Late Saxon and Medieval Activity, and Ditch Systems, between School Lane and Blackhorse Lane, Swavensey

In July 1996 the second phase of a three phase archaeological evaluation was carried out in advance of residential development by the Archaeological Field Unit (AFU) of Cambridgeshire County Council. The work was funded by McLean Homes (East Anglia) Ltd. A specification was drawn up in consultation with the County Archaeology Office (development control).

Dense occupation of late Saxon to medieval date was identified in the north-eastern corner of the field, and included pitting and evidence for timber structures of more than one phase. In part this overlay deliberate dumping which seems to have provided an extension to the gravel terrace. This latter was found to occupy on the north-eastern corner of the field, rather than spreading across it as indicated on the geological survey map. The gravel terrace, and adjacent dumping on which occupation was located, represent a sharp contrast with the lower lying and probably periodically flooded basin across the rest of the field. The ditches (seen in aerial photographs) formed a, presumably, long lived drainage system with perhaps five phases of differing cuts and, in one phase, a bank. This was probably constructed to keep episodic flooding at bay.