Over the past three years our heritage team, dedicated volunteers and valued partners, has worked to bring the Bronze Age and Iron Age history of Stanwick Lakes to life through a series of creative, hands-on projects.
Nestled in the heart of the Nene Valley, Stanwick Lakes is a landscape rich in heritage. Over 10,000 years of history lie beneath our feet, revealed through decades of archaeological work. The site’s national significance first came to light during large-scale rescue excavations in the 1980s, prior to gravel quarrying—a discovery that reshaped how we understand this part of the country.
From 2022 to 2025, we focused our efforts on four major heritage projects:
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Exploring Iron Age Textiles
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Constructing an Iron Age Settlement
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Restoration of the Bronze Age Round Barrow
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The Big Bronze Age Boat Build
These initiatives not only offered new insights into ancient lives but also invited visitors and communities to take part in hands on events, activities and craft experiences.
In 2024, the project was recognised nationally with a feature in Current Archaeology Magazine: Making a splash: The Big Bronze Age Boat Build at Stanwick Lakes – The Past
Finale Celebration Exhibition: 5th – 11th May 2025
To mark the conclusion of this landmark heritage project, we invite you to join us for a free to enter exhibition which captures over 40 years of discovery at Stanwick Lakes—from the first finds and excavations, to the creation of the nature reserve, visitor centre, and our most recent Bronze Age and Iron Age projects.
Through a compelling photographic exhibition, special guest Heritage Talks, and guided Heritage Walks, you’ll discover the story of how this once-industrial landscape became a nationally significant heritage site and a thriving nature reserve.
This is a chance to see the past from a new perspective—and maybe even find your own connection to it.
To find out more information and to book your talk or walk spaces, you can visit our Finale Celebration page.
Bronze Age and Iron Age Project Highlights
Exploring Iron Age Textiles
The Northants Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers recreated the vibrant colours and techniques of Iron Age textile production, using plants grown in our Heritage Garden. Their work culminated in a striking replica of the Huldremose Woman’s outfit, with over 1,300 metres of hand-prepared wool woven into a historically accurate shawl and skirt
Constructing an Iron Age Settlement
Entirely volunteer-built, our Iron Age roundhouse, granary, and willow fence were inspired by archaeological discoveries and constructed using natural materials from the site. The sedum turf roof adds ecological value and visual appeal, while the space itself has become a popular location for visitors and a wonderful learning and living history space.
Restoration of the Bronze Age Round Barrow
A Scheduled Monument and the only above-ground Bronze Age barrow remaining at Stanwick Lakes, this burial mound was carefully cleared, surveyed, and conserved through the hard work of volunteers and our archaeological partners. Protective measures were put in place to ensure its survival, while new paths and fencing now help define and protect this key historic feature.
The Big Bronze Age Boat Build
In partnership with Dr James Dilley of Ancient Craft, volunteers used replica tools and traditional techniques to construct and launch two large dugout boats. Inspired by finds at Must Farm, this project drew national media attention, with the boats making their maiden voyage in front of hundreds of visitors at Solstice Lake in June 2024.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply curious about the story beneath your feet, we hope you’ll join us for this special celebration. Stanwick Lakes has a remarkable story to tell—and this is your chance to be part of it.
