SNN106246 - Land East of Daventry, Northamptonshire: Recorded Scanning and Detailed Gradiometer Survey Report, 2008

Wessex Archaeology was commissioned by CgMs Consulting to conduct a geophysical survey on land approx centred on 459360 262265. Recorded scanning was conducted over 156ha, comprising the land considered available for development. Following interpretation of the scanning data, 26.9ha of detailed survey was conducted in sixteen locations, positioned throughout the development area so as to investigate scanned anomalies, along with areas with quiet magnetic backgrounds. In addition to this a further 3.8ha of detailed survey had previously been conducted by Durham University within the site; the results of which are also included in this report. The significant features of archaeological interest are located in the north-eastern region of the site. The features in these areas indicate the presence of enclosures and therefore a possible settlement, which may continue to the east, outside of the area surveyed for this report. Several complexes of enclosures and field systems have been identified, along with a number of associated anomalies. Numerous relict fields and former field boundaries have also been identied, along with evidence for historic ploughing. Many of the other anomalies and trends detected through the detailed survey are likely to be of archaeological origin. However, the recorded scanning survey indicates that the majority of the site is magnetically quiet and does not contain features of archaeological interest.