Iron Age Occupation at 14 Parkhall Road, Somersham

Archaeological excavation of the development site at 14 Parkhall Road, Somersham (TL 3610 7815) revealed medieval activity in the eastern part of the site, close to Parkhall Road, whilst the western part of the site contained evidence of Iron Age occupation. This included early and mid-later Iron Age features. In the early Iron Age a 'for-post' structure and a possible 'eavesdrip gully' were found, together with some major north-south boundary ditches and a series of isolated pits and post holes. In the mid to later Iron Age two further possible roundhouses were found and a rectangular post-built structure. There seems to be continuity in the location and activities from the previous period and this is reflected in the ditch system.
The nature of the remains suggests the site was peripheral to the Iron Age settlement and comprised mainly ditches and pits with some evidence of structures. Monitoring of foundation digging and service trenches showed post-medieval structures and quarrying close to Parkhall Road.
The excavation has highlighted the lack of refined dating typology for Iron Age pottery. Using present typologies Iron Age pottery from period 1 is dated between 800-500BC and period 2 between 300-1--BC. Stratigraphic and distributional evidence, however, shows continuity between periods.