NHER 69650 (Monument record) - Possible area of medieval or later settlement and other, post-medieval or earlier and undated remains

October 2022-February 2023. Geophysical Survey.
Magnetometer survey of part of large potential development site (Area 5).
This survey identified a range of potentially archaeologically-significant anomalies. The more notable responses include cluster of strong linear and discrete anomalies in the south-east corner of the site. These are clearly a continuation of remains identified at the southern end of the field immediately to the east (NHER 69682) and appear to represent a group of adjacent rectilinear enclosures associated with numerous pit-type features. These features potentially represent an area of former medieval or later settlement – perhaps one ranged along some form of now lost east-to-west aligned track or road extending westwards from the Norwich Road.
Other notable responses include linear anomalies associated with a small rectangular enclosure at TG 2727 2916, which had previously been identified as a cropmark on aerial images of the site (NHER 69664). Elements of both ends of the enclosure were identified but unfortunately it is clear that its central portion has been significantly disturbed by an east-to-west aligned modern service. A small circular anomaly immediately to the south-west of this enclosure has been interpreted as a potential ring-ditch. A larger circular anomaly to the west, at TG 2721 2913 is also regarded as a possible ring-ditch, although is this not particular distinct and it is notable that no corresponding feature is visible on any of the aerial imagery consulted.
A number of other linear anomalies do though correspond with features visible as cropmarks (all part of a large, multi-period group recorded as NHER 54929). These include several extensive, adjacent north-to-south aligned responses that correspond with a former trackway shown on the North Walsham tithe map (S1) and several perpendicular linear features than relate to former field boundaries shown on the same map. A number of north-west to south-east and north-east to south-west aligned linear anomalies at the northern end of the site are though likely to relate to an earlier system of land division. These are potentially contemporary with a similarly-aligned, well-defined square or rectangular enclosure at TG 2724 2940 that measures 30m by at least 30m. Three sides of this enclosure are visible as both geophysical anomalies and cropmarks – its north-western side presumably being obscured by the adjacent modern boundary.
Although various other linear anomalies are present across the site these are all regarded as being of uncertain origin - being relatively weak and mostly fragmentary and/or irregular.
Discrete anomalies of interest include a dense cluster of pit-like responses close to the western edge of the site, at TG 2712 2920. The majority of the other discrete anomalies recorded are though regarded as being of undetermined origin. These lie predominantly in the southern half of the site and include a relatively dense band of anomalies running between approximately TG 2736 2908 and TG 2730 2885 that are most likely the result of variations in the underlying geology.
Areas of magnetic disturbance at the margins of the field and scattered dipolar 'spikes' were probably caused by ferrous material on or close to the surface – most likely modern debris.
See report (S2) for further details.
P. Watkins (HES), 13 January 2025.