SNN107330 - Belle Baulk, Towcester, Northamptonshire: Magnetometer Survey Report

A magnetometer survey for an area of land to the north west of Towcester, proposed for residentual development. An area of approc 4.1ha was covered across ploughed land and represents all accessible parts of the site. The soils were conducive to magnetic prospection and a number of anomalies were located. Interpretation of the anomalies is limited by their fragmented appearance and/or low magnitude or lack of morphological evidence. Within the central part of the site, several weak and fragmented positive linear anomalies may form a rectilinear feature, although this interpretation is tentative. Disturbance to the linear elements forming the feature may have been caused by agricultural cultivation, and, therefore, may indicate an early date. Several sub-rounded or sub-rectangular positive anomalies were located within the survey area. The magnetic response may be indicative of magnetically enhanced soil within pit-like features or depressions. Although a natural origin is possible, the anomalies may be of anthropogenic origin and their archaeological potential should be considered. A zone of magnetic debris located within the southern part of the site has been caused by magnetically thermoremnant material, such as tile and brick, derived from Belle Baulk farm demolished during the 20th century. Other zones of magnetic debris are considered relatively modern in origin and unlikely to be significant. A series of parallel linear anomalies, indicative of former cultivation, and evidence of a removed field boundary attest to the long agricultural use of the area.