NHER 52079 (Cropmark and Earthwork record) - Cropmarks of fragmentary ditches of unknown date

April 2009. Norfolk NMP.
The cropmarks of fragmentary ditches of unknown date, some of which are likely to represent former field boundaries, are visible on aerial photographs to the west of Ipswich Road and Dunston Park, Stoke Holy Cross (S1-S2). The site is centred on TG 2198 0183 and is bisected by the Norwich to Stowmarket railway line. These cropmarks are overlain by a series of post medieval field boundaries (NHER 52080).

The cropmarks represent at least two phases of undated cropmarks, the majority of which are likely to represent the remains of former field boundaries. One possible phase of boundaries may be identified within the wider spread of multi-phase cropmarks. These ditches are all broadly aligned N-S or E-W, with the main concentration being around TG 2188 0182. The remainder of the ditches are likely to represent fragments of multiple phases of ditches. The date of these ditches is unknown, although excavations to the immediate east of the site revealed ditches and activity of Bronze Age, Iron Age (or Early Saxon) and Roman date (NHER 31821). Metal detecting the general vicinity has also produced Roman date material (NHER 38065 & 40477).
S. Horlock (NMP), 23 April 2009.

February-March 2017. Geophysical Survey.
Magnetometer survey of site on possible route of Hornsea Project Three offshore wind farm onshore cable.
Although the area examined at this location coincided with a number of the cropmarks in this group there was no evidence for associated sub-surface remains.
See NHER 66387 for further details.
P. Watkins (HES), 2 February 2023.

October-November 2023. Trial Trenching.
Evaluation of proposed development site to west of Ipswich Road.
The trenches excavated coincided with two of the cropmarks in this group – a north-east to south-west aligned feature at TG 2198 0165 and a short roughly east-to-west aligned feature at TG 2206 0160. Neither was found to be associated with surviving sub-surface remains.
See report (S3) and NHER 68179 for further details.
P. Watkins (HES), 26 March 2024.