SNN116923 - Geophysical Survey Report of Land north of Roman Road, Northampton West, Northampton

Magnitude Surveys were commissioned to assess the subsurface archaeological potential of c. 21ha of land north of Roman Road, Northampton West, Northampton. A fluxgate gradiometer survey was successfully completed across the survey area and identified anomalies of archaeological, agricultural, natural and modern origins. Evidence for a settlement likely to be Iron Age or Roman in date has been identified, comprising enclosures, pits, trackways and possible burnt features located within a wider field-system. These anomalies confirm and expand on cropmarks previously identified in aerial photographs. Anomalies relating to a possible unmapped quarry have been identified to the southwest of the probable settlement. Historical agricultural activity has been detected, comprised of ridge and furrow cultivation and of possible steam ploughing regimes, while further agricultural trends may relate to modern ploughing. Bands of natural variation have been identified, likely relating to the settling of superficial deposits in the survey area. Anomalies of an undetermined origin have also been identified, and whilst these are most likely a result of agricultural, natural or modern processes, it cannot be ruled out that these are archaeological in origin.