EDO6726 - Gussage St Michael Long Barrow; geophysical survey 2020

Geophysical (gradiometer) survey of the site of a plough-denuded long barrow, carried out by the Avon Valley Archaeological Society in February 2020, through the auspices of the loCATE project (a joint initiative of Bournemouth University and the New Forest National Park Authority). The results of the survey confirmed the size and shape of the long barrow (referenced as Gussage St Michael 10 by the RCHME). The definition of the 'U-shaped' barrow ditch was clear within the survey data, and confirmed that the long barrow is of ‘Cranborne Chase’ type, carrying clear similarities to other examples of this type - particularly the nearby Gussage St Michael 12 long barrow. No obvious internal features were revealed, although some evidence of possible activity at the open end of the barrow was recorded. A number of linear anomalies were also located in the vicinity, probably former ditches, but from their arrangement it is inferred these are prtobably later features. It was noted that the existing scheduled area associated with the long barrow does not fully encompass the features detected by the survey, and the report recommends that scheduling be extended to the edge of the modern road to the north.