NHER 44816 (Cropmark and Earthwork record) - Earthworks of a possible Roman or medieval road

June 2006. Norfolk NMP.
Earthworks of a possible hollow way and roadside ditches are visible on aerial photographs (S1). These earthworks are located on Broome Heath and centred on TM 3451 9122. A 5m wide sunken linear earthwork is present for 63m on a southwest to northeast alignment between TM 3444 9112 and TM 3448 3117. On 1946 aerial photographs this earthwork was truncated at its northeastern end by active quarrying (S1). It is possible that this is a road present as a hollow way. Further to the northeast at TM 3456 9130 are two parallel ditch earthworks. These are spaced 8m apart and are on the same alignment as the possible hollow way. It is possible that they are roadside ditches forming a continuation of the same road. These earthworks were also truncated by quarrying in 1946 (S1). The alignment of this possible road lies almost parallel and just to the southeast of the Broome and Ditchingham parish boundary. It has been suggested that the footpath to the northwest of the parish boundary follows the course of a Roman road (S2) although the evidence for this is unclear. However, the line of the parish boundary itself is interesting and could have its origins in a road or boundary of Roman date (NHER 48885). Although the earthworks visible in 1946 do not lie on the direct course of the parish boundary or later footpath, it is possible that they relate to a road of Roman or medieval origin.
J. Albone (NMP), 26 June 2006.