A Sedan Chair used to be seen in the streets of Peterborough until the
early seventies. Certain old ladies would only go to Church or
entertainments in it because it was taken into the entrance of the house
or other place so that they could get in and out without being exposed
to the weather. The harness worn by one of the men is seen in
Peterborough Museum.
In 1905; for the first time within the recollection of the inhabitants
of Peterborough, St. John's Church Bells were not rung on Wyldbore's day
as the bell tower was not considered safe. The sermon was preached as
usual.
At the end of the sowing season a large "Siblet" or seed cake, was made
for the farm labourers who ate it, and drank success to the sowing in
home brewed ale or mead.
The Curfew Bell is still rung at the Minster from May 1st, to August
31st, at 8-50 p.m., and from September 1st, to April 30th, at 7-50 p.m.
It has only been discontinued for a short time and this was during the
Commonwealth, since it was first started.