NHER 44952 (Monument record) - Cropmarks of possible enclosure of unknown, but possible Iron Age to Roman date

August 2006. Norfolk NMP.
The cropmarks of possible enclosure of unknown, but possible Iron Age to Roman date are visible on aerial photographs to the north of St Mary’s Road, Aldeby (S1-S2). Excavations to the northwest of this site revealed a wealth of Middle Iron Age industrial activity, Roman date ditches, plus possible evidence for Early Saxon occupation (NHER 34099) (S3). These cropmarks are also located in close proximity to a multi-period finds assemblage (NHER 41979), although Roman finds predominate. The site is centred on TM 4588 9275 and is located on the northern edge of an area of multi-period cropmarks, see NHER 44944 for details. It is possible that the northern extent of this site has been destroyed through the expansion of the Aldeby Quarry to the north.

The possible enclosure is suggested by an L-shaped ditch, bisected by the post medieval field boundary running through the site. Where the cropmarks are clearest the boundary can be seen to be double ditched. The outer ditch is approximately 2m wide and the inner ditch is much narrower, around 1m wide. The minimum dimensions of this potential enclosure are 55m by 60m.
S. Massey (NMP), 16 August 2006.