Flag Fen, east of Peterborough, is a Bronze Age site developed about 3500 years ago, consisting of more than 60,000 timbers arranged in five very long rows, creating a wooden causeway (around 1 km long) across the wet fenland. Part-way across the structure a small island was formed. Items associated with it have led scholars to conclude that the island was a site of religious ceremonies and significance. (Source: Wikipedia)
Flag Fen Archaeological Park is about 15 minutes drive from our home. However, it is too late to visit it as it is now closed for the season. The archaeology park only opens from early April to September every year.
So, what do you expect in Flag Fen?
Visit Flag Fen Archaeology Park to explore how the prehistoric people of the fen lived over 3000 years ago. Wander through a Bronze Age village, sit within the reconstructed roundhouses, and stand where our ancestors once stood by the ritual causeway.
Experience life in our prehistoric past and visit the only place in the UK where original Bronze Age remains can be seen in situ, the incredibly preserved timbers of a monumental engineering achievement.
Excavations on the site revealed details of a wooden platform and post alignment that stretch for nearly a kilometre across the fen. These were built up between 1350 and 950BC and are of great national and international significance. Due to the waterlogged nature of the fens, this unique monument has been remarkably preserved.
It is believed that the post alignment consists of 60,000 vertical timber and 250,000 horizontal pieces of wood, spanning the wet and marshy fen to meet a droveway on dry ground at each end. All the pieces of wood had been worked and shaped with tools.
People gave many thousands of hours to build this structure. Could it have been a boundary and defensive structure protecting the valuable resources of the fen? Could it have been created as a bridge to drive cattle across the fen?
Within the structure, many hundreds of metal, stone and bone artefacts have been found. These items have not been lost – they were deliberately placed. Equally, they have not been found in a hoard hidden away for safety. Furthermore, excavations have uncovered large amounts of animal bone (sheep, cows, pigs) showing signs of butchery – was feasting taking place here?
See the stunning range of ancient objects found on the site in our museum, including weapons, jewellery and even England’s oldest wheel! It is believed that many of these were placed into the waters as ritual offerings to the gods or spirits by our prehistoric ancestors. (Source: Visit Peterborough)
In addition, you will also see Bronze Age (like the photo above) and Ice Age roundhouses, Roman herb garden, Lakeside walk, Soay sheep and the Must Farm boats when you visit Flag Fen. Of course, the customary visit to the Visitor Centre will not be that bad, I guess.
Hopefully, I will get to finally visit Flag Fen next year.
