NHER 66947 (Cropmark and Earthwork record) - Site of probable medieval to post medieval settlement features

June 2023. Wendling Beck and Fransham Aerial Investigation and Mapping (AIM) Project.
A series of earthwork (since levelled) banks, ditches and mounds which most likely relate to probable medieval to post medieval settlement features are seen on aerial photographs (S1). The banks and ditches most likely relate to former boundaries, possible field boundaries and drainage ditches associated with probable medieval to post medieval settlement and agriculture. A wide earthwork ditch can be seen centred at approximately TF 8800 0959. It is possible that this feature may relate to a medieval to post medieval hollow way. Two mounds are also visible centred at TF 8801 0962 and at TF 8810 0963. The function of the mounds is uncertain. It is possible that the mound at TF 8801 0962 may have related to a causeway to cross to two wide sections of ditch. The features can be seen clearly as earthworks on 1940s aerial photographs (S1) and are levelled over time (S2-S4). The area has been developed for housing on recent (2022) aerial photographs (S5). Previous excavations (NHER 55105) in the centre of the area (centred at approximately TF 8799 0961) identified several groups if inter-cutting features dated to the medieval period including a timber-lined well. It is possible that some of the earthworks recorded from the aerial sources in this area may equate to features identified as part of the earlier excavations.
J. Powell (Norfolk Historic Environment Service), 30 June 2023.