NHER 57411 (Negative evidence record) - Site where geophysical survey identified no evidence for archaeological significant remains

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Summary

In 2012 earthworks were noted at this location on aerial photographs taken in 1995. These were tentatively interpreted as representing possible medieval to post-medieval enclosures and boundaries but it was subsequently established that they were the result of ground clearance operations undertaken in 1987. A geophysical survey of the site in 2015 revealed nothing of potential archaeological interest. The only response of note was a linear anomaly that corresponds with a former field boundary shown on a late 19th-century map.

Protected Status/Designation

  • None recorded

Location

Map sheet TM09NW
Civil Parish ATTLEBOROUGH, BRECKLAND, NORFOLK

Map

July 2012. Norfolk NMP.
The site of possible former medieval to early post medieval enclosures and boundaries may be visible on aerial photographs (S1). The site is centred on TM 0396 9602. No NMP mapping was undertaken of these possible features due uncertainty over their age and significance. The features are only clearly visible as a combination of soilmarks and slight earthworks in 1995 (S1). Earlier aerial photographs, such as those dating to 1946 (S2), revealed no convincing traces of these definite features (other than those relating to former field boundaries marked on historic maps, for example the Ordnance Survey Second Edition map (S3)). Additionally photography taken in 1970 (S4) indicates a small plantation or tree nursery on the site and it is therefore possible that all of these very clear enclosure and boundary-like marks visible in 1995 relate to the removal of trees and other horticultural activities.
S. Horlock (NMP), 02 November 2012.

November 2015. Geophysical Survey.
Magnetometer survey of proposed development site.
No potentially archaeologically-significant anomalies were identified.
An east-to-west aligned linear anomaly crossing the central part of the site corresponds with a former field boundary depicted on the Ordnance Survey First Edition Six-inch map (S5), while two strong linear anomalies to the north were caused by modern services.
Two areas of magnetic disturbance recorded in the south-east part of the site are thought to represent building rubble or similar material.
See report (S6) for further details.
P. Watkins (HES), 5 December 2025.

It is noted in report (S6) that it was confirmed that the 'earthworks' on this site were created between October and December 1987, during the clearance of debris from a former conifer plantation that had been largely destroyed during the gales.
P. Watkins (HES), 5 December 2025.

  • <S1> Vertical Aerial Photograph: Ordnance Survey. 1995. OS/95513 107-8 09-APR-1995 (NMR).
  • <S2> Vertical Aerial Photograph: RAF. 1946. RAF 3G/TUD/UK/101 6108-9 30-MAR-1946 (NMR).
  • <S3> Map: Ordnance Survey. 1902-7. Ordnance Survey second edition 25 inch (1902-7) map. 25 inches to 1 mile.
  • <S4> Vertical Aerial Photograph: Ordnance Survey. 1970. OS/70282 104-5 31-JUL-1970 (NMR).
  • <S5> Map: Ordnance Survey. 1884-1891. Ordnance Survey Map. Six inches to the mile. First Edition. 1:10,560. Norfolk Sheet LXXV.SE (Surveyed 1881-1882, Published 1884).
  • <S6> Unpublished Contractor Report: Hale, D. and Villis, R. 2016. Land off B1077, Attleborough, Norfolk. Geophysical Survey. Archaeological Service Durham University. 4013.

Site and Feature Types and Periods

Object Types (0)

Related NHER Records (0)

Record last edited

Dec 5 2025 3:44PM

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