NHER 67078 (Cropmark and Earthwork record) - Site of probable medieval field boundaries and possible ridge and furrow

November 2023. Wendling Beck and Fransham Aerial Investigation and Mapping (AIM) Project.
Probable medieval to post medieval field boundaries and possible ridge and furrow are visible as earthworks on aerial photographs (S1-S4) and on recent (2017) visualised lidar data (S5). The features likely relate to a series of field boundaries which may have formed part of a wider field system. The date of the features is uncertain; however, a medieval date is probable. Some of the mapped features (such as at TF 9041 1159) are cut by post medieval field boundaries visible on the readily accessible historic maps (such as S6). This may further support a medieval date for the features. Although, a post medieval date cannot be ruled out. A possible area of low ridge and furrow can be seen in the east of the area (centred at approximately TF 9058 1160). However, it is possible that these features could instead relate to modern agricultural activity. A long curvilinear probable field boundary (centred at approximately TF 9040 1158) can be seen as a cropmark on aerial photographs (S4) and as an earthwork on the visualised lidar data (S5). This feature has been mapped by extent as the earthworks have most likely been spread as a result of modern ploughing. The curvilinear bank may be cut by a later possible post medieval field boundary (NHER 67077). The features can be seen well on the 1940s aerial photographs (S1-S2). The majority of the features are no longer visible by the 1970s (S3) and are presumed to have been levelled. Some of the features, such as the sections of spread curvilinear bank, are visible on the recent (2017) visualised lidar data and likely still survive as very low earthworks.
J. Powell (Norfolk Historic Environment Service), 22 November 2023.