NHER 52082 (Cropmark and Earthwork record) - Cropmarks of possible enclosures, a ring ditch, field boundaries and ditches of unknown, but possible Roman date

April 2009. Norfolk NMP.
The cropmarks of possible fragmentary enclosures, field boundaries and ditches of unknown date, are visible on aerial photographs to the north of Swainsthorpe village (S1). The site is located to the south of Hickling Lane and centred on TG 2177 0149. The majority of the cropmarks recorded within this site are characteristically blurred and indistinct, in particular those to the north. Therefore there is some uncertainty over the nature of some of these cropmarks, however the majority of these features recorded cannot entirely be dismissed as non-archaeological.
The cropmarks would appear to represent more than one phase of the features, potentially at least three separate phases. Roman material within the general vicinity of the sites could indicate a Roman date (NHER 38065 & 40477) for some of the features, perhaps the main enclosures and/or field boundaries.
Two possible enclosures can potentially be identified within the southern part of the site, at TG 2178 0140 and TG 2182 0150, although it is possible that these represent the intersection of field boundary elements. Several of the ditches appear to represent parallel arrangements of ditch, potentially indicating trackway segments. At TG 2184 0160 is a possible small circular feature or ring ditch, measuring approximately 12m across. Whilst it is possible that this cropmark is the result of agricultural activity, it would appear to post-date the two parallel ditches. It is feasible that this ring ditch represent the remains of a small round barrow or the eavesdrip gully of a later prehistoric or Roman date roundhouse. However given the uncertainty over the cause of this circular cropmark, any interpretations must be treated with a significant level of caution.
S. Horlock (NMP), 23 April 2009.