THIRTY SEVEN skeletons - including tombs and burial chambers - now found at Queensgate Roundabout as delay to works increases
A total of 37 skeletons have now been found under Queensgate Roundabout.
The skeletons have been found near the Queensgate car park on the roundabout as works on the Station Quarter project continue.
Along with the human remains, tombs and burial chambers have also been uncovered by workers.
It is thought more skeletons could be recovered as the works continue.
Earlier in August, The Peterborough Telegraph reported that 11 skeletons had been found during the project.
When the four initial skeletons were found at the beginning of the project, the council said that the works, which have reduced the roundabout to one lane, would be delayed by up to four weeks. That delay has now been increased.
Councillor Angus Ellis, cabinet member for transport at Peterborough City Council, said: "Work is currently continuing at the site, with staff from M Group working alongside Oxford Archaeology following the discovery of human skeletal remains.
“Archaeologists have now discovered 37 skeletons along with tombs and burial chambers. Due to this, we anticipate that the programme could now be delayed by up to eight weeks potentially. This is due to the nature of the work that the archaeologists are undertaking, which is intricate and time-consuming. We are looking at options to reduce this possible delay in later phases of the project and will announce updates in due course.”
MORE: REVEALED: What happens to Queensgate Roundabout skeletons now
The Queensgate Roundabout was built on an old cemetery around 50 years ago – so perhaps the discovery of the human remains is not a huge surprise – however, the number of remains discovered is a shock.
The roundabout was built in the 1970s, and The Parish Burial Ground was located on a three-acre site at the bottom of Cowgate, and was believed to be closed to new burials in 1858.
The Council has obtained an archaeological licence and appointed an archaeologist to ensure the skeletons are reburied in line with national guidelines.
Once the digging work at the roundabout has finished – and the last skeletons have been recovered – the remains will be given a Church of England burial elsewhere in the city.
Security has been stepped up at the site following the discoveries.