Report on the Phase I Archaeological Monitoring of Preliminary Ground Investigations, Grand Arcade Development, Cambridge

Abstract

This report details the results of archaeological monitoring of the preliminary ground works conducted within the area of the Grand Arcade development, Cambridge. The area is subject to a re-development plan encompassing a large block of land within Cambridge which straddles the eastern Medieval town boundary (the King's Ditch). Previous archaeological work in the area has shown that settlement activity took place outside the area of the Barnwell Gate from at least the 11th century to the present. A series of engineering boreholes and test-pits placed across the development area were monitored by the Cambridge Archaeological Unit (CAU) for archaeological purposes. The work was commission by B.D.G. McColl on behalf of the Shearer Property Group and was carried out between 19 August - 6 September 1998. Two test-pits and three boreholes were monitored primarily for artefactual evidence, but it was also possible to note the stratigraphy in all cases.