SDO21080 - Newhouse and Ham Farm, Gillingham, Ground Penetrating Radar Survey

‘A ground penetrating radar survey was conducted over land Newhouse and Ham Farms - Gillingham, Dorset (centred on NGR 381882 125152). The project was commissioned by Redrow Homes Limited 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 for residential dwellings. The site comprises arable fields located south-east of the town of Gillingham, covering an area of 5.1 ha. The geophysical survey for Area F was undertaken between 12 and 16 December 2022; the geophysical survey for Area E was undertaken on 2 February 2023. Area F results. 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. Area E results The northern portion of the site has produced evidence for a rectilinear structure, possibly associated with industry. The structure is characterised by a rectangular low amplitude response, suggesting backfilled material within the footprint of the building. Within the structural remains in the northern portion of the site is an amorphous feature surrounded by another high amplitude feature. This was identified during previous excavation as a floor surface and culvert, although the geophysical results suggest a more coherent feature with a surrounding wall. An area of possible structural remains is present across the southern portion of the site. These remains likely relate to partial walls and could correspond to a variety of structures. It is possible that, given the proximity of a probable pond and water way, that some of these remains may be a mill. A low amplitude area in the southern portion of the site suggests the presence of a former pond and water way. This feature is bounded by possible structures to its north and south, indicating its potential as a pond or water management system. The water way may have been used as a mill race for the structures along its bank. The remaining anomalies are thought to relate to agricultural activity, drainage, or other water management features.’