Peterborough Museum is located in Priestgate, a street which dates back to 12^th Century when the current town plans were created by the monks of Peterborough Abbey.  The land on which the museum is located is was known to have been owned by Henry VIII  prior to him gifting it to the Orme family in 1538. The Orme family were influential in Peterborough with a history of being MP’s and magistrates, they also had a great deal of control over the Guildhall Building.

The building that the Orme family constructed on the site of the museum was called Neville Place and much of the stone used in the museum, particularly the cellars, is thought to originate from Neville Place.

Parts of the current building date back to 1816 when a property was constructed on the sight for Thomas Cooke, and his wife Charlotte.  Thomas Cooke lived in the building until his death in 1854.

In 1856 the Building was sold to 3rd Earl Fitzwilliam who authorised the building to be used as a hospital.  This function of the building continued until 1928.  In 1884, while still in use as a hospital, the building was damaged by fire, which caused some restructing of the property to take place.  From this date onwards many extensions have been added to the property.

At some point post 1928 the building was acquired by Percy Malcolm Stewart of the London Brick Company who donated it to the Museum Society.  It was opened as a museum in 1931, with the art gallery being added in 1939.

Since 1968 the museum has been managed by Peterborough City Council.

Paranormal

There have been many reports of paranormal activity at Peterborough Museum.  The most famous of these is the apparition of a male world war one soldier known as the lonely Anzac, believed to be the spirit of Thomas Hunter.  Thomas Hunter fought in France during the First World War and after sustaining an injury was brought to Peterborough Hospital for treatment.  He died in the building on 31st July 1916.  He is usually reported as appearing on the stairs of the first floor corridor.

A ghostly kitchen maid has been reported on the back stairs.  It is believed that she fell to her death on these stairs and as a result many people, usually women rpeort feelings of being pushed down the stairs and pressure on their backs.

Other reported activity includes:

* A dark male presence has been seen in the mock shop area along with loud foot steps.

* A Roman soldier said to be connected to his sword, which is on display in the museum has been reported.

* A white lady is reported to follow guests around on the top floor.

* Poltergiest activity has been reported on the ground floor with furniture being moved around during the night.

* A little girl has been seen in the geology gallery with many EVP's being picked up in this area.

* A threatening male presence has been reported in the cellar.  He is said to have thrown items at guests.

* Throughout the museum sounds of banging doors, ghostly footsteps, unaccountable smells and mysterious lights have been reported.

Location Information

Peterborough Museum
Priestgate
Peterborough
PE1 1LF
Driving Directions