Excavations at Bourn Bridge, Pampisford, Cambridgeshire: Part 2, Roman and Saxon

Abstract

Following a field evaluation in November 1993, excavations were conducted across the site of a 6ha borrow-pit occupying the 1st-2nd terrace of the River Granta, immediately to the west of the new A11 widening. These revealed evidence for intermittent settlement, agricultural and ceremonial activity from the Mesolithic to the Saxon period. This, the second part of the report, describes Roman and Saxon activity on the site. Area excavation revealed part of a system of large sub-rectangular fields with LPRIA or very early Roman origins. Their large size, low-lying location and the absence of evidence for manuring indicates their use for pasture. An Early Saxon (6th - 7th century) settlement was established within the relict Roman fieldsystem. The main complex, on a high gravel terrace in the south-eastern part of the site, comprised six sunken-featured buildings (Grubenhäuser), along with numerous pits and hollows. A seventh structure was sited on the floodplain to the north-west. The fills of the grubenhäuser produced substantial assemblages of pottery and animal bone. Interpretation is offered on the status of the settlement, its sequence and development, the detail of structure abandonment and filling, and the regional context of the site.