NHER 52223 (Cropmark and Earthwork record) - Cropmarks of two possible prehistoric mortuary enclosures or barrows

March 2009. Norfolk NMP.
The cropmarks of two possible prehistoric ring ditches and/or enclosures, potentially with a funerary or domestic function, are visible on aerial photographs (S1-S3) to the southeast of the Roman town of Venta Icenorum (NHER 9786). The site is centred on TG 2349 0303. The northern part of the site consists of an incomplete ring ditch at TG 2347 0305, which measures 14.5m across and has internal pits. The southern enclosure is less circular and consists of a curvilinear ditch, potentially representing part of a polygonal enclosure, measuring 21m by at least 12m. A series of pits recorded within close proximity to this feature may represent contemporary deposits, although this not certain. Both of these features appear to be overlain by boundaries forming part of NHER 52227, which are thought to be Roman or medieval to post medieval in date. It is feasible that both of these features relate to prehistoric funerary sites. The ring ditch may well represent the remains of a Bronze Age round barrow. Part of a Bronze Age sickle has been found within the vicinity of the site (NHER 22076). The possible polygonal enclosure may relate to a mortuary enclosure of a later Neolithic or Bronze Age date. An alternative interpretation is that they both relate to Iron Age domestic activity and/or roundhouses that pre-date the Roman town.
S. Horlock (NMP), 23 March 2009