Private Historical Tour in Peterborough Stamford and Oakham

Though the site of Peterborough Cathedral was originally Roman, in the 7th century it became a monastic community though that was all but destroyed by the Great Heathen army under the splendidly named Ivar the Boneless. The current Peterborough Cathedral was built after the Norman conquest and seen of activity since then and two queens were buried here including Katherine of Aragon whose tomb we will visit as we explore this splendid old building.

In the middle of the large Cathedral Square is the Guildhall. In the middle of the large city square is the wonderful old Guildhall. Built originally in 1671 it has served as both a market and a townhall. A farmers market is still held here regularly along with many over events in the square.

It's a wonderful old building and sat next to beautiful old medieval church.

Built from the remains of an even older church, The present building was dedicated by Abbot Genge on 26th June 1407 and dedicated to St John the Baptist.

Stamford is said to be the most beautiful stone and Georgian town in England. Spend a few hours here and you'll tend to agree and you might recognise a few locations that have been used onscreen.

Soon after we leave the station, we will pass through the gorgeous Town Meadows and cross the River Wellend.

There isn't too much left of Stamford Castle though the town walls appear here and there, sometimes where you least expect them.

A modern cross commemorating a sad moment in history.

Stamford High Street and the surrounding lanes are full of wondrous independent shops and producers. It would be rude not to check some out. I like the cheesemongers!

The whole of Broad Street is actually a lovely place to walk down but we will take a particular peek at this beautiful old building that is still in use today.

There is no shortage of stunning old churches in Oakham and we can look at any we happen upon. If you only pick one, perhaps this should be it.

Perhaps the Creme de la Creme of beautiful spots in Stamford a resident who in his own way, changed the world.

Oakham Castle is known for being one of the best-preserved examples of Norman architecture.  Its great hall is home to massive horseshoes, often made by local blacksmiths, to celebrate visitations from important people, (traditionally royalty or peers of the realm) including King Charles III and Queen Elizabeth II  Following recent restoration work it is now even easier to explore the old boundaries of the castle which may have been part of a much larger Anglo-Saxon burgh or fortification.

Explore inside the beautiful Grade 1 listed 13th century All Saints Church whose spire you can see for miles around. The church has wonderful architecture and all manner of local memorials and history as well as being an active place of worship.

The last remaining such cross in Oakham is set just off the picturesque market square.

Learn the history of one of the most oldest and respected schools in the U.K.

Savour the marketplace with its regular market beautiful old Buttercross and recently restored water pump. The market still has original Stocks... so best be on your best behavior!

See the medieval chapel and learn of the old hospital and modern-day almshouses set up when the hospital of St. John Evangelist and St. Anne was founded back in 1398.

We will explore the beautiful old streets and lanes of Oakham. See the old Buttermarket and the Stocks in the market Square. See the beautiful park and castle walls. Visit some of the towns well known foodie spots. Speaking of which visit the home of the man who inspired the home of little Tom Thumb and jumped out of a pie to surprise the King.

It's not often Oakham makes the news, but the unveiling of the first and only memorial statue to the late Queen Elizabeth in April 2024 was that time. Come and see it for yourself. Personally I think the corgis make it!