NHER 27116 (Cropmark and Earthwork record) - Medieval and post medieval agricultural features

October 2002. Norfolk NMP.
The cropmarks of medieval to post-medieval field boundaries and possible traces of ridge and furrow, are visible on 1946 RAF aerial photographs (S1) and vertical aerial photographs from the Ordnance Survey in 1970 (S2). These field banks and possible woodland boundary are likely to be medieval to post medieval in date.
The soilmark of a banked boundary or hedgeline is visible from TF 9583 4216 to TF 9602 4221. This is met by a perpendicular boundary to the south from TF 9595 4215 to TF 9596 4198. This linear links up with an existing field boundary to the south. Both of these boundaries have the appearance of a slightly lighter banked feature on the OS photograph (S2) and they appear like darker ditch deposits on the RAF photograph (S1). On the Ordnance Survey photograph these linears are clearly flanked by ditches on either side. This may account for the ditched appearance of the linears on aerial photographs. The northern boundary appears to define the edge of a lighter, raised area to the north, which is likely to mark the former edge of the Swan's Nest Plantation. A ditch runs from 9582 4215 to TF 9575 4203, roughly parallel to the edge of the modern field. It is possible that this marks an earlier boundary of the field. Within these larger boundary features, on the Ordnance Survey aerial photographs (S2), are a number of parallel linear features. It is possible that these agricultural in origin, although they may be remnants of ridges from a ridge and furrow system. All of the soilmarks are showing as extremely broad and ill-defined features.This is presumably due to the plough spreading the material and widening the appearance of the features.
S. Massey (NMP), 22 October 2002.