FOUR more skeletons found at Queensgate Roundabout - as security is tightened at works
Four more skeletons have been found at Queensgate Roundabout – taking the total to 11 since the major works started in July.
It maybe common knowledge that the roundabout was built on an old burial ground, but the discoveries have caused delays to the major works that are taking place at the site.
It had been thought that the cemetery had been cleared when Queensgate Roundabout was built – but this was not the case.
Now, in Peterborough City Council’s E-newsletter, the authority has revealed more have been found – and that security has been stepped up at the site following the discoveries.
The newsletter says: “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.”
The newsletter also provides a statement from Oxford Archaeology, who are currently undertaking an archaeological watching brief as part of the Queensgate Roundabout improvement works.
The statement says: “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.”