Babraham Research Campus: An Archaeological Desk Based Assessment

Abstract

This Archaeological Desk Based Assessment was commissioned by Babraham Bioscience Technologies. It relates to the Babraham Research Campus, an area of approximately 23.8 hectares. The proposed development area (PDA) lies to the north and west of the present day village, centred NG 551100 / 25060. The topographical setting within the Granta river valley would have made this an attractive and preferred site for settlement throughout the past. The study reveals the potential for encountering archaeology of the Roman and Medieval periods, the latter associated with the former village relocated during the sixteenth century. There is also evidence to suggest that Prehistoric and Saxon archaeology may well be present. The emparkment of this area throughout recent centuries means that much of the PDA will have escaped the damaging effects of modern ploughing. However, landscaping and small scale quarrying throughout the Post Medieval period may have disturbed some of the earlier archaeology.