SNN102332 - Geophysical survey and watching brief at Kirby Hall, Gretton, Northamptonshire 2000

A geophysical survey using both magnetometer and magnetic susceptibility techniques was carried out on 23ha of land adjacent to the deserted medieval village of Kirby, Gretton, Northamptonshire. The work was undertaken on behalf of English Heritage in order to inform an archaeological assessment of the area prior to the construction of period fortifications for use by the annual History in Action event. The survey identified elements of ditched enclosures, potentially of Romano-British date and a ring ditch possibly denoting a barrow. Both were located at the west of the survey area. Other features detected in theire vicinity included pits and the remains of medieval ridge and furrow cultivation. However, the majority of the survey area contained no archaeological features and revealed only a pattern of modern land drains. A watching brief was undertaken on part of the area during the construction of a period earthwork but no archaeologically significant features were found.