SNN111310 - Archaeological evaluation report: Geophysical survey by magnetometry on land at Lyveden new Bield, Northamptonshire

Allen Archaeology Limited was commissioned by the National Trust to undertake a geophysical survey using magnetometry on land at Lyveden New Bield near Oundle, Northamptonshire, as part of a feasibility and scoping study for future land-use. The site lies in an area of archaeological interest, with evidence of activity dating back to the Roman period within the Valley of Lyveden. In the 15th century, the Tresham family acquired the estate and created an elaborate lodge and gardens, but the property was never completed. The estate is now in the care of the National Trust. The survey has revealed a number of features of potential archaeological interest. There are a large number of positive linear and rectilinear features which correspond closely with cropmarks seen on a World War Two Luftwaffe aerial photograph, and represent a medieval moated enclosure, and surrounding areas of ridge and furrow. Of most interest is an area of magnetic noise within the moated enclosure, which could represent demolition rubble associated with possible former buildings. There are a small number of small, curvilinear, positive features within the site that could represent former enclosures, of uncertain date and function Large, linear dipolar features towards the eastern edge of the survey area represent modern services.