NHER 65055 (Monument record) - Prehistoric, post-medieval and undated features

October 2015. Geophysical Survey.
Magnetometer survey of proposed development site.
This survey identified a number of linear responses that were of probable archaeological interest. These included several parallel north-north-west to south-south-east aligned anomalies that likely to be a continuation of linear features visible as cropmarks on aerial photographs of the field to the south (NHER 57475). At least two enclosures appear to be defined by the other anomalies identified, one of which may have a smaller enclosure in its south-east corner. The differing alignments of these probable enclosures and their associated boundaries suggest that they probably represent the remains of two distinct field systems. Neither of these two groups of features appears to correspond with any boundaries depicted on the available 19th-century maps.
A north-east to south-west aligned linear dipolar anomaly represents a buried service pipe. Unfortunately the strong ferrous response from this pipe will have masked any archaeologically significant anomalies in it immediate vicinity. A large area of magnetic disturbance in the northern part of the field was possibly associated with construction of the A11 or the deconstruction of the old London Road. A rectangular area of reduced noise in this part of the site would appear to correspond with the known location of a World War Two spigot mortar emplacement (NHER 53397).
Although numerous other discrete ferrous responses were identified, these formed no obvious pattern and were most likely caused by modern debris in the topsoil.
See report (S1) for further details.
P. Watkins (HES), 1 June 2021.

January 2017. Strip Map and Sample Excavation.
Excavation in south-east corner of field, prior to construction of extension to industrial estate.
This excavation revealed a number of archaeologically-significant features including several discrete pits and four ditches, although unfortunately dating evidence was scarce.
The earliest features were possible an adjacent pair of sub-circular pits, one of which produced two sherds from a small Early Bronze Age Collared Urn. Although the form of these features differed they both contained dark, charcoal rich deposits. A sample taken from the pit that contained the pottery produced a number of hazelnut shells, suggesting these features contained at least some food waste.
Also of prehistoric date was an isolated pit in that central part of the site that produced a significant assemblage of Early Iron Age pottery. These sherds represent five separate vessels and exhibit signs of having been burnt after they were broken. A sample taken from the dark, charcoal-rich fill of this feature produced material potentially derived from domestic heath waste. Radiocarbon dating of seeds from this deposit returned an Iron Age date of 795-550 cal BC at 95% probability (Beta-460354; 2540 +/- 30 BP).
The remaining discrete features included several pits and an isolated pair of post-holes, none of which produced any dating evidence. Several of the pits contained charcoal-rich material and/or burnt pink sand. These may also have been prehistoric, although it is also possible that they represented later phases of activity, perhaps being associated with small-scale charcoal production or ground clearance.
Two parallel north-north-west to south-south-east aligned ditches in the western part of the excavated area corresponded with geophysical anomalies and are likely to represent the continuation of features visible as cropmarks on aerial photographs of the field to the south (NHER 53397). The presence of probable wheel ruts between these ditches indicates that they flanked some form of trackway or road. Although no dating evidence was recovered, subsequent research suggests that these features correspond with a route way depicted an early 17th-century map of the area. This route way appears to have branched off the main Norwich to Thetford road and is not depicted on any subsequent map.
Two parallel north-to-south aligned ditches correspond with the eastern of the two possible enclosures identified by the geophysical survey. Although no dating evidence was recovered the western ditch appeared to be cut by one of the post-medieval trackway ditches, suggesting this enclosure was probably associated with an earlier phase of activity.
No unstratified finds were recovered.
Information from draft report. Final version awaited.
The associated archive has been deposited with Norwich Castle Museum (NWHCM : 2017.413).
P. Watkins (HES), 1 June 2021.