SNN107714 - Archaeological Evaluation Report: Geophysical Surveys at Canons Ashby, Northamptonshire

An extensive geophysical survey was undertaken of the National Trust’s land-holding at Canons Ashby in Northamptonshire. The survey commissioned by the National Trust comprised magnetometry and earth resistance at various locations within the property grounds. The earth resistance survey in the Graveyard has identified remains of the priory, mainly as an area of high resistance that is most likely caused by rubble spreads. Within the data however it is possible to identify the probable remains of priory walls, giving some indication of the layout of the complex. The survey within the Orchard has proved less effective, although a number of anomalies have been identified including the remains of former buildings that are probably of 19th century and later date. The earth resistance survey on the top and to the side of the Castle Mound has provided particularly significant results, with a number of high resistance anomalies recorded forming a circle around the top of the monument. These may be evidence of a former defensive circuit, adding further weight to the suggestion the feature may be the remnants of a motte and bailey castle, perhaps an ‘adulterine’ castle of the 12th century. The Keep Field has also provided significant results that clearly correlate with the RCHME topographic survey of the estate in 1992. The magnetometry survey has identified individual crofts, and internal elements such as ovens or hearths, possibly dating back to the 12th century when the priory was originally granted and the existing village may have been moved, or when the village was first created before the Doomsday Survey of 1086. The survey has also provided evidence that suggests that the ridge and furrow that can be seen as a series of earthworks to the north-east of the settlement remains probably continued below these, indicating the ploughed field areas was reduced during the construction of the settlement. The park has provided the most complex results, with a large number of linear anomalies probably indicating a landscape that has developed over a considerable period of time. Magnetic anomalies in the vicinity of the Mound may represent boundaries and structures associated with the monument, with further remains probably linked to the medieval settlement, including further evidence of ridge and furrow cultivation. A number of anomalies may pre-date the settlement and Mound remains however, including a potential double-ditched enclosure that is partially visible in the data.