A huge crowd of over 10,000 people descended on Peterboro’ to see the opening of the railway line to Blisworth.
“Opening of the Peterboro’ and Blisworth Railway – This line having been inspected by General Pasley, the Inspector-General of Railways, the formal opening took place on Saturday, the particulars of which will be found in our fourth page. Monday was appointed for the opening of the line to the public- an event which will be long remembered by the many thousands of persons who witnessed the proceedings of the day. The first up-train left Peterboro’ station (which is a capacious place on the east side of the London road a few hundred yards from the bridge) at 7 o’ clock in the morning, with six carriages, and another train followed at 1/2 past 10 with a goodly number of passengers; and this later met the first down-train from London at the Wansford station, where the latter arrived shortly before 12 (at least one hour after its appointed time). The passengers from London, Northampton, Wellingboro’, Higham Ferrers, Thrapston, Oundle &c., having filled the first train to Peterboro, the greatest disappointment was experienced at Sibson station, where at least 200 persons were waiting to proceed by it to Peterboro’: a few did succeed in getting upon the roofs of the carriages, but the more respectable company were left behind, and had their ticket-money returned. On this train’s approaching Peterboro’, a most interesting scene presented itself to the voyagers, many thousand persons having congregated to witness the arrival of the first public railway train into that city; and although the population was under 7000 at the taking of the last census, it is believed there must have been from 10,000 to 12,000 persons present – every town and vilage for some miles around having assisted to make this extradionary assemblage. The majority of the company occupied the meadow where the celebrated bridge-fair is held, but the bridge and the road thence to the turnpike were also densely crowded with anxious spectators, as also was every window from which a view of the train could be obtained: it was stopped on the west side of the road for the purpose of receiving the passengers’ tickets, which occupied about a quarter of an hour, and after this the road was crossed on the level, and the train approached the station, in Fletton parish, amidst the plaudits of the throng, the ringing of the church bells, and bands of music. The moving mass then crossed the river Nene and entered the city, at which time at least half the shops were closed, and those who were ready to wait upon their patrons seemed to have little or nothing to do. The inns generally were very crowded, and from the presence of so many strangers the landlords must have experienced a good harvest. The interval which took place between the arrival of the first train from London, and that of the second, which was advertised to arrive at a quarter to 3 o’clock, was occupied in taking refreshment, and in visiting the cathedral and the shows : the latter consisted of Ewing’s wax-work exhibition, a theatre, and several other attractions of less importance, which were stationed in the Market place.”
The Stamford Mercury, 6th June, 1845.