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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Towering Over Wothorpe

1600

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Wothorpe Towers is a grade 1 listed building on the edge of the Soke of Peterborough. It was commissioned by Thomas Cecil of Burghley House in around 1600 as a lodge. Being so close to Burghley Park, it did not have its own deer park, as many lodges do. The land was originally in the ownership of Crowland Abbey and a small nunnery existed there. Following the reformation the land was gained by Richard Cecil, who was Groom of the Robes in Henry VIII's court and Thomas Cecil's grandfather.

Sadly, the building is completely ruinous. The four towers thankfully remain and provide the building with its distinctive silhouette. They are four stories high, which allowed them to stand above the three-storey house. However the main living space has all been lost, with the exception of a central spine wall and a few additions.

The ruins of Wothorpe Towers is in private ownership, but the gardens are being landscaped for visitors.