NHER 57364 (Monument record) - Cropmarks of possible medieval field boundaries

March 2012. Norfolk NMP.
The soilmarks and earthworks of a series building platforms and field boundaries located on the edge of Oxehaghe Deer Park (NHER 52767) and the former Silfield Common, as depicted on Faden’s map of 1797 (S4), are visible on aerial photographs (S1-S3). The site is centred on TM 1220 9878. It seems likely that these related to common-edge enclosures and settlement, with associated fields or crofts. These features are clustered around Bixley Farm and possibly represent an earlier precursor to the farm.
The large mound and/or house platform to the south is visible as both soilmark and earthwork in 1995 (S2). An additional earthwork mound/platform is also visible at TM 1212 9880 (S3), although it must be noted that this is located over the line of a linear bank visible as a soilmark in 1972 (S2). The majority of the banks and ditches mapped would appear to be former field boundaries, that sit alongside those depicted on the Ordnance Survey First Edition map (1889 to 1891) (S5). A narrow strip of closely-set parallel bank and ditch like soilmarks may represent an area of former ridge and furrow or open fields, similar to those excavated to the west (NHER 25887 and 57360).
A possible bank to either side of the broad boundary ditch and/or hollow way to the north of the site, which is showing as a soilmark along the southern section, may also be visible along the northern section as a lighter mark in the grass, however it was decided that this was actually the result of differential mowing or some other treatment of the vegetation. However the fact that it is visible as a soilmark alongside the southern section would suggest that it may have existed. A broad hedge ran alongside this boundary in 1946 (S1), so it was not possible to see if any earthworks remained at this date. See NHER 54686 to the south for a possible continuance and/or related boundary feature.
S. Horlock (NMP), 07 March 2012.