Archaeologists have uncovered 37 skeletons beneath the Queensgate roundabout in Peterborough city centre, where major redevelopment works are underway. The discovery could delay the £65 million Station Quarter redevelopment by up to eight weeks.
The human remains were first found in late July during work on the City Link project. Since then, the number of skeletons has risen to 37. Archaeologists at the site have also uncovered tombs and burial chambers.
Victorian Remains Confirmed
Peterborough City Council has confirmed that all skeletons discovered to date are Victorian. This follows an earlier suggestion that the remains might originate from a medieval cemetery. According to the Express, a council archaeologist initially believed the remains dated back to the medieval period, but the authority later confirmed they were Victorian.
A council spokesperson explained: "The depth we have dug to is deeper than what was excavated in the 1970s, '80s." They also noted that, given the roundabout's proximity to Peterborough Cathedral, "there was always the possibility... that these discoveries could have been earlier".
Impact on Station Quarter Project
The Queensgate roundabout was built in the 1970s on land that previously served as a Victorian cemetery, which stopped accepting burials in 1858. The findings are expected to affect the timetable for the redevelopment scheme.
An initial four-week delay was estimated while the remains were removed. However, the council has since indicated the project could be pushed back by as much as eight weeks. Councillor Angus Ellis, cabinet member for transport at Peterborough City Council, said: "Work is currently continuing at the site, with staff from M Group working alongside Oxford Archaeology following the discovery of human skeletal remains. Archaeologists have now discovered 37 skeletons along with tombs and burial chambers."
Delicate Archaeological Work
Cllr Ellis added: "This is due to the nature of the work that the archaeologists are undertaking, which is intricate and time-consuming. We are looking at options to reduce this possible delay in later phases of the project and will announce updates in due course."
The City Link walkway is intended to transform the surrounding area and establish a connection between Peterborough railway station and the city centre. It forms part of the £65 million Station Quarter redevelopment, which began earlier this year. The roadworks are currently scheduled for completion in summer 2027.
