City Link project - skeletons discovered
A number of skeletons have been discovered during the digging required on our City Link project (part of the wider Peterborough Station Quarter project).
Following an initial discovery of one human skeleton, as standard practice, the police were initially called to establish if this was a crime scene. When they were satisfied it was not, a burial licence was applied for and obtained from the Ministry of Justice and then an archaeologist attended the site.
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 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.
Where the cemetery was located
Below is an Ordnance Survey map from the early 1800s, overlayed with a present day Ordnance Survey map, showing the location of the cemetery.
Frequently asked questions
How many skeletons have been found?
11 skeletons.
What date do the skeletons date back to?
It is believed that they date from the early to mid-1800s.
Where on the site were the skeletons found?
Between the north subway and the yellow Queensgate car park.
Will anymore skeletons be discovered?
A search of the area is currently being conducted by archaeologists.
What will happen to the skeletons now they have been discovered?
The skeletons will be reburied in Church of England burial grounds elsewhere in the city.
Is the council following an official national process for the removal of the skeletons?
Yes, we are following national guidelines. We have appointed an archaeologist and obtained a burial licence to do this work from the Ministry of Justice.
Do you have security arrangements in place on-site?
Since the discovery, our contractors have increased site security.
What was the history of the cemetery?
The Peterborough Civic Society website has a detailed history of the cemetery.
When was the site last excavated?
The site was last excavated during the 1970s when the original subway system was constructed by the Peterborough Development Corporation.
Oxford Archaeology Statement for works at Queensgate roundabout
Oxford Archaeology are currently undertaking an archaeological watching brief as part of the Queensgate Roundabout improvement works. The site is known to be situated within the footprint of the historic Peterborough Parish Burial Ground which dated to the 19th century.
Parts of the cemetery were sensitively cleared during the construction of the roundabout in the 1970s, down to the required construction level. As the current construction works are going below that level, archaeologists have been involved in the works to ensure suitable recording and recovery of any Human Skeletal Remains.
Since commencing on site, a total of 11 individual graves have been identified. A burial license has been obtained from the Ministry of Justice and the remains are in the process of being exhumed according to the highest national standards and as per Oxford Archaeology’s methodology, which has been approved by Peterborough City Council’s archaeologist.
The remains will be sensitively exhumed and respectfully handled by the archaeologist on site and analysed by an Osteoarchaeologist before being reinterred.
Historic photos
You can view historic photos of the original cemetery on the Peterborough Civic Society website.
We have published below a selection of images from the Peterborough Development Corporation, showing the 1970s works.
