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Summary

Geophysical survey recorded a complex system of ditched enclosures. Some of the linear features correspond to historic field boundaries, but others do not, and the overall plan of the findings suggests the presence of an archaeological site. Visible as dark curvilinear cropmarks under excavation on aerial photographs taken in 2016.

Location

Protected Status: none recorded

Other References/Statuses: none recorded

Monument Type(s) and Dates

• DITCHED ENCLOSURE (Early Iron Age to Late Medieval - 700 BC to 1539 AD)
• FIELD BOUNDARY (Early Medieval to Post Medieval - 1066 AD to 1750 AD)

Full description

Bartlett, A. D. H., 2016, Sherford New Community, South Hams, Devon, Geophysical Surveys 2014-2015 (Report - Geophysical Survey). SDV361797.

This report is intended to accompany a full graphical presentation of the data and findings
from a series of geophysical surveys undertaken in 2014-15 as part of a programme of
archaeological investigations at the proposed Sherford New Community site near
Plymouth, Devon.
The investigations were carried out in three phases, which each provided results which have previously been supplied as plans, extracts and summaries. The present report includes much of the content of the report on the 2014 survey (with some additional retrospective comments), and also includes similar accounts of the 2015 investigations.
The geophysical surveys have detected numerous archaeological sites and features, which in total are distributed broadly in accordance with previously recorded archaeological findings within the evaluation area. Archaeological activity is most concentrated towards the north and west of the site, but various preciously unknown earthwork features and enclosures were identified elsewhere.
Ground conditions at the site are highly responsive to magnetic investigation, and the survey in consequence has also detected field boundaries which are identifiable from 18th and 19th C maps, as well as cultivation effects, and recent or natural magnetic anomalies and disturbances. A clear plan was obtained of a cropmark complex towards the south of the site.
Numerous features of potential archaeological significance can be identified in these fields. Findings include a complex system of ditched enclosures in field 10 (labelled 10A in figure 11). Some of the linear features correspond to historic field boundaries, but others do not, and the overall plan of the findings suggests the presence here of an archaeological site. [Various ditch sections are indicated here within the outlines of the trenches dug since the survey by Wessex Archaeology, and which are shown in figures 10-13.] A few pit-like features may be visible within the central rectilinear enclosure, but not in any great concentration. There is perhaps a stronger likelihood of settlement remains in the vicinity of a possible circular feature, 10B, which could be a hut circle (see MDV125654).

Google, 2019, Google Earth Pro, EARTH.GOOGLE.COM 23-SEP-2017 & 11-AUG-2016 ACCESSED 04-FEB-2020 (Aerial Photograph). SDV363088.

Curvilinear dark cropmarks are visible in an area stripped of topsoil.

Hegarty, C., Knight, S. and Sims, R., 2019-2021, The South Devon Coast to Dartmoor Aerial Investigation and Mapping Survey. Area 2, Avon Valley to Plymouth (AI&M, formerly NMP) (Interpretation). SDV362982.

The curvilinear and linear negative features identified through geophysics are visible as dark soilmarks under excavation on aerial photographs taken in 2016, and are still visible on aerial photographs taken in 2017. They were not visible on earlier available aerial imagery. From what is visible of the topsoil-stripped area, they appear to form a wide curvilinear enclosure and narrower linear possible field boundaries.

Sources / Further Reading

Associated Monuments: none recorded

Associated Finds: none recorded

Associated Events

• EDV8078 - Geophysical Survey: Sherford New Community, South Hams
• EDV8098 - The South Devon Coast to Dartmoor Aerial Investigation and Mapping (formerly NMP) Survey, Area 2, Avon Valley to Plymouth (Ref: ACD2040)

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