NHER 44814 (Cropmark and Earthwork record) - Cropmarks of a possible ring ditch

March 2005. Norfolk NMP.
The cropmarks of a possible ring ditch are visible on aerial photographs to the north of Whinmere Cottage, Hickling (S1). The site is centred on TG 4059 2475. The archaeological origin of these cropmarks is not certain and it is possible that the marks have been created by the underlying geology or soils. This possible ring ditch could also only be identified on one set of aerial photographs (S1). However there still remains a possibility that this ring ditch is the encircling ditch of a Bronze Age round barrow. Other more convincing Bronze Age barrow sites are located to the south (NHER 29749, 36106, 44806). The majority of these are located immediately just below the 5m contour, however this possible site is located on the slightly lower slopes towards the peat fen and valley floor to the east, at 3m OD.

The possible ring ditch measures 20m in diameter and has a broad ditch up to 2m across. The site is located within an area of undated, but possibly late prehistoric or Roman date enclosures and field boundaries (NHER 44815). The ring ditch is possibly located within one of the enclosures. Given the potentially broad ditch and large size of the ring ditch it seems unlikely that this feature relates to the drip gully of a hut circle roof.
S. Massey (NMP), 29 March 2005.