In 1891 the south porch was restored in memory of Dr. James, a former vicar.  The arches under the tower which had been bricked up for many years were underpinned and repaired; and in 1909 were again opened to the church.  By 1919 the fittings were almost complete, several rich stained glass windows and beautiful oak screens had been given as memorials.  A carved reredos, oak panelling and seats, and a marble pavement have been fitted in the Sanctuary.  The organ was rebuilt and enlarged by Messrs. Harrison of Durham.

Towards the west end of the church in the north aisle is a tablet to William Squire by Flaxman; close by is a large picture of King Charles I and two curious specimens of early embroidery are also to be seen; they were once portions of altar-cloths, or of copes.  In each case the work is in the form of a cross, about two feet long.  Each has the figure of the Saviour on the Cross; but the details are not identical.

[Illustration:  Church of S. John the Baptist and Guildhall.]

=The Guild Hall=, in the Market Place, is an effective little building, dated 1671.  The lower part is open, and is used for the butter market.  While sufficient for the transaction of borough business 100 years ago, it is altogether inadequate now to the requirements of a corporation.

Until a very few years ago there was a mediaeval building at Peterborough of the greatest interest.  This was the old =Tithe Barn= of the Abbey, situated in the Manor of Boroughbury, on the Lincoln Road.  It was much the finest in the kingdom.  Unhappily the “enterprising builder” has obtained possession of it, and it has been pulled down, the materials, all Barnack stone, having been employed in building houses.  It was of good thirteenth century work, and in perfect condition.  On the east side were two large porches, by which a waggon fully laden could enter the barn.  The roof was supported by very massive timbers rising from the ground, the whole arrangement resembling a wooden church with aisles.

=The Museum= in Queen Street is noted for its collection of Roman and Saxon antiquities from the city and district; amongst the former are the noted coffin tile stamped LEG IX.  HISP.; the vase showing a coursing match with the hare and hounds in relief, coins, pottery, brooches, and other jewellery.  The Saxon specimens consist of pottery, jewellery, and weapons chiefly exhumed at Woodston, about one mile south-west of the river bridge.

The interesting collection of bone, wood, horn, and straw marquetry work made at Norman Cross (5 miles) by the French prisoners during the years 1797 to 1814, is unique.  MSS. of the Northamptonshire poet, John Clare, are preserved in this institution, together with a large number of other local works.

CHAPTER V.

HISTORY OF THE MONASTERY.