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Turnastone Court Farm, Herefordshire, England

The electrical resistance and total field magnetic surveys were undertaken in order to learn more about the farm's environs, as part of a program of research and restoration. The valley in which the farm lies is particularly rich in archaeological remains of all ages.

Amongst the old field boundaries there are hints of prehistoric activity, such as scatters of pit-type features. Of specific importance for this project was the location of the old orchard and, more unusually, the identification of the old hop yard. (Hops are grown on poles c. 6m apart - all that remains is a set of post holes.)

The increased magnetic activity along the road side (to the north) may indicate the site of former cottages. However, the site of the old house remains a puzzle, as the position indicated on the old map shows no visible or geophysical evidence of a structure.

The following year ArchaeoPhysica was called on to survey an area adjacent to the Trench Royal - a substantial part of the extensive water management system - to identify any associated features in advance of erecting a fence and planting a hedge. None were found.

Client

Archenfield Archaeology