Medieval Field Systems at Sir Harry Smith Community College, Whittlesey, Cambridgeshire: An Archaeological Evaluation

Between 31st May and 2nd June 2005 an archaeological evaluation was undertaken at Sir Harry Smith Community College, Whittlesey, Cambridgeshire (TL 2762 9738) by staff of the Archaeological Field Unit of Cambridgeshire County Council (CCC AFU). Three trenches were excavated to evaluate the development area, totalling 123m in length.

The only archaeological features exposed were shallow ditches which indicated the survival of a medieval field system in the field immediately to the north of the present college. Pottery recovered confirmed the date of these furrows as late medieval. The route of a previous fence and hedge line also crossed the site.

The topsoil contained 19th- and 20th-century debris, including pottery. No further archaeological features were revealed. The trench sections showed that the area had undergone significant landscaping in the recent past in an attempt to level the area.