NHER 43423 (Monument record) - Undated field boundaries, trackways and drainage ditches

September 2005. Norfolk NMP.
The cropmarks of a group of undated field boundaries and possible trackways are visible on aerial photographs to the south of Eccles-on-Sea, Lessingham (S1-S4). The site is centred on TG 4107 2847. These features appear to be overlain by a group of post medieval field boundaries and ditches (NHER 43422). The date of these cropmarks is not known although it is possible that they are Iron Age to Roman in date. A group of cropmarks to the southwest (NHER 43386) has also been interpreted as Iron Age to Roman fields and these follow a similar alignment.

The majority of the cropmarks consist of double ditched linear features, which are broadly aligned NW-SE. It is possible that these represent trackways. A number of single ditches also run perpendicular to these double ditches. This arrangement suggests a fragmentary field system with a trackways defining the field divisions. To the east of the site is a possible area of further subdivision within the larger potential fields, centred on TG 4133 2841. This appears to create two enclosed areas, 20m by 10m. If this is part of the same system of cropmarks then this is likely to be a paddock or stock enclosure.

The peaty soils and positioning of the site indicate that these cropmarks are located on the upper edge of the alluvial and fen deposits associated with the Thurne Valley. Therefore it must be borne in mind that some of these linear features may be related to drainage.
S. Massey (NMP), 13 September 2005.