NHER 52187 (Cropmark and Earthwork record) - Cropmarks of enclosures and boundaries to west of Venta Icenorum

This site was previously recorded under NHER 9743.

March 2009. Norfolk NMP.
The cropmarks of an area of enclosures associated with a large enclosure of probable Roman date, which possibly represents a temple precinct or public space (NHER 52186), to the west of the Roman town of Venta Icenorum (NHER 9786), are visible on aerial photographs (S1-S6). It is possible that these features are a continuation of the extramural settlement to the west of the walled town (NHER 9759 & 52194), or it is possible that some of the boundaries relate to agricultural areas and stock enclosures. However given the close relationship to the possible temple complex or high status enclosure (NHER 52186), a non-agricultural interpretation might be favoured. A polygonal enclosure that sits within one of these enclosures (NHER 52181) has also tentatively been interpreted as a temple site, although this is uncertain. These cropmarks, which are centred on TG 2227 0323, were previously recorded under NHER 9743. This area unsurprisingly, given its proximity to the Roman town, has yielded numerous Roman date finds (NHER 9743). The site consists of a group of conjoined rectilinear enclosures and boundary ditches, the majority of which are located to the immediate west of the large double ditched trapezoidal enclosure of possible religious or high status (NHER 52186). The ditches would appear to represent more than one phase of boundaries, although it was felt that they were all likely to be broadly Roman in date. A fragmentary group of boundaries, either overlying or underlying this site, have been recorded separately (NHER 52188). A pre-Roman date is preferred for this phase of boundaries. Any unphased or undated cropmarks within this area have been recorded under NHER 52192.
S. Horlock (NMP), 23 March 2009.