Three exceptionally well-preserved log boats, dating back 2,500 to 3,500 years, are now on public display, offering unprecedented insights into life in prehistoric Cambridgeshire. Unearthed from a silted-up creek near Whittlesey, these vessels represent the largest collection of prehistoric boats ever found at a single UK site. The discovery sheds light on ancient carpentry, transportation methods, and the evolving landscape of the region.
The Discovery and Preservation
The nine log boats were excavated in 2011 from the riverbed of an ancient creek, now part of a Cambridgeshire quarry. Remarkably, some of the boats remained structurally sound enough to float, despite centuries submerged in the fenland. The vessels underwent extensive conservation at a specialist facility built at Flag Fen archaeology park, a collaborative effort between York Archaeological Trust and Peterborough city council. The process involved long-term preservation in a climate-controlled environment, using a specialized wax and water solution to prevent decay.
What the Boats Reveal
Analysis of the boats confirms they were constructed by hollowing out single tree trunks—a simple yet effective method of watercraft construction. Researchers identified the specific tree species used, the felling techniques employed, and the tools used in their creation. The three boats now on display represent different periods and construction styles:
- A 6.3-meter oak vessel from the middle-bronze age, showing evidence of internal charring.
- A 2.2-meter fragment of a middle-bronze age oak boat with an intricate repair within the hull, demonstrating ancient boat-building skills.
- An 0.8-meter fragment of an early-bronze age boat made of field maple, highlighting the diverse materials used in prehistoric boat construction.
A Changing Landscape and Ancient Transportation
The log boats weren’t just a means of transport; they reflect a changing landscape. Over time, the area became increasingly waterlogged, with groundwater levels rising and turning the land into a swamp. This made boats the primary means of moving goods, people, and potentially even animals. Some of the boats appear to have been deliberately stored in the water to prevent cracking, suggesting they were intended for future use. Others, however, had clearly reached the end of their functional life.
Significance and Funding
Iona Robinson Zeki, a researcher at Cambridge Archaeological Unit, described the discovery as “amazing,” noting that the boats demonstrate how ancient communities adapted to their environment. The project was funded by Forterra, Historic England, and Peterborough city council, underscoring the importance of preserving this unique aspect of the region’s past.
Jacqueline Mooney, general manager of Flag Fen archaeology park, emphasized that the display is more than just an archaeological exhibit. It’s a reconnection with the people who once lived and traveled through the landscape, brought to life through meticulous excavation, conservation, and storytelling.
These log boats are a tangible link to a prehistoric past, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of those who navigated the waterways of ancient Cambridgeshire
