Wessex Archaeology is carrying out extensive evaluation of three sites in Peterborough in advance of a proposed Solar Farm development. The works form part the latest part of a phased programme of archaeological investigation following previous desk-based survey and geophysical survey of the sites.
The works are being carried out in accordance with a brief produced by Peterborough City Council Archaeology Service following liaison between the Archaeological Service, English Heritage and archaeological consultants. The fieldwork comprises the excavation of over 175 evaluation trenches and a 321 point auger survey at America Farm, Newborough Farm and Morris Fen.
Fieldwork is ongoing at the Newborough Farm site where evidence has so far been found of domestic settlement from the late prehistoric and Romano-British periods. Pottery dating from the 1st to 3rd century AD has been recovered from the settlement which comprises several roundhouses, enclosures and fields located on slightly raised gravel banks. Newborough has three Bronze Age barrows within 1 km of the site and is thought to contain Neolithic tidal roddons (sand/silt filled creeks) and parts of Bronze Age and Roman fen edge.
Fieldwork has been completed at the America Farm site which lies close to the famous Flag Fen Scheduled Ancient Monument. At America Farm, consistent with the results of the geophysical survey, most of the features investigated are geological palaeochannels.
Following the completion of this phase of fieldwork in a few weeks time, a report will be submitted to the local authority to inform discussions between the Archaeological Service, English Heritage and archaeological consultants regarding the development proposals.
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