Medieval and Early Post Medieval Structural Remains at Market Mews, Wisbech: An Assessment and Post Excavation Project Design

Between 19/6/96 and 27/6/19 The Archaeological Field Unit (AFU) of Cambridgeshire County Council carried out an archaeological evaluation at the junction of Market Mews and Little Church Street, Wisbech (TF 4630/0969). The work was commissioned by Garnett Netherwood Architects on behalf of Wisbech retail Ltd/Bilsdale Properties and was carried out within the terms of a brief set by the County Archaeology Office (Development Control; Louise Austin: Design brief for archaeological evaluation at Market Mews, 1996).
Subsequent excavation revealed an impressive sequence of deeply stratified medieval and post medieval deposits. The stratigraphic sequence contains conclusive evidence for metalworking activity in addition to at least eight distinct building phases, the earliest of which has been provisionally dated to the thirteenth century. Floors associated with these buildings were sealed by extensive accumulations of fine silts deposited during episodic flooding. Despite excavation in excess of 3.00m below the current ground surface no natural geology was encountered and there is every indication that the archaeological sequence continues below this level.
The excavation represents the most comprehensive sample of medieval archaeology ever recorded in Wisbech. Further analysis of the excavated materials and records is highly desirable in order to fully characterise the range of activities and dates on the site. Such information will be of great significance to both the research of this important Fenland Town (and to the medieval fenland as a whole) and to the future management of its archaeological heritage.