Seventy staff. That’s how many archaeologists work at the Cambridge Archaeological Unit’s office. Can you imagine?
Right here stands the Cambridge Archaeological Unit’s office. Founded in 1990 it bridges academic and commercial archaeology. It’s grown to become one of the UK’s leading archaeological units. The CAU focuses on wetland and urban archaeology. Their work spans the Fenland Cambridge and its surrounding areas.
Much of the CAU’s projects prepare for construction. Housing developments road construction and quarrying all require their expertise. Their investigations range from small urban sites to vast rural landscapes. Some projects have lasted decades.
Think of the Northstowe excavation. The CAU unearthed major Iron Age and Roman settlement complexes there. Then there’s Must Farm in Whittlesey. They uncovered a superbly preserved Late Bronze Age timber settlement. It’s internationally significant. Imagine the meticulous work involved in uncovering these ancient secrets.
The Over and Needingworth Quarry project was massive. It covered nearly 1000 hectares. Prehistoric settlements fields barrows and monuments were all unearthed. Similarly at Eddington they discovered prehistoric and Roman farming settlements. A dozen in fact.
The CAU isn’t just about digging. They run the Department’s annual undergraduate training excavation. Students work alongside experienced staff. They study excavation finds for their own research. The CAU also contributes to academic research projects like After the Plague. This project examined the health and history of medieval burials. The burials came from St John’s Hospital cemetery. The CAU excavated the cemetery.
The Cambridge Archaeological Unit’s office isn’t just a building. It’s a hub of activity. A place where history unfolds. It’s a place where the past comes alive. The CAU has trained hundreds of archaeologists. Many leading university lecturers and heritage professionals started their careers here. This office represents decades of dedication to uncovering Britain’s rich past. It’s a testament to the power of collaboration and discovery. A place truly worthy of our attention.