Land at Oxcroft Lane, Bolsover, Derbyshire

An archaeological evaluation was undertaken by CFA Archaeology on land off Oxcroft Lane, Bolsover during October 2021 to inform a planning application for residential development. The purpose of the archaeological works was to identify, and record potential remains of archaeological and historical significance. Trial trenches revealed furrows corresponding with ridge and furrow trends identified in a geophysical survey. Trenches excavated within the PDA contained no surviving remains of archaeological significance. Trenches 1, 2, 3 and 4 contained furrows associated with medieval or post-medieval farming in line with the geophysical interpretation which were confirmed through hand excavation of these furrows. The geophysical anomalies identified as possible archaeological linear features targeted in the trenches across the PDA did not appear to relate to any surviving features upon excavation of the trenches (Fig. 2.2). It appears that a number of these anomalies in fact related to geological changes in the natural substrate rather than being of archaeological origin. Overall, the evaluation undertaken at land off Oxcroft Lane, Bolsover, Derbyshire successfully assessed the potential for surviving archaeological remains across the proposed development area. The evaluation found limited potential for the survival of archaeological remains, with linear features excavated in the trenches proving to be the remains of post-medieval furrows from past agricultural farming practices.