NHER 43735 (Monument record) - Cropmark field boundaries of unknown, but possible Iron Age to Roman date, Hickling

March 2005. Norfolk NMP.
The cropmarks of a group of possible field boundaries of unknown, but potentially Iron Age to Roman date, are visible on aerial photographs to the north of Manor farm, Hickling (S1-S2). The site is centred on TG 4198 2268, although this point does not correspond to an archaeological feature on the ground. These cropmarks are located within a wider spread of undated, multi-phase cropmarks (NHER 43734). These cropmarks obviously pre-date 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. This date has also been suggested for the larger group of rectilinear enclosures and field boundaries to the immediate east (NHER 43736). It is possible that these more fragmentary cropmarks are part of the same site.

The cropmarks consist of two clusters of ditches, centred on TG 4193 2279 and TG 4203 2261. The ditches, which are aligned parallel and perpendicular to one another, are possibly part of a fragmentary field system. Two closely set parallel ditches may indicate the presence of a trackway running in-between enclosed fields.
S. Massey (NMP), 29 March 2005.