NHER 26849 (Cropmark and Earthwork record) - Cropmarks of possible post medieval field boundaries and road

April 2002. Norfolk NMP.
Most noticeable feature of site is a parched/negative cropmark linear, 235m long and 5m across, running from TF 6680 3638 to TF 6703 3630. A closely set ditch on either side flanks this central linear. It seems to be compacted feature, possibly a bank, but it appears more like a surfaced road or platform. This linear is not visible on the 1623 Map of Heacham (S3), but it is marked on a Heacham Enclosure map (S4) dated to 1781. Despite its appearance the map evidence would indicate that this was feature was merely a field boundary. If this were a road or track of post medieval in date, it would be expected that more map and landscape features would relate to it, which they do not appear to. It cuts across the common, separating Southmoor Common from South Fen Common, this boundary or bank may have therefore marked the boundary of the saltmarsh or areas of different usage or rights. The only features that appear to relate to it are two ditches to the south, which meet the linear at a perpendicular angle. The eastern of the two corners just before it would join the outer ditches. It does however appear to be bounded to the west or cut by one of earliest phases of sea banks constructed (NHER 26807) which is marked on Faden's map of 1797 (S5). The exact dates of these banks is unknown, although they are potentially much older than the date they were first mapped.
Several others crop and soilmarks were visible within the old common. Another linear bank flanked by ditches runs from TF 6688 3639 to TF 6712 3649. It is 260m long and between 5 to 6m wide. Its Y-shape makes it look like a section of envelope pattern, however it does not seem to be in the right place in relation to the field. This feature is also surrounded by many smaller sections of ditch. Two of which are parallel and may be part of a trackway. If so, at TF 6688 3636, it appears to be cut by the main road/bank feature described above. Another section of a bank and ditch linear is visible at TF 6702 3636. It is 45m long and 4m wide.
S. Massey (NMP), 19 April 2002.