Prehistoric and Roman Activity at the New School Site London Road, Godmanchester: An Archaeological Evaluation

Between 13/3/96 and 22/03/96 The Archaeological Field Unit (AFU) of Cambridgeshire County Council carried out an Archaeological evaluation at the new school site on London Road (TL 5249/2699). The work was commissioned by Backhouse, Brading Design on behalf of The Ely Diocesan Board of Education and Cambridge County Council and was carried out within the terms of a brief set by the County Archaeology Office.

A brief review of the historical, documentary, cartographic and archaeological information for the area to the south and east of Roman Godmanchester including the area currently facing development on the west side of London Road was undertaken prior to excavation. This study highlighted the high archaeological potential of the development area.

The evaluation trenches revealed the presence of Late Neolithic/early Bronze Age pits and ditches, in addition to a well preserved Roman roadside settlement dating from the late first through to the fourth century AD. Evidence for specialised industrial functions in addition to domestic and agrarian activity revealed.

The preservation of stratified archaeological deposits and artefactual materials was exceptionally good, showing little disturbance as a result of ridge and furrow cultivation. Indeed it is only Late Neolithic/Early Bronze age animal bone which bears any sign of chemical degradation.