NHER 66315 (Monument record) - Undated and post-medieval or earlier ditches

February-March 2017. Geophysical Survey.
Magnetometer survey of site on possible route of Hornsea Project Three offshore wind farm onshore cable (GS12). This site was one of 26 identified as a priority for examination due to their archaeological potential.
The survey identified a number of linear anomalies that correspond with former field boundaries depicted on the Morton on the Hill tithe map (S1). These include a slightly curvilinear feature running between TG 1248 1675 and TG 1261 1680 that potentially represents a boundary of some age. Three of these anomalies are also associated with previously recorded cropmark features (part of an extensive group of probable medieval and post-medieval boundaries and drains recorded as NHER 35933). There was though no evidence for surviving remains associated with the more fragmentary cropmarks that fell within the area examined.
Several clusters of discrete anomalies in the central and southern parts of the site may also represent archaeologically-significant pit-type features, although a natural origin is also possible.
An east-north-east to west-south-west aligned negative linear anomaly crossing the southernmost part of the site is probably related to a modern service.
Information from draft report. Final version awaited.
P. Watkins (HES), 19 February 2025.

May 2018. Desk-based Assessment.
Environmental Impact Assessment of the potential impacts of the proposed Hornsea Project Three offshore wind farm on the historic environment. This study incorporated the results of an initial walkover survey and the first phases of geophysical survey.
See relevant chapter of Environmental Statement and associated appendices for further detail (S2).
P. Watkins (HES), 19 February 2025.

February-June 2022. Trial Trenching.
Evaluation of site on proposed route of Hornsea Project Three offshore wind farm onshore cable (P1TT14; Trenches 76-82).
The seven trenches excavated revealed a number of ditches, although the majority produced no dating evidence. Two can though be seen to coincide with former field boundaries depicted on the Morton on the Hill tithe map (S1). These features also correspond with two of the linear cropmarks previously noted at this location (a group of probable medieval and post-medieval boundaries and drains recorded as NHER 35933). An adjacent ditch on a slightly different alignment also corresponds with a mapped cropmark. Two refitting fragments of a Roman or medieval brick recovered from this ditch were the only dating evidence recovered from the excavated features.
Two trenches placed to coincide with one of the groups of potentially archaeological-significant groups of discrete anomalies identified by the preceding geophysical survey revealed no corresponding remains, with only a colluvial layer recorded.
Unstratified finds were limited to a single medieval pottery sherd.
Information from draft report. Final version awaited.
P. Watkins (HES), 19 February 2025.