Medieval Foundations at the Bishop’s Palace, Little Downham, Cambridgeshire

During August 1996 members of the Archaeological Field Unit of Cambridgeshire County Council carried out an archaeological evaluation and recording brief at Tower Farm, Little Downham, Cambridgeshire (TL 51935/84200). The work was funded by Mr. L.J. Stevens and undertaken in accordance with a brief designed by the County Archaeology Office. The site lies within the grounds of the former palace of the Bishops of Ely, which dates back to the 10th century and was used until the Civil War. Remains of buildings from the 15th century palace have been incorporated into the present farm buildings. Significant archaeological remains were exposed during the excavation of foundation trenches in advance of the construction of an orangery. Three phases of archaeological activity were identified, including early stone building foundations and a later brick-built extension or renovation, both with little associated dating evidence, as well as a metalled surface probably related to the 18th or 19th century farm. The remains were preserved in situ after recording, using protective conservation processes which were agreed in consultation with the appropriate specialists.