NHER 66384 (Monument record) - Iron Age pit and post-medieval ditch

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Summary

A geophysical survey of this site in 2021/2022 recorded only a small number of scattered linear anomalies of uncertain origin. Subsequent trial trenching in 2022 confirmed that most had no associated sub-surface remains. This work did though record an Middle Iron Age pit, suggesting that further remains of this date may well be present in the vicinity. The only other feature recorded was though an undated ditch that coincided with a former field boundary depicted on 19th-century maps.

Protected Status/Designation

  • None recorded

Location

Map sheet TG20SW
Civil Parish SWARDESTON, SOUTH NORFOLK, NORFOLK

Map

May 2018. Desk-based Assessment.
Environmental Impact Assessment of the potential impacts of the proposed Hornsea Project Three offshore wind farm on the historic environment. This study incorporated the results of an initial walkover survey and the first phases of geophysical survey.
See relevant chapter of Environmental Statement and associated appendices for further detail (S1).
P. Watkins (HES), 26 January 2022.

November 2021-March 2022. Geophysical Survey.
Magnetometer survey of site on proposed route of Hornsea Project Three offshore wind farm onshore cable (Area 83).
This survey identified a number of scattered linear anomalies, although these were all regarded as being of undetermined origin and therefore not necessarily archaeologically significant. There was no evidence for surviving remains associated with two linear cropmark/earthwork features recorded at this location (part of a group of vegetation marks and slight earthworks recorded as NHER 52134) – both of which appear to correspond with former boundaries depicted on the Swardeston tithe map (S2).
Information from draft report. Final version awaited.
P. Watkins (HES), 26 January 2022.

February-June 2022. Trial Trenching.
Evaluation of site on proposed route of Hornsea Project Three offshore wind farm onshore cable (P2TT112; Trenches 931-936).
The six trenches excavated at this location recorded an Iron Age pit and a post-medieval ditch. The pit contained a small assemblage of Middle Iron Age pottery and a sample taken from its fill was found to contain charred cereal grains and hammerscale. There is therefore the potential for further Iron Age remains to encountered at this location.
The ditch was a north-to-south aligned feature that corresponds with a former field boundary depicted on the Swardeston tithe map (S2). This former boundary is also associated with one of the cropmark/earthwork features mapped at this location (part of the group recorded as NHER 52134).
Information from draft report. Final version awaited.
P. Watkins (HES), 25 October 2022.

  • <S1> Unpublished Contractor Report: [anonymous]. 2018. Hornsea Project Three Offshore Wind Farm. Environmental Statement: Volume 3, Chapter 5 - Historic Environment. RPS Group.
  • <S2> Map: Drane, W.. 1847. Swardeston Tithe map..
  • HAMMERSCALE (Middle Iron Age - 400 BC to 101 BC)
  • PLANT REMAINS (Middle Iron Age - 400 BC to 101 BC)
  • POT (Middle Iron Age - 400 BC to 101 BC)

Related NHER Records (0)

Record last edited

Jan 27 2023 8:11AM

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