Construction workers digging up the Queensgate roundabout in Peterborough as part of the City Link project have discovered 11 human skeletons. The remains are part of a Victorian-era cemetery that once occupied the site, and their discovery has slowed work by up to four weeks.
Discovery and Initial Response
The skeletons were found during excavation work for the City Link scheme, which aims to create a more direct route for pedestrians and cyclists from Peterborough Railway Station to the city centre via Cowgate. The project involves removing two of the three subways that currently run underneath the roundabout.
When the remains were found, police were informed and asked to establish whether it was a crime scene. It has now been confirmed that it is not.
Historical Context
Instead, the remains are part of a cemetery which existed on the site in the Victorian era. Records indicate the cemetery was closed for burials in 1858 and the site was cleared in the 1970s for subways to be built. The council has said the skeletons were not found during the 1970s clearance because of the construction level, while the latest redevelopment goes deeper into the ground.
Council Statement and Impact
Peterborough City Council said: "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."
The council added: "Records show that remains from this cemetery were cleared when subways were built at the roundabout during the 1970s. The speed at which we were digging has had to slow down, so we don’t damage any remains. This may mean a delay of four weeks. We are looking at options to reduce this delay in later phases of the project and will announce any timetable updates in due course."
The remains will be reburied in another Church of England cemetery in the city, the council said.
