NHER 43454 (Cropmark and Earthwork record) - The cropmarks of a dispersed field system and ditched features of possible Iron Age to Roman date, Bradwell

March 2006. Norfolk NMP.
The multi-phase cropmarks of a fragmentary field system, ditched boundaries and trackways of predominantly Iron Age to Roman date are visible on aerial photographs on the border of the Bradwell and Burgh Castle parishes (S1-S3). The site is centred on TG 5024 0460 and cover an area approximately 1300m by 850m. Although all of these features are essentially undated, it seems likely that many of them are Iron Age to Roman in date. Finds from all periods have been found within the general vicinity of the cropmarks, but probably of most relevance are the nearby presence of finds ranging from mid first century through to Early Saxon period (NHER 21796, 21799, 22361, 24811, 34379). Cropmarks following a noticeable different alignment within this area have been recorded under NHER 43462. These are also of unknown definite date, but again an Iron Age to Roman or medieval date would be plausible. Two groups of post medieval field boundaries also overlie the site (NHER 43453 and 43451). Cropmarks to the east (NHER 43447) have also been interpreted as a fragmentary field system of possible Iron Age to Roman date.

The cropmarks are all quite dispersed and fragmentary, although there are three areas of more coherent features at TG 5045 0479, TG 5009 0446 and TG 5040 0407. All three areas of cropmarks reveal ditched features roughly aligned NW-SE and SW-NE, which seem to consist of rectilinear enclosures and field divisions. At TG 5009 0446 the cropmarks suggest two incomplete rectilinear enclosures or fields, with a trackway in-between. The northern enclosure, the most complete of the two, measures 60m by at least 70m. The cropmarks at TG 5045 0479 are more fragmentary and slightly complicated by the fact that there is multi-period evidence forming a palimpsest of features. The traces of field boundaries aligned NW-SE and SW-NE again appear to define components of a field system, with associated double ditched sections. The positioning of ditches at TG 5042 0485 and TG 5041 0466 suggest internal subdivisions within the larger fields. It is possible that these are stock enclosures or paddocks.

Not all the cropmarks grouped under this site follow the NW-SE/SW-NE orientation and are therefore likely to represent different phases on the site. Although the features are too fragmentary for any relative phasing to be attempted.
S. Massey (NMP), 29 March 2006.

March 2023. Assessment of the Character and Significance of East Anglian Field Systems project.
The site described above was included in the dataset analysed for the Historic England-funded Assessment of East Anglian Field Systems project. See the project report (S4) for further details.
S. Tremlett (Norfolk County Council Environment Team), 22 March 2023.