Romano-British Settlement Remains at Mill Reach, Water Newton: An Archaeological Evaluation

Between the 6th and 7th of April 2000an archaeological evaluation was undertaken at Mill Reach, Mill Lane, Water Newton (TL 1111 9735), by staff of the Cambridgeshire County Council Archaeological Field Unit. The work was carried out in connection with a proposed development of the site involving the construction of a single storey building within the present day garden.

A single trench was excavated under the proposed building foundation to ascertain the presence or absence of archaeological remains. The subsequent investigation revealed well preserved and extensive archaeological remains of Romano-British date. Buried beneath a substantial overburden were inter cutting postholes and pits, an occupation layer and a possible fence/boundary ditch. Most features contained roofing tile, tesserae, worked stone and local Nene Valley pottery wares. The remains date to the early 3rd and 4th centuries AD, and are linked to the nearby villas, the closest of which lies less than 50 meters from the site.