Development sparks archaeological interest with fascinating finds
A DEVELOPMENT of new Muir homes has sparked archaeological interest with a series of fascinating finds.
Artefacts dating back to the Neolithic Age have been among those uncovered at the Muir Group Housing Association development underway in Cambridgeshire, which should see the construction of the five two-bedroom homes completed in December.
Muir, as the landowner, has signed Transfer of Title documents to ensure the artefacts remain in the Cambridgeshire area, choosing to donate the finds to the County Council where they can be studied and made available for display.
“Muir is very pleased to donate these artefacts to Cambridgeshire County Council in the understanding they will be made available to the public so people can learn more about their local history.”
A fragment of Roman roof tile, four fragments of Medieval peg tiles and five fragments of unidentified ceramic building materials were all discovered at the site in March this year when Allen Archaeology performed a series of archaeological evaluation trenches for T Balfe Construction, the company developing the properties on Muir’s behalf.
Chris Clay, director of Allen Archaeology said: “This area is very archaeologically sensitive, with evidence for prehistoric and Roman activity near to the site.”The report produced by Allen Archaeology confirmed that the excavated evidence indicated “limited activity on or near the site from Neolithic/early Bronze Age through to the post-medieval period.”
Sally Croft, Senior Archaeologist for Cambridgeshire County Council’s Historic Environment Team said: “The Council is pleased to house these artefacts to ensure they remain within the locality and delighted that Muir Group Housing Association offered to transfer them to us.
“The items will be added to our archives and stored appropriately while also being made available for research purposes.
“They may be used in museum displays or on some of the council’s pop-up stands which feature at events within the county.”
“Members of the public are welcome to view these artefacts by contacting Cambridgeshire County Council directly.”
(Pictures courtesy of Allen Archaeology Limited)