Ratcliffe Proposed Quarry - Detailed Gradiometer Survey Report

Wessex Archaeology

A detailed gradiometer survey was conducted over one field which covered an area of 9.2 hectares. Linear and curvilinear anomalies were detected in the west of the site and likely represent the continuation of enclosure ditches or boundary features identified in a previous geophysical survey. Ridge and furrow agriculture was also present in the west and due to spacing and curvature was likely to be medieval to post-medieval in date. Some were subsequently used as land drains.

A ring ditch forming a circular enclosure was detected in the north of the site and a possible partial ring ditch formed by pits or post holes was in the centre. Ring ditches are generally Bronze-Age to Iron-Age/Romano-British in date but without further evidence no confident date can be assigned.

An area of pitting was also detected across the north and was likely caused by extraction or natural pitting in the underlying geology.

A number of weaker magnetic responses may indicate further archaeological activity in the form of enclosure or boundary ditches across the survey area although a more recent agricultural origin cannot be ruled out.