NHER 65584 (Monument record) - Undated enclosures and other, Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age, potentially prehistoric and undated features

July-August 2019. Trial Trenching.
Evaluation of site of proposed reservoir.
The 11 trenches excavated revealed a number of ditches, at least three pits and a probable post-hole, all of which lay in the south-eastern portion of the site. Most were undated, the exceptions being a relatively small pit and a ditch that both produced sherds of Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age Beaker pottery.
The most notable of the undated features was what appeared to be a substantial west-north-west to east-south-east aligned ditch with a narrow, steep-sided, 'U'-shaped base. If indeed a ditch, its form suggests it was potentially of some antiquity. The other ditches displayed a variety of alignments and were therefore probably associated with more than one phase of activity. A north-north-east to south-south-west aligned ditch at the southern end of the side was adjacent to a similarly-aligned former boundary shown on the Attlebridge tithe map of 1837 (S1), suggesting this feature at least was potentially of a more recent date.
The undated discrete features included a post-hole with a fairly distinct post-pipe, a pit of similar size to that containing the Beaker pottery and a shallow feature with a fill of blackened (presumably charcoal-rich) sand and burnt flint. Given the absence of later material all must be regarded as at least potentially prehistoric.
No unstratified finds were recovered.
See report (S2) for further details.
P. Watkins (HES), 20 May 2022.

November 2020-March 2021. Geophysical Survey.
Magnetometer survey of site on proposed route of Norwich Western Link (Area 3).
This survey of land to the west of the area investigated in 2019 identified a notable group of north-west to south-east and north-east to south-west aligned linear anomalies in the south-west corner of the site. Several appear to represent ditches forming a rectilinear enclosure, with more fragmentary linear responses to the east probably representing elements of at least one adjoining smaller enclosure. A number of strong discrete anomalies were identified within the bounds of these probably enclosures, which potentially represent associated pit-type features. A fairly extensive north-west to south-east aligned linear anomaly extending to the south of this group may represent a contemporary field boundary ditch, although this is regarded as being of undetermined origin. Other responses of note include a large discrete anomaly at TG 1415 1558 that has an inverse dipolar magnetic signal and may represent an area that has been magnetically enhanced by burning or firing activities. Two strong discrete anomalies elsewhere are recorded as being of undermined origin, while scattered dipolar 'spikes' were probably caused by ferrous material on or close to the surface – most likely modern debris.
See report (S3) for further details.
P. Watkins (HES), 13 June 2026.

May-July 2022. Trial Trenching.
Evaluation of site on proposed route of Norwich Western Link (Field TT22; Trenches 12-16).
The five trenches excavated revealed only two undated ditches. It should though be noted that the area examined lay to the east of the probable enclosures identified by the preceding geophysical survey. The one linear anomaly investigated was a north-west to south-east aligned enclosure ditch or field boundary extending to the south-east of the main group. An associated ditch was recorded but unfortunately this produced no dating evidence. The second ditch identified was a north-east to south-west aligned feature in the eastern half of the site.
See report (S4) for further details.
P. Watkins (HES), 13 June 2026.