Site Event/Activity record ENT4348 - Desk-Based Assessment at Stud Farm, Bilsthorpe

Location

Location Stud Farm, Bilsthorpe, Nottinghamshire
Grid reference Centred SK 64798 62324 (284m by 523m)
Map sheet SK66SW
District Newark
Civil Parish Bilsthorpe, Newark

Technique(s)

Organisation

CgMs

Date

Not recorded.

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Description

This report concerns the Land at Stud Farm, Bilsthorpe, Nottinghamshire. The site is being considered for a solar farm development and it has been assessed to establish its archaeological potential. It is approx. 9.14 hectares in extent. Initially the report found to site to have low archaeological potential, however the results of the geophysical survey revealed a sub-rectangular enclosure containing possible pits or postholes, and associated linears emanating from the enclosure along with a possible oven in the northern part of the site, the report was later amended and states the site is now considered that such remains are likely to have local significance. The study discusses the land use of the area throughout archaeological periods, and also in-cludes “undated features”. The report suggests that there is little prehistoric activity, low potential for Roman activity and states that the site is likely to have been wooded up until the medieval period. Cartographic evidence (O.S 1885) shows the site was later split into two fields, likely to be used for agriculture. Geophysical Survey The survey area was approximately 11km east of Mansfield and 2km north of Bilsthorpe, to the immediate east of Cutts Wood. Summary of Results A ditched enclosure has been detected in the north of the survey area; it appears to be subdivided and further ditches extend from the enclosure. However, the magnetic strength of the latter diminishes away from the centre of activity and it is difficult to follow their course. Within the enclosure is a series of probable rubbish and storage pits; the regular alignment of some of the pits suggests some could be large post pits for a structure. Outside of the enclosure is a possible oven or small kiln-like feature. Anomalies relating to agricultural practices on the site and geological changes have also been detected; in addition there are dipolar anomalies produced by ferrous or fired debris in the topsoil. Three electricity poles can clearly be seen as large ferrous anomalies in the centre of the survey. The Geophysical report contains images and interpretation of results. There is also a record of a ditched trackway of approximately 8m width, with a suggested Iron Age/Roman date, though this has not been mapped by the NMP (NMR Ref: 1457532). There are a series of linear cropmarks c.800m north-west of the site. Possibly related to the feature revealed in the geophysical survey. The report consulted a comprehensive list of documentary sources including the HER, NMP for example. It contains a map regression exercise and photos and details of a site visit.

Sources/Archives (1)

  • --- Unpublished document: Caroline Butler. 2015. Stud Farm, Bilsthorpe, Nottinghamshire: Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment.

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Record last edited

Feb 19 2025 3:00PM

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