Must Farm, Whittlesey, 2014. Phase 4 Archaeological Investigations.

Abstract

A programme of archaeological excavation and recording was completed by Cambridge Archaeological Unit (CAU) in advance of mineral extraction at Must Farm Quarry, Whittlesey between October 2014 and March 2015. The work was undertaken on behalf of SLR Consulting Ltd. for HBP Ltd. and entailed controlled machine-stripping of 3.29 hectares of land sub-divided into three investigative areas (Areas A, B and D, TL 5231 2970). Stripping of the overlying topsoil and upper peat deposit exposed a buried soil horizon in each of the three areas explored as part of Phase 4. This prehistoric land surface revealed a significant assemblage of surface finds and a number of archaeological features; a burnt mound, a small number of pits, postholes and hearths, and a continuation of an intermittent bank and ditch which was identified in earlier phases of excavation. The buried soil also contained the preserved tips of a number of wooden stakes, suggestive of stakelines, including one alignment sealed by the up-cast bank of the 'bank and ditch'.