Library
Publishing is a core part of the CAU's work so results from our excavations can be read and used by archaeologists, students, planners and the general public.
For over 30 years the CAU has published twenty monographs along with over 150 articles in academic journals. Many are available to download for free.
All of our site reports produced before October 2022 are available to download for free. Search for them by text or using the map. All our reports and our growing collection of digital archives are permanently accessible at the University of Cambridge's digital repository, Apollo.
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1522
Archaeological Mitigation of Land at Babraham Research Campus, R and D Building 960, Cambridge. Archaeological Excavation Report
Cameron-Heffer, M. & Barker, C. 2022. Archaeological Mitigation of Land at Babraham Research Campus, R and D Building 960, Cambridge. Archaeological Excavation Report. Cambridge Archaeological Unit report no. 1522
Cambridge Archaeological Unit (CAU) undertook archaeological excavations at Babraham Research Campus ahead of the proposed construction of R&D Building 960 and its associated car park and gardens. Excavations were carried out between 19th May and 7th July 2022. The excavation followed archaeological evaluation conducted by the CAU in 2014. Machine stripping of the area revealed a ridged and pitted chalk landscape which had been filled and gradually flattened by successive alluvial and colluvial deposits. The excavation revealed: the corner of a boundary ditch enclosing the Romano-British settlement recorded in previous excavations at the Research Campus; a Medieval pit potentially used to process shell-fish from the River Granta; and a large number of Late Medieval and Post-Medieval ditches, ditch segments and lines of pits associated with the enclosure and landscaping of the grounds and parkland of Babraham Hall.
1524
Land East of Aspall Road, Debenham, Suffolk: An Archaeological Interim Statement
Middleton, L. 2022. Land East of Aspall Road, Debenham, Suffolk: An Archaeological Interim Statement. Cambridge Archaeological Unit report no. 1524
The Cambridge Archaeological Unit (CAU) were commissioned by to undertake an open area archaeological excavation of land east of Aspall Road, Debenham, Suffolk. The excavation was divided across two areas totalling 0.74ha. Area 1 was characterised medieval occupation activity, in particular the eastern boundary of a large medieval rectilinear enclosure. It was divided into plots by smaller ditches. Other medieval activity within the enclosure points to potential quarrying. The only other features in Area 1 were all post-medieval, with a rectilinear enclosure, a field boundary, and the demolition layer of a building present at the southernmost end. Area 2 was made up of features that were either medieval or post-medieval. The medieval features include a large watering hole and a group of post-holes and small pits in south-eastern corner of the area. These post-holes were perhaps part of a small structure or fence line. The remaining features are a series of shallow parallel ditches orientated north-west to south-east, and were the remains of a ridge and furrow system.
1525
Long Holme Drove Investigations II: 2020 Excavations within Hanson�s Over/Needingworth Quarry (Phase V.1): Post-Excavation Assessment
Tabor, J. & Barker, C. 2022. Long Holme Drove Investigations II: 2020 Excavations within Hanson�s Over/Needingworth Quarry (Phase V.1): Post-Excavation Assessment. Cambridge Archaeological Unit report no. 1525
Archaeological excavations were undertaken by the Cambridge Archaeological Unit (CAU) at Hanson�s Over/Needingworth Quarry (centred on TL3890 7290) between July 2020 and May 2021. Taking place within the Phase V.1 area of the quarry, excavations were carried out in three areas (A-C) totalling 12.64ha. The excavations mark the latest phase of a long-running archaeological project within the Over/Needingworth quarry (dating back to the mid 1990s), which has revealed a significant and well-preserved prehistoric landscape. The current phase recorded archaeological remains dating from the Mesolithic through to the Roman period. With Mesolithic evidence largely limited to residual flint and a small flint assemblage recovered from a tree throw, the site�s first major phase dates to the Neolithic. Early Neolithic activity was represented by two small pit clusters, whilst a round barrow (Barrow 22) with a central double primary inhumation overlain has been provisionally dated to the Middle Neolithic based on a number of worked flints evidently placed as �grave goods�. Further Neolithic monuments comprising a small timber circle/hengiform monument and part of a possible henge were also excavated. More extensive evidence of Late Neolithic occupation comprised pits, a possible structure and a large pit-well, which yielded an important finds assemblage including large quantities of animal bone and Grooved Ware pottery. Often occupying the same parts of the landscape as the preceding Late Neolithic Activity, Beaker period occupation was represented by a series of pit clusters. A second round barrow (Barrow 20) was well preserved and having been identified previously during the site�s evaluation this monument was a particular focus of the excavations. Surrounded by a ring-ditch the barrow�s upstanding mound sealed a primary cremation � dated to the Early Bronze Age � associated with in situ pyre remains situated on the preserved pre-barrow ground surface. Evidence of Middle Bronze Age activity was dominated by an extensive field system(s), apparently representing both �infield� and �outfield� components either side of a droveway that extended across the site. Clear evidence of contemporary settlement was limited to a single roundhouse, however, a large number of pits and postholes � including a number of further structures � seem likely to also date to the Middle Bronze Age. Also broadly dating to the Bronze Age, a series of watering holes/pit-wells contained waterlogged fills and a number of important finds including wooden artefacts. Finally, a dense concentration of preserved wooden posts, amongst further degraded posts/postholes, has proven to date the Roman period and appears to represent activity along a possible former channel cut through the overlying fen deposits. The excavations have also produced an important assemblage of prehistoric artefacts and ecofacts including worked flint, pottery, worked bone, worked stone, worked wood/wooden artefacts, faunal remains and human remains, which are included within this assessment. In addition, as part of the ongoing palaeoenvironmental investigations at Over/Needingworth bulk environmental samples have been assessed and hold significant potential for further analysis, whilst further work on pollen and geoarchaeological sampling is outlined in this report.
1526
Archaeological Scoping Study CAMBRIDGE EAST
Tabor, J. 2022. Archaeological Scoping Study CAMBRIDGE EAST. Cambridge Archaeological Unit report no. 1526
The Cambridge Archaeological Unit (CAU) has been commissioned by Marshall to scope the potential impact on archaeological and heritage assets of proposed development of land at Cambridge Airport and to the northeast of Teversham. This report first outlines the relevant current policy before collating the archaeological and historical evidence, including historic mapping, in order to provide a baseline for assessment. Also included is an Aerial Photographic Assessment commissioned for this study and undertaken by Air Photo Services Ltd. The significance of known/recorded archaeological sites within the PDA is then assessed and areas of �archaeological risk� within the PDA boundary, identified and characterised. The assessment has identified 21 heritage assets within the PDA, of which two are designated heritage assets (both listed buildings). Based on significance and preservation potential, nine are classified as representing sites of archaeological risk within the PDA, whilst four broader areas/zones of increased archaeological risk have also been identified.
1466
Land North of the Bank, Somersham. An Archaeological Evaluation
Collins, M. (2021). Land North of the Bank, Somersham. An Archaeological Evaluation. Cambridge Archaeological Unit report no. 1466
Cambridge Archaeological Unit (CAU) undertook a test pit watching brief and trenched evaluation on land at 67 South Street, Stanground, Peterborough (TL 20307 96915) to assess the archaeological potential of the Site prior to a proposed development. The monitoring of ground investigations was carried out between the 18th and 19th December 2020 with the evaluation being carried out between the 28th and 30th June 2021. No archaeological features were found during either of the stages of investigation. The excavations demonstrated that there were considerable levels of disturbance during the initial construction of the current buildings standing on site
1467
Land at Unit 2, Broad Lane Industrial Estate, Cottenham. An Archaeological Evaluation.
Bourne, T. (2021). Land at Unit 2, Broad Lane Industrial Estate, Cottenham. An Archaeological Evaluation.. Cambridge Archaeological Unit report no. 1467
A trial trench-based evaluation was carried out by the Cambridge Archaeological Unit (CAU) on land at Unit 2, Broad Lane Industrial Estate, Cottenham, Cambridgeshire, between 15th-16th March 2021. A single undated pit was the only archaeological
feature encountered.
1469
Archaeological Excavations at West Deeping, Lincolnshire. Phases 5, 6, & 7: 2020-2021 Interim Report
Chaplin, A. (2021). Archaeological Excavations at West Deeping, Lincolnshire. Phases 5, 6, & 7: 2020-2021 Interim Report. Cambridge Archaeological Unit report no. 1469
Archaeological excavation was carried out by Cambridge Archaeological Unit (CAU) from September 2020 to February 2021 within the Proposed Extraction Area (PEA) at Cemex Quarry, West Deeping, PE6 9HP. The PEA is a 42-hectare plot which has been divided into 10 phases. Previous work within the PEA includes an archaeological evaluation (Patten 2002); excavation of Phase 1 (Murrell 2010a); a watching brief for underground cables (Murrell 2010b); excavation of Phases 2, 9, 10 (Barrett 2021a); excavation of Phases 3 and 4 (Barrett 2021b). The Phases excavated between September 2020 and February 2021 and detailed in this interim report were Phases 5, 6 and the most northerly part of Phase 7. These phases centred on NGR 511084 310368 and totalled 7.87 hectares. The investigations revealed cut features and artefacts relating to Neolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age, Roman, Medieval and post-Medieval periods. This activity has been contextualised and dated together with supplementary information from the previous archaeological investigations listed above and the extensive geophysical survey undertaken over the PEA (Johnson 1998). Neolithic activity was seen in the form of discrete pits, some of these appearing in clusters, identified by the presence of Peterborough Ware, Grooved Ware and worked flint. A significant proportion of the archaeology uncovered was Bronze Age in date, focussed around droveways and associated enclosures and settlements. These were part of a larger, radial ditch system extending from a point on the River Welland c.1km to the south of the PEA, first excavated within the PEA in 2007 (Murrell 2010a). Situated within this large-scale land management system there were two settlements, evidenced by numerous Bronze Age pits, postholes, a burial and three watering holes, one of which was potentially associated with an industrial area. The Iron Age evidence comprises a cluster of discrete pits and postholes in the southeast corner of Phase 6, representative of a settlement. Roman activity consists of a substantial double ditched trackway that extends from King Street, 2km east beyond the PEA to Market Deeping, of which one of these ditches is present along the southern edge of Phase 7. In addition, clusters of amorphous roadside quarry pits were revealed c.30m east of the Roman road of King Street, which is contiguous with the western edge of the PEA. Archaeology from the Saxon period is represented by seven inhumations in Phase 6. Iron nails and knives, glass beads, a coin pouch including at least one perforated Copper coin, a bone comb, a spindle whorl, a Copper alloy clothing adornment and remains of textile were discovered as grave goods.
1470
Babraham Park and Ride Extension Site, Cambridge: An Archaeological Evaluation
Middleton, L. (2021). Babraham Park and Ride Extension Site, Cambridge: An Archaeological Evaluation . Cambridge Archaeological Unit report no. 1470
A trial trench based archaeological evaluation was undertaken by Cambridge Archaeological Unit (CAU) on land adjacent to Babraham Park and Ride, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire (TL 4770 5447) between the 19th and 20th of April 2021. Limited archaeological activity was revealed and comprised of two postmedieval ditches and a possible furrow.
1471
Northstowe Phase 2, Cambridgeshire. Archaeological Post Excavation Assessment (Vol 6) Areas AA1, AA2, AA3/4, & AA6
Aldred, O. (2021). Northstowe Phase 2, Cambridgeshire. Archaeological Post Excavation Assessment (Vol 6) Areas AA1, AA2, AA3/4, & AA6. Cambridge Archaeological Unit report no. 1471
Excavations occurred across four different areas within the boundary of the former Oakington Airfield, Longstanton, Cambridgeshire between October 2016 and April 2019. A coherent but complex settlement landscape was revealed, orientated around a Late Iron Age to Roman period trackway. This lay together with a dispersed scattering of post-holes, pits, watering holes, wells, field systems, structures and enclosures dating from the Late Bronze Age through to medieval and post-medieval times. The main settlement horizon started in the Middle to later Iron Age until the Late Iron Age, with clusters of roundhouses. An impressive, large (1km long), complex, polyfocal Roman settlement subsequently developed, using and adapting the earlier Iron Age arrangement. The immediate post-Roman and Early Anglo-Saxon arrangements, that to a large degree respected the earlier Roman settlement, was formed of post-built structures and pitting. The medieval and post-medieval evidence was largely related to arable agricultural practices in the form of furrows, headlands, as well as several large ponds in some of the key spots where much earlier water and spring exploitation had occurred during the Roman period. The excavation also revealed an extensive drainage and electrical system related to the airfield and military role of the 'site'.
1472
Land to the west of Eriswell, Suffolk: An Archaeological Evaluation
Wright, A. (2021). Land to the west of Eriswell, Suffolk: An Archaeological Evaluation. Cambridge Archaeological Unit report no. 1472
Set within a minor valley of the Little Ouse catchment, evidence from the evaluation demonstrates the valley bottom was formerly a much wetter environment, covered by blanket peat with palaeochannels and peat filled periglacial hollows. On the dryland margins, a modest flint assemblage and possible traces of ploughed out burnt mounds attest to low-level Neolithic and Bronze Age use. Ditches have been circumstantially assigned a medieval date, believed to form a component of the more substantial complex along the western fringes of Eriswell village (Stephens and Gater 2019). Elements of a 19th�20th century fieldsystem were also exposed within the trenches.
1473
Archaeological Excavations at Cemex Quarry, West Deeping, Lincolnshire.Phases 2, 9 and 10: 2016-2018. Interim Report
Barrett, H. (2021). Archaeological Excavations at Cemex Quarry, West Deeping, Lincolnshire.Phases 2, 9 and 10: 2016-2018. Interim Report. Cambridge Archaeological Unit report no. 1473
1474
Cambridge South Infrastructure Enhancements. An Archaeological Evaulation.
Barrett, H. (2021). Cambridge South Infrastructure Enhancements. An Archaeological Evaulation.. Cambridge Archaeological Unit report no. 1474
An archaeological evaluation was carried out on a site south of Cambridge city centre, located between the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hobson's Brook and the West Anglia Main Line railway. The Archaeological Investigation Area (AIA) contains part of a Roman Scheduled Monument (NHLE 1006891) and is situated in an area of dense Bronze Age to Roman activity. Previous work within the AIA includes fieldwalking (Bradford 1978), an aerial photographic survey (Palmer 1999), and a geophysical survey (Magnitude 2020). Two ditches aligned northwest-southeast were excavated in Trench 4, adjacent to the eastern boundary of the AIA. Early Roman pottery, part of a beehive quern and an iron nail were recovered from the most substantial of the two. When viewed in conjunction with the geophysical survey results it is clear that this ditch represents part of a trackway that formed the northern limit of a settlement attached to the southeast corner of the building complex within the scheduled area. Aerial photographs show that this trackway extended southeast for at least 1km to Granham's Farm. The shallower of the two ditches contained a single, very abraded sherd of Neolithic or Late Bronze Age pottery and a flint flake. It is likely to be part of a Bronze Age field system, several of which have been suggested by ephemeral, reticulated cropmark plots and the results of archaeological evaluations immediately to the east of the AIA (Hinman 1999; Wright 2019).