NHER 52230 (Cropmark and Earthwork record) - Cropmarks of Roman settlement and streets outside of Caistor town western wall

These cropmarks were previously recorded under NHER 9791.

March 2009. Norfolk NMP.
The cropmarks of Roman extramural settlement and streets to the west of the Roman town of Venta Icenorum (NHER 9786) are visible on aerial photographs (S1-S6). The site is centred on TG 2333 0336. These cropmarks were previously recorded under NHER 9791, see this record for details of finds for this area. The cropmarks grouped under this number include street and road sections that are largely located in-between the town walls to the west and the triple ditch defences to the east (NHER 52202). These road and streets appear to be broadly aligned either parallel or perpendicular to the triple ditches. A second series of streets and roads, which may pre-date both this site and the triple-ditch defences, have been recorded under NHER 52229. The position of the triple ditch defences within the overall Caistor sequence is uncertain, with interpretations varying from an early Roman military fort to town defences post-dating the establishment of the town, see NHER 52201-2 for discussion.
It is possible that this phase of the road and street layout either post-dates the triple ditches, which would be expected if the triple-ditch defences were early, or was planned in relationship to it, potentially as part of the same phase of development. Unfortunately the intersection of what would appear to be a relatively major road leading out of the town and the triple ditch defences at TG 2342 0344 is mostly obscured by a tree-filled pit, although what can be seen of this area could indicate the road continued over the triple ditches or coincided with a break in the circuit (S6). Although the relationship cannot be ascertained exactly as the ditches are frequently not showing clearly on this aerial photograph (S6). From looking at the plan of the streets they would appear to have been laid out or developed over a period of time when the triple-ditches were an extant landscape feature. This would seem more likely if the triple ditches relate a second century or later town defence, rather than an early military fort, see NHER 52201-2 for discussion. A broad parchmark running alongside the inner ditch of the defences may relate to the remains of a rampart or feasibly a road or walkway. Although as it appears to be relatively localised, and does not appear to run the entire length of defences, it is possible that it is a spread of material from a building.
To the immediate west of where this main road intersects with the triple-ditch defences are a series of pits or post-holes appear to have been dug into the road surface, it is possible that these relate to structure formerly sitting on top or alongside of the road at this point. This could have potentially related to the possible break in the town defences at this point associated with the road, such as something associated with controlling traffic and access into the town. The row of pits and/or postholes running alongside the road to the north could also have related to some sort of palisade or similar barrier. The aerial photographs indicate a number of elongated parchmarks to either side of the road in this area. It is not clear whether these relate to additional streets or the remains of buildings. The possible stone-lined rectangular pit at TG 2333 0346 could feasibly represent the location of a well or tank of some sort.
S. Horlock (NMP), 23 March 2009.