Geophysical survey was conducted over three areas of the extensive archaeological landscape at Hamstead Marshall, Newbury, Berks., to examine the correlation between medieval features and the later re-modelling of the site into a 17th-century manor house and formal gardens. A combination of earth resistance and magnetic techniques were applied, with varied success, possibly conditioned by the change in geology from well drained plateau gravel over the higher ground to heavier clay as the site descends into the Kennet valley. The survey of the formal garden site confirmed the suitability of geophysical techniques for the location of ephemeral garden features and a plethora of anomalies were identified that augmented other available data sources. New evidence for the existence of an extensive drainage system throughout the formal garden site was revealed together with a more tentative identification of a series of tree planting pits over the area of the DMV.
14/97
THE DESERTED MEDIEVAL VILLAGE AT THOMLEY, OXFORDSHIRE.
REPORT ON GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY, FEBRUARY 1997
Cole M A
Number of: Pages - 11 Illustrations - 5
Photos - 0 Tables - 0
Magnetometer and resistance surveys were carried out at the site of the deserted medieval village of Thomley, Oxon (SAM Oxon 237) in February 1997. They were conducted as a pilot investigation to assess the efficacy of these techniques in detecting any surviving buried remains at the site. In general, the site conditions did not prove well suited to geophysical survey, although some useful evidence of buried archaeological features was recorded.