Land of Higher Hoopern Lane, Exeter, Devon - Detailed Gradiometer Survey Report

Wessex Archaeology

A detailed gradiometer survey was conducted over land off Higher Hoopern Lane, Exeter, Devon (centred on NGR 292322, 94238).

The project was commissioned by Terence O’Rourke Ltd. with the aim of establishing the presence, or otherwise, and nature of detectable archaeological features in support of a planning application for infrastructural development at the site.

The site comprises of one arable field located south of Higher Hoopern Lane, approximately 2.3 km southeast of Cowley and 2.2 km south of Stoke Woods, covering an area of 4.04 ha.

The detailed gradiometer survey has demonstrated the presence of a number of anomalies of possible archaeological interest on the Site. The anomalies identified as being of archaeological interest are primarily pit-like features. These features identified as such can be seen across the Site. It is difficult to be certain about their origins but an archaeological interpretation cannot be excluded, although it is possible that they may relate to natural features, such as tree throws, or agricultural activity. A former field boundary can be seen traversing the northern end and appears to be double ditched. The location of the feature appears to accurately coincide with the former field boundaries shown on the 1801 and 1876-1888 historical mapping of the area. It would appear that both the internal and external field boundaries have changed quite extensively over the last 200 years. There are frequent agricultural drains and ploughing trends across the Site on a predominate alignment of northeast to south and north to south, respectively. These are likely to be medieval, post-medieval and modern in provenance as historical mapping indicates that the Site has been in use as agricultural fields from at least 1801 to the present day.

Additionally, this archaeological investigation has detected a large area of increased magnetic response, strong ferrous readings, areas of near surface geological variation and a modern service.