55 Broad Street Ely: A Desktop Assessment

Abstract

The Cambridge Archaeological Unit was commissioned by Neale Associates to undertake an archaeological desktop assessment on the site of 55 Broad Street, Ely (TL 543 798). Although there is no archaeological data specifically for this site, investigation in the area, particularly that on the Jewsons Yard site has revealed a history of extensive domestic and industrial activity in this part of the town. Although it seems that the wider river side area was only generally occupied after the 13th/14th century, probably relating to the diversion of the Ouse, this end of the island has seen activity of some kind from the Middle Saxon period onwards. The area of the proposed development is unlikely to reveal evidence of purely domestic activity. The landuse patterns suggested by documentary, cartographic and archaeological evidence would indicate that this is concentrated on the main road frontages and along the smaller access lanes, with gardens yards and industrial areas behind. However, it must be borne in mind that early buildings may stretch back a considerable distance from the street frontage, and that less intensely utilized strips of land may be interspersed by plots of more concentrated activity, depending on the particular history of each individually owned plot. In conclusion it should be noted that intrusive activity, particularly in the central part of the plot, appears to have been limited and therefore it can be presumed that any archaeology on the site will be well preserved. The proposed development, however, is limited in scope with the new buildings occupying much the same locations as those shown on the 1927 map (Figures 3 & 8). Depending on the foundation construction and depth (not presently known) potentially only the services (which are extensive) are likely to significantly impact upon archaeology in the undisturbed areas. 9