NHER 50634 (Cropmark and Earthwork record) - Earthworks of possible Bronze Age round barrow

October 2007. Norfolk NMP.
The earthwork of a possible Bronze Age round barrow may be visible on aerial photographs from 1946 within Sparhamhole Plantation, Bylaugh (S1-S2). The site is centred on TG 0534 1889. The cropmarks and soilmarks of other Bronze Age round barrows have been recorded in close proximity to the site, forming a small Bronze Age round barrow cemetery (NHER 50639) located on the valley side overlooking the River Wensum.

The aerial photographs reveal several phases of plantation and felling since 1946 and it is therefore not possible to predict whether the site still exists as an earthwork. A site visit would be required to ascertain the level of survival. It is also possible that other earthworks exist within the areas of the plantation obscured by trees on the aerial photographs.
The site consists of a circular embankment, 18m in diameter and 4m wide, with a 10m-diameter depression in the centre. Given the proximity of other barrows it is likely that this earthwork also relates to a Bronze Age barrow, possibly originally a pond or disc barrow form, although it is also possible that the central depression is the result of later activity or excavation.
S. Massey (NMP), 22 October 2007.