NHER 50860 (Cropmark and Earthwork record) - Cropmarks of a Neolithic to Bronze Age barrow cemetery

These ring ditches were previously recorded under NHER 17734.

March 2007. Norfolk NMP.
A group of ring ditches, probably represent the remains of a Neolithic to Bronze Age round barrow cemetery, are visible on aerial photographs to the east of Castle Farm, Swanton Morley (S4). The site, centred on TG 0335 1764, consists of five ring ditches and a possible sub-rectangular enclosure, possibly representing a long barrow or mortuary enclosure, arranged in a semi-circular group, on the lower slopes of the River Wensum valley, overlooking the river. Another possible barrow may be located approximately 1.km to the west (NHER 12298).

The ring ditches are measure between 17-20m across and two are of the group are slightly oval in plan. The sub-rectangular enclosure measures approximately 20m by 13.5m and has an entrance of causeway to the east. It has been included in the barrow group and identified as a possible barrow or mortuary enclosure due to its apparent positioning within the ring ditch group. It is possible that this feature represents an earlier monument, dating to the Neolithic period, and that the Bronze Age barrow cemetery developed around it. The ring ditches that are more in oval in plan may feasibly also represent Neolithic components to the site.

One of the ring ditches is noticeably more irregular in shape than the rest of the group and it is possible that the cropmarks are of non-archaeological origin. The aerial photographs reveal many geological and pedological cropmarks within the area of the cemetery. However the positioning of the feature within the group, coupled with its similar size, would suggest that it is the remains of a barrow.
S. Massey (NMP), 03 March 2008.