NHER 42166 (Monument record) - Medieval to post medieval rectangular enclosure

November 2005. Norfolk NMP.
Earthworks of a small rectilinear enclosure, of medieval to post medieval date, are visible on aerial photographs (S1-S3). This enclosure is located at TG 4956 0815. It has a rectangular plan and is defined by a 2m wide ditch. A 2.8m wide gap in the ditch at the western end of the enclosure appears to form an entrance. Internally the enclosure comprises of a raised platform that measures 15m by 7.5m. The position of this enclosure in the marshland indicates that it is of medieval to post medieval date. 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’ (S4). The enclosure may have also contained a shepherd’s hut or other similar structure.
J. Albone (NMP), 21 November 2005.

January-February 2023. Earthwork Survey.
Analytical earthwork survey undertaken ahead of proposed habitat improvement works.
This survey confirmed the survival of rectilinear enclosure, with the platform inside the ditch shown to be slightly higher than the surrounding land.
See report (S5) for further details.
P. Watkins (HES), 14 August 2024.