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April 17, 20260 citationsOpen Access

Geophysical Survey at Land at Barn Hall, Wickford, Essex

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TCThomas Cockcroft

Key Points

  • To investigate subsurface anomalies at Barn Hall using magnetic survey techniques.
  • Conducted a magnetometer survey using four paired Bartington magnetic sensors.
  • Collected data along 1.0m spaced traverses with readings taken every 0.125m.
  • Utilized Trimble RTK GPS for accurate geographical referencing of data points.
  • Interpreted magnetic responses in specific areas for archaeological significance.
  • Identified clusters of magnetic anomalies potentially linked to a post-built structure in Area 1.
  • Detected anomalies correlating with historical brickworks in Area 4, including a kiln and tramway.
  • Observed bands of concentric rings likely resulting from geological banding.
  • Tentative evidence of a Roman road outlined by uncertain trends in Areas 3 and 4.

Abstract

Data was collected using a cart carrying four paired Bartington magnetic sensors. Four sensors mounted 1m horizontally apart and very accurately aligned to nullify the effects of the earth's magnetic field. Readings relate to the difference in localised magnetic anomalies compared with the general magnetic background. Each data point is geographically referenced using an on-board Trimble RTK survey grade GPS system. Readings were taken at 0.125m centres along traverses 1.0m apart. Readings relate to the difference in localised magnetic anomalies compared with the general magnetic background. The magnetometer survey has recorded magnetic responses which have been interpreted as being of archaeological interest. In Area 1 a cluster of pit-like responses and trends have been detected which could mark the location of a post-built structure of unknown date. Anomalies are visible in the south of Area 4 which correspond with former buildings, including the kiln, chimney, quarries and tramway associated with a 20th century brickworks. In Area 1 bands of concentric rings have been detected which have probably been caused by geological banding though it should be noted that the HER states that an Iron Age hillfort could be present based on past archaeological investigations in the vicinity. Parallel uncertain trends in Areas 3 and 4 could tentatively mark the location of a Roman road, but again, this interpretation is tentative at best. Other uncertain response are visible in the survey which are probably due to natural processes, agricultural practises or buried ferrous debris. The locations of former field boundaries, drains and three service pipes are also marked.

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Cite This Study

Thomas Cockcroft (2025) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69e1cecc5cdc762e9d857be1https://doi.org/10.5284/1140640
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