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Introduction The Poulton Research Project provides practical training in archaeo-geophysics (resistivity) for visiting students. The training in 2003 consisted of two grids, randomly selected within the confines of base line 2, approximately 30 metres from the northern margin of the 2001 survey area (to the west of centre). This location was chosen so as not to interfere with the on-going general survey. The grids are illustrated in figure 1 below, with the upper grid being grid 1 and the lower grid 2.
Figure 1: The grids used in the 2003 Student Training Grid 1 was surveyed by students from Nottingham and Liverpool Universities; grid 2 was completed by working weekend students. The survey was carried out using a Geoscan RM4 with a twin probe array, with the probes set to 0.5m separation. All data was recorded by hand and manually input to computer. Processing software was Geoscan Research Geoplot 3. The dimensions of the two grids surveyed were 20m x 20m, with measurements taken at 1m intervals across a 1m wide traverse in a zig zag pattern. Results Note that the full results from this survey are beyond the scope of this short report, so only the main features will be described The range of readings in this survey has provided extremely clear results. The most interesting low resistance feature (see Feature 1 in figure 2 below) is located in the centre of plot1 and slightly to the west in plot 2 (this feature is noted propagating north/south in the 2001 survey). The feature has a medium high resistance liner (Feature 2) propagating north/south along its Western edge (this also is noted in the 2001 survey). As noted in previous reports, the field is crossed by a number of ceramic field drains so features like this must be viewed with a degree of caution.  In the south of plot 1 the low resistance feature noted above seems to cut a medium high resistance liner propagating east/west (Feature 3). It has been suggested that the low resistance feature is a track way leading to the Chapel site. If this is the case, the track way postdates the medium high resistance liner feature. Expansion of the survey would clarify the relationship between features 1 and 2. Running along the eastern edge of the survey area is a medium high to low resistance liner (Feature 4). This feature is very broken along its length and may indicate a line of rubble associated with the cutting of the track way. Research has indicated that the field had at one time been cut by a hedge along a line north/south very close to the area of feature 4 The above survey was conducted as a training exercise, but the results have been extremely interesting and have also encouraged us to expand the 2001 survey area. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the students (Liverpool and Nottingham Universities and the working weekend students) who took part in this work; your enthusiasm made my job very easy. The very best of luck to you all. Alan Brown October 21st 2003 |
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© 2003 The Poulton Research Project |
