Site Event/Activity record ENT4394 - Geophysical Survey at Laxton Castle, Laxton
Location
Location | |
---|---|
Grid reference | Centred SK 71950 67579 (492m by 383m) |
Map sheet | SK76NW |
District | Newark |
Civil Parish | Laxton, Newark |
Technique(s)
Organisation
Birmingham University Field Archaeological Unit
Date
Not recorded.
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Description
Geophysical investigations, including a measured topographical survey of the castle earthworks using differential GPS and EDM, geophysical investigations – earth resistance, ground penetrating radar and gradiometer surveys. The investigation focussed on the main earthworks of the castle motte, the inner bailey and the outer bailey. Anomalies were revealed which may relate to buried archaeological remains. The work was carried out by Nottingham University and Birmingham University as part of a research and training exercise the objective being to create a digital record of the surface and subsurface remains at the site using non-intrusive techniques. The topographical survey was carried out to investigate earth works surrounding and at the castle, the geophysical survey intended to provide information regarding the extent and preservation of any subsurface archaeological remains.
The topographical survey was carried out using a Leica System 500 Differential GPS unit, survey points were downloaded into the site GIS which were then used to create the 3D model of the earthworks. The resistance survey was carried out over a series of 20m x20m grids in the inner bailey and eight 20 x 20 grids in the outer bailey using a Geoscan RM15. Data was collected at 1m x 1m intervals in a zig zag pattern.
A clearly defined L shaped anomaly was clearly visible towards the north of the survey area. The high resistance readings associated with this anomaly suggests buried compact masonry materials which could be related to a previous walled garden.
A larger high resistance feature was identified. This geophysical response could be related to a post medieval manor house documented on a 17th century survey.
A broadly linear high resistance feature was identified which follows the line of the base of the ditch surrounding the motte. The nature of the results suggest again that masonry may lie within the ditches, though this could also be due to moisture sinking to the bottom of the feature leaving the top of the feature dry generating high resistivity results.
The survey also identified an area of irregular resistance to the south of the ditch separating the inner bailey from the motte, this corresponds well with a shallow topographic depression. The results of the gradiometer survey correspond well with the results of the resistivity survey.
The topographical survey has provided a record of the extant earthworks, in addition the geophysical surveys have highlighted areas where concentrations of subsurface anomalies are present. The inner bailey appears to contain buried features which correspond well with the depiction of a post-medieval manor and surrounding gardens. The GPR survey revealed features which are deemed to be significant enough to warrant further investigation.
Sources/Archives (1)
- --- SNT5020 Unpublished document: Mark Kincey, Keith Challis & Sarah Speight. 2005. Laxton Castle Survey: Report on the 2005 Season of Work.
Related Monuments/Buildings (2)
Record last edited
Mar 24 2025 11:09AM