NHER 26624 (Monument record) - Probable Roman saltern mounds

July 2001. Norfolk NMP.
The northernmost anomaly (centre: TF 6604 3258) appears to be an elongated, sub-rounded mound with a north to south length of 210m and a length of 90m. The findspot NHER 1524 is at the centre of this feature. There is a darker line around the western side of the feature that may represent a ditch or the former course of a channel. The southern anomaly (centre: TF 6603 3243) is rounded, with an approximate diameter of 50m. The feature appears to be encircled by a darker feature, possible a ditch or watercourse, while the centre is lighter coloured and has a parched appearance. On the 1988 BKS images (S2) the crop growth is stunted within the light-coloured central areas. Both features are ploughed flat.
The sites probably represent the mounding up of waste silt or sand after salt extraction. The extent of the features would suggest that the sites were in use over a considerable length of time, and possibly by numerous operators. Other than the single coin find (NHER 1524) there is no evidence to suggest that the sites date from the Roman period, although a site further to the south (NHER 16499) has produced Roman period material. The sites may equally be post-Roman or medieval in date, although a Roman date seems most probable. There is a similar site to the immediate south (NHER 26625).
M. Brennand (NMP), 17 July 2001.