Former Cambridge Regional College Site Brunswick, Cambridge

Archaeological evaluation at the former Cambridge Regional College site, Newmarket Road, Cambridge (TL 4684 5894) found a probable medieval cultivation soil within the extreme north-western area of the site nearest the river in an area estimated to be at least 40m east to west within the north-western corner of the site (Test Pits 1 and 2). This layer contained a mixture of rubbish (pottery, roof tile, slag, animal bone and shells) which probably dated to the c.12th-13th century and possibly derived from middens associated with Barnwell Priory c.200m to the east of the site. It is likely this layer was a deliberate levelling layer. Two residual worked flint flakes probably Neolithic in date, were also recovered with this medieval material. In the extreme north-eastern part of the site within Test Pit 3 there were five 17th or 18th century quarry pits cutting into the natural chalk subsoil. Two residual medieval pottery sherds were recovered from these quarry pits. All eight test pits across the site had evidence of 18th century or later landscaping and levelling layers. This landscaping stopped when the site became a school in the early 20th century. A possible World War 2 air raid shelter, partly demolished, was found in Test Pit 2 in the far northern part of the site.