Research, Articles & Surveys
Archaeological Surveys undertake research on a range of sites mainly within Wiltshire, we also produce a number of articles relating to commercial geophysical work and other aspects of geophysical surveys, archaeology, history as well as general articles relating to our business. These are located under Research and notices.
We also provide a number of summaries relating to important archaeological sites where we have carried out geophysical survey. We also include archaeological backgrounds and references. These can be found under Surveys.
Many of our commercial reports can be found in the ADS Library as a requirement of a Written Scheme of Investigation and in adherence to Standards and Guidance.
It is also possible to search all articles and survey summaries.
Magnetic susceptibility measurement of iron ore samples from Seend.
With high temperatures becoming more frequent in British summers, Archaeological Surveys Ltd consider the risks of overheating and heat exhaustion when carrying out geophysical survey.
This short article takes a look at the current state of standards and guidance for archaeological geophysics in England with particular regard to commercial practice.
Francis George Sabin passed away in September 2019 after several years of struggling with a number of degenerative illnesses. Francis provided valuable support to Archaeological Surveys Ltd after a long career in engineering.
Archaeological Surveys Ltd was commissioned by the Malmesbury History Society to undertake a ground penetrating radar (GPR) survey of accessible areas around the abbey and adjacent areas. Variable results were obtained but include anomalies relating to the northern cloister, the crossing, presbytery and transepts. Fragments of the abbey complex were also located by GPR surveying within Abbey House Gardens to the east and behind The Old Bell Hotel to the north west. The GPR survey also located fragments of St Paul's church to the south of the abbey. No significant features were identified within the churchyard to the south of the abbey, although the GPR profiles indicate the presence of a very large number of graves probably confirming the area had been used for burial by the town from the medieval up until the Victorian period. The GPR results within the abbey were poor probably as a result of the floor and shallow subsurface make-up; despite the presence of numerous memorial ledgers within the floor, there was very little evidence for graves below it, and although 19th and 20th century renovations may have removed them, it is possible that high levels of GPR absorption have restricted penetration.