Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery

Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery sits in a former 19th-century mansion on Priestgate in the centre of Peterborough. The building itself dates back to 1816, with parts of its cellar from a 16th-century house. It once served as the city’s first hospital from 1857 until 1928. The art gallery was added in 1939. The museum is managed today by Peterborough Limited on behalf of the city council. The museum holds about 227,000 objects, including Roman pottery and Jurassic marine fossils. It also preserves the original manuscripts of John Clare, the Northamptonshire Peasant Poet. Another highlight is the Norman Cross collection, made by French prisoners held between 1797 and 1814. The art collection spans from the 17th century to the present day. Inside, visitors find displays of local archaeology and social history. The Norman Cross items include craftwork made by prisoners. John Clare’s manuscripts are kept here. The building’s historic rooms and cellars add to the experience. Outside, Priestgate places the museum close to the city’s cathedral and market.