NHER 43722 (Monument record) - Post-medieval earthworks

March 2005. Norfolk NMP.
A pair of post-medieval rectangular embanked enclosures is visible on aerial photographs (S1) located within the now drained and silted-up Chapman’s Broad (NHER 43724). The purpose of the earthworks is not known, although it is possible that they are associated with wildfowling or a similar activity associated with the Broad. Chapman’s Broad is depicted as being water-filled in 1840 on the Hickling Tithe map (S2), so these earthworks must be post-1840 and it is possible that they are early twentieth century.

The site is centred on TG 4245 2194. Both enclosures are three sided and defined by low, vegetation covered banks, 4-7m wide. The northern site, centred on TG 4249 2200, backs onto a drainage ditch, which diverts to form a U-shape, forming the back edge of the rectangular area measuring approximately 19m by 40m. This diversion of the drain is not marked on the Ordnance Survey second edition map (1902-7) (S3), possibly suggesting that it was altered after this date. The southern enclosure is located at TG 4243 2189 and measures 19m by 30m. The western bank of the enclosure turns to the west. A very slight bank may define the southern end, although this could just be a line of vegetation.
S. Massey (NMP), 29 March 2005.