A Roundhouse Roundup: Flag Fen Archaeology Park has reached a major milestone in its recovery from last summer's devastating fire, with the reconstruction of its Iron Age roundhouse now complete.
Almost a year on from the fire in July 2025, the new roundhouse stands proudly on site, with only the final decorative wall finishes due to be completed this month. The amazing achievement demonstrates the extraordinary dedication of volunteers, supporters and partners who have helped Flag Fen rebuild from the ashes.
The rebuild has been led by a committed team of volunteers under the guidance of David Freeman, whose expertise, enthusiasm and countless hours of hard work have been instrumental in reaching this stage. Their efforts have ensured that traditional building techniques remain at the heart of the reconstruction, creating an authentic and engaging space for visitors to explore and learn from for years to come.
The recovery work also follows the successful completion of the new Bronze Age roundhouse in January 2026 and repairs to the older Bronze Age structure, which enabled Flag Fen's education programme to continue throughout the academic year. Together, the buildings form an important part of the site's visitor experience, helping bring prehistoric life to life for schools, families and heritage enthusiasts.
This remarkable progress has only been possible thanks to the generosity of the wider community and a range of corporate and charitable supporters. Contributions from Anglian Water, Caterpillar and Viridor, alongside £18,000 raised through a public appeal, provided vital funding for the rebuild. Additional support came from National Trust Wimpole Estate, Matt Cook of Manor Wood in Huntingdon and Tyrell Surfacing, who generously provided materials, expertise and labour.
Reflecting on the progress, General Manager at Flag Fen, Jacqui Mooney said:
“The destruction of our much-loved roundhouse was deeply upsetting, but the response from our community has been overwhelming. Thanks to the generosity of local people and businesses, Flag Fen has been able to rebuild far more quickly than we ever imagined. We are truly grateful to everyone who has helped us rise from the ashes. The support we’ve received shows just how important Flag Fen is to so many. These roundhouses are much more than buildings, they are at the heart of how we bring prehistory alive for our visitors.”
Flag Fen Archaeology Park is open Wednesday to Sunday throughout the summer season, and visitors are warmly invited to see the newly built roundhouse for themselves. Alongside other developing structures, guests can explore the wider prehistoric landscape, the Museum, the iconic causeway remains, and the Bronze Age log boats. Plan your visit at flagfen.org.uk.