NHER 27037 (Cropmark and Earthwork record) - Post medieval extraction pits

October 2002. Norfolk NMP.
Group of large extraction pits located on former saltmarsh, visible on 1946 RAF aerial photographs (S1) and Hunting Survey photographs from 1969 (S2). The largest of these is now marked on the map as an area of water. This is centred on TF 8310 4450, measuring 82m by 25m. This has two ditches or channels leading off it, one to the southwest and another to the northeast. The deepest pit is located at TF 8325 4452, measuring 34m by 18m. Three other areas of extraction are visible (TF 8305 4443, TF 8317 4451 and TF 8323 4450). On the 1946 RAF aerial photographs (S1) a series of tracks can be seen to run across the site, possibly indicated that it has been in recent use, so the extraction may be fairly modern in date. Although only the deepest pit looks like it has recently been worked. It is possible that the site may have started being worked in the post medieval period and continued into this century. The material being extracted is unknown.
S. Massey (NMP), 3 October 2002.