The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
University challenged on its history facts
Hoardings placed around the Peterborough University site are set to be replaced after a number of errors were spotted on them.
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 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.
“I am a historian and work as a researcher, so I know how rich the city history is and how important it is to celebrate it “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.
“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.
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.”