Sutton Gault Irrigation Reservoir. An Archaeological Excavation.

Abstract

An archaeological excavation was undertaken by Cambridge Archaeological Unit (CAU) in advance of mineral extraction and irrigation reservoir extension at North Fen, Sutton Gault, Cambridgeshire (centred on TL 4045 8132). The excavation area comprised a 4.47ha site to the north of Long North Fen Drove, immediately to the south of the existing irrigation reservoir/quarry (Figure 1). The work was carried out between July and November 2010. The site is located in the Cambridgeshire Fens and is situated on what is effectively a gravel 'island', surrounded by former fen. Excavations revealed a good level of preservation with complete buried soil horizons surviving across large parts of the site. Test pit sampling of the buried soil revealed the presence of five dense artefact scatters (buried soil 'sites') dating to the Late Mesolithic, Early Neolithic, Late Neolithic and Beaker periods. Of the archaeological features encountered, seven Early Neolithic pit clusters which produced rich assemblages of worked flint and Mildenhall pottery are perhaps of most significance. Other excavated features include a number of Early Bronze Age 'watering holes' and two - probably Collared Urn associated - ring ditches.