Magnetometry Survey at Teesside Grange

Prior to the commencement of the fieldwork, the survey control is predefined in AutoCAD using a topographical drawing provided by the client. Base lines are plotted within the digital mapping to ensure comprehensive data coverage by the operator. The grid points associated with these base lines are exported from AutoCAD and imported into a Trimble R10 Global Positioning System (GPS). This instrument is used to set-out the grid points in the field using bamboo canes as non-magnetic flags. Survey tapes are used for heading and positional markers. A SENSYS MX Compact V3 gradiometer was used to collect the data. This system is GPS enabled and comprises 8 sensors spaced 0.5m apart operating at a frequency of 40 Hz. The system is mounted on a survey cart that is pushed by the operator in straight traverses using the baselines for heading references. The survey successfully identified several anomalies that are probably associated with buried archaeological remains. Findings include the detection of a possible sub-rectangular shaped enclosure with additional linear and curvilinear responses within it, which may indicate settlement activity, along with very strong responses suggestive of kiln-like features. Evidence of ridge and furrow cultivation, consistent with historical land use patterns, support the existence of a medieval field system listed in the Historic Environment Record (HER 9547). Possible remnants of a former field boundary, which could have served as an ancient trackway, were also detected. The survey revealed accumulations of magnetic responses, which could be remnants of field boundary clearances, while more isolated enhancements, along with iron spikes, may indicate industrial activity or domestic occupation when associated with possible or probable archaeological anomalies. Natural features such as shallow gullies and disturbances from modern agricultural activities were also identified within the data, along with a buried metallic utility, noted along the western boundary.