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Some 97 pieces of metalwork, weighing 2084g, were recovered during excavation at Jesus College as part of the refurbishment programme of Chapel Court, and include respectively eight each copper alloy and lead objects, the remainder consisting of iron. Only diagnostic items are described below, the vast majority of the ironwork being undiagnostic and all in a poorly
preserved condition.

This small assemblage from Chapel Court is largely unremarkable, fragmentary and undiagnostic. That a significant proportion of the assemblage was recovered from disturbed and unstratified contexts also attests to the degree of local disturbance that would be expected from a building that has witnessed prolonged use and modifications. Despite the seemingly poor quality of the assemblage, however, two pieces of metalwork stand out. These are the lead stylus and Boy Bishop token. Both associated with religious foundations, the former attests to the degree and type of literacy within the former nunnery of St Rhadegund’s and the latter to celebrations either associated with Christmas or to quasi-commercial activity that took place during the annual fair held at the site (this fair subsequently became Garlic Fair, persisting into the 19th century). The date of these two items suggests they were connected to the nunnery, a view strengthened by the general location where they were found. As such, these items, and the later metalwork objects, provide evidence of the changing nature of the use of the site and of activities that took place within the courtyard, witnessing the transition from a religious foundation to the present day college.

A significant, although poorly stratified, assemblage of clay tobacco pipes (MNI 50) was recovered. The assemblage is predominantly 17th to 18th century in date, although at least one 19th century fragment is present. The assemblage is notable for the presence of six pipes with the initials IK; these were produced by James Kuquit of Cambridge who was active c.1713-50. Two of these have a stamped mark of a crown in relief, on the base of the heel; this particular combination has not been recognised previously. The presence of clay tobacco pipe in a context indicates a date of. c.1580+. Bowls have been categorised using the Oswald general typology (1975). Information on makers derives largely from Cessford (2001), although subsequent unpublished research has modified some of the identification and dating of manufacturers.