Late Saxon and Medieval Activity at Barwells Engineering Site, Blackhorse Lane Swavesey

Evaluation trenching in early 1997 produced evidence of late Saxon and Saxo-Norman occupation in two of eight trenches. These remains included postholes, beamslots and pits which probably represent property boundaries and a timber structure. All archaeological features were located on the terrace gravels. In contrast the remaining six trenches, which produced alluvial deposits, lie within the extent of the 1947 flood waters which suggest that the edge of this recent inundation may also limit the historic edge of permanently dry land.

This new evidence suggests that we have to consider a late Saxon/Saxo-Norman component when discussing the origins and the early history of Swavesey.