The Former Marshall Garage, Cambridge: An Archaeological Evaluation

Abstract

The Cambridge Archaeological Unit undertook a trench-based evaluation on a 8145m2 area of land situated in the southern part of Cambridge (at TL 546 256) between the 8th and the 13th of February 2009. Although no evidence of Prehistoric or Roman activity was encountered during this work, a more positive result was recovered from the later periods at the site. The establishment of an open-field system in this location by the mid 14th century demonstrates the expanding pattern of Medieval agricultural practice in the East Fields of the town, for example, whilst the projected pattern of later suburban development in Cambridge can also be directly corroborated. The findings of this evaluation therefore provide confirmation of proposed historical models of landuse development in the area. In addition, the absence of an identifiable Roman presence at the site further narrows the corridor within which the contemporary Colchester to Godmanchester road (or Via Devana) is likely to have been situated.