Iron Age Roundhouse at Flag Fen destroyed by fire on July 13

The building, at Flag Fen, in Thorney, was almost completely destroyed as a result of a suspected arson attack on Sunday July 13. 

Francis Pryor MBE, who led the original excavations at Flag Fen in 1982, said: “This is a devastating loss to Flag Fen.

"The roundhouse is an important learning resource for young and old, providing a valuable insight into Iron Age life." 

The aftermath of the blaze (Image: Peterborough Limited) Whilst Flag Fen remains open as usual and their summer activities are unaffected by the fire, the team have launched an emergency appeal to secure resources, building materials, volunteers and funding to start work on a new roundhouse build as soon as possible. 

"Our primary concern now is to re-build the roundhouse so that visitors can benefit from this important and unique asset and we experience as little disruption as possible for our educational programme,” added Mr Pryor.

Flag Fen general manager Jacqui Mooney added that the team is now "desperate" for support from local businesses who may be able to help with timber, materials, thatch, scaffold and labour.

Volunteers are also needed to help support the build and, to get the project underway, around £50,000 is required to replicate the previous roundhouse.

The Iron Age roundhouse before the blaze (Image: Peterborough Limited)"If people can manage a donation, no matter the amount, it will be amazing and really help us to continue the magic here for future generations”.

Constructed in 2022 with donations from The Arts Council England, The Francis and Maisie Pryor Charitable Trust and Tyrrell Builders, it is based on an actual Iron Age roundhouse that was discovered at Cats Water, next to Flag Fen, replicates how ancestors lived around 2,500 years ago.

It is a vital educational resource for Flag Fen’s schools programme, which supports 10,000 children each year and allows visitors to immerse themselves in our history.

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Talking about what led to the fire, Nina Wright, of the group Peterborough Limited, said: "The fire was started by vandals - it was either a prank that got out of control or a deliberate arson attack.

"Flames caused the thatched roof to catch fire, followed by the rafters and perlins, daub wall and oak doorframe. 

"All that partially remains are the charred wattle walls."

They added that the blaze towered 20 metres above the surrounding woodland.

She also commended the swift action of the fire brigade who "ensured the rest of the ancient archaeological site didn’t catch fire.

"Otherwise, it would have resulted in the loss of priceless Bronze Age artefacts."

A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue Service said: "Fire crews were called out to Flag Fen Archaeology Park at 9.30pm on Sunday July 13.

"Flames could be seen above the tree line from onlookers in Fengate who alerted the fire brigade. 

"Four crews - from Dogsthorpe, Stanground and Whittlesey - attended the blaze on The Droveway in Thorney, Peterborough.

"Firefighters arrived to find a building well alight and used hose reels and small gear to extinguish the fire.  

"Crews were at the scene until around 11pm.

"The cause of the fire is believed to be deliberate.

"Anyone with information should contact police by visiting www.cambs.police.uk to submit an online report or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111."

To donate, visit https://gofund.me/657b1e00 

Any businesses that can help or have time to volunteer should contact flagfen@peterboroughlimited.co.uk