NHER 35843 (Monument record) - Extensive Roman remains and evidence for prehistoric, post-medieval and WWII era activity

January 2001. Trial Trenching.
Revealed residual flints.
Bronze Age pit.
Considerable evidence for Roman period activity including ditches, postholes and possible sill beam slots, flues, a well, and a colluvial deposit which was sampled and dated by Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL). Roman activity here starts in mid to late 2nd century.
See report (S1) for further details. The results of this work are also summarised in (S2).
The associated archive has been deposited with the Norwich Castle Museum (NWHCM : 2016.304).
D. Gurney (NLA), 19 April 2001. Amended by P. Watkins (HES), 23 June 2019.

May-July and September-October 2001. Excavation. Contexts 188-1133.
The earliest archaeological evidence comprised two flint cores of possible Mesolithic to Early Neolithic date. However the most significant prehistoric remains was a group of pits or postholes of Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age date. A total of nine pits/postholes were identified, perhaps defining a building.
Features and finds of Roman date include 1st century pottery and rectilinear enclosures and ovens or kilns, and evidence of cattle butchery.
The lack of Saxon or medieval finds or features indicates abandonment of the site during these times.
The final phase of dateable activity at the site comprised pits relating to the military use of the holiday camp at the site during World War Two.
See report (S3) for further details. The results of this work are also summarised in (S2).
The associated archive has been deposited with the Norwich Castle Museum (NWHCM : 2016.304).
J. Allen (NLA), 17 February 2007. Amended by P. Watkins (HES), 21 April 2015 and 23 June 2019.

November 2002. Trial Trench.
Evaluation of site of proposed extension to leisure centre. Contexts 1-31.
Roman ditches and pits were identified, from which pottery, tile and a small quantity of animal bone was recovered.
A pit of possible post-medieval date was identified and post-medieval artefacts were recovered from the subsoil layers.
See report (S4) for further details. The results of this work are also summarised in (S5).
Previously recorded under NHER 37421.
The associated archive has been deposited with the Norwich Castle Museum (NWHCM : 2006.293).
J. Allen (NLA). Amended by P. Watkins (HES), 20 May 2015 and 5 May 2019.

March 2003. Watching Brief.
Monitoring of foundation trenches for new sports and leisure complex. Contexts 32-73.
Revealed a sequence of undated, Roman and post medieval deposits.
Undated remains include a number of pits and a post hole and are possibly contemporary with three Roman pits recorded at the site.
A post-medieval subsoil, pits and wall remains, associated with a former malthouse at the site were also encountered.
Finds include Roman and later pottery sherds, brick, tile, clinker and mortar.
See report (S6) for further details. The results of this work are also summarised in (S7) and (S8).
Previously recorded under NHER 37421.
J. Allen (NLA), 26 June 2007. Amended by P. Watkins (HES), 20 May 2015.

July 2004. Watching Brief.
Monitoring of groundworks associated with residential development in south-west corner of site. Contexts 1-22.
Revealed an undated gully, a Roman pit and a post medieval ditch. An infilled pond was identified which perhaps was associated with the area's former use as a military camp and holiday site.
See report (S9) for further details. The results of this work are also summarised in (S10).
Previously recorded as NHER 40651.
The associated archive has been deposited with the Norwich Castle Museum (NWHCM : 2007.177).
J. Allen (NLA), 8 June 2007. Amended by P. Watkins (HES), 20 May 2015 and 5 May 2019.

Note that the well has been preserved in situ.
D. Gurney (NLA), 9 June 2005.