Series: University of Reading unpublished report series

A detailed analytical earthwork survey at 1:500 was carried out using differential GNSS (Leica GS15 antenna with CS15 field controller) and Total Station Theodolite (Leica Robotic TS12 and field controller). The surveyed area comprises c1.6 hectares of the southern part of Stony Copse, West Woods. A detailed survey plan of the archaeological features was produced in the field on polyester film using the electronically derived control plot, augmented with tape-and-offset techniques. The survey included fine detail of the earthwork and stone remains of quarry workings and all other observed features. Any sarsen stones within the survey area were mapped, as were the occasional blocks of masonry and cast concrete that are visible on the surface. The measured survey also included an underground feature at SU 15325 66372, just outside the main measured survey area (Wiltshire HER MWI75628). Following the analytical earthwork survey, a digital hachured plan was produced in AutoCAD Map 3D 2019 and Adobe Illustrator 2019, using Historic England archaeological conventions and hachure set. In addition to the analytical earthwork survey, the fieldwork included a walk-over survey of the lower reaches of Hursley Bottom from the west end of the lea (cSU 1500 5523) as far as the north-west arm of the main woodland ride (cSU 1545 6686). Quarrying evidence on individual sarsen boulders was recorded metrically and photographically. The purpose of the research was to record sarsen extraction features and other archaeological evidence. The fieldwork in West Woods, Wiltshire (UK) resulted in a detailed record of earthworks and features in the sarsen quarry in Stony Copse and along Hursley Bottom. It identified two different methods of sarsen extraction and cutting associated with different periods of sarsen exploitation, one of which has not previously been documented in this area. Chronological relationships between features were observed, unexpectedly demonstrating pre-1900 sarsen exploitation in this area. The survey casts new light on inter-war period sarsen quarrying. In addition, a possible standing stone was identified. The survey results have implications for understanding both the archaeology and the geomorphology of this dry valley south of the River Kennet.

Part of the Leverhulme Trust funded project: Extending Histories from medieval mottes to prehistoric round mounds (Principal Investigator: Dr Jim Leary, University of Reading). Project aims to determine the date and environmental context of the construction of large earthen mounds in England. Work at Brinklow comprised an analytical earthwork survey of the motte, and the drilling of boreholes through the motte to the base to recover cores for laboratory assessment and radiocarbon dating.

Part of the Leverhulme Trust funded project: Extending Histories from medieval mottes to prehistoric round mounds (Principal Investigator: Dr Jim Leary, University of Reading). Project aims to determine the date and environmental context of the construction of large earthen mounds in England. Work at Skipsea comprised an analytical earthwork survey of the motte, and the drilling of two boreholes through the motte to the base to recover cores for laboratory assessment and radiocarbon dating.

Two Electrical Resistivity Tomography survey transects were undertaken over a castle motte at land at Hamstead Marshall, West Berkshire. The surveys were conducted to meet specific research questions concerning the structure of the mound following a geotechnical investigation which appeared to locate a large void from within. The surveys were conducted in single lines across the mound, at approximate right angles. Traverse 1 measures 121m in length as a NNW orientation. Traverse 2 measures 105m, at a WNW orientation. Both traverses begin from outside the mound and associated ditch, continue over the entirety of the mound, and finish off the mound and ditch at the opposite side.