The Former Master’s Lodge and Great Hall Corpus Christi College, Cambridge: An Archaeological and Architectural Investigation

Abstract

An archaeological and architectural investigation was conducted at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, in advance of the redevelopment of the college kitchen. First established in the early 19th-century, the kitchen occupies the former 14th-century Great Hall and Master’s Lodge in the south range of Old Court. Archaeologically, a range of features were investigated that were associated with pre-collegiate occupation at the site, including pits and structural remains. Subsequently, within the Great Hall itself evidence of the original 14th-century pitched-tile fireplace, clay floor and two phases of raised dais were identified. Architectural elements including moulded medieval timbers and five well-sculpted stone corbels were also revealed and recorded here. Within the former Master’s Lodge, a range of medieval timbers including rafters, joists and moulded beams were exposed and recorded while numerous archaeological features pertaining to the post-medieval usage of the space were also investigated. Finally, a number of Late Medieval artefacts were recovered from the site, including a copper alloy bag or purse mount, a copper alloy candle holder and a worked bone stylus as well as a large assemblage of early 20th-century college ceramics.