NHER 13508 (Monument record) - Martham Broad

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Summary

Martham Broad is a flooded and infilled medieval peat cutting. A 19th century map shows that the broad was much larger in the past than it is now. In 1983 a series of undated timber posts were found as a new dyke was being cut. These could be medieval and associated with peat cutting or a former dyke. Alternatively they may have been part of a medieval/post medieval sluice.

Protected Status/Designation

  • None recorded

Location

Map sheet TG42SE
Civil Parish MARTHAM, GREAT YARMOUTH, NORFOLK
Civil Parish SOMERTON, GREAT YARMOUTH, NORFOLK

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Medieval peat working.
See (S1).
Shown on inland portion of Admiralty chart 1957 (S2) (not revised since 19th century) as circular with large circular island in middle. This is probably an imaginative rather than an accurate representation.
E. Rose (NAU), 1979.

October to November 1983. Context 1 at TG 4565 2063, in new dyke dug as relief along northwest side of Hundred Stream on north side Martham Broad. Found by Anglian Water Authority excavator.
Substantial shaped, morticed and pegged timbers. Diving indicates more in situ.
See detailed reports (S3 to S5) by B. Ayers and A. Gregory (NAU) in file.
A. Gregory (NAU), 11 November 1983.

Broad shown as circular with large circular island in middle also on 1838 first edition 1 inch Ordnance Survey map (S6). Present peninsula at centre of broad could have been an island and banks could have encroached. Is this another case of a 'pleasure island' like Hickling and Catfield?
E. Rose (NLA), 6 March 1995.

  • --- Illustration: Unknown. Sketch drawings of timbers found at Martham Broad.. Paper.
  • --- Map: Finder's Map.
  • --- Photograph: CKW (timber).
  • --- Record Card: NAU Staff. 1974-1988. Norfolk Archaeological Index Primary Record Card.
  • --- Secondary File: Secondary File.
  • <S1> Monograph: Lambert, J.M. & Jennings, J.N.. 1960. The Making of the Broads: A Reconsideration of their Origin in the Light of New Evidence..
  • <S2> Map: 1957. Admiralty Map.
  • <S3> Unpublished Document: Ayers, B.S.. 1983. Site at entrance to Martham Broad West of Horsey to East Somerton Road.
  • <S4> Unpublished Document: Gregory, A.. 1983. Site report.
  • <S5> Unpublished Document: Gregory, A.. 1983. Worked Timbers from Martham Broad, Norfolk.
  • <S6> Map: Ordnance Survey. 1805-1836. Ordnance Survey Map. One inch to the mile. First Edition.
  • WORKED OBJECT (Undated)

Related NHER Records (0)

Record last edited

May 3 2023 8:05AM

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