NHER 51983 (Cropmark and Earthwork record) - Soilmarks of possible former mounds and a bank of uncertain date and function, could relate to formers structures within Stoke Park

March 2009. Norfolk NMP.
The soilmarks of two circular features and linear banks are visible on aerial photographs (S1) and possibly represent the plough-levelled remains of an earthworks or structures 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 2425 0099. The two circular, or slightly oval, circular features are both approximately 16m by 14.5m. The northern soilmark appears to overlie or is overlain by a series of linear soilmarks, assumed to relate to former woodland boundaries and/or field boundaries. It is hard to ascertain the relationship between the two sets of features. The line of possible woodbanks may be discernable within the trees still standing in 1946 (S2) and it could therefore be suggested that the oval feature pre-dates the linear banks. The northern bank clearly continues the line of the boundary marked on the Ordnance Survey first and second edition maps (25 inch) and the 1844 Stoke Holy Cross Tithe map (S3). The cropmarks and soilmarks of boundaries, trackways and avenues assumed to pre-date the Hall and Park are recorded under NHER 14240. 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 these two soilmarks represent the location of structures or earthworks formerly within the woods or pre-dating it. No sign of any structures can be discerned through the tree cover in 1946. The site of similar circular soilmarks has been recorded alongside the edge of a former woodland belt to the south (NHER 51982) and this was also tentatively interpreted as being a former structure or mound. An alternative explanation is that they relate to former prehistoric barrows, see NHER 51975, 51979 for ring ditches identified within the park to the south.
S. Horlock (NMP), 11 March 2009.