Bronze Age Activity at Ely: An Archaeological Evaluation of Land off the A10 Ely Bypass

Between the 5th November and 5th December 1997, the Archaeological Field Unit of Cambridgeshire County Council undertook an archaeological evaluation on 20 hectares of arable land to the north-west of Ely (Figure 1: approximate centre TL538/813). The work was commissioned by Bovis Homes Ltd in response to a brief issued by the County Archaeology Office. An aerial photographic appraisal of the area revealed taint traces of ridge and furrow on the development area, but no other definite archaeological features. Field walking produced a ‘background’ of worked flint (diagnostic pieces were late Neolithic or Bronze Age in date), and medieval and post-medieval pot sherds which had been deposited during the manuring of the fields. Historic maps depict lanes crossing the development area which may be medieval in origin; a short length of one till survives. Evaluation trenches revealed 24 archaeological features mainly within two clusters, one in the centre of the area and the other at the eastern end of the development area. In the centre of the development an area of isolated circular pit, lined with shattered remains of two late Bronze Age vessels was revealed. At the eastern end of the area twelve undated parallel linear features of uncertain origin were recorded beneath a headland.