NHER 66448 (Monument record) - Prehistoric pits and undated probable plough furrows

October 2020-March 2021. Geophysical Survey.
Magnetometer survey of site on proposed route of Anglian Water Bexwell to Bury St Edmunds pipeline (Area 7).
This survey revealed no anomalies of definite archaeological significance.
It is tentatively suggested that numerous east-to-west and west-north-west to east-south-east linear anomalies might represent traces of medieval or early post-medieval ridge and furrow cultivation, although it is noted that this is somewhat doubtful due to their irregular spacing. As with similar responses noted in the field to the north (NHER 66447) they may well be the result of much more recent agricultural activity. The only other anomalies of possible interest are a cluster of somewhat amorphous responses at the southern end of the area examined. These are recorded as being of undetermined origin but may represent infilled pit-type features. Various other linear and discrete anomalies to the north are all thought to be of natural origin, most likely representing irregularities in the underlying geology.
A number of scattered dipolar anomalies are likely to have been caused by ferrous material on or close to the surface (probably modern debris).
See report (S1) for further details.
P. Watkins (HES), 22 November 2022.

July 2021. Desk-based Assessment.
Assessment of potentially impact of proposed Anglian Water Bexwell to Bury St Edmunds pipeline.
For further details see report (S2), which was submitted as part of the Environmental Statement for the scheme.
P. Watkins (HES), 22 November 2022.

September 2021. Trial Trenching.
Evaluation of site on proposed route of Anglian Water Bexwell to Bury St Edmunds pipeline (Trenches 28-30)
The three trenches excavated at location revealed two adjacent, intercutting pits and several linear features.
The pits coincided with the cluster of discrete anomalies identified by the preceding geophysical survey and both contained prehistoric pottery sherds and fragments of animal bone. Although much of the pottery is undiagnostic, several sherds are regarded as potentially Late Bronze Age/Early Iron Age.
Three parallel west-north-west to east-south-east aligned linear features exposed in the northernmost trench were interpreted as probable plough furrows.
Information from draft report. Final version awaited.
P. Watkins (HES), 22 November 2022.