NHER 43469 (Monument record) - Probably post medieval drains on Fisher's Marshes

April 2006. Norfolk NMP.
Rectilinear ditches are visible as earthworks on aerial photographs (S1)-(S3), centred at TG 5050 0656. Given their location on Fisher’s Marshes, these are almost certainly drains. Their rectilinear plan, which fits the drainage pattern depicted on modern and historic maps, such as Bradwell Tithe Map (S4), suggests that they date to the post medieval period. Part of one drain (visible between TG 5050 0647 and TG 5054 0647) appears to correspond to a boundary depicted on the Tithe Map. Their rectilinear form also contrasts with the more curvilinear or sinuous pattern characteristic of other groups of drains identified to their northeast (NHER 30624) and southwest (NHER 43468). Parts of these drainage systems may have originated in the medieval period, with the adaptation of natural channels. The drains are not visible on recent aerial photographs of the site taken in 1989, (S5), and may have been levelled.
S. Tremlett (NMP), 4 April 2006.