NHER 66995 (Cropmark and Earthwork record) - Earthworks and cropmarks relating to the Launditch (NHER 7235), visible on aerial sources

September 2023. Wendling Beck and Fransham Aerial Investigation and Mapping (AIM) Project.
Parts of the Launditch (NHER 7235), a linear earthwork of possible Iron Age or Saxon date, are visible as earthworks and cropmarks on visualised lidar data (S1) and aerial photographs (S2-S4). In most cases, it is difficult to be certain whether the visible features actually relate to the Launditch, or are later features which coincidentally follow its alignment.
To the north of Salter’s Lane, which is itself thought to follow the line of a Roman road (NHER 2796), a length of approximately 450m of the Launditch is visible as earthworks on visualised lidar data (S1). All except the northernmost segment of ditch and bank is a designated scheduled monument (NHLE 1003795). Quarrying and other modern disturbance to either side of the feature makes it difficult to be certain which earthworks visible on the lidar actually constitute part of the Launditch. The mapped sections largely coincide with the earthworks depicted on modern Ordnance Survey mapping.
Immediately to the south of Salter’s Lane lies the other section of the Launditch that has been designated as a scheduled monument (NHLE 1003795). This was levelled some time after excavations took place here in 1954 (S5). To the south of that, beyond the Litcham Road, the line of the features is visible first as the cropmark of a ditch on aerial photographs (S2-S4), and then an intermittent earthwork bank on visualised lidar data (S1). The latter may simply be part of the modern field boundary, rather than the Launditch.
See parent record NHER 7235 for further information about the Launditch, its conjectural route, dating, excavations, etc. As the lidar survey was flown relatively recently (2017), it is likely that the earthwork elements still survive.
S. Tremlett (Norfolk Historic Environment Service), 27 September 2023.