NHER 11960 (Monument record) - Foston deserted medieval settlement

The Norfolk Heritage Explorer is a filtered version of the Norfolk HER intended for casual research. Please to consult the full record.

See also further .

Summary

The site of the medieval settlement of Foston, visible from the air as a complex of cropmarks confused by natural markings and by later industry and forestry. The village's church (see NHER 4289) was demolished in the 16th century.

Protected Status/Designation

  • None recorded

Location

Map sheet TF60NE
Civil Parish SHOULDHAM THORPE, WEST NORFOLK, NORFOLK

Map

27 June 1980. NAU air photography.
Positive cropmarks. Network of cropmarks. Possibly settlement area.
S.L. Norton (NAU), 22 June 1982.

Almost certainly Foston deserted medieval village, gave name to Fodderstone Gap. Mentioned in (S1) and (S2), fifteen taxpayers in 1329, twelve in 1332, Black Death relief in 1352, ten householders in 1428, three cottages in 1805.

Church of St Peter demolished 16th century (see site NHER 4289).
Cropmarks are confused by natural markings, and forestry/industrial marks (tree planting circles, pits etcetera).
E. Rose (NAU), 19 July 1982.

As well as tax relief in 1352 to 54 (Black Death relief less than 33% of 1334 assessment), there was tax relief in 1449 (23% of 1334 assessment).
Information from (S3).
R.J. Rickett (NAU), 6 March 1990.

  • --- Article in Serial: Allison, K. J. 1955. The Lost Villages of Norfolk. Norfolk Archaeology. Vol XXXI Pt I pp 116-162.
  • --- Article in Serial: Blake, W. J. 1952. Norfolk Manorial Lords in 1316 (Parts I and II). Norfolk Archaeology. Vol XXX pp 234-286.
  • --- Oblique Aerial Photograph: Various. ? - 2020. Norfolk Air Photo Library: Oblique Collection. TF6509/A-N; 27-JUN-1980 (HES 86/APD 3-15).
  • --- Oblique Aerial Photograph: Various. ? - 2020. Norfolk Air Photo Library: Oblique Collection. TF6509/P-S; 18-JUL-1986 (HES 181/DCB 6-9).
  • --- Publication: Darby, H. C. 1952. The Domesday Geography of Eastern England.
  • --- Record Card: NAU Staff. 1974-1988. Norfolk Archaeological Index Primary Record Card.
  • --- Vertical Aerial Photograph: Ordnance Survey. 1970. Norfolk Air Photo Library: Ordnance Survey Vertical Collection. 76125/543-544; 01-JUL-1976.
  • --- Vertical Aerial Photograph: RAF. 1944-1950. Norfolk Air Photo Library: RAF National Air Survey Vertical Collection. TF6507/A, TF6508/A; 27-JUN-1946 (RAF/106G/UK/1606 3333-3336).
  • <S1> Publication: Brown, P (ed.). 1984. Domesday Book: Norfolk. Parts 1 and 2.
  • <S2> Monograph: Nomina Villarum.
  • <S3> Record Card: Ordnance Survey Staff. 1933-1979?. Ordnance Survey Record Cards. TF 60 NE 1 [3].

Object Types (0)

Record last edited

Apr 29 2025 10:10AM

Comments and Feedback

Your feedback is welcome; if you can provide any new information about this record, please contact the Norfolk Historic Environment Record.