NHER 51982 (Cropmark and Earthwork record) - Soilmarks of possible former mound or platform of uncertain date and function, could relate to formers structures within Stoke Park

March 2009. Norfolk NMP.
The soilmarks of a circular feature are visible on aerial photographs (S1) and possibly represent the plough-levelled remains of an earthwork or structure associated with the medieval to post medieval landscape around Stoke Hall to the south, see NHER 14240 for details. The site is centred on TG 24370 0117. The circular feature is 14.5m in diameter and is located towards the northern edge of the parkland associated with Stoke Hall (NHER 9766). The cropmarks and soilmarks of boundaries, trackways and avenues assumed to pre-date the Hall and Park are recorded under NHER 14240. The Ordnance Survey first and second edition maps (25 inch) show an undulating belt of trees running alongside the northern boundary. Whilst it is possible that this plough-levelled feature represents the remains of a Bronze Age round barrow, it seems more likely that the feature relates to former mound or possibly a structure that was located on the edge of the woodland. A similar soilmark located within the eastern part of the park is known to relate to the site of a former agricultural structure and it is possibly that this more circular feature represents a similar site. In 1946 the ground surface is lighter than the surrounding area and this may be due to remnants of building material (S2). The site of two similar circular soilmarks have been recorded within another former woodland belt to the south (NHER 51983).
S. Horlock (NMP), 11 March 2009.