NHER 43420 (Cropmark and Earthwork record) - Possible ring ditch of unknown date and archaeological origin

September 2005. Norfolk NMP.
The cropmarks of a ring ditch of unknown date and origin are visible on aerial photographs to the south of Eccles-on-Sea, Lessingham (S1). It is possible that this is the remains of a Bronze Age round barrow, although this is not certain and an agricultural or recent origin for the cropmarks is possible. A larger possible ring ditch or circular enclosure is visible to the immediate southwest (NHER 43421). The archaeological origin of this feature is also not known.

The ring ditch is centred on TG 4121 2852 and is 21m in diameter and is slight irregular in shape. The ring is incomplete with the southeastern arc not visible. Other ring ditches within this area have been interpreted as post medieval stackstands, however the size of this ring ditch is slightly above the general range of other circular features identified as possible stack stands from aerial photographs, which is from 6 to 18m in diameter (S2: p553-4). It is possible that it is the remains of a Bronze Age round barrow, although this is not certain. The crops in the field are showing some signs of lodging and also some signs of disturbance in the field, probably caused by a vehicle or person. It is therefore possible that the ring ditch is the result of a vehicle turning circle.
S. Massey (NMP), 13 September 2005.