Archaeological Desk Based Assessment, Cambridgeshire
BA undertook an Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment for an Architectural Practice regarding the proposed redevelopment of the Priory Centre Priory Lane, St Neots, Cambridgeshire.
In Brief
Key Points
- Assessment of the potential archaeological significance of the site and the impact of the proposed development, consisting of the redevelopment of the Priory Centre. This included the refurbishment of the interior, and the construction of new extensions, new balconies and new canopies.
- The assessment was informed by a site visit, consultation of the Cambridgeshire Historic Environment Record, reports on previous archaeological investigations in the area, documentary records, historic mapping and aerial photographs.
Summary
The assessment determined that there was a High potential for any works associated with the proposed development to encounter archaeological features or deposits of a medieval or post-medieval date. This assessment was based on the location of the development site to the immediate west of the site of the medieval priory at St Neots, within the boundaries of the wider priory complex, close to the site of a riverside mill associated with the priory. It was also located on the site of a post-medieval brewery site, including a large grist mill structure constructed on the riverside.
The potential to encounter prehistoric or Romano-British archaeological remains was assessed as Moderate, based upon the presence of superficial river terrace deposits across the site and alluvial deposits in the immediate vicinity of the site, increasing the potential for paleoenvironmental/lithic material to be identified during the works associated with the proposed development. The site also lies within a wider landscape containing substantial evidence of Romano-British agricultural activity/occupation, including within the historic core of St Neots.
Results
The assessment determined that there was a High potential for archaeological remains of a medieval or post-medieval date and a Moderate potential for prehistoric or Romano-British remains. The application was approved with a condition for a programme of archaeological evaluation, which Border Archaeology subsequent undertook, allowing development to proceed.
