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Prehistoric Boats Emerge from Mud, Revealing Ancient Secrets
14 Nov
Summary
- 3 rare bronze and iron age log boats discovered in Cambridgeshire
- Boats range from 2,500 to 3,500 years old, providing insights into prehistoric carpentry and transportation
- 3 boats to go on public display for the first time on November 18, 2025
On November 14, 2025, three rare bronze and iron age log boats are set to go on public display for the first time. The boats were among nine discovered in a Cambridgeshire quarry 13 years ago, representing the largest group of prehistoric boats found in the same UK site.
The boats, which range in date from 2,500 to 3,500 years ago, provide valuable information about prehistoric carpentry, construction techniques, and transportation methods. Analysis has identified the specific tree species used, felling methods, and the tools employed in their creation. The boats were simple vessels made by hollowing out a single tree trunk and were used to navigate the fenland river for almost a millennium.
The three boats now on permanent display include a middle-bronze age 6.3-metre oak vessel, a 2.2-metre fragment of a middle-bronze age oak boat featuring an intricate repair, and a 0.8-metre fragment of an early bronze age boat made of field maple. These well-preserved vessels offer a unique glimpse into the lives of the people who once lived, worked, and journeyed through this ancient landscape.
