169-173 High Street, Chesterton, Cambridge. An Archaeological Excavation.

Abstract

Following on from an initial trench-based evaluation, an open-area excavation extending over 307sqm was conducted at the Chesterton High Street site. This encountered an intensive and long-lived archaeological sequence. Firstly, during the Roman and Middle-Late Saxon periods the site appears to have been situated within a broader agricultural hinterland. Then, c. 1200, three long-lived burgage-type plots were established (only one of which lay predominately within the area of investigation). Linear in form, and with a distinctive bend or twist at their head, each of these plots appears to represent the occupation of two amalgamated strips within the preceding open field. Their establishment marks the culmination of a wider process of village nucleation, whereby an earlier pattern of dispersed, polyfocal nuclei was gradually superseded by a linear settlement focused along the route of the present High Street. Occupation continued in this form until c. 1550, when an extensive redevelopment was undertaken; this was most probably precipitated by the dissolution of Barnwell Priory and the sale of its former demesne land. As part of this redevelopment the ground-surface was raised and eight narrow tenements constructed. These were then occupied in turn until c. 1875, when a much more substantial brick-built structure was erected. Finally, in 1891 this building was converted into the Dog and Pheasant public house.