NHER 50922 (Monument record) - Cropmarks of trackway or drainage ditch of probable medieval to post medieval date

March 2008. Norfolk NMP.
The cropmarks of a possible medieval to post medieval trackway or major drainage channel and other boundaries and drainage ditches of a similar date, are visible on aerial photographs to the east of Stoke Road, Tottenhill (S1-S3). This site is centred on TF 6424 1189.

The main component of the site is a linear feature running intermittently for approximately 1km. The composition of this feature varies, although this may be due to the cropmark conditions rather than the actual linear being of a different form along its length. When the feature clearly visible it would appear to consist of two parallel banks, flanked by two outer ditches and one central ditch or hollow. The banks and ditches all vary in width from 1-3m. A similar, much fragmentary arrangement of banks and ditches is visible approximately 80m to the west. It seems likely that the main linear feature indicates the line of a former trackway and/or boundary. That date of this feature is unknown, although a medieval to post medieval date would seem most likely. Given the location of the site on the mudstone and the prevalence of other drains in the area, it is possible that this linear feature marks the line of major drain. Although nothing is present in 1946, when the linear is visible as cropmarks, by 1971 (S4) a drain has been cut along the line of the route, which could imply a drainage function for the entire route. The remainder of the site consists of ditched boundaries and drainage channels, again of a probable medieval to post medieval date.
S. Massey (NMP), 05 March February 2008.