NHER 52439 (Monument record) - Cropmarks of probable field boundaries

November 2009. Norfolk NMP.
The cropmarks of ditches, probably representing the remains of former field boundaries of unknown, but possibly Roman date, are visible on aerial photographs to the south of Framingham Pigot Nursery (S1). The site is centred on TG 2821 0379. Finds dating to the Roman and medieval periods have been found within the general vicinity of these cropmarks (NHER 30897, 34897), although no direct relationship with the cropmarks exists. Given the morphology of the cropmarks it is feasible that these represent the remains of at least one phase of Roman field boundaries, although this is not certain. These ditches follow broadly the same alignment as other fragmentary groups of field boundaries within the area, and these have been interpreted as being Iron Age to Roman in date, see NHER 42440, 42442 for details.
It must be noted that the cropmarks were quite hard to discern from cropmarks relating to the soils and geology. A degree of doubt over the archaeological nature of the all of the linear features must also remain, as it is possible that some relate to drainage ditches.
S. Horlock (NMP), 03 November 2009.