NHER 43771 (Monument record) - Cropmarks of unknown but possibly medieval to post medieval date

March 2005. Norfolk NMP.
The cropmarks of a group of ditches of unknown, but possibly medieval to post medieval date are visible on aerial photographs in-between Back Lane and Hickling Broad, Potter Heigham (S1) to (S4). The site is centred on TG 4074 2087. These linear ditches are all likely to be former field and land boundaries that have been removed prior to the 1840 Potter Heigham Tithe map. A large scatter of medieval to post medieval pottery has been recovered from within the vicinity of these cropmarks (NHER 30324). These cropmarks are located within a larger spread of undated and multiphase ditched features following different alignments.

Running along the western edge of the site are a series of parallel ditches (S2) to (S3). These follow the alignment of the slightly curving boundary to the immediate west, marked on the 1840 Potter Heigham Tithe map (S5) and which lead to a former structure. The curve of this field boundary could suggest that it originated from a series of medieval strip fields. The additional parallel ditches visible as cropmarks to the east may also mark former furrows or consolidated strips. Running roughly perpendicular to these boundaries is a series of parallel linears, which again appear to be field boundaries. However some of these show no obvious relationship to the post medieval field layout and it is possible that they relate to an earlier phase. A possible rectangular enclosed area may be visible at TG 4071 2085 (S1), measuring approximately 25m by 20m. Although again this shows no obvious link with the surrounding post medieval fields and may represent a medieval or earlier feature, see NHER 42770 for details of multiphase cropmarks surrounding this site.
S. Massey (NMP), 26 March 2005.