45-86 Eastfield, East Chesterton, Cambridge: Phase 3

Between 7th August and 11th August 2017 Oxford Archaeology East conducted the third phase of a pre-demolition trial trench evaluation at Nos 45-86 Eastfield, East Chesterton, Cambridge (TL 4656 6037). Three trenches were excavated in the rear gardens and open spaces behind Nos 79-86 Eastfield, revealing a number of archaeological features and deposits of medieval date.
The trenching partially uncovered a substantial waterlogged moat ditch running along the western boundary of the properties, belonging to the known medieval moated site – 'Covens Moat' – immediately adjacent (CHER 01105). The ditch was flanked by a wide metalled road surface, with several ditches recorded parallel with and truncating the road. A layer of soil 0.2m-0.3m thick was also preserved below the road surface, as were further archaeological features. The road may have been constructed along a headland associated with a boundary in the landscape later recorded as 'Coven's Balk' on Baker's 1830 map of Cambridge.