NHER 43751 (Monument record) - Cropmarks and earthworks of possible field boundaries or drainage ditches

March 2005. Norfolk NMP.
The cropmarks and earthworks of a group of possible field boundaries or drainage ditches are visible on aerial photographs to the immediate north of Hickling Broad (S1-S2). The date of these linears is not known, largely due to the uncertainty of the exact nature of the features. It is possible that the cropmarks relate to field boundaries of possible Iron Age to Roman date. This date has also been suggested for other nearby groups of rectilinear enclosures and field boundaries following similar alignments to the east (NHER 43735-6). Although it is also possible that some of these linear features are post medieval drainage ditches or are of relatively recent and agricultural origin. The site is centred on TG 4155 2232 and these cropmarks are located within a wider spread of undated, multi-phase cropmarks (NHER 43734).

The majority of linear features mapped are visible as vegetation marks and slight earthworks in an area of grass pasture in July (S1). It is therefore possible that some of the features have been created through relatively recent movement or activity within the field. However some of the marks do appear to be archaeological in origin, in particular those that continue into the arable in the next field. Many of the mapped features have the appearance of former field boundaries and are similar to those recorded more confidently to the east at NHER 43736.

None of the linear features appear to show any relationship with the post medieval layout of the fields and roads along the Stubb and are likely to be earlier. The fact that two of the linears appear to be cut by the one of these boundaries also suggests this. 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. This site is located on a continuation of the loamy soils of the Stubb, projecting south into the peats associated with valley floor and Hickling Broad. This suggests that this area of ground, whilst sloping down, is still slightly elevated from the valley floor. However the 1808 Enclosure map of Hickling indicates that major drains were cut across this section of land (S3; p97), suggesting that it was sufficiently wet in the post medieval period. In 1963 a herringbone pattern of drainage is visible on aerial photographs (S2), again suggesting that additional drainage is required. It is also possible that some elements of this herringbone drainage have been mapped inadvertently as archaeological features.
S. Massey (NMP), 29 March 2005.