Site Event/Activity record ENT4396 - Laxton Castle Survey – Report on the 2006 Season of Work

Location

Location
Grid reference SK 72000 67500 (point)
Map sheet SK76NW
District Newark
Civil Parish Laxton, Newark

Technique(s)

Organisation

Birmingham Archaeology

Date

Not recorded.

Map

Description

This is a geophysical survey which took place as ongoing research and training project coordinated by the University of Nottingham and Birmingham Archaeology. This report is a continuation of the research carried out in 2005. The 2006 work included a topographical survey of the castle earthworks and geophysical investigations incorporating earth resistance, ground-penetrating radar and gradiometer surveys. The survey was designed to gain further information on the areas to the southeast and northwest of the castle, as well as enhancing the level of detail ascertained in the 2005 surveys. A series of anomalies which correspond to features visible on the 1635 map if Laxton were observed, as well as other anomalies of unknown function and date. 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. The report contains a visual representation of the topographical survey (see SNT5020 for further information). The resistance survey revealed a broadly linear anomaly to the northwest (extending west east direction) of the study area – 21m long and 8m wide, the report states that this ‘clearly follows the line of the base of the ditch surrounding the motte’, though goes on to suggest that it could ‘relate to some form of buried masonry’. A series of rectilinear anomalies were identified on higher ground linking the inner bailey to the motte, the report suggests that ‘together these features appear to form a rectilinear structure or enclosure outline or remains of the post medieval manor house previously present at the site. The report contains images of these features. The GPR survey returned a response to a feature measuring 12m in length and 2m wide, running parallel to the ditch and separating the inner bailey from the motte. Other features were revealed, the report contains the images produced from the survey and a site map.

Sources/Archives (1)

  • --- Unpublished document: Birmingham Archaeology. 2006. Laxton Castle Survey – Report on the 2006 Season of Work.

Related Monuments/Buildings (1)

  • LAXTON CASTLE (Monument)

Record last edited

Oct 18 2018 3:52PM

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