UK SHOUT: A Visit to Peterborough Museum

UK SHOUT: A Visit to Peterborough Museum

By Chris Elliott…

Exploring a local museum can open a window into the unique history and culture of an area. For example, Peterborough Museum offers a diverse range of exhibits that highlight the region’s significant heritage.

Located on Priestgate, not far from the Queensgate Shopping Centre, and with convenient parking, Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery occupies the charming former Peterborough Infirmary, a Georgian building dating back to 1817.

Ground Floor

Peterborough museum reception and shop

Squire’s Cafe

The building showcases elegant period architecture and features a welcoming reception area, a gift shop, a lift, public amenities, and a dedicated Temporary Exhibition space where upcoming events are regularly updated on the museum’s website.

First Floor

On the first floor, visitors are greeted by the Changing Landscapes and Habitat displays, the First People gallery, and exhibits detailing the history of the building itself.

Lift to all floors

Life on earth is starting

Roman Life

At the First People gallery, every Tuesday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, you can meet a Roman soldier. During my visit, I spoke with Martin—also known as Marcus Seutonius Martinus—who shared fascinating insights on the Roman Army, the DVROBRIVA settlement, and other local Roman sites I intend to visit.

Second Floor

The second floor houses the Norman Cross exhibition, which explores the story of the Napoleonic War prison camp, alongside the Changing Lives gallery and the Victorian Operating Theatre.

Norman Cross Exhibition

Modern homes are developing

For those interested in exploring further, guided tours of The Vaults, located in the museum’s cellars, are offered by appointment on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Saturdays.

For more information on Peterborough Museum, including details of special events, please click here

For more information about Roman Life contact The Longthorpe Legion, a Living History Group

Peterborough Museum offers many attractions that photos alone can’t capture, so I’m sharing a Peterborough Museum video by Peterborough Positive on YouTube to highlight what you may experience during your visit.