NOSTALGIA: Building a bright new city future for Peterborough

The creation of New Town status and the Peterborough Development Corporation led to a huge burst of house building in the city.

It also meant thousands of families, mostly from London, uprooting and starting a new life in Peterborough.

First to get their keys from the Mayor of Peterborough Alderman Ted Hall, were Mr and Mrs Michael Mulhern, from Islington

placeholder image — First to get their keys from the Mayor of Peterborough Alderman Ted Hall, were Mr and Mrs Michael Mulhern, from Islington

The picture top is a special one recording a moment of Peterborough history.

The Evening Telegraph of March 16, 1971, reported: “The first families from London moved into Peterborough today.

A look back at the making of Peterborough after its New Town status was awarded!

“The families are now living at Brookfurlong (Ravensthorpe). They are the first of 23,000 families due to come to Peterborough under the Greater Peterborough Expansion scheme.

“First to get their keys from the Mayor of Peterborough Alderman Ted Hall, were Mr and Mrs Michael Mulhern, from Islington.”

The story added that Mr Mulhern was due to start work at machine tool makers Elliott and Burdett.

The picture shows the Mulhern family with Peterborough dignitaries and a model of their new home. I wonder if the Mulhern family still lives in Peterborough? Please get in touch if you do.

Today’s other pictures show youngsters playing outside new homes on the Westwood estate, a view of council homes in Donaldson Drive in Paston, and housebuilding underway in the Ortons.