NHER 49581 (Monument record) - Cropmarks of possible Saxon grubenhauser and ditches

June 2007. Norfolk NMP.
The cropmarks of a dispersed group of sub-rectangular pits, possibly Saxon grubenhauser and fragmentary ditches are visible on aerial photographs to the east of Cross Lane, Surlingham (S1). The site is centred on TG 3100 0598. Cropmarks of sub-rectangular pits of a similar size and arrangement have been interpreted as possibly Saxon grubenhauser (S2). A large number of Saxon date finds have been found within the general vicinity of these pits (NHER 31655, 31997, 35077).

The site consists of a small cluster of six possible pits, located at TG 3088 0607, and a further two possible outlier examples at TG 3103 0582 And TG 3110 0600. The cropmarks are located within an area of heavy background geological markings, but would appear to represent distinct oblong and sub-rectangular pit-like features, ranging in length from 4-7m and 2.5-4m across. Two of the pits are obviously cut into one another, indicating more than one phase of excavation or extraction. A number of fragmentary ditches within the vicinity of the easternmost pit have been included within this site, although the relationship between the ditches and the pits is not certain.

A number of these pit-like features may have been dismissed as geological features, but given the clarity of some of the cropmarks and the presence of Saxon finds in the area they have been mapped as possible grubenhauser. It is possible that the pits could have been created through episodic gravel extraction, although it would be unusual for such neat and rectangular cuts to have been dug.
S. Massey (NMP), 29 June 2007.