East West Rail ‘pop-up archaeology museums’ bring past to life
- Free events in Bedford and Milton Keynes for people to explore archaeological artefacts found near East West Rail route
- Family friendly activities include ancient craft demonstrations and an immersive virtual reality roundhouse experience, with no pre-booking required
- Events will help EWR Co understand how communities want to hear about any findings of archaeological works on the new rail scheme
Two free events are taking place in Bedford and Milton Keynes in August for people to explore the archaeological discoveries unearthed near the region that will be connected by East West Rail.
The ‘pop-up museums’ are being held in advance of archaeological investigations planned ahead of work to deliver the 95 miles of track which will connect communities to the east and west of Milton Keynes, out to Cambridge and Oxford.
Hosted by MOLA (Museum of London Archaeology), the events will feature a display of real archaeological artefacts, such as pottery, coins, brooches, bracelets, buttons and needles representing everyday life more than 2,000 years ago.* There will be demonstrations of ancient crafts and visitors can try their hand at ancient basket weaving using template mini looms and naturally dyed wool, and designing a plant pot inspired by ancient farming and gardening practices.
People will also see the past come to life through an immersive virtual reality roundhouse experience and be able to speak to archaeologists about the recent excavations and discoveries that were all made in the local area.
The events, on 20th August in Bedford and 21st August in Milton Keynes, will help shape how best to share the discoveries of future archaeological investigations for East West Rail which are expected to uncover further artefacts that will reveal how people lived in the past.
MOLA have extensive experience undertaking archaeological excavations on major construction projects. Recently, MOLA led excavation work on the A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet scheme, where their discoveries included some of the largest Iron Age roundhouses ever found in Britain, evidence of early beer and wine making, and even the possible remains of an ancient feast.
Steve Sherlock, Strategic Archaeological Advisor at EWR Co, said: “These events offer a rare opportunity for people to see genuine discoveries made near the planned route of East West Rail and offer a fascinating insight into life during the Iron Age. Previous events like this have been very popular, so we hope people will come along to see these artefacts, have a go at some ancient crafts, and learn more about the archaeological process.”
Cat Gibbs, Community Engagement Officer at MOLA, said: “We’re excited to share these fascinating discoveries with communities living along the route of East West Rail. With more archaeological excavations in the pipeline, this is also a great opportunity for us to listen to suggestions and ideas of visitors about how we can continue engaging people of all ages with the past.”
The events are suitable for all the family with no -pre-booking required.
Bedford event
Wednesday 20th August 2025: 11am-6pm
Queens Park Community Centre, Marlborough Road, Bedford, MK40 4LF
Milton Keynes event
Thursday 21st August 2025: 11am-6pm
Fishermead Trinity Centre, Fishermead Boulevard, Milton Keynes, MK6 2LA
For more information about the events, please email [email protected]
Ends
Media contacts
- Press office email: [email protected]
- Press office phone: 0330 134 0053
Media assets
Images relating to recent excavations in the local area accompany this press release – more images are available on request.
Notes to Editors
* Artefacts on display may be subject to change.
About MOLA
MOLA is an experienced and innovative archaeological and built heritage practice, Independent Research Organisation, and charity. With more than 300 staff working across the country, MOLA has been providing independent, professional heritage advice and services for over 50 years. Find out more at mola.org.uk, on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
About the East West Rail Project
The East West Rail Project is a once in a generation opportunity to connect people and businesses between Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge through a new direct rail line. It is a railway with community at its heart that will open up new journeys, cut travel times, and ease congestion on local roads. The route will connect people to the things and places that matter, bringing local benefit and sustainable growth by unlocking the social and economic potential of the area.
The East West Rail Project will be delivered in three Connection Stages:
- Connection Stage One: Oxford to Bletchley and Milton Keynes
- Connection Stage Two: Oxford to Bedford
- Connection Stage Three: Oxford to Cambridge
Network Rail was responsible for developing the first part of Connection Stage One, connecting Oxford with Bicester before the East West Rail Company (EWR co) was set up. Since 2018, EWR Co and Network Rail have partnered in a construction alliance, East West Rail Alliance, to complete Connection Stage One. EWR Co and Network Rail are acting as the Department for Transport’s joint sponsors.
To deliver Connection Stage 2 and Connection Stage 3 a new railway needs to be constructed between Bedford and Cambridge and associated works are needed between Oxford and Bedford to upgrade and refurbish the existing railway infrastructure. EWR Co proposes to make an application to the Secretary of State for a Development Consent Order (DCO) to permit the construction and operation of these works.
About the East West Railway Company
The East West Railway Company (EWR Co) is a non-departmental public body with limited company status set up by the Secretary of State for Transport in 2018 to deliver the East West Rail (EWR) Project.
EWR Co aims to bring fresh thinking to the Project, challenging the industry status quo, leading to more efficient and cost-effective project delivery and better outcomes for the communities in and around the Project.
The corridor, which runs from Oxford through Milton Keynes and Bedford to Cambridge, is an economic artery that makes the UK a global leader in life sciences, technology and innovation, with the potential to create jobs, drive growth and attract investment for the entire country. EWR Co’s ambition is to unlock the full potential of this region that is vital to keeping the UK globally competitive in a way that considers the environment and offers value for taxpayers.