NHER 52139 (Cropmark and Earthwork record) - Cropmarks of a small rectangular enclosure of unknown date, Harford Park and Ride

August 2009. Norfolk NMP.
The cropmarks of a small rectangular enclosure of unknown date is visible on aerial photographs within the Harford Park and Ride development excavation area (NHER 39268). The site is centred on TG 2170 0403. This cropmark has previously been interpreted as a possible Neolithic mortuary enclosure (S2), although this is uncertain. The cropmark is located to the north of a larger enclosure (NHER 52140) which has also been interpreted as a Neolithic mortuary enclosure, see NHER 52140 for discussion of this site and questions over its dating and interpretation.
The possible rectangular enclosure measures 18.5m by 7.5m. This feature is located on the ground during the excavation, although it is possible that it is due to plough truncation of more ephemeral or shallow features. These cropmarks were only clearly visible on one flight of photographs (S1) from 1978, but it does look fairly convincing, although it must be noted that it is located within an area of geological cropmarks. The dimensions of the enclosure, whilst small for a potential mortuary enclosure or plough levelled long barrow, is within the lower part of the size range for other possible Neolithic funerary sites recorded within Norfolk from cropmarks (S3).
S. Horlock (NMP), 23 August 2009.