An Archaeological Watching Brief on Land behind Fitzbillies Bakery, 52-54 Trumpington Street, Cambridge

Abstract

The re-development of buildings and land to the rear of 52-53 Trumpington Street, Cambridge, required an archaeological watching brief, undertaken by Cambridge Archaeological Unit in the Autumn of 2000 (TL44858/58107). The results of which revealed evidence of activity dating from the Saxo-Norman to Medieval periods (11th -15th centuries), through to the Post Medieval periods (16th-19th centuries), the later relating to the present upstanding buildings. The earliest soil horizon was an 11th century sub/ploughsoil into which occupation features of gullies, gravel surfaces and pits were cut. Typical backyard activity carried on throughout the Medieval period with postholes, cesspits, gravel extraction pits and a possible fishpond revealed. Evidence of a 14th century bake-house was uncovered in the form of two pit ovens, these later replaced by two brick ovens sometime in the 15th/16th century, the later ovens possibly relating to Botolph Hostel. Later rejuvenation and rebuilding of the early Medieval houses in this area was evidenced by mortar pits and a clunch and brick built well, the well probably contemporary with the 16th century listed building on Botolph Lane. Rubble demolition pits were found evidencing the further development of the 17th/18th century buildings in the area. The Trumpington Street frontage was built in the early 19th century to which the majority of the later Post Medieval features probably relate. The late features included a large brick chimney- stack which indicated the relatively long or retained use of the outbuildings as a bakery or bakehouse.