Site Event/Activity record ENT5432 - Geophysical Survey at Crimea Farm, Mansfield Woodhouse

Location

Location Crimea Farm, Mansfield Woodhouse, Nottinghamshire
Grid reference Centred SK 55466 64383 (475m by 746m)
Map sheet SK56SE
District Mansfield
Civil Parish Mansfield Woodhouse, Mansfield

Technique(s)

Organisation

Cura Terrae

Date

Not recorded.

Map

Description

The site was c. 12.9 ha in size, comprised of one field, and was situated approximately 1.7 km northeast of the town of Mansfield Woodhouse, and approximately 3.6 km northeast of the town of Mansfield, in the county of Nottinghamshire. This geophysical survey was completed using a Sensys FMG650/3 system. 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 between 0.16 - 0.25 m. Data was collected by traversing the survey area in 4 m increments using a quadbike-towed non-magnetic cart system to achieve the best possible results. The geophysical survey produced good results throughout and confirmed the presence of anomalies that have been interpreted as being possibly archaeological in origin. However, due to the localised geological variation noted in the survey data, a more confident assertion for the origin of these cannot be given. Three, weakly positive curvilinear anomalies are noted in the northeast corner of the site. It is possible they constitute the remains of a singular, ovular enclosure of unknown pre-historic provenance. A break noted in the northwest corner may also denote a possible entrance. This is supported by the presence of a former Roman Road illustrated on historical OS maps (1888 – 1915) noted as ‘Leeming Lane (Roman Road)’ which is situated on the modern A60, east of the Site. Furthermore, the weak magnetic response within the dataset could indeed be the result of topographic elevation noted within the northeast portion the Site, both on satellite imagery and historical OS maps (1888 – 1915). Localised variations within the underlying geology also cannot be entirely ruled out. Two rectilinear anomalies and a single linear anomaly of varying response are also noted in the northeast corner of the site and are indeed located within the centre of the proposed, ovular enclosure. It is plausible they are the remains of a single rectilinear enclosure. The overall morphology differs from other nearby anomalies, and it cannot be currently inferred as to whether these anomalies are associated with three curvilinear anomalies mentioned above therefore suggesting a different phase of land use within the historical landscape. A weakly positive, ovular anomaly is present within the centre of the site. It is situated 32 m south of three curvilinear anomalies. Though smaller in scale, its morphology is suggestive of a shared phase of land use of possible pre-historic provenance. Though this cannot be inferred with certainty. Several weakly positive anomalies are noted in the southern portion of the site. Their circular and ovular morphologies are characteristic of former ring-ditches of likely Iron-Age to Romano-British provenance. Though, it cannot be determined if they share the same phase of land use with noted anomalies in the northern portion of the site. However, it is also plausible that the weak responses are the result of modern agricultural activity Two curvilinear anomalies of weak response are noted in the southwest corner of the site and likely denote a former boundary. A weak circular anomaly is also incorporated into overall morphology, suggesting a singular feature. Furthermore, three anomalies of similar morphologies are noted 34 m northwest on a broadly parallel alignment, suggesting an unrecorded area of land division within the historical landscape, though an exact date of origin cannot be currently inferred. A singular, weakly positive, linear anomaly is visible in the northwest corner of the site. Its morphology is characteristic of a boundary ditch, although its somewhat isolated located within the dataset and lack of clear associated anomalies precludes an accurate interpretation. It is plausible that it is the result of a modern agricultural activity. Two, positive subcircular anomalies are also noted in the dataset. These magnetic responses are indicative of pit-like features associated with areas of mineral extraction or refuse, though is it plausible that they are the result of localised geological variation. Modern agricultural also cannot be entirely ruled out. A diffuse linear anomaly in the northern portion of the site corresponds to an area of land division illustrated on historical OS maps (1888 – 1915). Several areas of localised geological variance are also noted in both northern and central portions of the survey area. The remaining anomalies are modern origin and consist or ferrous disturbances caused by proximity to metal fencing or ferrous materials along the survey extents. Increased magnetic disturbances are also noted along the northern boundary of the site and are likely the result of disturbed ground and or upcast materials associated with the construction of the farm track north of the site. Modern land drains are also noted as are modern, underground services. Dipolar ferrous ‘spikes’ are located sporadically throughout the site and have been caused by modern and or agricultural waster within the subsoil.

Sources/Archives (1)

  • --- Unpublished document: Jules Simpson and Daniel Yates. 2025. Crimea Farm, Mansfield Woodhouse, Nottinghamshire: Geophysical Survey Report.

Related Monuments/Buildings (5)

  • Possible Boundaries at Crimea Farm, Mansfield Woodhouse (Element)
  • Possible Enclosures at Crimea Farm, Mansfield Woodhouse (Element)
  • Possible Oval Feature at Crimea Farm, Mansfield Woodhouse (Element)
  • Possible Pits at Crimea Farm, Mansfield Woodhouse (Element)
  • Possible Ring Ditches at Crimea Farm, Mansfield Woodhouse (Element)

Record last edited

Feb 12 2026 4:46PM

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