Digital Archive from an Archaeological Excavation at Whitworth Way, Wilstead, Bedfordshire, July-September 2018

This digital archive contains images, CAD, spreadsheets and a report from an an archaeological excavation on land at Whitworth Way, Wilstead, Bedfordshire. The work was undertaken by MOLA (Museum of London Archaeology) between 23rd July 2018 and 13th September 2018. An area measuring 0.63ha was excavated. Occupation on the site started in the 11th century and expanded in the 12th century when a rectangular one acre plot was established, which most likely fronted onto a medieval road. These contained three probable timber structures, one domestic and two agricultural in nature. The northern area of the plot also demonstrated an area of trampling activity associated with animals, most likely cattle. A watering hole utilised by animals grazing to the west of the plots was established, as was a well for the inhabitants of the farmstead. In the later 12th century the plots were subdivided, resulting in four quarter acre plots. The structures were still in use, though not as intensively as the first half of the century. These plots were not in use past the late 12th century when the site reverted to agricultural use until the present day. The only later activity related to the continued use of a large boundary ditch, located to the east and south-east of the site. Activity on the site started in the early 12th century with the establishment of two rectangular one acre plots, which most likely fronted onto a local medieval routeway, representing a lost 'end' of Wilstead.