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The Perils of Pits: further research at Durrington Walls henge (2021–2025)

Vincent Gaffney, Eamonn Baldwin, Robin Allaby, Martin Bates, Richard Bates, Alex Finlay, Christopher Gaffney, Teri Hansford, Timothy Kinnaird, Wolfgang Neubauer, Klaus Löcker, Tom Sparrow, Immo Trinks, Mario Wallner and Eugene Ch'ng

SDF 1: Magnetometer Survey

Eamonn Baldwin (University of Birmingham)

Cite this as: Gaffney, V., Baldwin, E., Allaby, R., Bates, M., Bates, R., Finlay, A., Gaffney, C., Hansford, T., Kinnaird, T., Neubauer, W., Löcker, K., Sparrow, T., Trinks, I., Wallner, M. and Ch’ng, E. 2025 The Perils of Pits: further research at Durrington Walls henge (2021-2025), Internet Archaeology 69. https://doi.org/10.11141/ia.69.19

1.1 Magnetometer method

Fluxgate gradiometer survey with a Bartington Grad601 was used to (re-)locate and confirm the nature and extent of three features (Table 1.1) previously identified (Gaffney et al. 2020) either by air photography (Anomaly 16D – formerly Anomaly v), geophysics (13D) or topographic modelling (Anomaly ii). A single 30m x 30m grid was set out with a DGPS unit (Leica GS16 GNSS Rover. Note: Due to GPS signal quality on the day of grid set-out, the centre of each survey grid was off-set by c.1.9m to the SSW. Post-survey, all survey grids and borehole locations were recorded with full DGPS signal, accurate to ±2cm) over each target feature (Fig. 1.1) and sampled at 0.25m x 1m resolution (zigzag). This sampling resolution is reduced in contrast to the previous (multi-channel) magnetometer surveys undertaken by the Hidden Landscapes Project (Gaffney et al. 2020 and Wessex Archaeology (Urmston 2014; Schmidt and Crabb 2017). However, the magnetometer survey over Anomaly ii was expanded to four grids to cover a larger 60m x 60m area to provide further context and aid interpretation.

1.2 Data processing

All magnetic data were minimally processed using Geoplot (v3.00s) software and visualised in ArcGIS (10.4). The processing workflow comprised clipping and de-spiking data (to suppress frequent small-scale random noise) and zero-mean traverse correction (for heading errors and sensor noise). Crossline sampling values were interpolated to a 0.25m resolution to match the inline sampling values before final resampling and display in ArcGIS using a bilinear interpolation method for continuous data.

Table 1.1: Magnetometer surveys summary

March 2021 – Bartington Grad 601 Dual sensor magnetic survey
ID Survey Size Bartington Transects Samples Method
13D Area 30m x 30m Grad 601 1m 25cm Zigzag
16D (v) Area 30m x 30m Grad 601 1m 25cm Zigzag
ii Area 60m x 60m Grad 601 1m 25cm Zigzag

1.3 Anomaly 13D

This feature was originally mapped magnetically by Wessex Archaeology in 2015 and identified as a sink hole (Schmidt and Crabb 2017, anomaly 6016). It was subsequently reinterpreted as a probable pit by Gaffney et al. (2020, Anomaly 13D). As the location of 13D was only available to the current project from PDF reports, it was resurveyed with a fluxgate gradiometer in 2021 solely to relocate the feature accurately for the purpose of positioning the supplementary GPR, EM and ERT survey grids.

Results

Fluxgate gradiometer survey over Anomaly 13D confirmed the presence of a sub-circular anomaly approximately 14m in diameter (Fig. 1.2). Enhanced measurements from within indicate a feature (natural or anthropogenic) cut into the underlying subsoil or bedrock, subsequently filled with material of a higher magnetic content. This corresponded to the feature mapped by Wessex Archaeology in 2017 and was surrounded by a broad 'halo' of less magnetic response particularly evident on its north side.

Interestingly, the increased presence of strongly magnetic material in the southern third of the survey grid, when compared to the 2017 magnetic results by Schmidt and Crabb, is most probably the result of subsequent archaeological investigations and backfilling (reported by Leivers et al. 2020, fig. 1, as 202900 Parsonage Farm to Larkhill and Stonehenge Golf Course watching brief). A pair of post-holes belonging to a late neolithic post-hole row were identified during this watching brief (Leivers et al. 2020, fig. 6, feature 25762 – see Fig. 1.13) as lying within 7m to 10m of the southern edge of 13D. The post-hole row continues intermittently past the southern edge of 12D at a similar distance, and beyond. This association may be significant as similar associations between post-hole rows and massive pit-features 14D and 15D have been made elsewhere at Durrington (see Thompson and Powell 2018), as well as at Countess Farm – pit-features 6A–9A as reported in Gaffney et al. 2020.

1.4 Anomaly 16D – formerly Anomaly v

This feature was identified by the Stonehenge Hidden Landscape project from aerial photography (Gaffney et al. 2020, Anomaly v) and surveyed in 2021 to confirm its interpretation as most probably belonging to the northern arc of pits.

Fluxgate gradiometer survey successfully located the target feature and demonstrated a similarity in magnetic response and size to the 15 other magnetic anomalies (pit-features) previously identified. Anomaly v was consequently renamed Anomaly 16D in line with the other large pit-like features identified by Gaffney et al. (2020).

Results

Figure 1.3 shows a large sub-circular anomaly approximately 18–20m in diameter. Enhanced readings from within the anomaly suggest a feature (natural or anthropogenic) cut into the underlying substrata and since filled with material of a higher magnetic content. Again, there is a suggestion of a broad 'halo' of less magnetic response surrounding the feature.

1.5 Anomaly ii (unproven feature)

This feature (NGR 414061E 143863N) was tentatively identified as a potential pit-feature by the Stonehenge Hidden Landscapes team from a topographic depression noted on a lidar-derived terrain model (Gaffney et al. 2020). The feature was prioritised for geophysical survey to test this interpretation. An extended 60m x 60m fluxgate gradiometer survey was carried out at this location.

Results

Fluxgate gradiometer survey over Anomaly ii did not detect any magnetic response comparable with other surveyed pit-features (Anomalies 1A–9A and 10D–13D).

Instead, Figures 1.4 and 1.5 show a weakly enhanced rectilinear feature [F1000 in Fig. 1.6] at the location of Anomaly ii. Approximately 15m x 15m in dimensions, it abuts a curvilinear ditch-like response [F1001], which runs through the corner of the survey area NW–SE for over 50m. There is the suggestion of a parallel running curvilinear response c.8m to the SW. A strong linear magnetic disturbance [F1002], which cuts through Feature 1001, relates to a field margin running E–W.

Feature 1001 corresponds to the documented line of a perimeter fence belonging to a WW1 military encampment (Camp 2) – see Figure 1.7. Together with Feature 1000, these weakly enhanced magnetic responses most probably represent ditches associated with the recorded perimeter fence and a possible associated structure (e.g. a small compound, building or observation tower).

The northern survey area is obscured by an overwhelmingly strong magnetic disturbance [F1003] associated with building materials with ferrous components. They probably represent the foundations and vestiges of a later, more substantial military camp which superseded Camp 2 post-WW1 and is documented in 1920s maps (e.g. Fig. 1.8), the cropmarks of which are also visible in Google aerial imagery.

No further investigations were undertaken at this location owing to ground conditions and the unlikelihood of confirming presence or absence because of later disturbance.

1.6 Conclusion

Magnetometer survey has succeeded in relocating Anomaly 13D for complementary geophysical surveys, as well as demonstrating that the magnetic response of Anomaly v (16D) is comparable to the 15 other magnetic anomalies (pit-features) previously identified as forming a massive pit structure (Gaffney et al. 2020).

Figures 1.8–1.11 locate the results of the magnetometer survey within the landscape context of the 'northern' arc features (Anomalies 10D–13D).

Figures

Figure 1-1
Figure 1.1: Fluxgate gradiometer survey grid locations for Anomalies ii, 13D and 16D (formerly v). These were initially single 30m x 30m grids, although the grid over ii was subsequently expanded to cover an area 60m x 60m. Lidar derived digital surface model (shaded) with OS 10K overlay © Environment Agency copyright and database right 2024. All rights reserved. Lidar (composite sources) DTM 1m resolution, Scale 1:4000 with gaps filled by DTM 2m resolution, Scale 1:8000 – Ordnance Survey (100025252)/EDINA supplied Service. http://digimap.edina.ac.uk

Anomaly 13D

Figure 1-2
Figure 1.2: Fluxgate gradiometer survey (30m x 30m) over 13D – raw data (top left), and with 10m gridlines (top right). Processed results at 0.25m x 0.25m spatial resolution (bottom left, and with 10m gridlines bottom right) confirm the location of a previously mapped magnetic anomaly (Schmidt and Crabb 2017, anomaly 6016) approximately 14m in diameter. Greyscale legend: positive (black), negative (white).

Anomaly 16 – formerly Anomaly v

Figure 1-3
Figure 1.3: Fluxgate gradiometer survey (30m x 30m) over Anomaly v (16D) identified previously as a cropmark (Gaffney et al. 2020). Raw data (top left), and with 10m gridlines (top right). Processed results at 0.25m x 0.25m spatial resolution (bottom left), and with 10m gridlines (bottom right), reveal a previously unmapped magnetic anomaly (approximately 18–20m in diameter, consistent in response and dimension to 15 other pit features identified by Gaffney et al. (2020). Greyscale legend: positive (black), negative (white)

Anomaly ii

Figure 1-4
Figure 1.4: Fluxgate gradiometer survey (30m x 30m grid extracted from a larger area survey – see below) over Anomaly ii, identified previously as a topographic feature (Gaffney et al. 2020) and a cropmark (Crutchley 2002). Raw data (top left), and with 10m gridlines (top right). Processed results at 0.25m x 0.25m spatial resolution (bottom left), and with 10m gridlines (bottom right, reveal a previously unmapped magnetic anomaly (approximately 18–20m in diameter; however it is not consistent in magnetic response to 15 other pit features (now 16) identified by Gaffney et al. (2020, and most probably relates to 20th-century military activity in the area. Greyscale legend: positive (black), negative (white)
Figure 1-5
Figure 1.5: Fluxgate gradiometer survey (60m x 60m) over an expanded area from Anomaly ii, identified previously as a topographic feature (Gaffney et al. 2020) and a cropmark (Crutchley 2002). Raw data (top left), and with 30m gridlines (top right). Processed results at 0.25m x 0.25m spatial resolution (bottom left), and with 30m gridlines (bottom right), reveal strong magnetic disturbances dominating the top two grid squares. In the bottom left a previously unmapped magnetic anomaly (approximately 18–20m in diameter) coincides with Anomaly ii – however, it is not consistent in magnetic response to the 15 other pit features (now 16) identified by Gaffney et al. (2020). Greyscale legend: positive (black), negative (white)
Figure 1-6
Figure 1.6: Fluxgate gradiometer survey (60m x 60m) – summary interpretation of magnetic response. The location of Anomaly ii coincides with Feature 1000 and is thought to be of probable 20th-century origin
Figure 1-7
Figure 1.7: Military map showing boundaries of WW1 military camps in Larkhill 1914–15, with 60m x 60m survey area overlaid in blue outline. The target location coincides with the SW bend in the perimeter of Camp 2 (Source: James, N.D.G, 1987. Plain soldiering. Henley-on-Thames, Oxford). Map georeferenced to OS historic mapping
Figure 1-8
Figure 1.8: Ordnance Survey 6" map from 1920s depicting military camps at Larkhill; the location of the 60m x 60m survey area is overlaid in blue outline. © Crown Copyright and Landmark Information Group Limited (2024). All rights reserved. (County Series 1:2500 1853–1951 2nd edition). http://digimap.edina.ac.uk

Overview images – Northern Arc, Durrington Field

Figure 1-9
Figure 1.9: Features comprising a 'northern arc' – 13D, 16D and ii were targeted for geophysical and borehole investigations in 2021. Magnetometer grid locations. Lidar derived digital surface model (shaded) with OS 10K overlay © Environment Agency copyright and database right 2024. All rights reserved. Lidar (composite sources) DTM 1m resolution, Scale 1:4000 with gaps filled by DTM 2m resolution, Scale 1:8000 – Ordnance Survey (100025252)/EDINA supplied Service. http://digimap.edina.ac.uk
Figure 1-10
Figure 1.10: Magnetometer grid locations as surveyed in 2021. Lidar derived digital surface model (shaded) with OS 10K overlay © Environment Agency copyright and database right 2024. All rights reserved. Lidar (composite sources) DTM 1m resolution, Scale 1:4000 with gaps filled by DTM 2m resolution, Scale 1:8000 – Ordnance Survey (100025252)/EDINA supplied Service. http://digimap.edina.ac.uk
Figure 1-11
Figure 1.11: Magnetometer survey grids and results overlain Wessex Archaeology magnetic surveys (Urmston and Schmidt and Crabb 2017). Lidar derived digital surface model (shaded) with OS 10K overlay © Environment Agency copyright and database right 2024. All rights reserved. Lidar (composite sources) DTM 1m resolution, Scale 1:4000 with gaps filled by DTM 2m resolution, Scale 1:8000 – Ordnance Survey (100025252)/EDINA supplied Service. http://digimap.edina.ac.uk
Figure 1-12
Figure 1.12: Northern arc overview 2025 – consistency of seven pit-like features confirmed (10D–16D). WA magnetic surveys (Urmston 2014 and Schmidt and Crabb 2017). Lidar derived digital surface model (shaded) with OS 10K overlay © Environment Agency copyright and database right 2024. All rights reserved. Lidar (composite sources) DTM 1m resolution, Scale 1:4000 with gaps filled by DTM 2m resolution, Scale 1:8000 – Ordnance Survey (100025252)/EDINA supplied Service. http://digimap.edina.ac.uk
Figure 1-13
Figure 1.13: The outline of an archaeological watching brief (202900) as reported by Leivers et al. 2020, fig. 6 – in relation to the location of confirmed pit-feature 13D. OS 10K overlay © Crown copyright and database right 2024. All rights reserved. Ordnance Survey (100025252)/EDINA supplied Service. http://digimap.edina.ac.uk

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