NHER 52323 (Cropmark and Earthwork record) - Cropmarks of a possible oval ring ditch

November 2009. Norfolk NMP.
The cropmarks of a possible oval ring ditch, possibly the represent the remains of a temporary agricultural structure of uncertain date, is visible on aerial photographs (S1) to the south of the main Harford Farm cropmark complex (NHER 52324). The site is centred on TG 2243 0401. The ring ditch is oval in shape and measures 9m by 7m, with a break in the ditch to the west, although this may be due to the cropmark formation and not necessarily due to the original structure. It must be noted that this cropmark is of a somewhat dubious archaeological origin, but due to the fact that it could not completely be discounted as geology, it was mapped as possible archaeology. Ring ditches of a similar size and oval shape were excavated to the north as part of the Harford Farm excavations in advance of the Southern Bypass construction and were recorded as relating to Iron Age temporary agricultural structures, see NHER 9794 (S2) and 52314 for details. It is feasible that this feature relates to a similarly temporary agricultural structure, although the date is uncertain. The feature is located within close proximity to boundaries of possible Roman to medieval date (NHER 52293).
S. Horlock (NMP), 23 November 2009.