How 900-year-old technology makes Peterborough Cathedral the ‘coolest place in the city’ during the June heatwave

Let’s be honest, we’re not built for the heat here in England.

Once the needle on the thermometer goes past 25C, many of us find ourselves yearning for the cool, miserable weather we experience most of the year.

With temperatures in Peterborough forecast to hit a sweltering 37C this week, finding ways to keep cool looks set to be a tricky task.

Unlike countries accustomed to extreme temperatures, England’s infrastructure is not designed to withstand highs of nearly 40C.

With many homes lacking air conditioning, the majority of us will simply have to put on a brave face and find other ways not to melt.

You could, of course, invest in fancy gizmos like portable air conditioning units or powerful fans, but here in Peterborough that really isn’t necessary.

That’s because the answer to the city’s coolness conundrum is staring us in the face.

Allow us to elaborate.

Why Peterborough Cathedral the ‘coolest place in the city’ during the June heatwave

Dating back more than 900 years, Peterborough Cathedral is the jewel in the city’s skyline and continues to wow visitors with its beauty.

Those who designed and built the Cathedral all those years ago probably didn’t imagine it would ever be used by those seeking refuge from the beating sun, but fast forward nearly a millennium and that’s now very much the case.

The answer, when you think about it, is actually pretty simple.

The Barnack stone used to build the Cathedral boasts a large thermal mass, meaning it absorbs heat slowly during the day.

This heat is then released at night, preventing large temperature spikes inside.

As a result, those inside the Cathedral during highs of 36C or 37C will feel perfectly cool, despite the outside temperature.

So, if you’re looking for somewhere to cool off over the next few days, Peterborough Cathedral should be your first port of call.