Monument record TAT 035 - Prehistoric, Medieval and Post medival ditches and pits at Valley Farm, Tattingstone

A number of features are visible as cropmarks visible on aerial photographs of the site. A previous geophysical survey, however, recorded only a limited number of features which corresponded closely to the cropmarks, including a possible round barrow. The metal detecting survey recorded a general spread of artefacts throughout the survey areas. Where dateable, the vast majority of the artefacts were post-medieval in date. No meaningful clustering by artefact date or material was observed. The evaluation identified a series of ditches and pits at the site. Where dateable, these were mainly prehistoric and post-medieval in date. A ditch which may relate to the possible round barrow recorded previously as a cropmark contained 78 sherds of Beaker pottery; a sandy clay layer may represent disturbed mound material associated with the putative barrow. The evaluation results did not generally display a strong correspondence to the cropmarks. The reason for this discrepancy is unclear. It is possible that variations in the site's geology, which comprises sands and gravels with bands and patches of silt, is causing some of the cropmarks. It is also possible that some of the archaeological features represented by the cropmarks have since been removed by intensified agricultural practices in the later 20th century (S1).

In the western field (Field 1), the survey recorded only limited geophysical evidence of previously identified cropmark features, comprising a single linear anomaly that closely corresponds to a putative former field boundary. However, a number of potential pits and ditches were recorded in the field, principally grouped in the mid and north eastern regions. These lie in relative close proximity to the recorded location of two cropmark ring ditches. There are suggestions of partial circular ditches within both groups, although the results are insufficient to confidently interpret these as components of hitherto unrecorded ring ditches. Situated close to the southwestern corner of the eastern field (Field 2) the weak magnetic response of a cropmark ring ditch (with central pit) . Traces of at least one linear cropmark were also detected in this area. Whereas other linear cropmarks have not resolved as magnetic anomalies, dense groups of linear and discrete anomalies in the southern part of the field exhibit some potential as ditches and pits (albeit not apparent as cropmarks). Fewer, though similar, anomalies were detected in the northern and northeastern parts of Field 2, where one linear anomaly appears to correspond to a section of a cropmark ditch. Other cropmarks in this area were not recorded by the survey. Elsewhere, the majority of magnetic variation in both areas clearly or probably represents natural features. This includes the response of a major palaeochannel in Field 2 that extends south across the field towards an inland lake, Alton Water. A smaller example was recorded in the southwest part of Field 1. Widespread isolated weak anomalies were also identified .which probably signify natural features, such as soil-filled tree throws or other forms of ferrous enhanced natural deposits. Parallel and magnetically depleted linear anomalies reflect modern cultivation was recoved, mostly in Field 1. Modern Responses across the entire site include those induced by existing and Possibly former electricity poles, discrete ferrous-rich objects contained within the plough soil (S2).