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Cambridge County Scout Campsite, Church Lane, Little Abington: An Archaeological Evaluation.


Type

Report

Change log

Authors

Newman, Richard 

Abstract

Four trenches were excavated at the Cambridgeshire County Scout Camp Site, Church Lane, Little Abington on the 22nd of August 2011. They covered a combined total of 35.2m2 in area. A single archaeological feature, which comprised an undated linear gully or ditch, was encountered. Both the location and orientation of this feature - which followed the boundary between the natural gravels to the north and the chalk marl to the south - indicate that it may have been deliberately situated so as to demarcate the boundary between these two geological zones. This change may have had important implications with regard to the agricultural potential of the two areas. Overlying the sub-soil horizon in each trench was a layer of well-worked horticultural soil. Although undated, this appears most likely to be medieval in origin. Subsequently, in the mid 20th century, the ground level across the eastern side of the PDA was artificially raised and a range of buildings were constructed. These structures, many of which are still standing, are directly associated with the establishment of the Cambridgeshire County Scout Camp. Finally, additional features related to this most recent phase in the site's usage were also identified, including a rubble-filled soakaway and a flat-laid brick surface.

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Publisher

Cambridge Archaeological Unit, Department of Archaeology, University of Cambridge

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