NHER 27641 (Monument record) - Possible World War One hardstanding

September 2005. Norfolk NMP.
Four aligned areas of paving, probably of concrete, are visible on aerial photographs (S1)-(S3), between TG 5286 0519 and TG 5297 0520. They seem to pre-date World War Two, as they were already overgrown with vegetation by 1940 (S1) and were overlain by a length of anti tank scaffolding or barbed wire by 1944 (part of NHER 43323), e.g. (S2). It is possible that the paving relates to non military activity at the site, perhaps being a remnant of the racecourse which once occupied the area. The latter is shown on the Ordnance Survey 2nd edition map (S4). It is similar, however, to more extensive areas of paving identified to the southeast which may have supported buildings associated with the World War One naval air station (NHER 13631) which stood on South Denes. Although the paving described here lay some distance to the north of the area of the station, as shown on a map of the site (see NHER 13631 secondary file, (S5)), there are other areas of hardstanding nearby which might also date to World War One (e.g. NHER 27643). As is the case here, these could have supported buildings or been used for vehicles or equipment. The site is now largely overlain by the southern end of Admiralty Road.
S. Tremlett (NMP), 23 September 2005.