by Cecelia Hopkins (
subscribe)
Cecelia's articles are illustrated by Allan who enjoys photography. Cecelia is also the author of: "Silver Springtime", "All for Love", "Mystic Evermore" and the new release: "Faith and Love". https://creativearts2009-picturefiles.blogspot.com/
Saint Cecilia sign - Photo by Allan
Saint Cecelia's heritage mansion is located at 2 Callary Street, Peterborough. When I heard about the venue that shared my name, I just had to visit it!
Saint Cecilia Mansion - Photo by Allan
Saint Cecelia was the home of the Bishop John Norton and was built around 1812. It is heritage listed as 'Edwardian-style'. Apparently, the next bishop did not want to live in the building and it was adapted into a convent and boarding school for the St. Joseph's Catholic girls until around 1973.
Headless statue - Photo by Allan
Saint Cecilia was the patron saint of music. She is said to have been beheaded by a sword, which could be why the statue is missing a head (either this, or it has been vandalised). Her name day is celebrated on November 22. Saint Cecilia is thought to have been a Roman noblewoman. She was forced to marry a non-believer by the name of Valerian and converted him to her beliefs. Her husband was martyred, along with his brother and wife, Saint Cecilia.
According to the city of Peterborough tours are available every day between 11am – 3pm. However, when we visited, there was a sign on the gate saying that the mansion was being renovated. It might have been possible to walk around the garden, but we respected the boundary and admired the building from the street. When the building is open, it is also available as a Bed and Breakfast and runs Murder Mystery parties.
Currently under renovation - Photo by Allan
