Excavations at Colne Fen, Earith - Site I

Abstract

Extending over approximately 82 hectares, the quarry is located on the fen- edge 1km east of the village of Somersham, northeast of where the River Great Ouse enters the fen basin. The excavation area lay on the eastern side of the quarry covering some 3.8 hectares, known locally as 'High Field'. Neolithic and Bronze Age activity was seen over the site with the presence of a spread of lithic material recovered from Areas A, B and C with a small number of Bronze Age pot sherds recovered from later features. Within Area A, area the focus of activity was a sub-rectangular enclosure with an entrance in its southeast corner and several structures. Area B This area contains two circular structures as well as numerous pits and posthole settings. Area C is defined by a sub-rectangular enclosure ditch F. 55 with a modified entrance to the east (i.e. secondary), the enclosure further elaborated on its eastern side by linear segmented ditches.