Monument record 6415/0/15 - Probable former ridge and furrow remains

{1} As least two different alignments of parallel positive linear magnetic trends locate subsurface remnants of past ploughing regimes. The spacing and alignment of the magnetic trends suggests that denuded remnants of ridge and furrow earthworks of two different furlongs of the medieval village's open field system are present.

Linear positive anomalies are present at the north and centre of the survey area. These are characteristic of those caused by cut and infilled ditches. The western part of the intermittent southern ditch is only tentatively identified. The anomalies are interpeted as segments of relatively recent agricultural boundary/ drainage ditches.

The trenches confirmed the presence of broadly spaced ENE-WSW aligned shallow U-shaped features at the centre and south of the site, and similar NW-SE aligned features at the north. The features were not dated but their character and alignment suggests that they identify furrows of the open field system.

A geophysical anomaly tentatively interpreted as identifying a cut and infilled field boundary ditch was proved to originate from the fill of a furrow of the open field system.

<1> Cuthbert, M., 2012, Archaeological Evaluation: Banbury Lane, Middleton Cheney, Northamptonshire, p.10,12 (checked) (Report). SNN108278.

Record last edited

Jul 1 2014 12:52PM