EDO8131 - Elm Close, Sturminster Newton; geophysical survey 2019

A detailed gradiometer survey was conducted over land at Elm Close, Sturminster Newton, Dorset (centred on NGR 379260 114225). The project was commissioned by Wyatt Homes Ltd with the aim of establishing the presence, or otherwise, and nature of detectable archaeological features in support of a planning application for the development of the site. The site comprises three arable fields located south-east of Sturminster Newton, covering an area of 7.9 ha. The geophysical survey was undertaken between 8 and 9 October 2019 and has demonstrated the presence of a number of anomalies of potential archaeological interest throughout the survey area. Several circular features have been identified that could indicate round barrows. In addition, numerous linear anomalies that have been identified could indicate boundary features such as ditches that pre-date those visible on the available historic mapping. In addition, evidence of the historic pattern of land division visible on historic mapping has also been identified, where a single boundary visible on the 1840 Sturminster Newton Tithe map that is no longer extant has been identified. Evidence of localised variation in the underlying geological deposits has also been identified. This likely indicates variable magnetic susceptibility of the underlying superficial deposits. The remaining anomalies identified are thought to be modern in providence, pertaining to modern agricultural activity such as ploughing or modern underground services such as pipes or cables.