| Description | In February 2012 GSB Prospection Ltd undertook a geophysical survey (magnetometer) on land off Dewsbury Road, Wakefield in advance of redevelopment.
The survey area measured c.7 hectares and within this a number of ditch like anomalies were detected, some of which were isolated but others were thought to indicate former enclosures and field systems due to their rectilinear nature. A sub circular enclosure (feature C on plan), interrupted by an unsurveyable area, was also tentatively postulated. A number of pit like anomalies were also detected however their responses were weak, ill defined and formed no obvious pattern suggesting they may not be archaeological in nature.
For further details, please see the full report (GSB Prospection, 2012) a copy of which is on file in the HER.
Following the results of the geophysical survey, an archaeological evaluation of the site was undertaken by ArcHeritage between January and February 2013. This consisted of 22 trenches nineteen measuring 50m by 2m, and three (Trenches 1 3) measuring 50m by 4m. The trenches showed that the anomalies highlighted by the geophysical survey related to variations in the geology or, to a greater extent, were the result of demolition and remedial works for coal mines that previously occupied the site. The remedial works appear to have been conducted in the late 19th century/early 20th century.
For further information see the final report (ArcHeritage, 2013), a copy of which in the HER. |