SNN116208 - AWHb Final Report for Geophysical Magnetometer Survey at Spella House, Lower Boddington Cutting, Sheep Wash, Boddington Cutting and Lower Boddington, Lower Boddington Embankment, Northamptonshire and Warwickshire (AC320/3)

This report details the results of a geophysical survey conducted across 11 fields within parcel AC320/3 along the route for the proposed Phase One of High Speed Two. The magnetometer survey was conducted during a number of phases across the months of August, September and December during 2018 and January 2019, in accordance with the HS2 Technical Specifications for Geophysical Survey. The survey was conducted over approximately c.19.52 ha of land and the results have identified the following key findings. No trends of a definitive archaeological nature were identified in the datasets across the parcel. A number of anomalies have been identified which are likely to be archaeological in origin. However, without supporting evidence in the form of HER or cropmark data, or without further intrusive investigation, the trends cannot be classed as definitively archaeological. Trends of a possible archaeological nature have been identified in Fields 3A, 3D and 3G. Given the presence of a former Roman road running directly next to these fields, as well as the presence of known archaeology in Lower Boddington to the south-east of the site, it is highly likely that a number of these trends are archaeological in origin. A probable archaeological settlement has been identified in the datasets for Field 3D. A number of square enclosures or houses alongside a roundhouse have been identified, alongside linear trends suggestive of a boundary or trackway around which the remains appear to be arranged. A cluster of possible small roundhouses have been identified in the dataset for Field 3G, though the magnetic strength of the remains are very weak. The houses are small at 5m in width, and trends identified adjacent to this could also be archaeological in origin. Trends of an uncertain origin can be seen throughout the datasets of the site. In some places, the trends are likely to be archaeological given their proximity to trends of a probable archaeological origin, for example those seen in Fields 3D and 3G. Other trends are indicative of archaeological remains but are more likely to be the result of agricultural or natural variations in the ground, such as those observed in Field 3B. A small number of former field boundaries are visible throughout the site, all of which have been confirmed through comparison of the data with historical mapping. Ridge and furrow ploughing trends can be seen in all of the datasets throughout the site, showing that the area has been extensively and historically farmed. It is probable that a number of the uncertain trends visible in the dataset will relate to medieval activities. A small amount of modern magnetic disturbance is visible, but the datasets present an image of a predominantly agricultural landscape.