Medieval and Later Occupation in Fowlmere: Features on The High Street frontage, and Adjacent to the Round Moat

Trenches to investigate the archaeology were located on two property frontages on the south side of Fowlmere High Street, in areas adjacent to the Round Moat Scheduled Ancient Monument, and also between the features described.

Significant archaeological deposits, in the form of upcast from cleaning/re-cutting of the Round Moat ditch, sealing earlier occupation were identified on the North-eastern edge of the moat. The occupation is not dated and is represented by evidence for a timber construction with deposits within its plan. The structure is close to a water channel, as well as being rather low-lying. This suggests a water-use function, as there are few other reasons for building in such a location. On the south-east edge of the moat some upcast deposits were found but these were much less substantial and of limited archaeological interest.

Some medieval features were shown to survive on the High Street frontage, although substantial areas have been lost and/or truncated. The Archaeology that survives appears to be the base of features representing medieval village domestic life. To the rear of the frontage area a large chalk foundation or trackway is present.

The area between the Round Moat and the Brook appears to have experienced both standing water and stream activity. The 'canalisation' of the Brook line and the upcast around the Round Moat give the false impression that this area is Low-lying; however is was still probably a 'wet area' in antiquity, and thus would have constituted an effective barrier to the approach to the Round Moat from the east.