NHER 43388 (Monument record) - Cropmarks of undated field boundary ditches or post medieval drains

September 2005. Norfolk NMP.
A group of cropmark and soilmark ditches or drains of unknown date are visible on aerial photographs to the west of Hempstead Marshes, Lessingham (S1-S2). The site is centred on TG 4085 2698. These cropmarks are located in close proximity to two large, but dispersed field systems of possible Iron Age or Roman date (NHER 42135, 43386) and it is possible that the cropmarks are similar in date and character. The ditches to the east of the site do broadly share the same alignment as that exhibited by the larger field systems. A possible ring ditch was identified within the area of these cropmarks. This is of unknown date and origin and was recorded under NHER 43389. The main area of this site is located on the loamy and sandy soils that cover Ingham and the coastal area between Hempstead and Eccles, as is the two field systems, NHER 42135 and 43386. However the margins of this site correspond with the edge of this loamy soil and the former alluvial fen area. The Hempstead Marshes reveal many traces of post medieval drainage and possible peat or clay extraction (NHER 41127). It is possible that some of these linear ditches on the running towards these areas, in particular those to the east of the site and immediately adjacent to the marshes, may also be post medieval drainage features. However these cropmarks are located at a slight island of higher ground within the wider fen and former alluvial landscape of the upper reaches of the Thurne Valley. This island is clearly depicted on Faden’s map of 1797 (S3).
S. Massey (NMP), 13 September 2005.