NHER 27765 (Monument record) - Earthwork of probable late post medieval or modern linear feature

February 2003. Norfolk NMP.
The feature appears to be in a fragmented state in 1944 (S1), although the original nature and extent of the earthwork is unknown. The feature consists of a relatively narrow ditch, aligned in an approximate east to west direction and visible for a length of 245m, with a shorter offshoot running from its mid-point towards the south-east. To the northern side of this ditch are two short sections of low bank or up-cast (TF 5703 2532 and TF 5711 2533) and along the northern edge of the easternmost length of bank are three rectilinear pits. There is a short stretch of linear ditch (TF 5704 2533 to TF 5707 2533), to the north of the centre, and running parallel to, the longer one. To the north are three additional linear features, which are possibly levelled lengths of relatively narrow bank. There is also a possible irregular to sub-rounded mound (TF 5711 2534), with a maximum diameter of 8.75m, although this may also simply be a pile of up-cast.
It is not clear exactly what this feature is, although it does not appear to be of any great antiquity, and is probably late nineteenth or early twentieth century in date. The feature appears to join two points on Ruin Creek, cutting off a large meander. This might suggest it is a drainage or canalisation feature although, other than the extremely narrow ditch, its appearance would suggest otherwise. The feature may represent a breakwater, or the start of a new sea bank that was later abandoned. The feature may represent a ditched and raised causeway, with a width of 7.5m, heading out onto the saltmarsh from the reclaimed land. The feature may represent military activity, although the nature of this activity would seem unusual.
M. Brennand (NMP), 4 March 2003.