NHER 42204 (Monument record) - Medieval to post medieval enclosure

December 2005. Norfolk NMP.
Earthworks of a polygonal rectilinear enclosure, of medieval to post medieval date, are visible on aerial photographs (S1-S2). This eatrhwork is centred on TG 4723 0611. The enclosure is defined by a 2.5m wide ditch and lies on a southwest to northeast axis. It has a roughly rectangular plan with a chamfered northeast corner and measures up to 40m by 31m externally. Internally the enclosure contains a raised platform measuring up to 34.5m by 25m. The location of this enclosure, on marshland that developed during the post Roman period, indicates that it is of medieval to post medieval date. It is similar to, but slightly larger than, other small enclosures visible as earthworks on the marshland. It is likely that this enclosure was a livestock pen or it may have surrounded a small structure such as a shepherd's hut. Information from [1] suggests that the small enclosures on the marshland 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).
J. Albone (NMP), 02 December 2005.