Seven human skeletons have been discovered during roadworks at the Queensgate roundabout in Peterborough, the city council has confirmed.
The remains were found deep within the roundabout, which is being developed as part of the City Link project. An archaeologist believes the skeletons date from a cemetery that existed on the site during the Mediaeval period and later developed in the Victorian period.
Archaeological licence obtained
A Peterborough City Council spokesperson said: "We have obtained an archaeological licence and appointed an archaeologist to ensure the skeletons are reburied in line with national guidelines."
It is understood that a burial ground once stood at the bottom of Cowgate, an area adjacent to the Queensgate roundabout.
Possible delays to roadworks
Roadworks on the roundabout have been ongoing since the start of July as part of the City Link project. Due to the discovery, the council warns that the works could be delayed by up to four weeks, though it is looking at options to reduce the delay in later phases.
Last month, the city council said the £5million highways project "will create a more direct route for pedestrians and cyclists from Peterborough Railway Station to the city centre". A message on its website added: "It will create a modern, welcoming gateway between the railway station and Cowgate, with the removal of the two subways that run underneath the Queensgate roundabout."
