NHER 52288 (Cropmark and Earthwork record) - Cropmarks of a possible small oval barrow, potentially of Bronze Age date

November 2009. Norfolk NMP.
The cropmarks of a possible small oval barrow, potentially of Bronze Age date may be visible on aerial photographs (S1-S4) to the immediate west of Harford Farm excavation area (NHER 9794) (S5). An alternative interpretation for these cropmarks is that it represents the remains of an infilled agricultural pit or similar feature associated with Harford Farm itself. The site is centred on TG 2239 0432. The cropmarks indicate a broad and irregular oval ditch, measuring approximately 15m by 11m, surrounding an oval lighter coloured internal area, 9m by 7.5m. This could feasibly represent the remains of a plough-levelled barrow, although the small size and irregular shape, when compared with the other Bronze Age round barrows excavated at the site (NHER 9794 (S5) and NHER 52280), could make this unlikely. Given the irregular shape and proximity to the Harford Farm buildings it is potentially more likely that this cropmark is the product of some sort of agricultural activity or an infilled pit.
S. Horlock (NMP), 23 November 2009.

EARLY DISCOVERY OF CROPMARKS IN THIS AREA
All observations below were previously recorded under NHER 9794.

1933. Aerial Photography.
This ring ditch was amongst whose observed on an aerial photograph taken by the Norfolk and Norwich Aero Club in 1933.
See NHER 52324 for an overview of the complex of cropmarks in this area.
Information from Norwich Castle Museum Record Card.
Amended H. Hamilton (HES), 25 November 2024.

February 1981. Air Photo Interpretation.
This ring ditch is one of a group of six ring ditches and seven square features (square barrows?) observed in Norfolk Air Photo Library images TG 2204/A-AW (Inclusive). See NHER 52324 for an overview of the complex of cropmarks in this area.
See 1:2500 and 6-inch scale overlays.
Information from HER Record Card for NHER 9794.
D. Edwards (NAU), 17 February 1981. Amended H. Hamilton (HES), 25 November 2024.

July 1981. Air Photo Interpretation.
Plotting of cropmarks revealed that the western end of the northernmost of the three scheduled areas has now been destroyed by the extension of the hard area, destroying the double ring ditch.
This note has been interpreted as a direct reference to this ring ditch.
Information from HER Record Card for NHER 9794.
A. Lawson (NAU), 31 July 1981. Amended H. Hamilton (HES), 25 November 2024.