SNN115962 - Watford Gap, West Northamptonshire: Archaeological Geophysical Survey

AOC Archaeology Group was commissioned by Landgage Heritage to undertake an archaeological gradiometer geophysical survey to investigate the potential for buried archaeological remains prior to a proposed development at Watford Gap, Northamptonshire, centred at NGR SP 59601 67651.The survey area is located on a single pasture field to the west of the A5, 200 metres west of the Watford Gap services on the M1 motorway. The survey area is largely flat with an eastward slope on the southeastern portion of the survey area. Part of the survey could not be completed due to two clumps of trees in the north of the survey area and also more widely due to the presence of hay bales across the whole of the survey area, while the area to the southwest consisted of overgrown vegetation. Normally we would insist on returning to complete the survey in full, with the bales removed as per the good practice guidelines. However, project time constraints have made this more difficult to take place from our client’s perspective. This would have been of an issue if we hadn’t been able to establish the potential of below ground remains due to obstructions. However, in this instance the survey as a whole still allows for the potential for below ground remains to be evaluated even with the gaps in the data. It has clearly demonstrated that below ground archaeology is likely to be present within the surveyed areaThe overall background magnetic responses across the site are quiet except for a magnetically enhanced section in the centre of the survey area. The provenance of this area of enhanced disturbance is unclear, although an archaeological origin cannot be ruled out.The results of the survey indicate that a known crop mark is possibly visible as a circular area of increased response with a single long ditch within the centre of the survey area (MNN135442). Although difficult to fully discern, the characteristics of the anomaly are consistent with a prehistoric structure.Additional linear anomalies have also been detected in the south of the survey area which have a stronger magnetic response. These appear to form trackways and possible enclosures. These are generally aligned NW-SE and SW-NE. These features are mostly confined to a spread of slightly enhanced magnetism that is unclear in its provenance, and could be of natural or anthropological origin. The relationship between the various sets of linear trends is unclear but the data suggests the potential or different phases of activity.Several other small linear anomalies of an unclear origin are located across the survey area which may relate to agricultural practices.Ridge and furrow ploughing is present across the survey area, running in a roughly northwest to southeast direction, overlying the over possible archaeological features.Smaller areas of enhanced magnetic disturbance across the survey area, particularly the edges of the survey, are associated with modern disturbance from wire fencing, buildings, and telegraph poles.