Peterborough (pop. 215,673) is a city in England. In 1998, it became a unitary authority, with all local government powers within its boundaries. The city stands on the River Nene and is a prosperous agricultural and manufacturing center. It has brickmaking plants, electronics and engineering facilities, and beet-sugar refineries. Its cathedral, begun in 1118, is built in the Norman and Early English styles. Peterborough was designated a new town (area of rapid development) in 1967. Farming is important in the rural areas of the district.
