SNN110447 - Land at Doddington Road, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire: Geophysical Survey, September 2013

Detailed magnetic gradiometer survey was undertaken in connection with proposed development on land at Doddington Road, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire. The survey area totalled c. 16ha. The survey revealed a number of features of probable archaeological origin, for the most part in the western of the two fields (Area 1). Here, a series of linear anomalies, although somewhat disconnected, appears to define three sides of a small enclosure. There is no clear relationship with the ridge and furrow pattern (seen across much of the survey area, but here rather indistinct), but the alignment and form of the enclosure suggests something of earlier than medieval date. Another short disconnected length to the southeast is of similar character and alignment and may be related. Discrete positive anomalies in the vicinity may represent pit features, however these are not confined to the interior of the enclosure so any direct relationship remains uncertain (and responses of similar character can be seen in the centre of the eastern field, Area 2). Further linear positive anomalies in the northwest of Area 1 probably also represent archaeological features. Discrete positive anomalies are more widespread but rather sparse and without clear context. Given the variability of the background an archaeological interpretation for these remains uncertain. Remaining responses within the survey generally result from remnants of medieval ridge and furrow cultivation, defunct field boundaries and broader background geological variation.