SNN108060 - Geophysical Surveys of Land to The North West of Crick, Northamptonshire

In June 2011, North Pennines Survey CIC, commissioned by Wardell Armstrong LLP on behalf of their client, Gallagher Estates Ltd, undertook geophysical surveys of land adjacent to the northwest of Crick, Northamptonshire (centred on Ordinance Survey grid reference SP 5847 7276). It was believed that archaeological remains could survive at the site, including the remains of ridge and furrow cultivation (HER references 8074/0/22 and 8074/0/36) and possible activity relating to quarrying, which has previously been recorded to the immediate north of the site, and dated tentatively to the Roman period (HER reference 433/0/1). The objective of the geophysical surveys was to determine the presence/absence, nature and extent of potential archaeological features within the study area, and the presence/absence of any known modern features within the survey area, which may affect the results. The results of the project were to be used to inform the need for further archaeological work, or mitigation measures, should potential significant archaeological remains be identified during the project. Geomagnetic surveys covering 6.7ha of land have been conducted within four fields on the northwest sode of the town. Large parts of the geophysical study area were dominated by the magnetic fields generated by modern features, including an electricity pylon, telegraph posts, services and metal fences. A former access road to the Midland Meat Packers Factory was also detected crossing the study area, which dominated the results of the geophysical survey in the immediate vicinity. The most notable feature detected by geophysical survey was a square feature, measuring c.60m across, interpreted as a possible ditched enclosure. This may have one or more entrances on the southwest side and contained possible ring ditches, perhaps representing one or more round houses. Similar circular and curvilinear features were detected to the southwest of this feature. Given the archaeological background of the surrounding area it is possible that these features are associated with an Iron Age or Romano-British farmstead. The remains of ridge and furrow cultivation of medieval or later date were also detected by the geophysical survey to the south and west of this possible enclosure, along with a possible field boundary ditch. However, the presence or absence of this across the interior of the enclosure was uncertain. It is recommended that the results of the geophysical surveys are tested through the excavation of a series of trial trenches across the site, targeting both the geophysical anomalies, and also testing areas apparently devoid of archaeological features. Further information regarding the nature and extent of the identified features could also be provided by further detailed geophysical survey.