Rare Bronze and Iron Age Log Boats Unveil Secrets of Cambridgeshire Prehistory
In a groundbreaking archaeological discovery, three rare bronze and iron age log boats have emerged from their 3,000-year slumber to shed new light on the prehistoric lives of the people who once inhabited Cambridgeshire. The remarkable vessels were unearthed in a quarry in Must Farm near Whittlesey, Cambridgeshire, 13 years ago as part of the largest group of prehistoric boats discovered at a single UK site.
The three log boats, now set to go on permanent display at Flag Fen archaeology park, boast impressive characteristics that reveal the ingenuity and skill of their ancient makers. The oldest boat, dating back around 3,500 years, is made from field maple, while the middle-bronze age oak boat, measuring 6.3 meters in length, features areas of charring inside. A fragment of an early bronze age boat also found its way to the surface.
According to researchers at Cambridge Archaeological Unit, these log boats offer a unique glimpse into prehistoric carpentry and construction techniques, as well as transportation methods used by our ancestors. The vessels were crafted from single tree trunks hollowed out to create buoyant hulls, with some displaying intricate repairs and adaptations to withstand the test of time.
The discovery has sparked significant interest among archaeologists and historians, who hail the find as an "amazing discovery". One researcher, Iona Robinson Zeki, notes that these simple yet effective boats were used for almost a millennium, traversing fens and rivers with remarkable ease. They not only facilitated fishing but also transported goods alongside animals and people.
As groundwater levels gradually rose in the area, the log boats became an essential means of transportation, replacing traditional methods such as rowing or using rafts. The fact that some of these vessels were deliberately stored underwater to prevent cracking suggests a level of foresight and planning by their creators.
Conservation efforts have been ongoing for several years, with funding from Forterra, Historic England, and Peterborough city council supporting the project. Jacqueline Mooney, general manager at Flag Fen archaeology park, emphasizes that this is not just an archaeological display but an opportunity to reconnect with our shared human past. "It's a powerful reconnection with the people who once lived, worked, and journeyed through this landscape," she says.
Bronze Age Boat Discoveries will now be on permanent display at Flag Fen archaeology park from November 14th onwards.
In a groundbreaking archaeological discovery, three rare bronze and iron age log boats have emerged from their 3,000-year slumber to shed new light on the prehistoric lives of the people who once inhabited Cambridgeshire. The remarkable vessels were unearthed in a quarry in Must Farm near Whittlesey, Cambridgeshire, 13 years ago as part of the largest group of prehistoric boats discovered at a single UK site.
The three log boats, now set to go on permanent display at Flag Fen archaeology park, boast impressive characteristics that reveal the ingenuity and skill of their ancient makers. The oldest boat, dating back around 3,500 years, is made from field maple, while the middle-bronze age oak boat, measuring 6.3 meters in length, features areas of charring inside. A fragment of an early bronze age boat also found its way to the surface.
According to researchers at Cambridge Archaeological Unit, these log boats offer a unique glimpse into prehistoric carpentry and construction techniques, as well as transportation methods used by our ancestors. The vessels were crafted from single tree trunks hollowed out to create buoyant hulls, with some displaying intricate repairs and adaptations to withstand the test of time.
The discovery has sparked significant interest among archaeologists and historians, who hail the find as an "amazing discovery". One researcher, Iona Robinson Zeki, notes that these simple yet effective boats were used for almost a millennium, traversing fens and rivers with remarkable ease. They not only facilitated fishing but also transported goods alongside animals and people.
As groundwater levels gradually rose in the area, the log boats became an essential means of transportation, replacing traditional methods such as rowing or using rafts. The fact that some of these vessels were deliberately stored underwater to prevent cracking suggests a level of foresight and planning by their creators.
Conservation efforts have been ongoing for several years, with funding from Forterra, Historic England, and Peterborough city council supporting the project. Jacqueline Mooney, general manager at Flag Fen archaeology park, emphasizes that this is not just an archaeological display but an opportunity to reconnect with our shared human past. "It's a powerful reconnection with the people who once lived, worked, and journeyed through this landscape," she says.
Bronze Age Boat Discoveries will now be on permanent display at Flag Fen archaeology park from November 14th onwards.
these log boats are straight fire! i mean who would've thought that ppl 3k yrs ago could create something so sturdy & effective? the fact that they were able to craft them from single tree trunks is like, woah 
and the history behind it is so cool - did u know they used these boats for fishing & transporting goods & animals too?! 
its amazing how they adapted to the changing environment and even stored some of them underwater 
anyway im hyped that these vessels are finally going on display at flag fen archaeology park - cant wait 2 see 'em in person 
these log boats r like, totally mind-blowing! 
when it comes to construction and transportation methods. the fact that some of them got deliberately stored underwater to prevent cracking is like, wow! genius 
and conservation efforts are finally coming together for their display at Flag Fen archaeology park 
can't wait to see these ancient vessels on permanent display & learn even more about our shared human past 
... think it's crazy that these log boats have just finally seen the light of day after being stuck in a quarry for over 13 years 
. The fact that they're all around 3,500-2,000 years old is mind-blowing – I mean, can you imagine the skills and knowledge required to craft something like this? 
. And the fact that some of them had areas of charring inside tells you they've been through some serious wear and tear 
.
. The rise in groundwater levels must have made traditional methods obsolete, forcing people to adapt to new ways of getting around 
. Can't wait to see them in person and learn more about our shared history 