Peterborough, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)

Markets and Monarchs

Photographed by Ray Gurganus, May 6, 2026

1. Markets and Monarchs Marker

Inscription. Around 1150 Abbot Martin De Bec created a new market to bring more money into the town and help fund the building of his new abbey church. The result was the 'Marketstede', today Cathedral Square. The monks moved the settlement from Boongate to create what is today the city centre. Markets were held on this square on Wednesdays and Saturdays until the late 1960s.

The building that dominates the square is the Guildhall, completed in 1671. It was built to celebrate the Restoration of the monarchy, shown by the badge of Charles II carved on the front of the building. Peterborough was a Royalist town during the English Civil War, until captured by Oliver Cromwell in 1643.

The square has always been an important public space, used for the holding of elections in the past and still holds major events and celebrations to this day.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1150.

Location. 52° 34.367′ N, 0° 14.539′ W. Marker is in Peterborough, England. It is on Long Causeway. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 37-39

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Long Causeway, Peterborough, England PE1 1YJ, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in England’s East Anglia.

Globally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean,

in the North Atlantic Region,

in Europe,

in Atlantic Europe,

on one of the British Isles,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: St Thomas Becket (within shouting distance of this marker); Abbey and Cathedral (within shouting distance of this marker); Welcome to Peterborough Cathedral (within shouting distance of this marker); The Guildhall (within shouting distance of this marker); Simon Gunton (within shouting distance of this marker); Street of Cows (about 180 meters away, measured in a direct line); Narrow Bridge Street (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Historic Peterborough (approx. 0.3 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Peterborough.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 3, 2026, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 6 times since then. Photo 1. submitted on August 3, 2026, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. photo of the marker within its surroundings • Can you help?