An Archaeological Evaluation of Land at Cook's Hole Farm, Thornaugh, Peterborough. Phase - 1 Desk Based Assessment.

An archaeological desk based assessment was undertaken by Cambridge Archaeological Unit on behalf of PJ Thory Ltd in October 2002. The proposed development covers about 54 ha of arable and grazing land around Cook's Hole Farm at TL 0519 9978. About 21ha of this land has already been quarried and reinstated, the remainder is now proposed for quarrying. The assessment reveals considerable evidence for past activity, both within and surrounding the Proposed Development Area (PDA). The earliest of this evidence relates to the Neolithic period when a henge monument was constructed in the valley to the north-east. During the Roman period a possible road ran to the south of the site and buildings (including a villa), human burials and numerous iron working sites have been found both in and around the PDA. In the Medieval and Post Medieval periods the villages of Sibberton and Thornhaugh lay to the north-east, a Keepers Lodge and moated platform occupied the centre of the PDA and the surrounding landscape was gradually enclosed. More recently there is evidence of World War II activity relating to the nearby Kings Cliffe Airfield and the land has been widely quarried for limestone. Whilst quarrying is likely to have destroyed much of the archaeology within the PDA, this study shows that there is still significant potential for the discovery of Prehistoric, Roman and later evidence