Multi-period occupation remains, land to the south-west of Elms Farm (EHER 81889)

A geophysical survey in 1993 recorded a dense complex of settlement remains which include ditches, pits, at least two Roman roads, probable enclosures and possible Saxon 'Grubenhauser'. The majority of the ditches follow the same alignment and are consistent with those recorded as cropmarks to the north of the survey area (EHER 7801) and those excavated at Elms Farm (EHER X) which suggest they form part of the same Late Iron Age to Roman settlement.

September 1993. Geophysical survey. Area A In the east of the survey area there are several ditch-type anomalies aligned SW-NE and NW-SE, some of which appear to form enclosures. These anomalies are on a similar alignment to the cropmarks known to exist to the north of the survey area (EHER 7801). It would appear that these anomalies are part of the same complex. Several pit-like anomalies have been located in this area, some of which may be of an archaeological origin. Past excavations immediately to the north of the survey area revealed Grubenhauser (EHER 7796). It is possible that the two large pit type anomalies in the east of the survey, are of a similar nature, although a natural origin, such as pockets of magnetic gravels, cannot be ruled out. Area B The majority of the anomalies within this area follow the same alignment as those in Area A, and the known cropmarks, suggesting a further continuation of the complex of ditches and enclosures. A quiet band of data (5-7m wide) bounded by short lengths of ditch and pit-like responses runs through the western half of the survey and is believed to be the Roman road. A second road appears to lead off the main one. The main road is believed to extend southwards although it has not been detected by the gradiometer. Several ditches aligned SW-NE lead off the main road, including some that extend eastwards across the site for over 100m. To the west of the road there are several weak linear anomalies aligned approximately NW-SE which are possibly part of the cropmark complex to the north. Numerous pit-like responses are also apparent in this area. However, a dismantled railway marks the western limit of the survey area and there is a high level of magnetic disturbance associated with it. This is particularly apparent in the XY traces. It is possible that some of the anomalies along the western edge of the survey are due to material associated with the railway. In the north of Area B there are numerous ditch and pit-like responses many of which appear to be archaeological in nature. The southern half of the survey area is dominated by a band of strong responses approximately 60m wide running SW-NE across the site. It comprises a complex of pit and ditch-type anomalies, which although relatively strong, appear to be archaeological. The northern limit of the band is clearly defined and there are several quieter areas aligned NW-SE within it. It is possible that the strong responses are the product of fired building material and/or associated activity, while the quieter areas represent streets. The concentration of anomalies is greatest in the west, near the road and gradually decreases eastwards. While the nature and context of these anomalies support an archaeological origin, the possibility of a natural cause, such as a band of magnetic gravels, cannot be ruled out. Area C Several ditch-type anomalies aligned NW-SE and SW-NE have been located in this area and may form part of the same complex found to the north. Area D In the west of the survey there are several responses which may be archaeologically significant although the high level of noise in this area and the obvious magnetic disturbance makes interpretation of these anomalies tentative. <1> See also <2>. Note: The features recorded here have since been excavated and are recorded in EHER 17445, EHER 17446 and EHER 81914-81916.