The town of Peterborough Cambridgeshire can be found in East England not too far north of London on the banks of the River Nene. There is a site right out side of town showing that the town existed during the Bronze Age. There is also evidence that the Romans once lived in the old city. The Anglo-Saxons built a large monastery in the town that is now Peterborough Cathedral instead of the old name of Medeshamstede.
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There is a great deal of history to learn about and historical sites abound in the area. Parts of the cathedral including the West Front entrance were destroyed during the English Civil War. It was rebuilt from 1118 to 1238 in typical English Gothic style. The statues of St. Andrew, Saint Paul and Saint Peter grace the West Front from gables that reach high into the sky and from three large arches. Inside the cathedral is a surviving painted wooden ceiling that is rare and wonderful. Two Queens were buried in the floor of the cathedral and one still remains. The remaining queen is Katherine of Aragon. Mary, Queen of Scots was also buried at the cathedral but she was transferred to Westminster Abbey when King James I, her son, took the throne.
The Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery is a great place to explore the past of the town and see some of the artifacts found from the Roman era. The art ranges from pieces of the 1600's and up to today. You can enjoy the permanent and some temporary exhibitions. The building used to be an infirmary and it is said to be very haunted. The museum gives haunted tours and you never know what you might see during those tours.
Burghley house is outside the city and was a country home of Queen Elizabeth I's Lord High Treasurer, Sir William Cecil. He also built a magnificent park where kids can run and play around the house. Visit Longthorpe Tower built in the 14th century and attached to another big manor house that houses an art exhibit of European art. The oldest historical site in town is Flag Fen, the Bronze Age dig that was found in 1982. It is said to have been a religious site and in the dig they found a wheel that is suspected to be the oldest wheel found in Britain.
If you would like to take in some activities after exploring historical sites you can go to Nene Park and walk the 3.5 miles of parkland. Here you will find three beautiful lakes and one is a center of water sports that you can participate in. You can either use your own equipment or rent some from vendors around the lake.
Natural reserves Castor Highlands, Barnack Hills & Holes, and Bedford Purlieus can be hiked and enjoyed for the scenery. There is a cycle network called the Green Wheel that radiates all over town. The spokes go past most of the interesting sites in town.
Once you are done with history and activities go shopping at the three shopping centers and many independent shops in town. There is a Farmers Market in town and you can always find a craft fair in town somewhere especially in the summer. There are many different cuisines represented in Peterborough restaurants and you are sure to find something that will tickle your taste buds. Peterborough is a wonderful vacation destination for those that love to explore.
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by: Frederick Hoymer - Total views: 4 - Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010
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