NHER 50709 (Cropmark and Earthwork record) - Cropmarks of a small square-ditched enclosure

This enclosure was previously recorded under NHER 1018.

November 2007. Norfolk NMP.
The cropmarks of a small rectangular or square-ditched enclosure of unknown definite date, but potentially Iron Age to Roman, are visible on aerial photographs to the south of Clayhall Cottages, Foxford (S1-S2). This enclosure is located on the inner edge of a large circular enclosure (NHER 50706) of potential Neolithic to Bronze Age date. It is possible that this square enclosure represents the remains of Iron Age or Roman funerary enclosure or square barrow, although this is not certain. The site is centred on TG 0967 1878 and the cropmarks were previously recorded under NHER 1018.

The enclosure measures 7m by 7.5m. Similarly sized enclosures visible on aerial photographs have tentatively interpreted as being the possible remains of Iron Age or Roman date funerary enclosures or square barrows (S3), although this interpretation was not certain. A number of morphologically similar sites have been excavated in Norfolk; Caistor St Edmund (NHER 9794) and Trowse (NHER 9589). These were interpreted as possibly being late Iron Age to Roman date funerary monuments associated with a cremation tradition, rather than the traditionally conceived Iron Age square barrows (S4).

The northern boundary of the enclosure appears to be coincidental with the line of the large circular enclosure (NHER 50706). The cropmarks are not clear enough to be certain, but it is possible that the enclosure has been constructed against or on top of the larger circular ditch, although the relationship is not certain. It is assumed that the circular enclosure predates the smaller square site and it is possible that this large, yet ephemeral cropmark feature may not have still been extant at the time of the construction of the square enclosure.

This square enclosure follows the same alignment as a series of rectilinear enclosures located to the west (NHER 50710). These enclosures are located around a possible hengiform monument (NHER 1018) and are assumed to be later and possibly Roman in date. This small square enclosure may form part of this site and may have had a domestic or agricultural function.
S. Massey (NMP), 19 November 2007.