NHER 66328 (Monument record) - Remains of probable Bronze Age round barrow and undated ditches, pits and post-holes

February-March 2017. Geophysical Survey.
Magnetometer survey of site on possible route of Hornsea Project Three offshore wind farm onshore cable (GS13). This site was one of 26 identified as a priority for examination due to their archaeological potential.
This survey recorded a sub-circular anomaly at TG 1252 1341 that extended beyond the southern limits of the area examined. This is likely to relate to the probable Bronze Age round barrow noted at this location in 1950 (NHER 7803 - the recorded position of which was initially approximately 50m to the north-west). Several additional curvilinear anomalies were also identified to the south of the probable ring-ditch, although their weak nature means that an archaeological origin is much less certain. Weak positive linear trends to the north are also regarded as being of indeterminate origin.
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 (S1).
P. Watkins (HES), 19 February 2025.

November 2021-March 2022. Geophysical Survey.
Magnetometer survey of site on proposed route of Hornsea Project Three offshore wind farm onshore cable (Areas 4901 and 49).
This survey recorded the remainder of the sub-circular anomaly uncovered in 2017, demonstrating that it was indeed part of a ring-ditch and therefore almost certain associated with the probable barrow previously noted at this location (NHER 7803). A strong discrete anomaly within the ring-ditch potentially represents an associated feature. Other potentially archaeologically-significant anomalies recorded at this location included a short linear anomaly adjacent to the barrow and a short curvilinear anomaly approximately 80m to the east that may represent part of another ring-ditch. Isolated strong discrete anomalies were also recorded in several other parts of the site.
The majority of the other anomalies were probably the result of either variations in the underlying geology or recent agricultural activity.
There was no evidence for surviving remains associated with several fragmentary linear cropmarks mapped at the southern end of the site (part of groups recorded as NHER 50618 and 53632). It should though be noted that much of this area was obscured by magnetic disturbance that had probably been caused by industrial waste or other modern debris.
Information from draft report. Final version awaited.
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 (P3TT20; Trenches 1181-1208).
Two of the 28 trenches excavated at this location were positioned to target the probable ring-ditch identified by the preceding geophysical surveys. The northern part of the ring-ditch was shown to be associated with a single large feature, but the western and eastern portions investigated showed evidence for recutting. Two features adjacent to these ditches represented either pits or the termini of additional ditch segments. Both trenches recorded deposits within the interior of the ring-ditch that were likely to represent the traces of a mound. Unfortunately no dating evidence was recovered and samples taken from two deposits produced only charcoal. It is though highly likely that these features and deposits represented the remnants of a Bronze Age round barrow – almost certainly the mound that had been noted at this approximate location in 1950 (NHER 7803).
A number of poorly dated features were recorded in the area to the north of the barrow, including a north-west to south-east aligned ditch that produced a single pottery sherd of possible Iron Age date. The other features included an extensive north-north-west to south-south-east aligned ditch seen in three trenches, a pit and two possible post-holes – none of which produced any finds.
The eight trenches excavated in the northmost part of the site were entirely devoid of archaeological remains.
Two trenches placed to target the linear and curvilinear geophysical anomalies identified close to the barrow revealed no corresponding sub-surface remains - suggesting both were non-archaeological in origin. The other trenches excavated to the south of the barrow revealed only a single undated pit. This had a charcoal-flecked fill and contained a small amount of burnt flint.
The southernmost trench was positioned to coincide with two of the cropmarks mapped at this location (part of groups recorded as NHER 50618 and 53632) but no associated features were uncovered.
Information from draft report. Final version awaited.
P. Watkins (HES), 19 February 2025.