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

Abbey and Cathedral

Photographed by Ray Gurganus, May 6, 2026

1. Abbey and Cathedral Marker

Inscription. Ahead on your right is the gateway leading through to the church which has been Peterborough's Cathedral since 1541. The first church on this site was founded in 655AD as an abbey, but was then destroyed by the Vikings in 870AD. Its replacement was burnt down in 1116 and the current church started in 1118. Katharine of Aragon, first wife of King Henry VIII, is buried inside.

The gateway was built around 1275. It was fortified as the monks were the local landowners, which did not always make them popular. During the Peasant's Revolt of 1381 there was a bloody attempt to storm the abbey.

The building to the right of the gateway was used as the lodging for important visitors, including royalty. Below it was the old prison, the 'Abbot's Gaol', used until 1840. One of the prison doors can still be seen in the shop in this building.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1541.

Location. 52° 34.336′ N, 0° 14.533′ W. Marker is in Peterborough, England. It is on Long Causeway. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal

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address: 4 Long Causeway, Peterborough, England PE1 1TN, 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); Markets and Monarchs (within shouting distance of this marker); Welcome to Peterborough Cathedral (within shouting distance of this marker); Simon Gunton (within shouting distance of this marker); The Guildhall (within shouting distance of this marker); Street of Cows (about 180 meters away, measured in a direct line); Narrow Bridge Street (about 210 meters away); Foundry Walk (approx. 0.3 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Peterborough.

Peterborough Cathedral image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Ray Gurganus, March 23, 2024

2. Peterborough Cathedral

Photographed by J. Salmon Ltd., Sevenoaks, England, 1905

3. Peterborough Cathedral

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 7 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 3, 2026, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. 3. submitted on August 4, 2026. • 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?