Archaeological sites abound in Peterborough. They include some of the most impressive of their kind in the UK. We pick our Big Five Peterborough archaeological sites, but this is just a starter to whet your appetite.

Top Peterborough Archaeology Sites

A bronze age “Pompeii” which provides a unique snapshot of domestic life 3,000 years ago. The 2015-16 excavation focused on 3 stilted round houses which had been destroyed by fire, collapsing into the river sediments. Finds include complete sets of pots, poppyhead cups, part prepared food, wooden utensils and finely woven fabrics. More…

A 1km wooden causeway built across marshy ground linking the island of Northey (Whittlesey) with Fengate (Peterborough). It was constructed between 950 and 1400BC and comprises more than 60,000 timbers, arranged in five very long rows. Ritual deposits found by the causeway include polished white stones and broken daggers. More…

A Roman fortified garrison town located where Ermine Street crossed the River Nene. The 20ha walled area has been little disturbed but aerial photographs and geophysical survey have identified many roads and structures (including public buildings). Large henge-like features suggest an evolving landscape from the Neolithic to the Roman period. More…

A massive Roman palace, 100m by 20m and perhaps 3 storeys high, sat on the hill now occupied by Castor parish church. It faced down the hill towards Durobrivae and its Normangate industrial suburb. It is thought to have been the headquarters of an important official who organised and governed the Emperor’s own estates in the fenlands to the east. More…

A long-lived and large villa complex with continuity from Iron Age to Roman times and beyond. A fairly typical middle status rural site showing re-modelling and extension over time. Large quantities of Roman artefacts have been found. More…

Other Peterborough Archaeological Sites

Inclusion of Fane Road of course reflects our bias since many of us have helped excavate the site. Realistically there are plenty more contenders for that 5th place:

Peterborough – Time Team

Nene Valley Archaeology

There was an enthusiastic group of archaeologists who tried to keep a step ahead of the developers as the building of Peterborough new town got underway in the 1970s and 1980s. They left a great legacy in the form of a booklet in 9 volumes called “Durobrivae: A Review of Nene Valley Archaeology”.