NHER 50885 (Monument record) - Cropmarks of field boundaries of Roman or medieval to post medieval date

March 2008. Norfolk NMP.
The cropmarks of a field boundaries of either Roman or medieval to post medieval date are visible on aerial photographs to the southwest of Riverside Farm, Billingford (S1-S2). The date of these boundaries is not certain, but given the amount of Roman archaeology in this area, close to Billingford Roman town (NHER 7206) and fort (NHER 17486), a Roman date could be suggested. However the boundaries could equally be medieval to post medieval in date.

The site consists of a group of linear and rectilinear boundary ditches, many of which are relatively broad (3-5m across) that would appear to form part of a pre-post medieval field system. Any boundaries depicted on the 1814 Hoe and Worthing Enclosure (S3) have been omitted from the mapping. The boundaries mapped would appear to pre-date much of the post medieval field layout and many follow a different alignment. It is interesting to note that the mapped boundaries appear to follow the alignment of a possible section of Roman road tentatively identified to immediate east of the site (NHER 50884). This site is of uncertain archaeological origin, although it possibly represents a continuation a known Roman road to the north. This possible road is located close to the Roman bridge (NHER 2984) associated with the Roman town at Billingford (NHER 7206).
S. Massey (NMP), 03 March 2008.