NHER 43737 (Monument record) - Cropmark field boundaries of unknown date

March 2005. Norfolk NMP.
The cropmarks of a group of field boundaries of unknown date are visible on aerial photographs near Eye Farm, Hickling (S1-S2). The site is centred on TG 4258 2249, although this point does not correspond to an archaeological feature on the ground. This site either overlies or is cut by another group of rectilinear enclosure and field boundaries that have been interpreted as possibly being Iron Age to Roman in date. These cropmarks are also located within a wider spread of undated, multi-phase cropmarks (NHER 43738).

The cropmarks are quite fragmentary and represent discontinuous linear ditches, interpreted as field boundaries, running diagonally to the post medieval field layout. These ditches obviously pre-date the post medieval field layout and the road running west-east along the Stubb, which is likely to be of some antiquity and is marked on the 1797 Faden map (S3). The morphology of the cropmarks would suggest a possible Iron Age to Roman date. The Stubb is a narrow strip of slightly raised ground with loamy soils, which is surrounding by the lower valley peats and alluvial clays. This strip of land would probably have offered an obvious location for settlement and agriculture in the past.
S. Massey (NMP), 29 March 2005.