NHER 52067 (Cropmark and Earthwork record) - Probable post medieval boundary

April 2009. Norfolk NMP.
The cropmarks of field boundary of probable post medieval date is visible on aerial photographs (S1) to the northwest of Gowthorpe medieval village (NHER 52069) and Gowthorpe Manor (NHER 9716). The site is centred on TG 2114 0251. The boundary ditch, which varies in width from 1-4m, is has a pronounced curve and runs from TG 2110 0243 to TG 2120 0258. The curve of this boundary ditch and its possible relationship with the medieval village of the Gowthorpe (NHER 52069) could indicate that this feature marks the former presence of a medieval furlong. The shape of this ditch mirrors the curve of the road to Mangreen, approximately 145m to the east. Although Faden’s map of 1797 (S2) and Bryant’s map of 1826 (S3) would potentially indicate that this road was originally straighter and ran broadly parallel to the Roman road to the east (NHER 7947). The Ordnance Survey first edition one-inch map (1824-1836) (S4) is the first map to show this road with a pronounced curve or angle. Without further evidence it is hard to establish whether this is due to differential map accuracies and levels of detail, or whether it indicates that the curved road is in fact a nineteenth century development.
S. Horlock (NMP), 30 April 2009.