NHER 14400 (Cropmark and Earthwork record) - Cropmarks of probably recent agricultural origin

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Summary

Rectilinear cropmarks visible on aerial photographs are probably of recent agricultural origin. They have previously been interpreted as relating to World War Two anti-landing trenches.

Protected Status/Designation

  • None recorded

Location

Map sheet TG10NW
Civil Parish GREAT MELTON, SOUTH NORFOLK, NORFOLK

Map

Anti Glider ditch cropmark (World War Two).

However, comparison with further air photographs suggests that D. Edwards (NAU) is right in thinking that this is a mark caused by an agricultural purpose, despite the coincidence of its shape.
Located by E. Rose (NAU), 10 January 1979
E. Rose (NAU), 19 February 1980.

May 2010. Norfolk NMP.
As described above, rectilinear cropmarks, one of which defines a zigzagging line, are visible on aerial photographs (S1), in a field centred at approximately TG 1412 0850. Their general appearance, and their absence on the other aerial photographs consulted, would suggest that they are indeed of recent agricultural origin. Certainly there is no evidence on the earliest available photographs (S2), taken in 1946, that any anti-landing trenches were dug across this field during World War Two. As a consequence, the cropmarks have not been mapped by the NMP.
S. Tremlett (NMP), 18 May 2010.

  • --- Record Card: NAU Staff. 1974-1988. Norfolk Archaeological Index Primary Record Card.
  • <S1> Oblique Aerial Photograph: Edwards, D.A. (NLA). 1977. NHER TG 1408A-C (NLA 39/AHF1-3) 01-JUN-1977.
  • <S2> Vertical Aerial Photograph: RAF. 1946. RAF 3G/TUD/UK/70 5137-8 28-FEB-1946 (NMR).

Object Types (0)

Related NHER Records (0)

Record last edited

Mar 10 2026 2:06PM

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