New College Court, Emmanuel College

Abstract

This archaeological desk based assessment was commissioned by Bidwells Ltd to assess the potential for the survival of archaeological features within New College Court, Emmanuel College (TL 45350 58187). The College’s history is layered, as it was formally founded in 1584 by Sir Walter Mildmay, Chancellor of the Exchequer toElizabeth I, partly re-using a number of older buildings that had belonged to the Dominican Priory, which had been dissolved in 1538. Overall the Proposed Development Area (PDA) has a moderate/low potential for buried archaeological remains, as well as for the investigation of older remnants within the fabric of standing buildings. The greatest potential and significance lies in the remains of the Dominican Priory and earlier layouts of the College itself. However, the PDA falls south of the original priory precinct and perimeter wall, laid over to gardens and perhaps horticultural activity in 1592, with little change up to the modern period. Notable changes include the late 19th century back gardens of Camden Place and development of the New College Court car park in the 20th century, as supported by historical maps. Further evidence to support Camden Courts earlier trajectory passing through now Furness Lodge is also supported in the form of a possible ditch. There is a high potential for horticultural and agricultural remains in the form of natural features and ridge and furrows. Due to ridge and furrow activity it is likely that soil horizons and possible archaeology will be heavily truncated within its impact depth. However, it is unknown as to what depths truncation would have negatively affected below ground archaeology, with anticipated deposit depth varying from 0.50m to 2.00m. If archaeology is found to be present, the most interesting and informative evidence would be of structures or features relating to the MedievalDominican Priory, either those linked to the former precinct boundary, or else to the chance finds of burials or a cemetery.