Archaeologists discover 37 skeletons under Queensgate site

The remains have been unearthed during preparatory work for the £5 million scheme, designed to provide a more direct walking and cycling route between Peterborough Railway Station and the city centre.

Peterborough City Council said the careful excavation and handling of the burials was likely to affect the project's timetable.

Councillor Angus Ellis, the council’s cabinet member for transport, 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 unearthed 37 human skeletons beneath the Queensgate roundabout it has been revealed this week. (Image: Peterborough City Council)

“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.”

The council had initially predicted a delay of about four weeks, after the first skeletons were found between the north subway and the yellow Queensgate car park. Police attended at that stage, but quickly established that the discovery was not linked to any crime.

An archaeological licence was then obtained, and Oxford Archaeology was appointed to examine the finds.

Archaeologists believe the site was once part of a cemetery with medieval origins, which continued to be used during the Victorian period. The Victorian cemetery closed to new burials in 1858. The area was last excavated in the 1970s, when Peterborough Development Corporation built the original subway system.

Under the Burial Act 1857, suspected human remains must be dealt with through a formal legal process. National guidance says burials should not be disturbed without good reason, but recognises that excavation can be needed for modern development.

The council said the remains would be treated with dignity and respect, then reburied in line with national guidance.

Councillor Ellis said: “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 project remains expected to be completed by summer 2027.