NHER 49565 (Monument record) - World War One trenches

June 2007. Norfolk NMP.
The earthworks of a group of probable World War One date trenches are visible on aerial photographs within an area of grassland to the immediate west of St. Michael's Church, Braydeston (S1). The site is centred on TG 3359 0865. These trenches show no obvious sign of having been used during World War Two suggesting that they are World War One in date. This is also suggested by the design of the trenches.

The site consists of at least three military trenches, two of which consist only of a single straight trench, and a third of crenellated pattern. It is possible that others were not visible due to significant areas of the ground hidden by shadows. A smaller possible ditched feature is visible to the west of the main group. Other earthworks in this area have the appearance of quarrying, although it is possible that this excavation was also associated with military training and the digging of fieldworks.

No definite sign of the trenches can be identified on aerial photograph taken within more recent years suggesting that they have been backfilled, although a site visit would be needed to ascertain whether any elements survive on the ground.
S. Massey (NMP), 23 June 2007.