Abbey Farm, Ickleton, Cambridgeshire: An Archaeological Desktop Study

Documentary, cartographic, photographic, sources and field observation were employed to held define the archaeological implications of a proposed development at Abbey Farm, Ickleton (TL 490/437). The farm occupies the site of the Benedictine nunnery of St Mary Magdalene, which was established in the mid-12th century. Low earthworks in various locations across the property indicate the presence of below-turf archaeological remains; the most promising of these fall outside of the proposed development area. The 'great barn' and a farmhouse contain elements of monastic structures. A mid-16th century lease referring to the holdings of the newly-dissolved priory was located and was found to contain a great deal of interesting information regarding the character of the precinct at the end of its monastic life.