Monument record 9817/0/15 - Probable Medieval/Post Medieval Ridge & Furrow

{1} Numerous linear trends were picked up by the geophysical survey. Within Area 1A several faint parallel trends aligned approximately north-east to south-west were also recorded and may reflect the remains of a former trackway. All areas of detailed survey (Areas 1-5) showed the linear trends, with the exception of Area 1B.

{2} A series of parallel linear anomalies within Areas 6A and 6B are attributed to former cultivation, possibly ridge and furrow.

{3} The data for Areas 8B and 8C contains a number of parallel linear anomalies which are interpreted as modern ploughing, although it is possible that they reflect ridge and furrow. Several other linear responses are broadly parallel with the ploughing trend and may also relate to agricultural practice.
The data for Areas 9A-C is dominated by strong parallel linear responses which are attributed to past ridge and furrow cultivation, along with two field boundaries at each end of the survey area.
The data for Areas 5B-D is also dominated by strong parallel linear responses which are attributed to past ridge and furrow cultivation.
Within Area 10 the data contained anomalies characteristic of ridge and furrow.
Within Areas 11A and B ridge and furrow is discernable, but becoming weak and dispersed within Area 11B.

{4} An area of excavation was carried out along the projected road line in the north-western part of the new village. Four features were revealed. These were wide, shallow linear features, all orientated approximately north-east to south-west. They were evenly spaced and about 0.10m depp x 2m wide, each with a flat base and concave sides. The features are interpreted as furrow bases connected with ridge and furrow cultivation. A small amount of post medieval pottery was recovered from the topsoil, dating from the C18th onwards, as well as fragments of modern glass bottles.

<1> Nicholls J., 1999, Mawsley New Village, Northamptonshire, p.2-4 (checked) (Report). SNN100532.

<2> Stephens C., 1999, Mawsley New Village II, Northamptonshire, p.2 (checked) (Report). SNN100533.

<3> Weston D., 2000, Mawsley New Village III, Northamptonshire, p.2-3 (checked) (Report). SNN100534.

<4> Slatcher D., 2000, A Fieldwalking Survey, Trial Trenching Evaluation and Area Excavation At Mawsley New Village, Kettering, Northamptonshire, p.7-8 (checked) (Report). SNN100536.

Record last edited

Mar 29 2010 11:35AM