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Summary

A geophysical survey recorded a number of anomalies which may represent an area of settlement activity.

Location

Protected Status: none recorded

Other References/Statuses: none recorded

Monument Type(s) and Dates

• ARCHAEOLOGICAL FEATURE (Unknown date)

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.

A group of ditches and pit-like features to the west of field 8 at 8B suggests the presence here of an area of settlement activity, probably continuing north into field 6. The density of background activity (as indicated by small magnetic anomalies outlined in brown in figures 5-7) is particularly high in fields 8, 23-24, and the southern part of field 11. This variation may be partly natural or geological (and could reflect the proportion of gravel in the drift deposits), but could also be consistent with the presence in these areas of additional small archaeological disturbances (pits, postholes, scatters of burnt debris) which are difficult to resolve individually.

Sources / Further Reading

Associated Monuments

Associated Finds: none recorded

Associated Events

• EDV8078 - Geophysical Survey: Sherford New Community, South Hams

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