The prehistoric collection at Peterborough Museum has been given ‘Designated Status’ – highlighting the significance of the items held there.

Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery’s internationally significant Prehistoric Archaeology Collections have been awarded Designated status by Arts Council England.

The award celebrates the exceptional archaeological heritage of Peterborough and the surrounding area, and its contribution to our understanding of Britain’s prehistoric past.

Drawn from the internationally significant landscapes of the Lower Nene and Lower Welland valleys, the collections tell the stories of thousands of years of human experience – from the earliest prehistoric periods through to the Iron Age. They reveal how communities adapted, innovated and flourished in a constantly changing environment.

The collections include remarkable evidence of some of the region’s earliest inhabitants, rare Bronze Age log boats and ceremonial monuments, alongside many other objects that provide insights into prehistoric settlement, technology and everyday life.

Sarah Wilson, Heritage Manager at Peterborough Museum & Art Gallery, said: “Achieving Designated status for Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery’s Prehistoric Archaeology Collection is a landmark moment for both the museum, Flag Fen and the city. This prestigious national recognition confirms the outstanding significance of a collection that contributes to understanding Britain’s prehistoric past.

“For Peterborough, this award is a source of immense civic pride and strengthens our ability to share this remarkable heritage with residents, schools, researchers and visitors.”

The news was welcomed by Peterborough MP Andrew Pakes. He said: “This is a proud day for Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery. Designated status is the highest form of national recognition a museum collection can receive, and it confirms what we’ve always known here in Peterborough, that our museum, and our city, are of real national importance.

"I want to pay tribute to everyone at the Museum who has worked so hard to reach this milestone."

Darren Henley, Chief Executive of Arts Council England, said: “What was life like in the East of England 900,000 years ago? Weaving hundreds of thousands of years of local history into one unique collection, the Prehistory Collection reveals the answer by showcasing remarkably preserved objects that represent the continuous human occupation of Peterborough since the Palaeolithic age. I would like to congratulate all involved in this prestigious

Designation Award.”