The School of Pythagoras, St. John's College, Cambridge: An Archaeological Desktop Assessment.

Abstract

This archaeological desk top assessment was requested by Oliver Caroe (of Caroe Architecture) on behalf of St. John’s College, Cambridge, in order to assess the potential for the survival and/or discovery of archaeological features, artefacts and building remains in the area of the School of Pythagoras, Cambridge. Assessment of the available archaeological, historical and cartographic sources shows the site to be located within an area of rich historical and architectural significance, with extant structural remains dating from the late 12th/early 13th century AD to the present. A minimum of nine burials, two of which have been radiocarbon-dated to the Late Roman period, have also been identified within the area, implying the existence of a previously unrecognised cemetery. Furthermore, the presence of an artificial or canalised watercourse has also been proposed, lying in relatively close proximity to the extant masonry building. It has been suggested that this feature, known as the ‘Cambridge Watercourse’, may be Viking or medieval in origin. Most significant of all is the School of Pythagoras itself, which represents one of only a small number of surviving examples of 13th century domestic architecture in the country. Any future archaeological investigation conducted at the site therefore has the potential to make a substantive contribution to the ongoing debate regarding the usage and function of such buildings, as well as to provide important information regarding the nature of medieval domestic life in the town.