Jesus College, Cambridge: An Archaeological Investigation.

Abstract

Between May and October 2010, archaeological monitoring was undertaken during a phase of service and refurbishment works conducted within the buildings and grounds of Jesus College, Cambridge. These works took place internally within the former eastern claustral range of the Benedictine Nunnery of St Mary and St Rhadegund and externally across the western portion of Chapel Court. Although limited in scale, the investigations were successful in contributing new information with regard to the original architectural form of the northern end of the range (formerly the nun's dayroom); here, the lower portions of two in situ wall shafts - which appear to have comprised part of a colonnade, or a wider scheme of arcading/vaulting - were revealed. Further to the south, partial elevations of the extant medieval fabric of the chapter house and sacristy/vestry, previously recorded in 1995, were also re-exposed and re-examined. Furthermore, during the course of the external service works, the southern wall of the demolished east end of the chapter house was identified, and the remnants of an ancillary timber-framed structure of probable monastic date uncovered. Finally, deposits associated with the late 15th century conversion of the nunnery for collegiate use - along with three 17th century pits associated with the disposal of refuse from the college - were also encountered.