NHER 50968 (Cropmark and Earthwork record) - Cropmarks of a ring ditch and square enclosure, possibly Late Iron Age mortuary enclosures

March 2008. Norfolk NMP.
The cropmarks of a ring ditch and square enclosure of unknown, but possible late Iron Age date, are visible on aerial photographs (S1-S2) within the Watlington cropmark complex (NHER 11724). The site is centred on TF 6299 1063.

The ring ditch is 13m in diameter and appears to have an internal pit, which may have held a cremation deposit. Although this may relate to separate and later phase, as a number of pits are visible on aerial photographs within this area and are probably associated with the later Iron Age to Roman date settlement (NHER 39458, 50966). Although it is possible that this ring ditch relates to a former Bronze Age round barrow or roundhouse contemporary with the settlement. The size of this ring ditch compares well with the excavated circular mortuary enclosure, measuring around 12m across (S3). Another small ditched enclosure, more oblong in shape, again with a central pit, was also interpreted as a mortuary enclosure.

To the immediate southeast of this ring ditch is a square or slightly trapezoidal enclosure, measuring 11m by 13m. The positioning of this enclosure next to the ring ditch would suggest that they are contemporary and it is feasible that this also represents a mortuary enclosure. A similar relationship between ring ditch and square enclosure has been identified at Morton-on-the-hill (NHER 17657 and 50650). Small ditched enclosures, possibly containing cremation deposits have been excavated at Harford Farm (NHER 9794) and along with other examples excavated at Trowse (NHER 9589), have been interpreted as possibly being late Iron Age to Roman date funerary monuments associated with a cremation tradition (S4). It is therefore possible that this square enclosure is a funerary monument contemporary with the ring ditch to the immediate northwest and the oblong mortuary enclosures revealed during the excavations to the north.
S. Massey (NMP), 05 March 2008.