Highcross, West Cambridge, University of Cambridge. Archaeological Evaluation Fieldwork

Abstract

Between 1st November 2009 and 8th February 2010 the Cambridge Archaeological Unit undertook an open area excavation on some 2.23 hectares on University land at the High Cross Site, West Cambridge. This excavation was undertaken prior to the development of these plots, which lay to the south of Charles Babbage Road; the latter to include the building of a University Sports Centre, accommodation and car parking facilities. The work was commissioned by the University of Cambridge Estate Management and Building Service (EMBS). The site consisted of three adjacent areas; Area A (0.86 hectare) lay on the south side of a small valley separated from Area(s) B and C (1.36 hectares) on the north side by a small brook/field drain. The centre of the site was located at grid reference TL 4240 5900, whilst the pre-excavation ground level varied from 20 m OD at the northwestern corner (Area C) to 16 m OD at the eastern end(s) of Areas A and B. Features (pits, pit clusters) and ditches were identified spanning the Late Mesolithic to Medieval period and included evidence of Iron Age metalworking and a large number of Iron Age quern stones.