Pits were observed in two trenches that correlated with the circular anomalies from the geophysical survey results, located in the central eastern area of the Site.

The overburden for both trenches comprised a silty clay topsoil 0.2 - 0.3 m deep, above a 0.1 m deep subsoil overlying the natural sandy clays.

The first trench contained two pits, both containing deposits synonymous with in-situ burning and a small brick and stone structure constructed at the base of the first pit, which may have represented the base of a kiln.

The first pit measured 1.75 m wide and 0.75 m deep, and was backfilled with a mixed fired clay/heated natural deposit and mortar fill. The basal structure comprised four courses of a stretcher and header built brick foundation and an upper wall comprising three limestone blocks. The bricks measured 240 x 120 x 70 mm and the limestone blocks measured 390 x 190 x 100 mm. The pit was recut, presumably to rob the upstanding part of the brick structure/kiln.

The second pit measured 1 m in width, 0.64 m in depth, and was cut through the fills of a natural hollow. The base and side of the pit were filled/overlain by a dump of redeposited bunt natural, which was overlain by a dump of redeposited natural clay. The burnt presence of brick debris in the burnt layer suggested a redeposited nature rather than in-situ burning.

The full extent of both features could not be determined as they continued beyond the limit of excavation. The pits may have originated as clay or limestone extraction pits and subsequently functioned as a kiln and used to dispose of kiln waste material.

The second trench also contained a likely kiln/pit. A linear feature was also evident and considered to be associated with kiln or quarrying activity. Though flooding prevented excavation of these features, recording was achieved by pre-excavation photographs and survey.

Dominic Heslam, 2023, Sharpley Hill Solar Farm, East Leake, Nottinghamshire: Archaeological Evaluation Report, Page 10-11 (Unpublished document). SNT5773.