The next two belong exclusively to Peterborough, and the first I have only just obtained from a lady who remembers the verses, as they were repeated early in the 19th Century: 

  When the Clock of the Abbey strikes three minutes fast,
  There will be a gay wedding before the month’s past;
  When the Clock of the Abbey strikes three minutes slow,
  The river’s bright waters will soon overflow;
  When the Church Clock and Abbey Clock strike both together,
  There will soon be a death or a change of the weather.

The Abbey or Cathedral is dedicated to St. Peter, and the Parish Church to St. John.  The Head Verger of the Cathedral until recently had charge of both clocks, and St. John’s Clock was always kept slightly faster than the Cathedral Clock.  Canon Jones, when Vicar of St. John’s, one day met the late Verger, (Mr. H. Plowman, Senr.) and asked him why St John’s Clock was always faster than the Cathedral Clock, and the Verger replied:—­“Well Vicar, you know, the other disciple did outrun St. Peter on the way to the Tomb, so St. John has always kept in front ever since.”

Sometimes the coincidences mentioned in the verses occur and maintain their reputation for veracity: 

  If in the Minster Close a Hare,
  Should for herself have made a lair,
  Be sure before the week is down,
  A fire will rage within the town

It is very strange but these two events have sometimes happened.

    One fire brings two more.

This too has often occurred and in April of this year (1911) three fires occurred in this district within a week.

These are all I can remember which refer to Peterborough.

Beginning with the County of Northampton we have: 

Northamptonshire, more Spires, more Squires, more haughtiness, and less hospitality than any other County in England.

Northamptonshire for Spires and Squires.

Northamptonshire for Springs and Spinsters.

Thack and Dyke Northamptonshire like.

Marholm, a village near Peterborough.

“They held together like the men of Marholm when they lost their Common.”

This is used when people are divided one against another.

Caster where the woman is master.

“To lose a hog for a ha’porth of tar.”  The hog referred to is a yearling sheep.

“To live by the penny.”  Buying only when anything is absolutely required.

“As cross as two sticks.”

“As cross as old Wilks.”  Who old Wilks was and why he was cross is lost in oblivion.

“As wise as Walton’s calf who ran nine miles to suck a bull.”

“Black as the pot.”

“Topsy turvey Moses Webster.”  Used when things are in a disorderly state.

“Dance a jig, then come back and buy a pig.”

“Go to Farcet.”  This is a village near Peterborough and the expression is used instead of advising people to go to Jericho or any other place.