Prehistoric and Romano-British remains on land adjacent to Cow Lane, Godmanchester

Between the 22nd and the 30th of October 1997 the Archaeological Field Unit of Cambridgeshire, County Council undertook a basic archaeological investigation, and subsequent excavation, on land adjacent to Cow Lane, Godmanchester. The work was commissioned by Mr J Baker of Nene Valley Waste Ltd in advance of the proposed construction of an access route into the new Cow Lane landfill site. Evidence of Prehistoric activity in the form of pits and post holes was recorded in addition to a series of Romano-British ditches. The Prehistoric features are undoubtedly related to the giant ritual complex - dating from the Neolithic onward - immediately to the northwest of the investigation area. The Romano-British features are thought to relate to field systems surrounding the known Villa site at Rectory Farm. The initial basic investigation was carried out in response to a design brief issued by Louise Austin of Cambridgeshire County Council Archaeology Section and the subsequent excavation was undertaken in accordance with AFU specification MH 014 and approved by Louise Austin.