap, held a three-day 'Olde English Fayre' beginning on this date. The 'Cream of the Gentlewomen of the city' supported and ran over twenty events, all dressed in period costume. Their slogan was 'so buy our things, and see our shows, and bring our labours to a close. Then thanks to us, and thanks to you, the Hospital will have its due.' (Bull, J. and V., Perry, S. and Sturgess, R., Peterborough in Pictures Vol. 3, S.B. Publications, 1990) Taken from The Peterborough Book of Days by Brian Jones, The History Press, 2014.

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The First Auction at the Bull Hotel

1775

Information

Situated on Westgate, the Bull Hotel is the oldest existing inn or hotel in the city centre and is grade II listed. It is believed to have been built in the late 18th century and was known as the Bull Inn. There is, however, a chance that an older structure exists within the present building.

The main entrance to the building was originally an entrance for coaches and carts. The entrance led into a courtyard where there was also stabling for horses. The building has been enlarged and improved over the years, so the courtyard is no longer there. A story exists of a dog who was run over in the courtyard and whose spirit never left the hotel.

The earliest reference found relating to the Bull Inn in the Stamford Mercury is from 1775. There was an advert relating to the sale of land and buildings by Simon Hubbard by auctions. Auctions were common at the Bull and items included property, furniture and animals. They also held meals and meetings for the aristocracy and other events.

Many celebrities have stayed at the hotel, including The Beatles. The most infamous was possibly Archdeacon Wakeford who visited in 1920. He was at the centre of a court case claiming he had stayed at the Bull Inn on two separate occasions with a woman who wasn't his wife and therefore leading an immoral life. He was found guilty, later failing in an appeal.