Site Event/Activity record ENT5118 - Geophysical Survey near Mattersey Hall, Mattersey

Location

Location Mattersey Hall, Retford Road, Mattersey, Nottinghamshire
Grid reference Centred SK 69131 89059 (210m by 197m)
Map sheet SK68NE
District Bassetlaw
Civil Parish Mattersey, Bassetlaw

Technique(s)

Organisation

Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust

Date

Not recorded.

Map

Description

The site consists of a grassed recreational area split between two levels separated by a grassed bank, and it is enclosed by a mix of wire fence and hedge boundaries. Bordering it to the west is Retford Road, beyond which is housing. To the north is the Mattersey Hall training centre and grounds. To the east and south are arable fields. Equipment: • Bartington 601-2 fluxgate gradiometer. • Trimble GPS with VRS correction capable of between 0.01 and 0.1m accuracy Survey Parameters: • 0.25m sample / 4 points per meter (Y axis) • 1m traverse (X axis) • Zig-zag traverse pattern The survey identified one feature considered to have medium potential based on this analysis. This feature consists of two structural disturbances running parallel with Retford Road. There is a possibility that these structures may be associated with the modern use of the site as a recreation ground, however, the size and rectangular form indicate a potential for them to predate the historic Ordnance Survey mapping of Mattersey. It is therefore recommended that further investigation be undertaken to determine the nature of these anomalies prior to development. Other features of low potential consist of anomalies related to agriculture including cultivation marks and a possible field system. The field system is defined by the two terraces divided by a slope containing a magnetic linear that bisects the site, and a parallel linear present in both the magnetic survey data and National Environment Agency LiDAR data. It is not clear whether a terrace has been artificially created in relation to the site’s use as a recreation ground, with the feature not being recorded on Ordnance Survey mapping between 1885 and 1948. The 1885 6 inch to the mile scale Ordnance survey map depicts isolated trees in the centre of the field that corresponds with the position of the edge of the terrace and could represent the remnants of an earlier boundary. The terracing itself may be the product of cultivation in the form of a lynchet but may also be an artificially enhanced geological feature. A weak linear feature running parallel with the western boundary and Retford Road was also identified both in the magnetic and LiDAR datasets. Whilst this is likely associated with drainage or a former plough headland, there is a possibility that the feature may be associated with an earlier road or boundary.

Sources/Archives (1)

  • --- Unpublished document: Chris Matthews. 2023. Mattersey Hall, Retford: Archaeological Geophysical Survey.

Related Monuments/Buildings (1)

  • Structures near Mattersey Hall, Mattersey (Element)

Record last edited

Aug 9 2024 2:52PM

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