|
What's on?
Latest articles & reports
|
| Filter
|
- 23/1/2018 Our successful exhibition of what CAFG does at the Museum closes this Thursday evening (25th Jan). For those who have not visited it yet, your final opportunity is before close of the Museum on Thursday afternoon. Apparently it's success... More...Our successful exhibition of what CAFG does at the Museum closes this Thursday evening (25th Jan). For those who have not visited it yet, your final opportunity is before close of the Museum on Thursday afternoon. Apparently it's success means that the Museum is going to carry on with a new display by Access Archaeology to demonstrate what test pitting in villages can tell people about where they live. We look forward to seeing this story.Less... 
- 28/6/2016 Last weekend members of CAFG and the PCC carried out the excavations in the Hardwick Church car park area. The purpose was to see whether there was any significant archaeology on the site that would interrupt their plans to build a new... More...Last weekend members of CAFG and the PCC carried out the excavations in the Hardwick Church car park area. The purpose was to see whether there was any significant archaeology on the site that would interrupt their plans to build a new hall there.
It was a strange excavation as, once the hard core surface was removed, we came straight down on what appeared to be the natural surface. Olive/brown clay then gave way to lighter clays and within a short distance onto the blue/grey Gault clay. There were virtually no finds apart from a few pieces of tile and what looked like a flowerpot, all in the upper layer. Augering at a number of points across the site gave the same general stratigraphy. We then drew the section, as shown in the photo, before closing the site down and re-instating the carpark surface.
The net result is positive for the PCC as there are no signs of any archaeology to hold up their development plans. A report will be written for Shire Hall.Less...  - 23/6/2016 This weekend's excavation at St Mary's Church, Hardwick is a new venture for us in an area we have not been to before. So what can we... More...This weekend's excavation at St Mary's Church, Hardwick is a new venture for us in an area we have not been to before. So what can we expect?
Firstly, we will be treating this as a full excavation, not test pitting, so we can practise our skills again. Secondly, our work will help the Church Committee fulfil their planning obligations for a new hall to replace the existing Porta cabins.
What do we know about this site? Previous excavations in the area are very few in number and references in the Cambridge Historic Environment Records list equally as small. St Mary's Church lies in the original heart of the village which has been overtaken in importance by the modern settlement which lies north by the old A428 road. So the area is of some antiquity but in an area poorly served by roads in the medieval period and later. Hence it always had a relatively small population - that was changed by the enclosures which resulted in a brand new north-south road augmenting the ancient Portway bridle path which ran west-east. Alison Taylor reckons that a branch of the Portway goes alongside the church - so maybe we will find signs of that. In view of the dearth of information about the original village, our work can only shed more light on it.
SEE YOU THERELess...
- 17/2/2016 This week group members were invited to go to visit the Must Farm excavations being carried out by the CAU near Whittlesey. The press has been full of articles about the finds and they are as stunning as they are made out to be. The... More...This week group members were invited to go to visit the Must Farm excavations being carried out by the CAU near Whittlesey. The press has been full of articles about the finds and they are as stunning as they are made out to be. The photograph shows just some of the many timbers on the site that represent roundhouses, house platforms and possible causeways. The excellent state of preservation enables one to see the individual axe strokes used to sharpen the stakes around the site perimeter. Wattle fencing is preserved (and can be seen in the photo) while the mortice and tenon joints and other wood working skills would be recognised by modern day carpenters.Less... 
The finds are also impressive and so well preserved by the charring and wet nature of the site. The photograph shows a complete bowl recovered from the roundhouse site but the amazing thing is that the contents were also preserved. This... More...The finds are also impressive and so well preserved by the charring and wet nature of the site. The photograph shows a complete bowl recovered from the roundhouse site but the amazing thing is that the contents were also preserved. This probably represents a meal being prepared before or during the fire that burnt the site down, perhaps on the very cooking hearth that may have been the seat of the fire. Besides quantities of pottery, other finds included bronze tools and preserved textiles and even balls of string. This site captures a moment in time when the Bronze Age settlement was going about its every day activities and represents a resource offering years of research into life in the Bronze Age.Less... 
On the 23rd January a group of members visited the Keyser Collection at the Cambridge University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology to improve our pottery recognition skills. Many thanks to the staff for laying out samples from many... More...On the 23rd January a group of members visited the Keyser Collection at the Cambridge University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology to improve our pottery recognition skills. Many thanks to the staff for laying out samples from many periods.Less... 
At the request of the National Trust archaeologist, we concentrated on some features revealed by geophysics carried out by the Rheesearch group. The results shown here are for a magnetometry survey carried out near the Folly. This shows a... More...At the request of the National Trust archaeologist, we concentrated on some features revealed by geophysics carried out by the Rheesearch group. The results shown here are for a magnetometry survey carried out near the Folly. This shows a line of dots running from the NE towards the SW. This is believed to represent the remains of a water pipe running from Johnson's Pond down to either the fountain or the Castello D'Aqua (both of which we have excavated in previous years). The pipe is thought to be made from drilled elm logs with metal couplings joining them together, hence the dots on the magnetometry trace.
We also looked at a moat-like feature recorded on the 1815 Withers map and surveyed by Rheesearch (reported on their website). For a brief report, please follow the link opposite.Less... 
Our work on the Wimpole glasshouse site was successfully completed on 30th/31st May 2014. The team excavated the foundations and cast iron heating system of the earliest glasshouse on the site. We were also open to public gaze and had... More...Our work on the Wimpole glasshouse site was successfully completed on 30th/31st May 2014. The team excavated the foundations and cast iron heating system of the earliest glasshouse on the site. We were also open to public gaze and had several dozens of visitors over the period, as shown here.Less... 
To get through the compacted yard surface was quite hard work but eventually we exposed most of the key layout of wall foundations and the in-situ heating/drainage system, as seen here. Inspections by the National Trust and their... More...To get through the compacted yard surface was quite hard work but eventually we exposed most of the key layout of wall foundations and the in-situ heating/drainage system, as seen here. Inspections by the National Trust and their consulting architects will determine whether the glasshouse can be re-built on these original foundations.
Click here here to see a copy of the report and click here the associated photos, that were submitted to the National Trust. Less...
This find was made by the garden staff in the rubble. It is made of an artificial stone, Coade Stone, and is probably the handle of a large garden urn decorated with vine leaves and grapes. It probably dates from the late 18th century.... More...This find was made by the garden staff in the rubble. It is made of an artificial stone, Coade Stone, and is probably the handle of a large garden urn decorated with vine leaves and grapes. It probably dates from the late 18th century.
Less... 
A number of members of the Group took part in the excavations in April at Ridley Hall in Cambridge. The finds were mostly Roman and Iron Age. the Cambridge Evening News produced a slide show about half way through the excavation and can... More...A number of members of the Group took part in the excavations in April at Ridley Hall in Cambridge. The finds were mostly Roman and Iron Age. the Cambridge Evening News produced a slide show about half way through the excavation and can be seen by clicking on this link
Less...
From 23 to 31 July 2011 we excavated a house near Home Farm, Wimpole. For details of the... More...From 23 to 31 July 2011 we excavated a house near Home Farm, Wimpole. For details of the proposal click here. For some of what we found, and other information about our excavations, please go to our 'Wimpole' page. Less...
We had a successful day at the 2nd Cambridgeshire History Fair which was held at Cherry Hinton on Saturday, 17th September,receiving many visitors. This is one of our members with our... More...We had a successful day at the 2nd Cambridgeshire History Fair which was held at Cherry Hinton on Saturday, 17th September,receiving many visitors. This is one of our members with our stand.Less... 
On the 2nd March Sarah-Jane Harknett and Heather Donoghue from the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology gave us the opportunity of our own focus group on the redevelopment of the Museum and particularly the proposed introductory cabinet... More...On the 2nd March Sarah-Jane Harknett and Heather Donoghue from the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology gave us the opportunity of our own focus group on the redevelopment of the Museum and particularly the proposed introductory cabinet of artefacts. We are grateful to them and hope our comments will prove useful.Less...
- 18/11/2023 Last Saturday saw the CAS Autumn conference on local archaeology take place at the Law Faculty. The program started with some interesting insights into our local museums and how they function, especially the mammoth task of managing their... More...Last Saturday saw the CAS Autumn conference on local archaeology take place at the Law Faculty. The program started with some interesting insights into our local museums and how they function, especially the mammoth task of managing their accessioned material. The logic of upcoming changes to the Portable Antiquities Scheme were then covered, let's hope the metal detectorists understand the distinction between what is treasure and what isn't!! The final sessions covered local archaeological digs and the benefits of large scale excavation (unfortunately beyond the means of groups like CAFG). Local groups had exhibitions of their recent work, the photograph showing the CAFG entry. This was based on the work at Wimpole's parterre gardens and the groups posters at the Sir Cyril Fox exhibition at Magdalene College (open to the public until the 15th December)Less... 
Recently, while on holiday, we were walking on a path across a field covered in thousands of pieces of flint. I remarked "I really should be looking for worked flint in this lot". Barely 2 minutes later this lovely thumbnail scraper caught... More...Recently, while on holiday, we were walking on a path across a field covered in thousands of pieces of flint. I remarked "I really should be looking for worked flint in this lot". Barely 2 minutes later this lovely thumbnail scraper caught my eye. However, I did not have the willpower to examine the other myriad pieces in case a nice arrowhead appeared. Once you become a field walker it is very hard to walk anywhere without looking down at the ground, but that way you miss the beautiful Dorset coastal views (so I am told!). Less... 
- 13/6/2018 For our annual excavation at Wimpole we will be returning to Johnston's Pond up near the Folly. Last year we excavated part of a substantial brick-built structure which we hoped was associated with the water supply to the 18th C fountain.... More...For our annual excavation at Wimpole we will be returning to Johnston's Pond up near the Folly. Last year we excavated part of a substantial brick-built structure which we hoped was associated with the water supply to the 18th C fountain. Although we went down over a metre in depth we did not find any sign of an outlet from this structure.
Therefore this year we will tackle the northern end of the structure. This can be seen as the broken line of bricks right at the bottom of the photograph near the ranging rod. We hope to explore whether this is another substantial brick wall and what its relationship is to the pond that lies just north of it. The dates of the scheduled excavation period are 2nd July - 11th July, although we may extend this as we know more about the result.Less... 
- 16/6/2017 During our current re-assessment of finds from old sites, we are finding some interesting things amongst them. The photo here shows a part of a brown stoneware bottle neck. Stoneware bottles like this were used during the 19th and early... More...During our current re-assessment of finds from old sites, we are finding some interesting things amongst them. The photo here shows a part of a brown stoneware bottle neck. Stoneware bottles like this were used during the 19th and early 20th century to house a variety of beverages, such as beer, lemonade and ginger beer.
This type of bottle find is actually quite unusual, although we often recover parts of pots and jars. A common type is the Keiller Marmalade pot.Less... 
The style of bottle shown in the lower photograph was mostly used to contain ginger beer. Stoneware bottles fell out of favour by the 1920's when the availability of mass produced glass bottles made them less desirable. There were also... More...The style of bottle shown in the lower photograph was mostly used to contain ginger beer. Stoneware bottles fell out of favour by the 1920's when the availability of mass produced glass bottles made them less desirable. There were also concerns about the cleanliness of stoneware bottles as you couldn't see inside them. Originally this had been seen as desirable in order to hide the presence of any unsightly sediments lying at the bottom of the bottle.
Prior to circa 1890 most stoneware ginger beer bottles had the manufacturer's name, contents and advertising slogans impressed into the surface. Bottles dating after this time are more likely to have the details printed on to the surface.Less... 
- 19/5/2017 We are currently re-assessing some of the boxes of finds from old sites and finding some interesting things amongst them. The photo here shows a highly decorated piece of salt-glazed stoneware, with a pattern that appears to represent... More...We are currently re-assessing some of the boxes of finds from old sites and finding some interesting things amongst them. The photo here shows a highly decorated piece of salt-glazed stoneware, with a pattern that appears to represent leaves inside a segmented circular border.
After some research, the piece can be confirmed as a part of a probable 17th C Bellarmine jug. The second photo shows a complete jug and the medallion on the centre line, also called a daisy wheel in some places, which is very similar to that on our piece. A characteristic feature is the bearded face mask in relief on the lower part of the long neck (this gave it its German name - Bartmann meaning "bearded man"). Less... 
They were made in various sizes of jugs, bottles and large pitchers for holding drink and food. Originally made in Germany near Cologne during the 16th and 17th C, they were also copied in England and again in the 19th C during a revival... More...They were made in various sizes of jugs, bottles and large pitchers for holding drink and food. Originally made in Germany near Cologne during the 16th and 17th C, they were also copied in England and again in the 19th C during a revival in German stoneware production.
The name Bellarmine is said to be due to an association with Cardinal Roberto Bellarmino who was a detested Catholic opponent of Protestantism in Germany and the Low Countries during the 16th C. It is suggested that the jug was so named by Dutch and English Protestants to ridicule the cardinal who was also known for his anti-alcohol stance.Less... 
- 12/5/2017 Our main occupation at Wimpole this summer centres on Johnson's Pond which sits on the same hill as The Folly (as shown in this extract from the RCHM document on Wimpole). It is believed to be the reservoir that fed the fountain that stood... More...Our main occupation at Wimpole this summer centres on Johnson's Pond which sits on the same hill as The Folly (as shown in this extract from the RCHM document on Wimpole). It is believed to be the reservoir that fed the fountain that stood behind the Hall (and which we have excavated in the past).
The National Trust archaeologist Angus Wainright has speculated that a sluice gate must have been used to control the flow of water to the fountain, although there is no record of any such feature being located near the pond.
Our job is to cut back the vegetation in a gully leading from the pond in the general direction of the fountain area and investigate whether some bricks seen in the area are part of a sluice structure. The dates for our first effort are the 24th/25th June, with subsequent work depending on what we find. We may also make a further effort at locating the pipeline that led from Johnson's Pond towards the fountain if we have time.Less... 
- 10/4/2017 Last year Dr. Jody Joy, senior curator at the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology here in Cambridge (shown in the photograph), extended an invitation to the group to have a display cabinet in the museum to showcase our contribution to... More...Last year Dr. Jody Joy, senior curator at the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology here in Cambridge (shown in the photograph), extended an invitation to the group to have a display cabinet in the museum to showcase our contribution to Cambridgeshire's archaeology. Members have worked with him and his staff to bring this about and on Monday 10th April the display was unveiled for the first time.
Thanks to Robert and John the cabinet highlights examples of our work in a very successful way. A new trifold leaflet about the group and its work was produced to accompany the display.Less... 
Our display at the Museum in Downing Street, Cambridge is in a temporary exhibitions case on the ground floor – behind and to the left of the case facing you at the entrance. Do go and have a look.... More...Our display at the Museum in Downing Street, Cambridge is in a temporary exhibitions case on the ground floor – behind and to the left of the case facing you at the entrance. Do go and have a look. Less... 
- 6/8/2016 Another weekend of test pitting has just taken place at Histon and CAFG members were involved in a number of them. This photograph shows what must be one of the stickiest pits ever excavated. Situated close to an old pond (dry at this time... More...Another weekend of test pitting has just taken place at Histon and CAFG members were involved in a number of them. This photograph shows what must be one of the stickiest pits ever excavated. Situated close to an old pond (dry at this time but always full in the winter) the clay was impossible to sieve and just very hard to hand sort. After 70cms of hard labour a burnt tree stump and unburnt roots were reached which appeared to lay on the dark grey natural - time to call a halt!!
Interestingly no more than 5m away another test pit was eminently sievable and bottomed out on gravel - just shows the difference even close pits can reveal. Less... 
Although the field walking season is over, archaeology carries on. Last weekend members of CAFG were organising and supporting a series of community test pit excavations in Stapleford and in Histon. These community exercises not only raise... More...Although the field walking season is over, archaeology carries on. Last weekend members of CAFG were organising and supporting a series of community test pit excavations in Stapleford and in Histon. These community exercises not only raise interest iin the villagers but also perform a useful function in filling in the archaeological map of Cambridgeshire. As this Histon photo shows, not only are they serious excavations but social events as well - lots of tea and cakes.Less... 
The finds can say an awful lot about the age and continuity of occupation in these places. The finds from Stapleford included some Roman and Medieval pottery but one pit had some small pieces of Neolithic pottery and struck flints. There... More...The finds can say an awful lot about the age and continuity of occupation in these places. The finds from Stapleford included some Roman and Medieval pottery but one pit had some small pieces of Neolithic pottery and struck flints. There were also the usual masses of post medieval finds, such as the 19th century buttonLess... 
We often find pieces of clay pipe during our field walking and excavations but not very often do they have a maker's name on them. This appears to be a characteristic of many Cambridge manufacturers. However, we occasionally do find a... More...We often find pieces of clay pipe during our field walking and excavations but not very often do they have a maker's name on them. This appears to be a characteristic of many Cambridge manufacturers. However, we occasionally do find a named piece, such as that shown in the photograph (courtesy of Stephen Reed) from our Wimpole glasshouse finds. The name is "Pawson" and relates to a family who made clay pipes at 11 Sidney Street, Cambridge during the 18th and early 19th C. James Pawson, the father, was succeeded by Ann Pawson, the wife, and later by James II and James Pawson Saul. We only have half the makers mark which was "Pawson" above "Camb" surrounded by a laurel wreath. Less... 
Our jigsaw skills are being put to the test. Re-assembling flower pot bases and rims from over 30kg of remains is quite a task. As the photograph shows we do have a few pot bases to show success. There are certainly lots of different... More...Our jigsaw skills are being put to the test. Re-assembling flower pot bases and rims from over 30kg of remains is quite a task. As the photograph shows we do have a few pot bases to show success. There are certainly lots of different styles and wall thicknesses to play with.
With no field walking options available at present, we will carry on with the pot building for the present.Less... 
As our work at the Wimpole glasshouse site comes to an end, it was interesting to visit the Audley End House walled garden site as a comparison. The similarities are very obvious but the use of espalier fruit trees is on a very large... More...As our work at the Wimpole glasshouse site comes to an end, it was interesting to visit the Audley End House walled garden site as a comparison. The similarities are very obvious but the use of espalier fruit trees is on a very large scale. Their vinery glasshouse is similar in many respects to the Wimpole equivalent and it was instructive to see how the vines are grown with their roots outside the building. The photograph shows the number of square holes under the window ledge through which the vines are fed.Less... 
Also at Audley End is a glasshouse (used for bringing on fruit trees) which must be very similar to how the pinery worked at Wimpole. Raised beds with brick walls are filled with composted material and into this material quite large flower... More...Also at Audley End is a glasshouse (used for bringing on fruit trees) which must be very similar to how the pinery worked at Wimpole. Raised beds with brick walls are filled with composted material and into this material quite large flower pots are sunk. The photograph shows a fig tree being grown but others include peaches, nectarines and a variety of apples. Imagine the pots containing pineapples and you have what the Wimpole pinery possibly looked like.
Interestingly the pots are occasionally lifted, the plants removed and their roots are trimmed back and the plant goes back in the same pot. They carry on growing but without the need to keep increasing the flower pot size.Less... 
- 6/8/2015 Although the excavation has finished, the work continues. As the photo shows we are busy drawing up plans and sections of the areas we have excavated. Meanwhile, pot washing and cataloguing of the finds continues. A meeting with the... More...Although the excavation has finished, the work continues. As the photo shows we are busy drawing up plans and sections of the areas we have excavated. Meanwhile, pot washing and cataloguing of the finds continues. A meeting with the National Trust archaeologist is scheduled for next week when we will discuss our findings and interpretations of the walls, floors and drains that we have found.Less... 
- 26/7/2015 Our weekend was a period of contrasts - heavy rain through to showers to a nice day. The photograph shows a happy band of workers on the showery day but there is a photo on the Facebook diary showing some of the bedraggled heroes on one of... More...Our weekend was a period of contrasts - heavy rain through to showers to a nice day. The photograph shows a happy band of workers on the showery day but there is a photo on the Facebook diary showing some of the bedraggled heroes on one of the two really rainy days.
We managed to answer many of our questions but as always produced a few new ones as well. We have now proved the early brick wall terminates to the east under the Messenger greenhouse and is not 120 feet long - this length was a suggestion from Loudon's book on 18th C gardening. We have traced two other floors to west and east but have not uncovered the point where they terminate - more work for the future. More drains have also come to light, especially ones covered with limestone setts with slate used to cover gaps between the setts.
Now is the time to rest and consider what we know or can deduce from another interesting weekend - and to wash all the flower pots we uncovered along the way.Less... 
- 23/7/2015 There have not been many metal finds from our glasshouse excavation but during our recent processing this brass plaque or medallion came to light. It says "Haws's Clapton Patent". On researching this we were excited because this refers to... More...There have not been many metal finds from our glasshouse excavation but during our recent processing this brass plaque or medallion came to light. It says "Haws's Clapton Patent". On researching this we were excited because this refers to a company called J. Haws who were active in Clapton, NE London between 1886 - 1925. The patent refers to a patent John Haws was granted for a watering can design. So could our medallion refer to a very early late 19th C water can used in the glasshouses?Less... 
Unfortunately it appears not. The second photograph shows an early Haws medallion with its trademark hawthorn berries and leaves together with its address around the rim. This style appears to have been in use until the mid-1950's when the... More...Unfortunately it appears not. The second photograph shows an early Haws medallion with its trademark hawthorn berries and leaves together with its address around the rim. This style appears to have been in use until the mid-1950's when the original Haws company was sold. More research needed to find when the original style changed to the example we found. Ours suggests, therefore, it could be a late 20th C watering can, possibly even a more modern plastic watering can like those the modern Haws Company sell. Alternatively, apparently many cheap copies were made of the design, even with the Haws patent illegally marked on them.Less... 
- 13/7/2015 After sorting through our washed material for Trench A, Context 8 we found a possible dating hint in some blue and white transfer printed pottery that joined up to show a recognizable image. The photograph shows the joined pottery with an... More...After sorting through our washed material for Trench A, Context 8 we found a possible dating hint in some blue and white transfer printed pottery that joined up to show a recognizable image. The photograph shows the joined pottery with an image of a crane plus a flower arrangement.
Looking through Gillian Neale's reference book (page 37) there is an exact replica of our crane and flowers. This design was used by Hicks and Meigh during the period 1806 - 1822, this Staffordshire area producer used exotic birds on their designs of plates and dishes. Although other manufacturers used a similar design, they all date to the same period. This suggests that this context cannot be from the 18th C glasshouse but is more likely to be the mid-19th C one.
Remember our next work at Wimpole is on the 24th - 27th July where we hope to get more dateable evidence. Less... 
Our meeting on 1st July had several highlights - one was the presentation of the Val Whittaker Prize to Elizabeth Back for her work on deserted villages in Huntingdonshire - well done... More...Our meeting on 1st July had several highlights - one was the presentation of the Val Whittaker Prize to Elizabeth Back for her work on deserted villages in Huntingdonshire - well done Elizabeth.
The other was Colin Coates presentation on his work with creating 3-D images from a series of digital still photos. He used the recent glasshouse excavation trenches as an example. The photo shown here is a still shot taken from his 3-D animation of the red brick floor in Trench A. The animation allows you to scan around an object and view it from any angle. The result is truly amazing and complements our plans and sections. The software he used is a free download from www.123dapp.com/catch.
The next chance he will have to use it is our planned visit to the Wimpole glasshouse site scheduled for the 24th - 27th July. Having spoken to Angus Wainwright, we have a number of questions that still need an answer before we can complete the proposed history of the site. All members are welcome to join us on site, whether to help with the excavating or just to see what we have uncovered.Less... 
- 18/6/2015 Those of you who recently helped excavate the greenhouse at Wimpole may have noticed the circle of bricks on the surface of the greenhouse yard. This, we were told, was the remains of a "dipping pond" used as a water supply for the... More...Those of you who recently helped excavate the greenhouse at Wimpole may have noticed the circle of bricks on the surface of the greenhouse yard. This, we were told, was the remains of a "dipping pond" used as a water supply for the greenhouses originally. We were asked if we would like to excavate this some time - but we declined on your behalf. As a result the garden staff decided to excavate it themselves - with the aid of a digger!
The photograph shows the result. The pond is about 1m deep with a floor of red brick, with a diamond-shaped area in yellow brick (which may be a later repair). There were signs of various cast iron pipes which are probably the supply to the pond. Certainly, when it rained, water spouted from some of them - they may be fed by guttering on the surrounding buildings. The lower part is waterproofed by a layer of mortar, which may have extended higher but was removed when the feature went out of use.Less... 
This photograph shows the reason we were so glad to have declined the offer of excavating the dipping pond!! Excavating this lot by hand would have been too much even for us to tackle. The bricks came from a demolished wall around part of... More...This photograph shows the reason we were so glad to have declined the offer of excavating the dipping pond!! Excavating this lot by hand would have been too much even for us to tackle. The bricks came from a demolished wall around part of the greenhouse yard and are in such good condition that many of them will be re-used in the future rebuild of the surrounding wall.Less... 
- 18/6/2015 Some of the group have been working at the Wimpole glasshouse site drawing up plans and sections of the various trenches we opened recently. This necessary, but time-consuming, job is needed to complete the recording of the site for the... More...Some of the group have been working at the Wimpole glasshouse site drawing up plans and sections of the various trenches we opened recently. This necessary, but time-consuming, job is needed to complete the recording of the site for the National Trust. As Colin shows in this photo, it is also a knee-aching job as well.
Colin has also been trying out some novel software that enables a series of still photos to be "stitched" together to give a 3D image that can be zoomed around and viewed from different angles. His first effort was really amazing but more work to do - he will give us a demonstration next meeting. He has also been investigating the "fringe" science of archaeomagnetism. This uses the random changes in true magnetic north over time to produce a calibration graph, so knowing the current alignment of the red brick floor, relative to current magnetic north, should enable a date for the laying out of the floor to be suggested. This assumes that the original glasshouse was laid out exactly E - W when it was built. Lots of correction factors involved (of course!!) - sounds a bit like hedgerow dating, so do we believe it?
Meanwhile the pot washers have been processing the mass of flowerpot sherds, mostly recovered from the north end of the long trench A, Nearly 10kg has been processed so far with another 6kg or so still to come. Experts at jigsaw puzzles required to put them all back together!!Less... 
- 11/6/2015 After the successful dig comes the hard work. A meeting with the National Trust archaeologist confirmed our findings of multiple phases of building, probably three in total spanning the 17th - 20th C. We have agreed to do more work in July... More...After the successful dig comes the hard work. A meeting with the National Trust archaeologist confirmed our findings of multiple phases of building, probably three in total spanning the 17th - 20th C. We have agreed to do more work in July to produce evidence to answer the questions raised by our findings.
On Wednesday we started processing some of the mass of ceramic material, in most cases flower pots or something similar. The photograph shows just a few of the types - big pots with decorative notched bands, pots with multiple bands, pots with glazed surfaces, pots with a dark slip covering and pots with holes in the side walls, not the base.Less... 
- 1/6/2015 Well, more or less a repeat of days 1 and 2 with miserable weather on day 3 and finishing with a sunny day 4. Although unravelling the mysteries of intercut walls may not suit everyone, we had a happy group of diggers who shifted lots of... More...Well, more or less a repeat of days 1 and 2 with miserable weather on day 3 and finishing with a sunny day 4. Although unravelling the mysteries of intercut walls may not suit everyone, we had a happy group of diggers who shifted lots of spoil and uncovered even more mysteries!
What is clear is that this site contains brickwork and features from a number of different periods, with some brickwork like the southern red brick wall being re-used as the foundation for the yellow brick wall above it. To the north the red brick wall stands alone. The red brick walls define a building 2.5m wide and at least 13.5m long - there is a suspicion we have not reached the east end yet. Less... 
At the moment there appear to be at least two buildings in addition to the early 20th C yellow brick one visible today. The photograph shows the broad red brick wall turning a right angle and being crossed by an single brick yellow wall in... More...At the moment there appear to be at least two buildings in addition to the early 20th C yellow brick one visible today. The photograph shows the broad red brick wall turning a right angle and being crossed by an single brick yellow wall in the middle and with the visible yellow brick outer wall at the top, sat on the earlier red brick wall. Some of the orangey red bricks are reminiscent of 18th C bricks uncovered elsewhere. So what do we think we have - at least two different floors, one possible wall/floor, 3 drainage culverts (one topped in stone and another with specially shaped yellow tiles)and a deep tank which started filling with water even as it was being dug.
Odd finds included a lead musket ball (unfired) and a piece of dressed stone which may have come from the early Hall demolition. That is more than enough to sort out - the digging was the easy bit! We will keep you updated with any conclusions as the post-excavation analysis proceeds.Less... 
- 30/5/2015 What a contrast - day 1 was spent getting wet and dodging heavy showers by rushing into the polytunnel while day 2 has been a pleasant day spent in the... More...What a contrast - day 1 was spent getting wet and dodging heavy showers by rushing into the polytunnel while day 2 has been a pleasant day spent in the sunshine.
We were setting out to trace an unknown narrow red brick wall which appeared to predate the visible yellow brick walls. Well, we have proved it is earlier than the yellow brick wall but also uncovered a brick floor which was previously unknown (shown here in the photograph) and also found the end of the red brick wall to the west where it turns a corner. Unfortunately it heads south when we expected it to head north - that's archaeology for you!! The brick floor also heads south and runs beneath the southern yellow brick wall, where it ends is presently unknown.
More info and some photos later. If you are around Wimpole do drop in - there is plenty of shovelling still to do. Less... 
Following our successful excavation of an old glasshouse site behind the walled garden at Wimpole in 2014, the National Trust have invited us to return this year to excavate the second old glasshouse (shown in the upper... More...Following our successful excavation of an old glasshouse site behind the walled garden at Wimpole in 2014, the National Trust have invited us to return this year to excavate the second old glasshouse (shown in the upper photograph).
The dates of this proposed excavation are over the period Friday 29th May to Monday 1st June.
Work by the National Trust gardeners and volunteers had cleared the surface of glasshouse 2 and in so doing had exposed a lower red brick wall beneath the visible yellow brick foundations (seen towards the top of the lower photograph). This red brick wall obviously predates glasshouse 2 and may be the remains of the building shown on the Withers Estate map of 1815 but also mentioned in the earlier Portland documents.Less... 
The proposal is to trace the course of this red brick wall and map the building that it is part of. We also need to clear the yellow brick glasshouse foundations and the associated cast iron heating system. The National Trust are planning... More...The proposal is to trace the course of this red brick wall and map the building that it is part of. We also need to clear the yellow brick glasshouse foundations and the associated cast iron heating system. The National Trust are planning to re-build a modern glasshouse on the foundations of the yellow brick glasshouse. Our excavation will show whether the yellow brick foundation is strong enough for this purpose. Also, if the red brick wall is indeed the earlier building then it will impact on the glasshouse re-build which may have to take precautions to preserve the earlier remains.
It is intended that the excavation will be open to the public to view so, even if members cannot help with the excavating, come along to help by explaining what we are doing to the visitors. Less... 
After the stunning results of the first Rheesearch geophysics session on the field south of the A603 (see the Activities section for that information), the second session was just as... More...After the stunning results of the first Rheesearch geophysics session on the field south of the A603 (see the Activities section for that information), the second session was just as rewarding.
The magnetometer results (reproduced here) show that the roadside settlement plots continue on to the southern boundary of the field (and presumably under the houses next to the field).
Resistivity work reinforces that there is a massive disturbance half way along the western field boundary. Out in the field some ephemeral straight lines may represent old track ways leading to Orwell.
Once again, our thanks to Rheesearch for producing such interesting resultsLess... 
- 19/10/2014 As a result of the mass of Roman finds, we asked our friends at Rheesearch if they would carry out a geophysical survey of the field south of the A603. They started this on the 19th October and the first results have been produced, as... More...As a result of the mass of Roman finds, we asked our friends at Rheesearch if they would carry out a geophysical survey of the field south of the A603. They started this on the 19th October and the first results have been produced, as shown in this picture.
What can be seen running across the bottom of the picture are a series of boundaries, most probably marking out the Roman properties lining the Roman road of Ermine Street. Similar boundaries were excavated in 1989, see PCAS LXXXIII, 1994, p35. The area of intense speckling is where a lot of the Roman pottery was found.
Rheesearch will be carrying out more survey work on the rest of the field over the next few weeks. Our thanks to them for helping to shed light on this Roman site.Less... 
For comparison we have a photograph taken by Robert Skeen of some of the ingots in the Cuerdale Hoard on display at the British Museum. This hoard comes from Lancashire and is the largest Viking silver hoard found in Western Europe,... More...For comparison we have a photograph taken by Robert Skeen of some of the ingots in the Cuerdale Hoard on display at the British Museum. This hoard comes from Lancashire and is the largest Viking silver hoard found in Western Europe, weighing in at some 40kg and consisting of over 8500 pieces of jewellery, coins and ingots. Less... 
- 6th April 2014 More walking at Childerley and more medieval pottery and lava quernstone. Note the first piece of green glazed ware (bottom right). Further west the quantity of pottery dropped off sharply but medieval tile appeared in larger amounts. We... More...More walking at Childerley and more medieval pottery and lava quernstone. Note the first piece of green glazed ware (bottom right). Further west the quantity of pottery dropped off sharply but medieval tile appeared in larger amounts. We have now finished this year's work at Childerley.Less... 
- 30/3/2014 Sunday, 30th March, starting another field at Childerley. After several blank weekends we suddenly hit a medieval pottery hot spot, which also had several bits of lava quern stone present. The photograph shows just some of the pottery,... More...Sunday, 30th March, starting another field at Childerley. After several blank weekends we suddenly hit a medieval pottery hot spot, which also had several bits of lava quern stone present. The photograph shows just some of the pottery, together with the best piece of quern stone. This has 3 raised ridges on its surface and was basically unworn, suggesting it was probably broken before it got to be used. This hot spot may be part of the settlement called Little Childerley which was deserted in the medieval period. Less... 
- 23/3/2014 Although not a period we study in our period of archaeology, we have this very much earlier fossil vertebra of an Ichthyosaur. Found on the surface of a field in Childerley, it probably derives from the nearby gault clay... More...Although not a period we study in our period of archaeology, we have this very much earlier fossil vertebra of an Ichthyosaur. Found on the surface of a field in Childerley, it probably derives from the nearby gault clay deposits.
Less... 
In November and December 2013 members of CAFG walked vast open fields on the chalk hills, adjacent to the Roman road, at Lower Valley Farm,... More...In November and December 2013 members of CAFG walked vast open fields on the chalk hills, adjacent to the Roman road, at Lower Valley Farm, Fulbourn.Less... 
We found marcasite nodules in what looked like iron slag, but in addition, we found a scatter of struck... More...We found marcasite nodules in what looked like iron slag, but in addition, we found a scatter of struck flints.Less...  Although the whole flint collection has not yet been analysed these photos show a core and two circular flint scrapers, Neolithic or early Bronze age in date - 3000 to... More...Although the whole flint collection has not yet been analysed these photos show a core and two circular flint scrapers, Neolithic or early Bronze age in date - 3000 to 1500BC.Less... 
CAFG volunteers helped dig test pits during the three test pitting weekends at Meldreth's Heritage Lottery funded 'Big Dig'. Thirty test pits were opened over the three weekends. The highlight was the discovery of a Pilgrim's Badge - a... More...CAFG volunteers helped dig test pits during the three test pitting weekends at Meldreth's Heritage Lottery funded 'Big Dig'. Thirty test pits were opened over the three weekends. The highlight was the discovery of a Pilgrim's Badge - a rare test pit find.
Less...
On 25th May 2013, at the Haslingfield Village Centre (by the recreation ground),from 10am to 4pm, there will be an exhibition of the finds from the village test pits dug in June 2012. At 2pm, Rob Atkins will give a short talk on the... More...On 25th May 2013, at the Haslingfield Village Centre (by the recreation ground),from 10am to 4pm, there will be an exhibition of the finds from the village test pits dug in June 2012. At 2pm, Rob Atkins will give a short talk on the significance of the results, followed by Jemima Woolverton on the work of Jigsaw Cambridgeshire,which supported the project. All welcome.Less...
The pottery from the 24 test pits excavated over the weekend of 16/17 June 2012, together with that from fieldwalking over a number of years, has been identified by Paul Blinkhorn and spans the Bronze Age to early Modern. Feed-back to the... More...The pottery from the 24 test pits excavated over the weekend of 16/17 June 2012, together with that from fieldwalking over a number of years, has been identified by Paul Blinkhorn and spans the Bronze Age to early Modern. Feed-back to the village is planned for Saturday, 25th May in the Haslingfield Village Centre, with a display of the finds and a talk on what they show about its development.Less...
Over the weekend of the 16/17th June 2012 members and home owners excavated 24 1m square test pits around the village of Haslingfield. The finds from the test pits and from previous fieldwalking have been professionally dated and those... More...Over the weekend of the 16/17th June 2012 members and home owners excavated 24 1m square test pits around the village of Haslingfield. The finds from the test pits and from previous fieldwalking have been professionally dated and those from the test pits are Roman, Medieval and post-Medieval, with one piece of early-middle Saxon pottery; elsewhere in the parish there is also Bronze Age and Iron Age pottery. Work continues on what the pottery tells us about the development of the village and we hope to make a presentation to the village in the Spring 2013.Less... 
Over the weekend of the 16/17th June we excavated 24 1m square test pits around the village of Haslingfield. Thanks to the efforts of members and home owners we found a range of finds which will help in the understanding of house the... More...Over the weekend of the 16/17th June we excavated 24 1m square test pits around the village of Haslingfield. Thanks to the efforts of members and home owners we found a range of finds which will help in the understanding of house the settlement of the village developed. Amongst the finds were neolithic flints and Iron Age,Roman, Late Saxon, Medieval and modern pottery. One test pit produced a fine range of mid 16st century finds including a Jetton coin, a key and a bone pin beater used in hand weaving. Thanks for the support of the Village Society and Jigsaw Cambridgeshire. The finds are now being professionally analysed.Less...
On the 16th and 17th June 2012 we will be organising with the Haslingfield Village Society, supported by Jigsaw Cambridgeshire and Rob Atkins of Oxford Archaeology East, a weekend of test pit digging to try to discover more about the... More...On the 16th and 17th June 2012 we will be organising with the Haslingfield Village Society, supported by Jigsaw Cambridgeshire and Rob Atkins of Oxford Archaeology East, a weekend of test pit digging to try to discover more about the history of Haslingfield. More details can be seen by clicking here. This photo is of a test pit dug in the village in 2010.
Less...
The recent excavation by Oxford Archaeology East on the site of Trinity Farm in New Road, Haslingfield, has shown that on that site there are Iron Age fields, possibly lasting into the Roman period, a late Anglo-Saxon settlement and houses... More...The recent excavation by Oxford Archaeology East on the site of Trinity Farm in New Road, Haslingfield, has shown that on that site there are Iron Age fields, possibly lasting into the Roman period, a late Anglo-Saxon settlement and houses from the late Medieval period to the present day. These finds, plus other evidence of Roman and Medieval settlement in the parish, have been the catalyst to launch this project of a weekend of test pit excavations. The director of the New Road excavation, Rob Atkins, wants to help extend our understanding of the development of Haslingfield by test pits in as many different parts of the village as possible.
The project will be organised by CAFG and Haslingfield Village Society with the support of the Jigsaw Cambridgeshire project team and Rob Atkins of Oxford Archaeology East. About 30 home owners have agreed to allow test pits to be dug in their gardens. Excavation will be by members of CAFG and home owner's families. Finds from this work and previous fieldwalking and test pits in the village will be assessed by Paul Blinkhorn, pottery expert, contributing to an increase of the understanding of the evidence for occupation in all periods of history in the village of Haslingfield.
A summary of the results will be posted on this web site.
Less...
Note from the field officer - Dates for your diary: 23rd July to 31st July and probably the weekend before, 16th and 17th July. This, as always, will be a group excavation in which all members are encouraged to participate whatever the... More...Note from the field officer - Dates for your diary: 23rd July to 31st July and probably the weekend before, 16th and 17th July. This, as always, will be a group excavation in which all members are encouraged to participate whatever the level of skill, even if they can only manage to visit the site to see what is found, so please put it in your diary. This is part of CBA Festival of British Archaeology and, as in previous years, we are likely to be able to undertake an excavation at Wimpole for the National Trust. Terry Dymott and I will meet Angus Wainwright shortly to discuss last year’s results and any proposal he may have for this year. [According to the Wimpole Hall events leaflet they are holding their “Archaeology in Action!” weekend on the 30th and 31st July and expect to see us there.(Sec)]
Thanks to Robert Skeen, Colin Coates and Emma Smith, and members at Bar Hill on Wednesday evenings, we have made progress in processing the finds from last year – at the last count we have recorded 3124 of all sorts.
Less...
On 5th October we will be fieldwalking near Cobbs Wood, Wimpole as part of a National Trust weekend on food production. For more details, contact fieldwalking@cafg.net
|