Peterborough, originally known as Medeshamstede, is an ancient settlement and an early centre of Christianity. The Anglo-Saxon period saw the establishment of a 7th century monastery on this site. Probably destroyed by the Vikings, it was subsequently restored as a Benedictine Abbey in the 10th century. This later became Peterborough Cathedral. There are many remains of the abbey in the Cathedral precincts. The Cathedral's architecture is mainly Norman, following a rebuilding in the 12th century. With Durham and Ely Cathedrals, it is one of the most important 12th century buildings in England to have remained largely intact, despite extensions and restoration. The wooden painted ceiling dates from 1230-50 and is the only one of its type surviving in this country. Peterborough Cathedral is known for its imposing Early English Gothic West Front (façade) which, with its three enormous arches, is without architectural precedent and with no direct successor. The appearance is slightly asymmetrical, as one of the two towers that rise from behind the façade was never completed, but this is only visible from a distance, while the effect of the West Front upon entering the Cathedral Close is overwhelming. (Source: Wikipedia)