NHER 43734 (Monument record) - Multi-phase cropmark site, Hickling

March 2005. Norfolk NMP.
The cropmarks of a group of undated and multi-phase ditches, many of which are likely to be fragments of field boundaries, are visible on aerial photographs in arable land surrounding Manor farm, Hickling (S1-S2). The site is centred on TG 4187 2251, although this point does not correspond to an archaeological feature on the ground. Two more coherent and rectilinear groups of cropmarks of possible Iron Age to Roman date, located within this area have been recorded separately (NHER 43735, 43751).

The cropmarks consist of three main clusters of ditched features, centred on TG 4159 2267, TG 4209 2250 and TG 4196 2221. None of the cropmarks appear to show any relationship with the medieval to post medieval layout of the fields and roads along the Stubb and are therefore likely to be much earlier. The Stubb is a narrow strip of 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 associated activities and agriculture in the past.

The majority of the cropmarks are too fragmentary for any definite interpretation to be made, however some components are more substantial. Running from TG 4155 2266 to TG 4171 2268 is a discontinuous linear ditch, which has several sections of ditch running perpendicular and joining it. It seems likely that this is a fragment of a field boundary with conjoined fields. At TG 4190 2227 and TG 4208 2218 are two possible fragments of trackways, suggested by sections of parallel ditches.
S. Massey (NMP), 29 March 2005.