An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment of Peterborough, West Square, Bus Station.

This study was undertaken to attempt to define the archaeological potential of Peterborough Bus Station which is located adjacent to the Queensgate Shopping centre in-between the historic streets of Westgate and Cowgate. The study has been prepared for Norwich Union in relation to a proposed two storey retailing outlet above the existing bus station.
The desktop assessment has identified three zones of archaeological potential within the subject site. The historical and archaeological background suggests the area of greatest potential for medieval remains within the site is at the northern adjacent to Westgate. Within the central part of the site there is a strong likelihood of encountering post-medieval archaeological deposits associated with Workhouse Close. In the southern part of the site there is a strong likelihood of encountering a post medieval grave yard.
Test pits and Boreholes undertaken on the site have shown that there is a strong possibility of at least 1.5m to 2m of surviving stratigraphy across the site, a substantial part of which may be post-medieval in date.