Peterborough's changing landscape

A view of the Sessions House, possibly taken in the 1920s

One of the major ongoing developments has resulted in the demolition of Peterborough District Hospital with building having begun on the creation of a new school and scores of new homes.

Today’s first picture is a fascinating one featuring the Sessions House which has been a jail, a court house and more recently a pub/restaurant.

The picture was taken before the District Hospital was built, which was between 1960 and 1968.

Wardens during World War 2 pose outside the Sessions House

I know the forerunner to PDH, The War Memorial Hospital, opened on Midland Road in 1928, but I don’t know if it can be seen on this picture.

I suspect the picture was taken sometime in the 1920s.

If you know please get in touch as it would help date the picture.

It is fascinating to see the full Sessions House complete with exterior wall which was presumably part of the prison.

The picture below it shows some of the men who worked at the jail sometime during the Second World War.

On a smaller scale there is a development at New Priestgate House, which nestles between Cowgate and Bourges Boulevard.

It is of course the former home of the Peterborough Telegraph but is now being converted into residential accommodation.

All three pictures were taken from roughly the same spot.

Queensgate roundabout but not sign of Telegraph Towers

The first one looks like it was taken in the 60s. Queensgate roundabout had not been built and traffic was moving along a two-way street.

In the middle picture it looks like the roundabout is in place and in use. Can you date it?

By the time the last picture was taken New Priestgate House had been built and the Evening Telegraph had moved in.