EWR Co Protects Cambridgeshire Site: Railway, Heritage & Innovation

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Introduction

East West Railway Company (EWR Co) has collaborated with Historic England, leading to the discovery of additional barrows, increasing the total count from five to 11 at the Money Hill barrow cemetery located between Haslingfield and Barrington in Cambridgeshire.

Archaeological Discoveries

Recent archaeological surveys commissioned by EWR Co and conducted by Wessex Archaeology and Cotswold Archaeology, led to the discovery of additional barrows, bringing the total count from five to 11. The protected area also includes spaces between the individual barrows where ‘flat burials’ may lie.

Significance of the Site

The Bronze Age cemetery barrows, earthen mounds covering prehistoric burials, provide insight into the lives of ancestors. This site represents a significant Bronze Age location, with burial mounds varying from 20 to 55 metres in diameter. Advanced geophysical surveys have revealed potential burial pits within some of the ring ditches, while three barrows remain visible as earthwork mounds despite centuries of agricultural activity.

Location and Context

Located on a chalk ridge between Haslingfield and Barrington in Cambridgeshire, the cemetery demonstrates the funeral practices of Bronze Age communities. The varied sizes of the individual barrows suggests different approaches to burial rites and indicates that the site was used over many centuries. The site forms part of a multi-period landscape that includes nearby Bronze Age settlements, helping to create a holistic picture of Bronze Age life in Cambridgeshire.

Impact on Railway Plans

EWR Co’s proposals have evolved from the original plans to place the railway in a cutting, to a mined tunnel, to protect the integrity of the site. This heritage protection has given EWR greater clarity on design requirements. Tristan Lincoln-Gordon, Head of Environment, EWR Co, stated that the proposals evolved through collaboration to ensure the site’s protection, demonstrating how development and heritage can coexist.

Conclusion

The Money Hill barrow cemetery, now scheduled for protection, showcases Bronze Age burial practices. The railway project has adapted its plans to preserve this site through collaborative efforts.

Company Summary

East West Railway Company (EWR Co): The company is working on the construction of a new railway and has been collaborating with Historic England to protect the Money Hill barrow cemetery.

Historic England: The organization is working with East West Railway to assess and protect the Money Hill barrow cemetery.

Wessex Archaeology: This company conducted archaeological surveys for EWR Co at the Money Hill site.

Cotswold Archaeology: This company conducted archaeological surveys for EWR Co at the Money Hill site.

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