Roundhouse replica work progressing at speed

Work to rebuild a prehistoric roundhouse destroyed by a fire is expected to be complete by January.

The Iron Age replica at Flag Fen Archaeology Park near Peterborough was built in 2022.

But it was destroyed in what was believed to be a deliberate fire on 13 July .

Flag Fen said £18,000 had been raised through a public appeal and manager Jacqui Mooney said the rebuild had happened "far more quickly than we ever imagined" thanks to the "generosity" of local people and businesses.

"The destruction of our much-loved roundhouse was deeply upsetting, but the response from our community has been overwhelming," said Ms Mooney.

"These roundhouses are much more than buildings, they are at the heart of how we bring prehistory alive for our visitors."

A roundhouse, with its thatched roof, was a typical dwelling in the Bronze Age and Iron Age.

The National Trust Wimpole Estate, Matt Cook from the Manor Wood outdoor education centre in Huntingdon, and a construction firm, contributed to the restoration effort following the fire.

The roundhouse walls have been finished and about a third of the roof has been thatched.

Preparations for another larger Iron Age roundhouse are under way, with all timber on site and the outer ring of posts in place.

Flag Fen was created after excavations in 1971 revealed an almost intact Bronze Age landscape. The park, which is open to visitors, is run by private company Peterborough Limited.

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