NHER 49321 (Cropmark and Earthwork record) - The cropmarks of a group of multi-period ditches and an enclosure

March 2007. Norfolk NMP.
The cropmarks of a group of multi-period ditches, representing enclosures and former field boundaries, elements of which may be Roman and post medieval in date, are visible on aerial photographs to the south of Boundary Farm, Sutton/Catfield (S1-S4). The site is centred on TG 3941 2251.

The main component of the site is a polygonal or lozenge-shaped enclosure centred on TG 3923 2223 (S1), measuring 140m by 100m. The enclosure is surrounded by a series of fragmentary ditches and boundaries that run either parallel or perpendicular to the enclosure, suggesting that they are associated fields and land divisions. A trackway runs through the western part of this enclosure and although it follows the same alignment as the enclosure, it seems unlikely that the two features are contemporary. It is possible that the trackway is a later feature that mimics the shape of the enclosure ditches. The trackway is roughly parallel to another section of trackway or road visible on the aerial photographs approximately 700m to the east (NHER 8332). The date of this trackway is also unknown, although a post medieval date is possible.

The remainder of the site consists of dispersed and fragmentary ditches, the majority of which appear to form former field boundaries and trackways (where double ditched). The majority of these ditches are roughly aligned either NW-SE or NE-SW and are likely to be the fragmentary remains of a system. It is clear from the cropmarks that several phases of boundaries are visible and that some of these field boundaries follow a different alignment to those associated with the enclosure. Fieldwalking and metal detecting within the western part of this site in advance of the Bacton to Great Yarmouth pipeline produced a Roman find, plus numerous post medieval finds, including building material (NHER 33994). Similarly aligned field boundaries have been recorded nearby (NHER 49311 and 49316), some of which are also associated with Roman finds (NHER 49316).
S. Massey (NMP), 30 March 2007.