Walsingham Way, Ely, Cambridgeshire: An Archaeological Excavation. Post-Excavation Assessment.

Abstract

This report is the assessment of the results of an archaeological excavation undertaken on land between Walsingham Way and West Fen Road, Ely. The project was commissioned by F E Peacock Construction Ltd on behalf of Sanctuary Hereward. The site was situated on the transition between Greensand and Kimmeridge clays on the western side of the Isle of Ely (TL 5320/ 8064). The excavation revealed that the density of archaeological activity known to the west of the site, extended to the east, providing further evidence for the Saxon and Medieval settlement in the area. The earliest activity was represented by a single prehistoric or Romano-British boundary ditch. A very low quantity of residual Romano-British material culture indicated the presence of Roman-British activity near to the site. A strong Middle-Saxon presence was identified with an organised system of land/property division aligned with a probable road/droveway. Reorganisation was evident during the Late Saxon/Conquest period with a notable re-alignment of boundary ditches respecting the alignment of the modern West Fen Road, with distinct properties and structural elements contained within the boundaries. Evidence of later, Medieval occupation comprising house platforms and quarry pits was also identified as well as a continuation of boundary alignments up to the post-Medieval period.