Construction workers refurbishing the Queensgate roundabout in Peterborough have unearthed at least 11 human skeletons, believed to be from a Victorian-era cemetery. The discovery has slowed the project and prompted an archaeological investigation.
Discovery and Initial Response
The remains were found during digging at the major city centre roundabout. Police were initially called to the scene in case the site was a crime scene, but after ruling out criminal activity, an archaeologist was brought in to examine the skeletons.
The cemetery once stood between Peterborough railway station and the Queen Street Iron Works, which is now a modern shopping centre. It was closed for burials in 1858, and the site was cleared in the 1970s when subways were built.
Council Statement and Project Impact
Peterborough City Council confirmed the find in a statement: “A total of 11 skeletons have been discovered so far on land within the Queensgate roundabout. Since the discovery, the contractors have increased site security.”
“These remains are part of a cemetery which existed on this site in the Victorian period and was closed to new burials in 1858. Records show that remains from this cemetery were cleared when subways were built at the roundabout during the 1970s.”
The council added that the pace of digging has slowed to avoid damaging any remains, potentially causing a four-week delay. They are exploring options to reduce this delay in later phases and will announce timetable updates in due course.
Further Excavation and Reburial Plans
Archaeologists are currently searching the area for additional skeletons. The remains will be reburied in another Church of England cemetery in the city, according to the council.
The skeletons were not found during the 1970s clearance because the construction level at that time was higher; the latest redevelopment goes deeper into the ground.
Broader Archaeological Context
This discovery adds to a growing list of archaeological finds during major construction projects. In Buckinghamshire, the HS2 project has uncovered a Roman mausoleum, a Norman church near Stoke Mandeville, a Neolithic stone circle similar to Stonehenge, and an Anglo-Saxon burial site in Wendover.
The Peterborough find highlights the importance of archaeological assessments in urban redevelopment. The council will continue to monitor the site and provide updates as the project progresses, ensuring the remains are handled with care and respect.
