NHER 45084 (Monument record) - Probable post medieval rectilinear enclosure

September 2006. Norfolk NMP.
A rectilinear enclosure is visible as an earthwork and vegetation mark on aerial photographs (S1)-(S3), centred at TG 4137 1856. It is undated, but its relatively ‘fresh’ appearance suggests that it is a post medieval or modern construction. Its function is unknown; a pair of similar enclosures located 3.4km to the north (NHER 43722) might have been associated with the use of Hickling Broad, perhaps relating to wild fowling for example. A number of banks and ditches are visible surrounding the enclosure. Their archaeological significance is uncertain and only those most likely to be associated or contemporary with the enclosure have been mapped by the NMP. Whether earthworks still survive at the site is not known.

The enclosure is roughly rectangular in plan. It is open ended on its east side, its other three sides being defined by a substantial bank. It appears to have an interior ditch, and an exterior ditch along its north side; these presumably provided the material for the bank. Overall it measures 30m long and 22m wide; the interior measures 21.5m long and 6.5m wide.
S. Tremlett (NMP), 27 September 2006.