Residents in Haddenham were recently given the chance to view historical artefacts after excavations at a construction site in the village unearthed archaeological evidence dating back from the Bronze age through to early Anglo-Saxon times. 

The site has been declared a ‘development of significance’ after archaeologists discovered a large number of Anglo-Saxon structures, referred to as ‘sunken featured buildings’ or grub-huts, as well as two post-built structures. 

The structures were found to be in a good state of preservation and substantial artefactual evidence has been recovered from them.  

This has included large amounts of pottery, animal bone, decorated loom weights and thatch weights, bone pins, combs, weaving implements, knife blades and items for personal adornment.

Ely Standard: The structures were found to be in a good state of preservation and substantial artefactual evidence has been recovered from them. The structures were found to be in a good state of preservation and substantial artefactual evidence has been recovered from them. (Image: Orbit Homes) 

Alongside the Anglo-Saxon domestic remains, are items dating back to the Bronze Age and Iron Age, including a large pot which is thought to be older than Stonehenge. 

A host of the artefacts, some of which are more than 4,000 years old, were put on display for the public to see, before being sent away for further testing and preservation. 

Regional managing director at Orbit Homes, Ray Winney, said: “The number of finds at Chewells Lane has been truly extraordinary.  

“It’s been an incredible experience for the whole team to watch the archaeologists undertake excavation of the site and see the number of artefacts which have been uncovered, many in an unprecedented condition.” 

Ely Standard: The site has been declared a ‘development of significance’.The site has been declared a ‘development of significance’. (Image: Orbit Homes)

MP for South East Cambridgeshire, Lucy Frazer, also came to see the historical finds for herself. 

She said: “It is an extraordinary feat to discover archaeological evidence here in East Cambridgeshire that dates back as far back as the Bronze Age, approximately 4000 years ago.” 

The archaeological excavations were carried out by Britannia Archaeology Ltd and started in October 2022, with site investigations expected to conclude in late Autumn 2023. 

Ely Standard: MP for South East Cambridgeshire, Lucy Frazer, also came to see the historical finds for herself. MP for South East Cambridgeshire, Lucy Frazer, also came to see the historical finds for herself. (Image: Orbit Homes)