NHER 26638 (Monument record) - Earthwork of a 19th or 20th century sea bank

June 2001. Norfolk NMP.
A length of sea bank is visible as an earthwork on Ordnance Survey 1967 (S1), NLA 1990 (S2) and RAF 1946 (S3) aerial photographs. It runs for over 1km, on the seaward side of the military area (NHER number 23145). This bank follows the line of the coast, just behind the beach, and forms part of a series/network of sea defences in this area (see also NHER no. 26641, 26642, 26643, 26644 & 26646). This bank runs from NGR. TF6472 3351 to TF6538 3472. It is marked on the Ordnance Survey 1:10000 base map (S6), but is not apparent on the 2nd edition OS (S5). However there does appear to be some form of embankment on Faden’s map (S4), though whether that is just the dunes or an actual bank is not clear.
There also appears to be a shorter length of bank behind this one (on the land side). It is possible that this is connected in someway to the main bank, perhaps an earlier line of it? It seems to join the main bank at NGR TF6488 3391 and then curves away and back to the main bank at NGR TF6500 3409.
The origin and date of these banks are unknown, though a 19th to 20th century date does seem likely.
H. Clare (NMP), 18 June 2001.