NHER 52202 (Cropmark and Earthwork record) - Part of kite-shaped enclosure around Venta Icenorum

March 2009. Norfolk NMP.
The cropmarks of two segments of the triple ditch defences at Venta Icenorum (NHER 9786) are visible on aerial photographs to the south and east of the town (S1-S5). The site is centred on TG 2328 0319. These triple ditches were previously recorded under NHER 9836 and were interpreted as an early Roman military fort that pre-dated the establishment of the town. Newly identified sections of triple ditch to the north (NHER 52203-4) have led to a suggestion that they formed part of a polygonal or kite-shaped civil defence around the town and may post-date its establishment, see the parent record NHER 52201 for detailed discussion. The triple ditches to the south and east of the town are visible running from TG 2283 0322 to TG 2320 0318 and from TG 2343 0347 to TG 2333 0319. The corner turn of the ditches could not clearly be distinguished from agricultural marks along the edge of the field. A fourth ditch can be detected in places to the south and the east, although the evidence would not suggest a significant or continuous additional ditch. Excavations in 1997 across a section of the southern ditches excavations also revealed a minor fourth ditch, and indicated that at least one of the ditches was deliberately backfilled in the later 2nd century (S6).
S. Horlock (NMP), 23 March 2009.