NHER 18571 (Monument record) - Medieval sea defence or saltern mound

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Summary

In 1982 a large earthen mound was recorded at this location. It was suggested to be either a medieval breakwater associated with the Sea Bank (NHER 2187) or a medieval saltern.

Protected Status/Designation

  • None recorded

Location

Map sheet TF41SE
Civil Parish WEST WALTON, WEST NORFOLK, NORFOLK

Map

10 December 1982.
Large earth mound (not measured), almost kidney shaped.
Perhaps 150m northwest to southeast x 40m northeast to southeast. Between 3.1-4.6m (10-15ft) in height.
Nothing on top only a little dark staining.
Runs under farm buildings so not possible to see if it joins the Sea Bank (NHER 2187) but probably a breakwater projecting from it like those in Cambridgeshire.
See (S2)
R. Silvester (NAU) December 1982.

This is more probably a saltern.
R. Silvester (NUA) 1985.

For full details of wares, flint types etc. see Fenland Folders (S3).

June 2026. HER Enhancement: Forestry Commission Project K.
The mound is clearly visible on a recent Lidar survey (S4-S5), which reveals that it actually extends much further north than the current mapped area.
The mapped extent has been amended to reflect the lidar data.
H. Hamilton (HES), 20 June 2026.

  • --- *Fieldwork: Fenland Survey. WNW 5. FENS.
  • <S1> Record Card: NAU Staff. 1974-1988. Norfolk Archaeological Index Primary Record Card.
  • <S2> Article in Serial: Taylor and Hall. 1977. Proceedings of the Cambridge Antiquarian Society. Proceedings of the Cambridge Antiquarian Society. LXVII, p 63.
  • <S3> Archive: Fenland Folders.
  • <S4> LIDAR Airborne Survey: Environment Agency. Environment Agency LIDAR Data. National LIDAR Programme TF41SE DTM 1m 19-NOV-2020 TO 12-NOV-2020.
  • <S5> LIDAR Airborne Survey: Environment Agency. Environment Agency LIDAR Data. National LIDAR Programme TF41NE DTM 1m 19-NOV-2020 TO 12-NOV-2020.

Object Types (0)

Record last edited

Jun 20 2026 10:22AM

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