Site Event/Activity record ENT5326 - Geophysical Survey at Ollerton

Location

Location Ollerton, Newark, Nottinghamshire
Grid reference Centred SK 67187 67035 (631m by 439m)
Map sheet SK66NE
District Newark
Civil Parish Ollerton, Newark

Technique(s)

Organisation

ECUS ltd

Date

Not recorded.

Map

Description

The Site lies c. 1.3 km south-east of the centre of Ollerton and is situated east of Newark Road. The area of geophysical survey is c.10.8 ha and comprises two arable fields. The survey area is bounded by a railway line to the north, and hedgerows and trees to the west, south and east. An industrial estate is noted to the west beyond, and further agricultural land to the south and east. Ollerton Pit Wood is to the north beyond the railway line. The geophysical survey was completed using a Sensys FMG650/3 dual magnetic gradiometer system with a data logger. Readings were recorded at a resolution of 0.01 nT and data collected with a traverse interval of 1 m and a sample interval of 0.20 - 0.25 m. Data was collected by traversing the survey area in 5 m increments employing a hand-pushed non-magnetic cart-system to achieve the best possible results. Real Time Kinematic (RTK) differential GPS equipment was used to accurately determine the position of the survey equipment and subsequent data. Several linear and rectilinear anomalies have been identified that may indicate an earlier pattern of land division. These do not correspond to the position of any known features recorded on historical OS mapping of the area, but are on a parallel alignment, so may evidence a further medieval strip field boundary. However, an earlier origin cannot be ruled out. Several positive, circular anomalies have also been identified. These anomalies indicate pit-like features in the underlying deposits and may be evidence of refuse or extraction pits, although a natural origin is possible. At the south end of the site, the anomalies are in a broadly aligned position. This may strengthen their potential to be evidence of an earlier boundary feature. If any date can be ascribed, it is possible these anomalies may evidence features associated with medieval activity noted in the surrounding area, although they cannot be confidently interpreted. Evidence of historical cultivation has also been identified in the form of ridge and furrow. This is noted in the north-east corner of one field. Closer spaced trends are noted across the entirety of the field. These may also evidence earlier agricultural activity, although correspond to the modern pattern of land division. Five anomalies that correspond to the position of historical boundaries recorded on Ordnance Survey (OS) mapping dating to the 19th century have been identified. These are noted in a closer, strip field formation to the south-west of the second field. Weakly positive and dipolar linear anomalies have been identified in parallel and herringbone formations across the second field. These are most likely evidence of land drains. The remaining anomalies are likely to be modern in origin, although some uncertain trends in the first field are not confidently interpreted. These are probably evidence of modern agricultural activity or land drains but may indicate further potential ditch features.

Sources/Archives (1)

  • --- Unpublished document: Alex Schmidt. 2024. Ollerton, Newark, Nottinghamshire: Geophysical Survey Report.

Related Monuments/Buildings (1)

  • Possible Land Divisions at Ollerton (Element)

Record last edited

May 28 2025 2:19PM

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