NHER 53312 (Cropmark and Earthwork record) - Cropmarks of a possible enclosure and associated ditches

December 2009. Norfolk NMP.
The cropmarks of a possible enclosure and associated ditches of unknown but possibly Iron Age to Roman or late Saxon to medieval date, are visible on aerial photographs to the east of Howe Green, Howe (S1). The site is centred on TG 2765 9998. The cropmarks are within close proximity to finds of Iron Age, Roman and Saxon and medieval date (NHER 19927-8, 20252, 20254 & 37672). The presence of late Saxon and medieval pottery in the vicinity (NHER 19927-8 & 20252) could indicate that the possible enclosure or land divisions represent earlier components to the village of Howe. However, given the presence of Iron Age and Roman material the enclosure could be earlier, perhaps dating to these periods. It may also be of significance that the enclosure and/or boundaries ditches follow broadly the same alignment as the Roman road approximately 200m to the west (NHER 52298 & 53218).
The possible enclosure is indicated by an L-shaped ditch, 1.5m to 2.5m across, and potentially defining an enclosure or field at least 60m by 100m. A possible double ditch plan could be indicated by the parallel ditch running around part of the circuit. The cropmarks are quite faint and are located within an area of marks relating to underlying soils and geology. It is possible that further archaeological cropmarks are present, but none that could be mapped with any degree of confidence.
S. Horlock (NMP), 29 December 2009.