Biggleswade Sewage Treatment Works, Bedfordshire: An Archaeological Field Evaluation

The work was carried out during June and August 2004 by Albion Archaeology . The earliest evidence for human activity on the site dated from the Neolithic. It comprises two lengths of ditch, which together form part of a cursus monument. This monument continues for c.750m to the east of the development area; where it is represented by cropmarks. The excavation at Biggleswade STW provided the first opportunity for modern archaeological techniques to be applied on a cursus monument in the county of Bedfordshire. Approximately fifty percent of the available length of the cursus was excavated during the course of the project. The Bedfordshire Historic Environment Record referred to a possible barrow (HER 10138) within the development area. Evaluation by Albion Archaeology confirmed the presence of this monument. This has been preserved within the development area. A pit containing tiny fragments of Iron Age pottery was also revealed during open area excavation. However, the function of this feature remains obscure.