NHER 27175 (Monument record) - Cropmarks of possible undated linear field boundaries and droveway

THESE CROPMARKS WERE PREVIOUSLY RECORDED UNDER NHER 20514.

January 2003. Norfolk NMP.
The cropmarks are ephemeral but certainly appear to be caused by archaeological features. Within the eastern part of the area is a probable double-ditched track or droveway (S1), running in an approximate east to west direction from TF 5714 2092 to TF 5729 2098. The central part of the feature is fragmentary, and its course turns northwards at its eastern end, towards the Sea Bank (NHER 2187). The western end of the track is defined by a change in the crop conditions, although it seems likely that the feature originally extended further westwards. There is a light, parched area between the ditches at the eastern and western ends, probably caused by the trampled, hardened surface of the track. There are additional fragmentary, single linear features aligned in a northwest to southeast and southwest to northeast alignments that are likely to represent field boundaries. The different alignments might suggest that the field boundaries and the trackway are not contemporary.
The date of these features is uncertain. The course of the track might suggest it is truncated by the Sea Bank (NHER 2187), suggesting a pre-Late Saxon date for the trackway. Equally the track may turn eastwards and run parallel with the bank. The location of the features might suggest a post-bank date, situated in this area because of the protection offered by the presence of the bank.
M. Brennand (NMP), 3 January 2003.