SNN116854 - Earls Barton, Northamptonshire: Geophysical Survey Report

Cura Terrae Land and Nature was commissioned by Richborough to conduct a geophysical survey on land at Earls Barton, Northamptonshire. The survey produced good results and has not identified anyanomalies that have been interpreted as being of a confident archaeological origin.However, a single linear anomaly has been tentatively interpreted as possible archaeology in the northern part of Field 1. The morphology of this anomaly is indicative of a cut and infilled ditch feature and most likely indicates a former, unmapped boundary.Historical agricultural activity in the form of ridge and furrow is also present throughout the Site. The possible archaeological feature does not appear to be respected by historical cultivation.Ferrous disturbances and increased magnetic responses were located within Fields 1, 2 and 3, though those disturbances within Field 1 are probably caused by proximity to agricultural buildings. The remaining ferrous disturbances have been caused by areas of modern waste and proximity to metal fencing. Ferrous “spike” anomalies, located throughout the Site, are likely to be caused by agricultural or modern waste and debris within the underlying topsoil. Modern agricultural activity is also noted in the form of land drains.