Nearly 40 human skeletons found at UK construction site in major city centre

Nearly 40 skeletons have been discovered at a major worksite in a UK city centre. A total of 37 skeletons have now been unearthed beneath the Queensgate roundabout in Peterborough, where major redevelopment works are taking place.

The human remains were first discovered in late July during work on the City Link project, with the number of skeletons subsequently rising to 37. Archaeologists working at the site have also uncovered tombs and burial chambers. 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.” Peterborough City Council has clarified that all of the skeletons discovered so far are Victorian.

Following the initial discovery in July, the council had said an archaeologist believed the remains dated from a cemetery which existed during the medieval period.

However, the authority subsequently confirmed that the remains uncovered so far were Victorian.

A council spokesperson said: “The depth we have dug to is deeper than what was excavated in the 1970s, ’80s.”

They added that because the roundabout is close to Peterborough Cathedral, “there was always the possibility… that these discoveries could have been earlier”.

The Queensgate roundabout itself was built in the 1970s on a site that had previously been home to a Victorian cemetery, which closed to burials in 1858.

The discoveries could also have an impact on the timetable for the major redevelopment.

An initial four-week delay was estimated while the remains were removed, but the council has since said the project could be delayed by up to eight weeks.

Cllr Ellis said: “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.”

The City Link walkway aims to transform the area and create a connection between Peterborough railway station and the city centre.

It forms part of the £65million Station Quarter redevelopment, which began earlier this year.

The roadworks are currently due to be completed in summer 2027.