Archaeological Investigations at Broom South Quarry, Bedfordshire. Phase 2b. Post-Excavation Assessment
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Cambridge Archaeological Unit, Department of Archaeology, University of Cambridge
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Between 2018 and 2019, two phases of archaeological excavation were undertaken by the Cambridge Archaeological Unit (CAU) ahead of gravel extraction at Broom South Quarry, Bedfordshire (approximately centred on NGR TL 1703 4123). The work was carried out on behalf of Tarmac Ltd. The combined area encompassed 8.8 ha. The work followed an archaeological evaluation of the area in 2004, along with an extensive programme of works previously undertaken by the CAU to the north and east of the Broom South Quarry. The evaluation identified 12 concentrations of archaeology dating from the Neolithic through to the Anglo-Saxon period but with most sites dating to the Iron Age and Roman periods. Five evaluation trenches, incorporated within the current phase of excavation, identified Iron Age storage pits and field-systems. In addition to excavated evidence, significant archaeology was identified from cropmarks, highlighting the possibility of field-systems and pit alignments. The current excavation identified a background of ephemeral Neolithic activity with dispersed pits associated with Grooved Ware pottery and residual worked flints including leaf shaped arrowheads. Bronze Age activity at the site was more prevalent with a ring ditch/barrow monument and dispersed activity including small pits containing Beaker Ware pottery and barbed and tanged arrowheads. As with previous excavations, Middle Iron Age settlement dominated the site and can be characterised by widespread farmsteads with roundhouse drip-gullies and associated enclosures and pit clusters. The Early Iron Age was represented by a pit alignment incorporating 114 pits traversing the width of the excavation. In addition, Iron Age activity comprised a field-system along with frequent dispersed pits and watering holes. Roman remains were limited to two trackways marked by parallel ditches in the southwest corner of the excavation, along with field-system ditches, most of which appeared intermittent. As indicated by cropmarks, the densest Roman remains occur to the east of the quarry closer to the River Ivel. An undated inhumation burial was recorded cutting through the Early Bronze Age barrow to the south, which could be tentatively dated to the Roman or Anglo-Saxon period. The results of the excavation are significant and along with previous excavations advance our understanding of the extent and character of prehistory and early history of the Ivel valley as well as contributing to evidence of the nature and extent of Iron Age settlement across the landscape.