Flag Fen Bronze Age Causeway
This recreation of an ancient causeway allows visitors to get a real sense of how it felt to cross the marshland of the Flag Fen basin 3000 years ago.
This fantastic project came about through collaboration with artists, archaeologists and the dedicated staff at Flag Fen.
Francis Pryor discovered a single piece of worked timber protruding from the ground at Flag Fen in 1982. His incredible find led to the discovery of a 1km long wooden causeway that was built in the Bronze Age. The ancient timbers were preserved by the natural water level of the fens for millennia but now, since the land has been drained, the timber is drying out and it's under threat of being lost forever through rapid decay.
The General Manager at Flag Fen had a vision to create this structure to inspire people to protect this special archaeological site. So, we set to work and researched all the archaeological evidence to hand and gathered as much expert help as we could to enable us to come up with an authentic design. We created a concept that not only engaged visitors with the special nature of the ancient causeway at Flag Fen but also one that avoided damaging the remaining precious archaeology right beneath the structure.
With our structural engineer, we were able to design a timber superstructure that floats on the surface and at the same time, supports the many uprights you can see in the photo. With the help of all the experts we were able to design a structure that Historic England could consent. We took the opportunity to create a fully accessible ramp for the Causeway so that everyone can experience what it's like to travel along the causeway.
Although we used modern tools and equipment and (no bronze axes), It was a strange sensation to build a similar structure to the one that our ancestors had built thousands of years ago on this very spot. We noticed that by default, we were creating similar mortices and joins to the ones found in the wood preserved in the peat.
The physical structure was really brought to life by a stunning mural painted Steet Arts Hire Ltd. The mural also depicts a section of causeway that seamlessly blends the physical structure with the Bronze Age landscape.
It was really great to see the causeway opened by Francis Pryor who'd found that piece of wood all those years ago.
Want to see more?
Happy Customers
Read what our past clients have to say about us
We wanted a play area that would engage children and introduce them to the historical significance of our location. The design not only provides a fun and imaginative space for our little visitors but also serves as a subtle educational tool, interpreting the archaeology of the site in a way that is both engaging and meaningful.
Jacqueline Mooney
Flag Fen Archaeology Park
Megan Fleetwood
Private Garden
The Dens are very well used and enjoyed by children of all ages encouraging them to participate in natural and creative play whilst developing their skills in climbing and balance.
Daniel du Gard
Chorleywood Parish Council