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.