Complex of small enclosures, droveways, linear boundaries. (1) (2)
Cropmarks of a cluster of at least 10 group 6 subrectangular enclosures, probably of Ro date. The cluster probably extends further to the E, and the area overall is perhaps 1.5Ha. There are many marks, some ancient, and others almost certainly modern, and all probably connected with drainage in a low lying area. (3)
Possible line of curvilinear enclosures along edge of terrace at SK701880. New rectilinear enclosures and linear soilmarks at SK701885-7. The linear arrangement of these enclosures is unusual in this area; it might be speculated that they could link with newly discovered curvilinear enclosures to the S. (4)
Samples from the cropmark ditches allows an interpretation of the local environment and suggest a largely treeless landscape, with both pasture and arable elements close by. Probably indicative of eroding soils resulting from agricultural practises. Sedimentation and infill of the ditches was probably rapid and was affected by flooding. (5)
It is suggested that these field systems form a regular block of ?8 fields, each side defined by ditched boundaries away from the settlement focus. A pollen sequence from the re-cycled mid-Holocene soil, through the primary silting of the ditch indicating both pasture and arable in the vicinity, to the abandonment of the ditches during rising water levels could be documented. (7)
The E-W ditch (cropmark I) … was dug in sections with baulks left in place. These may have acted both as buttresses to reduce flow and storm water traps. … The intersection of Cropmarks II and VI ditches were both contemporary and continuous. Careful excavation exposed a myriad of tool marks cut into the clayey base of the ditch. … With drainage of storm water from the hill to the W, this system would act as a water and sediment trap, funnelling flow into the ditches to the N and S and letting overflow out to the E. (8)
The Cropmark I ditch, contemporary land surface was preserved at this point. A single piece of Samian was recovered from the ditch fill. … Some evidence for activity related to the field system ditches … tree boles in a line adjacent to and at right angles to the Cropmark I ditch. This may have been the remains of a hedgeline. Another short stretch of former hedgerow was identified. A shallow hollow to the W of this may have been a pond. (9)
See L5025 - cropmarks to S.
See M18351 for temporary camp cut by field system ditches.

Data Held: Aerial Photograph (Aerial photograph). SNT2645.

10 B/W Prints, DNR 989/8, 1020/15, 1048/13, 1554/12, 13, 14, 1557/32, 33, 35, 36,

<1> Riley DN, Air photos (Aerial photograph). SNT1194.

Other Refs: 1048/13, 989/8, 1554/12-4 (NLAP SK 7088/16,17,28-30)

<2> Riley DN, Air photos (Aerial photograph). SNT1194.

Other Refs: 1557/32,33,35,36, 1020/15 (NLAP SK 7088/23,24,26,27,32)

<3> Riley DN, 1980, Early Landscapes from the Air, pp 50,117 (Published document). SNT1197.

<4> TPAT, 07/1990, An Assessment of the Archaeological Potential of Cropmark Sites around Wild Goose Cottage, Lound, p 7 (Unpublished document). SNT2068.

<5> TPAT, Mar 1995, Stage 1 Evaluations on the Land East of Blaco Hill, Mattersey, for Tarmac Roadstone Ltd. Draft, p 34 (Unpublished document). SNT2201.

Other Refs: fig 13 b

<6> Budge DJ, 2008, Pers Comm (Personal comment). SNT2045.

<7> TPAT, Aug 1995, Report for Stage 2 Evaluations on the Land East of Blaco Hill, Mattersey, for Tarmac Roadstone Ltd, p 25 (Unpublished document). SNT2247.

<8> TPAT, Dec 1996, Interim Summary of the Excavations Conducted on the Land East of Blaco Hill, Mattersey, p 3 (Unpublished document). SNT2248.

<9> TPAT, Mar 1997, Interim report on an Archaeological Watching Brief Near Blaco Hill, Mattersey, Nottinghamshire, on Behalf of Tarmac Quarry Products Limited. Phase 1A: November 1996 to March 1997, pp 4 - 6 (Unpublished document). SNT2246.

<10> TPAT, Mar 1997, An Assessment of the Insect Remains from the Cropmark Ditches in Phase IA of the Quarry Near Blaco Hill, Mattersey, Nottinghamshire (Unpublished document). SNT2249.