NHER 9129 (Monument record) - Soilmarks of possible enclosures and field boundaries

Cropmarks seen on aerial photographs taken 30 March 1946.
E. Rose (NLA).

April 2012. Norfolk NMP.
A rather ambiguous possible enclosure and series of field boundaries, along with an area of possible ridge and furrow, is visible as soilmarks on aerial photographs (S1-S2) in fields to the north and east of Flaxton Farm, Besthorpe.
The site is centred on TM 0818 9572, and the original polygon has been extended to include extensions of two parallel ditches as far as TM 0784 9607 in the north, and a series of enclosures which extend as far as TM 0829 9546 in the south.
The southern enclosures seem to represent a discreet area of land division, measuring up to 124m at its maximum width, by 209m in length. This appears to be divided into three sections.
The two southern-most enclosures (61m x 55m and 51m x 45m internally) look small enough to be possible settlement tofts. It is possible that this represents common-edge settlement to the west of Besthorpe Common (S3). To the west of these possible tofts two possible parallel ditches are visible, with a partial bank between, which may represent a track or possible hollow way, running from TM 0826 9556 to TM 0826 9547.
The northernmost section, or field (measuring 100m x 78m internally), appears to contain soilmarks of ridge and furrow, approximately 18m apart, running north-west – south-east across the field. It is more likely, however, that these marks are in fact more recent drainage ditches.
A bank feature in the west of this field appears to join up with another possible enclosure in the field to the north, centred on TM 0820 9571. It measures 62m x 36m internally, 70m x 40m externally. It is possible, however, that this enclosure may in fact represent modern agricultural activity.
To the north-west, a series of curving field boundaries are visible, centred on TM 0796 9578. These features are likely to be medieval to post medieval in date, although it is possible that they represent more recent agricultural activity or drainage ditches.
E. Bales (NMP), 30 April 2012.