Monument record TQ 53 NW 144 - Geophysical features discovered during works in advance of pipeline work in 2007
Summary
Location
Grid reference | Centred TQ 5302 3826 (1039m by 682m) (5 map features) |
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Map sheet | TQ53NW |
County | KENT |
District | TUNBRIDGE WELLS, KENT |
Civil Parish | SPELDHURST, TUNBRIDGE WELLS, KENT |
Map
Type and Period (1)
Full Description
In 2007 a geophysical survey was carried out in advance of a new pipeline from Groombridge to Langton. Several possible archaeological features were discovered. All were pit-like and were not archaeologically investigated.
The method was as commonly used in pipeline work : "The methodology for the survey is one which has been widely and successfully employed in surveys of gas pipeline routes, and other linear projects. The procedure is based on recorded magnetometer coverage of a continuous sample strip along the route, supplemented by magnetic susceptibility readings.
The specified survey width was 20m, or 10m to either side of the proposed pipe alignment. (We actually surveyed 21m, because it is convenient to work in multiples of 3.) The survey was carried out using Bartington 1m fluxgate magnetometers, with readings plotted at 25cm intervals along transects 1m apart. The results are presented as grey scale plots on figures 2-5, and as graphical or x-y trace plots in the data archive plans (figures 6-7), which are also included in this report. These plots show the readings after standard processing operations including adjustments to the line spacing to correct for variations in the instrument zero setting, and numerical smoothing to reduce background noise levels. "
Most of the features discovered were thought to relate to stray iron objects of large stones but several pit-like features were detected. "Very few of the magnetic anomalies detected by the survey are distinctive enough to be identified as archaeologically significant. Those that have magnetic responses most resembling pit-like features of potential archaeological interest have been outlined in red in plots 13, 16, 18, 19 and 21, of which those in plots 13 and 18 are perhaps slightly more concentrated than elsewhere. None of these appear to be distinct clusters of findings of a kind that would clearly suggest the presence of an ancient settlement site, although the possibility that more isolated archaeological features may be present cannot be excluded on the survey evidence alone.
An area of magnetic disturbance in the middle of plot 4 might represent a former field boundary, but could be remains of a livestock feeder or trough.
Former cultivation effects have been noted in plots 16, 18, and 19.
Scatters of indistinct small magnetic anomalies are present through out the survey. Those that are probably of geological or non-archaeological origin are outlined in orange. The scatter of small anomalies near the southern boundary of plot 3 is probably modern debris, but may relate to the former farm said to have existed nearby."(1)
<1> Bartlett - Clark Consultancy, 2007, GROOMBRIDGE TO LANGTON GREEN: Report on Archaeogeophysical Survey of Proposed Water Pipeline 2007 (Unpublished document). SKE15825.
Sources/Archives (1)
- <1> SKE15825 Unpublished document: Bartlett - Clark Consultancy. 2007. GROOMBRIDGE TO LANGTON GREEN: Report on Archaeogeophysical Survey of Proposed Water Pipeline 2007.
Finds (0)
Protected Status/Designation
- None recorded
Related Monuments/Buildings (0)
Related Events/Activities (1)
- Non-Intrusive Event: Magnetometry and magnetic susceptibility survey along the route of the Groombridge to Langton Reinforcement Transfer pipeline (EKE10171)
Record last edited
Jan 6 2012 12:58PM