NHER 53285 (Monument record) - Cropmarks of field boundaries and tracks of medieval to post medieval date

November 2009. Norfolk NMP.
The cropmarks of field boundaries, trackways and a drainage ditch and/or a canalised stream of medieval to post medieval date, but with possible Roman origins or influences, are visible on aerial photographs to the south of Poringland (S1-S3). The site is centred on TG 2694 0108. Although these features are potentially of medieval to post medieval date, a Roman origin or influence is feasible for some components. These boundaries sit within an area of fragmentary fields and boundaries which run either broadly parallel or perpendicular to the line of a major Roman road (NHER 53218 and 52298) and have been recorded under NHER 53224. It is suggested that some of the boundaries and tracks recorded under this site may also be remnants of this Roman field system. The Bungay Road which runs on a parallel alignment approximately 1.1km to the west of the Roman road is also likely to be Roman in origin and form part of this land parcelling system. The two additional linear elements mapped, the broad bank-like feature centred on TG 2710 0119 (S1) and the intermittent bank and ditch linear running from TG 2653 0125 to TG 2699 0080 (S2-S3) potentially form boundaries forming part of this system. This boundary is marked on the 1838 West Poringland Tithe map (S4) as a boundary, but appears to represent a straightened or canalised stream, as depicted on Faden’s map of 1797 (S5) that flows south from the former area of Poringland Heath. A significant amount of additional historical map research would be required to ascertain the landscape history of this particular area, but it is certainly clear than a significant proportion of the boundaries in this area are either Roman in origin or have been heavily influenced by the remnants of Roman boundaries and roads existing in the landscape.
S. Horlock (NMP), 03 November 2009.