Geophysical Survey at West of Billericay, Essex

Detailed magnetic survey (magnetometry) was chosen as the most efficient and effective method of locating the type of archaeological anomalies which might be expected at this site. All survey techniques followed the guidance set out by CIfA (2020) and the European Archaeology Council (EAC) (2016). Bartington Cart System Traverse Interval 1.0m Sample Interval 0.125m The only processes performed on data are the following unless specifically stated otherwise: Zero Mean Traverse This process sets the background mean of each traverse within each grid to zero. The operation removes instrument striping effects and edge discontinuities over the whole of the data set. A detailed magnetometer survey was conducted over approximately 26 hectares on land to the west of Billericay, Essex. No responses of definite archaeological interest have been identified. Two sub-circular features have an uncertain origin; an archaeological explanation cannot be entirely ruled out; however, they could equally be a result of infilled ponds or have an agricultural origin. Other linear and curvilinear trends are also of uncertain origin, while former field boundaries and land drains are mapped in the results. A former pond, underground services and areas of natural magnetic variation have also been detected.