NHER 52551 (Cropmark and Earthwork record) - Cropmarks of multi-phase enclosures and field boundaries

Previously recorded under NHER 35649.

19 July 1996. NLA air photography.
To the north of road (NHER 2796) is a rectangular enclosure or field with internal east-west linear divisions. Seems likely to be contemporary with the road and a Roman period date seems probable.
To the south of the road (NHER 2796) are a series of north south aligned linear features, probably representing ditched field boundaries, probably also dating from the Roman period.
A single linear feature cutting diagonally across these is presumably a ditch/boundary from a later period.
M. Brennand (NLA), 22 August 2001.

June 2023. Aylsham and Brampton Aerial Investigation and Mapping (AIM) Project.
The cropmarks described above, comprising rectilinear enclosures and field boundaries, are visible on aerial photographs (S1-S4). They are for the most part undated, but it is clear that more than one phase is represented, although separating out distinct phases is difficult. At least some of the field boundaries are likely to be of post medieval date, as they conform to the pattern of enclosure depicted on 19th century maps (such as the Ordnance Survey 1st edition 6 inch map, S5). Other elements are probably older and perhaps of Roman and/or medieval date. There is also potential for some features, for example parts of the enclosures, to be of relatively early (Roman?) origin, but to have been incorporated into or to have influenced the laying out of later field systems, for example.

The site is crossed east-west by the line of a Roman road (part of NHER 2796, recorded here as NHER 66779), and some of the enclosures in particular appear to be contemporary with it. A small, broadly square enclosure, comprising an inner and outer ditch (centred at TG 2387 2354), appears to be conjoined with the southern flanking ditch of the road. Its size and morphology are distinctive, and it could feasibly represent a roadside shrine or similar feature. Some of the field boundaries appear to overlie the road and probably belong to a later phase of activity, although a prehistoric or Roman date cannot be ruled out. A substantial moated manorial site (NHER 66765) lies in the adjacent field to the south and some of the boundaries may relate to the medieval and post-medieval landscape associated with this. The site is also crossed by a modern pipeline trench, part of which is recorded as NHER 66797 as it could be mistaken for an archaeological feature (it is reminiscent of a curvilinear trackway). Pit-like marks at the eastern end of the site (NHER 66770) are probably the result of quarrying. Metal detecting has recovered Roman, medieval and post-medieval finds from the area (NHER 35649 and 63373).
S. Tremlett (Norfolk Historic Environment Service), 8 June 2023.