Title: |
Land East of Saxon Drive, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire: Archaeological Field Evaluation |
Series: |
Albion Archaeology unpublished report series
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Downloads: |
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Licence Type: |
ADS Terms of Use and Access
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DOI |
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Publication Type: |
Report (in Series)
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Abstract: |
Albion Archaeology was commissioned to undertake an archaeological evaluation on land situated on the south-eastern outskirts of Biggleswade, Bedfordshire. The site is located within an area of extensive Saxon, medieval and post-medieval settlement, which has been the focus of archaeological investigation since the 1990s. Traces of earlier occupation have also been revealed in the vicinity. Six of the nine excavated trenches contained archaeological remains. In the Southern Area, twenty ditches were identified along with associated pitting. Quantities of Romano-British pottery were found in several of the ditches and pits. However, the contrasting alignment of some of the ditches is likely to reflect the presence of both Roman and medieval activity in this area. There was evidence of sequential activity as several of the ditches had been redug indicating long-term use. A series of ditches were identified in the Western Area, some of which appear to be associated with a hollow way, a sunken routeway, probably defining a back lane to the settlement. Other features included two large pit-type features thought to be ponds and a smaller pit. At least three phases of activity were defined; they are probably associated with the eastern margin of the later medieval / post-medieval settlement. The evaluation has revealed well-preserved remains of both Roman and medieval date. The presence of Roman features is significant as it confirms the continuation into this area from the south of previously identified activity. Preservation of the archaeological remains was generally good across the site, indicated by the both the presence of features such as postholes, and the depth of surviving features. |
Author: |
G Edmondson
V Osborn
Tracy Preece
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Publisher: |
Albion Archaeology
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Other Person/Org: |
Historic England (OASIS Reviewer)
Central Bedfordshire HER (OASIS Reviewer)
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Year of Publication: |
2007
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Locations: |
Site: |
Medical Centre Biggleswade |
Parish: |
BIGGLESWADE |
District: |
Central Bedfordshire |
County: |
Bedfordshire |
Country: |
England |
Grid Reference: 520450, 244300 (Easting, Northing)
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Subjects / Periods: |
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Identifiers: |
OASIS Id: |
albionar1-55216 |
OBIB: |
2007/22 |
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Source: |
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Relations: |
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Created Date: |
23 Nov 2016 |