We have kindly been sent information by Dr Peter Friend explaining the geology of Longstanton and its environs. An understanding of the geology and geography of Longstanton; Oakington & Westwick and the fen edge is vital if we are to understand the processes that gave rise to the free draining gravels that provided a home to some of the oldest communities of these villages. We are most grateful to Peter for the information that he has supplied. To see the article he has written please click on the page listed on the left.
It comes of no surprise in Longstanton that the gravel seam that runs to the east of the High Street, and lies below Old Farm / Striplands Farm as well as the Manor Farm paddocks, shows significant signs of early habitation. Imagine a well drained site: in close proximity of the fen edge, with an abundance of fish and fowl; reeds and other resources required for early inhabitants. Near these old communities, on the natural free draining land overlying the gravel, crops could be grown and livestock could be tended. The nearby Wastes (what we would probably call scrub) would provide the firewood; berries and perhaps some summer foraging for pigs. All of this with no Malaria or the hazards that went with living on or in the fen itself! My personal view is that compared with fen edge villages – the gravels of Longstanton and Oakington had all the ingredients needed to sustain a relatively high population. Whether I am right remains to be seen. To find the answer research comparing populations would need to be carried out.
Archaeological work being carried out as part of the Northstowe development shows a plethora of ancient communities living in the area. For ancient people Longstanton & District was possibly an ideal place to live. It is unlikely to have been a remote and isolated backwater. Located close to the fens and waterways of East Anglia, this area was within easy access of European traders and immigrants. The Angles came here ( hence the name East Anglia) and so did the Danes (Vikings). Traces of these peoples can still be found amongst us today. The name Long-stan-ton is an Anglo-Saxon name meaning Long Stone Farmstead / Town?. (I have no reference for this and if any one can provide one and confirm what the Anglo-Saxon for ton was – we would be grateful. I have been told that the Anglo-Saxons used the word Stanto mean Stone, only where the Romans had been, and they have never been wrong! Again I have no references to support this – so feed-back to confirm or refute this is most welcome. We can find out – but this will take time.) On some of the early maps for Longstanton there are pre-enclosure closes which lie on the gravel band. The name of these closesis recorded as “Inholms”. I believe that this word comes from the Danes and means “Island in the Marsh”. Again I do not have a reference and if any one can help provide one that would be great. I try to image Vikings here in Longstanton and Oakington! If they were here they do not seem to have left much of a trace other than this name. This area was certainly within the territory controlled by the Danes before they were pushed back by the Anglo-Saxons. Were Vikings here, or were the locals left alone apart from some “administration!” I don’t know – It would be lovely to find out if we can.
Both the Cambridge Archaeological Unit; the Birmingham University Field Archaeological Unit and others have been, and in some cases still are, carrying out substantial work here in Longstanton and Oakington as part of the Home Farm and Northstowe developments. Hopefully one day we may be able to get some summaries from them to load onto the web-site.
In the meantime when you look at information the web-site or walk around either Longstanton or Oakington & Westwick; take a minute to think of all those who have been here before us! What we can do today is ensure that we pass on the heritage and landscape to the next generation as best we can. This does not preclude change or development – in fact when we look back at history we can see enormous changes. The difference is that today we are better informed, and have the modern technology to create digital archival records and more environmentally sustainable communities (relative to recent times of course!)
With the development of Northstowe this area will change irrevocably but we are fortunate to be in the position to record what went before for future generations. Understanding the geology and geography of this area, and adapting to it, is also of great use when developing these plans for change. Humans whether ancient or modern have pretty similar requirements. Homes that are secure and stay dry; access to food, water and a chance of good health. Access to good transport / walking links and an occupation were all necessary whether it was the Hunter-Gatherer; the Iron – Age smelter; the local farmer; the trader from afar or “modern” man / woman. For the communities of the past and for the current population these things remain important, and still preoccupy us today. This is what Northstowe and the Guided Bus-way are all about.
Written By HAE Stroude
