NHER 45219 (Monument record) - Cropmarks of possible Iron Age or Roman enclosures and ditched boundaries

October 2006. Norfolk NMP.
The cropmarks of a series of Iron Age or Roman date enclosures and ditched boundaries are visible on aerial photographs to the southwest of Whinmere Farm, Hickling (S1). The site is centred on TG 4020 2452. These cropmarks are overlain by a series of post medieval field boundaries (NHER 38750).

The majority of the ditches recorded within this site are all aligned roughly NW-SE or NE-SW. Centred on TG 4024 2455 is the eastern end of a possible incomplete enclosure, at least 55m across. A double ditched boundary or trackway may define the southern part of this area. Although the actual western end of this possible enclosure is not visible, a series of parallel ditches appear to define an elongated enclosed area, 170m long. Many of the other less substantial and fragmentary linears that are visible run perpendicular to these parallel boundaries. To the north, separated by the medieval to post medieval track, is a possible sub-rectangular enclosed area, measuring potentially 20m by 30m.

It must be stated that some of the cropmarks mapped are of dubious archaeological origin. Many of the cropmarks have a blurred quality and are adjacent to changes in the cropmarks of probable natural and agricultural origin. However no obvious non-archaeological cause can be identified for the markings and therefore they may represent archaeological features. However some caution must be applied in interpreting many of them, without further archaeological or aerial photographic evidence.
S. Massey (NMP), 31 October 2006.