Geophysical Survey at Kirkgate Lane, Felkirk

The site grid was laid out using a Trimble VRS differential Global Positioning System (Trimble R6 model). The survey was undertaken using Bartington Grad601 magnetic gradiometers. These were employed taking readings at 0.25m intervals on zig-zag traverses 1.0m apart within 30m by 30m grids, so that 3600 readings were recorded in each grid. These readings were stored in the memory of the instrument and later downloaded to computer for processing and interpretation. Bespoke in-house software was used to process and present the data. A geophysical (magnetometer) survey was undertaken on approximately 6 hectares of land located to the south of Kirkgate Lane, Felkirk, West Yorkshire. The application area covers 11.45ha but due to open cast mining within the Site, the geophysical survey area was reduced. Anomalies mainly associated with geological and agricultural use of the Site have been recorded throughout. Geological anomalies may be associated with either the bedrock itself, shallow mining activity or the reinstatement of the ground. Strong magnetic linear trends indicate field drains and modern ploughing has also been recorded. No responses of an archaeological potential have been recorded. Based on the geophysical survey, the archaeological potential of this Site is deemed to be low.