Neolithic burial monuments discovered in Trumpington, Cambridge, are open to the public this weekend.
Ancient graves and Iron-Age remains at Trumpington Meadows will be available to tour on Sunday 3 October between 11 am and 4pm.
The event is an opportunity for members of the public to view the results of the ongoing excavation. Archaeologists from the University of Cambridge Archaeological Unit, who are conducting the dig, will be on hand leading tours, answering questions and talking about the objects.
The Neolithic burial monuments take the form of ditches dug in rings, with a central pit. In a pit inside the largest ring, archaeologists found the remains of at least four people. Visitors will be able to see monuments that were buried under the earth for around 5000 years.
A wealth of evidence for a later Iron-Age civilisation was also uncovered by the same dig. The remains on display tell of the lives lived thousands of years ago.
There is evidence that weaving, butchery, cooking and metalwork activities all took place on the site, as did ancient rites for the disposal of the dead. Visitors will be able to see some of the hundreds of Iron-Age pits, as well as pottery, metalwork and photos of a rare iron-age bracelet.
The excavation is ongoing, and has revealed evidence of complicated and dense occupation from the Neolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age and Roman eras.
Alison Dickens, Senior Archaeological Manager at Cambridge University, commented: "If these monuments do prove to be Neolithic in date they will be the first found in this part Cambridgeshire, making them very important.
"Put that together with the density and extent of the Iron Age pits and the material they are producing, and this becomes a very significant site."
The site is currently under development, with construction on over 300 homes beginning next year. The excavation is being funded by the Trumpington Meadows Land Company (Grosvenor and USS) as part of the development.
Excavations on the site will continue until Christmas.
Access is via the Trumpington Park & Ride site. Sensible footwear is recommended, with special considerations for wet weather. All ages are welcome, but children must be accompanied. The tours are free, and no reservation is necessary. For more information about the excavation and open day, please contact the Cambridge Archaeological Unit. Telephone (01223) 327802 or email Scs30@cam.ac.uk
Source: University of Cambridge [October 01, 2010]