Land at Bartlow Road, Linton: DBA

This study was commissioned by Bidwells, in advance of a potential planning application to build housing within a c.4.5ha area on the edge of Linton, Cambridgeshire.
The proposed development area is considered to have a high potential for archaeological remains of prehistoric, Roman and Saxon date, while medieval remains may also be encountered. The site is located adjacent to the River Granta, in an area favoured for prehistoric occupation. Part of a walled Roman cemetery has been excavated within the study area, which was associated with Linton Roman Villa, located to the south of the site. A possible Anglo-Saxon cemetery was also recorded immediately adjacent to the proposed development area during construction of housing. In addition, the deserted medieval village and priory of Barham is located c.300m to the south of the site.
The degree of survival of archaeological remains is hard to gauge with certainty. However, it is known that excavations in the 19th and early 20th century have removed some of the archaeology. In addition, much of the site is ploughed and this will have further truncated any buried features.
A reinterpretation of aerial photographs of the site has shown a probable trackway crossing it. This trackway may be of medieval date and have linked the villages of Great Linton and Barham. However, it is also possible that this trackway is of post-medieval date. Field divisions were also noted during the aerial photographic survey, which are believed to be of post-medieval date.