79, High Street, Fletton, Peterborough: An Archaeological Evaluation

Abstract

This report concerns an evaluation of the archaeology at 79 High Street, Fletton undertaken by the Cambridge Archaeological Unit between the 9th and the 15th of June, 1998. The Cambridge Archaeological Unit were commissioned by B. M. Design Consultancy (formerly Bower Mattin), chartered architects and surveyors, on behalf of their client Axiom Housing Association in anticipation of the construction of seven sheltered bungalows for the elderly. The programme of work was designed in accordance with the brief issued by the CAO. The evidence from the evaluation suggests intense activity dating from the 12th century can be anticipated along the street frontage, with only minimal damage from later construction. Post-Medieval activity was found further away from the street frontage, in the form of a substantial building, first established in the 17th century. Structural, as well as external features were present at the northern (street) end of Trench 1, but the presence of residual pottery makes the sequence difficult to interpret. It appears that at some, if not all, stages during the early Medieval period the area lies in close proximity to, but not within, a domestic dwelling. It is possible that the associated structures lie on either side of the trenched area, or to the north. If the latter is true it could suggest a widening of the High Street in the later Medieval period or that the original High Street was routed closer to the church, possibly along the line of Church Lane.