NHER 66428 (Monument record) - Undated and post-medieval remains

October-November 2020. Geophysical Survey.
Magnetometer survey of site on proposed route of Anglian Water Norwich to Wymondham water pipeline (Area 39).
This survey identified a number of linear anomalies likely to represent infilled ditches, the majority of which are aligned either east-to-west or north-to-south. At least four correspond with former field boundaries depicted on the Wicklewood Tithe map of 1844 (S1) and the positions and orientations of several others suggest they potentially represent elements of an earlier, but related field system. Two north-north-west to south-south-east aligned anomalies may though relate to a preceding system of land division.
A small number of more irregular, fragmentary linear anomalies recorded as being of undetermined origin are less likely to represent archaeological remains.
Numerous discrete dipolar anomalies and areas of magnetic disturbance at the margins of the fields are likely to represent ferrous material on or near the ground surface (most likely modern debris).
Information from draft report. Final version awaited.
P. Watkins (HES), 1 November 2022.

April-May 2021. Trial Trenching.
Evaluation of site on proposed route of Anglian Water Norwich to Wymondham water pipeline (Trenches 88 and 90-92).
The three trenches excavated at this location revealed two pits and three ditches, all of which lay in the easternmost trench. No dating evidence was recovered and none of the features corresponded with anomalies identified by preceding geophysical survey.
Although the two other trenches coincided with a number of the linear geophysical anomalies no evidence for associated sub-surface remains was recorded. This is somewhat surprising given that a number clearly correspond with field boundaries depicted on the Wicklewood Tithe map (S1) and are therefore highly likely to represent infilled ditches.
The only finds recovered were two medieval/post-medieval roof tiles and an undated brick fragment, all of which came from the subsoil layer in the easternmost trench.
Information from draft report. Final version awaited.
P. Watkins (HES), 1 November 2022.