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. (1)

Four linear anomalies were identified. (1)

One weakly positive linear anomaly on a north-west to south-east alignment in the southern part of the field. The anomaly measures 68 m long and is c. 2 m across. This anomaly may indicate a ditch feature in the underlying deposits. While the anomaly does not correspond to the position of any known and recorded former boundary on historic OS mapping, the response is on a parallel alignment so may be evidence of a contemporary feature from the medieval or post-medieval period. However, an earlier origin cannot be ruled out. (1)

Weakly positive linear anomaly to the north-east of the field on a broadly north-east to south-west alignment. The anomaly is perpendicular to the first anomaly and measures 22 m long. This anomaly may indicate a ditch feature that may be evidence of an earlier boundary. The anomaly may be associated with the first anomaly based on their perpendicular alignments. (1)

One positive rectilinear to the north of the field. The anomaly is on a similar alignment to first two anomalies. The anomaly measures 15 m by 10 m. This anomaly may indicate a ditch and, based on its rectilinear shape, may evidence a portion of a small rectangular or square enclosure. A more recent agricultural origin cannot be ruled out, however, as the anomaly is more isolated and weaker. (1)

Another positive rectilinear anomaly located in the north of field. The anomaly is on a similar alignment to other anomalies. The anomaly is smaller than other other positive rectilinear and measures 7 m by 5 m. This anomaly may indicate a ditch and, based on its rectilinear shape, may evidence a portion of a small rectangular or square enclosure. A more recent agricultural origin cannot be ruled out, however, as the anomaly is more isolated and weaker. (1)

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 southern end of the field, 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. (1)

The most significant archaeological feature found within the site was a boundary ditch, which was present in three trenches. In each of these trenches, a layer of buried topsoil concealed the ditch. This buried soil likely originated from the construction of the railway embankments surrounding the site, where soil was placed above turf as a levelling layer, burying the original topsoil. The ditch closely aligned with the anomaly recorded by geophysical survey. (2)

The ditch contained a single sherd of Roman pottery, which was abraded and likely residual, suggesting it was not contemporary with the infilling of the ditch and may have been redeposited from an unknown Roman period settlement in the area. This is supported by the otherwise complete absence of Roman features or finds within the rest of the site. The boundary ditch was used to separate agricultural land parcels and can been seen in existence as a field boundary from the 1821 Map of the township of Boughton through subsequent mapping of the area up until the Provisional Ordnance Survey 1: 10,000 map of 1955. (2)

The existence of a large boundary ditch was confirmed in the west field, along with a small number of furrows. In the east field, a complex network of field drains was confirmed, along with a pond which was deemed to be natural. Several natural channel beds followed the natural undulation of the ground towards the brook. (2)

<1> Alex Schmidt, 2024, Ollerton, Newark, Nottinghamshire: Geophysical Survey Report (Unpublished document). SNT5949.

<2> Harry Mixer, 2025, One Murphy Hub, Ollerton, Nottinghamshire: Archaeological Trial Trench Evaluation Report (Unpublished document). SNT5968.