Data from a Scheduled Monument Topographic Survey at Grim's Ditch, Buckinghamshire, 2020 (HS2 Phase One)
High Speed Two Ltd., INFRA Archaeology, 2024. https://doi.org/10.5284/1119342. How to cite using this DOI
Data copyright © High Speed Two Ltd. unless otherwise stated
This work is licensed under a The Open Government Licence (OGL).
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Resource identifiers
- ADS Collection: 4629
- DOI:https://doi.org/10.5284/1119342
- How to cite using this DOI
Introduction
This collection comprises digital photographs, GIS, field survey reports and an aerial photogrammetry report from a topographic survey conducted by INFRA Archaeology at Grim's Ditch Scheduled Monument, Buckinghamshire, between November and December 2020.
The survey forms part of Phase One of the High Speed 2 (HS2) rail project, which will involve the construction of a new railway approximately 230km (143 miles) in length between London and the West Midlands. Powers for the construction, operation and maintenance of Phase One are conferred by the High-Speed Rail (London - West Midlands) Act 2017.
Project Summary
The topographic survey was a non-intrusive survey. The principal aim of which was to record and characterise the three-dimensional forms of the Scheduled Monument prior to any intrusive works. The topographic survey was required to:
- Record an array of locational data points of a sufficient density to allow the construction of a 3-dimensional representation of the Scheduled Monument and sufficient of the surrounding level ground, to provide a point-cloud representation of the monument with an accuracy of ±0.20mm at 1:100 scale (in accordance with HE 2015 Metric Survey Specifications for Cultural Heritage).
- Record interpretive survey data of the monument distinguishing top-of-slope, any breaks-of-slope, areas of disturbance and any other significant features.
- Produce an interpretive description of the topography including representative maps and figures.
The overarching Grim’s Ditch investigations sought to answer the following specific HERDS objectives:
- KC13: What was the date of the establishment of Grim’s Ditch? What impact did it have on the landscape following its construction?
- KC15: Can we identify regional patterns in the form and location of Late Bronze Age and Iron Age settlements across the route, and are there associated differences in landscape organisation and enclosure?
- KC16: Investigate the degree of continuity that existed between Late Bronze Age and Iron Age communities in terms of population, mobility and subsistence strategies
Re-Use Value Statement
It is recognized that the undertaking of the topographic survey, as a standalone item, can only have a limited contribution to the specific HERDS objectives (KC13, KC15 and KC16) relating to the dating of the Monument or identifying regional patterns in terms of landscape, population and resources during the relevant eras. The work does have the potential to contribute to KC13 in terms of being able to demonstrate the impact Grim’s Ditch has had on the landscape following its construction. The survey results presented within this dataset allow for interrogation of the data by stakeholders and interested parties and provides a baseline of information to gauge future changes against. It also has the potential to aid in the presentation of the Monument to the public which contributes to the identified Community Engagement objectives of the overall HS2 project.
