Possible site of Anglo-Saxon to medieval settlement at Hempstead Hill (EHER 8553)

A raised platform of land between Hempstead mound and the road. Small scale excavations on its eastern side revealed a number of features and finds, possibly indicating the site of a settlement.

Monument description derived from merging EHER 8553 and 46283. A raised platform of land, with some indications of former earthworks and possible enclosing ditch located between Hempstead mound and the road. It could conceivably be a large bailey to a small motte, subsequently a mill mound, or a deserted medieval village. A very small scale excavation by Ben Rudder (five trenches, each approximately 2 x 1m) revealed a build-up of deposits, and a number of possible post-holes and beam-slots. The finds included 50 early Iron Age sherds, 10 late Iron Age and Roman sherds, 126 Saxon and medieval sherds (St Neots-type, early medieval and medieval coarse ware). Other finds included a medieval hinged book clasp (14 to 15th century), some fragments of burnt daub and a loomweight (either late Bronze Age or Iron Age/Roman). The earlier finds appear to have been largely residual in later features. <1> See also: <2>