NHER 52070 (Cropmark and Earthwork record) - Possible undated enclosure and associated ditches

April 2009. Norfolk NMP.
The cropmarks of a possible sub-rectangular enclosure and associated ditches and boundaries of unknown date are visible on aerial photographs (S1) on and around the former site of Gowthorpe medieval village (NHER 52069). The site is centred on TG 2102 0207. The archaeological significance of these cropmarks is uncertain and it is possible that the marks are derived from relatively recent agricultural activity. The remnants of vehicle marks are visible around the edges of the field and therefore it is possible that some of these apparent cropmarks relate to vehicle tracks across the field at an earlier stage of the agricultural cycle.

The cropmarks indicate a possible incomplete enclosure, centred on TG 2102 0205, with rounded corners measuring 26m by at least 20m. Other fragmentary ditches may represent the remains of additional enclosed areas and boundary ditches. A small rectangular enclosure, 11m by 8m, may also be visible at TG 2093 0215 (S1). The cropmarks mapped (if archaeological) would appear to either pre-date or post-date those assumed to relate to the medieval village of Gowthorpe (NHER 52069) and St James’ chapel (NHER 9717) to the immediate north. A Roman coin was recovered during renovations at Gowthorpe Manor approximately 340m to the northwest (NHER 9716). The alignment of the majority of these ditches mirrors that of the boundary of the common land on Faden’s map of 1797 (S2). This could feasibly suggest that these boundaries and possibly enclosures are post medieval in date. Evidence derived from historic maps, documentary records and aerial photographs indicates that the area around the Green was used for post medieval brick making and clay extraction, see NHER 52066 for details. The actual field containing the cropmarks was known as Brick Kiln Close in the late 18th century (S3), so it feasible that some of the cropmarks mapped relate to post medieval industrial activity at the site.
S. Horlock (NMP), 30 April 2009.