Archaeological Investigations within Jesus Close, Jesus College, Cambridge 1998

Abstract

Archaeological work was undertaken by Cambridge Archaeological Unit at Jesus College, Cambridge (TL 4527/5879) in the summer and autumn of 1998. These excavations were commissioned by the College in advance of the construction of a new accommodation block. The excavation revealed four phases of activity; the earliest remains were broadly datable to the Prehistoric period. Remnants of ditches and postholes could relate to a possible Bronze Age field system. Other ditches and pits were only datable to pre-15th century. A Medieval plough soil truncated these earlier deposits and was probably related to farming during the time the land was enclosed within the grounds of the Nunnery of St. Radegunds (1138 - 1497). The majority of the features revealed were related to the Nunnery, with major strip quarry pits found as well as smaller pits, ditches and a large midden deposit dated to the 15th century. Early College activity was represented by two probable quarry pits of 16th/17th date, with a buried soil sealing these suggesting the land was then utilised as grassland for at least 200 years. The last phase of activity relates to the 19th century expansions to Jesus College with the gateposted entranceway built during this time found along the lane-side wall. The excavations also indicated a background presence of the Romans in this area, with a handful of residual Roman pottery found.