The changes in landmark sites

The Peterborough landscapehasseen some significant changes in recent years. 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 main picture is a fascinating one centreing on the Sessions Housewhichhas been a jail, a court house and more recently a pub/restaurant.

The picture was taken be- fore the District Hospital was built, which was between 1960 and 1968.

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.

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.

Thepicturebelowitshows 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 be- tween Cowgate and Bourges Boulevard.

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

The three pictures above were taken from roughly the same spot.

The top one looks like it was taken in the 60s. Queensgate roundabout hadnotbeen built andtrafficwasatwo-way street.

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

Bythetimethebottompicture wastakenNewPriestgate House had been built and the EveningTelegraphhadmoved in.