EDO8052 - Newhouse and Ham Farms, Gillingham; geophysical survey 2022

‘The GPR survey was conducted using an Impulse Radar Raptor 45, 8 channel antenna, with a central frequency of 450 MHz. The multi-channel GPR system uses separate shielded transmitter and receiver antennae, towed by a motorised vehicle. The data were recorded every 4 cm, with a horizontal profile spacing of 8.5 cm, and a time window of 100 ns. The majority of the data was collected in the zigzag method, however site boundary and coverage dictated single direction survey method on occasion. The vehicle based GPR system provides real-time positioning, enabling full site coverage without the need to set up individual grid nodes. However, to ensure survey accuracy, the boundaries of the survey extent were established using a real-time kinematic (RTK) Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) instrument. This system allowed positions to be determined with sub-decimetre, accuracy and therefore exceeds EAC recommendations (Schmidt et. al. 2015). The southern portion of the site has provided evidence of a moated medieval settlement, possibly a moated manor complex. There are numerous structures which may be considered a large dwelling with ancillary buildings, surrounded by a ditch feature. A spread of further structures is apparent towards the east of the settlement, though due to a high amplitude response blanketing this area it is not possible to discern individual features easily. Previous excavation on the site has revealed archaeological material dated to between the 11th and 15th centuries, suggesting a mid to late medieval occupation period. Another structure is evident in the eastern portion of the site, situated south of a known smithy. The relationship this structure has to the rest of the settlement is undetermined, however it may indicate an industrial area away from the main settlement. Large linear features are noted across the western half of the site and are likely associated with the moat system or further land delineation connected to the ditch surrounding the settlement activity. These ditches, or moats, are recorded on a similar site in the local vicinity and are known to have either been continually waterlogged or seasonally producing segregation of the land. A possible pond is also noted adjacent to one of these features, suggesting further evidence of medieval settlement practices. Historical cultivation, in the form of regular plough lines are noted in the eastern portion of the site. It is likely that these are of a different phase to the structure noted in this area as they do not appear to respect said structure and continue through it. Numerous linear anomalies have been noted across the site and have been attributed to modern services and land drains. Surface features and known positions of former excavation trenches have been identified across the site and noted where possible.’