NHER 42459 (Cropmark and Earthwork record) - Earthworks of drainage ditches and channels

January 2006. Norfolk NMP.
Earthworks of linear and curvilinear drainage ditches and channels are visible on aerial photographs (S1-S2). These earthworks are centred on TG 4854 0611 in an area of former marshland. Some of the linear ditches, such as the one at TG 4857 0603, were shown on the 1843 Burgh Castle tithe map (S3) as extant drainage ditches. It is likely that some of the curvilinear ditches in this group of earthworks originated as natural channels. These were incorporated into the drainage pattern, possibly during the medieval period. Some of the sections of curvilinear ditch, such as that at TG 4844 0596, were also marked on the tithe map (S3). Although the ditch visible as an earthwork at TG 4838 0619 was not marked on the tithe map, it continuation to the east and south were shown as extant ditches. It is probable that these curvilinear and linear drainage ditches are of medieval to post medieval date.
J. Albone (NMP), 25 January 2006