NHER 2009 (Monument record) - Crabbs Castle

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Summary

The earthworks here have been described as relating to an Iron Age hillfort or Bronze Age saucer barrow. However, investigation of the site has determined that the remains most likely relate to a medieval ringwork castle. Such ringworks are rare, but this example is in a typical location overlooking the surrounding area and the road to the south. Over the years a number of artefacts have been recovered from this site including Roman coins, medieval tiles and a Neolithic flint scraper and axehead.

Protected Status/Designation

Scheduled Monument 1018175: Remains of medieval ringwork castle known as Crabb's Castle, 680m north east of Crabb's Castle Farm

Location

Map sheet	TF93NW
Civil Parish	WIGHTON, NORTH NORFOLK, NORFOLK

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Full Description

Variously described as a hillfort and saucer barrow. Roman coins claimed.
Revised schedule describes as a medieval ringwork.
1934. Neolithic scatter found.
1935. Building material found.
1959. Flint axe found.
For full details and schedule see secondary file.
E. Rose (NAU) 14 May 1980.

August 2000. Field Observation and Desk-based Assessment.
Site visited and considered as part of archaeological assessment of Holkham Estate.
A low rise about 70m across and 1m high. No sign of ditches or other features. Ploughed at this time. There was no sign of tile on the surface.
See report (S2) for further details.
P. Watkins (HES), 28 April 2015.

Associated Sources (15)

--- SNF48888 Aerial Photograph: Edwards, D.A. (NLA). 1995. TF9039/C - E; TF9139/G.
--- SNF11293 Aerial Photograph: TF 9139A, D-F.
--- SNF97838 Collection: Norfolk Historic Environment Record Staff. 1975-[2000]. HER Record Notes. Norfolk Historic Environment Service.
--- SNF43 Designation: [unknown]. Ancient Monuments Form. SAM Record. DNF296.
--- SNF99120 Designation: English Heritage. 1990-2013. English Heritage Scheduling Notification. Notification. DNF296.
--- SNF99123 Designation: English Heritage. 1994? -2011?. English Heritage Digital Designation Record. Record. DNF296.
--- SNF99172 Record Card: Clarke, R. R. and NCM Staff. 1933-1973. Norwich Castle Museum Record Card - Miscellaneous. Wighton.
--- SNF87257 Record Card: Clarke, R. R. and NCM Staff. 1933-1973. Norwich Castle Museum Record Card - Neolithic. Wighton [2].
--- SNF87260 Record Card: Clarke, R. R. and NCM Staff. 1933-1973. Norwich Castle Museum Record Card - Roman. Wighton.
--- SNF57722 Record Card: NAU Staff. 1974-1988. Norfolk Archaeological Index Primary Record Card.
--- SNF57204 Record Card: Ordnance Survey Staff. 1933-1979?. Ordnance Survey Record Cards. TF 93 NW 1 [3].
--- SNF8804 Secondary File: Secondary File.
--- SNF102206 Website: Lock, G. and Ralston, I. 2017. Atlas of Hillforts Project On-line Gazetteer. https://hillforts.arch.ox.ac.uk/. 31 May 2023. EN2441.
<S1> SNF4923 Monograph: Bryant, T. H. 1898. Hundred of North Greenhoe. The Churches of Norfolk. Vol II. p 7.
<S2> SNF51041 Unpublished Contractor Report: Penn, K. 2000. The Holkham Estate, Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk. Archaeological Survey (Final Report). Norfolk Archaeological Unit. 532.

Site and Feature Types and Periods (9)

Object Types (5)

LITHIC IMPLEMENT (Neolithic - 4000 BC to 2351 BC)
POLISHED AXEHEAD (Neolithic - 4000 BC to 2351 BC)
COIN (Roman - 43 AD to 409 AD)
ARCHITECTURAL FRAGMENT (Medieval - 1066 AD to 1539 AD)
ROOF TILE (Medieval - 1066 AD to 1539 AD)