Peterborough university hoardings replaced after number of errors spotted - including backwards image of Cathedral

The mistakes included a ‘mirror image’ photograph of Peterborough Cathedral, and errors regarding dates.

The boards tell the story of Peterborough’s history, from the first settlements through to today.

Construction work has started on the site near Peterborough Embankment, and is set to open next year, and will be run by Anglia Ruskin University (ARU).

A local historian, who asked not to be named, noticed some of the errors. She said: “The issues I noticed (along with the picture of the Cathedral) are the dates relating to Flag Fen are the wrong way round - BC dates go in reverse. Then there is the specialist knowledge that there is a picture of an Iron Age roundhouse with the Bronze Age dates and Peterborough was lived in long before the Bronze Age.

“The information board is the first introduction that some people will get to the project and for that reason needs to be superlative. I like the fact it’s visually inviting and accessible for adults and children but it could be much better. The university announcing its arrival in Peterborough’s history on a substandard timeline is not a great start and I hope lessons are learnt.”

Toby Wood, from the Peterborough Civic Society, said: “It’s great that people are taking the time and trouble to try to produce something interesting to put on a hoarding.

“It’s also great that we have eagle eyed citizens who can spot errors when they are made!

“It does rather beg the question why bother to flip a picture?”

An ARU Peterborough spokesperson said: “We are delighted the university development is gaining so much interest.

“Magnificent new replacement panels, showcasing Peterborough’s proud history, will be on display at the site very soon.”