NHER 42164 (Monument record) - Medieval to post medieval enclosure

November 2005. Norfolk NMP.
Earthworks of a rectilinear enclosure of medieval to post medieval date are visible on aerial photographs (S1-S2). This enclosure is located at TG 4926 0835. It has a rectangular plan and is defined by a ditch that measures up 3m wide. A 4.5m wide gap in the ditch on the southwest side of the enclosure appears to mark a deliberate entrance. Internally the enclosure comprises of a raised platform that measures 11m by 8.8m. The position of this enclosure on the marshland indicates that it is of medieval to post medieval date. It is similar to others visible as earthworks on the marshland, with another one located 310m to the northeast (NHER 42162). Information from [1] suggests that these enclosures are probably sheep cotes. They were used to pen sheep overnight so that their manure could be collected. The manure was then transported from the marshes for use as fertiliser on arable fields on the ‘upland’ (S3). The enclosure may have also contained a shepherd's hut or other similar structure. The field containing this enclosure had been ploughed and the earthworks levelled by 1980 although it was still partly visible as a soilmark (S4).
J. Albone (NMP), 21 November 2005