Medieval and Post-Medieval Remains Recorded During Observations at 43 High Street/5-3 Market Street, Ely

Between July and September 2000 the Cambridgeshire County Council Archaeological Field Unit monitored the digging of foundations for a new building between 43 High Street and 3-5 Market Street in the north, in the historic core of Ely. The work was commissioned by Neale Associates on behalf of Whitfield Associates, to fulfill a planning condition on the proposed development.
The earliest deposits appear to date to the 13th to 14th centuries, for which period features cutting into natural geology were found.
In the northern part of the site (Market Street) medieval remains were mostly confined to the western part, signifying less dense activity or greater post-medieval truncation within 5 Market Street compared with No. 3. Shoe and offcut fragments suggest 'cobbling' in perhaps the late medieval period, whilst 17th century ceramics imply the presence of a chemist's shop. Much pitting characterises the later post-medieval period.
A large area of well preserved, stratified archaeological remains are now protected under the new buildings and these could represent a significant resource for future investigation.