Evaluation at 14-16 Wenny Road, Chatteris, Cambridgeshire

Five trenches were excavated, each measuring 1.8m wide, with one 10m in length and four 16m in length. Trenches were located within the footprint of the proposed dwelling in accordance with the directions laid out in the Written Scheme of Investigation (WSI), and approved by the curatorial archaeologist. The most recent deposits were removed mechanically, using a 360� tracked excavator fitted with a toothless ditching bucket. All mechanical excavation was undertaken under archaeological supervision. Mechanical excavation was discontinued when archaeological deposits were exposed, or when undisturbed natural deposits were revealed. Exposed surfaces, both vertical and horizontal, were then cleaned by hand to define the archaeological remains, prior to the part-excavation of features and deposits of potential archaeological origin, to ascertain character, extent and date. Excavated features were recorded through drawn plans and sections at a scale of 1:20. This record was augmented by colour photographs and written context records on pro forma recording sheets. All trenches and reference points used in planning were located by survey grade GPS. The trial trenching revealed undated gullies and pits which cut the natural and were often sealed by buried soils. A large ditch cut this buried soil and contained 10th to 11th century pottery. To the north of the site, walls associated with a now demolished dwelling were recorded, alongside postholes dating to the 19th century.