Georgian 1700 - 1837

In 1761 the River Nene was at last navigable from the sea port of Wisbeach to Northampton. Peterborough benefited from this trading route that carried agricultural produce down-stream, and coal and other goods up-stream from north-east England and Europe to Northampton. The city's excellent transport links did much to encourage its prosperity, although the roads themselves were often rough and dangerous. Between 1750 and 1840 many local roads were improved by Turnpike Trusts which collected money from road users at toll gates. Fine town houses were built in Peterborough, including the current Museum building, originally a private house for local magistrate Thomas Cooke.

 

Prosperity was also gained by Peterborough's surrounding rich agricultural land, enhanced by the draining of the fens. Many of the people living in the area were employed in agriculture or craft industries associated with it such as spinning, weaving, brewing, malting and harness manufacture. There was a weekly market held in the streets of the city centre and a yearly October fair, called Bridge Fair. Both were mostly concerned with the sale of sheep, cattle and horses.

 

In 1797 a prison was built at Norman Cross (right), near Peterborough, to hold prisoners, mostly French, of the Napoleonic Wars (1793-1815). At times as many as 7,000 prisoners were held in what was perhaps the world's first custom-built Prisoner of War camp. Many local farmers and traders supplied food and other goods to the prison, while some prisoners earned an income from the sale of caskets and models made from bone and straw, such as the one illustrated here.