SDO21240 - Chettle Long Barrow, Dorset: Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) Survey report

OASIS: Project Methodology: Wessex Archaeology was commissioned by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks to carry out a ground penetrating radar (GPR) survey at Chettle Long Barrow (NHLE No. 1014821), Chettle, Dorset (centred on NGR ST 93734 13550). The geophysical survey was undertaken by Wessex Archaeology's in-house geophysics team on 22 August 2018 achieving an overall coverage of 0.3 ha across an irregularly shaped 40 m x 90 m area. The survey has been successful in detecting responses associated with archaeological remains. The extent of features associated with the Long Barrow have been determined in the results, including a large ditch on the north-eastern side of the mound that correlates with a shallow depression that has been noted in the area previously. The GPR survey also suggested that the ditch extends to a significant depth and may contain numerous fills of a differing nature. In the north-western corner of the site a ditch-like feature has also been identified and it is suggested that this may be associated with a wider field system or possibly a linear boundary earthwork. A number of pit-like features, as well as remnants of a possible round barrow, have also been identified near the barrow ditch on the eastern side. In addition, numerous high amplitude responses, linear trends, superficial geology, and a modern service have also been located.