Archaeological Investigations at Gravel Diggers Quarry, Waterceach, Cambridgeshire

Abstract

Summary From 2016 through to 2018 the Cambridge Archaeological Unit undertook four phases of excavation at Gravel Diggers Quarry, Waterbeach. A total of 24ha was stripped revealing archaeology dating from the Mesolithic through to the Middle Iron Age with the main focus being dispersed pits of Bronze Age date. The earliest feature on site was a springhead complex with significant pollen sequences demonstrating the changing environment from the Early Mesolithic through to the Neolithic. The two main periods of activity identified dated to the Early and Middle Bronze Age, with the Early Bronze Age characterised by pits and cremations dispersed across the excavation area and the Middle Bronze Age consisting of a small settlement. The Iron Age archaeology comprised several watering holes. A common feature across all of the main phases was the presence of impressive water logged wood assemblages.