| Description | An evaluation by geophysical survey and trial trenching was carried out by the Lancaster University Archaeology Unit (LUAU) in July 1997 at Newland Park, Normanton, following a proposal to turn the area into a landfill site. The study area totalled approximately 43 hectares. The central part of the site consists of two low hills lying to the east of the River Calder. In the south the land is level floodplain. The highest point is on the northern boundary of the study area where the ground rises to about 60m OD.
The site was split into 4 areas. Area A (SE 372 223), Area B (SE 368 224), Area C (SE 367 228) and Area D (SE 366 229).
Magnetic (gradiometer and susceptibility) surveys were carried out on a regular grid pattern within the four areas. Readings were logged at 0.5m intervals along one axis in 1m traverses giving 800 readings per 20m by 20m grid. The survey grid was set out and tied in using an EDM.
Numerous anomalies of archaeological potential were located within Area A, with a strong concentration in the southwest of the survey area. In Area B two parallel negative linear features were discovered as well as other strong responses which may have been enclosures. Areas C and D located a few anomalies of possible archaeological interest.
A total of 38 evaluation trenches were excavated over a two week period, all were approximately 50m in length and 2.08m wide. In total about 3940 square metres of trenching was undertaken. All trenches were opened using a 360 degree excavator fitted with a 2m wide ditching bucket under archaeological supervision. Most trenches were excavated to a depth of 0.5m, but some were excavated up to 1.3m below the present ground level (a location plan of the trenches is provided in the report, see file).
The densest concentration of archaeological features was in Area A. The geophysical survey had revealed a number of rectilinear enclosures and linear features which may have been agricultural and excavation of these features confirmed that interpretation. The lack of finds also supported the idea that this was an agricultural site.
In Area B the negative linear features identified in the geophysical survey were confirmed as being ditches and appeared to form a relatively open field system, presumably closely related to Area A
In Areas C and D narrow ridge and furrow was identified and interpreted as being post medieval in date and the only find from was an 18th century shoe buckle.
For a more detailed discussion of the trenches see report in file. |