NHER 52321 (Cropmark and Earthwork record) - Cropmarks of a possible incomplete oval or curvilinear enclosure

March 2009. Norfolk NMP.
The cropmarks of a possible incomplete oval or curvilinear enclosure, potentially a Neolithic or Early Bronze Age mortuary enclosure or barrow, are visible on aerial photographs to the east of Chapel Hill, Caistor St Edmunds (S1-S3). The site is centred on TG 2333 0478. The possible cropmarks of an incomplete curvilinear or oval enclosure, measuring up to 35m across by at least 30m long (the eastern side is not visible), with an arc of large pits, up to 2.5m across, within the western part may be visible on aerial photographs (S1-S3). It is possible that this represents the remains of a Neolithic to Early Bronze Age mortuary enclosure or oval barrow. However it must be noted that the possible enclosure ditch could easily represent part of a pattern of polygonal frost cracks in this area and that are apparent on many of the aerial photographs and were omitted from the mapping. However given the archaeological context for the site, being in close proximity to a significant group of Neolithic and Bronze Age ceremonial (NHER 6100, 9582) and the nearby groups of funerary monuments (NHER 51966, 53403) it is worthy of recording. It must also be noted that nearby pit-like features have been recorded as being associated with the large rectilinear enclosure, possibly a Roman or Iron Age to Roman date farmstead or small settlement (NHER 52327) and it is feasible that the pits within this possible oval enclosure are also associated with this potentially later phase. Pits of a slightly smaller size excavated to north contained worked flint and beaker pottery and were interpreted as representing Neolithic activity and possibly settlement, but possibly associated with the ceremonial monuments to the north (NHER 9584) (S4).
S. Horlock (NMP), 23 March 2009.