NHER 68890 (Monument record) - Medieval or post-medieval chalk quarry and other, undated features

June 2024. Geophysical Survey.
Magnetometer survey of proposed development site.
This survey identified a number a linear responses including two adjacent north-north-east to south-south-west anomalies which correspond with a very low bank and adjacent shallow ditch visible within LiDAR data available for the site. These potentially represent either a drainage feature or the remains of a former trackway or road that predated the establishment of the formal gardens to the south. No associated feature can be seen on the available 19th-century maps. A north-to-south aligned linear anomaly in the north-east corner of the site does however correspond with a former trackway shown on the Ordnance Survey First Edition Six-inch map (S1). A west-north-west to east-south-west aligned linear anomaly close to the southern edge of the site also appears to correspond with a negative feature in the LiDAR data and potentially represents a boundary or drainage feature.
A series of parallel east-to-west aligned linear anomalies in the westernmost part of the site are likely to represent cultivation trends (and possibly the traces of ridge and furrow).
A large amorphous discrete anomaly in the south-east corner of the site is likely to mark the location of an infilled chalk pit. Various other smaller discrete anomalies may also represent pit-type features.
Scattered strong dipolar responses were probably caused by ferrous metal or highly fired material on or close to the field surface (most likely modern debris).
See report (S2) for further details.
P. Watkins (HES), 27 January 2025.

September 2024. Trial Trenching.
The 17 trenches excavated revealed a small number of scattered features, the majority of which were of only limited archaeological significance. The most notable was a large chalk extraction pit in the south-east corner of the site that corresponded with a geophysical anomaly. This was found to contain small amounts of Iron Age, Roman and medieval pottery, along with a tile of probable Roman date. It is entirely possible that all these finds were residual within what was actually a post-medieval quarry. A sample taken from its fill proved to be largely sterile.
Other features recorded included two ditches, a pit and two possible post-holes - all of which were undated. None of the linear anomalies identified by the preceding geophysical survey were found to be associated with sub-surface remains.
No unstratified finds were recovered.
See report (S3) for further details.
P. Watkins (HES), 27 January 2025.