LONDON: Prehistoric monument found on Biddenham housebuilding site

LONDON: An “exciting” discovery
of a Neolithic or early Bronze Age monument has been unearthed in an
archaeological dig.

Albion
Archaeology made the find in a field in Biddenham, just outside Bedford, where
homes are to be built.

Project
manager Iain Leslie said an Iron Age settlement and Anglo-Saxon remains were
also discovered.

“This
level of investigation of a particular area is relatively rare and offers a
unique opportunity to better understand our ancestors,” he said.

The
monument is among the earliest remains on the site. It would have formed part
of a wider landscape of similar monuments known to have existed locally within
a loop of the river Great Ouse, Mr Leslie said.

It is
thought to have been constructed about 6,000 years ago and likely
“provided a focus for ceremonial and ritual activities,” he added.

Evidence
of an Iron Age settlement was also found, including several storage pits and a
roundhouse.

“The
most unexpected discovery was the presence of relatively extensive Anglo-Saxon
remains” with a “sunken-featured building” and an oven, Mr
Leslie said.

“As
archaeologists we are very excited about the findings,” he said.

“We
are building up a really fascinating picture of the various stages of past
occupation in this area.

“The
remains uncovered are of at least regional significance.”

Mr Leslie
added: “The investigations have revealed a wealth of information about the
previous inhabitants of the area, stretching back as much as 6,000 years.

“The
remains offer a fantastic addition to our knowledge of Neolithic, early Bronze
Age, Iron Age and Anglo-Saxon settlement in the area.”

The
investigations are being carried out in conjunction with RPS Consulting
Services, on behalf of builders Dandara.

Planning
consent was given with a condition that an archaeological dig was to take
place, with the findings recorded before construction could start.

Chris
Higgins, from Dandara, said: “It’s great to have an advanced understanding
of such key periods of history and to have a unique opportunity to appreciate
the historical importance of the site.”