NHER 44812 (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 immediate north of Hickling Hall Farm, Hickling (S1). The site is centred on TG 4111 2460. The archaeological origin of these cropmarks is not certain and it is possible that the marks have been created by the underlying geology or recent agricultural activity. This possible ring ditch could also only be identified on one set of aerial photographs (S1), again possibly indicating a more ephemeral or temporary cropmark. However there still remains a possibility that these ditches relate to a Bronze Age round barrow.

Other more convincing Bronze Age barrow sites are located to the southwest (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 1m OD, again possible indicating that it is not a comparable site.

The inner ring is incomplete and has a diameter of 22m. A possible outer concentric ring is suggested by an arc of ditch 5m to the west of the main ring ditch.
S. Massey (NMP), 29 March 2005.