NHER 45159 (Cropmark and Earthwork record) - Cropmarks of post medieval field boundaries

October 2006. Norfolk NMP.
The cropmarks of a large area of post medieval field boundaries are visible in-between Mason’s Farm and Whitehouse Farm Cottage, Hopton on Sea (S1-S12). The site is centred on TG 5225 0059. These were located to the immediate south of the former Hopton and Gorleston Commons. These land divisions form part of a much wider spread of post medieval field boundaries within this area; NHER 45155 to the west, NHER 45056 to the north and NHER 45165 to the south and east.

These features are located within an extremely complex area of cropmarks dating from the late prehistoric onwards. Given the complexity of this palimpsest of ditches it is possible that some have been misinterpreted chronologically. Some of the boundaries interpreted as post medieval to the immediate east the A12 at around TG 5235 0068, have instances of shared alignment with ditches interpreted as part of the Roman field system in that area (NHER 43495). This can also be said of the broad linear ditch that runs alongside the Long Belt to the east of this site, from TG 5240 0140 to TG 5268 0081 (S5). This feature is marked on the 1813 Enclosure map (S13) and runs almost parallel to a straight boundary, which is probably the Long Belt. These two boundaries form a strip of land in-between that belonging to the Dean and Chapter of Norwich and enclosed land to the west. This linear may also have defined the eastern end of Hopton Common as marked on the 1783 Hodskinson map (S14). It is clear that this boundary was still in use during the post medieval period, however it is possible that it is much older and makes reference to earlier landscape features. This feature shares the same alignment as the field system thought to be Roman in date (NHER 43494). This could indicate that significant elements of the Roman landscape survive into the post medieval period or equally indicate that many of some of the boundaries and fields interpreted as being Roman are much later in date. To the west of the A12 a similarly complicated palimpsest of the cropmarks exists, with another undated field system, with potential late prehistoric origins, located within this same area (NHER 43559). Additionally the southeastern limits of the possible Roman field system (NHER 43494), which may represent an earlier or later development. Excavation is required to establish a stratigraphic and chronological sequence for this area of Hopton.

Many of the boundaries in the centre of the site follow the alignment of the post medieval road or trackway, which runs through the centre of the site and potentially joined with the Lowestoft Road (NHER 45157), in particular those in the area of Valley Farm. To the west of the Lowestoft Road is another group of enclosures and boundaries that would appear also to be of post medieval date, however they are less regular and therefore may represent a slightly earlier or more piecemeal development. A number of these banked features are only visible as soilmarks in the early 1950s (S1-S2), this reflects the pattern for other recorded banked boundaries in this area, see NHER 45056. These boundaries continue over Hall Road where they seemingly overlie another group of rectilinear enclosures, aligned diagonally (NHER 43559). The boundaries to the south of Whitehouse Farm Cottage form a series of closely-set ditches, creating a series of small sub-divided spaces. Although it is possible, as some of these linears runs towards the lower ground and the valley floor, that they are associated with drainage works. Approximately 130m to the northwest is a small rectangular enclosed area, 10m by 9m, seemingly of the same period as main boundaries. This may have acted as a small stock enclosure or similar feature.
S. Massey (NMP), 18 October 2006.

March 2023. Assessment of the Character and Significance of East Anglian Field Systems project.
The site described above was included in the dataset analysed for the Historic England-funded Assessment of East Anglian Field Systems project. See the project report (S15) for further details.
S. Tremlett (Norfolk County Council Environment Team), 22 March 2023.

September 2023. Geophysical Survey.
Magnetometer survey of proposed development site to east of A47 and south of Masons Farm.
This survey identified no evidence for sub-surface remains associated with this group of cropmarks.
See NHER 60543 for further details.
P. Watkins (HES), 31 August 2024.

September 2023. Geophysical Survey.
Magnetometer survey of site of proposed extension to Hopton Holiday Park.
Although the area examined coincided with the north-north-west to south-south-east aligned cropmark at TG 5285 0054 there was no evidence for surviving subsurface remains. The majority of the responses identified were associated with the 'pitch and putt' golf course that occupied the site.
See report (S16) and NHER 36324 for further details.
P. Watkins (HES), 13 September 2025.

October 2023. Trial Trenching.
Evaluation of proposed development site to east of A47 and south of Masons Farm.
Several trenches encountered a ditch that clearly corresponds with the principal element of this group. It produced a small assemblage of medieval to post-medieval ceramic building material (including a pantile fragment of post-medieval to modern date).
See NHER 60543 for further details.
P. Watkins (HES), 31 August 2024.

November-December 2023. Trial Trenching.
Evaluation of site of proposed extension to existing holiday park.
A trench that coincided with the north-north-west to south-south-east aligned cropmark at TG 5284 0056 revealed a corresponding ditch, although unfortunately this feature produced no dating evidence.
See report (S17) and NHER 36324 for further details.
P. Watkins (HES), 13 September 2025.