Moorfield Road, Duxford, Cambridgeshire: An Archaeological Evaluation: Site I, Volvo Construction Equipment Works Depot.

Abstract

This report details results of a programme of archaeological trenched evaluation to the south-west of the existing Volvo Works Depot, at land of Moorfield Road, Duxford, Cambridgeshire, revealing evidence for Romano-British, Medieval and Post-Medieval activity. With the exception of a residual Neolithic flint blade found in the topsoil, no prehistoric material was recovered. On the eastern edge of the proposed development area (PDA) are a series of coaxial ditches and slighter linear channels, containing concentrations of Romano-British pottery, that included one complete and one partially complete vessel. Quantities of Romano-British roof and floor tile and pottery were found strewn over the field surface of the southern limit of PDA, extending beyond its limit towards Moorfield Road. Other linear ditches are attributable to Medieval and Post-Medieval periods with pottery ranging from the twelfth to twentieth centuries. Two discrete features were excavated, an undated post hole and an undated possible clunch pit. These could be related to archive and cartographic evidence indicating a square moat-like earthwork known as Coldham's, positioned immediately to the south of the limit of the evaluation area. It is highly probable that the earthwork is a Post-Medieval garden feature that has earlier origins, possibly utilising earthworks of an Romano-British enclosure or temple.