NHER 55993 (Monument record) - Probable ditches of post-medieval and unknown date

May-June 2009. Geophysical Survey.
Magnetometry survey of proposed development area (Field 13).
The survey revealed a number of linear anomalies, several of which are likely to represent soil-filled ditches. Of these, one north-west to south-east aligned anomaly clearly corresponds with a former field boundary marked on the 1839 Colney Tithe map (S1). Several parallel anomalies potentially represent related field boundaries that had already been removed by this time. There are though also two somewhat sinuous, adjoining linear anomalies that are clearly unrelated to the post-medieval field system and therefore potentially represent boundaries associated with an earlier system of land division.
An area anomaly of uncertain orgin was also identified towards the centre of the field.
See report (S2) for further details.
S. Howard (HES), 18 August 2011.

July 2012. Desk-based Assessment.
Heritage assessment of proposed development site.
This study emphasises the extensive evidence for prehistoric activity in the area, with the potential for remains of this date adjudged to be high.
See report (S3) for further details.
P. Watkins (HES), 25 January 2021.

August 2012. Geophysical Survey.
Magnetometer surveys of additional areas to east and south-east of block examined in 2009 (Field 3).
Three additional potentially archaeologically-significant linear anomalies were identified in the north-eastmost part of the site, although the alignments of these suggest that at least two are associated with the later post-medieval field system. An area of magnetic disturbance in the far north-eastern corner of the field coincides with the location of a former quarry pit marked on early Ordnance Survey maps.
As in the field to the east (NHER 61168) a number of more sinous linear anomalies were interpreted as representing natural channels or geological patterning. Numerous discrete anomalies were also believed to be of natural, geological origin.
As during the earlier survey there was no evidence for sub-surface remains associated with the cropmark ring-ditches recorded in the southern part of the field (NHER 36402) - although it should be noted that on both occasions only relatively small parts of this area were examined.
See report (S4) for further details.
P. Watkins (HES), 25 January 2021.