Medieval and Post-Medieval Activity at Sun Street (64-68 Newmarket Road), Cambridge

During November 2016 Oxford Archaeology East carried out an archaeological excavation at Sun Street (64-68 Newmarket Road), Cambridge within an area proposed for redevelopment as mixed residential and commercial space. Although modern disturbance (including a petrol tank) and truncation was evident in places, the 160m2 excavation uncovered sporadic evidence for medieval back plot activity spanning the 13th-16th centuries.
The activity was characterised by two phases of pitting activity (containing small quantities of finds), which were possibly excavated to dispose of midden waste, along with a possible cess pit or latrine. Later remains comprised structural elements of 19th century buildings and a well. These buildings probably represent part of the row of cottages documented to front onto Sun Street to the north in 1813, which were later listed as two neighbouring public house in the Cambridgeshire Historic Environment Record. The upper part of the well was in-filled with pottery and other domestic rubbish, including a large quantity of collegiate ceramics similar to that found at other sites in this part of Cambridge.
Evidence for medieval occupation of the site, however slight, is a significant discovery for the locality. The group of pits raises the possibility that by the 13th century the lay settlement at Barnwell extended westwards, beyond the junction of Newmarket and East Road, to incorporate part of the triangle of land later known as The Kite. This mode of occupation appeared to have continued until the end of the medieval period. The lack of any post-medieval remains within the excavation area should be viewed in light of significant later truncation of the natural land surface revealed by the wider test pit investigations. Resulting from gravel quarrying and more recent construction, it reflects the wider narrative of post-medieval decline followed by rapid growth into a well populated and vibrant suburb of the city.