NHER 54632 (Monument record) - Site of probable medieval to post medieval common-edge enclosure

June 2011. Norfolk NMP.
A probable medieval to post medieval common-edge enclosure is visible as cropmarks on aerial photographs (S1)-(S2), centred at TG 1173 0493. The trapezoidal enclosure lies adjacent to Wramplingham Road, on the western edge of what is shown on Faden’s 1797 Map of Norfolk (S3) as Great Melton Common. It is clearly aligned with the road, and its south side corresponds with a field boundary on the Tithe Map (S4). It is similar to other medieval to post medieval enclosures and boundaries mapped along this road and elsewhere, as at NHER 35521 300m to the north. In the latter case the features, which are relatively complex, have been interpreted as relating to settlement. The site described here, which is much simpler in plan, seems more likely to have had a use relating to farming, although the possibility of it containing internal settlement or industrial features not visible on the photographs cannot be discounted.
The enclosure forms a trapezium shape in plan although its supposed east side is much less substantial than the other three and the north and south sides extend beyond it, suggesting the original or true eastern side, not visible on the photographs, may lie closer to the road. As mapped, the enclosure measures approximately 85m by 84m.
A probably contemporary field or roadside boundary is visible leading southwards from the southeastern corner of the enclosure. It is orientated parallel to the road, perhaps indicating that the course of the latter once ran further to the west than at present.
S. Tremlett (NMP), 9 June 2011.