Detailed magnetometry was carried out over Phase 1 of the proposed new Barnham, Eastergate and Westergate development and also the area to be developed within Phase 2. The detailed magnetic survey was carried out using a SENSYS MAGNETO MX V3 6 channel cart-based system. The instrument has 6 fluxgate gradiometers (FGM650) spaced 0.5m apart with readings recorded at 100Hz when ATV-towed (Area 1) and 20Hz when hand-pushed (Area 2) which equates to a resolution of 0.5m by 0.15m. The results indicate the presence of a group of anomalies in the south-western part of the site that have a morphology consistent with a Roman villa complex. The majority of the anomalies are magnetically positive, relating to cut and magnetically enhanced features rather than structural remains; however, some negative responses have been located and these could have an association with masonry material. The villa complex appears to be associated with a wider field system. Elsewhere, several other anomalies could relate to further small structures or areas of occupation. The magnetometer response to features within site is generally very weak and indistinct, and it is likely that the full extent of the archaeological features has not been recorded by the survey.
Sabin et al. (Wed,) studied this question.