Hallgate Lane Pilsley, Chesterfield, Derbyshire: Detailed Gradiometer Survey Report

A detailed gradiometer survey was conducted over land at Hallgate Lane, Pilsley, Derbyshire (centred on NGR SK 42021 62790). The project was commissioned by John Church Planning Consultancy Limited with the aim of establishing the presence, or otherwise, and nature of detectable archaeological features in support of a planning application for the residential development of the site. The site comprises an arable field located to the north of Hallgate Lane where it meets Rupert Street and Bridge Street, covering an area of 3.1ha. The geophysical survey was undertaken on 15th June 2015. The detailed gradiometer survey has demonstrated the presence of a number of anomalies of potential archaeological interest across the survey area. The most complex area of potential archaeology is located in the west of the survey area. Within this area, numerous discreet linear features have been identified as probable archaeology and consist of ditch-like features of unknown origin and date. These may relate to enclosures and/or former field systems. An area of increased magnetic response in the northwest of the survey area may represent a change in the near surface geology. The anomalies identified as being of possible archaeological interest are primarily linear ditch-like and pit features also of unknown origin and date. Additionally, this archaeological investigation has detected numerous ferrous anomalies and evidence for historic cultivation.