Another lovely nights sleep and not too early a start was a good way to start the day. As we were getting ready we heard a few toots on a steam whistle, so we knew an engine was in steam.
Later we heard the rumble as the engine reversed right past us on the bridge. It went as far as the points and came back forwards on the line closest to us. It was the 92 Squadron, 34081, Battle of Britain Class engine. It had been built in 1946 and it's first shed was Ramsgate where it pulled, amongst others, the Golden Arrow trains. In 1950 it was painted this Brunswick Green and named as it is now after the Spitfire Squadron that was based at Biggin Hill during the Battle of Britain. It was taken out of service in 1964 with 741,111 miles on the clock. It was sent to be scrapped at Barry but survived to be bought in 1976 and brought to the Nene Valley Railway for restoration. In 1998 it was back in full operation after spending £150,000 plus an awful lot of volunteer labour. By 2010 further work was needed and it was taken out of service. After £280,000 it was back in steam in 2016 and contracted to run on the NVR for the next five years.
Warter Newton Mill was built for J. Compton in 1791. It was converted into flats and a shop in 1986. The four bedroom flats are no going for about £600,000!
The sun came fully out to make the passage into Peterborough all the better. The banks were tree lined mostly and this hid the approaching urbanisation.
Milton Ferry Bridge was built in the 1700's by the Fitzwilliams of Mitlon House that lies to the north.
The last lock of the day, and of the Nene is Orton Lock. It is quite attractive with the Peterborough Cruising Club moorings and sheds lining the bank. We had seen three boats moving in the opposite direction today and another arrived as we were peeling off the lock landing.
Thorpe Meadows has a rowing course by the canal and along the length is a sculpture park. This was the only one we spotted from the river and it looked like a wrecked galleon to us.
The first three bridges on the approach to the city centre is a new footbridge that leads to the Railway Museum at the station of the NVR. The next is a branch line and the heavily girded bridge is the main line and was built in 1850.
The original Town Bridge was built in 1308 out of wood, and amazingly it stood the test of time, until 1872 when it was replaced by an iron bridge. This one didn't do so well and was replaced in 1934 by the concrete one that is there today. On the north bank is the Old Customs House that was built in 1790. It is now used as the HQ of the local Sea Cadets.
The Old Guild Hall in Cathedral Square was built on the site of an old Butter Cross in 1670/71 to celebrate the restoration of Charles II to the throne. The parish church of St. John the Baptist was rebuilt in the current position in the early 1400's.
The Great West Front is the iconic view of the Cathedral built around 1237, with the the small portico added later. Above the centre one is an effigy of St. Peter, with Sts. Paul and Andrew on either side. The church was a Benedictine Abbey dedicated in 966 and dedicated to St. Peter. It was enclosed by a wall that was called the Burgh, hence Peterborough!
The old Anglo Saxon church burned down and so was rebuilt by the Normans starting in 1118. It is a wonderfully light and airy building the round act at the far end was the original building, and the outside wall.
Later the church was extended out from the original wall and this beautiful fan vaulting ceilings were added in the early 1500's.
It is just mind boggling to imagine how they could possibly envisage building this on a bench in 3D out of bits of carved stone, never mind making sure they all stayed in place!
Gilbert Scott and Pearson, no not he of the canal guide book fame, did a lot of alterations in the Victorian age but the overall affect is extremely pleasing. We also had a 90 minute tour that was a little too detailed but well worth the cost, free. We did leave a good donation though before you all boo me.
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