Part of a prehistoric burial site has been found near Ely during a series of archaeological investigations.

The site, likely to be from the Bronze Age, was found by the Vistry Group who are currently building properties under its Linden Homes brand at Laithwaite Gardens off Mepal Road in Sutton.

A team of archaeologists from Oxford Archaeology East were brought in to complete the on-site archaeological dig.

They discovered a prehistoric ring ditch, with skeletons, and several other burials in close proximity.

Evidence of fence posts and two simple wells, which may indicate that the area was sub-divided into fields and for crops and livestock, were also found.

As well as a display of pottery fragments and worked flint discovered in the 11 week dig on a 3.7-acre section of the site.

Around 90 visitors got the opportunity to see the findings in December to find out more about how the archaeologists worked and what they discovered.

Laura Thomas, sales manager for Laithwaite Gardens, said: “This was a great opportunity for people living in the area to find out about what the archaeologists have discovered on the site.

“Our visitors found it fascinating to hear what the experts had to say about the excavation.”Ely Standard: The Vistry Group allowed several groups and more than 90 people in total. Credit: Vistry Group.The Vistry Group allowed several groups and more than 90 people in total. Credit: Vistry Group. (Image: Vistry Group)

Vistry liaised with the Cambridgeshire Historic Environment Team, as part of the planning and development process for Laithwaite Gardens, who advised on what fieldwork was required.

Senior planner for Vistry East Midlands, Rebecca Smith, said the site’s area is of “archaeological potential” so the team requested a pre-commencement planning condition requiring archaeological work to be carried out.

Findings of the dig, completed at the beginning of this year, will now be radiocarbon-dated.

An assessment of the site and a report outlining the discoveries will be written up.

Co-ordinator of the project, Chris Clarke, of environmental consulting company RPS Group, explained that the artefacts will be preserved by record due to their local importance.

Construction work on phase two of Laithwaite Gardens will begin this year as the finished archaeological inspection brings phase 1 of Vistry’s plans to an end.