Flag Fen to rebuild Iron Age Roundhouse after fire

Flag Fen Archaeology Park, near Peterborough, will rebuild its Iron Age roundhouse after the replica structure was almost completely destroyed by a blaze on July 13.

The fire was contained by the fire service which prevented damage to the wider Bronze Age site and its internationally significant artefacts.

Since the incident, the park has received overwhelming public support through donations, volunteering offers, and contributions from businesses.

Flag Fen Archaeology Park near Peterborough will rebuild its Iron Age roundhouse after a fire (Image: Flag Fen Archaeology Park) Jacqueline Mooney, general manager at Flag Fen, said: "We are deeply grateful and humbled by the huge amount of support from our community and partners.

"This collective effort is helping us recover quickly, protect our heritage, and continue delivering our award-winning education programme."

The new roundhouse is expected to take around nine months to complete.

Community support and events mark the heritage site’s recovery (Image: Flag Fen Archaeology Park) In the meantime, volunteers and community groups, including the 5th Peterborough Central Scouts, are helping to finish a new Bronze Age roundhouse.

City College Peterborough students contributed to its construction earlier this year.

Flag Fen has announced the official launch of the roundhouse rebuild will take place on Monday, August 25.

Flag Fen Peterborough to rebuild Iron Age roundhouse (Image: Flag Fen Archaeology Park) The event will mark the start of the reconstruction project with hands-on activities such as marking out the roundhouse footprint, coppicing willow and hazel, timber splitting, and traditional wattling demonstrations.

Visitors can also hear from roundhouse expert David Freeman, who will lead the rebuild.

Mr Freeman will give talks titled "From Posthole to Roof – Reconstructing an Iron Age Roundhouse" at 10.30am and 1.30pm.

Flag Fen Archaeology Park near Peterborough will rebuild its Iron Age roundhouse after a fire (Image: Flag Fen Archaeology Park) The talks will offer a unique opportunity to learn about the reconstruction process from the project’s outset.

Visitors can also enjoy workshops, tool handling and wattle weaving throughout the day.

Flag Fen described the rebuild as a project that will "not only restore a much-loved landmark but will also endorse Flag Fen’s commitment to heritage, education, and community engagement."

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